Issue #2 - February 9, 2011

Hilltop Views S t .

E d w a r d ’ s

U n i v e r s i t y

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Volume 29 | Issue 2

9

VALENGRAMS With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, take a look at special messages from students around the campus.

SEU bottles up alcohol sales Kristina Schenck kshenc@stedwards.edu

Changes to St. Edward’s University’s alcohol policy now require alcohol to be purchased through and

the permit, provide the alcohol and serve it,” Stone said.

To further comply with The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission standards, Bon Appétit requires bartenders to be TABC-certified. This

It is simpler and safer to have a single entity procure the permit, provide the alcohol and serve it ... ” -Mike Stone, Auxiliary Services

served by the university’s contracted catering company Bon Appétit at certain oncampus events.

The issue is one of liability, said Director of Auxiliary Services Mike Stone.

“Texas law requires that all liquor served in a licensed location be purchased through and served by the entity holding the license,” Stone said.

The Ragsdale Center is a licensed location because Bon Appétit obtained a liquor license for service in the Ragsdale Center when they first arrived on campus, according to Stone.

However, the Ragsdale Center is the only licensed location on campus.

“It is simpler and safer to have a single entity procure

ensures that the company and the server are familiar with current laws pertaining to alcohol and server responsibility.

In addition, Bon Appétit has liquor liability insurance, meaning the catering company and the university are protected if there is an accident after alcohol is consumed at a campus event.

To prevent underage drinking at events, servers will card a guest if they suspect the guest is under 21.

“We understand we are helping the university protect their liability,” Director of Catering for Bon Appétit Kate Lynch said.

Lynch claims Bon Appétit’s New policy| 2

7

ENTERTAINMENT A review of the MMNT production of “Eurydice.”

hilltopviewsonline.com

11

FEATURES An uncertain job market has students looking at jobs with the nation’s largest employer, the U.S. government.

Freeze brought damages and danger David Bobb dbobb@stedwards.edu

Texans received a chilling reminder last week that winter has not ended.

The arctic cold front that swept across the state the evening of Feb. 1 brought freezing weather that inconvenienced Austin and much of the state with rolling blackouts, icy roads and a long weekend due to a snow day.

On the first day of the freeze, St. Edward’s University distributed a message via Topper Text warning members of the community about the statewide power outages and reassuring them that classes would not be canceled.

Courses continued as scheduled on Feb. 2—even through the early rolling blackouts that affected buildings along the South Congress Avenue grid, according to Director of the Physical Plant Michael Peterson. Peterson and his team coordinate utilities services, maintenance and development projects on campus.

The temporary power loss was only one of the problems experienced on campus over the next few days. Other problems included a frozen coil on the loading dock of the Hunt Hall cafeteria, which caused water damage; malfunctioned freeze gauges on the irrigation system that watered the softball field and grass along Moody Drive during the icy conditions;

and busted pipes at Mang House and the chapel.

“The buildings here are not designed for below freezing weather like in the north,” said Peterson, a native of Green Bay, Wis. “They’re designed for a hot weather climate so this [weather] is out of the norm for us.”

Physical Plant dealt with problems as they arose but also took some preventative measures, including modifying building heating schedules and keeping an on-call team to monitor the facilities.

Snow and ice occurred

early the morning of Feb. 4, yielding between one-half and a full inch of snow in Austin.

The icy road conditions grounded most people across the state, including truckers. However, the brave minority still took to the road—for example, junior Carley Little.

Little was waiting at a stoplight when a fast-moving truck approached from the other direction. The driver began to break but could not gain traction, and the truck rotated 180 degrees into oncoming traf-

fic. Luckily for the driver, passengers in the oncoming lane were stopped, and the truck managed to pull into a gas station.

“It wasn’t the best idea [to be on the roads], but I think knowing that made me drive more careful,” Little said. “I am used to driving on snow and ice because I do in Canada. It becomes a problem when people do not realize that it’s dangerous and don’t know how to drive in those conditions.”

Games| 2

Caroline Wallace Students walk through the snow that covered St. Edward’s University parking garage Friday.

Page 2 | NEWS

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 | Hilltop Views

Proposed state bill focuses on first-time DWI offenders Anna Whitney awhitne@stedwards.edu

A new bill could require that first-time DWI offenders in Texas submit to breathalyzer tests before they can start their cars.

Proposed on Nov. 8 by Rep. Todd Smith, R-Euless, H.B. 189 states that judges may grant first-time offenders deferred adjudication, or delayed judgment on a charge, as long as the offender was not driving with

a child younger than 15 and the offender did not injure or kill another person while driving.

If first-time offenders are granted deferred adjudication, they would be required to install ignition interlocks in their cars and possibly undergo rehabilitation to prevent them from driving under the influence during their probation periods.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has publicly voiced its support for the

bill since its proposal.

Toni Logan, spokesperson for MADD, said other DWI bills have been proposed in the past, but MADD did not support them because they lacked the distinctions of the new bill.

“We felt like those were the things missing [from the other propositions] to protect everyone—both the offender and the people on the streets,” Logan said.

Logan said the new bill has the ability to ensure that

judges assess what is needed to change a person’s behavior and can require mandatory rehabilitation, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

With the new legislation, the DWI charge would not be removed if an individual was granted deferred adjudication, according to Logan.

The bill states that a deferred adjudication for driving a car (or a boat or plane) under the influence “is considered a conviction for purposes of enhancement of

penalties.”

Logan said the bill would ensure DWI charges stick to repeat offenders’ records.

“In the court system, one thing we see a lot of is charges reduced so it doesn’t show a DWI. There are multiple offenders out there who don’t have anything on their records. That’s not helping them to address underlying behavior,” Logan said. “This [bill] should be a really good alternative.”

Sgt. Tim Kresta of the Aus-

tin Police Department’s DWI team said DWI laws change almost every other year, from slight modifications to major alterations.

“There’s always things that get pushed every time,” Kresta said. “Last time it was the mandatory blood drawing law.”

According to the Texas Legislature website, the House and Senate must vote on the bill before it becomes law. If the bill becomes law, it would be effective on Sept. 1.

New policy in response to liability issues

Games canceled

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

standard prices for catering companies. According to Lynch, a typical upcharge can be as much as three to four times the wholesale price.

“It is not a profit center for us, so we don’t do the standard industry upcharge,” Lynch said. “We don’t sell enough to justify it as a big profit center.”

The house wine available from Bon Appétit is an Oak Creek Merlot or Chardonnay and costs $12.50 a bottle. Oak Creek Chardonnay costs $3.92 at Internetwines. com, a third of the price Bon Appètit charges.

The hazardous roads also prevented the St. Edward’s softball team from traveling to San Antonio because of game cancelations, postponing the season-open-

... we decided that we didn’t want to be warm; we wanted to win.”

-Amy Coulter, softball head coach

The Change

Staff from Auxiliary Services, Risk Management, and the Ragsdale Conference Center developed a new alcohol policy entitled “The Procedure for Alcohol Service at St. Edward’s University” to reduce liability risks associated with serving alcohol.

“The TABC has stepped up its enforcement efforts, particularly with regard to underage drinking,” Stone said. “In the face of these potential risk management issues, we decided we needed to improve our procedures to ensure no problems occurred that could reasonably be prevented.”

The policy classifies events on campus as either “Type I Events” or “Type II Events.”

The policy states that an

The team was given the day off after another canceled game on Feb. 4. They took advantage of the free time, building snowmen in the batting cages and field and practicing base sliding in the snow.

“A lot of time student ath-

Courtesy of Hollis Hammonds

In past years, it was customary to serve beer and wine at art show openings.

event is considered to be Type I if there is a charge for admission or participation; if persons under 21 are attending; if the event is held in the Ragsdale Center, the Maloney Room, the Lane Dining Room or Bishop McCarthy Room; or if the event is hosted by a group that is not affiliated with St. Edward’s.

As noted in the policy, proper protocol for Type I Events requires “all alcohol to be purchased from and served by Bon Appétit.”

Type II Events are considered lower risk events, and the policy allows alcohol to be purchased or donated from outside sources. An event is considered Type II if

there is no charge to attend, if it is not held in the aforementioned locations, and if there is “no reasonable expectation of attendance” from persons under 21.

The Effect

While alcohol is not a fixture at many campus events such as Waffle-o-polis or Midnight Breakfast, the Photocommunications senior show has had wine available for attendees in past years.

“Serving wine is a cultural way of signifying a celebration, which is what the senior show is about to a certain extent,” senior Photocommunications major Ashley Watson said. “Showing work

in a gallery puts you in a very vulnerable position, and for some strange reason having a cup of wine, even as a ‘prop,’ just helps.”

Because of high prices and a small budget, those planning “Lucida,” the Photocommunications senior show, have decided not to serve alcohol.

“What’s frustrating is the fact that we could still have alcohol; however, we’d be forced to pay a ridiculous $15 per bottle of wine to the already monopolistic Bon Appétit,” Watson said. “The power to utilize our small budget as efficiently as possible to create a great art show has been usurped—we’d be crazy to waste our money on

ing tournament. The team opted to practice on Feb. 3 in the cold conditions to acclimate themselves to the weather in case they were able to play on Feb. 4.

“I sent the girls a text saying that we’re going to get out in the cold weather and practice for an hour,” Head Coach Amy Coulter said.

“They thought I was crazy.

But we decided that we didn’t want to be warm; we wanted to win.”

letes don’t have the opportunity to have a free snow day off where they are not stressed out about school or athletics,” Coulter said.

“They just have an opportunity to be a college student and play.”

The cancelation did leave the team with fewer chances to play, but they were able to win two out of four games over the weekend tournament.

Corrections In the Feb. 2 issue of Hilltop Views, there is an error on page 1. The cutline to the photo in the article “Biology student wins award” should say “McCann won an award for his cystic fibrosis research.”

And the article “New boutique supplies shoppers with thrifty, yet chic style” on page 8 incorrectly identifies the store’s location. Moss Designer Consignment is located at 705 B. South Lamar.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

NEWS | Page 3

St. Edward’s takes steps to increase sustainability awareness Kristina Schenck kschenc@stedwards.edu

St. Edward’s University is taking steps to create a more environmentally sustainable campus by increasing communication and access to sustainability resources within and outside of the university.

The university created a central sustainability location on campus with the goal of increasing communication, awareness, and access to information within the campus community.

Assistant to the President for Institutional Relations Cristina Bordin is now also the sustainability coordinator to university President George Martin, and her office in Main Building is the central sustainability location on campus.

“Having a central point for the information will enable our students, faculty and staff to learn more about sustainability, to coordinate

Hilltop Views Archive

The Residential Village has eco-friendly features.

their efforts and programs with other university areas and to have a central point of communication and data exchange,” Bordin said.

St. Edward’s joined the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AAS-

HE), which provides access to sustainability resources such as reports, education resources and other sustainability research on their website. AASHE also hosts an annual conference. Membership is extended to the entire campus community, meaning

everyone will have access to AASHE website resources.

Other universities in Austin such as The University of Texas at Austin, Huston-Tillotson University and Austin Community College are also members of AASHE. “It’s the primary organization for sharing ideas and … that’s how we can get ideas about what we can do here,” Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Policy Peter Beck said.

Beck recently taught two Environmental Policy courses that focused on sustainability research, and students in his courses used AASHE resources for research material. In spring 2009, Environmental Science and Policy students tracked campus emissions by conducting a greenhouse gas inventory.

In fall 2010, students researched strategies to help the university reduce emissions and develop a formal climate action plan. AASHE

provides links to hundreds of climate action plans from other institutions of higher education as well as links to greenhouse gas inventory reports.

Environmental Science and Policy major Jarymar Arana took both courses and is now combining student research into a climate action plan designed specifically for St. Edward’s.

“My role was combining all of this research and putting it together in one comprehensive report so that it is easily accessible to the administration and the Environmental Stewardship Committee and also for students in the future,” Arana said.

Arana is working with Bordin and Martin to set a presentation date with the Environmental Stewardship Committee in late February.

“One of the missions is to prepare … students for a changing world, and the whole nation is moving to-

ward increased knowledge for environmental issues,” Arana said. “It’s important for students to understand how climate change works and how to make the right decisions to address the issue of climate change.”

The St. Edward’s administration solidified the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability in the 2015 Strategic Plan. According to the plan, “phased implementation of the master plan for 2015 will continue the quality enhancement of the campus through sustainable improvements of academic, residential and recreational facilities and landscaping.”

Beck said the climate action plan is not just an activity for a class or a way to save money.

“The eventual goal is that … it’s an integral part of St. Edward’s University to build on and promote and be known for,” Beck said.

Doyle Courtyard live oak suffering from undetermined illness Kristina Schenck kschenc@stedwards.edu

If you have visited the Doyle Courtyard recently, you may have noticed the tree in the center of the courtyard has a few fewer limbs than it did a year ago.

The live oak tree’s health is declining, and the cause is undetermined.

Campus arborist Tom Dunlap first noticed changes in the tree’s appearance last May. “My procedures are to go out and look for damages,” Dunlap said. “I came out and looked at the tree and thought boy, you know, it doesn’t look quite right.”

A lifelong tree enthusiast, Dunlap saw that the leaves on the branches closest to the offices in Doyle Hall looked yellow when they should normally be a glossy dark green. That section of the tree was cut down as a part of the treatment plan Dunlap developed after consulting other Physical Plant employ-

ees and fellow arborists to try and restore the tree’s health.

Though some branches were cut down to help the tree conserve nutrients, Dunlap said he intends to try to restore the tree through other methods as well.

“The last thing I want to do is cut a tree down,” Dunlap said. “I would much rather be a surgeon than a mortician.”

The treatment plan involves several procedures to combat all of the factors that may have caused the tree’s health decline, including oak wilt, waterlogged soil or soil compactness.

Oak wilt, an infectious disease caused by a fungus, is perhaps the most difficult to treat and the most difficult to diagnose. The tree displayed some symptoms of oak wilt, including veinal necrosis— when the veins in the leaves turn brown prematurely. Oak wilt is a common problem throughout central Texas.

“We don’t know for sure if it has oak wilt,” Dunlap said.

“Everyone that has looked at

Cory Hahn

Physical plant removed diseased branches as part of the tree’s treatment plan.

it said it might.”

Oak wilt is almost always spread from an infected tree to a healthy tree underground through connected roots in a process known as a root graft. This is possible because oak tree roots spread considerably underground and can bind or graft to trees of the same species, forming an extensive underground root system. However, the

trees surrounding the sick oak are healthy, which indicates that the oak may not have oak wilt.

But Dunlap also said the fungus usually spreads in concentric rings from the tree trunk out, and he observed symptoms in separate, more distinct sections of the tree.

The tree has not been tested for oak wilt and probably will not be because testing is dif-

ficult and expensive, Dunlap said.

Although the tree may not be infected with oak wilt, the soil and the tree were treated with fungicide to try to isolate the fungus as a precaution. The tree will be treated with fungicide again in two years.

Dunlap also observed that the soil around the base of the tree was too wet. He be-

lieves the landscape fabric beneath the top layer of gravel, laid down to prevent weeds from growing, also trapped excess water. Too much water can injure the tree because its roots cannot take in adequate oxygen from waterlogged soil.

In response, Dunlap and others cut large holes in the landscape fabric and used an auger to drill holes beneath the holes in the landscape fabric. The holes were then filled in with coarse gravel, which Dunlap described as “breather tubes” to help aerate the soil.

Throughout treatment, the tree has continued to grow in some areas. There are some small sprouts on the main branch of the tree, which can be a positive sign because sprouting stimulates growth.

“My vision is that the tree will restore itself,” Dunlap said.

Page 4 | NEWS

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 | Hilltop Views

Student Government trying to reach out to student body SGA’s relationship with students debated Ari Auber aauber@stedwards.edu

As the roads around Austin began to ice over with snow on its way, a Student Government Association meeting heated up into a debate about its inability to reach students.

anyone who has attended St. Edward’s University for two consecutive semesters can run for the office of SGA president. Currently, only students who have had four semesters in SGA can run, limiting the number of eligible candidates to four.

The details of the bill

“If only 200 people voted in the last election, out of a school of 5,000 people, then something’s wrong.

The student body isn’t responding to [SGA].”

-Lesli Simms, a sophomore

The senate meeting Thursday night was supposed to go over several new initiatives and bills up for first reading. But the meeting slowly became less about legislation and more about student outreach – whether there is a disconnect between SGA and its constituents, represented partially by the low turnout among students during the last SGA election in the fall, when Blanca Garcia’s resignation from the presidency left a vacancy.

One student present at the meeting said there is a disconnect that SGA needs to address.

“If only 200 people voted in the last election, out of a school of 5,000 people, then something’s wrong,” sophomore Lesli Simms told the senators and the handful of other students at the Feb. 3 meeting. “The student body isn’t responding to what you’re doing.”

The debate about student outreach that inspired Simms to stand up and speak resulted from a bill that Celso Baez, chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs committee and senator of the senior class, wrote and introduced at the senate meeting.

The bill aims to change the SGA Constitution so that

sparked a debate that lasted almost an hour because some senators supported the bill, others were against it and the remaining ones would consider it if the qualifications were tweaked to be less inclusive.

SGA President Krista Heiden, a co-sponsor of the bill, said any interested student should be able to run for SGA president.

“I would not want to limit anyone who has other interests who could represent the students,” Heiden said. “If you are in the association and meet qualifications, then you can run from office, but you should not limit anyone else from running. The students will vote on who they think will do the best job. They know what’s right for the community.”

Heiden said that she is president now only because the former president, Blanca Garcia, resigned in the middle of last semester, promoting Heiden to the presidency.

Without the vacancy, Heiden would not have been eligible for the presidency, as she had taken a break from SGA during the first semester of her junior year. Heiden’s qualifications were questioned by Leigh Anne Winger, who dropped her objections and

later joined SGA as a sophomore senator.

Other senators, however, were not as ready to accept the bill. Melina Tabibian, a senator for East Hall, voiced her concern that allowing any student with two semesters at St. Edward’s to become president means SGA has the potential to be headed by an inexperienced student interested only in receiving the scholarship that comes with being SGA president.

“We can’t teach a president how to do a senator’s job,” Tabibian said.

Midway through the debate, Simms stood up to give her opinion. In support of the bill, she said that allowing anyone to run for president will make the student body more invested in SGA. She added that because the senators spend their time in a metaphorical “ivory tower,” passing legislation that students don’t know about, they have no idea what their constituents want.

“I see the passion that SGA has for the legislation process, but I don’t think they carry that passion when it comes to student involvement because either they see the student body as apathetic, invisible or ineffective,” Simms said in a later interview. “What I mean is, I don’t think the students see the importance of what SGA does because I don’t think SGA properly demonstrates their importance.”

Her speech marked a turning point in the debate, the senators finally agreeing that before they could come to a consensus about the bill, they needed to discuss it further in committee.

SGA writing legislation for student audit Ari Auber aauber@stedwards.edu

Only members of the Student Government Association attended the senate meetings during the fall semester, even though they are open to all students – until sophomore Lesli Simms stepped up to the microphone during one of the last meetings of the year.

Simms told SGA senators that she and other students aren’t being offered enough classes in their majors each semester to complete the requirements to graduate in four years.

“I feel invisible because I’m not an English Writing and Rhetoric or Comm major,” Simms said. “I’m an English Literature major, and there are barely any lit classes for me to choose from each time I register for classes.”

SGA had been trying to reach out to students. Several SGA members, including the new vice president Noah Corn, promised to look into the matter.

“It’s students like you who make us proud of what we do,” Corn said. He added that he was grateful a student had shown up to a meeting.

The senators followed through with their promise.

Simms spoke at the Nov. 18 senate meeting, well before winter break. Three senators remembered her plea for help two months later

and drafted a legislative resolution in response. One of several that went up for first reading at the Feb. 3 senate meeting, the resolution will create an audit for student course selection.

The audit will be a commitee of students who will review the course schedule before it’s posted on EdWeb each semester. Details of the audit, such as how many students will be part of the audit and how these students will be selected, have not been worked out yet. Another detail that needs to be worked out is who will oversee the audit if it’s implemented – SGA will not be in charge.

The author of the resolution, sophomore senator Leigh Anne Winger, said that the audit would be based on student input.

With it, students can suggest what they do or don’t want from their major. They can’t opt not to take a class or to place a class from another major into their own, but the audit will allow them to have a voice about their education, showing the administration and others where possible problems in course selection exist.

So if Simms feels that she will not graduate on time because literature majors have so few classes to choose from each semester, she can express this concern through the audit.

If the audit produces a

clear need for another class, SGA does not have the authority to create it. But the Academic Council, a group comprised mostly of faculty members and three student representatives from SGA, does because its main function is to approve changes to the university curriculum.

Mary Rist, an English Writing professor and a member of the Academic Council, thinks that Simms’ concern is valid. Rist said she is interested in seeing the results of the audit, but she doesn’t think the audit will reveal a major issue.

“In most cases, I think you will find we’ve done a good job filling each major with the appropriate number of classes,” Rist said. “Some majors don’t have a lot of classes because there aren’t a lot of students to take them. Then again, we don’t want to put the cart before the horse. If there are not a lot of classes available, students might shy away from the major.”

After Winger introduced the initiative to the senate, the senators voted to take it back to committee – meaning that, after further research that will work out the details of the audit, the initiative may return to the senate for a final vote and become law.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

GAMES | Page 5

games

Look for the answers to both games in next week’s issue!

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku:

Page 6 | Hilltop Views Wednesday, February 9, 2011

ENTERTAINMENT

Improv takes center stage

Weekly ‘Flix Fix [A Boy and His Dog]

Weekly ‘Flix Fix takes the legwork out of wading through thousands of film choices on Netflix, bringing you the most truly bizarre, quirky and outright amazing gems instant streaming has to offer.

Brooks DiDonato bdidona@stedwards.edu

Courtesy of The Hideout Theatre

The Hideout Theatre offers interactive improv performances and classes throughout the week.

Paul Rocha procha@stedwards.edu

With an intimate atmosphere and a large variety of coffees and treats on the menu, the Hideout Theatre on Congress Avenue is a popular improv spot specializing in two things that college students seem to love: entertainment and caffeine.

Roy Janik, co-owner of The Hideout, said the improv

scene has been growing every year. The Hideout’s roster of improv shows and classes are no exception.

Perhaps the popularity is due to The Hideout’s unique style.

“Trying to be funny is the quickest way to not be funny,” Janik said. “Our emphasis is on unscripted theater and the acting side of improv. The laughs follow naturally.”

And they do, according

More popular improv spots •Cold Towne Theater 4803-B Airport Blvd. coldtownetheater.com •The New Movement Theater 1819 Rosewood Ave. newmovenmenttheater.com/austin •Comedy Sportz at Cafe Caffeine 909 W Mary St. cazaustin.com

to St. Edward’s University freshmen Meagan Solis and Ali Vasko, repeat Hideout patrons who have experienced the entertaining sensation firsthand.

“We were just looking for something fun and inexpensive to do on a Friday night,” Solis said. “We googled ‘fun things to do in Austin’ and found The Hideout.”

What Solis and Vasko also found was a sidesplitting evening of intimate, genuinely entertaining and interactive improv.

“They had different ways of including the audience,” Solis said. “I remember they asked for us to shout out different types of relationships and they used my suggestion, hero and sidekick”.

Solis and Vasko believe incorporation of audience members draws people to improv shows because they can become part of the fun.

For example, audience members can suggest an idea for a skit or get called on stage to join the performance.

With such an emphasis be-

ing placed on audience participation, Janik said many become interested in starting their own improv troupes.

“It’s like being in a band,” Janik said. “You get together at least once a week to practice, and you book shows.”

Janik said the improv scene in Austin is incredibly friendly and open with some troupes and actors performing at multiple venues without maintaining exclusiveness to any particular theater.

In addition to the live improv performances, The Hideout has improv classes of various levels for those who want to learn the craft for themselves. The comedy club also offers a free session for those who are uncertain of their capability to perform.

On select Sundays, The Hideout hosts an improv event geared towards children.

Specifics on dates of shows, ticket pricings, etc., are posted on The Hideout’s website, hideouttheatre.com.

This week’s ‘Flix Fix is a tale of man and man’s best telepathic friend, 1975’s “A Boy and His Dog” This adaptation of a Harlan Ellison story covers every reason why we should pretend as if the ‘70s never happened, and stands as one of the best reasons for why we should never forget them.

“A Boy and His Dog” tells the story of Vic (played

by Don Johnson) and his telepathic dog, Blood, as they roam across a postapocalyptic wasteland.

Given its severely limited budget, primitive special effects and the absence of any substantial acting talent, “A Boy and His Dog” is a movie whose only real selling point is how truly unique and bizarre a world it creates. In some ways similar to Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” the movie is a dark tale of what happens to human beings sans morality.

Unlike “The Road,” this film explores such questions with, at times, a questionable, ironic sen-

sibility. The film’s dedication to not taking itself too seriously does not mean that you should expect random slapstick scenes thrown in as relief from the tedium of life in the wasteland. This film moves slowly but is worth sticking with until the end.

What truly makes this movie worth anyone’s time is the way that it manages to walk an incredibly fine line between absurdity and earnestness. There is a subtlety at play that emerges in what seems a happy accident.

The central thematic points of the movie are conveyed with little grace or skill, but these little flaws are just part of the movie’s charm. The film is generally heavy-handed, and at times its message seems to be one of outright misogyny. All these missteps are made in service to show just how much everything can change–except for the truly important things in life. No matter what may come, nothing can change the relationship that exists between a boy and his dog.

netflix.com

“A Boy and His Dog” was released in 1975.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

ENTERTAINMENT | Page 7

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

MMNT opens semester with successful production of “Eurydice” Tina Ramon tramon2@stedwards.edu

“Eurydice,” a surprisingly humorous story of lost love and lasting bonds, is now playing at Mary Moody Northen Theatre. With great scenery, music, lighting and acting, the play was full of drama, humor and emotion.

When audience members walked into the theater, they felt overwhelmed by the tranquility of the scene. The floor was a light blue, and there were bubbling water tanks on the floor near the seats. In the middle of the floor there was a platform and a smaller one in the corner filled with water. Before the play began, a light sound of trickling water provided a sense of calm.

The music throughout the play was strategically used to introduce characters, enhance the emotions in important scenes and most importantly symbolize the connection between Eurydice and her husband, Orpheus. The play was humorous at times, but was also heartbreakingly emo-

tional.

The lighting was very important in the play because different characters would be on the scene when only one would need the audience’s attention. It was also used to emphasize the feelings portrayed.

All the actors gave memorable performaces. The relationship between Eurydice and Orpheus was portrayed beautifully as fun, tender, caring love that was still apparent even after Eurydice is gone.

Senior Nathan Brockett was perfect for the role of Orpheus, a crazy-in-love musician. The heartache of the final scene is all for Brockett as he gives the audience the final clue as to what lengths people who live without their loved one will go to.

The main star, sophomore Cassidy Schiltz, was magnificent as Eurydice. She conveyed innocence and love effortlessly but was also able to portrayed many hilarious as well as tender moments.

Schiltz’s chemistry with

both Brockett and Jamie Goodwin, Eurydice’s father, only added to the overall appeal of Eurydice’s character.

The play’s biggest hitter was Goodwin. A returning Equi-

handful of times, Stahl was very funny in his scenes and a bit menacing towards the end.

Last but not least, sophomores David Cameron Allen,

[Schiltz] conveyed innocence and love effortlessly.” ty Actor to the Mary Moody stage, Goodwin has been in many plays, movies and TV shows, including the 2001 film “Serendipity.”

Goodwin’s portrayal of Eurydice’s father could not have been better. He played a loving, patient character who gains much of the audience’s compassion throughout his most heart-touching scenes, filled with grief and love.

David Stahl, another returning Equity Actor to the Mary Moody stage, played the Lord of the Underworld.

Though appearing only a

Sophia Franzella and Kendra Perez play the Stones. The Stones are the audience’s three guides to the rules of the Underworld, and they played their roles with a serious kind of humor.

Costume designer Buffy Manners also shined with her original designs for the Stone’s costumes.

Eurydice was done with great craft, a great way to kick off the Mary Moody Nothen Theatre’s spring semester.

Bret Brookshire

“Eurydice” is playing at MMNT until Feb. 13.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Dayglow paints a colorful experience for Austin partiers Sara Sanchez ssanchei@stedwards.edu

Dayglow brought the party to the Austin Music Hall Jan. 28 and 29.

Sara Sanchez

For one weekend, a mass of young partygoers dressed in white took over Austin Music Hall for Dayglow, an internationally touring dance party.

Dayglow goes beyond the usual rave. The party includes the usual dancing, heavy bass techno and a blur of people in altered states of mind, but what sets Dayglow apart from the rest is the paint blasted onto the crowd at the stroke of midnight.

Dayglow began in 2006 on Florida college campuses and since then has toured in major party cities such as Miami and Cancun.

On the promotional video, Dayglow-goers are seen dancing into the early hours of morning, covered in paint

and having a blast. At the actual event, however, it was easy to spot partiers dancing with trace amounts of paint, in line for the bathroom or on the hunt for sources of hydration.

Before the actual party started, attendees had to brave the cold and stand in line. Since there was no place for a sweater inside the music hall, thousands of people stood in line for up to two hours in nothing more than white T-shirts and shorts.

Once inside the venue, attendees found that Austin Music Hall had been transformed into the ideal party spot. A giant screen at the front of the party displayed a countdown until the midnight paint blast. Fluorescent objects and balloons hung from the ceiling and cups, lost articles of clothing, and

paint littered the floor.

Many partiers dressed prepared for the paint: goggles, cheap flip-flops and worn out clothing ready to be splattered were the norm.

“It was rowdy, and paint flying,” junior Jamie Aldridge said. “I wanted as much paint on me as possible.”

Partygoers might have left with one fewer shoe, decreased hydration and diminished hearing, but they also left with memories and stories to last until the next time the “World’s Largest Paint Party” rolls into town.

“It was my first time going and it won’t be my last,” junior Ryan Harris said.

Page 8 | ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 | Hilltop Views

Four Austin restaurants that Valentine’s Day diners will love Paul Rocha procha@stedwards.edu

The Clay Pit

Indian cuisine 1601 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX (512)322-5131 If you plan on eating here on a weekend, you better make a reservation. The Clay Pit is one of the more popular restaurants in Austin, and can keep you waiting for a couple of hours. Try going on a weekday if you want to avoid the wait.

“It’s very romantic and fancy, and although the food is expensive, it’s really good,” St. Edward’s student Katherine Lopez said. The Clay Pit specializes in traditional Indian food as well as contemporary dishes that are unique to the restaurant. The intimate lighting and savory food make for an excellent date setting.

Recommended for: Patient pairs

Magnolia Cafe

1920 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX (512) 478-8645 “Everybody knows, everybody goes” is the saying, but why go to a smorgasbord casual diner for a date? One of the best things about Magnolia Cafe, besides it’s terrifically random menu and it’s more than reasonable prices, is the fact that it’s open 24 hours a day. You can head to Magnolia Cafe after a night at the movies or a concert for some late night grub–or any time of the day for that matter. From breakfast tacos to burgers to spinach dip, they really do have a little bit of everything. It’s simply a great place to end great date.

Recommend for: Late-night lovers

Fashion sizzled at Freakout despite arctic temperatures Yenifes Trochez ytroche@stedwards.edu

“The show must go on!”- Read a mass message sent out by one of the coordinators for Fashion Freakout 4. It was decided that even snow and 15-degree temperatures outside would not stop the show.

After a couple of accommodations, such as retinascolding heat lamps, an indoor band, along with hundreds of people, hot chocolate and smooth whiskey, the weather wasn’t an issue.

The night started out with the bearded comedic host, Matt Beard, vulgarly introducing the event in, literally, a penguin suit.

Presenting retro-styled fashion by local vintage stores, such as Prototype, Laced with Romance, and New Bohemia, the event showcased what is currently hot in Austin fashion with cool trends from the past.

Reoccurring themes from

the evening varied from fur coats and hats; large feathered hats, scarves, and coats; and sequins–tons and tons of gaudy sequins.

Another prevalent trend of the evening appeared to be see-through blouses and dresses worn with dark brassieres and tons of jewelry. Crowd favorites include a long sequin jumper presented by New Bohemia, a red, skin-tight dress, corduroy jackets and, of course, all of the bearded men.

Laced with Romance dressed their models in more medieval colors, such as vibrant maroons and dark teals, where as New Bohemia and Prototype generally dressed in blacks, and creamy colors.

In terms of grooming, Avant Salon and Spa managed the show’s hair and make-up. Though a few short-cropped looks were styled, most women were styled with long hair with bangs and large

falling curls. A few men also wore their hair long, styled straight and sleek.

The show featured both, male and female models, ranging from what appeared to be their early 20s into their mid-70s. The audience eagerly cat-called for a happy, dancing cowboy who was old enough to be a grandfather.

Between catwalk presentations, the evening also included music performances by an Austin local band, The Bad Lovers, and a Gary Glitter cover band, Leaders of the Gang, and wrapped up with a hot and steamy dance-party.

Prototype, New Bohemia, and Laced with Romance are all stores located in South Austin, either off of South First or South Congress, located near St. Edward’s University.

Courtesy of Magnolia Cafe

Magnolia Cafe is perfect for a casual date.

Fogo de Chão

Brazilian steakhouse 309 E. 3rd St., Austin, TX (512) 472-0220 If you or your date have no problem with copious amounts of meat, then Fogo de Chão just might be your place. The dining experience begins at the lavish salad bar that has a wide assortment of items to choose from. If you aren’t stuffed at this point, prepare yourself to be personally served your choice of steak by the chef who prepared it. Fogo de Chão is definitely in the pricier range, so come prepared to spend some moolah.

Recommended for: Carnivorous couples

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grill Seafood 301 East 5th St., Austin, TX (512)472-1860

Dubbed the best seafood in town by local food critics, Eddie V’s is located near the heart of Austin. They have much more than seafood, and have been known to serve a decent steak. They also carry an array of wines, most of which are severely priced. The atmosphere is amorous, so if you’re looking for a place to take your significant other on Valentine’s Day, look no further. The cost isn’t cheap, but you get your money’s worth.

Recommended for: Future fiancées

FASHION REVIEW

[slapdash] “Delicious Risk”

VALENGRAMS Brady It’s cold days like these that remind me how great it is cuddling with you. <3 Love: Hugh Vanessa Banks You are the apple of every hipster’s eye… ’cause you are one.

Love, Hipster I <3 Scotland Come to the I-Fest Study Abroad in Scotland events Feb. 14th in Mabee!

Br. Larry, Much brotherly love to you on Valentine’s Day. We think you’re awesome, even if you’re a Sox fan.

-The Peer Ministers Dear Zac Efron, Glad you got your mojo back. <3, the dirty 3rd + Nick Dear Pax, You’re the best goat we know. You can’t read this, but you can eat it!

-Wallaker Taylor Batch I declare that you are the best orientation leader, and best dressed gal on campus.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Love ya, Daniel Sara E. Sanchez, I love you! You are gorgeous. See you on Valentine’s Day! -Gio Dear Jena, Thanks for all your hard work and being a great advisor!

Love, Hilltop Views Staff Dear Iced Turbo from Jo’s Thank you for getting me through the early mornings! I love you!

-A sleep deprived college student Dear Lt. Dan, Thank you for all your support of student organizations on campus! We tolerate you.

Sincerely, Holly and Caroline

Hey you, You told me one time you were a jellyfish, which works out great because I’m a manatee. Let’s keep the motion in the ocean.

-Me To: Manatee, You can hang out in my underwater paradise anytime.

From: The Jellyfish David I don’t know you that well, but I have a crush on you. I don’t know if you feel the same way, but if you do, let me know… Alejandro.

-Anonymous 4 Dearest Nick and Michael, Couldn’t have asked for a better staff this year. Love you guys and I wouldn’t have wanted to deal with everything we’ve dealt with this year with anyone else! <3 Jardin (Jargon) Nate Have a great season! I love a man in uniform. XoXo - Kim Dear Noah Corn, Nothing excites me more than your verbiage, your cold demeanor, and your bronze colored locks. I know Edward Cullen is a fictional character, but you’re the next best thing.

-Bella Bekah Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you so much!

Love, Zach Dearest Hilltop Views Family, Thank you all for of your hard work. If only more people knew that anyone can come to our weekly story meetings on Wednesdays at 4:50 in Trustee 104. And that we pay. Alas.

-Tristan and Proctor (Tranderson) Jenna, We’re no strangers to love You know the rules and so do I A full commitment’s what I’m thinking of You wouldn’t get this from any other guy.

I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling Gotta make you understand.

I’m never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down…

-John Taylor

Hilltop Views | Page 9 Wednesday, February 9, 2011 Agustin Ramirez, My love for you is more than the air I breathe, the sunshine in my days and the happiness that fills my life. I think God for you precious, I love you always and forever.

America Martinez, Thank you for all the wonderful memories baby. Te amo con todo mi corazon.

Baillee Perkins, My love for you burns like a thousand suns.

I write about you all the time on LikeaLittle, but I decided to take the next step for Valentine’s Day. Keep me warm tonight?

Your dearest, CJ Andrew my love, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you!

Te amo!

-April WNo big deal, but I have enjoyed every minute we have spent together. You’re pretty awesome, I guess, even though your dad isn’t P. Diddy. Once our ankle scars heal, let’s have a celebration brunch and then watch Pawn Stars or How I Met Your Mother or Troll 2. Anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day! -T P.S. You deserve respect and justice…so I’ll demand it.

Written for: Josué Palmerin Written by: Dawlet Salinas Quiero la miel de tus labios.

Quiero oler el perfume de tu piel.

Quier que me acobijes del frio.

Quiero que bailes conmigo hasta el amanecer.

Quiero que mis labios sean lo primero y lo último que tu boca toque.

Quiero que el arcoíris nos guie el camino.

Quiero que caminemos tomados de la mano.

Quiero que me tomes entre tus brazos.

Quiero Necesito que nunca jamás me dejes ir.

Un dia se me olvido como sonreír.

Algún día hace tiempo se me olvido como brincar de felicidad.

No sé cuándo pero se me olvido como llorar.

Hoy brinco a diario al son de tu voz.

Hoy sonrió como loco.

Hoy estoy dispuesto a llorar la vida entera por ti.

Hoy veo nuevamente el sol, y es gracias a esto que por ti yo siento.

Atte.

Mi corazón

FEATURES

Page 10 | Hilltop Views Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Federal jobs offer options Ryan Lester rlester@stedwards.edu

The stagnant unemployment rate has many college students on edge about their post-graduation career prospects, but one avenue that has gained ground in light of the new economic reality is the possibility of working for the government, at either the state or federal level.

Some seniors are looking closely at the relative stability and availability of jobs at the nation’s largest employer.

“While I’m definitely keeping my options open, working for the government is looking like a more realistic option for me,” said Kelsey Ottesen, a senior Communication major.

Ottesen and other students considering government jobs reflect a recent trend among those readying to enter the work force.

“Across the country, there has been a renewed interest in federal jobs,” said Andrew Harper, the internship coordinator at the St. Edward’s University Career Planning office.“The millennial generation has indicated in research that they want to have a purpose or make a difference in their careers.”

Harper explained that both federal and state governments are looking for more than just political science students, as many different bureaus are seeking potential employees from many different academic backgrounds.

“In addition to the sciences, government employers are looking for more business students,” he said.

Harper believes that part of the reason for the increased effort of the government to recruit students is that many people in government jobs right now are on the verge of retirement.

“The Partnership for Public Service has seen that a lot of

baby boomers will be retiring [soon],” Harper said. “They started an initiative called Call To Serve that works with universities to help make access to government jobs, and the [job] process itself, more accessible to students.”

Some students have included government employment as part of their job search to have more options when it comes time to graduate.

“Given the way the job market is, I don’t want to rule out the possibilities,” said Arielle Epstein, a senior Global Studies major.

The job market has improved, but not by much. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that unemployment dropped to 9 percent in January.

With all of the economic uncertainty of the past few years, Ottesen said job security could be a factor.

“My mom has been working for the government for 17 years,” Ottesen said. “So I really value the security of a government job.”

In addition, some students see working for the government as a stepping stone on the path towards reaching their ultimate career goals. It can also help them put their degrees to work without having to pursue more education after they receive their undergraduate degrees.

“I really can’t do a lot with my social work degree unless I get a Masters,” said Kelly Bagnall, a senior at The University of Texas. “It would just be an in-between job.”

For St. Edward’s students, Harper said that several different departments from both the state and federal government come to campus throughout the year, including an ambassador from the U.S. Department of State, The FBI, and the IRS. “They want to inspire more students to work for the federal government,” he said.

Film addresses American beauty ideals Molly Williamson mwilliaj@stedwards.edu

Gerren Taylor is 5-feet-10 inches tall, with a radiant smile and a picture-perfect body. She models for top designers and walks the runway in revealing clothes with a rare combination of attitude and confidence. She mingles at parties with giants of the modeling world What could be wrong with this picture? For starters, Gerren is 12 years old. So what is she doing in a skimpy

bathing suit at an after party in Los Angeles? Filmmaker and director Darryl Roberts attempts to answer this question in his documentary America the Beautiful.

St. Edward’s University screened the film as part of Body Image Awareness Month. In the film, Roberts attempts to delve into American ideals about beauty and the dangers they can pose—from eating disorders to plastic surgery—and how these ideals are shaping the country.

Statistics in the film paint a picture of the growing problems associated with the unattainable standards of beauty that bombard Americans on a daily basis.

For example, the Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association reports, “15 percent of women ages 17 to 24 have eating disorders, and a survey of one college campus indicated that 91 percent of female college students attempted to control their weight through dieting.”

According to Roberts’ documentary, the United States contains 5 percent of the world’s population. That percent sees 40 percent of the world’s advertisements.

The average American ado-

girls as young as five years old have reported being on a diet. Roberts asks Eve Ensler, writer of The Vagina Monologues, about these disturbing statistics. Ensler encourages women to “find the beauty that’s already there.”

In one scene, Roberts is probing an anonymous as to why she wastes her time on unhealthy diets. The model, who is trying to lose 15 pounds in order to get work, stares blankly at Roberts and tells him, “If you’re going to worry about your health, go to college.”

Her words are shocking, but it seems that even on college campuses, students are taking measures to become more beautiful.

A survey of one college campus indicated that 91 percent of female college students attempted to control their weight through dieting.”

Associated Press

A model wears a creation by Andre Lima during the Sao Paulo Fashion Week in Sao Paulo Brazil.

lescent sees around 40,000 advertisements in one year, and many of these ads feature unrealistic portrayals of beauty.

While many young people are trying to reach this unattainable standard of beauty, it’s nearly impossible. High fashion photographer Marc Baptiste reveals the reality of the situation in the film.

When asked by Roberts how these images can affect viewers, Baptiste laughed.

“We’re selling dreams,” he says. “It’s not real. It’s all a dream.”

But how are these images affecting young women, and even men, on college campuses? With a $1 billion a year ad industry, Americans cannot help but be swayed by what they see.

According to a survey of nine to 11-year-old American girls, 40 percent have tried dieting. In addition,

Statistics show that American women, on average, use around 12 beauty products a day, many of which contain chemical ingredients most people can’t even pronounce.

The staff members of the counseling center are using Body Awareness Month to encourage SEU students to strive not for perfection, but for health and happiness – happiness obtained through healthy lifestyle choices and smart decisions, and not by buying into the impossible standards that American culture has set for them.

Those who want to find out more about Body Image Awareness Month or speak to a counselor about any issues they may have can visit the St. Edward’s Health Center located on the ground floor of Johnson Hall.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Scholarships and fellowships can help alleviate college debt Sara E. Sanchez ssanchei@stedwards.edu

Paying for tuition at a private university can be painful, but there are a multitude of ways to help ease the strain on your bank account. Scholarships and fellowships can be a great way to lessen the semi-annual financial blow of tuition fees, and you may not even know about all the ones you are eligible for.

Due to the slowly recovering economy and low growth in the job market, many students may be reluctant to get into debt by taking out loans for college, especially when they consider the amount of debt their predecessors are in. The average debt for the class of 2008 is $23,200,

website has links to multiple scholarships, including scholarships funded by the university as well as externally funded scholarships.

If you spend a lot of time in the JBWN building, you might have seen flyers for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship. However, there are a slew of other sciences scholarships that can be found on the School of Natural Sciences’ web page.

For example, the Robinson scholarship is given to students who will attend graduate school immediately after graduating. Questions about qualifications and deadlines for applying can be answered by contacting the Associate Dean of the School of Natural Sciences.

Last year St. Ed’s students won six fellowships.”

-Caroline Morris, Director of Fellowships at St. Edward’s

and after hearing that number, who wants to do that to themselves?

While scholarships and fellowships are both considered grants that help ease financial strain, they can have different meanings depending on the context. Scholarships are usually awarded to undergraduate students, and can be both need-based and merit-based. Fellowships are usually not based on need, and often require applicants to have specific skills or interests. Fellowships can also have internships or jobs attached and the money awarded is payment for work. Fellowships can also be scholarships, but scholarships are not considered to be fellowships.

Looking for scholarships can be discouraging. Small odds of winning contest scholarships and too-goodto-be-true offers may make some want to just quit school altogether. The St. Edward’s

The New College offers a merit scholarship to students enrolled in the New College with a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA and a minimum 12 hours. The applications are available this month for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Graduate students can also find scholarships and fellowships to suit their needs. St. Edward’s provides links to outside resources, such as the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.

This fellowship is for graduate students who are or want to become a secondary history teacher. The maximum amount rewarded is $24,000, and the deadline is March 1. More information can be found at jamesmadison.com.

If you’re wondering what you need to be a good candidate for a scholarship or fellowship, you need only to ask. Talk to your advisor and your professors to make sure you’re on the right path to reach your goals. The better

you get to know your professors, the more likely they will be willing to write you a shining letter of recommendation.

“Most of our successful candidates have a 3.7 GPA and above, though there are some exceptions,” said Caroline Morris, Director of Fellowships at St. Edward’s.

As the Director of Fellowships, Morris is the go-to person on campus for students considering applying for scholarships and fellowships. She counsels students who are considering applying for funding to study and can help you seek out scholarships that are best fit for you.

Besides a solid GPA, be sure to keep track of your extracurricular activities and community service—larger scholarships are inclined to take those factors into account when reviewing your application.

Students at St. Edward’s have had success with scholarships and fellowships in the past.

“Last year, St. Ed’s students won six fellowships: 4 Fulbright’s, an Environmental Protection Agency Scholarship and an Austrian Government Teaching Assistantship,” said Morris.

The scholarships and fellowships pages on the St. Edward’s web site index can provide a plethora of links, advice, and resources to get you started before you talk to your adviser. Also, your adviser may be able to point you in the direction of web sites, such as fastweb.com, that have listings and applications to a great number of other scholarships you may not have thought of on your own (or even ever heard of ).

Do not put your education on the backburner because the prices are steep—and growing steeper every year.

Rather, take initiative and use the resources that are at your fingertips. You might be surprised by what you can find.

FEATURES | Page 11

‘Tique of the Week

[Loews Grand Theater Brick]

Wendy Cawthon Matt Frazier wcawtho@stedwards.edu mfrazie2@stedwards.edu

‘Tique of the Week is an Austin-wide search for unique and interesting antiques. With dozens of antique shops around Austin, one-of-a-kind items from the past are not in short supply.

Each week we’ll find a new favorite item and feature it as our “’Tique of the Week.”

This week’s search for ‘Tiques took us to Off the Wall, an antiques store located on South Congress Ave. The store specializes in furniture, collectibles, and what the shop owners describe as “odd stuff.”

By the “odd stuff,” we assumed she meant the rack of Hawaiian shirts, or perhaps the glass display case filled with Pez dispensers.

The store has an eclectic style with items ranging from a shelf filled with fossilized shells and extinct oysters to a collection of Beanie Babies.

We knew we had found our ‘Tique the moment we walked into the store. A piece of cinematic history was displayed proudly on one of the front tables near

Wendy Cawthon

This brick was one of the only remaining pieces of the theater after the fire in 1978.

the door.

Off the Wall acquired one of the few remaining bricks salvaged from the historic Loews Grand Theater in Atlanta, Ga. The theater opened in 1893 and was the site of the world premiere of “Gone with the Wind,” the Academy Award winning movie for Best Picture in 1939.

The film’s leading actors Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, and Olivia de Havilland attended the premiere.

According to the piece of paper that accompanied the brick, 2,300 other stars and prominent figures of the time were also said to have been in attendance.

When it was originally built, the Loews Grand Theater was the third largest in the country, and believed to be the most beautiful. It was often referred to as the “Modern Temple of Thesis.”

In June of 1977, the Loews Grand Theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, but the theater burned down less than a year later in January of 1978.

This brick was one of the few pieces that were saved from the charred remains, making this a pretty rare (and famous) ‘Tique of the Week.

Wendy Cawthon

This paperwork chronicles the history of the Loews Grand Theater.

SPORTS

Page 12 | Hilltop Views Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Soccer players win awards for season David Bobb dbobb@stedwards.edu

Two St. Edward’s University women’s soccer players have been named Third Team All-Americans.

Seniors Kelly Boyd and Janae Averett received the honors, among others, last week.

Through the college recruitment process and their four years under St. Edward’s head coach Nick Cowell, Boyd and Averett have come a long way from their Round Rock-based soccer club.

“My goal for them is that they have learned a lot about team chemistry and the importance of people working together for a common goal,” Cowell said. “The other thing is how to become a better leader. These are things they can take to the workplace after they graduate.”

The two women helped the soccer team it to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight and tied the university’s single-

Sports Information

Sports Information

Janae Averett

Kelly Boyd

season record for wins.

Cowell described both women as aggressive, smart and cooperative on the field.

Averett, a forward, improved her goal percentage each year of her college career, making 22 percent of all Hilltopper goals in her final season. Averett attributes her success to the team and train-

ing from her coaches.

“Nick is a phenomenal coach, and he teaches us everything that we need to know, and as an individual who wants to succeed in soccer, I took everything that he could give me, tried to absorb it and do with it the best I could,” Averett said. “He commits all his time perfect-

ing us not only as a team, but also as individual players.”

In addition to being awarded third team All-American, Averett also was named Daktronice first-team all-region, NSCAA first-team all-region, and Heartland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

“Janae is very competitive and brought a level of intensity to the team,” Cowell said.

“On game days, she wants to win, she’s a winner, and she’ll do anything she can for the team.”

Averett’s numbers contributed to the team’s success; however, the team’s 11 shutouts this season would not have been possible without a strong defense.

Captain and center defender Boyd received recognition for her skill and abilities in the defensive slot, as well as her academic achievements.

In addition to her All-American award, Boyd was named Second Team-Scholar All-

American, Daktronics FirstTeam All-Region, NSCAA first-team all-region, Heartland Conference Player of the Year, and Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Cowell puts his juniors through leadership courses to teach and evaluate the potential team captain candidates, and according to Cowell, Boyd shone under this challenge.

“Kelly stepped in the spring of her junior year, and she really took on board what we demand of our leaders,” Cowell said. “It was really a no-brainer for her to be the team captain.”

Boyd said her leadership style was to lead by example both on and off the field, and showing her teammates how to be a successful student athlete. By showing up ready to practice on time, attending team functions, and organizing other functions, Boyd led by example. She even hosted team dinners at her apart-

ments.

Boyd traveled to Baltimore to attend the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Luncheon to receive recognition for her accomplishments. Averett was unable to attend.

“I was only really worried about falling while walking across the stage,” Boyd said.

“It was kind of intimidating [being around the other recipients] because there were a lot of great athletes there.”

Both Averett and Boyd said they are sad that their NCAA soccer career has come to a close; however, they are currently enjoying their free time away from spring training.

Both girls, along with goalie Troi Jorgensen, have been given opportunities to play for a semi-professional team in Sweden upon their graduation in May.

Biggest Fan: When student thinks hockey, he sees Stars Christina Villarreal cvillar3@stedwards.edu

In Texas, snow and ice are not all too common. Nevertheless, the NHL hockey team the Dallas Stars has managed to hold a strong fan base, and junior Patrick Casey, who is studying International Business at St. Edward’s University, has been a loyal fan of the hockey team since he was seven.

Casey, who is from Dallas, began to attend hockey games when he was six when his father would take him to watch a minor league team called the Kansas City Blades.

“My family moved to Dallas, and we discovered that they had an NHL team called the Dallas Stars,” Casey said. “Ever since then I have been a Stars fan.”

Despite living in Louisiana from age nine to 15, Casey’s

allegiance to the Dallas Stars never wavered. He estimates that he has seen around 25 to 30 games in person.

Even living in Austin and attending Texas Stars games, the Cedar Parkbased developmental circuit team for the Dallas Stars, has not changed his devotion to the Dallas Stars.

Casey recalls that the most memorable Dallas Stars game he attended was during the playoffs in 2008. It was a best of seven series, and the Stars were playing against former Stanley Cup winners the Anaheim Ducks. The Stars pulled off an amazing third period comeback, which eliminated the former champions from the first round of playoffs.

Casey has even managed to meet the team in the most unlikely of places.

“We stopped in Buffalo, N.Y., and found out the

Stars were staying nearby,” Casey said. “We found the hotel, and when the bus pulled up, every player and coach came off the bus and took pictures with us and signed autographs.”

Later that week, the Stars went on to win the Stanley Cup against the Buffalo Sabres.

Casey not only watches hockey. He also plays it.

From age eight to 17 he played both inline and ice hockey. Now Casey plays street hockey once a week with his friends and is considering joining a men’s league in Austin.

Even though the Dallas Stars have had a couple of rough seasons of not making the playoffs, Casey is much more confident about their current season.

“The Dallas Stars have been one of the most consistent teams in the NHL

Christina Villarreal Junior Patrick Casey has been a devoted fan of the Dallas Stars since he was 7.

this year,” Casey said. “They are currently in first place

in their division, and are in great shape to have home-

ice advantage in the playoffs this year.”

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 | Hilltop Views

SPORTS | Page 13

SPORTS COMMENTARY

GQ’s “coolest athletes” list needs some cooler athletes

Tim Lincecum recently made GQ’s list of the Top 25 “Coolest Athletes.”

Russ Espinoza respino2@stedwards.edu

I enjoy a good favorites list.

More than that, I love attacking the judgment—the haywire, pitiable judgment—of someone who thinks they’ve compiled an airtight list. The list wizards behind GQ’s recent “25 Coolest Athletes of All-Time” may think they have the upper hand on all things list-y, but as a saucy George Costanza once blurted out on Seinfeld, “they weren’t counting on this brain.”

You see, I happen to know who the 25 Coolest Athletes of All-Time really are. The pantheon was foretold to me in a dream by the late, great Evel Knievel—who made GQ’s list! How could he not?

Actually: no. These are just my opinions, my correct, factual opinions that are gospel.

Fundamentally, GQ’s list is sound. Who in their right mind would argue against the well-deserved inclusion of Muhammad Ali (the Greatest/The Louisville Lip), Michael Jordan (Air Jordan), Bjorn Borg (Ice Borg), Joe Namath (Broadway Joe), Pele, and surfing-hunk Kelly Slater, whose disservice of a nickname “Slats,” is the least

cool thing about him.

Others on the list, like Allen “The Answer” Iverson and “Pistol” Pete Maravich, are controversial entries; but Iverson’s antics, profuse tattoos, and pathological problem with authority make him dangerously endearing and relatable to anyone who ever listened to Rage Against the Machine or served time in detention; Maravich, in simple terms, was Steve Nash long before Steve Nash ever knew what the devil a Steve Nash was.

I’m down with all of the above because they are right.

I take great umbrage with Tom Brady, Mario Andretti, Tim Lincecum, and Arnold Palmer being packaged and sold to us as “cool.” Who is GQ trying to kid with this schlock? Tom Brady wears tasteful sweaters a la GQ ads and has never made me laugh—no points for being on Family Guy. Mario Andretti, and all racecar drivers, are watered-down, low-lying versions of Evel Knievel; and Arnold Palmer didn’t even have a trashy retinue of mistresses on the side (which is not cool, ethically speaking, but is cooler than playing golf and not having any mistresses).

Tim Lincecum, though, is

Wikimedia Commons

an interesting case. He has the physique of a strung-out kid who works the graveyard shift at a tollbooth, but his arm is legendary—especially now that the San Francisco Giants won the World Series. I understand the rationale that he’s a puny-looking dweeb who throws like Roger Clemens or Randy Johnson, and that his ascent to stardom is equivalent to a nerd being elected Prom King. However, I still disagree that I could take him in a fight. That’s an automatic disqualification, sorry.

Consider this list compromised. I am hereby demoting the aforementioned athletes and filling in the blanks with some real studs and a studette. My childhood hero, John Elway—who punked Cleveland, twice, long before it was fashionable—fall in line, my main man. Serena Williams—finally! A woman can certainly swing it with the big boys, meanwhile charming me through the idiot box.

Mix in “Neon” Deion Sanders—a.k.a. “Primetime”— and voila! Perfection.

There’s your real list. This matter is closed for now.

VIEWPOINTS

Page 14 | Hilltop Views Wednesday, February 9, 2011

OUR VIEW

Perry playing politics with emergency items Texas Gov. Rick Perry has compiled a list of emergency items for the 2011 Texas legislature to consider immediately—but why? Lawmakers have been trying to close the loopholes in eminent domain law for years, and the budget shortfall is the single most important issue currently facing the state. But the rest of the items simply do not belong.

Aside from special sessions, the Texas Legislature meets on odd-numbered years.

Lawkmakers are in session for a mere 140 days but can only vote on items during the first 60 days if they are labeled emergencies. The governor’s power to name emergency items significantly impacts the legislative agenda, allowing Perry to handpick items that could improve his political standing.

The budget shortfall is the most crucial emergency item, most of the others be-

ing wedge issues meant to galvanize Perry’s political base. The Texas Constitution requires our state to maintain a balanced budget, but lawmakers project a budget gap of up to $27 billion between revenue and expenses.

The shortfall was caused by a structural deficit, meaning that additional shortfalls will be produced unless the legislature can match up the loose ends. Placing the issue on the emergency agenda was necessary to ensure that it is resolved as quickly as possible.

For six years, lawmakers have been attempting to address eminent domain, which refers to the power held by the state to seize private property for public use without the owner’s consent after compensation. The issue came up in the 2010 gubernatorial race, when Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson suggested that Perry’s plans for the TransTexas Corridor infringed on

Abolishing sanctuary cities might be strange, but forcing women to have sonograms before their abortions is an outright political scheme.” the property rights of private persons. The issue is not so much an emergency as it is an important political move for Perry, who needs to reestablish his conservative views by siding with private citizens and against big government.

While these two issues are obvious choices for Perry’s emergency agenda, many of the other issues are just silly.

Take the voter ID bill, for instance. As the named suggests, this bill would require that Texas voters bring a government-issued form of identification when they go

to the polling place. This is meant to prevent voter fraud and was most likely made an emergency item because this session is the last before the general election in 2012.

While preventing election fraud is an admirable goal, the voter ID bill is certainly not deserving of emergency status.

The strangest issue on the emergency agenda by far is the measure to abolish sanctuary cities. A single, precise definition of a sanctuary city does not exist, but the term refers to those cities that

have looser policies for dealing with illegal immigration on a local level. In sanctuary cities, police officers generally do not consider citizenship status. Abolishing sanctuary cities simply means getting local police involved in enforcing federal immigration standards.

But Texas does not have a sanctuary city problem, and sanctuary cities are only a small, virtually insignificant aspect of the larger immigration issue. When you consider the fact that abolishing sanctuary cities would place a serious burden on local law enforcement by asking them to enforce a federal issue, the measure starts to seem less like an emergency and more like a gamble. Emergency legislation should yield a clear and demonstrable benefit.

Abolishing sanctuary cities might be strange, but forcing women to have sonograms before their abortions is an

outright political scheme.

The issue is an ideological problem, not an imminent legislative one that needs to be solved immediately (like the budget shortfall). Furthermore, abortion is the archetypal wedge issue. It divides voters and diverts press attention from the real problems. And that’s exactly what the Perry administration needs to do in order to turn attention away from the budget shortfall. Introducing a controversial abortion bill is a surefire way to distract Texans from the shortfall.

The emergency agenda only includes one real emergency: the budget. The other issues are clearly motivated more by political interest than Texans’ needs. During a time when our economy is fragile and our citizens are in need, the last thing that the Perry administration should be doing is playing politics.

Repeal of 14th Amendment solves nothing and hurts citizens Rina Gandhi rgandhi@stedwards.edu

The 14th Amendment was written to provide slaves with well-deserved citizenship. It promised that all Americans born in this country would be treated fairly. As the United States grew to be the melting pot it is today, the amendment applied to all people of all races.

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., do not see it this way. To them, this amendment is a loophole for illegal immigrants to “drop a child,” as Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C., so eloquently stated.

They have put forward a proposal to repeal the Amendment, hoping that it will end the “anchor baby” phenomenon (when a mother comes into the country pregnant and uses the child—born a

Associated Press

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Sen. David Vitter, R-La.

citizen—to gain entry into the country legally).

Unfortunately, Vitter and Paul are grossly misinformed.

First, the Pew Immigration study on the anchor baby myth shows that 80 percent of undocumented mothers as of 2009 have been in the country since at least 2005.

Furthermore, 90­–95 percent

of undocumented mothers have been here for over a year.

These statistics indicate that these mothers entered with the intention of living and working here—not to have a baby and run.

Second, the immigration process is not as simple as these senators make it out to be. If an undocumented im-

migrant stays in the U.S. for longer than 180 days, they are barred from applying for citizenship for the next 10 years. Additionally, a child cannot apply for citizenship for his or her parents until 21 years of age. Since the Pew Center’s report indicates that most of these mothers are here to stay, the 10-year bar applies to them. They can only become citizens through an I-601 Waiver, which is only rarely approved when children apply for their parents. In the end, a 23-year process with little chance of success does not encourage illegal immigration.

Clearly, repealing the amendment would do little to prevent undocumented immigrants. Some might enter, have a child and leave this country within a short period of time. There are probably some who do not mind wait-

ing the 21 years and, because they did not stay, are able to successfully apply for a green card and later citizenship. But to take away citizenship from so many children to prevent these rare abuses seems ridiculous. Even worse, it seems like a political ploy focused on appearing to fix the larger issue of illegal immigration while doing little.

Instead of working to fix the immigration process and secure our borders, supporters of the repeal want to punish children who had no say in the matter, know no other land and are here to stay.

These children will still be here, but they will have limited resources, no motivation to attain an education and no prospects for employment.

Years down the line, if they are caught by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where will we send them?

Over 30 other countries have birthright citizenship, and three Supreme Court cases have upheld it. Many of the mothers who entered the U.S. to have a child did not do so for citizenship. They enter legally for better quality hospitals or specialized services, which is confirmed by practitioners in border states and firms in other countries that specialize in “birth packages” to the U.S. The purpose of birthright citizenship is not to provide the parents of the child with a path to citizenship. Taking citizenship from these children will not curb future illegal immigration. It takes children’s rights because of their parents’ transgressions while failing to address the real issues surrounding immigration. These children are Americans, and we cannot take that away from them.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

VIEWPOINTS | Page 15

New terror alert system focuses on informing, not scaring Russ Espinoza respino2@stedwards.edu

In a move that could make George W. Bush a bit blue, the Department of Homeland Security recently announced the elimination of the color-coded xylophone terror alert system in favor of a new, “more descriptive and preparatory” replacement.

The National Terrorism Advisory System, which goes into effect on April 27, will have only two alert levels: an “imminent threat” and an “elevated threat.” A draft of the proposal for the new system wanted to “replace a system that communicates nothing with a system that communicates precise, actionable information based on the latest intelligence.” Orange you glad

to hear that?

The outgoing model, known officially as the Homeland Security Advisory System was, according to the department, designed in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, to provide “a comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to federal, state and local authorities and to the American people.” But that sly pledge to disseminate information was instead replaced by a program that sporadically blurted colors decided by rotating power sources: Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, along with Directors of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff. This was theoretically in correspon-

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An unexplained increase to an orange threat level will probably do little to save us.”

Department of Homeland

Security

The old color-coded threat level system will be replaced.

dence with clear and present terror threats on American soil or, as some believe, with the Bush administration’s political need.

Despite its good intentions of informing, protecting and limiting loss of life in a terrorist emergency, the previous system was asinine, especially with the Bush Administration’s frequent unwillingness to explain threat level chang-

es. The Rasmussen National Telephone Survey of likely voters found that 53 percent favor the decision to abandon the color-coded threat warning system. Only 17 percent thought that the warnings helped make America safer from terrorism.

Was the old system just a gimmick Uncle Sam used to manipulate us? ”The old color-coded system taught Americans to be scared, not prepared,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mo. “Each and every time the threat level was raised, very rarely did the public know the reason, how to proceed, or for how long to be on alert.”

A disclaimer reading “Raising the threat condition has economic, physical and psy-

chological effects on the nation,” was once branded on the Department of Homeland Security’s website like the cancer warnings slapped on packs of cigarettes.

Though the color-coded scale looked more like a toddler’s toy than a system for disseminating critical information, it should serve as a reminder that the White House should not be used as a political playground.

However, simple-minded and confusing the alert system may seem to us now, it had a frightening effect from 2002 to 2005 when alerts would be bumped up to orange (HIGH!) or red (SEVERE!) Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., chairman of the House

Committee on Homeland Security, saw the writing on the wall: “Though the system served a valuable purpose in the terrible days and months following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, it was clearly time for the current color-coded system to be replaced with a more targeted system. I know they have been working on this for a long time. It sounds to me like the changes they are proposing make sense.”

An unexplained increase to an orange threat level will probably do little to save us.

In an age when terrorism dominates cable news and our nation has been on guard for a full nine years, it seems we have figured things out with the alert system. Finally, the majority of Americans can move on from that swatch of Candy Land terrain that assesses our risk of being blown up and instead receive vital information concerning the security of our nation.

Sex offenders should not be reintegrated Paul Rocha procha@stedwards.edu

The subject of legal punishment for sex crimes has long been debated, with some arguing that the laws are not strong enough and others claiming they are too harsh.

Increasing numbers of politicians are pushing for adjustments to sex crime legislature, including state Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Va., who is backing a bill that would require the state of Virginia to research the effects of physical castration on convicted sex offenders.

Castration of a sex offender is sanctioned in eight states, including Texas, which is one of two states that allow physical castration. The more widely-used method, chemical castration, merely inhibits testosterone production.

The long-term effects of castration have already been studied and have been shown

to speed up the process of criminal rehabilitation in some cases, but not all, Hanger said.

Hanger also claims that these criminals are driven to commit sex crimes because of their body chemistry and hormones, which is a gross generalization as some sex offenders have been rehabilitated strictly through therapy and civil commitment.

Many believe castration is a cruel and unusual punishment, thinking of it as purely retributive justice without much reasoning behind it.

It is not primarily a means of punishment, but a way to reintegrate sex offenders into society in a cost-effective manner. This leads to the question of whether or not we want sex offenders reintegrated into society at all.

I truly believe that castration shouldn’t be used to assimilate ex-convicts who have committed acts of sexu-

Our government should focus not on the rights of criminals but on those of the sufferers.” al violence or abuse back into the general public. It should be used as a formidable punishment for those who have terrorized, victimized and raped innocent people. Sure, there are levels of severity to be considered when assessing different sexual crimes, but it certainly cannot be cruel or unusual to eliminate the source of a serial rapist’s criminal activity. Does any person who has ever forced someone to engage in sexual acts, never showing any kind of mercy, deserve mercy as well?

Leniency in legislation pertaining to sex offenders only makes the crimes seem less

important to curb. And now, in addition to Hanger’s castration research bill, we have many politicians supporting a bill that would try to redefine rape so that the term no longer carries the repulsive connotation unless preceded by the word “forcible.”

Our government should focus not on the rights of criminals but on those of the sufferers. It is unjust to the victims of such heinous crimes to use anything less than the most effective way of deterring these crimes from happening again or in the first place.

SNOW DAY

Page 16 | PHOTO ESSAY

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 | Hilltop Views CAROLINE WALLACE

CAROLINE WALLACE

PAUL ROCHA

HOLLY AKER

PAUL ROCHA

PAUL ROCHA