Preparing for battle the Rattler basketball teams prepare to compete in the Heartland Confer- ence playoffs.

PG. 20 Aratt St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 97 Issuel 8 • 02-24-10er • STMURATTLERNEWS.COM Student holds White House block walk official speaks By Clayton Billadeau Staff Writer on education Tyler Ingraham, junior political sci- By Alonzo Mendoza ence major, hosted Staff Writer his first “block walk” to raise The ¡Adelante! U.S. Education awareness about Leadership Fund hosted the first of his campaign for a three-part series of the State of La- the District 1 seat tino Education at the university with on the Alamo Com- Juan Sepúlveda as the main speaker. munity College Sepúlveda spoke about the sig- Tyler Ingraham District’s board nificance of education on a national of trustees. scale and how it impacts San Antonio. Gathering near San Antonio Col- Sepúlveda is the director of the lege, Ingraham and co-campaign man- White House Initiative on Educational agers Robert Pohl and Jacob Segarra Excellence for Hispanic Americans instructed the ins and outs of a safe (which is housed under the U.S. De- and effective walk for the group of partment of Education and the Do- 22 supporters. Precautions included mestic Policy Council) under President no trespassing, observing “no solicit- Barack Obama’s administration, and ing” and “beware of dog” signs, leav- manages the White House’s involve- ing any person who is angry or com- ment in Latino education in the U.S. bative and to always travel in pairs. During his speech on Feb. 19, Generally, walkers should not do Sepúlveda began the series by saying anything out of the ordinary or feel Bon Voyage! that education is one of the top pri- orities of the Obama administration. Cont. on PG. 5, SEE “INGRAHAM ” Sepúlveda introduced the admin- A new study abroad scholarship fund is created after approval of a istration’s goal of making the U.S. Student Government Association proposal. the leading country where the ma- jority of the population has an un- By Sarah Mills on full-time undergraduate Bessler assisted by asking a dergraduate degree. The U.S. is cur- Inside: rently No. 10 on that list, he said. Editor-In-Chief students was declined. lot of those questions. SGA president Tania “We researched other People with no college education Tasty Tacos The university’s board of Ramirez, senior political sci- universities who have schol- account for 15 to 20 percent of the cur- Neighborhood taco stands trustees officially approved ence major, said she decided arship funds for studying rently unemployed population and a Student Government As- those with some college education ac- are an alternative for late- to try to get a new proposal abroad, spoke to financial aid, sociation proposal to create a passed because she wanted talked to students who have count for less than 5 percent of the cur- night taco runs. scholarship fund for students to increase the amount of studied abroad and to par- rently unemployed, Sepúlveda said. PG. 9 planning to study abroad on students who study abroad, ents to get different perspec- He restated Obama’s challenge regard- Feb. 12. which is also one of the tives,” Ramirez said. “There ing education: “Every child needs to Beginning in fall 2010, a university’s Vision 2012 were some negatives and get at least a high school education and Energy + Alcohol $10 fee will be implemented strategic goals positives, but the positives are at least one year of college education.” each semester for all full-time “This has been on SGA’s what drove me to continue The future of the U.S. is tied to Mixing alcoholic beverages undergraduate students. The the Latino community because of with stimulants has grown back burner for years,” said the proposal.” fees will be used to create an Ramirez who has studied Currently, students study- its increasing population. There are popular, but not safe. International Educational Stu- abroad in China and Bolivia. ing abroad can use their finan- 47 million (51 million if you count PG. 13 dent Scholarship Fund that “Studying abroad is a life cial aid to help cover the cost, the residents of Puerto Rico) His- will give students hoping to changing experience; you ap- but work-study awards can- panics in the U.S., and it is the larg- study abroad the opportunity preciate your home more and not be used because students est minority group in the country. Tablet Talk to receive a scholarship to help get to see how people in other must work on campus to use About half of Latinos do not fin- pay the costs. places live. So I thought ‘let the award. ish high school, and half of the stu- Computer tablets may all The fund will be maintained dents who do finish high school are look similar, but read about me pick [the proposal] up to Even though students can by having 75 percent of the fis- see what I can do.’” use financial aid to study not even ready for college. Thirteen differences among models. cal resources available to stu- SGA worked on the pro- abroad, it does not cover the percent of Latino high school gradu- PG. 14 dents who enroll in an Interna- posal, which includes 200 entire cost. Santizo estimates ates get an undergraduate degree and tional Education Program; the student signatures in support, that the London study abroad 4 percent get a degree beyond the un- remaining 25 percent will roll for nearly five months. Dean program totals $23,000 to dergraduate level, Sepúlveda said. Going Greek over each semester so that the of Students Timothy Bessler, $24,000 for one semester; the He then laid out the Obama admin- Fraternities and sororities fund can mature, according to who is also the SGA advisor, Spain program is an estimated istration’s agenda regarding Latino prepare for Greek Week af- the proposal. and Minita Santizo, Director $22,000 for one semester. education. The Obama administration In spring 2007, a similar ter completing recruitment. of International Educational “Because of the exchange plans to challenge programs such as SGA proposal that called for Programs, advised the group rate and depending on where “Head Start” and other programs in PG. 15 the university to match all through the process. Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “SGA ” all states to increase the quality of their funds collected from a $4 fee Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “SEPÚLVEDA” 2 The Rattler 2-24-10 www.stmurattlernews.comNews

Calendar Feb. 25 to 28, Mar. 2 to 6 “Antigone” play by St. Mary’s Drama Department Reinbolt Theatre

Feb. 26 to 28 Urban Plunge Retreat Off Campus

March 3 7 p.m. Professional Etiquette Dinner University Center Conference Room A

March 6 9 a.m. to 12.p.m. All-Hall Rattler Service Challenge - Graffiti Wipeout Off Campus

Police Blotter 2/8/10 Damaged property off campus. University bus damaged.

2/12/10 Criminal tresspass warning at Archbishop Flores Hall. Ex-boyfriend caused resident disturbance. Rattler Awakening XI retreatants and staff pause from their spiritual exercising for a quick bite to eat at Camp Sionito in Bandera. He was given a warning and escorted back to The retreat aims to strengthen the participant’s faith lives through various activities. Photo by Hibelit Guillen his residence. NEWS IN BRIEF 2/12/10 Burglary of vehicle in Lot R. Truck broken into. iPod Deranged man crashes into Austin IRS building American Red Cross Club hosts 5k walk for Haiti and car radio stolen. Joseph Andrew Stack, 53, flew his Piper Cherokee PA-28 into One hundred percent of the profits for T-shirt sales and 5k walk an office building containing an IRS center in Austin, Texas. He participation will benefit the aid in Haiti. 2/15/10 posted a suicide note criticizing the U.S. government, in particu- Criminal mischief at Archbishop Flores Hall. Lounge lar the IRS. Two from the building were injured, Stack was killed. window broken. American Red Cross Club of St. Mary’s University has raised Source: CNN.com $1,060 for Haiti aid (as of Feb. 19). 2/17/10 Diabetic medicine causes heart attacks Minor in possession of narcotics on Rattler Drive. Suspect found with narcotics. County Citation 20th Annual International Woman’s Day March issued and released. The diabetic drug Avandia has been accused of being linked to over 10,000 heart attacks, according to a U.S. Senate investigation. March 6 2/17/10 Grand Hyatt Downtown, 600 E. Market St. Driving While Intoxicated/Wanted Person on The report by the Senate Finance Committee accused 10 a.m. Rattler Drive. One suspect was arrested for DWI. GlaxoSmithKline and the FDA of keeping the heart attack links Other suspect arrested for warrants. Suspect’s vehi- under wraps. The Senate also said that the FDA is “too cozy” March not only to commemorate women’s accomplishments for cle was towed and impounded. Both suspects were with drug manufacturers. equality and freedom, but also for the issues women face in taken to Bexar County Jail. Source: CNN.com modern times. Cockroaches could detect atomic weapons 2/17/10 Local driver ‘hit-and-runs’ a San Antonio home Policy violation in Lot B. University employee Researchers at Texas A&M have developed an electronic device falsified official university document. Referred to The resident of a home on the Northwest side of San Antonio that weighs three grams that can attach to a cockroach. Human Resources department. woke up Friday morning to a Ford F-150 inside their kitchen. When the resident saw the driver, the F-150 backed out of the The device will be able to detect radiation from atomic 2/19/10 kitchen and drove away just in time for the resident to not catch weapons so that the operator can determine if they are near Theft at Moody Life Science building. Laptop stolen. the vandal’s license plate numbers. Homeowner’s insurance will nuclear material. Instead of sending a soldier over possible im- cover the resident’s damage expenses. provised explosive devices (IEDs), they can send a cockroach to Source: KSAT.com determine the location of the weapon. San Antonio’s two-year drought has ended Index Source: Radio.woai.com The National Weather Service claims that South Texas’ drought has come to an end, crediting the El Niño rain patterns. Grecian taxi cab drivers go on strike News 1-5 Greek taxi cab drivers are on strike because of the government’s The El Niño has brought about 25 inches of rainfall since October plan to raise taxes on gasoline prices. Commentary 6-8 2009. Features 9-14 Source: Livinggreensa.com This is an effort by the country of Greece to decrease its debt, Entertainment 15-17 Man bulldozes home to avoid foreclosure which is effecting the European Union. Source: Foxnews.com Sports 18-20 Terry Hoskins in Ohio owed $160,000 to the IRS. His $350,000 home was about to be foreclosed on, until Hoskins bulldozed it Catholic League criticizes Elton John Contact Us: to rubble. Elton John recently conducted a Parade celebrity news magazine 210-436-3401 (office) interview, and stated that he believed Jesus was a “compassion- 210-431-3407 (fax) His debt was credited to his small business: a carpet store. ate, super intelligent gay man.” The Catholic League condemned Hoskins’ house was cross-collatoteral. He never missed a mort- the comments because it portrayed Jesus as a “sexual deviant.” gage payment. Source: News.yahoo.com Source: CNN.com 2-24-10 The Rattler 3 www.stmurattlernews.comNews RAD teaches females self-protection techniques SGA succeeds By Erica Leal Staff Writer in creating The Rape Aggression Defense program (also known as The RAD program) is a worldwide program being offered exclusively to all female students here on campus, giving them the opportunity to study abroad educate themselves on self-defense tactics that could help improve their safety. scholarship The RAD program is a 12-hour course designed for women that focuses on awareness, prevention and certain tactics that teach how to defend themselves in any dangerous situation. Cont. from PG. 1 Sgt. Kenneth Schmidtling of the university police department leads the class that is offered every semester. students go, programs are expensive,” “I usually try to offer two classes per semester, but in the past Santizo said. “They have to put out quite a I have taught a total of eight classes. I have learned a great deal bit of money out of their pockets as well.” [while] training for this course. I would like to see universities have The amount a student pays to study this program as a required course because I think it would attract abroad will cover tuition, round trip air- more students.” fare, lodging, insurance, air port transpor- The RAD class covers a mix of lecture-based lessons and hands tation and some public transportation. The on physical contact techniques. According to Schmidtling, “after cost of a passport, visa processing, books 12-hours of the class the students pretty much perfect the tech- or personal travel and personal expenses niques they learn.” are not included. The class sizes range from 10 to 15 students. This semester there “When the student pays for the pro- are three participants in the session being offered. gram to study abroad they are paying only Mercedes Mendoza, an alumna, signed up for the class. for their participation; the university is not “I [have]always wanted to sign up for the program when I was getting any money besides the tuition,” in college, but being involved in extra-curricular activities held me Santizo said. “All the other expenses re- back because I thought I did not have time. Now after signing up I lated to studying abroad – which includes wish I would have taken it earlier, I would highly recommend the the staff, the staff benefits, their insurance program to female students to enroll now,” Mendoza said. and the International Education Programs The class has a $10 fee, but has a free lifetime return policy. That office – are all paid for by the university.” means the participants can attend any class in the nation to refresh Ultimately, students are the beneficia- their memory if needed. ries of studying abroad and can gain a lot Maria Labrado, a junior criminal justice major, took the RAD from the investment, including the chance class in fall 2008. to get better jobs, experience, a better vi- “Even after taking [the course] the first time I signed up I sion of the world, personal transforma- have gone back several times to refresh my memory, so it has tion, an enhanced résumé and possibly boosted my confidence. I think this class should be an obli- learning a foreign language, said Santizo. gation because if I were ever to be in a dangerous situation I Sgt. Kenneth Schmidtling said he wishes that RAD program was re- quired for all St. Mary’s female students. Currently, the class is not She also said that she is excited for the uni- would know what to do,” Labrado said. “I am now more aware versity to have its own scholarship fund. of my surroundings even in casual situations. RAD has showed me required and he usually instructs it up to twice a semester. Photo by how to handle dangerous situations with confidence now.” Felix Arroyo

SEPÙLVEDA speaks at university Cont. from PG. 1

education. Each of the 50 states to help and we need to know could set their own standards what your needs are and we of education under the No need you to help us. We are Child Left Behind Act, but the connecting different commu- Obama administration wants nities to each other and allow- to reform this program and ing them to learn from one an- make educational standards other. Our main goal is to pro- universal for all states. mote innovation and creativ- Another crucial part of ity, sharing and learning from Obama’s agenda is to ensure each other. We do not want that parents of Latino students Washington to tell Texans how fully understand academic to educate their children.” standards for them to know Sepúlveda said that office whether or not their children officials have visited 19 states are succeeding at school. An- and have had 90 conversations other change under the presi- to communicate their plans. dent’s agenda is to make a President Charles Cotrell, 67 percent decrease in the Ph. D., attended the lecture number of the questions that and was pleased to hear “very Juan Sepúlveda, director of appear on the FAFSA applica- welcomed remarks regarding White House Initiative on Edu- tion, according to Sepúlveda. higher education.” cation Excellence for Hispanic Regarding Sepúlveda’s of- Sepúlveda said that he Americans. File Photo fice, he said, “When President also wants students to know Obama and I started to col- that, “President Obama wants laborate we told each other, to congratulate you for be- future of the United States ‘Either we do this right or we ing here and that it is critical of America.” do not do it at all.’ We are here that you finish college for the 4 The Rattler 2-24-10 www.stmurattlernews.comNews Production halts in city plant after Toyota recall River City Update By Karl Hayes Highlander, Corolla, Venza and local Toyota plant faced a short Georghiou, a owner of a 2007 Toy- Staff Writer While Texas Matrix (also known as the Pon- halt in production since the recall, ota Camry said, “When I heard voters are pri- tiac Vibe) were discovered to have putting 1,850 employees out of about the recall I felt unsafe be- Many Toyota automobiles have marily focused braking problems. work temporarily, according to Ya- cause I did not know if my and been voluntary recalled for unsub- on the guber- Sticky accelerator pedals were hoo! news. friends and I were in danger. I al- stantial parts affecting the local natorial prima- found in models such as the RAV4, The San Antonio plant plans on ways thought Toyota was safe.” Toyota plant, numerous residents ry on March 2, Corolla, Matrix, Avalon, Camry, taking a production break for the Hanz Kriechighmer, sopho- across the city and some St. Mary’s Congressional Highlander, Tundra and Sequoia. weeks of March 15 through April more business major believes students. primaries are When a car has a sticky accelerator 12. This means that the employees Toyota officials must now an- The U.S. Transportation De- also currently pedal, the pedal gets stuck in posi- here in San Antonio will be out of swer to concerned customers like Chris partment has been cracking down Childree taking place. tion when it is pressed down to full work for some this period of time. Georghiou to reestablish the com- on some of Toyota’s 2010 models, In the local- open position. Additionally, the plant will experi- pany’s reputation. including the Camry, Corrolla and area races for the House, Con- The most recent recall for the ence a reduction in the plants due “The recall is a reflection of their Prius, because of poor braking gressmen Charlie Gonzalez, 2010 Toyota models was for the to a drop in sales in the city. Since product; many automobile compa- systems, sticky accelerator ped- Lamar Smith and Henry Cuel- air bag warning found on the pas- the recall, the Toyota car lots are nies have recalls besides Toyota. als, distracting warning labels and lar are virtually unopposed for senger sun visor. According to overstocked with unsold Toyotas. The main obstacle I think Toyota faulty drive-shafts. their respective party’s nomina- the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Roy Robbins, Ph.D, and eco- faces is their problem to satisfy cus- Many Toyota drivers are ex- tions, and the opposing parties’ Standard No. 208, the air bag nomics department chair said, “Ul- tomer service. They must continue plaining that when they drive over candidates will likely do little warning easily falls from the vi- timately, the recall will hurt Toyota to engage in the making of their potholes the brake pedal falls to damage in November. sor. In many cases this is not con- in the short run, but I think it is products, despite their worldwide the floor, which makes it difficult It is a different story for sidered a “dangerous” recall, but possible that they can recover. It is 8.5 million recalled cars.” for the vehicle to come to a stop. Democrat Ciro Rodriguez in the illustrates the various causes for up to [the] Japanese government to In the U.S., over 270,000 Toyota 23rd district. He is facing a chal- automotive recalls. help Toyota if sales decline.” www.stmurattlernews.com Prius’ were recalled to have the lenge from St. Mary’s alumnus The issue that affected San An- Surprised and concerned about problem fixed, according to Busi- Miguel Ortiz, whose campaign tonio was the faulty drive-shafts the recall, sophomore English ness Week. Other models like the Log on now! is focused on veterans’ issues. found in the Toyota Tundra. The communications major Chrystalla Despite the opposition, Rodri- guez is projected to win the nomination. The real fight will likely occur during the general PBS host discusses problems in economy, journalism campaign. For now, the Repub- By Sarah Mills so this option would probably re- lican primary should be the Editor-In-Chief ceive little support, he said. most interesting battle in town. In addition to discussing cur- In the race, there are two David Brancaccio, host of rent issues, Brancaccio talked physicians, two attorneys and “NOW” on PBS, visited the uni- about recent failures in the econ- a former CIA agent. I sought versity to speak to students, staff omy – the housing bubble and out these candidates to gauge and community members about government bailouts for large their responsiveness. First, I the economy, the role of the me- banks – but did not point the finger reached Will Hurd, the former dia in democracy, the increasing at anyone. CIA agent who resembles the presence of partisanship in politics “We had an economy of buy- fictitious CFO David Wallace and he called for a nation-wide ing things we did not need, with from the TV show “The Office.” discussion about what the U.S. money we did not have and While Hurd expressed interest should be. bought things that were being in an interview, he did not fol- “What are we working for? made somewhere else,” he said. low through. Last week, Hurd What kind of country would we “We want instant gratification and earned the endorsement of the like to have?” Brancaccio asked the we often do not have a sense of San Antonio Express-News. audience. “Maybe it is a good time shared responsibility.” Next, I contacted Mike Kue- to engage in a conversation about Brancaccio also addressed the ber, a retired USAA attorney. a world we would like to live in.” importance of taking risks. Casting himself as a moderate, To have this discussion, Bran- “If you do not wait for it to be he seemed down to earth and caccio advised the audience to join A-okay, and if you just act on your reasonable, highlighting his a gang. Not a gang of criminals, passion instead, that is when you admiration for Senator Lind- but rather a gang of individuals stand the best chance of getting sey Graham of South Carolina. who would like to be involved in something done.” However, he feels “marginal- Brancaccio’s lecture on Feb.16 positive thinking, collaboration Brancaccio encourages students to “show up on time, shower every now ized” by the media, especially was titled “Adventures in Eco- and conversation. and then, do not drink to excess and learn a foreign language” to become the Express-News. nomic Disaster: What the Financial Once people join this “gang,” successful. Photo by Michelle Katie I tried to contact Dr. Robert then solutions to the bad economy, Crisis Means for Justice and Jobs in Lowry but instead reached his to the decline of print journalism the Next Generation.” campaign manager. He noti- and to other problems, including century,” Brancaccio said. “For broadcaster for 33 years, also dis- Before becoming the host of fied me that his candidate, who the student loan industry and the the modern American workforce, cussed the problems that could re- “NOW,” which is a program idolizes congressman Ron Paul, education system, will emerge. we need a system that teaches sult if print journalism were to be that features in-depth interviews has a “great chance to win.” Brancaccio offered some possi- collaboration, critical thinking replaced by new media. and investigative reporting, Quico Canseco, the race’s ble jump starts to this conversation skills, writing skills and good He said that journalism is inte- Brancaccio was the host of the millionaire, who lost in the 2008 by presenting various ideas of his communication.” gral to maintaining a democracy, Peabody-winning public radio primary, is nearly impossible to own to begin solving these prob- These are some good skills that and that the new media, such as show, “Marketplace.” contact through his Web site. I lems. Working on the U.S.’s foun- humanities or social sciences ma- news blogging, is not enough to His work has appeared in the also attempted to reach podia- dational education system was one jors typically learn, he pointed out. sustain the demand for accurate, Wall Street Journal, the Baltimore trist Doc Gould, but did not re- of them. Brancaccio said the best solu- immediate information. Sun and Psychology Today. He ceive a response to my query. “Teaching has to be an attrac- tion to solving political partisan- To help newspapers survive the has also appeared on CNBC, CNN Hopefully, these instances tive position and it needs support ship is redistricting, which is the bad economy – which has affected and MSNBC. In 2009, he received are not reflective of the above because the challenges of schools realignment of electoral districts to the advertising revenue that print the Walter Cronkite Award for candidates’ responsiveness to can be daunting,” Brancaccio said. reflect the results of a census. Re- journalism relies on – Brancac- Excellence in Television Political constituent concerns. Only the He suggested to raise the sala- districting would prevent only ex- cio brought up the idea of having Coverage. Brancaccio was the last voters can decide. ries for teachers and to restructure treme Democrats and extreme Re- government funded networks like speaker for this year’s Lin Great what is being taught in schools. publicans from being elected into the BBC. Speakers Series. “Our education system now is Congress, according to Brancaccio. Most Americans do not list jour- what we needed for the nineteenth Brancaccio, who has been a nalism as one of their top concerns, 2-24-10 The Rattler 5 www.stmurattlernews.comNews INGRAHAM and followers go door-to-door for ACCD Cont. from PG. 1 uncomfortable about their situation, Ingraham said. Candidate information, compiled the weekend prior, had been ar- ranged into boxes, classified into precincts of ACCD board of trustees District 1. “I put myself in the shoes of a walker,” said Segarra, key organizer of the walk. Each box comprised of a bag containing pamphlets from 10 Demo- crats who have voted in the last two primaries who responded to In- graham’s block walking enterprise. Also included were a map of each precinct and a list of addresses of voters previously associated with lo- cal voting. After the walk, Ingraham reiterated the message of his platform: “The whole reason why we are doing this is because community col- leges are important. Community colleges allow people to go to school that otherwise would not get to go to college. Every time tuition goes up a dollar, one more person has to decide: ‘can I still go to school?’” One clear advantage of door-to-door block walking is candidate- to-constituent interaction. Although ACCD board of trustees election is not until May, Ingraham’s campaign adopted an early participatory approach, advancing knowledge to the public of his intention to run against former city council member Joe Alderete Jr. and former San An- tonio College Vice President Thomas Hoy. “People are more prone to talk to their neighbors,” said Segarra. Participating block walkers paired up, picked a box and drove to- ward their venture for the day. The walk, which had been put together within three weeks, lasted for four to six hours. Overall walker re- sponse was positive. With the exception of a few disgruntled houses visited, many people were excited about political activism and especial- ly youthful participation. “Not a lot of people shut us out,” Pohl said. “There is plenty of work ahead of the campaign,” said Segarra. Campaign organizers will be holding several more block walks un- til election day. For more information or to learn how you can par- Tyler Ingraham, junior political science major, (far right) prepares his Saturday morning block walk on Feb. 13. ticipate in Tyler Ingraham’s campaign, contact him on facebook or This effort is an outreach to District 1 neighbors to make them aware of single accreditation and Ingraham’s runtylerrun.com. Remember to wear good walking shoes. campaign. Photo by Miriam Cruz 6 The Rattler 02-24-10 Commentarywww.stmurattlernews.com rattthe ler STAFF EDITORIAL Hint of truth behind Austin IRS attack Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor Sarah Mills Veronica Martinez Managing Editor Photo Editor Joseph Andrew Stack crashed a small legal system. Denice Hernandez Analicia Perez engine plane into an IRS building in People all over the country are feeling Layout/Design Manager Assistant Photo Editor Austin, Texas, due to grievances with our the effects of these seemingly insolvable Excerpt from manifesto: Amanda Rodriguez Felix Arroyo nation’s government on Feb. 18. problems, and Stack wanted to speak for “I saw it written once that the Copy Editor Advertising Manager Stack explains in a seven page them. His actions cannot be justified, but Alexis Alvarez Leo Reyes manifesto that he has “had enough” of the there is no doubt that there are others like definition of insanity is repeat- News Editor Assistant Ad Manager government using finances for corporate him who feel betrayed. Joseph Stack was ing the same process over and Austin W. Newton Katie O’Donnell bailouts rather than providing the country lost in a country he felt had betrayed him, over and expecting the outcome with a feasible healthcare system. so much that he concluded “violence not Commentary Editor Web Editor to suddenly be different. I am fi- Lorna Cruz Sara Cornejo On one hand, Stack can be dismissed only is the answer, it is the only answer.” as a crazy domestic terrorist plot. Hopefully, politicians will realize the nally ready to stop this insanity. Features Editor Staff Cartoonist However, sometimes the worst kind of importance of tackling such abominable Stephen Guzman Oscar Maguregui Well, Mr. Big Brother IRS man, let’s crazy has some sense in it. The “insanity” issues, and hopefully those hoping to Entertainment Editor Faculty Adviser that Stack speaks toward the end of his make political changes will opt for an try something different; take my Luis Miguel Macias Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D. letter was not just his own, but also the education and career that allows them to pound of flesh and sleep well...” continuous problems that plague our do so, rather than putting innocent people country’s middle class: a failed economy, in harm or burning down their house STAFF WRITERS an unjust healthcare system and a partial while others have no shelter. - Joseph Stack

Azhmir Acosta Sean O’Kelley Daniel Aguilar Nina Olivera Amanda Cano Nancy Perez Jessica Carillo Dania Pulido Chris Childree Matthew Rodriguez Iran develops nuclear program, threat to country Jasmine Garcia Paul Saldana Cristina Gonzalez Alex Salinas Secretary of State Hilary Clinton recently receptive to negotiations. Joe Guerra Lena Scalercio proclaimed that Iran is moving toward There is also the option of a naval blockade of the Strait of Mirella Guerrero Caitlin Skelton becoming a full-fledged military dictatorship. Hormuz. This is a terrible idea and should be disregarded. Iran Kenneth Howell Annie Swenson Robin Johnson Danielle Torres The implications of this revelation are startling; is armed with a large number of HY-2, “Seersucker” (surface- Andrea Magallanez Dana Traugott this means that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and to-surface) missiles which are more than capable of destroying Alonzo Mendoza the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) our navy. As seen with the sinking of the HMS Sheffield in the STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS are now in complete control of Iran. Falklands War of 1982, one quality anti-ship missile is all you Max The current administration’s policy of really need. Sokoloff engagement should immediately be abandoned. A full out invasion of Iran is out of the question given the Nicholas Alfaro Caitlyn Geraci Ashley Arnold Robin Johnson In favor of what though? There are a few options terrain and the massive loss of life it would entail. A massive Nicholas Campana Guadalupe Molina that have been discussed, and there are a few which I believe aerial campaign coupled with sea-based cruise missile strikes is Adam Casiano Emily Scruggs Alejandra Diaz Michelee Vasquez should be put forth for debate. the most plausible option. This would only work if our naval and Liliana Espinosa Jenny Wendover As far as non-military options go, sanctions are out of the stealth strikes are able to take out the majority of Iran’s surface Paulina Fernandez question due to China. The only other option is to pursue a policy to air missiles. of containment. This could be achieved by deploying a large Then there is the nuclear option. Many people will not number of PAC-3 (Patriot) missiles to the area in order to counter seriously consider this option, but it is in our arsenal and should any theater ballistic missiles originating from Iran. However, this be discussed. A few tactical nuclear weapons deployed on key Standards would be extremely costly and would not address the threat of IRGC military installations should bring about change the The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible long range and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Iranians can believe in with minimal loss of American life. Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student I am an advocate of covert operations. I believe that these can When considering these options bear in mind that we are Publication Policy. be effectively conducted. Cyber attacks should be heavily utilized. dealing with a sociopath and self-proclaimed religious fanatic in The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, Military, financial, infrastructure and communications systems Ahmadinejad, whose goal, according to his own statements, is the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press that are vital to Iran should be relentlessly disrupted. Covert the complete destruction of Israel. It is imperative that this man Association. support for insurgents inside Iran should also be undertaken. does not acquire nuclear weapons and that we act in a timely Sabotage of Iranian assets would also have an impact; a couple manner to prevent it. Contact Us of “industrial accidents” should make Ahmadinejad a little more The Rattler St. Mary’s University One Camino Santa Maria Box 83 San Antonio, TX 78228 210-436-3401 / 210-431-4307 (fax) [email protected] Texan nurses stand trial for reporting doctor’s malpractice information Has anyone ever Among Dr. Arafiles’ malpractice one day to do the most I can to help the heard of the saying, procedures are a failed skin graft he most people, and if that means taking the “no good deed goes performed in the emergency room without long road to get there, I will be more than unpunished?” Nurses clearance from the hospital and he also obliged to do so because everything I do is Anne Mitchell and sutured a rubber tip to a patient’s crushed for the patient’s best interest. I agree with Vickilyn Galle might not finger, which is an unconventional remedy this code of ethics and I believe that any Letters to the Editor Policy have thought about this and was later flagged as inappropriate doctor who is not upholding it should not Dana as they were writing a by the Texas Department of State be allowed to practice. The Rattler welcomes letters to the editor. Traugott letter to the Texas Medical Health Services. I would not feel safe at all if a doctor Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, Board complaining of Galle wondered if she could also be abused his practices and no one stepped major and telephone number. malpractice by Dr. Rolando G. Arafiles Jr. persecuted for doing something she had forward. Patients need to know what Editors reserve the right to edit submissions in April. been told to do her entire career. The they are getting into when they visit for length, grammar, spelling and content. The nurses said they had a moral answer is: of course you can. I entirely the doctor’s office because they are Letters may be delivered to Room 258 and professional duty to protect patients agree with what the two women did not omniscient to what goes on behind in the University Center, faxed to (210) from what they saw as a blatant misuse because they were just doing their jobs. closed doors. 431-4307, mailed to The Rattler, St. Mary’s of surgical and prescribing procedures It clearly states in the American Nurses’ Try to get the most information possible University, One Camino Santa Maria, Box from the doctor. However, for what may Association’s Code of Ethics that the nurse before making that next appointment, 83, San Antonio, TX 78228, or e-mailed to [email protected]. appear to be a good deed to most of us, promotes, advocates for and strives to and ask yourself if the doctor is working For more information, call the newsroom at was found to be otherwise from the state. protect the health, safety and rights of the for you, or are they really working for (210) 436-3401. Mitchell was persecuted in a state court patient. Mitchell was, however, acquitted themselves. Consider if these medical for “misuse of official information,” which from all charges. practitioners are taking short-cuts to get the is a third-degree felony in Texas. I am striving to become a surgeon job done, or not trying to do anything at all. 02-24-10 The Rattler 7 Commentarywww.stmurattlernews.com

OPPOSING VIEWS ‘Let’s Move’ for health First lady Michelle Obama has launched a nation-wide campaign in an attempt to fight childhood obesity, by raising exercise levels and nutritional awareness about school meals.

Plan is feasible and could Campaign does not apply help reverse obesity realistically to children’s levels in the U.S. lifestyles at home.

First lady Michelle Obama has Michelle Obama’s effort to fight obesity launched the “Let’s Move” campaign, a in children is commendable, as we are Dania Pulido nationwide effort to fight child obesity. Jessica all aware of the rising rates of obesity in Obesity has become a growing epidemic Carrillo children and the health problem it poses in the U.S. and the campaign will try to to the nation. Obama’s proposed plan will raise the nutritional level of school meals and give more focus on encouraging an increase in exercise, education low-income areas access to healthier foods. Also, it will and healthy food options among children. Unfortunately, encourage parents to teach their children to be active. there are a few issues that can inhibit the success Although Obama’s plan may not sound feasible to of her plan. everyone, the first lady’s campaign seems to have a lot of First, Obama’s strategy seems to be based on the potential. It is no secret that the Obamas have appealed to assumption that obesity in children is caused solely on the younger generation, and this epidemic is a generational the content of fat in the food that these children eat. She problem. President Obama has achieved this through neglects, however, to take into consideration that most extensive skill as an orator which in turn has attracted the children overeat because of psychological issues, not just attention of celebrities. First lady Michelle Obama made because they are hungry. If they are being bullied around her connection with the younger crowds (especially young in school, abused at home or put in constant stressful girls, who seem to have the most weight related issues) situations, the chances of these children losing weight are through her stylish self-portrayal that has allowed her to slim as stress can also affect weight gain. Unless they are collaborate with high-end fashion designers. Because of taken out of these situations or taught effective coping these connections to the media world that caters to young mechanisms, this large group of children may remain people, Mrs. Obama has enlisted the help of politicians, overweight and continue to be ridiculed by society. entertainers and sports personalities to communicate her People who support Obama’s plan may fail to realize message. There is no doubt that through the use of celebrity that educators can teach parents all they want but positive influence, children and teenagers will want to take part in results depend on each individual parent to comprehend her campaign. and actually apply what they have learned. Also, we Aside from the media influence, Obama has stressed must take into consideration that parents are role models that parents, businesses, schools and local governments for their children. If a parent loves to eat high fat foods, should also be involved as much as possible in the health has a pantry full of junk food and lacks motivation to be of their children. She is acknowledging the challenges that physically active or sleeps constantly while the children are busy working families face, especially poorer Americans, at home, the chances of children losing weight are low. Not and she has also said that the epidemic has even affected to mention, children usually eat only one meal at school; the her own daughters. As a working mother who found other two meals depend not only on the parent’s education it easy to serve fast food and microwave meals to her in nutrition, annual salary and time, but also the parent’s daughters, Obama did not realize how harmful this was to willingness to cooperate in enforcing this new routine. her daughters’ heath until a doctor warned her of its side Obama’s plan also stresses more work-out routines for effects. I think other working mothers will be able to relate children. While increasing a child’s exercise activity is a to her experience. She has faced this issue and found a way good thing, it has been suggested that increased playtime to work around it, so other families will be able to follow would be more effective than forced work-out routines. in her steps. It is easy to grab fast food and sugary drinks Here, children are less likely to dread exercise and may because the average American working family is usually even go above and beyond the minimum required in on the run, but Obama’s plan will provide new ways to eat physical education classes. When considering Obama’s healthier on the run, for a reasonable cost. Also in regard plan we should recall our own experiences in grade to the cost of the campaign, President Obama called for an school with regard to activity. Recess is generally greatly additional $1 billion to fund child nutrition programs in looked forward to in comparison to physical education support of his wife’s campaign. classes. Here children climb, swing, run, hide and play By teaching children to eat healthier at a young age, enthusiastically without care. Their performance is not Obama could help reverse the growing U.S. obesity rates measured and compared with others, they are not yelled over the past few years, which are significantly higher than at and they are not embarrassed. This is not to say that other developed countries. One in three children in the U.S. we should not stress conscious exercise, but rather that are overweight or obese and children today are actually at such a young age it would be more productive if expected to live shorter lives than their parents, according exercise was made fun and enjoyable, even for those who to BBC News. Not only will her plan be able to stabilize are overweight. these numbers and the health of children across the nation, Finally, for Obama’s plan to be a success, parents and but encouraging children to join leisure activities will also children would need more resources such as counseling benefit them and their self-esteem. Being active in sports for the children who have been overexposed to stressful and other organizations can only help children develop a situations and money for the parents to cook home meals healthier sense of self and teach them useful social skills and pay their bills. that go hand in hand with minding their appearance. The Overall, childhood obesity is a method we, as a fact that parents should get involved will also create a nation, need to address. These children are the future of closer relationship with their children. our nation and we want the future to be bright, without By combining the media with parental influence, as worry of the numerous health problems that result well as changing nutrition regulations in schools, Obama from obesity. However, Michelle’s proposed project seems well on her way to creating a healthier generation of will need more research, cooperation and funding if it American children. Cartoon by Oscar Maguregui is to succeed. 8 The Rattler 02-24-10 Commentarywww.stmurattlernews.com YOU TWEET IT, WE READ IT! EDITORIAL CARTOON Tweets from our followers Airport safety measures increased • Mmm... Had a fabulous dinner with the roomies, now waiting for The Office to start. TSA, the Transportation • I suppose I have to sleep at some point. G’night. S e c u r i t y Administration, • Just booked my ticket for Nashville, can’t wait for has decided to Spring Break! begin taking chemical swab • OMG, you went to Cowboys? You Lorna Cruz samples from should’ve told me, I might have passengers and gone with you! their luggage for the first time, as a way to continue • Wishing I could find a man that the process of implementing made me feel like my blanket... All stricter security measures after warm and fuzzy <3 December’s failed airplane terrorist attack. As part of the Follow us @StMURattlerNews method, screeners will push carts and we’ll follow you back! Cartoon by Oscar Maguregui with bomb-detection machines in various airport gates and checkpoint lines to inspect random passengers’ hands and carry-on Think twice before enlisting robots into battlefields baggage in the hope of uncovering explosive material. The last replace troops on the battlefield to logic and emotional rationality in machines makes them obsolete, The swab-technique is being few years have prevent the needless loss of human the heat of battle. Is it right to leave crushing not only their careers but implemented in hopes of reducing been host to a life. Soon enough, Energetically the power of life and death at war maybe their dreams. the controversy over having t e c h n o l o g i c a l Autonomous Tactical Robots and in the hands of a machine? For all For those who have lost loved complete body scans that can revolution with other remote viewing machines we know, our distant future could ones, an inhuman soldier might give an image of what is under a plethora of will be the cousins to the become the substance of science sound like a blessing because passengers’ clothes — this has gadgets and intelligent fighting droids that are fiction movies like “Terminator.” no longer would a family have stirred up a lot of controversy, Chanell gizmos, created currently being created. Though However, many still overlook the to experience the suffering and because many think that it gives Garcia to make human these mechanized soldiers could possible consequences of creating pain of knowing that their son, too exact of an image and is not life easier, be the saving grace for many destructive new technology in daughter, husband, father, sister a dignified way of searching for appearing on the consumer human lives that would be lost on favor of saving a human life. or other loved one could perish potential bomb threats. market every day. However, there the battlefield, the choice to allow This could be considered a in war. Even though this might be a is one new wave of technology a machine to analyze a target selfish act because creating robots One thing to keep in mind good idea as an attempt to prevent that has been booming under to kill is not something I find to replace soldiers goes against is that those people who gave potential bombings or terrorist wraps, marketed with the particularly appealing. the many men and women who their lives knew that death was attacks, I think that it can only promise of saving lives and A computer is only capable of have proudly enlisted into the a possibility, yet they chose the be viewed as a supplement to changing the way wars are fought: doing what it is programmed to armed forces to protect all that profession so that they could what should really be done. The military robots. do and in this case, that program is they and their loved ones have protect something dear to them. question is, should more focus be Since the early 1990s, the U.S. to get rid of the enemy. Robots are worked for. Our human soldiers Replacing flesh and blood with put on increasing safety measures military has been developing not capable of what is known as fight because they have pride steel and silicon chips could within airport gates and counter these new mechanical soldiers to the “warrior ethos,” the balance of and honor – replacing them with become a reality. lines, or should potential-terrorist intelligence be used strategically? The latter would probably be a much more effective method, because time and effort could Obama attempts to erase partisan lines on healthcare bill be geared towards connecting the dots between information On Super Bowl Sunday, related to the healthcare system, has damaged they are. On the matter of how effective provided for certain individuals President Barack Obama multitudes of small businesses as well as a President Obama has been in office, it is and the risk of them flying. declared on CBS that he will few large corporations and has hurt millions questionable, but from how he wants to pursue During the Dec. 25 incident, for host a summit-like meeting of families financially. A lot of people’s money his goals, the means to his end, it is hard to example, a lot of information had on healthcare reformation is going into healthcare, whether they use it or prove that he has not tried to be cooperative. been received about the accused on Feb. 25. He invites both not, need it or not, and insurance companies In the political court, he wants to pass the ball terrorist, much of which would Democratic and Republican are deemed the only business thriving from to everyone, and that shows that our president have been very helpful in catching Alex lawmakers to attend the the pain of others, figuratively and literally. is a team player. him beforehand, if it had been Salinas half-day event, in hope that With the U.S.’s financial fragility, President What President Obama wants to accomplish used effectively. they will offer ideas and Obama is making the right decision to further is the involvement of all lawmakers to “step- As a frequent flyer, I am not work together for a united healthcare bill the debate on the issue of healthcare reform. by-step” provide ideas to push the idea of very excited about possibly reformation. The House and Senate released An assessment is that at this point, we have healthcare reform as a real possibility, one that running into tighter security their own versions of a new healthcare bill, nothing to lose but time, time that will strives to save billions of dollars and open up measures that might make my H.R. 3962 and H.R. 3590 respectively, late certainly determine the future of this country. our economy in the long run. airport experience slower than in 2009. Both versions aim to make current Some Republican leaders have openly A concern that has been brought up is it already is, but I do understand healthcare treatment affordable to those supported President Obama’s open summit, that Obama refuses to scrap the proposed that TSA is doing so with our best affected while expanding access to healthcare citing a change in his otherwise purported bills created by the House and Senate, interest in mind. I definitely think for the approximate 36 million citizens who partisan and closed-door policies. This is a which were voted along party lines. This that the intelligence information are uninsured. stepping-stone to breaking a trend in modern discourages many Republican lawmakers to that they receive, though, should Judging from President Obama’s interview American politics where party loyalties are take Obama’s upcoming summit seriously. On be used in a better and more on CBS, as well as numerous other interviews fiercely contended over creating pure, relevant the other hand, former Democratic chairman effective way. By doing so, not only he has had about this heated issue, it is clear legislation. For this very reason, we must be Howard Dean recently stated that no reform will airport officials be more able that he realizes our national deficit owes obliged to place the pressure not on our on healthcare is better than “phony” reform. to keep closer tabs on individuals much to our current healthcare system and president, but on our Congress. However, because Obama anticipates the who are potentially dangerous, the excessive amount of spending the U.S. President Obama realistically can only go active participation of both parties from both but they will also be able to keep makes because of it. The United States ranks as far as his Congress allows him. A similar houses in Congress, these quarrels must rest passengers content with security No. 1 in the world in healthcare related assumption is that a president is only as for the time being. Stay tuned for Feb. 25 – it measures that are not too extreme spending after all. He stated that our recent effective as the actions of his Congress, no might be huge. and overcompensating. recession worsened the standard of living as matter how well spoken or good-intentioned 02-24-10 The Rattler 9 Featureswww.stmurattlernews.com

Culture Calendar "Alma De Mujer" dance production Tour de taco Feb. 25 - Feb. 28 Our editors review neighborhood taco stands. Travel to the historic Guadalupe Theater to view this traditional flamenco dance production featuring the Guadalupe Dance Company. Productions begin at 8 p.m. By Stephen Guzman An Evening with Heroes Features Editor Feb. 26 Take a trip to the Alamo in the heart of downtown It's midnight, maybe 1 a.m. You're coming San Antonio to view this educational reenactment home from that party; that awesome party. tour of the events preceding the Battle of the Alamo. You're driving down Culebra, careful to stay below the speed limit. That's when you see it: TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming those lights. Those beaming flashing lights in Feb. 28 the distance indicating to you one thing and Visit the Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University to one thing only: TACOS. view this young and vibrant group of Japanese Sure, there are plenty of taquerías and tiny drum performers. Mexican restaurants in the San Antonio area, but there is something quite refreshing about "Dearly Departed" the authentic feel of buying taquitos from a March 6 - March 21 large white truck. This humorous production located at the Cameo Each of these taco stands has it's own sto- Theatre contains a colorful cast of dysfunctional ry, with owners coming from far and wide to family members struggling to keep themselves to- spread the taco joy, catering to any late night gether for their father's funeral. taco appetite. Compiled by: Caitlin Skelton Yet with several taco stands down Culebra alone, how does one choose where to replen- ish their taco craving? Have no fear, taco lov- ers. Several editors put these tasty venues to News of the Weird the taco truck test, and reviewed them based Power of Prayer on variety and taste. In Frisco, Texas, the power of Christ compelled a robber to stop in his tracks. Marian Chadwick, a boutique owner was held, at gunpoint by a robber Photos by Luis Miguel Macías when she pointed at him and said, “In the name of Jesus, you get out of my store. I bind you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Appearing dazed, the rob- ber turned on his heel and left the store cursing. Dallas Morning News

Psychoanalyze THIS Speculation is swirling that famous Austrian psy- chologist Sigmund Freud owned a painting by the infamous Adolf Hitler. Hitler was an amateur painter in Vienna, prior to his days as a mass murderer and often sold his wares on street corners. The painting is of a church and mountains. It is believed to have hung on the waiting room wall in Freud’s practice and is dated 1910. Taquería Alma #2 Mario's Tacos Tacos Rio Grande Aolnews.com

Love sees with the heart Jackie Molen, a one-legged acrobat, and Josh Bladzick, a fire-eating, juggling, unicyclist, found Taqueria Alma #2, located on the You will find Mario's Tacos on the Also located on the corner of Cin- love at work. Molen, also known as the 3-foot-9- corner of Culebra and Hamilton, is a corner of Cincinatti and Zarzamora. cinatti and Zarzamora, this taco stand inch tall “Human Tripod” and the 5-foot-9-inch tall Mayan owned establishment which Mario and his familiy originally came was custom made in Monterrey, Nue- Bladzick met when they worked at a circus in Aus- offers a variety of taco choices to sat- from the city of Colima in the Mexican vo Leon. Not only can you get the reg- tin, Texas. Not dissuaded by the height difference, isfy your late night taco needs. Ma- state with the same name. With a seat- ular tacos at this stand, but Tacos Rio they appreciate each other’s unique talents. The yan owner, Arnold, originated from ing area made of cut tree trunks, this Grande sells bundles of minitacos for odd couple has been dating two years and recently Cancún, Quintana Roo, and arrived taco stand offers an originality unlike $5. This dinery offers quite a different started their own show called, “The Strange and De- in San Antonio in 2004. He previous- others. Additionally, this dinery pro- variety of taco, with lengua, barbacoa ranged Showcase.” ly was enlisted in the Mexican Army vides a Mexican dish we did not find and molleja as well as the usual asada Aolnews.com and served in intelligence operations at other stands: menudo, perfect for late and pastor. Taco meat is cooked and against the guerillas in Oaxaca. Talk night refueling. If you are in the mood cut perfectly. Quite different from oth- Tastes like Chicken? about a taco maker with a history! In for some American dining, this taco er taco stands, Tacos Rio Grande pro- Giuseppe “Beppe” Bigazzi, a famed Italian chef, fell addition to your typical carne asada and stand offers mexican style hot dogs vides a homey atmosphere due to orig- into disfavor with the culinary world after lauding pastor tacos, this taco stand offers tripas, that have the wiener wrapped in ba- inal owner, Haydé De los Santos, who “gatto in umido,” or cat stew, as a delicacy. Bigazzi gorditas, tortas and quesadillas. If you con with a wide variety of condiments takes special care of her taco stand. If regularly consumes cat meat and claims that it is purchase two or more tacos, Taqueria including green and red salsa, onion, you're in the mood for some sweets, better tasting than chicken. He went into further Alma provides a complementary side and tomato. Hamburgers and nachos try some of De los Santos' special tres detail on his cooking show of how to prepare and off borracho beans. For $2 a taco, that is are also available. Since the truck has leches cake. The De los Santos family tenderize the meat causing the popular show to be quite a deal. Be sure to grab two nap- been running for nine years, owners began their taco business at a flea mar- suspended from state TV. kins with these tacos, they are filled to of this establishment plan to expand ket but soon had their taco stand made Aolnews.com full capacity with a tasty meat, attribut- their business, with hopes of starting and moved to it's present location. The ed to a secret recipe. For it's affordable their own restaurant in the area. With hard work and care the De los Santos prices and delicious taco taste, Taque- perfectly made fluffy flour tortillas put into their tacos gives Rio Grande ria Alma #2 gets a perfect 5 jalapeños. and a diverse menu, Mario's Tacos gets Tacos 4 jalapeños. But the cake alone Compiled by: Katie O’Donnell 4 ½ jalapeños. is 5 jalapeños! 10 The Rattler

Greek Memories The Rattler 11

get your greek on

By Nancy Perez [of people who fill out the formal Baxley compared it to an event mu- eating contest because that is seen as Staff Writer recruitment application], but we sic fans might be familiar with. wasting food.” As mid-semester approaches are doing a better job of retaining,” “It is like Warped Tour for Ramirez who organizes this most students are scurrying about Ramirez said. “Our goal was to keep Greeks, you do a lot of events and event explained her collaborative ef- trying to catch up with school and people in the system long enough so get to see a lot of different sororities forts with other groups on campus various organizations. But for Greek they could be placed in the right so- and fraternities,” Baxley said. as a way to make the event safe. letter organizations, mid-semester rority. Intra-Fraternal Council did an This year’s Greek Week theme is “We are asking ROTC to help means two things: recruitment and amazing job, got the word out and “Greek Week World Cup.” Events since they have the required equip- Greek Week. did the leg work. I am real proud of include a talent show, obstacle ment and training for the obstacle Recruitment, or rush, is when so- everybody and their effort was seen course, volleyball tournament and a course; we are looking to campus cial Greek letter organizations intro- in the numbers.” game show. recreation for dodge ball, leaving duce their chapter to new potential Now that recruitment has taken A popular favorite among Greeks the activities [to the] experts in a members, according to stmarytx. place, posters with the names of is the Greek talent show which sense,” Ramirez said. As an alumna, edu/Greek. Through a series of so- new members are hung along the showcases the talent that is some- Ramirez also reminisced her own cial events, potential new members walls of the cafeteria and Greeks times hidden within the individuals first Greek Week experience as a have the opportunity to mingle with are focusing on their next big event: of each organization. newly initiated sister members before pledging. Greek Week. Baxley also said she will get to “Greek Week is my first big mem- This semester’s recruitment for Greek Week is an event that is have the best of both worlds since ory of being Greek. I joined right be- Greek life has already passed, and held to unite and support the Greek she is a part of both the social soror- fore spring break and my first big recruitment results have been col- community through several events ity Alpha Sigma Tau and the service activity was Greek Week. I got to see lected. The results are as follows: Al- promoting the four tenets of Greek fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, which my ‘big’ do the obstacle course and pha Sigma Tau had 10 new recruits; life: scholarship, leadership, service are two groups that will be compet- it was my first real bonding experi- Alpha Phi , 14; Sigma Sigma Sigma, and brotherhood/sisterhood, ac- ing against each other. ence with my sisters,” Ramirez said. 11; Delta Zeta, 11; Omega Delta Phi, cording to stmarytx.edu/Greek. To ensure that the events Greek Week has been a St. Mary’s 7; Sigma Phi Epsilon, 20; Lambda “It gives us the opportunity to are organized and safe, Greek tradition for a while, although the Chi Alpha, 12 and Chi Phi, 2. show pride in our organization, Week co-chairs disaffiliate first year it started is unknown, but Sabina Ramirez, the associ- to be unified and besides [being in with their organizations. there is evidence that Greek Week ate director of Registered Student the] quad [we can all] be together,” Junior criminology major Adri- has been around since the 70s. Organizations, spoke on how the said Kyle Seymour, a junior English ana Jimenez and senior sociology Greek Week is held from March team of student Sigma Rho Chi’s major who is President of Chi Phi. major Garrett Guerra shared their 7 to March 12 and defending cham- were able to better educate po- “[Greek Week] is to show the school familiarity with Greek Week rules. pions Alpha Sigma Tau and Lambda tential members and successfully we can work as one unit; it is not just “A lot of rules we have now have Chi Alpha will be defending their implement better communica- about being in a club, [it also lets us] been building up. We have referees winning titles or relinquishing it to tion in the College Pan-Hellenic see who has the most pride and spir- for the events and keep in mind the the next group. Council’s formal recruitment. it between the organizations.” Marianist traditions,” they said. “We maintained our numbers Senior biology major Jaymee “For example we cannot have a food

Photos by Robin Johnson, Analicia Perez, and Leo Reyes Graphic Illustration by Amanda Rodriguez 12 The Rattler 02-24-10 Featureswww.stmurattlernews.com Style Stalker nnnn

Dakine bag $40

Forever 21 pearl necklace $12

Nordstrom peacoat $55 Junior business major Sheelin Weed splurge on. It allows anyone who sports her floral bag and plaid peacoat. does not want to invest into a life- Photos by Analicia Perez style brand to find their own per- By Joe Guerra sonal luxury. It is a good idea to find a balance between unique and Staff Writer classic. For women, Kooba bags Members of the San Antonio Chinese Association perform in the Diamondback Café on Feb. 15. Photo by Robin Johnson The bag is the all-important ac- make a great start since they most- cessory for your daily routine, and ly come in neutral colors. Gustto is essential to your outfit. If you bags are unique because of their are going to be carrying something shape and form. Want to splurge Chinese association visits Café all day, why not make it stylish even more? Lanvin bags are also and chic? fabulous since they keep the neu- By Robin Johnson For casual and student usage, tral and basic color but remain Senior Staff Writer the first thing that comes to mind bold looking. is the standard backpack or mes- Men, do not be put off by the The Diamondback Café became a platform senger bag. JanSport has a range of word “murse” (man purse) and for cultural learning and intrigue as the third an- solid color canvas backpacks and realize that you have the right to nual Chinese New Year celebration cracked its messenger bags. If you would like carry a stylish bag as well. Leather fortune cookie. something a little more unique, satchels and messenger bags are The Foreign Language Club, the Language De- YesStyle has a wide assortment great for a more mature look. Let partment, the Dean of Students and the Student of men's and women's totes and us not forget a man's briefcase. Be Government Association partnered to treat stu- messenger bags. A woman's purse it hard or quilted soft leather, black dents with traditional Chinese music and dance is her best friend. Often times her or cognac colored, designer or not while they chomped away at lunch. Students also best friend is... really big. – a briefcase makes any suited gen- had the opportunity to have their names written in I have seen women carry over- tlemen look better. Chinese calligraphy. sized bags that are either filled Junior business major Sheelin Eva Bueno, Ph.D., head of the language depart- with unnecessary items (one car- Weed shows just how easy it is ment, has hopes for celebrating the Chinese New ried her own ceramic coffee mug to find a unique bag at any shop, Year every spring semester and said “it is important and full size stapler) or utterly even right here on campus. With for us to know how different cultures celebrate and devoid of anything, making the her red plaid coat from Nordstrom at what times.” bag's size useless. It is important and white necklace from Forever Feb. 15 marked the second day of the Chinese to remember which type of bag to 21, her outfit has a touch of class New Year as The Year of the Tiger. Traditional music have for which occasion: a small while still showing her youth. from the San Antonio Chinese Association orchestra leather purse for a night out on the Until next time: May your featuring one-of-a-kind Chinese instruments set the town, a large canvas bag for sum- closet be full and your mirror full background for three dance performances including mer outings or a clutch for more of smiles. the Lion Dance and a solo of western China’s ver- Computer science professor, Michael Chen, Ph.D, plays a formal dinners. sion of a cowgirl shin-dig. traditional Chinese gourd flute. Photo by Robin Johnson Designer bags are also some- See you! For junior psychology major Omar Castorena, the Weiyuan Chen, it is nice to see a taste of home. thing anyone (even guys!) can Style Stalker event was a new stepping stone in cultural interest. “There are a lot of students in the Chinese cul- “[The event] was very authentic. I really liked ture [at St. Mary’s] and a lot of students who want to the dancing and the music was very serene. It is just know about the Chinese culture. My friends always the tip of the iceberg of Chinese culture.” ask me about [it],” Chen said. A member of the San Antonio Chinese Associa- Through fortune cookies, green tea, calligraphy, tion orchestra and the St. Mary’s community, Mi- Chinese drums and dancers, an outlet for students chael Chen, Ph.D., reflects on the purpose of dem- to become more culturally sound has been provided onstrating the Chinese New Year celebration to the in the demonstration of the Chinese New Year. Rattlers. “I would like to do something like this again,” “We’re trying to promote Chinese culture aware- Castorena said. ness. [The event] definitely helps students become more cultured,” Chen said. Bueno agrees that the celebration “make[s] www.stmurattlernews.com Check it out! students realize how big China is and its  different cultures.” For more photos from the Chinese New year For students like junior general business major celebration, visit our Web site! 02-24-10 The Rattler 13 Featureswww.stmurattlernews.com botched booze blend

Mixing alcoholic beverages and energy drinks proves problematic for consumer's health.

By Alonzo Mendoza major says that he has mixed vodka and coffee] and are more dangerous because to minors without knowing it due to the Staff Writer Red Bull and has also drunk Joose, a bev- people drink them more quickly and similar packaging. erage pre-mixed with ginseng, taurine, feel a rush and run the risk of getting The mixed drink industry, which Have you ever been to a party and had caffeine and alcohol. caffeine intoxication.” makes $2.3 billion a year, targets mainly some of your friends offer you a Jäger- “They should be consumed slowly be- Some symptoms of caffeine intoxica- younger drinkers by using rebellious slo- bomb? Or have you ever just flat out cause the energy drink kicks up the alco- tion are, according to Vasquez, “break- gans such as “party like a rock star” and mixed vodka with Red Bull because you hol and makes it quicker to get intoxicat- ing out with sweat, anxiety, palpitations, by promoting these alcoholic products heard it would allow you to drink more ed,” said Aguilar. “These drinks make you chest pains, high blood pressure, insom- during extreme sports events, acording than usual? Before you do that again or still feel drunk and increase your heart nia, high stomach acids and seizures.” to The Marlin Institute. The pre-mixed contemplate on trying it out, think twice. rate if they’re consumed quickly.” Alcohol companies, such as Miller drinks are also popular because they are Mixing alcohol and energy drinks is a lot Vasquez calls this, “a false security that Brewing Company and Anheuser-Busch, often cheaper than buying both alcohol more dangerous than it is fun. is short lived.” are starting to take advantage of the pop- and energy drinks separately. One in four college students consume “The energy drink [part of the mix] will ularity of energy drinks to sell alcoholic Mixing alcohol with energy drinks alcohol mixed with energy drinks, ac- wear off before the alcohol and the person drinks that are pre-mixed with energy is a serious health hazard and increases cording to Director of the Student Health will feel more drunk than they first real- drinks. These companies are also selling the likelihood of motorized vehicle ac- Center, Dr. Sandra Vasquez. Consuming ized. They will have mental awareness these mixed beverages in cans similar to cidents, which is the number one killer energy drinks (which are stimulants) will and not motor awareness, thus leading those of non-alcoholic energy drinks. of adolescents in the U.S., according to wear off the effects of alcohol (which are some of them to drive while unknowingly A popular example of this market- The National Center for Health Statistics. depressants) for a brief amount of time, being drunk,” Vasquez said. ing can be seen with the Rockstar En- Combining these products can also result said Vasquez. In other words, mixing the While some may think that there is ergy Drink, which is non-alcoholic, and in caffeine and/or alcohol overdoses, and two will allow people to drink more al- nothing wrong with drinking energy Rock Star 21, which is alcoholic. The al- even dehydration. cohol and stay awake for a longer period drinks, there is actually no proof that most identical appearance between the of time. they are healthy,” Vasquez said. “Ener- drinks is very problematic because con- David Aguilar, a junior psychology gy drinks have a lot more caffeine [than venience store clerks often sell alcohol

The College Crossword ACROSS 1- act of being present 3- insignificant; petty 6- killing of a king 7- a gentle breeze 10- to long for Lent 11- it’s a virtue By: Elizabeth Michelle Rubi, 13- spoken with ease Sophomore undecided major 15- a mocking humor 16- monetarily savvy 19- save from shipwreck My brothers gave up Candy because 21- an amateur; a noob they are young and not so 23- enthusiastic; fervid Contaminated, not so 24- slumber Creative. 28- professor’s speech 30- five voices 32- mischievous spirit My mother gave up Gossip — 35- sustain without yielding “I should give up dish-washing!” 37- February 17th-March 31st An exclamation that starts with a smile and ends in a wink — 39- horseplay; a high jink but I do that most nights anyway. 40- what you do in your note margins 41- Jeff Dunham’s Achmed My father gave up Nothing — DOWN he grunts and switches his crossed leg. 2- Sigourney Weaver sci-fi flick Our eyes meet and almost smile —but without saying anything, 4- who you are he turns from me, 5- make again turns the page of the newspaper. 8- single-eared artist 9- to savor Sophia, my friend, who thinks herself wise, 13- drop the ball 14- capricious; fanciful gave up 'Fear', and in forty days 14- Godly love I found out how stupid 18- familial she can be. 20- abnormal 22- to call And, 24- spend thoughtlessly 26- the yellow Care Bear I think, 27- perfect example the man next door, gave up Smoking — 29- fried spiral confection Bam! Bam! Bam! He slams 31- irritatingly bothersome Compiled by: Annie Swenson the doors of his house and the windows rattle— 33- sidewalk edge 34- not a commuter But not Anger. 36- abundant measure 38- short moral tale www.stmurattlernews.com Get involved!  Want to see your poem here? E-mail us your entry along with your name, classification and major. 14 The Rattler 02-24-10 Featureswww.stmurattlernews.com New tablets cause stir in technology world The Flip Side From compatibility to product uses, read everything you need to know about the new touch-screen It occurred to me while By Joe Guerra The iPad, however, will have the ability to run all iPhone applications w a t c h i n g Staff Writer at launch and will allow you to re-download Apps you have already VH1's ‘Tool purchased. It can also be used as an e-book reader and it has the ability A c a d e m y ” With the recent introduction of Apple's iPad on Jan. 27, tablet com- to use the iWork Suite. So remember, despite the lack of most hardware that every puters have catapulted into the mainstream as one of this year's must- features the other slates have, Apple is hoping that its App support (and step Western have-pieces of technology. brand loyal fans) will allow it to be successful in the market. Cristina society makes Gonzalez While the idea of a personal tablet is not a new one (tablets have been Price is also one of the major components of a major purchase. The towards gen- around since the mid-90s), the advancement of technology has given the iPad has a base price ranging from $500 to $830, depending on storage der equality market lighter, sleeker, faster and more beautiful tablets. Tablets like the size. The iPad come in 16, 32 or 64 GB, and users can utilize 3G internet is taken in cement shoes. Apple iPad, the HP Slate, the JooJoo, the Lenovo U1, the Archos 7 An- anytime by using AT&T's mobile system. The reality show, in its third droid and others will be released in upcoming months, but which one is HP Slate is rumored to have a price of $500 to $600, while the JooJoo is season, is rooted in a similar for you? It is important to know the specifications of each of these tablets set at a flat $500. Since the Archos 7 Android is one of the less-powerful premise as the “Rock of Love to make sure you get your money's worth rather than having buyer's slates and only comes with 8GB of storage, its price averages at $240.The Charm School” and “Flavor remorse due to hype. shape-shifting Lenovo U1 (with WiFi, 3G capability and 16GB storage) of Love Charm School.” In- The first thing buyers will notice is the tablet’s screen. After all, this is will run at about $1000. stead of casting rowdy reality how slates make their first impression. Apple iPad's LCD, surprisingly, Keep in mind that these slates are only the tip of the iceberg and that rejects, the show is marketed is not a widescreen but rather a 9.7 inch 4-3 ratio screen. While the HP there are many more tablets not mentioned and still under development. toward "average" women Slate's aspect ratio is currently unknown, it is rumored to have anywhere Take a look around tech blogs and news Web sites to find the best fit for who want to reform their ma- from an 8.9-inch to a 10-inch screen. you if none of these piqued your interest. Whether you feel as if this new chismo boyfriends. Unlike the The top two contenders on screen size seem to be the Lenovo U1 boast- market that lies between the laptop and smartphone markets is for you “Charm School” series, “Tool ing with an 11.6-inch LCD and the JooJoo with a busting 12-inch LCD or not, expect to see technology pushed further and turned into some- Academy” lures contestants screen. A special feature of the Lenovo U1 is that it is actually a laptop thing that can fit in your hands more conveniently as a student and com- with some sort of contest ploy. and tablet combined. The tablet section can be slipped into a clamshell- puter user. This keeps the boys behaving like body with an attached full keyboard that can be removed at any as they would at home, which time – think of a laptop that has a removable top half and can be used as ranges from embarrassing to a tablet. So it is up to you whether you need a simple slate or a powerful appalling behavior. notebook for a task. The ability to switch between both at any time with- This season, the “Acad- out needing to power down the system is this slate's trump card. emy” has enrolled two wom- As we dive deeper into these tablets' capabilities, you must know how en, dubbed "Toolettes" on the these tablets work and what they can do. As far as operating systems go, show. VH1 gets points here for the HP Slate can run a full version of Windows 7. If you own an iPhone, 5 things the Apple iPad cannot do acknowledging that women using an iPad will feel natural since the iPhone runs the iPhone 3.2 OS can be jerks, too, and any- which is the same system used by the tablet. The JooJoo will run a Linux Multitask one who has seen the second based operating system while the Archos 7 Android will run an Android Want to run two apps at once? Sorry, but the season of the Oxygen chan- OS. Again, the special case falls on the Lenovo U1 as it can run Windows iPad can only handle one at a time. nel’s reality show “The Bad 7 when in “notebook mode” and a customizable Linux OS while in “slate Girls Club” probably believes mode”. All of the above mentioned tablets do feature multi-touch capa- Run Flash Toolette Jennavecia Russo bilities so you do not have to worry about having to peck around the The new iPad is not Adobe Flash compatible. belongs on this show just as tablet to navigate. This means no games, no Flash video and no much as the men do. Now, get to know more about the different tablets’ software. What Farmville. But here is where I lay my kind of programs will these tablets use and will you be able to use more grief: upon learning they were than one for a certain task? Apple's iPad is locked to using Mobile Safari, Store more than 64GB of data on "tool Academy," Jennavecia which is used on the iTouch and iPhone as well, so if that happens to be Good luck fitting your iTunes playlist to fit in this went from “hottie” to “harlot” your browser of choice then you need not worry. However, if you are tablet's limited 64GB of data. in about three seconds flat. The accustomed to using Mac OS X with Firefox or Opera then you will have Upload from a USB port fact that she makes no illusions some adjusting to do. The JooJoo is rumored to have a WebKit based With no USB port, you cannot upload pho- about who she is and the con- browser (which is the basis of Safari) and other OS X applications. The tos, videos or even memory without a special fidence she exudes make the tablets that run Android (which if you remember include the Archos adapter. Tools' open disrespect of her 7 Android) will use the Android Browser while the HP Slate can run and her boyfriend even worse. whichever software you desire. Video Chat Frankly, it's appalling. It is One problem posed to potential customers of the iPad and Archos If you're looking to Skype or video conference, 2010 and as a society, we are 7 is that these particular tablets lack Adobe Flash support. This means no luck with the iPad. This tablet does not have a still operating under the old that games and Web sites that need Flash to work (like YouTube and connected webcam. program that a girl can be Su- most other video streaming sites) will not work on these devices. If You- sie Q homemaker or Angelina Tube is a site you visit frequently, you may want to avoid purchasing the Source: http://news.cnet.com/ Jolie, but not both. iPad since you will not be able to see access any Flash based Web sites. And do not think men are Other features that the iPad lacks are a camera as well as ports to use USB immune. At last check, it drives and other devices. All of the other slates, except the iPad, come seems like the perfect man is with a built in camera of varying sizes and USB ports. The only port the either the cute nerd in Eng- iPad comes with out of the box is the proprietary port that allows you to lish class or one of the “Jersey plug apple devices in – but nothing else. Shore” guys. I did consider the possibil- ity that the women are on the Eduardo Rodriguez, soph. business major Itzel Morales, freshman I.R. major Rafael Realyvazquez, junior political science show to make the men seem SAY worse by comparison. If so, “Cop radar [detec- “Electronic keys. “The [voice] sync then it is another brilliant what? tor]. It is supposed It is too expen- allows you to con- move by VH1. This might just What's the most to warn you about sive and more of a nect your phone cops, but you start thing of fashion.” to the car but be the kind of wake up call useless to look around and sometimes it does for discussion needed by the technological can get into an not recognize your genders. Personally, I hope invention? accident.” voice.” Jennavecia and her boyfriend win. If this season turns into a battle of the sexes, women Compiled by: might as well be in it to win it. Felix Arroyo 02-24-10 The Rattler 15 Entertainmentwww.stmurattlernews.com

Coming Soon

ALBUMS

Jaime Gorillaz Foxx “Plastic “Body” Beach” 3/02 3/09 Bourbon St. Jaime The Cullum Morning “The Benders Pursuit” “Big Echo” serves up 3/02 3/02 Peter Natalie Lenten meals with a Gabriel Merchant “Scratch “Leave My Your Sleep” 3/02 sinful flavor Back” 3/02 By Luis Miguel Macías a side and a salad. The comes to life with the lull of Sources: petergabriel.com, photobucket.com, themusic.fm, urchicago.com, v-angle.net, tinypic.com Entertainment Editor salad dressings that make very satisfied customers. The the salads so unique are the jazz music played in the back- SHOWS Lenten is a time when smoked pepper ranch, lem- ground evokes the charming Catholics all over the world on lime cilantro, dill vinai- and romantic ambience of Willie Nelson live the 40 days Jesus Christ grette, creole mustard and the bayou which makes this at the Majes- resisted the temptations of raspberry vinaigrette. the perfect place to have din- tic Theatre evil in the desert by giving up The deserts at Bourbon ner with a special someone as 2/28 certain luxuries or burdening St. Seafood Kitchen are a well as with friends. oneself with additional work must!.The brownie mud- Service at Bourbon St. or sacrifice. One of the most slide topped with a towering is more than efficient. Your Source: charlestoncitypaper.com common practices during amount of vanilla ice cream glass will not even be half Lent is not eating meat on and whip cream, and the empty when the waiters will South Pacific Fridays and eating seafood baked Alaska dessert which come and fill it right back up. at the Majes- instead. Well if one is sacrific- had a caramelized bottom, The friendly staff will attend tic Theatre ing a succulent t-bone steak, an ice cream layer and lemon your every need making your 3/02 - 3/07 why not make the best of it? filling topped with torched visit even more enjoyable. Bourbon St. Seafood Kitchen meringue. Perhaps the most Whether it be a place to offers a very large and col- unique dessert at this excel- dine before a night out on Source: blogspot.com lege-student-friendly menu lent restaurant is the bread the town with your friends complete with appetizers, pudding dessert which main- or a special place to go on a Bugambilia soups & salads, cajun spe- tains the nostalgia and sim- date, Bourbon Street Seafood (Showing) cialties, steaks, chops poultry plicity of the old recipe, but Kitchen will make yours a at the Instituto Cultural de México and plenty of seafood which is upgraded by the talented perfect night from the mo- 3/06 - 3/21 will make lenten sacrifice chef’s touch. ment you go “marching in” more pleasurable. Bourbon St. Seafood to the second you leave con-

Source: cinemexicano.mty.itesm.mx The lunch menu offers the Kitchen captures the pure templating “what a beautiful very hearty traditional New essence of a good restaurant life” it is and how places like Orleanian dishes such as the on the real Bourbon Street. these make it so much better. flavorful jambalaya and the During the day, the business MOVIES exquisite shrimp and craw- flows steadily but it is usually fish etouffe which includes at night when the restaurant Graphic Illustration by Amanda Rodríguez, Photos by Felix Arroyo

The Crazies 2/26 Cop Out 2/26

Prodigal Sons 2/26 Alice in Won- derland 3/05

Sources: rottentomatoes.com, ioncinema.com 16 The Rattler 02-24-10 Entertainmentwww.stmurattlernews.com

Support the arts in San Antonio!

Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) holds Poseidon’s trident . Source: rottentomatoes.com

The St. Mary’s University community is One Percy, two stories invited to theFund Kickoff Celebration! “Percy Jackson & the was so new and entertain- was not even mentioned or Olympians: The ing for me. However, those shown at all either. In my Wednesday, March 3, 2010 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m Lightning thief” who are fans of the series opinion, this outright butch-  said the plot of the story ering of the book is even University Center Rattler Den, Foyer Dir. by Chris Columbus completely changed. worse than what they did to Starring Logan Lerman, and Conference Room A The movie and the book the “Harry Potter” series. Brandon T. Jackson and are complete different sto- Despite the big gaps be- Alexandra Daddario ries, and the particular book tween the book and the film, Stop in to enjoy performances, exhibits and itself is not as long as it I enjoyed the movie thor- By Caitlin Skelton seems in the film. The direc- oughly and would recom- presentations by St. Mary’s own faculty and student Staff Writer tor could have at least stuck mend it to anyone who loves to the storyline somewhat. Greek mythology, fantasy artists, musicians, actors and singers as we celebrated The main plot in the movie, and adventure. However, When I first heard about which includes a quest for for those who have actually the arts! Light refreshments will be served. the film “Percy Jackson and three “pearls,” is not even a read the books, take caution the Olympians: The Light- main part of the book’s plot. because you will be very ning Thief,” I thought to Also, a series of characters disappointed to know that For more information contact Tim Bessler, Dean myself that it sounded like a were excluded to my dismay the film seems to be a dif- great movie since I am a huge of Students at [email protected] including Ares, Dionysus ferent story, so much that it fan of Greek mythology. and Cerberus, who are all might as well have been ti- The film is based on a se- characters in Greek mythol- tled something else entirely. ries of five adventure books ogy. In addition to sparing Overall, the movie was just a written by Rick Riordian some significant characters, little rough around the edges and features children who the film also added charac- with its fair share of cheesy are sons and daughters of ters that are not even in the moments and over the top Greek gods and goddesses. book, such as Persephone. graphics, but it still made for I did not read the books Eat In One of the most impor- an entertaining watch. before I saw the movie, so tant characters in the book this might be why the film Order To Go love Plan now for: Comic clichés capture audience enchiladas By Caitlin Skelton accent to a dominatrix-style German woman verdes Staff Writer friendshiptoo afraid to love. Although various parts of the play seem to be unconnected, the true · Easter It is a common misconception that the- meaning of the play is tied together in the atre is a dying art, one that is becoming out- first and last scenes. dated and boring. The play, “Five Coursefamily Another thing that really drew me into · Fiesta Love,” renewed my faith in amusing and in- the action of the play was the audience inter- teractive theatre. Not only was it entertain- action. The actors would sometimes break ing, but it was a new outlook on the concept character and converse or make jokes with of love. dinnerthe audience, which made the experience · Finals “Five Course Love,” which is playing at much more inclusive. This is much different the Cameo Theatre until Feb. 28, was a com- than any of the plays I have been to, where position of thrilling and comical tales aboutdancing there is a strict fourth wall and the audience the ups and downs of true, if often unre- does not exist. The style of this play was · Graduation quited, love. The truly unique aspect of this quite enjoyable and the small theatre space play was that there were only three actors created even more intimacy. to play fifteen different characters. Thedessert play Anyone looking for a cute, crazy and consisted of five different scenes, all portray- comical masterpiece can look no further 815 Bandera Road ing different cultural stereotypes such as than this work of theatrical art. The com- See you (corner of Bandera & Woodlawn) cowboys, mobsters, Mexicans and Germans.There bination are lots of crazy of characters, costumes and (210) 433-2531 Each scene was more hilarious than thereasons last. cultures to hadvisit my us sides splitting with uncon- at Lisa’s! The play featured diverse and lovable char- trollable laughter throughout the night. www.lisasmexican.com acters which ranged from a Zorro-wannabethis Valentine’s Day. named Guierrmo with an Antonio Banderas 02-24-10 The Rattler 17 Entertainmentwww.stmurattlernews.com

Indie Review A LOOK AT ARTSY FILMS “My Name is Kahn”  Dir. by Karan Johar Starring: Shahrukh Kahn, Kajol, and Yuvaan Makaar

A politi- cally charged and ambitious storyline bal- ances its ten- sion through the innocence Robin of an autistic Johnson Indian man trying to meet the president in order to win back his love in “My Name is Khan.” Special effects dominate ‘Wolfman’ Rizwan Khan (Shahrukh Khan) moves to America after “The Wolfman” the death of his mother to live these spectacular effects over- Toro) and Sir John Talbot  with his once-jealous broth- run the movie to the point (Hopkins) delivered praised Dir. by Joe Johnston er who has already made a of cheesiness. performances in other films, Other ‘Wolf’ flicks Starring Benicio del The movie’s low point con- “Wolfman” compliments name for himself in sales. ‘The Were- Toro, Anthony Hop- sisted of a computerized bear neither one. Khan finds an understand- wolf’ (1913) kins and Emily Blunt and deer that could have eas- Evaluating the movie as ing and strong love in his fu- The first were- ture wife Mandira, however, ily been replaced with the a whole, both actors seem to wolf movie ever after the attacks of 9/11, their By Robin Johnson real thing; however, to remain be trying too hard to make made based on love is tried under the social consistent with the rest of the something out of nothing Senior Staff Writer the 1898 novel tension concerning the Mus- movie, the animals had to be (the nothing being the lack by H. Beaugrand. lim faith. digitalized, making its seri- of an interesting plot that has Heavy special effects re- ‘The Were- Written, directed and pro- ousness and screenwriters no substance). sult in an underdeveloped wolf’ (1956) duced by filmmakers of In- Andrew Kevin Walker and The only believable per- plot in the Hollywood sen- A man turns into dian descent, the message is David Self and director Joe formance comes from Emily sation “Wolfman,” making a blood thirsty clear that the film was made Johnston’s level of creativity Blunt who plays Gwen Con- the anticipation of an epic werewolf as a to express the struggle of highly doubted. liffe, the wife of Del Toro’s movie fall short despite the result of a scien- identity that Muslims felt If the writers and director brother who is killed at the city’s famous line-up includ- tific experiment. after 9/11, evident in the had not been so focused on start of the movie and falls ing Benicio Del Toro and lackluster performances of trying to make a good movie for Del Toro shortly thereaf- Anthony Hopkins. its actors. by relying on special effects, ter, becoming her only solace ‘American While the transformation The film is a long journey, then the characters, or the from misery. Werewolf in of man-to-wolf and the gro- London’ (1997) with a built-in intermission, backbone of any storyline, The attempt to recreate tesqueness of his victim’s Two college of overpowered celestial mu- would actually have a place in the classic “American Were- deaths, such as the ripping students unknow- sic and an elaborate storyline the plot instead of being props wolf in London” proves to be out of mass amounts of ingly wander that veers off track from the until a full moon began the unattainable using modern intestines and a pancreas into wolf terri- main plot at length. bloodshed again. technologies of filmmaking from the stomach of a vil- tory where one be- The filmmakers compen- While the actors who because in the case of “Wolf- lager, are quite incredible, comes a werewolf. sate a racy subject by adding played Lawrence Talbot (Del man,” bigger is not better. a loveable character and lucid Sources: classichorror.com, cinefantastique.com, weirdwildream.com plot instead of getting to the heart of the matter. While the isolation of Mus- lims after 9/11 is expressed Alan Jackson re-lives biggest hits with rodeo audience genuinely throughout the By Chris Childree atmosphere was reminiscent of Jackson’s first After singing “Remember When” and film, a more powerful and Staff Writer presentation of the song at the CMA Awards in “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” Jackson’s “Good moving impact would have November 2001. Time” caused fans to rise to their feet, some of been to use testimonies of real Country music superstar Alan Jackson en- Next, he gave a rowdy rendition of his 1991 whom began dancing. This was followed with people instead of portray- tertained his fans at the San Antonio Stock hit “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” which was Jack- his latest No. 1 hit, “Country Boy,” featured in ing the social struggle Mus- Show and Rodeo for the 15th time on Feb. 17, son’s oldest song in the set. It was followed the 2008 album “Good Time.” lims faced that was in fact, with an excellent set that showcased 14 of his by his 2008 chart topper “Small Town South- The biggest fan reaction occurred during the quite real. greatest hits. ern Man.” No tracks were performed from his performance of the crossover smash hit “It’s “My Name is Khan” pro- Jackson started the performance with the breakthrough 1990 album “Here in the Real Five O’clock Somewhere,” although Jimmy Buf- vides a much needed per- Tom T. Hall-penned classic “Little Bitty,” which World,” however he did sing one lesser-known fett did not make an appearance. He closed the spective from the viewpoints Jackson recorded on his 1996 album “Every- song: “A Woman’s Love,” which the musician show with his signature song “Chattahoochee,” of people on the other side thing I Love.” He followed this with the 1994 actually recorded twice, first on his 1998 album and exited in the bed of the same Ford pickup of the World Trade Center hit “Livin’ on Love,” after which the singer ad- “High Mileage” and then on the 2006 album truck he arrived in. tragedy and that could have dressed the fans, stating that he would show- “Like Red on a Rose.” Surprisingly, Jackson did not sing any tracks engaged a greater audience case a collection of songs about “living and One of the most entertaining highlights was from his upcoming album “Freight Train,” in- as a documentary. However, love.” He proceeded to give a heartfelt perfor- Jackson’s cover of the 1949 anthem “Mercury cluding the current single “It’s Just That Way,” the film style and writing mance of “Where Were You (When the World Blues,” which complimented his earlier en- which is No. 22 on Country Charts. achieves the desired message Stopped Turning),” which he wrote in response trance into the arena in the backseat of a Ford of the filmmakers. to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At this moment, the pickup truck. 18 The Rattler 02-24-10 www.stmurattlernews.comSports

Highlight Reel Game Results Calendar The women’s basketball Men’s Baseball Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball team defeated Texas Feb 13: St Edward’s (Game 1) Feb 13: A&M International Feb 13: A&M International WIN score 11-1 WIN score 68-42 WIN score 75-67 Men’s basketball: A&M International 2/25 at Dallas Baptist 7 p.m. University on Feb. 13 2/27 at Arkansas-Fort Smith 4:30 p.m. Feb 14: St Edward’s (Game 2) Feb 20: Univ. Incarnate Word Feb 20: Univ. Incarnate Word 3/4 Heartland Conference 1 p.m. with a score of 75-67. WIN score 3-1 LOSS score 50-60 LOSS score 75-78 Women’s Basketball 2/27 Arkansas-Fort Smith 2 p.m. 3/4 Heartland Conference 1 p.m. Women’s Softball 2/26 at Tarleton State (DH) 1 p.m. Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 2/27 Abilene Christian (DH) 3 p.m. By Veronica Martinez Men’s Baseball Sports Editor 2/26 Incarnate Word (DH) 2 p.m. 2/27 Incarnate Word (DH) 1 p.m. The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver has 3/3 Arkansas-Fort Smith 3 p.m. been given plenty of media attention in the past Tennis year. Now that the games are upon us, they have 2/27 Abilene Christian 3 p.m. already had their fair share of ups and downs. The tragic death of Georgian luger Nodar Men’s Golf Kumaritashvili during a practice run on the Whistler track 3/1 Crawford Wade 1 p.m. caused much controversy at the start of the games and Women’s Golf resulted in a shortening of the track. The men’s luge was moved 3/1 St. Edward’s University 1 p.m. to the women’s normal starting point and the women’s luge to the junior’s. Alterations were also made to the track including a raise in the wall around the 16th turn where Kumaritashvili flew off Home games in bold his luge. Additionally, men’s and paired figure skating were given a lot of media coverage, but not for their athleticism or scores. Instead, their outrageous costumes are the center of attention. Among the fashion victims was Russian Evgeni Plushenko who Sports Around the World is no stranger to the limelight or the Olympic medal podium. He recently came out of retirement to make his third appearance at the Olympic games and is the reigning gold medalist in the Swimming: men’s short program figure-skating competition. American Lindsey Vonn won the gold medal in women’s While visiting Vancouver for the Winter Olympics, downhill skiing, beating her teammate Julia Mancuso. Not only 27 year old Michael Phelps announced that the was Vonn the first American to win the gold in this sport, 2012 London Olympics will be his last. “I told but she also did it with a bruised right shin which was so myself I will not swim over the age of 30, and I will painful that she could not walk on it prior to the competition. not swim over the age of 30,” he said. Vonn stuck it out and refused to let a bruise get the best of her, incredibly ending the race on one ski. Source: sports.yahoo.com Fellow American Shaun White defended his title as the best snowboarder alive as well as the 2006 gold medal in the Rugby: men’s snowboarding half-pipe competition on Feb. 17 by completing a Double McTwist 1260 which is three and a It is speculated that Rob Kearney, Ireland full- half spins with two flips. The McTwist also gained White an back, may have played his last game in the 2010 Six almost perfect score of 48.4 out of 50 giving him a huge lead that Nations Tournament due to a knee injury. Kearney was impossible to beat. limped off the field mid-game against France and Comic/political talk show host Stephen Colbert, it is said that he will be out for three to five weeks. who happens to be the U.S. men’s speed skating team’s sponsor, was by no means let down when Shani Davis Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com won the gold medal in the men’s 1000 meters race on Feb. 17. NASCAR: Thus far, the U.S. has dominated the medal podium in Vancouver, winning Though she finished in 35th place after crashing gold medals in a wide array of sports into a wall in the 68th lap, Danica Patrick is still and it is expected that the U.S. getting boatloads of attention. The winner of the teams will continue placing in the Daytona 500, Jamie McMurray, on the other hand Source: wikimedia.org upcoming competitions. and ggamesbids.com is not getting anywhere near the media coverage he deserves. McMurray is 15 points ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. who is in second place, making it hard for anyone to catch up to him this season. Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Schedule of sporting events Source: sports.espn.go.com

Golf: Wednesday Feb. 24 Friday Feb. 26 Sunday Feb. 28 Men’s cross country skiing Men’s biathlon Men’s cross country skiing finals In his first public appearance and interview since Women’s speedskating Men’s short track speedskating finals Men’s ice hockey finals his infamous car crash, Tiger Woods apologized Women’s alpine skiing Women’s PGS snowboard finals for cheating on his wife and stated he is not sure Women’s bobsled Women’s curling finals March 3 when he will be returning to golf. “I do plan to Women’s freestyle skiing Women’s short track speedskating finals Opening of Vancouver Paralympic games return to golf one day,” Woods said. “I just do not know when that day will be. I do not rule out that Thursday Feb. 25 Saturday Feb. 27 it will be this year. When I do return, I need to Men’s freestyle skiing Men’s team speedskating finals Closing ceremonies for the Vancouver make my behavior more respectful of the game.” Women’s curling semifinal Men’s curling finals Olympic and Paralympic games will be Women’s cross-country skiing Women’s cross country skiing held on March 21. Source: sports.espn.go.com Women’s ice hockey final Women’s team speedskating finals Women’s free skating figure skating 02-24-10 The Rattler 19 www.stmurattlernews.comSports SPORTS COMMENTARY Voting process for All-Star players merits questioning

By Alex Salinas respective conference. should remain the same. The NBA exists as Carmelo Anthony Staff Writer This has been the selection system for a business and form of entertainment that years, and for years there has been doubts gains millions of dollars in revenue due to Denver Nuggets As another season of the NBA All- among fans, coaches and even players on ticket sales, merchandise and television Small Forward Star game action passes, we are left with the decision-making process on the part of viewership from the fans. As such, any Average 29.3 pts/g the impression that the venues in Dallas the fans. The concern is that players who opportunity in which the league directly are grander than other venues that have may be worthy of participating are not being encourages fan participation should be previously hosted the game. R&B artist voted in every year, statistically speaking. taken in stride. While the voting process Usher’s heavily advertised song “More,” The eligibility and likelihood of any player may be flawed, please do not blame the fans. perfectly described the hype that everything making it to the All-Star game rests largely Blame the system they use. really is bigger in Texas. However, beyond on the opinion of the fans, and one can Kobe Bryant the fanfare and the cheers, there has been a argue that many players are grandfathered growing concern that has already arguably into the game either because they have been LA Lakers threatened the integrity of the best players a regular at the event or that their popularity West All-Star Starters Shooting Guard from the world’s most prolific league: precedes their statistics. Average 28.0 pts/g the fans. Suggestions have been made to improve Tim Duncan The multitude of events that define the current process. The extreme measure NBA All-Star weekend every February being talked about is the possibility of San Antonio Spurs is considered more than a celebration of eliminating fan voting altogether. This, Forward Center the game; it is a celebration and event however, is highly unlikely because it would Averages 18.9 pts/g held exclusively for the fans. Since the completely undo decades of tradition. Steve Nash commercialization of the Internet, the Another suggestion, recently popularized fans have been allowed to cast their votes by Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen, would be Phoenix Suns on NBA.com for whom they wish to see to count the fan votes as 50 percent of the Point Guard Average 17.7 pts/g compete months before the event. The fans selection and the other 50 percent would be Amar’e Stoudemire select two guards, two forwards and one split between votes from the media and the center from both the Eastern and Western players. This is a clever suggestion because Phoenix Suns Conferences, and they are allowed to cast one who better understands the players that Forward Center Source: blogcdn.com, ning.com, vote every day until the cutoff period. When deserve to make the trip to the All-Star Average 21.4 pts/g about.com, sportige.com, usaplayers. the starting five lineups are announced, the game than the players themselves? com coaches around the league then select the For the time being, the selection process remaining seven reserve players for their

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THE HOT SEAT

Photo by Robin Johnson Rattler fans support the St. Mary’s men’s and women’s basketball teams on Saturday Feb. 20 as they played against the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals. Photo by Robin Johnson

Featuring: Rayshaw Gandara Classification:Senior Rattlers prepare to compete Major: Biology

How long have you been dancing? for conference title I have been dancing since I was a freshman in high school. By Danielle Torres together as a team, and stay mentally ready,” Campbell said. Staff Writer This season the men’s team has racked up a 10-5 record with a What is it about dance that you 6-2 home record in conference play. The women’s team has done like so much? Basketball playoffs are just around the corner and the men’s and equally as good with an 11-3 record with a 6-1 home record in I like to entertain the crowd. women’s basketball teams have proven that they are ready. conference play. The fact that the Heartland Conference playoffs This season, both teams plan to make a huge impact not only will be held at St Mary’s gives both teams an amazing home in the Heartland Conference, but also in the tournament itself. The advantage in all their games. Do you plan on dancing after Rattler teams believe their hard work and time put in the gym will Having the support from packed stands at every game helps graduation? pay off. both teams get inspired and make it through the game. To draw a Well my whole life I have always “Our level of play raises up from the regular season; our practices larger crowd for the teams’ crucial games against wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys are more competitive,” said junior guard Nicole James. Incarnate Word, the athletics department hosted a Cheerleader. The players have a fresh perspective and optimistic “Blue Out” which was a pep rally of sorts outlook on the playoffs. They are all performing as prior to the men’s basketball game. if it is their last game, especially the seniors “Blue Out” included face and body Has being on Code Blue made on the teams. The men’s team has three painting, a car decorating contest, your St. Mary’s experience more seniors and the women’s team has two. and a tail gate in the AACC parking enjoyable? James said the most important thing lot between games. The Bill [College] has definitely been a more to know when heading into the Greehey Arena was full of fans who enjoyable experience. I get to go playoffs is “[knowing showed up to the games to support to practice and not think or worry that it is] one both teams. about school. and done, every Although the brackets are not set in game could be stone, whichever team the Rattlers draw your last.” up first will be a game no basketball fan What is your favorite type of The competition will want to miss. So fans, get your blue dance? the Rattlers have to face and gold gear ready, t h e Hip-hop. It definitely gets the is serious business. Opponents playoffs are crowd going, especially at the include Incarnate Word’s senior c o m i n g collegiate level.” guard Pierce Caldwell with an soon. average of 17.3 points per game The playoffs and senior guard Nia Torru begin March 4. with an average of 14.3 points per game. If the Rattlers had to pick someone they would rather not meet up with in the first round of conference play, James said it would be Incarnate Word, while the men’s sophomore guard Jeff Campbell said Compiled by Robin Johnson University of Newman. “[You] just have to say focused, stay

Rattler women’s basketball Coach Jason Martins (left) and men’s Coach Jim Zeleznak (right) shouting plays at the athletes as they play against the Incarnate Word Cardinals on Saturday Feb. 20. Both teams made an amazing effort Saturday as they prepare for the Heartland Conference Playoffs.Photos by Robin Johnson