St.Mary

DOWNCAST LUGUBRIOUS mental healthcare options anddiscoverswhatissuesplagueSt.Mary’sstudents. health. mental campus toward directed been has attention

n h mnh floig h Vrii Tc sotns a icesd mut f national of amount increased an shootings, Tech Virginia the following months the In AMISS ’ nvriy Vl 5 Ise9 4.2.2008 Issue9 s UniversityVol.95 DERANGEDOVERLOADED TY LT I U G T S A C N W O D E T I R T N O C D T E N K E R I C O I W F R E E D V O D E S S LUGUBRIOUSMELANCHOLYUNSATISFACTORY E Y R T P S M Y U P J P Y INCOHERANTAGITATEDTENSEANXIOUSBITTER A R H E N T U T D A I S J D E G N A STRANGEUNWORKABLEFANATICALHYSTERICAL R E D S U O HESITANTFOOLISHIMPRACTICALWORRIED I R I L E D AFRAIDMANIACALBONKERSBARMYCRACKED TROUBLEDVAGUEUNPOISEDALARMEDBACKWARDS SHAKYPROBLEMATICDIFFIDENTHESITANT D E T C E T O DISTRACTEDFRANTICOVERLOADEDUNSTEADY R P N U E L B A PRECARIOUSUNPREDICTABLEDEFENSELESS R E N L U V E L THREATENEDUNCERTAINEXPOSEDINIMICAL B A I L E N R E N K U O R B T R A E H BEREAVEDGLOOMY Rattler ANXIOUS the wherewher you’ll find it:

STRESSED DELIRIOUS e y ou ’ ll fi

nd it: Weight-Conscious Electronics STRANGE impossibly thin. impossibly Newest gadgetsmirror humanty’s desire for the reaction. studentgarner residence halls decisions concerning Administrative Residents’Life es g1 etrs g6 netimn p.1 omnay g1 Sot pg.18 Sports pg.15 Commentary pg.11 Entertainment pg.6 Features pg.1 News

INCOHERANT JUMPY pg. 3

pg. 15 FANATICAL

Safe andsecure.Safe

FRAIL

SAD DEFICIENT

AGITATED MELANCHOLY

IMPRACTICAL E S O M Y R H C A L HOMESICKDISMAL explores on-campus explores Rattler The home. Championship Tournament Conference Heartland bring andwomenMen We AretheChampions OVERWORKED

pg. 19 UNSATISFACTORY LUGUBRIOUS ROCK THIS WAY: virtual stage. virtual first bandto headlinethe Check Hero outGuitar ’s

Cont. onPG10, SEE “YOU ARE” AFRAID

UNRELIABLE

DEFICIENT

IMPRACTICAL UNSTEADY pg. 12 News

2 the Rattler 4.2.2008 News in Brief

CAMPUS WORLD Heads up—dates to remember Prison riot Priority Advising Deadline for Summer Deadline for One dead, 22 injured in gang-related disturbance and Registration for Service Program submissions to Pecan On March 28, two fights broke out at a medium security prison in Three Rivers, summer and fall 2008 applications Grove Review 80 miles south of San Antonio. The cause of the riot has not been determined, but March 25- April 14 April 4 April 8 prison officials said that it was brought under control quickly. The death of an Online at Service Learning Center English Department inmate is under investigation. gateway.stmarytx.edu Chaminade Tower SOURCE: KSAT.com Kick the Clutter Basra offensive Omega Delta Phi sponsors service event Iraqi military pushes into southern city Students are invited to participate in the annual Kick the Clutter event, during which During a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd they can volunteer for day-long service projects on April 5. Projects take place on the on March 28, President George W. Bush praised the Iraqi-led military invasion, campus and surrounding community. Volunteers should meet in front of St. Louis which began on March 24, calling it “a defining moment in the history of a free Hall at 9 a.m. to register. The service projects will begin shortly after and will last Iraq.” He called the offensive a sign of progress and said that Prime Minister Nuri until 1 p.m. For more information, contact Eric Barrera at [email protected]. al-Maliki was personally overseeing the operation. Despite his praise for the edu or 210-436-3976. operation, approximately 100 Iraqis have been killed in the fighting, and a surge in violence has occured around Baghdad’s International Zone, also known as the Green Zone. SOURCE: CNN .com Catholic Intellectual Tradition Cuba’s telecommunications Lecturer presents the “Historical Mary” Raul Castro lifts ban on cellular telephones On March 25, Elizabeth Johnson, Empresa de Telecommunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA), Cuba’s official Ph.D., presented “The Quest for the state telecommunication company said in an official statement that it would of- Historical Mary” as a part of the fer public access to cellular services over the next few days. Cell phones must be Catholic Intellectual Tradition event purchased with foreign currency and are only available wih pre-paid services. These series. Johnson authored “A Theol- changes come as a result of Raul Castro’s promise to ease restrictions on Cuban’s ogy of God and Prophets” and “Truly daily lives. SOURCE BBC News Our Sister, A Theology of Mary in the Communion of Saints.” She lectured about Mary’s origins, the implica- tions of her life for faith and social 2008 Olympics justice for the Marianist tradition. PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA Activists protest Olympic torch lighting, relay

The Olympic Torch was lit on March 24 SGA elections in Athens. Before the torch was lit, Liu Qi, a Chinese envoy and head of the Beijing Olympic organizing commit- Seats to be filled for 2008-2009 academic year tee, spoke as a part of the traditional The Student Government Association (SGA) will hold elections on April 9-10 in the ceremony. His speech was interrupted University Center Atrium. Students should bring their student IDs to cast votes for by protesters who vowed to protest president, vice president, senators and representatives. Contact the SGA office for the Olympics to call attention to the more information at [email protected] or 210-436-3403. violence in Tibet and other alleged human rights violations committed by China. PHOTO COURTESY OF bbc.co.uk SOURCE: BBC News A Piece of Politics COMPILED BY DOMINIQUE VARGAS Earth Hour combats rising greenhouse gases

By Dominique Vargas of participants in approximately 200 cities, The business district of Sydney was executive director Andy Ridley said that -News Editor- including more than 100 in North America, dark as were the Harbor Bridge and the Earth Hour was able to transcend politi- participated in Earth Hour. Opera House. cal boundaries in places like China, Viet- On March 31, 2007, 2.2 million people San Francisco was expected to dim the According to the Earth Hour Web nam and Papua, New Guinea, in which and businesses in Sydney, Australia, spent lights of the Golden Gate Bridge in obser- site, the event reduces greenhouse individuals and businesses participated in exactly one hour in the dark. vance of Earth Hour. emissions and provides for unique Earth Day. Earth Hour, as it was called, was Earth Hour 2008 was kicked off by New opportunities, such as events by candle The Earth Hour Web Site also stated that created to reduce greenhouse emissions in Zealand and Fiji, according to CNN News. light, beach bonfires and green-powered if the amount greenhouse gasses reduced Sydney and to inspire other cities to take Due to time zone changes, Earth Hour will outdoor movies. in Sydney alone during Earth Hour was action, according to the Earth Hour official be completed by the cities during the 8 p.m. The Internet search engine Google.com sustained for a year, it would be the equiva- Web site. hour as they experience it. also participated in the event by adding a lent to removing 48,616 cars off the road for Created by the World Wildlife Fund Sydney was the first major city in the black background to its home page with one year. in Sydney, the event has grown into a world to participate this year. The city ex- the message: “We’ve turned the lights out. global movement. pects to cut approximately 10.2 percent of Now, it’s your turn.” On March 29, 2008, at 8 p.m., millions carbon emissions during that hour. According to CNN News, Earth Hour

Visit us on the Web at www.myspace.com/rattlernews. News

4.2.2008 the Rattler 3 Residents face housing changes By Amanda Guerra explained Karam. -Ad Manager- She said that they did not want to go with an alternative plan, which would Director of Residence Life James have included asking some not to live Villarreal, Associate Director of Residence on campus. Life Ann Karam, Vice President of Student “That doesn’t fit with the Student Development Kathy Sisoian and Dean of Development or Residence Life mission,” Students Judy Deshotels met earlier this said Karam. year to discuss and to make changes to Karam added that the Residence Life Of- available housing options. fice wants to offer students who want to live St. Mary’s University has been using the on campus the opportunity to do so. current system of lottery numbers to deter- All residence halls in the Outback mine housing arrangements for two years. with the exception of Leies will be over Under this system, students were given pri- capacity, but according to Residence Life, PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA ority for good academic performances and there will not be a safety issue. After room selection students were given the option to buy Oyster Bake tickets. higher classifications. “There is still enough room, and all the This year, certain groups of people are safety equipment is in working order,” Residence Life has informed incoming this to us is because we can’t afford to leave being placed in specific halls. Villarreal said. freshmen of the tripling in Lourdes and St. Mary’s University.” “We are asking people who were According to Villarreal, this will be a Marian so that they will not be surprised. Some students said that they felt their seniors [at the end of the fall 2007 semes- one-time situation. “It will be different next “All our brochures talk about tripling,” voices were not heard and that they did not ter] to live in Chaminade this coming year,” year because of the new hall,” he said. said Villarreal. “We try to have our show- get enough information about the changes. said Karam. “If they are not 21 yet, we will Villarreal said that the new hall will pres- rooms be triples so that [students] are not as “I got to class late after waiting in line,” ask them to live in Treadaway.” ent opportunities to renovate old halls and negative when they arrive in August.” said Galvan. “I had even gotten there ear- The changes were intended to provide to get rid of tripling. Letters were sent out to affected seniors, ly, but no one was regulating the line and more housing to students. Villarreal also stated that several parents and a room selection guide was sent out to making sure everything was in order.” “Last year, about 80 or so sophomores and students have voiced concerns about all of the undergraduate students. Other students said that there was were on a waiting list,” said Villarreal. “This the changes, but once they understand that Some students said that they were not a lack of personal communication year, we tried not to have as many people this change is being made for the greater happy with the changes. and coordination. on a waiting list.” good of the entire residence community, Junior English/communication arts ma- “I would go to an information meeting if Next year, ten rooms in each building in they do not mind as much. jor and biology minor Tiffany Galvan said they didn’t schedule it during class time,” the Outback will each house three residents According to Karam, age-specific resi- she thinks that the process was not clear. said Salazar. instead of two. dence halls allow for tailored programs. “No one knew what [s/he] was classified as Despite the changes made to liv- Chaminade will house three people per Villarreal cited the wine-tasting event or what time [s/he] would be considered as ing arrangements, Karam said that they suite on the second and third floors, so some in Chaminade as an example of such that classification,” she said. were made in order to be inclusive, rooms will be doubled. programs. “We cannot provide programs When senior criminology and Span- not exclusive. “By tripling some rooms, by consoli- like that at any other residence hall,” ish major Magdalena Salazar received the “We hope that we will be able to get ev- dating seniors, by moving some groups Villarreal said. He also stated that the social letter, she said that she felt frustrated. erybody on campus who wants to live on of folks around to different areas, we programs run parallel to the classification of “I worked so hard for a high GPA,” said campus,” she added. “That’s the number were able to offer housing to all groups,” the students. Salazar. “I feel like the only reason they did one goal.”

According to the office of Residence Life 1,083 undergraduate, graduate and law students lived on campus in Spring 2008. News

4 the Rattler 4.2.2008 Student, alumni panel concludes Lin Speaker Series

By Kimberly Vela views on the series. -Features Editor- “The concept was some- thing I questioned at fi rst. It A Student and Alumni made me think about things I Panel was held on March 18., hadn’t in a while. I hope that the which wrapped up the three community took a little of this previous lectures of the Lin Great with themselves,” panelist Scharf- Speakers Series. Zeldes said. Panelists Barbara Scharf- According to some attendees, Zeldes, J.D., senior philosophy the panel offered a unique aspect major Floyd Contreras, Director of to the series because it allowed the Institute Interfaith Dialog-San students to voice their own refl ec- Antonio Veysel Demir and ad- tions on the larger topic of peace. junct professor Aaron Tyler, Ph.D., “The community forum was represented the faiths of something different from the PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA and denominations within Lin series and helped unite the Aaron Tyler, Ph.D., discusses the Christian perspective for the 2008 Lin Great Speaker’s Series: “Interfaith Dialogue: A Christianity, Judaism and Islam. three lectures under one event. In Pathway to Peace.” Refl ecting on the Lin Great doing so, in the future, I hope the lecturer [at this event], it may is exploring. She stated that the Series, whether a mutual under- Speakers Rabbi Jack Bemporad, community will refl ect for have deterred people,” said event was well-structured and standing could be reached in the Cardinal Theodore McCarrick personal well-being,” panelist Contreras. “I thought the people thought-provoking. Middle East and what hopes they and Jamal Badawai, Ph.D., the Contreras said. who came benefi ted, but I wish “The most important thing that had for the Holy Lands. panelists offered their views on Despite Contreras’ hope that others attended.” was said was that we have to fi nd To the latter query, the panel this year’s theme: “Interfaith Dia- the forum would positively Regardless of the low peace in ourselves before we fi nd offered an overwhelmingly opti- logue: A Pathway to Peace.” impact the community, less than attendance, freshman undecided peace with others. It starts within mistic response. All four panelists The fi rst of its kind for this 20 students were in attendance at business major Brandi Rodri- us fi rst,” Rodriguez said. agreed that with the proper focus, series, the refl ective dialogue al- the event. guez said that the event cor- Throughout the discussion, mutual forgiveness and under- lowed students and other Lin “We did what we could to related with the subject matter panelists spoke about their gen- standing, headway could be made Speaker attendees to share their advertise. Since there wasn’t a that her current theology class eral reactions to the Lin Speaker to make peace a reality.

Department of State recruiters target business school’s diverse student body By Nancy Martinez -Assistant Ad Manager- cited by ambassadors as the main reason United States abroad. Scassa served in the “We are very excited to create awareness that the Department of State is interested in service for 37 years and lived in many coun- for students because it is a great opportu- The Bill Greehey School of Business, recruiting on campus. tries, including Beirut, Belize, Iceland, Saudi nity,” Gonzalez said. specifi cally the Human Resources Seminar “St. Mary’s being a majority/minority Arabia and Zambia. He was nominated as Members of EdVenture Partners, a com- class, is one of the programs from fi ve uni- university and having more women than ambassador to Belize by President George pany contracted by the Department of State versities participating in a recruitment cam- men is what the Department of State calls H. W. Bush. to build the marketing program, are pleased paign with the U.S. Department of State. a ‘target university,’” said Ambassador “It’s something you got to want to do. with the achievements of the class. “We have been asked by the Depart- Eugene Scassa, Scholar-in-Residence. It is not for everybody, but then again, you “I am thrilled with the turnout and ment of State to participate in a mar- “It’s been one of the best kept secrets. don’t have to stay,” Scassa said. with the group of students and what they keting research survey and campaign It used to be very exclusive in the 60s with The campaign’s fi rst two steps— have put together,” said Tom Cronyn of to educate students about the Foreign only a handful of women and no minori- participation in the career fair and an in- EdVenture Partners. Service,” said senior human resources major ties except in clerical positions. All of that formation session—took place in March The application takes several steps and Rosario Gonzalez, receptionist for the started changing in the 60s, and now, 60 while a recruitment party and student out- requires a Foreign Service Offi cer Test. Stu- Athletic Department. percent are women or minorities.” reach is scheduled to run through the rest of dents are encouraged to fi nd information on The diversity of the student body was Foreign Service offi cers represent the the semester. the Department of State Web site.

Undergraduate Research Symposium Students exhibit work to community The ninth annual Undergraduate Research Sumposium and Creative Activi- ties Exhibition was held on March 28 in the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center. This event provided participating students with the oportunity to showcase original research, scientifi c investigations, analytical reviews or projects, innovations/ inventions, honor theses, senior projects and original works of art, including media, poetry or writing.

PHOTOS BY ROBIN JOHNSON PHOTO BY ROBIN JOHNSON Top: Carlo Agapito and Joshua Cavazos altered a trumpet to play without the traditional fi nger positions. Students and faculty observe and discuss the projects displayed in the Bottom: “Electronic Dartboard,” made by William Calhoun and Nadeem Omar, is explained to Bro.Terry Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center. O’Connor, Ph.D., by Omar. According to the U.S. Department of State official Web site, the Department of Foreign Affairs was renamed the Department of State on Sept. 15, 1789. 5 the Rattler 4.2.2008 Features

6 the Rattler 4.2.2008 CAREER POINTERS Battle of Bands features headliner, two stages and free souvenirs Look to Summer By Amanda Guerra -Advertising Manager- Service Program As musical melodies fi lled the air, the bat- for community tlefi eld for Battle of the Bands was set and was bigger and better than ever. involvement The University Programming Council’s Vice President of Public Relations Allison A column by the Vande Hey advertised through Facebook.com Career Services staff messages, personal invitations and an infor- mation table set up in the University Center. The countdown is on. The se- As word spread, 20 bands applied to mester is almost fi nished, and play, but some were placed on a waiting list summer is just on the horizon. It’s due to time constraints. Finally, a total of 10 time to prepare for two months of bands were set to play 15-minute sets; seven the beach, the bed, the books or out of these 10 bands were made up of St. the boss. Mary’s students. PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA Whatever the reason, sum- “Priority should be given to St. Mary’s One attendee shares a kiss with a little rocker while enjoying the melodies from the 11 total groups mer has become a traditional sea- bands,” said senior English major Amanda at Battle of the Bands. son for students to “catch up,” Alaniz. “Our community should support whether they choose to cram a each other.” band ready to play,” he said. According to Vande Hey, Battle of the few more credits under their belts, Alaniz did not mind that bands made up The headliner for this year’s Battle of the Bands exposes students to a different environ- to make up for lost sleep, to pay of non-St. Mary’s students played because “it Bands was Kevin Goes 2 College, which was ment by merging a variety of music genres. off the overdue bills, to see the lat- helps them promote themselves.” invited back by Vande Hey because of the “I would like to see more bands play,” said est movies in theaters or to visit This year’s production featured two stages band’s familiarity with the St. Mary’s campus Lopez. “Maybe turn it into an all-day event or with friends. to fi t more bands in addition to a headliner, as well as its performance at last year’s event. have more programs like this.” Residence Life and the Service free photo booth and T-shirts and student or- Vande Hey explained that having a head- The winners of the Battle of the Bands in- Learning Center offer another rea- ganization fundraising. liner “gives the event a professional spin and cluded: Resonate in third place; Last Week son for students to catch up: the Alaniz, who is a member of Alpha Sigma takes it to a new level.” Was Better in second place and Pause the TV Summer Service Program (SSP) Tau (AST), added, “Battle of the Bands is not Kevin Goes 2 College bassist D. J. Aleman in fi rst place. 2008 provides an opportunity for one of AST’s biggest fundraisers. It’s more of said that the band’s exposure at Battle of the All three bands were awarded gigs at students to catch up with the sur- a social and a way for us to promote unity Bands helped gain exposure. Since its last St. various venues in town; Resonate won a gig rounding community. within the community.” Mary’s appearance, the group has gained a at Bonds 007 Rock Bar, Last Week Was Bet- After an application and an Junior human resources major Gabriel Lo- manager, a new record label, a music video ter at Hooligans Bar and Grill and Pause the interview, 15 students will be cho- pez expressed that he liked the setup. “You label and a new CD on which the members TV at Trinity University’s TigerTV’s show, sen to complete 15 hours of service just turn around and voila! There is another are working. Studio 21. each week for community partners that best match their career goals WINNER’S CIRCLE and interests. Pause the TV wins fi rst place at Battle. As an added incentive from By Amanda Guerra Residence Life, the program offers -Advertising Manager- “If you try to get by without participants free housing in Tread- friendship in a band, it doesn’t away Hall for both summer ses- Justo Cisneros, guitarist and work; you start to get at each oth- sions, provided that the students lead vocals; Rudy Villarreal, drum- er’s throat,” LaBlanc said. purchase the summer meal plan mer; and Jamison LeBlanc, guitar- LeBlanc is the newest mem- as part of the summer housing ist and keys, are the members of ber of the band, but he has been application process. indie/alternative rock band Pause playing guitar for about 11 years. Students chosen for SSP 2008 the TV. Their inspirations come Villarreal has been playing the will be able to identify social issues from such bands as Radiohead, U2 drums for about six years, and that affect the community and will and RX Bandits. Cisneros has been playing guitar learn how to address those con- “Because I was born in for seven. cerns by being actively engaged. the 80s, I was infl uenced by Pause the TV was not looking Part of St. Mary’s University’s punk, new wave and later to win the Battle of the Bands; mission statement is: “...[to foster] by experimental,” LeBlanc said. they were just looking for some the formation of people in faith Villarreal said that to fi nd in- fun and a chance to play for a and [to educate] leaders for the sight, he listens to movie scores live audience. common good through communi- from such fi lms as The Good, the What the members really en- ty...” SSP 2008 will help meet that Bad and the Ugly. joyed about Battle of the Bands intended mission. Cisneros said that recently, he was the crowd. “We really like to GET INVOLVED has been most inspired by his band talk to people. It means more to members. “I changed the way I do us than winning,” Jamison said. Summer Service Program 2008 things as the members came into Overall, they were impressed by Pick up an application in the the band. I began to realize what the organization and execution of Service Learning Center. we could become.” the event. The band has only played to- After this experience, Pause the For more information, call 431- gether seven or eight times. The TV hopes to play more shows and 2108 or join the Facebook. guys have all known each other maybe go up to Austin. com group “Summer Service Program 2008.” since high school, and they say You can check them out at PHOTO BY ROBIN JOHNSON that this helps when forming myspace.com/pausethetv. The three members of Pause the TV have known one another since Application Deadline: April 4. a band. high school. First installation of art festival Luminaria adds a hint of magic features SA artists By Sarah Linares in her works, was one of the artists ings,” she said. “I want families low community organizer Ramon tious event, and we had no idea -Senior Staff Writer- involved in the festival. that cannot afford a $2,000 paint- Vasquez that set off a chain of in- what to expect,” said Garcia. Drawing inspiration from simi- “All of the people here support ing to be able to say, ‘We love art novative ideas resulting in Poetry Garcia later explained what ex- lar festivals held in Paris and Ma- my art and the art of all San Anto- and we don’t want to buy Block, a three-stage event that was cited him most about Luminaria. drid, Luminaria engaged artists nio artists,” she said. a copy.’” nothing less than captivating. “The collaborative effort that it from all walks, including visual, A native R a c u s i n ’ s The two collaborated with takes to do an event like Luminar- performing, multimedia, theatre, of Venezuela, involvement other great San Antonio minds to ia is inspirational and validating dance and music on March 15. Racusin hopes to in Luminaria provide audience members with for those of us who’ve been at this The magnitude of collabora- continue work- was a step the opportunity to witness and to a long time. It exposes the talent tion needed to make such an event ing in San An- towards that engage in the art of poetry. that we already know is here.” a success is testimony to the talent tonio and aims to make her goal because all Luminara Garcia expressed his initial con- In his fi nal refl ections upon the and dedication of San Antonio’s works accessible to all art goers. events were free of charge. cerns regarding the daunting task event, Garcia noted, “It’s inter- art community. “I want the community to Santiago Garcia, poet and of coordinating Poetry Block. esting what happens when you Artist Raquel Racusin, who get involved. I want people to graduate of St. Mary’s University, “At fi rst, we were a little over- create the conditions for magic uses her family name of Cabrerra have access to affordable paint- received a phone call from fel- whelmed. It was such an ambi- to happen.”

For a taste of the poetry from Luminaria, check out http://instant-poetry.blogspot.com. Features

4.2.2008 the Rattler 7

Students consider whether or not hip hop dancing should be considered a sport due to the art’s rigor.

By Rynah Young you can’t.” dance was to become a recognized would be one of the most exciting sports -Staff Writer- As hip hop dancers must have dedica- sport, should certain rules that can to view.” For many ages, dancing has been a part tion and perseverance and must undergo only defi ne hip hop dance be put “It would be an interesting sport to of American culture, and in today’s genera- vigorous practice, some students believe into effect? watch because people can get creative with tion, many people seem especially interest- that it should be recognized as a sport. “Hip hop dance is a freestyle form of it,” said junior history major Mel Chavez. ed in the hip hop style of dance. “I believe [that] dancing should be rec- expression,” said freshman physics major “I don’t think that you would fi nd that cre- With its intricate choreography and up- ognized as a sport but not only for [hip Aaron Ryan, an active hip hop dancer who ativity in other sports like you would in beat moves, hip hop dance has become a fa- hop] dancing,” said Sanchez. “I believe, attends Northwest Vista College. “If you’re hip hop.” vorite pastime for many young people. as do many others, [that] dancing is al- moving your body to the sound of hip hop Many students agreed that hip hop dance People across the country can see tal- ready recognized as a sport due to the music, there should be no other rule.” would make for an exciting organization in ented dance crews demonstrate their various competitions.” Many college students enjoy going out which they could participate if one existed skills in the competitive dance series Freshman electrical engineering major to the club on the weekends; however, once on campus. While some may be interested Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Michael Dela Cruz agrees. Monday arrives, it’s back to the books. in hip hop dance itself, others might use it Dance Crew. “Hip hop [dance] involves a lot of As dancing generally remains a weekend simply for exercise. “Hip hop dance is dancing with your teamwork, skill, determination and men- activity, one question remains on students’ “If there were classes that taught hip emotions along with a beat that can only be tal strength. Sports like football, basket- minds: Should there be a hip hop dance or- hop as a form of exercise, I would take expressed [through] passion,” said fresh- ball [and] track involve a lot of practice ganization on campus?” them. It never hurts to do something en- man computer science major Michael San- and skill to achieve the goals [that] a team “Yes, of course. I believe that a lot of the tertaining while getting in shape at the chez. “It is the use of your passion for mu- wants. Hip hop [dance] has the same el- fraternities and sororities would jump to same time,” said freshman English major sic, the emotion [and] the feel of music and ements as a sport but [involves] the art [be a part of] this organization along with Francesca Garcia. the rhythm to follow.” of dance,” he said. other people,” said Sanchez. “I believe that It’s only a matter of time until hip hop To some, dancing can be learned, but to However, freshman marketing and psy- frats would do this, especially because some dance becomes a nationally recognized others, dancing is natural chology major RRyanyan Ortiz said that he does [of them] like to have strstrolloll competitions. I sport. Many hip hop dancers will be r rec-ec- talent. not believe that hip hop should become a think they will like the music too.” ognized for their talents, and many people “Dancing is sport “because it would be moremore about For many students, hip will look up to them just as they look up to trtrulyuly entertain- competition. Plus, it’s very hop dance recognizedrecognized sports players. ing,” said fr fresh-esh- opinionated on what man English major Justin moves araree betterbetter.”.” Limos. “You“You can’t reallyreally If hip hop fake dancing. YouYou ei- ther can [dance] o r

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY JON MIKE HERNANDEZ

Step into this year’s phenomenon by visiting Planeta Bar-Rio to see live hip hop dancing on Saturday nights. Features

8 the Rattler 4.2.2008 Unassigned Reading Celebrating women’s journey

A variety of events help to showcase women’s modern vision.

Discussion serves as tool for healing Audrey Brians’ works featured in library

By Dominique Vargas ter at the “Women Meeting the -News Editor- Challenges of War with Hope “I’ll never forget the little and Courage” Women’s History chins shaking and the tears well- Month event on March 25. ing up,” Molly O’Phelan said of Each participant spoke about her children when they were told how war has affected her and that their father, an Air Force her family. Like Water for Chocolate chaplain, was being deployed Panelists agreed that the best by Laura Esquivel to Iraq. response to meeting this chal- After one and a half years in lenge was to become involved Iraq, Melissa Fleming’s husband with their families and to foster The story’s protagonist, is due to return sometime this good communication. Tita De la Garza, is the young- month to a family that has grown Several of the participants est daughter of the family and and changed in his absence. have also decided to work to PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA has no choice but to care for Fleming’s daughter Amanda assist others whose loved ones Audrey Brians answers student inquires regarding her painting. her mother and never to to said that she compares her feel- are involved in war through By Jon Mike Hernandez dream of marriage even if she ings about her father’s deploy- researching and building -Layout/Design Manager- were to fall in love with the ment to a time when she and her support systems. right man. father went camping together, Last year, the Counseling and Various uses of mixed media and expressionist styles of work by Tita spends much of her and she got lost. She said that Human Services Department architect, artist and author Audrey Brians were showcased at the time in the kitchen, cooking she found herself feeling not only received a two-year $284,000 Louis J. Blume Library from March 5 to 26. out her tears, love and anger. lost, but also like her life was a grant from the Texas Resources Characterized by a use of bright-colored acrylic paints, Brians’ Her food is the way she ex- “giant blur.” for Iraq-Afghanistan Deploy- paintings foster an image of retro design. presses her interior feelings; Pamela Westover’s husband ment Fund of the San Antonio The exhibit also included several of her architectural composi- the smell and taste of the food was nearing the end of his tour of Area Foundation. tions. These designs featured company buildings and logos and were makes people either laugh duty in Iraq when he was severe- This program will provide created with a traditional style of architectural drawing; this style or cry. ly injured. His life hung in bal- marital therapy, family play uses paper, pencils and rulers to draw angles and lines with mathe- This novel explores the ance for several months, and he therapy, individual counseling matical precision, which many architecture students take for granted magical side of love. faced surgeries that would span and neurofeedback therapy to in computer software today. over the next few years. families with members involved Brians was the only woman to graduate from the University of These, among other stories, in Operation: Enduring Freedom Austin’s School of Architecture in 1956. She currently operates her were shared by O’Phelan, Westo- and Operation: Iraqi Freedom. own business, Audrey Brians’ Architect and Landscape, which is GABRIELA NORIEGA ver, Fleming and her daugh- based here in San Antonio.

If you liked Like Water for Chocolate, you should also check out Esquivel’s other popular novel The Law of Love. Features

4.2.2008 the Rattler 9 Smells like spring spirit Around Town The Rattler shares tips on picking out the perfect scent for the season.

By Christine Le -Managing Editor- rose, oriental perfumes have a passionate, seductive and sophisticated personality. Looking to add freshness to your fragrance ward- Citrus notes like lemon and lime, crisp greens robe this season? like tea leaves and herbs and water-based notes of Consider the feature notes for spring: “citrus, cool dew and sea breeze defi ne the zesty scents of sweet and fruity,” according to fragrance expert Judy fresh fragrances. Ramirez from Sephora at The Shops at La Cantera. Energetic and refreshing, perfumes like DKNY’s However, no matter what factors you consider in Be Delicious and Kenneth Cole’s Reaction embody SAN ANTONIO FILM COMMISSION TO HOST 30TH choosing your signature scent, Ramirez believes that the playful and sporty appeal that make fragrances the most important criteria for such a decision is that of the fresh family ideal for springtime. ANNUAL CINEFESTIVAL AT GUADALUPE THEATRE the scent is “something you feel good in.” With designers launching their newest colognes In the world of fragrance, a cologne or perfume and perfumes for the spring, now is an exceptional Community members is more than just an ideal spritz to mask its wear- time to discover a new fragrance or two. will gather to view er in a pleasant scent. It is a medium that defi nes When deciding on a scent, you should generally over 20 independent an occasion, embraces a time and even enhances consider several factors, such as price and the vari- fi lms for the four-day a personality. ous occurrences during which you will be wearing Despite the multitude of fragrances on the mar- the fragrance: evenings, every day, special occasions, CineFestival. ket, you can narrow down your options by simply weekends and work. Films include The acknowledging your preference for a particular scent With Chanel No. 5’s Eau Première at $125, a num- Bookie, directed by San that appeals to and compliments your personality, ber of perfumes exist that have the potential to make Antonio locals Mickey considering the occasion for which the fragrance will a serious impact on your wallet. and Gibby Cevallos, and the Sundance Film Festival be worn and recognizing season-specifi c tones. Knowing this, purchasing designer fragrances is From fl oral to woody, fragrances are often classi- an investment, and you should always keep in mind Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award winner Sleep Dealer. fi ed as belonging to specifi c “families,” possessing how much you’re willing to spend. Tickets can be pre-ordered over the phone. After distinctive scents and similar predominant notes. While some people wear just one fragrance, oth- you attend the festival, no one will doubt your indie The four standard families are: fl oral, woody, ori- ers prefer to have a fragrance wardrobe made up of fi lm cred ever again. ental and fresh. scents for all moods, occasions and season. Containing feminine notes, fl oral fragrances like Considering the four families of fragrances afore- Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue and Dior’s J’adore mentioned, possessing a scent from each type can Tickets: $30 (students) for four-day pass blend jasmine, rose and white fl owers. easily carry you through all occasions and season. The lightness of fl owery perfumes, the most popu- For those who fi nd shopping for fragrances a April 10-13, All-day event lar of the fragrance families, also makes them ideal bit overwhelming, Ramirez advised, “Knowing what Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe St. for summer. you have worn in the past can give you a good idea as San Antonio, TX 78207 Bold and classic, woody fragrances like Prada by to what kind of fragrances you are drawn to. Every- (210) 271-3151 for ticket pre-order information Prada and Polo Black by Ralph Lauren contain notes thing from brand preference to the advertisements in www.cinefestivalsa.org of cedar, patchouli and sandalwood. magazines also infl uence your decision and can sig- This family is ideal for those who seek a confi dent nifi cantly narrow down the options.” PHOTO COURTESY CINEFESTIVAL WEB SITE cologne or sensual perfume. Heavier and muskier, “Asking for a fragrance per- woody fragrances are considered fi tting for fall son helps too,” said Ramirez. and winter. “But always keep in mind what Oriental fragrances like Calvin Klein’s Euphoria you like.” and Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium, are suggestive of the Far East with their rich and spicy notes of amber, cinnamon and vanilla. Blended with opulent fl owers, such as orchid and OUR SIGNATURES Check out the staff’s favorite scents.

Dior J’Adore Vera Wang Petal 1 “Feminine, soft” 3 “Subtle rose notes,” Vivian Esparza, Photo Editor Dominique Vargas, News Editor Burberry Brit Sheer 2“ Light, versatile,” Ralph Lauren Ralph Elizabeth Ruiz, Editor in Chief 4“ Clean, fl oral,” Amanda Guerra, Advertising Manager

1 Kenneth Cole Black 5 “Silent but seductive.” 2 Selena San Miguel, Entertainment Editor

3 4 5

Love movies? Check out Entertainment pg. 13 for information about upcoming movies. Features

10 the Rattler 4.2.2008 You are SAFE AND SECURE Undergraduate life can be more stressful than any other point during formative years. Fortunately, on-campus resources offer students the help they need.

By Elizabeth Ruiz -Editor in Chief- students seeking help from the staff: “Spring at national conferences for college counseling break brings out personal drama. When students centers on recognizing warning signs. Exams, fi nancial aid, GRE preparatory get back, not only do [they] have fi nals, but [they “Instead of just being reactive, you really courses, internship applications, résumés, term also have] much up in the air.” need to be actively involved in noticing behavior papers... The list of woes for the average under- Hardin said that several factors contribute in students,” said Deshotels. graduate goes on. to the student body’s composite mental health, The campus’ threat assessment system en- With ever-mounting pressure on students, vis- which is unique from many other universities be- courages communication between the faculty its to the Counseling and Testing Center have in- cause of the ethnic makeup and population size. and the dean’s staff as to whether or not there is creased drastically over the course of a decade. Because of cultural infl uences brought with concern about a student’s behavior, which could The rise in number of visits could be attrib- them, St. Mary’s students trend toward more then be discussed with the counseling depart- uted to a shift in attitude toward mental health family-oriented issues than college students in ment and, if necessary, the university police. care among college students. other regions. “Students seem to want to work What distinguishes this method from that of Dean of Students Judy Deshotels has a theory out family problems,” said Hardin. Virginia Tech’s method prior to the shootings is as to why the increase in visits at the center has Other problems that St. Mary’s students face the heavy emphasis on follow-ups. Even for less occurred. “Young people are getting help ear- include anxiety, depression and academic and severe cases, the dean would refer the student to lier in life because it’s not so much of a stigma,” relationship problems. the counseling department and then notify that she said. Hardin notes a distinction from the national department to ensure that the student arrives. The dean’s offi ce offers assistance and sup- trends in our school. “Statistically, you would not “There are times when we’ll walk a student port to students and directs them towards the expect a young Hispanic male who has come in over to make it a more comfortable process,” appropriate department. with a machismo background, but they come in said Deshotels. Some students are referred to the center, which every day.” When students are referred by the center, the operates during the week and offers a 24-hour She said that some centers see only situational nature of their visits is kept confi dential in accor- crisis hotline. The center also offers free psychi- problems or only see full-time students, which dance with the Family Educational Rights and atric services from residents in their fi nal year of lends to the probability of high-risk students fall- Privacy Act. “If it’s going to divulge too much medical school. ing through the cracks. information about the student, they will not tell Since fall 1994, visits to the center have in- While Hardin acknowledges that the cam- me,” she said. creased from 194 to 1,278 in fall 2007. pus has not seen tragedies on the scale of the Deshotels has noticed a less frequent oc- Barbara Hardin, Ph.D., director of the Coun- Texas A&M bonfi re of 1999 or the Virginia Tech currence of severe disciplinary issues com- seling and Testing Center and psychology de- shootings of last April, she is wary of the dan- pared to other universities, and Hardin has partment adjunct professor, noticed a trend in gers found on college campuses, especially when not encountered severe situations, such as visits in the last several years. troubled students slip through the cracks. suicide, in the 12 years she has worked at “Ordinarily, our visits peak right before and “There are a percentage of students we never the center. right after spring break,” she said. see,” she said. To Deshotels, communication is key to a safe She offered an explanation for the spike in To help better prepare, training has been held campus. “We’re all learning about this together.” Number Breakdown

Notes on the Counseling and Testing Center

STMU Counseling Center Statistics STMUSTMU CounselingCounseling CenterCenter Services From May 2007 to February 2008: St. Mary’s University Counseling and Testing Center offers several services to help students get through their problems. 400 Services include but are not limited to: 344 Individual Counseling Consultation and Referral Students receive one-on-one coun- No need to fear if the Counseling Center seling to help alleviate problems can’t help with solving a particular prob- 300 that may arise at school or at home. lem. They work closely with profession- als in the community and are more than Marital and Relationship Counseling happy to fi nd a suitable professional to help with a student’s needs. Relationships can get a bit rocky. 200 Fortunately, students can request counseling that specializes in prob- Learning Disabilities Testing 150 lems that surface in relationships. The Counseling Center tests for certain

Number of Cases Seen Number of Cases Group Counseling learning disabilities and will issue the 116 proper documentation for those stu- Students are able to get support from 100 90 dents to receive accomodations. both staff and students facing similar problems in these group settings.

Psychiatry Services Career Counseling Intakes Couples Walk-ins Follow-ups A psychiatry resident is available at the Job searching can cause a lot of frustra- Counseling Center on a weekly basis to Types of Services Provided tion and anxiety. StMU’s Counseling discuss with students about psychiatric Center makes the search easier with evaluations and possible perscriptions Intakes are the occurrences of students career searching and decision-making for medication. assistance. visiting for the fi rst time. Follow-ups include all subsequent appointments clients make.

SOURCE: COUNSELING AND TESTING CENTER GRAPH BY JON MIKE HERNANDEZ

In 2002, the National Mental Health Information Center estimated that up to 1,113,108 Texas adults suffered from a serious mental illness. Entertainment

11 the Rattler 4.2.2008 The Directors’ Cuts

The Rattler focuses in on the careers of three masters of creative impact is evident in music videos, lm and their upcoming

Michel Gondry’s projects. commercials, feature-length fi lms and shorts. His work exhibits people in their honest forms. He does not try to show, The people Science as society wants them to be, but as they think, feel and act. His works express his active imagination, which seems to be on overdrive. Many times, we enter the minds of his characters— literally. Such fi lms for which he is well known are Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind of Sleep, Dave Chappelle’s Block Party and his recent work, Be Kind Rewind. He has directed music videos for Beck, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, The White Stripes and Bjork. Many of these have a colorful, dream-like tone, produced with a unique style that cannot be ignored. For example, his fi lms include objects appearing 10 times their size. The image of Dave Grohl fi ghting with overgrown .hands in the Foo Fighters’ music video, “Everlong,” recurs in his 2006 release, The -AMANDA GUERRA Science of Sleep His creative point of view was made accessible to mainstream audiences in a commercial for the Levi’s Superlow jeans advertisement campaign, which featured singing belly buttons. Gondry has a way of exemplifying our innermost thoughts by personifying certain human characteristics in objects. Many of Gondry’s creations are larger then life, which makes him very distinct. He is currently working on a new movie entitled Master of Space and Time based on the novel by Rudy Rucker. Indiana Jones series, is often called the most infl uential and talented writer/director/

Steven Spielberg producer in Hollywood. His fi rst fi lm was The Sugarland Express, which was released in 1974, but it was with theand 1975 television. $100 million-grossing fi lm, Jaws, that left an indelible mark on With the upcoming fourth installment to the cinematic history. It has been twoIndiana years sinceJones andthe releasethe Kingdom of Munich of the, CrystalSpielberg’s Skull most, Spielberg recent is directorial project. Since 2006, he hasback focused in the onlimelight writing as and the producing fi lm’s director. for both fi lm Originally conceived by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, the series is based on an archaeology professor who spends more time treasure hunting and fi ghting his way out of booby-trapped temples than he does lecturing. The fourth installment promises more treasure hunts and narrow escapes, conducted by an aged Indiana (Harrison Ford) and a new character, Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf). Though the character of Mutt Williams is expected

to be the lovechild of Jones and returning character Marion

Ravenwood (Karen Allen), writers have not confi rmed his origins. -DOMINIQUE VARGAS

Despite the hype over the character’s back story, viewers may expect to see nothing more than LaBeouf’s loveable, somewhat dorky and tragically loyal side kick persona as has been hinting at seen in fi lms like Transformers (2007) and Constantine (2005), in Williams. The action-packed fi lm should carry hallmarks of Spielberg’s other fi lms which include the last three Indiana Jones fi lms, such as strong spotlighting, music as a plot motivator and the use of advanced special effects courtesy of Rolanda little company Emmerich known as Industrial Light and Magic.

Alongside the debut of 10,000 B.C., another larger than life fi lm planned for summer 2009. Emmerich’s fi lms generally range from science fi ction to apocalyptic genres. Emmerich began his directing career with his science fi ction thriller, The Noah’s Ark Principle (1984), while attending the Academy for Film and Music in Munich. He later formed his own production company called Centropolis Entertainment in partnership with his sister, Ute Emmerich. Since then, Emmerich has directed science fi ction fi lms, such as Stargate (1994) and apocalyptic fi lms like Day AfterDay AfterTomorrow Tomorrow (2004). and Recently, 10,000 B.C., were Emmerich took an artistic turn in directing the fi lm Trade (2007), a drama about humanAlthough traffi cking little in is the known United about States this and new in fiMexico. lm, it is true that it was partly inspired by the end of the Mayan calendar in 2012; thus, the fi lm is aptly named 2012. During an interview from collider.com Emmerich also mentioned that his inspiration came from searchingEmmerich’s 2012 on Googlelatest movies, and fi ndingsuch as over 240 million hits. disappointments regarding story development and trite PHOTOS COURTESY OF (TOP TO circumstances despite their box offi2012 ce will success. be another Ideas BOTTOM): www.director- le. behind his movies are interesting, but he tends to lose any thought-provoking work to special com, www.dimfuture.net, www. effects and doomsday thrills. Considering worstpreviews.com this trend, it seems rollercoaster ride for the senses but will leave the audience with little to ponder. -GINA BUFFALOE

Let’s be friends. Visit www.myspace.com/rattlernews. Entertainment

12 the Rattler 4.2.2008

Blast Nintendo’s newest game a smashing good time From The VIDEO GAME REVIEW Super Smash Brothers Brawl ★★★★ PA S T Nintendo Wii

By Chrystina Pester eld By Selena San Miguel -Sta Writer- -Entertainment Editor- Nintendo has done it again, “Go, go, Power Rangers!” and no, it’s not another Mario The original series has since Party. This time, it’s Super Smash steadily deteriorated with Bros. Brawl, the highly anticipated every revamp implemented. sequel that brings together In our juice box days, we characters from Nintendo’s could return from school, most popular franchises for an switch on the tube and stare all-out battle royale that proves in amazement at the quintet Nintendo’s arsenal. of teens who saved the world Up to four players can play on from the evil intergalactic one console (offl ine) with a Wiimote PHOTO COURTESY OF img256.imageshack.us sorceress, Rita Repulsa. and Nunchuk, a standalone “Get back, evil villians! I shall never surrender to you, and you will never conquer the virtual world of Nintendo!” The raspy-voiced villainess Wiimote, a Classic Controller, or and her alien accomplices an original Gamecube controller, would teleport their ninjas so that the transition to Brawl they’re all unlocked with 21 being chat and hence, no smack-talk. songs from the various games that in a lame attempt to destroy from its predecessor Melee should immediately available. Online enemies, therefore, play are featured in Brawl. the Power Rangers who were be smooth for diehard fans. While the inclusion of an online like advanced bots devoid of All of this allows players to all trained in martial arts by Super Smash Brothers Brawl mode through the Wii’s built-in human characteristics. unlock even more treasure that the their steadfast leader, Red is massive. It pulls characters, Wi-Fi is a defi nite welcome, it is Also, players cannot change development team has left for the Ranger Jason. locales, items and music from poorly implemented and lacks game options online, meaning interested to discover. Almost every girl wanted most of Nintendo’s franchises and much of the basic functionality they’re forced to play two-minute Super Smash Bros. has been a solid to be Kimberly, the Pink even introduces Sega’s Sonic and that has become standard on other death matches with infi nite franchise for Nintendo. Ranger who, like, totally Namco’s Solid Snake complete consoles. respawns. Minor fl aws in the game like a dated Tommy, the Green/ with cardboard box as unlockable It’s impossible to go online with An easy-to-use level designer lack of online game options and White Ranger. She was often characters. Many of the usual a friend on the same console, and with bland objects means that repetitive platforming levels and accompanied by Trini, the suspects like Peach, Luigi, Zelda, playing with a friend on another players can make their own levels enemies are overshadowed by the super-sweet Yellow Ranger Link, and Kirby have all made the console requires navigating and send them to their friends. tremendous amount of content and my personal favorite. Billy cut while Dr. Mario, Young Link, Nintendo’s frustrating online More objects are unlockable as offered to the fans. the nerdy Blue Ranger always Roy, and a few of the Pokémon system. This means calling a friend players complete various feats; Simply put, Super Smash Bros. seemed to need a self-esteem are left behind. In all, players can for their twelve-digit friend code. throughout gameplay, can also Brawl is an excellent addition to any boost, and fellow friend Zack, choose from 35 characters once Additionally, there is no voice earn trophies, stickers, levels, and Wii library. the Black Ranger, contributed his share of attitude to the bunch. Yet, whatever new trick yet to go— the home gaming console. achieved international appeal and success. Rita had up her sleeve, the Aerosmith Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is the fi rst game in Last month, a playable version of Power Rangers would simply the already-famous Guitar Hero franchise, Aerosmith’s “Dream On” was available as a grab their magic buckles and originally launched in 2005 for PlayStation 2, temporary free download on the Xbox LIVE take two minutes away from takes center to center around a single band. Marketplace for those who owned Guitar Hero their enemies to announce Although no specifi c tracks have been III: Legends of Rock. their next attack move as announced yet, fans new and old alike are Devoted Aerosmith fans will soon be one “morphin’ time!” stage, virtually guaranteed access to some of the greatest hits step closer to rocking out with their favorite Each Ranger would then as they follow the band’s rise to fame through rockers and virtually experience the limelight. call out to their giant robotic the game’s career mode. Gamers on other platforms will unfortunately Zords, or dinosaurs, to aid By Cristina Gonzalez In addition to tracks from Aerosmith, the have to wait until June, but the wait will be them in their fi ght. -Senior Sta Writer- game will also feature playable songs from well worth it; Guitar Hero: Aerosmith will be Somehow, these ridiculous bands and musicians who have either inspired available on all major home gaming consoles, fi ght scenes seemed to For nearly 40 years, Aerosmith has traveled or performed with Aerosmith since Tom including the franchise’s original home on mesmerize most children of the world countless times, has won Grammies Hamilton, Joey Kramer, Joe Perry, Ray Tabano the PlayStation 2, the PlayStation 3 and the the 1990s. Kids today must and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall and Steven Tyler fi rst came together in 1970. Nintendo Wii. now endure the latest spin-off of Fame. Paul Whitford would later come to replace version of our beloved Mighty This June, Boston-based band Aerosmith is Tabano in 1971, and barring a temporary Morphin’ Power Rangers. going where few bands with its success have lineup change from 1979 to 1984, the band has

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ROBIN JOHNSON Pop Culture Trivia — Name the movie:“I gave her my heart, and she gave me a pen.”E-mail answer to [email protected]. “...Cause I love the way you say good morning, and you take me the way I am.”— “The Way I Am”Ingrid Michaelson Entertainment

4.2.2008 the Rattler 13 Save the date for Saves the Day ENTERTAINMENT EDITORIAL Austin awaits the rockers’ appearance at the Bamboozle Roadshow. Don’t fear the reaper By Steph Sanders best” can accomplish. They Thursday night, expect Celebrity obsessed enjoy shock value regardless of -Senior Sta Writer- make the music, and Austin gets Conley, Soloway, Manuel morbid faux-pas that ensue. pumped for another dose of Saves Carrero and Durijah Lang to By Elizabeth Ruiz Austin awaits yet another the Day. give nothing less than a rock struggle to fi nd content for the -Editor in Chief- arrival from New Jersey-rockers One of three stops in Texas, the solid performance to show us commemorative special edi- Saves the Day as a part of the showcase is also featuring fellow the defi nition of a “bamboozled” tion with a “Life in Pictures” Bamboozle Roadshow at La Zona statesmen Armor for Sleep with rock show. Nothing catches a movie center spread. Rosa on April 10—but who’s the California punks Set Your For more information on audience by surprise like an That could account for the counting the days? Goals and Metro Station as well as Saves the Day and the Bamboozle unexpected death, especial- billions of dollars worth of press Since it’s last full-length release, the indie rockers Lydia. Roadshow, visit www.savestheday. ly when it happens outside dedicated to Britney Spears, Under the Boards (2007), the band The roadshow is a tour spin-off com or www.myspace.com/ the theater. the notorious “pop wreck,” as has much hidden under its sleeves of the still-new “The Bamboozle,” savestheday. In the hours following she’s referred to by the Perez for 2008, including joining the a two-day Jersey event that Heath Ledger’s death, there Hilton and TMZ bloggers who Bamboozle bandwagon. brings east-coasters and punks LA ZONA ROZA seemed to be a spike in text defi ne our era. Quite the buzz has built up Other morbid fortunetell- from all around together for a 612 W. 4th Street messaging activity. since Under the Boards due to an ing journalists are to be found non-stop rockfest. Austin, TX 78701 Exclamatory ponderings of anticipated full-length album On the band’s last trip to “Oh, my God, what are they at the New Yorker, who tried expected to be out sometime the capital city in October 2007, going to do about the new Bat- their darndest to parallel the this year. front man Chris Conley and Hosting The Bamboozle man movie!?” resounded. Marilyn Monroe-inspired nude One right after the guitarist David Soloway lightened Roadshow What accounts for this dis- shoot with Lindsay Lohan to other, the band’s rockin’ the mood with an all-out acoustic play of morbid glee upon hear- the circumstances of the origi- and emotionally-driven set at Emo’s just fi ve ing about celebrity deaths can nal, which was ensued by Mon- tunes represent what 10 days prior to the All ages welcome only be described as societal roe’s infamous suicide. years of “sticking to release of Under Bar for patrons 21 & up rubbernecking. You may not Let’s keep our fi ngers what you the Boards . No cameras or video want to see that horrible wreck, crossed that the New Yorker gets d o equipment allowed but we can’t help but slow its scoop. No designated parking down and stare. If Britney is the new Liza At least no one other than and Lindsay is the new Britney, www.lazonarosa.com Larry Birkhead has capitalized who is the new Lindsay? www.myspace.com/directevents on the personal tragedy of pub- Looking into my Celebri- lic fi gures. Death Crystal Ball I got for It’s just done right before free with the latest issue of they die. US Weekly, my bets are on Publications seem to be act- Hayden Panitierre. ing on the instinct to shriek, Attractive but inappropri- “We called it!” once a celeb ately-aged boyfriend? Check. bites the dust by chronicling Overbearing and enabling every moment that leads up stage mom? Check. to it. Wildcard bets? Who knows. So long as they have the Too bad Heath Ledger’s gone. PHOTO COURTESY OF www.wealsoran.com photos on fi le, there is no FUTURE FLICKS Check out these lms coming soon to the silver screen.

Comedy-Leatherheads

George Clooney stars in this romantic comedy set in the time of America’s emerging pro-football league in 1925. Clooney’s character, Dodge Con- nolly, plays a charming yet brash football hero who recruits Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski, left), a golden-boy war hero and college football star, to join his team. As Connolly and Rutherford strive to help the game of football capture the country’s at- tention, both also become serious o - eld rivals as they vie for the attention of reporter Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger).

Adventure-Nim’s Island

Abigail Breslin plays a feisty young girl named Nim who surrounds herself with an amazing tropi- cal island inspired by legends and books, mirror- ing the life of her favorite literary hero: the world’s greatest adventurer, Alex Rover. Alexandra (Jodie Foster), the author of the Rover books, contrastingly leads a reclusive life. However, the two are brought together when Nim’s father (Gerard Butler, left) goes missing, and both must nd courage and strength in one another to save Nim’s Island.

Horror-The Ruins

A group of friends visiting a remote archaeologi- cal dig in the jungle stumble upon something deadly living among the ruins. Based on the terrifying best- seller by Scott Smith, Jonathan Tucker (Texas Chain- saw Massacre), Jena Malone (Pride and Prejudice) and Shawn Ashmore (X-Men: The Last Stand) star in the tale of a leisurely Mexican holiday turned brutally horri c struggle for survival.

COMPILED BY CHRISTINE LE

Pop Culture Trivia — Name the movie:“I gave her my heart, and she gave me a pen.”E-mail answer to [email protected]. “...Cause I love the way you say good morning, and you take me the way I am.”— “The Way I Am”Ingrid Michaelson 14 the Rattler 4.2.2008 Commentary

4.2.2008 the Rattler 15 American society obsessed with thinness

The fi rst step to recovery is to acknowledge that there is and over 500,000 results for diet plans? I am not proposing that society quit cold turkey. This a problem. Ladies and gentlemen, a problem exists, and it is Year after year, people come out with new schemes for is not an obsession from which we can simply turn away. time for an intervention. losing weight that make them lots of money because our Recognizing that a problem exists is key, and hopefully, this This is going to come as a considerable culture is under the assumption that a person who is thinner commentary has helped. shock; perhaps some anger and denial may than average is better than someone who Moderation is necessary. Remember: The best things surface as a result, but that’s a natural part is naturally happy with themselves. don’t always come in small packages. of the process. Hypnotist Paul McKenna has a book The secret can no longer be kept; this titled I Can Make You Thin, wherein he Cristina obsession with the concept that “thin and offers methods for effortlessly losing Gonzalez small is good” is beginning to spiral out weight. What happened to just being of control. healthy? What happened to just being fi t, It was fi ne, perhaps even natural, when people began not thin? to become more and more health conscious. As a nation, The dilemma has only become worse obesity increases our in recent years. Now, even our technology risk for more serious is beginning to feel the pinch. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ailments, such as Blackberry phones and Sidekicks POLICY diabetes or heart have provided us with virtual “mini- disease. Exercise computers” that we can carry around in The Rattler welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 500 programs are never our back pocket. words and must include writer’s name, a bad thing. Eating Continual development on portable classifi cation, major and telephone healthier is never a music players has provided us with smaller number. bad thing. and more slender jukeboxes, which make Editors reserve the right to edit However, can CD Walkmans look like mammoths. submissions for length, grammar, someone explain to Our newest televisions would make spelling and content. me why Google. 1984’s Winston Smith paranoid. com can easily offer And around this time last year, Intel Letters may be delivered to Room 258 in the University Center, faxed to (210) up over a million was putting together a laptop only 431-4307, mailed to The Rattler, St. results for weight slightly thicker than Motorola’s

Mary’s University, One Camino Santa loss supplements “Razr” phones. GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY VIVIAN ESPARZA Maria, Box 83, San Antonio, TX 78228, or e-mailed to rattlernews@stmarytx. edu.

For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401.

the Rattler

Editor in Chief Elizabeth Ruiz Managing Editor Christine Le Layout/Design Manager Jon Mike Hernandez Copy Editor Jacqueline Mendez News Editor Dominique Vargas Features Editor Kimberly Vela Entertainment Editor Selena San Miguel

Commentary Editor Gabriela Noriega Illustration by Dominique Vargas Sports Editor Jonathan Trillo Photo Editor Top 10 percent of students may not be the best decision Vivian Esparza Staff Editorial formed during George W. Bush’s those who credit the law for the nationally competitive. Assistant Photo Editor -The Rattler- Robin Johnson term as governor of Texas, is to rise in high school students who Students who attend a large increase diversity in students apply to the university (from 616 public school with a class of 1000 Advertising Manager Delving into the far reaches seeking higher education. to 853) and the increase in the and avoid taking challenging AP Amanda Guerra of the psyche, college students Though the law’s inception amount of Hispanic and African- courses but are ranked at 100 Assistant Ad Manager could retain the faint memories predates the time during which American students who attend in at the time of application could Nancy Martinez of orthodontic nightmares, social most current undergraduates were the past decade (29 percent and 32 still be considered over students awkwardness and seemingly in high school, it has made news percent, respectively). with smaller class sizes who took Faculty Advisor momentous and ritualistic school recently after being criticized by a On paper, the law was created challenging courses, participated Margaret Luevano dances of high school. What surprising opponent: University with good intentions, and the in extracurricular activities should not be forgotten is the of Texas President William statistics appear to be favorable. relevant to their interests and Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s arduous process that eventually Powers, Jr. But those who have undergone displayed academic merit that saw University. The publication follows the Canons of led to admission into college. He argued that automatic the application process for the them fall just short of ranking in the Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook Those who applied to both admission based on solely one state school system are aware of a top tier. and the Student Publication Policy. The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, St. Mary’s University and a criterion-class ranking- limits the gaping gray area that has claimed Public universities give the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society state university already have a amount of students who have several potential scholars. taxpayers an opportunity to of Professional Journalists, and the Texas Intercollegiate familiarity with and may have the potential to succeed in the There have been accounts invest in the state’s collective Press Association. been affected by the decade-old state system. of students in attendance future. By overlooking key Contact Us top 10 percent rule. He mentioned in a at small private academies, potential students, both the The Rattler l St. Mary’s University l One Camino The law allows all students who testimony to the Texas House of charter schools or rural public individual students who are Santa Maria Box 83 l San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 436-3401 l FAX : (210) 431-4307 are ranked in the top tier of their Representatives that only one in schools who have been rejected denied admittance and the Texans [email protected] class to be automatically accepted four of the admitted students are because of logistics in the top are disenfranchised. into any state university. African-American or Hispanic, 10 percent law but are accepted The intention of the law, which places in opposition with to schools that are regarded as “My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 now, and we dont know where the hell she is.” - Ellen DeGeneres Commentary

16 the Rattler 4.2.2008 The diagnosis on U. S. economy’s health

For the last two months, we have been infl ation is generally a consequence of The defi ct’s problem is serious because Light witnessing an increased concern about impudent government action. Like AIDS, it reduces the government’s ability to the economy that has put the economy, like the immune system, is implement effective and responsible fi scal Works the Federal Reserve at the not stable. policy. Because of the defi cit’s pressure on center of this turbulent More than two months ago, the Fed the government’s budget, it is more diffi cult scenario. The Fed has moved its focus from rising prices to growing for the government to forego tax revenue or shifted from being chiefl y unemployment because of the slowing to implement stimulus packages, such as the concerned with infl ation down of the U.S. economy. Nevertheless, the one approved by both parties in Congress. By Sarah Linares Alfonso to being more preoccupied current situation seems to be worse than that. These two are the standard, albeit not the de la Torre with a possible recession. In fact, it might become even more severe only, fi scal policy measures that a government How was your day, really? In macroeconomics, recession and infl ation than a recession. can take. Thus, thanks to President Bush, in are the two least wanted scenarios: the The U.S. economy seems to be on the brink addition to having AIDS and cancer, there A loose hierarchy of friendship fi rst one because it hinders growth and of a much more complex economic problem: is not enough money to pay for medicine exists in our college lives, which in- the creation of wealth and the second one stagfl ation. Stagfl ation combines growing because most of the money was spent on cludes the speed-dial friends, the I- because it destabilizes the market and makes unemployment (recession) with rising prices toys (i.e. tanks and weapons needed to fi ght think-we-were-classmates friends, the wealth inaccessible. (infl ation). In other words, stagfl ation is the the war in Iraq for the last fi ve years). feels-like-just-yesterday friends, the Recession, on one hand, is a decrease combination of the two macroeconomic evils And while most of the taxpayers’ money classmate friends and the ate-lunch- in the creation of wealth, or the Gross in one, which is somewhat analogous to has been spent playing Risk in the Middle together friends. Domestic Product. Its immediate effect having cancer and AIDS at the same time. East, the United States. and the world are Some of these friends may re- is unemployment, which decreases the Stagfl ation took place during the 1970s now looking to the presidential election for ceive a detailed debriefi ng of our standard of living. Recessions are part of when the OPEC oil embargo, with other a solution. daily encounters, complete with items something called “the business cycle” off factors, reduced aggregate supply, decreasing However, the question is not only how eaten per meal and philosophical the natural development of an economy. real GDP and increasing the price level at the serious these problems are, for they might breakdowns, but others are simply Like cancer, they are more likely to occur as same time. Curiously, the current situation not be too serious at all (and let me please shortchanged. an economy expands and are much easier seems to be analogous in many respects. stress this because it is not my purpose to A cycle of hollow conversations, manage if detected on time. For instance, oil prices have been reaching make anyone panic about the economy), which bear vague marks of sincerity, Infl ation, on the other hand, is nothing historic highs in the past weeks, and the but also whether the U.S. economy, in case it seem to typify a good portion of our more than rising prices or the increase of dollar’s exchange value is plummeting. does have AIDS and cancer at the same time daily exchanges. the price level at a faster pace than wages. There is, however, an important difference: (and no money to pay for medicines), needs While I do not advocate that every Infl ation is a decrease in real income because the United States did not have the huge to stay in bed or have surgery. person should possess the knowledge it decreases the purchasing power of the budget and balance of payments defi cit it needed to draft a biography, I do feel wages that people earn. Unlike recessions, has today. that every exchange has the potential to be meaningful. When I ask the question, “How was your day,” too often I receive the same, knee-jerk response. It echoes an age-old reply that many people may have voiced as children, much to the dismay of the questioner: “What did you do at school today?” someone would ask, to which we would reply as we eagerly searched for a snack, “Nothing.” Today, both the question and the re- sponse have changed, but the overall lack of engagement is all too similar. Now, we ask, “How are you?” in- stead of “What did you do at school to- PHOTO COURTESY OF www.sxc.hu The United States may face fi nancial trouble due to the war in Iraq. day?” In reply, we say, “Good,” instead of “Nothing.” This constitutes a brief and often blank encounter. Online registration becomes a challenge for many students Occasionally, a reference to academ- ics may be thrown in but does nothing Following in the footsteps of my options. for their fi nances and actions incompetence with the computer, to heighten the level of insightfulness. other major Texas universities This year, I felt better knowing regarding registration. but only on the student’s lack “I’m good,” someone may say. “I like Texas A&M and the that my peers and I were on level If students don’t want to access of motivation. passed my test.” University of playing ground since we all had Gateway to register at 8a.m. to Undergoing any major change “Ah, tests,” we reply. “I hate tests.” Texas, St. Mary’s an opportunity to meet with ensure that they sign up for the at a university is never easy, but It is not surprising that books, labs now offers online our advisors for three days and classes of their choice, that is making sure that students are and tests sneak into our responses, as registration. then register at our leisure, not their prerogative. informed and that the campus is college is, in many ways, the current Over the our advisor’s, over a following However, if a class is closed getting feedback from the student defi ning element of our lives. years, students three-day period. by the time one does feel body should reduce errors in the University life is an experience that Katie have complained St. Mary’s has taken inclined to register, it can no future, leading to a more effi cient we share and is easily pushed to the O’Donnell about not having many steps to ensure that longer be blamed on an advisor’s registration process. forefront of common conversation; enough time to get fi nancial students understand the on- however, let us give each other more. holds off their accounts and that line registration process, even Registration Perhaps a blueprint for inquiry has three days is not enough time to going so far as to offer a simple already been presented. register, I see online registration and informative how-to video ADVISING ONLINE Recall that the follow-up questions as a step in the right direction for online. CLASSIFICATION to our initial reply as children typically DATES REGISTRATION St. Mary’s. Many e-mails have been sent fell along the lines of: “What do you Problems and glitches to students, giving them time to Seniors March 25, 26, 27 March 28, 31, mean you did nothing?” or “Why go will exist with all forms clear up accounts, to meet with April 1 to school to do nothing?” of registration. advisors and to become aware Perhaps we should wander outside I would rather register of their classifi cation’s days Juniors March 28, 31, April 2, 3, 4 those very lines in today’s cookie-cut- for my classes than have it to register. April 1 ter conversations. be the responsibility of some The new registration process “What do you mean you are good?” uninterested professors. allows students to make the fi nal Sophomores April 2, 3, 4 April 7, 8, 9 we might ask. “What stops you from Gateway’s self registration decision as to what classes they being great?” leaves fi nal class decisions up sign up for so that they don’t feel Sharpened questions solicit sharp- Freshmen April 7, 8, 9 April 10, 11, 14 to the student and allows for a pressured to take a professor’s ened answers, which in turn, solicit calmer, more in-depth advising advice. meaning. period. In previous years, all The process makes the Open Regular Offi ce April 15 - Whether we speak with a seasoned I could think about when my students responsible for their Registration Hours May 9 companion or someone whose name advisor went over my degree class schedules and account we may not recall, we should recog- planning guide was how all of sby placing a time restriction nize that each encounter has the po- my classes were being grabbed on registration days, which in Graduate Regular Offi ce March 28 - tential to be meaningful and thus, a bit up by peers while my advisor the future will hopefully make Students Hours August 25 more memorable. carefully pondered each of students more accountable “I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me”- Fred Allen

Commentary

4.2.2008 the Rattler 17 ! Voting is an important responsibility as a student Quiuuubole Voting is the most powerful form of their campaigns. While the brawl between the 2008 SGA elections, which will begin on ! expression that an individual possesses. Senator Barack Obama and Clinton is still April 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and continued At the moment, the 2008 presidential going on, here at St. Mary’s, the Student on April 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. election seems to be the topic that everyone Government Association (SGA) elections are By Gabriela Noriega is talking about. coming up. Con la vida... St. Mary’s University These elections that should have a La vida no even became the center of greater importance to St. Mary’s students 2008 Candidates VICE es color de rosa. Nosotros como wide attention when Senator solely because they effect us in a direct PRESIDENT estudiantes vivimos una vida de Hillary Clinton campaigned manner. The purpose of the SGA is to serve PRESIDENT experiencias que nos cambian in the Bill Greehey arena, as the offi cial voice of the student body and de una manera u otra. Todos Vincent followed by former Arkansas act as a mediator among the students, to Gabriel Vanessa tenemos experiencias personales Astudillo governor Mike Huckabee. administration and faculty. Hernandez Mendoza que constantemente afectan The two political fi gures SGA also meets the wide range of nuestros estudios universitarios. were, without a doubt, a great asset to the students’ needs by forming specialized Vincent Tania O tal vez problemas de trabajo university and the community. committees that address their concerns. Astudillo Ramirez que afectan tanto como nuestros Students were excited about the idea that Student involvement at St. Mary’s needs to estudios a nuestra vida personal. these candidates had chosen St. Mary’s for improve, and one way to start is to vote in Nadie nos dijo que la vida es fácil. Los problemas van y vienen pero nosotros siempre necesitamos estar listos para Circumstantial timing causes grief for class of 2009 lo peor. No es por pensar My relationship with St. ing that could be considered an also a rodent problem (reported Rooms in the Outback had to negativamente pero es para Mary’s is much like my rela- investment for the university, in The Rattler, Vol. 93, Issue 10)? be tripled to accommodate the prevenir una explosión de tionship with Apple Inc: I made yet has little to no benefi t for my When I returned my sopho- growing number of residents. emociones. Cuando yo me enojo, an investment, graduating class of 2009. more year, the construction Also, in the fall, the campus me pongo triste grito, lloro y digo and I’m happy When I was a freshman in the was not completed until spring community was informed that a cosas que pienso pero que no with the qual- fall of 2005, the glorious bell tow- 2007, despite its initial slated new, high-tech residence life hall debería decir. ity, but some- er was built. While this improve- completion date of late October would be built. Una forma de no explotar de times, I feel a ment is great for the university 2006. Awesome. It sounds like an amazing frustración o enojo es confi ar en little overlooked. and an excellent way to enhance Another change my sopho- opportunity. Yet, for my class, it tu familia o amigos. Kimberly When I pur- the atmosphere on campus, let more class had to deal with came means more construction. While Cuando tengas un problema Vela chased my fi rst us not forget the inconveniences from Residence Life. While we the end product will be a great ve con una amiga o amigo que iPod, I saved it created while in construction. had three lovely dorms in which improvement for St. Mary’s and puedas confi ar y desahógate. over $400 to buy the then new Because the bell tower was we could make our homeS as future students, I can’t help but Platícales tu problema, si son 30-gigabyte iPod Video. Un- located in the middle of Chami- freshman, I was stripped of my feel like we got the short end of amigos sinceros te escucharan. fortunately for me, the same nade Field, freshman students dorm rights when the previ- the stick. Dales un abrazo para sentirte amount of money I used in the living in Marian Hall were re- ously sophomore-only dorm In all fairness, I’m happy with querida, piensa antes de actuar summer of 2006 could now go to quired to walk around the Uni- Chaminade Hall was converted my quality professors, helpful porque a lo mejor puedes a sleek iPod Touch with change versity Center and up the Louis into an exclusive 21-and-up club faculty and staff and friendly arrepentirte de las cosas que left over. Apple continued to J. Blume Library side steps in that would house single rooms student body. Plus, I understand haces o dices. upgrade its product, making it order to get to class. If you had for lodge residents. that the university makes long- Yo se que a veces es difícil more affordable and advanced, happened to not be in the physi- That was the year I lived term goals years in advance in ir con alguien a desahogarte, and all I can do is seriously re- cal condition to walk at the time, in Treadaway. order to improve the quality of porque a lo mejor ellos no consider the benefi ts I did gain. you would have had to be more Things can only get better, life for students in the future. I contestan el teléfono, o no los So far, each year that I have creative in fi nding a handicap right? Wrong. For my third year just want my 10 percent off each encuentras por ningún lado. Mi attended this institution, there accessible path. at St. Mary’s, more surprises time I return. mejor recomendación es agarrar has been a signifi cant upgrad- Did I mention that there was were in store. una pluma y un papel y escribe todo lo que piensas. Escribe lo que te paso como si se lo estuvieras contando a tu mejor amigo. Cuando te sientas sin fuerzas de acarrear con tus problemas. Piensa en todas la cosas buenas Inspirational Moments que te ofrece la vida. Piensa que tienes una familia que te quiere mucho. No Talking Over Sushi Piensa en ese amigo que nunca te decepciona. En esa persona Rice-fi lled thoughts especial que siempre esta a tu Gathered each by envy, lado en las buenas en las malas. Gathered each by green chopsticks, Junta todos tus buenos Held tightly, then loosely. pensamientos y con ellos Crabby mood, construye un castillo de fuerza Crabby taste que te servirá como soporte en Rolled up into fun, tu vida. Dipped into light greens También puedes pensar en And salmon pinks. otras personas que están en una Sesame seeds implanted situación más problemática como To grow a greater understanding. la tuya. She sits with her plate full of fi sh eyes Hay gente en África que se And dips each lightly in soy sauce. muere de hambre. Gente en She speaks thoughts, México no tiene ni un par de Each that get rolled up zapatos en los pies. Hasta aquí en And eaten whole by my hungry mind. los Estados Unidos hay gente en Fortunes wrapped to the style of presentation, la calle sin in bocado en la boca. Held tightly, then loosely. No eres la única persona Clear wrappers. con problemas, todos tenemos Clear out your own thoughts. problemas en esta vida. De repente cuando nos paramos a pensar en By Melody R. Mejia los demás es cuando las cosas salen mejor. Acuérdate en confi ar en tu persona. Todos tenemos las Ibiza is an island off the coast of Spain. This moment was a once in a soluciones en nuestras manos, lifetime experience that will never escape my mind. - Roxanne Castillo solamente necesitamos aprender a usar nuestras propias armas. E-mail inspirational submissions such as poems, pictures and song lyrics to [email protected] for the Commentary section. “I love to go to Washington - if only to be near my money.”- Bob Hope Sports

18 the Rattler 4.2.2008 Softball excels in Conference play, hopes for postseason By Christina Ybarra Along with the efforts self, and she conquered -Staff Writer- of the other talented team the other as a coach. These members as well as the col- two events were great op- PHOTO COURTESY ST MARY’S SPORTS COMMUNICATION St. Mary’s University’s legiately inexperienced, this portunities that not only Number nine Malissa Magee winds up to deliver a pitch during game one on March 21 versus women’s softball team had season is expected to have a gave her more experience, Tarleton. The Lady Rattlers lost game one of their Friday double-header, 1-2, but came out with a initially faced some ob- great outcome. but also forged a bond victory in game two, scoring 4-0. The Lady Rattlers now stand at a record of 31-7. stacles that have tested the Head Coach Donna Fields that could “never take capabilities of the team. predicts that the outlook away the friendships that However, the players were in the Conference will be were made.” By the Numbers: not about to let the unfor- determined by the upcom- These bonds that were tunate injuries of some of ing matches. After losing to made seem to be reminis- 451 is the number of games that Head Coach Donna Fields has won their members bring down Tarleton and then gaining cent of the bond that the (all-time leader in wins). their morale. a 4-0 win on March 24, the current St. Mary’s softball The team is looking to outlook is expected to grow, team carries; the team en- continue a great season and working towards achieving joys strengthening this bond As head head coach for St. Mary’s, she has won 72.9 percent of her has many outstanding play- the overall goal of a national with enjoyable and prepara- games. ers, such as third basemen championship win. tory games of hacky sack af- Mary K. Peterson, catcher Fields is no stranger to ter a small prayer. She has National Championships under her belt, one as an athlete and fi rst baseman Chelsea national championships. The women’s softball 2 Wenske and catcher and fi rst In the past, she has team will face St. Edward’s and the other as head coach. baseman Brittany Kettinger, claimed two: She faced one University here at home this to mention a few. of them as an athlete her- April 4 at 5 p.m. Upcoming sporting events

Statistics and records as of 3.28.2008

Men’s Baseball (23-7) Next Game: Friday, April 4, at 1 p.m. at Texas- Permian Basin Next Home Game: Friday, April 25 at 3 p.m. vs. Incarnate Word The men’s team looks to improve a great record even more as it faces UTPB.

Women’s Softball (31-7) Next Home Game: Friday, April 4, 5 p.m. vs. St. Edward’s Next Game: Saturday, April 5, at 12 p.m. at St. Edward’s The women should look forward to a home game after four games at Oklahoma Panhandle State.

Men’s Tennis (2-9) Next Home Match: Friday, April 11, at 1:30 p.m. vs. Cameron Next Match: Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m. vs. Incarnate Word Women’s Tennis (3-6) Next Match: Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5 p.m. at Cameron Tournament Next Home Match: Friday Apr. 11, 1:30 pm vs. Cameron

Men’s Golf Highest ranking in an invitation: 3/14 Most recent invitation: 7/15 Next Invitational: Monday, April 7 at Emerald Coast Collegiate Heartland Conference Championship: Monday, April 14 Women’s Golf Highest ranking in an invitation: 3/14 Most recent invitation: 16/18 Next Invitational: Monday, April 7 at Emerald Coast Collegiate Heartland Conference Championship: Monday, April 14

Interested in sports? Great! Sports writers are needed. Contact Jonathan Trillo at [email protected] or at 210.436.3401. Sports

4.2.2008 the Rattler 19 Women’s, men’s teams win Heartland Conference By Marika Gonzalez-Whitehurst and was named the tournament MVP. -Staff Writer- Senior exercise and sports science major With 24 wins in a row, the Lady Rattler and guard Allen Coleman scored 14 points, basketball team gave our school a new re- earning all-tournament honors. cord and our fans the thrill of sharing in a Bellard scored 11 points while Hill and historic 2007-2008 season. senior exercise and sports science major Not only did the Lady Rattlers go on and forward LaTez Williams scored 10 a 24-game winning streak, but they were points apiece. also undefeated at home, securing the Not only did the Rattler men finish the Heartland Conference title alongside the regular season on a good note, but they are Rattler men’s basketball team, which ac- also the 2008 Heartland Conference men’s complished the same. basketball tournament champions. On their past Conference losses, junior ex- “Beating St. Ed’s for the Conference ercise and sports science major and forward championship was my most memorable Lorenzo Anthony said, “Not this time.” An- moment of my St. Mary’s basketball ca- thony was right; St. Mary’s took the victory reer. It was not easy, but we all came to- in the 2008 men’s Heartland Conference, gether as a family and grinded it out,” winning the game against longtime rival St. said Williams. Edward’s University. The Lady Rattlers continued their win- “St. Edward’s won both Conference ning streak to win the Heartland Confer- games this season, which made our Con- ence women’s basketball championship. ference victory even more satisfying,” said Although the ladies were practically junior exercise and sports science major undefeated this season, the final win and forward Nick Morey. against St. Edward’s University in Denton Five St. Mary’s University players scored was not easy. Both teams started off slowly in double figures, finishing the game with in the first half, but St. Mary’s went on a an 11-2 run and securing a 79-70 win. 10-point run, bringing the score to 16-6. The battle was not easy. The second The Hilltoppers had a strong start in half was back and forth, neck and neck the second half, executing key shots and with both teams taking more than a four- bringing the game to a 22-22 tie, albeit not PHOTO COURTESY ST MARY’S SPORTS COMMUNICATION point lead. for long. The 2007-2008 women’s and men’s basketball teams pose after both teams beat St. Edward’s Uni- A pair of free throws put the Hilltop- Junior exercise and sports science major versity in Denton, Texas. The men’s and women’s teams would receive bids to play in the NCAA II South Central Region. pers in the lead with a little more than six and guard Natalie Gamez led the Rattlers minutes left. on a 13-1 run to take a 35-23 lead with less Our Rattler men remained steadfast as than 11 minutes left to play. junior marketing major and guard Rod Bel- The Hilltoppers’ key players fought lard hit a three-pointer and as senior exer- back and cut the lead to just four points cise and sports science major Marcus Hill with approximately three minutes left in added a pair of free throws after drawing a the game. foul from a strong move to the basket. The Rattlers kept their defense tight and The game was tied at 60 with approxi- tough, keeping pressure on with a pair of mately four minutes left. free throws from Gamez and a lay-up from All-around team hustle and last-minute junior speech communications major and free throws kept our Rattlers in the game. forward Ashton Benford to seal the win. The Rattlers hit five of eight free throws With a stifling defense, the Rattlers in the final 50 seconds, bringing them forced 19 turnovers and held the Hilltop- the win. pers to just 18.9 percent from the field. “They showed a lot of heart tonight,” This is the second tournament title for said St. Mary’s Coach Jim Zeleznak after the Rattlers in the eight-year history of the the game. “I really thought that both teams Heartland Conference. competed really, really well. It was just a This 24th straight win set the school matter of who would put together a spurt. record for the most consecutive wins and Defense was the key to the win for us.” ended St. Edward’s season. Both St. Mary’s Senior exercise and sports science major basketball teams continued on to the NCAA and forward Robert Owens scored 16 points South Central Region Tournament. Enduring spirit of this season expected of next year’s teams By Jonathan Trillo -Sports Editor- Commentary

Not only did the St. Mary’s men and women win the Heartland Conference Tournament, but they also set the tone and bar for what is expected of next season. Those who follow football know of Bret Farve’s retirement. Farve justified his deci- sion by saying that he was mentally tired. However, sports analysts speculate that he retired also because he didn’t want to let down himself, his teammates and the PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JON MIKE HERNANDEZ fans of the Green Bay Packers if he ac- commplished anything less than an NFC making it to where you were once at a year Championship game. ago is not a valid reason to retire or to stop Bret Farve is no quitter; he had an out- doing what you love. standing and prolific career as a quarter- I hope the 2008-2009 basketball team back in the NFL. I do feel that the fear of not shares the same sentiment that I do.

According to History.com, racing horse Red Rum won a third Grand National on this day in 1977. Sports

20 the Rattler 4.2.2008 Gone but not forgotten, StMU says goodbye to 22-year-old Athletics bus Bus served as more than a PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY VIVIAN ESPARZA means to get from point A to B. After 22 years of service, the St. Mary’s Athletics bus was retired, and a new modern bus has taken its place.

By Ivonne Aguilar -Staff Writer- played its season games at the V. J. Keefe After many years of travel, St. Mary’s sary due to “the age of the bus, mileage and Stadium. Club owner Ted Turner donated Athletics decided that it was time for maintenance expenses,” Montalbo said. The St. Mary’s Athletics teams spend the Dodgers’ bus to the St. Mary’s Univer- a change. The new ride of St. Mary’s Athletics was half of their season traveling to play visit- sity Athletics program. “It lasted as long as it did because the acquired on Feb. 28, 2008. With the new bus, ing games. As a result, a great deal of time The 1981 model contained enough seat- university would do a good job making sure Rosario Gonzales of St. Mary’s Athletics De- is spent on the road with fellow teammates, ing for 28 passengers and provided both [that] it was maintained well,” Leal said. partment said, “It will show a lot of pride in giving life-long memories and feelings electricity and a restroom. The 22 years of While the old bus was modern and up to our athletes.” of camaraderie. travel has produced fond memories for date at the time it was donated, Head Coach Its new features will facilitate student The 22-year-old bus that has recently many, including St. Mary’s bus driver and Jim Zeleznack of the men’s basketball team athletics and students’ ability to do their been replaced has traveled through many technician for Athletic vehicles Tony Leal. said that the spirit of the original bus is homework on the road, also providing a victories, including the men’s baseball na- Leal said that he had always enjoyed the still alive. more reliable vehicle for travel. tional championship in 2001, men’s basket- victory trips back. When talking about the “The new bus is a modernized extension So far, the baseball, basketball and soft- ball national championship in 1989 and the previous bus, a fond mention of past driver of what the old bus was,” said Zeleznack. ball teams have used the new bus. women’s softball national championship Sid Gonzalez seems inevitable. Others re- “When we got the old bus, it had all of these St. Mary’s Athletics can now in 2002. member him similary. amenities that we had never had before.” look forward to new experiences Its history began in 1986. The Dodgers, “He took care of [the bus] as if it was his As the Heartland Conference expanded, and memories while continuing its which was the minor league baseball team own,” said St. Mary’s Athletics Business so did the need to travel for long distances winning traditions. now known as the San Antonio Missions, Manager Gloria Montalbo. out of state. A time for change was neces-

WOMEN’S HEARTLAND CONFERENCE MEN’S HEARTLAND CONFERENCE ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Megan Hamilton Guard, senior Brandon Wash Forward, junior Ok Panhandle St Dallas Baptist Hayley Harvey Center, sophomore Cameron Teague Forward, senior Incarnate Word Incarnate Word Sara Head Forward, sophomore Michael Moss Guard, sophomore St. Edward’s St. Edward’s Alesheia White Forward, junior Daniel Pierre Forward, senior St. Edward’s St. Edward’s Ashton Benford Forward, junior Marcus Hill Guard, senior St. Mary’s St. Mary’s Rachel Jones Guard, junior Allen Coleman Guard, senior St. Mary’s St. Mary’s

Interested in sports? Great! Sports writers are needed. Contact Jonathan Trillo at [email protected] or at 210.436.3401.