Vol. 5, Issue 13 The Summa - April 24, 2013 by The Summa

The Summa

FEATURES OPINION

Travel Brings Education,I’M BACK! Lenny the Lion Worldly Experiences returns to the field... A recent UST graduate shares how experiences abroad changed her world view.

UST’s one and only lion has come back ready to cheer on our Celts.

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ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH

Vol. 5, Issue 13

University of St. Thomas

ustsumma.wordpress.com

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

No Fast Incredible food: Magic Cheapineats Burt Wonderstone at high cost Despite Thataquick strong, burger colorful might cast, beCarrel’s cheap and new newest easyact tois get, all but smoke getting and rid mirrors. of it is harder.

PAGE10 5 »»PAGE @thesummaUST

CAMPUS SECURITY

Amid Push to Boost Campus Safety, Inspection Shows Faults in Most Emergency Call Boxes Survey reveals 82 percent of emergency call boxes are not fully functional

SGA Considers Concealed Handgun Resolution

SGA proposed law would support campus carry laws

By JAMES RAMOS Design Editor

Amid a call for renewed safety efforts by administrators at the University of St. Thomas, a visual inspection of emergency call boxes on campus has revealed that 82 percent are not fully functional, some of which don’t work at all. In the wake of a pair of campus bomb threats and proposals by UST President Robert Ivany to shore up safety conditions, The Summa conducted a survey of every campus security emergency call box and found that six out of every seven had problems which ranged from inoperable lighting features to malfunctioning intercoms —

STUDENT GOV’T

By STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ News Editor

pressing a red button, campus security dispatch is supposed to immediately respond on an integrated speakerphone. These call boxes allow students to ask for help in any time of need, like reporting a crime or asking for a security

In 2011, the Texas Senate approved a bill that allowed college students at public universities who are Concealed Handgun License holders to carry their concealed handguns on college campuses. This legislation would affect only public universities, such as the University of Texas, since private campuses like UST have the authority to prohibit CHL holders from carrying their weapons on campus. To allow UST students to benefit from this bill, one SGA

SECURITY, Page 6

HANDGUN, Page 2

Claire Logue / The Summa

YOUR CALL CANNOT BE COMPLETED An inoperable emergency call box stands at the corner of Sul Ross Street and Yupon Street wrapped in shreds of duct tape near Guinan Hall’s front door. This call box is one of 24 call boxes on campus have lighting features that are not fully functioning on standby mode. There are 28 call boxes on campus.

with some of the boxes being completely disabled. “That’s not normal,” said UST Vice President of Student Affairs, Patricia McKinley. “We had an electrical storm a little while back, [and] it knocked out several of our call boxes. Those have already been reported so that we can

CAMPUS LIFE

get them up and working again.” According to the map found on UST’s website entitled “Blue Lights,” there are at least 28 emergency call box locations on campus, with 12 throughout the Moran Center Parking Garage. When a user activates a call box by

STUDENT LIFE

Pair of Bomb Threats Cause Pedal Power: University Evacuation Students Bike and senior chemistry major. for MS Cure By “Pat, a library staff member, STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ

News Editor

Two weeks ago, on the morning of April 11, UST students woke up to text, phone call and email alerts of a bomb threat at Doherty Library. Library employees were surprised to find that not only were they unable to get into their workplace, but that UST Security and local police had been called to the library. “I open the library Thursday mornings and we are let in by one of the staff members through the back door. Yet when I arrived to be let in, this was not the case I was outside waiting in the drizzle for about five minutes when I decided to call security,” said Allison McCorkle, a library worker

told me that there was a bomb threat and we were not allowed to enter the library.” The first bomb threat which was emailed to the university that morning did not cause great alarm for library staff because security and university officials were quick to arrive at the scene. “Dr. Ivany was at the front of the Library talking with some of the police officials. He gave us some updates as the usual library opening time neared,” said McCorkle. “One by one we told the early morning arrivals that the library was not open because they were searching for an ‘unknown object’ in the library.”

EVACUATION, Page 2

Students bike 150+ miles in race to fund research for multiple sclerosis cure By STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ News Editor

In 2012, a group of students established a biking club, open to all who are interested in developing their athletic abilities in cycling. “In the bike club, I am the ride coordinator, which means I am the one who plans the rides and kind of coaches everyone. So I had a much broader role starting the bike club,” said Troy Bassiri, a senior biology major and cofounding Bike Club member. In only its second year, the

Rosemary Tran / Courtesy Photo

BIKE FOR ALL UST Bike Club members Troy Bassiri, Rose Mary Tran, Ethan Bing, Anthony Pham, Kenes Sadvakessov, and Jonathan Michael Newsome gather for a portrait after a successful Tour De Houston race on March 16.

club competed in the MS 150, an annual fundraising cycling event where participants bike from Houston to Austin to raise money for multiple sclerosis cure research. Despite an original focus of having fun while getting in shape, the sport has now has a greater meaning for these UST students. “We knew by doing [the MS 150] we would be able to get out more and represent the university, and to raise

awareness in our community. MS kind of ended up coming out as a project once it [the club] was already founded. Once we established our rides and practices, we set bigger goals,” Bassiri said. By become involved in biking, students in the bike club have learned more about multiple sclerosis, a disease which attacks the central nervous system, and have been

BIKING, Page 2

The News

The Summa

HANDGUN Continued...

Rosemary Tran / Courtesy Photo

TOUR DE HOUSTON Bike Club members Kenes Sadvakessov, Jonathan Michael Newhouse, Troy Bassiri, Anthony Pham, Ethan Bing, and Roy Michael prepare for their ride in the Tour De Houston ride on Sunday, March 16.

BIKING Continued... inspired to use their athletic ability to champion a worthy cause. “Sometime last year … when the club got started … it was a collaborative effort. There was a pretty huge biking community on campus,” said Rosemary Tran, a 2012 UST alumna. “One of our main goals was the bike together in the MS 150 … so we [biked] from Houston to Austin for a total of about 170 to 180 miles.” In efforts to raise money for MS research, riders set fundraising goals. With at least ten riders committing to the race, each rider committed to a goal of raising $400, asking for donations from family and friends, said Tran. This was Tran’s second year to participate in the MS 150. “For me, since I did it last year, I have a lot of family and friends who supported me, or found out that I did it last year, so they were very eager to help out this year. It helps to have a community at church that I can rely on,” Tran said. “I set

my goal as $600 for this year I got about $600 last year, and my goal was $500; now I am almost to $1000.” Though at first, Tran began biking to raise money for MS research at after others told her about it, she eventually learned more about the disease, and became more dedicated to the cause of raising money for a cure for the disease. “I like to stay active, and I like to be able to go biking, play tennis. So when I realized that people who have multiple sclerosis keeps them from doing everyday things, it really affected me,” said Tran. “I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have a disease that would keep me from moving, from doing everything. We found someone at UST whose has a family member with multiple sclerosis, and we will be meeting with them to learn more about it, because I want the team to have an understanding for why they are biking.” The race took place April 21 - 22. For more information, visit www.ms150.org.

Campus Crime Report 03/19 4000 Mt. Vernon Individual left a lit cigarette on a wooden bench, which caused the bench to catch fire. 03/25 3900 Yupon Unknown person damaged complainant’s vehicle, left the scene without complying with the law.

senator started the process to pass a resolution that would attempt to make legal for a CHL holder to carry a hand gun at UST. “The resolution that I am putting forward … would allow already licensed CHL holders on campus to continued to legally carry their concealed weapons on their persons on UST campus,” said Kenneth Depew, SGA Senior Senator and political science major. “It would also allow for the storage of weapons in vehicles on UST property. [The resolution] is not binding at all, it is merely a resolution where SGA voices its support for the legal rights of those who are already licensed.” If the resolution passed, it would also include any new CHL seekers who have do not have their license. At this time, the resolution has the support of some SGA senators, and a few student clubs. “The resolution at this time has the unofficial support of some SGA senators,” Depew said. “I [also] believe

EVACUATION Continued... A second bomb threat about Link-Lee Mansion, called in that morning to the Houston Police Department, resulted in a campuswide evacuation, as police investigated the validity of these threats. “I first heard about the bomb threat through text; I had been asleep because I didn’t have class till 11. Then my roommate came in [later] to tell me we had to evacuate,” said Marielle Vargas, a freshman resident living in Guinan Hall. “It didn’t seem like many people were taking it seriously. A lot of people just tried to go different places far away from campus, or went home. The [ResLife] staff went around knocking on everyone’s doors and making

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013 women should support this resolution.” Depew is also the founder of the College Republicans, and campaigned for Sen. Ted Cruz. “Whenever [women] are walking to their car… when they have to leave from a late night class, that concealed weapon, if she has it, would be her equalizer. It does her no good if she leaves it in her car because she can’t carry it on campus without facing legal repercussions.” Though the resolution has some support, there is opposition as well. “The College Democrats do not believe that a place of education and faith like the University of St. Thomas is a place where handguns belong,” said Coleton Wade Mayo, a senior and College Democrats relations officer. “We have full trust with the Houston Police Department that if there was an issue, they would be here promptly and be able to assist. … And, particularly on a college campus, where there are sometimes unsettled minds and it’s just not the place for them to be around. Although someone may have their CHL that still is a gun within arm’s

reach of people who do not have CHL.” According to Mayo, the College Democrats would take steps to oppose the resolutions passing, saying that it should not be a student government issue, but rather an administration decision. More than students would be affected by this resolution, including faculty and staff, as well as the neighborhood community who “wander through campus” including children, Mayo said. Even with the approval of SGA, the resolution may not take effect. “When it passes through the SGA, it’s a non-binding resolution. It’s a show of support,” Depew said. “Though the Senators of the SGA are elected to represent the 3,500 person student body here on campus, it is not binding; the administration can look at it and say ‘Well, the students have voiced their opinion … and say ‘no, absolutely not.’ ” The resolution will be presented at end of the year SGA meetings and voted upon by SGA Senators.

sure everyone was out.” The campus and housing were evacuated around 10:00 A.M. In spite of the knowledge of two bomb threats, some students, including Vargas, speculated on the validity of the threats. “I was wondering if it was completely serious or not; even if it was a bomb threat, they didn’t tell us to evacuate right away,” said Vargas. I probably didn’t take it as seriously as I probably should have. I just wish they had let people know that it was a really serious matter, instead of having people wonder if it was for real, or a prank.” Despite the scare, students and staff still felt safe, due to the actions of campus security. “I felt that Dr. Ivany and administration handled the situation quite well.” said

McCorkle. “I probably should have felt scared, but at the time I was convinced that this whole ‘prank’ was someone not wanting to take a test. It seems that was not the case at all. This is the place I work at. I have spent the majority of my time here at St. Thomas in this library, if not in the lab. I’m not surprised we were a target; we do have quite a bit of traffic.” According to McCorkle, she returned to library for work the next day and ever day after, and she still feels safe. After the initial evacuation, the Houston Police Department gave the all clear, and the campus was reopened at 3:30 P.M. According to UST Security, these events are still under investigation by the Houston Police Department.

03/31 3817 Mt. Vernon Complainant reported her purse had been stolen. 04/02 3911 Mt. Vernon Complainant reported her wallet had been stolen from her purse. 04/09 1303 Sul Ross Individual found in possession of marijuana. 04/11 1111 W. Main / 3800 Montrose Two bomb threats received by the university; currently under investigation by the Houston Police Department.

Report incidents to UST Security (713) 525 - 388

James Ramos / The Summa

TAKE YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY Guinan Residence Hall was evacuated of all residents for several hours after the university received a pair of bomb threats on the morning of April 11. Residents were permitted to return that afternoon.

The Opinion

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

The Summa

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it” - Aristotle

VIEWPOINT

The World Beyond St. Thomas Beckons Future Graduates

By JAIME SEPULVEDA Guest Writer

hat are you going to do after graduation? This is the inevitable, sometimes dreaded, question posed to college seniors at this time of year. When I was a senior at the University of St. Thomas, many people told me what a “big step” graduation was. Not sure what I would do after UST though, my impending graduation felt more like sky diving without a parachute. My parents expected me to do something respectable, like get a job or go to graduate school. Starting college, I expected the same of myself. Yet something changed during my four years at St. Thomas. My international group of friends, professors, classes in International Development, and study abroad experience expanded my perception of the world and made me wonder where I would fit into it. For the past nine months, I have taught English in a Japanese high school through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. Challenges with the language, grocery shopping and going to the doctor provided the opportunity for me to exercise humility and realize the generosity and warmth of the Japanese

people who are now my friends. Participating in Japanese practices like daily cleaning time at school and extensive recycling showed me that collective personal responsibility makes taking care of the environment easy. Furthermore, I shared my culture with the Japanese people around me by teaching them that everything is bigger in Texas and introducing them to the word “y’all,” guacamole and the rodeo. I also dispelled stereotypes about Americans, such as we only know how to eat with our hands, by showing Japanese people my chopstick skills as well as my command of a knife and fork. Before settling into that comfortable career or graduate school program, I urge you to take one more class out in the world. See foreign lands, discover new foods, and surprise yourself with how adaptable you are. Make friends with people from other countries and learn about ways of life that are different from your own. Give your energy and passion to the world and let it change you. Remove yourself from the rat race and pressure, which will always be there. Opportunities to work, volunteer, and travel abroad are available. Ask not only what are you going to do after graduation – but where? The world is yours.

Do you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

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PERSPECTIVE

Should Professors be Allowed to Share Political Opinions?

The Opinion VIEWPOINT

Campus Carry Raises Questions of Concealed Handguns on Campus By KENNETH DEPEW Staff Writer

By CHELSEA FERRAMOSCA Opinion Editor

“Republicans are trying to prevent people of color and people of lower income from voting by requiring voter ID. The Republican Party in California as I say all the time, on the record, in print, and on radio, and on TV, is the last vestige of angry old white people.” “Al Gore won the presidency of the United States. He didn’t get to be president. That’s power. He got more votes, right? We all know he got more votes. That’s a fact. You think the Bush people did what they did in Florida for fun? The presidency was at stake.” “There are tens of thousands of people who are now dead because George Bush, even though he got fewer votes, became the president of the United States. That’s a fact.” Do these statements sound like snippets from the lecture of an unbiased college professor? Apparently they are supposed to, at least according to the University of Southern California. Political science professor, Darry Sragow, who has become infamous for using the classroom, specifically his Laws of Elections class, as a pulpit to push his radically liberal views, even going as far as to call all white students racist if they challenge his ideals. USC has also caused controversy by backing his right to give his opinion to the classroom, stating that it “challenges students to think about these subjects.” The controversy over Sragow’s lectures began after they were recorded and posted on campusreform.org and YouTube by Tyler Talgo, a political science student at USC, who is concerned, and rightly so, about what his tuition money is paying for. Since posting the videos he has been a guest on various news shows on FOX, ABC, CBS, and talkshow, The View, each of which raised concern over what is being taught to university students in the classroom, but the acknowledgment of the right of professors to express their political opinions. They stated that this especially holds true in a class that focuses on political issues. This raises the question to all universities; to what degree should professors, especially those teaching political subjects, be allowed to give their opinion in the classroom? I think Darry Sragow should be fired from USC. His views are not only offensive and racist, but if he were radically republican rather than liberal, he would have been fired on day one, but instead he has been allowed to stand at the pulpit and indoctrinate underclassmen who fear risking their grade if they challenge him. This is an abuse of power, but where is the line drawn? Professors are entitled to their own opinion, and if they teach political subjects they most likely have strong ones. ‘ It is no secret that university professors across America tend to be more liberal, and the University of St. Thomas is not an exception. In my four years at this university I have had two professors openly state that they are Republican. All the rest are either obviously liberal or against stating their beliefs in the classroom. I never really cared about the point of view of my professors until I became an International Studies major, then it became interesting. I wanted to know the point of views of my teachers because it challenged students to question their own ideals. This became one of my favorite things about the classroom, however so few professors believe in stating their point of view. As a result, unlike the students at USC, my frustration at the UST tends to come from professors being disgustingly unbiased. Instead of saying “this is my opinion, challenge me,” they state that they will not give their side, and just want to play devil’s advocate to our point of view. This is a good way to learn, but it is also predictable. I don’t always want my opinion challenged, sometimes I want to challenge theirs. I have a lot of respect for those who are not afraid to state their point of view, whether I agree with it or not. It frustrates me when professors absolutely refuse to take sides or give an opinion for fear that it is inappropriate. Darry Sragow made it clear that crossing the line is possible for a professor, but if a line is not crossed, it does nothing but get the students to think and challenge their own ideals. After all, isn’t it the goal of professors to get students to think critically? What better way to get us to think than to challenge our natural beliefs?

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

Last week we were the victims of two bomb threats. The campus was evacuated: cars slowly streamed out of the garage, classrooms were silent and Guinan was empty. The threats were hoaxes, there were no bombs, all was safe and students were allowed back onto campus five and half hours later. Everything went back to normal. We are fooling ourselves if we think there will never be any similar incident on campus again. We are ignorant if we think nothing worse can occur; whether it is an actual bomb or an active shooter like the one that targeted Columbine in 1998, Virginia Tech in 2007 or Aurora and Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. Unlike bombings, active shooter incidents and violent crimes are much more common. Additionally, we each have the means to protect ourselves against violent crimes; whether against us as individuals or as a group which we belong to. This is why I introduced a resolution in the Student Government Association Senate. The resolution voices support for the rights of those who have a valid Texas Concealed Hand Gun License to carry on campus. It also asks for the removal of prohibitions against legally owned weapons being legally stored in vehicles. Guns on campus are a polarizing issue and there are very few people with ambivalent feelings about the subject. There are, however, many misconceptions about what is known as “campus carry.” Campus carry does not seek to make campuses into the “wild-west” by giving everyone on campus a gun. That’s a bad idea. It does ask for those who have already been licensed to not have their rights to armed self defense suspended while they learn in a class room. To be eligible for a CHL in Texas applicants must pass a thorough back ground check, similar to what law enforcement officers go through. An applicant must be 21 years old and cannot have recent or recurrent incidents of drug or alcohol abuse, DWIs, or violence. Applicants have to be mentally sound and free of psychological deficiencies. After they’re deemed eligible they must undergo classes, which include conflict resolution, legalities surrounding the carrying of weapons and weapons safety. After a written examination on these and other subjects an applicant must prove their proficiency with a weapon. Then, and only then are the legally licensed to carry. Data collected by the Texas Department

of Public Safety indicates that CHL holders are responsible and law abiding citizens. Accounting for only 0.1884 percent of convictions in the state in 2011 (the last year of data available to the public). Guns on campus raise questions about the possibly contentious nature of academia and how guns would affect that. Some speculate arguments over grades or even theories would lead to shootings if guns were allowed on campus. This is absurd. How many times have you heard of fist fights breaking out during academic debate, questionings over grading or anything else on campus? None? Me either. If someone was disturbed enough to conduct a campus shooting for, whatever reason, would they be deterred by the fact that the campus is gun free? History proves they would not. In fact, gun free campuses are an invitation for those who wish to do harm. As they plan their heinous acts they realize that a gun free zone, whether a campus or another place, is where they can do the most damage with the least amount of risk; at least until an armed individual arrives. Campus carry is not an untried idea. In the past 20 years, 90 U.S. campuses have allowed campus carry. Over the more than 700 semesters of campus carry there has not been an assault, threat, or suicide with the weapons on campus carried by those legally licensed. Most importantly, those campuses have not been the victim of active shooters. If CHL holders were allowed to carry on campus it would be a deterrent against violence on campus; whether they are within our UST community or not. Women on campus would be especially benefited. A concealed weapon can be what equalizes her with her attacker who may outweigh and overpower her otherwise. A bullet from a concealed weapon negates differences in, strength, size and power. If she has to store the weapon in her vehicle it does not do her any good as she walks from class to her car. We have the ability to do something proactive regarding campus security. We have a chance to lead, not just in Houston, but in Texas. It is a hard decision, but being a leader of character depends on making hard decisions, not safely maintaining the status quo. Contact your SGA Senator and make your position known. Let them know you want safety and you do not want your rights negated because you want a good education.

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Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

The Entertainment

The Summa

The Host skips potentially interesting sci-fi plot for teenage romance

By STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ News Editor

The Host was released in theaters on March 29. It tells the story of a future where humanity has been conquered by an invading alien race, known as the Souls. Unlike many previous movies of alien invaders, these Souls do not seek to harvest or destroy the planet Earth, but to perfect it. They do this by, or occupying, nearly every human being on the planet. The Host features the theme of two worlds within one, with both the alien dominate civilization and the still-human resistance existing within the same world. The Souls are far too gentle, too desiring of a harmonious world, to actually bring down the hammer of brutal oppression: indeed, one Soul even states that “it’s not our way,” to aggressively pursue and stamp out those few human resisters, instead choosing to sit peacefully and wait for the resistance to die out on its own. Stephanie Meyers seems to have made it her purpose in life to take all stereotypes of what have been traditionally

villainous roles - first vampires, now invading aliens - into benevolent, loving creatures. Body snatchers? No, these are aliens who are simply trying to bring peace and harmony across the universe. The questionable part is how they do it: by taking away free will. Or, as the Souls put it, “Occupied.” They are all about taking away individual freedom and liberty for the greater good, which in this case, turns out to be a better thing for the planet, and its species: no more pollution exists. All fossil fuels have been replaced by clean energy technologies, albeit alien invented. There is no genocide, no violence, no poverty; all evil that humanity has previously inflicted upon itself has ceased to exist. The world has never been more perfect, but the price is high: humanity almost has no control. Nearly every human has been occupied by a Soul, and it is these peaceful, harmonious creatures that run the world, that possess every human body. The concept is brilliant, combining sci-fi with utopian themes of what it takes to absolve all the evil

skillfully portrayed the two utterly different personalities of these two species: Wanda is calm serenity, focused upon living the harmonious, loving existence that all Souls bestow upon their Occupied species. Melanie is a spitfire, determined to hold on to her body and to fiercely guard her memories against Wanda, and the Seekers. Her presence in the film is primarily as a voice in Wanda’s head, as she fights for a continued existence as a now bodiless entity still existing within Wanda. I walked into the theater, expecting to be immersed in this dystopian, alien controlled world, and hear the characters debate the idea of the sacrifice of free will for the sake of the greater good.

But because this is a Meyer story, no such interesting things are permitted to happen. Never mind that Wanda is a part of what is considered a conquering horde of aliens that systematically took over the human race: when Meyers tells a story, handsome teenage boys forget complications like that, and just fall madly in love with whatever female protagonist is telling the story. There were points when I wanted to stand up and shout out, “Why has your sappy teen romance wandered into my dystopian sci-fi suspense movie?” The story is built up around the idea of romance and love, and its ability to change the world around it, regardless of the situation. Fans of Twilight loved how romance changed a vampire from a life-draining monster into an insipid Prince Charming; similarly, romance changed what should have been a morally imperious alien, who should have viewed humans as nothing but baseless animals in need of gentle but iron control, into an overly sympathetic creature who comes to love both the species and planet.

and performance he has displayed in recent films such as Despicable Me, Date Night and Dinner for Schmucks; once again, Carell is apparently under the delusion that the “quirky, distant man-child who steadily matures and/ or becomes the good person that he is deep down inside” remains an endearing and original character when it is not. More disappointing is Wunderstein’s partner Mertz, played by Steve Buscemi a solid actor with a long acting career is utterly wasted in this film where he is in relatively few scenes and ultimately delivers a forgettable performance. Actors Olivia Wilde and Alan Arkin are barely even worth mentioning since the former turns out to be nothing more than a generic love interest for Carell who never actually contributes to the film, and the latter is just a “wise mentor” who predictably re-inspires Wunderstein to become a better magician. The only decent performance in the entire film is Carrey as Steve Gray. Carrey is actually responsible for changing the character from what the writers initially had in mind, and the result is a narcissistic daredevil who might actually attract a few

chuckles from how outrageous he is. Since the character is based on self-proclaimed “magicians” such as David Blaine and Criss Angel, the fact that Carrey plays Gray as openly antagonistic towards the “genuine” magicians is an obvious parody of how such magicians have attempted to “redefine” magic in recent years. Despite this, it remains odd in a film that is trying to deliver a serious Aesop to the audience when Gray insists that his performances display “real magic,” when he could just as easily avoid conflict and maintain his popularity by renaming his performances as stunts, since infamous shows like Jackass exist. All of these aspects, combined with the mediocrity of the special effects and magic tricks themselves as well as a boring ending lacking suspense make The Incredible Burt Wonderstone unworthy of its own grandiose title. If anything, the one lesson that should be learned from the film should be that a comedy’s premise must be solid enough to tie at least a dozen funny scenes together, rather than remain dependent on a single scene that does not even guarantee the film’s success.

Open Road Films / Courtesy Photo

of humanity. It is also a disturbing one: it implies that humans are not capable of being good on their own, and the occupation of an alien race is necessary in order to suppress the base, vice-ridden nature that so often drives humans to the destruction of everything around them: the planet, and their own race. The main Seeker (played with chilling perfection by Diane Krueger) puts it best: “they were crazy, killing each other, and their planet.” The story is told exclusively from the perceptions of Wander, or, as she is called by the resisters, “Wanda” - the Soul that possesses the body of the human girl Melanie, who tried to kill herself rather than be Occupied. Actress Saorise Rhonan,

No wonders to be found in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

By DANIEL BROWN Staff Writer

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is the latest in a long list of comedies that actor Steve Carell has starred in, and is the first of which to come out in 2013. The film has an interesting history; originally titled “Burt Dickenson: the Most Powerful Magician on the Planet Earth” when film development began in 2006, it was originally based on a story written by Chad Kultgen and Tyler Mitchell, but was bought by actors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. During 2011, it went through several revisions by the latter duo as well as Jason Reitman, director of the 2007 movie Juno, and finally experienced a change of directors from Charles McDougall to Don Scardino. Since the film is intended to focus more on comedy, there is nothing special or unique about the plot. Essentially, the film centers on Carell’s character, Albert Wunderstein, a child who fell in love with magic when he received a veteran magician’s magic set on his birthday and subsequently rose to fame in Las Vegas alongside his partner, Anthony Mertz. However, Wunderstein

Warner Bros. / Courtesy Photo

eventually grows bored with his work and becomes a selfish, egotistical man-child who expects every whim of his to be attended to without question. However, when a street magician named Steve Gray, who is played by actor Jim Carrey, progressively becomes a lauded sensation for his disturbing “tricks” and Wunderstein simultaneously suffers a significant decline in popularity, he and his partner spend the film attempting to top Gray’s acts and regain their popularity. The biggest problem with the film it that the majority of jokes fall flat despite having an interesting premise to work with. Like many other comedies in recent years, Burt Wonderstone seems to have been based on one or two solid, genuinely humorous jokes

or scenarios, but the writers could not write a decent story to go around it. For example, Wunderstein and Mertz realize that Gray’s tricks are popular because they are essentially crude stunts, so they decide to top Gray’s performances by enclosing themselves in a glass container for several days, leading to what is undeniably the one even mildly entertaining scene in the entire film. Every other jokes thrown at the audience depends on shock or gross-out humor, which few will enjoy; one must wonder why the film was not just a five-minute long skit since few, if any, other scenes will achieve chuckles. The performances are mostly lackluster and irritatingly generic. Steve Carell quickly wears out his welcome with the exact same personality

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The Focus

The Summa

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

An Issue Of Campus

“We can never be safe from random acts of violence, but we can take every reasonable measure to ensure the safety of our security officers and of our community. ” - UST President Robert Ivany on increasing campus security in an email sent to the University community

SECURITY Continued

escort, according to the university. These 9-foot black call boxes have three lights: a white LED light that illuminates a red emergency button and two bright blue lights that sit atop the wide pole-like structure. When activated, the topmost blue light should flash, making it easier for emergency responders to locate the distressed caller at night. On Friday, McKinley stressed that ensuring security evolves with UST’s growing campus is a high priority and that the emergency call boxes, also known as “blue lights,” are checked regularly. But The Summa discovered last week that 12 of the call boxes – three of every seven – had no working lights at all, making them difficult to see at night. In the Moran Center Parking Garage, 10 of the 12 call boxes had lights that were not operational in standby mode. The discovery comes after several highprofile threats and acts of violence including two bomb threats at UST that disrupted dozens of classes and closed the university for most of the day.

CAN YOU FIND THE CALL BOX? A recent survey conducted by The Summa showed that it was difficult to distinguish campus security eme posts. The call box in front of the entrance to Jerabeck Gym, pointed out by a blue arrow on the right side of the photo, is noticebly yellow, prov

Still under investigation, these threats to St. Thomas were just two days after the violent stabbings at Lone Star College - CyFair, where 14 students were injured, two critically. Seven days later, in a chaotic separate incident, two bombs exploded on a crowded Boston street, wreaking havoc and terror as runners approached the finish line of the historic Boston Marathon, killing at least three and injuring over 180, according the Associated Press. One week later, an MIT patrol officer was killed at the MIT campus while investigating an altercation that sparked a day long manhunt which would lead to the capture of the alleged Boston marathon bombing suspects. With the UST bomb threats fresh on the minds of students amidst the tragic Boston bombings, and the gruesome incident at the northwest Houston community college only 26 miles from campus, these events strike uncomfortably close to home for

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T

A side-by-side comparison of two on campus emergency call boxes shows a clear noticeable difference between the two. Call Box A (left) has all three correctly working lights; Call Box B (right) is only operating with one working light. Call Box A, located adjacent to the Math, Computer Science and Coop. Engineering House, is the closest call box to Doherty Library. Call Box B, in front of the Catholic Studies and Honors House, is one of five call boxes known by UST administration to not be operating correctly after an electrical storm.

82%

Percent of campus security emergency call boxes have lighting features that are not fully functioning on standby

the University community. These acts of mass violence have prompted the University administration to renew efforts to create a safer UST campus and community. UST President Robert Ivany asked the University community for opinions on campus safety in a February email sent to students, faculty and staff. Ivany proposed several “possible opportunities” to “[boost] security and safety,” citing examples like establishing a round-theclock UST police department, expanding security presence, more call boxes, among other ideas. Later that month, Ivany discussed the submitted comments at a Presidential Town Hall meeting in Cullen Hall. Then on Friday, April 4, a full week before the UST bomb threats, Ivany said in another email that he would begin creating a University Police Department, pending University Board of Directors approval. He also objected to the idea of a Campus Carry law, one that would permit individuals other than police officers to carry concealed hand guns on campus, which is currently illegal. Recently, a staff member of The Summa used a call box to ask Security to let them into a building and found that the call box did not operate correctly. After activating the call box, and receiving a green light that someone has answered, the staff member did not receive an audible response from the call box, only silence. The staff member then used a cell phone to contact UST Security to ask about access to the building. Roughly 4 to 5 minutes after activating the call box, 2 security guards arrived. The staff member asked security why nobody answered, to which security replied that they didn’t know, and that Security did answer the call, but did not hear anything on their end. “We’ve had a little bit of a challenge,” McKinley said, adding that a recent power outage, nearby street and water line work, might have possible effects on the call boxes. “We’ve had a few challenges to keep them going in the last few months because of those kinds of things.” The Summa later learned that this specific call box was part of a group of call boxes that were rendered inoperable after an electrical storm. Due to that storm, McKinley asked

Number of emergency call boxes that have none of their 3 lights working on standby mode

83%

Percent of emergency boxes in the Moran C Parking Garage that h malfunctioning lights

s Security

to not work at all. The red button is crudely wrapped in dilapidated duct tape; while shreds of a black trash bag that covered the blue lights – but has since come off – flutter in the wind. “I don’t know why [that call box is] like that,” McKinley said after seeing a picture of the box. “I could guess that it’s [that way] because there wasn’t anything over there, in terms of classes or offices, that aren’t used anymore, but I don’t know. I’m going to find out why it’s even like that.” Additionally, more than six call boxes had only one working light: the dim LED light on the panel. The blue lights on top, which students should look for in emergencies, were not lit up. Likewise, five other call boxes had at least two working lights, several of which flickering on-and-off for nearly half a minute. A few blue lights were so dim that the call boxes were nearly indistinguishable from other nearby incandescent, more yellow light sources. So how many call box lights worked correctly overall? Five. Of the 28, only five emergency call boxes operated with all 3 lights working correctly. McKinley said that a call box without working lights could “maybe” give a perception that the call box itself was not operational. “We need to look at [the call boxes] and make sure they are all functioning as they should be,” said McKinley. “But our standard is this: if somebody feels like they’re really threatened, they need to call 911. … The call boxes are meant to be helpful. I’d call 911, then I’d call Security and let them know where I was.” McKinley also said that when she asked Security to investigate the call boxes, the lights weren’t part of the inspection but rather the functionality of the call box itself. A visit to nearby Rice University revealed that many call boxes were within simple eyesight of each other. When surveying from the front of Rice’s Founder’s Court, at least four were clearly lit at night, easily distinguishable as

ergency call boxes from other sources of light, like street lights and lamp ving it difficult to find among nearby lights.

Security to check the operational status of the call boxes and determined that five call boxes were, in fact, not operational. Two of these included the call boxes on the south end of campus: the call box in front of Clare Hall and 1211 Colquitt, and arguably the most isolated call-box in front of the Honors and Catholic Studies House off Yoakum Boulevard and Richmond Avenue. McKinley acknowledged that they did not operate and said that UST Security has since placed work order requests to the manufacturer through Informational Technology to have them repaired. But despite those work orders, it seems a call box may have gone unnoticed. The call box located on the corner of Sul Ross Street and Yupon Street, diagonal from the entrance to Guinan Hall, appears

The Summa

Vice President of Student Affairs, on campus security

an emergency call box. That same night, when looking from the Chapel of St. Basil at Doherty Library, two call boxes are only slightly visible, each operating with at least one broken blue light. With campus security and safety becoming an increased concern for university students and their communities, campus security emergency call boxes have become a norm on virtually all university campuses across the United States. “We all have to take security very seriously and that means looking out for one another. Our first line of defense is that we are mindful of what’s going on … with other members of this community,” said McKinley. “But we live in a world where people are watching their cell phones … [and] don’t see half the people go by. So we’ve really left it to mechanical things to look out for us, when we have to take a responsibility for [our safety] as well.”

Anatomy of an Emergency Call Box

EMERGENCY Call Box LOCATIONS & Conditions W. Alabama

B B B

Crooker

Guinan Hall

Blue Beacon Strobe Light flashes when call box is activated so that it can be easily identified.

Sul Ross

B B

MAP Legend B - Call Box that is completely inoperable

Branard

Jerabeck

Link Lee

Blue Area Light Unique blue color distinguishes call box from other lights

B - Call Box with 0

Doherty

Functioning Lights

W. Main

B - Call Box with 1

Hackett Field

Functioning Light

Number of emergency call boxes that have all 3 lights fully functioning on standby

Montrose

B Yoakum

Richmond

B - Call Box with 2 Fully Functioning Lights

Colquitt Mt. Vernon

B Graustark

Yupon

Moran Parking Garage

“We all have to take security very seriously. But we live in a world where people are watching their cell phones and don’t see half the people go by.” - Patricia McKinley,

B - Call Box with 3

Fully Functioning Lights

Total number of emergency call boxes currently installed on the 19 city block University campus

Code Blue Corp. / Courtesy Photo

y call Center have

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The Focus

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

Speakerphone UST Security will answer audibly from the speaker, simply start talking back LED Lit Push Button Pressing the red button activates the call box, connecting user directly to UST Security

The Entertainment

The Summa

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

Singer Romeo Santos graces Houston with his The King Stays King tour By SARAH OYARCE Entertainment Editor

Bachata singer Anthony “Romeo” Santos made a stop at Houston’s Toyota Center on Saturday, April 6 on his tour entitled The King Stays King. Before embarking on a solo career, Santos was the lead singer of the internationally known group Aventura who were made famous for their smooth bachata rhythms and by singing their songs in Spanglish which attracted not only the younger generation, but older generations have also embraced them. Santos is the most famous member of the group who split to all work on their own projects and since Santos is the most recognizable of Aventura, he has been the most successful thus far. I was actually very surprised when I went to buy tickets that the concert was to be held at the Toyota Center, Houston’s largest venue aside from Reliant Stadium and Minute Maid Park. Santos has not only played here once but twice without the help of Aventura, with only his name as the headline. So many

people came out to the show that almost every seat beside a few at the very top were filled which is a remarkable feat for an artist who is not part of the mainstream. Of course, when you have a Spanish-speaking artist a lot of the audience is going to hail from the Central and South America. During one part of the show Santos had everyone scream whenever he called out the country where they were from. He called out many South American countries such as Columbia, Chile, Peru, etc. but the two that got the most screams were Mexico and El Salvador. Santos put on one of the most interactive large concerts that I have every witnessed. Usually when you go to the Toyota Center to see an act, not only do you feel lost in the sea of people but that intimacy with the artists and audience that you would have at a small show is nonexistent. Santos changed this. He had many parts of the show where he called for more audience interaction. Close to the beginning of the show, he had three male audience members come up and “audition” to sing a part of

Bones (FOX)

FOX / Courtesy Photo

his song “Debate de 4” which features three other artists, Anthony Santos, Luis Vargas and Raulin Rodriguez. The contestant that the audience liked the most would win $1,000. In a later part of the show, he did one of the greatest things a musician could ever do – he let his fans pick what underrated song they wanted to hear. One of the most upsetting things for a fan at a concert would for the artist not to play their favorite song and Santos addressed this problem and played any not popular song that he could hear his fans scream out. I really appreciated this because at almost every concert I have been to, the performer never does my favorite songs. Santos started off the concert slow, performing many of his solo songs and then the evening progressed into basically an Aventura concert. You would think the other members of Aventura, Henry Santos and Toby Love were on stage singing back-up vocals and Lenny Santos and Max Santos were playing their instruments. He did Aventura song after Aventura song

Paul Drinkwater - NBC / Courtesy Photo

which I did not mind, being a bigger fan of Santos when he is part of Aventura than solo. But throughout the whole night I kept asking myself, why did he leave the group if he was still performing their songs years after breaking up? The best performed songs were Aventura’s “Los Infieles,” a song about the love (or lust) about a cheating couple and Aventura’s “Obsession” where Santos came onto a smaller stage on the lower back floor of the Toyota Center. “Obsession” was wonderful as he had it feeling like a house

TV Tracker

Project Runway (Lifetime)

Lifetime / Courtesy Photo

What’s it about? A forensic anthropologist, an FBI special agent and their team work together to solve cases and to find murders.

What’s it about? A group of aspiring designers compete in trying to make the most fashionforward clothes in a short amount of time.

What’s happened so far? The team investigates the death of a man who had a day job at a brokerage firm but was a stripper by night. Booth’s mother also comes back into his life and asks for him to do something for her.

What’s happened so far? After Michelle was about to be eliminated, the judges gave her a second chance and announced that all of the participants minus Michelle will be travelling to European countries for inspiration.

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)

The Celebrity Apprentice (NBC)

party rather than a concert, almost everyone was dancing and even one couple on the floor received a lot of attention while doing a Bachata dance like nobody was watching. He ended the show with Aventura’s most recognized song “Solo por un Beso.” Even though he relied heavily on Aventura’s hits, Santos definitely held his own performing alone. He was a very charismatic entertainer, the audience loved him and his high-pitched romantic voice has not changed since his Aventura days. By Sarah Oyarce

Glee (FOX)

FOX / Courtesy Photo

What’s it’s about? Former members of their school’s glee club go off to college while others take on their upperclassmen years at McKinley High School. What’s happened so far? While preparing for regionals, two gunshots go off near the choir room. Coach Sylvester takes the fall for Becky who was the one who actually fired the weapon.

American Idol (FOX)

NBC / Courtesy Photo

FOX / Courtesy Photo

What’s it about? Celebrities are paired together with professional ballroom dancers and perform a different dance routine every week in hopes of winning the mirror ball trophy.

What’s it about? Celebrities compete in various challenges that require teamwork and leadership to impress business mogul Donald Trump and win money for their charities.

What’s it about? American Idol is a singing reality show competition in which they do auditions around the country and eliminate a person every week to find America’s next stars.

What’s happened so far? Lisa and Gleb were sent home after receiving the lowest scores on their performance. Andrea Bocelli duetted with Jennifer Lopez and Brad Paisley also performed.

What’s happened so far? The teams were asked to create a short silent film that depicted the Australia Gold brand name. Stephen Baldwin was fired after his team lost.

What’s happened so far? Contestant Lazaro Arbos was sent home, leaving the competition with only the remaining five. Idol alums Scotty McCreery and Kelly Clarkson performed.

ABC / Courtesy Photo

The Entertainment

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

The Summa

Tyler, the Creator’s Wolf is unrivaled in production and originality By SARAH OYARCE Entertainment Editor

Rapper, producer and director Tyler Okonma, better known as Tyler, the Creator, leader of Odd Future and also known as Wolf Haley as he is credited on the videos he directs (which are usually his own), other OF members and most recently, a series of Mountain Dew commercials, has come out with his second album (technically his third since his first, Bastard, was technically a mix tape), Wolf, released on April 2. Tyler and OF have come a long way since their underground days during which they produced a lot of their work such as Tyler’s first album, Earl Sweatshirt’s Earl, Mellowhype’s YelloWhite and BlackenedWhite albums and their compilation mix tapes Radical and the Odd Future Tape Vol. 1, just to name a few. Tyler really took off after he released “Yonkers” from his

second album, Goblin, which featured shock value lyrics and an epic beat that captured New York’s hip-hop sound even though Odd Future hails from Los Angeles. Not to say that OF is a traditional West Coast rap group, but rather they have their own unique sound with many members being influenced not only by various hip-hop artists but by artists from many other genres. For example, OF’s Mike G has Houston’s own chopped and screwed influences while Tyler is heavily guided by the sounds of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who form The Neptunes. Wolf has been greatly anticipated by fans and critics alike because it is the end of the trilogy formed with Tyler’s previous albums. The trilogy is tied together by the theme of Tyler basically talking to his inner psyche in the form of multiple personalities over pretty beats made by various instruments. Tyler has always been into the production of

Brick Stowell / Courtesy Photo

his own music and for other members of OF, but his talent and progression have definitely been showcased on the entirely self-produced Wolf. Every beat on this album is a stand-out production which could come off as over-produced to some but pleasant to others. Tyler has often been criticized for his “shocking” lyrics on his previous albums but his subject matter on Wolf has toned down. But this is

not to say that he is not still a 21-year-old kid with clearly a lot on his mind. A reoccurring theme in this album, like any rapper’s albums when they have just made it big, is the theme of what stardom does to an artist. On some songs, Tyler gives lines on how fame is a 24hour job. “Colossus” is a rant about how he gets recognized by his fans everywhere, even at Six Flags when he is just

Puzzles Corner April Crossword

Sudoku

trying to have some fun and eat a churro. He is conflicted between the love he has for his fans that ask for photos while wanting to be normal and just enjoy a day at an amusement park. He also encourages this theme on “Cowboy” where he says, “Truthfully, I just want to fly some kites” and get away from fame. Another theme that Tyler and many other rappers share is father issues. On “Answer” he is rapping about how his dad was never there for him and even though he despises him for leaving, if he called he hopes he would give him an answer as to why. Tyler does a weirdly great job at balancing these heavy topics of hate and love with some absurd lines like wanting to eat a churro and on “Domo23” he does a tiny rant on how he does not want any lettuce. Why? No one knows. No other artist could pull this off and the originality Tyler has is most definitely unrivaled.

Created by Sarah Oyarce

Dan Rice / Courtesy

Q: What stinks when living and smells good when dead? A: Bacon.

Riddle of the Month!

ACROSS 1. The Miseducation of Lauryn ____. 7. Smart Guy star; Mowry 8. Late former U.S. Representative of Ohio; Charlie 10. Violent acquisition of someone’s property 11. Company that owns the characters of Spider Man, Iron-Man and the Hulk 13. One Direction’s oldest member; Louis 14. Spurs’ mascot

DOWN 2. City where Coachella is held 3. Parks and Recreation star; Aubrey 4. Houston Texans owner; Robert 6. Diablo Cody’s Academy Award winning screenplay 12. Macy’s CEO; Terry 13. Life-Size star; Banks

The Health

The Summa

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

Helpful techniques to help improve memorization skills

By SANDRA EFRAIMSON Health Editor

Everyone is fascinated with how memory works. Memory is often the most associated factor of intelligence. Remembering is what gets us a good grade in an exam, but why is it that remembering seems easier to some than others? Most of us struggle to remember copious amounts of information. How does our brain work to retain so much? Joshua Foer, author of Moonwalking with Einstein: Art and Science of Remembering Everything and 2006 champion of the USA Memory Championship, says that memories are actually attained through various techniques rather than by simply having “great memories.” “One of those techniques, known as the memory place…involves converting information into wild, wacky and strange (therefore memorable) images, and then visualizing those images in your mind’s eye, inside a building you know well,” Foer told the Huffington Post. Foer said that memorizing is simply a trick that can be learned and that the most important principle is that we tend to remember when we truly pay attention. “We remember when we engage deeply, when information is made

meaningful, when it’s colorful, when we’re able to integrate it into the web of all other things we know,” Foer said. Memorization however is not simply a theory, but can be proven with images of the brain’s activity. The Science Daily reported that studies using function magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have uncovered brain regions specifically correlated with the diverse strategies that people adopt. This study published in the July 20, 2006 issue of Neuron, confirmed that people that self-select a visual inspection strategy (carefully studying the visual appearance of objects) and a verbal elaboration strategy (constructing sentences about the object to remember them) have superior memory patterns than those who select other types of memorizing. The different modes one chooses to remember will activate different sections the brain. Those who choose a more visual approach to remembering use the left posterior brain regions. People who chose words to learn often had greater activity in the left anterior brain regions. More resent studies published in March indicate that there may be a ‘molecular memory switch’ identified. The journal Frontiers in Neural Circuits published a revealed new target for therapeutic interventions to

Erik Araujo / Courtesy Photo

reversing conditions that cause memory loss. Scientist at the University of Bristol aimed at better understanding the molecular changes that occur in the region of the brain called the hippocampus, which is associated with learning. Through the use of the common fruit flies, these scientists were able to uncover the genetic markers, CASK and CaMKII, which cause the molecular mechanisms that enable the switch for learning. “Fruit flies are remarkably compatible for this type of study as they possess similar neuronal function and neural responses to humans,” said Dr. James Hodge, the lead author of this study. “Although small they are very smart, for instance, they can land on the ceiling and detect that the fruit in your fruit bowl has gone off before you can.” Once they found the function of the two key molecules CASK and CaMKII to the fly’s equivalent area of the brain to the human hippocampus, they found that the flies that lacked these genes showed they had

disrupted memory. They finally introduced a copy of the CASK gene to these flies and they were able to remember like a normal fly. As the quest to understand memorization continues, recent new studies have found that rosemary aroma can also increase memorization. A study conducted by Jemma McCready and Dr. Mark Moss from the University of Northumbria, concluded that rosemary improved overall long-term memory and mental arithmetic. “In this study we focused on prospective memory, which involves the ability to remember events that will occur in the future and to remember to complete tasks at particular times this is critical for everyday functioning,” Dr. Moss said. “For example when someone needs to remember to post a birthday card of to take medication at a particular time.” Rosemary aroma increases concentration of a compound already found in blood, 1,8-cineole. According to Science Daily, “[1,8-cineole] the compound is also found in

the essential oil of rosemary and has previously shown to act on the biochemical systems that underpin memory.” The blood analysis result found that those participants in the study that were exposed to rosemary aroma had higher concentrations of 1,8-cineole in the plasma than those who were not exposed. This research supports that rosemary essential oil can enhance the ability to remember events and to complete tasks in the future. Another great contributor to memorization is sleep. A new Northwestern University study shows that when information of high value is more likely to be rehearsed and consolidated during sleep, therefore causing these memories to be remember better later. “The fact that this critical memory reactivation transpires during sleep has mostly been hidden from us, from humanity, because we don’t realize so much of what’s happening while we’re asleep,” said Ken Paller, professor of psychology at Northwestern and author of the study.

Oral surgeon uses filthy instruments and spreads disease in Oklahoma By Daniel Brown Staff Writer

Last month, oral surgeon Dr. W. Scott Harrington was accused of practicing on thousands of patients in Oklahoma with improperly sanitized equipment that may have spread contagious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. These accusations came to light after a patient’s investigation of both positive HIV and hepatitis C infections which lead them back to the oral surgeon. Dr. Harrington has voluntarily closed down his practice and will undergo further investigation, which can culminate in a revoked license to practice. According to the NY Daily News, “A complaint against Harrington said investigators were checking into a hepatitis C case when it discovered numerous safety issues at his practice, including cross-contamination of instruments and a separate set of instruments used on patients

Randy Lane / Courtesy Photo

INFECTIOUS PRACTICE Dr. W. Scott Harrington has been accused of practicing on thousands of patients in Tulsa, Oklahoma with improperly sanitized equipment.

with infectious diseases. A unit that sterilizes equipment wasn’t working properly.” Upon investigation, it was discovered that the dentist’s autoclave was not working properly. It is supposed to sanitize the equipment under pressure and high temperatures. He was also accused of not following proper steps to protect the health of his patients, including the improper use of the same equipment on his patients with known infections and patients without a declared disease.

The dentist has been practicing for over 36 years and the problem is that no one knows when the sanitation problems began. The authorities are urging over 7,000 of his patients in the Tulsa and suburban Owasso, Oklahoma area that have been treated by him to be tested. Testing will be offered free of charge at the Tulsa Health Department’s North Regional Health and Wellness Center. As of April 11, 2,432 people have visited the clinic to be screened and have their

blood drawn for testing of HIV, hepatitis B and C. These people can expect to receive a the result of the blood work in two to three weeks, but in some cases these results may not be conclusive if the exposure was recent. The complete results will be delayed because people could still become positive months to years after the disease exposure. Although the authorities say that this case is rare and that it is generally safe to receive treatment from practices that are following the

sanitary procedures correctly, a general sense of panic has increased around the nation. The Insurance Journal said that the Oklahoma’s Dental Act, although intended to ensure patient safety, is limited because of its limited funding for regulators and has forced this committee to a small staff. Also, the state prohibits against surprise inspectors and this restricts the effectiveness of the system in detecting when there is trouble. This incident is shining light on a problem that is not only in Oklahoma, but in most states as well where the protection to the patients is weak. This problem should not have gotten this far without attention and it is horrific to think that it could happen in the United States. As the total damage surfaces, the nation will watch cautiously and hopefully some of these loop-holes are found and dealt with as soon as possible so that this medical sector can regain the trust of the American people.

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

The Health

The Summa

Toxic ingredients in cosmetics: what to avoid at all costs By Sandra efraimson Health Editor

Many of us are enamored with the use of cosmetics. It adds a splash of color, has a trendy purpose, and is used for all grooming purposes; however, what is in cosmetics that would cause us to discourage its use? According to The Daily Green, most lipsticks are filled with ingredients that we do not know about. Products do not always list all of their ingredients, and therefore can get by with using things such as methylparaben, propulaparaben, retinyl palmitate, D&C red 36, D&C red 22 Aluminum Lake, and tocopheryl acetate. These ingredients have a low to moderate hazard to overall health causing endocrine (hormonal) disruptions in the body. However, some of these are linked to cancer and permanent damage to the nervous system, which is a more severe effect. Eye shadows also have ingredients that can be alarmingly harmful to health. Talc, a common ingredient found in most eye shadows is

Terry Crouch / Courtesy Photo

MAKE UP SCARES Many make up products that thousands of women use contain ingredients that can be potentially harmful to health. These dangerous ingredients are found in lipsticks, nail polishes and creams, among others.

similar to asbestos and is also linked to cancer. Parabens, another ingredient similar to estrogen, can cause cancer and has been linked specifically with breast-tumors. Another ingredient commonly found in foundations, lotions and even baby creams is mineral oil. This crude oil is distilled from

petroleum and is linked with skin problems, such as acne and rashes. More disturbing is the fact that it is a known carcinogen and it is listed in the National Toxicology Program as a substance that should be avoided via inhalation, skin contact and ingestion. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common ingredient found in

shampoo and soaps. However, this substance has been listed by the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List as a “suspected environment toxin” and is known to cause skin damage permanent eye damage, and liver toxicity. BHA and BHT are mainly found in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives.

These ingredients are suspected of disrupting the endocrine regulators in the body and may cause cancer. These are also known to be harmful to wildlife and fish. Dibutyl phthalate used as a plasticizer in some nail products and is a known to be a reproductive toxicant. This is also a carcinogen and is a known to be harmful for the overall environment. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives can be found in products as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidiaxolidinyl urea, methenamine and quartenium-14. This ingredient slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer and was used to preserve dead animals in biology labs. Overall, cancer and endocrine problems can be caused by the numerous amounts of products that we believe are safe everyday. The best way to avoid so much exposure to these toxic ingredients is to invest in organic products or make your own natural cosmetics with things that you can find to be affordable in the grocery store.

Sandra Says: How to determine a healthy body weight

By Sandra efraimson Health Editor

With the increasing health problems that young people are facing it is difficult to determine what is a healthy weight range. Running to the weight scale alone is not the most effective way to determine if your weight is health appropriate. First, you need to determine what your body shape is. If you have a “pear” shape body, it means that your body fat is distributed mainly in the upper and bottom area without much weight accumulated in the center. The second type of

body is often referred to as “apple” shape body. This usually means that fat mostly accumulates in the center in the body with the fat mainly sitting in the abdomen and less in the upper and lower areas. Having an apple shape body is correlated with the development of heart disease and diabetes. This is the reason why those who weigh more and have an apple shape need to be more concerned with reducing overall fat than someone with a pear shape body type. There are two ways to measure body fat that can better predict a healthy weight, body mass index and hydrostatic underwater weighing. To attain the BMI you must take your height and your weight and convert the pounds to kilograms and height to centimeters. Then the weight is divided by the height squared, or you can look up a BMI calculator online. BMI categories can give you an overall idea about weight being within a healthy range. When someone is “underweight,” the person has

a BMI of under 18.5, normal weight is person’s with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, overweight is someone who is between 25-24.9 and obese is a BMI of 30 or greater. Hydrostatic underwater weighing, or hydrostatic testing, can more accurately measure body fat to lean mass. This works because lean

mass is heavier than fat weight and water helps in removing the added weight that fat adds to the body because it is less dense than water. There are two companies around the United States that typically offer this type of test, Body Fat Test and Get Dunked. This method of course is more difficult to attain and the most likely

Sas Van Veen / Courtesy Photo

method that will be used in medicine is the BMI. It is important to know where your range is to determine how much fat burning cardio you need to do throughout the week. For someone looking to lose weight, moderate fast cardio for 60 minutes a day for three to five days can help burn fat.

The Features

The Summa

Wednesday, APRIL 24, 2013

Astros fulfilling season predictions? A growing trend?: Threats seemingly target institutions of higher education across Texas By ALIYAH COLE Staff Writer

The 2013 season was not looking good for the Houston Astros, especially after a heavy loss 1-4 to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, April 14 at Angel Stadium. The home-runs by Mike Trout helped the Angels be victorious. Trout put the Angels ahead with his solo homer in the third inning, then doubling and scoring three times later in the game. On top of that, a stellar performance from Angels starting pitcher C. J. Wilson allowed one run and five hits in six innings. He struck out three, walks four, and threw 115 pitches. It was also a good game

for Josh Hamilton, when he hit his second homer of the year, a two-run drive in the eighth inning, but not before his triple and single. In the end, this game belonged to the Angels, which has brought them out of their slump. This was a second win for the Angels, ending a five-game losing streak. What is interesting is that this is the best Astros’ Phillip Humber has pitched in two seasons. The 30-year-old righthander allowed two runs and seven hits while striking out four and walking one in seven strong innings. He lost his third straight start this season. Humber’s ERA is now 2.89 which is the second-lowest for a Houston pitcher who was 0-3 through his first three starts of a season.

Also, in the first three games of the season, the Astros had 43 strike outs beating the previous record for the most strike-outs in the first three games to open a season held by the California Angels in 1966 with 36 strike-outs. It is hard to imagine this outcome after the Astros had appeared to be off to a solid start their first game of the season. The future of the Astros is still up n the air and it will take some time them to become more competitive. However, it seems that the Astros will be setting a lot of records in the 2013 season for futility. The predictions for the Astros at the beginning of this season looked poor, and they may be on the path to fulfill these predictions now.

By CLAIRE LOGUE Features Editor

Bomb threats have become increasingly more common as we saw several universities across Texas evacuate their students over the past school year. The UST campus was evacuated on Thursday, April 11, due to two separate threats on campus. Students, faculty and staff were urged to grab personal items, leave campus and not return until further

Just a little bit of spring cleaning

t’s that time of year again: the time of year when we are casually telling our “to-do” lists ‘absolutely not’ and opting to suffer through varying degrees of incompletion instead. Springtime is hard and with the end of classes looming in front of everyone, doing a semi-traditional spring cleaning may help us get back on track for these last few weeks of the semester. After looking at my own mess and failed attempts at organization, I compiled some tips to aid in cleaning up aspects my life to make tackling those academic responsibilities a little easier. First, it was time to tackle my bag. It was conveniently filled with crumpled papers, trash, old hard candies, open pins and crumbs. I dumped everything out on the floor and methodically went through each and every folder and spiral to ensure that I wouldn’t refill my bag with unneeded items and papers. After doing this, I actually cleaned my bag out. I dumped out all of the crumbs and cleaned the spots.

By CLAIRE LOGUE Features Editor

I probably hadn’t cleaned the bag out completely in at least two years, so this was much needed. I then took the time to add all of those pesky items I always seem to need but never have, like red pens. Then, after cataloging all of the handy nooks and crannies I could use to store my items, I grouped my things together and placed them in my bag in an organized fashion. After successfully cleaning out my bag, my desk was the next area to tackle. It was getting a little ridiculous and definitely needed some attention. I cleared everything off the desk that wasn’t supposed to be there, and then went through each paper individually. I ended up throwing most of the papers away or filing them in a separate drawer. I then took every pen and marker and made sure they still worked, throwing away anything that didn’t have ink. Honestly, after removing all of the papers cluttering my desk, there wasn’t much left to do. After my desk looked nice and

organized again, I decided the last thing I needed to take care to really keep myself organized and motivated until the end was to go through my computer files. This may seem a little unnecessary because these files don’t actually take up physical space, but a disorganized “My documents” folder is where I can attribute many assignment organization issues. I decided first to go through my files and delete anything I no longer needed. The time was up for documents such as “Christmas List 2009” and “asdfjkbva.” After deleting all of those unnecessary files, I grouped the remaining files by year and then by class. My hope is that this will help save time frantically searching for a file I thought I had saved in one location, but actually ended up in another. These projects took about an hour of time, all together. It will be incredibly nice having everything organized, but it was very difficult making myself actually do the organizing. Limiting an organizing project to just a couple tasks can make things much more manageable.

notified. The buildings were swept for explosive or suspicious materials and nothing was located. At 3:30 P.M. the campus re-opened. But UST was not the only university to receive bomb threats on April 11. Collin College’s Frisco campus was also evacuated due to multiple bomb threats. Nothing was found on the Collin College campus. Wednesday morning, on April 10, University of Texas at Austin received a bomb threat that officials deemed uncredible. The campus was searched and nothing was found. Classes remained on schedule as planned and campus was not evacuated. The UT campus was evacuated last September due to a bomb threat. Again, nothing was found. Earlier last month, on March 7, Texas A&M University at College Station recieved a written threat for the following day. TAMU evacuated campus last October for an emailed threat, but the March 7 threat was deemed uncredible. TAMU also issued a Code Maroon alert in February and closed a halfdozen buildings and its athletic complex after receiving a bomb threat against Kyle Field. Nothing was found These are just a few instances that have occurred across the state in the past few months. The real question is, are these threats related? The FBI is reportedly following these cases, but there is no indication from the bureau that these events are connected despite some similarities. There is always a possibility that something more sinister is occurring, but officials were fairly certain the threat against UST was a horrible prank. “They will not think it’s funny when we come knocking on their door,” a police spokesman told KHOU local news. “We most likely will track these people down, and they will be charged with a terroristic threat.” A call was made to the Houston Police Department but no comment was recieved. Is this simply a series of individual pranks spanning separate universities and colleges across Texas or are we looking at a more serious string of crimes?