Issue #9 Fall 2012

HILLTOP VIEWS

St. Edward’s University • Wednesday, November 7, 2012 • Volume 32 • Issue 9 • hilltopviewsonline.com

End of presidential race brings sense of relief Nikki Hill nhill2@stedwards.edu

Jenna Jaco

jjaco2@stedwards.edu

Kristina Schenck

kschenc@stedwards.edu

The mood on campus concerning the presidential election is considerably different than that of four years ago.

One word sums up the gener-

al sentiment among students and faculty: relief.

“This election was just kind of a dud,” said sophomore Julie Arnold, an English writing and rhetoric major. “Neither candidate is anyone that anyone is really passionate about.

It’s just kind of like we need to pick one.”

On the eve of the election, Hilltop Views spoke with

several members of the university com“This election was just kind of a dud... munity about their Neither candidate is anyone that anyone thoughts on the is really passionate about. It’s just kind of 2012 presidential race. like we need to pick one.”

For first-time voters like senior -Julie Arnold, sophomore English writing and rhetoric major Theater Management major Alemilestone. cause…[my dad] is counting jandra Gracia, “It’s kind of a big deal be- on me to vote,” Gracia said.

Election Day is an important

“He can’t vote because he’s not a citizen.”

Since Gracia missed the deadline to apply for a mailin absentee ballot for her hometown of La Joya, Texas, she drove home to vote.

“This is the one chance I have that I can actually do a civic duty,” Gracia said.

ELECTION | 3

Public forum discusses Green Fund, campus safety, GPA scale Adam Crawley dcrawle@stedwards.edu

Photo by Lisa Rodriguez Capt. Dan Beck answered several students’ questions regarding security on campus.

The Student Government Association held a public forum in which students were invited to learn about several campus issues and ask questions.

The three main issues discussed at the Nov. 5 event were the Green Fund, campus safety, and the proposed plus/minus grading system.

Student turn-out filled Mabee Ballroom C. “I was very happy with the turnout,” SGA President Brady Faglie said. “It’s good to see so many students are interested in major events around campus and are con-

cerned about being informed and participatory in the St. Edward’s community.”

The first segment of the meeting focused on the Green Fund, a proposed fund allocation that is being championed by Students for Sustainability. Andy Hirschfeld, co-president of Students for Sustainability, spoke about the Green Fund and fielded questions from the audience.

“The Green Fund is a set of funds allocated as a part of annual student payments to fund sustainability projects on campus,” Hirschfeld said.

Such projects would include rainwater collection, composting, solar panels and recycle bins around campus.

The proposed cost of the Green Fund would be an increase of $2 to $10 a semester to student tuition. This fund would be managed by a committee of mostly students and a few faculty members.

“Ideally, we want to have [the Green Fund] in the election ballot, something that will be voted on when students decide the president and vice president.”

Hirschfeld said. “If it gets voted through, it will go through as a suggestion to the President and budget council … the suggestion is strong. What students say will mean a lot.”

ADDED | 4

7 | LIFE & ARTS

11 | SPORTS

13 | VIEWPOINTS

‘Flix Fix reviews a modern-day “rip-off” of Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “The Birds.”

Hilltoppers, siblings and athletes weigh in on playing NCAA and club sports.

The staff discusses the end of the 2012 election season in this week’s editorial.

2 NEWS Texas public school districts alter sex education programs

Planned Parenthood continues fight for state, federal funding

Lesli Simms

Andrew Weber

lsimms2@stedwards.edu

aweber2@stedwards.edu

This past year, several Texas school districts have implemented a new abstinence-plus program developed by the University of Texas Prevention Research Center (UTPRC) at Houston. The program is called “It’s Your Game … Keep It Real,” or IYG. IYG is both a classroom- and computerbased program specifically designed for middle school kids.

In 1995, then Gov. George W. Bush signed a bill that required all Texas schools to teach abstinence only curricula. At the time, this bill made Texas the third state to require abstinence only education.

The IYG program emphasizes and encourages abstinence; however, it also promotes the theory that the more teens know about sex, the longer they wait to have sex. IYG works toward “developing, implementing and disseminating fact-based human sexuality education in middle schools,” according to IYG’s mission and purpose statement.

The program is designed to “teach teens about their bodies, personal relationships, personal rules and sex while giving them the skills to grow into safe, responsible young adults,” according to the IYG’s website. IYG is separated into two programs: “It’s Your Game: Risk Reduction” and “It’s Your Game: Risk Avoidance.”

The former is a comprehensive program “grounded in theory” while the other “emphasizes the benefits of abstinence-until-marriage, individual and social ben-

The legal battle between Planned Parenthood and the State of Texas is heating up once again.

Planned Parenthood and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will meet tomorrow in Travis County District Court in a fight over whether or not the women’s health care provider should receive state and federal funding for the Medicaid Women’s Health Program.

The controversy stems from a 2011 state law that banned Planned Parenthood from funding on the basis that they provide abortions. Following a lengthy legal battle, a federal court banned access to funding on Oct. 26. That decision reversed in state court five days later when Planned Parenthood filed suit alleging the exemption from funding violated state law.

The Women’s Health Pro“This is definitely both gram (WHP) a healthcare and moral provides yearly breast exams, issue.” cancer screenings, contracepCasey Cashion, chair of the tion options and Young Conservatives STD testing for low-income women and serves 120,000 women a year, pared to handle the caseload, according to HHSC. But Goodman said. Despite the Planned Parenthood is not controversy over the affiliate the only provider for the pro- ban law, there are still probgram, said HHSC spokes- lems more systemic within person Stephanie Goodman. WHP. The program reim“We have 3,000 providers burses doctors — which outside of Planned Parent- would not change under a hood,” Goodman said. “For state-run program, Goodevery Planned Parenthood man said — and pays for folwe’ve got five other kinds of low-up appointments related clinics in the program.” to contraception or medicaThe program will continue tion. to accept federal funding unThe program does not cov-

Vernon Bryant/Dallas Morning News/MCT Many schools have adopted an abstinence-plus curriculum.

efits of marriage and incorporates elements of character development and future orientation,” according to IYG’s website.

Some people are enthusiastic about the possible effects of the program.

Senior Susan Hublein is a campus coordinator for GENAustin. As a campus coordinator, Hublein teaches middle school girls about puberty, positive body image and cultivating healthy relationships. GENAustin is geared specifically to elementary, middle and high school girls.

“One of the most shocking things [is that] in one of the schools I had to explain the difference between tampons and condoms,” Hublein said.

“The fact that I had to explain the difference is frightening.”

As of now, districts in Austin, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Plano and Houston as well as nine school districts and the KIPP charter school system in Harris County have adopted the curriculum, including Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District.

Cy-Fair ISD began the curriculum at the end of October. Some parents have raised complaints about the explicit nature of IYG. On Facebook, there is a group called “Cy-Fair Parents Against Safer Sex-Ed for 7th & 8th Graders.” The parents feel IYG teaches children how to have safer sex, according to the page.

The program has an optout clause that allows parents to choose whether they want their child in the program. Texas requires that notice of sex education be given to parents, according to Guttmacher Institute.

Some parents do not agree with the opposition to the program.

“Me as a parent, I don’t mind this class as long as consent [from parents] is provided. This conversation should start early,” said Yvonne Johnson, mother of a sophomore at CypressFairbanks High School.

“I wish my daughter could have been in this program.”

The Houston Chronicle reported that the school district may drop seventh graders from the program.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

til the end of the year and possibly transfer into a statefunded model, depending on the ruling tomorrow.

Planned Parenthood spokesperson Danielle Williams said regardless of the ruling, a state-funded program would cost more for Texas taxpayers.

“Currently, the federal government is covering 90 percent of the cost,” Danielle Williams of Planned Parenthood said.

The Planned Parenthood case against HHSC alleged that banning their participation in the program violates a state law that requires health care benefits for low-income families be made available to those who cannot pay for services. Planned Parenthood currently serves approximately 50,000 women, nearly half of all WHP recipients, Williams said.

With just over 3,300 providers, HHSC will be pre-

er all treatments, however.

WHP will cover a pap smear, but if a doctor found cervical cancer, it would not cover any of the treatment options, Goodman said.

“We would have to refer them to somebody else,” Goodman said. “It’s a very narrow benefits package.”

Regardless of the ruling tomorrow, Williams said Planned Parenthood will stick around despite the lack of funding.

“We’ve been here for 75 years, and we’re not going anywhere,” Williams said.

Casey Cashion, chair of the Young Conservatives, said the issue is not as clear cut as it may seem and believes that the program serves an important purpose.

“This is definitely both a health care and moral issue,” Cashion said. “Those supporting Planned Parenthood support it on the basis that women deserve easy access to health services, while those opposing it do so on the basis that abortion is taking away a life.”

Senior Shelby Alexander, a long-time Planned Parenthood volunteer and advocate, believes that the possible restriction of the program is a moral issue. Alexander said that WHP saves the state money, but that leadership in the Capitol are playing politics with the program.

“Our governor knows that the WHP is 90 percent federally funded,” Alexander said. “Rick Perry and the anti-choice leadership in our state have continued to play games with women’s health, treating health care access like a luxury item instead of the necessity that it is.”

NEWS 3

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Documentary filmmaker discusses consequences of fracking Manisha Verma mverma@stedwards.edu

The Oscar-nominated director of the American documentary, “Gasland,” came to St. Edward’s University on Oct. 29 to answer questions and discuss his film and firsthand perspective of the impacts of drilling for natural gas.

In May 2008, Josh Fox received a letter from a natural gas company that offered him $100,000 to drill for natural gas on his family’s land in Milanville, Pa. “The threat of losing everything I valued, my home and my way of life, is what pushed me to make this film,” Fox said.

Photo by Renee Cornue Josh Fox directed “Gasland,” a documentary on gas drilling.

“Gasland” focuses on communities across the county impacted by drilling for natural gas, particularly a method

of drilling known as “hydraulic fracking.”

Professor Peter Beck explained fracking as “shoot-

ing water and chemicals to break and let out natural gas trapped in rocks underground.” Beck is an associate professor of environmental science and policy at St. Edward’s.

Fox’s documentary focuses on the risks this method poses, particularly on the contamination of drinking water for a community.

“Even if we are not actually sure if this can be done safely or not,” Beck said, “It doesn’t make sense to risk such a necessity like water for a potential short term gain of some gas.”

“This film is about fracking, but it’s also about a paradigm shift in the world,” Fox said.

Fox thoroughly investigated

the method of fracking. He interviewed scientists, politicians and gas industry executives. Towards the end of the documentary, Fox found himself filming a subcommittee as they discussed the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act, a bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to repeal a certain exemption for hydraulic fracturing because of its negative health implications.

“It was very dramatic and effective at calling attention to the problem a lot of people hadn’t thought about,” Beck said.

One student in the audience asked Fox, “How did you experience direct action

against fracking?”

“How do I even begin?” Fox said. “Anti-fracking organization in every little place.”

Fox said his first experience took place in Forth Worth, Texas. The first thing that struck him was “a lot of cars.”

“Politics and oil or gas doesn’t follow the regime of science and the only way to deal with this is through political force.” Fox said, as he explained government’s lack of action on this subject.

As Fox’s appearance came to an end, he pulled out his banjo from its case with a “Don’t Drill” sticker on it and played a Texas folk song for the audience similar to the song he plays in the beginning of film.

Election season concludes, ongoing political tension subsides Continued from page 1

Jackie Schicker, a sophomore English literature major, is another first-time voter who feels invested in Tuesday’s results.

“I’m a little bit terrified of the results. I’ve been really involved in the process… It’s really been nerve-racking to me because it is such a close race and we probably won’t know until much later,” Schicker

said. “I’m looking forward to it being over because at least I’ll know. I’ll have a very strong emotional reaction either way.”

Jack Green Musselman, a philosophy professor, had a different perspective on the race.

“I don’t have that experience,” Musselman said when asked if he had grown weary of the election season and the media coverage it entails.“The

only place I watch TV is “After Tuesday, we’ll have only 50 percent of the gym… I the country on edge instead of 100 percent.” could go on for another - Jason Cole, senior English writing and rhetoric major month.”

In 2008, students and This time around, some “I will be voting on Tuesday. professors gathered in comstudents are less enchanted While I may not be the most munal areas on campus and by the process of electing a optimistic person when it around Austin to witness the new president, but still reccomes to politicians and our historic election of the naognize the value of political political process, I’ll never tion’s first African-American participation. miss an election,” said Jason president.

Cole, a senior English writing and rhetoric major.

Yesterday was Cole’s third time to vote in a presidential election.

Though Cole voted, he shares the sense of relief over the election process finally coming to an end.

“I’m glad that the process is over,” Cole said. “After Tuesday, we’ll have only 50 percent of the country on edge instead of 100 percent.”

CORRECTIONS The story “Club sports start, finish seasons with success” in the Oct. 24 issue said Hannah Clark competed with Jenna Emerick at the Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals.

Rather, Clark competed in Collegiate Track Nationals.

The article stated Emerick was not used to mountainous terrain. Instead, other cyclists at the race had an

advantage because they were accustomed to higher elevations.

In the Oct. 31 issue, the article “Preserve hosts events for students, community” said Wild Basin manages 30,000 square feet of land. Rather, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is part of the larger Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the entire system includes

30,000 acres of land.

The pull-quote for the story “Food trailer park lease to expire, some vendors forced to move,” should have been attributed to Chris Ruiz, not Jamie Rice.

Keston Smith was identified as a junior in the story “Battle of the Saints marks annual competition.” Smith is a senior.

4 NEWS Program to foster alumni community Samantha Mendoza smendoz5@stedwards.edu

cause it’s important for the university to focus on the students they have now because it makes them feel like they belong,” senior Matthew Cecilio said.

Some seniors hope that Seniors Staying Connected will give them a chance to

Student Life launched a new program called Seniors Staying Connected that will educate select seniors on ways to maintain a connection with St. Edward’s University in their future “I think a program like role as alumni. this is very important Seniors because it’s important Staying Connected will for the university to be composed focus on the students of seniors on they have now because campus who are nominatit makes them feel like ed by faculty they belong.” and staff to be a part of -Matthew Cecilio, senior the program.

These students will be informed about the inner witness changes over time workings of the university at the university. so that they will know how “As an RA, I’ve made a lot to contribute to the St. Ed- of friends here who will still ward’s community after be around after I graduate, graduation. and I’d like to see what the “I think the program pro- school does for them after I vides an excellent forum to leave and kind of see things help seniors think differ- come full circle,” senior ently about their college Sean Easton said. experience, and it provides a Alumni are a significant bridge for students to think part of the St. Edward’s about their role as alumni community. They donate before they leave school,” funds and spread the word Curran Kelley, the third about St. Edward’s to proand fourth year coordinator spective students. Kelley for the Transitional Expe- feels that educating seniors riences Council, said. The on how they can help build Transitional Experiences a strong alumni base will Council is a chartered or- contribute to the overall ganization within Student success and sustainability Life that focuses on helping of the university’s strategic students transition into the plan and goals. university community.

“I feel a strong sense of Seniors Staying Connect- connectedness to St. Ed’s, ed will bring administrators and I feel like enhancing and alumni to campus to that within all current stumeet with seniors. dents, especially seniors, “I think a program like will lead to an overall better this is very important be- university,” Cecilio said.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Added fees, GPA scale incite questions Continued from page 1

The fee would be similar to the technology fee students pay at the beginning of the semester.

Students’ main concern with the bill was the tuition increase for all students.

“These projects are projects that in the long run will save the university money,” Hirschfeld said. “Things like solar panels will cut energy costs.”

After the Green Fund segment, UPD Capt. Dan Beck fielded questions about camPhoto by Lisa Rodriguez pus safety.

SGA invited students to ask questions and provide feedback.

Beck discussed the importance of the student role in said. “If you see a suspicious to the crowd about this proreporting and taking respon- person, take out your cell posed policy and addressed sibility for crime, particularly phone and call us. Someone questions. He said that the of unreported damage to ve- who takes the initiative to plus/minus system will push hicles. make a call may have saved a students to work harder.

At times, when students whole lot of peoples’ lives.”

“We have two main reaaccidentally damage a car or The final item of discussion sons for the plus/minus sysother sort of private prop- was the faculty senate’s pro- tem. First, most of our peers erty, it goes unreported, and posed plus/minus grading [other universities] do it. the victim rather than the system.

Second, professors will be person who did the damage Under this new system, able to make finer academic has to pay for it. Beck said grades would move from distinctions about their stuthat students should take re- static letter grades (A, B, C, dents,” Sloan said. “I’d like to sponsibility in reporting any etc.) to having differing levels see a system that incentivizes accidental damage that they of letter grades (A+, A, A-, students to work towards the cause and should report any etc.). The plus/minus system end of the semester.” similar incidents Since the gap from a B to an that they witness.

A is bigger than the gap from “I’d like to see Part of the reaa B to a B+, students will gain son is that the more incentive to work harda system that cameras in the er, whereas students with B’s incentivizes students residence halls under our current system will take priority over be more likely to be satisfied to work towards the the ones in the with their grades, Sloan said. end of the semester.” parking lots in A large concern at the fothe UPD budget.

-Kris Sloan, associate professor rum was how this system “Priority goes would affect students’ GPAof education to protecting based scholarships. lives, not prop“We’ve found no data that erty,” Beck said. would change GPA alloca- suggests [the plus/minus Beck said that the amount tions as well. For example, system] would hurt your of financial burden on stu- under the current grading scholarship,” Sloan said. “I dents is minimized if they system, a B equals a 3.0. Un- think [the reception towards take responsibility for and der the plus/minus grading the plus/minus system] was report crimes. system, a B+ would equal a pretty mixed. Students were “You don’t really have to do 3.3, a B would equal a 3.0, hesitant, worried about losa whole lot. If you see some- and a B- would equal a 2.67. ing their scholarships. It’s a thing like that, take out your Kris Sloan, associate pro- legitimate concern.” cell phone and call us,” Beck fessor of education, spoke According to the faculty

senate proposal for the plus/ minus system, one of the purposes of the new system is to prevent grade inflation.

“It is clear that graduate/ professional programs and employers assume that when a university does not use a plus/minue system, GPAs are more than likely inflated,” the proposal reads. “Getting a 4.0 when A’s are set at 93 instead of 90 is more difficult.

We will not be disadvantaging our students as they move on from SEU, but put them on equal footing with the majority of other colleges and universities that use this kind of grading scale.”

The proposal goes on to state that academic studies suggest that plus/minus grading systems have no effect on grade inflation, other than very high A grades. It concludes that it is unlikely that a change in the grading scale would have a substantial effect on grade inflation on campus.

SGA also had a donation table set up to collect donations to victims of superstorm Sandy. Students could donate using cash or Topper Tender.

“Holy Cross Brothers and Priests in New York are reaching out to their neighbors in Queens who are victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Holy Cross High School, Queens, New York is setting up a fund and we would be happy to facilitate your participation. Thanks for reaching out and for the support of the St. Ed’s community,” said Father Walter E. Jenkins, CSC, President of Holy Cross High School in Flushing, N.Y. Students who still wish to donate may do so via cash or check at Campus Ministry or the Student Life Office.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

games

GAMES 5

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

check us out @ hilltopviewsonline.com

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6

LIFE & ARTS Character-driven play set to debut this week WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Willa Goldberg wgoldbe@stedwards.edu

Mary Moody Northen Theatre is gearing up for the second show of its 40th season, "Bus Stop." The play, written

by William Inge and directed

by Christi Moore, is set in the 1950s at a Midwestern diner where travelers are trapped in after a late-season blizzard blocks the highway.

Many students from the Freshman Studies program, which requires students to see a play at the theatre, will have the chance to see “Bus Stop” during its run from Nov. 8 to Nov. 18. The play will have performances Thursday through Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays. The play may be

set in 1955, but students will still be able to identify with the characters.

“I’m … hopeful that … they’re going to be able to look past the time period influence on the play,” Moore said. “I’m hoping that they’re going to … see similarities between themselves and characters. Because it’s about…our wanting love, our needing love in whatever form works for us.”

This will be the fourth play Moore has directed at the Mary Moody Northen theatre. Previously, she has directed "Metamorphosis," "Ring Around the Moon" and "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" at the theatre, according to Moore.

Moore currently works as

the Executive Artistic Director of ScriptWorks, a playwright development and service organization she cofounded in 1997.

The play shows an almost hyper-realistic picture of mid century America, and rather than being extremely plot-driven, it works to paint a portrait of its characters, according to Moore. Moore praised Inge’s ability to capture his characters.

“He’s a very compassionate writer. He doesn’t hide his character’s flaws, they’re right out there for everybody to see, but he’s so compassionate about the fact that all humans have these flaws,” Moore said. “He doesn’t have the poeticism of Tennessee Williams or the political bite

of Arthur Miller…but there’s a gentleness to his writing.”

Moore discovered that customizing the play, which is originally intended for a proscenium style stage, a stage where the audience is only on one side, to the round, arena style stage of the theatre was quite a challenge.

“I like working in the arena very much, but for this play it’s just difficult because it’s supposed to be a working diner,” Moore said. “We dealt with the practical needs of the play… which I think we’ve handled successfully.”

The play will have five student actors of all grade levels in it, several of whom will make their MMNT debut with this production.

“I love the students at St.

Photo by Gabriellae Rodriguez “Bus Stop” begins Nov. 8 in the Mary Moody Northen Theatre.

Ed’s. They’re all very hardworking and… I’ve got freshman and… a fifth year senior in it [the play],” Moore said.

Three professional actors including Sarah Gay, David Jones and David Stahl will also be in the production.

Wurstfest promotes German culture with music, food, drink Brooke Blanton bblanto@stedwards.edu

Beer flowed, bratwurst never ran out and the sound of polka music filled the air at the annual Wurstfest celebration in New Braunfels.

The 52nd annual Wurstfest welcomes guests of all ages and all backgrounds to Landa Park from Nov. 2-11.

The festival consisted of four main areas: the music tent, the food and drink vendors, the carnival and the riverfront.

Das Grosse Zelt, or The Big Tent, housed polka musicians such as Die Bayriche 7 and Terry Cavanagh & Alpine Express but nobody stole the show like The Alex Meixner Band.

Grammy-nominated accordionist, pianist, trumpeter, bassist, drummer and singer Meixner is no old man’s oom-

Photo by Brooke Blanton The 52nd annual Wurstfest included traditional carnival rides.

pah player.

With endless energy and talent, Meixner kept every-

one on their feet during his continuous sets during the first weekend of Wurstfest.

Mixing it up from the usual polka, Meixner mixed in popular songs such as Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” and a German version of The Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand.”

For many, the music alone was enough to draw them to Wurstfest.

Andrew Andersen, 23, of San Marcos, Texas said it was the live music that brought him to the festival that he had not attended since childhood.

“It’s cool to see old people get down!” Allie Middleton, 23, said.

Both Andersen and Middleton were encouraged by friends to attend and said they would certainly return next year.

Local vendors such as the New Braunfels Little League and Hill Country Chorus provided the food and drinks.

Hungry Wurstfest attendees

could find anything from the expected bratwurst and sauerkraut to deep-fried KoolAid and even a pork chop on a stick.

The beer selection was plentiful, providing local favorites like Shiner and German imports like Paulaner.

The kids that were begrudgingly dragged to a polka and beer festival found delight in the carnival complete with a Ferris Wheel, a fun house and the carnival staple, the centrifugal force-powered Star Ship.

Preston and Lisa Rowan, 51, of College Station, Texas who had not attended Wurstfest since 1983 say that it only gets more fun with age.

“I think I enjoyed the music more,” Preston Rowan said. ”I had a great time with family and friends.”

Lisa Rowan, who could not

think of any negatives about the festival, said her favorite part was the quantity and wide selection of the beer.

Wurstfest attendees could take a break from the chaotic atmosphere by relaxing on the grassy lawns on the Comal Riverfront. Many visitors camped or parked their RVs across the river from the fest for a front row spot to the festivities.

No matter if they were actually German or not, Wurstfest attendees of all types became instant polka fans and could be seen yelling “Prost!” to the person next to them whether they knew them or not.

One of the musicians in The Alex Meixner band summed up the general ambiance of Wurstfest 2012 when, after asking who in the crowd was German, followed that up with: “It’s Wurstfest, so we’re all German.”

LIFE & ARTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

WEEKLY ‘FLIX FIX | “Birdemic”

7

Topper Trends | Booties

Bird film terrifies and confuses Boots versatile for fall weather Tyler Eldredge teldred@stedwards.edu

To the untrained eye, "Birdemic: Shock and Terror,” written and directed

by James Nguyen, may look like a simple rip-off of Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Birds,” but on closer inspection, it really is so much more—or less, I am not really sure.

The film opens with the story of Rod, played by Alan Courtesty of I Got A Fish Productions Bagh, a software salesman, The really scary thing about “Birdemic” is how bad it is. who begins dating the beautiful fashion model, Nathalie ple whose lives could be bet- Maybe Nguyen is trying to played by Whitney Moore. ter spent as employees at the give some kind of ecological Things proceed swimmingly DMV—they have got the warning, but it is really lost in for the couple; Rod opens his dry, emotionless interaction the mess that is this film.

There is a moment of hiown software business and down pat.

Nathalie gets a job as a VicBeyond that, though, the larity that any savvy movietoria Secret model. birds are the best part of this watcher will enjoy: in the Their idyllic life does not movie. They are reminiscent promotion for the film, they last long, however. Shortly of the CGI Martians from bragged that it contained after spending a night to- Tim Burton’s "Mars Attacks,” a cameo by Tippi Hedren, gether in a trashy motel, the but lower quality, the differ- who is best known as one of the stars of Hitchcock’s "The couple emerges Birds" as well as the title role to find that the town is un“The story of the birds in "Marnie.” Turns out her is just archival footder siege from is a nice attempt but it “cameo” age from one of Nguyen’s monstrous raises more questions earlier films, which is played eagles and vulon the TV in the background tures who spit than it answers.” of one of the scenes—if you acid before are not careful, you will miss plummeting to the ground and bursting into ence being that Mars Attacks this gem.

This is one of those films flames, for some reason. came out in 1996, and Birwhere the story could take The pair join up with an demic came out in 2008. ex-marine portrayed by acThe “science” that is giving two directions. Perhaps tor Adam Sessa and his the birds the power to spit Nguyen is actually a genius girlfriend, played by Cath- acid and explode on impact who carefully crafted this erine Batcha, as well as two with the earth also appar- campy, hideous mess to crechildren, actors Janae Caster ently gives them the power ate the perfectly awful film. and Colton Osborne, whose to ignore the laws of physics, Or perhaps Nguyen had no parents were killed by the regularly turning 360 degrees idea what he was doing and this was the best he could put birds. They travel from town while remaining in place. to town, battling birds along The story of the birds is a together.

Either way, "Birdemic: the way, hoping to find a way nice attempt, but raises more Shock and Terror" is one to survive the birds. questions than it answers.

"Birdemic" is possibly one Apparently they only tar- of the best worst films proof the worst films ever made. get gas stations and cars duced in the last decade, perThe actors are probably very and their condition is the fect for anyone who enjoys nice people, but they are peo- result of global warming. trashy films.

Katie Brown kbrownj@stedwards.edu

I am a shoe fanatic. Not to the extent where my closet is overflowing with shoes, but to the extent where I constantly have a new pair of shoes on my “buy when I have money” wish list.

But I do not like to be confined to wearing shoes only if they are deemed as “appropriate” for the season. I say if the shoe fits, wear it when you please.

Therefore, I am completely pro-socks and -wedges, boots and shorts and five-inch Jeffrey Campbell’s even if I am not going out.

So when booties made their appearance earlier this year, I was ecstatic. These short ankle boots were immensely popular this summer.

I saw girls pairing booties with denim cutoffs and cute dresses for a polished yet bohemian look. They are great for elongating the leg and adding another aspect of femininity to an outfit.

With the upcoming winter weather, I know we are all excited to pull out our tall boots, but now is the time to put a hold on those.

Booties have become the new must-have accessory for any fall ensemble.

They can look great paired with skinny jeans, or for those warmer winter days, coupled with a pair of tights.

Around campus, I have seen booties left and right. There has been a range of anything from a tall heel to a short heel.

This summer, I aimed to find a pair that would go well with things I wanted to wear

then as well as into the fall months, so I finally decided on a pair of black leather booties. Not only because I am loving leather at the moment, but also because they are so versatile.

So if you are a shoe lover like me, I would say it is worth it to invest in a pair of booties.

No matter what the season, you can be sure booties will look great with whatever ensemble you choose to rock that day.

Photo by Katie Brown Ankle boots, or booties, work for warm and cold weather.

[slapdash] “Mean mugging...”

”

8 LIFE & ARTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

FunFunFun ORANGE STAGE rharris7@stedwards.edu

rharris7@stedwards.edu

Lionel Hahn/Abaca Press/MCT Run and D.M.C. paid tribute to the late Jam Master Jay.

with growing families and responsibilities, Run and D.M.C. decided to take a break indefinitely.

They were back and in top form for this show. The two meshed as if it was only yesterday that they were touring the country and making music.

Run-D.M.C. even devoted their show to the late Jam Master Jay. Although he could not be there, they

brought his two sons to the show and they spun records behind the two frontmen.

Run, an ordained minister, shocked the crowd with multiple profanities and taking the Lord’s name in vain.

However, he reassured the audience that if anyone is allowed to do so, it is him.

Although both in their late forties, the two were energetic, touching and just plain good at hip-hop.

Brooke Blanton

influences. This woman is living in the past—but it works.

Harper gained momentum in her energy during the entire set and had the whole audience dancing by the final song.

One fan in particular who had behind the stage access walked out onto the stage while dancing and removing his shirt before a crew member grabbed him and pulled him off the stage.

“Weekend,” a song from Class Actress’ 2011 album “Rapprocher.” which is French for “to come closer to, shows off the band’s sound the best—Harper’s sultry voice fuses with the synthesized pop beats for a perfect laid-back dance song.

Going to an Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros show is like going to a family reunion. Except instead of too many unknown cousins and terrible potato salad, there are only talented musicians and indie folk rock.

The band does not merely play a set. They have a jam session and invite the audience to be a part of it.

There is actually no one by the name of Edward Sharpe in the band, however. Eccentric frontman Alex Ebert is often mistaken for the mythical person. The identity of Edward Sharpe is actually a character from a book Ebert began writing several years ago.

Regardless of their mysterious name, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros played the Orange Stage of Fun Fun Fun Fest Sunday night and took the audience back to a simpler time where music was collaborative, musicians were just people and songs were for singing along.

The band in and of itself is

massive. They have 10 fulltime members and often feature special guests during shows.

Their set was messy, beautiful, collaborative and sincere. They closed out Fun Fun Fun embodying spirit of the indie music festival— people who love music performing for people who love music.

EDWARD SHARPE

Run-D.M.C. is one of the most iconic music groups known to man. Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell founded the group in 1981 and hiphop has never been the same.

Run-D.M.C. took the Orange Stage of Fun Fun Fun Fest Friday night and showed what it meant to be legends.

They played their iconic songs like “It’s Tricky” and “It’s Like That” as well as some songs only true fans would know.

Rev Run and D.M.C. thanked the crowd for being so hospitable, claiming it was the first show they had accepted to play in over a decade after the death of Jam Master Jay in 2002.

With Jam Master Jay deceased and the other two

Mitch Harris

RUN-D.M.C.

Mitch Harris

fest

The seventh annual, three-day, four-stage Fun Fun Fun Festival offered many shows in many genres. Here are some of the Fest’s highlights.

Wikimedia Commons The frontman of Edward Sharpe is actually named Alex Ebert.

BLUE STAGE bblanto@stedwards.edu

Photo by Travis Riddle Elizabeth Harper provides the vocals for Class Actress.

rharris7@stedwards.edu

Anamanaguchi is as unique as their name. Their brand of electro-pop, guitardriven rock is truly one of a kind.

There are no lyrics in Anamanaguchi songs. There are only the futuristic melodies

of four friends from New York City.

Their music is in an emerging genre known as chiptune. It is fast-paced, fun and energetic, interspersed with nostalgic noises from classic 8-bit video games.

The band members matched their sound with multicolored hair, skin-

ny jeans and neon guitar strings.

One of the bass strings broke during the set, but Anamanaguchi did not let this get them off track.

Quirky frontman Peter Berkman kept the show going with an impromptu Blink-182 cover and strange meowing noises.

The members themselves studied fashion in college before finding their true calling as chiptune musicians.

During their fashion days, people called them the Armani Prada Gucci boys. This nickname was shoved together to form their band name, Anamanaguchi.

ANAMANAGUCHI

CLASS ACTRESS

Class Actress’ Sunday afternoon set at Fun Fun Fun Fest was nothing short of fun.

Lead singer of the 80s pop-inspired band, Elizabeth Harper, is all smiles on stage. She stepped out wearing a black three-piece pantsuit straight from a vintage store and kept removing layers of her outfit as the music progressed.

Harper is backed by producers and keyboardists Scott Rosenthal and Mark Richardson.

In an interview with ELLE, Harper cited Depeche Mode and Madonna as

Mitch Harris

Photo by Travis Riddle Anamanaguchi’s music belongs to a genre called chiptune.

LIFE & ARTS 9

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

YELLOW STAGE

Wikimedia Commons Jon Benjamin has the voice of a quintessential TV dad.

Mitch Harris rharris7@stedwards.edu

The name Jon Benjamin may not ring a bell, but after just a few words out of his

“Austin, TX,” and babbled about his fake childhood in Austin.

The climax of their show was an improv game called “Spend the Day,” in which an audience member told the duo what they did that day in great detail. Afterwards, Benjamin and Fielder would act out their day, mockingly of course.

The game was played three different times, each time ending with an awkward encounter with a long lost uncle.

Benjamin and Fielder worked well together and it is no surprise. The two have worked together on Benjamin’s Comedy Central Show, “Jon Benjamin Has a Van.” Overall, the show was as hilarious as it was inappropriate.

Mitch Harris rharris7@stedwards.edu

Doug Benson is this generation’s Cheech and Chong.

He is the front-runner in the stoner comedy genre and is most known for his movie “Super High Me,” a drug-induced parody of the award-winning documentary “Super Size Me.” He took the Yellow Stage, sponsored by Moontower Comedy Festival, on Sunday, and provided what one may expect from a stoner comedian.

Although he had jokes prepared, he decided to forgo the plan in order to make fun of Fun Fun Fun Fest and the people in the crowd.

Benson heckled two young men that left during his set,

claiming that they had to make it back to their Bible group meeting.

Benson also made jokes about the bandanas over many people’s faces. The bandanas are worn mostly at the Black Stage to keep dust out of the mouths of moshers.

Benson, however, joked that the bandanas were for scaring away old western villains.

“It worked,” Benson said, “I haven’t seen any stage coaches around.”

It would not be a Doug Benson routine, though, without a few marijuana jokes, and Benson did not disappoint.

He started on a political rant to convince the audi-

ence to vote to legalize marijuana. Then he realized he was in Texas and abandoned the effort.

stage with yells and sweaty head shakes as the sun went down on Fun Fun Fun Fest Friday night.

The crowd was mostly calm, other than the inevitable crowd surfer and tossed bottles.

Once the sky was completely dark, the audience

could only be seen by the lights from the stage and when illuminated, their happiness to be experiencing Against Me! was evident.

They were there for the music, and the pure skill of Against Me! is what they got.

DOUG BENSON

JON BENJAMIN

mouth, it is impossible to mistake him.

Benjamin, an actor and comedian, is most famous for his animated series voiceover work.

Benjamin provides the voices of Sterling Archer in FX’s “Archer,” Bob from Fox’s “Bob’s Burgers” and Coach McGuirk from “Home Movies.”

However, Benjamin strayed from his most recognizable jokes and characters for his set at Fun Fun Fun Fest on Friday at the Yellow Stage.

Although not on the schedule, Benjamin brought out a special guest to perform with him during his set.

Nathan Fielder, a young Canadian comedian, posed as an Austin native. He wore a bright neon shirt that said

Wikimedia Commons Benson often appears on Comedy Central and VH1.

BLACK STAGE rharris7@stedwards.edu

Brooke Blanton bblanto@stedwards.edu

Photo by Travis Riddle The Riverboat Gamblers are a local punk band.

crowd and played the tambourine against his skull.

At one point in the show, Wiebe even grabbed a cell phone out of an audience member’s hand, called her mother and sang the rest of the song to the person on the other end.

He ended the song with

“Your daughter is safe. I’m taking care of her tonight,” and hung up.

If the energy of the band was not enough, the energy of the crowd was even crazier.

Like most punk or hardcore shows, there was plenty of shoving, moshing and crowd surfing.

FunFunFun Fest

Perhaps by design or coincidence, the Black Stage, which featured Against Me! Friday night, was backed not by the lively bright downtown lights of Austin like the Orange Stage, but by grimy, rusty, old train cars moving along slowly.

Set apart from the other stages, the Black Stage had a personality of its own, perfectly personified by the fourman punk band from Florida.

Against Me! sings about heavy topics such as the woes of teenage angst and drug addiction in a beautifully polished manner. The band members, all dressed in black, conveyed their passion on

AGAINST ME!

The Riverboat Gamblers are not, as their name would lead you to believe, a group of old women playing blackjack on the Mississippi River.

They are a local punk rock band with an intense energy.

Their show on the Black Stage Saturday was a force to be reckoned with. All five members lined the front of the stage and created a wall of noise that blasted the audience.

Originally from Denton, Texas, The Riverboat Gamblers now reside in Austin and consider this to be their home.

Frontman Mike Wiebe led the group with tons of audience interaction.

Very early on in the show he did a stage dive into the

THE RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS

Mitch Harris

Photo by Travis Riddle Punk rock band Against Me! is made up of four musicians

For coverage on other bands such as Deerhoof, Nite Jewel, Bob Mould, El Ten Eleven, Explosions in the Sky, visit www.hilltopviewsonline.com

10

SPORTS Basketball team posts up with eight new faces WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Colin Stonecipher cstonec@stedwards.edu

As the St. Edward’s University men’s basketball team gears up for the 2012-2013 season, there is an overwhelming sense of improvement and optimism, thanks to improved team chemistry and eight new players.

The players and coaches feel that this year’s basketball team has come a long way since last year’s 11-15 overall record.

“We have really high expectations, and we really feel like we can hold them up,” freshman forward Jae Ricketts said.

Ricketts helped lead John Paul II High School to the TAPPS 5A State Championship game during his senior season and wants to keep that winning tradition going. Ricketts is a consistent double-threat averaging 15 points and nine rebounds

Photo by Shannon Wilson Basketball coach Andre Cook is not worried about team chemistry for the upcoming season.

during his final year before coming to St. Edward’s.

This year’s team has eight new faces, including Ricketts, and each one of them brings something to the team. Basketball is a game of trust, and it involves all five players working as one unit. Players must have faith in each oth-

er’s ability to fulfill their roles on the court.

In his fourth year at St. Edward’s, Head Coach Andre Cook is not worried about team chemistry regardless of the new additions. He only sees the team a few hours a day, so he encourages the older players to show leadership

and bring the team together when he was not present.

Senior guard and forward Shameek Johnson is a team leader who put in serious minutes last year, starting all but one game. His ability to play with such intensity, but still keep things light in the locker room makes him well-

liked among the younger players.

“I'm more comfortable by leading by example… just working hard so they will too,” Johnson said. Johnson’s philosophy sets the tone for the whole team. After staying in Austin this summer to work out, Johnson is poised to have a phenomenal senior season. With the help of junior guard Zilijan Jones and a talented supporting cast, Johnson has high hopes for this season.

“I want to win the national tournament… so making the playoffs, winning the Heartland [Conference], and gaining home court [advantage] are goals for us,” said Johnson.

Cook acknowledges that this season will not be easy.

However, he is confident that the team’s unique style of play and commendable work ethic will help them get through those games together.

Cook said he had a great

summer that came with an induction into the Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame in his home state of New York.

“It is quite an honor for me,” Cook said. Past inductees include Pat Riley and Jimmer Fredette.

In his three seasons at St. Edward’s, Cook has led the team to a 32-46 record. He has produced two first-team All-Heartland Conference players, an honorable mention All-Heartland Conference player and one all-region performer.

Cook feels that the program here at St. Edward’s is making good progress towards reaching their final objective. There is an enormous amount of trust between the coaches and the players this year. Even with the difficult schedule, everyone is excited about what this season has in store.

Karate club set to participate in national seminar in California Lesli Simms lsimms2@stedwards.edu

The St. Edward’s University Karate Club will travel to Santa Monica, Calif. to attend an annual training seminar hosted by some of the best sensei in the country.

From Nov. 16-18, the club will attend the USA GojuRyu Karate-do Seiwakai Training Seminar.

According to the official website for Seiwakai International karate, there are dojos in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom, North and South America.

In the United States, there are six dojos in Texas, California, Illinois, Hawaii, New

York as well as in the Ohio considered the president of and Michigan area. the club; however, the karate As of now, there are ap- club adheres to the Japanese proximately four people in tradition of Sempai – Kohai the club. otherwise known the senior“These precepts don’t just apply “You’re holding to karate, they can be applied yourself to a standard [anywhere] … it that is not perfection, is a good way to keep me centered but is as close as you and balanced,” can get.” sophomore Samantha Parsons -Sophomore Samantha Parsons said.

“You’re holding yourself to a standard that is not perfection, but is junior mentoring relationas close as you can get.” ship.

The club is now student The club’s adviser and run. Parsons is technically head instructor is Sensei Jim

Pounds who is ranked as a 6th degree black belt. He is also the head instructor of the Heijoshin Dojo and an adjunct professor of karate at St. Edward’s.

The seminar offers opportunities for students from all over the United States to grade to higher dans such as 2nd and 3rd degree black belts. As well as Seiwakai testing, students have the ability to attend training sessions instructed by the best sensei, including Pounds.

The seminar’s chief Including Sensei Pounds and his wife, Sensei Theresa Herrera-Pounds, about seven people who either are currently in the Karate Club or

are recent alumni will attend the seminar.

One St. Edward’s student, senior Ismael Moreno, has the opportunity to grade.

Currently, Moreno has a brown belt with two stripes and has the opportunity to grade to a 1st dan black belt pronounced as shodan.

“If everyone wants to look good, they will go 100 percent,” Moreno said. “They don’t tell you if you graded that day though. They tell you later.”

This is Moreno’s second time attending the conference. He began karate when he enrolled in the basic karate class offered at St. Edward’s.

Sensei Pounds has full dis-

cretion to grade students before they become black belts.

Though not all students will have the opportunity to grade to any degree as black belts, they are still excited to have opportunity to train with world-renowned senseis.

“I just want to go and have a little more respect for the Japanese culture,” Parsons said. “[This is] a great experience for me to remember for the rest of my life. I will be really inspiring.”

As of now, the club plans to enter in more tournaments.

“I am not only going to go and try to get my black belt,” Moreno said. “This seminar is also a great way to bring our club to the next level.”

SPORTS11

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

SPORTS CALENDAR

ATHLETE PROFILE

Heller siblings represent club and NCAA sports Shelby Sementelli ssement@stedwards.edu

Andrew Heller and his younger sister Lauren are both athletes at St. Edward’s University. Lauren, a freshman, plays for the women’s soccer team and has notched 12 goals and five assists and has earned the Heartland Conference player of the week. Andrew is the president of the St. Edward’s rugby club and a contributing factor to the team’s recent metamorphosis.

Shelby Sementelli:

good idea to move the basketball hoop next to the trampoline so we could play trampoline basketball.

Of course we wanted to stay safe, so we decided to wear our hard plastic bike helmets while we played.

As our game of trampoline basketball went on, it — of course — became more competitive and more physical. We ended up with a lifelong memory: Andrew knocked out his front tooth by hitting it on my helmet. He only looked like a hillbilly for a week or so.

SS: Earlier this semester, you started to bring back the razor scooter. Why? LH: Yes, my scooter works great. It allows me to get around campus much faster. Plus, I never have to worry about locking it.

I can just fold it up and

What’s it like to go to the same college as your brother?

Lauren Heller: Being a freshman, it was nice having him there to show me my way into college and I know he’s always here for me if I need him.

SS: What has been the best moment of the season so far?

LH: I’d have to say “Whether it was a winning the Heartland game of Mario Kart or Conference, a game of basketball, because our we would kill each hard work is starting to other before we let the pay off. other one win.”

SS: Did you two -Freshman Lauren Heller fight when you were younger? bring it into class. Some LH: Oh yeah, we were people judge, but that's both so competitive as okay — I’ll just scoot right kids. Whether it was by them.

Mario Kart or a game of SS: What’s your most embasketball, we would kill barrassing experience? each other before we let LH: My senior year in high the other one win. school, I was sitting in SS: Do you two have any class and I could feel somefunny childhood stories? thing cold on my bum. I LH: One time my brother came to realize my jeans and I thought it’d be a had ripped. It wasn't just

Photos by Nolan Green There’s always room for competition between the Hellers.

a little rip either, pretty much the whole seam of my back pocket was torn. So what did I do? I grabbed my binder, put it behind my rear and went up to my male teacher and explained that I had a problem with my pants and I needed to go change.

SS: What would your life be like without your brother?

LH: Although we got on each other’s nerves sometimes as kids, he has always been a great person to look up to. He’s had so much influence on who I am today. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn't have known how awesome of a school St. Edwards is.

SS: What’s it like to go to the same college as your sister?

Andrew Heller: It's really cool to see her beginning her journey at St. Ed's, knowing all the exciting things she’s going to experience. I try to make sure to show her around and introduce her to some of my friends. For the most part I let her figure things out for herself because I

know she can handle it.

SS: What are your duties as rugby club president?

LH: As President, I’m responsible for running the entire organization, which includes organizing players and coaches for practice and games. I maintain the team website, social media accounts, serve as club representative in our two conferences and I am responsible for the team budget.

SS: What is the biggest rush when playing rugby?

LH: The biggest rush is on game day before we step on the field. We go around and shake each other’s hands and say "Glory to St. Edward's." There aren't any words to describe the feeling I get knowing I’m getting ready to go into battle with this special group of guys. When we step on the field, we start our chant. There’s nothing like it.

SS: Lauren said you two were very competitive as kids. What happened if she beat you in a game?

LH: Yeah, like that ever

happened. No one ever likes getting beat by their younger sister, so when she did, I’d have to make sure she remembered who’s the bigger sibling.

SS: Does the notorious mullet reflect your personality?

LH: I don't know what it is, but since I decide to grow this ridiculous mullet out, I started getting a lot of positive feedback from people. So I decided to keep it. Swag.

SS: How did you get involved with DJing?

LH: Living with four awesome musicians from “Brother Muller and His Brothers” inspired me to put my extensive music collection to work. Since then I have started playing my electronic music at local parties, and have even performed a couple times on campus.

SS: What do you like and dislike about soccer?

LH: I love the combination of skill and teamwork that soccer requires. I dislike that most people don't understand that soccer is actually a very physical sport, and the players don't get that credit.

SS: You play club, while your sister plays NCAA. What are the biggest differences?

LH: When they get hurt they go to the trainer; when we get hurt we go to the health center. NCAA athletes get the opportunity to compete for their school actually on school grounds, we compete for our school 10 miles away.

She gets a scholarship to play. We pay to play.

MEN’S BASKETBALL St. Edward’s Shootout Fri. 11/ 9 | 8:00 p.m. vs. Texas A&M-Commerce Home Sat. 11/10 | 8:30 p.m. vs. Incarnate Word Home Tue. 11/12 | 7:00 p.m. vs. Southwestern in Austin

MEN’S SOCCER Thur. 11/ 8- Sun. 11/ 11 (NCAA First and Second Rounds): TBA

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL St. Edward’s Shootout Fri. 11/9 | 5:30 p.m. vs. New Mexico-Highlands Sat. 11/10 | 4:30pm vs. Tiffin Tues. 11/13 | 6:00 p.m. vs. Angelo State University

WOMEN’S SOCCER Sat. 11/10 NCAA Second Round vs. Metro or West Texas A&M Home

VOLLEYBALL Thurs. 11/8 | 7:00 p.m. vs. TAMU-International Sat. 11/10 | 12:00 p.m. vs. St. Mary’s

RUGBY Sat. 11/10 vs. University of North Texas Sat. 11/10 vs. Angelo State University

MEN’S LACROSSE Sat. 11/10 Alumni Game SEU Lower Field

12 SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

SPORTS COMMENTARY

Student discovers doorway to athleticism through racquetball Taylor Bencomo tbencom@stedwards.edu

If Paris Hilton is a great DJ, then I am a great athlete.

I have gracefully stumbled playing just about every game from tennis to volleyball to basketball and soccer, never finding a sport that I could say I was passionate about.

I was just too great at being bad at all of them. Despite lacking that sporty spice, I still like to be active and competitive. I decided to try racquetball.

I ventured into the RCC with many questions. I approached the desk with uncertainty, hoping that someone would be able to help me in my pursuit of athleticism.

The girl at the desk informed me Jordan Yuson, director of intramural sports, would be more than able to help.

I emailed Yuson with the simple plea for help to begin my course at being the bomb at racquetball. As my fingers typed up what I am sure is the very start of my smashing racquetball career, images of me being a boss smacking the ball into the wall, volleying intensely with my opponent and scoring every point flashed like a movie in my mind – close ups and all.

Yuson gladly obliged to help me. The very next day I made my way in the rain to the RCC. I thought to myself, “What a great day for racquetball!” As the rain trickled

Photo by Joe Arellano Racquetball is an easy, fun sport for all levels of athleticism.

the thoughts of confidence trickled in and I was convinced I would be absolutely perfect at racquetball.

I arrived at the building and we quickly proceeded to the court with racquets and a ball in tow.

We just started to play a bit

Column as I see ‘em Nolan Green ngreen2@stedwards.edu

Column as I see ‘Em is your weekly fix for all things NFL. Here are some of the highlighted games for week 10.

Thursday Indianapolis at Jacksonville

Andrew Luck and the Colts seem to have clicked over the past few games. A possible playoff team, they do have two games against the Texans before the season is out. Colts by 14.

SUNDAY Tennessee at Miami

Miami is 4-4 and trying to hold on to second place in the AFC East. With a playoff spot still in sight,

albeit a long shot, they will try their best to finish the season above .500. Dolphins by 7.

Detroit at Minnesota

Detroit is another possible darkhorse playoff contender, the Lions have an impossibly tough schedule ahead of them, Minnesota being the last of their problems. Lions by 10.

Denver at Carolina

Peyton Manning is still a little inconsistent, but finally found a target he likes in Eric Decker. The Denver defense will contain Cam Newton, shutting down the Panthers opportunity of playoffs.

Broncos by 10.

NY Jets at Seattle

Marshawn Lynch runs all over the Jets terrible

defense and this game might be the first time we see Tebow at quarterback.

Nevertheless, Seahawks roll over the Jets, Seattle by 10.

Dallas at Philadelphia

If Dallas loses one more game, look for Jerry Jones to pick up Shawn Payton to replace Jason Garrett. Since it’s November, Romo will start his usual practice of actually playing football in November.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Cowboys by 14.

Houston at Chicago

Texans and Bears clash in the game of 7-1 teams.

Arian Foster outruns the Bears defense, and the Texans defense makes Cutler pay for all of his turnovers. Houston by 14.

and throughout Yuson would show me technique and tricks. He was really helpful and patient. My delusional theory that I would be great right away was proven incorrect, but as I got the hang of it I started having a great time.

I did tricky angles, got some

pretty cool shots in and even scored a few points. However, my opponent was far more experienced. Even going easy on me was not enough for it to be close.

At one point a seemingly endless volley ensued. I chased after the ball, and just as things seemed to be happening at the speed of light they slowed down then suddenly, I fell hard on my hand and side. I shook it off and considered the bruise on my knee a battle scar.

Still, I loved the game. I felt like a champion when I did well and the volley was solid.

How could this one sport be fairly easy for such a non-athlete like me?

"If you have any hand eye

coordination you can play racquetball. With a sport like tennis there's a lot of rules and you have to worry about hitting the net, but racquetball is really easy to pick up.

It's the easiest sport to play recreationally," Yuson said after the game.

I will be back to play, and I'll bring a friend in tow. I will become the Ryan Lochte of racquetball, and perhaps challenge Yuson to play me again, when my skill is up to par.

Equipment for racquetball can be rented at the front desk at the RCC, and courts are available during regular hours except during basketball and volleyball.

VIEWPOINTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

13

OUR VIEW

Exhaustion sets in as election comes to a close “I’m tired of Bronco Bama and Mitt Romney,” said 4-year-old Abigael Evans while listening to NPR presidential commentary.

The now-viral YouTube video, aptly titled “I’m Tired of Bronco Bama and Mitt Romney,” already has more than 1 million hits, proving that many Americans share Evans’ sentiments about the presidential candidates.

In the video, Evans is in tears after NPR commentary on Presidential incumbent Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

She is visibly exhausted by the excessive presidential election coverage on numerous news outlets. Taking

responsibility for Evans’ outburst, NPR actually issued her a public apology.

After months of debates, advertisements and discussions leading up to last night’s election, who can blame her?

Modern presidential elections have become spectacles, with more modes for disseminating information than ever before.

But what makes this year’s presidential election so tiring could be the enormous amount of negativity involved in both candidates’ campaigns.

Between Aug. 27 and Oct. 21, 19 percent of stories on Obama were favorable, 51 percent were mixed and 30

percent were unfavorable.

In Romney’s case, 15 percent were favorable, 47 were mixed and 38 were unfavorable, according to the Pew Research Center for the People and Press.

A recent study done by the Pew Center for Excellence in Journalism discovered that the enormous amount of negative media coverage on the election is actually far less common than negative commentary on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.

Social media has played an exceptionally significant role in this election cycle–presumably more than ever before. The online opinion of the presidential candidates

translates to the perceived the Wesleyan Media Project. public opinion, which ultiBoth candidates, as well as mately affects the media coverage of the presiden“Social media has tial race.

E s s e n t i a l l y, played an exceptionally the more scathsignificant role in ing the tweets or this election cycle – status updates, the more likely presumably more than media outlets ever before.” will focus on the negative aspects of a campaign.

Also adding to the negative their respective parties and atmosphere in the presiden- interest groups, financed tial race is the overexposure to 1,015,615 presidential adpresidential advertisements. vertisements between June 1 The number of presidential and Oct. 29, airing on local election advertisements has broadcast and national cable passed 1 million, according to stations. This is an increase

of over 39 percent since the 2008 election and a 41 percent increase since the 2004 election, according to the Wesleyan Media Project.

A number of these ads were either met with negative feedback or related to negative issues, seemingly turning this election cycle into one long smear campaign. Moreover, the excessive amount of money spent on these advertisements is insufferable.

Regardless of how exhausting this election cycle has become, it is over now, so hopefully politicians can invest their time in the more pressing concerns of the nation.

Steady tuition hikes may mean more student loans and debt

Hilltop Views Archive Tuition is set to increase another 8.5 percent for 2013-2014.

Curran Kelley ckelley3@stedwards.edu

During presidential campaigns, observers often look for an “October Surprise” that can change the election.

Unfortunately, St. Edward’s University has its own October surprise this year – another tuition hike.

Next year’s tuition will be a painful $33,320, a 8.5 percent increase from this year.

However, many students do not realize is that 8.5 percent is approximately the same increase as the last nine years in a row.

Including next year’s rise, students will have seen tuition rise $18,610 from ’03-

04 to ’13-14, a 127 percent hike.

To be fair, the campus we have today is very different than the one that existed back in 2003. In 2003, the science building, Fleck, Fine Arts, Dujarie, Basil Moreau Hall, Doyle, Premont, Hunt, Le Mans and Johnson residential village were either not built or unrenovated, not to mention dozens of smaller projects.

Additionally, we were right at the national private university average of 28,500 in 2011-12, so the increases of previous years still left us with below-average tuition.

However, students have two major concerns: lack of information about future rate increases and the way that financial aid and scholarships are set up.

As of now, tuition increases

are not formally communicated to current students until it is time for the next fall’s registration, and there is no public future tuition outlook available to students and their families. If tuition continues to increase at 8.5 percent each year for the next five years, tuition in 2018-19 will be in the neighborhood of $50,000 a year. At exactly, $50,099.21 this number will surpass most private universities across the country.

St. Edward’s student debt will continue to increase.

Sixty-five percent of the class of 2011 left St. Edward’s in debt, with each debtor having an average debt load of $32,828, according to The Project on Student Debt, a nonprofit research organization. Nationally, two-thirds of graduates had debt with an average of $26,600 each

in loans.

In addition, private college tuition in schools across the nation rose 29 percent from 2001 to 2011 as measured by College Board. These rising costs put a larger and larger burden on graduates.

According to the New York Federal Reserive, student loans passed credit card debt as the seconnd largest source of consumer debt last year by nearing $1 trillion dollars.

While the sticker tuition price may be posted online, most students do not pay that full amount. According to the university, over 87 percent of freshman receive grant or scholarship aid averaging $17,640 each.

However, what is not mentioned is that much of this aid does not increase with the price of tuition, meaning the amount of money students

are expected to pay rises each year.

For example, if a student received an annual $10,000 scholarship as a member of the class of 2014, they needed to come up with an additional $16,084 for the 20102011 year.

However, that number jumps to $23,320 by the time of their senior year of 201314.

While students may have been prepared to pay that $16,084 as a freshman, they may not be able to handle the $7,236 extra as a senior.

With the costs of tuition rising steadily each year and no forthcoming relief from rate hikes or indexed financial aid, students need to ask hard questions about how they are going to pay for school, and how the school is using their money.

14 VIEWPOINTS Various majors could benefit from studying Beyoncé’s career

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift: role model or petty pop diva? success in the last five years childish person who holds prove that Swift’s personal- grudges and ultimately bestrad@stedwards.edu ity sells as well as her music. wants to embarrass othOver five years, singerSwift is renowned for ers. Unlike Adele’s breaksongwriter Taylor Swift has writing songs that explic- up songs, Swift’s songs just accumulated an impressive itly talk about the people come off as immature. fan base that call themselves in her life, specifically those Swift’s songs build herself “Swifties.” who apparently have done up and break everyone she’s Swifties will certainly her wrong, esswoon when they learn that pecially in the Swift has become the first context of a “Writing exclusively female artist to have a pair romantic relaabout break-ups is a of albums sell more than a tionship. million units in one week.

If you break sure-fire way to sell As if the accomplish- up with Swift, your songs in this day ment of selling millions of you are bound albums is not enough, over to have an anand age–just look at the course of her five year gry break-up the success of Adele.” career Taylor Swift has been jam written honored with many awards. about you. The For example, Swift won the song detailing 2009 Video Music Award your break-up with Swift ever dated down. She has for Best Female Video – an will inevitably get played gotten away with her petty award that everyone can incessantly on both pop pop for so long because it agree should have gone to and country radio stations. is dressed up in sequins and somebody, anybody, else.

Swifties around the world cowboy boots.

While Swift did not de- will be singing your name.

So why is she a positive serve that award, she defiIt is no wonder audiences role model? Because she is nitely does deserve one for flock to Swift’s body of so relatable. her success in the last five work. Writing exclusively As a child, Swift was bulyears. about break-ups is a sure- lied in school and was really If Swift has accomplished fire way to sell your songs in driven to get her music to anything, it is perfecting a this day and age – just look the masses. However, that formula that would guaran- at the success of Adele. was then and this is now. tee her success.

Despite her success writBack then, it was a much Void of actual talent, she ing break-up songs, Swift simpler Taylor Swift with sells her personality instead. relates to the petty version just her and her acoustic Swift’s “nice girl” persona is a of ourselves we should never guitar. bigger draw than her vapid be.

But now, Taylor Swift country-pop ballads. Her Swift’s songs reflect a is changing into someone unrecognizable. With her new album, “Red,” Swift is no longer the once-bullied country sweetheart who is upset about her breakups.

Instead, she is a pop princess set on demeaning her exes, assuring them that they are “never, ever, ever getting back together.”

Depending on who she is dating, Swift becomes a different woman. But a real role model should not have Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/MCT to change their personality.

Bryanna Estrada

Lesli Simms lsimms2@stedwards.edu

With all due respect, one course was tragically missing from the spring 2013 undergraduate course listings.

A course that should be required at St. Edward’s University is "Snatchin’ Wigs: The History and Evolution of Beyoncé Gisele Knowles."

This class would fulfill numerous required and elective courses on campus. Without further ado, here are four reasons why this course is the best hypothetical class ever.

First and foremost, every student in any discipline could take this course.

Oh, you need to fulfill an elective for physics? How about you study the physics of the “Single Ladies” and “Run the World (Girls)” videos.

English Writing and Rhetoric major? Well, Beyoncé added a new word to Webster’s Dictionary.

Economics major? You should study the steady progression of every album’s record sales then compare them to the sales of every other pop icon.

Did you recently change your major to religious studies? A very valid argument could be made that Beyoncé’s Sasha Fierce Tour was a religious experience.

Every major in the school could study an aspect of The Queen B's career and life.

Secondly, this course can also be created as any one of the Cultural Foundations courses.

Consider all five Cultural Foundations courses required at St. Edward’s University.

There is Understanding and Appreciating the Arts, Literature and the Human Ex-

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/MCT Beyoncé will perform at the 2013 Super Bowl Halftime show.

perience, American Experience, American Dilemmas, History and Evolution of the Global Process, and Contemporary World Issues.

All four of Beyoncé’s albums are pure art. Maybe some people need an entire course to help them appreciate and understand their majesty.

Beyoncé is both an American experience and a global icon. Studying her influence on global culture would be an exciting course.

For example, a student could write his or her American Dilemmas paper on whether or not piracy laws are legal and/or effective.

By using Beyoncé as the overarching example, students could effectively write an essay presenting both sides of the argument.

Also, the history and evolution of Beyoncé as a worldwide phenomena is the embodiment of the CULF 3330 course.

Thirdly, Beyoncé as an artist fits in with the university’s global initiative. St. Edward’s has branded itself as a school that is globally conscious.

Whether pursuing service opportunities or academia, St. Edward's students are pushed to study abroad to gain a global perspective.

The university has almost a dozen sister schools around the world. Undoubtedly, Beyoncé is not only a global icon, but also a citizen of the world. Her global presence is perfectly congruent to the mission of this university.

Finally, a class like this has been successfully implemented before. Rutgers University offered a class on Beyoncé titled “Feminist Perspectives: Politicizing Beyoncé.”

Time Magazine even ran an article about the course.

Imagine The New York Times publishing an article about how a small private school in Austin is offering a religious studies course focusing on Beyoncé? This would only bring publicity to the university.

Any argument that attempts to deny the benefits of Snatchin’ Wigs: The History and Evolution of Beyoncé Gisele Knowles needs to go to the left.

Taylor Swift has won a total of six Grammy Awards.

VIEWPOINTS 15

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Minnesota task force to stop bullying includes unlikely leader Kelsey Acosta kacosta@stedwards.edu

In recent years, the grave consequences of youth bullying have come into the public consciousness. The emotional stress put on children and teens, especially those who identify as LGBTQ, has led to many highly publicized and tragic suicides.

In Minnesota, The AnokaHennepin School District recently created an anti-bullying task force to address the issue of bullying in its schools as part of a legal settlement.

Bullying in Anoka-Hennepin schools gained national attention after nine students committed suicide in the span of two years. All nine students were bullied by their

classmates, either for being LGBTQ or perceived as LGBTQ. The Anoka-Hennepin district falls within conservative Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann’s congressional district.

This alarming string of suicides prompted local government to label the area a "suicide contagion area."

The Department of Justice and the Office of Civil Rights both launched investigations into the school district.

The bullying also brought two lawsuits that claimed the distict had failed to adequately respond to persistent verbal and physical bullying based on real or perceived sexual orientation, according to LGBTQ Nation, an online

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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Jenna Jaco Nikki Hill News Editors Chloe Kirkpatrick Jonathan Coker Viewpoints Editors Mitch Harris Brooke Blanton Life & Arts Editors Shelby Cole Nolan Green Sports Editors

Hannah Smith Lisa Rodriguez Designers

Matthew Nuñez Photo Editor

Willa Goldberg Sara Sanchez Staff Writers Lesli Simms Copy Chief Travis Riddle Camille Eslick Heather Fasching Copy Editors

Cindy Mora Advertising & Business Manager Hannah Thornby Web/Social Media Marketing Manager Adam Crawley Landry Taylor Alex Boudreaux Interns Jena Heath Faculty Adviser

Hilltop Views is a weekly student newspaper published by the School of Humanities and serving the community of St. Edward’s University. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the university, whose mission is grounded in the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church.

Letter Policy: Hilltop Views welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for space, grammar and clarity. Letters will be published at our discretion. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

David Joles/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT Brittany Geldert was a plaintiff in one of the lawsuits.

magazine.

One of the conditions of the lawsuit settlement was to remove the district’s “neutrality” policy, which required teachers and district employ-

ees to take a neutral stance on issues of sexuality or sexual orientation, LGBTQ Nation reported.

The district was also required to put together a task

force to address the problem of bullying in the district.

The task force was intended to curb the bullying and harassment of students so that they could enjoy a safe educational environment, but then Bryan Lindquist was appointed to a prominent position on the board.

Lindquist is a prominent member of the Parents Action League, a Minnesota based anti-gay group that was recently added to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s list of active hate groups, specifically for demonizing and spreading lies about the LGBTQ community, according to Trust Wins Out. Lindquist champions scientifically discredited information about the LGBTQ

community.

The hateful mentality that Lindquist brings to the district contradicts the purpose of the task force. Appointing someone who is himself a bully is completely inappropriate.

This is not about politics or disclosing sexuality. It is about protecting kids who cannot protect themselves.

The students who committed suicide, regardless of their sexual orientation, were children, and nobody was there to protect them.

The purpose of the AnokaHennepin task force is to make sure that this does not happen again. It is working to ensure that all students are protected against bullying.

Online ‘trolling’ does both evil and good Jacob Sanchez jsanchen@stedwards.edu

With the rise of Internet communication also came people who are commonly called “trolls.”

Some trolls are people who just want to post off-topic comments to distract others on a website — these types of trolls are mostly harmless.

Harmful trolls are notorious for posting inflammatory comments, hoping to invoke a negative response from others.

These comments can be from the most harmless thing to something very shocking that potentially could lead to psychological harm.

A popular website target for trolls is Twitter.

Trolls often start Twitter hoaxes by tweeting fabricated death stories about a celebrity. However, many trolls have decided to take on celebrities

themselves. dent Obama’s choice if he reOne celebrity whom they leased his college transcripts have recently attacked is sing- and passport records. er Adele for her weight and Many people began to tweet baby’s health, but trolls like this are ultimately harm“Harmful trolls less. are notorious for While it may be posting inflammatory wrong to make fun of a person comments, hoping for their weight, to invoke a negative in America, these tweets are response from others.” protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution as long as they do the hashtag "#ThanksDonnot put anyone in immediate ald" which became a trending danger. topic on the site.

Instead of attacking someOne of the most recent inone just for their physical stances of trolling has been attributes, some trolls have a hoax claiming that Justin tried to do some good.

Bieber was diagnosed with For example, during Hur- cancer and that fans should ricane Sandy, many called on go "#BaldforBieber" by shavDonald Trump to donate the ing their heads. $5 million that he promised This hoax was exceptionally to give to a charity of Presi- elaborate, with a website and

photo gallery full of Photoshopped pictures of Bieber.

Many Bieber fans fell for the hoax, with about 900 people tweeting about the singer’s supposed cancer diagnosis.

There were even several sites claiming that a few fans had shaved their heads, but no evidence showed this to be true. The hoax was short lived, with the perpetrators claiming responsibility for it.

Overall, trolling is bad, and while trolls who actually do harm to others can usually be stopped via legal action or disabling their online accounts, ordinary trolls cannot be stopped.

It is up to good online citizens to stop harmful trolls from lurking on the Internet.

One must chose whether to ignore them, report them or block them and change their privacy settings.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS

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