Issue #4 Fall 2012

HILLTOP VIEWS

St. Edward’s University • Wednesday, October 3, 2012 • Volume 32 • Issue 4 • hilltopviewsonline.com

President’s meeting details campus growth Jenna Jaco jjaco2@stedwards.edu

St. Edward’s University’s fall president’s meeting updated students and faculty on the university’s progress and provided a glimpse into plans for the new academic year.

“If I was to summarize it in a phrase, I would say things are pretty darn good,” university President George Martin

said.

The presen“If I was to summarize it in a phrase, I tation on Sept. would say things are pretty darn good.”

25 focused on the university’s -President George Martin growth in academics around St. Edward's up to number ducer of Fulbright scholarthe world and 17 in the Regional Univer- ship winners, and was named on the home campus.

Martin began with a sum- sity West division. The uni- once again to the President’s mary of recent academic versity’s average SAT score Higher Education Commuachievements. The U.S. climbed to 1130. St. Edward’s nity Service Honor Roll.

The university also secured World News Report moved continues to be a top pro-

$1.15 million for the McNair Scholarship, which helps undergraduate students with financial need attain graduate degrees at other schools. St. Edward’s has given McNair scholarships in the past, but there was some uncertainty this year as to whether national funding for the scholarships would be cut.

“I am so excited that we were funded again for Mc-

Nair. That was very exciting...

I think it is a wonderful opportunity,” English writing and rhetoric professor and Associate Dean Lynn Rudloff said.

Martin said a total of $19 million, which will go towards scholarships and research on campus, was raised in the 2012 fiscal year.

“From this point on, almost the entire focus is on building

Austin City Council unanimously support same-sex marriage Hannah Thornby mthornb@stedwards.edu

Various civil rights groups gathered at a landmark Austin City Hall meeting to hear an announcement they have awaited for years–a resolution to support marriage equality in the state of Texas.

Under this amendment, the resolution made by the Austin City Council will have no formal effects and the practice will still be illegal.

Equality Texas, the AntiDefamation League, the Human Rights Campaign, the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund and the NAACP were among those present in the

Council Chambers of Austin City Hall last Thursday morning.

“It is very telling of the environment of the city we live in and sends a message to Texas that Austin stands with its LGBT citizens,” Austin Human Rights Commissioner Elizabeth Brenner said.

Adviser to the P.R.I.D.E group on St. Edward’s University’s campus, Professor Alexandra Barron, said this action will place Austin on the right side of history.

“My hope is their decision challenges other cities, states and institutions to think about how to support and value all of their constituents,” Barron said. “And I am

glad to live in a city where council members come to the Pride parade and the mayor is one of the main proponents of a marriage equality endorsement.”

The resolution, sponsored

by Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole and co-sponsored by Mayor Lee Leffingwell, received support from all seven members of the Council.

Austin is the first major city in Texas to formally endorse same-sex marriage, although mayors of several other cities including Galveston, Houston and San Antonio have signed petitions in support of marriage equality.

CITY | 3

Photo by Joe Arellano Student organization P.R.I.D.E. marched in the Austin Pride parade Sept. 22.

8 | LIFE & ARTS

10 | SPORTS

13 | VIEWPOINTS

Coverage and film reviews from Fantastic Fest, an annual genre film festival hosted by the Alamo Drafthouse.

Major League Baseball draft and Hilltopper Stephen Johnson dishes on playing ball in the minor leagues for the Giants.

The Editorial Board discusses avenues for providing feedback on Hilltop Views articles, including letters to the editor.

2 NEWS University climbs to top 20 list on U.S. News and World Report

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Forum encourages students to voice opinions on healthcare Tyler Eldredge teldred@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views Archive The rankings were determined by factors such as student/faculty ratio and graduation rate.

Monique Moreno mmoreno8@stedwards.edu

St. Edward’s University moved up in the U.S. News and World Report 2013 rankings for top universities in the nation. This year, the university jumped four spaces to number 17 in the Regional University West category compared to last year’s spot at number 21.

Schools in the regional university category offer undergraduate and masters programs, but not many offer doctoral programs.

The university is ranked higher than several colleges and universities in the area, including St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and Texas State University in San Marcos.

“This year's jump from number 21 to 17 is reinforcement that our continual efforts to improve and stay focused on the goals of our strategic plan are paying off,” university spokeswoman Mischelle Diaz said.

The U.S. News and World

Report ranks universities according to numerous factors, including retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity and financial resources.

In the 2013 rankings, St. Edward’s improved in several categories, including alumni giving rate, faculty/student ratio, average graduation rate and freshmen who are in the top 25 percent of their high school class.

Students agree that the rise in rank reflects appropriately on a university that deserves to be acknowledged for its dedication to education.

“It just shows how we are just getting better all the time. I think a lot of it has to do with all of the changes the university is making to accommodate the rising amount of students,” senior Elizabeth Pelser said.

Pelser came for a campus visit almost four years ago and fell in love with the university. She did not apply anywhere else, and said she knew from the beginning that her heart was set on at-

tending St. Edward’s.

“Hearing our rank went up this year makes me feel really proud to be a Hilltopper. I look forward to increasing in rank as the years continue to go on,” sophomore Chassidy Smith said.

Smith said she applied to four other schools but, in the end, knew she wanted to go to St. Edward’s.

“The U.S. News and World Report rankings are only one measure of success for a university, but the rankings do indicate excellence and improvement in key areas and the opinions of other higher education peers,” Diaz said.

Diaz also said the university is committed to providing benefits and value to students through the addition of new facilities, improvements to existing facilities and the expansion of global opportunities through new partnerships.

“St. Edward's has been recognized for 10 consecutive years and we plan to continue our focus on being a top liberal arts university,” Diaz said.

In the last few years, the cost of health care has risen, potentially affecting the future for many college students.

On Sept. 27, the St. Edward’s University Economics Club hosted a panel discussion about the price of healthcare and its impact on individuals.

“We spend a lot of money on healthcare... and all of that spending only benefits 5 percent of the population,” club president and senior Gilbert Galindo said. “The U.S. is the only industrialized country without some kind of nationalized healthcare system.”

Despite this spending excess, the U.S. also falls behind in rankings of healthcare effectiveness.

“Compared to other nations, the United States spends an unusually high amount of money on healthcare, but we do not rank higher on things like infant mortality rate compared to other countries that spend less,” said Matt Clements, club adviser and chair of the economics department.

According to Clements, the problems with healthcare costs lie in economic theory.

“People who have insurance do not understand the actual cost of care,” Cle-

ments said. “This creates an of society, and being healthy inflated demand... A doctor also means that they are might have the incentive to more likely to spend money do the most expensive treat- on things and further help ment, even though it is the the economy.” most invasive and potenInsurance companies play tially not the most effective a visible role in the cost of one.” medical care, as well.

Other students also sup“Insurance companies port revamping the current only spend 80 percent of the system. money they get from premi“My dad used to work in ums on claims,” Clements the maternity ward, and he said. “That means that 20 said it was really sad to see cents out of every dollar you parents whose babies were born with “People who have problems that could be fixed insurance do not with surgery understand the actual but are not cost of care... This because the parents cannot creates an inflated afford it,” freshdemand.” man Jeslyn Schuh said.

-Matt Clements, Economics Club When it comes to remedying problems in the system, Galindo pay to your insurance comis hopeful for the future that pany is spent on keeping the the Affordable Care Act of- company running.” fers.

Processing insurance “The short term conse- claims also creates work for quences may cause prob- employees. lems, but I think that, in the “This artificially inflates long term, it will be a good the cost,” Clements said. thing,” Galindo said.

Some students see healthGalindo also agrees that care as a moral issue. improved healthcare will af“I personally think that fect the U.S. as a whole. healthcare should be free,” “It is only going to boost Schuh said. “Healthcare is our economy,” Galindo said. a basic human need. I just “If you make people health- think it is wrong to make a ier, they will just become profit off of someone’s life.” more productive members

CORRECTIONS/NOTICE The article “School traditions: the good, the bad and the downright made up” of the Sept. 19 issue contained an error. Father Paul Foik was incorrectly

referred to as Father Paul Folk.

In the Sept. 26 issue, a photo that accompanied “Updates give new life to residence halls” on page

3 was miscredited. Peter Beck took the photo.

The Police Blotter will return next issue while Hilltop Views awaits updates from UPD.

NEWS 3

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Meeting highlights university’s progress Continued from page 1

the entire focus is on building the endowment so we can provide more scholarship money for students and more research money for faculty,” Martin said.

In addition to academic improvements, Martin also stressed the university’s evolving global perspective.

Involvement with other cultures on an international level is one of the main tenets of the university’s Strategic Plan for 2015.

To highlight this commitment to global preparedness, Martin discussed a recent study abroad trip to Thailand and Malaysia during which Father Louis Brusatti led 25 students to learn about Asian religious traditions alongside students from Japan, China and South Korea. “[The trip] achieved goals that we are really trying to achieve in education... We do not want our students to be in a bubble. We want them to be totally integrated with students from other cultures,” Martin said.

Martin revealed plans for a partnership with Curtin University in Australia, which is meant to extend study abroad opportunities to students of all majors.

“It seems like an absolute first rate program, and I am

FRESHMAN CLASS STATISTICS Texan

International Out-of-state 5.5% 11% 83.5%

2011

9% 13%

78%

2012

Graphic by Andrew Hatcher The freshman class includes 72 international students compared to 43 in 2011. The class of 2016 also has 102 students from states outside of Texas, up from 86 last year.

particularly pleased because highest percentage of out-ofit is a program that our sci- state students in the univerence students can participate sity’s history.

“That was a long and hard in,” Martin said.

Senior Ashton Robison, a effort. We have been working global studies major, shares at that for over 10 years, and this enthusiasm for global learn“We want [students] to ing and cross-cultural experiences. be totally integrated “I studied with students from abroad in Tanzaother cultures.” nia and in France, so that is half of why I go to -President George Martin St. Ed’s, for that global perspective,” Robison finally it is beginning to pay said.

Senior Patrick Dunlap feels off,” Martin said.

The international student the same way, having studied population has increased as abroad in Uganda.

“As a global studies major, well, Martin said, likely due that was really important to to the university’s global conme... It is becoming such a big nections.

“We have the largest interpart of campus, of the St. Ed’s national class in recent hiscommunity,” Dunlap said.

Martin said the 2012-2013 tory... just about five years freshman class contained the ago there were only 10 in-

ternational students in the freshman class, and we came in with 72 this year,” Martin said.

Besides the growing student population, one of the biggest changes on campus is the renovation of the Scarborough-Phillips Library.

“It is going to be more than double the size of the library now. It will bring us into 21st century research,” Martin said.

Construction started last week. The new library is scheduled to open in Fall 2013 and will offer a brand new design and modernized resources for students.

“There will be two global classrooms in there initially and eventually four global classrooms and lots and lots of technology,” Martin said.

Martin ended the meeting honoring the five professors the university has lost in the past year, Cecil Lawson, Marcia Kinsey, Edward Shirley, Jean McKemie and Harald Becker.

“Even though we feel their loss... the real message in all of that is how fortunate we were, how blessed we were, to have those people as part of our community and how blessed we are to have so many others as part of our community,” Martin said.

“We need to carry on their work with our students."

City council supports marriage equality Continued from page 1

Documents used to support the resolution in the meeting cite recent studies including a University of Texas/The Texas Tribune poll which showed that 63 percent of Texans now support some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples.

These numbers were used to argue that there has been a major shift in public opinion on the matter of marriage equality since the Texas Constitutional Marriage Amendment.

Backed by Governor Rick Perry in 2005, the Texas Constitutional Marriage Amendment formally de-

fined marriage as the union of one man and one woman while making clear that no marriage or civil union between persons of the same gender would be recognized by the state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which it was created.

Some say support from the City of Austin is symbolic.

“The action was symbolic given that the City of Austin cannot change statewide law,” Brenner said. “It means a lot to LGBT citizens of Austin to know that their city fully supports them and values equality for everyone.”

KNOWINGYOUR SGA Debate aims to encourage voting Adam Crawley dcrawle@stedwards.edu

Three student organizations on campus banded together to encourage people to register to vote and engage in a debate.

SGA hosted a political debate between the College Republicans and the College Democrats Oct. 1. Voter registration was available for students who attended.

“From various discussions… with the College Democrats, we found that there was a significant lack of knowledge on campus regarding voter registration among St. Edward’s [University] students,” said Le’Darrion Allen, chief of staff of SGA. SGA has been working to rectify this issue as part of its larger mission to connect with and invite participation from the larger student body.

“This was a good opportunity for SGA to get involved with the student body by educating them about the upcoming elections,” student senator Harrison Hadland said.

The College Republicans and the College Democrats may have different political ideologies, but both groups share the goal of educating and involving the student body.

John Wooding, president of the College Democrats, said that the main tool of this debate in getting stu-

dent involvement is voter registration.

“The cornerstone of any democracy is voting,” Wooding said. “Even though we have a polarized system, we want to show some bipartisanship. We want to show that not everything has to be partisan... We can show each other that there is a human element to politics. These are issues that matter to everybody, and everyone should have input.”

Meghan O’Garr, vice president of the College Republicans, agrees that educating the student body is important.

“I think this was an opportunity to come and learn about each candidate,” O’Garr said. “SGA has worked to make this debate unbiased, which is very important.”

SGA invites the student body to participate in public events and make their voices known.

“In terms of any future SGA politically motivated events, we are planning a public forum. This forum will provide students with the perfect opportunity to have their voices heard,” Allen said. “More detailed information regarding this event will be coming soon. SGA wants students to know that their values and ideas matter to us because without them we have no ability to take action.”

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS 4 NEWS New to-go boxes offers sustainable option for diners in a rush Monique Moreno mmoreno8@stedwards.edu

Diners on campus now have more environmentally friendly options when taking food to-go from the cafeterias–all part of a university initiative to encourage sustainable behavior on campus.

This year, Ragsdale diners may have noticed an alternative to-go box option. Green plastic boxes referred to as ‘clamshells’ have started circulating. The clamshells, which come in several different sizes, are part of Bon Appétit’s new program to continue a tradition of sustainability.

“What makes them green?

You can use them forever and it cuts down on waste. They are also 100 percent BPA free plastic, safe in the dishwasher and in the microwave,” Michael Smith, general manager

Photo by Emily Blasdell Diners can now purchase BPA-free, plastic to-go containers.

for Bon Appétit, said.

Although the new to-go box program, which also in-

cludes compostable boxes, just started this year, Smith said 120 green to-go boxes

have already been sold. He believes more faculty than students seem to be buying the boxes, which sell for $6.

Smith indicated this may be because faculty are more aware of issues relating to waste and living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Currently, the clamshells are only being used in the cafeteria in Ragsdale, but the program may expand to other dining halls in the future.

On average, 60 people per day use the compostable containers and end up eating in the dining hall, Smith said.

Smith’s goal is to reduce the number of people who use compostable to-go boxes by motivating them to use the green boxes or normal dining plates to cut back on waste.

“I got the alternative green to-go box because it is better than the compostable box...

we waste less when we use these,” freshman Amanda Madrigal said.

Madrigal, an environmental science and policy major, said her courses have motivated her to partake in a greener lifestyle and have taught her the effects people have on the world when they waste.

Students for Sustainability (SFS) has also been doing their part to help keep Earth green. SFS is an organization that works with students and administrators to make the university more sustainable and environmentally aware.

“The easiest way to get involved is to do what you can," senior Ashley Shaw, garden coordinator for SFS, said.

"Since most of us are constantly using technology and electricity, it might be easiest to start there. Also, recycling.

It is really not that difficult

to recycle, and the more of us that do it the easier it will become.”

SFS meetings are Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Moody Hall 306. Shaw emphasizes that anyone can and should join in as their work load allows.

SFS partakes in programs such as the Green Fund, Green Ambassadors, the oncampus garden and Hope Farmer’s Market. SFS also encourages students to participate in local movements such as community gardening through Food Is Free.

Cristina Bordin, sustainability coordinator for the university, said an easy way to get involved in the green movement is to follow some of the weekly sustainability tips released in the Student E-news emails.

“The best thing a person can do is be aware,” Shaw said.

Committee seeks to build memorial for students and faculty Austin Hestdalen ahestda@stedwards.edu

A committee has begun plans to construct a memorial in honor of students and professors who have died during their time at St. Edward's University.

“The rapid number of deaths that we have had in recent months is signaling a change,” Father Louis Brusatti said.

Brusatti is in charge of a committee to procure the necessary funds and research to create the memorial.

“The faculty senate has asked that we give special consideration to the development of a memorial that honors those of our faculty who have passed,” Brusatti said.

A campus-wide construction plan, the Master Plan

2015, was first approved by the university’s Board of Trustees in 2011. The plan is set to finish a complete campus-wide renovation of several residence halls, classrooms and outdoor spaces by 2015.

According to the project's original agenda, the Master Plan 2015 did not call for a memorial to be built in honor of professors or students who had died while teaching or studying at St. Edward's.

But the recent deaths of five longtime members of the St. Edward’s community made many think there needs to be a change.

“I think that if a professor has dedicated 20 years of life to the profession of educating students, they wholly deserve to be honored,” senior Kimberly Valmores said.

Brusatti agrees with Val-

mores.

“A number of universities have memorials for students and faculty who have died in the line of duty to their university," Brusatti said.

The new Memorial Committee faces the challenge of integrating plans for constructing the memorial into the current Master Plan 2015.

Receiving funding is another hurdle that Brusatti and the committee are facing.

“We will have to take everything up with the Board of Trustees,” Brusatti said.

“If we cannot get adequate funding, we will have to find some way of fundraising the money.”

Still, Brusatti remains optimistic. Brusatti said he has received emails from a number of people expressing in-

terest in a memorial.

“The willingness of alumni, students and faculty to send assistance is extraordinary,” Brusatti said. “But there is a slight debate over who we will choose to honor on the memorial, whether it be a plaque or a statue or anything.”

With the Master Plan 2015 already in progress, the committee's only option will be to add an amendment to the proposed replacement of the Campus Ministry Center and prayer garden that is going to replace Mang House.

“That may be the only place we can really put a memorial on such a late notice,” Brusatti said. “We just hope that we have enough time to draw up plans and talk to the architects.”

Plans for the memorial are in the early planning stages

Photo by Danny De Los Santos A bulletin board in Andre Hall memorializes some faculty.

and are not guaranteed.

There is no current word on what this memorial will look like, who exactly it will honor

or where it will be located when it is finished. But Brusatti hopes to be able to honor his fellow professors soon.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

games

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

check us out @ hilltopviewsonline.com

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6

LIFE & ARTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Common Experience to hold events all semester

SEU TV seeking new orginal content for station revamp

Ryan Coulehan

The St. Edward’s University TV Station has entered into the second phase of its revamp, which will focus on displaying creative content from students. They invite students with an interest in screenwriting, playwriting, directing or any technical aspects of broadcasting to contribute their talents to “I’d like to get the the station.

SEU TV word out to the entire aims to showcampus that there case students’ creative talents is a TV station and as well as prothat anyone can get vide a medium involved...” for them to get their work out -Co-excecutive Director, Kyle Nigro there.

“We’re looking to display student talent and be a cata- come to pitch ideas and sublyst for creativity,” senior mit content. We can provide Brandon Weber III, co- equipment.” executive director of SEU This focus on student TV, said. body participation is what This is the third attempt to Nigro believes will lead to revamp SEU TV, according the station’s success. to senior and co-executive “We’re trying to film fulldirector Kyle Nigro. How- fledged productions,” Niever, this phase focuses on harnessing the strengths of St. Edward’s.

“This is a young liberal arts college renowned throughout the country for its theater program,” Nigro said.

“We want to reach out to the theater program and film classes, get them to feel free to submit their work in class as well as individual work. There are college students out there making YouTube channels as we speak.

This would provide them with the additional medium of broadcast.”

Sophomore Zach Busby,

rcouleh@stedwards.edu

As exciting an experience freshman year may be, it can also be particularly nerveracking.

In an attempt to bring all these wide-eyed, enthusiastic students together, the university implemented the Common Experience.

This experience consists of every incoming freshman reading the chosen common text, which will later be used in their respective Freshmen Studies courses.

The Common Experience has been implemented at St. Edward's for seven years ago.

In the past, St. Edward’s was much smaller and needed only one freshmen studies course for all of its first-year students.

Now that the university has grown, a total of eight lecture courses are offered each year.

“We lost the sense that the students had something in common with one another and had something to share with each other once they came to St. Ed’s. That is why we started the Common Experience,” Director of Freshmen Studies Alexandra Barron said. “We wanted something that would bring all the first-year students together, and generate some sort of conversation. We want something that will stimulate some sort of talk.”

The chosen common text varies yearly, from fiction to nonfiction, and from educational to thought provoking.

This year’s book is Max Brooks’ "World War Z," chosen to fit the theme of “Dystopia and Sustainability.”

Wikimedia Commons Max Brooks (left) is the author of this year’s zombie-themed common text “World War Z,” and will give a lecture on campus Oct. 10.

Each year, a committee meets with a list of about twenty different books, which they narrow down to only a few. Of these finalists, the committee selects a book that fits the chosen theme.

“The biggest criteria in choosing a book is a strong story that will grab people’s attention. It helps if it can be used in a variety of disciplines too,” Barron said.

The selection committee consists of members of Campus Ministry, Academic Planning and Support Services, library staff and faculty from various departments all around campus.

Several campus events are being held this semester with the common theme in mind.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve hosted a work day on Sept. 15, and will have another on Nov. 17, in support of the sustainability aspect of the theme.

An assortment of dystopic films are set to be screened on campus, including "The Hunger Games," "Sun Come

Up," "Juan of The Dead," and "No Impact Man." On Oct. 17 and 18, Transit Theatre Troupe will present a short play festival in which all of the plays will explore dystopia.

Campus Ministry will be hosting its annual Miles for a Mission 5K on Oct. 28, but this year’s event will be a Zombie Apocalypse run.

Possibly the most exciting event is the lecture Max Brooks is set to give on Oct. 10. The talk will be geared towards freshmen, but all are welcome to attend.

Finally, Freshmen Studies will be holding a short story contest, called “The Great St. Edward’s University Zombie Flash Fiction Writing Contest-palooza.” The contest is open to freshmen and the prize is a dinner with Brooks.

In truth, St. Edward’s has come alive with the spirit of the walking dead, making this year’s Common Experience hardly common at all, even though it is shaping up to be quite the experience.

Adam Crawley dcrawle@stedwards.edu

creative director of SEU TV, would like to extend the invitation to St. Edward’s students for an open casting call.

“We want people to submit creative content,” Busby said. “Some examples of content we’ve worked on are ‘The Hill,’ a three-camera show in the style of ‘The Office,’ mock newscasts, and dramas. Everyone is wel-

gro said. “We’ve abandoned the idea of doing the same thing, sticking to routine...

We want to build a demand for new content.”

Once the station is up and running with shows and productions, Nigro plans to open an SEU TV website to provide further channels for students to submit creative content. This will also allow off-campus students to access the channel. Until then, the members of SEU TV encourage any students who want to showcase creative works to get involved with SEU TV. “I’d like to get the word out to the entire campus that there is a TV station, and that anyone can get involved in any way, shape, or form,” Nigro said. “We want to help people with a dream or an idea.”

SEU TV is available oncampus on Channel 10.

If you would like to get involved with an SEU TV production, there is a casting call on Thursday, Oct. 4.

Students wishing to submit creative content can e-mail seutv@stedwards.edu.

Hilltop Views Archive SEU TV aims to return to new and original student content.

LIFE & ARTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

7

Students celebrate culture and welcome the Jewish New Year Willa Goldberg wgoldbe@stedwards.edu

Jewish students on campus have being celebrating two very important holidays late month, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These holidays are two of the High Holy Days that are celebrated by the Jewish community.

Rosh Hashanah is a twoday celebration that occurs on the first day of Tishrei, the first month in the Jewish calendar. The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the specific dates change yearly. The occasion this year occurred on Sept. 16.

Jackie Schicker, the president of Hillel Hilltoppers, a

Wikimedia Commons The blowing of the Shofar commemorates Rosh Hashanah.

Jewish student group on campus, had much to say about

this year’s Rosh Hashanah celebrations.

WEEKLY ‘FLIX FIX|Ping Pong Playa Hip-hop ping-pong film falls flat Monique Moreno mmoreno8@stedwards.edu

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.

There are few movies that can leave the viewer with a desire to take on the world and change it for the better and to change their own lives in order to become the best person they can possibly be.

This is not one of those movies.

“Ping Pong Playa" (2008) follows Christopher “C-Dub” Wang, who leads an average life trying to make it to the NBA. He finds himself at odds with his ping-pong obsessed family.

Mr. Wang runs the fam-

YouTube.com C-Dub wields a swift paddle when playing ping-pong.

ily store selling ping-pong equipment while Mrs. Wang teaches ping-pong. They do not relate to their son, whom they feel does not appreciate the finer sports in life.

The plot thickens when Mrs. Wang’s car accident prevents her from teaching ping-pong.

C-Dub is forced to ditch his basketball dreams and teach

his mother’s students how to play ping-pong. Of course, CDub approaches the situation with disgust.

Eventually, he grows to like the sport, and he even enters a competitive tournament where he is forced to face his fears in order to bring pride to his family.

The fact that the soundtrack incorporates old-school hiphop songs with names such as “I Like Cereal” only adds to the unique vibe this movie gives off.

Where else will ping-pong and hip-hop combine to form such a beautiful piece of art?

This film is definitely a hidden gem , and though you may not feel compelled to change the world after watching it, you will be left with a new appreciation of not only cheesy hip-hop, but the lovely sport of ping-pong as well.

“At New Year’s, Jews atone and apologize for the past year face to face and symbolically.

We practice a ritual called Tashlich that involves reciting a number of prayers of forgiveness, quiet reflection and then the throwing of bread crumbs in a flowing body of water to ‘cast off ’ one’s sins and regrets,” Schicker said.

“This year in Austin…I got to do the Tashlich service at Lady Bird Lake. It was more about nature, calling off school stress and truly celebrating the future,” Schicker said.

Tashlich is often performed on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

Another tradition that occurs during Rosh Hashanah

includes blowing the Shofar, which is a ram’s horn traditionally. The horn is blown for several lengths of time, each one representing a certain line from the Torah, the Jewish holy book.

Yom Kippur occurred on Sept. 25 and ended on Sept.

26. This holiday is the holiest day of the year to Jewish people. It also is known as the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur occurs on the tenth day of the month Tishrei of the Jewish calendar.

Traditions include fasting and spending time in the synagogue praying. Yom Kippur completes the celebrations included in the High Holy Days. During this period Jew-

ish people seek ways to amend his or her behavior and receive forgiveness from wrongs committed against God or another person. By the end of Yom Kippur, a Jewish person should have already atoned and received forgiveness ideally.

Traditionally Jewish people will take this day off of work or school to fully celebrate the day of rest. In many highly populated Jewish areas, the High Holy Days may be days that schools observe like national holidays.

“It’s the simple rituals, like Tashlich, that have a different twist everywhere that often touch us (the Jewish people) most deeply,” Schicker said.

[slapdash] “Lazy burger, lazy life”

8 LIFE & ARTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

FANTASTIC FEST Brooke Blanton bblanto@stedwards.edu

Fantastic Fest is held annually at Alamo Drafthouse’s South Lamar location and showcases horror, science fiction, fantasy, action and downright weird and

fantastic films from all over the globe.

This festival is the largest of its kind and was founded by Alamo Drafthouse CEO Tim League. Check out further coverage on Fantastic Fest online at hilltopviewsonline.com.

Film disturbs with haunting audio effects Peter Strickland’s “Berberian Sound Studio” is slow and disturbing, similar to the deterioration of the main character’s mental health.

When Gilderoy, played by Toby Jones, travels to Italy to work on the sound effects of a horrifying and violent film, his timid demeanor turns dark as the brutality of the film seeps into his subconscious.

“Berberian Sound Studio” is a beautiful and shadowy film full of plump, juicy produce used as sound props.

Until the produce begins to rot and Gilderoy begins to confuse reality with the film.

YouTube.com Gilderoy works in a sound studio with disturbing techniques.

The British film is slowmoving but intense. It does not follow the conventional rules of suspense. “Berberian Sound Studio” is moved along by the gradual progres-

sion of the witch movie and the protagonist’s psychological descent.

The audience experiences the witch film through the sound effects, including

blood-curdling screams, watermelons being chopped, water sizzling on a hot stove.

Jones is terrific as the fragile character who is pushed aside. He makes the viewer sympathize with his situation, and by the end, the audience can thoroughly relate to his mental state.

Many critics argue that nothing really happens in “Berberian Sound Studio.”

This may be true. Viewers waiting for a dramatic twist a may be disappointed, but the filmmakers never promised a shock. Try to forget your expectations and experience the film as it is.

“Besties” murder thriller is unoriginal, lacks shock factor

Chinese heartthrob finds love and loss in action war film

Rebecca Perry Cutter wrote and directed “Besties,” which stars Olivia Croicchia as Sandy and Madison Riley as Ashley.

“Besties” is as predictable as it gets. Meant to be a comingof-age story, “Besties” was formulaic and unoriginal.

The characters were clichéd and the plot has been seen before.

Sandy is a loser freshman and Ashley is a popular senior. Sandy is brunette and pubescent while Ashley is blonde and perpetually lipglossed.

Sandy asks Ashley to babysit her while her dad goes out of town. Ashley has a party and it ends with somebody’s head being smashed with a frying pan.

The rest of the movie follows the two girls dealing with the aftermath of the trauma.

During a Q and A session after the screening, Cutter

To introduce the film “Cold Steel,” an Alamo Drafthouse employee said, “If you like Japanese people and Japanese people being shot in the head by Chinese people, you’ll like this movie.”

The Chinese film was written, directed and edited

by David Wu. It follows a romantic yet immature sharpshooter, Mu Liangfeng, as he is recruited to a sniper team by the Chinese army. Mu must find a balance between his responsibility to his country and his romance with a local named Liu Yan. “Cold Steel” was aesthetically beautiful. The actors were handsome and the scenery was picturesque.

The war action did not hesitate to portray the true gore of war. If you were not watching, you could hear the squirts and sprays of blood.

“Cold Steel” had all the

admitted that they rehearsed for three days and the entire production only took 21 days.

According to Cutter, she was going for the realism approach.

“I wanted to tell the story in the most honest way possible,” said the writer/director.

What was meant to be raw and realistic translated as awkward and cheap.

“Besties” falls short on the thriller scale.

There was a general sus-

penseful feel, but nothing terrifying.

For example, the frying pan scene, where one would expect crushed skulls and projectile bleeding, was surprisingly tame.

Despite all of the flaws, “Besties” had a warm quality to it. You could identify with these characters that are just in way over their heads.

Viewers may find themselves feeling for the two girls and hoping, after it’s over, that their lives turn out all right.

Courtesy of Prodigy Public Relations The two “besties” share a special relationship–and a secret.

Courtesy of Arnold Wells The director answered questions after his film’s screening.

workings of a great story, leaving the viewer desperately hoping for happiness among tragedy for Mu and Liu. The actors had fantastic chemistry. He showed it in his facial expressions that spoke volumes and she in her development from timid crush to passionate lover.

Viewers who are not wellversed in Chinese history may find themselves confused about the who’s and why’s of this Chinese war.

Distinguishing the numerous soldiers from each other and keeping up with the

subtitles is difficult and can distract from the technical masterpiece that is “Cold Steel.”

In a Q and A session, Wu expressed his excitement about showing his film in America after it premiered in China last December.

“I’m so happy that it’s here in Austin…I always love to be in the theater with the audience…my most favorite people.”

Although he has been in the business for decades, Wu admitted that he is “still learning every day.”

LIFE & ARTS 9

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

The Price is Right fans given chance to “come on down” Landry Taylor ltaylor5@stedwards.edu

Excitement was palpable as over 200 people sat on the edges of their seats, poised to jump up and run just in case their names were called followed by "Come on down!"

Of them, twenty-five people were not disappointed and played for cash and prizes at "The Price Is Right, Live!" on Sept. 21, at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Not to be confused with the actual game show that has been on air since 1972, "The Price is Right, Live!" is a mobile version of the show that is touring the nation with various celebrity hosts in celebration of the show's 40th anniversary, offering contestants the chance to win over $25,000 in prizes playing the same popular games as on the show.

Sounds pretty amazing, but the chance to win came at a hefty price for some.

Tickets range from $30 to $70 per ticket, leaving only a lucky few with a profit from the night's festivities.

"It was a little more than I would have liked to have paid, seeing as how I wasn't picked," audience member and University of Texas student Jake Alexander said.

"Overall, the night was totally a blast and I don't regret the money I paid."

Some players had better winnings than others. A University of Texas student managed to leave with an extra $800 in his pocket after playing the fan favorite game of Plinko.

One Austin man came within $400 of the total cost of various products and ser-

Creative Commons Commemorative shirts were available to fans in attendance.

vices in the Showcase Showdown but, unfortunately, guessed too high and lost.

However, every contestant and some lucky audience members left with t-shirts to remember the night.

Unfortunately, Bob Barker and Drew Carey were not available to host the Austin event, but Todd Newtown of Hollywood Showdown and E! fame kept the crowd entertained and invested in every player, while kindling every individual's hope that their name would be the next to be called.

He succeeded in the difficult task of turning awkwardly excited, confused and probably intoxicated elderly people into charming and endearingly adorable players everyone could root for.

In fact, the most intense moment of the entire evening was the drawn-out result of one woman winning a trip to Las Vegas, as opposed to a robotic vacuum.

Every audience member cheered with joy for her success.

Although contestants were chosen at random, rather than by enthusiasm, the majority of audience members dressed up in true Price Is Right fashion.

There were go-go boots, brightly-colored wigs, pregnant bellies decorated with "Momma needs a new car!" and t-shirts that said "All my pets are spayed and neutered," that signified that this audience was a community of life-long fans of the classic game show which is a veteran supporter of controlling the pet population.

"Honestly, I wish I had known that people were still going to dress up," senior Kollin Brandenburg said.

"When I heard players were chosen randomly, I figured people wouldn't try, so I didn't dress up. I had so many ideas that would have put everyone else to shame."

Texas was the first stop of many for "The Price Is Right, Live!" The tour will continue until Oct. 28, where it will have its grand finale in Westbury, N.Y.

10

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Hilltopper pitcher drafted to Giants Jacob Mooney jmooney2@stedwards.edu

Stephen Johnson would have been a senior at St. Edward’s University this year completing his criminology degree and preparing for the 2013 Hilltopper baseball season. Instead, he is playing professionally at the minor league level in the San Francisco Giants’ farm system.

The Giants picked the former St. Edward’s pitcher in the 6th round of the draft.

After the draft, Johnson flew out to Scottsdale, Ariz., to the Giants’ spring training facilities and then to Salem, Ore., where he played in the Class A Short Season League. This is a league for newly drafted players like Johnson.

Johnson explained how baseball is a whole different game at the professional level and compared his experi-

SEU Sports Information Johnson was drafted to the Giants’ farm team.

ence in the minor leagues to his time at St. Edward’s.

“You can’t get away with any mistakes like you can in college,” Johnson said. “Everyone seems to be the best from their college. I’m playing with all-stars.”

However, skill level is not the only difference Johnson

has noticed.

“College baseball is more of a team structured sport.

In the minors, you do not know if you are going to be with the team for a few weeks, a few days or the rest of the season,” Johnson said.

The minor league system was designed to be very inconsistent. Players often get moved to higher divisions, knocked down to lower level leagues or even called up to play in the big leagues.

Johnson said he does not have the same support he found at the St. Edward’s baseball program.

“Each person [in the minors] does his own job rather than a team working as a whole. You just care about yourself now,” Johnson said.

Rob Penders, head coach of the Hilltopper baseball team, was a big part of the support that Johnson had during his time at St. Edward’s.

“I have been around a lot of programs, and I took all that experience and brought it to St. Edward’s. I make the guys the best they can be,” Johnson said.

Penders says that he saw potential when Johnson threw pitches at 93 mph his freshman year. After three years at St. Edward’s, he was throwing 97 to 100 mph.

“He is a talented kid and I’m very happy for him,” Penders said.

Over the course of his 14-year career, Penders has coached 81 players that have been drafted. He has been at St. Edward’s since 2006.

Johnson could have played at St. Edward’s another year if he wanted.

“It was a big decision: finishing my degree or starting my professional career,” Johnson said.

Both Johnson and Penders noted that the extra year

Johnson had left gave him leverage to get a better contract with the Giants.

“Having the leverage of being a junior and having another year to come back definitely has an impact on being drafted higher and the amount of money they can offer you. The seniors I talked to did not have that leverage of playing another year. The offers made to them were simply yes or no,” Johnson said.

The San Francisco Giants clinched their division last week and will be heading to the post-season.

“I want to get called up to the pros next year, but that all depends on how hard I work. I really have to do what I can to get myself there,” Johnson said. He plans to be back at St. Edward’s next fall to finish his degree and graduate before fully committing to professional baseball.

Shaun White: snowboarder is golden boy no more Sara Sanchez ssanchei@stedwards.edu

Oh, Shaun. I remember 2006 like it was yesterday.

You had just won your first gold medal at the Turin Winter Olympics, and Rolling Stone deemed you the coolest kid in America.

Now I heard you were arrested on charges of vandalism and public intoxication.

Not so cool. What happened?

White was arrested in September in Nashville after attending Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney’s wedding.

White allegedly pulled a fire alarm and broke a

phone at the at which he was staying. While trying to flee the scene of the crime, White fell, and was taken to a hospital before being arrested.

Is White lowering the standard for how other Olympic athletes should act? Though White may be among the slightly more rebellious Olympic athletes— like Michael Phelps, who was photographed smoking marijuana in 2009—he is not the primary examplesetter, especially for American athletes.

Instead of focusing on bad-boy antics committed

by White, we should focus on awesome acts of sports-

manship by other athletes.

Take American sprinter Shawn Crawford, for example. At the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics. After two other competitors were disqualified for minor infractions, Crawford went from fourth place to winning a silver medal. He then gave his medal to one of the disqualified competitors, Churandy Martina.

Though sports media coverage can sometimes overemphasize the darker side of competition, we should not forget that most athletes at the Olympics are highly aware that they are representing their countries, so they refrain from making

SPORTS CALENDAR MEN’S GOLF Mon. 10/8, - Tues. 10/9 Ryan Palmer Classic, Amarillo, TX

MEN’S SOCCER Thurs. 10/4 | 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Sat. 10/6 | 2:30 p.m. at TAMU-International

WOMEN’S SOCCER Thurs. 10/4 | 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Sat. 10/6 |12:00 p.m. at TAMU-International

VOLLEYBALL Thurs. 10/4 | 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Sat. 10/6 |12:00 p.m. at TAMU-International

RUGBY Sat. 10/6 | 10:00 a.m.

SWC Invitational Tournament at Burr Field

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Sat. 10/6 | 3:00 p.m. at Rice University

CYCLING Sat. 10/6 - Sun. 10/7 Mountain Bike Race hosted

by Baylor University at Waco City Park

Wikimedia Commons Gold-medalist White was arrested for public intoxication.

poor choices.

Though White has apologized, we should put him at the back of our minds until Sochi 2014, where he will hopefully compete and re-

sponsibly represent the U.S. If we continue giving this incident attention, others might get the idea that making trouble is a good way to get in the spotlight.

SPORTS11

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

ATHLETE PROFILE

Cyclist shreds on Hill Country trails Shelby Sementelli ssement@stedwards.edu

Last fall, senior Jenna Emerick started mountain and road cycling because of her twin sister, who cycles at Texas State University. She wanted to bring the sport to St. Edward’s University and start cycling competitively.

With the help of Student Life and Andy Lemons, the director of Campus Recreation, Emerick re-founded the Cycling Club on campus as a group for students to cycle socially and competitively.

Until this weekend, Emerick was the only member to compete through the South Central Collegiate Cycling Conference, but competitive membership tripled this past weekend in the University of Texas at Austin Mountain Bike Weekend 2012 at Flat Rock Ranch in Comfort, Texas.

Shelby Sementelli:

What is training like and how often do you do it?

Jenna Emerick: I bike at the Barton Creek Greenbelt several times a week, but I especially love riding at Madrone Trail at Canyon Lake. I have a relaxed attitude about riding and prefer to do so socially.

In between rides, I like to run a couple miles on the treadmill if I can. Lately, I have been trying to work out my arms more, because that is where I begin to fatigue first on long rides. It takes a surprising amount of upper body strength to control and maneuver the bike.

SS: What events do you do?

JE: For each race weekend,

there are three events, two of which are always the same format. Those are the short-track and the crosscountry. The short track is a three to five minute loop with a little bit of everything (climbing, straightaways and some technical single-track) that is raced for a set amount of time.

The cross country is an endurance race of about 15 miles and includes lots of technical sections. The other event is whatever the hosting team decides to do.

So far this season, we have had a downhill race and a hill climb. The downhill race was extremely fun.

SS: If you could cycle in one place in the world, where would you choose?

JE: Although I absolutely love mountain biking on Texas hill country limestone, I would like to see what the trails are like in the Rockies or in Moab, Utah. I have always been really curious about downhill riding in British Colombia, although it seems a little too dangerous for me.

SS: What is the most difficult trail you’ve ever ridden?

JE: It would definitely be the cross country course at Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals in Angel Fire, New Mexico last October.

It had just snowed, making the trails slushy and frozen, it included a 2 mile long 1400 ft climb, and my body was not used to the elevation change.

SS: I saw that you are majoring in biology and have worked at Baylor doing medical research. Do you have future plans related to medicine?

Column as I see ‘em

Predictions for week 5 of the NFL Nolan Green ngreen2@stedwards.edu

Column as I see ‘Em is your weekly fix for all things NFL. Here’s the Sports Editor’s take on how teams may fare during Week 5 of National Football League play.

Thursday Cardinals at Rams

The 4-0 Cardinals have surprised everyone so far. Look for it to continue. Cardinals by 14.

Sunday Dolphins at Bengals Photo by Erin Reas Emerick’s bike is a full-suspension with 29 inch wheels.

Andy Dalton continues to put up big numbers. Bengals by 10.

JE: This summer I worked

Packers at Colts

at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center conducting plant physiology research. That lab is also affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. Confusing, I know. I loved working with plants. I am still exploring my career interests, but I am keeping an open mind right now.

SS: Do you plan on continuing cycling after college?

JE: Definitely. It is my alltime favorite hobby, and it motivates me to become stronger and more fit. I plan to continue racing through Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association as

long as I live in Texas. The people I have met through mountain biking are some of the coolest and nicest people. I want to continue being a part of that community.

SS: Do you have any unexpected interests or quirks?

JE: My twin and I race against each other...we are each other’s biggest competition.

SS: If you were a of bike, what bike would you want to be?

JE: I would be a full-suspension 29er because they are the most fun and are well suited for a variety trail types.

Eagles at Steelers

Eagles continue their impossible run of winning late.

Philly by 7.

Seahawks at Panthers

Seahawks surprised everyone, but no more. Cam Newton has a field day. Panthers by 14.

Bears at Jaguars

Bears defense will shut down MJD, limiting Jacksonville’s offense. Bears by 10.

Titans at Vikings

On top of the NFC North, the Vikings are hot. Minnesota by 14.

Broncos at Patriots

Packers are slumping, but not as far as the Colts. Packers win by 3.

Defensive grudgematch between two solid AFC teams, look for Matt Prater to make a few field goals.

Denver on top by 3.

Ravens at Chiefs

Bills at 49ers

Joe Flacco is having an MVP year. Ravens by 14.

Falcons at Redskins

Matt Ryan and the Falcons continue their perfect season against RG3. Falcons by 14.

Browns at Giants

Giants lost a heartbreaker to the Eagles last week, it won’t happen two weeks in a row. Giants by 14.

San Francisco wins the ground battle. 49ers take it by 7.

Chargers at Saints

AFC West Division leaders roll over the no-win Saints.

Chargers by 20.

Monday Texans at Jets

Tim Tebow may get his chance, when the Texans are up by 14. Houston wins by 21

12 SPORTS Austin native and golfer brings experience, age to the course

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Rugby makes history as first SEU team to reach Division I Sara Sanchez ssanchei@stedwards.edu

Courtesy of Todd Ohlmeyer Drew Bell poses for a team photo with his younger teammates at the Brickyard tournament.

Daisy Bacca dbacca@stedwards.edu

The men's golf team, ranked 14th nationally, recently added a new player to its arsenal.

Drew Bell, a 27-year-old returning student, has already made several tournament appearances his first season with the Hilltoppers.

Bell made his first appearance at the season opener, the 36-hole Brickyard Invitational on Sept. 17-18, and finished the tournament as the No. 2 player.

After graduating in 2003 from Westlake High School in Austin, Bell enrolled in Austin Community College (ACC) and began studying biology. After three years, Bell decided to take another path. Bell then worked odd jobs, from Starbucks to the Barton Creek Resort to the Austin Country Club.

The Austin Country Club provided easy access to its 18-hole golf course, where Drew would drive as a hobby.

Eventually, Bell had a change of heart about education and decided to enroll at St. Edward's University.

“My sister, who graduated

in 2001, played softball, so I would come to the campus for her games," Bell said. "I liked the atmosphere, campus and the class size."

Bell and the head coach of the men’s golf team Todd Ohlmeyer were in touch before Bell came to the hilltop, but it was not until he won the Central Texas Amateur tournament that he caught Ohlmeyer’s eye. Bell was offered a spot on the team in December of 2011.

“I think the team is getting along with him awesomely.

He is a great person and a great golfer,” junior golfer Enrique Livas said.

Being added to the roster was not easy, though. To obtain eligibility, Bell had two options: he could either have graduated from ACC with an associate's degree in biology or wait a year until he could play at St. Edward’s.

Bell was not sure what to expect after being added to the roster. He is nearly a decade older than his teammates and the only one above junior status at St. Edward's.

While Bell believed his teammates "felt weird" about the age gap and did not know

what to expect, Bell has found ways to contribute to the team outside of his golf swing. Bell has been able to offer advice and guidance to his younger teammates with decision-making and life lessons.

“I do not think there is any problem with the age difference. In golf, you get to play with a lot of people older than you," Livas said. "[Drew] is older, but the little I've talked with him, I can tell how cool it is to be his teammate."

The Hilltopper men's golf team faced off against Division I Ivy League schools this past weekend in the Macdonald Cup at the Yale University golf course. The team placed 8th in the tournament and was the only Division II team playing in the tournament. The Hilltoppers beat out teams like Columbia, Temple, Brown and Yale's second team. Bell ended the tournament tied for 63rd.

As to the future of the team, Bell is extremely optimistic.

“I expect good things coming from these good players.

I hope to make it to nationals and bring a national trophy back home,” Bell said.

The St. Edward’s University Rugby Football Club (SEURFC) recently became the first Division I team at St. Edward’s. The team , whci competes as a club sport, started off as Division III and climbed to Division I status, and is the only small college rugby team to have done so.

After reaching Division I status, officers decided to compete in two conferences—the Division I Southwest Conference and the Division II Lonestar Conference—with a mix of fifteen-man and seven-man matches. The team had an undefeated season last year and is currently undefeated this season.

“A lot of our winning has to do with our fitness,” said senior Captain and Vice President Zach Chad. The team added bi-weekly cross-

fit training to their daily practices.

Rugby has become a sort of unofficial St. Edward’s football team. The team has seen hundreds of fans at some of their home games, which can equal—or even outnumber—some of the NCAA teams’ fan turnout.

The roster has grown with the popularity of the sport, and the team’s presence on campus has even been a selling point for freshmen and international students interested in attending St. Edward’s. According to Chad, the team doesn’t turn a single member away, regardless of physical or financial abilities.

Members from the team come from all over the world, including Spain, Thailand and Zimbabwe, and the roster currently hosts about 45 players and two competitive teams.

Club members also participate in many other extra-

curricular activities outside of rugby.

“There’s some guys who ... don’t even know how to touch a rugby ball,” said freshman Daniel Lane, who starts on SEURFC’s second team. “But the coach builds your skill level. The first day of practice, you don’t have to know everything...everyone learns more and more, and then he’ll give you game time. His mentality is to build, slowly.”

Being a part of SEURFC gives members a network of on-campus connections.

“It’s like a brotherhood,” said Lane. “It’s a lot of hard work and commitment… you know you’re working just as hard as the other forty guys on the team, so it bonds you.”

The team is hosting its second home tournament this Saturday, October 6, starting at 10 A.M., against Lamar, U of H and UT at Burr Field.

Courtesy of Andrew Heller Players huddle together at a particularly muddy game during a tournament in Dallas.

VIEWPOINTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

13

OUR VIEW

Student newspaper encourages civil discourse Recently, Hilltop Views published several articles that garnered criticism from readers. As journalists, we expect and encourage discussion over the content we publish, especially when this content is published in our “Viewpoints” section, which is reserved for opinion pieces on a variety of topics.

That being said, we have received a considerable amount of feedback as of late. “Viewpoints” pieces reflect the opinion of their authors, and, for that reason, readers may simply disagree. A difference of opinion does not warrant a personal attack–Hilltop Views provides several outlets for civil, productive discussion of our content.

In our second issue of this

semester, we published an intentions have been inaparticle in the “Viewpoints” propriate, rather than a civil section of Hilltop Views that discussion of the issue. The has become increasingly con- media used to express dissattroversial. In the article, enti- isfaction with the article did tled “School traditions: the good, the bad and the “We encourage readers downright made to write letters to the up,” the author examined several editors whenever they traditions at St. feel passionate about Edward’s University, some which an article.” he believed were valid and others he believed were infrequently followed or unheard of. not promote a healthy comSeveral readers have voiced munity discussion. opinions about this article, Facebook and Twitter are many disagreeing with the valuable social media tools. author. However, the media We maintain Hilltop Views used to protest the article’s accounts on both Facebook

and Twitter in order to connect with our readers. Social media provides an easily accessible outlet for readers to discuss Hilltop Views stories, which supports the intentions of a college newspaper–to inspire civil discourse.

Although the newspaper is easily accesible via social media, the scope of social media is limited for not all our readers have a Facebook or Twitter.

Readers who have criticisms or feedback on articles can reach a broader audience by writing letters to the editor. We encourage readers to write letters to the editors whenever they feel passionate about an article. In doing so, the entire St. Edward’s community can be more involved

with the discussion, and numerous sides of an argument can be heard. Readers can also provide feedback by using the ‘comments’ feature on the Hilltop Views website.

Student journalists at St. Edward’s are in a unique position to connect with their community of readers. We are a small community, and for that reason, our journalists are more accessible than journalists at larger universities or journalists at major newspapers.

For this reason, we publish student writers’ names and e-mail addresses on every article in Hilltop Views. If readers have concerns, they can discuss these concerns directly with Hilltop Views writers or editors. We pub-

lish e-mail addresses to further encourage discussion between writers and readers.

In doing so, we ask that readers uphold academic integrity when contacting writers via e-mail.

Additionally, all St. Edward’s students are welcome to write for Hilltop Views.

We hold weekly budget meetings on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Moody 209.

The newspaper is a forum for exercising First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, therefore we welcome various points of view and do not censor articles based on the writer’s opinion. Some readers may disagree with an opinion we publish, but that is the nature of free speech.

YouTube video sparks Muslim protests throughout the world Shelby Sementelli ssement@stedwards.edu

In response to “The Innocence of Muslims,” a 14-minute low quality, low budget, satirical movie featured on YouTube, people from 18 countries in the Islamic world have taken to the streets in violent protest.

According to Islamic tradition, depicting Muhammad is one of the worst acts a human can do. It is against their faith to portray the prophet in artwork even in a positive light.

The short-film not only uses a man to play the part of Muhammad, but he is depicted as a ruthless killer and uneducated pervert.

After watching the YouTube video, I can understand why Muslims are upset and

offended. The movie has no merit or storyline. Its only function serves to make fun of the beginnings of Islam.

Muhammad is shown having adulterous relationships with other men’s wives and speaks about bringing harm to women and children like it’s a normal day’s work. Islamic men, in general, are also depicted as cruel barbarians uncontrollably running around the streets wreaking havoc.

However, the response to this video is unjustifiable and ultimately hurts the world’s perception of Islam.

One example, of how a group should act when their values are generalized, depicted in obscene ways and laughed at is the Mormon Church. The Broadway musical, “The Book of Mormon,” targets this group of people.

This show degrades the Mormon missionary practice, depicts the faith’s followers as uneducated and mocks their faith. Instead of revolting or protesting the Mormon Church released this statement: “The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ.”

Regardless of an individual’s opinion of Mormonism, it is nearly impossible to criticize the poise and maturity in which the Mormon Church and its followers responded to this musical.

Broadway is an iconic American symbol with award-winning, legitimate productions that one cannot

ignore.

However, if the violent protests in North Africa and Asia did not occur, “The Innocence of Muslims” would never have reached over 14 million views. It would have instead been lost amongst a multitude of garbage videos that are rarely viewed because that is what the video is: garbage.

This topic is inherently controversial and deals with issues much deeper than just the video that are not going to be solved over night.

With that said burning flags, defacing western establishments and violent mob-style protests are not productive means of communication and will only perpetuate the ideology the video conveys. Even though these actions do not define the Islamic faith, they

Wikimedia Commons Protests have erupted in the Islamic world.

are difficult to overlook and ultimately taint the world’s view of Islam.

These rioters have every right to express their opin-

ions. Those who are protesting though need to understand the damage that they are ultimately causing to people of their own faith.

14 VIEWPOINTS Romney’s comments on the 47 percent were in bad taste

Aggressive street solicitation: free speech or verbal attack?

Jacob Sanchez

Kelsey Acosta

jsanchen@stedwards.edu

kacosta@stedwards.edu

At a private fundraiser in Boca Raton, Fla. in May, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was secretly recorded telling his audience that supporters of President Barack Obama are people who do not pay taxes or assume responsibility for their lives.

Instead, according to Romney, they believe that the government should take care of them. He estimated that this is about 47 percent of the country, and it was not his job to worry about them. Romney's comments are wrong. He is running for President of the entire United States, not 53 percent of it.

The 47 percent Romney is talking about is made up of key voting groups such as the elderly, the poor, veterans, and college students.

The elderly and college student vote are two large demographics that can greatly affect the election.

For example, the youth vote propelled then-senator Obama into the presidency.

By alienating these groups, winning the White House for Romney has become much harder.

Romney is correct when he says this group pays no income tax. Some do not pay an income tax because they are retired–the elderly–or do not have a steady job yet–college students.

The other groups do have payroll taxes deducted from their paychecks, which fund Social Security and Medicare.

Some people in the 47 percent receive welfare from the government; these wel-

Last October, New Orleans passed an ordinance forbidding “aggressive solicitation” on Bourbon Street after dark. The ordinance forbade people from loitering or congregating on Bourbon Street with the purpose of delivering any social, political or religious messages between sunset and sunrise. Violating this ordinance was punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

This ordinance was brought to national attention after several pastors were arrested earlier this month for preaching at Southern Decadence, an annual weekend long festival that celebrates the LGBTQ community. Since those arrests, two federal lawsuits have been filed by the individuals who were arrested.

A federal judge recently ruled to temporarily block the ordinance, but the councilwoman who sponsored the ordinance defended it even after the controversial arrests were made, stating that the ordinance was put in place

Wikimedia Commons Mitt Romney is the Republican presidential nominee.

fare recipients, according to Romney, are guaranteed Obama supporters. Romney forgets to tell his audience that his own father, George Romney, was on welfare for the first years of his life, and would go on later in his life to amass a fortune. So through Mitt Romney’s logic, his own father would not vote for him because George Romney was apart of the freeloading 47 percent.

When the video was leaked, Romney hastily had a news conference to explain the video. He said that his comment on the 47 percent was “not elegantly stated,” but he stood by his comments, according to USA Today.

Instead of standing by his comments and pandering to the base of the Republican Party, Romney should have apologized for making the comments.

An apology about the remarks could have convinced some of the 47 percent to support Romney, possibly

giving him enough votes to win the presidency.

Romney's rejection of such a large demographic in America is quite shocking. These are people he is talking about, not toys that can be tossed around and forgotten.

These comments reveal Romney’s true intentions for running for President— to serve the rich and no one else.

With these comments and current foreign issues becoming the main focus of the election, Romney’s campaign is in a free fall. Every poll since these comments were leaked has shown Romney falling behind in every key battleground state.

The only way for Romney to save his campaign is to surprise the nation at the debates.

This election will be decided by one key group— the 47 percent—without them, no candidate can win the White House.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

as a public safety measure to aide with crowd control, according to the Huffington Post.

The ordinance was originally proposed by residents and business owners of the French Quarter, where Bourbon Street is located, to curtail the harassment and intimidation of residents and tourists, which has become a problem on Bourbon Street.

Such “aggressive solicitation” has driven customers away from local business and made residents feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in their own neighborhood.

The fact of the matter is that the ordinance is undeniably unconstitutional. It violates freedom of speech and the right to assembly that are guaranteed to American citizens in the Bill of Rights.

However, that does not mean that agressive solicitation is unproblematic. The problems that these divisive demonstrations create are the reasons why residents and business owners felt they needed this ordinance.

The issue of aggressive solicitation is not just confined to New Orleans’ Bourbon

Wikimedia Commons Bourbon Street is in the French Quarter in New Orleans, La.

Street. Similar demonstrations happen here in Austin, especially on Sixth Street and South Congress. While the demonstrators may not be hateful, it can be annoying or uncomfortable to be asked if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your lord and savior at every street corner.

A much more extreme example is The Westboro Baptist Church, which has attracted national attention by protesting LGBTQ events and funerals of soldiers, among other events. The difficult part is that no one can stop them since their speech, however hateful and disrespectful it may be, is protected by the Constitution.

Even in the best-intentioned cases, these demonstrations can make people feel uncomfortable, unaccepted and even hated. They can harm businesses by driving away much needed customers. In one of the New Orleans lawsuits, a pastor stated that he believes that a great number of the people on Bourbon Street need to be saved, and that it is his duty to spread the gospel.

What these demonstrators fail to understand is people on Bourbon Street do not necessarily want to be saved, though granted some might, but most just want to party and not be bothered.

Aggressive solicitation can leave people feeling marginalized or even victimized, but there is no way to keep agressive street preaching away from businesses, neighborhoods or even funerals.

Communities must choose between keeping people safe from aggressive solicitation or freedom of speech and assembly, and it appears that the two have issues coexisting peacefully.

VIEWPOINTS 15

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Amanda Bynes is the latest victim of the child actor curse Joanna Capanzana jcapanz@stedwards.edu

“I’m doing amazing,” Amanda Bynes recently claimed in an official statement to People magazine. The media begs to differ.

Bynes has been charged with two counts of hit-andrun accidents and driving under the influence. Also, the young actress has recently displayed bizarre antics like talking to herself in public.

Bynes’ downward spiral was inevitable, due to the pressures and disadvantages of entering show business at a very young age.

Although never quite making a mark on the big screen, Bynes’ early success on television certainly made note-

Wikimedia Commons Amanda Bynes has been acting since she was very young.

worthy airtime. At the age of seven, her role in the Nickelodeon show, “All That”, led her to rise to stardom with

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her hit series, “The Amanda Show”.

At the fresh age of 13,

Bynes was one of the youngest hosts to ever run a variety show, and her likable personality and undeniable comedic talent instantly attracted a large fan base.

Bynes also starred in hit teen comedy “She’s the Man” and a Golden-Globe nominated film rendition of the musical “Hairspray.”

However, her appearance in the limelight eventually became scarce, as she performed in fewer movies–most notably, the recent success, "Easy A"–and television shows over time. Unfortunately, her next significant appearance in the public eye would be her mounting charges with the law since this April.

The curse of child actors has become all too familiar.

The constant necessity to perform well can leave an immature child emotionally and physically vulnerable to criticism, leading to early fears of failing to meet the expectations of others.

Eventually, the issues of being labeled as a “has-been” in Hollywood serve as a struggle for child actors due to the early peaks in their careers This leads to a lack of drive and struggle with identity as an adult.

Child performers are often stripped of their childhood and exposed to heavy responsibility compared to their peers. This early exposure can garner success in the acting world, but child actors can be pushed to grow up too fast.

Childhood is the only time

in a person’s life that can be described as carefree, unaffected by the hormonal drives of teenagers and untroubled with the responsibilities of adults. A sudden lunge into adulthood can strip a child actor of the learning foundation of a normal childhood, exposing them, without appropriate coping mechanisms, to drug addiction and substance abuse.

Allegations of mental instability and impractical behavior continue to worry the friends and family of Amanda Bynes, as they continue to seek help for her. The transition of Bynes' career from the spotlight to tabloid covers of her run-ins with the law serves as another example a child actor gone wrong.

New course could promote citizenship Wesley Stewart jstewar9@stedwards.edu

St. Edward’s University should create a new course that is required of any degree plan. St. Edward's should institute a course called Applied Citizenship, which may sound benign or silly but really would make a change in our community, both local and national.

The 2008 presidential election was a high water mark in our national voting records as 64 percent of registered voters cast a vote. This unprecedented turnout was due largely to the excitement surrounding the candidacy of Barack Obama, which spurred the participation of many demographics that tend to turn out in lower percentages.

People age 18-24 have the lowest voter turnout of any demographic. To continue prospering in the 21st centu-

ry, it is more important than sitions and the demographics ever that young people par- that support them as polititicipate in government. cians.

In an Applied Citizenship This will lead into a very course, students would learn underrepresented area: fundto be informed adults, fully ing. Time would be spent on capable of participating in a studying exactly what the remodern democracy. The course “It is more important would begin with local governthan ever for us to ment. Students be highly informed will get to know all of their local participates in the representatives democratic system.” from city and state government. The goal of this portion of the class is cent Supreme Court ruling an effective understanding of means in terms of elected ofAustin politics. ficials and their backers.

The class will then move Money is king in American on to Congress and Federal politics. Without a functional elections. This portion of the knowledge of how money afclass will spend a great deal fects public policy, we are inof time studying how federal capable off making informed elections work and what it decisions. means to participate in them.

By the end of the course, This includes in-depth study students would study money of representatives’ policy po- in politics and the history of

social services.

Hearing people talk about cutting Medicare funding, increasing aid or reducing the defense budget does not equate to comprehension.

Students should be aware of the cost and history of these programs. Every citizen has a responsibility to know how their money is being spent and to use their powers as voters to have a say in that spending.

It is more important than ever for us to be highly informed participates in the democratic system. In the face of corporate interests that can now spend essentially unlimitedly and undisclosedly to elect individuals who are sympathetic to their causes and values, our only power as individuals is knowledge and organization.

It is for these reasons that St. Edward’s should offer a course in Applied Citizenship.

16 PHOTO ESSAY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

marathon kids

Students from St. Edward’s University, the University of Texas and elementary schools across Austin gathered at the UT track for a Marathon Kids event on Sept. 29. The Marathon Kids program supports health and fitness for children in kindergarten through fifth grade by encouraging them to run a full marathon over the course of several months. Despite the rain, parents, students, volunteers and workers kept a smile on their face as they stayed motivated for the run.

Photos by Amy Barrientos