HILLTOP VIEWS
St. Edward’s University • Wednesday, January 30, 2013 • Volume 33 • Issue 1 • hilltopviewsonline.com
Community members comment on gun control Bridget Carter bcarter5@stedwards.edu
As the debates on gun control continue, Texans and students, faculty and staff at St. Edward’s University are reexamining their own views on gun control. “Gun owners need to be responsible,” said Sergeant Richard Guajardo, an instructor in the School of Behavior and Social Sciences. Guajardo has also been a police officer for 16 years. Guajardo believes the point of gun control legislation should be to protect citizens,
particularly children. “Gun owners need to ... either get rid of their weapons or lock their weapons and ammunition away from any children or family members that may have mental health issues,” Guajardo said. President Barack Obama’s gun proposal package was presented to Congress last week. The plan includes actions to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, implement universal background checks and finance mental health programs for the youth. “I do think background
checks should be mandatory,” Guajardo said. Isaac Hernandez, a senior majoring in forensic science, has another perspective on the proposal. “I fail to see a reason why making me wait three months after a background check and a psych evaluation is such a huge impediment to my ability to exercise my Second Amendment right,” Hernandez said. However, some Americans do not agree with the proposed plan. Many have voiced their GUN | 3
Austin American-Statesman/MCT Texans gathered on the lawn of the state capitol to protest strict legislation on weapons.
New director brings teaching, volunteer experience to campus Kelsey Cartwright kcartwr@stedwards.edu
A new director of the Office of International Education, OIE, has joined St. Edward’s University. Holly Carter joined the university from Queen’s University Charlotte in North Carolina. Carter was excited to begin her new position at the university. “The job was a perfect fit for me,” Carter said.
A friend showed her the “Holly is a leader job listing, and Carter felt like in the field and has the description extensive experience in was written for a variety of areas...” her. Carter is fluent in French and -Bill Clabby, Associate Vice lived in France as President for Global Initiatives a teenager, so she loved the university’s tie to Anbackground in education, gers, France. Carter is highly qualified for Regarding her extensive the job.
“Holly is a leader in the field and has extensive experience in a variety of areas: campus leadership, overseas program director experience, teaching domestically and abroad, and program development,” said Bill Clabby, associate vice president for global initiatives and leader of the selection committee for a new director for the OIE. Carter was the Director of the Center for International Education, Assistant Provost
and assistant professor of health at Queen’s University. Carter has two undergraduate degrees in social work and French. She also has five masters’ degrees in philosophy, social work, education, sociology and public health and a PhD in sociology/ health sciences research. Carter studied abroad at the University of Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland and at the University of Roehampton in London, England.
However, setting up an interview with St. Edward’s posed a challenge. When Carter got the callback for an interview, she was in Romania building houses with Habitat for Humanity. “I have done nine international builds [with Habitat for Humanity] and will build in Nicaragua, Macedonia and Argentina this year,” Carter said. DIRECTOR | 2
6 | Life & Arts
10 | SPORTS
15 | VIEWPOINTS
A student group is planning to unveil a campus radio station next semester.
A life-long competitive cyclist weighs in on Lance Armstrong’s latest debacle.
Climate change is slowly becoming more of a priority for President Obama.
2 NEWS Adjunct professors play vital role on campus, in education Kelsey Acosta kacosta@stedwards.edu
need to teach major-specific courses. Adjunct professors are there to fill the gaps in each semester’s schedule. Without adjuncts, students would not be able to take the classes that they need in
St. Edward’s University has over 200 adjunct faculty members teaching on campus this semester. The adjunct faculty teach a variety of class that are of“There’s a real sense... fered at St. Edward’s, as well that we are all in this as taking other together to produce roles and responsibilities a quality educational that help build experience for our a constructive students.” learning environment at the -Grant Potts, religious studies university. professor Some of the adjunct faculty members teach sections of the vari- order to graduate on time. ous Cultural Foundations, Reilly has been at St. EdCULF, classes and serve as ward’s since 1996 and has Capstone advisors. Others taught many different classteach classes like Ethical es in her time at the univerAnalysis, First Year Rheto- sity. ric and Composition and This past fall semester, Contemporary Biology. Reilly taught the ‘60s secThese required, basic tion of the Freshman Studcourses usually have more ies lecture class. sections than the university Reilly won the 2011-2012 has full-time professors to Outstanding Adjunct Proteach them. fessor Award, which is given The adjunct faculty mem- out annually to adjuncts bers help keep the univer- who do an outstanding job sity running efficiently by in teaching at the university. teaching classes that the The adjunct faculty also contracted faculty members helps out in other areas may not be able to take on around campus besides each semester. teaching courses; however, “We help out a lot where they are not obligated to do they have holes in the sched- so. ule,” said Mary Reilly, who “What you don’t have to generally teaches within the do [as an adjunct profesEnglish Writing and Rheto- sor] is help out around the ric department. university. If you are a conFor example, there are up- tracted professor, one third wards of nine sections of of your job is administrative Ethical Analysis offered ev- work,” said Grant Potts, adery spring and fall semester, junct professor of religious but only five full-time phi- studies. losophy professors. These That does not mean that full-time professors also adjunct faculty members are
not given chances to help out around the university if they wish to do so. Potts is in charge of this semester’s Global Understanding workshop. Reilly works in the Writing Center where she helps students hone their writing skills and refine the papers in various classes. Some of the adjunct professors that teach at St. Edward’s also teach at other universities and colleges around the Central Texas area. Potts is also a contracted professor at Austin Community College, ACC. Potts pointed out was that the majority of the teaching staff at ACC are also adjunct professors. “There is a lot more focus on being an adjunct [at ACC],” Potts said. Many of the adjunct faculty members work on a part-time, semester-to-semester basis. This part-time schedule does not, however, keep adjuncts from making an impact and forming relationships on campus. “There’s a real sense ... that we are all in this together to produce a quality educational experience for our students,” said Potts about the adjunct faculty members’ relationship with fulltime university faculty. Adjunct professors also have no problem connecting with their students, which is one of the advantages of the small staff-to-student ratio at St. Edward’s the adjuncts help to create. “It’s a different relationship but with the people we are in contact with,” said Reilly about working with a variety of students every semester. “It’s very tight.”
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Director seeks change, growth in study abroad opportunities Continued from page 1
After a few days, she was finally able to connect with the university. Carter competed against 120 applicants for the job position. Only three people were interviewed. “As a Habitat for Humanity group leader, she brings a unique set of experiences and skills that will help us create some new and interesting opportunities for our campus community,” Clabby said. Carter replaced the interim director Esmeralda Hoang, who was appointed after the previous director Stephen Kazar left in April 2012, according to Laura Ray, assistant international advisor for the Office of International Education. “In unison, we’re all really happy to have a director. We’re all relieved and happy to be fully staffed again,” Ray said. At Queen’s University, 92 percent of the students studied abroad. Study abroad was
included in the tuition and all juniors could select a study abroad experience free of charge, Carter said. Carter said that, “[Getting to] 92 percent would be very difficult … for many reasons. I think we can get to 50 or 60 percent with all of the programs on campus working together.” The current percentage of students who study abroad
from St. Edward’s is currently unknown, Carter said. “We are now at a point where we will work more strategically with campus schools and departments to further integrate these opportunities into the fabric of the academic and personal lives of our students, faculty and staff,” Clabby said. “This is an exciting time for all of the St. Edward’s community.”
Courtesy of Holly Carter Carter has frequently worked with Habitat for Humanity.
KNOWINGYOUR SGA SGA discusses reaching out Adam Crawley dcrawle@stedwards.edu
The Student Government Association, SGA, plans to continue its efforts to better connect with student organizations and the student body. The SGA held their first formal senate meeting of the semester on January 24. At the meeting, they
passed a bill that required more involvement from SGA senators to connect with student organizations and better represent the student body. SGA Senator Harrison Hadland spoke about this bill, written by him and Senator Nicole Bradley. The bill would make a list of organizations available to SGA senators, and re-
quire senators to attend the meeting of at least one student organization a month in order to better represent them, Hadland said. The SGA voted to send this bill to first passage. The SGA welcomes new communications director Erin Rease, new internal affairs director Lauren Heller, and new associate director Natalia Villar.
NEWS 3
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Honor society recognizes, connects high-achieving freshmen Taylor Bencomo tbencom@stedwards.edu
The Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society recently asked 139 academically high-performing freshmen to join the society and attend the induction. To be eligible for an invitation, a student must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and be in the top 20 percent of their class during their first year. Although the society has just recently been started here at St. Edward's University, it was established at the University of Illinois in 1924. Previously, the society had been exclusively for women
and partnered with a society Caroline Morris, Director of that was for men. The two Fellowships. societies were united durToday, there are 270 chaping the ‘70s in response to Title “Alpha Lambda IX. Now, there Delta’s mission is to are currently encourage superior 850,000 initiated members. academic achievement "We were hearamong students in ing some anectheir first year... ” dotal evidence that hard work-Caroline Morris, Director of ing people who Fellowships didn't feel they could interact with others who were like minded and we ters in operation. The society wanted to offer opportuni- offers a range of scholarships ties for them to thrive," said and fellowships for outstand-
ing members, such as scholarships for studying abroad or those pursuing higher degrees. "This society really opens the door for students to apply for future financial scholarships and fellowships that they may not have been eligible for otherwise," said Jason Delarosa, academic advisor. Delarosa and Morris serve as chapter president and chapter advisor respectively. "We wanted to recognize high-achieving students in their first year and create a community for them. We affiliated with the strongest, and oldest freshman honor society in the country," Mor-
ris said. Morris was aware of the organization at the university she previously worked at. Alpha Lambda Delta is a feature of most major universities, and is a strong society. The future of the organization will rest in the hands of the soon to be inducted members. They will go through a series of workshops called Personal Strategic Planning for College in which they will plan for their own futures and contemplate what they believe to be societal ills. From there, the hope is that groups will form and service project ideas will stem from
this. "Alpha Lambda Delta’s mission is to encourage superior academic achievement among students in their first year, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their roles in society," Morris said. Those inducted will have support from faculty and successful upperclassmen as well as from Delarosa and Morris. The induction ceremony will be Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Maloney Room in Main Building.
Gun legislation prompts responses on campus, across nation Continued from page 1
opinions to the public and the government. More than 600 people rallied against stricter gun laws at the Texas State Capitol over the weekend. Thousands more rallied nationwide. Despite the rallies, the problem remains. Last week, a fight at a Houston-area community college led to gunfire. The Austin American-Statesman reported that both of the people involved in the shooting were injured and hospitalized. No one was killed. Addressing the issue of guns in school, the Texas Legislature may debate a bill that would allow guns on college campuses. The proposed bill have left some with mixed emotions. “I am in favor of stricter gun laws,” said Beth Eakman, a professor of English Writing and Rhetoric. Several years ago, Eakman was assaulted by a student
who was thought to have a problem with recreational drugs and mental illness. The assault did not take place on campus. “It was absolutely terrifying,” Eakman said. “I can remember being overcome with gratitude that he hadn’t had a gun at that moment.” Eakman, who grew up in a hunting and fishing family, said she cannot imagine any good reason for anyone owning a military-style assault weapon. Senior communications major Zach Chad said he feels safe on campus. He does not feel the need to carry a gun even after receiving his concealed handgun license. “There is no need for students to bring a gun to school,” Chad said. “I wouldn’t even if I could. I feel the need to get my CHL for personal protection at home.” University Police Department’s Chief Rudolph Rendon, said that St. Edward’s is a gun-free zone. “You go to jail,” said Rendon
about the consequences of bearing a firearm on campus. “Possession of firearms is prohibited while on campus and at all campus related activities,” according to article two, section three of the student handbook. This includes concealment in student housing and vehicles parked on campus property. Rendon states that the only people who are allowed to carry a gun on campus are Texas Peace Officers. Anyone who visits St. Edward’s dressed in civilian clothing and carrying a gun will be questioned, according to Rendon. Rendon has been with St. Edward’s for 25 years and has found less than six guns in campus housing or in vehicles. Rendon advises students to visit the Federal Emergency Management website for information on how to prepare for an active shooter. The website can be accessed through the UPD’s website at think.stedwards.edu/police.
Currently, UPD is not administering any active shooter or firearms awareness proj-
ects. Those affected by the recent shootings can visit with
Campus Ministry in Mang House and the Health and Counseling Center.
Chicago Tribune/MCT Many Americans believe that gun control laws should be stricter, but the debate is mixed.
4 NEWS Student partners with Chicago non-profit, starts campus arm Shelby Sementelli ssement@stedwards.edu
Sparked by a summer of studying peace and conflict resolution in Rwanda and Uganda, senior Kate Murray started a Pangea Educational Development, PED, chapter at St. Edward’s University. Through Student Life, Murray hopes this organization will bring awareness and interest to the conflicts in both countries. Murray’s personal association with Uganda began before her involvement in the organization. She first studied abroad in Uganda in the summer of 2011. After her first summer of study in Uganda and Rwanda, Murray discovered her love for the region. She found a culture different than the one projected by the American media and embraced it. The program changed her outlook on this area of the world and foreign aid to Africa. “It’s so much more complex than people think,” Murray said. “People don’t realize how much harm they can actually do even when you want things to work so much.” Despite what she learned while studying abroad, her summer experience in the two African nations along the equator was not enough. Murray wanted more, and vowed to return. More than anything, Murray wanted to serve in Uganda in a way that the people would truly benefit. She stumbled upon PED on a tucked away website and applied for an internship. The organization strives to inspire students and bring communities together through education and works closely with the people to
Photo by Kristina Schenck Senior Katie Murray studied abroad in Uganda.
find out what their communities truly need. PED has four projects in Uganda that the organization is working to make self-sufficient. Murray jumped at the opportunity to serve and potentially return to Uganda. “This is a miracle,” Murray said when she realized her dreams were becoming a reality during a Skype interview with PED. Murray went back to Uganda with PED in July of 2012. Even though Murray is back in the States, she is still on fire for PED. Though the organization is based in the Chicago, she started a college chapter of PED through Student Life. The St. Edward’s chapter is one of five university chapters across the country. The organization plans to work with already established education entities in Austin, such as Breakthrough Austin, and set up events for international and domestic students
on campus to produce a more cohesive atmosphere for everyone. Murray also wants to work with people in Austin who are here because of political asylum. “I want to communicate that college students care.” Murray said. “[PED] is going to bring about a lot of awareness which will hopefully spark action concerning education and its role in social development,” PED member Becca May said. The St. Edward’s chapter of PED is still looking for members. Murray stressed that PED is not like a normal service group. She said it is a family. Regular monthly meetings to organize service are replaced with potluck dinners and everyone is invited to join and share their voice. For more information about the St. Edwards chapter, contact Kate Murray at kmurray3@stedwards.edu.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
games
GAMES 5
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LIFE & ARTS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Students initiate plans for campus radio station Sam Jackson sjackso8@stedwards.edu
Hilltoppers are nearly ready to start streaming online with a new student radio station coming soon, known simply as “Topper Radio.” It will be a combination of a station and a student organization. “It’s going to be, literally, everything,” said freshman Nathalie Phan, one of the key players behind the station. Topper Radio promises to deliver, among other things, Photo by Veronica Adams “talk shows, a diverse pool Students generate support and awareness of Topper Radio. of music, and an open forum for students to express their shall said. and this and show me at least ideas," Phan said. They have already pulled in ten people who are willing to Freshman Austin Mar- support on campus, including take the ball and run with it shall, another founder, also faculty advisor and Assistant here, then I will help you,” discussed the founders’ ideas Professor of Digital Media Perry said. of either pre-recorded or live Management Gregg Perry, Once Topper Radio talk shows and automated who has had many years of launches, there will be plenty musical playlists. experience with online radio of avenues for students to get Currently, the station and prior to teaching. involved. If a student has a the program are still in de“Since I had some involve- band or any kind of musical velopment. It is project, they can apply to get expected to start radio airplay. “It’s going to be, testing towards Anyone who wishes to bethe end of this come a part of the shows will literally, everything.” semester, with a have to go through a selec-Nathalie Phan on Topper Radio full official betion process consisting of a ginning in the resume and a personality test. fall, streaming Phan also mentioned that through Internet provider ment with the subject matter there will be polls conducted Live365. before and with the Student in hopes of finding out what For the moment, though, Digital Media Club, [the stu- the student body would be Topper Radio is still just an dents] asked me if I would looking to get out of this new idea. To bring it to life, Phan like to sponsor this organiza- station. and Marshall are recruit- tion as well, and I said yes,” “It’ll be like most college ing and promoting through Perry said. radio stations,” Perry said. events like the Involvement Perry is “very impressed” “They’re trying to make it Fair and are trying to build with the progress, noting a little more accessible to an infrastructure. previous ideas for online tele- everyone on campus, but I “We will have an executive vision and radio that never think primarily what they’re board, which will be com- panned out. looking for is experience in prised of our communica“I was approaching them running a radio station. The tions director/outreach di- with the same sense of skep- way they’re approaching it ... rector, our financial director ticism, but I said ‘You know they are actually trying to do and a music director,” Mar- what? If you will do this, this, something for St. Edward’s.”
Hilltop Views Exclusive Interview
Best-selling author speaks about novel at Book People Brooke Blanton bblanto@stedwards.edu
Book People hosted New York Times best-selling author Karen Thompson Walker on Friday to speak about her award-winning debut novel, “The Age of Miracles.” In the book, a woman describes what she experiences when the earth’s rotation suddenly begins to slow. This increases the length of days to 30, 40 or more hours and drastically affects all aspects of daily life on earth. Hilltop Views sat down with the author about her novel and writing process. Brooke Blanton: “The Age of Miracles” has received immense critical acclaim. What was your reaction to it becoming a New York Times Best Seller? Karen Thompson Walker:
Shock. Also excitement, obviously, but mostly shock. BB: The book is told from the point of view of an 11-year-old girl. Why did you choose this age? KTW: As soon as I started writing this story and I had the idea for the slowing of the rotation of the earth, I had the idea that the voice should be somebody looking back on when it happened. Something about having it happen at a time when that voice and that person was a child just felt right ... adolescence is just a really interesting time of life. BB: Can you describe the research process that went into writing your book? KTW: I mostly did my own research, because I did want it to be really realistic. I did research on human circadian rhythms, how much
sunlight plants need, how people build industrial greenhouses … and a little bit of physics research. Astrophysics research was sort of the scariest and hardest part. I didn’t show it to an astrophysicist until I had sold it. I felt that I didn’t quite have the nerve. After I sold it I showed it to an astrophysicist and he showed me how much was based in real science and helped me fix some things that I had misunderstood. BB: Did you have a previous interest in astrophysics? KTW: I love science of all kinds. I don’t have any expertise in it, but I love to read the science section of the newspaper or books about science. I’ve always been interested in things related to the cosmos, but I don’t have any training or expertise in it. Except for the research I did for this book. BB: You referenced Ray Bradbury’s “All Summer in a Day” in your book. What appealed to you about this short story? KTW: I just remember it from childhood when I read it. When I got to the point that I wanted Julia, the main character, to be reading something in class, it just seemed right to include that story which is also about a young girl and something strange happening in the outside world related to sunlight. It seemed like a nice fit. BB: Where did you go to school, and when did you start writing? KTW: I went to college at UCLA, then I got an MFA at Columbia in creative
writing and fiction. I guess I started writing as a child, but I started fiction and short stories really seriously in college. BB: How long did it take you to write “The Age of Miracles”? KTW: Almost four years. It started as a short story a couple of years earlier and I had set it aside. By the time I came back to it and started turning it into a novel, that was four years. BB: What are your personal favorite types of books to read? KTW: My favorite books are those that combine a flair for language. Interesting writing but with a gripping narrative. One that has a great plot but also great writing. BB: And last question: what are your hopes and plans for your writing career? KTW: I just hope to keep writing and getting to publish books. I’m working on a new novel now.
Photo by Brooke Blanton Walker’s novel imagines a slowing of earth’s rotation.
LIFE & ARTS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
7
Topper Trends | The ‘90s The glitz, glamour and grunge of the ’90s are back in fashion Katie Brown kbrownj@stedwards.edu
Over the holiday break, I watched “Clueless” for the first time. I know, what a ’90s child crime. Not only did this movie enthrall me with the vivacious humor and literally clueless nature of the main characters, but I was also reminded of that standout ’90s style. The tight dresses, the highwaisted skirts and shorts, the strappy heels – these were classic “Clueless” staple pieces. I could not help but feel nostalgic, and I found myself wishing it were 1995 again. Mainly, I wished that I was older than three in 1995. Luckily, I do not have to wish that anymore because ’90s fashion has made a
Photo by Brooke Blanton Oversized sweaters are one aspect of the ‘90s grunge trend.
comeback. That is, in a revamped 2013 kind of way. Evidence of the return of ’90s Clueless-inspired fashion can be seen in a recent photo shoot by Wildfox, an
LA-based couture fashion line. This photo shoot is one of the most innovative and well-done photo shoots I have seen, and the transition from ’90s fashion into today’s
fashion is flawless. character in “Clueless,” where The pieces they used can she totally rocked the grunge be easily replicable in every- look and paired her ensemble day life, so there is no excuse with a dark red lip. She also as to why you should not be sported a chunky sweater running to your closet and uncovering your “The grunge look can graphic tees and be easily transformed plaid skirts. Not only is the into something more schoolgirl ’90s modern with an style back, but we can also weloversized sweater and come ’90s grunge. form fitting leather There is also the recent oxblood jacket.” red lip trend, in which we can pay homage to those unforgettable grunge days. under an oversized leather I recently watched an in- jacket, which gave her an efterview from 1993 with fortless result on top of her 17-year-old Alicia Silver- undeniable beauty. stone, who plays the main Today, her grunge look can
be easily transformed into something more modern with an oversized sweater and a more form-fitting leather jacket, and then paired with that grungy yet high-fashion oxblood lip. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to put together a ‘90s-inspired ensemble even for the budget-conscious shopper. Thrift stores are the perfect place to look for some authentic items from the time period. Grungy pieces have also been appearing in many upscale stores – from leather jackets to chunky black boots to slip dresses. And for that perfect dark red lip, I have found that MAC’s lipstick in the color Media does the trick beautifully. Now get out and embrace your inner ’90s diva.
WEEKLY ‘FLIX FIX | The Queen of Versailles Film documents Florida family and quest to build palacial house Katie Heim kheim@stedwards.edu
The first 15 minutes of the film are fairly worrisome because “The Queen of Versailles” appears to be yet another film about consumption starring a trophy wife and much older business mogul husband. “The Queen of Versailles” is a documentary about David and Jackie Siegel who, along with their brood of eight children, are in the process of building the largest privatelyowned home in America. It is
a 90,000 sq. ft. palace nicknamed “Versailles.” However, over the course of two years, director Lauren Greenfield discovers a story much different from the typical rich power-couple fare. David Siegel is the CEO of Westgate Resorts – one of the largest timeshare companies in the world, whose profits rely on cheap credit. When the financial bubble bursts, the Siegels’ livelihood and lifestyle implodes. The half-finished palace goes on sale and Westgate owes millions to the bank.
Siegel later laments to the camera, “This is almost like a riches-to-rags story.” It is important to note the main characters are not caricatures. Jackie Siegel has an engineering degree and her husband did not inherit his fortune. They are self-made people. The film includes footage featuring important supporting narratives that provide a more comprehensive view of the economic meltdown. For example, Jackie’s childhood friend whose home is also in foreclosure, the family’s
Filipino housekeeper Nebab, and Cliff Wright, a commercial realtor-turned-limo driver for the Siegels. As the economy disintegrates, so does the family. The older children become aware of their father’s callousness and Jackie tries desperately to laugh her way through their financial troubles while David locks himself away, determined to be back on top. The ending of the film is true to the pattern of documentaries – not all stories end happily, even for the rich and famous.
Courtesy of Lauren Greenfield The Siegels planned to build the largest house in the country.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS 8 LIFE & ARTS Campus twitter accounts inform, perplex and amuse students Mitch Harris rharris7@stedwards.edu
Since its birth in March of 2006, Twitter has taken the social media world by storm in 140 characters or less. With over 500 million registered users and more than 340 million tweets sent on an average day, Twitter is hard to ignore. St. Edward’s University has dozens of Twitter accounts from various offices and groups. These are five of the most essential that every hilltop tweeter.
1. @ stedwardsu
Twitter.com/stedwardsu Twitter allows students to further connect with the university.
rising tuition or the lack of a library. Instead you will read of how an alumni started a small business or how students are doing more community service than ever. @stedwardsu may not be the most accurate representation of what it means to be a St. Ed’s student, but after reading a few tweets, you cannot help but feel some Topper pride.
The official twitter for St. Edward’s University is exactly what you would expect– upbeat, informative and professional. The account is run by the marketing office. Therefore, it is no surprise that the handle serves primarily as a public relations tool tweeting primarily at prospective and incoming students and promoting notable “@stedwardsu may not events, alumni be the most accurate and accomplishments of the representation of what campus. it means to be a St. In the several years of the acEd’s student, but after count’s existence, reading a few tweets, it has morphed from a fragyou cannot help but feel mented and some topper pride.” sporadic view of campus happenings to a pow2. StEdsStuLife erful public relations Although it provides a multool for the university. titude of involvement opporThe account tweets fairly tunities, the office of Student consistently without becom- Life is known primarily for ing overzealous. Tweets are its student organizations – typically informative and more than 110, according to enthusiastic without being their website. too pompous or over the top. Their twitter account serves That being said, the ac- as a stream of information for count avoids controversy at these organizations as well as all costs. You will never see the student body at large. @stedwardsu tweet about Student Life did not start pressing student issues like
@
tweeting until April of 2011. Although fairly new, @StEdsStuLife does an excellent job of informing students what major events are going on within its office. However, Student Life seems to forget what is going on with the rest of campus. Student Life represents a myriad of student organizations, dozens of which have twitter accounts of their own (@TransitTheatre, @PRIDEstedwards and @SEURugby to name a few). Out of the 157 tweets sent from the account, only one was a retweet from an organization run out of Student Life. Student Life’s twitter accomplishes its goal of promoting its own events, but could be a bit more collaborative by promoting, following and retweeting the student organizations it represents.
3. @ TOPPERPRIDE
The SEU Athletic Department goes under the twitter pseudonym @TOPPERPRIDE. The handle serves as a herald for any and all athletic information including scores, records, commentary and accomplishments. This twitter account is a dream for sports junkies. No score goes unreported, no highlight skimmed over and
a link accompanies nearly every tweet in case you needed more information. The best thing about this account is its honesty. It reports what happened at the games and does not beg followers to attend. It does not boast wins nor shirk from losses. It simply states the facts. The account is simple, sleek and professional. It is the perfect way to stay up to date on all hilltop athletics.
4. @ overheardsteds
Overheard at SEU (@overheardsteds) is a bit of a mystery. It began as a Facebook group more than three years ago. The page served as a forum for any and all St. Edward’s students to post the odd quotes, strange conversations and misheard rumors heard around campus. The Facebook page faded
into oblivion, but as of Oct. 2012 a twitter account has come to triumphantly take its place. The account takes in weird, funny and inappropriate quotes heard on campus and retweets them to its 200 followers. Recent tweets include “Welcome back to St. Ed's. Now with more students, less parking and the same mildew/beef stew smell in Andre Hall,” and “Taco Bell and my body have become one.” The account can be terribly vulgar at times. However, there is a truth, beauty and hilarity to quotes heard on campus and posted out of context.
5. @ SEUHelpDesk
Have you ever been frustrated because you could not access Blackboard? Are you discouraged because email is down again?
Chances are @SEUHelpDesk already tweeted to warn users about it. You just were not following them yet. St. Edward’s Office of Informational Technology aka @SEUHelpDesk exists primarily to update students, staff and faculty alike on the technologies on which this campus so heavily relies. Even more helpful, @SEUHelpDesk answers questions and concerns tweeted at them and are continually open to suggestions from users. Their account is a nice mix of information, question-answering and general nerdy IT links. Leave it to the techies to have one of the most helpful and informative twitters on campus. To stay up to date with the news, events, sports and viewpoints around campus, follow us @HilltopViews.
[slapdash] Decals for the cat ladies
LIFE & ARTS 9
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Student juried exhibit spotlights the multiple art departments Mitch Harris rharris7@stedwards.edu
The St. Edward's University Fine Arts Gallery is currently filled with yarn-covered antlers, Hillary Clinton-themed dresses, impressionistic oil paintings and hauntingly dark photographs – all of them created by current students. In December 2012, students having coursework in art, graphic design, photocommunications or theater were encouraged to submit up to three original pieces to an unkown juror who would then select what would be on display. Hollis Hammonds, the Director of the Fine Arts Gallery, initiated the studentjuried exhibition in 2010 in order to unite the multiple departments that share the
Fine Arts Building. "There was not enough connection between the photo, graphic design and art departments," Hammonds said. "Plus there weren't many opportunities for underclassmen work to be exhibited. [The student juried exhibition] gives them professional experience." Hammonds, a visual artist herself, currently serves on the City of Austin's Art in Public Places advisory panel
with local curator Salvador Castillo. She chose him as the exhibition's curator for his experience and expertise in the art world. Castillo sifted through the 157 submissions and finally selected 69 original student works to display in the Fine Arts Gallery. Sophomore photocommunications major Deanna Crane saw the exhibit as a chance to get her work out there and see how people re-
acted. "I wanted to submit because I am constantly striving to have my photos be seen and having a conversation about them and where they can go," Crane said. "I think it's crucial as a young artist to be talking about the work being made and how it can change and evolve." Crane’s photo "Whataburger: 2AM" and collaboration project, with senior Gerald Llorance, "I wish for..." were both accepted for display in the exhibition. "It is such an honor to be in the show," Crane said. "Seeing my work on a beautiful white wall with my name next to it brings me such hope." Some students even won prizes and awards for their work with senior photocommunications major Nolan Green, taking Best in Show for his photo "Manscaped #3." Senior art major Jordan Hamilton won first place for her mixed media piece entitled "Feelings" and is grateful for the opportunity.
"It's hard finding places to show your work as a student," Hamilton said. "And because it's juried, it gives you a competitive edge. Hamilton is proud of her award in the show. The only issue she must face now is how to spend her prize of a $75 Amazon gift card. The exhibition is located in the Fine Arts Gallery located inside the Fine Arts building and will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. until Feb. 8. Photos by Mitch Harris From top to bottom clockwise. “Austin Ann” by Kristin Moore, “Where to I go from here?” by Emily Rayburn, “Hillary” by Lindsey Troop, “Whataburger: 2AM by Deanna Crane, “Crafted Culture Earrings” by Jessica Foster, Vaticano” by Krisin Moore, “Metempsychosis by Kylee Barnes and “Cousin It” by Juliana Ramirez
10
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
SPORTS COMMENTARY
Student cyclist weighs in on doping controversy Patrick Davis pdavis3@stedwards.edu
Contributing writer and senior Patrick Davis is a semiprofessional cyclist who competes across the U.S. His cycling team was once sponsored by Lance Armstrong’s bike shop, Mellow Johnny’s, and Davis and Armstrong came into contact several times. It is a tough time for American cycling. In October, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, USADA, released an extensive report of over 1,000 pages of evidence with testimonials from ex-teammates and friends that identified Lance Armstrong as the mastermind behind the most sophisticated doping scandal ever seen in professional sports. A bright yellow Livestrong band was pulled over the world’s eyes, giving us the perfect stereotypical story of triumph over insurmountable odds. I admit professional cycling
Postmedia News/MCT Armstrong, who lives in Austin, recently admitted to doping.
is one of the dirtiest sports in the world, and I hate its reputation. Performance enhancing substances, drugs and cycling have gone handin-hand since the beginning of the Tour de France. In the early 1900s, the drug of choice for tour racers was cocaine. Now, racers take steroids like Cortisone, Human Growth Hormone, Synthetic Testosterone or undergo
blood transfusions to gain an edge. However, the real drug that plagues the professional peloton is a red blood cell booster called Erythropoietin, EPO. EPO is useful for treating anemia. When given to a healthy person, it increases the aerobic threshold by over 30 percent. The risks of taking such a performance-enhancing drug are fatal.
Prior to 2006, the Tour de France was a doper’s race. You would have trouble even making it onto a top tier team without being on “the juice,” and most teams actually supported it. While this definitely does not excuse Lance’s doping, it is important to recognize that it was a level playing field. Doping was a part of the sport’s culture. Many racers saw using illegal substances to be a gray area. Even with all of his lies, I still cannot bring myself to hate him. Every young cyclist drinks the Lance Kool-Aid at some point. I read the books, wore the yellow band and watched all his victories. In a weird way, watching him fly up the Pyrenees with inhuman strength further reinforced my love for the sport and my desire to race professionally. Armstrong made my passion popular in America. I cannot hate him for that. When I raced for the Hotel San Jose elite cycling team in Austin, I met Lance several
times because his bike shop, Mellow Johnny’s, was our title sponsor. Lance occasionally came to our training rides and cruised the hills surrounding Austin with us. As an arrogant eighteen-yearold, eager to prove myself, I often provoked him to chase me. Lance, being equally competitive, would pursue and leave me slumped over my handlebars. It is hard to explain why children choose to pursue this sport. Pros do not do it for the money. The average professional who races on a European team makes an average salary of $60,000 a year. Getting to that level of professional status is grueling. You can be one of the most talented riders in the U.S. and compete overseas only to be spit out of the back of the pack. My eyes were opened to the world of doping at the 2011 Vuelta de Indepencia, a week-long stage race in the Dominican Republic, when
my teammate found multiple bloody syringes hidden in rooms throughout the hotel that was hosting the racers. I saw firsthand that the sport had a huge problem, but Lance did nothing but facilitate the doping culture. I am glad that he had his titles stripped, and that the USADA is on a campaign to clean up the sport. But in the end, I am glad that Lance Armstrong decided to race a bike. His fall from grace is monumental — it shows that no one is above the rules. It makes me sad to think about the talented riders who were robbed of a fruitful career simply because they played by the rules, but I am grateful that my generation of cyclists can have hope. I have faith that cycling will return to a competition based solely on hard work, determination and strength of the human spirit, which is ultimately the definition of true sport.
Tennis tournament leaves little room for surprise Down Under Nolan Green ngreen2@stedwards.edu
Novak Djokovich took his third consecutive Australian Open Championship over Andy Murray on Jan. 29. The number-one seeded Serbian outplayed his British friend in four sets and just over four hours of play. The Women’s singles final had no major surprises either, Belurasian Victoria Azarenka topped number five Li Na in three sets. The win by Djokovich ex-
tends the trend of dominance by a few select players on the Association of Tennis Professionals, ATP. Besides Novak, the past few years have been predominantly dominated by Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and David Ferrer who has recently replaced Rafael Nadal as Spain’s number one player. The story is the same on the Women’s side, the Women’s Tennis Association, WTA, seems to revolve around Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.
Djokovich’s biggest challenge came in the fourth round against Switzerlands Stanislas Wawrinka winning in a fifth-set tiebreak. After that, it was smooth sailing for him through the Championship Match. Andy Murray was gracious in defeat, as always, saying that he was happy with his play over the last two years. The Women’s side featured more excitement, especially American tennis fans. Second seeded Serena Williams lost against young American
Sloane Stephens, reminiscent of Melanie Oudin in 2009. Unfortunately, Stephens did not make it past the next match, losing to Azarenka in the semis. As tennis turns its head towards the French Open, expectations have not changed. Djokovich, Federer, Ferrer and Murray will look to dominate again, but look for JoWilfried Tsonga to surprise and make a deep run. On the Women’s side, Sharapova will carry over her great play from Australia.
Wikimedia Commons No suprises as both number one seeds won the Open slam.
SPORTS11
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Super Bowl showcases sibling rivalry, end of era Reagan Roehl rroehl@stedwards.edu
The clock has not quite struck midnight for the Cinderella Baltimore Ravens. First came the Mile-High Miracle as wideout Jacoby Jones slipped past the coverage to haul in a 70-yard Hail Mary against the Broncos. Then came their arch-nemesis the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship this past Sunday, nine-point favorites, who were shredded 28-13. Next, NFC Champions San Francisco 49ers in the grand finale, Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3, being coined by pundits as the “Harbaugh Bowl.” Brothers John and Jim
Harbaugh, head coaches of the Ravens and 49ers respectively, lead their squads into battle for the Lombardi Trophy on Super Bowl Sunday. For John and the Ravens though, it’s a far cry from the end of the regular season, as they lost four of their last five games. But the Ravens are no strangers to adversity. Coping with injuries to key defensive playmakers Terrell Suggs, Lardarius Webb, Haloti Ngata and Ray Lewis all season, Baltimore has seen the likes of Dannell Ellerbe and Cary Williams step in and help guide the team within one win of a world championship. However, one cannot say enough about the catalyst
of linebacker Ray Lewis, defensive captain and heart and soul of the team for 17 years. Lewis announced on Jan. 2 that he would be retiring after the playoffs, and ever since his return from a torn tricep in the Wild Card round, the entire Ravens locker room has fed off this adrenaline as they try to send Ray off in style with a second Super Bowl championship. On the flipside, there is the other Harbaugh, Jim, and his dominant 49ers squad. With nine Pro Bowlers, six coming from one of the stingiest defenses in the league, the Niners come into Super Bowl XLVII as the favorites. Despite this talent and a 12-
Doug Kapustin/MCT Ray Lewis announced his retirement on Jan. 2.
3-1 record though, it has not exactly been smooth sailing for San Francisco.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is only starting his 10th game after taking over Alex Smith went down with a concussion. With an NFL playoff record 181 rushing yards for a quarterback against the Packers in the Divisional Playoff and 76.2 percent completions in a 17 point comeback against the Falcons on Sunday, “Kaep” has been instrumental to the 49ers’ Super Bowl run. The media may be focusing on the Harbaugh brothers leading up to Super Sunday, but the real difference-makers will be on the gridiron as Ray Lewis and Colin Kaepernick look to steal the show and lead their respective teams to Super Bowl glory.
ATHLETE PROFILE
Senior captain leads team in points per game Jake Robinson jrobinse@stedwards.edu
Senior captain Dawnielle Kiel, the 5-foot-7 guard out of Houston, Texas, leads her team in scoring, averaging 15 points per game. Kiel helped lift the Hilltoppers to their first season conference win, scoring 21 points against the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. “It’s her presence — her will and desire to win — these things are just as important as the things in the stats column,” Head Coach J.J. Riehl said. “She’s a huge part of why we have been successful.” Kiel’s career did not begin at St. Edward’s University, as she originally attended Texas State University. “I played there for two years, and then I trans-
SEU Sports Information Dawn Kiel has made a name for herself on the court.
ferred. We got a new coach,” Kiel said. It is safe to say that everyone on the Hilltop is more than satisfied with her decision to transfer. After an impressive first season with the Hilltoppers, averaging just below
nine points per game, Kiel has erupted in her senior season to earn the title of both leading scorer and captain. “I feel like I have to be a role model, especially on the court. Never tak-
ing a day off and keeping my team pumped up even when I am having a bad day,” Kiel said. Despite her accomplishments, Kiel remains humble. “Our coach has really turned the program around. Our dedication has helped. The team is always in the gym shooting and putting in extra time.” After graduation, Kiel plans to continue her basketball career overseas in Australia. However, her mission at St. Edward’s is far from finished. “I want a ring. It is my senior year, and I definitely want a ring,” Kiel said. With a 9-5 overall record and an undefeated standing in conference, Kiel and the Lady Hilltoppers will be hard-pressed to reach the championship and bring
the hardware home to the hilltop. Off the court, Kiel is also a student who enjoys college life. Jake Robinson: What is your favorite type of food? DK: Wing Stop, definitely Wing Stop. As for pregame meals, Jason’s Deli or smoothies. I love smoothies. JR: What do you when you are not playing basketball? DK: I go out and have fun. I try to balance it out. I think you have to take breaks sometimes. When we lose, though, I am usually in my apartment, probably beating myself up. JR: Who is your favorite athlete? DK: Dwayne Wade. He’s number three, and I am number three. I like the way he plays.
SPORTS CALENDAR WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Sat. 2/02 | 2:00 p.m. @McMurry University
MEN’S BASKETBALL Sat. 2/02 | 4:00 p.m. @McMurry University Thurs. 2/07 | 7:00 p.m. @Dallas Baptist
BASEBALL Fri. 2/01 | 12:00 p.m. vs. UA Fort Smith Fri. 2/01 | 3:00 p.m. vs. UA Fort Smith Sat. 2/02 | 1:00 p.m. vs. UA Fort Smith Wed. 2/06 | 1:30 p.m. vs. Oklahoma Christian Fri. 2/08 | 12:00 p.m. vs. Newman Fri. 2/08 | 3:00 p.m. vs. Newman
SOFTBALL St. Mary’s DII College Classic San Antonio, Texas Fri. 2/01 | 12:00 p.m. vs. Eastern New Mexico Fri. 2/01 | 4:00 p.m. vs. Angelo State Sat. 2/02 | 10:00 a.m. vs. Abilene Christian Sat. 2/02 | 12:00 p.m. vs. Tarleton State Sun. 2/03 | 1:30PM vs. Incarnate Word
MEN’S TENNIS Thurs. 2/07 | 2:00 p.m. vs. Trinity
WOMEN’S TENNIS Sun. 2/03 | 12:00PM @Texas State
WOMEN’S LACROSSE Sat. 2/02 | 9:30AM vs. Trinity Sat. 2/02 | 11:30AM vs. Southwestern @Trinity University
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS 12 SPORTS Women’s professional soccer hopes to build a lasting legacy Shelby Cole scole2@stedwards.edu
Women’s soccer is getting a facelift in America with the creation of a new professional league. What used to be called the Women’s United Soccer Association, WUSA, and then the Women’s Professional League, WPS, has now been dubbed the National Women’s Soccer League, NWSL. Women’s professional soccer has had a notoriously difficult time getting off the ground, an unfortunate phenomenon that exists both stateside and around the globe. Though the U.S. Women’s National Team took the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and soccer heroes Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and
Alex Morgan are household names, their transition from Olympic win back stateside was shaky and uncertain. Fortunately for women’s soccer fans, this new iteration of a professional league projects its season will commence in spring of 2013, though no official schedule has been set. The NWSL is comprised of eight teams with the hopes to add an additional two teams in the future. Team rosters are home to worldfamous players from the U.S. Women’s National Team, as well as talented players from the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federation of Mexican Football, with both Canadian and Mexican players’ salaries being subsidized by their respective home leagues. Each team is also recruiting collegiate players in
Wikimedia Commons Star midfielder Megan Rapinoe has signed to Reign FC.
a rotating draft-style system. Based on initial rosters, players seem to have been evenly distributed across the teams, though a few teams have obviously more player-name recognition than others. Whether or not this new
NWSL will succeed remains to be seen, and responses to its founding have been mixed. Women’s pro soccer’s first two attempts blew millions of startup dollars, and neither were sustainable past a third season. For now, the
league will operate under the guidance of the United States Soccer Federation, but the ultimate goal is that the league become freestanding and fully owned by its investors. It is clear NWSL players are not in it for the money, as their team cap is projected to be $200,000. Divide that up among a team of players, and that means most of them are making around $20,000 a year, and a handful of lesserknown players are making around $10,000. The league’s Boston team, called the Boston Breakers, also recently put up a request for host families for players to provide cheap housing for the duration of a season. In exchange, families will get season passes to the team’s games. To keep the women’s salary cap in perspective, the
Major League Soccer, MLS, sets each team’s salary cap at $350,000. MLS is NWSL’s brother league. To take it a step further and put the MLS’ salary cap in perspective, world-renowned Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo makes roughly $17 million annually. While these may make the NWSL seem small-time, players are taking what they can get and hope to help build the league step by step from the ground up until they are fully operational and sustainable. Both players and management seem to have an understanding that they are in it for the long haul and have high hopes for a crosscontinental hybrid league comprised of NCAA super stars and Olympic gold medalists.
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MOODY 209 WEDNESDAYS @5PM 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 therein are not necessarily those of the university, whose mission is grounded in the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. 3001 S. Congress Ave. #964, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 448-8426 Fax: (512) 233-1695 www.hilltopviewsonline.com
VIEWPOINTS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
13
OUR VIEW
Composting initiative is a step in the right direction The university is gradually becoming a more environmentally sustainable campus, with composting being the most recent addition to the conservation initiatives. Compost bins are now available for diners to dispose of food scraps in the Hunt and Ragsdale cafeterias. This reduces the amount of solid waste sent to landfills and raises awareness about environmental stewardship and responsibility. Additionally, the composting program is a collaborative effort between St. Edward's University, Bon Appetit, Students for Sustainability, and
the Go Project, further dem- Ragsdale and instruct diners onstrating that this program on what belongs in the comis beneficial for reasons beyond the environment. “St. Edward’s is Bon Appetit successfully striving and the university consulted toward becoming a students from more environmentallyStudents for Sustainability, the conscious member of env ironmental the Austin community.” special interest group on campus, throughout the process of creating a composting pro- post and what does not. gram. People from the Go Though a step in the right Project, a transition program, direction, compost is curstand near the compost bin in rently being transported off
campus by Break It Down, a company that provides alternative waste services for customers. A more sustainable option would be to process food waste on campus and use the compost to fertilize plants on university property. But change is gradual, and an option to dispose of food waste responsibly on campus is commendable. Currently, Students for Sustainability manages a compost bin at the campus garden, a recent addition that will eventually generate mulch that can be used in the garden itself. Other notable changes in-
clude single-stream recycling, LED lights in the parking garage, and incorporating green design into new construction projects. In recent years, St. Edward’s has made recycling more accessible by using a single-stream recycling system. With this system, paper, plastics, and cans are disposed into a clearly labeled area instead of being sorted into separate containers. Also in the Ragsdale cafeteria are the new dining to-go containers called Eco-Clamshells. These containers are made of an economic friendly thermoplastic material , mak-
ing them the green alternative to the cardboard to-go boxes. Also, students involved with the Founder’s Day Service Project register to serve in the local community. For example, in one specific location, Blunn Creek, students plant native plants, remove invasive species from the creek and work on the preserve trails. Essentially, with numerous eco-friendly efforts, St. Edward’s is successfully striving to help create more environmentally-conscious members of the Austin community.
Pop veterans’ new singles rebel against current Top 40 trends Michael Darling mdarlin@stedwards.edu
The recent releases of Justin Timberlake’s “Suit & Tie” and Destiny’s Child’s “Nuclear” have created a lot of buzz in the popular music scene. The tracks mark the artists’ first in seven and eight years, respectively. But based on the YouTube comments, which is probably the best gauge of public opinion at this point, the songs are not very well-liked. While both of the songs break the EDM trend in current Top 40 hits, the question is: do these songs mark an important musical milestone, or are they simply forgettable comeback attempts by aging musicians? Clearly, popular music has been getting increasingly more electronic since the death of grunge in the late 90’s, sacrificing raw, organic recording techniques in fa-
vor of compressed, cookiecutter production. The major record labels have a logical reason for enacting this shift: money. Putting the time, effort and financial resources into customizing the production of popular albums to create a distinct sound for each artist was common until the boy band era. Modern producers, on the other hand, use formulaic compression and mastering techniques that blanket pop music with generic vocals. In addition to compression, the current trend is to lay the one-size-fits-all vocal tracks on top of synthesized wobble bass and crunchy, digital leads. This type of rampant corner-cutting has led to a backlash in music produced using the age-old method of customizing mastering and production techniques, which give each artist a
Wikimedia Commons Timberlake’s seventh album will be released on March 15.
unique sound. This is epitomized in 2012’s “Shields” by Grizzly Bear, “An Awesome Wave” by Alt-J and “A Thing Called Divine Fits” by Divine
Fits, three albums which have ushered in a new era of indie rock based heavily on psychedelic soundscapes and analog signal processing.
By definition, these indie artists will probably never produce a Top 40 hit, unless a drastic shift occurs in the listening tastes of the general public, and indie musicians become the new Katy Perrys and Justin Biebers. This paradox would probably tear a hole in the space-time continuum and end life as we know it. In regard to the original question, the new Destiny’s Child and Justin Timberlake tracks definitely mark a milestone in the progression of popular music. For the first time in several years, the vocals in a popular music song are unique and identifiable. Moreover, these artists are the well-respected pop veterans whose influential contributions to pop music include the seminal albums “The Writing’s on the Wall” and “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” respectively.
Timberlake’s “Suit & Tie” incorporates an eerie arpeggiated background piano track reminiscent of the end of Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead,” a bold move on Timberlake’s part, and one which has perhaps cost him the adoration of fans of his earlier work. Destiny’s Child’s “Nuclear” features an ambient electronic background, in contrast to the grimy, dubstep-based EDM beats found in most pop music today. That calls to mind the peaceful propulsion of Tycho’s “Dive” album, overlaid by vocals that pay homage to the long-passed golden age of R&B. Hopefully, the rest of the pop industry will take the impressive hint delivered by these two singles and begin once again using the timehonored recording and mastering techniques that once made popular music an art form.
14 VIEWPOINTS Three steps to produce your own Quentin Tarantino epic
Reddit co-founder’s suicide presents a complicated issue
Valerie Huerta
Kelsey Acosta
vhuerta@stedwards.edu
kacosta@stedwards.edu
In December, director Quentin Tarantino released his seventh feature film, “Django: Unchained.” The film stars Jamie Foxx as Django, who goes from being enslaved to working as a bounty hunter. Never one to shy away from violence or controversial subjects, Tarantino garnered plenty of criticism for “Django: Unchained.” Nonetheless, the film is a critical success, nominated for five Academy Awards. Tarantino has an undeniable knack for making films that shock and entertain. Every film Tarantino has made since releasing “Reservoir Dogs” in 1992 is a distinct piece of art, but each has certain things in common–three essential rules for making a successful Tarantino film.
Aaron Swartz, co-founder of Reddit, digital prodigy and activist, recently committed suicide just weeks before he was scheduled to go to trial on federal charges for wire fraud, computer fraud and unlawfully obtaining information from a protected computer. In 2010, Swartz reportedly gained illegal access to the JSTOR database at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and downloaded nearly 4.8 million scholarly articles, which is close to the entire JSTOR library, according The New York Times. Swartz’s arrest and subsequent suicide sparked a huge controversy on the internet. Many people have argued that by prosecuting, the federal government was overstepping its bounds and trying to make an example out of Swartz. Swartz, who was only 26 when he took his life, had struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide for much of his adult life. Many of his supporters believe that the stress of his impending trial drove him to suicide, while his friends and family believe that the government essentially killed Swartz by trying so intently to make an example of him. Since Swartz’s death, federal officials have dropped all charges against him, but that has done very little to alleviate the pain and outrage of his family, friends and supporters. In the United States legal system, a person is innocent until proven guilty. Thus, even though Swartz was ar-
RULE #1: Fall in Love
Los Angeles Times/MCT Tarantino classics include “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill.”
There are surely other cinematic minds that could envision movies with the kind of creativity that Tarantino works from, but only a handful of them make their movies. Directors like Tarantino get to the moon first.
“Tarantino’s movies
Write your are unique because script like you have a loaded they are a collection grapple gun in of film history your waist pants, references and genre and shoot your gun to the moon. experimentation.” Be so consumed with the epic of The Bride from “Kill Bill” that you will follow RULE #2: Have No Fear her to the bloody underbelly of Tokyo to watch the flailTwist like no one is watching limbs of the Crazy 88 ing. Drink a five dollar milkbecome airborne in a miasma shake. Drink it because, in of blood. the end, if you don’t go all Collective audiences have the way, history will hold decided to let Tarantino tran- it against you. That is what scend the 90 minute movie Tarantino told Leonardo Dilimit because when we get to Caprio when he portrayed the 90 minute mark, we crave the foul and deplorable planhis rousing, cinematic ambi- tation owner Calvin Candie tion. in “Django: Unchained”.
DiCaprio was initially resistant to the brutal racism and language of his character, but when Tarantino assured him that it was the extremity of the character that would add to the victory of the Django, DiCaprio went all the way.
RULE #3: Don’t Go to Sleep to Dream Be aware of the magic and absurdity of real life. Tarantino’s movies are unique because they are a collection of film history references and genre experimentation. His body of work contains technique ranging from rhythmic action sequences to Hitchcockian table dialogue. Tarantino may make movies that could only exist in the most fantastic pulp novels, but he explores common literary themes with his singularly explosive enthusiasm and uniquely absurd vision. When the invulnerable Bride finishes off her last kill of retribution, she does not walk into the sunset like some Western anti-hero, she drives away with her daughter.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
rested and set to be tried, he was clearly not a felon in any legal sense. Swartz was indicted in July 2011, but an indictment only means that the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove that there is a case and that the case can go to trial. An indictment is not a guilty verdict. However, if Swartz had been tried and convicted, he would have faced up to 35 years in prison and $1 million in fines. Swartz’s supporters have argued that illegally downloading of the majority of JSTOR’s digital library was not a criminal act, but instead an act of protest against keeping information behind barriers for profit, since Swartz’s intention was to release those articles online where they could be accessed for free. Swartz believed that everyone should have access to scholarly works, and that access to such works should be free, unless the copyright fee goes directly to the author. Making people pay for access to scholarly sources means only people who have money
can have access to knowledge. This only expands a knowledge gap. Swartz’s cause was noble, and his arrest and suicide were tragic. That being said, the job of the federal prosecution should not be vilified. Swartz did download articles without paying, which is legally stealing. On the other hand, 35 years in prison does seem extreme in Swartz’s case since it appears that he acted with little malicious intent. There is nothing to indicate that Swartz sought for personal gain from his actions. To simply let Swartz’s high-profile case go undermined the government’s vehement attempts to curtail computer-based crimes. Aaron Swartz’s suicide was a tragedy and a huge loss to the computer world. Swartz was a remarkable young man who could have gone on to do more revolutionary work. It seems likely that the stresses of a federal trial could have exacerbated Swartz’s depression, but suicide and depression are complicated issues that often transcend blame.
Chicago Tribune/MCT Swartz casket is moved to a hearse at his funeral.
VIEWPOINTS 15
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Climate change finally finds its way onto the executive agenda Kristina Schenck kschenc@stedwards.edu
Climate change is finally an issue on President Barack Obama’s agenda. But is that enough? And furthermore, does he have a true plan? “We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations,” Obama said during his inaugural speech on Jan. 21. The New York Times reported he followed with eight more sentences on the topic, certainly indicative of the level of priority on his agenda. He also mentioned climate change on election night during the Nov. 7 acceptance speech.
“We want our children to to worry about reelection or live in an America that isn’t the contentious nature of the burdened by debt, that isn’t subject that leads some to weakened by inequality, that label the issue of a changing isn’t threatened by the destructive power of a “The problem is warming planet,” current policy and Obama said. Twice on naproposed legislation tional television is not extreme enough during the first to truly tackle climate two big speeches of his second change.” term must mean business. Politically, he is in a good position to address climate as “environmental exclimate change from a num- tremism.” ber of legislative angles, such The problem is current polas energy reform and emis- icy and proposed legislation sion reduction. is not extreme enough to truSince Obama is in his sec- ly tackle climate change. This ond term, he does not have is an ongoing issue that will
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
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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.
continue whether or not lawmakers and citizens decide to take preventative measures. Part of the trouble comes with the nature of climate change itself. Though we are already seeing some of the effects such as melting glaciers and more extreme weather events, it can be tough to project and understand exactly how rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will affect future generations. Planning for the future is always difficult, and in this case the impacts are most certainly catastrophic but not exactly concrete. For example, lawmakers are discussing increasing use and production of natural gas as an alternative to coal as a way to mitigate climate change.
This approach is mediocre at best. Natural gas is still a fossil fuel, a finite resource, and its production is costly and inefficient. This is not a solution, rather a temporary and ineffective plug. It would be more effective to draft a comprehensive energy plan dictating where and how the country will extract resources for energy use. Renewables, like solar and wind, have the potential to become much more efficient and require much less carbon than coal or natural gas. Investing in that sort of industry, rather than rerouting funds merely for a different flavor of fossil fuel — from coal to natural gas — would
be the best plan of action. Change and progress may be slow and even unwelcome at times, but there comes a point after three years of drought and breaking the record for the number of 100-degree days every year that would make even the most staunch climate change skeptic in Texas realize that, welcome or not, change is quite literally in the air. We are well past that point. Not only is it time for the government to pass progressive legislation to combat and mitigate the effects of a changing climate, but also for citizens to take responsibility for their actions and impact. Like Obama said, “Failure to do so will betray our children and future generations.”
President Obama responds to shooting Jacob Sanchez jsanchen@stedwards.edu
When parents drop their children at school, they expect them to come back when the school day is over. That did not happen on Dec. 14, when Adam Lanza entered Sandy Hook Elementary and shot 20 children and six adults before he took his own life. This shooting was the second deadliest in the nation’s history behind the Virginia Tech massacre, according to The New York Times. President Barack Obama responded, emphasizing that "meaningful action" needs to be taken to stop future violent tragedies A few days later, Obama announced the formation of a task force, headed by Vice President Joe Biden, to investigate action regarding gun control. Biden and the task force de-
livered 26 proposals that the president could execute without Congress, and a few that would require Congressional approval. Obama signed these 26 proposals as executive orders. The orders ranged from appointing a permanent director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to addressing issues of mental health. However, these orders are not quite enough to prevent another massacre like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary. The legislative proposals include implementing background checks for all gun sales, reinstating the assault weapons ban, limiting ammunition magazines, and expanding insurance coverage for mental health. The NRA obviously do not advocate for gun control. Instead, they believe there should be a police officer present in every school across
Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT President Obama took action after the Sandy Hook shooting.
the country because “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” The NRA's view is unjustifiable. During an interview with ABC News, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, said there was a “good guy with a gun” during the Tucson shooting who almost killed the person who ultimately took the shooter down. Giffords wants “common sense” gun control laws, like
Biden’s proposed background check. Over 58 percent of the country would like to see stricter gun control laws, according to Gallup Polling. With the current makeup of Congress, real action will not happen fast enough. Only the proposal to require background checks on gun sales could pass the current Congress. Regardless, any action that does happen gets Americans one step closer to preventing mass shootings and other acts of gun-related violence.
16 PHOTO ESSAY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS
INAUGURATION St. Edward’s students Shelby Cole and Taylor Holden attended the 2013 inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. Holden worked on the President’s reelection campaign and brought Cole as her plus-one to both the Inauguration and the President’s Staff Inaugural Ball, where there was a delicious giant cheesecake replica of the Capitol. Photos by Shelby Cole