Issue #7 - Oct. 28, 2009

Hilltop Views S t .

E d w a r d ’ s

U n i v e r s i t y

Wednesday, October 28 , 2009

Volume 26 | Issue 7

Health care reform debated Jake Hartwell The U.S. Congress is working to pass a new health care bill, but disagreement exists throughout the country and at St. Edward’s University regarding health care reform.

Five separate plans have been presented, and now Congress faces the task of bringing the information together. The possible outcomes for reform could fall between the ceasing of denial based on pre-existing conditions and the inclusion of a public option.

The Bill’s Passage Marcos Soto, a senior, said although there has been a lot

Five separate plans have been presented in the legislature... of media attention surrounding the divisions in the health care reform, he believes the bill will inevitably pass, despite the changes that have been proposed.

“I would not be surprised at all if the final version included various provisions or riders that were never intended to be there,” Soto said.

Brian Smith, associate professor of political science, said the only guarantee is a mandate repealing denial of coverage by insurance com-

panies.

The public option, a government-run insurance program to compete with the private insurers, would be the maximum outcome. Depending on the Senate’s ruling, the bill will fall somewhere in between.

Universal Coverage Nicholas Long, another associate professor of political science, said he thinks there will be a mandate for insurance companies to cover all

Americans. This requirement could be beneficial to insurance companies as losses on people with pre-existing conditions will be outweighed by the healthy, low-risk people forced to purchase insurance.

Universal coverage would be enforced primarily through fines collected for not having insurance.

Christopher Duke, a senior, noted that there initially was a higher penalty, but it has since dropped, which makes it almost easier to pay the penalties instead of ing insurance.

“This is one of the first times the federal

Diplomats and foreign policymakers from the United States and abroad gathered at St. Edward’s University Oct. 19 for a panel discussion on the direction and state of U.S. foreign policy under President Barack Obama’s administration.

Organized by the Kozmetsky Center for Excellence in Global Finance, the seven guests each spoke for about 10 minutes and then fielded questions from the packed Mabee ballrooms.

Dozens of subjects were

addressed over the course of the evening, but a common theme all speakers returned to was the marked shift in leadership style that has come with the Obama administration.

Anthony Quianton, a former U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua, Kuwait, and Peru, described Obama’s policies as showing a new willingness to engage. Quainton said that to him, it reflected a disposition to listen rather than to lecture.

“The problem with foreign policy is that the guiding reality is not change, but conti-

Sports: St. Edward’s women’s baseketball takes on Baylor.

Page 9.

nuity,” Quianton said.

Theodore Piccone, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, pointed to the case of Hillary Clinton this summer, who initially signaled to China that the United States didn’t want to see human rights concerns get in the way of good economic relations.

The lone representative of business interests on the panel, Executive Vice President and general counsel of CropLife America Douglas Nelson, indicated he foresees continued tensions with international trading partners, like Canada, because of dis-

Offices utilizing Facebook

Hilltop Views Staff

The St. Edward’s University Athletics Facebook page

Yenifes Trochez STUDENTS, 2

Panel discusses U.S. administration Alex Lamb

hilltopviewsonline.com

crepancies between professed free trade goals and large domestic agricultural subsidies.

What Obama has been able to bring to the world table, most panelists agreed, is encouragement. Margaret Crahan, the former director of the Kozmetsky Center, said Obama’s recent Nobel Peace Prize win reflects as much.

“I regard the Nobel Peace Prize as another stimulus package,” Crahan said. “That is, an encouragement to live up, not only to his campaign promises, but also to some of

Entertainment: Horror movies that you love to hate. Page 8.

DIPLOMATS, 3

Social networking Web sites are not just for students anymore.

Faculty and staff are using social media sites for personal and professional use, and now they can receive training through the university.

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter provide efficient ways to get information out. St. Edward’s University hosted the first training workshop Oct. 21 to teach staff how to use Facebook for marketing efforts. They will be meeting again in the future to make plans on how to organize a Facebook page in order to provide clear and concise information to their audience.

“I use Facebook for my personal use, but I also do have students contact me through Facebook through e-mail for classroom purposes,” professor and director for the Center for Ethics and Leadership Jack Green Musselman said. “It is more likely to e-mail a student on Facebook and receive a response quicker than it is to e-mail a student on the St. Edward’s e-mail.”

St. Edwards’ offices that have already begun to use Facebook include the Undergraduate Admission Office, Student Life, the Help Desk, Athletics and the Alumni Office.

The Undergraduate Admission Office’s Facebook page provides prospective FACEBOOK, 2

Features: Haunted houses around Austin. Page 16.

Page 2 | NEWS

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Students and faculty react to health bill Continued from page 1

government is mandating individuals to purchase a commodity,” Duke said.

“Some states mandate the purchase of insurance in an attempt to mitigate costs… I think that has been an abysmal failure. We see people purchasing insurance and then just canceling it, so I’m not sure it will be a successful cost-preventative measure.”

Smith said he is willing to sacrifice a few people abusing the system for more universal coverage.

Treating the Sick The legislation may also change the way health care is viewed. When people have insurance, they are likely to use it before their health situation is exacerbated. Long said the system proposed by President Obama will encourage people to stay well to avoid the costs of getting really sick.

Congress’ Decision The inclusion of the highlydebated public option will depend on the Senate vote.

The Democrats in the House have the numbers to push the public option through,

“Comprehensive reform is very, very difficult,” said Smith. but moderate Democrats are preventing this in the Senate.

A conference committee will iron out the differences between the bills passed by the House and the Senate.

“I’m leaning toward the public option not being included, because the Senate is going to stand firm, ” said Long.

But Soto thinks there is a good chance the final bill will include a public option.

“It could be viewed as a form of true capitalism,” Soto said. “It is just another option for the American consumer to choose between. If the private insurance companies want to compete, then they’ll have to reform their pricing scales.”

Critics, however, have said that the bill won’t provide fair competition because the government, unlike private businesses, do not have to make a profit to survive.

The most popular bill in the Senate is what is known as the “Baucus bill,” named after

its author, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. The bill creates government-run insurance cooperatives and is based on a tiered system.

“Think of it kind of like Olympic medals—gold, silver, bronze, etc. and they tax them at different rates,” Duke said.

The finer points of the bill are undecided, including its $900 billion price tag, and can be changed on the floor of the Senate by both Republicans and Democrats.

To reduce costs, Obama may have to go back on two promises he made during the presidential race, Smith said.

He promised that those who are satisfied with their insurance will not have to change, and that health care benefits will not be taxed. Revoking both these promises may greatly upset many people, Smith said.

The payment plan for the bill is budget-neutral, meaning that the bill will not require deficit spending. In-

stead, the bill will use cuts in Medicare spending and new taxes to raise funds.

“The Obama administration is banking on savings to cover a lot of the costs,” Long said. “And there’s no guarantee that will happen.”

Long says he agrees with the bill even if it adds to the record deficit.

“There are some things that are worth doing,” he said. “If you look at other nations with universal coverage, health care is about 10 percent of their gross domestic product. Ours is 16 percent... eventually that will move toward the 10 percent of other industrialized nations.”

The Bill’s Impact There is a concern this could increase the burden on younger generations.

“Basically, you healthy kids mandated to have insurance will help defray our costs,” said Smith. “Insurance companies want [young customers] because you pay and don’t use. You are the perfect customer.”

This could hit students and new graduates at St. Edward’s hard.

Soto said he recently became uninsured when his

Associated Press

Center: Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. at a committee hearing

parents’ employer-provided insurance would no longer cover him.

“I am a full-time student, and I honestly cannot afford medical insurance at this point,” he said. “If this bill were to pass, then I may be able to acquire necessary coverage. All I can do now is... stave off any illness. Getting sick is never a good thing, but being sick and not having the means to afford professional treatment is far worse.”

However, both Smith and Long said that little will change for most people.

“The day after the bill passes, if I go to the doctor it’s a $25 co-pay as usual,” said Smith.

Democrats are hoping to

pass the bill before Christmas, pending any significant delays.

“Comprehensive reform is very, very difficult,” Smith said.

Soto said that he thinks one of the reasons for the difficulties is a competition of ideas.

“Whenever there is sweeping legislation, there are always those who believe their idea is better suited to the needs of the country,” Soto said. jhartwe@stedwards.edu

Facebook and Twitter help to market university Continued from page 1

students with helpful information for applying to the university. It also displays photographs and videos for prospective students.

The Alumni Facebook page, for instance, promotes events, such as Homecoming and class reunions, and connects St. Edward’s Alumni via Facebook.

Student organizations like Student Government also have their own pages, with students and advisors responsible for updating the

content.

Many students already use Facebook to promote events.

Freshman Kyle Nigro, chair of the Resident Event Planners for Basil Moreau Hall, has created a Facebook event to advertise an upcoming Halloween block-party in the residence complex. He plans on using the site for a variety of events this year.

“The benefit of using Facebook is that so many more people will see it on Facebook than any sign posted up on a wall or bulletin board,” Nigro said.

Within the next several months, the university intends The university has even already reserved an account on Twitter in hopes to tweet about the latest news and alerts on campus.

St. Edward’s is looking forward to a new website by winter of 2010, which will have links to several media sources for students and faculty to utilize.

So far, there are a few restrictions and regulations when it comes to the university’s social networking

“The benefit of using Facebook is so many more people will see it...” Nigro said. in order to protect private information and the safety of St. Edwards’ students.

Such rules also are included in the University handbook and code of conduct.

“We are in the process of analyzing and expanding or specifying a new media policy,” Director of E-Marketing

Carmella Manges said.

Several other universities have already started initiating social networking sites to their faculty and students.

American University recently launched a social media only website that provides their students with easy access to the university’s social

network.

Despite the efficiency of this technology, there are issues of compliance.

“People are concerned for direct communication, so we are trying to keep St. Edward’s contemporary in technology,” Manges said. ytroche@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, October 28, 2009

NEWS | Page 3

Diplomats praise Obama’s foreign policy Continued from page 1

made since becoming president.”

Crahan said she was especially concerned with those regarding the spread of democracy as well as getting the United States to sign major international human rights treaties, including the Treaty for the Rights of Women.

Several speakers addressed the expectations Americans have for Obama. Javier Sandomingo Núñez, Spanish ambassador to Peru, said he also thinks these expectations are unusually high in Europe and Latin America.

It will be difficult for the ad-

ministration to fulfill them all, he said, especially since Núñez claimed Europe and Latin America are also not priorities for Obama right now.

However, Elaine White, former vice-minister of foreign affairs for Costa Rica, said Obama has still done more than most U.S. presidents have to signal to Latin America a willingness to listen to countries’ concerns, pointing to the example of Obama sticking around after his own speech at the Summit of the Americas to listen to the speeches of other American leaders.

The question, White said,

was whether these types of changes will translate into benefits on the international stage.

Ambassador Miguell Marín-Bosch of the Mexican Foreign Ministry pointed to Obama’s emphasis on multilateralism as one of his distinguishing characteristics.

He also said Obama was the only presidential candidate, other than Dennis Kucinich, to raise the question of elimination of nuclear weapons.

Marín-Bosch said Obama must reactivate bilateral negotiations with Russia and “convince his nuclear-weapon state partners, especially France, that nuclear disarma-

ment…is good, and good for you,” instead of simply focusing on disarming Iran.

Núñez also had recommendations for the Obama administration with regards to Latin America. He highlighted the “War on Drugs” as something that needs to be re-thought, as well as what is to be done about the ballooning gap between Latin America’s rich and poor.

The presidencies of Bolivia’s Evo Morales and Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez are examples of the natural consequences of this growing divide, he added.

“They are there because it is inevitable that someone like

Christina Villarreal

Diplomats praised the Obama Administration’s foreign policies

that tries to give solutions to problems that have been there, not only for years, but

for centuries,” Núñez said. alamb@stedwards.edu

Editor’s Briefs Live Oak cut down

Hopeful for Gov. visits

Class raises over $2,000

Austin City Council votes

Claire Cella

Tristan Hallman

Claire Cella

Tristan Hallman

A live oak tree on the St. Edward’s University campus needed to be cut down on Oct. 22 - the victim of heavy rains.

The recent rainfall caused the soil surrounding the tree between Moody Hall and the Sorin Oak to pucker and buckle.

Certified Arborist Tom Dunlap said the tree had begun to tip over and the drooping branches were impeding traffic on one of the most used sidewalks on campus.

“I knew something was wrong,” he said. “The soil was essentially failing and the tree was coming up out of the ground.”

After consulting Michael Peterson, the director of the Physical Plant, it was confirmed that the tree needed to come down for safety reasons, and around 2 p.m., campus maintenance crew and Dunlap began to cut the tree down.

Democratic hopeful for Texas governor Hank Gilbert spoke about politics, education, health care and transportation with the St. Edward’s University College Democrats on Oct. 21.

Gilbert, an East Texas rancher and former high school agriculture teacher who has a reputation for bluntness, did not hold back in his criticism of incumbent Gov. Rick Perry, as well as his Democratic rivals.

“I want to get Texas back on track,” Gilbert said. “Rick Perry has run it into a ditch.”

Gilbert, who first ran for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 2006, said he got involved in politics because he got fed up with career politicians and wanted to send them home.

“I want to send [Perry] home,” Gilbert said.

At a fundraiser, co-sponsored by St. Edward’s University students, a total of $2,780 was raised to aid a local nonprofit organization, far exceeding the original goal of $500.

Students in Generalist Practice, a social work course offered at St. Edward’s University, and members of the university’s Social Work Student Association hosted a fundraiser to help the Planned Living Assistance Network of Central Texas maintain business. The benefit, involving performances from local bands and a silent auction, attracted a crowd of close to 100 people at Aces Lounge on Oct. 18.

Deborah Webb, professor of Generalist Practice at St. Edward’s, said the money raised will be enough to keep PLANCTX running for another month.

Members never thought an amount as high as $2,780 would be the actual result, Webb said.

The Austin City Council voted last week to adopt a new ordinance that requires a three-feet distance between vehicles and “vulnerable road users.”

Violations of the ordinance will result in a fine up to $500, which can be contested in Municipal Court.

The ordinance is targeted primarily at bicycle safety and BikeTexas, the educational wing of the Texas Bicycle Coalition, helped to write the language in the ordinance.

The ordinance mirrors a bill that was vetoed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry in the last legislative session, despite bipartisan support.

In addition, the City Council adopted an ordinance that bans text messaging while driving. However, the ordinance does allow people to text if their vehicle is stopped.

ccella@stedwards.edu

thallma2@stedwards.edu

ccella@stedwards.edu

To read the full stories, visit www.hilltopviewsonline.com.

thallma2@stedwards.edu

Page 4 | NEWS

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Topper Text tested Yenifes Trochez Many students recently received a text message reminiscent of the alerts for the emergency broadcast system. But it was only a test of the Topper Texting system.

The test message, sent to about 4,400 students and faculty, occurred early in the morning of Oct. 21. The university intends to do periodic testing of the Topper Texting each semester.

“The purpose of the recent Topper Text test was to make sure it is working properly and to make sure people in the communications area know how to use it,” Brenda Adrian, associate director of Instructional Technology, said. “It’s important to test the system so that it is not being tested during an emergency. It is also a good way to get good publicity for the topper text system. Many students become aware that they are not receiving the text messages and become interested in signing up.”

Universities have gained interest in communicating with students and faculty in emergency situations due to several events that have transpired in recent years due to various security threats and the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre.

St. Edward’s has had its own bomb threats in recent years, but none since last fall. One bomb threat made national headlines because it occurred the day after the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007.

“You know almost certainly that the big impetuous reasoning behind the implementat i o n behind these kinds

of systems at colleges and universities was the incident at Virginia tech, at which there was a shooter on campus,” Waldron said At Virginia Tech, a student gunman managed to kill 32 people in several rounds of murders, thanks in part to a breakdown in communication between students and administrators.

But Topper Text theoretically could also be used as a social networking tool.

However, it will only be used for emergency situations.

“Many colleges and universities have decided that it is prudent to restrict the use of these kinds of texting services for emergency conditions,” Waldron said. “I expect this is seen first and foremost as an emergency notification tool. A lot of schools have expressed concern that if they use these kinds of services for nonemergencies, students in particular would begin to ignore them.”

The university initiated the

Topper Text system four years ago. The most recent change in the Topper Text system has been the university’s mass-communication service provider. The original company, known as Clear Text, was purchased by the current provider, Rave Text, as of Spring 2008.

“The original purpose is to be able to inform a broad group of people on campus, in the event that some sort of emergency developed on campus,” Waldron said.

To sign up or change existing information to receive Topper Text alerts, students can go to http://www.stedward.edu/it/toppertext/index ytroche@stedwards.edu

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

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku:

Games

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

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6 Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

ENTERTAINMENT

Halloween haunts

Sharla Kew

October 30

October 31

Ghoulwill Ball

Dance of the Dead & Zombie Prom

Location: the Driskill Hotel Goodwill has long been the place to go to find a kickin’ Halloween costume, but they can also throw a mean party. This year’s theme is “Ghosts of Graceland.” The proceeds will go to support Goodwill’s job-related and service programs. This is a 21 and up event, so if you are of drinking age, get ready for a night of costumes and cocktails.

For more information, visit: www.ghoulwillball.org

Owen and Zach’s Halloween Eve Extravaganza Location: The Alamo Drafthouse S. Lamar This yearly extravaganza features a screening of the film “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.” But the movie is just the beginning, the night will be crowned off with a costume contest, prizes, pumpkin carving, bobbing for beer and a live stalker.

For more information, visit: www.originalalamo.com

Location: Alamo Drafthouse S. Lamar & the Highball On Halloween, the Drafthouse will host a doubleheader. The night begins with a screening of “The Dance of the Dead,” a comedy about zombies taking over a suburban high school prom. Then, everyone will trek across the street to The Highball for the Zombie Prom. Only people wearing zombie costumes will be admitted, and the evening will play host to a costume contest, dance party, photobooth and many other surprising.

For more information, visit: originalalamo.com

Murder Mystery Train Ride Location: Meets at St. Edward’s, transportation provided to Hill Country If you want to stay closer to home, you are in luck. St. Edward’s is putting on a Murder Mystery Train Ride Excursion. Dinner and a twilight train ride around the Hill Country while trying to solve a murder is only fifteen bucks. But you all knew this, because you read it in Student E-News. Didn’t you?

To sign up, visit the Student Life office.

Halloween is a holiday with a lot of potential. It’s not a “family” holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving, and Austin provides ample ways to take advantage of that.

If you are seeking something more planned than strolling down 6th St. in costume, though it’s always a good option, check out one of the city’s many exciting Halloween events. skew@stedwards.edu

Reoccuring Events: Rocky Horror Picture Show Location: The Alamo Village Runs Oct. 30-31 Dress up, watch the live acting and the movie, throw props at the screen and lose your virginity. Your Rocky Horror virginity, that is.

For more information, visit: originalalamo.com

Evil Dead: the Musical Location: the Salvage Vanguard Theatre Runs through Oct. 31 The classic horror movie “Evil Dead” is taking the stage in this zombie musical. Created by a host of musical theatre greats, it features blood, blood and more blood. On Halloween night, there will be festivities after the closing performance. Secret tip: rows one through three are the “Splash Zone.” Go and find out what that means.

For more information, visit: www.salvagevanguard.com

Where the Wild Things Are induces nostalgia Michael McNally “Where the Wild Things Are,” based on the classic children’s book by Maurice Sendak, follows the imaginary adventures of young, mischievous Max. Although Max entertains himself by ordering fences around like soldiers and flying to the moon with his stuffed animals, his adventures don’t feel complete. All he wants is for real people who matter to him, namely his too-cool older sister and work-swamped single mother, to join him in his

imaginative pursuits. However, Max repeatedly finds both his sister’s and mother’s attention directed away from him and towards older male intruders. After an explosive outburst of jealousy and sorrow that leaves his mother in tears, Max dons the instantly recognizable wolf suit and runs away from home to sail to the land of the Wild Things.

Director Spike Jonze does a remarkable job of adapting Sendak’s beasts to the cinematic screen. Jonze gives the beasts very human charac-

teristics and each is wrought with their own share of problems. Symbolism is a key element to this film, and the resemblance of both the internal and external turmoil of the wild things to Max’s own struggles is unmistakable.

The environments are eerily desolate yet beautiful in their solitude. Any mark of civilization is obsolete and the absence of wild animals creates a sort of dreamlike paradise in which Max and the wild things are the only inhabitants.

Experiencing deserts, beaches, and forests

without the chirping of birds and buzzing of insects is both unsettling and soothing.

Some of the shots induce nostalgic feelings of one’s parents reading aloud Sendak’s classic to them for the first time all over again. The gradual awakening of Max being carried on the back of one of the beasts, bathed in a warm summer glow, while the only audible sound is the steady, solid plodding of the wild thing along the forest ground.

At first glance, it is easy to wave off Max’s troubles

simply as ordinary obstacles grounded in the road to maturity.

However, Spike Jonze suggests that since monsters and children can share similar emotional strife, what’s to say adults, perhaps the wildest beasts of all, are so different? mmcnall@ stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, October 28, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT | Page 7

GeekSpot

Zombie video games to raise the undead People love being scared around this time of year and what’s scarier than flesh hungry zombies chasing you? You could brave the masses and check out Sixth Street this Halloween or you could spend night curled up on your couch fighting zombies till the sun comes up.

Proctor Anderson panders2@stedwards.edu

Plants Vs. Zombies

“Plants Vs. Zombies” is by far the weirdest game on our list, and one of the weirdest games ever. You lead an army of sun-powered plants in a full on war against invading zombies. The brilliant minds at PopCap Games, the people that brought us Bejewled and Peggle, thought this one up and set forth to put emphasis on the defense part of the tower defense genre. The game has players planting various plants in front of their house. Each plant has its own unique ability and power that can be used to fight off the incoming zombies. Some shoot seeds while others do things like explode or block off certain pathways. The resulting mayhem is fun and can be very challenging. To top it all off there are currently versions available for Windows, Mac, and you can even get it on your iPhone.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors

In 1993 my mother wasn’t ready for my little five-year-old eyes see anything that had anything to do with zombies, but boy did I want to play this game.

Released for the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo, the game was designed to spoof classic horror movies, letting players take on the role of either Zeke or Julie. Both characters look like they where ripped right out of an episode of “Saved By The Bell” and are armed to the teeth with a wide array of weapons ranging from water guns and soda cans to tomatoes and weed whackers. The game has 54 levels for you to traverse doing everything you can to save your neighbors from the zombie apocalypse. If you’ve never experienced this zombie-hunting classic, I highly recommend tracking down a copy of this 16-bit classic.

Dead Rising

Last year one of the guys working at The Huddle asked where the best place to be during the zombie apocalypse would be and I didn’t have an answer for him. But the most fun place? The mall.

George Romero explored the idea in Dawn of the Dead, and then it was revisited in Zach Snyder’s 2004 remake.

But in 2006, we actually got to play it. “Dead Rising” puts you in control of Frank West, a snarky photojournalist, searching a small town mall for the biggest story of his career. In the process he uncovers thousands of zombies inhabiting the mall and he has to fight his way through the hordes and survive for 72 hours. In the process you get to kill zombies in the silliest ways imaginable.

Nothing is too crazy for Frank: guns, frying pans, sledgehammers, shopping carts, and showerheads.

It gets crazy! And fun! And you can pick it up new for around $20.

Resident Evil

You would be hard pressed to find a modern action video game that hasn’t found some form of inspiration from the “Resident Evil” franchise. The series, which features five main games and around 15 different spin-offs, follows the story of a few special agents sent to Raccoon City to find information about the Umbrella Corporation’s T-Virus. It’s complicated stuff, but long story short, zombies have invaded the city and are ready to scare you half to death.

The games are heavy on anticipation and love to cash in on cheap scares. The story is fairly intriguing, but blasting away zombies is what keeps us coming back for more.

Austin Film Festival draws crowds, big names

Jacqueline Slanley Movie lovers and aspiring filmmakers alike congregate annually at the Austin Film

Festival. This year’s festival runs from October 22 -29th.

AFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts of filmmaking and screenwriting by introducing new talent alongside the works of established professionals. Founded in 1994, AFF was created with a focus on writers’ contributions to film and soon included the art of filmmaking. Every year professional and amateur filmmakers come together with producers, agents and screenwriters to share their art with the Austin public.

This year’s festival will be displaying a total of 175 feature-length films and hundreds of short films showing

at 8 different venues around Austin. In addition, the festival is also hosting screenwriting conferences for writers eager to learn more about getting into the business. The festival also provides an opportunity to network with people in the film business for those who are interested.

“I’ve been interested in film for quite a while now and someday hope to be successful in the industry,” said freshman Callie Chiang, a festival volunteer.

The festival will also hold panels with experts in the field, such as “What Gets Producers Excited,” “Breaking Into (and Writing for) Animation,” “The Art of Sto-

rytelling,” and many Roundtable discussions for aspiring writers, producers and directors.

The most anticipated films at this year’s festival include Lee Daniels’ “Precious” based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire about a young AfricanAmerican girl’s troubled life, and Cheryl Hines’ “Serious Moonlight” about high-powered Manhattan lawyer Louise (Meg Ryan), who holds her husband captive because he committed adultery.

Past participants of the Festival & Conference include Wes Anderson, Joel & Ethan Coen, Oliver Stone, Jason Schwartzman, and Owen Wilson, among others.

Many students at St. Edward’s University have been attending the festival for years and are anxiously awaiting the festivities.

“I’m most excited about attending the discussion with Ron Howard,” said freshman Shannon Nisley. “I absolutely love the festival, it provides so many opportunities for young people who are interested in the film industry.”

The collaboration of professionals that participate in AFF often helps newcomers get a leg-up in the business.

One of the festival’s goals is to foster and promote long successful careers.

“It just makes sense to learn from the best,” said Chiang.

Some AFF events are free to the public, while most require festival badges or passes. Individual tickets to screenings are sold when space permits. AFF provides many non-profit and group discounts. For more information regarding passes and event schedules, check out the AFF website at www.austinfilmfestival.com.

Additional reporting by Amber Burton. jslanle@stedwards.edu aburton3@stedwards.edu

Page 8 | ENTERTAINMENT

“Friday the 13th”

What it’s about: The latest installment of the popular franchise is a remake of the very first “Friday the 13th” that came out in 1980. The plot follows the tale of Jason, a serial killer with a penchant for killing off characters in particularly gruesome fashion, generally just after some form of sexual act.

Why it’s good: As far as remakes go, it’s a decent effort. The film manages to capture the… “essence” of the franchise, and delivers startling moments side-by-side with gruesome deaths.

Why it’s bad: In the vein of the original, and basically all serial killer/ slasher films, the film uses cheap tricks, thrills, bad acting, and gratuitous shots of breasts to further it’s weak plot. It will be interesting to see if the remaining original films are redone. With “Friday the 13th” it has always been, and probably will always be, more about quantity (of screams, of gore, of films) than quality.

“Leprechaun”

What it’s about: An ugly little Irishman terrorizes the countryside and its inhabitants in search of its gold.

People are killed with pogo-sticks and magical green Irish powers that emanate from the leprechaun’s fingertips. Laughs are had by all.

Why it’s good: “Leprechaun” is primarily a parody of the horror movie genre. The chubby monster can’t help but draw laughs as it mischievously wobbles along. The film has all of the components that make horror movies great—chase scenes, gore galore, an attractive lead actress—but centers it all around a Leprechaun.

Why it’s bad: The dialogue and acting are unbelievably bad. The awkward second-long pause you see once in a while when you know the actors are trying to remember their lines? That composes three quarters of the movie. The special effects are also so cheap that they’re funny, which isn’t good for a horror film. However, these shortcomings work perfectly as comedy.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

“Komodo vs. Cobra”

What it’s about: A group of scientists and unlikely explorers meet up on an island where scientific experiments are done. One of the experiments, predictably, went horribly wrong and started making creatures giant sized.

Soon everyone is on the run from a giant komodo dragon and a king cobra snake.

Why it’s good: It’s not good, really, at all. It’s just really, extremely funny. Get a bunch of friends together, grab your choice of movie junk food and laugh for an hour and a half at pratfalls, over the top acting, and curse words censored out by the call of jungle birds.

Why it’s bad: The acting, the effects, the direction, the previously mentioned curse words being censored out by the call of jungle birds. The plot itself begs the question “Who actually sat down in a room and decided this movie was a good idea?” And yet, somehow, it becomes entertaining, and you want to watch it again.

“Christine”

What it’s about: Arnie Cunningham, the archetypal definition of a nerd, restores Christine, a 1958 Plymouth Fury, after he is mysteriously drawn to her presence. As the state of the car improves, he becomes a “bad boy,” donning contacts, changing his clothes, and picking up a date. The car reveals herself to be an invincible, mechanical murderer, and Arnie shuns friends and family for the love of Christine.

Why it’s good: The late ‘70s setting creates a nostalgic feeling that is calming towards the beginning and the perfect setup for the looming devastation. The plot is genuinely interesting, there are plenty of suspenseful moments, and many scenes are downright frightening.

The film is highly unique in comparison to most horror films.

Why it’s bad: Based off one of Stephen King’s more mediocre novels, the film adopts a ridiculous premise with little explanation. Viewers may have difficult accepting the anthropomorphic nature of Christine, which can take away from the experience. Even when a horror film does everything right, the impossibility of the events can take away from the terror.

“Army of Darkness” (Evil Dead Series) What it’s about: Ash is an employee at S-Mart before he gets thrown back in time and must fight an army of zombielike “Deadite” soldiers to find his way home. Part of the “Evil Dead” series by Sam Raimi.

Why it’s good: Bruce Campbell with a chainsaw for an arm fighting zombie-like creatures; witty and ridiculous dialogue that’s as quotable as it is laughable, (i.e. “This is my boom stick!”) and an entertaining combination of outrageous gore, fighting, and effects. It’s simply one of the most entertaining movies about battling the undead around (besides, of course, its predecessors “Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead II,” which you should also watch).

Why it’s bad: The plot and execution make you shake your head while laughing at the downright absurdity of the film.

If you prefer your special effects to err on the side of believable, or don’t like comic gore and violence, you’ll be frustrated and probably grossed out.

Horror movies: So bad they’re good Amber Burton and Jake Hartwell In honor of Halloween we’ve compiled five of the best horror movies to scare you into the holiday spirit. Whether you love them or hate, we know you won’t be able to stop watching them. aburton3@stedwards.edu jhartwe@stedwards.edu

SPORTS

9

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

6’8” 6’2”

BRITTneY GRINER vs sara heaD Kayla Meyer

Men’s shoe size 17-18

The St. Edward’s University women’s basketball team is scheduled to face off against fifth ranked Baylor University on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in a showdown that is bound to make history.

The exhibition game will showcase a new prodigy of Baylor’s women’s squad: Brittney Griner. Griner, a 6’8” freshman from Aldine Nimitz High School in Houston, has a wingspan of 7’4”, only 3/4 of an inch less than former University of Texas star and current Oklahoma City Forward Kevin Durant’s. It will be Griner’s first collegiate game.

In high school, Griner was able to set a national single-game record making 25 blocks against Alief Hastings last season.

One of Griner’s most famous attributes is that she is able to dunk a basketball effortlessly, with one hand or two, and get hang time above the rim.

“I’ve never seen a girl that can effortlessly dunk it any way she wants,” Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said in an Oct. 21 article in the Austin American-Statesman. “I think the only dunk I’ve not ever seen her do is a windmill. But there’s more to Brittney Griner than just dunking the basketball.”

Griner dunked 52 times in 32 games her senior year while also averaging a tripledouble, with 33 points, 15.5 rebounds and 11.7 blocks a game.

Matching up against Griner will be St. Edward’s senior Sara Head.

Sara Head is a 6’2” forward from Keller. Head accumulated 11 consecutive double-doubles last year. She was also named Honorable Mention for the Heartland Conference All-Conference team her freshman year, First Team All-Conference BASKETBALL, 10

Men’s shoe size 13

Page 10| SPORTS

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Basketball showdown Continued from page 9

her sophomore year and Second Team All-Conference her junior year.

“I’m feeling as confident as I can, seeing as she is 6’8,” Head said. “I’m definitely going to work hard and we’re just going to have to play tough defense.”

Head also said they will have to protect against the lob pass, a type of pass that is thrown over a defender who is playing ballside defense, and they will have to have double-team Griner.

“From our intersquad scrimmage, I’m feeling pretty positive on how well we will do as a team as far as communicating, offense and defense,” Head said. “As far as Baylor goes, we know they’re a very good team and it will be a good starting point to

work off of for the year.”

In the annual Heartland Conference Preseason Poll, the Hilltoppers were picked to finish third by the conference coaches behind the University of the Incarnate Word and St. Mary’s University.

“My expectations are very high,” said Head. “We have worked very hard during preseason and will continue to work hard. I think that this year we have what it takes to go all the way. We definitely have the talent and our team chemistry is better than its ever been.”

The Hilltoppers will kick off their regular season November 20-21 when they host Abilene Christian University and Angelo State University in the St. Edward’s Shootout. kmeyer2@stedwards.edu

SPORTS COMMENTARY

Favre will forever be a Packer Nolan Green Ten-time pro-bowler Brett Favre has become one of the most iconic players in the football world over the last 18 years.

He holds 11 league records as well as many more team records, mostly with the Green Bay Packers.

Favre has played with and outlasted some of the great quarterbacks of the 90s, including John Elway and Joe Montana, among others.

Although he is arguably one of the best quarterbacks, if not the best quarterback in the NFL, past and present, he is continuously ridiculed and judged for his choices over the last few years.

After 15 seasons and countless awards and recognition, including a threetime All-Pro selection, three-time AP NFL MVP, and five-time NFC player of the year, just to name a few

with the Green Bay Packers, Favre, in a teary eyed, sincere interview, chose to retire.

His retirement was accepted in the football world. He had won two NFC championships and a Super Bowl as well as all of the previously mentioned awards during his 15 years as a Cheesehead. He is 38 years old and has gone through quite a lot with the Packers, and although fans were sad to see him go, they knew it had to end sometime.

But this wasn’t the end for Favre. After the hint of a comeback, more than a few nasty words about the Green Bay organization and negotiations with the New York Jets, Favre was back in the league, but not in the familiar green and yellow of the Green Bay Packers.

In New York, Favre played well, but enough to lead the Jets to a 9-7 record, which, although not a winning re-

cord, didn’t get the Jets into the playoffs.

In the last five weeks of the regular seasons, it was obvious that Favre had suffered a shoulder injury. Upon the end of the Jets season, MRI results confirmed a torn bicep tendon in his throwing shoulder. Favre used this as an excuse to retire. Again.

But again, this wasn’t the end for nearly 40-year-old Favre.

His comeback to the Vikings was a shock to very few. Favre took the field in purple and white. While looking thinner, but still in great shape, he’s done very well so far. In week four he defeated his former team, the Green Bay Packers, to become the first quarterback to beat all 32 NFL teams.

Now, the Vikings are undefeated at 6-0. They’re the dominant team in the NFC and one of the top teams in the NFL, most of this due to

Favre.

However, since many Favre fans, including myself, are rooted Green Bay Packers fan, it was hard to see this transition to the Vikings, since there is a deep and passionate rivalry between those two teams. But everyone can admit they can’t help but respect him.

Favre is one of the classiest quarterbacks in the league.

At the end of his recordsetting wins against the Packers a few weeks ago, he went over to all of his former teammates and hugged, talked and laughed with them all. His actions show that no matter where he plays, he’ll still be number four on the Green Bay Packers, and that’s not going to change. ngreen2@stedwards.edu

Weekend losses end three winning streaks Women’s soccer Bryce Bencivengo The St. Edward’s University women’s soccer team had their 10-game winning streak snapped by conference foe Newman on senior day on Oct. 23. The women’s team had previously been unbeaten in conference play.

The game was decided when the Jets capitalized on a counterattack in the waning seconds of the second overtime period to win the game 1-0.

The Hilltoppers dominated the match, outshooting Newman 32-5. The Hilltoppers put seven shots on target to the Jets’ two. Also, the women had 15 corner kicks to Newman’s one.

Despite the overwhelm-

ing lead in the statistics, the women could never find the lead on the scoreboard.

The team was even awarded a penalty kick in the first overtime period when a St. Edward’s attacker was held, but the Newman Goalkeeper stepped and made the save on senior Kim Abbot.

This was the second meeting of these two teams this season. In the first meeting, the Hilltoppers dominated the statistics in a similar manner and found the net three times for a 3-0 win.

Their next game will be in San Antonio against Incarnate Word on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. bbenciv@stedwards.edu

Women’s volleyball Kayla Meyer The St. Edward’s University women’s volleyball team ended their 12-match winning streak with a loss to Dallas Baptist University in three sets, 16-25, 22-25 and 23-25 on Oct. 24.

The game against Dallas Baptist (15-13, 7-3 HC) was the first loss in conference play for St. Edward’s (19-6, 10-1 HC). The Hilltoppers had previous beaten Dallas Baptist 3-0 earlier in the season.

Sophomore Lindy Luleff and junior Pam Osborn led the offense with 10 and nine kills, respectively, while senior Allison Ralston and junior Chelsea Barsamian had 10 and 13 assists, re-

spectively.

Freshman Michelle Hundt led the defense with 22 digs in the game.

The Hilltoppers will play their next match at home on Oct. 29 against the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith at 7 p.m.

Following this match, the Hilltoppers will play a recently scheduled home match on Oct. 30 against sixth ranked Texas A&M University at 3:30 p.m.

St. Edward’s has only beaten the Buffalos once in the eight matches they have ever played them. kmeyer2@stedwards.edu

Men’s soccer Tommy Collins Halting a four-game winning streak, the St. Edward’s University men’s soccer team fell 7-2 to Northwestern State University on Oct. 25 at the Riverhawk Soccer Pitch in Tahlequah, Okla.

The scoring started in the 24th minute when the Hilltoppers (5-7-2) scored on their own goal, giving Northeastern State (8-6) an early lead. The Riverhawks tallied two more goals in a matter of two minutes, increasing the lead to 3-0.

Junior Trey Perkins logged the first goal for St. Edward’s with an assist from senior Kevin Klaus.

Following the halftime break, senior Scott Strick-

land gave the Hilltopper’s their second and final goal off an assist from senior Bryan VanCura. Two minutes later, the Riverhawks answered with a goal off of a free kick, increasing the lead to 4-2.

The remainder of the game saw Northeastern State add three unanswered goals for a final score of 7-2.

While the Hilltoppers accumulated nine shots on goal, the Riverhawks tallied 14, with both squads totaling 17 shots.

Next up for St. Edward’s is the Newman University Jets on campus at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. tcollin@stedwards.edu

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Five Minute Major

Let’s see that again: Time for instant replay Storylines like the possible repeat of the Philadelphia Phillies and Alex Rodriguez actually performing in the playoffs Sports Commentary have created a dramatic and entertaining post-season for Major League Baseball.

Polluting one of the best post-seasons in recent memory, though, is the easily fixable problem that has stolen the spotlight and is hurting the integrity of professional baseball.

The umpires are influencing the outcome of games by making blatant errors that instant replay would never miss.

Baseball’s Commissioner Bud Selig needs to push the owners to adopt instant replay on close calls at the foul lines, bases and home-run walls for this year’s World Series. Selig forcing the change now will prevent bad calls from playing a role in determining the 2009 world champions.

In this year’s American League division series between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees, Twins catcher Joe Mauer hit a line drive to left field in the 11th inning.

Instant replay showed the ball clearly landed inches inside the foul line. But the umpire, who is not allowed to access the instant replay seen by everyone else, got it wrong and took away a crucial hit.

And in this year’s American league championship series between the Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, the umpires made three obvious mistakes in a 10-1 win for New York.

First, Nick Swisher of the Yankee’s was called safe on a pickoff play at second base, when instant replay clearly showed he was not.

Then, Swisher was called out at third base for leaving too early after a fly ball, when instant replay again clearly showed he did not.

The most obvious of the three blatant errors, though, was what should have been a double play at third base but was called as only one out.

This isn’t some new or isolated Associated Press problem. Baseball is as precisionoriented a sport as exists. What other sport has a rule like ‘the tie goes to the runner’ or a baserunner must tag up before advancing off of a pop fly?

Last year, the league adopted instant replay to use on home run calls, but left the rest up to the judgment of the umpires. This ‘human element’ in the game has become nothing short of a nuisance. The results of these games are tainted because the umpires made incorrect calls. Yes, it is America’s past-time and nobody wants to disrupt those traditions.

But the traditions held dear to many never included making crucial errors.

Opponents argue that instant replay would slow down the pace of play and lengthen the game. Granted, it might add five to 10 minutes to confirm a few close calls in what is already a three plus hour game. What are a few more minutes, though, when it means a fair and credible outcome?

By adopting instant replay for the World Series, Major League Baseball would instantly correct this problem and re-affirm the credibility of the officiating as well as the integrity of the game. tcollin@stedwards.edu Tommy Collins

The Hilltop Views sports column, ‘Five Minute Major,’ appears every other week in the sports section and is written by Co-Editor-in-Chief Tommy Collins.

SPORTS |Page 11

Biggest Fan: Grace Tannous Philadelphia Phillies The “Biggest Fan” series showcases some of St. Edward’s University’s biggest sports fans and the teams they support.

Candice Rogers Grace Tannous has been a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies for as long as she can remember and it all started because of her uncle.

In 1993, when Tannous was 5, the family gathered around the living room to watch game seven of the World Series. The Phillies were playing against the Toronto Blue Jays, and while the rest of the family was cheering for the Phillies, Tannous’ uncle was not.

“I remember because my uncle said they were going to lose,” Tannous said.

The Phillies lost that game.

Throughout the years the Phillies held on to a losing streak, but Tannous said her love of the Phillies didn’t waver. She continues to support her team.

“They haven’t been all that good until recently,” Tannous said.

Now a senior at St. Edward’s University major-

Courtesy of Grace Tannous

Grace Tannous is a big fan of the Philadelphia Phillies.

lege, Tannous still celebrates with her family whenever the Phillies win a game.

Tannous said that being from Philadelphia means a lot to her for several reasons.

It was the first capitol of the United States and is still the location of the Liberty Bell.

It’s also where Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence. The

“Philly is a rough city to be from.

The fans are rough, the people are rough, and so is the team. But when they play, they play with a lot of heart and soul.” ing in Psychology, Tannous continues to show off her support for the Phillies.

Written on the white board in her room are the words “Go Phillies...World Series Bound!”

Moving from one city to another may make it hard to stay loyal to a hometown team, but that isn’t the case for a true fan. Moving from the suburbs of Philadelphia to the city of Austin for col-

city has history, and the Phillies team colors of red, white and blue represent America to Tannous.

Tannous and her family are separated by cities, but she says they unite at each win and mourn with each loss.

A significant memory for Tannous is the Phillies game she attended in Houston, Texas. She and all of her family went to support

the Phillies, with the exception of her uncle, who wore a Houston Astros shirt.

However, her favorite Phillies game was when they won the World Series in 2008. In the fourth game of the National League Championship, Matt Stairs, a pinch hitter, hit a home run when a hit was badly needed. That game led to the first World Series trip for the Phillies in 15 years and their first World Series win in 28 years.

Tannous said her favorite players are Shane Victorino and Chase Utley.

“They’re great hitters, they’re always smiling and they’re really devoted to their team,” Tannous said.

“Philly is a rough city to be from. The fans are rough, the people are rough, and so is the team. But when they play, they play with a lot of heart and soul.”

crogers4@stedwards.edu

12 Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Editorial

VIEWPOINTS

New hate crime bill won’t limit free speech The United States Senate passed HR 2647, legislation that would expand current federal hate crime laws, on Oct. 22 with a 68-29 vote.

Under the new law, which was attached to a militaryspending bill as it passed its way through Congress, assaulting a person based on sexual orientation or gender identity would be a federal offense, adding it to existing policies that criminalized racially motivated violence.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),

who called its passing a testament to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, who first introduced hate crime legislation in the Senate over a decade ago.

The bill now awaits the signature of President Barack Obama for it to be enacted, who previously said that he would approve the measure.

The bill has been criticized by several conservative political and religious groups who suggest that it may limit conservative speech on controversial issues related

The bill now awaits the signature of President Barack Obama for it to be enacted... to sexuality, particularly subjects like gay marriage and abortion.

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who voted against the bill, agreed that hate crimes were worth condeming, but that the new law was an “Orwellian” movement toward “thought crime” and was

unnecessary. “[Hate crimes] are already illegal,” DeMint said.

While these organizations as well as DeMint are concerned for the safety of Americans’ First Amendment rights, they need not be.

In fact, the bill does just

the opposite of what they suggest. The legislation is a move to ensure that all viewpoints remain just that: ideas and opinion, not physical attacks against adversaries. It ensures that controversial issues will remain a matter of dialect rather than violence; of conversation rather than control; of debate rather than brutality.

The First Amendment protects one’s right to any thought—which HR 2647 does not infringe upon—but inhibits the potential

What not to put on your Facebook status Jake Hartwell Facebook is an almost endless source of amusement in so many ways. Quizzes, applications, photos, and group pages serve as a wonderful distraction from the stresses of everyday life.

By far, my favorite part of Facebook is scrolling through people’s status updates, particularly the bad ones. Through my obsession with Facebook, I have compiled a list of the worst things one can do in a status update and why they are such painful faux pas.

1. Switching from third person to first person in the middle of a sentence.

If you don’t have basic control over the English language, you shouldn’t be polluting cyberspace with your ideas.

2. Status updates about how “freaking schwasted” you just got.

Drunken Facebook is even worse than drunken texting.

We are all very glad to hear that you’ll have to deal with a throbbing headache of re-

gret in the morning, but for now you should disconnect the Internet before you hurt yourself.

3. Run-on sentences.

Yes, I’m sure what you’re saying is of utmost importance, but I’m not going to take the time to read it because it is an amorphous blob of indecipherable text.

Maybe you should spend less time on Facebook and more time learning how to employ the wonders that are periods and semicolons.

4. Status updates about how much you hate some minor change in the Facebook layout.

When “New Facebook” came out, everyone posted about leaving unless the old format was reinstated.

It never happened, because we are all enslaved to the convenience of the Web site.

History is against you when you complain about the minor switch from News Feed to Live Feed, so don’t waste your time or ours. You are not an internet revolutionist—go back to your business as usual.

5. Status updates that tag your friends. For example, “John Smith is going to the movies with Bob Johnson.”

You are talking about your friends, not your boss. The last name makes your life sound like a business conference, instead of the string of barbaric parties and latenight pancake trips that it really is. If people don’t already know your friend Bob, they don’t need to know what he’s doing with you.

6. Updating so frequently that it becomes a full-time job.

If these people took the time they waste posting status updates and used it for community service, the world would be a shining utopia of perfect human existence. Stop being a narcissist and do something productive for once.

7. Status updates that habitually communicate how bored or depressed you are.

We get it—you’re alone on a Friday night and don’t have much to do. But your friends really don’t need to

hear update after update finding continuously more creative ways to express your depression or boredom. You are an adult now; I am sure you can find some way to entertain yourself. If all else fails, read a book— you could probably use the mental stimulation.

8. When you can’t go three updates without telling us how much you miss your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Romanticism is like any other drug—only good in small doses. All of that “you complete me” and “I couldn’t live without you” smoke-blowing sounds nice on paper, but is actually quite unhealthy. Updates like these make people feel sorry for you and your lack of self-sufficiency. True happiness comes from within, not from a severe reliance on your significant other.

9. Epic battles for superiority in the form of angry statuses.

Fights with your partner belong in the bedroom, and fights with your roommate belong in the living room, so

keep them off of my News Feed. Beating your enemies into the ground with scathing status wars proves nothing except how puerile the both of you really are.

10. Donating your status.

For example, “Mary Williams: More than 80,000 acres of rainforest are leveled every day. Click here to donate your status to this cause: someapplicationurl.com.”

Of course, we are all very convinced that Mary cares deeply about the rainforest.

Why else would she blatantly tell every one of her friends? This status is created so the person can show everyone they care about a cause, not for the benefit of the cause itself. It’s basically false philanthropy. Good deeds are to be performed without the hope of recognition.

If you are guilty of one or several of these crimes, by no means cease to commit them. How else would the rest of us be so wonderfully entertained? jhartwe@stedwards.edu

violence such thought can bring. Civic discourse is essential for democracy to survive, and its survival is dependent on the trust that barbarity will not arise from disagreement.

HR 2647 guarantees just that, and it is long overdue.

Letter to the Editor After reading “Fountain undergoing renovations” and “Effects of floods still felt on campus” in the Oct. 21 issue, I found myself a little more than frustrated. Although I understand that all the various repairs on campus need to be done after damage, and I enjoy how well kept St. Edward’s University is, I find it absolutely ridiculous that the university will not be taking extra precautions to stop future flooding.

The price tag for all these repairs will likely equal many years of full scholarships, and it is unbelievable that nothing would be done to prevent similar problems. Although I recognize that St. Edward’s is fairly more generous than many other colleges with financial aid, I wouldn’t mind having some of the $15,000 to renovate the fountain or $10,000 for new carpet go towards my education.

Kate Murray kmurray3@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday,October 28, 2009

VIEWPOINTS | Page 13

Beware of your choice, Marge Caroline Wallace Marge Simpson is baring it all.

This November, the mother of three is making history as the first cartoon character to ever grace the cover of Playboy. The following is an open letter to Mrs. Simpson.

Dear Marge, I apologize for writing publicly, as I was unable to locate your address—you’d be surprised how many Springfields there are in this country. Anyways, I have to say I’m conflicted about your recent decision to pose for Playboy.

On one hand, there is no denying that aside from some pigment issues, your body looks pretty amazing for a woman of your age, not to mention after three kids. It’s obvious why you would want to show it off.

And I have to applaud you on your decision to keep the

full-on exhibitionism above the waist, as you are saving yourself from countless carpet-matching-drapes jokes, even if you are kind of asking for it with that signature ‘do.

It is refreshing to see a woman with some intelligence and life experience behind her making this plunge.

Obviously, you are not some barely legal, bottle-blonde co-ed with delusions of sexy stardom. You have been representing the blue-haired, maternal minority in the public eye for 20 years, and only now have you chosen to pose nude.

But this drawer-dropping decision can be lofty.

What starts as female empowerment soon has every dribbling regular at Moe’s Tavern oogling your goodies while pounding back Duffs.

Imagine Homer’s dismay when he finds Barney Gumble stockpiling copies of the issue for his personal collection.

When I was reading the

magazine for the articles, I noticed that you said in your Q&A that Bart and Lisa are never to find out about this.

But Springfield is a small town, and word travels fast. It’s only a matter of time before your center spread is passed around the playground of Springfield E l e m e n t a r y, more popular Associated Press than the latest Marge Simpson on the cover of Playboy.

Jonas Brothers Tiger Beat cover. perating lectures from that A simple “eat my shorts” from Bart isn’t go- preachy Ned Flanders. ing to keep those loquacious Sincerely, schoolchildren from discussing your lack thereof.

A Concerned Reader Take it is as a cautionary warning — flaunt it if cwallac2@stedwards.edu you got it, but there will be consequences, not the least of which will be some exas-

Random acts of kindness still exist Amber Burton In a society where it seems like the entire world is out to get, well, everybody, sometimes a light shines through the darkness, a beacon of hope for a lost humanity.

Then again, maybe that’s a little dramatic. It’s just nice to be reminded every once in a while that people do still care about each other.

A couple of weekends ago I went downtown with a couple of my friends to go to Buffalo Exchange. It was a University of Texas game day, so parking was nearly impossible.

I ended up parking in a lot in front of a small strip of stores behind Toy Joy on Guadalupe Street. We were

only in the store for, at most, 20 minutes, but when we came back outside to leave, my car had disappeared.

After a few long minutes of freaking out, I was told by the owner of one of the shops that he had called and had my car towed. I called the number of the company and was informed it would cost me nearly $200 to get my car back.

I’m a college student. I don’t have that kind of money.

Feeling helpless and miserable, I sat on the curb and started crying.

A couple of minutes later, a man walked up to the me and my friends. He asked me what was wrong, and I tearfully told him my car had been towed and that I didn’t

have enough money to get it back. He asked me how much it cost to get it back, and I told him. He asked one of my friends to follow him for a minute.

He returned a few minutes later and pressed a wad of money into my hand. It was $200.

“Go get your car back,” he said.

I thanked him, and he told me not to worry about it. He told me his name was Mitch Sweeney and then walked away after bidding me good night.

I don’t know why this complete stranger decided to give me $200 of his hard-earned money. I don’t even know if he gave his real name. All I know is that his action meant

the world to me in that moment, and I know that I must now somehow help someone out, whenever I have the opportunity, to return the favor.

People often get so caught up in their own lives that they forget about doing kind things just for the sake of kindness. So please, the next time you see someone having a problem, don’t remark “I’m glad that’s not me.” Just help them.

By doing something nice for someone, whether you know them or not, you brighten the world around you. In these selfish times, the kindness of humanity means more than ever, and any light brought into this world is worth it. aburton3@stedwards.edu

Business Office deserves praise Eric Saltwick There is an understandable and sound argument that can be made that any staff department on campus could be regarded as underrated, whether it is the Physical Plant, Food Services or Information Technology. But perhaps no other office at St. Edward’s University is quite as overlooked or misunderstood as that of the Business Office.

My appreciation comes from first-hand experience.

For the last two summers I have worked in the business office with its leader, Paul Sintef, the university’s controller. Both summers not only proved to be instrumental in a new understanding of the school, but also were amongst the best I’ve ever had.

For clarification purposes, the Business Office is not Student Financial Services.

It does not handle student tuition payments — that is a different department in a different building.

Instead, the Business Office oversees what is considered by most as somewhat mundane activities that effect students more indirectly than directly—purchases, annual audits, budget reviews and payroll are the raison d’être. In other words, the kind of stuff an accountant would love.

However, it is only through these mundane activities that the university could function.

Paul once told me that he considers the office to be the hypothalamus—a regulatory organ that ensures that the basic functions of the system are in operation.

Without a hypothalamus, regulatory operations could not function. Without the proper regulatory system

at St. Edward’s, higher intellectual thought would not be possible. This might sound like high praise, but consider the following.

People enjoy getting paid for the work they do, and people want to be paid fully and timely. Both of these are responsibilities of payroll. A payroll that is running well provides assurance both in timeliness and in amount, which allows the workers to better perform their duties as they no longer are concerned with the logistics of being paid, only that they are getting paid. This ensures that both faculty and staff can devote their time to what it is they do best.

Another consideration is that of accounts payable.

Everything on campus has an element of cost. The computers and printers across campus, among other things, in the labs at one point had to have been bought. I could never imagine the campus without them, but had accounts payable not existed, that very well may have been the case.

But perhaps the best lesson I learned was a newfound sympathy for St. Edward’s. By observing such things as payroll and accounts payable, I saw the positive, mutual dependence that every department has on each other. The campus would not function without the business office, but the business office could not function without the other departments. At the end, I realized the following: Every staff member in every office makes an effort and a contribution, and we should thank each and every one of them for their day in, day out effort. esaltwi@stedwards.edu

FEATURES

14 Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

The Manual

Find your costume Nicole Wolt The Manual is a biweekly “how to” column that features ways St. Edward’s University students can learn quick projects, practical fixes and cheap ways to have fun and survive in Austin.

If you’re like most college students, piles of papers, projects and other responsibilities have kept you from finding the perfect Halloween costume for this weekend–but don’t fret. Austin is known for its unique sense of style that comes from a mix of high-end shops and thrift stores. Find your last-minute Halloween costumes at one of the following places. kwolt@stedwards.edu Buffalo Exchange Also famous among college students for inexpensive clothes, this store is located on Guadalupe. It holds racks of second hand clothes, shoes, and other accessories. Unlike other second-hand stores, this one allows you to exchange your old clothes for cash or store credit, that way you can sell old clothes to buy new ones.

2904 Guadalupe St. (512) 480-9922 www.buffaloexchange.com St. Vincent de Paul Normally a Mecca for college students looking for cheap furniture, this thrift store is also located on South Congress and makes a perfect place to costume shop. The prices are ridiculously low and there are interesting clothes from every decade that would make great costumes.

1327 S. Congress Ave (512) 912-7575 www.svdpusa.org

Lucy in Disguise Located on South Congress Avenue, this fanciful store is packed with every type of costume, wig, shoe and accessory imaginable.

The staff is willing to spend hours helping you find everything you need to complete your look Depending on how much your costume involves, the price might be a little steeper, but you can buy or rent as many or as few pieces as you’d like.

1506 S. Congress Ave. (512) 444-2002 www.lucyindisguise.com

New Bohemia Also on South Congress Avenue, New Bohemia offers a variety of vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories that can be made into costumes.

1606 S. Congress Ave (512) 326-1238 www,newbohemiaaustin .com

Free software can help students Daniel Garza Problems involving computer software compatibility and affordability could soon be a thing of the past thanks to open source software.

Open source software refers to programs that allow users to change, improve or alter the source code and redistribute it as they see fit. This allows for an easier and less restricted exchange of various programs and, more importantly, they can be obtained legally and free of charge.

Open source software can be particularly beneficial to university students. Programs like the Firefox Web browser, the OpenOffice suite or Ubuntu operating system are all readily available for free and are easy to install and use.

Although these programs have been around for many years and their benefits and popularity are growing, many people are unaware of their accessibility and ease of use due to the overwhelming use of Microsoft software.

Like many students, Michael Martinez, a freshman, is most familiar with Microsoft products on computers due to the fact that his school and family computers have always used Microsoft.

“I’ve always used Windows ever since I could remember,” Martinez said. “I have some friends who use Mac laptops and they seem alright, but [Microsoft] Windows is what I’m used to. It’s on all the computers on campus.”

Though St. Edwards University has many computers on campus that run the Mac OS X, the fact that every student has had much experience using Microsoft Windows is hard to deny.

While both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X are both relatively stable and well-sup-

ported programs, they can be expensive. Issues regarding expensive upgrades and file incompatibility plague computers regularly, despite the age and tested nature of the technology.

This issue extends to other programs as well, such as Microsoft Office. Files that were written or created on one program are often not compatible with future versions of the same program, forcing consumers to constantly purchase newer versions of expensive software. Operating systems are constantly being updated and reworked as technology improves, but driver and file compatibility with older operating systems is notoriously difficult or often impossible to accommodate.

Dr. Karl Stolley, assistant professor of Technical Communication at Illinois Institute of Technology, is a major proponent for a change to the industry in this regard.

“Digital artifacts should outlast the software that played a part in their creation. Insisting on open standards and formats, not software packages is the only way to make this happen,” said Stolley.

Certainly, file incompatibility is a frequent problem for students on any campus.

Open source software helps address this problem by breaking out of the closedformat system and allowing data to remain useable and compatible years later, rather than confining it to a specific version of specific software.

In addition, the success and proliferation of specific software bundles has caused major misconceptions about what choices students and consumers have for creating and using media. This creates limitations for usage, compatibility and creativity.

An example of this would be PowerPoint. PowerPoint is a program created by Microsoft as a part of Microsoft Office that allows the creation and viewing of slideshows or slideware. The open source program OpenOffice contains a comparable slideware program that offers different or increased options, greater compatibility with various operating systems and is free.

One reason many people do not know about open source software, or are intimidated about using these programs, is a general lack of understanding about what they do and how to obtain them.

Many assume that these programs are only for those who know how to manipulate software source code, or only helpful for those who know a lot about programming. This is not actually the case. Although source codes are available, these programs can be installed and enjoyed with just as much ease as any other store bought software, without having to go to the store.

Noting the difference between downloading open source software for free and pirating copyrighted software is important. Downloading copyrighted software online via peer-to-peer networks, or BitTorrent clients, is illegal and dangerous. A downloader could be prosecuted or, more likely, run the risk of downloading dangerous viruses or spyware along with the intended files.

Open source software is not only free of charge, but it is obtained through safe and well-established Web sites.

Drew Loewe, assistant professor of English Writing and Rhetoric at St. Edward’s, fully supports the use of open source software for students, as well as for anyone else who is tired of the system of software bundles and file version incompatibilities.

“It’s easier to use these programs than to shackle myself to the cycle of upgrades and expensive bloatware,” said Loewe. dgarzaa@stedwards.edu

Try these programs OpenOffice | www.openoffice.org The OpenOffice suite is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite that is compatible with all other major office suites.

Ubuntu | www.ubuntu.com Ubuntu is an open source operating system that is user-friendly that can easily integrate hundreds of applications for free. Additionally, Ubuntu, along with other open source programs, can be run through a flash or USB drive on any computer without altering the computers current operating system files.

Audacity | www.audacity.sourceforge.net Audacity is free, open source software program for recording and editing sounds and is available for MAC OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux and other operating systems.

Spybot | www.safer-networking.org This open source download is a popular spyware and adware removal program that scans the computer hard disk and RAM for malicious software.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, October 28, 2009

FEATURES | Page 15

Local shops will satisfy sweet cravings Carl Mamula Days spent studying and fulfilling other responsibilities can be exhausting sometimes, and we all deserve a treat. Whether you’re already accustomed to Austin life or you’re still new to the city, there are several local spots that will satiate your sweet tooth.

Locals are likely familiar with Amy’s Ice Creams.

With 12 locations sprinkled throughout the area, including one across the street from the St, Edward’s University campus, Amy’s offers a great variety of flavors, toppings and “crush’ns.” The ice cream is uniquely good; as an al-

ternative to the traditional vanilla and chocolate, Amy’s offers delectable Mexican Vanilla and Belgian Chocolate flavors.

A variety of other sugar-havens lie not too far from the St. Edward’s campus. One of these is Holy Cacao. This small, unassuming trailer can be at the intersection of South First Street and Gibson Street. Holy Cacao is perhaps best known for its “cake balls,” which are literally balls of cake served on a stick. In addition, it serves delicious “drinking chocolate” in two varieties. For an explosion of sugary satisfaction, try the “cake shakes,” vanilla or chocolate milkshakes in-

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

Blair Haralson Alyssa Palomo Designers

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

Eloise Montemayor Photo Editor Daniel De Los Santos Assistant Photo Editor

Shaun Martin Head Designer

Arianna Auber Amber Burton Leslie Ethridge Nicole Henson James Leavenworth Copy Editors Christy Torres Advertising Manager Jena Heath Faculty Adviser

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

Letter Policy: Hilltop Views welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for space, grammar and clarity.

Letters will be published at our discretion. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

fused with a cake ball of your choice.

If cupcakes are more your thing, try Hey Cupcake!

It has a trailer of its own at South Congress and Milton Street, a little ways north of campus. Hey Cupcake! also has four other locations in the Austin Metro area. Hey Cupcake! offers seven kinds of cupcake that are guaranteed to satisfy any sweetscraving. “You only live once.

Go for it,” said Wes Hurt, owner of Hey Cupcake!

Those in pursuit of cupcakes need not stop there.

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop on South First sells a variety of cute cupcakes with large, sweet dollops of frosting centered on top. It also sells cookies, pies, cakes and “Dessert Bars.” Additionally, Sugar Mama’s is environmentally conscious; the quaint little shop runs on wind power.

For a blast from the past, take a trip to Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue. The store is styled in

the fashion of candy shops from the early 20th century, and it offers a huge range of products—sodas, ice cream, floats, malts and all sorts of delightful confections.

There may be a slew of sweet spots located near campus, but there are plenty of sweet shops around the greater Austin area. For those who like to lounge and take advantage of free Wi - Fi , Quack’s 4 3 r d Street Bakery at the corner of 43rd and Duval should not be overlooked .

Open until midnight every night, Quack’s has an abundant selection of baked goods, refreshing

drinks and deli sandwiches.

The true pastry connoisseur will appreciate the fare of

Sweetish Hill Café & Bakery, located on Sixth Street, a little west of Lamar. Not only does Sweetish Hill sell an enticing assortment of pastries baked fresh every day, but it also features breakfast and lunch options.

There are many more places in the city to satisfy your sweet tooth, of course, so reward your hard work with a sweet, tasty treat. cmamula@stedwards. edu

Amy’s serves up “The Hilltopper” Michael McNally St. Edward’s University students can now show their school spirit while satisfying their sweet tooth at the same time.

Amy’s Ice Creams, right across the street from the St. Edward’s campus, is now serving “The Hilltopper,” one of many “Cool Combo” options offered at Amy’s.

Students were able to go online and submit their custom ice cream creations to Amy’s to be considered for the new “Cool Combo” option. Representatives from Amy’s then chose five out of the 50 applications submitted to be tasted by 12 students at Midnight Madness in the Recreation and Convocation Center on Oct. 15.

The student judges decided that the ice cream cool combo would consist of Mini-Reese’s cups and chocolate-chipcookie dough mixed into Mexican Vanilla ice cream with thick fudge poured on top.

Vincent Powell, a recent St. Edward’s graduate and current Amy’s employee, had a big hand in developing the idea for a St. Edward’s custom ice cream.

“We want to make this specific Amy’s location [along South Congress Avenue] a St. Ed’s hot-spot—we want to have contests and decorations and we welcome students’ ideas,” said Powell.

This strategy seems to be intriguing St. Edward’s students already.

“I think it’s great that the St. Ed’s presence is being extended beyond the borders of school; it’s not all about UT,” said Cory Hahn, a junior.

Junior Jessica Kruse recently went to Amy’s to try the school-spirited treat.

“It’s not for the faint of heart,” said Kruse. “Go hungry because the portions are massive. It’s made for chocolate lovers.”

With a ten percent discount for students and the introduction of “The Hilltopper,” Amy’s Ice Creams is becoming an increasingly college-friendly establishment and is a great place for a tasty study break. mmcnall@stedwards.edu

Page 16 | FEATURES

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Top spooky spots in Austin Jeni Obenhaus Yenifes Trochez

Scare for a Cure

Scare for a ����� C���� ure ��� is ��a ����������� non-profit ������������� organization in ��� Aus���� tin ����� that ������� raises� ������ money ���� for ������� breast �������� cancer��. ����� This ������ year��, the proceeds will benefit t��� ���� he Breast ������� Cancer ������� ��������� Resource Centers of Texas��, a�� non-profit, ������������ grassroots ����������� ������� organization created by survivors of breast cancer��. In ������� the past, �������������� Scare for the ����� Cure� ���� has �������������� made���������� anywhere be��� tween� ����������� $5,000 ���� and� ���������������� $10,000 dollars ����������� to support ������� breast cancer recovery and to award ������������������� scholarships to������ �������� four students who ���� have ����� been �������������� affected by ��� ����� this �������� disease�.

This year, Scare for a Cure presents “���� ����� The ������ Blood Ritual��� ,” ��������� the only ������ known �������� haunted ������ house ��� in Austin ������������� where� ������ full��������� contact �������� ��� is ����������� permitted. ���� The �������� haunted ������ house ���� has����� ���� two levels for ������������������������� which ��������������������� a customer can purchase ������������������ tickets��.� The ���� Green Level is less interactive and� is ��� a��� ������������������ more controllable environment for the haunted house attendee��. ���� The Red Level promises an experience that will be more extreme, more physically challenging, more intense and much more fun for those up for a challenge.

Dates: Oct��. ��� 28 ���� and ���� 29: ����� 7:30 �������� p.m.-11 ���� p.m.

Oct��. ������� 30-31: ����� 7:30 ������������ p.m.-12 a.m.

Location: 7400 Coldwater Canyon Dr.� Austin, Texas 78730 Tickets: $20 per regular admission ticket $25 per ‘’Red Level’’ admission ticket

Austin Ghost Tours

Austin Ghost Tours provides heavily researched facts and statistics in order to provide their audience with true historic details about the haunted locations which are toured.

Austin Ghost Tours travels to locations well known for horror and paranormal activity.

Prepare to learn and experience the eeriness of some of the most haunted locations in Austin.

Halloween Tours Commence:.

Oct. 28-31: 7:30p.m. - 10 p.m.

Location: Ghost tours start in different locations, depending on the place being toured.

See website and ticket-details for more information.

Tickets: $20 per ticket

Gruesome Gardens

The Great Outdoors provides a��������� n annual� �������� haunted location with��� ������� in ���� its ���������� territory���� ��� of plants ������� and ���������� trees�������� called ������� Gruesome Gardens��. The ���� ��������� proceeds ������� of the ���� �������� haunted gardens� �������� benefit ��������� a few of ��������� Austin’s ������ local ����������� non-profit organizations.� There ��������� are several different ���������� facets ������� ��� of Gruesome Gardens��, including� ���������� ������������������� “������������������ Haunted Harvest,��”� “������������������� Gruesome Gardens,��”� ����� “���� The ���������� Freak and ������������ Fun House,��”� and ��������������������� “�������������������� Wicked Sensations.��”� ����������� The events ���������������� provide fun and entertainment �������������� for everyone, ������������������������ from�������������������� children to adults.

Dates: Oct��.� ���������� Weekends: ����� Open ������ until ������� 12����� a.m. ���� Oct��.� ���������� Weekdays: ����� Open ������ until ��� 10� ���� p.m.

Location: The Great Outdoors Landscape and Nursery 2730 S��.� Congress ��������� ���� Ave�.

Austin��,� ������� Texas ����� 78704 Tickets: $12.50 per ticket

House of Torment

House of Torment provides an experience of overthe-top prop �������������� ��������� designs, ��������� make-up, ���������� lighting, ������� sounds ���������� and sets.

Th��� is duo ������� of �������� haunted ������� houses� ���� has ����������������������� been deemed ������������������ one of the� t��� op ������������ 13 scariest ��������� ������������� destinations ��� by� ���������� America’s ����� Best �������� Haunted Houses, and ��� it ���� was ������ named� �������� “One of ���������� America’s ��������� Scariest Halloween Attractions” by the Travel Channel.� House of Torment offers two h������� �������� aunted �������� h������� ouses��. ���� The new house ������� themes ����� this ��������� year����� are ���������� “��������� House of ��������� Torment: Rise of the Abominations�” and “��������� ���������� Illusion Manor: ������� The ���� Phantasm Curse.���”�� Where ���������������� there are ����������� illusions, ���������� delusions and��,������������ ����������� of course, ������������ frightening ��������� monsters ��� at every ������ ������� corner.

Dates: Oct. 28-Nov��.� 1� 7� ������������ p.m.�������� -������� 12����� a.m. ���� Location: 523 Highland Mall Blvd�.

Austin, Texas 78752 Tickets: $14.99 (+ tax) per House of Torment ticket $19.99 (+������ ����� ������������� tax) per House of Torment-Illusion ����������������� ������ Manor ticket $20 per Dark Stalker Event ticket

jobenha@stedwards.edu ytrcho@stedward.edu

Mansion of Terror

The award��������� �������������� -winning Mansion ����������� of Terror ������� provides ��������� two ���� haunted houses�������� —“������ Blood ������� Frenzy ���� II: ���� The ����������� Raining of Blood,���������������������������������������������� ”��������������������������������������������� and ���������������������������������������� “��������������������������������������� Death Asylum: Zombie Carnage.���������� ”��������� Mansion of Terror has been named� ������ ��������������������� “Number One ��������� Haunted House��”� ��� by ���������� LionsGate ������� Films, ���� and� ��� it� ���� has ������������ been listed ��� in� the haunted house� �������� “������� Top 8��”� ��� by ���� the ������� Travel �������� Channel.

In ������� “������ Blood ������� Frenzy ���� II,�” the selling of �������� plastic �������� panchos ��� at the entrance of the� ���� �������� haunted ������������������ house foreshadows ����� what ��� is to come. The theme is based on��� �����a ����������� murderer’s­­ house, in which you will �������������������������������� hear���������������������������� the whimpering and screams ����� of a young girl being murdered����������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� . You will witness the splattering of blood and hear the blood-curdling �������������������������������� squealing ����������������� of ���� the� victim.� ��� In ������� “������ Death �������� Asylum: ������� Zombie ��������� Carnage,�” attendees� are chased by the ���� undead������������� ������������������� through ���� the� �������� haunted ������� house.

Dates: Oct��.� 28����� ������� -31��: ��7� ������������ p.m.�������� -������� 12����� a.m. ���� Nov��.� 6�� and ���� 7: ��� ��7� ������������ p����������� .m.–12����� a��� .m.

Nov����� .���� 13: ��7� ������������ p.m.–12����� a.m. ���� Location: 2000 S��.� I������������������ ������������������� nterstate H������� �������� ighway� �� 35 Round Rock, Texas 78681 Tickets: $15 per ticket, or $20 for two tickets Sunday nights buy ��������������� three���������� tickets, ���� get ����������� one�������� ticket ����� free.