Hilltop Views S t .
E d w a r d ’ s
U n i v e r s i t y
W e d n e s d a y , O c t o b e r 2 1, 2 0 0 9
Volume 26 | Issue 6
hilltopviewsonline.com
H1N1 spreads throughout St. Edward’s Mary Fisher Over 145 St. Edward’s Univeristy students have been diagnosed with H1N1 flu symptoms, a number that is expected to increase dramatically, according to a university official. Each week the Health Center diagnoses roughly 20 to 35 students with H1N1, a dramatic increase from the first two weeks of the fall semester when only two to six students were diagnosed, said Willard Pannabecker, director of the university’s Health and Counseling center.
“Next week there could be 50-75 cases,” Pannabecker said. “To put it into perspective, we had no cases of the flu this time last year.” The cases of H1N1 are expected to increase in Texas and throughout the Southwest in the coming months, according to the Austin Office of Emergency Management. Also, many students may have had H1N1 but have not gone to the Health Center. Currently, the Health Center has so many appointments scheduled that it cannot see walk-ins.
City to vote on bike safety law Yenifes Trochez The Austin City Council is preparing a final vote on a “safe passage” ordinance that requires a three-foot distance between cars and bicyclists. In late August, the city council approved the preparation of the ordinance to prohibit drivers or bicyclists from coming within three feet of one another. The ordinance aims to protect bicyclists and other vulnerable road users including skaters, runners, disabled persons and maintenance
workers. Both vehicle drivers and bicyclists will be penalized for the violation of the safe passing ordinance. The offense will result in a Class C Misdemeanor, which can include a fine up to $500 and may also result in an appearance in a Municipal Court. If in the case of an accident, the consequence of this violation could result in a Class B Misdemeanor. A Class B Misdemeanor includes a $2,000 dollar fine and up to 180 days in jail. ORDINANCE, 3
Features: St. Edward’s alumni travel the world. Page 6
“It is impossible to come to the Health Center and be seen right away,” said Pannabecker. “By 2 p.m. or 3 p.m., all the appointments for the next day are filled.” Students will have to wait, at most, two days to get an appointment. However, this is better than the typical four to five days students at the University of Texas in Austin have to wait at their health center, Pannabecker said. In order to prepare for the influx of students, the Health Center will be hiring additional help, said Pannabecker.
The university is also taking additional steps to control the spread of H1N1. Pannabecker, who is also responsible for the university’s flu plan, said nearly 20 different offices on campus are taking extra precautions. The computers in the library are wiped down daily with Clorox, he said, plus the Physical Plant has installed roughly 70 hand sanitizer dispensers in computer labs and classrooms. Residence Life also handed out small tubes of hand sanitizer to all of the students living in the residence halls,
and has also developed a plan to get sick students anything they need, like food, said Pannabecker. The university also ordered vaccines as part of their preparation plan, ordering almost 300 H1N1 vaccines and 500 seasonal flu vaccines. The Health Center only received 160 of the 500 seasonal flu vaccines ordered, and all of them have been administrated, said Pannabecker. “Over the next two weeks, we might get 140 more seasonal flu vaccines,” said Pannabecker. “But, we’ll be lucky if we get 70 H1N1 vaccines.”
We received word that we will receive another partial shipment of seasonal flu vaccines sometime this week, and the shots should be ready by early next week.” When the vaccines arrive, the university has posters ready to advertise the shots in high traffic areas on campus, like Ragsdale Center and the new residential village, said Pannabecker. “In order to receive the H1N1 vaccine, you will have to be between the ages of 1824,” Pannabecker said. FLU, 2
Fountain undergoing renovations Tristan Hallman The St. Edward’s University fountain is getting a makeover. The fountain, a landmark at the center of campus in the Ragsdale Plaza, is being renovated to fix leaking, flooding and safety issues. Contractors from a company called Taylor Made Waterscapes have cleaned out the area underneath the stones and refilled the bottom of the fountain, which had been leaking. The leaks led to flooding in the pump house behind the fountain. “All the leaves and organic debris got caught in those rocks,” said Michael Peter-
son, director of the physical plant. “We had to take all of that out.” The contractors will also replace the five-horsepower water pump with a smaller pump. The larger pump was exacerbating the flooding problem. One student also recently got their foot stuck between the stones, Peterson said. The stones have been replaced and the gaps are now filled in. The renovations should be completed within about a month, Peterson said, but it will depend on how quickly the supplies are in. The renovations to the fountain, which was first finished in
Entertainment: Zombies blend humor and horror. Page 11
Eloise Montemayor
The fountain is currently restricted as it is being renovated.
July 1992, will cost about $15,000, Peterson said. Planning for the renovations began about six months ago, and since that time, the leaking had gotten worse. “It just got to the point where we had to do something,” Peterson said. “It is
being done to make it more functional and safer for students.” The fountain has been shut off for due to a city ordinance brought on by drought conditions. thallma2@stedwards.edu
Sports: Women’s volleyball wins 11 straight games. Page 13
Page 2 | NEWS
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Effects of floods still felt on campus Mary Fisher Despite two recent floods in campus buildings, St. Edward’s University will not be taking extra precautions to stop future flooding. On Sept. 21, a fire sprinkler valve broke in the Main Building, flooding offices on the fourth floor. Just one week later, on Sept. 28, the Ragsdale Center was flooded and significantly damaged when the chiller pipe connected to the airconditioning unit leaked. And these weren’t the first cases of flooding due to failed pipes on campus. Andre Hall also flooded on multiple occasions in 2008, due to similar causes. “A leak in the galvanized piping for the chilled water system also caused flooding in Andre,” said Michael Peterson, the director of the Physical Plant. Galvanized piping is an
older type of piping that connects the chiller system to the air-conditioning. Andre’s pipes had been installed in 1957 and were replaced after the building flooded, Peterson said. “Andre is the only case that can be attributed to age,” he said. ‘The piping in Ragsdale was installed in 1997.” Maintenance plans for the university are generated through an online software program called Maintenance Connection. This software can track work orders, suggest preventive maintenance, provide maintenance scheduling and assist with other maintenance related issues, according to the Maintenance Connection Web site. Peterson said it is an enormous undertaking to inspect all of the pipelines in university facilities. “There are literally millions of connections that have the potential for leaks in gas lines,
...the repair costs have not yet been determined, said Peterson. chilled water lines, plumbing lines, drain pans, sewer lines and irrigation lines,” said Peterson. Depending on the piece of equipment, the Maintenance Connection software will generate a preventive maintenance inspection plan, said Peterson. The equipment will then be inspected in periodic cycles, which range from daily to annually. “However, everything cannot be prevented,” said Peterson. “Unexpected problems still arise.” The recent floods in the Ragsdale Center and the Main Building have caused major damage, but the repair costs have not yet been determined, said Peterson.
Time
Incident
was dry. Our cabinets, which used to be against the wall, still haven’t been put back.” The Physical Plant had to take out parts of the baseboards and wall in order to repaint them after the flood. Still, professors that experienced the flooding in Andre are happy with the repairs made to the building last year. “I did get flooded twice in the spring of 2008 before they fixed the pipes,” said Richard Bautch, assistant dean of Humanities. “But, since the fix, all seems better.” mfisher@stedwards.edu
Flu vaccines hard to find
Police Blotter Date
“Damages include anything from drying things out with dehumidifiers to the replacement of some heating and cooling duct insulation and wall insulation,” said Peterson. The flooding in Ragsdale Center forced Texenza to work outside the building. Stephen Cox, a sophomore, said at times, it seemed like a “ghetto operation.” “The coffee tasted a little old and stale, but given the circumstances, it was fine,” Cox said. And in order to keep the Ragsdale coffee shop running, Texenza employees from the Doyle Hall cafe had to help out. “I was lugging ice and
milk in a cart from Doyle to Rags,” said sophomore Katie O’Neill, a Texenza employee. Although Meadows Coffee House is up and running again, other spaces in Ragsdale are not. All the classes, including the Freshman Studies courses, as well as campus events, in Jones auditorium have been moved to the Maloney Room in the Main Building, said Peterson. Another cost will be new carpet in Jones. Based on the cost of replacing the carpet last summer, the university could be looking at $10,000 of new carpet. In the Main Building, there are still remnants of the flood, said Kate Dickey, an advanced placement assistant. “For over a week after the flooding, we had fans and dehumidifiers everywhere,” Dickey said. “We had to work in makeshift stations where it
Continued from page 1
Location
Oct. 2
2:42 p.m.
Burglary of a vehicle
Dujarié parking lot
Oct. 4
2:30 p.m.
Burglary of a vehicle
East Hall parking lot
Oct. 8
3:14 p.m.
Hit and run accidentdamage > $200
Apartment building 4
Oct. 10
12:31 a.m.
Burglary of a vehicle > $200
Apartment building 15
Oct. 13
1:30 a.m.
Recreation and Convocation Center
Oct. 14
None given
Consumption/possession of alcohol by a minor Assault-threatened bodily injury
Oct. 16
1:00 p.m.
Burglary-no forced entry
Satellite Chiller Plant
Oct. 18
6:44 p.m.
Theft $50>$500
Visitor parking lot-motorcycle area
Holy Cross Hall-Student files complaint
College-age students, children, and the elderly are in the group that will be most susceptible to H1N1 on a college campus, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Absolutely get the vaccine,” Pannabecker said. Yet some students on campus are worried about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine. “I don’t feel like it’s been tested,” said senior April Wharton. “I’m just weary.” However, Pannabecker said that the H1N1 vaccine presents a no greater risk than a normal flu shot. “They are made the same way the seasonal flu shot is made, but it has the dead H1N1 strand instead,” said Pannabecker. “If it was pos-
sible, someone could get both shots on the same day; one in the left arm and one in the right arm.” If students want to get the seasonal flu shot they can go to H-E-B or CVS Pharmacy. Both stores are selling the shot for $25. Students who have had the H1N1 flu, like junior Kelli O’Donnell, said it isn’t a pleasant experience. “It came on really fast,” said O’Donnell. Her symptoms began with a cough, and within 24 hours, the symptoms turned into a high fever and horrible body aches, she said. “I called the Health Center, but I couldn’t get an appointment until the next day,” O’Donnell said. “I was pretty upset that I couldn’t get an appointment when I was feeling the worst.”
Four days later, her fever broke, but she still felt really tired and exhausted for nearly a week. “The fact that H1N1 lasts only for four to five days is the major difference between it and the seasonal flu,” said Pannabecker. The H1N1 has a fairly short duration compared to the season flu, which can last a couple of weeks. The best way to combat H1N1 is good personal hygiene, said Pannabecker. “You are contagious nearly two days before you feel symptoms,” he said. “Students need to remember to use the hand sanitizer before you enter and after you leave a high traffic area.” mfisher@stedwards.edu
Hilltop Views | Wednesday, October 21, 2009
NEWS | Page 3
Bookstore hosts second book reading Katy Johnson St. Edward’s University campus bookstore hosted its second book reading Wednesday, welcoming Sherri Defesche, author of “Reunion on the Rainbow Bridge.” Defesche’s novel is a love story about a couple’s journey through time, reflecting on the real-life 46-year love affair between her paraplegic mother and loving father. Jim Swanson, Defesche’s father, married his wife Shirley in a hospital room ten days after a tragic automobile accident left her a paraplegic. Defesche describes their hospital wedding as the beginning of a really unique love story. She felt the urgency to record their story after her mother died in 1999. “It shook me to my core,” she said of her mother’s death. Sherri began her research into her parent’s past by contacting a past-life regression therapist who was able to reveal 20 past life incarnations. “It was like taking a magic carpet ride through history,”
Defesche said. Her book explores the Eastern philosophy of reincarnation, which conflicted with her own Christian beliefs but also played into a greater understanding of compassion and spiritual connection among mankind. “By the time I wrote the book, I stopped actively practicing Catholicism,” she said. “I began reading and immersing myself in a global view of religion. The more I read about the different religions the more I realized the common thread was love.” Defesche said she wrote the book because she felt her parents had a message for humanity. “The message is that love is all there is, and the rest we just make up,” she said. The publication process was a strenuous one for Defesche. It took nearly a year and a half after her mother’s death to finish the rough manuscript. She said she started sending it out to publishers and promptly received rejection letters. It took her nearly seven years to find a publisher. After losing hope on mainstream publication
“The message is that love is all there is, and the rest we just make up” companies, Defesche turned to Google, and searched for new age publication companies. She stumbled across North Atlantic Books and after several brutal sessions of editing and resource documentation, the company agreed to publish her novel. Defesche attended St. Edward’s in 1999, and said it was an honor to display her work at St. Edward’s. She actually began writing the book while enrolled in Barbara Filippidis’ technical writing class. Filippidis, an English writing professor, played a supportive role to Defesche in the construction of the novel. “I shared with her [Filippidis] the desire to write this book,” Defesche said. “She was very encouraging. She read a lot of my early drafts while I was a student in her class.”
Defesche also found help from Catherine Rainwater, another English Writing professor at St. Edwards. “Rainwater took an interest in me and took me under her wing,” Defesche said. “She knew all the ins and outs of the publishing industry.” When Defesche felt like giving up, she said that Rainwater would inspire her to keep writing. Among those who attended the reading was Defesche’s youngest daughter, Bella. Bella, a high school senior spoke of her mother’s accomplishments. “I am unbelievably proud,” Bella Defesche said. “She doesn’t do it for profit, she wants to pass along a message. It is a phenomenal story and worth the read.” Also among the audience was Celia Velez, a senior and marketing major who expressed her interest in Defe-
Kyle Nigro
Sherri Defesche discussed her book at the bookstore Oct. 14
sche’s book. “I bought it and started it today,” she said. “It is a great story.” Sherri’s next work is a collaboration with her two daughters about the death of her ex-husband, friend and her daughter’s father. It is about a mother’s struggle to help her children deal with grief after the death of a parent. Defesche’s novel is on sale at the university bookstore. The St. Edward’s Bookstore
will continue to host authors throughout the year. To find more information about book signings and bookstore events, you can contact campus stores director, Melanie Foster, at 512-448-8575. kjohnso3@stedwards.edu
Ordinance attempts to protect bicyclists in traffic Continued from page 1
The new ordinance also helps to prevent harassment that runners and bicyclists experience while on the road. Eric Bomblatus, a sophomore at St. Edward’s and an avid cyclist, said not many people are aware of cyclists. “Just a week ago a driver yelled at me to get off the road,” he said. “It seems too that some
people honestly don’t care.” The ordinance would have been a state law, but Texas Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that req u i red the distance in June despite
bipartisan support. Perry claimed that state law already protects the bicyclists and that the bill was unnecessary. Louisiana passed a similar law that was signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal. Bomblatus
said that he
likes that Austin has taken the matter into its own hands. “Austin is not as developed as other larger cities that have a dominant bike culture, like New York or Portland,” he said. “But I see Austin going there. These ordinances are working toward it so I welcome positive changes that make the road safer for both motorists and cyclists.” In the last few months, Austin has extended bicycle routes and created new paths for cyclists to travel through. As Austin’s cycling community flourishes, the city is consciously protecting the safety
of these cycling citizens. “I support any ordinance or public education program which seeks to improve cyclists’ safety but it is also the cyclists themselves who ought to exercise caution for now at least,” Bomblatus said. “The road is unpredictable.” However, the ordinance, along with aordinance bannn ing text-messaging while driving which will also receive a vote Oct. 22, seem difficult for police to enforce. Authorities must have a keen eye to see the violations occur. But if people are aware of the ordinance, it will most
likely influence citizens to be more cautious, because if they are caught in violation, they will face heavy penalties. ytroche@stedwards.edu
Page 4 | NEWS
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Congress debates student loan takeover Haleigh Svoboda The majority of St. Edward’s University students finance their education with Federal Family Education Program loans, but thanks to pending Federal legislation, that soon may no longer be an option. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, would end the Federal Family Education Loan Program, from which most St. Edward’s students borrow loans. Students would have to borrow directly from the government instead. In addition, students would have to fill out a new promissory note, and when they graduate, their loans might be split between more than one holder. One major goal of the bill is to save the government an estimated $87 billion given out in subsidies to banks each year paid on student loans. But questions of whether putting the government in control of student loans would be better for students. The Direct Loan program offers students Direct Stafford loans and Direct Plus loans directly from the Department of Education rather than a subsidized loan through a private lender. Loans that are subsidized have the interest rates paid by the Federal Government during a student’s time in school. Unsubsidized loans require that students either pay the interest while in school or defer payments on the interest until graduation. Under the bill, the government will still offer subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The Federal Family Education Loan program consists of both subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans and plus loans. Stafford and Plus loans will not be offered after June 30. “Both loan programs use
the same basis for what the interest is going to be, they have to follow the same regulations for what fees can be charged, and what payment terms are offered,” said Steven Peterson, assistant director of Student Financial Services. Over 55 percent of St. Edward’s students have loans with the Federal Family Education Loan Program, according to Doris Constantine, director of Student Financial Services. The bill will not affect any loans students currently have with the Federal Family Education Loan Program, according to Peterson. Students who previously have taken out loans through the Family Federal Education Loan Program loans will have to fill out a new promissory note. “If the federal government does mandate the switch and completely stops the Federal Family Education Loan program, all returning students will be awarded the federal direct,” said Constantine. “We will have to get from them a new promissory note that they do electronically on the web.” Interest rates will not necessarily increase nor decrease under the Direct Loan Program because interest rates for the loans are federally mandated. “[The interest rates] are the exact same on both the direct and the Federal Family Education Loan Program with the sole exception of one particular loan called the Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan,” Peterson said. “And this is a loan for parents and not for student borrowers.” The bill would also make significant changes to the Perkins Loan program. The Perkins loan is currently a subsidized loan, but under this proposed bill, Perkins loans would become unsubsidized, interest-accruing
ing the loan system. “If they want to make sure students can reimburse them for the loans than they need to make more jobs available,” Broll said.
Wikipsedia Commons
Students may have to borrow loans from the government.
loans while students are still in school. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act intends to use the savings from switching to the direct loan program to increase Pell grants. “I don’t think it’s necessarily [going to be given to] more students,” Constantine said. “It would just be that each individual student’s Pell grant might rise slightly.”
“Because there are so many thousands of borrowers and it is such a complicated system, we knew we had to transition into the direct loan program,” Constantine said. Constantine said the university is prepared for this transition even though the bill would place the deadline for ending the Federal Family Education Loan Program this coming June.
Preparation The university is prepared for this transition even though the bill would place the deadline for ending the Federal Family Education Loan Program this coming June, Constantine said. “We have given ourselves adequate time and thought and investigation,” Constantine said, “We did not want to be in a position of ‘what do you do?’ at the last minute.” The university started its own pilot program for the direct loan program after lenders began having financial problems and start getting out of the Federal Family Education Loan Program several years ago, according to Constantine. The pilot program offered loans through the Direct Loan Program to new borrowers and transfer students who already had loans through this program. Even if the bill does not pass, Constantine said that the university plans to offer new borrowers loans through the Direct Loans Program anyway.
Students React Students, who, as a group, are most affected by the change, have mixed reactions to the bill. “I am against it because the government is involved in to much of this stuff,” sophomore Megan Pardy said. “We are losing control of were our money goes.” Sophomore Andrew Harvey fears that the government’s takeover may harm students. “If the Stafford loans dry up, that affects more than half of the St. Edward’s students,” Harvey said. “If that happens we are gone. We are back to the community colleges in our hometowns.” But Harvey said that he’s no necessarily opposed to the government running the program. “The idea having to pay back two different entities is what I am opposed to,” Harvey said. Senior Sarah Broll said that Congress is focusing on the wrong issue. She said she wants Congress to fix the job market instead of complicat-
The House Vote The house voted 253 to 171 in favor of the bill. Three Austin-area Congressmen represent districts that cover the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward’s University, Huston-Tillotson University, Austin Community College and Concordia University. Two of the Congressmen voted against the bill and one voted for it. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul R-Texas, who represents part of UT and whose district stretches from Austin to Houston, said that he always supported expanding the availability of college aid, but voted against this specific bill. “By giving the federal government a monopoly over student lending, this plan will eliminate choice, competition, and innovation in our student loan system,” McCaul said, “Moreover, in an environment where job security is already a concern, this bill will lead to job loss for those involved with the Federal Family Education Loan program.” U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith RTX said that he voted against this bill because it replaces the respected Federal Family Education Loan Program with a government run system of lending. “A government-run lending program would be bad for students, bad for schools, and bad for jobs,” Smith said, “It would provide the bare minimum in services to students and families while adding layers of costly bureaucracy and mountains of additional paperwork.” U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett D-Texas, who voted for this bill and whose district St.
Edward’s lies in, said that students from Huston-Tillotson University, the University of Texas, Texas State University, Austin Community College, and St. Edwards University will receive around $83.1 million dollars in Pell Grants over the next decade thanks to the bill. “By eliminating the unnecessary middle-man role of private financial institutions, cutting red tape, and lending directly to students, the federal government will have more money for our students and more resources left over to apply to reduce the national debt,” Doggett said. The bill has not yet been voted on by the U.S. Senate. Both the House and the Senate will have to pass the bill in exactly the same form before passing it on to President Obama to sign or veto. History The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act follows the Ensuring Continued Loans Act of 2008 that allowed the U.S. Department of Education to purchase Stafford and Plus loans this past summer. The government began purchasing loans after the financial crisis decreased funding for student loans. Sallie Mae, the nation’s largest provider of student loans, cut back on lending last year in response to the financial crisis. Under both bills, students may have to pay more than one loan holder once the repayment period begins. If a student currently has a Federal Family Education Loan Program loan, they are not disadvantaged in any way if they do not switch over to the Direct Loan Program. “If a student has a Federal Family Education Loan Program loan, it’s not like they are missing out on a party,” Peterson said. hsvobod@stedwards.edu
Hilltop Views | Wednesday, October 21, 2009
NEWS | Page 5
Author talks science Yenifes Trochez The author of “Remarkable Creatures,” a book that depicts the development of the theories of evolution spoke at St. Edward’s University. Sean B. Carroll was invited to discuss his research and his book at an event on Oct. 13, co-sponsored by the university’s Freshman Studies and University Programs. Annually, an author from a shared text assigned to all freshmen visits to speak at the university. This year’s Freshman Studies theme was Humanity of Science, in honor of the university’s new School of Natural Science. “I was very excited when I was informed that the author from the freshman studies summer reading book was coming to St. Edward’s to discuss his work with us,” said
Nolan Green
Sean Carroll wrote the book Remarkable Creatures
published in 2009, was selected by the university for the freshmen to read this year with the aim to provide students with a new approach towards the world of science. The book focuses on the topic of evolution, but incorporates other large leaps in science through heroic and
“I was honored to come,” -Author Sean B. Carroll
freshman Emma Metcalf. During his presentation, Carroll outlined his research, sharing the facts and history surrounding evolution and acquainting students with three of the greatest naturalists that helped create and shape the concept of evolution: Darwin, Bates and Wallace. Carroll’s use of multimedia, including a presentation that portrayed film, sounds and pictures, during his discussion went a step above the speakers of the past two years, Jeanette Walls and John Bul Dau. Hannah LeBrun, a freshman, said the multimedia component kept her particularly engaged in his discussion. “Remarkable Creatures,”
devoted scientific journeys. The book engages the reader in the expedition of adventurers, scientists and naturalists through storytelling. Neda Khozein, also a freshman, said she enjoyed reading the book and how easily understandable the information was presented. “Since reading the book, I’m more educated and informed about evolution,” she said. The openness and acceptance of St. Edward’s to ideas on evolution, despite the university’s Catholic heritage, was not surprising to Carroll. “I went to a Catholic high school,” he said. “Catholic schools have been teaching evolution for a longtime, I wasn’t even aware of a fuss until I graduated high school. The media has done a ter-
rible job of depicting religion against science. I wasn’t very surprised when St. Edward’s picked my book, I was honored to come.” Carroll said he has also recently visited other universities with religious backgrounds, such as Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University. Carroll is a professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of Wisconsin. His research, which focuses on animal genetics and the relationship and impact it has in evolution, has won various prestigious awards. He has been acknowledged and featured in publications like Time Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The New York Times, Discover and Natural History. Carroll also has a recurring monthly column for the Science Times section of The New York Times, entitled “Remarkable Creatures,” in which he discusses the intriguing species that inhabit the world and the noteworthy scientists who have discovered them. ytroche@stedwards.edu
FEATURES
6 Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Students move abroad after graduation Claire Cella As Graduate Record Exam dates and graduate school application deadlines come closer and closer with each passing week, many seniors are beginning to debate the course their lives will take after graduation. For many, it is the pursuit of an expensive graduate school program for a master’s degree. For others, it’s the search for a career amidst a nation with a growing unemployment rate and an unreliable job market. But three St. Edward’s University alumni provide insight into another potential endeavor. And the consensus seems to be “Go off and see the world.” This was the advice given by these three students, all of whom have taken the year to travel abroad instead of diving straight into graduate school or careers in the United States. At the end of August, the three students with divergent backgrounds all departed for different parts of the world for their own individual reasons. Caitlin Greenwood left to immerse herself in German
culture, Ricky Jaen was in search of his Spanish heritage and Joelle Pearson sought to lose, and find, herself in South Korea. Either way, they all bucked the trend and their experiences make a case for the invaluable lessons to be learned through world travel – lessons that teach you more about yourself than anything in a classroom or an office ever can. None of the students left with firm, decided travel itineraries, and the adjustment period was difficult at first in the rush of complete independence, foreign languages and disorienting newness. Greenwood departed for Berlin on Aug. 27 with very limited connections and no plans in place for a job or an apartment. “I had no idea where to go to buy groceries or get a cup of coffee or even the best place to grab a meal,” Greenwood said. “I have also been relatively isolated. There is no friend group to keep you preoccupied. It has been a lonely transition but one that I am incredibly appreciative of.” In a matter of weeks, she said everything fell into place though. Greenwood still
Courtesy of Ricky Jaen
Ricky Jaen is an assistant English professor at a secondary school in Manzanares, Spain.
doesn’t have a job, but, she isn’t seeking one either. “I am doing absolutely nothing and it is fantastic,” she said. “I support everyone working hard during their undergraduate degrees and taking that money and having a quarter-life vacation. I think everyone should completely abandon their life and see if they can stand on their own.” In the spring, Greenwood plans to enroll at the Freie Universität to study German language and literature. She graduated from St. Edward’s in May 2009 with a BA in Philosophy, and said she has studied Germany, and specifically aspects of the Holocaust, throughout her academic career. At St. Edward’s, Greenwood studied not only the German language, but took a variety of courses on Germany through the Honors Program and wrote her thesis about German history. Her philosophy background encouraged her to deepen her understanding of that period of German history by confronting the remnants first-hand, propelling her trip to Germany. Both Jaen and Pearson had plans to teach once they arrived in their host countries, but they were on their own to find residences, make connections and adapt to foreign cities, a daunting feat on its own. Jaen, a psychology major, graduated from St. Edward’s in December of 2008. Jaen said he has been trying to get to Spain his entire life, and at the end of August, he finally achieved this goal. Jaen said his frequent trips to Panama, where his father was born, gave him not only valuable Spanish language skills, but an intrigue into his Spanish heritage. Currently, Jaen is an as-
sistant English professor at a secondary school in Manzanares, Spain. He was hired by the Ministry of Education in Spain to begin, under contract, in September. Jaen said he left the United States a month early to couch surf and travel by bus across Europe since it was his first time visiting the continent. Jaen said he planned his trip in hopes of broadening his horizons, discovering more about Spain and increasing his confidence with the language. He encourages other students to do the same. “Go out and see the world,” he said. “Get out of the US, if only to have a better understanding of where you come from and where you stand in the world.” Pearson, at first, was worried about her own decision to travel to South Korea, thinking it would make her appear lazy or self-interested. But this thought doesn’t plague her mind now. She said she has found the importance of allowing oneself to simply enjoy life without regret. Pearson said she was tired of working away the best years of her life in a library, when she was so young and
Courtesy of Caitlin Greenwood
Caitlin Greenwood, currently living in Germany, plans to enroll at the Freie Universität in the spring.
full of energy and curiosity. She was also feeling increasingly confined and limited in Austin. Surrounded by news of job losses and hiring freezes, she got the impression that she would not find a job immediately. And so she chose to travel to Seoul and left Austin on Aug 23. “I picked a place that was Austin’s diametric opposite: Seoul,” she said. “A sequestered, ancient, industrial
boomtown where I couldn’t speak the language and I didn’t look like any of the people. I wanted a place that would make me feel so uncomfortable, so alien, that I would be forced to grow at an accelerated pace.” Pearson, who graduated from St. Edward’s with a BA in English Writing and Rhetoric, also wanted to write, which fueled her travel ABROAD. 7
Courtesy of Joelle Pearson
Joelle Pearson is now teaching English in South Korea.
Hilltop Views | Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Roller derby gains notoriety in Austin Mitchell Harris As Sinister Sally rounds the corner, her heart begins to race as she prepares to zip past the other team’s jammer while simultaneously watching her own back to make sure she does not get railed by the looming blockers. She us about to approach the final corner of the flat track as the clock ticks down when suddenly, out of nowhere, the opposing jammer cannonballs; however, Sally manages to jump over the quick girl and pass her for the big win. Lost? With the new movie, “Whip It”, now in theaters, roller derby seems to be making a comeback in American pop culture. The truth is that, although roller derby is a fairly well-known term to the average person, not much is known about these brave, albeit unconventional, women athletes. However, roller derby has a unique, rich American history that should not be disregarded. Women’s roller derby was founded in Austin in 2001 when a group of four women founded an organization known as Bad Girl Good Woman Productions. These four women (Anya Jack, April Herman, Heather Burdick and Nancy Lynn) each went on to create their own teams, and the first allwomen’s roller derby league was formed.
In the summer of 2002, the Rollergirls, as they now call themselves, held their first public match in Austin. The local derby scene has since split into two primary divisions—the flat track and banked track groups. The banked track girls are known as the Lonestar Rollergirls, and they are typically seen as a more entertainmentoriented group. The Lonestar Rollergirls have five teams (The Hellcats, The Putas Del Fuego, The Holy Rollers, The Rhinestone Cowgirls and the Cherry Bombs) who compete against each other on a monthly basis. The flat track division, known as the Texas Rollergirls, has grown to four teams—The Hell Mary’s, Hotrod Honeys, Honky Tonk Heartbreakers and the Hustlers—and is seen as the more hardcore, skill-oriented division. They also have an all-star team comprised of members from all four teams who compete in—and win—championships on the national level. With other teams based in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and even towns in the Cayman Islands, the impact of the Austin Derby scene has spread from corners of the United States, to encompassing cities all over the globe. Roller derby has even infiltrated the St. Edward’s University campus. Freshman Callan Muckleroy—also known as the aforementioned Sinister Sally—is one of the said flat-track Texas Rollergirls. Muckleroy has been involved in the Austin Roller Derby scene since
January 2009, after being inspired to join by her high school physics teacher. “She is on the professional circuit—one of the best in the nation,” Muckleroy said. “I asked her about [roller derby], went to a match and immediately knew I wanted to be involved.” And so she did. Muckleroy went to a few practices and, before she knew it, she was a Rollergirl, ready for action. The action, however, was not exactly what she expected. “It’s not as violent as it seems,” Muckleroy said. “Don’t get me wrong—it’s very physical—but it is more about skill than violence.” Despite not being what she imagined, roller derby has taught Muckleroy valuable life lessons. “You learn a lot of communication and teamwork. You also have a lot of camaraderie. It’s like a family that takes care of each other out on the track. It’s really empowering,” Muckleroy said. “You also learn your personal strengths and how to use them to your advantage.” As for Drew Barrymore’s new, critically acclaimed film “Whip It,” Muckleroy, found the movie to be entertaining but not completely accurate. However, anything that gets out the word of the roller derby girls is a step in the right direction, Muckleroy said. For more information on the Austin roller derby scene, including history, biographies, schedules and ways to get involved, visit http:// www.txrd.com/ or http:// www.txrollergirls.com/. rharris7@stedwards.edu
FEATURES | Page 7
Recent university grads find jobs overseas Continued from page 6
interests. “If I really want to write, I need to live,” she said. “Unlike a lot of professions, writers seem to richen with age. I don’t have to be in Austin to “get connections” just yet. I needed to see the world and find something to spark my curiosity for it again.” Pearson is now teaching twice a day, using her degree more than she ever expected. During the day, she teaches English at an elementary school where she assists a Korean teacher with pronunciation and conversational English skills. At night, she teaches advanced English grammar and business writing to principals and English department heads. “I never thought I would be using the terms ‘misplaced modifier’ or ‘adjectival’ or ‘indefinite pronoun’ after college,” she said. “But I do, in sweating detail, every night. It’s so exciting for me. I loved grammar and good writing and the nuances of English, and now, I get to teach it to people who value its importance.” Overcoming the language barrier was the biggest challenge for the three students. Pearson, whose only exposure to Korean was from a phrasebook she received before she left, said the Korean language is amazingly difficult to learn. “I felt so disoriented and couldn’t ask anyone for help,” she said. “I had to learn to ask myself for help.” Greenwood said although her German speaking skills were weak, she is slowly becoming more confident in conversations. “There’s something very humbling about catching
only 3 words in a string of sentences,” she said. Jaen, however, had an advantage since he knew the Spanish language well before his arrival in Spain. “Speaking exclusively Spanish was a lot easier than I thought it would be, once I was completely immersed in the culture,” he said. The language barrier hasn’t restricted their social lives, however. Just two months into their endeavors, they all mentioned they had made friends already and have bustling social lives. Greenwood said she is lucky enough to be rooming with someone who owns both a bar and a club in Neukölln, the city she lives in. “I serendipitously walked into a social scene through my living situation,” she said. Pearson admitted to making a lot of friends, three of whom she is particularly close to, despite what she called her quiet, nerdy personality. She said she often meets Koreans in the streets who are intrigued by her foreign looks and they will go play pool, eat, drink and talk about culture. Jaen said he’s met people from all over the world, and enjoys going to tapas bars with them or taking small weekend trips in Spain. And despite the exotic and enchanting appeal of their travels, they, as anyone would, miss home in some way. “If anyone can ship me a breakfast taco, I would give them my life savings,” Greenwood said. “Other than my friends and family, I miss buffalo wings, A1 sauce, and Dr. Pepper,” Jaen said. Pearson admitted to missing houses, since no one in
Seoul has one. “I never realized how much I liked going over to my friends’ houses and cooking or drinking on their porches, playing games in the yard, watching the sunset or sunrise in comfort,” she said. Greenwood, Jaen and Pearson all plan to return to the United States to eventually pursue graduate school and careers. When they will do that, however, is still up in the air, not straying from the initial spontaneous nature of their travels. Greenwood has intentions, even if loose ones she said, to return home in May. She is applying to graduate programs in Germanic studies and Philosophy. “But I am open to embarking on any adventure that I feel attracted to,” she said. Pearson plans to briefly travel to Europe and South America after her contract is up, but then, she said, she has to return and be realistic. “I can’t live this sort of freeand-easy life forever,” she said. “I need to come back, continue pursuing writing and editing, and continue with graduate school.” Jaen also shares plans to return to the United States to pursue graduate school for art therapy, but he is going to wait and see where he stands, both mentally and financially, when his oneyear contract is up. Until then, he said he is going to “keep living life as hard as he can.” ccella@stedwards.edu
Page 8 | FEATURES
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
The Austin Primer
Austin guitars pay homage to history Jake Hartwell Austin is known primarily for two reasons: live music and local art. In November 2006, a local, public art project combined these two distinctive Austin features by placing 35 tenfoot guitar statues throughout the downtown Austin area. Local artists proposed design ideas to Gibson Guitars, who co-sponsored the project and selected the top 35 artists. After the guitars were constructed, they were auctioned off for the benefit of four Austin charities: the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, the Austin Museum of Art, American Youthworks and Austin Children’s Museum. The various artists made a fervent effort to express the unique qualities of Austin by painting unique aspects of the city on the ten-foot guitar statues. All of the guitars have been strategically placed next to prominent Austin landmarks in order to highlight important features of the city. jhartwe@stedwards.edu
“Tribute to Clifford Antone” by the Brothers Ferraro 213 W. 5th St. The “Tribute to Clifford Antone” guitar honors Clifford Antone, the founder of Antone’s Home of the Blues, one of the most prominent music venues in the country. He was a mentor to Stevie Ray Vaughn and several other famous musicians. Antone passed away in May 2006. The guitar features a picture of Antone, his birth date and the year he died on a serene blue background. The statue is located in front of Antone’s Home of the Blues.
“Keep Austin Batty” by Ann Pinion, Kathie Franklin and Caro Dubois East end of the South Congress Bridge The “Keep Austin Batty” guitar portrays the bats that make their home under the South Congress bridge. In the evening, especially in August, the bats fly out from underneath the bridge for their nightly insect hunt, which has become a famous sightseeing event for both locals and tourists. Roky Erickson, a pioneer of the psychedelic rock genre, signs the guitar. The mass flight of the bats at dusk is a chance to admire some local art and witness a spectacular show of nature.
“Eurycea Sosorum Sass” by Karen Paul-Burges Town Lake, near Auditorium Shores “Eurycea Sosorum Sass” depicts the rare Barton Springs Salamander, a species found nowhere but at the Barton Springs outflow. The guitar also depicts Austin’s attention to the environment and goal to remain an environmentally responsible city.
“Soul” by Paul Beck
832 Congress Avenue “Soul” has a bold white and red color scheme and is both strong and inspired in its simplicity. The word “Soul,” written in a banner below the bridge of the guitar, may pay tribute to the history of Austin’s soulful music or to the city’s general musical spirit itself—it’s up to the observer to decide. The guitar is signed by Alejandro Escovedo, a Mexican-American immigrant who is celebrated for his wonderful alternative country music.
“MusiCapital” by Sharon Roy Finch
Emily Blasdell
301 W. 2nd St. “MusiCapital” commemorates Austin’s status as the Live Music Capital of the World. The piece incorporates iconic images like the longhorn, the Texas state flag and the state capitol building in beautiful detail.
ENTERTAINMENT
9 Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Lebowski Fest: Austin abides
Sharla Kew The tacky, spirited, ultimately average and unanimously drunk of Austin gathered to celebrate a triumph of comedic movie making at Stubb’s BBQ as part of the national
Lebowski Fest tour. “The Big L e b ow s k i ” was a flop when it was released in 1998, but it has since become a cult classic of epic proportions. Many fans braved the cold on Friday night to sit in the dirty gravel of Stubb’s outside venue and drink White Russians, a marvelous concoction of vodka, Kahlua and cream, that is Jeffery Lebowski (better known as The Dude)’s drink of choice in the movie. Lebowski Fest is probably the only place on the planet
where dudes dressed in giant bowling pin costumes get chicks. Local band and Lebowski fans White Ghost Shivers kicked off the night with an eclectic fusion of ragtime, jazz, swing, bluegrass, vaudeville, twenties style vocals and silly fake moustaches. The violinist had a very good Dude costume and impression, and the whole show was a riot, getting the audience ho-downed and riled up for the movie. This was, with out a doubt, the most actively participated-in movie I’ve ever experienced. But before we could dive into the quotable goodness that is “The Big Lebowski,” there was a special surprise message from Jeff Bridges, who played The Dude, dressed in quintessential sweater and drinking a White Russian, apologizing that he couldn’t make the fest, and telling us that we were awesome.
It was, in the words of a tipsy fellow sitting near me, “The most legit thing ever.” For the first half hour of the movie the crowd cheered for absolutely everything. Every memorable quote, which the movie abounds in, was yelled along with and cheered after. There were cheers for the Dude setting his beer down. And every time a character walked on screen, they were greeted enthusiastically. People in the audience were dressed up like characters, and would jump up when they came on screen, and be clapped and cheered. Austin was the last stop in this year’s Lebowski Fest Tour, and we did us proud. Am I wrong?
“Capitalism, A Love Story” could be described as a typical Michael Moore film. It follows a technique which Moore has used throughout his career. Rather than one set of characters, Moore allows the story to be told through a trail of vignettes, having each idea lead to the next to establish a narrative flow. It’s a great technique – nothing ever becomes wearisome or overlong as the promise of something better always awaits minutes away. However, do great techniques make great documentaries is a question to be asked. Moore, in this film, takes
a strong criticism of the free market itself. Throughout the film Moore talks to a variety of individuals, but focuses mostly on victims of circumstance or mischance. He returns to his 1989 film “Roger & Me” with an emphasis on layoffs, but also showcases a more recent topic of governmental and wealth abuse first hinted at in “Fahrenheit 9/11.” In “Capitalism,” capitalism is not just responsible for greed or evil, it is evil within itself. Moore demands that it is replaced with a system he calls “democracy.” However this is a false choice; Moore only mentions the most extreme forms of abuse of free markets while
failing to show the viability or plausibility of his solution. Furthermore he presents his solution as being absolutely infallible; though historically much evidence to the contrary exists (his solution most closely resembles that of communism). Ultimately his solution is neither viable practically or theoretically as it would eliminate all forms of incentives. Moore does provide sympathetic and sometimes just criticisms of free markets, but remember to keep a level head. As compelling as his storytelling is, part of what
Sharla Kew “Beeswax” is the story of female twins set and filmed in Austin. One twin is a teacher, and the other runs
skew@stedwards.edu
Film meets Moore expectations Eric Saltwick
Movie all style no substance
he is speaking against is the very nature of the greatness of the United States – the ability and freedom to fail or succeed. esaltwi@stedwards.edu
a clothing boutique. The store is called Storyville and actually exists, although it is not owned by the woman in the movie. The store-owning twin is in a wheelchair, and the movie does a very good job of showing the lifestyle that that entails without being preachy. The movie is all shot with one camera, and the mostly handheld filming is a little unsteady, but not Cloverfield-esque. All the actors are non-professional but do a good job. The dialogue is almost overly realistic, full of hemming and hawing, and “you know”-ing, which wears thin quickly. The story is a detail oriented view of people’s lives, which is an interesting idea, but it takes a good while to become invested enough in the characters for the movie to be worth it for their
sake. There is no music in the movie, which made it more realistic, but music could have livened up the story and stopped it from dragging at points. The only point where music was glaringly absent was during the silent credits, which created a weird tension, especially after the ending, which was entirely i nconclu sive. The story is not brought to a close or resolution of any kind, but the end feels like an appropriate place for the window in to these people’s lives to be closed. The director, Andrew Bujalski, who made an appearance after the show, said that he uses a lot of close ups because it is the people and details that interest him. “Beeswax” is interesting from a film-making point of view, and if you are interested in that sort of thing, is probably educational, or something. As entertainment it falls a little short. skew@stedwards.edu
Page 10 | ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
You must whip it Ryan Lester “Juno’s” Ellen Page returns as an ordinary girl turned roller derby star in “Whip It.” The film combines spirited performances, a great script, and a lot of heart all around to make for a genuinely feel good movie about coming into your own element and asserting yourself. Bliss Cavendar (Page) has it rough in the fictional Texas town of Bodeen. At 17, she is trapped in a dead end job, picked on at school because she is a little different, and is forced to enter beauty pageants in order to appease her mother. She feels her life is on a slow descent to nowhere. However, upon going to a roller derby match in Austin (where several scenes were filmed), she immediately admires the women and the sport itself. After lying about her age to join the Hurl Scouts, she is immediately taken into another world, one that involves a dangerous sport, partying, and the joys and pains of being in love. Some of the movie’s strongest points lie in the caliber of the performances and the way that the actors play off of each other. Page plays to her strengths, and gives a convincing performance as the awkward but sure headed Bliss. She is joined by director Drew Barrymore, who steals almost every scene she’s in, and many other able actors and actresses. The jokes are raunchy, but
never over the top, and the script is filled with clever dialogue that provides many laughs. Perhaps the best thing about the film though, is the amount of heart injected into the story. Being a member of a roller derby team is not emotionally easy for Bliss. There is a great amount of physical pain involved and the stigma associated with the sport, not to mention the fact that Bliss is still growing up. However, the Hurl Scouts, and eventually her initially disapproving parents, are there to help her discover herself and to take charge of her life. Despite everything bad that happens to Bliss, there is always that glimmer of hope amidst the despair. This gives the movie a more human element and makes
it all the more endearing. While it is action packed and undeniably hilarious, “Whip It” proves that a good story, solid acting, and a humanistic approach can make for a great movie. rlester@stedwards.edu
Check out page 7 to read more about the real roller derby girls of Austin.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
ENTERTAINMENT | Page 11
Zombieland blends humor with horror Amber Burton Zombies are taking over America! Well, the box offices at least. “Zombieland,” the new comedy about life in a world overrun by zombies, delivers well written humor with a side order of viscera. Jesse Eisenberg stars as the neurotic, quirky Columbus, who attributes his survival in “The United States of Zombieland” to his care-
fully thought out rules of survival. Eisenberg’s performance gives viewers a refreshing take on a character you’d expect to be played by Michael Cera. Columbus meets up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), who dictates they don’t exchange real names in case one of them gets eaten by a zombie. While traveling, they encounter Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin),
Movie scares sleepless Jake Hartwell Our lives are modern, civilized, and devoid of the horrific dangers that our primitive ancestors faced on a daily basis. As a result, we sometimes have a yearning to be horrified, to be disturbed down to our very core. If you’ve got that yearning, go see “Paranormal Activity.” The film is an example of a decent idea brilliantly executed. The firstperson view throughout the film, with the slightly-blurry high definition camera, makes it eerily believable. The bits of humor
scattered throughout really help the audience to identify with the characters, flawlessly setting up the suspense that dominates the film. The filmmakers have been very persuasive in convincing the audience that the film chronicles true events. The threeactor cast and handheld camera, coupled with great acting and a lack of credits at the end, make the film seem like a homemade movie. The believability created by that is far more terrifying than the events themselves, something predecessors like “The Blair Witch Project” tried, but never fully exploited. Suspense is what “Paranormal Activity” does best. As the events grow slightly more fearsome throughout, viewers come to dread the approaching night just as the characters do. The subtle movements and sounds make the entire film, and will leave the audience wondering about and fearing the movements in the corners of their eyes that we
all so quickly dismiss. In a time when horror movies are so eager to abuse the “jump-out-andgetcha” technique, this film relies on subtlety and true psychological horror. Every part seems to be skillfully orchestrated towards building fear. It wouldn’t be surprising if the filmmakers had hired an on-staff psychologist, because the progression pulls at the nerves and tweaks the mind in every way that a good horror film should. In short, “Paranormal Activity” is a brilliant horror film that everyone should see. The whole premise is believable, the characters are people we become familiar with and care about, and the ending absolutely capitalizes on the maddening suspense throughout the film. If you fancy yourself brave, see it. If you fancy yourself easily scared, see it with a brave friend. Neither of you will sleep. jhartwe@stedwards.edu
two sisters trying to get to California and a hopefully zombie-free theme park. The four reluctantly band together and face numerous zombie attacks, setbacks, and Bill Murray along their journey. Columbus tries to stick to his list of rules, but is eventually forced out of his comfort zone and forced to accept that sometimes rules have to be broken to move forward in life. The film has everything a
good zombie comedy- ZomCom, if you will- needs: quality performances, fantastic dialogue, quirky visual elements, and of course, flesh eating zombies with all manner of gore hanging from their mouths. Some may squeal and hide their eyes from the zombies’ gaping maws, there are plenty of blood free scenes to keep even the most squeamish entertained. Whether you’re an old
fan of ZomComs or a newcomer to the cult genre, this film will have you wanting to come back for more. Brains, that is. aburton3@stedwards.edu
Zombies alive at library Kyle Nigro What would you do in the wake of a Zombie invasion? “We wouldn’t last three days if something did happen” said Katrina Townsend circulation clerk from the Austin Public Library. October has always been known as a month of awareness, from breast cancer and being a vegetarian to domestic violence and diversity. However, the University Hills branch of the Austin Public library is making sure that Austinites do not forget the most important danger of all—zombies. Throughout the month of October, the library is hosting its second annual Zombie Fest. This year’s event has proved to be even more successful than the last. So far this month, visitors have attended screenings of zombie films every Saturday, and participated in a zombie book club. The next event will be a House of the Dead video Game tournament on Saturday October 24th. But the fun only escalates on Halloween with the Zombie Blow-Out.
The event will feature Jeopardy, games, a costume contests, an art show, an “Are you a real Zombie?” contest, survival discussion, and zombie refreshments. So, why a Zombie Fest? “We try to make reading fun,” said Michelle Beebower, youth librarian at the Austin Public Library. The movie showing on October 10 had roughly 50 people, ranging from families to teens and even younger kids, many of whom walked out the door with an armful of zombie books. The library focuses a lot of its efforts on making these programs intergenerational. There are video games, movies, and
costumes for the youth, while the older patrons hold adult in-depth discussions. The program’s c o o r d i n a t o r, Billy McCon-
nell said the program provides kids with something fun and educational to do on Saturday. It also gets people to come in and look around. “Everyone is surprised at how many videos we have, as well as comic books and Manga,” said McConnell. Needless to say, the Austin Public Library has found an unconventional way to give community members young and old an appetite for reading. knigro@stedwards.edu
Page 12| ENTERTAINMENT
Yenifes Trochez
ytroche@stedwards.edu
October is National Vegetarian Month. To satisfy that green tooth, check out some of Austin’s best vegetarian eateries.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Herbivore hangouts
Album Review
The Flaming Lips
Mr. Natural Veggie Heaven Veggie Heaven offers delicious Chinese dishes for vegetarian and vegan dieters. The menu contains everything from vegan fried-spring rolls to vegetarian spinach quesadillas. The average entrée price is about $5.50. However you can find several options well below $2. Veggie Heaven also has delicious selection of bubble teas priced at $2.50. On their menu, you can choose between vegan curry buns, fried tofu, noodles and delectable vegan desserts to top off a flavorful meal. The restaurant also is attempting to raise awareness to the Austin community about political issues in China, protesting against communism, and informing its customers about the discrimination of moral teachings of Chinese Falun Gong practitioners. The Asian restaurant provides great vegetarian options at affordable prices in the heart of Austin. Located: 1914-A Guadalupe St.
Mr. Natural is one of the most popular restaurants in Austin that provides a 100% vegetarian menu for its herbivorous customers. The restaurant offers a menu with vegan, non-diary and non-wheat options to give many more customers an opportunity to savor Mr. Natural’s award winning Mexican meals. Mr. Natural also offers healthy baked goods and nutritional drinks made with fresh juices and herbs or organic beans. Its Mexican meals cost below $10 for the average entrée. For dinner, they provide up to 30 different vegetarian options, which can include various different side orders. Its fresh bakery offers several baked goods, such as pies, cookies, muffins, breads, cakes empanadas, brownies and scones. Mr. Natural also has various options for fresh smoothies and juices to choose from. When visiting the restaurant for a healthy meal, be sure to ask for more information about their yoga classes or purchase an herbal product from its health food store. So, whether you’re a vegetarian or not, check out this popular restaurant for delicious and healthy treat. Located: 2414- A South Lamar
Bombay Express Bombay Express is an Authentic Indian Café that provides 100% fastfood Indian vegetarian and vegan meals. Veganism and Vegetarianism is a large part of several Indian practices, and the restaurant provides customers with a taste of Indian culture. Its menu offers Indian delicacies from both Northern and Southern India. Entrees on the menu can be priced on average below $10. The menu also lists over 10 appetizer options and 18 entrée choices. Each dish is covered in various spices and herbs that dramatically increase flavor and taste. The Bombay Express also offers a few exotic Indian desserts such as kulfi (Indian ice cream) and gulab jamun (condensed milk soaked dumplings served with sweet flower syrups). They also serve authentic beverages and fresh smoothies. 13000 N Ih35 Bldg 12 Suite 216
Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant offers authentic Ethiopian delicacies with several vegetarian options. Tuesday through Sunday, the restaurant offers a $9.99 lunch buffet between 11a.m. - 2p.m. The restaurant also offers at least 18 vegetarian special dishes on their menu. The prices range on average from $10 to $15, depending on the meal. The vivid, African atmosphere provides a full cultural experience for vegetarians. The restaurant also offers meat options, so, vegetarians are welcome to bring their omnivorous friends. Location:2804 N. IH-35
Dyan Cannon
Aster’s Ethiopian offers ample veggie options.
Ryan Lester The Flaming Lips is a band that has built a long career out of making music that challenges listeners. Their instrumental freak outs, sci-fi themed lyrics and the oddly soothing qualities of lead singer Wayne Coyne’s voice have been trademarks of the Omaha band since they first started making music in the mid-80’s. The band’s two main releases this decade, 2002’s “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” and 2006’s “At War With the Mystics,” saw the band grow in popularity as they continued to tread their own path. Although widely inconsistent, the best moments on their newest album, “Embryonic,” demonstrate why The Flaming Lips are truly one of a kind. The band is at their best on “Embryonic” when they concentrate their experimental tendencies. Songs such as “See the Leaves,” “The Ego’s Last Stand” and “Silver Trembling Hands” utilize the group’s diverse sounds and focuses them into tight pop songs that are at once catchy and endearing. The mix of guitars and electronics push these tracks along, while Coyne’s voice acts as the force that
fuses it all together. However, there are many moments on this 18-song album that many will find puzzling. For example, several songs require a lyrics sheet, as the vocals are either too distorted or distant amidst the wall of sounds. Other tracks, such as album opener “Convinced of the Hex,” are all over the place musically. At over an hour long, these tracks can make the album a challenging listen for those expecting the more straightforward faire of “Yoshimi” or “At War With the Mystics.” Despite its drawbacks, “Embryonic” is still worth listening to. The majority of the songs are well executed, and it is very unlikely that you will hear another album like it this year. While it can be a very frustrating listen for some, it is all a part of The Flaming Lips appeal, and is one of the things that has made them a relevant and important band well in to their third decade. rlester@stedwards.edu
SPORTS
13
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Volleyball team rides winning streak Kayla Meyer The St. Edward’s University women’s volleyball team is riding an 11-game winning streak and currently undefeated in conference. The Hilltoppers are 18-5 overall and are currently first in the Heartland Conference with a 9-0 record. “We have been working really hard to go undefeated in conference so we get home court advantage in the conference tournament,” said freshman Meredith Bard. “If we get to host the tournament on our campus, we will get the benefit
of not having to travel and getting to sleep in our own beds.” The volleyball team has dominated its competition this season winning nine of its 11 games in three or four sets. The Hilltoppers are currently more than halfway through their season and have already beaten every team in their conference. “The season is going great,” Bard said. “The team has bonded really well and I think that our hard work and cohesion has led to a successful season so far. This season has been the best experience I have ever had in volleyball.”
The volleyball team has most recently beaten Oklahoma Panhandle State (1-20, 0-8 HC) in three sets, 25-15, 2513 and 25-17 on Oct. 17. The Hilltoppers accumulated 42 kills and a .290 hitting percentage in this match. Sophomore Ashley Vander Hey led the team with 10 kills, and sophomore Lindy Luleff and Bard both contributed seven kills each. Defensively, freshman Michelle Hundt contributed 16 digs. Hundt was named the Heartland Conference Player of the Week on Oct. 14 for the fourth time. The Hilltoppers also beat Newman University (7-17, 3-4 HC) in four sets, 25-17, 25-22, 22-25 and 25-22 on Oct. 15. In this match, Luleff led the team with 15 kills. Vander Hey had 14 kills and 12 digs and sophomore Courtney Trevino had 13 kills and 10 digs. The Hilltoppers will play their next match in Odessa against the University of TexasPermian Basin on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. “Our goals are to win conference, host and win the conference tournament and go to the NCAA regional tournament,” Bard said.
Cory Hahn
Sophomore Lindy Luleff has had 44 kills in the past four matches.
kmeyer2@stedwards.edu
Page 14| SPORTS
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Packed Midnight Madness rally Sean Donahue kicks off basketball season Coach’s Corner:
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: You began playing volleyball after your high school career, so what inspired you to pursue this sport? A: I actually started playing sand volleyball in high school when I was 16. The reason I continued with sand volleyball was because it was a new challenge and it was different than any of the other sports I played growing up. I also found that I was good at it. I really started to get into the indoor game when I attended the University of Texas, which offered a whole new challenge. Q: As a volleyball player, what has been your greatest accomplishment? A: In both sand and indoor I have been on teams that have won tournaments and finished high nationally, but the greatest accomplishment I would have to say is the friendships I have developed over my playing career. It is great to see how your relationships develop over time, and all the memories you make and continue to share. Q: What are a few of your achievements as a volleyball coach? A: The best feeling as a coach is to see one of your players or your team accom-
plish a tough goal that they have set. As with most students, one of the biggest goals for these student-athletes is graduating, but not just graduating, it is graduating with honors or a high GPA. I have now had over 25 players graduate. Then the real achievement for me starts because I get to keep in touch with the student-athletes and see all the accomplishments they make after they have left the hilltop. Q: You attended the University of Texas and received a degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Business, what is some advice that you would give students that juggle both athletics and their academics? A: I believe in three keys that will help any student. First, “organization is the key to success,” which was a quote from my eighth grade history teacher. Second, learn good time management skills by making good life choices. Finally, actively seek help when you need it. So many students feel they need to figure things out on their own, but that is one of the great things about St. Edward’s, there are so many people who want to help all students be successful. Q: What do you enjoy most about coaching volleyball at St. Edwards? A: I love the feeling of being a part of an active and caring community. The students, professors [and] staff give this campus the great energy and welcoming feel.
Stephanie Cisneros
St. Edward’s Women’s Head Volleyball Coach Sean Donahue
ytroche@stedwards.edu
Emily Blasdell Midnight Madness, which marked the beginning of the St. Edward’s University women’s and men’s basketball season, kicked off on Oct. 16. Students didn’t wait until Midnight Madness to start show their school spirit. That morning, the St. Edward’s campus was filled with students sporting Hilltopper Basketball “Fear the Goat at Midnight” T-shirts. Finally, 11 p.m. rolled around and the RCC began
to fill with students excited and ready to ring in the new basketball season with games, prizes and school spirit. By 11:30 p.m., the gym was filled, leaving students to stand behind the rails above the bleachers and crowd around the windows by the workout facility looking into the gym. The evening started off with performances by the St. Edward’s Sapphires dance team and the cheerleading squad. Senior baseball players
Cory Hahn
The hot wing contest spiced things up at Midnight Madness.
and spirit leaders on campus Drew Kimball and Ben Silberman hosted Midnight Madness. Kimball and Silberman gave the crowd an entertaining show with their gold towel capes, spirited attitude and great sense of humor. The announcement of St. Edward’s new flavor at Amy’s Ice Cream, the spicy wing eating contest, Cory Hahn raffles and games all led up to the intro- Junior Jeff Minor participates in the dunk contest. duction of the men’s and women’s basketball this year. Soon after, the teams. men’s basketball team held After an introduction by a dunking contest and the new men’s basketball Head seniors on the women’s team Coach Andre Cook and a performed a short dance. rap by the women’s basketOnce the night was over, ball Head Coach Jennifer students rushed to the RCC White, the basketball playlobby to get free wings proers ran out pumped and vided by Pluckers. ready to start the season. The teams then ran a few eblasde@stedwards.edu plays to give the stands a glimpse of what’s to come
SPORTS COMMENTARY
Shipley has potential for Heisman Jeremy Ortiz After last year’s season ended with a competitive race for the Heisman Trophy, several sports critics predicted the same for this year’s college football season, especially since the top three candidates are all back. Unfortunately, it is safe to say that Sam Bradford will not be this year’s 2009-2010 Heisman Trophy winner due to a devastating, severe shoulder injury. The returning Heisman Trophy winner has only played half of a game against Brigham
Young University, a full game against Baylor University, and eight plays against the University of Texas before reinjuring his shoulder that was previously hurt against BYU. Meanwhile, Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy’s performances have not been very impressive. Although both quarterbacks have been producing victories for their teams, they’ve had average individual performances. This has left the door open for others who have had an outstanding performance this season. Someone who has been
excelling this college football season and should be considered as a Heisman Trophy candidate is Texas’ wide receiver Jordan Shipley. He has been Texas’ best offense and special teams player this year, scoring a total of five touchdowns. Shipley gave his best performance in Texas’ 38-14 victory over the University of Colorado, earning 273 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Even though he didn’t have an explosive game against the University of Oklahoma, it’s important to realize that he was double-teamed throughout the entire game.
Oklahoma understood the significance of Shipley’s talent, and the fact that he is McCoy’s security blanket. They knew that taking Shipley out of the game would make it extremely difficult for Texas’ offense to produce. So with the potential that Shipley has shown this season, his chances of becoming a possible Heisman Trophy candidate increases if he consistently dominates game after game.
jortiz5@stedwards.edu
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Bench Warming
Limbaugh out as possible Rams owner Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has been removed from the group of possible buyers for the St. Sports Commentary Louis Rams. Limbaugh was initially included as a minority stake holder in a group headed by current St. Louis Blues owner David Checketts who is interested in putting in a bid for the National Football League franchise in St. Louis. The media frenzy that ensued from the leak of Limbaugh’s involvement in the bid was no surprise. No matter what anyone may think of his often controversial politics and comments, you do have an opinion. Players, coaches, NFL executives and even the commissioner of the league, Roger Goodell, shared their opinions regarding Limbaugh and his comments. “Those are polarizing comments that we don’t think reflect accurately on the NFL or our players,” Goodell said. “I think divisive comments are not what the NFL is all about. I would not want to see those kind of comments from people who are in a responsible position within the NFL. No. Absolutely not.” About one week after the initial leak, Checketts asked Limbaugh to bow out. He refused, and Checketts was forced to remove him from the bid. Rather than turning this into an issue about race or politics, this was a business decision. However, there are a few points that need to be clarified. Limbaugh may report news on his show, but once he gives his opinion or puts his spin on it, his show no longer remains a news program. Limbaugh is an entertainer, and he is very good at what he does. He has one of the highest rated radio shows in America. His big personality and his often controversial comments promote his show very effectively. This talent and skill should be welcomed by a league that embraces big personalities like Chad Ochocino, Terrell Owens and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Unfortunately, some of Limbaugh’s previous comments have been said too publicly and are too offensive to ignore. Is Limbaugh a racist? I have no idea. Has he made racial and insensitive comments in the past? There is no debate that he has. “The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons,” Limbaugh Associated Press said on his radio show in 2007. He made other racially insensitive comments, and yes, they can be attributed to him as much as Limbaugh says they can’t. He would have been an incredible promoter for the Rams if he could keep his mouth under control. Unfortunately, it does not appear that is a possibility for him. Limbaugh lashed out at his removal from the bid in an Op-Ed to the Wall Street Journal, as well as on his radio show. “This is not about the NFL, it’s not about the St. Louis Rams, it’s not about me,” Limbaugh said. “This is about the ongoing effort by the left in this country, wherever you find them, in the media, the Democrat Party, or wherever, to destroy conservatism, to prevent the mainstreaming of anyone who is prominent as a conservative.” Limbaugh is doing what he does best, creating entertaining sound bites. However, removing Limbaugh from the group of possible buyers is not about a power play by the players union, a democratic conspiracy or anything like that. It is about the NFL and those involved exercising their right to make business decisions freely. They are making these decisions because Limbaugh exercised his right to free speech. Spinning this decision any other way makes it into something it is not. It is a business decision to exclude him because of the inappropriate statements he made about the NFL and its players. bbenciv@stedwards.edu Bryce Bencivengo
The Hilltop Views’ column, ‘Bench Warming,’ appears every other week in the sports section and is written by Co-Editor-In-Chief Bryce Bencivengo.
SPORTS |Page 15
Biggest Fan: Stacey Copeland Manchester United The “Biggest Fan” series showcases some of St. Edward’s University’s biggest sports fans and the teams they support. Emily Blasdell Stacey Copeland, a senior sociology major, left her home in Manchester, England, to come to St. Edward’s University when she was recruited for the women’s soccer team. She not only brought with her a great talent in soccer, but her passion for her hometown team, the Manchester United Red Devils. Ever since Copeland could remember, she has been playing soccer, but it wasn’t until she was six years old, when her dad took her to her first Manchester United game that she realized her love for the Red Devils. In her upbringing, Copeland said she was “raised the red way.” Just as soccer is such a big part of the European culture, Manchester United is a big part of her family. Copeland said she could remember being at her grandfather’s house watching fans fill the streets before games, waiting for the day when she would be old enough to go. According to Copeland, Manchester United has a rich history. Copeland said they have had top players
Courtesy of Stacey Copeland
Stacey Copeland (right) with Manchester United fans.
and legends on their team for over 100 years. They have won many great trophies and competitions, including the 1998-1999 European Cup. With only two minutes left in the game against Bayern Munich, Manchester United went from being down 1-0 to winning against 2-1, which is a rare outcome. Last year, Copeland was able to go home during the European Cup when Manchester United won 6-5 on penalty kicks. She watched the game with the whole town on a big screen in the Manchester Arena.
Courtesy of Stacey Copeland
Stacey Copeland (left) and friend in the United Manchester stadium.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere,” Copeland said. “Waiting for the last penalty kick was just awful though. You could feel everybody urging the ball to go into the back of the net.” After the game, Copeland said everyone dances and sings in the streets chanting Manchester United cheers. Copeland said she loves how soccer brings everyone together. “It was a little bit like New Years Eve, where you just run up to people you don’t even know and celebrate with them,” Copeland said. Here at St. Edward’s, Copeland keeps up with the Red Devils by watching them on ESPN, the Fox Soccer Channel and online. Copeland says she was never one to wear the team jersey around, but she does sport her Manchester United Tshirt on game days. Copeland said she brings some Manchester United items from England that are not easy to get in the United States, like game day programs, for friends who are soccer and Manchester United fans. eblasde@stedwards.edu
Page 16 | GAMES
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Look for the answers to both games in next week’s issue!
Games
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Editorial
VIEWPOINTS
17
Dim the spotlight on ailing Austin icon Albert “Leslie” Cochran, Austin’s famous cross-dressing transient and a perpetual losing candidate for office, was found unconscious near Interstate 35 and Oltorf Street Oct. 3. He was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge, has since begun to speak again and has been relocated to a rehabilitation facility at Seton Medical
Center. While Cochran’s condition is of real concern, the fact that his health has found its way into persistent news coverage is bothersome. Making Cochran a top news story may be a crowd pleaser, but it’s at the detriment of the quality and credibility of the news and it is insensitive to Cochran himself. For years, Cochran’s flam-
boyance has been exploited, and for what? For photos uploaded onto Facebook pages; for magnets sold as novelties at record stores; for tales that we tell to our friends and family when asked just how eccentric Texas’ capital city really is. Basically, he has been exploited for entertainment. Now, local print and television media are using his
City council hides behind new measure Christopher Duke Two months ago, the Austin City Council passed a measure reducing the frequency a resident can speak on agenda items. Previously, Austinites could attend any council meeting and sign up to speak on any agenda item. Under the new measure, residents would now be limited to speaking once every three meetings. According to Mayor Lee Leffingwell, who proposed the new rule, the measure would create equity. His argument is that the same residents often monopolize the speaking list. Leffingwell’s proposal stifles the right of residents to bring concerns and insight to Austin’s woes. The change allows council members to hide behind mere procedural rules while residents grapple with the realities of government failure. Austin, like many cities across the country, had to deal with the consequences of the national economic downturn. The city faced an
unprecedented $40 million budget shortfall. Without the wisdom of city manager Marc Ott, who concocted a remedy of budget cuts and increased taxes, the council would have bowed to special interests and seen departmental budgets explode at the expense of taxpayers. Unfortunately, the city council still pressured Ott to give additional bonuses to public workers offset by an even higher rate, breaking its promise to residents to bring about a fair solution to difficult times. The biggest failure of the city council has been its lack of oversight of the Capital Metro commuter line catastrophe. The commuter rail passed in 2004 promised voters that the Leander-toDowntown route would be completed as early as 2008. The project, though, has been crippled with delay after delay due to safety concerns. Close to half a billion dollars has been sunk into the project, even though it remains delayed indefinitely. The city council has been asleep at the wheel, only call-
ing the delays a “concern.” They owe it to residents, though, to investigate such incompetence, hold the Capital Metro board accountable, address safety concerns and fast-track the opening to ease traffic congestion that plagues I-35. The Austin City Council has historically been a battleground pitted between developers and environmentalists. Such restraints on debate limit both sides from articulating their vision for our city’s future. Additionally, local government can now dole out millions of taxpayer dollars without scrutiny. Obscuring such deals by imposing additional limits to debate is contrary to the ideal of open and honest government. Austin residents deserve a city council that is responsive to their needs, especially during dire economic times such as now. The last thing city council should be doing is placing more barriers between itself and the citizens for which they hope to provide. chrismd@stedwards.edu
hospitalization as news fodder. We wish our colleagues in newsrooms across Austin would remember that being a respected source of news means applying professional standards to decisions about what events in a community get covered—and how they’re covered. Cochran is ill now, more vulnerable than ever. We wish him the best in his
recovery, and hope that it comes fully and quickly. We also hope that his return to good health takes place out of the limelight, giving him the privacy and respect he deserves. If Austin values Cochran as one its own, we will all show him this kindness. And while he recovers, we hope that local news outlets will focus on the important
events of the day. We’ll even name a few: Health care reform, the economy, the war in Afghanistan. That’s plenty for the front pages and evening news broadcasts, right?
Murders in Mexico an American problem Megan Ganey When I went home to El Paso over the summer, the sight of the border wall struck me. It wasn’t that I didn’t know it was coming or that I was upset that it was built, but because there now existed a clear distinction between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. This distinction has become even clearer now with the increasing violence in Juarez and the increasing number of people who are unaware of what is going on in a country that shares our southern border and a large amount of our people’s heritage. In 2009, according to a tally kept by the El Paso Times, 1,900 people have been murdered in Juarez, shot because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, all the while Mexican police officials continue to discover decapitated bodies in public places. How many more people have to die for Americans to care? Border safety isn’t a political issue. It’s a human
Associated Press
Violence in Juarez has been caused by inter-cartel battles.
rights issue, and if we have the power to help our border neighbors, we should. Immigration has always been a conflicting issue for me. I believe that immigrants are essential to progress, but that process has to be completed legally. But now that I see Mexicans coming into El Paso as refugees, I don’t see how we can turn a blind eye from danger. If Americans don’t start to pay attention, the violence will spread into our border cities, and we will have major issues. It is important to remember that most of this violence is occurring because
two drug cartels are fighting over trade routes and street sales. Do we really want that in our cities? I don’t think we should interfere in countries when the main issue is religious difference or governmental control, but we cannot turn a blind eye to a country that is in need of reform and directly influences life in America. How can we handle the immigration issue? By doing the ultimate American act of helping restore order in a country that is drowning in chaos. mganey@stedwards.edu
Hilltop Views | Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Page 18 | VIEWPOINTS
Letters to the Editor Unfortunately for President Obama and Christopher Duke, our president’s foreign policy has been anything but a plus (“Obama’s foreign policy a plus,” Sept. 30). With his recent Nobel Peace Prize win, an accolade that was awarded for promises rather than achievements, the expectation of his impending foreign success has grown greatly. The president has promised massive nuclear disarmament, an increase in global cooperation and a green America, with the hope for an increasingly green world. These promises have yet to see any real returns, however. Obama has been chided by French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his naïveté in dealing with Iran’s nuclear efforts, the cap-and-trade bill is currently mired in domestic debate within Congress and the reality of nuclear disarmament would be peace through surrender. There is no intelligent reason that America, the beacon of freedom throughout the world and the most responsible nation in history, cannot maintain or increase her nuclear arsenal. Rather, the President Obama’s goal should be to prevent rogue nations from acquiring nuclear capabilities. A brief summary of a few of President Obama’s foreign policy gaffes include his early March gift of a collection of twenty-five DVDs to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown that were not formatted to the European standard. On March 6, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a “reset” button with the word “peregruzka” inscribed on it, which actually means “overcharge.” At the beginning of April, the president gave England’s Queen Elizabeth II an iPod containing a collection of his speeches. According to The Washington Times, Obama held a town hall meeting in France Apr. 3, 2009, and did not call on a single French citizen. At an Apr. 4 news conference in Strasbourg, France, President Obama referred to a term as “Austrian,” citing it as a language in itself; Austrians overwhelmingly speak German. Four days later, President Obama bowed to the Saudi king at the G20 Summit in London. His administration is also responsible for two glaring photo errors: releasing a photo of a conference call with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which Obama was displaying the soles of his shoes—an Arab insult—and the publishing of a photo of the Spanish Prime Minister posing with his family, including his children, even though privacy restrictions prevent the publishing of photos of the Prime Minister’s children in order to protect them. Finally, Obama killed the missile shield plan for Eastern Europe Sept. 17, specifically for Poland with radar installations intended for the Czech Republic. This was a two-part foreign misstep because Sept. 17 marked the seventieth anniversary of the Soviet Russian invasion of Poland at the beginning of the Second World War, and the decision itself was met with feelings of betrayal by those in the Czech Republic and Poland. The Polish tabloid Fakt, for instance, declared on its front page: “Betrayal! The U.S. sold us to Russia and stabbed us in the back” and a respected Czech newspaper, Hospodarske Novine, wrote that “an ally we rely on has betrayed us, and exchanged us for its own, better relations with Russia, of which we are rightly afraid.” While promising to thaw allegedly icy foreign relations, he has failed to secure substantial increases in Western European NATO forces for Afghanistan; the conflict in Afghanistan has grown much more perilous; he has met only twice with Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the supreme commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan; only four percent of Israelis view him as pro-Israel, according to a Jerusalem Post poll; Iran has the capability to produce an atomic bomb, according to a recent U.N report; and his dramatic midnight visit to Copenhagen failed to secure the 2016 Olympics for Chicago. Based on his foreign policy blunders and relative inaction, the argument can be made that Obama’s celebrity and political capital is sharply eroding. Let us remember that the policies of appeasement have failed previously and, therefore, hope that Israel does not adopt a similar strategy toward an increasingly nuclear Iran. Our preceding generation remembers the presidency of Jimmy Carter for its political inexperience and its inability to garner very few successful foreign policy coups. Fortunately for America, this administration was swept out of office after one term. The nation’s forty-fourth presidential administration now finds itself in a situation parallel to that of our thirty-ninth president. President Obama has received acclaim and accolades for his words, but it will be interesting to see if his legacy will actually reflect the successful implementation of his lofty ambitions. Charm and subordinate appeasement will only carry a politician so far until he is judged by his actions rather than his speeches. Harrison Fritz hfritz@stedwards.edu
I am writing in regards to Jake Hartwell’s article about celebrity gossip and culture (“Focus on celebrities wasting our minds,” Sept. 30). Hartwell refers to those who read celebrity gossip as simple minded, and says that they are wasting their time with nonsense. I must kindly disagree with these assertions. I like to consider myself a well educated person. I read books that aren’t required for class, I read the newspaper regularly, and I maintain a high GPA. That said, I do engage in the “mindless activity” that Hartwell disapproves of: I love celebrity gossip. Bookmarked on my computer, right next to the New York Times homepage link, is a link to Perezhilton.com, my go-to celebrity gossip blog. I also read US Weekly and People magazine, and watch The Soup on E!. To me, celebrity gossip is amusing and fun. It’s a great way to escape my ordinary routine and watch someone else’s. Plus, my celebrity gossip knowledge has served me extremely well in trivia games and it’s always a great conversation starter. Hartwell claims that people read or partake in celebrity gossip because they’re bored. Most of the people I know who read this stuff are far from bored. We live productive lives, whether we work, study, intern, participate in extracurricular activities, play sports, or do whatever fills our busy schedules. I am not a “lazy, inattentive reader” as Hartwell would categorize me. I am also not a “sad, lonely [person] driving [my] empty car down the highway of life, just looking for a cliff and a chance to swerve.” I can’t help but be insulted by this. Not all celebrity gossip followers are mindless idiots. I can be aware of both foreign policy issues and Jon and Kate Gosselin’s divorce. I can eloquently state my opinion my support for gay rights and know about David Letterman’s extortion controversy. No one can know everything, but I strive for a balance between real news and celebrity gossip. And to be fair, celebrity gossip can be somewhat educational. The outrage that resulted from Kayne’s interruption of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards reminded me that Americans still value respect, even at a low-end awards show. Jon and Kate’s divorce taught me how important prenuptial agreements are. And some unsightly celebrity photos by the paparazzi taught me the importance of exiting a vehicle gracefully when wearing a skirt. I’d also like to point out that it was a tabloid, specifically the National Enquirer, that broke the story about presidential candidate John Edwards’ extramarital affair and love child, and that he used campaign funds to pay off his mistress. Is celebrity gossip still pointless? I wonder what reaction this article would get if “Celebrity Gossip” was replaced with “Sports.” Sports fans, like celebrity gossip followers, are not simpletons. They are often well educated and they follow their favorite sports teams as a form of escapist entertainment. Would you dare to call them mindless idiots, as you seem to have no qualms about calling celebrity gossip followers? Both sports fans and celebrity gossip followers have respective interests and read about these interests for fun in their spare time. Is there really anything wrong with that? So, Mr. Hartwell, leave my fellow celebrity gossip followers alone. Celebrity gossip is just an escapist form of entertainment, like any other form of amusement. Knowing the latest scoop on celebrities doesn’t make us any better or worse than you. We just happen to have different interests. Lee Fitzgerald lfitzge@stedwards.edu I would like to address some points in Lucia Benavides’ article “Insufficient aid given to disabled students,” (Oct. 7) so as not to confuse students about the St. Edward’s University Student Disability Services. First, in order for a student to receive services from SDS, they must present with a letter from their physician that says they have a disability. Second, illnesses or injuries lasting less than six months are not considered disabilities. However, in order to support our faculty and students, SDS serves as a clearinghouse for documentation for temporary illness or injuries. We work with each individual situation for all students who come to us. We appreciate the input of students, faculty and staff in our efforts to provide for the approximately 400 students we serve. Anna Escamilla Director of Disabilities, Academic Planning and Support Services annae@stedwards.edu
Hilltop Views | Wednesday, October 21, 2009
VIEWPOINTS | Page 19
U.S. debt means no criticism of China Jake Hartwell From Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, the Empire State Building lit up red and yellow to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. In the press, in the form of protest, a great uproar has risen against this exhibition of approval towards the nation. These protestors are right to challenge the symbol of approval, but for the wrong reason: they fail to see that the lights were an economically practical action, and necessary for the future financial security of the United States. The primary reason for the protests is that the lighting
on the Empire State Building legitimates Mao Zedong’s bloody uprising and dictatorial rule over China. The man’s very reign went against everything the average American believes in—the free press, the free market, democracy and not killing an estimated 40 million people. Indeed, the colors seem to represent complete forgiveness for the plethora of human rights violations and executions that were instrumental in the development of the People’s Republic of China, not to mention Tibet’s current enslavement. But why is this all forgiven so easily? According to the United States Treasury De-
Hilltop Views 3001 S. Congress Ave.#964, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 448-8426 Fax: (512) 233-1695 seuhilltopviews@yahoo.com www.hilltopviewsonline.com Bryce Bencivengo Tommy Collins Editors-in-Chief
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Hilltop Views is a weekly student newspaper published by the School of Humanities and serving the community of St. Edward’s University. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the university, whose mission is grounded in the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. Letter Policy: Hilltop Views welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for space, grammar and clarity. Letters will be published at our discretion. Anonymous letters will not be printed.
partment, the United States owes China $800 billion as of July 2009. When the president and Congress propose new bills, like the bailout earlier this year and the current healthcare debacle, they are essentially conjuring money out of the ether, calling on funds that do not exist. Or, at least, those funds would cease to exist should the United States fall into poor grace with its creditors, the largest being China. In short, good relations with China are of utmost importance in America’s struggle to stay afloat financially. Think of it like dodging rent. You are strapped for cash and owe three months of rent. But your landlord is an old lady with a fondness for rabbits. So, when her
birthday comes around, you give her a cheap little porcelain bunny rabbit. She has a nice birthday, and you get to slide on rent for the next couple months. The Empire State lights are America’s porcelain bunny to China. We pay little to nothing, but the sentimental value gets us billions in return. Demonstrators should not be protesting against China. Human rights violations and the deaths of millions of innocent people are horrible things, meaning that we should be able to speak out against them, but doing so currently is not economically viable due to the superfluous spending habits of our nation. China owns a huge piece of us, and we need them to stay interested if we want to
keep throwing money away indefinitely. Let’s return to the rental example. If you’re months in debt, you don’t buy yourself a plasma screen television. You don’t even buy brand name groceries, unless you’re a very foolish person. Right now, the United States is a foolish debtor. Health care reform, bailouts, clean energy and other government spending may all be well and good—though many of them are foolish in and of themselves—but America cannot handle that sort of financial load right now. We continue to spend, against all reason, and our foreign creditors are only going to accept so many porcelain bunnies. If you want to challenge a government, challenge your
own. To speak out against the immeasurable blood on China’s hands, you must speak out against your government’s debt to China. To speak out against your government’s debt to China, you must speak out against the reasons for your government’s debt. Only when America has again become an independent, debt-free nation can it be financially safe to criticize or condemn other governments. The way the news is looking as of late, that won’t happen until the next administration is elected. Or, perhaps, it won’t happen at all. jhartwe@stedwards.edu
Stardom no excuse for Polanski Caroline Wallace When we think of criminals fleeing the United States to avoid arrest, we often imagine them living off the grid in some exotic country, keeping a low profile by assuming a new identity. However, after engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor in 1977, filmmaker Roman Polanski fled to France. There, he has continued to live a privileged life, direct high profile films and even receive an Academy Award. As we know, all of this changed when Polanski was arrested on an outstanding warrant in Zurich, Switzerland, Sept. 26, while visiting the country to accept a lifetime achievement award. He is currently in custody, awaiting a formal extradition request from the U.S. The 2008 documentary “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired” illuminates the details of the original Polan-
ski case. While photographing then 13-year-old model Samantha Geimer for the French edition of Vogue, Polanski engaged in sexual intercourse with the teen. After the victim turned him in, Polanski faced a barrage of charges, including rape by use of drugs, perversion, sodomy, a lewd and lascivious act upon a child under 14, engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. Polanski pled guilty to the lesser charge of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. While the film begins with a transcript of the victim’s chilling testimony, it soon delves into the narrative of Polanski’s life. He survived the Holocaust, suffered the pain of his pregnant wife’s murder by the Manson Family, was hounded by a relentless press and faced a ruthless judge who played fast and loose with the legal system.
After the initial shock, it’s actually easy to feel sorry for the man. Couple this narrative of perseverance with the fact that he is an awardwinning filmmaker, and the Hollywood elite would have you believe this is enough to forget about his crime. But Polanski is not above the law, and his accomplishments do not make his crime any less heinous or illegal. It’s only prestige that separates him from any other sex offender in the registry. Yes, it was a different time; Polanski was confined for a 42-day observational sentence in state prison, and the victim is currently preaching forgiveness. But no inconsistency, legal injustice or minor technicality excuses what he did and how he subsequently handled it. As we await his extradition, the thing that should matter above all else is a fact one wouldn’t think needed arguing: that no amount of wealth, talent or connec-
Associated Press
Roman Polanski is currently detained in Switzerland for the 1977 rape of a minor.
tions makes it all right for a middle-aged man to have sex with a 13-year-old child. cwallac2@stedwards.edu
Page 20 | PHOTO ESSAY
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | Hilltop Views
Relationship Violence Awareness Month October 2009 Brought to you by the Health & Counseling Center Photos by: Dyan Cannon