Issue #4 - Sept. 30, 2009

Hilltop Views S t .

E d w a r d ’ s

U n i v e r s i t y

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Volume 26 | Issue 4

SEU graduates struggle Haleigh Svoboda Having a degree from St. Edward’s University may no longer guarantee that the class of 2009 gets a job.

Students spend thousands of dollars in order to graduate and advance to a career or graduate school. But recently- graduated students are having trouble finding jobs in the overwhelmingly competitive job market, said Elizabeth Garcia Nichols, who works in the Office of Career Planning.

Only 70 percent of August graduates have jobs, based on a survey of students by Career Planning.

Nichols said these students might not have a job in a field related to their degree or in a

professional field.

“They could be working at a place they have worked at all through college,” she said.

The same survey reported 23 percent of August graduates were looking for work, while 7 percent planned to attend graduate school.

Beaula Roop, a former student, thought she had landed a full-time job after completing a two-semester social work internship.

The Austin Travis County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, where she interned, hired her parttime in May intending to promote her to full-time work upon her graduation in August. The economy, however, prevented this.

Now Roop is without the

Student health plan changes Mary Fisher

Angel Alaniz

Emily Salazar, career counselor, with Adrien DeLeon, a juinor

benefits she would have if employed full-time.

“I’ve been looking for a job that is full-time,” Roop said.

“But there is nothing out there.”

Nichols said students could search for a job for four to six months after they graduate

before finding one.

Mallory Roberts, who graduated last May with a degree in finance, found herself in that situation.

“It has been difficult,” Roberts said. “The finance JOBS, 3

Pipe bursts, flooding Ragsdale Tommy Collins Tristan Hallman

Tristan Hallman

Jones Auditorium was submerged in water on Monday night.

Features: A new class explores the themes of Harry Potter. Page 9

A water line burst on Monday, flooding Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center, including Jones Auditorium, and forcing the power to be shut off in the entire building.

“A chilled water line in the mechanical room broke and flooded the room sometime last night,” Mike Stone, director of auxiliary services said Tuesday. “Water rose and shorted out the electrical

system in the building.”

The burst line feeds chilled water to the air conditioning units for both the Ragsdale building and Fondren Hall, said Michael Peterson, director of Physical Plant. About a foot of water flooded the mechanical room in the basement of Ragsdale.

As a result, the motors that pump the chilled water were submerged, and they need to dry out before they can be tested. If they are not full of FLOODING, 4

Sports: A pair of HillRaisers rally for school spirit. Page 13

As Congress debates President Barack Obama’s health care reform proposal, St. Edward’s University has made its own changes to its student health insurance program.

This year, the university changed the student health insurance plan from Texas True Choice to Multiplan for the fall 2009-2010 school year, said Willard Pannabecker, the director of Counseling and Health Services. The insurance provider, Academic HealthPlans, remained the same.

Mary Jones, a nurse practitioner in the university’s Health Center, said the switch has not drastically changed student’s coverage and Multiplan is similar to Texas True Choice, except for two differences.

The new plan offers students a stronger discount than the old plan. In addition, when students visit the health center and receive a referral before going to another doctor, the student’s co-payment is now waived.

“Under the health plan, students pay 20 percent while St. Edward’s pays 80 percent,” said Jones. “The new health plan keeps the same payment ratio but offers a greater discounted price, so the student pays

less money.”

Under the new health plan, students pay $479 per semester and $301 for the summer. The spring semester payment also covers the summer, so if spring is paid for, summer is not a separate cost.

Deductibles for individuals not in the university’s health plan can cost more than $1,000 a year.

The co-payment for a visit to a doctor’s office outside of the university is a set amount the student is required to pay upon the initial visit. The university’s health plan requires a $25 co-payment per visit.

“This saves money for both parties,” said Jones.

“The health center can take care of anything that does not need specialist, or, if a specialist is required, we can refer the student with no extra cost for the student.”

In order to inform students about the changes, St. Edward’s sent out a notice to students who were signed up for school health care. However, some students did not receive the information.

“I knew that they changed the plan, but that’s really it,” said Xavier Trevino, a senior.

HEALTH, 2

Entertainment: Hilltop Views guide to ACL aftershows. Page 5.

Page 2 | NEWS

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Memorial held on campus for professor Nancy Gonzalez The St. Edward’s University community gathered Saturday to celebrate the life of Sara Medina-Pape and the impact she had throughout her career.

Services for the retired theater professor were held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, followed by a reception outside Doyle Hall.

Faculty, family and friends shared memories of MedinaPape, who died Sept. 18th at the age of 56.

“A wife, mother, teacher, artist, and mentor,” said Ev Lunning, assistant professor of Theater Arts. “She would simply not give up. It’s not something she would consider.”

Medina-Pape began her career at St. Edward’s in 1990 working in the costume

shop. She eventually became a professor of Theater Arts and produced award-winning creations for the Mary Moody Northern Theatre.

Loved ones celebrated Medina-Pape’s extensive work and achievements during the ceremony. Amy Medina Repp recalls her sister’s fearless attitude and passion for adventure.

“She was a force to be reckoned with,” said Medina Repp. “But she made life so much fun. Always telling me to push myself and try new things.”

Her efforts extended to becoming an ardent supporter of the SEUganda Project, through which she was able to offer hands-on experience to students in order to provide relief to the women of Uganda.

After being diagnosed with

Cory Hahn

The memorial was held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel

pancreatic cancer in 2000, Medina-Pape faced her illness as a challenge, turning it into another opportunity to help others.

“Sara’s sense of commitment to her fellow human beings played a large part in her life,” said her husband,

Police Blotter Date

Time

Incident

Brian Pape. “And for the advancement of medical knowledge, she underwent clinical trial treatments in hopes she could help others.”

Melita Hawkins, a former theater student, remembered her professor as a caring friend years after taking her

class.

“During Hurricane Katrina, Sara let my family come stay with her in Austin until it was safe to go home,” said Hawkins. “That’s just the kind of person she was.”

T’Cie Mancuso, costume shop manager, wrote a farewell letter to Medina-Pape, praising her former colleague’s years of service at the university.

“You were a great teacher who always inspired your students to seek their own path,” said Mancuso. “And for that, they’ll always love you.”

Even at a young age, Medina-Pape’s childhood best friend, Nanci Taylor, recalled the enthusiastic nature of the girl who moved in next door the summer of 1967.

“Sara left a lasting impression in all our lives,” said Taylor. “And it’s wonderful

to know four decades later, nothing has changed.”

Medina-Pape’s children, Natalie and Ian Pape, joined their father for a final reflection, concluding with words of inspiration.

“Let her spirit of compassion and generosity live on in the lives she touched,” said Brian Pape.

“It’s what she would want from each of us.” ngonzal3@stedwards.edu

Health plan switched Continued from page 1

Location

Sept. 17

5:25 p.m.

Burglary of a vehicle

Premont parking lot

Sept. 21

3:15 p.m.

Burglary of a vehicle

St. Joseph Hall parking lot

Sept. 21

2:00 p.m.

Hit and run accidentdamage > $200

Woodward office building parking lot

Sept. 23

12:38 p.m.

Criminal trespass

Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel

Sept. 23

3:05 p.m.

Theft <$50

Recreation and Convocation Center

Sept. 25

12:56 p.m.

Criminal trespass

The woods near Premont Hall

Sept. 25

2:00 a.m.

Theft $50<$500

Dujarie-2nd floor west

Sept. 25

7:45 p.m.

Assault-threat to commit bodily injury

Ragsdale Center

Sept. 26

1:15 p.m.

Consumption of alcohol by a minor/public intoxication

Teresa/East parking lot

Trevino said even though St. Edward’s informed students, they should have done more.

“I was pretty upset when tuition when up,” said Trevino. “But if I would’ve known more about the changes and how they help me, it would’ve made me feel better. Any help is good.”

Other students, like sophomore Irma De La Cruz, agreed.

“I would have liked to have been more informed,” said De La Cruz. “I wish they would tell more people.”

The university did not feel the need to advertise the changes because they were extremely minor, Jones said.

De La Cruz also worried about her new insurance card, which she has not received yet. Most students who are covered by St. Edward’s insurance are in a

“I would have liked to have been more informed.” similar situation.

Peter J. Beilharz, the student financial services bursar, said Academic Health Plans waits to send out the insurance cards until after the 12th class day.

“We do this because it gives the students more time to decide whether they want insurance or not,” Beilharz said.

Additionally, a lot of students unintentionally check the insurance box on EdWeb without meaning to, Beilharz said.

Jones said if students get sick, they can download an temporary insurance card online to print out.

“They still receive coverage from the effective date until the end of the semester, they

just won’t receive their cards until later,” said Beilharz.

The new insurance coverage went into effect for the fall semester on Aug. 20. mfisher@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Jobs elusive for graduates Continued from page 1

industry is not exactly thriving.”

She has applied to bank jobs ever since she graduated. Last Friday, she found a job as a practice strategy specialist in the health care industry after five months of searching.

Senior Elyse Longoria, a communication major, will graduate this December, and her only work experience has been as a nanny and baby sitter.

“I’m really excited, but it is scary because of the economy,” she said.

Longoria said she is not sure what she is going to do once she graduates.

“If someone is going to pay me to do something, I’m going to do it,” Longoria said.

Getting a job depends on a student’s degree and field of interest, Nichols said.

Professional and service jobs have decreased, but the education, accounting, health care, government and sales industries are still hiring.

“We really encourage our students to look at jobs in the Federal government because they have been steady to increasingly hiring,” said Nichols.

The Federal government has been actively attempting to create new jobs within the public sector in an effort to counteract the lagging economy. Since the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed, about 25,000 government jobs have been created.

Nichols also recommended students look for employment with small- to medium-sized businesses because they are experiencing the most growth.

Graduate, new college, and undergraduate students are all competing with each

other for jobs now according to Nichols.

“Sometimes graduate students and new college students who have more experience are having to take jobs that are several levels down from where they should be looking at,” said Nichols.

Nichols said she has seen an increase in the number of students going to graduate school.

“I’m realizing that graduate school may be my only option,” said Jessica Cibik, who graduated last May, and has applied for 47 jobs before she stopped counting, including nine jobs this week.

And, Nichols said, the competitive job market is not limited to the class of 2009.

“Overall hiring for the class of 2010 is expected to decrease by 7 percent,” she said.

Despite this, senior Jonlee Martinez is not worried about getting a job as a police officer after he graduates next spring because the turnover rates for cities are so high.

“I am really confident that I will be hired,” Martinez said. “Maybe I am underestimating the competitiveness of the job market.”

Career Planning will be holding a resume formatting workshop on Sept. 30.

Nichols said that students should start their job search at least six months before they graduate.

“Apply for everything,” Roberts said. “The worst they can do is tell you that someone more qualified got the job.” hsvobod@stedwards.edu

NEWS | Page 3

German faculty use music The workshop also contained icebreaker games designed to get students speaking German.

Anke Zwietasch, a graduate student at UT who hopes to teach German at the high school or college level, said that she thinks the method will be effective in the classroom.

“It’s good to be reminded of simple strategies that you Christina Villarreal can actually use,” Teachers present an activity at a recent German workshop Zwietasch said.

Per Urlaub, assistant professor of Gerteaching abilities, having won Tristan Hallman manic Studies at the Universeveral awards. sity of Texas at Austin, said High school and college Esa said he developed his he found the workshop to be German teachers from South teaching methods because of useful and interesting.

Texas gathered for a work- his own dislike of the tradi“I think most of this is shop at St. Edward’s Univer- tional textbook-based style, targeted at high school stusity on Saturday looking for enforcing grammar and readdents, but it is something we new methods for teaching ing, that he was taught. can easily modify for collegeGerman.

“I knew that music was the aged learners,” he said.

The workshop, held in Ma- way to learn,” he said, “but I Urlaub just began teachbee Ballroom, was based on knew I had to teach language ing after he received a Ph.D. using music and other inter- and not music. I am not a from Stanford University in active teaching methods to music teacher.”

2008.

He took over as Vice teach the German language.

The key to learning the Kerstin Somerholter assistant professor of European languages, sponsored “I knew that music was the way and organized the workshop to learn.” through her capacity as president of the South Texas -Professor Mohamed Esa chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German. The association puts on German-related events sev- language through music, Esa President of the South Texeral times a year. said, is keeping the students as chapter of AATG at the “The teachers sacrifice their engaged by using a three-step workshop on Saturday.

The workshop also serves Saturdays and come to these process. The first step begins events because they want with activities for students to as a recruiting tool for the to leave with methods that learn the vocabulary words university, Somerholter said. make students more likely and sentences in the song, High school teachers take to learn everything they can,” without hearing it first. In university brochures and inSomerholter said. the second step, the students formation back with them to Somerholter said she de- listen to the song and watch give to their students.

One of the high school cided to bring in Mohamed a video that connects images Esa ,a McDaniel College As- with the lyrics. The third step teachers was Evelyn Saucier sociate Professor from Mary- is for students to actively dis- of Westwood High School land, to teach the workshop. cuss the song and its mean- in Round Rock, Texas. Last year, Saucier received the Somerholter said she made ing. the decision after watching “If you listen to a song like Outstanding German EduEsa speak at the national that, you will learn the gram- cator Award from the nationAATG conference and be- mar without realizing it,” Esa al AATG. Saucier said that she employs similar teaching cause of his well-known said.

strategies.

“I love teaching with music,” Saucier said. “Students really start to understand the sound patterns of the German language, which is really the most important thing.”

Somerholter left her spot as president of the organization on Saturday so that she can head to Angers, France to teach at the university’s satellite campus in the spring.

Somerholter hopes the German program will remain steady and eventually grow at the university. She said other workshops have helped her employ newer methods like blogging and podcasting in her German classes.

However, this semester, there are 44 students enrolled in German language classes compared to 134 in French classes. Somerholter said the reason for the growth of the French language program is the creation of the Angers program.

“I don’t want French to kill the German program,” Somerholter said. “We need to emphasize study abroad for Germany.”

Somerholter said that she believes the influence of German immigrants in Texas and strong high school programs will keep the German program stable. The university has already recently nixed the Italian program due to a lack of interest. Currently, the university currently offers Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese up to intermediate levels. Spanish is the only language that is offered as a major.

Somerholter said she encourages students to learn multiple languages and hopes to tweak the curriculum to make it easier to do so.

“You are going to be so much more marketable if you have language skills,” Somerholter said. thallma2@stedwards.edu

GAMES | Page 4

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Student Government reviewing its rules Alex Lamb The Student Government Association is reviewing its rules in an effort to strengthen the organization.

Chris Duke, vice president of Intergovernmental Affairs, introduced the Constitutional Convention Act of 2009, sponsored by Alex Simons, sophomore executive senator.

The act, proposed on Sept.

10 and currently under review in the IGA committee, lists some two dozen amendments to the organization’s elections manual, bylaws and constitution.

Duke said the implementation of an in-house accountability and review mechanism is by far the most important thing being discussed in SGA this semester, and even possibly this year.

Within SGA, class senators and committees would have the means to review their members and recommend those deemed to be underperforming to a review board. This action could in turn place the person in ques-

tion in a probationary status, which would itself be subject to review. Members who consistently fail to meet SGA expectations, as established by a series of performance metrics, would be removed from the organization, and any scholarships awarded to those students would be revoked.

“We’re one of the very few chartered organizations [on campus] still that doesn’t do performance review,” Duke said.

A recall mechanism is also on the list of proposed amendments. Currently the only mechanism for removal of SGA officials is through impeachment, an in-house process. Implementing a recall mechanism would offer the student body a direct avenue to remove underperforming SGA members.

“If the student electorate thinks the Senate is not policing its own, then the students ultimately should have the responsibility and the authority to recall representatives,” Duke said.

Maryssa Perez

The new freshman and school senators have been sworn in.

Duke has also proposed the elimination of vote-holding new college and graduate school representatives. Barring some exceptions, he said it is an anomaly to even have these students interested and he claims that the seats have more often than not lain vacant during his time in SGA. “If we can’t attract those different members, then I don’t see the problem with them being just students or associate members,” he said.

The act also features a proposal to increase the campaign spending caps for presiden-

tial and vice-presidential candidates from $200 to $500, and for senatorial candidates from $100 to $250. Candidates usually self-finance, but fundraising is allowed. Even though Duke said money doesn’t determine who will win a campaign, he wants to ensure candidates have access to as much money as possible. Duke himself raised the most funds of any candidate in last Spring’s elections.

“It not clear that there is a link between the amount of money spent and how successful you are,” Duke said.

“But it is “pretty difficult to run a campaign with $200.”

Also suggested within the act is that the scopes of SGA’s involvement director, marketing director and finance director be fine tuned and specified to reduce the amount of work that overlaps between departments. It additionally suggests widening the scope of the Student Court of Appeals, to move beyond the image of a traffic court.

“It’s all about simplifying university services,” Duke said. “My hope is that we can create this one-stop shop where you can appeal traffic tickets, but also other things.”

Other proposals included re-allowing current highranking SGA members to endorse their peers in SGA for a candidacy, allowing for special referendums during the spring elections to be posed to the student electorate, making the elections commissioner an independent agency only responsible to student advisors, and de-

veloping a permanent endowment fund which would serve as a savings account for money raised privately by SGA. The fund would be complete with savings formulas to only allow for withdrawals following the completion of given savings goals.

Duke said he hopes to put a permanent, strong and flexible charter up to a vote soon, and that students will also, eventually, have a stake in the decision through a spring referendum to approve or disapprove of whatever SGA decides this semester.

Information regarding the current SGA constitution and bylaws, as well as copies of bill passing through SGA, meeting agendas and committee minutes can be found at stedwards.collegiatelink. net. Current students should use their SEU usernames and passwords to sign in. IGA committee meetings are open to the public. SGA meetings are Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Mabee Ballroom. alamb@stedwards.edu

Flooding in Ragsdale closes buildings indefinitely Continued from page 1

debris and mud, then things will be back to normal. If they are damaged, then other repairs will need to take place, he said.

The burst pipe has already been replaced, Peterson said, but it will not be safe to run water through until 10:30 a.m. today after the glue connecting the pipe has dried.

Although some lights are back on in Fondren Hall and in Ragsdale, it is unclear at press time when the buildings will be reopened.

Physical Plant is now working to dry out the mechanical room. The floor in the mechanical room is covered in mud.

Tristan Hallman

The mechanical room is still being dried out after the flooding.

“Right now we’re just working through it,” Peterson said.

Stone estimated that the water rose anywhere from

two to four inches high in Jones Auditorium. The water overflowed from the mechanical room into the Jones lobby and into the auditorium. The

auditorium carpet, which was soaked by the flooding, had been replaced this past summer.

The report of the flooding came from a student at about 6 p.m., Lt. Dan Beck said. An officer responded and notified the Physical Plant.

“Our main concern is making sure its dry enough to be safe,” Stone said.

In response, Bon Appétit has moved all of its food services to its Hunt Hall location. Bon Appétit was going to host its “Eat Local Challenge” on Tuesday in the South Congress Market in Ragsdale, but the event was moved to Hunt Hall Cafe.

The flooding comes a week after several rooms in the

Main Building were damaged by flooding. In that incident, a clapper valve in the fire sprinkler system broke, flooding Room 105, the Advancement office, the Student Financial Services office, and some carpeting in the cam-

pus post office.

“We ought to just cancel Mondays,” Peterson said. tcollin@stedwards.edu thallma2@stedwards.edu

Tristan Hallman

Meadows Coffee House remains open with limited service.

ENTERTAINMENT

5 Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Beyond the mainstage: ACL acts to catch Ryan Lester Headliners Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band and Kings of Leon are likely to be the main draw at Austin City Limits this year. Yet sometimes, the best performances can occur slightly off the main stage or earlier in the day. Check out our list of eight ACL acts you don’t want to miss.

Sonic Youth: There is a reason this band is still relevant after 25 years. Always innovative and displaying mastery with their instrumentation and technical skills, the Brooklyn quartet have influenced countless followers with their distinct sound. This is a set not to be missed.

Arctic Monkeys: The Arctic Monkeys are easily one of the most consistent bands in recent years. With three solid albums under their belt, including the recently released “Humbug,” the band has more than enough witty, smart songs to please the crowd.

The Decemberists: It is anyone’s guess how a band whose songs owe a hefty debt to British literature and Japanese folk tales became a dominating force in the indie rock community. But in the hands of such able musicians, does it really matter? The Decemberists plan to play their newest album, “The Hazards of Love,” in its entirety.

Grizzly Bear: This band has

Meatballs rains on box office Candice Rogers “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” is an adventurous comedy for all ages—and, apparently, all ages went to see it in theaters its opening weekend, where it debuted at number one in the nation.

“Meatballs,” the third theatrical release from Sony Pictures Animation, stars Bill Hader (“Saturday Night Live”) as the voice of the story’s hero, Flint Lockwood, and Anna Farris (“Scary Movie”) as the voice of Flint’s love interest, Sam Sparks.

While the book the movie is based upon, written

by Judi and Ron Barret, is about a grandfather telling his grandchildren stories of the town Chewandswallow, where food that falls from the sky three times a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—the movie focuses

on Lockwood’s discovery of how to turn water into food to provide more variety for the town’s diet. Before Lockwood’s invention, a sardine store was Chewandswallow’s only food source, but when the food Lockwood creates gets bigger and falls from the sky harder, the town is put in danger.

“Meatballs” is available in 3D, but there are few 3D elements in the movie, and they disappoint. Save your money, see the regular version and get the same experience.

While fans that expect the movie to have the same storyline as the book may be disappointed, viewers wanting to see a different, exciting version of the “Meatballs” story should be pleased. crogers4@stedwards.edu

Victoria Rodriguez

The Austin City Limits musicl festival began in 2002.

gained an intense amount of praise for their third album, “Veckatimest.” Carefully calculated and filled with many catchy and intricate songs, the acclaim is not unwarranted. Grizzly Bear have a continually growing fan base, and they will ride with this momentum into the festival.

Andrew Bird: The Chicago-based violin virtuoso has a knack for playing music with lush instrumentation and lyrics that can make even the most word-savvy person reach for a dictionary.

Whether other people join him onstage, or he is performing as a one-man band,

Bird is worth seeing.

Phoenix: These Frenchmen thrive on writing infectious tracks. The fact that they are well-crafted numbers with catchy arrangements and lead singer Thomas Mars’ distinct voice will make you happy that you have “Lisztomania” stuck in your head for days to come.

Bon Iver: Justin Vernon’s home recorded, introspective songs may not seem ideal for a festival setting, but there is no doubt that the emotions found in his debut album “For Emma, Forever Ago” will transcend to the audience, no matter the venue.

The Walkmen: With their distinct sound and an arsenal of songs that are as catchy as

they are endearing, the band have proven time and again why they survived the oversaturation of the New York scene earlier in the decade.

Their live shows are truly moving.

DeVotchKa: Heavily influenced by Eastern European and Spanish music, DeVotchKa bring an international flavor to the indie scene, despite being from Denver. A DeVotchka show is capable of getting all of those in attendance dancing, whether or not they want to. rlester@stedwards.edu

No wristband? HTV Guide to ACL aftershows

mmcnall@stedwards.edu

Complied by Michael McNally

Thursday October 1, 2009 Band

Venue

Tickets

Doors

The Walkmen and Blitzen Trapper w/ Wye Oak

Emo’s (Outdoor)

$22

9 p.m.

School of Seven Bells w/ Phantogram

Emo’s (Indoor)

$15

9 p.m.

Friday October 2, 2009 Band

Venue

Devotchka w/ Los Amigos Invisibles Deer Tick w/ The Henry Clay People Alberta

La Zona Rosa Emo’s (Indoor)

Tickets

Doors

$21

9:30 p.m.

$15*

10 p.m.

Saturday October 3, 2009 Band

Venue

Thievery Corporation w/ Federico Aubele

Stubb’s (Outdoor)

Grizzly Bear w/ Beach House

Emo’s (Outdoor)

Sunday October 4, 2009 Band

Venue

Tickets $40

$25*

Tickets

Doors

8 p.m.

10 p.m.

Doors

Ghostland Observatory

Stubb’s (Outdoor)

$31

8 p.m.

Bon Iver w/ Mega Fuan

Paramount

$25**

8 p.m.

*Sold Out

**Sold Out-Obstructed seats available. Call 1-866-977-6849 for details.

Page 6 | ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Album Reviews Muse Rachel Winter Muse fans devoted to the passion and frenzy of past albums will not be disappointed with the band’s latest effort, “The Resistance.”

Matthew Bellamy and company have changed little about their sound, subscribing to the old adage that, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

However, the few changes they do make are successful

in keeping the band’s signature sound fresh.

The opening track, “Uprising” is classic Muse, with

sweeping, theatrical instrumentals that complement ominous verses about the government’s control of its people (“Another promise/ Another seed /Another packaged lie to keep us trapped in greed”).

The theme of rebellion continues with the title track, whose chorus claims, “Love is our Resistance.“ This line establishes the central theme of the album, and, ac-

cording to the band, is based on author George Orwell’s idea that making love is the ultimate form of resistance (as demonstrated in his dystopian novel 1984).

While several of the songs on the album follow the same formula as those of previous albums, the band really shines in the moments on “The Resistance” when Muse dares to deviate from expected style. One of those

Brand New Holly Aker Brand New is like a continuously developing butterfly.

The band hit the scene in 2001 as a mere larva with the punk-pop album “Your Favorite Weapon.”

Then with 2003’s “Deja Entendu,” Brand New hatched into a caterpillar that began to inch away from punk-pop genre with a more alternative sound.

For the next three years, Brand New shut themselves up in a cocoon. When they emerged, Brand New had become a beautiful butterfly with the release of the much anticipated “The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Us.” The album was completely different than their two previous albums with intense, experimental songs.

After promoting “The Devil,” Brand New returned to their cocoon. This time when the band emerged with “Daisy” in September 2009, Brand New became a butterfly more gorgeous and more intricate than ever

before.

“Daisy” is unlike anything Brand New has ever put out and unlike anything fans could have expected.

The album has a raw, darker sound and a fierceness that draws listeners in.

The album experiments with all different kinds of sounds and effects. The bass is more prominent, the guitars have more reverb, the drums more booming, and the solos more gravitydefying.

The song “Vices” starts out the album with an old church hymn and then blasts into the intense screams of lead

most notable tracks, “United States of Eurasia,” channels Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and takes full advantage of Bellamy’s impressive vocal range (which is oddly reminiscent of Freddie Mercury). “I Belong To You” is also a standout, with jazzy instrumental elements that set it apart from the usual arrangements.

The final three tracks, “Exogenesis: Symphony,

Parts 1-3” flow together beautifully, breaking up the structure of the album in a way that successfully catches and holds the interest of the listener.

While Muse has not made any major changes to their sound, the band has taken just enough risks with “The Resistance” to keep its music engaging and inventive. rwinter@stedward.edu

Thrice singer Jesse Lacey. These screams are heard on the majority of the rest of “Daisy” as the tortured soul of Lacey belts out the themes of loneliness, death, and hardships.

One of the most bizarre tracks on “Daisy” and in Brand New history is “Be Gone.” No effect is spared on this track with what could very easily be a sitar as the main instrument.

Lacey’s voice is also altered with: a mechanical effect makes the lyrics almost completely indecipherable.

The only aspect that is continued from previous Brand New albums is the deep Christian theme.

Nearly every song has an outright Christian reference although some are buried deeper than others.

The song “Daisy” starts out

with a clip of man introducing a song on the radio, and this song, “Just As I Am,” is in fact a very old church hymn. Many fans are unaware of Brand New’s constant Christian themes, but “Daisy” makes these references clearer than any previous album.

The biggest change in “Daisy” is the songwriter.

Lacey handed over the position of main songwriter to guitarist Vincent Accardi for the album though Lacey did help in some stages of writing.

This shift could very possibly be the cause for the drastic change in style. Taking such a big risk with the style change could mean a few things for Brand New: it could either increase fan base, or leave old fans with a bad taste. However, being the ever-evolving butterfly that is Brand New, fans should know by now to expect the unexpected. haker@stedward.edu

Leslie Ethridge Only a year after the success of “The Alchemy Index,” post-hardcore innovators Thrice have released their newest LP, “Beggars.”

Their first full-length album since 2005’s “Vheissu,” “Beggars” is in a category all its own, and Thrice has once again amazed fans with their ability to create music that is more diverse than ever before.

“Beggars” continues to display the different styles seen in “The Alchemy Index,” their four-volume set released as “Fire,”“Water,”“Air” and “Earth,” which established Thrice as a talented band with the ability to combine their post-hardcore style with electronica and alternative.

Their ability to go beyond their designated category

is no less evident in “Beggars.” It contrasts every album Thrice has previously recorded with a different sound that was created by combining all the elements of their influences. The four band mates, Dustin Kensrue, Teppei Teranishi and brothers Eddie and Riley Breckenridge, established “Beggars” early on as an album they would make for themselves.

Produced by Teranishi, the band’s lead guitarist, and written by Kensrue, the band’s lead vocalist, “Beggars” is solemn in both lyrics and melodies. The

Catch Brand New and Thrice together at La Zona Rosa on October 28th.

Thrice, 6

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fox bites in new film Amber Burton “Jennifer’s Body,” the latest film from “Juno” writer/director Diablo Cody, is a film with no qualms about its identity. It is a darkly-comedic horror film that knows exactly what it’s doing.

Centered on Jennifer Check (Megan Fox), a high school student who turns into a man-eating monster, the film is full of classic horror movie devices: creepy nighttime shots, scenes where you want to shout “what are you doing? That’s stupid!,” evil rock bands and gratuitous cleavage with attention to the female form.

While Cody’s trademark sarcastic humor sometimes feels out of place in the darker themes of the movie and the characters’ made-up slang sometimes snags, the trueto-its-horror-movie-roots feeling still makes for an entertaining experience.

Viewers who remember Amanda Seyfried as the dumb blond Karen in “Mean

Girls” will be surprised by her performance as Anita “Needy” Lesnicky. Seyfried plays the part of the traumatized heroine who can’t get anyone to believe her.

While it’s probably not going to win any Oscars and many may call the film stupid, its other qualities should keep most audience members

interested, if for no other reason than to stare at Megan Fox’s generous cleavage.

“Jennifer’s Body” is a movie that begs the question: is it simply stupid, or so stupid that it’s brilliant? Viewers will have to make up their minds. aburton3@stedwards.edu

ENTERTAINMENT | Page 7

Furtado es numero uno

Danny De Los Santos Nelly Furtado vuelve más Latina que nunca. In other words, Nelly Furtado is back and she’s more Latin than ever. The Canadian-Portuguese singer/songwriter has released her fourth album entirely in Spanish titled, “Mi Plan.”

Furtado is no stranger to Latin music after having collaborated with artists such as Juanes, Winsin y Yandel, and Calle 13; the singer has finally connected with her Latina roots to compose what sounds to be her most personal album yet.

Furtado has already made history with her first single, “Manos Al Aire,” which hit number one on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. This is the first time a North American artist has reached number one with a Spanish song that has not been translated into English. The song has also been ranked number one in Germany, Italy, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Spain and

all of Central America.

On “Mi Plan,” Furtado weighs the dynamics of romantic relationships with songs such as “Más” and “Manos Al Aire.” In “Suficiente Tiempo,” Furtado discusses the struggles of having a busy schedule without enough time to accomplish everything. “Bajo Otra Luz,” “Vacación” and “Mi Plan” are upbeat songs that convey Latin acoustics and percussions meshed with Furtado’s pop vocals. “Feliz Cumpleaños” is an emotional ballad about missing a former

lover. Furtado aims to connect with and broaden her audience with feeling and language.

The album contains starstudded collaborations including Josh Groban, Alejandro Fernández, Juan Luis Guerra, Julieta Venegas, La Mala Rodríguez, Buika and Alex Cuba.

“Mi Plan” is a unique album that can appeal to loyal Nelly Furtado fans and Latin music lovers alike. dedeloss4@stedwards.edu

Informant squeals funny Thrice diversifies sound Carl Mamula This fall, director Steven Soderbergh (“Erin Brockovich”, “Ocean’s Eleven”) brings us “The Informant!” Based on Kurt Eichenwald’s book of the same name (sans exclamation mark), the film adaptation stars Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale, and Melanie Lynskey. The movie follows the true story of Mark Whitacre (Damon), a higher-up at the lysine developing company ADM, as he finds himself in the role of informant for the FBI. He is pressured into reporting on all of ADM’s illegal price-fixing schemes. As he struggles between helping the government and maintaining his good image at the company,

his lies begin to catch up with him.

The film takes on a more light-hearted, humorous tone than its subject matter would lead one to believe: Whitacre’s stream of thoughts is sure to amuse audiences. “The Informant!” is best categorized as a “dark comedy.” Arguably, the strongest performances come from Damon and Lynskey- who plays Whitacre’s wife. The supporting actors carry their weight as the slew of businessmen and government officials who eventually become Whitacre’s worst nightmare.

Although the movie doesn’t qualify as one of the greatest modern films, it has few significant shortcomings and is worth watching for the 108

Continued from page 5

minutes that it runs. At the very least, “The Informant!” is an entertaining depiction of the true events upon which it was based. cmamula@stedwards.edu

opening track, “All the World is Mad,” sets the mood for the entire album with the lyrics: “Something’s gone terribly wrong with everyone/All the world is mad/Darkness brings terrible things; the sun is gone/ What vanity!”

Alongside the lyrics, the guitar riffs developed by Teranishi are all beautifully complex.

Breckenridge’s drumming is creative, driving forward the voice of Kensrue. Each song has been intricately recorded to match the sound the band wanted to create, different from the harsh melodies of “Fire” but as lyrically depressing as “Water.”

Most evident in “Beggars” are the influences each member has incorporated.

At the end of “In Exile,” it is easy to recognize a Coldplay worthy sound that would never be expected of Thrice.

Similarly, the vocals on “The Great Exchange” hold a similar melody to Radiohead’s “Nude.” But least expected of Thrice were the literary influences featured in the album. While the title “Beggars” gets its name from Martin Luther’s final words, the track “Doublespeak” contains words from C.S. Lewis and George Orwell.

Overall, the entire album is as meditative and haunting as “Water” and as vibrant as “Earth” but lacks the mainstream catch of

2002’s “Artist in the Ambulance.” While “The Alchemy Index” may have put Thrice on the map as more than just a grunge post-hardcore band, “Beggars” expands on their talent. It showcases the band’s ability to progress in an upward direction while never fearing that the band has to stay in the confines of one genre. lethrid@stedward.edu

FEATURES

8 Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Poet kicks off Visiting Writers Series Michael McNally The Visiting Writer Series, sponsored by the School of Humanities, kicked off the year with Carrie Fountain, assistant professor of English Writing and Rhetoric, who read selections from her book, “Burn Lake.”

“We’re delighted that Carrie has been recognized for her work, and we take great pride in having her as a part of our faculty this year,” said Kate Rosati, administrative coordinator for the School of Humanities.

“Burn Lake” is set in New Mexico and explores the theme of the quickly changing face of Southwest America. Included in the portions of the book Fountain read was a collection of five poems also entitled “Burn Lake.”

Additionally, Fountain read two poems from a second collection on which she is currently working, entitled “The Talent of the Body.”

Fountain said that she always had a predisposition to words and language at an early age, but she didn’t begin to write poetry until she was in high school.

“Like most teenagers, I turned to poetry to figure out what the heck was going on,” she said.

Fountain went on to study both English and theater as an undergraduate student, but later she was reminded of her interest in poetry.

added 30 more pages to her collection by that Christmas.

The last 30 pages revolve around Spanish explorer Don Juan Oñate’s trek through the deserts of New Mexico in search of the North Sea. “I’ve always been fascinated by this story and the concept

“Be outrageously brave in your reading.”

—Carrie Fountain

“Poetry [was] my first love,” said Fountain.

While she was in graduate school at the Michener Center for Writers, she began to work on her collection of poems, “Burn Lake.”

After working on “Burn Lake” for five to six years, she went to one of her good friends for advice last August. Fountain’s friend said the book was too short and needed at least 30 more pages.

“It was very hard to hear; I had considered it done for years,” Fountain said.

Nevertheless, Fountain

of absolute not knowing,” Fountain said.

This concept is a recurring theme in the book.

“At this point in my life as a writer, I find adolescence as a kind of setting for a poem,” said Fountain. “The veil is lifted, and there is the notion of not knowing what happens next.”

Upon the completion of “Burn Lake,” Fountain began to enter several first-book poetry contests, but she had little success.

After submitting her work three times to the National Poetry Series Competition,

Fountain’s “Burn Lake” won.

Her collection was granted publication by Penguin Book Publishers.

The National Poetry Series is an extremely selective contest. According to the contest’s Web site, the National Poetry Series was established to increase the support given to American poets and to broaden the audience of poetry in the United States.

Only five writers win this award each year. Furthermore, Penguin Book Publishers only publishes two poetry collections a year.

“I was absolutely blown away,” Fountain said of her award. “Not many unpublished poets win open contests, let alone advance to the finalist stage.”

To keep her writing skills sharp, Fountain said she writes every morning, which can difficult.

“The biggest challenge is keeping a hold of that thread because it is an ongoing thing. It doesn’t end with a book,” said Fountain. “The most challenging thing about writing is also the most rewarding.”

Fountain’s advice to aspir-

Courtesy of Kate Rosati

Carrie Fountain won the National Poetry Series Competion, which grants poets publication by Penguin Book Publishers.

ing writers is to keep in mind that writing is a practice, and publication isn’t.

“Publication is not the end of writing,” said Fountain.

However, her biggest piece of advice is to read all kinds of work—novels and poems by writers a student find inaccessible and tricky.

“Be outrageously brave in your reading,” said Fountain. mmcnall@stedwards.edu

Words of Writing Wisdom Fountain recommended that young writers adhere to the same words W. S. Merwin, a poet, was told by his mentor. Merwin refers to these words of wisdom in the poem, “Berryman:”

I asked how can you ever be sure that what you write is really any good at all and he said you can’t

Nolan Green

Carrie Fountain spoke to guests and read from her collection of poetry for the writing series.

you can’t you can never be sure you die without knowing whether anything you wrote was any good if you have to be sure don’t write

Corrections In the Sept. 23 issue of the Hilltop Views, Sarah Flohr’s name was misspelled in a photo caption.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, September 30, 2009

FEATURES | Page 9

Shirley’s new class spellbinds students Amber Burton Harry Potter fanatics unite.

St. Edward’s University now offers a class on the religious symbolism found in the bestselling series, “Harry Potter.”

The course, RELS 2342 Special Topics in Religious Studies: Themes in Harry Potter, is taught by Edward Shirley, professor of Religious Studies.

The idea for the class came to Shirley several years ago when he was teaching a special topics course on the symbolism in C. S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia.”

“The ‘Harry Potter’ books are just full of religious imagery,” Shirley said. “I’d noticed that the same people that loved ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ seemed to hate ‘Harry Potter,’ and I thought it was interesting, so I decided I wanted to do a class on ‘Harry Potter.’”

While the idea was there, it was quite some time before Shirley was able to realize his dream.

“I kept saying, ‘Well, let’s wait until Rowling finishes the books,’” Shirley said.

Since the class is Shirley’s idea, he created the curriculum for the class as well, with the help of his teaching assistant, junior Lauren May. T h e

class consists of four houses— Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Each house competes for house points throughout the semester, which students can earn by answering questions.

“This course was literally created over a plate of curly fries at EZ’s,” May said. “We sat there for two hours, toss-

ing ideas back and forth.”

“Lauren came up with about 80,000 ideas for the class,” Shirley said. “Students are organized into houses, and we’ve got the House Cup going. She’s great.”

May said she considered herself to be Shirley’s partner in this class.

“I am the McGonagall to his Dumbledore,” May said.

The class was immediately popular among students,

The required reading for the course includes five of the seven books in the series: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

Engel, who also took Shirley’s ‘Chronicles of Narnia’

“Whether Rowling intended it or not, there are Christ symbols throughout the books.”

—Edward Shirley

filling up during registration within the first eight minutes, according to Shirley.

“We had people literally begging [Assistant to the Dean] Kim Livingston to let them in the class,” May said.

Senior Nicole Engel, who has taken several courses with Shirley in the past, said she could hardly wait to take the “Harry Potter” class. “[Shirley] told me my freshman year that he eventually wanted to teach a ‘Harry Potter’ class, and I have been waiting four years for it to finally happen. I’m a huge ‘Harry Potter’ fan. I’m really curious to see what religious symbolism

w e find in the books.

It’s a whole new way of reading them,” said Engel.

course, said she expects the two classes to be very similar.

She said looks forward to examining the novels in detail.

“My favorite part of the class so far is probably the points system they’ve created for the houses,” Engel said. “That and watching a “Potter Puppet Pals” video at the start of class. Professor Shirley always keeps us laughing and the class int e re s t ing,”

added Engel.

The majority of the time spent in class is devoted to exchanging ideas about the different religious contexts encountered in the books.

“Whether Rowling intended it or not, there are Christ symbols throughout the books,” Shirley said. “Lots of people don’t want to think of Harry as a Christ symbol because, to them, Christ symbol means ‘it is Jesus,’ and that’s just not right. You can have eight different Christ symbols in one story.”

Shirley finds it difficult to understand how some consider the books to be a bad influence.

“People get agitated about the books, calling them ‘anti-family,’ or saying they teach kids there is no right or wrong,” Shirley said.

“How is it anti-family? All Harry wants is his parents, and Dumbledore is walking around saying the greatest force in the universe i s

love,” said Shirley.

“A n d t h e n you’ve got the Weasleys, who are the

epitome of an Irish-Catholic family,” May said.

“Exactly! As far as right and wrong, there’s one line, ‘There is no good or evil, there is only power,’ and who says it? Voldemort! The bad guy,” Shirley said.

Shirley also objected to fabricated claims, such as Rowling being Wiican at some time in her life.

“I hear people saying things that are completely made up like, ‘Oh, well, Rowling used to be a witch,’ and the people that believe these things, and pass them on—well, they’re the real Death Eaters,” joked Shirley.

Part of the problem people have with the books, Shirley believes, is that Rowling has admitted to

struggling with her own faith.

“People act like no real Christian has ever struggled with faith,” Shirley said. “I don’t know that she purposely put in all the imagery, but it’s just so much a part of her thinking that it comes out.”

May said she hopes the class

will help students look at the literary realm with a more critical eye.

“I really hope students do come away with the idea that these aren’t just kids’ books, and maybe look closely at all books and not just take them at face level,” May said. “It’s like this great cultural study.

In 50 years, will these be our great Tolkien novels?”

As far as grading goes, students have three papers to write over the course of the semester and are expected to fully participate in discussions.

“People ask me how I grade, and I just tell them it’s about Transfiguration,” Shirley said. “I mean, if you can make something out of a teacup you’re good to go.” aburton3@stedwards.edu

Photo by Eloise Montemayor

Edward Shirley, pictured, teaches RELS 2342 Special Topics in Relgious Studies: Themes of Harry Potter.

Page 10| FEATURES

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views

The Austin Primer

Sixth Street the social hub of Austin Jeni Obenhaus The Austin Primer is a new biweekly column that will feature various facets of Austin that locals love most.

try to rock, hip-hop, beat, progressive, metal, punk and derivations of these, there’s something to wet everyone’s musical palette,” according to http://www.6street.com.

The street is lined with several historic houses and commercial buildings, like the notable Driskill Hotel

from Congress Avenue to I-35, as reported by News 8 Austin.

“Sixth Street draws an eclectic bunch including endless streams of mostly single UT students, the YUP’s, the burb’s, some interesting street folk and lot’s of out of town visitors,” according to

Sixth Street is one of the most renowned streets in the nation. Nestled in the heart of the city, Sixth Street has a rich history and, over the decades, has become the social hub of Austin.

Edwin Waller, the signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the first mayor of Austin, was the designer of the city’s downtown grid plan.

“Originally, the northsouth streets were given the names of Texas rivers in the order in which they appeared on the Texas map.

While Waller had recomBruce Lemons mended numbers for the Sixth Street hosts a variety of events, including the Old Pecan east-west streets, they were Street Festival. instead given the names of trees,” according to the Pecan Street Festival Web site. and the historic Ritz theater, http://www.6street.com.

Eventually, numbers re- dating from the late 1800s East Sixth Street also placed the tree-named and early 1900s. hosts a variety of events each streets and what had been Many of these buildings year, ranging from its annual Pecan Street became today’s now accommodate scores celebrations of Mardi Gras Sixth Street. of art galleries, trendy bou- and Halloween, South by Sixth Street is a historic tiques, comfortable cafes, Southwest, the Republic of street and part of the enter- chic restaurants and, of Texas Biker Rally, and the tainment district in Austin, course, popular bars.

Old Pecan Street Festival. with East Sixth Street being On any given weekend The festival is a free, bianthe center of the city’s live night, as many as 20,000 nual festival celebrating arts music scene. people pack the nearly half- and crafts, as well as fine “From jazz, blues and coun- mile long stretch of road arts, and it is named in hon-

What students like about Sixth Street

or of Sixth Street’s original name.

“The show features artisans from all over the United States who display and sell homemade art and craft work,” according to the official festival Web site.

“Festival-goers can find paintings, sculpture, woodwork, candles, jewelry, cowboy hats, home decor, games and other useful and whimsical household items.”

The festival—the largest art festival in all of CenRetro Electronics tral Texas—attracts over 300,000 people per event and generates $43 million in economic impact per year on average.

The event benefits local charities like the Austin Boxer Rescue, Friends of the Planetarium and United Care USA. It is also the main fundraiser for the Old Pecan Street Association, an organization established to preserve and beautify Sixth Street.

This past weekend, the Old Pecan Street Festival hosted Larry D. Moore 250 arts and crafts vendors, The Ritz, a historic theater on Sixth Street, opened its doors art and dance classes, musi- in 1929 and is still used today (top, a photo of the Ritz taken cal and performing artists around the 1950s; bottom, a recent photo of the theater). and a scholarship competi- 75 percent or more waste For more information tion. There was even a car- diversion program in order about Sixth Street, including nival and petting zoo for to help reduce carbon emis- history and events, log on to children. sions. http://www.6street.com.

For its spring event, the The next Old Pecan Street festival boasts that it will Festival event will be held on jobenha@stedwards.edu implement a self-imposed May 1-2, 2010.

Jonathan Davis, senior

Booby Strobek, senior

Austen Miller, senior

“My favorite part about 6th Street is the ability to randomly run into friends and hang out with a large group of them while I am out.”

“I enjoy the people watching. Particularly the cavalcade of intoxicated ‘bros’ walking up and down the street on a Thursday night.”

“In my mind, 6th Streets theaters, music halls and tattoo parlors represent much more than just drunk college kids.”

SPORTS

11

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Volleyball to dig for the cure

Megan Ganey The St. Edward’s University volleyball team is hoping to raise the intensity and a lot of money at their game on Friday, Oct. 2, all while wearing pink.

The Hilltopper volleyball team will be collaborating with Dig Pink, a Breast Cancer Awareness Rally, to collect donations before and throughout its game.

“We all decided this was something we were passionate about raising money for and went with it,” junior Pam Osborn said. “Many other teams in our conference are doing it as well, and I think with all these people getting involved it will really make a difference.”

The Hilltoppers are among 575 high school and college teams participating in the fundraiser throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The

money raised will go toward research, clinical trials and helping to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients, Osborn said.

As of Sept. 28, St. Edward’s is already over 65 percent of their way toward their goal of raising $1,000.

Osborn is encouraging people to donate because it is a cause that will help a large community.

“I’ve had family members who have fought breast cancer and some that have lost the battle, but I think most everyone knows someone who is affected by it,” Osborn said.

To show support at the game the team will warm up in pink shirts. The fans are encouraged to wear pink as well.

“It would be really cool if we had a sea of pink in the stands that night,” Osborn said.

At their Dig Pink night,

the Hilltoppers will take on Texas A&M UniversityKingsville at 7 p.m. on Friday.

This season, the Hilltoppers (11-5, 4-0) are currently unbeaten in conference play, winning their four conference games against the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, 3-2, Dallas Baptist University, 3-0,

Newman University, 3-2, and Panhandle State University, 3-0.

To make a donation to the Dig Pink cause or to find out more information, visit http://www.side-out.org/ application/teams/team_ page/1644. mganey@stedwards.edu

Freshman Meredith Bard goes for the kill

Cory Hahn

Promising start for women’s tennis Kelli O’Donnell The St. Edward’s University women’s tennis team competed in the ITA South Central Region Women’s Tennis Tournament at Washburn University this past weekend.

In singles action, sophomore Audrey Tompkins and freshman Paige Rachel passed the first two rounds to play in the round of 16 on Saturday.

Rachel won her first round match against Audrey Hernandez of the University of the Incarnate Word, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. She continued on with a victory over Monika Graff, 6-4, 1-6, 6-0. Rachel was ultimately defeated in the round of 16 by the num-

ber one seed Julia Arguello of East Central University.

“I felt that my performance in singles was pretty good since I’m a freshman and I lost to the number one seed,” said Rachel. “I mentally prepared myself knowing that I had nothing to lose going into this tournament as a freshman.”

Tompkins defeated Alyssa Castillo of Washburn University, 6-0, 6-3, and then defeated Carole Julen of Tarleton State University in straight sets 6-1, 6-0.

Tompkins was then able to advance past the round of 16 by defeating Laryssa Ferreira of Newman University, but she was defeated by Zuzanna Osinska of Northeastern State University in

the quarterfinals.

In doubles action, Tompkins and Rachel passed through to the final four by defeating Mongin and Carver of Abilene Christian University. However, the team was defeated in the next round by Osinska and Spintovic of Northwestern State University.

“I was hoping to get a little bit further in both draws, but I think Paige and I had a pretty good tournament considering it was our first time playing together,” said Tompkins. “There is definitely potential there for better results next year.”

Freshman Heather Brien and junior Elizabeth Jacobi lost in the second round of doubles to the eventual win-

ners.

Head Coach Brenda Niemeyer said she thought her team did very well and had a good showing for the first tournament of the year against such good competition.

“I really liked the fight I saw in my players,” said Niemeyer.“I am looking forward to the rest of the season when we can work together for longer than a week.”

“I feel that this tennis season will be really exciting and successful,” said Rachel.

“After spending the weekend with a couple of the girls, I’m really looking forward to the potential we all have as a team.” kdonne3@stedwards.edu

Deans organize campus run Leslie Ethridge Ever since the cross-country team was disbanded last year, St. Edward’s University has yet to come up with a true alternative for an on-campus running group. This year, Assistant Dean of Students Connie Rey Rodriguez and Associate Dean of Students Nicole Trevino are providing opportunities for runners on campus.

Every third Thursday of the month at 7 a.m., student runners can gather outside the Main Building to “Run with the Deans.”

Although this running program is not a true alternative to the cross-country team, it is a way to bring together those who love to run while also giving students the opportunity to interact.

Rodriguez, one of the program’s founders, began the group for a number of reasons.

“As student-staff administrators, we value the opportunity to connect with students,” Rodriguez said.“Some of the staff in our office enjoy running and thought this would be a good opportunity to meet new students who share a similar interest.”

Rodriguez said she believes that a small running program

on campus will allow students to connect with each other and help get the word out that the university’s goal is to ultimately serve them.

“Developing relationships and building community are two ways we serve the student community,” Rodriguez said. “The more the students know who we are and how we can support them during their college experience, the more likely they will be to take advantage of the support and services we offer.”

Seven students participated in September’s run, but Rodriguez and Trevino are still optimistic that more students will join.

“We anticipate the numbers to increase when more students learn about this program,” Rodriguez said. “[Even] if a student is not interested in running, they can visit with other St. Edward’s students and staff at the end of the run.”

The next two runs are scheduled for October 15 and November 19 at 7 a.m.

For more information, contact the Dean of Students office at 448-8408 or drop by their office in Main Building 108. lethrid@stedwards.edu

Courtesy of Connie Rey Rodriguez

The next run will take place on Oct. 15 at 7 a.m.

Page 12| SPORTS

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Coach’s Corner:

Jennifer White St. Edward’s University’s Athletic Department hires coaches from a wide variety of backgrounds. The Coach’s Corner offers an in-depth look at the background of our coaching staff.

Yenifes Trochez Q: What inspired you to pursue basketball from the start?

A: I realized that this is a sport I might be able to be good at. I liked the competitive nature of the sport. I also liked that it was a team sport—that basketball was team oriented.

Other sports don’t have that.

There’s golf and tennis that do play in teams, but in basketball you have other teammates that you rely on, and they rely on you. I thought with this sport, I would be able to go to college.

Q: Can you describe your role in the PlayStrong division of IronSmith Corporation?

A: PlayStrong was a business that I founded. It focused on helping athletes with strength conditioning. We would go teach everywhere, from Boston College, to Harvard and Yale.

It is strength and conditioning that assists athletes to be strong and conditioned in playing basketball.

Q: You coached the Lady Techsters at Louisiana Tech from 1985-1990, and worked as an assistant coach at the University of Texas at Austin in 1990. What do you enjoy about coaching the most?

A: The thing I enjoy about coaching the most is the teaching component. A player has only learned a skill until they prove they can perform it during a game. It’s like a light bulb moment. That is such a satisfying moment—when the athlete has demonstrated what they have learned in a game. Something my team would say about their coaches is that we really care about them as people. It shows on the court and in their academics. We are authentic and genuine. They know that, and it shows.

Q: In your basketball career, what is your greatest accom-

SEU Sports Information

St. Edward’s University Women’s Head Basketball Coach Jennifer White

plishment?

A: As a player, personally, it would be winning a national championship. Actually, my teams have won two. However, as a coach it is to watch these young women mature and walk across the stage. It’s nothing about the court; I get to send these good people and productive citizens out into the world.

You know how well you’ve done your job with how often these players stop by and say hello.

That is really important to me.

We have a great group of young women, and I’m really pleased with what we’ve done here. Our jobs are to assist and support these young women. I believe we help them grow not only athletically but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. That’s what we’re here for.

Q: What brought you to St. Edward’s University?

A: I applied for the job and came for an interview. I liked what the university stood for.

Also, the staff is wonderful. I knew I could be myself and feel at home here. One of the biggest reasons now is my relationships here. My assistant and I are good friends; it’s nice to be able to work with your best friend. ytroche@stedwards.edu

Student takes up extreme hobbies Kelli O’Donnell Mitchell Hallmark is a freshman at St. Edward’s University from Dripping Springs, Texas. In his spare time, Hallmark participates in extreme sports such as wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and motocross biking.

Q: How did you initially get involved in extreme sports?

A: One Christmas, my brother and I got skateboards. It started off with us just sitting on them and rolling around, but it eventually became something we both really enjoyed doing during our off time. We made ramps and learned the basic tricks like ollies and manuals. In seventh grade my brother Travis took me to Texas Ski Ranch, and ever since then I’ve been hooked on trying new sports that allow me to be independent.

Q: Are there any other extreme sports that you have tried?

A: My friends are the ones who motivate me to try new things. I’ve done something called wakesurfing. You load up a boat with a lot of weight, and you get a wave that is about 3-15 feet from the boat that you can actually surf on without a rope. Special wakesurfing boards are actually made for this sport. I also got a motocross bike last April, and I ride at a track past the airport called Del Valley. It is a lot of fun. If I could do that more I would, but it is hard for me to get my bike all the way from Dripping Springs to Del Valley.

Q: Why do you enjoy these extreme sports so much?

A: The real reason I love these sports so much is because I can have my own style, and my performance is not dependent on some-

“It is a true sense of freedom for me because there are no limits or rules when it comes to sports like this.” one else. It is a true sense of freedom for me because there are no limits or rules when it comes to sports like this. Another reason that keeps me coming back to these sports is that every new day of riding allows me to find something new to get my adrenaline pumping. For me, nothing feels better than landing a new trick or trying a new ramp or rail. Even if I fail, the reward of success is a means for me to go back and try again.

Q: When did you start wakeboarding?

A: I started wakeboarding in seventh grade. The first time I went wakeboarding was at Texas Ski Ranch, located in New Braunfels. It is a man-made lake in a circular shape, and a cable that is about 30 feet off the ground pulls you around. Texas Ski Ranch has rails, jumps, and other cool stunts. For about a year I strictly wakeboarded, and I would drive out to Texas Ski Ranch as many times a week as I could.

I got comfortable hitting some of the rails and the jumps wakeboarding. After that year went by, I got into wakeskating. You can buy different sessions at Texas Ski Ranch, and I would get an “all day” session. I would wakeboard for the first part of the day and use the second part of the day to wakeskate.

For about the next two years, I did nothing but wakeskating. Then I started competing in wakeskating competitions. The first competition I participated in was called the Lone Star

Wakeskating Jam at Texas Ski Ranch in the summer of 2006. I competed in the beginner division and received third place. It was a great accomplishment for me. The next year I competed in the same competition, but I went up to the intermediate level, and I won fourth place.

Q: What is the difference

if you mess up. If you can balance well on a wakeboard then you should balance well on a wakeskate.

Q: Do you have any injury stories from all of these extreme sports?

A: Bikes seem to be the thing I injure myself the most on. I grew up on a ranch, and I would use my bike to get around. The first scar I ever got was on my hand when I fell over my handlebars onto some gravel. A few years after that, I was biking down a hill, and I hit a rock with my front tire. I again fell completely over my handle-

Courtesy of Mitchell Hallmark

In his spare time, Mitchell Hallmark takes up wakeboarding, wakeskating and motocross biking.

between wakeboarding and wakeskating?

A: Wakeskating is basically wakeboarding without bindings. A lot of the tricks with wakeskating are more about moving the board in different directions. In a sense, you are using the board like a skateboard, spinning it and rotating it in different ways. Rails play a huge part in the trick aspect of wakeboarding, but in wakeskating the board is much smaller, and there is a lot less board to stand on.

In wakeboarding, it is easy to correct yourself if you slip up, but in wakeskating you are not attached to the board, so it is extremely difficult to correct yourself

bars and got a huge scar on my upper lip.

Just recently, I got my stitches removed from my left leg. I was biking out on a track and my left foot slipped out of my bike pedal; the pedal came back out and hit me right in the shin. Initially, I thought I broke my leg because it had swelled up so much.

I ended up going to the hospital, and I found out I only needed stitches. I got my stitches out about two weeks ago. I’ve crashed many times throughout the years, but I’ve never had a broken bone. kodonne3@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Bench Warming

Major league season limps towards playoffs The race for October has become the race for October and early November.

Sports Commentary Opening day in the Major Leagues was April 5 and the calendar is creeping into October, still in the regular season. Major League Baseball’s marathon 162-game schedule is not only unnecessary, it serves no purpose other than to make money for the organizations themselves.

The 162-game schedule that MLB subjects its players to is unhealthy for all involved. Players are constantly going on the disabled list with strains and muscle pulls that with a few less games and a few more days off, could be easily avoided.

In fact, the major league season used to be significantly shorter. In 1995, the league added a round to the playoffs lengthening the season. Before that, the season was lengthened to 162 games in the early 1960s.

Many baseball owners as well as MLB executives have argued that the long season allows for players that would normally be lost for the season to big injuries can return later in the year because of the long season.

In the case of Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, he was able to take a long hiatus from the game and return towards the end of this season. This can be cited as an example for the benefits of a long season, if you ignore the fact that his prolonged stint on the disabled list was due to arm fatigue.

These long-term injuries that players suffer are often the effects of the extended sixmonth season.

The 2009 season opened spring training in February, with the first games being held on April 25. This means that two teams this season will play baseball from that date until early November in the World Series. Baseball season takes up nearly eight months and the fact is there is little to be garnered from AP such a long season.

This year, by the second to last weekend of the season the average division lead is almost seven games, leaving little suspense to who will be in the playoffs nearly two full weeks before the regular season concludes. Large leads at the end of the season are by far more the norm for baseball.

In fact, only eight times in Major League history has there been a tie on the last game of the season resulting in a one-game playoff. Although two have happened in the previous two seasons, you would have to go back ten years to find another occurrence.

Major League Baseball needs to ignore the dollar signs attached to a 162-game schedule and think of what is best for the fans and players. What’s best for everyone is a season with an exciting race to the finish and a season that doesn’t put the health of players in jeopardy.

Bryce Bencivengo

SPORTS | Page 13

Baseball players raise school spirit standards Emily Blasdell Photos by Kateri Kuglemann

Sports and school spirit are not the first thing that pops into most people’s heads when they think about St. Edward’s University. However, over the past two years, enthusiasm at sporting events has increased greatly with the help of the HillRaisers.

Two HillRaisers in particular who have helped are senior baseball players Ben Silberman and Drew Kimball.

One might recognize them as the loud, funny guys in the front row at volleyball, soccer, basketball, and even their own baseball games. To many students they have become “spirit icons,” sometimes even requested by coaches to be in attendance at games.

“Ben and Drew are probably the two most outgoing characters on the [baseball] team. Both are huge impacts to any sporting event and are always entertaining to listen to,” sophomore baseball player Jeffery Rohrbach said.

Silberman, a Business Administration major, and Kimball, a Theater Arts major, agree it’s not just about liking sports, it’s about having pride in where you go to school, and school unity.

Both Silberman and Kim-

ball understand what it’s like having tons of fans behind them.

“When you have the people yelling and screaming for you, it really makes you want to perform at your best,” Kimball said.

Likewise, they want to show their support for other Hilltopper sports teams.

“I don’t think people understand how fun cheering is at the games,” Kimball said.

Silberman and Kimball are known for getting pretty rowdy, sometimes even making the referees and line judges laugh.

According to Silberman and Kimball, one referee has told them she loves coming to St. Edward’s University because of the spirited and fun atmosphere.

Even if you are not a loud, cheering type of person, Silberman says there is power

in numbers. Just being present at games shows support for the team and encourages athletes.

Silberman and Kimball’s goal at the games is to uplift the St. Edward’s team and never tear down the opposing side. A lot of what they do is friendly heckling, but they are never disrespectful by using foul language or specifying numbers and names.

Opposing team members have actually been known to start laughing at Silberman and Kimball’s jokes in the middle of a game.

Both Silberman and Kimball say that they aren’t the only ones cheering at games.

It’s a team effort.

“We are probably just the loudest and most willing to be obnoxious,” they said. eblasde@stedwards.edu

bbenciv@stedwards.edu

The Hilltop Views’ column, ‘Bench Warming,’ appears every other week in the sports section and is written by Co-Editor-In-Chief Bryce Bencivengo.

Drew Kimball (left) and Ben Silberman (right) have raised the spirit level at St. Edward’s.

14 Editorial

VIEWPOINTS

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Concealing election results blights SGA The vote tallies for both the winning and losing contenders of the St. Edward’s University Student Government Association fall election were released to the general public Sept. 18 with one notable exception: The vote count for the losing freshmen candidates were missing.

Elections Commissioner Margot Anne Cromack explained this omission, saying that there was little to be gained from releasing the losing candidates’ vote totals. She added that the average age of freshman candidates and their recent

entrance into the university environment made Student Life reluctant to divulge the losing statistics.

We know St. Edward’s takes pride in providing a warm, welcoming environment to its new freshmen.

This is one of our school’s most defining qualities and a comfort that upperclassmen appreciated during their transition into higher education.

However, a main function of a university is to prepare its students for the obstacles they will encounter after graduating. In an election outside of the St. Edward’s

campus, results, whether good or bad, will be open to the public.

An elected official must be held to different and ultimately higher standards than a private citizen. When freshmen express interest in running for SGA office, they are given a lengthy packet explaining the intricacies of the electoral process and what would be expected from them upon election.

Absent from the packet, though, is the detail that a position in SGA is a legitimate public office and running for the seat subjects the candidate to the same

Letter to the Editor As the only person in my family with health insurance, I felt compelled to respond to Christopher Duke’s article on health care (“Obama’s plan for health care malformed,” Sept.

16). While I find many of his claims questionable, some of the facts are completely wrong.

Those against major health care reform commonly argue that the number of uninsured isn’t as dire as it seems, but this simply isn’t true. First, the figure “18 to 22 million of those uninsured are undocumented aliens” can’t be accurate. The 2008 U.S. Census states that of the uninsured, 34 million are native-born citizens, and of those foreign-born, only 9.5 million are non-citizens.

Furthermore, while a few of the uninsured make over $250,000 a year, merely 8.2 percent have an income of over $75,000.

Although some of the uninsured may qualify for medical aid, many of them do not. Only 24.5 percent of the uninsured made under $25,000 a year, and qualifications for Medicaid include not only income level, but also other factors such as age and disability.

Finally, while the number of uninsured for the entire year could be inaccurate, most studies agree that the number is at the very least equivalent to half. Regardless, this still leaves millions uninsured and has significant detriments on society.

A recent study by Harvard found that approximately 45,000 people die a year due to complications caused from not having health insurance. Another study by Families USA proved that the uninsured are already costing taxpayers money.

This does not even begin to address the other problems with our health care system. For example, the U.S. spends far more than industrialized countries with universal health care, yet the World Health Organization ranks the U.S. as having one of the worst health care systems comparatively.

One can argue all he or she wants on how to go about health care reform, but that does not alter the reality that the health care system does, in fact, need far more reform than a “dubious” statistic would imply. Meanwhile, various people in the middle class who are selfemployed or employed in small businesses, like my mom and my 19-year-old sister, will continue to go on without health insurance.

Eleanor Palmer epalmer2@stedwards.edu

standards of transparency as any other publicly elected position. This is not only left out of the packet for freshmen, but the packets for all positions in SGA. By not clarifying this to each prospective candidate initially, SGA and Student Life are doing a disservice to the students who seek a position. Correcting this mistake after the fact by withholding vote totals is not a proper solution.

Instead, SGA should make it clear to each candidate up front that by entering an SGA election they are entering the public sphere of this

university. This means the results of elections should be made public, no matter the outcome.

In refusing to reveal the losing freshmen candidates’ votes, the SGA is sheltering them from the reality of the possibility of defeat, and in essence, robbing them of the full experience of running for office.

SGA is currently considering amendments to its constitution designed to make it more transparent and accountable to students—a goal we applaud. How, though, does withholding freshman election results

reconcile with the amendments’ aims?

We are just steps away from the real world. The point of participating in the elections, among other reasons, is to prepare oneself for what comes after receiving a diploma. By withholding specific voting information, SGA undermines the integrity of the election as well as the authenticity of the experience for the freshmen who choose to run.

“Jennifer’s Body” not in conflict with feminism Andrew Harvey The film “Jennifer’s Body” has just about everything a campy horror film needs to succeed: blood and gore, a great soundtrack, satanic sacrifice and the sex-driven star power of Megan Fox. Anyone who has seen a trailer for this film cannot deny the strong sex appeal that Fox lends to this film, and her role as a demon-possessed seductress is undeniably compelling.

But how does this portrayal of female sexuality look in a feminist light?

In this movie, Jennifer, as a succubus incarnate, seduces and then eats men in order to feed the demon within.

This idea of female sexuality as something that is dangerous, seductive and inherently evil is a familiar theme. Used in literature and film for decades, the concept even dates

back to mythological motifs from the biblical era—just take a look at Jezebel.

This view of sexuality is traditionally seen as a part of the prude/promiscuous dichotomy that feminism has been fighting since its inception. It is an unfair, damaging and incomplete view of who women truly are.

And yet, I feel that to focus on this is to do an injustice to this film. Does it include an overused archetype of female sexuality? Yes. Does the film portray Megan Fox as a seductive man-eater? Yes. But is this the sole focus of the film? Not in the least.

Ultimately, the film did not resort to major amounts of crass sexploitation. Much to my surprise, there was far more emphasis on the friendship between Jennifer and her best friend Anita Lesnicky, played by Amanda Seyfried.

The film also concentrates on a small town community and how such residents deal with tragedy.

The themes of friendship and community are prominent within feminism, and despite the terrifying, grisly and occasionally campy scenes in the film, they manage to add a bit of value to what might otherwise be just another sexed-up horror flick.

So, despite the overused archetype of the deadly seductress, “Jennifer’s Body” manages to impress, terrify and even inspire. Yes, to the delight of most moviegoers and the chagrin of males everywhere, the focus of this surprisingly good film was not on Jennifer’s body. aharvey@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, September 30, 2009

VIEWPOINTS | Page 15

Focus on celebrities wasting our minds Jake Hartwell As children, we were taught that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

Apparently this moral principle is rendered moot when celebrities are involved.

America is addicted to gossip, and we can see this most transparently in our pop culture. Everything from Ashlee Simpson’s pregnancy to the latest Jonas Brothers’ hookup is public domain. Weak people spend their time writing small-minded opinions about people that none of us will ever meet, and even weaker people waste their time reading them.

The fact that these people

are so distant is the baffling component of celebrity gossip. Sure, I can understand long conversations about your best friend’s deadbeat brother in-law—at least you have some connection to him.

But celebrities have virtually no bearing on our lives.

Their actions and blunders are nothing different from regular, everyday occurrences, yet they compose a significant part of our day-to-day lives.

I can only attribute the prominence of celebrity gossip to two things: boredom and the desire for a scapegoat. Important news stories can be difficult to read.

Hilltop Views 3001 S. Congress Ave.#964, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 448-8426 Fax: (512) 233-1695 seuhilltopviews@yahoo.com www.stedwards.edu/hilltopviews Bryce Bencivengo Tommy Collins Editors-in-Chief

Blair Haralson Alyssa Palomo Designers

Claire Cella Tristan Hallman News Editors Philip Bradshaw Jen Obenhaus Features Editors Kayla Meyer Sports Editor Ross Green Rachel Winter Viewpoints Editors Holly Aker Caroline Wallace Entertainment Editors

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Arianna Auber Amber Burton Leslie Ethridge Nicole Henson James Leavenworth Copy Editors Christy Torres Advertising Manager 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.

Sometimes they use four-syllable words and involve complex relationships between nations whose names are hard to pronounce. Celebrity gossip sells newsprint to lazy, inattentive readers.

Additionally, the collective unrest of a society often builds to the point that it needs to be alleviated. We’ve been at war for more years than I care to remember, the economy is showing little chance of expediently returning to its former grandeur, and Michael Jackson is dead.

The world might as well be coming to an end.

So, when an unfortunate hip-hop artist steals the microphone at a mediocre awards show, we are more than ready to draw blood. For two weeks, the entire angst of

the nation will be strapped to Kanye West, and he will be thrown into the abyss of condemnation. This may seem cruel, but sacrifice has long been the price of selling out.

With West’s tattered career appeasing the gods of our malcontent for the moment, the world can return to normalcy for a short while.

But who really needs this barbarity? Only sad, lonely people driving their empty cars down the highway of life, just looking for a cliff and a chance to swerve.

But we’re college students, people. We’re in the prime of our lives, intelligent enough to enjoy great literature and young enough to walk tall with a confident stride. We don’t need this garbage, and I encourage you to refrain

from it.

The human mind only has enough room to think about so many things, and the body only has enough energy to care about so many problems. Rather than forgetting second grade and developing high blood pressure, I simply choose to skip over the “In Entertainment” section. I am entirely capable of entertaining myself, and you are, too.

So, the next time we feel the urge to obsess over the blunders of people we will never meet, who are paid millions of dollars to act as opiates of the masses, let’s think. I’m sure all of us are intelligent enough to comprehend and enjoy more substantial news stories.

The entire purpose of our education here is to study the

true causes and effects of the world’s problems, so we don’t need a scapegoat either. I expect barbarism from some people, but I expect more from my fellow students.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Simple minds speak of people, normal minds speak of events, and superior minds speak of ideas. Which one are you?”

Now, when I hear you say “Kanye” or “Perez Hilton” as I’m walking to class, we’ll both know the answer. jhartwe@stedwards.edu

Obama’s foreign policy a plus Christopher Duke President Barack Obama campaigned on the promise to restore goodwill after years of his predecessor’s cowboy diplomacy. Former President Bush arguably placed extreme divisions between America and its European allies—Germany and France in particular—with the decision to invade Iraq.

America’s reputation abroad has suffered for numerous blunders including Iraq, a failure to achieve peace in the Middle East and an agreement on global climate change. Since this year’s election, though, Obama has made many inroads to restore America’s reputation.

Recently, the Obama administration, flanked by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, announced its decision to discontinue a missile defense shield in both the Czech Republic and Poland.

The original intent of the shield was to counter any

threat from “rogue nationstates such as Iran.”

However, Russia accused the United States of attempting to thwart Russian capabilities, and analysts say this tit-for-tat diplomacy has prevented further actions against Iran.

Last week’s shift from longrange to immediate-range systems effectively breaks the deadlock and should be praised. America has shown goodwill, and Russia should return the favor by signing onto strict sanctions against the rogue Islamic state.

During the campaign, Obama stated the central front of the war on terror is Afghanistan. In recent months, U.S. casualties have become the deadliest since October 2001, and Afghanistan is currently at a critical point, much like Iraq was in the summer of 2006.

Obama seems unconvinced that more troops will solve Afghanistan’s woes, yet the Pentagon has requested an

additional 40,000 troops be deployed. Obama faces a grim reality: double-down on a politically unpopular war or begin a slow but steady retreat with dire consequences.

Obama should take the advice of his own generals. The counter-insurgency strategy, proven in Iraq and needed to win in Afghanistan, deserves the influx of troops. Afghanistan remains the central front of the war on terror, and to withdraw will only embolden our enemies abroad and shock our armed forces into the defeatist mentality of Vietnam.

Obama has renewed efforts to bring about peace in the Middle East. Holding an open hand towards both a more skeptical Israeli government and defunct Palestinian leadership is no easy task. While the main point of the conflict—a two-state solution—has been resolved, details such as water rights, access to Jerusalem and others remain unmanageable

to the administration in the short-term.

Presently, Obama’s hands are tied by the growing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Obama’s charm and willingness to support global demands such as climate change should deliver a stronger, united response from the global community in demanding Iran to cease its nuclear program.

After nine months, Obama has extended and opened the hands of American goodwill, a desire to return to global leadership and mutual respect with its allies. This departure from the eight years of the Bush Administration is refreshing, but a concern.

It will soon be determined if merely a different salesman can persuade the world of the same solutions to its laundrylist of problems.

chrismd@stedwards.edu

Page 16 | PHOTO ESSAY

Kristina Candito

Gentrification I became interested in gentrification in Austin after living on the East Side for a few months. I saw change happening rapidly and wanted to document the unique character of the neighborhood before it disappeared. I met a lot of amazing people while working on this project, and it inspired me to find out more about what was going on in my city and elsewhere with regards to the displacement of local people. These photos are my interpretation of life on the East Side and the factors that influenced it.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 | Hilltop Views