HILLTOP VIEWS
St. Edward’s University • Wednesday, November 14, 2012 • Volume 32 • Issue 10 • hilltopviewsonline.com
China to offer partner campus Shelby Sementelli ssement@stedwards.edu
St. Edward’s University has announced a new partnership agreement with Wu Yee Sun College, a division of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The contract begins in the fall 2013. “Every affiliation we pursue is to build a bridge between our university, our students and our community and another university and another community in a different country,” Associate Vice President for Global Initiatives Bill Clabby said. This particular relationship came to fruition after administrators from Asia Pacific University in Japan, another of St. Edward’s partners, introduced administrators from the Chinese University of Hong Kong to the St. Edward’s faculty working to find a Chinese partner. St. Edward’s sent a delegation to Hong Kong to see what the Chinese university had to offer. St. Edward’s ended up working specifically with Wu Yee Sun because it has a similar global and servicebased mission rooted in the ideals of the Holy Cross tradition. “Wu Yee Sun College is the
Global Student Exchanges
Drought continues need for restrictions Mitch Harris rharris7@stedwards.edu
Fachhochschule Koblenz,
1
Universidad Argentina de la Empresa
9
Queen Margaret University
3
3
Koblenz, Germany
The Université Catholique de l’Ouest Angers, France
0
Asia Pacific University Beppu, Japan
Buenos Aires, Argentina
5
Edinburgh, Scotland
4
10
8
30 3
Catholic University of Korea Seoul, South Korea
3
St. Edward’s University Austin, USA
Photo Illustration by Lisa Rodriquez, Data from the Office of International Education This data represents student exchanges not led by faculty that occurred between St. Edward’s and some of its partner universities during spring and fall semesters since 2010.
best fit. We both have a very strong emphasis on service to the community and to the world and also an emphasis on the development of the student as an individual,” Clabby said. Under this bilateral partnership, the two universities agreed to a one-for-one exchange program. This type of exchange means that for
every St. Edward’s student abroad at Wu Yee Sun, one student from Wu Yee Sun will be able to study at St. Edward’s. Clabby envisions that options such as faculty exchanges and summer sessions will come overtime. “This partnership will exemplify the mutual benefit in these types of relation-
The rains and flooding of superstorm Sandy recently overtook the Northeast. However, the state of Texas is facing a natural disaster just as dire, but much more silent. Drought has become the norm rather than the exception in Texas over the last few years. In the summer of 2011, Texas faced its hottest, driest summer on record since 1895. Although 2012 may have been a bit milder, the state, and specifically the city of Austin, is nowhere near normal water levels. The City of Austin is currently under Stage 2 water restrictions. Stage 2 is a series
of rules set forth by the city council which forbids home car washes, serving water unsolicited at restaurants, decorative fountain use and excessive lawn watering. According to the updated Water Conservation Code, passed by the city council on Aug. 16, there are four stages of drought before reaching an “emergency response” condition. The city council put Stage 2 water restrictions into place on Sept. 4 because the combined water level of Lake Austin and Lake Buchanan fell below 900,000 acre-feet. Under the new Water Conservation Code, if the combined lake levels falls below WATER |3
ships,” Jennifer Hsiao, a professor of Chinese at St. Edward’s, said. Currently, St. Edward’s offers four levels of Chinese language courses. However, Clabby said that the addition of the partnership with Wu Yee Sun will hopefully spark students’ interest in PARTNERSHIP | 2
Courtesy of the LCRA Sometimes Island, Lake Travis is visible during drought.
6 | LIFE & ARTS
9 | SPORTS
11 | VIEWPOINTS
Meet a professor who has jammed with artists Frank Valli and Aretha Franklin.
Move over Texans, the Dynamo may be the next team to make Houston proud.
Regulations for potential blood donors are strict, but how strict is too strict?
2 NEWS Senior design project explores declining art of letter writing
Partnership with university in Hong Kong starting next year Continued from page 1
Adam Crawley dcrawle@stedwards.edu
Senior Gerald Llorence has opened up his post office box to letters from anyone in the world as part of his senior graphic design project. All graphic design majors complete an open-ended, selfdirected project to complete their curriculum. “Letters have always been something I’m interested in,” Llorence said. “I’ve been sending letters back and forth to a friend from high school. It’s interesting to me because of how the postal service is going bankrupt, so letters have become an antiquated form of communication.” According to the United States Postal Service's website, "in an increasingly digital world, the Postal Service remains part of the bedrock infrastructure of the American economy." However, the website's statistics prove Llorence's point that written mail is a declining medium. In 2008, the total volume of mail delivered was 202 billion pounds. But by 2011, the total mail volume was down to 168 billion pounds, including mail and packages. Mason Brennan, a senior graphic design major who helped publicize Llorence's project, found that getting people to send letters was more difficult than expected. "The project highlights the fact that people don't send as many letters as they used to," Brennan said. "We originally were trying to find out why letters weren't being sent, but found that this project just reinforces the fact that they aren't." Llorence’s motivation for doing this project reflects his
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
U.S. Postal Service, AP/Robert Dorrell/MCT Llorence’s project examines the role of traditional mail today.
personal experiences with letter writing. “I tend to ramble a lot when I talk. One of the things I’ve noticed about writing letters is that people tend to ramble when they write them. There’s less self-editing. People tend to correct themselves more when writing e-mails,” Llorence said. Janet Kazmirski, the post office supervisor at St. Edward’s, has seen many international students send postcards to relatives. "I'd say the word is more personal. It shows that somebody took more time, because they had to go buy a card, and get a stamp. It takes more time and effort," Kazmirski said. Llorence aims to collect communications that best portray their authors as human beings. “I’ve been trying to collect [the letters] into some sort of book. I’m planning on photographing the letters and then installing them into the space,” Llorence said. Llorence has obtained let-
ters from people ranging from personal friends to residents of other countries. A student from University of Texas at Austin who Llorence did not personally know sent him a list of ten good things that happened to her that day. He has also received letters from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. “I’ve put the word out there in a lot of different ways,” Llorence said. “I’m on a website called PenPal, and I also have advertised the project through a blog. I’ve put postcards in random places in Austin … I’d say [letter reception] is varying. It’s a lot of work for someone to write a full letter.” Llorence may occasionally provide small prompts, such as asking potential sender what they think of the medium of written mail, or a simple request to tell him a story. However, his project encourages open content above all else. Senior graphic design projects will be on display in the art gallery on Feb. 15.
learning Chinese and that if there is the demand, St. Edward’s will offer more Chinese classes. Prior to establishing a satellite campus at the Catholic University of the West in Angers, France, St. Edward’s did not offer a French minor. Since interest increased, the university now offers both a French minor and major. When St. Edward’s students study abroad at Wu Yee Sun in Hong Kong, they will take a variety of classes taught in English alongside native Chinese students. Though not required, students can take Mandarin classes. Wu Yee Sun students will
also take classes in English ing to students currently at St. Edward’s. enrolled in Chinese classes. “You are adding another “ You are adding tier to the culture because another tier to the Asian culture culture because Asian is very diverse. The culture in culture is very diverse. Hong Kong has The culture in Hong different things Kong has different to offer than the culture in things to offer than the South Korea culture in South Korea and Japan,” junior Ruoyun and Japan.” Xu said. -junior Ruoyun Xu This opportunity will begin in the fall 2013. Clabby said the university is Currently, one student has going to start marketing this expressed interest in the program through the study program to the study abroad abroad office and by speak- office.
NEWS 3
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Water usage restrictions replacing irrigation times on campus Continued from page 1
this line, restrictions kick in automatically. Although students may not be drastically affected by these restrictions, many families and commercial businesses, including St. Edward’s University, had to make major changes. This is not the first time these restrictions have been in place. ]Brian Clark Burns, assistant director of Facilities, said the university has been under Stage 2 water restrictions three times in the last five years. Under the restrictions, residential homes and businesses are allowed only one day of watering per week. According to the City of Austin, as a commercial institution with an odd numbered address, St. Edward’s should only be able
Photo by Kristina Schenck Campus grounds are not subject to designated watering times under the new irrigation plan.
to water on Friday before 5 a.m. or after 7 p.m. The university, however, is under a special agreement with the City of Austin
known as the Alternative Irrigation Compliance Pilot Program (AICPP). As a participant in the program, St. Edward’s is allowed to water
POLICE BLOTTER Date
Time
Oct. 24
2:31 p.m.
Oct. 24
10:51 p.m.
Oct. 26
1:02 p.m.
Nov. 2
Incident
Location
green spaces on campus according to a calculated water budget, rather than during a certain time. St. Edward’s is one of 90
Resolution
Criminal Trespass Warning
Fondren Hall
Closed
Theft $500<$1,500
Ragsdale
Active
Parked in Handicapped
Alumni Gym
Closed
2:05 p.m.
Assault
Teresa Hall
Active
Nov. 5
2:16 p.m.
Theft
Andre Hall
Active
Nov. 5
9:29 p.m.
Theft
Moody Hall
Active
Nov. 6
4:56 p.m
Damage to SEU Property
Woods behind East
Closed
Nov. 6
6:23 p.m.
Illness
Trustee Hall
Closed
Nov. 6
7:20 p.m.
Theft
Teresa Parking Lot
Active
Nov. 7
10:09 a.m.
Safety Concern
Fleck Hall
Closed
Nov. 7
n/a
Parking Enforcement
Moody Parking Lot
Closed
Nov. 7
5:14 p.m.
Theft
Basil Moreau Hall
Active
Nov. 8
8:46 a.m.
Theft
Le Mans Hall
Active
properties that will partici- species of grass and evapopate in the pilot program over transpiration levels, or levels the course of the next four of water in plants evaporated years, according to the City and transpired into the atmoof Austin. The goal is to see sphere. if a water budget is more ef“It’s sort of like us perspirficient than the current time ing,” Burns explains. “It’s a restrictions used for watering measure of how much water in times of drought. needs to be replaced.” Burns believes that the The water restrictions have AICPP works well for the also prevented the fountain university. outside Main Building from “It’s good because we can running this semester. apply the water necessary The only way to get the without having to conform to fountain flowing again is if specific time frames,” Burns the university purchases nonsaid. potable water to fill it, as it Because the campus is so large, it is nearly “Because of the impossible to wademands on certain ter all of it during only a few hours parts of campus, it a week . makes most sense for “If we need to us to use spread our water the soccer field or baseball resources.” field, we’re using all of our re- Assistant Director of Facilities sources on those Brian Clark Burns areas,” Burns said. “Because of the demands on certain parts of campus, it often does for events such as makes most sense for us to homecoming. use spread our resources.” Although the drought perThe best thing about the sists, and Lakes Travis and program is that it is as flexible Buchanan are only 43 percent as the needs of the university. full according to the Lower Due to unpredictable weath- Colorado River Authority, er as well as various events on St. Edward’s has adapted to campus, the physical plant the Stage 2 water restrictions. can conserve water on one As to whether the drought part of campus to water an- will subside anytime soon, other one more thoroughly. Burns claims he is not qualiTo determine when and fied to say. how much water a particu“I cannot second-guess lar area needs, the physical mother nature,” Burns said. plant takes into account the
CORRECTIONS The story “Planned Parenthood continues fight for state, federal funding” published in the Nov. 7 issue contained an attribution error. The article
referenced a Planned Parenthood spokesperson named Danielle Williams. That is incorrect, rather, the spokesperson’s name is Danielle Wells.
4 GAMES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
games
look for the answers to both games in next week’s issue!
check us out @ hilltopviewsonline.com
FOR WEATHER, SURVEYS, BLOGS AND ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FROM ALL OF OUR SECTIONS!
LIFE & ARTS 5 East Austin Studio Tour celebrates local artists WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Ryan Coulehan rcouleh@stedwards.edu
Austin is a city known for its art and music. In the past, however, East Austin had always been the black sheep among Austin communities because the arts were not particularly prevalent. That has changed over the last decade thanks to the East Austin Studio Tour (EAST). This year will mark the 11th EAST, which will be held Nov. 8-18. All the artists' studios are open and free to the public, along with major events on the weekends of Nov. 10 and 11 and Nov. 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. “It’s like the South By of visual tours,” Aaron Bir, a featured artist on the tour, said. “It’s really intimate, too, walking through an artist’s space
Photo by Veronica Adams In addition to studios, EAST features pop-up shows, art parties, creative programs and more.
like that.” The tour is not exclusively studios, though. All sorts of other art-oriented happenings will take place this month, including pop-up shows, performance pieces, site-specific programs, art parties, creative programs, open exhibition spaces and more which will be all on the
East side and all free. “The tour is open to all artists working in all mediums who have studios, or are guest artists, or have events during the EAST dates within the EAST boundaries, which is the area east of I-35, west of Highway 183, south of Highway 290 and north of Ladybird Lake/Colorado
River,” said Anastasia Colombo, one of the organizers of the event. The tour is presented by Big Medium, an Austin-based non-profit organization that aims to promote and support the visual arts in Austin and throughout Texas. Big Medium is also responsible for presenting the West Austin
Studio Tour and the Texas Biennial. The Big Medium Gallery and Project space also has exhibits year-round and prides itself on providing affordable studio space to artists in Austin. Featured artists on the tour include Aaron Bir, Wendy Crone, Molly Mansfield and Laura Sturtz. Open studios include those of Jason Telepak, who does amazing woodwork at his Indio Arts Studio and Haven Meadows Studio, which specializes in bone sculptures. “I’m from East Austin, and I think this tour is really great, especially for the East side,” Frank Bontello said on what the tour gives back the to the East Austin community. “It’s becoming so artsy, whereas before it wasn’t at all.” East Austin Studio Tour
catalogs, which act as guides for the tour, are available now at all 22 branches of the Austin Public Library and offer more information on each artist, studio and events, along with pictures of what you can look forward to from the event. The EAST website also offers more information about the tour, including locations, event overviews and volunteer information. “There is nothing else like it. This is a giant event in which nearly 500 artists are coming together to show work [and] visit with folks,” Colombo said. If you are interested in the tour, pick up a catalog, visit eastaustinstudiotour.com and do not miss one of the largest, coolest art events this city has to offer.
Romantic comedy set in 1950s provides a charming evening Kristina Schenck kschenck@stedwards.edu
In Mary Moody Northen Theatre’s latest production, anything goes and anyone is welcome at Grace’s Diner, where the bus stops and passengers stay during a March snowstorm outside Kansas City, Mo. “Bus Stop,” written by William Inge, tells the story of a group of stranded strangers who find friendship and love, but more importantly, fresh coffee and cheese-less sandwiches as they wait for the storm to pass and the roads to clear. The show starts with the wind whistling throughout the house as the air rings with the sound of Grace’s cynical sass and sweet Elma’s naïve declarations as the pair prepare the diner in antici-
pation of customers seeking shelter from the storm. Equity guest actress Sarah Gay and junior Meredith Stein, Grace and Elma, respectively, complement the roles of the disenchanted and seasoned waitress alongside a wideeyed and trusting server conceivably well. The theater-in-the-round provides an intimate experience without a bad seat in the house — so fight the urge to reach out and clean the dirt off brash cowboy Bo Decker’s blue jeans or brush the snow out of wannabee cabaret singer Cherie’s hair. Costume Designer and alumni Austin Rausch dressed the characters to a T, the only complaint being that Dr. Gerald Lyman’s suit lacks the suede elbow patches that adorn every tweed suit ever owned by
a male professor. Then again, actor George Stahl’s performance as the charismatic but somewhat perverse drunkard Dr. Lyman is pretty convincing in that it has been a long time since Lyman has seen the likes of a college campus, thereby giving up his rights to elbow patches. The same set remains on stage throughout the entire play, which is appropriate since the characters are stuck waiting all night until the roads reopen, so the audience remains stuck with them. But Scene and Properties Designer Ia Ensterä’s attention to detail and function is evident, down to the full ketchup and mustard bottles on every table, working stove and carefully arranged LIFE magazines from the time period.
As the plot unfolds, the characters decide to host an impromptu talent show to pass the time. Most notable is senior Emily Donald’s performance as Cherie crooning her signature number “That Old Black Magic” — exactly the kind of show one would expect from a Kansas City nightclub singer who works at a place called the Blue Dragon. Virgil’s one-liners steal the show as actor David Jones performance as the wise and gruff but genuine old cowboy appropriately named Virgil Blessing. Also, come fed and fully caffeinated or else the sight of old-fashioned donuts resting under a glass dome on a pedestal next to a cup of piping hot coffee may prompt a trip to the concession stand dur-
Courtesy of Bret Brookshire “Bus Stop” highlights many different romantic relationships.
ing intermission. Then again, senior Matthew Garcia’s rendition of love-struck and ravenous cowboy Bo Decker inhaling three raw hamburgers is enough to kill any appetite. Overall, “Bus Stop” is an
enjoyable performance with a mix of professional and student actors and production staff, as per usual at Mary Moody Northen Theatre. The play runs until Nov. 18.
6 LIFE & ARTS Professor finds fulfillment in teaching and playing music Lyanne Guarecuco
WEEKLY ‘FLIX FIX| “The Stepford Wives” Perfection is eerie in sci-fi film
lguarec@stedwards.edu
Joey Colarusso has been a music professor at St. Edward's University for seven years. Currently, Colarusso directs the St. Edward's University Jazz Ensembles and the SEU Mariachi Ensemble. The best part about Colarusso's job is that he would not have it any other way. "It was an accident … I sort of lucked into this," Colarusso said about how he became a professor at St. Edward's. Colarusso has known since middle school that he wanted to be a musician, or a "rock star," as he identified it at the time. "I saw Huey Lewis and the News when I was in middle school and I was blown away by their saxophone player Johnny Colla ... I saw this guy get down playing rock and roll saxophone and I thought to myself, ‘Man, that is awesome. I want to do that,’" Colarusso said. Since then, he proceeded to join middle and high school marching band and continued on to the University of Texas at Austin, UT, to pursue a major in music. Today, his musical journey still continues and he is currently back in school working for a doctorate on jazz saxophone at UT. As a saxophone musician, Colarusso has a pretty impressive list of artists he has had the chance to collaborate with. "Playing with Aretha Franklin … that was fun. Frankie Valli, Olivia Newton-John, that was fun. I've played with some pretty cool people … I get an opportu-
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Stephanie Mejia gmejia@stedwards.edu
Photo by Renee Cornue Colarusso has collaborated with Aretha Franklin and others.
nity to play with some fantastic local musicians regularly. And then every once in a while, I get the chance to play with some really, really, really cool person that's passing through," Colarusso said. Yet even after having the chance to play with artists of that caliber, Colarusso remains humble. He would not trade his career as a professor for a tour gig, and the idea of hitting the road no longer appeals to him. "Some of the best musicians I know have time to practice on the weekends because they have killer day jobs. That's not defeat. In your twenties, you may think that you want to be a rock star, but I'm 40 now, and I don't want that anymore. I want to continue to grow musically. I love playing my horn even after all these years, but I love having a family," Colarusso said. When asked what advice he would give to aspiring musicians, Colarusso suggests, "Plan ahead. Have a contingency plan." Colarusso hopes to retire as a professor at St. Edward's University, although
not any time in the near future. For now, he continues to play locally three or four nights out of the week and will continue to enjoy his days as a music professor. "One of the many things I love about this job is that what I do here is not static. It's always evolving. And I feel like together, with my students that are wholly committed to what we do, we're building a program and it's growing and the standard of performance of all our groups continues to raise the bar every semester," Colarusso said. Some musicians dream of bright lights, fog machines, and wild crowds, Colarusso has other aspirations. "Every day. Every day that I come to work. I love my job here. I'd be hard-pressed to find a complaint," Colarusso said when asked about the highlight of his career as a professor. It is clear that Colarusso does not need a stage to be a rock star. His best performances can be found right here on campus, in a classroom filled with college students.
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. The 2004 remake of the 1975 “The Stepford Wives” is a science fiction comedy that all begins when a career driven woman named Joanna Eberhart, played by Nicole Kidman moves with her family to Stepford, Conn. in order to restore her sanity upon losing her job.
Joanna quickly realizes that this town is not normal. All the wives in Stepford look the same, act the same and lack any sort of personality. They are all so perfect, it is discomforting. While every wife in town is obedient, Joanna and her few friends have a hard time conforming. Eventually she notices that her friends have started acting like the rest of the town. "The Stepford Wives" satirizes a man’s ideal woman. The film mocks the way society expected women to be in the 50s. Expectation of the ideal wife was a stay-at-home
mom who spent all of her time in the kitchen and was obedient to her husband. Netflix rates the movie with three out of five stars and I find this rating to be accurate. I thought the film was silly and entertaining. Although the film never bored me, not even halfway through the movie I had already predicted the ending. I would recommend watching "The Stepford Wives" with an open mind or you might get annoyed by every actor’s ditsy facade. It has a talented cast, but is too predictable and cheesy.
[slapdash] “A rather hairy situation”
“I think it’s time we get you a brush...”
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
ADVERTISING
7
8
SPORTS Rule changes affect NCAA soccer and volleyball WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Kelsey Cartwright kcartwr@stedwards.edu
Some NCAA sports teams faced some drastic rule changes this fall. St. Edward's University men's and women’s soccer teams and the volleyball team are among those teams affected around the nation. Also, sports not played at St. Edward’s at the NCAA level were affected. Each individual sport has its own rule committee, which met last winter to recommend changes to improve the quality of play and enhance student-athlete safety, according to the NCAA website. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved changes to regulations that
are currently in effect. “A lot of it is about the safety of the people involved. Structural changes keep it exciting for spectators,” Director of Athletics Debbie Taylor said. For soccer, a card repository system was put in place to keep track of players in all three divisions who missed games for disciplinary action, such as getting a red card. Previously, coaches kept track of cards given and reported them in their year-end reports. Now, official scorekeepers are required to send in information after games that include cards given during the game. These rules were changed for sportsmanship’s sake. In NCAA soccer, players that
receive a red card are required very honest, but it is importo sit out the next game. Un- tant to make sure cards are der the old rules, players were tracked through this new able to sit out in games against an “A lot of it is about opponent of their choice versus sitthe safety of the ting out the game people involved. directly after the one in which Structural changes they received the keep it exciting for red card. spectators.” Now, if redcarded players -Director of Athletics Debbie do not serve their Taylor suspension by the book, their team will forfeit the game. The player will also process in order to preserve have to sit out the next two the integrity of the game,” games, and the head coach men’s soccer Head Coach must miss two games. Brian Young said. “I think the coaches my Another soccer rule allows team competes against are players to wear technological
ATHLETE PROFILE
Senior libero sets sights on vet school Shelby Sementelli ssement@stedwards.edu
Senior libero Michelle Hundt is captain of the Hilltopper volleyball team and has won the Heartland Conference Libero of the Week for the past five weeks. Shelby Sementelli: Have you always played libero? Michelle Hundt: I played outside hitter all through high school. I really enjoyed being a hitter, but I just don’t have the height to be a competitive hitter at the collegiate level. Libero was a position I’d only played one year before attending college. It was definitely a challenge at first, but now I love it
Sports Information In addition to volleyball, Hundt loves playing piano.
more than anything. SS : What are your plans after you graduate? MH: Take off a year, go back home, get a job at a
veterinary clinic and study hard for the GRE. I’ll enjoy time with family and try to build my résumé before applying to vet schools. After vet school, I’ll hopefully open up my own clinic one day. SS: Describe your playing style in one word. MH: Instinctive. My roommate described it as smooth and quick. Volleyball happens so quick that all you can do is trust your body to make the right movement. A lot of playing a sport is trusting your body to do the right thing when you don’t have the time to do anything but react. SS: As a libero, you have
to hit the court pretty hard. How did you get used to this? MH: Adrenaline. Anything is possible when you have adrenaline. You get used to hitting the ground a lot in volleyball, so you develop a way of doing it with the least amount of pain involved. It actually doesn’t even hurt most of the time, but there are the few occasions when it hurts more than anything. SS: Do you have any unique talents? If so, what are they? MH: I love to play the piano. I got a few lessons growing up and taught myself from there. I’m not amazing in any way. It’s just something I love.
devices during games; however, data from the devices cannot be used during the game unless it is deemed medically necessary. For example, NCAA women’s soccer uses Polar TEAM² monitoring software during practices and games. According to the Polar TEAM² website, these devices monitor players’ heart rates, help eliminate injuries and prevent over-training. “These devices are vital in keeping them fit, safe and competitive on a national level,” women’s Assistant Coach Jay Mason said. When it comes to volleyball, coaches will now be allowed to make up to 15 substitutions per set. Previously, coaches could only make 12
substitutions per set. Assistant Coach Kimberly Morgal said this rule change affected the team the most. “[The rule] was put in for teams that were running a 6-2 [formation], and we run a 6-2. So for us, it is beneficial so that we do not get stuck in a 5-1. It just gets more players in,” Morgal said. Another rule change for volleyball was that the libero’s jersey needs to be clearly contrasted with her teammates’ jerseys. “[The change is] easier for the officials to notice the libero going in and out and for people doing the statistics,” Morgal said. The changes to the NCAA rules go into effect immediately, but are not retroactive.
Column as I see ‘em Nolan Green ngreen2@stedwards.edu
Column as I see ‘Em is your weekly fix for all things NFL. Here are some of the highlighted games for week 11.
Sunday Arizona at Atlanta
Atlanta’s hiccup against the Saints last week will more than likely be their only loss of the season. Falcons by 20.
NY Jets at St. Louis
Like it’s own holiday, Tebow time is upon us. Jets by 3.
New Orleans at Oakland
The Saints beating Atlanta was a fluke. Oakland by 3.
San Diego at Denver
Denver is on a roll winning five of their last six
games. San Diego is no different. Broncos by 10.
Indianapolis at New England
Andrew Luck faces off against Tom Brady in a playoff level game. The Colts passion and determination pull them through in a big way. Indianapolis by 7.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Flacco had a massive game last week, as the Ravens continue to win games. Pittsburgh is hanging in there. Ravens by 10.
Monday Chicago at San Francisco
A match-up between the top two teams in the NFC right now, Chicago will fare infinitely better against the 49ers than the Texans, especially if Cutler is recovered in time. Bears by 3.
SPORTS 9
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
SPORTS COMMENTARY
SPORTS CALENDAR
Houston Dynamo set to dominate post-season Shelby Cole scole2@stedwards.edu
The Houston Dynamo are just one game away from advancing to the Major League Soccer, MLS, Cup finals for the fourth time in team history. The Dynamo, currently battling with D.C. United for the Eastern Conference Championship, have played in five conference championship finals in the last seven seasons, winning their conference three times and going on to win the Cup two of those times. The Dynamo dominated D.C. United with a 3-1 victory on Nov. 11. The Dynamo will travel to RFK Stadium to battle D.C. United again for another conference championship title and a chance to advance to the MLS Cup final on Nov. 18. The Cup final match will be
played Dec. 1 at the home of they like football.” The Dythe finalist with the best reg- namo fans screamed right ular season record. Hopeful- back, though, with drums ly, this means the match will and air horns and their four be in Houston. If you have been to the “...soccer is arguably BBVA Comone of the most pass Stadium in Houston, beautiful, technically you now realize challenging sports on what a big deal this planet...” the Houston Dynamo are. This stadium is within walking distance officially recognized supof the George R. Brown porter groups: the Texian Convention Center, Minute Army, La Bateria, Brickwall Maid Park and the Toyota Firm and El Batallón. Their Center in downtown Hous- mission was to make noise ton, a far cry from their old for the entire 90 minutes. days playing at the Univer- They are there at every sinsity of Houston’s Robert- gle game and never cease to son Stadium. While Rob- amuse. ertson Stadium at the bare For those of you out there minimum seated the fans, it who would never spend screamed, “nobody in Hous- money on a soccer game, try ton likes soccer as much as and argue with this: David
Beckham plays for the L.A. Galaxy, and, sometimes, the Dynamo play against the Galaxy. Do with that what you will. If Becks is not your cup of tea, though, there are always the Dynamo cheerleaders, and the hot dog and nacho selection at the BBVA stadium are choice. In all seriousness though, soccer is arguably one of the most beautiful, technically challenging sports on this planet. Finally, it is being played at a professional level all around the U.S. I promise that going to a soccer game is just like going to any other sporting event. It is loud, occasionally violent and forces you to bond with your nearest seatmates. I can say with confidence that soccer is infinitely more entertaining and beautiful than football could ever
dream to be. Sorry, Nolan. The Dynamo’s impressive team records, dedicated fan base and brand-spankingnew stadium speak well to the fame of the team, but they also say great things about the development of American soccer in general. While we are still years away from achieving the success of European leagues like England’s Premier League, I remain hopeful. The next thing that would make my dreams come true would be if the Austin Aztex could finally climb the U.S. soccer league system’s ladder to the MLS, the highest level of professional soccer in the United States, and eventually win the Cup. Next on my list, though, is to get the Women’s Professional Soccer league up and running again. Until then, Dream. Scream. Believe.
Five for fighting: NHL players versus team owners Ryan Coulehan rcouleh@stedwards.edu
Living in Texas is not without its perks, such as year round sunshine and the ability to not be affected when 326 of this season’s National Hockey League, NHL, games are canceled. For those who do follow hockey, this year’s lockout has been one brutal cross-check. The 2012-2013 NHL Lockout began on Sept. 15, following the expiration of the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, CBA3. This particular CBA had been in effect since July 2005 and was the response to the 2004-2005 dispute that caused massive game cancel-
lations. Because an agreement was not reached by the September expiration date, team owners locked out all members of the National Hockey League Players Association, which means every player in the league. The season was to begin on Oct. 11, less than a month after the lockout was declared. Since the lockout, the league has canceled a grand total of 326 games. The new start date for the 2012-13 season is Dec. 1, cutting the number of games this season drastically. The NHL lost approximately $100 million following the preseason cuts alone, according to ESPN. The major issues on the table involve the percentage
of hockey-related revenue to which the players are entitled based on the player contract policy and player salary cap. According to ESPN, the ownwers wanted to cut the player’s revenue from 57 percent to 46 percent. The owners hope they can pressure the players into caving, but the union and the players themselves have made it very clear that they are not willing to budge. Some players have even said they would sit out the whole season if need be. The players have alternatives, though. Many have either began playing for their team’s lower level affiliate or now play in Europe. In fact, over 100 players have begun
MEN’S BASKETBALL Wed. 11/14 | 7:00 p.m. vs. Rice (Exhibition game) Sat. 11/17 | 4:00 p.m. vs. Harding Tues. 11/20 | 7:00 p.m. vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Sat. 11/17 | 2:00 p.m. vs. Huston-Tilloston Sat. 11/20 | 6:00 p.m. vs. Concordia
MEN’S SOCCER
NCAA Tournament: TBA
VOLLEYBALL Fri. 11/16 - Sat. 11/17 Heartland Conference Tournament, TBA
RUGBY Fri. 11/16 | 7:00 p.m. Texas State 7s Tournament
CONGRESSMEN ULTIMATE Sat. 11/17 | 12:00 p.m. Scrimmage vs. UTSA
SEU KARATE CLUB Fri. 11/16 - Sat. 11/17 USA Goju-Ryu Karate-do Seiwakai Training Seminar
Wikimedia Commons The now-cancelled Winter Classic is the NHL’s coolest event.
careers abroad. Austinites missing their hockey fix are not without options, either. Cedar Park has its very own AHL team, the Texas Stars, which remains on the ice while the
NHL is locked out. Hopefully the lockout will end in time for the Dec. 1 start date, finally giving the players a chance to face off with each other instead of with the owners.
10
VIEWPOINTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
OUR VIEW
Three states vote in favor of marriage equality The 2012 Presidential Election was a monumental event, resulting in President Barack Obama’s reelection. However, the election also revealed Americans’ changing views on the issue of samesex marriage. After years of same-sex measures losing at the polls, same-sex marriage rights passed in Maine, Maryland and Washington. Prior to this year’s election, six states had legalized samesex marriage. These instances of legalization were either authorized by the courts or state legislatures, so they did not necessarily reflect public opinion. This year, same-sex marriage was legalized by the majority vote in three states. This is not only a clear reflection of popular opinion, but
also an indication of progression in the fight for marriage equality. In Minnesota, voters rejected a proposed state constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage. While preventing a same-sex marriage ban is not the same thing as legalizing same-sex marriage, it is a step in the right direction. Furthermore, Minnesota is the first state to vote against a proposed same-sex marriage ban. In addition to successes in Maine, Maryland, Washington and Minnesota, marriage equality supporters found another victory in the election of Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin. Baldwin is America’s first openly lesbian senator.
These notable advancements in marriage equality indicate a significant shift in Americans’ views on samesex marriage. If public opinion is taken seriously, which it ought to be, the Supreme Court should consider the constitutionality of denying marriage rights to same-sex couples. Marriage equality in Maine, Maryland and Washington was achieved via ballot initiative, which served to remove the issue from a particular party or political candidate. That being said, a popular vote in several states indicates a shift in voters’ view on same-sex marriage, but the Republican Party platform still opposes marriage equality. In light of shifting public opinion on the issue, one
must ask why the GOP has faced by the LGBTQ comnot shifted with the people. munity. Marriage laws in Even if most current Re- Maine, Maryland, Washingpublicans support the party’s ton and Minnesota are unposition on marriage equality, “These notable the GOP would certainly benefit advancements in from being more marriage equality accommodating. In a represenindicate a significant tative system, shift in Americans’ candidates' views should reflect views.” the views of the people they represent, and it is becoming deniably a huge step forward, apparent that the people sup- but they are not the end of port marriage equality. the fight for LGBTQ rights. While America is inching Even if marriage equality becloser to nationwide marriage comes a national reality, isequality, it is important to re- sues like youth homelessness member that allowing same- and employment discriminasex marriage will not neces- tion will still exist. sarily eliminate the inequality LGBTQ youth homeless-
ness is a huge problem in America, with 20 percent of homeless teens being LGBTQ, compared to 10 percent of the general youth population being LGBTQ, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. In 19 of 50 states, LGBTQ people can be fired from their jobs for being LGBTQ. While many states protect LGBTQ people from employment discrimination, it is perfectly legal in 19 states. Hopefully people like Baldwin will move America toward full equality for LGBTQ people, and hopefully the GOP will follow suit and change its position on marriage equality. Partisan politics aside, America is moving toward a more equitable and open-minded society.
Hotel to be built in place of beloved South Congress food trailers Kelsey Acosta kacosta@stedwards.edu
The days of the South Congress food trailers are soon coming to an end. Since the trailers' leases did not get renewed, the trailers have to vacate the lot between East Monroe and East Milton streets in less than four months by March 2013. To replace the beloved eateries, a three story, 82,000 square-foot hotel will be built, according to KVUE. The hotel will include an underground parking garage and restaurants. The construction of this hotel could potentially bring millions of dollars to Austin’s economy and create jobs, but at the cost of some of the very things that make Austin great.
Photo by Renee Cornue The food trailers on South Congress are an Austin hotspot.
The food trailers have some of the best food on South Congress with affordable prices and a wide selection. They have only been on
South Congress for around three years, but they are already well-loved, and they draw in plenty of business. The food trailers were even
included in one of AT&T’s recent national ad campaigns, according to Culture Map Austin. On top of being successful businesses, the South Congress food trailers have a classic Austin vibe. They are a bit weird and quirky, but that suits Austin perfectly – especially South Congress, which is already a wonderfully eclectic mixture of shops, restaurants and various street merchants. It is hard to imagine South Congress without these trailers, and it is even harder to imagine a big hotel in their place. It just does not seem to fit the spirit of South Congress. However, moving the trailers and building a hotel brings up practical issues. For
one, what about First Thursday? The lot between Monroe and Milton is an important venue for the artists and craftspeople who sell their wares at First Thursdays. It is unclear where the merchants will go once construction on the lot begins. The space behind the trailers also offers a sizable amount of parking, and while it does cost money on the weekends, parking there is free during the week. Although the hotel plans are said to include underground parking, chances are it will not offer free parking for South Congress patrons. Furthermore, the construction will hinder traffic and create a lot of noise in a pedestrian-heavy and resident-
heavy area. Most people can all agree that construction can be a real pain, and it always seems to last forever. If this is about really beefing up Austin’s tourism industry, throwing out a well-loved, budding landmark in favor of a new hotel seems ignorant. Austin’s tourism industry is growing and will likely continue to grow as events like ACL and SXSW become increasingly popular, so more hotels will be needed. However, these hotels should not be constructed at the expense of the things that make Austin such an awesome and unique place. People come to Austin for the uncanny vibes. If those things start disappearing, the essence of what makes Austin special will be ruined.
VIEWPOINTS11
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Potential blood donors turned away by restrictions in Texas Mitch Harris rharris7@stedwards.edu
Someone is in need of blood every two seconds, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. It only seems right to do one's part to aid the 4.5 million Americans in need of a blood transfusion each year. However, the Blood Center of Central Texas makes it increasingly difficult for people to donate blood by placing so many restrictions on donors. Perhaps the largest demographic disenfranchised by the center is gay men. On the questionnaire that must be filled out before donating,
all men must answer some variation of the question, “From 1977 to present, have you had sexual contact with another male, even once?” If he answers “yes,” the potential donor is unable to give blood. The reason is clear — gay men have the highest likelihood of testing positive for the HIV virus. Blood banks want to not only protect their patients’ health, but also themselves from litigation should a patient contract the HIV virus after blood donation. However, they test all patient’s blood, regardless of orientation, for the HIV vi-
HILLTOP VIEWS 3001 S. Congress Ave.#964, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 448-8426 Fax: (512) 233-1695 hilltopviewsonline@gmail.com www.hilltopviewsonline.com Kristina Schenck Editor-in-Chief
Andrew Hatcher Design Chief
Jenna Jaco Nikki Hill News Editors Chloe Kirkpatrick Jonathan Coker Viewpoints Editors Mitch Harris Brooke Blanton Life & Arts Editors Shelby Cole Nolan Green Sports Editors
Hannah Smith Lisa Rodriguez Designers
Matthew Nuñez Photo Editor
Willa Goldberg Sara Sanchez Staff Writers Lesli Simms Copy Chief Travis Riddle Camille Eslick Heather Fasching Copy Editors
Cindy Mora Advertising & Business Manager Hannah Thornby Web/Social Media Marketing Manager Adam Crawley Landry Taylor Alex Boudreaux Interns Jena Heath Faculty Adviser
Hilltop Views is a weekly student newspaper published by the School of Humanities and serving the community of St. Edward’s University. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the university, whose mission is grounded in the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. Letter Policy: Hilltop Views welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for space, grammar and clarity. Letters will be published at our discretion. Anonymous letters will not be printed.
rus. Thus, it makes no sense to defer thousands of eligible gay, HIV-negative donors due to antiquated and homophobic ideas. The practice of deferring gay men is even more questionable since they make up only 56 percent of all HIV cases in 2009, according to the Center for Disease Control. There is no immediate deferral question for the remaining 44 percent of the HIV-positive population. The restrictions do not end there, however. If you have traveled to a malaria-ridden country, you are blacklisted from blood donation for a full year. Most Americans travelling abroad take malaria medication and greatly reduce their risk of contracting malaria. In fact, there are only about 1,200 malaria cases reported in the U.S. any given year. Secondly, if a person has malaria, symptoms would appear within seven to 40 days of infection. The one year wait time is arbitrary and disenfranchises thousands of potential donors. Also, the center defers donors for a year after getting a tattoo from out of state or an unlicensed Texas facility. This is merely state elitism. It is conceited of the state to believe a tattoo not done in Texas is inferior or diseased. It should not matter what state the tattoo was received in if it will still be tested for any potential diseases. The Blood Center of Central Texas and dozens of other blood donation centers have good intentions. However, with the world becoming increasingly global, gay-friendly and celebratory of body art, they are falling behind the times.
The ‘Loudness War’ wages battle on listeners’ eardrums Sam Jackson sjackso8@stedwards.edu
Almost everyone has accidentally turned on FM radio or an iPod and been assaulted by a wave of sound that makes you want to jump out of your skin. Sadly, this assault is intentional. For several years, recorded music has been slowly increasing in volume, and now it is getting unbearable. This is a trend in recording music referred to as “the loudness war.” This is a result of an audio engineering technique known as compression, in which a music file is shrunk to fit into a CD or MP3 file. Through this process, the music becomes louder, and Mark Cornelison/Lexington Herald Leader/KRT the entire song becomes the Kirk Hammett is the lead guitarist in Metallica. same volume. Why would record la- Sound Forever: An Aural record companies had heard bels and artists want that? History of Recorded Music,” the stations and seen this For the same reason televi- the first stations to realize success, and wanted their sion commercials turn their that compression equaled records to have the loud, volumes up – they want to loudness and therefore prof- compressed treatment. The most infamous excatch people’s attention in it were New Jersey’s Z-100 ample of the loudness war order to sell the product. and New York’s WPLJ. The stations got so crazy was Metallica’s 2009 album Increasing volume is apparchasing volume that the "Death Magnetic," which ently the easiest way. This practice has attracted Federal Communications was so compressed and a horde of critics who be- Commission had to step in. distorted that fans and critics publicly complained in lieve compresdroves. sion erases the Fortunately, there have “For several years, subtlety, power been some counteroffenand dynamrecorded music has sives launched in this war. ics of recorded been slowly increasing Streaming sites like Pandomusic and in ra and Spotify have started extreme cases, volume, and now it is putting limits on how loud can distort the getting unbearable.” songs can be, and things recordings into may be starting to change, unrecognizable with engineers saying that mush. volume is no longer a top The beginning of the loudness war as we know But the damage was done, priority for some of their it started in the ‘80s with because as a result of the more recent works. Like all wars, the loudness competition between radio new sound, Z-100 went stations and the advent of from a virtually unknown war has to end eventually, station to the top player in with even the most volume digital audio. According to Greg Mil- New York, where WPLJ hungry fanatics burning ner’s book “Perfecting used to be. Musicians and themselves out.
12 PHOTO ESSAY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
DUCK TOURS A group of St. Edward’s University students took a tour of Austin through an event sponsored by the University Programming Board on Nov. 9. Students on the Duck Tour through Austin Duck Adventures traveled around Austin in a bus that can travel both on land and on water. The afternoon began with a guided tour of downtown’s unique history before the bus took a dive into Lake Austin.
Photos by Renee Cornue