Issue #5 - Feb. 24, 2010

Hilltop Views S t .

E d w a r d ’ s

U n i v e r s i t y

Wednesday, February24 , 2010

Volume 27 | Issue 5

A quick look 6 Features: at the candidates for the Texas primary elections.

9 Sports: Homecoming week-

Two students 13 Entertainment: try to find their way through the final season of “Lost.”

end displays school spirit.

PEC reopened after attack

ing was not affected, law enforcement closed off and monitored the PEC parking lot during the incident, according a statement published on the homepage of the St. Edward’s University Web site.

Ninety-eight people at the PEC—62 corporate students, 18 St. Edward’s students, 11 administrators, six contract instructors and one St. Edward’s instructor— were evacuated due to the building’s proximity to the Echelon I building, according to Mischelle Diaz, director of communications.at the marketing office. The PEC hosts

Jen Obenhaus Kayla Meyer Caroline Wallace

The St. Edward’s Professional Education Center resumed business as scheduled on Monday after a man intentionally crashed his aircraft into the Echelon I Building located nearby on the morning of Feb 18.

The seven-story building, located in Northwest Austin off N. Mo-Pac Expressway and U.S.-183, was engulfed in flames for several hours after the crash. The building housed several federal government offices, including the Internal Revenue Service.

Although the PEC build-

TK

The Echelon I building is near the St. Edward’s PEC.

hilltopviewsonline.com

Homecoming week wraps up Tristan Hallman Kayla Meyer St. Edward’s University wrapped up its annual Homecoming Week with some changes this year.

The Homecoming festivities included traditional events like the pep rally, Casino Night and the Topper Cup Classic.

The pep rally kicked off the weekend Feb. 19. Students filled the stands of the darkened Recreation and Convocation Center equipped with glow sticks.

Once the event started, the men’s and women’s bas-

SUICIDE | 3

ketball teams were introduced by their respective coaches before entertaining the crowd and asking for their support in Saturday’s games.

Many students, family and alumni attended Casino Night, held this year in the Alumni Gymnasium rather than the Homecoming tent, on Feb. 19. This year’s theme focused on sweets, like free cupcakes provided by the Cupcake Bar, and candy.

For the second year, the university did not charge ORTIZ | 4

Students see rise in burglaries and thefts on campus Megan Ganey Junior Stacy Giles left class the afternoon of Feb. 9 and walked to the on-campus parking garage where her car was parked. When she arrived, however, she found someone else was already behind the wheel of her car and driving away.

Giles, a member of the St. Edward’s University softball team, ran after her car, which was heading off-campus, to try to get a description of the driver. She called 911

and then reported the theft to the University Police Department immediately after.

UPD showed her video of her car being driven out of the garage.

“All you can see is the car and license plate, not the driver,” Giles said. “They didn’t have any other videos to show me.

They did not have a video of the third floor or a video of people walking in and out of the garage. Pretty pointless, if you ask me.”

The car theft followed several other thefts in the park-

Beck said he does not suspect that students are committing the crimes. ing garage and the on-campus apartments. It was also at least the second theft of a vehicle on-campus this year.

Giles had been parked on the third floor of the garage, where the two previous vehicle break-ins occurred.

Since Giles’ vehicle was stolen, UPD plans to add five

additional cameras to the parking garage as well as employ two rotating, on-duty police officers to monitor the parking garage at all times, said UPD Lt. Dan Beck.

But for Giles, that was too late.

“If there were break-ins, then why wasn’t there an

increase in security?” Giles asked.

Issues of Jurisdiction

Beck said he does not suspect that students are committing the crimes.

“We have no reason to believe that the people that are committing the bike thefts, the burglaries of vehicles, the theft of the vehicle, or anything else have anything to do with this campus,” Beck said. “They’re people from off campus.”

UPD shares their reports with the Austin Police De-

partment because their jurisdiction ends at campus limits.

Giles case was being investigated by UPD as well as APD. The case was turned over to UPD, however, because the car was recovered and is now in an impound lot. Giles is not allowed to pick up her car yet because UPD is still investigating the theft.

Beck said because UPD believes that people from off SECURITY | 2

Page 2 | NEWS

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | Hilltop Views

Residence Hall Association’s powers disappearing Haleigh Svoboda The Residence Hall Association at St. Edward’s University recently announced its newly elected officers for the 2010-2011 year.

But new legislation from the Student Government Association could cut back the responsibilities and authority of these recently elected students.

RHA was once the only organization that represented campus residents in matters affecting them; however, SGA recently passed legislation that will add senate seats to give increased representation to on-campus students despite the presence of RHA. The purpose of RHA is to improve campus living by hosting events and creating an opportunity for students to express concerns with liv-

ing on campus.

The Proposal

The SGA bill, S.B. 02, creates a senate seat in SGA for each resident hall, as well as the apartments. Under this bill, the members of each hall will elect a representative who lives in their hall to be a senator in SGA. The first election for SGA hall representatives will be next fall.

SGA President Meghan Kuentz said SGA is equipped to represent the students living within the residence halls.

“SGA is already set up and has the infrastructure to represent students,” Kuentz said.

Kuentz, who helped found RHA, said the organization was originally created to represent student issues, but it soon evolved to incorporate the planning of on-campus events.

“RHA recognizes that [representation] is not their function anymore” -SGA President Meghan Kuentz

“RHA recognizes that [representation] is not their function anymore,” Kuentz said.

Joseph Andrews, RHA advisor, and Karen Gibson, associate director of Residence Life, were unaware of the passage of the SGA bill. Andrews said that he was under the impression that the purpose of RHA was to both plan events and to represent students.

RHA Election

The elections for RHA ended Feb. 17, and the results of the election were released Feb. 22.

Students elected Gaby

Flores to the position of president, and Nathan Collins was elected to the position of national communications coordinator. Two candidates ran uncontested, making Andrea Blanco the vice president and Melissa Garcia the programming liaison.

No students submitted applications to run for the positions of secretary or treasurer. These positions were offered to two students who ran for other positions but lost, which is in accordance with the RHA Constitution.

Colleen White accepted the position of treasurer, and Ja-

mie Pierce became secretary.

The use of an online ballot in this year’s RHA elections increased voter turnout. This year, 129 students cast votes, which is more than twice the number of students who voted last year, according to Gibson.

Still, others were less optimistic about the election.

Zac Peal, the SGA executive senator of the schools, said he did not like that there was a lack of advertising for the election, and voting was only open for one day.

“Developing nations the world over would be appalled by the standards set by the RHA elections,” Peal said.

Events

In the past, RHA held elections by setting up tables in Ragsdale for students to cast their votes.

The events held by RHA differ from those held by the

residence assistants in the residence halls in that students living in multiple residence halls may be the target audience for an RHA event.

“What we have been working on this year is a large-scale event scheduling targeted to on campus students,” said Andrews.

Some events held by RHA last semester include the Hall Olympics and the Halloween Block party held at Dujarié Hall, Basil Moreau Hall and the Casas. RHA is planning a NCAA watch party this semester at Le Mans Hall and Hunt Hall on April 5.

For students who are interested, RHA holds meetings every Tuesday on the third floor of Ragsdale at 9 p.m.

The next meeting will be March 2. hsvobod@stedwards.edu

Security a concern for many students on campus Continued from page 1

campus are committing these crimes, APD can help because they know more about the surrounding area.

“We’re not bashful about asking for help,” Beck said.

“Certainly the Austin Police Department knows more about people off campus than we do.”

On Patrol

Although university police collaborate with city police, there are now 14 uniformed officers on campus, including Beck and University Police Chief Rudolph Rendon. The department is down one and a half officers, Beck said.

One of those missing officers is Brandon Gilroy, the son of two other UPD officers. Gilroy, who usually worked the overnight shift, was freshly out of jail after posting bail on charges of improper photography in a

Macy’s fitting room on Feb. 10, when a burglary of an oncampus apartment occurred.

Gilroy resigned Feb. 11.

His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 25.

The number of officers on campus does not pose problems, Beck said. He said safety and patrol depend on how many people are on campus.

If there is a big event or increased crime, then there are not enough officers, but if there are no events and low crime rates, there are probably too many officers, Beck said.

“As the patrol officer, would I turn down more officers?

No,” Beck said. “But I don’t have to pay for them. I realize how much we cost and I realize it’s your tuition money.”

The Neighborhood

St. Edward’s is located in the third-highest crime rate zip code in Austin for 2009, according to Austin Police

Department. St. Edward’s is a private university, but it is not operating in a bubble, and the off-campus crime is spilling over into the St. Edward’s community.

“People from off campus have realized we’re here,” Beck said. “Those people that have been committing all of those burglaries have realized we’re here, so we are getting attention from them.”

The recent rise in burglaries counters the reported decline in burglaries from 2006 to 2008. Campus crimes are required to be reported by universities under the 1990 Jeanne Clery Act. In 2006, St. Edward’s reported 11 burglaries. In 2008, that reported number was down to three. The numbers from 2009 have not yet been reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Similarly-sized universities in urban settings like Texas Christian University in Fort

Eloise Montemayor

The on-campus parking garage has been the site of several burglaries this year.

Worth, Trinity University in San Antonio and Concordia University, formerly located in downtown Austin, had significantly more burglaries in those three years, but saw similar declines.

Under Control

Despite the recent troubles, Beck said that the crime situation is under control.

“We as a community will

get passed this current difficulties,” Beck said. “Either we’re going to catch these people or APD is.”

But until the investigations come to a close there still a sense of unease among students.

“There have been multiple car break-ins and an apartment break-in, so how am I supposed to feel safe?” Giles

said. “I’m afraid to walk to the parking garage alone now because if I would have been three minutes earlier, I would have been in the garage when the guy was stealing my car.” mganey@stedwrds.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 24, 2010

NEWS | Page 3

Dean search continues, one to be named soon Jake Hartwell St. Edward’s University’s complex search for two new deans has been underway for a year now, and while one new hire is in the works, the other search is still in progress.

The university has been searching for new deans for the School of Education and the School of Natural Sciences since Karen Jenlink, former dean of Education, and Charles Bicak, previous dean of the School of Natural Sciences, left for different universities.

The School of Education has found a new dean, but Hilltop Views has agreed not to publish the candidate’s name pending final hiring negotiations.

Meanwhile, the School of Natural Sciences will spend another year searching.

The dean of a school is an important position. A dean has the responsibility of being a leader for faculty and a mentor for students, while collaborating with deans from other schools and St. Edward’s as a whole. He or she also has administrative

duties, including grant writing and creating new school programs.

The process of searching for a new dean is complex, formal and nationwide. Kris Sloan, Kristy Ballard, Steven Fletcher, Alfred Estrello and Carol Januszeski, all members of the education faculty, were joined by Fr. Louis Brusatti, dean of Humanities, on the school of education search committee.

According to Judy Leavell, interim dean of the School of Education, the search is a formal and complicated process that involves placing national advertisements, reviewing application materials and then conducting a series of interviews. The final interview is an on-campus visit that takes around two days.

“While all the candidates had much to offer, this candidate [the new dean chosen for the school of education] had the most to offer and has a thorough knowledge of the state and legal requirements affecting teacher education in Texas,” Leavell said. “Our finalist is excellent. He is very experienced in the field and very respected by faculty, ad-

ministrators and staff at his own campus and in the wider educational community.”

Leavell said the dean will work towards the school of education’s goal of educating quality graduates for the future and for St. Edward’s mission as a whole.

If all goes according to plan, the School of Education’s new dean will assume his position July 1.

“If where they’re [the applicants] coming from finds out they’re applying for a job, it can be very unsettling,” Leavell said. “It’s not final until we have the contract signed, and that hasn’t taken place yet.”

The search for a dean of Natural Sciences this year is closed. The School of Natural Sciences conducted a search similar to that of the School of Education with Bill Quinn, Cynthia Naples, M. Jean McKemie, who are faculty members in Natural Science, Dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences Brenda Vallance, Director of Academic Support and Retention Greg MacConnell and an outside consultant.

“We made a short list of

the twenty-something applicants,” said Naples, who is currently the interim dean.

“From that we asked three of them to come to campus… to talk to students, deans, Sr. Donna [ Jurick], the search committee and the faculty.”

Naples said it is important for the candidates and the school to fit each other well. The school was looking for someone who is a scientist and specializes in a field taught at St. Edward’s.

The person needs to have experience with grant writing, funding and professional publication. Someone with experience with liberal arts and administrative experience was preferable, Naples said.

None of the applicants were chosen to be the new dean of Natural Sciences.

“It just wasn’t a good fit,” Naples said. “We [the school and university] didn’t fit them [the applicants] and/or they didn’t fit us.”

Until the next dean search in the fall, the faculty manual says that the vice president for Academic Affairs, the executive vice president and provost, the school faculty

Courtesy of St. Edward’s University Marketing Department

Interim Dean of Natural Sciences Cynthia Naples

and the School Administrative Committee will work together to appoint an interim dean.

“We have a strong school, and the faculty are very forward-looking with their undergraduate research and programs,” Naples said. “So far as students are concerned, there are no worries here that we didn’t select a dean for next year.”

The yet-to-be-determined dean will likely see the completion of the second phase of the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center. The building, which will house the majors of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, is currently scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2011. jhartwe@stedwards.edu

Suicide pilot claims one life in Austin plane crash Continued from page 1

classes for graduate students and for employees of various companies.

Students and staff were told to expect highly controlled and monitored access to the parking lot at the PEC upon reopening.

Stefanie Jaeger, a former St. Edward’s student, witnessed the aircraft crash into the building.

“I was driving to school and saw a plane coming kind of fast and low,” said Jaeger.

“It crashed into the building around 10 a.m. [Traffic] stopped. I saw a big explosion

and a huge fire went up. The plane looked like it was heading right for the building.”

Other witnesses reported no smoke or other apparent problems with the aircraft and said the plane appeared to be in control.

Two deaths resulted from the plane crash and subsequent fire. The pilot, Joseph Andrew Stack III, died of blunt force injuries, according to Sarah Scott, chief administrative officer for the Travis County medical examiner’s office. Vernon Hunter, 68, died of “conflagration injuries,” Scott said. Hunter was an IRS employee and Vietnam War veteran whose wife

Associated Press

Associated Press

Joseph Andrew Stack III

Vernon Hunter

also worked in the building.

Stack published a six-page letter on his Web site on day of the crash, chronicling his motives for the crash and criticized the corporate greed of the IRS for his financial

situation.

Authorities believe Stack was aiming to retaliate against the IRS. Erik Vasys, an FBI spokesman for the case, said the investigation is still active, and the FBI is

unable to provide any further details.

Stack’s adult daughter, Samantha Bell, defended Stack’s anti-government action to ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday.

Although she admitted that Stack’s actions were inappropriate, she called her father a hero.

“If nobody comes out and speaks up on behalf of injustice, then nothing will ever be accomplished,” said Bell. “But I do not agree with his last action with what he did. But I do agree about the government.”

Stack’s wife also released a statement through a family

spokesperson on Friday.

“Words cannot adequately express my sorrow or sympathy I feel for everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” Stack’s wife said. “I want to thank my friends, family, colleagues and neighbors as well as members of my church and others for their expressions of kindness in our time of grief.” jobenha@stedwards.edu kmeyer2@stedwards.edu cwallac2@stedwards.edu

Page 4 | NEWS

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | Hilltop Views

Ortiz wins the crown Continued from page 1

admission for Casino Night.

Prizes included a ticket to a John Mayer concert, a Coach purse, iTunes gift cards, a netbook computer and a 26-inch Vizio flat-screen HDTV. The Homecoming tailgate, which was canceled last year due to heavy winds, was Feb. 20 in front of Basil Moreau and Dujarié Halls and featured a live band, Pok-EJo’s barbeque, Chick-Fil-A, Amy’s Ice Cream, kettle corn popcorn and the first appearance of University Police Lt. Dan Beck’s goat, Pax. During the tailgate, Hilltop Leadership Development was announced as the winner of the Topper Cup Classic, followed by Fellowship of Christian Athletes in second and Teresa Hall in third. The Topper Cup Classic took place over the course of a week, from Feb. 14-20, with events including kickball, spirit skits, an ice cream eating contest, window painting and dodgeball.

Following the tailgate was the men’s basketball game. At halftime, senior Jeremy Ortiz was crowned Homecoming King and senior Ashley Ortega was named Homecoming Queen. Also on the Homecoming Court were seniors Derrick Heslip, Jorge Almeida, Laura Sandoval and junior Lauren May.

Kayla Meyer

Pax made his first appearance this past weekend.

Ortiz, who was a member of the Homecoming Court in 2009, said it was an honor to win the title of Homecoming King.

“You don’t realize how much of an impact or an influence you have on your peers,” Ortiz said. “It’s kind of overwhelming to know that people care and you gained the respect of your colleagues.”

After the men’s basketball

game, fireworks capped off the week on the Main Building lawn.

Student Life will not announce the cost of Homecoming until a later date when all of the invoices have been collected. thallma2@stedwards.edu kmeyer2@stedwards.edu

Kateri Kuglemann

Ashley Ortega, Derrick Heslip, Laura Sandoval, Jorge Almeida, Lauren May and Jeremy Ortiz were on the Homecoming Court this year.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, TK, 2010

check out

Hilltop Views

GAMES | Page 5

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

online edition at hilltopviewsonline.com

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku:

FEATURES

Page 6 | Hilltop Views Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Primaries: 2010 candidates

Jake Hartwell jhartwe@stedwards.edu

The Texas primary elections begin March 2, and early voting started Feb. 16. The most important office in the elections is that of governor. The primaries will determine the gubernatorial candidate for both the Democrats and the Republicans. Here’s a list of the candidates for Governor of Texas:

Gov. Rick Perry (R)

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R)

Bill White (D)

The incumbent Perry is the most promising Republican candidate, as he has been Texas’ governor since 2000.

Perry’s term as governor has been the longest in Texas history, and since Texas has no limit on term length, he is running again in the 2010 election.

For a long time, Perry has prided himself on fiscal Associated Press conservatism. When WashGov. Rick Perry ington was working on the economic stimulus bill, Perry wanted to reject Texas’ share of the funds, saying it would create unnecessary state programs—programs that Texas taxpayers would end up financing. Perry has previously emphasized job growth and state budgeting in his campaign; however, the abnormally high unemployment rate and projected budget shortfall of $10 billion could hurt him in the election.

On the social side, he is opposed to abortion, supports the death penalty and dislikes the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. He is also a strong believer in the sovereignty of states, as demonstrated by his infamous allusion to Texas secession at a 2009 Tea Party protest.

Perry’s success in the election will depend on his ability to unify the conservative Republican base, which has been historically healthy in Texas.

Hutchison poses the greatest challenge to Perry’s chances at a third term. She has served as a senator for Texas since 1993 and was the state’s first female senator. One of her greatest priorities has been securing Federal funds for state projects, known as “earmarking.”

She secured around $500 Associated Press million from 2008 to Candidate Sen. Kay Bai2009 alone. Since Hutchiley Hutchison son has been a senator for such a long period, she stands to take some backlash from the current negative feelings that have become prominent in Texas. She failed to cast off these criticisms, retaining her seat in the Senate despite many expecting her resignation.

Hutchison embodies the role of a moderate Republican more than Perry does. She says she supports abortion, while supporting firm restrictions on the practice. Her voting record shows an opposition to same-sex marriage and including sexual orientation in the definition of hate crimes. On a humorous note, she once proposed limiting Texas governors to two terms, which would have made Perry ineligible to run in 2010.

As a respected senator, Hutchison remains Perry’s strongest competitor. However, speculations about her status as a Washington insider and lack of conservatism may be her downfall.

Bill White, the mayor of Houston until 2010, is the most viable Democratic candidate. Beloved by his city, White served the maximum two terms as mayor, gaining over 75 percent of the popular votes in both elections.

White has been focusing on the economy, especially the role education plays in Associated Press it.

Candidate Bill White According to his campaign website, “investments we make in our students now will determine the economic future of our state.” He promises to focus on improving achievement in public schools and making higher education more affordable. As the main Democratic candidate, White’s greatest problem will be running against the Republican candidates—Texas has a considerable Republican majority—in the actual election.

One of White’s highest priorities is energy reform, for which he has developed a reputation of expertise. He also wants to increase medical coverage for Texans by increasing enrollment in programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

White is a strong Democratic candidate, but he faces Texas’s well-known Republican leaning. His stances on the issues are sure to make for an interesting general election.

LONGSHOTS

Debra Medina (R): Medina has been an outspoken Tea Party participant. She is an unlikely candidate and her stock has been falling since her appearance on the Glenn Beck Show.

Star Locke (R): Locke looks like a nice guy, but his Web site makes him look silly. Consider him the court jester of this year’s election.

Farouk Shami (D): Shami is a businessman who owns a hair-care company. The problem is that he doesn’t have a serious following and has self-financed his entire campaign.

Alma Aguado (D): Aguado is a physician and business owner. She is mainly appealing to Hispanic-American voters.

Felix Alvarado (D): Alvarado is a schoolteacher and has served in the military, most notably for 21 years in the Air Force.

Bill Dear (D): Dear has made a career as a notable homicide investigator. He is running as a conservative Democrat.

Clement E. Glenn (D): Glenn is a tenured associate professor at Prairie View A&M University. He claims he is “a statesman, not a politician.”

INDEPENDENTS

David Kirkland (Constitutional Party): Kirkland focuses on individual civil liberties and state sovereignty.

Jeff Daiell (Libertarian Party): Daiell emphasizes the failures of the two-party system and the advantages he says can be gained by a new way of doing politics.

Steve Nichols (Libertarian Party): Nichols is a real estate appraiser. He wants to eliminate toll roads and the TAKS test while creating jobs at every level.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 24, 2010

FEATURES | Page 7

Parkour comes to Austin Sharla Kew

4

If martial arts are the fight of the “fight or flight” response in human instincts, then parkour is the flight.

Parkour has been called the French art of running away, but that is a poetic oversimplification. In French, parkour is l’art du déplacement, or “the art of movement,” and it has become popular among St. Edward’s University students.

Also described as the fastest way of getting from point A to point B, parkour is running, jumping, climbing, vaulting, flipping and any other physicalities one’s body can handle, combined with whatever structures happen to be around. If you have ever seen an action movie where someone runs up a wall and flips off, leaps from one wall to hang from another by his fingertips, or somersaults over objects, you have an idea of what parkour entails.

A notable aspect of parkour is that it is specifically non-competitive, focusing instead on personal development, said Walter Anderson, a freshman at St. Edward’s.

“The only person you’re competing against is yourself,” he said. “You’re just trying to get better.”

Anderson said parkour is about overcoming obstacles.

“Whether it’s a physical obstacle … or maybe it’s a mental barrier, maybe there’s one thing you would like to do and you can’t, and there’s that fear that’s behind it. Parkour lets you face that fear and then overcome it,” Anderson said.

“Casino Royale,” the James Bond film, was noted for containing an extensive amount of the art. The film featured Sébastian Foucan, one of parkour’s founding members, as the elusive bomb-maker that Daniel Craig pursues through a construction site in the impressive opening sequence.

Sharla Kew

The art of parkour has found its way to Austin.

Parkour was established in France, mainly through the efforts of the Belle family. Raymond Belle designed a pre-cursor to parkour as a way for firefighters to move more effectively through burning buildings and perform more successful rescue operations. Raymond Belle’s son David Belle (who starred in the 2004 and 2009 French action “Banlieu 13” films) and a group of friends developed these strategies into what today is parkour.

Parkour’s popularity had since expanded and the art has found an international fan base. YouTube videos and films such as “Live Free or Die Hard” and “Wanted” were the catalysts for its growing popularity.

Matthew Lee Willis, president and founder of Texas Parkour, said he “got into [parkour] by watching a video, like everyone else.”

Willis said his five years of training in parkour has taught him to use his body.

“I can just move,” he said.

“I don’t need a skateboard, I don’t need wheels. I can just use what I have and do it anywhere.”

Austin Parkour, of which Willis is a city leader, holds training and practice sessions

on Wednesdays in Waterloo Park.

Levi McGlathery, an Austin Parkour regular who has been training for three years, said he became interested in parkour because of the opportunity to be physical without having to deal with the rigors and competition of organized sports. “[Parkour is] more free form, free base. [You can] go at your own pace and have fun,” McGlathery said.

Jimi Gibbs, a visitor to the Austin group from Melbourne, Australia, said parkour has a depth that other activities do not.

“It has the essence of old school martial arts because it carries with it a lot of lessons you can take into your life,” Gibbs said. “But on the other side, it is a brand new thing, so we’re still exploring some of the movement, some of the dynamics…You’re ever-expanding, ever-pushing your own limits.”

For more information about Texas Parkour, visit http:// www.texasparkour.com. skew@stedwards.edu

Page 8 | FEATURES

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | Hilltop Views

Web sites offer fun distractions Jake Hartwell When St. Edward’s University students aren’t writing that next paper or studying for the next test, they can often be found perusing some of the humorous Web sites that have become so popular on the Internet. They enjoy Lolcats, Webcomics, and everything in between. So when you’ve got some free time, surf on over to one of the many sites St. Edward’s students frequent.

Icanhascheezburger. com Almost everyone has come into contact with the “Lolcat” phenomenon. Cute cats, hilarious captions, what’s not to love? As junior Rebecca Bernstein said, “It’s a pretty universal opinion that cats are cute. Besides, anthropomorphism is funny.” Lolcats began on an anonymous imageboard, where users would post pictures of their cats with the now-famous, misspelled captions. Months later, Eric Nakagawa and Kari Unebasami created ICanHasCheezBurger.com, allowing users to create and upload their own Lolcats pictures.

Failblog.org Failblog.org

chronicles

great moments in the history of failure, from poorly devised church signs to painful physical injuries. The familiar “EPIC FAIL” written in giant letters across each picture can’t help but force a giggle from the reader. Sophomore Ryan Lester said, “It’s always fun to laugh at others’ misfortunes.”

Webcomics

Webcomics are changing the way people look at comics, and there are thousands on the Internet. Here’s just a few that students follow: Explosm.net “Though the comic writers tell really base jokes, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t laugh at them. Therein lies their genius.” –Zane Goodwin, Junior.

Questionablecontent. net “QuestionableContent has awesome characters that I actually care about, along with realistic situations that the author always makes humorous. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I reread it to remind myself that while life isn’t perfect, it can still be funny.”

–Jill Potkalesky, Senior RedvsBlue.com “The comics are hilarious,

the videos are hilarious, everything is hilarious. It is your one-stop-shop for nerd humor.” –Jordan Flayer, Junior Xkcd.com and WhiteNinjaComics.com are also worthy of perusal.

Cracked.com Cracked was originally a humor magazine that duplicated MAD Magazine’s style.

The Web site eventually became more popular than the magazine, and now focuses on videos and articles, usually mocking reality or referencing modern culture. Sophomore Daniel Delgado said, “Every time I go to Cracked. com they have something stupid—so stupid it’s funny.”

Newgrounds.com Newgrounds started as a video game site, but they’ve expanded into flash videos, music, and art. They also have a forum and a strong community of regular users.

Rian Lowe, freshman, said, “Newgrounds covers everything in pop culture. It’s basically Adult Swim to the Nth power, or SNL uninhibited.”

Sites about People’s Lives

The lives of others can be very entertaining, whether they’re awkward, average, or in the process of being destroyed. Here are a few sites that follow that model: FMyLife.com “It rocks to know I’m not the only one that has crazy messed up days.” –Amber Brown, Junior.

CollegeHumor.com

MyLifeIsAverage.com “It’s absolutely hilarious and it makes me appreciate the small things that happen to me. I suggest you check it out!” –Beverly Pappas, Sophomore.

theonion.com

TextsFromLastNight. com “I’d have to say that Texts from Last night is my current favorite because it always makes me feel a little bit better about my day.” –Carli Werner, Junior.

PeopleOfWalmart.com “I like it because if you’ve been at Wal-Mart after midnight, you’ve seen these people before: the ones without shoes on, or with crazy outfits, etc. It’s some of the greatest people watching ever.”

–Lee Fitzgerald, Junior Awkwardfamilyphotos. com “AwkwardFamilyPhotos. com captures the monster

that can come out when people are around family, and gives me an excuse to laugh at other people’s misery.”

–Heather Jackson, Junior CollegeHumor.com CollegeHumor was started by a student in New York as an attempt to break into the advertising and film businesses. Now it’s a huge site with almost everything the everyday college student would find funny. They do a lot of parodies and comedy sketches, and their Originals section can often be characterized as pure genius. Arielle Epstein, junior, said,“I mostly like the music videos, and the fake movie trailers. The site is good if you have had a bad day and need a laugh.”

The Onion

The Onion was a news publications started by two college students, who sold it for less than $20,000 a year after its creation. Today, the stories are stingingly smart, and altogether present a scathing critique of the modern media and politics. They’re often so clever that some readers often fail to recognize them as satire. As junior Raquel Harrison said, “The Onion always makes me laugh, but it really makes my day when people don’t know it is satire and talk about it as if it were real.” jhartwe@stedwards.edu

SPORTS

Hilltop Views | Page 9 Wednesday, February 24, 2010

March shows school spirit Kayla Meyer Homecoming week was not only a success among alumni, but with current students as well.

St. Edward’s University hosted a variety of Homecoming events promoting school spirit, including its annual pep rally and the Topper Cup Classic.

New to the Homecoming agenda this year was the first annual March on the Hilltop.

The event was organized by sophomore HillRaisers’ member Mason Simmons who felt there weren’t enough traditions at St. Edward’s.

“Aside from the Topper Cup medallion ceremony and not walking on the seal, St. Edward’s is a little bit lacking on tradition,” he said.

“Tradition is a way to get the student body involved with their university. I hope this is something that continues 10 years after I graduate.”

The March on the Hilltop included face painting, candy

Most exciting 2010 Winter Olympic sports to watch

Associated Press

SNOWBOARD HALFPIPE With aerials, 720s, flips, ridiculous air and Shaun White’s Double McTwist 1260, the snowboard halfpipe is an extreme sport which offers viewers excitement and awe.

SPEED SKATING This is an anticipated Winter Olympic sport because of the Kayla Meyer

Sophomore Mason Simmons leads a group of students to the annual pep rally.

and free spirit items including blue and gold beads.

The event drew a crowd of about 25 people, including Topper, the St. Edward’s mascot character, but Simmons said there were fewer than expected.

“I think there was less people there than I thought

there was going to be, but the quality of the enthusiasm of those present exceeded my expectations,” Simmons said.

Simmons may look familiar to Hilltopper sports fans. As the flag bearer at the men’s homecoming basketball game and the leader

of the March on the Hilltop, Simmons said he is an enthusiast for school spirit.

Simmons said he loved seeing the whole student seating section filled at the men’s basketball homecoming game. kmeyer2@stedwards.edu

blinding speed, high number of wipeouts and chance to watch Apolo Ohno win something besides “Dancing with the Stars.”

AERIALS You can’t help but be impressed as skiers fly through the air performing multiple flips and twists in the aerials event. The women’s aerial finals are Feb. 24, and the men’s aerial finals are Feb. 25.

ICE HOCKEY Watching the United States men’s hockey team take on the Canadian men’s team is a prime example of how exciting hockey can be. The sport is a good mix of talent, dexterity and stamina.

FIGURE SKATING Figure skating is one sport that draws attention for things besides talent. It has made headlines because of everything from costume

Make-A-Wish Soccer Tournament fundraiser registration to begin Kayla Meyer To raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, a World Cup Soccer Tournament will take place at St. Edward’s University on April 25.

The registration for the fundraiser will be held

March 1-5 from 11-2 p.m. in the Ragsdale Center.

The soccer tournament will be a five-on-five indoor tournament held in the Recreation and Convocation Center.

Senior Stacey Copeland, a former women’s soccer player for St. Edward’s, is one of the main organizers of the event.

Copeland said all skill levels are welcome and there will be a beginner’s level

league in the tournament.

A seven player roster will be the maximum per team, and the team entry fee will be $35, or $5 per player.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the official charity supported by all Division II NCAA schools.

This year’s theme of hosting a world cup was inspired by the World Cup taking place in South Africa this summer, said Copeland.

“The event hopes to raise as much money as possible for the charity and also hopes to

be a fun day for everybody to take part in,” Copeland said.

The tournament will provide food, raffles, team awards and other activities, said Copeland.

Those looking for more information or interested in participating, but don’t have enough players, can e-mail Copeland at scopela@stedwards.edu. kmeyer2@stedwards.edu

choices to Evgeni Plushenko insulting Evan Lysacek.

MOGULS This year’s moguls competition was the embodiment of the saying “Go big or go home.” This was one of the sports this year that accumulated the most wipeouts.

SKI JUMPING Landing with an average speed of 60 miles an hour, these athletes are daring. While there are no flips, flying down a mountain at blistering speeds makes this sport exciting.

SNOWBOARD CROSS Snowboard cross is a downhill snowboard race that includes jumps. It combines the speeds of downhill events with the appeal of acrobatic feats.

CURLING A sport for true gentlemen, curling is the pinnacle of sophistication and subtlety—on ice. Curling is like a wintery combination of bowling, shuffleboard and chess.

LUGE With the tragic death of a Georgian luger, the sport has much attention this year. Luge is the fastest sport on ice with racers clocking in at speeds of 90 miles an hour.

Compiled by: Jeremy Ortiz

Page 10| SPORTS

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | Hilltop Views

BENCH WARMING

U.S. Hockey upsets Canada on home ice What was anticipated by most Canadians to be the best game and the biggest rivalry in the 2010 Winter Olympic Hockey Sports Commentary Tournament was all that and more.

With one exception, Canada didn’t win. They lost to the United States 5-3.

Just hours before the 30th anniversary of the miracle on ice, where the United States defeated the dominant Soviet Union in the 1980 Lake Placid, N.Y., games, the U.S. team pulled off another somewhat improbable victory over the Olympics’ host nation.

Amidst what was described by most players as the most hostile atmosphere that they had ever encountered as a professional athlete, the U.S. found a way to win.

The jubilation in the crowd was extinguished less than a minute after the start of the game, when the U.S. put in its first goal and took a lead, which it never relinquished.

The Canadians came into the match up favored. The host nation had bigger names, bigger players and the bigger expectations. Yet, the Americans still found a way to win.

The Americans were beat in most statically categories except the one that counted, the final score.

They overcame the raucous crowd and left rhe arena which had been chanting Canada, Canada; in stunned silence when the final horn sounded.

A team of nonames, even to the most savvy of NHL fans, beat some the games elite, on their home ice.

This loss, has cast a significant shadow over the games for the Canadians who consider anything less than gold for their hockey team, a failure.

The Canadians are not out of the medal contention, but their road to get there is more difficult than the Associated Press Americans. The host nation will have to play an extra game and will likely face another medal contender in Russia in the second round of the playoffs. All of this happened because a scrappy U.S. team showed up the best team in the neighborhood.

The slogan for the Americans through the Olympics has been “Be Brilliant In The Basics,” and that is exactly what they have been throughout the tournament.

This tournament, which few have seen due to its relegation to an NBC affiliate and not the main station, has shown some of the best that the sport of hockey has to offer.

At the end of these winter games, the popularity of hockey will probably not increase but the history of the United States Hockey team will have another incredible story to tell.

There is no greater story of American sporting triumph than the miracle on ice. While, this victory may not be in the same class as the victory from the 1980 games, this victory adds another chapter to the incredible story of U.S. hockey in the Olympics.

Bryce Bencivengo

bbenciv@stedwards.edu

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

512-301-DAVE(3283)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | Hilltop Views

SPORTS | Page 11

St. Edward’s baseball team falls short in Odessa Emily Blasdell After a five-game winning streak at home that included an exciting 4-0 series against Lincoln University, the St. Edward’s University baseball team went on the road in hopes of continuing their success.

Unfortunately, they found no such luck against St. Mary’s University and Texas A&M Kingsville.

On Feb. 19-20, they headed to Odessa to play the University of Texas at Permian Basin (9-4, 9-4 HC).

The Hilltoppers claimed their first game 6-4 in a doubleheader. Junior Adam Shank had a big hand in the win by hitting a triple, getting a two-out double and claiming two of the six runs.

Freshman shortstop Tim Redden also contributed as well going 3-for-4 with two RBI’s, a run and a stolen base.

Senior pitcher Jonathan Burns closed out the game in the seventh inning, securing the win for the Hilltoppers.

In the second game, UT Permian Basin was ahead 82 heading into the eighth inning. The Hilltoppers did not give up and played through to the end of the game, gaining four more runs. However, it was not enough to top the Falcons; the game ended in a 6-8 loss.

On Feb. 20, the Hilltoppers hoped to mount a comeback in the last game of the series against UT Permian Basin.

Up until the fifth inning, both teams were not able to score any runs. Sophomore Pitcher Jeffrey Rohrbach only allowed one hit in the first four innings, but the Falcons struck big in the bottom of the fifth, earning four runs.

The Hilltoppers came back immediately scoring three runs in the sixth and one run

Senior Dexter Moreno swings at bat.

in the seventh. But again, it wasn’t enough for the Hilltoppers to claim the victory.

The Falcons scored two more runs, ending the game 6-4.

Reflecting on the upcoming games, Ben Silberman, senior second baseman, has hope for the team.

Silberman said even though the team has been lacking consistency, “the great part is that we recognize that this is a problem and will fight to improve individually and as a team. We believe this team can go very far and we see success in our future.”

The Hilltoppers’ record is currently 6-8 overall and 6-7 in the Heartland Conference.

They return home this week to play a three-game series against Oklahoma Panhandle State on Feb. 26-27.

Silberman said the team is excited to be home again after the last few road trips. eblasde@stedwards.edu

SEU Athletics

Page 12 | Hilltop Views Wednesday, February 24, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

SXSW announces 2010 film panelists Patrick Jones

On Feb. 10, South By Southwest announced the key panelists for this year’s film festival. Among them were directors Quentin Tarantino, Michel Gondry and actor Danny McBride.

The 2010 SXSW Film Conference features over 80 panels and 130 short films from many up-and-coming film stars. The film conference helped introduce the world to the films of Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater and many other re-

cent Texas film luminaries.

Some of 2009’s most highly acclaimed and popular films debuted at last year’s SXSW, including “The Hurt Locker,” “I Love You, Man” and “Adventureland.”

Gondry, a French music video director known for his stylish modern fantasies “The Science of Sleep” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” will discuss his new documentary “A Thorn in the Heart” on March 14.

Tarantino will join other cult film directors Eli Roth (“Hostel,” “Cabin Fever”)

Associated Press

Quentin Tarantino will be on a SXSW film panel.

and Ruben Fleischer (“Zombieland”) to discuss imagination, art and violence in modern horror films.

HBO’s acclaimed series “Eastbound & Down” will be well-represented, with star McBride, director David Gordon Green and writer Jody Hill hosting a panel on filmmaking for television.

With an average of 20 panels per day, the film festival will have no shortage of events. Other panels include “How to Create a Viral Video,” “Sustainable Filmmaking Workshop” and the highly

promising “Jeffrey Tambor’s Acting Workshop.”

The SXSW festival began in 1987 and showcases film, music and technology. The festival has steadily grown in reputation and attendance since its inception and is seen as a make-or-break venue for new media.

The SXSW Film Conference runs March 12 - 16. pjones4@stedwards.edu

CD REVIEW

CD REVIEW

Hot Chip does pop right

Airwaves shares “LOVE”

Hot Chip One Life Stand

Angels & Airwaves LOVE

Ryan Lester In a musical landscape filled with excess and self-indulgence, it’s refreshing to see a group advocate true human connection, whether in terms of love or camaraderie.

Britain-based electronic group Hot Chip has found success in this vein with “One Life Stand,” their fourth album. The ever-apparent technical skill, along with some of the group’s most heartfelt lyrics to date, puts this album on par with their previous successes.

Musically, the members of Hot Chip are masters of their trade. They continue to use synthesizers and the occasional flurry of electric guitar to make arrangements that fall into one of two camps.

On songs such as “Keep Quiet” and “Alley Cats,” they create slow ballads that express a great amount of depth. The slower paces and subdued beats create a more

atmospheric effect, which serves them well. However, the band is at its best when it creates songs that are meant for the dance floor. “I Feel Better” and “We Have Love” are brilliantly layered and upbeat, making for songs with real staying power.

The title track is the greatest manifestation of what distinguishes Hot Chip from other bands. It is a brilliant single that starts with a drum and bass beat and keeps building with steel drums and synthesizers. Lead singer Alexis Taylor uses his unique tenor voice—one with a fragile quality that is at once seductive and soothing—to a masterful effect. The lyrics seem to act as a thesis statement for the entire album: “I only want to be your one life stand. Tell me, do you stand

by your man?” It is a heartfelt and emotionally wrenching battle cry for those who love unconditionally.

The one thing that keeps this album from achieving classic status is that several of the songs don’t hit the same highs as the best cuts.

“Brothers” and “Slush” tend to drone on, the former having well-intended but ultimately weak lyrics. Additionally, this album is long, so it may turn off listeners who are looking for the instant satisfaction of the three-minute pop single.

Despite these shortcomings, “One Life Stand” is a great album by a group that knows maturity does not mean dullness. Hot Chip has proven this fact: Connections and pop music are not mutually exclusive. rlester@stedwards.edu

Pete Hudson Angels & Airwaves is giving back to fans with the free, independent release of their third studio album, “LOVE.” The album, which frontman Tom DeLonge called “the release of [his] life,” begins with a melodramatic instrumental filled with synths, electric guitars and

Racer days.

Listeners may recognize musical influences like U2, Pink Floyd, Radiohead and even AC/DC on their third track, “Young London.”

The album continues as if it were a never-ending

Powerful guitar riffs and catchy melodies grab your attention...

imperial marching drums.

As it segues into the second track, a soft, modular synth background is accompanied by DeLonge’s mild and distant voice. The song abruptly transitions into a heavy power riff, which many fans will find familiar from DeLonge’s Box Car

song, since the progressions and transitions seem almost invisible. This is because “LOVE” is the soundtrack to Angels and Airwaves’ upcoming film, also entitled “LOVE.” Powerful guitar riffs and catchy melodies grab your attention throughout the

album while creating suspense of what’s to come.

Critics may consider this album to be a rip-off of the bands Angels & Airwaves are influenced by, but that’s the beauty of music—it is all interconnected.

Consequently, the message that both Angels & Airwaves and DeLonge are trying to convey through “LOVE” is, as the description of their upcoming movie states, “the fundamental human need for connection and the limitless power of hope.”

“LOVE” is currently available for free download on Modlife and Facebook. A physical copy of “LOVE” is set for release soon, but a definite date has not yet been announced. This deluxe edition will include the 11 songs from the album and an additional 30 minutes of music. phudson@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 24, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT | Page 13

Ransom Center hosts film history Patrick Jones Austin film fans: Save the Alamo Drafthouse or Vulcan Video for another night. The Harry Ransom Center has opened a new exhibit showcasing iconic images, scripts, costumes and other film artifacts.

“Making Movies” is a fantastic and illuminating look into the unseen processes that go into many classic films. Through little-seen documents, the exhibit sheds light on the conflicts and dramas behind the scenes.

The exhibit is divided by filmmaking role: producer, actor, writer, director and less recognized roles such as script supervisor and production designer. Each section draws on a few specific luminaries, such as David O. Selznick (producer), George

Harry Ransom Center

“Taxi Driver” artifacts are featured in the exhibit.

Cukor (director) and Robert DeNiro (actor).

Films specifically profiled include “Gone With the Wind,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Raging Bull.”

Much of the exhibit is dedicated to Selznick’s epic, “Gone With the Wind,”

and the enormous amount of work involved in its production. Correspondences between Selznick and the Motion Pictures Producers and Distributors Association show the intense controversy over the use of “damn” in the film’s famous final line. More correspondences, early drafts, casting sheets, photographs and storyboards display the film’s lasting influence on the technical aspects of filmmaking.

Also of note is the array of costumes. Although few in number, the costumes range from the unassuming, such as DeNiro’s plaid shirt and bomber jacket from “Taxi Driver,” to the sublime, like the perfectly preserved, dark, red dress worn by Vivien Leigh in “Gone With the Wind.”

The Ransom Center does

its best to show every aspect of filmmaking. The exhibit recognizes the contributions of lesser-known technical figures like Ernest Dryden and William Cameron Menzies, who are given just as much space as celebrities like DeNiro and Alfred Hitchcock.

Many of the stars of the exhibit are not the actors but the technical crews and production teams that created individual worlds for each film to inhabit seamlessly.

The exhibit’s astounding collection of artifacts is sure to please any film fan.

“Making Movies” will be at the Harry Ransom Center through August 1. The Ransom Center will also screen some of the films documented in the exhibit. pjones4@stedwards.edu

MOVIE REVIEW

Wolfman fails to perfect genre Jake Hartwell The perfect werewolf movie is like the holy grail of filmmaking: ever elusive, probably unattainable. Foolish directors and writers regularly throw themselves into the gauntlet, hoping to make history. When previews for “The Wolfman” came out, it looked very possible that some group of geniuses had finally achieved what so many thought impossible.

They didn’t.

“The Wolfman” is set in the creepiest of all places: the dark and misty English moor, where werewolf legends reached their historical zenith. The eerie nature of the English moor offers infinite opportunities for a subtle, disturbing story. Yet, when a man was disemboweled by a gorilla-like fur-ball in the very first scene, it was

miserably evident that Joe Johnston had abandoned all notions of subtlety.

The movie was awkwardly constructed. Half of the time, it kept viewers on edge with hints of disturbing violence and horrific creatures seen out of the corner of the eye. However, the film nullified all of these attempts at suspense with gratuitous disembowelment and decapitation shots in the scenes immediately following. The incompetent Frankenstein of attempted subtlety and unwarranted gore turned the film into a comedy.

As for the plotline, most viewers will have figured out the ending halfway through.

“The Wolfman” tries to keep audiences interested with the occasional “jump-out-andgetcha” routine, but even this time-tested tool of horror is rendered ineffective by the sheer shamelessness of the violence. When a man’s in-

Associated Press

testines are spilt all over his boots in the first scene, the audience is basically desensitized from then on.

The creature design communicates the basic problem of the film. Big, hulking mounds of black hair might look impressive, but it isn’t actually frightening. At least the werewolves are a considerable improvement on the oversized timber wolves from “Twilight: New Moon.” And the transformation scenes are

spectacular.

The film does some things right. The subtle half is absolutely soul-rending if you can manage to ignore the other half. Anthony Hopkins has some really compelling monologues when he isn’t busy broadcasting his evil agenda. The film’s location is at once beautiful and unsettling, and when a werewolf is let loose in late 19th century London, only a satisfying rampage can result.

Overall, “The Wolfman” is worth the watch. At the very least, it returns a genre that has lately gone haywire to its historical roots. Hopefully, the film will be a springboard for other, better werewolf films to work from. When humanity is finally given the perfect werewolf movie it so deeply deserves, it may owe much to “The Wolfman.” jhartwe@stedwards.edu

ENTERTAINMENT COMMENTARY

“Lost” questions go unanswered Mary Hennessy Melissa Martinez What are the numbers?

How did anyone get to the island in the first place?

Whose skeletons were in the cave in season one?

Will Jin and Sun ever be reunited? Why does Richard Alpert never age and always wear black eyeliner?

ABC’s promos have promised viewers of “Lost: The Final Season” that the time for asking questions is at an end and that answers are heading their way. However, after the fourth hour of season six we’re still, quite disappointingly, lost.

There is no such thing as a casual “Lost” viewer. Either you love the show’s delightfully convoluted plot development and hard-to-interpret biblical, philosophical allusions, or you hate them.

After 107 hours of devoted episode viewing—enduring plot twists, flashbacks, time travel, flash forwards and alternate universes—fans are more than ready for answers.

However, the producers of “Lost” seem to be aware that fans won’t stop watching, no matter how often they have to watch their beloved characters run aimlessly, panting through the forest on a quest for promised answers that are always just out of reach.

At this point, most “Lost” fans don’t care how it ends, so long as it’s not revealed to have been a dream, as the producers promised it wouldn’t. What they do want is closure.

The fourth hour of season six, which aired Feb. 16, was especially frustrating.

Viewers had to endure an hour of seemingly irrelevant action in an alternate

There is no casual Lost viewer.

Either you love or hate Lost’s...plot. universe, while no question was answered back on the island until after the last commercial break. Even those answers only opened the door for more questions, making for an unsatisfying episode.

Precious minutes were wasted with filler, such as Sawyer’s near-demise off a cliff and Sun and company taking the time to bury John Locke instead of running to the Temple for safety.

The producers left out any mention of Kate and Jin, who’d recently stumbled upon a dead Claire looking very alive in the forest. Jack, Sayiid, Hurley and Miles, who are stuck at the temple wondering from which “infection” Sayiid suffers, are also left out.

Viewers have been patient for a long time, but all sagas must come to an end. Hopefully, producers J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof will soon speed up the hitherto painfully slow process of peeling back the many layers of the island’s mystery and meaning that have kept viewers and the survivors of Flight 817 lost.

If not, viewers may tune out until the series finale on May 23.

But probably not—they’ve already made it this far. mhennes@stedwards.edu mmartinp@stedwards.edu

VIEWPOINTS

Page 14 | Hilltop Views Wednesday, February 24, 2010

EDITORIAL

Mandatory meal plan does not suit students In a proposed plan to take effect in the fall of 2010, every undergraduate student at St. Edward’s University will be required to purchase a $100 meal plan per semester, regardless of whether they live on or off campus.

This new mandatory fee is a result of Bon Appétit’s inability to balance its books.

Students have already begun sounding off about the plan through Facebook groups, and numerous comments left on the Hilltop Views Web site in reaction to the article published on Feb. 17.

The Student Government

Association has also voiced its opinion, passing a resolution stating its opposition to the plan.

In November, Auxiliary Services presented SGA with four different options to help increase Bon Appétit’s revenue and offset its costs. The issue was also re-examined last month, when the administration decided to go with the $100 fee.

The end result is that students are being forced to foot the bill for mistakes made by others.

SGA is supposed to act as a liaison between the

administration and the student body, but this situation makes clear that something has failed.

It’s not the first time communication with students about a key policy change has been inadequate.

The new meal plan mandate is still moving forward, despite the negative endorsement from SGA and an overwhelmingly negative sentiment held by students. Fall 2010 housing sign-up has begun and when students register for housing next semester, they must purchase a meal plan.

While Hilltop Views is

against this particular plan, there are some points that need to be clarified.

Students are comparing the new meal plan fee to the required $200 per semester technology fee, which was instituted at the begining of the 2008-2009 school year, but there is a significant difference. Every student is influenced by technology on campus—whether by printing off papers in the campus computer labs or sitting in a class where the professor uses Power Point on the projector.

Thus, the technology fee is a legitimate use of student

money, and there is no tangible way assess to what extent each individual student uses on-campus technology.

In stark contrast, there is a very real way to discern how often students visit the cafeterias on campus.

Director of Auxiliary Services Mike Stone has asserted that Bon Appétit and St. Edward’s are in a partnership, and that this partnership puts the responsibility on the university to create an environment for Bon Appétit to profit.

But St. Edward’s is also in a partnership with its students - a partnership we

believe is more important than any this university could enter into with a private company or otherwise.

With the implementation of mandatory meal plans for all students, St. Edward’s is choosing the well-being, prosperity and wants of Bon Appétit over that of its students.

Addiction is the doing of users, not a medical issue Jake Hartwell Every culture has beliefs based on definitions so ingrained that they go mostly unnoticed. The concept of “addiction” in the collective American mind is one such definition.

Ailment was once defined on theological terms. Death was a result of the sin inherent in humankind, while sickness was the scourge of God exacted on a sinful individual. This view of illness was helpful—the people had constructed a way to explain an otherwise inexplicable phenomenon.

As modern science emerged, theoretical conceptions—like germ theory— took the place of theology.

Recently, theories on genetic predisposition and addiction have taken on the task of explaining human vice.

To a great degree, they have been helpful. They became so helpful that, like the theological ones before them, sci-

entific definitions of addiction became ingrained in the public consciousness.

Yet our current definition of addiction has a negative effect. Addiction is, in most scientific circles, classified as a disease. I contend that it most certainly is not.

A disease is an effect caused by sources upon which the victim can exercise no control. When I catch influenza, I cannot be blamed for my actions; the ailment is caused by a small organism whose temporary residence in my body could not have been prevented by any conscious action of my own. Similarly, a child cannot be blamed for its hereditary cystic fibrosis.

The factors of a disease are altogether unpreventable by acts of personal will.

Addiction certainly involves factors over which the addict has no control. The genetic predispositions related to addiction are well-known and documented. Additionally, the average person en-

Habit results from a pattern of usage, making escape more difficult. tirely consumed by addiction cannot expect to fight the chemical dependency that has been ingrained in their body’s chemistry over long periods of use. Where, then, does willpower come into the equation?

Individuals do not immediately become addicted.

First choices become habits, which eventually develop into addictions. It is at these two stages, first choice and habit, that the individual can consciously choose his or her path.

The first choice is characterized by the first several times an individual chooses to partake of a substance, where the length of the stage is dependent on the addictive strength of the substance.

During the first, say for ex-

ample, 10 cigarettes you smoke in your life, you have the opportunity to stop before progressing to habitual use. As this stage requires the least personal willpower, it would be advisable to stop here.

Habit results from a pattern of usage, making escape more difficult. At this point, the psychological effects of substance use have set in, but the chemical dependency that characterizes addiction is still developing. While it is considerably more difficult to stop, those with a decent amount of personal strength can still choose their course of action. The weak will progress to addiction.

Addiction is the most intense and inescapable stage of substance abuse. In the

grip of chemical dependency, only the strongest willed individuals can hope to overcome their miserable state.

An alternative route, as has been used in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, is to rely on an individual stronger than oneself—in short, God. The point is that addiction, although often inescapable in itself, has its roots in personal choice, and as such cannot be classified as a disease. Recognizing addiction’s choicebased component has serious ethical implications.

If we admit that addiction is primarily the result of personal choice, then the moral imperative to accommodate addicts falls away. When an obese man complains that an airline company has failed to take his needs into account, the airliner has no moral obligation to accommodate him.

He consented to any and all effects of obesity, including social stigmas, when he made the personal choices that set him on the road to obesity.

The same is true for smokers, alcoholics, and drug addicts. The most important moral imperative to ignore is a medical one. When the smoker chose to smoke for the first several times—and later chose to maintain his or her habit—he or she consciously consented to a lesshealthy-than-average lifestyle. As this was a personal choice, society has no moral obligation to treat the side effects. Similarly, liver donations are not given to alcoholics, and heart transplants are not given to cocaine addicts.

People should be entirely free to choose a lifestyle marked by use or abuse of the substance. Yet they should realize that when one chooses a lifestyle involving use or abuse of a substance, he or she is consciously consenting to several risks. Personal choices absolve society of any and all moral obligations to accommodate addiction. jhartwe@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, February 24, 2010

VIEWPOINTS | Page 15

A brief look at 2010 Democrat GOP candidates Christopher Duke With many voters’ interest tuned into the GOP gubernatorial primary, Democrats across the state will elect their own respective candidate on March 2.

A recent North Carolinabased Democratic polling firm, Public Policy Polling, indicates voters will reward former Houston mayor Bill White with the honor of being their gubernatorial candidate. White leads with 49 percent of likely Democratic primary voters, while 39 percent back businessman Farouk Shami.

Additionally the remaining four candidates capture less than 5 percent each; 24

percent of voters remain undecided.

According to the Texas Ethics Commission, White leads with $6.4 million compared to Shami’s $6 million cash on hand. However, White’s total contributions within the last 30 days highlight his enormous fundraising ability.

White raised three quarters of a million dollars compared to $3,000 as reported by Shami.

While Shami has outspent White almost 5 to 1, Shami’s vast campaign chest is augmented by a $5 million personal loan to his campaign.

Both campaign’s financial reports can be further explained by the current state of their respective campaigns.

Bill White: The popular three-term former mayor of Houston (2004-2010) is running for the state’s top office. White initially ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by senior U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, but decided to switch races in December.

White is running on his six year record as Houston’s mayor. White’s response during Hurricane Katrina should be applauded, as he opened up the city’s arms towards victims of disaster, ensured residents adequate housing, and enrolled their kids in classrooms. White’s campaign has emphasized his efforts to cut pollution and make Houston greener.

Additionally, White takes credit for reducing crimes during his tenure. But FBI statistical reports indicate crime declined as a national trend. White backed a controversial proposal to have taxpayers pick up first-time mortgage buyers’ “personal debt up to $3,000;” the proposal was later scrapped due to public backlash.

Farouk Shami: The businessman and owner of many hair and skin care products such as BioSilk and CHI brands is campaigning on the promise to bring thousands of jobs to Texas. Shami has already relocated his company to Houston, employing about 2,000, and pledges to personally build more plants

across Texas in months to come. Shami has run an unorthodox campaign pledging several things: taking a dollar-a- year-salary and donating $10 million to the state if he can’t create 100,000 jobs within two years if elected.

But Shami’s unique campaign style has subtle racial overtones that mar and blight voters. Recently in a Dallas news interview, Shami indicated he was unsure if the federal government was involved in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center. A top aide has resigned abruptly indicating an early capitulation of the campaign.

Such events warrant voters closely re-evaluating Shami’s viability as a contender.

Whoever wins the March 2 Democratic primary will be pitted against likely Republican gubernatorial candidate, incumbent Gov. Rick Perry.

Both contenders face an uphill battle, according to both historical accounts and recent polling. Perry leads both candidates in a head-to-head hypothetical matchup; no Democrat has successfully captured a statewide-run office since 1994. cduke2@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views Facebook layout changes again 3001 S. Congress Ave.#964, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 448-8426 Fax: (512) 233-1695 seuhilltopviews@yahoo.com www.hilltopviewsonline.com Bryce Bencivengo Claire Cella Editors-in-Chief Jen Obenhaus Tristan Hallman News Editors Proctor Anderson Rachel Winter Viewpoints Editors Holly Aker Caroline Wallace Entertainment Editors Phillip Bradshaw Amber Burton Features Editors Kayla Meyer Sports Editor Shaun Martin Head Designer Blair Haralson Alyssa Palomo Designers

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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.

Matthew Fraizer

Gather your flames and pitchforks; Facebook has changed its layout yet again.

One cold February night began with aimless Facebook surfing, but things quickly turned sour when news feeds worldwide were flooded by the complaints of users whose home pages had been affected by Facebook’s recent layout change.

Many remained optimistic, as the modification was gradual, but when it happened, the effects were drastic. Essentially, the previous home page’s features were scrambled around, forcing users to strain their eyes in a frantic search to find their notifications, messages and other essentials that were once in memorized locations.

Groups, fan pages and events pleaded with whoever was reading to return the homepage back to its previous format, but eventually users conceded and continued with their normal routines.

In 2004, the original Face-

The new Facebook design looks similar but some key features have changed.

book emerged on the Internet as a social networking website for college students that was absent of Farmville, fan pages and your crazy aunt you never guessed would find you on the Internet. Fast-forward six years and users are scratching their heads trying to navigate the Web site. Apparently, the head honchos at Facebook believe the Web site needs a routine face lift every few months; most users feel otherwise.

If there is no incredible demand for a Facebook layout change, why are we constantly subjected to these confus-

ing updates?

“Facebook is quickly becoming the new MySpace,” senior Chris Collins said.

“Next thing you know there will be glitter letters everywhere.”

For users like Collins, who will soon be deleting his Facebook, frustration is defeating the purpose of the layout changes that are supposed to make the Web site more convenient. Presumably, users began flocking to Facebook years ago due to its simplicity in contrast to MySpace, which had become swamped with spam messages, blind-

ing neon backgrounds and the previously mentioned glitter text.

The problem that arises from these alterations is the fact that they contribute no enhancement to a user’s experience. All the features seem to work exactly as they did in the previous layout; there is no need to confuse users by relocating them.

But although we object and gripe until our fingers are sore, the bottom line is that we always find ourselves back on Facebook. mfrazie2@stedwards.edu

HOMECOMING WEEKEND

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | Hilltop Views

Photos by: Kayla Meyer & Kateri Kuglemann