The Rattler December 5, 2007 v. 95 #6 - Blume Library

the
Rattler
St. Mary’s University
Vol. 95
Issue 6
12.5.2007
oosevelt Institute comes to St. Mary’s
Students practice policy making and discuss political issues.
By Sarah Linares
-Staff Writer-
Features
pg. 6
In recent weeks, a handful
of St. Mary’s students have had
the opportunity to participate in
politically charged conversations.
While this is no new phenomenon,
these students are doing so with
the hopes of establishing a new
chapter of an organization called
the Roosevelt Institution.
Graduate PublicAdministration
Program Director Arturo Vega,
Ph.D., introduced the organization
“The Kite Runner” Screening
International Education Week
takes a trip to the movies.
“A great democracy must
be progressive or it will
soon cease to be great or a
democracy.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
Entertainment
pg. 10
Capital Creed
Ubisoft’s latest will assassinate
your boredom.
to students and feels confident that
the Roosevelt Institution can have
a positive effect on the St. Mary’s
campus. The Rattler sat down
with Vega to speak about the
Roosevelt Institution.
When did you first hear of
the Roosevelt Institution, and
what about its mission made you
want to start a new chapter at
St. Mary’s?
I read about the Roosevelt
Institution in the chronicle of
higher education.
What I really like about the
Roosevelt Institution is that it is
a student organization and [is]
student driven. Roosevelt students
take the initiative in deciding what
issues are salient to them and their
views of the nation.
Moreover, this organization
can be a staging place for students
to express their views and to
check those views against others
by becoming involved in the
issues, researching the issues and
presenting the pros and cons of
the issues.
What was your reaction to the
first meeting?
Our
first
meeting
was
exciting. We took up the issue of
immigration, and after everyone
had a chance to lay out their initial
positions and engage in dialogue,
one could see movement on
those thoughts.
You could see people thinking:
“I never thought about it that
way” or “I didn’t know that.” In
that sense, it was a good meeting.
I like the energy and thoughts
that the students brought to
the discussion.
What long-term goals do you
have for the Roosevelt Institution
here at St. Mary’s?
The long-term goal is to have
the group up and running and
for it to help set the tone for the
political discourse on campus.
I expect the group will have
forums, particularly with the
elections on the horizon, to sponsor
guest speakers [and] debates and
write policy proposals.
This is an exciting time to
be engaged in politics, and the
Roosevelt
Institution
group
provides a vehicle for students to
be engaged in developing public
policies to address the issues of
the day.
Cont. on PG 4, SEE “STUDENTS”
PHOTO COURTESY www.myhero.com
What’s under the tree for St. Mary’s this year?
Seniors look to fellow class members to help leave a lasting legacy.
U
To: STM
ss
ior Cla e
n
e
S
:
From apital On
and C
By Jacob Martinez
-Staff Writer-
Sports
pg. 15
Calling all fans
Columnist calls for continued
high-game attendance
throughout season.
ON THE INSIDE:
News
1
Features
5
Entertainment
9
Commentary
12
Sports
15
The Senior Class Gift Campaign is
a student-run organization made up of
seniors who work to build class unity and
give something back to the university.
Every year, a new senior coordinator is
hired to work with fellow seniors on the
committee to carry on the senior tradition
of leaving a legacy.
The overall goal for the 2007-2008 school
year is to raise $3,000, which will go towards
funding student scholarships.
“I think it’s a great way to give back to
the school,” said senior education major
Gabby Estrada.
This year, the Senior Class Gift Campaign
sponsored events to raise awareness of the
committee and its goals.
The first event held by the group was
a kickoff party at Fatso’s on Sept. 27.
There, seniors were able to mingle and
fill out pledge cards or give donations to
the campaign.
Senior political science major Anthony
Noriega said that the kickoff party was
helpful in gaining donations. “It can be
difficult to get donations, but [we] just have
to have patience,” Noriega said.
The committee also sets up in the
University Center Atrium on select days
to take more donations and pledges. Gifts
can also be made in honor or in memory
of someone.
One of the benefits of giving is that, at
the end of the year, donors’ names will be
placed on a plaque that will be hung in the
atrium. Every donor to the campaign will
also be listed in the St. Mary’s Honor Roll
as a St. Mary’s Fund Donor.
According to senior political science
major Jesus Garza, scholarships give
“students the opportunity to give back
as students. Those who do are more
than likely going to give as alumni and
help future students go to St. Mary’s
with scholarships.”
Following the Baccalaureate Mass, the
campaign will host a photo booth; money
raised at this event will be donated to
the campaign.
This year, Capital One has challenged
the campaign to raise as much money as
possible because the company will match
every dollar that is donated.
If the campaign reaches its goal of
$3,000 and Capital One matches this
amount, a total of $6,000 will be donated to
student scholarships.
Cont. on PG 3, SEE “SENIOR”
News
Rattler
12.5.2007
the
2
News in Brief
CAMPUS
NASA celebrates American Indian Heritage month
On Nov. 16, the Native American Student Association (NASA) was invited to speak to
students at Herff Elementary School about American Indian culture.
NASA also held the fourth annual Learning Traditions Powwow on Nov. 17. The
powwow hosted members of the United San Antonio Powwow.
Women’s History Month seeks input
The Women’s History Month planning committee will meet on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. in the
Goelz Room in the University Center.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to share ideas for Women’s History Month,
which will be observed in March 2008.
For more information, contact Diane Duesterhoeft at 210-436-3346.
Marianist Miracle Workers sponsor Angel Tree in UC
The Marianist Miriacle Workers invite the St. Mary’s University community to
participate in the “Miracle on 36th Street” and “Christmas in the UC” activities by picking
an angel ornament off the Christmas tree in the University Center. The ornaments each
list a child and the gift that they would like to receive.
The gifts go to children involved in the Pan-American Head Start Program.
Gifts must be dropped off in any of the marked boxes around campus by Dec. 13.
For more information, contact Paul Felarca at 210-431-2108.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA
Gateway launches in January
As of Jan. 1, 2008, the university will launch the Gateway portal, which will provide a
single point of entry for e-mail, Blackboard Learning Center, group activities, calendars
and personal information. The personal information section includes financial aid,
Graduation picture scheduled
grades, registration and degree audit.
The implementation of the Gateway portal will enhance e-mail services to students.
July, August and December 2007 bachelor, masters and Ph.D. degree graduates
are invited to participate in the graduation picture on Dec. 12 at 1:30 p.m. in front of St. Storage capacity will be increased from 50 megabytes to two gigabytes.
Louis Hall.
As a result of the increase in size, student e-mail addresses will change as of Jan. 1
Graduates are asked to dress in business-appropriate attire and to be on time. Orders to student@mail.stmarytx.edu.
for pictures will be taken at the time of the photo.
For more information, contact Helen Garza at 210-436-1103.
WORLD
POLICE BLOTTER
Nov. 8—Stolen Property
An unattended laptop was
stolen from the Louis J.
Blume Academic Library.
Nov. 10—County Citation
An individual was found
doing donuts in Lot T.
Nov. 12—
Damaged Property
Complainant’s vehicle was
keyed in Lot T.
Nov. 13—
Minor in Possession
A student was found in
Lot T in possession of an
alcoholic beverage obtained
with a false ID.
Burglary of a Vehicle
A student’s vehicle was
broken into, and a backpack
containing two books
was stolen.
Nov. 14—Public Intoxication
An individual was found
drinking in Lot T.
Nov. 15—Theft
A backpack was stolen from
Reinbolt Hall.
Nov. 16—Fight
Students were fighting in
Anthony Frederick Hall.
Nov. 24—County Citation
A driver was stopped in Lot
F for failure to stop at two
stop signs and had no proof
of insurance.
Nov. 26—
Vehicle Immobilization
A vehicle was immobilized
in Lot Q after receiving
multiple parking citations.
Alarm
Police received a call
regarding a tamper-alarm at
the ATM in the University
Center. Nothing was found.
Nov. 29—Evading Arrest
A suspicious person in Lot
B led police officer on a foot
chase and disappeared into
an alley.
SOURCE: University Police
A corner of politics
FairTax seeks to abolish Federal Taxes, IRS
By Dominique Vargas
-News EditorThe FairTax Act was proposed by
Representative John Linder, R-Ga., in
Congress on Jan. 4, 2007, according to the
official FairTax Web site.
This Act is a nonpartisan legislation
which, if passed, would abolish all corporate,
federal and personal income taxes, the
alternative minimum, capital gains, estate,
gifts, Medicare, self-employment taxes
and Social Security and replace them with
federal retail sales taxes.
These federal retail taxes would be
administered by existing state sales
tax authorities.
The Library of Congress Web site provides
the Act, which is titled HR25, S1025.
The Act as presented in the Senate on
March 29, 2007, states that federal income
taxes and payroll taxes will be repealed as
of Jan. 1, 2009.
According to the FairTax Web site, these
actrions will enable employees to keep
their entire paychecks and pensions. It
will also ensure Medicare and Social
Security funding.
The site also states that the Act was
conceived in an effort to close loopholes
found within tax laws and to abolish the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Many 2008 presidential candidates
support the FairTax Act. Republican
candidates include Mike Huckabee, Tom
Tancredo, Duncan Hunter, Ron Paul and
John Cox. Democratic candidate Mike
Gravel also supports the Act.
However, Republican candidate John
McCain cited an article in The Wall Street
Journal during the televised CNN/YouTube.
com Republican presidential debate, which
stated that the FairTax rate would increase
an individual’s tax rate significantly.
The Wall Street Journal Online states that
the FairTax was originally conceived by the
Church of Scientology in the early 90s while
in the midst of a heated disagreement with
the IRS over its refusal to accept scientology
as a legitimate religion.
Protestors demand
execution of British teacher
Gillian Gibbons was arrested
in Khartoum, Sudan, on Nov. 25
and convicted on Nov. 29 of
insulting religion.
Gibbons is a British teacher who
left her post as head teacher at a
primary school in Liverpool to teach
at a school for wealthy Sudanese
and expatriates.
She asked her class to name a
teddy bear, which would be used as
a class mascot and an aid in teaching
about animals and habitats. The
class voted on a name and finally
chose Mohammed.
Gibbons was arrested after the
school secretary and some parents
COURTESY OF www.gnews.yahoo.com
complained. She was indicted
under Article 125 of Sudan’s constitution, the law relating to insulting religion and
inciting hatred.
At her hearing on Nov. 29, Gibbons was sentenced to 15 days in jail. The sentence
could have extended to 40 lashes, a fine or a jail term of up to a year.
Demonstrations began on Friday in front of the Republican Palace to demand
Gibbons’ execution.
Gibbons is expected to be deported after her sentence is served.
SOURCE: BBC News
Hostages taken at Clinton Campaign office
Lee Eisenberg took several Hilary Clinton Campaign office workers in Rochester,
New Hampshire, hostage on Nov. 29.
Eisenberg claimed to have a bomb strapped to him and made the hostages call the
CNN Washington Bureau.
He then told the CNN staffers that he had mental problems and could not get anyone
to help him. CNN did not report Eisenberg’s calls in order to protect the safety of
the hostages.
The hostages were freed a few hours after the situation began, and Eisenberg was
taken into custody by the New Hampshire State Police.
SOURCE: CNN.com
UTHSC dedicates building at Harlingen Campus
An 80,000 square foot Academic and Clinical and Research Building was dedicated
by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio at its Regional Academic
Health Center Harlingen Campus.
The $25.5 million facility will focus on children’s health research and diabetes.
Recently, the Health Science Center received a $33.8 million contract. A portion of
this money will allow the new facility to concentrate on the genetic, environmental and
social factors that influence children in Hidalgo County.
Visit us on the Web at www.myspace.com/rattlernews.
SOURCE: mysanantonio.com
COMPILED BY DOMINIQUE VARGAS
12.5.2007
News
3
the
Rattler
Senior gift-giving tradition continued through ‘08 class
Continued from page 1
This would make it the largest senior class gift donated
to date.
The committee is asking for $25 donations from
seniors. However, any gift that is donated, no matter what
the amount is, can make a difference.
If students are interested in donating, gifts are accepted
in all forms, which include cash, checks and credit or debit
cards. They will also be accepted online at www.stmarytx.
edu/scg.
The Senior Class Gift Campaign encourages donations
for many reasons. A gift gives seniors an opportunity to
show the appreciation that they have for the experience
that they have shared at the university. The gifts will also
carry on the senior tradition and strengthen the current
and future success of the university.
PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
The class of 2003 raised money to fund the fountain vault in front of
St. Louis Hall.
PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
The class of 2000 donated a statue of the school mascot, the rattler, which stands outside of the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center.
PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
This sculpture of the St. Mary’s logo and cross was
donated by the class of 2002.
Pride Alliance moves toward
RSO status, plans for future
indoors in order to give members the
privacy that they need.
Ramirez also said that the Student Life
Pride Alliance, a new student office has assured her that there is nothing
organization on campus, is just steps to worry about in regards to the official
away from becoming an official Registered recognition of the organization.
Student Organization (RSO).
She added that there has been
The Pride Alliance organization was agreement from campus faculty and
co-founded
by
junior
English/ staff that the campus needs this kind of
communication arts major Jessica Ramirez support group.
and junior music major James Escamia.
The organization has members who
It was founded
have experience with
other groups similar to
with the goal of
“Our organization is an
offering
support
Pride Alliance.
expression of love to fulfill
to students of any
This experience will
where it doesn’t exist.”
enable Pride Alliance
sexual orientation.
On Pride Alliance’s
- James Escamia to start hosting events
once it becomes an
Facebook.com group,
official RSO.
the
organization
is described as a “group that supports
Ramirez said that her only concern
diversity and unites straight people and is consistency when providing activities
gay people.”
and events.
The two created Pride Alliance so that
She has already planned to have
students could “have a place where people a session in which students who are
can open up to each other” and support willing to disclose their experiences will
each other, according to Ramirez.
tell their stories of coming out.
Ramirez also stated that the Pride
All students, regardless of their
sexual
orientations,
are
welcome Alliance plans to hold film nights and
to join, whether they are bisexual, invite guest speakers next semester.
Pride Alliance has been holding
heterosexual or homosexual as well as
transgender students.
meetings in the Java City amphitheatre on
“Our organization is an expression Fridays at 3:30 p.m.
Flyers will soon be posted for
of love to fulfill where it doesn’t exist,”
future meeting times, as they are subject
said Escamia.
According to the co-founders, Pride to change.
For more information, visit the
Alliance emphasizes the need for diversity
and hopes to deliver a supportive Pride Alliance’s Facebook.com group,
environment in which people can come which is constantly updated with
information regarding their meetings and
out and be themselves.
Ramirez and Escamia said that, once their agendas.
the organization is registered with the
university, they plan to move the meetings
By Gina Buffaloe
-Staff Writer-
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica online, on this day in history: Pope Innocent VIII condemned witchcraft in 1484 via papal bull.
News
Rattler
12.5.2007
the
4
Students form ‘think tank,’ discuss current issues
Continued from page 1
Vega asked the students to come together
and publish one cohesive standpoint on the
issue of immigration.
According to the potential members, the
task proved to be a daunting one as not all
members saw eye to eye.
“While collaborating on the issue of
immigration a few difficulties we had
encountered, were trying to narrow an
omnibus issue to three categories and
the inevitable conflicting schedules,”
said freshman political science major
Andrew Glueck.
Glueck said that the Roosevelt Institution
is an ideal forum in which he can not only
voice his opinions, but also put them to
work in the form of policy.
“The Roosevelt Institution is a platform for
bringing [up] political issues at every level of
government. It allows that political idealists
voice to be heard in a non partisan arena,
while simultaneously building momentum
for the next political issue to tackle,”
he said.
Immigration Statistics
Persons obtaining legal permanent residence status in 2006
By City:
San Antonio, TX...............................................................................................................4,345
By State:
Texas.................................................................................................................................89,037
Total:
United States..............................................................................................................1,266,264
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
GRAPHIC BY DOMINIQUE VARGAS
Potential Member Personal Stance on Immigration
Andrew Glueck, Freshman
Major: Political science
Minor: International relations
“
Today’s illegal immigrants, undocumented citizens, or whatever we
have chosen to call them face a long and arduous lifestyle not just in a
country that is up in arms about them being here illegally; however, they
have to go their whole lives in seclusion. That is not what the ‘American
Dream’ was intended for. The cycle has to be broken, but Congress
does not know where to start. A bill with omnibus legislation attached
to it is perplexing and time-consuming. Nonetheless, the more we wait
on these issues, the more illegal immigrants or undocumented citizens
will continue to slip into our country under the radar.
Jon Erik “AJ” Arjanen, Sophomore
Major: History, Political science
“
Greg Mauldin, Junior
Major: Political science
”
We can all agree on the importance the immigrant has played in our
country’s unrivaled rise to power. We can also agree on the importance
that the ‘rule of law’ played. Unfortunately, the government has
completely made a mockery of America’s ‘rule of law’ by aiding and
abetting the illegal entry of undocumented individuals by refusing
to take the necessary measures to ensure the immigration laws are
enforced. Therefore, I challenge each of you to call your representative
and demand [s/he] enforce the current laws or introduce legislation to
end the immigration laws.
”
“
In our country, we all recognize that we have an immigration problem
that is boiling over. The disagreement is in how to deal with this enormous
problem we face. It is my view that when you are in a boat taking on water,
you first plug the hole before you deal with the water in the boat. If we do
not stop these people from coming across our borders, then one day we
[will] run the risk of losing parts of our nation’s identity, primarily in our
Southwest regions. Illegal immigration is breaking down our culture as
the American melting pot.
”
Sarah Linares, Junior
Major: Political science
Minor: Philosophy
“
The issue of immigration is becoming more and more skewed. The
factors surrounding this issue are vast and must be patiently approached
with decency, diplomacy and a fundamental commitment to morality.
As tempers flair and employers continue to hire illegal entrants, who
for the record do not come here to vote, a solution to this issue seems
near impossible. There must be a bottom threshold below which we as a
nation must not allow any citizen, legal or not, to fall. We must remember
that an immigrant today is an immigrant tomorrow and that yesterday’s
immigrant is today’s U.S. citizen.
”
Corrections
V. 95 I.4
News
On page 3 in the article “Red
Cross club seeks to diversify
activities, membership,” Melissa
Scully was listed as having a Ph.D.
She actually has a Master’s
degree and is a guest lecturer for
the English Department.
Features
On page 7 in the article “The
Rattler speaks with the voice
behind the recorder,” Richard
Pressman, Ph.D., was listed
as having a doctorate in
Printing Management.
His undergraduate degree is in
Printing Management and his Ph.D.
is in English.
The article also stated that he
created the PPC.
He brought the idea to the
University, but he did not create it.
The Rattler apologizes
for these errors.
According to the Texas State Almanac online, the lightning whelk (Busycon perversum pulleyi) was named the official state seashell by the 70th Legislature.
Features
5
Rattler
the
12.5.2007
Social responsibility peeks its head during holiday season
Environmentalists encourage alternative, non-traditional gift ideas.
By Kimberly Vela
-Editor in Chief-
PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
Reusing old newspaper pages to gift wrap presents is a creative and Earthfriendly alternative to purchasing non-recyclable gift wrap.
The holiday season, which is just around the
corner, brings consumers a whole mess of products,
price cuts and problems. One aspect of the season
that continues to gain press in the new “going green”
world is the remembrance of social responsibility
during holiday shopping.
With recent allegations accusing the national
retailer Gap Inc. of using child labor to manufacture
some clothing items, conscientious consumers must
find alternative ways to make smart choices when
purchasing goods.
As she hands over two homemade bookmarks,
Assistant Professor of Political Science Celine
Jacquemin, Ph.D., explains the different gifts she
tends to reciprocate during the holiday season.
“Sometimes, I’ll make my own gifts. I like to make
bookmarks out of old calendars,” said Jacquemin.
“I’ve also asked one of our local artists, a St. Mary’s
student named Carmen Uhlig, to make repujado (a
type of metal engraving) ornaments for gifts.”
Jacquemin said that she prefers this kind of giftgiving because it allows her to support a local artist
while ensuring that forced or child labor is not used
in the process. She also stated that when she does
shop, she sticks to a couple of rules.
“I live by certain criteria, and I think that [people]
should decide what their own criteria [are],” said
Jacquemin. “For example, I do not buy items made
in China with two exceptions: if it cannot be found
anywhere else or if it is some kind of toy that if I
buy it, it enables me to do more good. Even then,
though, it is hard [to decide what to do]. Most of the
time, I don’t go for the inexpensive at the expense of
other’s lives.”
Junior philosophy and theology major Amber
Fly prefers to keep a green conscience during
the holidays.
“One big waste [during the season] is wrapping
paper; how about trying some funny comics from
last week’s paper instead?” said Fly in an e-mail.
“Everyone loves chocolate, so let’s make it organic
in those stockings. Also, everyone always gives the
typical gift of a CD or movie; why not try to give a
nice flower or a book on gardening?”
According to Care2.com, an environmentallyaware online community, one of the best things to do
during the season is to “giv[e] experiences you can
share, rather than material goods” because it saves
resources. The Web site lists such gifts as donating
items or money to an organization in the name of
the recipient or offering one’s time to share with
the recipient.
According to Jacquemin, students can stay
socially responsible simply by searching specific
stores on a search engine like Google.com or looking
up companies on different labor rights organizations
like the International Labor Rights Fund (www.
laborrights.org).
Environmental organizations such as Co-Op
America offer lists of companies and stores that have
different allegations of labor and ecological violations
on their Web sites.
“If someone loves a specific store, [s/he should]
look them up, and if [s/he] can’t live with the ways
that [the store does] things, then find some place else
to shop,” said Jacquemin. “No one’s going to spend
[his/her] whole Christmas break searching things on
the Internet, but you could at least ask around. Then,
a very important part is to also share that information
with others.”
(PRODUCT) RED gift wrap and holiday greeting cards are available at Hallmark Stores.
Features
Rattler
ww
My Latest Addiction
By Xavier Perez
-Staff WriterHello, my name is
Xavier, and I am addicted
to vinyl records. Yet,
none know the joy that
I feel when searching for
records throughout the
United States.
The greatest joy is felt
after I have discovered
great
jewels,
such
as my 1967 Harvard
University
resistance
radio broadcast and my
cherished speeches given by
John Fitzgerald Kennedy and
Martin Luther King, Jr., all in
vinyl format.
It is rare to find anyone
who has vinyl records or even
knows what they look like. I
seek out this format because
most of the records that I
find are unavailable on CDs
and MP3s.
I often find the roots of
many modern songs, which
has led me to have a greater
appreciation for the music that
is made today.
This never-ending search
started back in 1999 when I was
in North Carolina.
There, I found classics,
such as Al Green; Earth,
Wind & Fire; and Michael
Jackson’s “Thriller.” I have also
accumulated hip hop records,
which include older classics
like Houdini and Sugar Hill
Gang as well as newer classics
like Jay-Z and Kanye West.
My addiction has led me to
12.5.2007
the
6
my current occupation as a disc
jockey, which further expanded
my desire for such an ancient
way of enjoying sounds.
I have searched record shops
in Georgia, New York, North
Carolina,
South
Carolina,
Washington, D.C., and cities
in Texas, such as Austin,
Dallas, Houston and, of course,
San Antonio.
Since the start of my
addiction eight years ago, I
have accumulated over 700
records, some of which I have
yet to completely listen to.
My addiction has taken me
across the country and has even
led me to name my dog Vinyl.
As
technology
slowly
stamps out the vinyl record
industry, my addiction will
eventually lead to secret
trades and searches through
dusty record shops for my fix
of sounds.
Music is the soul, and
records make up a page out of
my bible.
“Kite Runner” screening leaves lasting impression
International Education Week offers free movie at local theater.
By Nancy Perez
-Staff WriterThe focus of this year’s
International Education Week
(IEW), like those prior, was to
raise awareness of issues that
occur in other countries. IEW
offered several events, such as a
banquet, a concert, discussions,
fundraisers and a screening for
the movie “The Kite Runner.”
The free screening was open
to the St. Mary’s community
and was at Regal Cielo Vista
theater held just minutes away
from campus.
The film is based on the
PHOTO BY ROBIN JOHNSON
novel by Khaled Hosseini, Students participate in discussion that was held after the screening of
which tells a captivating story “The Kite Runner.”
about the history of Afghanistan
through a humanistic portrayal. It series of events happens to them as well as “A Thousand Splendid
reminded viewers that, before the that cause them to drift apart from Suns,” written by the same
terrors of war, cities like Kabul each other. The distance between author which tells a story about
were once amazing and full of life; the brothers furthers when the his culture.
The film also brought up
it also showed the effects of war Russians attack during the Sovietan interesting discussion on
on communities and individual Afghan war.
The film shows the growth of “Islamophobia,” the contrast
human beings.
The film was followed by one of the brothers into adulthood, among the range of beliefs not only
a discussion, which allowed and he finds out that his friend and in Islam, but also in many different
students and viewers of the his friend’s wife were both killed religions, and the ongoing battle
movie to share factual accounts by the Taliban and that their son among extremists.
and historical information about was kidnapped. Wanting to make
Although the movie was
what is going on in different up for all of the dreadful events, accompanied by controversy, its
communities and cultures across he goes in search of the kidnapped objective was clear: The message
the globe.
boy as a way to pay respects to his was relayed to the viewers, and
“I was touched by the healing faithful childhood friend.
eyes were opened to the dangers
“I
really
liked
[the
movie;]
it
message of the story,” said senior
that people in war-stricken
criminology major Majel Braden. was a good representation of the countries face.
“I think it was appropriate because book,” said senior education major
Throughout IEW, the St. Mary’s
Greg
Hermann.
“It
fits
in
well
with
we aren’t informed about positive
community was given valuable
things going on in Afghanistan. IEW and shows an interesting information
about
countries
We need to be reminded of the story in a context that helps people caught in the crossfire of war,
positive things and the hope that become aware of different issues, poverty and genocide. Not only
exists even with all the evil.”
such as stereotypes within Islam’s was this information successfully
The plot revolves around two own culture.”
relayed, but there were also
During
the
discussion,
viewers
Afghan boys who grow up as
opportunities to get involved and
brothers, and at young ages, a were encouraged to read the novel make a difference.
“South Side Kid” recalls 66 years of Marianist experiences
A bright, red-headed Irish boy
living in an predominately German
neighborhood, young James grew up
in St. Louis where he was known as
the “South Side Kid” to his fellow
school mates.
After following his heart into the
Marianist brotherhood, Brother James
Louis McCaffrey, S.M., followed his call
COURTESY PHOTOS
Above: Brother McCaffrey has been a Marianist brother for 66 years.
Below: Brother McCaffrey graduated from high school in 1935.
Brother Bio
Why did you want to join the
brotherhood?
I boxed during high school and played
baseball and soccer. The brother who
was our soccer coach was also the boxing
coach. Brother James Powers—he’s the
reason I became a brother. Those of us who
followed him call ourselves the Powers’
Models. He was such a good teacher with
a wonderful personality. [In high school,]
I would play basketball with the brothers.
I think they had me on their list to be a
brother the whole time.
Born:
Oct. 4, 1922
Hometown:
St. Louis, MO
Took his
vows with the
brotherhood:
Aug. 25, 1941
COURTESY PHOTO
by traveling over 155,000 miles to lend
his hand at teaching and supporting
primary, secondary and university-level
schools in United States and abroad in
Mexico and Peru.
Brother McCaffrey has met some
famous people, such as Orville Wright,
who invented the first controllable
airplane, and Joe Garagiola, who played
for the St. Louis Cardinals.
A couple of years ago, McCaffrey
wrote
a
book
chronicling
the
many events of his life entitled
“South Side Kid.”
The Rattler sat with the generous
and light-hearted Brother McCaffrey
to discuss just a piece of his many
life experiences.
When looking back at your experiences, what
are you most grateful for?
Being a member of the Marianist brotherhood
is the most precious part of my life. I’ve dedicated
a lot in the 66 years that I’ve been a brother, and
the brothers have taken care of me.
What is one of the most memorable experiences
you have had?
I worked with the physically handicapped for
years. I got closer to God with those people than
anywhere else. In Peru, I worked with the Christian
Fraternity of the Sick and Handicapped. I was the
spiritual director for the group. [The group allowed
me the opportunity to meet] a wonderful man
named Juan, who was a soccer-shoe maker. The
night before he died, Juan couldn’t speak. I sat by
him, and we prayed the rosary together. I had never
been with a person like that.
What level of school
did you enjoy teaching the
most?
I loved teaching here [at
St. Mary’s University]. All
the students pay attention
and generally do their
assignments. Teaching high
school can be like pulling
teeth at times.
Also, it is here that the
five of us from the men
who took their vows in ’41
together ended up. Now,
there are only three of us
left who are all in this house
(the Marianist Residence)
and have taught here
[at St. Mary’s].
What will your next book entail?
I want to go into the idiosyncrasies, the strange stories, about the places I’ve
been to. For example, we once worked with a “Brother Book” who kept all the
books, and a “Brother Bus,” who drove the bus—just stories like that.
FROM LEFT: Brothers McCaffrey, Janson, Cummiskey, Sharpe and Goelz
took their vows as Marianists in 1941.
Are you addicted to vinyl? Stop by Hogwild Records at 1824 N. Main and browse through its selection.
12.5.2007
Features
7
the
Rattler
Deciding what to do on your holiday hiatus?
The Rattler suggests a few things that will leave anyone feeling warm and fuzzy.
‘Tis the season to shop
Relaxing Reads
Rattler Product Review: Bath and Body Works Shampoo and Conditioner
Treat your tresses for Christmas
With the hot days of summer gone, and colder weather on the rise, different
weather usually requires a new hair care regimen. Bath and Body Works has
introduced a line of hair care products that embody their signature scents and
are available for most hair types. A few of The Rattler staffers tried out the
shampoos and conditioners for one week and here are the results.
Moisturizing Shampoo and
Conditioner in
Warm Vanilla Sugar
I want a reliable shampoo
to tame my crazy, thick hair
during the harsh winter months.
After trying the products, I was
surprised to find that it actually
works. I felt the moisture in my
hair, and my hair was more
manageable and soft. The
scent stayed all day long. I am
definitely saying goodbye to my
John Frieda products for good.
★★★★★
Moisturizing Shampoo and
Conditioner in
Cherry Blossom
All frequent Bath and Body
Works customers would love
these hair care products. As I
was lathering up, I loved the
scent, but it did not last too long.
Since my hair is color-treated,
it did not leave my mane as
silky or as soft as I had hoped.
Nonetheless, I liked the clean
feeling and alluring aroma of
the product.
★★★
-Lauren Sanchez
-Selena San Miguel
Volumizing Shampoo and
Conditioner in
Cucumber Melon
My fine, thin hair is usually
tolerant of most hair products,
but after using these, I was
disappointed. My hair felt brittle
and dry while I washed it, which
is unusual. Detangling it after the
shower was a problem as well. The
scent was nice in the shower, but
it did not last long. I’ll stick with
body lotions but I will stay away
from the hair products.
★★
-Elizabeth Pena
Committee’s presentation brings Nativity to campus
By Elizabeth Pena
-Features EditorLast Thursday, the University
Ministry hosted a holiday
lighting ceremony in front of St.
Louis Hall. Members of the St.
Mary’s community, including
Marianists, faculty and students,
gathered to admire a projected
image of the Virgin Mother Mary
and baby Jesus.
After a few Christmas carols,
the procession was led to the
Barrett Memorial Bell Tower to
admire St. Mary’s first Nativity
scene and to enjoy Christmas
music by the St. Mary’s Brass
Ensemble.
The
ceremony
concluded with hot chocolate
and cookies.
The highlights of the evening
included the unveiling of the
newly purchased projector and
the Nativity set.
“I think it’s great,” said
President
of
St.
Mary’s
Charles L. Cotrell.
A committee made up of
faculty members Bodi HamiltonBrady, associate professor and
director of theatre; Michael
PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
Onlookers can find the new Nativity scene between Reinbolt Hall and
the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower.
Panky, superintendent of grounds
maintenance; Luis Rodriguez,
manager of maintenance services;
and Rudy Vela, S.M., D.Min.,
Ph.D., spearheaded the project to
get funds for the items
“They were able to present
good ideas, and that was the first
priority,” Cotrell said.
The
projector
itself
is
state of the art with a storm
enclosure made of fiberglass to
protect the 750-watt lamp from
the elements.
“The image of Mary will be
up every night until Jan. 6, Three
Kings Day,” Brady said.
The onlookers at the ceremony
were in awe of the lights, decor,
Nativity scene and the projection.
They agreed that the scene
was something they could get
used to viewing.
“This is a new tradition, and I
am very happy to see it come to
St. Mary’s,” Cotrell said.
Oh, the joys of eggnog
New variations of this old fashioned favorite hit mainstream.
By Jacob Martinez
-Staff WriterWith Thanksgiving behind
us and the gift-giving season
right around the corner, many
must-haves for the holiday
season come to mind alongside
annual traditions.
One favorite item of mine
is eggnog. In case you are not
aware of the delicacy that is
eggnog, it is a sweet, dairybased drink that is a mixture of cream, milk, sugar
and beaten eggs.
Although this concoction is the main version,
many variations of this holiday drink exist. For those
who are old enough, a popular holiday cocktail is
eggnog with spiced rum or even an eggnog latte.
Unfortunately, eggnog is not available yearround, but it can usually be found at local grocery
stores from a few weeks prior to Thanksgiving until
mid-January.
A few coffee shops and restaurants also serve
this holiday drink, but they are few and far
between. One local place is the Olmos Perk Coffee
Bar, located at 5223 McCullough Ave. Although it
may not be well-known, its eggnog is tasteful and
reasonably priced.
Eggnog is a special drink reserved for the
holidays, and it will leave most people with an
effervescent feeling.
The taste of eggnog paired with a gingerbread
man especially brings forth that sense of home for
the holidays.
By Laura Gonzales
-Staff WriterWhile looking for a pleasant
distraction,
I
rediscovered
the quirky, enjoyable book
“Drinking Midnight Wine” by
Simon R. Green.
Written semi-satirically, the
novel is filled with a cast of
antiheroes. Toby Dexter, the main
character, works at a bookstore.
He rides the same train at the
same time every day and follows
his routine like clockwork.
The highlight of his day is his
train ride, where he often sees a
woman for whom he has had a
long-time crush.
The idea of a man falling for a
woman to find out that she is not
what he had expected is simple
in premise and borderline cliché,
but the novel itself in addition to
the character’s voices are genuine
By Jacob Martinez
-Staff WriterIt’s the season for rosy cheeks,
winter cheer and snuggling
by the fire with an enchanting,
lovely novel.
Yet, I would like to suggest a
series that any horror movie fan
would appreciate.
Black Flame Publishers has
brought everyone’s favorite
New Line Cinema films back in
the form of paperback books;
however, the company is not a
well-known publisher, so some
people do not even know that
the series of horror flicks-turnednovels exists.
Although holiday reading
filled with creeps, gore and horror
is not traditional, I believe it is
always exciting to discover new
things and be open-minded when
it comes to book selections.
The Black Flame Publishers
series
has
published
novels that are spin-offs of
popular horror titles, such as “A
Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Final
By Nancy Perez
-Staff WriterIf you find yourself bored
and in need of a good novel
to read this holiday season,
consider “Kushiel’s Dart” by
Jacqueline Carey, in which she
will immediately captivate you
with stunning descriptions of the
world she has created with her
unique heroine Phedre.
The story is told through the
perspective of Phedre, who begins
by explaining the status system in
her land. Phedre is from Terre D’
Ange, which resembles Europe
on the map in the opening pages.
In Phedre’s land, everything
is seen as an art form that must
be mastered. Beauty is the central
theme: No matter how rich or
poor a person is, s/he will always
be viewed as graceful. All people
are born gifted in some manner
by grace of their god, who
created them.
Remember that Spring semester begins on Jan. 14.
and interesting.
Toby is not
the sort of hero
who uses a
sword to save
the world, but
he has been cast
as the person
whose actions
will change history.
The characters are flawed
but likeable. Toby’s honesty
and humor make him relatable
and likeable.
The characters, the setting
and the methodology of Green’s
storytelling give the story more
depth, interest and originality.
Under the simplicity of the story
lie depths that can be found.
This book is a good read; it is
light and relaxing, which makes
it perfect for a brain break from
final exams.
Destination”
and “Friday
the 13th.” The
characters
and plots are
re m i n i s c e n t
of
these
original films.
Bishop’s
book is the
intense first novel in the series;
it is set about a year after the
“Freddy vs. Jason” film, and it
introduces us to six teenagers
who agree to undergo a trial test
for a new anti-insomnia drug.
Characters like Jason and
Freddy Krueger are brought back
to life in this series. I also like the
fact that the violence is gory and
rapid, not sensitized like it would
have to be on camera.
With this series, it seems
like Freddy’s reign will never
come to end. I recommend it
to anyone who wants to stray
away from shopping and family
time to enjoy a gore fest this
holiday season.
P h e d r e
serves this god
as a courtesan,
which, in her
country, is seen
as a living,
breathing
piece of art.
At a young
age, she is bought from the Night
Court to which she had belonged
and is then taught to read people
and trained as a spy.
Carey creates a unique heroine
who uses her wits to discover the
conspiracies occurring within the
nobility of her land.
“Kushiel’s Dart” is an amazing
story with intriguing twists that
will not let you put the book
down until you have reached the
end of the final page.
Once you have completed this
fantasy novel, you will surely
want to add the rest of the series
to your Christmas list.
Entertainment
the
8
A melody
of gifts that
will make your
To
‘Jingle
Bells
Rock’
lidinʼ
To go g
Ladies, dress up your four
the New Year. Girlslovewh
a variety of cute and origin
such as decals, jewlery
favorite is the bumper s
“You just got passed by a G
Follow the lyrics to original
gift ideas picked out
for you by The Rattler
rs e
o
h
ein a on
Available at: Girlslovewhe
Cost: $5.95 - $14.95
ound th
Jingle ar
e
editorial staff.
-Jacqueline Mendez
clo
ck ..
.
Sure, you can take your loved one out for a
night on the town. Bundle up, spend cash on
dinner and a movie and make your way through
the holiday crowds. This holiday season, I
would like to suggest grabbing your favorite
blanket, slipping on your cozy pajamas, making
some popcorn while you check out “National
Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” This movie
is not only entertaining and hilarious, but
it also makes a great gift for anyone with an
appreciation for old- school comedy flicks.
Available at: Amazon.com
Cost: $19.95
-Elizabeth Pena
According to Didyouknow.cd, Oklahoma was the las
Rattler
12.5.2007
ta
Wha
ht time...
g
i
r
b
ime ...
It ʼs the right t
Give the serious activist you know a
good laugh with this global warming
mug from Uncommongoods.com. Add
hot liquid to the mug, and watch the
oceans flood the continents to change
their shape. At a cost of $12, this mug is
a fun reminder to protect the planet. Not
feeling green? Try the disappearing Bill
of Rights mug.
Have you ever wished a Japanese robot
could tell you the time? With one of the
Talking Japanese Watches from Fredflare.
com, your wish can come true. Not only
will these watches match any trend you
desire, but they will also teach you a
language lesson. Available in an array
of bright colors, the digital watches have
a small button on the side that allows
you to choose when you want to hear
the time.
Available at: Uncommongoods.com
Cost: $12
-Vivian Esparza
o rock the
Available at: Fredflare.com
Cost: $20
ght away...
i
n
-Kimberly Vela
For those of us operating under a budget
that will not support visions of sugarplums dancing with “Guitar Hero III,”
“Rock Band” or even a brand-new guitar,
a mixed CD is an affordable gift idea.
Mixed CDs are personal and can range
from silly to romantic. Mixed tapes are
even better simply because of the time
and effort it takes to make one.
wel
s
a
me, itʼs
i
T
l
l
e
B
e
Jingl
e ..
m
l ti
.
Be the hero of your swell time and lounge
around with your special somebody in Target’s
Superman-brand pajama set, enjoying the night
with some succulent slices of Marie Calendars’
Lemon Cream Cheese pie while drinking some
delicious Mr. Boston-brand eggnog. With these
things in your arsenal, your night will be far from
cold and boring.
Available at: Tape.com
Cost: As low as 19¢
-Dominique Vargas
Available at: Target.com
Cost: $ 19.99 - $21.99
..
gh.
i
e
l
es
-Jon Mike Hernandez
r-wheel drives for
heels.com features
nal car ornaments,
and magnets. A
sticker that reads
GIRL!!”
p
-u
y
d
Gid
eels.com
,
H
gle
n
i
J
or
feet...
r
u
o
y
se, pick up
Jimmy Choo is well known for fabulous
shoes. Pick up your feet when these babies
are underneath the Christmas tree. Shoes are
essential to every great outfit. These hot pink
Jimmy Choo shoes will rock your Christmas.
Available at: Jimmychoo.com
Cost: $585
-Gabriela Noriega
mix and a
-mingle in t
he
jing
lin
ʼ beat
...
Thatʼs the jingle bell rock!
For all those looking for some unique
beats, these little sound-makers will
keep anyone jamming. The Sonic Impact
Soundpads are stick-on speakers that
transfer sound to whatever surface you
place them on. Designed to permanently
adhere to one location, the sound varies
depending on the type of surface you
stick them.
Give entertainment at its earliest convenience
with a gift certificate from Ticketmaster.com.
Gift cards are available in increments of
$25 - $250 and can be used at any upcoming
Ticketmaster event, such as the Foo Fighters
concert, a Dallas Cowboys game or a Broadway
show. It’s the perfect gift for the busy bee on
your list.
Available at: Thinkgeek.com
Cost: $19.99
Available at: Ticketmaster.com
Cost: $25 - $250
-Sabrina Servin
-Selena San Miguel
st USA state to declare Christmas as a legal holiday.
Entertainment
Rattler
Blast
Fr o m T h e
12.5.2007
the
10
Ubisoft game “assassinates” competition
VIDEO GAME REVIEW
Assassin’s Creed
PAST
★★★★
PlayStation 3
XBox 360
Nintendo DS
The Secret of Santa
By Selena San Miguel
-Entertainment EditorI was about eight years
old when I discovered that
there was no Santa.
My mother and I were
in the usual holiday rush,
making one last trip to the
store for Christmas gifts. We
had been cleaning the house
all morning to prepare for
the usual holiday company
when we realized that it was
going to be harder to avoid
the shopping crowds.
Just as I had put on
my fleece jacket, my mom
realized that she had
forgotten her boots in her
bedroom, and as usual, she
elected that I go back up to
retrieve them.
Initially, my mom was
certain that she had left the
black boots next to her bed,
but as I searched under the
bed and on the living room
floor, I found no boots.
I had seen the boots a
thousand times before but
not that afternoon. My mom
was growing impatient.
My only hope was that the
pair of shoes was buried
somewhere in her closet.
I slid open the folding
closet door and there,
among a pile of other festive
heels, was a single boot.
I flicked on the light to
shuffle through her hanging
apparel when a bright pink
box caught my eye. I picked
up the box to discover the
number one item on my
Christmas list: a Tonka
Cupcake Doll Dessert Shop
Pie play set.
I was already the proud
owner of two Cupcake
Dolls, which were handheld
toys that had scented hair
and rubbery plastic skirts
instead of legs. These skirts
could be flipped inside out
so that the dolls, once they
were wearing their plastic
icing hats, would double
as cupcakes.
Their plastic pie play
set disassembled into a
four-piece bakery that I
had wanted for the past
two months.
Next to the box lay a
yellow Cupcake Doll that
smelled like cookies and
a red Power Ranger for
my brother. Inches away, I
found the other boot.
The discovery took a
minute to register in my
head before I figured out
that Santa was, in fact,
my parents. However, I
couldn’t bear to tell my
mother that her missing
boots had enlightened me
about Santa’s true identity.
COURTESY PHOTO
By Nancy Perez
-Staff WriterUbisoft, the producer of videogames like
“Prince of Persia,” has released a new game
worthy of the next generation: “Assassin’s
Creed.” Not only does it please the eye
with amazing graphics, but it also delivers
real-life action.
The game is not too difficult to get the
hang of, but it seems to have been created for
hardcore gamers as opposed to casual players.
The story takes place during the Third
Crusade, in which the Templar Knights were
trying to attain the Holy Land. Much of the
scenery in the game reflects how the Holy Land
may have appeared during that period.
Ubisoft’s “Assassin’s Creed” characters show off their new videogame skills to each other.
A brotherhood known as the Assassins, led
by Al Mualim, is fighting against the aggression
of the Templars in an effort to protect the Holy
Land from its grasp.
You play Altair, the best assassin of this
brotherhood, and are given a mission to kill
nine leaders who have betrayed their people.
An interesting twist also lies in wait for players
of the game to discover.
One of the best aspects of the game is
that everything from architecture to crowds
of people reacts to you. If you are trying to
escape, characters in game can block your
way to freedom; however, they can also help
you when you perform certain missions to
save them.
You can interact with the architectural
structures by using them to escape or fire
your weapons at them to barricade yourself
from soldiers.
They also give you the choice to complete
your mission in a high profile, which means
that you are seen by your enemies most of
the time, or a low profile, which means that
you remain mostly hidden, to accomplish
your goal.
A frustrating obstacle for many players
may be the repetitiveness of the missions that
are prerequisites for the final assassinations.
However, with the game’s many positive
aspects, players can easily overlook it in order
to finish this amazing story.
Accoring to EW.com, an NBC representative said that late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien will pay some 75 non-writing production staffers out of pocket.
12.5.2007
Entertainment
11
the
Rattler
A night of merry melodies
Local radio station sponsors rock concert.
Music grows meaningless
Rap and rock genres decline in empowering messages.
Entertainment Editorial
By Nancy Perez
-Staff Writer-
COURTESY PHOTO
California trio Lifehouse is one of the five bands to play the Not So Silent Night concert presented by Mix 96.1.
By Steph Sanders
-Staff WriterOn Dec. 6, Mix 96.1 will welcome the top artists
in pop/rock from across the country to the Lonestar
Pavilion for the sold-out rock fest Not So Silent
Night. Taking the stage at 4 p.m., bands of diverse
styles and with distinct fan bases will unite for one
night of entertainment.
Bands include Boys Like Girls, Lifehouse, Good
Charlotte, Plain White T’s and Three Days Grace.
Other artists include The Last Goodnight and
selected local bands.
Lifehouse joins the lineup after releasing a
second single off its fourth album Who We Are within
the last month. Today, these California rockers are
recognized by their single “First Time,” which
appears of many commercials and TV shows.
However, the band is most remembered for its
first single “Hanging by a Moment” off its debut
album in 2000. Lifehouse is expected to please the
all-ages crowd with its alternative rock sound.
Good Charlotte, also with a second single off a
fourth album, returns to San Antonio; earlier, the
band had participated in Mix 96.1’s Little Black
Dress party with a summer acoustic session.
Known for pop/punk songs like “Lifestyles of
the Rich and Famous” and “The Anthem,” Good
Charlotte contributes its fun-rocking sound to
the bill and will have youngsters off their feet in
no time.
The band’s current hit single “I Don’t Wanna be
in Love (Dance Floor Anthem)” will transform the
pit into one heck of a dance floor.
If Good Charlotte has the crowd moving,
Plain White T’s will definitely have the audience
serenading the band with its own lyrics. “Hey There,
Delilah,” a pop favorite, has been one of the biggest
sing-along songs for the past year and a half.
The band will also be familiar because of its TV
appearance on the hit ABC family show “GRΣΣK,”
which featured as its theme song “Out Time Now,”
Plain White T’s third and most recent single off its
fourth full-length album.
Not So Silent Night will get its harder rock from
the Canadian quartet Three Days Grace, which hit
the mainstream in 2003 with the popular “I Hate
(Everything about You)” before disappearing for a
couple of years due to personal issues.
In 2006, the band made returned to the music
scene with One-X and released its third single
“Never Too Late” in April 2007.
Boys Like Girls, recognized as the 2006 Artist of
the Year by Spin magazine, will visit the 2-1-0 for the
fourth time this year. Barely two years old, the band
has a fan base equivalent to, if not more than, the
others on the bill.
“Great Escape” and “Hero/Heroine” hit the
radio airwaves and will hit the Not So Silent Night
attendees like a new wave pop/punk train.
Doors will open to this sold-out concert at 3 p.m.
at Lonestar Pavilion at Sunset Station, located at
1174 E. Commerce St.
It’s strange to think that, at
one point in my life, listening
to the radio was better than
listening to all the music I
owned. Nowadays, I find myself
avoiding it as much as possible
because a lot of the genres
that I once held in high regard
have been showing less and
less potential.
One genre that many don’t
know I used to like is rap; I loved
rap, and my favorite rapper,
to this day, is Eminem. Sadly,
I now dislike it due to how
much meaning it has lost over
the years.
The same goes for rock. I was
always excited to hear what was
going to come out next, what
new artists were making it.
Now, the minute I hear the term
“breakout artist,” I can’t help
but change to my iPod or CDs.
It’s interesting to look back to
see how it all started and the real
reason as to why it all began. At
one point, rap, much like rock,
was controversial not because
of the obscene amount of sexual
content that is found in every
song except for a select few, but
because of something more than
just a shock factor.
These two genres talked
about topics that are taboo in
society even topic, topics most
everyone would rather disregard
than discuss.
One more recent song that
proved that there are still some
artists willing to raise awareness
of these situations was Ludacris’
“Runaway Love.”
In the song, he speaks about
three little girls and the hardships
POP CULTURE TRIVIA
?
Be the first to e-mail The Rattler at
rattlernews@stmarytx.edu and win free
movie tickets.
Guess the musical movie:
“ ...There’s frost on every window
Oh, I can’t believe my eyes ...
and in my bones I feel the warmth
that’s coming from inside.”
Good Luck!
“No, you’ll shoot your eye out.”- A Christmas Story, 1983
that life has thrown at them,
from abuse, drugs and rape to
abortion and losing friends to
drive-by shootings.
One of the reasons that I still
listen to Eminem is because he
uses the stupidity that he sees in
our society and throws it back at
us in mocking fashion. However,
many people think that he
writes about nonsense and don’t
realize how controversial he is;
they don’t like to realize how
sad our standards for society
are becoming.
Rock was similar to rap
in that it had its own story of
controversy, which is lacking in
today’s rock music. It used to be
about societal issues, especially
concerning actions taken by
the government.
I’m not saying that we should
have controversial music all the
time, but it’s sad to see how, at
one point, music was more than
the selfishness that we hear on
the radio every day.
It’s sad when artists like
Linkin Park release albums that
are more aware of the issues in
the world around them, only
to be labeled as sellouts when
its music has a deeper meaning
than most of the songs that make
it on the top 40.
What I miss the most about
music is how it used to remind
you
about
controversial,
important
issues
and
to
encourage you to find your own
voice, to speak out for what you
believe in.
I was influenced by these
artists to never back down from
my beliefs, regardless of whether
or not they went with the norm.
Commentary
To change world, change self first
Rattler
12.5.2007
the
12
In the election cycle, you
would think that one of the top
issues concerning every American
would be global
warming.
The key word
is global, which
encompasses the
entire world; the
whole planet is
Xavier
melting down.
Perez
The government of the
population that pollutes the most
continues to do the least, but can
you blame it?
Most Americans have not done
much to combat the problem.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
POLICY
The Rattler welcomes letters to the
editor. Letters should not exceed 500
words and must include writer’s name,
classification, major and telephone
number.
Editors reserve the right to edit
submissions for length, grammar,
spelling and content.
Letters may be delivered to Room
258 in the University Center, mailed
to The Rattler, St. Mary’s University,
One Camino Santa Maria, Box 83, San
Antonio, TX 78228, or e-mailed to
rattlernews@stmarytx.edu.
For more information, call
newsroom at (210) 436-3401.
It seems as though the people of
America give their contributions
through consumerism.
The reality is that the earth’s
climate is quickly rising.
It’s estimated now that the ice
sheets in Greenland and the North
Pole are melting faster every
few years.
Why is it, then, that we are
acting like frogs in a slow-boiling
pot of water?
The entire human population
is at risk, but many places around
the world continue to contribute
to global warming.
For example, China continues
to build more coal-burning power
plants, Texas is building another
nuclear power plant and loggers
continue to cut down rainforests
in Africa and the Amazon.
It is highly unlikely that
any of us could stop these
events. Perhaps we could stop
shopping at Wal-Mart, but that’s
another argument.
What can we do?
In the spirit of capitalism, the
big businessman found that this is
an ample time to market products
in favor of environmental activism,
which sounds devious if you think
about it.
This is how companies continue
to have consumers buy products
while they burn down the planet.
I know that businesses are
not entirely to blame; after all,
the St. Mary’s cafeteria still has
Styrofoam cups.
Yet, companies market their
products to the consumers by
advertising the fight against
global warming.
For instance, there’s the $1.89
bottled water that you buy from
Starbucks that donates a nickel,
which is 2.6 percent of the total
cost, to water programs in Africa,
Asia and Latin America.
All the while, Starbucks
reported a 36 percent increase in
profits last quarter, according to
the Dow Jones-sponsored Web site
www.marketwatch.com.
It seems that it would have
been better to send those countries
cases of bottled water, but the
businesses don’t care about that
kind of solution.
Most of us don’t have a solution
to combat this situation because
we believe that the companies and
government should be reacting.
Yet, the actual problem is you
and me.
Just today, I counted four plastic
bottles in my truck. The problem
is that I don’t know of a place to
recycle these bottles; do you?
Like most Americans, we want
to throw money at the problem
and sacrifice nothing. The reality
is that we are all going to have to
sacrifice some comforts in order to
fight this global problem.
I believe that history is once
again calling our generation,
but this time, the entire global
generation must be involved. This
is our time to do our part.
Words are just words unless
they are acted upon.
I
must
recognize
the
newest group on campus, the
Environmental
Conservation
Organization (ECO). This studentled group was introduced
to me at the Hunger No
More concert and is aimed at
eliminating some basic ecological
violations
around
campus,
such as the Styrofoam issue in
the cafeteria.
I hope that ECO will address
issues, such as the lack of places
to recycle on campus and the lack
of awareness concerning global
warming. I hope that this group
is the leader in turning St. Mary’s
into San Antonio’s first completely
green campus.
Where do we begin to combat
this issue?
Some suggestions are to
eliminate the use of single-use
products like bottled water, to
stop using the Styrofoam cups
in the cafeteria, to create ideas to
fight against the problem and to
organize people to help.
In the wise words of Michael
Jackson,
combating
global
warming will always start with
“the man in the mirror.”
the
the
Rattler
Editor in Chief
Kimberly Vela
Layout/Design Manager
Jon Mike Hernandez
Copy Editor
Jacqueline Mendez
It’s that time of
the year again...
News Editor
Dominique Vargas
Features Editor
Illustration by Elena Gonzalez & Gabriela Noriega
Elizabeth Pena
Commentary Editor
Gabriela Noriega
Entertainment Editor
Selena San Miguel
Sports Editor
Jonathan Trillo
Photo Editor
Vivian Esparza
Assistant Photo Editor
Sabrina Servin
Advertising Manager
Nancy Martinez
Assistant Ad Manager
Amanda Guerra
Faculty Advisor
Margaret Luevano
Staff Cartoonist
Elena Gonzalez
Standards
The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s
University. The publication follows the Canons of
Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook
and the Student Publication Policy.
The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press,
the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society
of Professional Journalists, and the Texas Intercollegiate
Press Association.
Contact Us
The Rattler l St. Mary’s University l One Camino
Santa Maria Box 83 l San Antonio, TX 78228
(210) 436-3401 l FAX : (210) 431-4307
rattlernews@stmarytx.edu
Editors, staff deserve pat on back for efforts
Staff Editorial
-The RattlerImagine that every two weeks your
professors assigned you a total of 36 papers at
around 250 words each, which you and a couple
of your friends had the sole responsibility of
editing. That would be the equivalent of one
10,800 word essay.
Now, imagine that if you did not turn those
papers in, you could affect the attendance
and knowledge of different clubs and
organizations in your community. On top
of that, remember that you still have your
everyday responsibilities, school workload
and group memberships.
Welcome to a day in the life of The Rattler
editors and staff.
Perhaps you have never met a member of
the editorial board or a writer for the paper.
Before you start to criticize the end product,
please take a moment to reflect. The Rattler
members do not take an official journalism class
because the student-run periodical is a part of
Student Life, not the English/Communication
arts department.
While our editors do have experience, no
staff member is required to have experience.
Next, consider the writing process. Every
two weeks, editors must form at least 10 story
ideas per section. Then, editors pitch and
assign the story ideas at Monday meetings,
which about five writers in total attend.
Editors either find someone else to pick
up the wayward stories or write the stories
themselves. Here, it is important to note that
editors have responsibilities too.
The Rattler requires editors to be in the
office at least 10 hours with the exception of
the editor in chief, who must put in 15 hours.
Also, nine of the 11 editors are enrolled for
at least 15 hours at St. Mary’s. Not to forget,
some editors also have outside part-time jobs
and work-study duties to fulfill. On top of
that, they still have social obligations to attend.
After all, editors are not machines.
Once writers pick up stories, they must
then find time for interviews and research. A
week and a half later, stories are due to the
copy editor, who must then edit all of them for
accuracy, grammar and style.
Press weekends mark the time of the week
when all 11 editors give up at least 24 hours of
their weekend to the paper. During this time,
editors must design the pages of the paper
from scratch in Adobe InDesign on Macintosh
computers, prepare photos, captions and
headlines for each page and continue to edit
stories to fit on said pages.
Sparing the details of press weekend,
where writers and interviewees either forget
or refuse to show up to turn in assignments
and photographs, the paper is put to bed on
Sunday. Once printed, the editor in chief must
pick up the paper and transport 1000 issues of
the latest edition to school on Wednesday.
Complaints are then heard for a week until
the next paper comes out.
While The Rattler will never get better
without criticisms, the student body must not
forget that the paper is a club too. Members
are needed to improve the group’s product.
Editors love input and thrive on it.
This editorial is in no way a moan from the
editorial staff. Instead, it is a testament to its
dedication to the paper.
Not many people would willingly give up
their weekend every other week to work for a
paycheck that adds up to little over two dollars
an hour. Why do it, then? When it comes down
to it, editors love their job.
Only through a newspaper can editors
expose big scoops, publicize problems in the
community and congratulate organizations for
a job well done.
Perhaps the next time you meet the editors
or writers, you can congratulate them for their
work recognizing the community.
“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than hunger for bread.”- Mother Teresa
Commentary
Rattler
13
the
12.5.2007
Quiuuubole
!
!
By Gabriela Noriega
Con los regalos...
Se acerca la Navidad y todavía
no he comprado nada de regalos.
Mi cuenta de ahorros está en
ceros. No tengo un centavo
para comprar ni un chicle. Pero
mi espíritu Navideño está en
los altos.
Hoy en día mucha gente
maneja de arriba para abajo hasta
encontrar ese “regalo perfecto”
que tanto querían para sus
seres queridos.
Tanto tiempo pasan pensando
en decidir que comprarles.
Talvez un perfume, un reloj
o un suéter. Pero sin duda un
regalo estupendo.
He oído a muchas personas
mencionar que “Navidad sin
regalos no es Navidad”. Yo no lo
creo. Pienso que los regalos son
un extra estímulo para portarse
bien todo el año. Son los detallitos
que nunca se olvidan.
Pero no creo que los
regalos son esenciales
para
tener
una
Navidad estupenda.
Se puede tener una
Navidad inolvidable
sin tener que gastar
en regalos.
Cada año toda mi
familia se junta en la casa de
mi abuelita. Mi abuelita tuvo 9
hijos, cada uno casado con hijos
y los hijos tienen hijos. Todos
nos juntamos en una casita de
tres cuartos.
Cada Navidad somos más de
40 en un comedor de 8 personas.
Adornamos la casa, cocinamos
tamales, pavo, gelatinas de
sabores, y flanes de colores.
Todos
nos
juntamos
alrededor de la mesa esperando
ansiosamente
las
doce
campanadas. Para ese entonces
toda la comida ya debe de
estar lista en la mesa. Las 12
campanadas son a las 12 a.m.
osea el 25 de diciembre.
Después de las campanadas
todos hacemos el brindis de
“Feliz Navidad” La sidra se
sirve en vasos de plástico para
no romper las copas de la abuela.
Nosotros sólo pretendemos
tomarnos la sidra. Casi siempre
dejamos vasos medio llenos de
sidra que no nos terminamos.
Ahora todos nos damos
“el abrazo de Navidad,”
algunos lloramos de felicidad
y gratitud a Dios y a la familia
por haber logrado juntos una
Navidad más.
Esos 15 minutos de Navidad
son los más importantes. Te
llenan el corazón con alegría por
el simple hecho de estar ahí.
Aunque no tengamos un
montón de regalos que dar, nos
tenemos los unos a los otros.
Tenemos el cariño, apoyo y amor
de todos los demás.
Gracias a Dios y a
Jesús podemos celebrar
la Navidad. Porque la
Navidad es la llegada de
Jesucristo a este mundo.
Dios mandó a su hijo
para poder enseñarnos
lo que es el amor y
la compasión.
El amor de Dios y de tu
familia es el regalo más grande
que puedas tener.
Sin familia ni Dios, la Navidad
no existiría; no tendríamos razón
de juntarnos como una familia
unida. No habría celebración, ni
tamales, ni flanes, ni gelatinas.
Las cosas materiales vienen y
van pero la familia no, solamente
tienes una.
Tu familia siempre estará
ahí para ti en las buenas y en
las malas. Acuérdate que una
Navidad inolvidable no necesita
regalos solamente necesita el
amor de una familia.
Revisiting Christmas memories
As I sip my coffee and finish
up some work, I hear the sound
of Christmas carols coming from
another room. I
smile, remembering
Christmas
in
Eagle Pass, and I
begin to fall into
deep thought.
I realize that
Melody
Mejia
this time around,
I won’t be hearing my father sing
along to Christmas music on the
first day of December, which was
our ritual when counting down
the time until Santa came around.
Instead, I will merely hear the dull
pop song played by my alarm clock
and nothing more.
Christmas was always a big
deal to me until I found out about
Santa. Year after year, I would wake
up before dawn to tiptoe into the
living room in order to see what
Santa had brought me. I loved the
magic, the illusion proposed to me
by my parents when they told me
their stories of Santa, which made
me even more of a believer.
I was in third grade when I
realized that Santa wasn’t real. I
had seen many gifts, which were
similar to those I would eventually
receive from Santa, tucked away in
the laundry room closet.
I felt guilty; I didn’t want to tell
my parents that I knew, but I told
them anyway. As most parents do,
mine denied any accusations that
they had played the part of Santa.
I became tired of telling them each
year, so I just let it go.
My mother would tell my
brother, my sister and me to hang
our stockings up because the
Christmas Angel, who was secretly
my mother, would bring us little
gifts to enjoy before Christmas.
I loved waking up to them each
morning, but that’s over too.
My father has 11 brothers and
sisters, and my mother has nine
brothers and sisters; Christmas for
us was like a family reunion.
When I was younger, my aunts
and uncles would stumble through
the door with what seemed to
me like hundreds of gifts for us
children. I would unwrap toy after
toy, the occasional random pajama
set or pair of socks making an
appearance, only to be forgotten in
favor of another toy.
I loved the magic that my whole
family presented, which created
the illusion of Christmas as a joyful
occasion. My cousins and I were
amazed by the gifts, but more
importantly, we were happy to be
with one another.
This year, it won’t be the same,
now that there’s no more Santa
or sitting at the kid’s table. My
cousins and I are much older, so we
no longer trade gifts that we didn’t
like with each other. No more toys
will be given out.
The way we were united before
with such joy has been somewhat
forgotten, for now, everyone has
his/her own things to do. The
past is done, and that’s what I will
miss the most. I will miss being the
little girl who would wake up for
Santa; now, I sleep in until it’s time
for church.
I once measured my childhood
memories with cups of Kool-Aid
and letters to Santa, which have
evolved into tall cups of coffee and
stacks of work, creating the illusion
of age and maturity. I’ve realized
that I’m not the little girl I once was,
nor am I the adult that I should be.
The things I miss the most
may never be again. I will cherish
my memories, especially those
that remind me of Christmas in
Eagle Pass.
Student survives without Facebook.com
After three semesters, I still do not have a Facebook.
com profile.
We are drawing closer to the finale of another
semester here at St. Mary’s University. Soon, we will
be able to pass our month of rest in
wherever we consider home before
we return to our roles as St. Mary’s
students to relive the same story.
However, I will direct this fantastic
story not to the future, but to the past
and present, which will be our main
Christopher
attractions for now.
Medina
Since August 2006, which marked
the beginning of my adventure, to this moment, in
which I am typing this article on my computer, I still do
not have a Facebook.com account or any other “fads”
as far as Web sites or anything else is concerned.
I do surprise myself at the end of that last sentence
and must question why, after three semesters, I still
have yet to set up an account to converse with friends
over the Internet.
Needless to say, I believe I am not necessarily
ready for this form of conversation among friends,
for I am the kind of person who would much
rather enjoy his time with friends in person or on
the phone.
Everyone has his/her own preferences. Nearly
everybody here loves Facebook.com, but I am not one
of them.
Instead, I will still remain with the basic forms of
conversation, perhaps for a long time.
I feel that nothing about me is necessarily advanced.
I still use old CDs and have yet to call myself the owner
of the popular iPhone.
The only valuable item I have is this laptop
computer, on which I am typing my article.
Yet, I do not mind sticking with the basics. As long
as my needs are fulfilled, the wants are not necessarily
important.
With or without Facebook.com, I am still able to enjoy
my time here at St. Mary’s University, which is all that
really matters.
Videogames replace traditional Christmas gifts
Christmas Day was always a big deal
throughout my childhood. After the
exchange of gifts after
breakfast, my neighborhood
friends would join me
to spend hours outside,
breaking in our new
bicycles,
scooters
and
roller skates.
Elizabeth
Even the boys in the
Pena
neighborhood would show
off their Big Wheels and remote-controlled
cars and would watch their parents put up a
new trampoline or playground set.
Those were the good ole’ days. Despite
the freezing temperature of Christmas
Day, we would spend the time bundled
in our holiday best as we played with
our new toys and admired each other’s
Christmas gifts.
Those memories were especially vivid
last year as I drove home from a family
member’s house on Christmas Day. At 24
years old, I reminisced about my childhood
Christmas adventures with my friends
back when my neighborhood streets were
flooded with children.
I feel like, with the introduction of
computers, videogame systems and
other electronic gadgets, children are
spending so much time indoors that they
are not appreciating the elements of the
holiday season.
I have 13 nephews and nieces who range
from four to 16 years of age. Their wish
lists include MP3 players, portable game
consoles, prepaid cell phones and gift cards
to EB Games.
I still get shocked and a little frustrated
in response to their gift requests. As my eyes
practically pop out of my face in disbelief,
their expressions let me know that their lists
are the norm for their generation.
I still think that footballs, journals and
Barbie dolls make good gifts, but the reality
of how wrong my opinions are set in as
I watch them bypass these presents for
the latest “Guitar Hero” game under the
Christmas tree.
I understand that, with 2008 around the
corner, games and technology have come
a long way since the Sega Genesis that I
had when I was nine years old. “Sonic the
Hedgehog” has been obliterated by Altair
of “Assassin’s Creed.”
Nonetheless, I thought that toys, Barbie
dolls and sporting equipment were timeless
gifts, but I now see that children of today
consider Barbie dolls to be too old-school.
The series of Bratz dolls has taken over, and
they have brought their Bratz-brand DVDs
along for the ride.
This Christmas, as I see my four-year-old
niece walk over to her personal DVD player,
pop in the latest Bratz movie and sit down
for her own relaxation time indoors, I think
that I will sit outside and hope for children
to pass by on their new bicycles just as I did
when I was a little girl.
A part of me still needs to be reassured
that kids will spend time outdoors,
resisting the temptation to spend the entire
Christmas vacation inside to sign online or
play videogames.
I am not sure if the neighborhood streets
around the city will be filled with children
this Christmas Day, but one thing is for sure:
If they do not come outside, then they will
definitely be playing videogames inside
their rooms.
Perhaps they may take a break to nurse
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”- Pablo Picasso
their blistered thumbs as they watch their
friends take a turn on the Xbox 360.
PHOTO COURTESY OF www.gamespot.com
Videogames rule Christmas.
Commentary
Rattler
the
14
Retreat changes student’s religious perspective
Many students will experience homesickness
during the upcoming semester, and a remedy to
help them get through it is Rattler
Awakening 9, for which I will be a
speaker and table parent.
Rattler Awakening is a studentrun retreat that helps students to feel
as though they are a family. I am a
part of the Rattler Awakening family,
Jacob
and it has changed so many things
Martinez
for me.
Some people have the mindset that you have to be
some “holy roller” to attend a retreat, which is not the
case. Some students who attend may indeed be holy
rollers, but a variety of students show up.
They may attend because their friends went,
because they want to find religion or because they
wish to learn more about themselves.
Rattler Awakening is set to begin on Feb. 15, 2008,
and end on Feb. 17, 2008.
What can these three days do?
When I attended Rattler Awakening 8 last year, I
was probably one of the most skeptical students at
the retreat.
I thought that the experience was not worth it
unless I saw Jesus himself. Luckily, my brother Jesus
Garza went, and I was saved.
The retreat changed my life, even to this day. As
corny and crazy as that may sound, it opened my
eyes to so many things.
I am not that religious, but it made me want to
pray and gave me that little ounce of hope that I
thought I would never regain.
After the passing of my two brothers six years ago,
I thought that I could never forgive God for taking
them away from me. I had left what my past had
taken away deep inside of me, but it came out that
weekend like an explosion.
I was looking for that gate to open because my
spirit was broken, and I was confused as to what
was missing. It turned out, however, that what was
missing from my life was God.
It wasn’t until I had taken myself out of my own
true self that I saw I was hurt but strong. I knew that
if I really wanted to change, it was there for me to do.
I used the tools that I had and made it out refreshed.
Everybody’s experience was different, but this
was mine. It is truly an experience to remember, and
it helped me to get through all of the darkness I was
wrestling with. I am a believer, and I was awakened.
Readers connect with written words
There is something precious
about the written word, something
that keeps bookstores like Barnes &
Noble open and their shelves full;
it is the same force
that keeps writers
like Stephen King
and J.K. Rowling
in
places
of
prominence, even
in an age where
Cristina
Gonzalez visual media reins
as king.
What is it? What is it about
writing that touches us?
How is it that words printed
on paper, written on a postcard or
even scribbled in haste on a PostIt Note sometimes possess more of
an impact than those same words
spoken or shouted?
We’re told that “a picture is
worth a thousand words,” but what
happens when those thousand
words are more powerful than the
picture representing them?
Every time someone asks me
why I write, I find that I come up
with a different answer, depending
on the situation or my own mood.
My answers have included selftherapy, love of a good story and
an overactive imagination, and
each has been true.
However, I find it amusing
when those who ask me that
question follow it by saying that
they hate writing when they do so
much of it in their daily lives.
Anyone can pick up a pen and
write, but the distinction between
a grocery list and a novel that
moves the masses is invariably
made great by those writers and
scholars of “literature” until
the two no longer share the
same universe.
At their base, both involve
the recording of history and offer
insight into what the author might
have been thinking at the time.
However, where one author
may have wanted to shed light on
the plight of the poor, the other
just needed milk and a fresh carton
of eggs.
Still, the fact remains: Some
people are moved to tears after
reading a heartfelt letter while
others find closure within the lines
of a story.
Why?
The true meaning of the motion,
if one even exists, generally
escapes me.
If I had to make any guesses,
I would have to say that it lies
within the realm of connection, be
it physical, emotional or spiritual,
and people on both sides of the
fence will vouch for this.
Good writers do not create
at their best unless they connect
directly with what they commit
to paper; readers are not willing
to invest completely with a
given material unless they can
see themselves fitting into the
story in some way. Connection
is what creates great writing and
great reading.
Connection is what turns all of
those postcards, grocery lists and
little notes scribbled on Post-Its
into personal literature, long after
those important authors of our
lives have gone.
Inspirational Moments
Dispensable Spirit
Put me out like a cigarette.
My ashes will cling together
Like lovers on a glass bed.
You can throw me away,
But you just look at me, Compassionately holding my spirit
As it tries to destroy itself.
They won’t let me
Turn into those loving ashes,
Left as a moment once a breath of life.
No, you have other plans for this soul.
You want it close,
Always in your life.
Keep me
Like a ticket stub from that night
You felt alive in the world.
Keep me.
I’ll keep you.
By Amanda Guerra
Picture by Miguel Chavarro
E-mail inspirational submissions, such as poems, pictures
and song lyrics to rattlernews@stmarytx.edu for the
commentary section.
12.5.2007
t
h
Lig
Works
By Sarah Linares
Seeking psychic advice
I recently consulted a psychic advisor. For years, I have struggled
with the question of whether or not to visit one.
“They are evil,” I would say. Yet, I would also say, “They are
people too.”
I called the psychic advisor before embarking on my conflicted
journey, hoping to chisel away at my hesitation.
“What services are you interested in?” the surprisingly humansounding woman asked.
“Well, I don’t know, and frankly, I’m a bit scared,” I shortly replied
as though I had been offended.
“Don’t worry. I am not evil. I am of God,” she said.
“She is of God. She is of God,” I repeated as I withdrew the necessary
funds for my cash-only payment.
Although I had no intention of giving her input a second thought,
her claim somehow validated my trip’s worth.
Equipped with a sleeping gown and a child of four or five years of
age, my psychic advisor welcomed me ever so casually into her office
and home.
I sat uncomfortably three feet across from her. The bags beneath
her eyes weighed heavily on my conscience. The small room in which
we sat housed both religious and not-so-religious items. Within this
strange paradox, my thoughts raced as I became emotionally raw.
Again, I repeated, “She is of God. She is of God.”
Among other general and not-so-general insights, my psychic
advisor told me that I would not enter the New Year “alone.”
Years ago, I had read a book entitled “I Kissed Dating Goodbye.”
Remnants of its message still linger in my consciousness, so the
psychic’s advising must have been ill-placed. Simply put, I do not date,
so how on earth would I not enter the New Year alone?
I disregarded her words, satisfied in the knowledge that we are
never truly alone if you count His truly and my pets, and drove home.
Still, her words seemed to have a profound effect on my actions.
Suddenly, possibilities existed. The glances that I catch repeatedly
from that guy in class are not just a recurring coincidence, but subtle
courtship. Suddenly, I am smiling more, and I smile a lot.
For days after my advising, the contemplation of romantic
possibilities clouded my head.
The most extreme case of this self-imposed disillusionment occurred
a couple of nights ago while visiting the handsome pharmacist at my
local pharmacy. I was not sick, nor was I due to pick up any prescriptions.
Rather, I had every intention of approaching said pharmacist to disclose
the pertinent details of my encounter. The sheer shock value of this
approach was sure to win him over or cause him to call security.
As the automatic doors of the pharmacy slid open, the doors to my
bravery closed tight. While trekking towards the rear of the store, I
stopped short at the snack aisle, turned left and headed towards the
beverages instead. I stood in line to purchase my cowardice in the form
of an energy drink and rehearsed the lines that I would never use.
“So, how’s it going? Just wanted to let you know that my psychic
advisor told me I would not be alone, and I thought of you.” This was
the definition of smooth.
As fate would have it, up walked this handsome man whose name
I admittedly do not know. I did not recognize him at first, or rather, I
was set aback by his apparent transformation from pharmacist to manwithout-white-coat. In the fantasy that I had played and replayed in
my head, this man had always worn his coat.
In my vision, during our Fourth of July picnic, he would sit upon a
checkered blanket while wearing his coat. I had never seen this man’s
forearm, and the mere contemplation of his biceps was enough to throw
me back to my pre-psychic way of life. If I am not able to imagine a
potential picnic partner in various outfits, then I am surely unprepared
to enter the New Year beside him.
The point is that a stranger told me that I would not enter the New
Year alone, and since that moment, I have been intent on exploring this
possibility. A person in whom I placed no authority suddenly became
the ultimate determiner of things to be determined.
As I walked out of the pharmacy and into the sharp, mockingly cold
November air, I recounted my absurdity and laughed.
I am the authority of my actions, and in keeping with this tradition,
I will enter the New Year independently.
“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” - John Lennon
Sports
Rattler
15
the
12.5.2007
Predicted by early season games, fan attendance looks promising
By Marika Gonzalez Whitehurst
-Staff WriterSports Commentary
St. Mary’s athletes do not get
the respect from their peers that
they should.
Our student-athletes have the
same course loads as everyone
else, but they must also take on
sports schedules, which include
two-mile runs at 6 a.m., practice
sessions that take place multiple
times a day, games at home and
away from home, traveling and
exhaustion. In addition, they often
have to miss classes and deal with
the makeup work.
As an ex-athlete, I understand
the extra stress that athletes
undergo and the lack of respect
that they receive in the form of
sparse fan attendance. With all
that our athletes do, why do we as
students and fans fail to give them
the support that they deserve?
“Last year’s fan attendance
sucked. Students did not put
enough effort into attending the
games,” said basketball forward
and senior exercise and sports
science major LaTez Williams.
“From my high school and junior
college experiences, I am used to
good fan attendance. Last season,
we went on winning streaks, and
[they] did not affect the lack of
fan attendance.”
High school games average
around 500 attendees per game
nationwide, which is a much
larger number than St. Mary’s
achieves in the games for all of its
sports. These schools have fewer
students than St. Mary’s does, so
why do their fan bases exceed that
of this university?
Bill Greehey gave St. Mary’s
the beautiful facility in which our
basketball and volleyball teams
play, but the gym is never done
justice by the fans, who leave
many of the bleachers empty
at each game.
Our university focuses on
academics and, at times, fails to
face this problem, but not this
year. So much has already been
done this semester to increase the
average fan attendance.
Midnight Madness was a
success as usual. This year, T-shirts
were promised to the first 500
attendees, and in total, attendance
was much greater than that.
Pre-game tailgates, in which
beer and food have been provided
to lure in students and fans, have
been held for both the basketball
and volleyball teams.
Handmade
posters
have
been created for all teams by the
organizations. Professional posters
that displayed the schedules have
also been made for both the men’s
and women’s basketball teams
and are displayed everywhere
around campus.
The athletics department is
holding a contest for campus
organizations: The organization
that has the most attendance at
athletic games throughout the
entire academic/athletic year will
win $1,000 as a prize. The secondplace winner will win $300,
and the third-place winner will
win $200.
The athletes also create
Facebook.com groups for each
game to send reminders to their
entire network.
Even wallet size schedules
of both the men’s and women’s
basketball teams have been
created and dispersed around
campus. They can be found
in the Bill Greehey Arena, the
Diamondback Café, the Learning
Assistance Center, the Louis J.
Blume Academic Library and
every other building on campus.
The men also have magnets
with their basketball schedule
and have been giving them out
to family, friends, professors
and others.
They have even gone from
door to door in the residence
PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
Senior Brett Jewasko tries for a layup during Midnight Madness.
halls to hand out their wallet
size schedules.
According to Sports Information
Director Derek Smolik, attendance
at men’s soccer games have
increased by 42.5 percent, and
attendance at women’s soccer
games have increased by 14.3
percent in 2007.
Attendance at volleyball games
also increased by 52 percent,
from 221 attendees in 2006 to 336
attendees in 2007.
With the basketball season
starting fresh, we at The Rattler
wanted to give the fans a chance
to pick up the attendance
even more.
St. Mary’s athletics do not tend
to draw in the fans, although our
athletes work extremely hard to
be both students and athletes.
Last season, our men had a total
of 17 home games, at which we
averaged 774 attendees per game,
and 10 away games, at which they
averaged 872 attendees per game.
This season, let’s try to have the
average home attendance exceed
that of the away attendance.
Are you game?
The Rattler Spirit
Challange calls on any
student organization that
is recognized by Student
Affairs and that has
signed up at Midnight
Madness or prior to the
first or second men’s
basketball home game.
Organizations will
be judged at all Rattler
men’s basketball home
games. For more info or
to sign up, visit the St.
Mary’s men’s basketball
office located on the third
floor, Room 3040 in the
Bill Greehey Arena
First place will
win $1000
Second place will
win $300
Third place will
win $200
Let’s be friends. Visit www.myspace.com/rattlernews.
Sports
Rattler
12.5.2007
the
16
Get to know junior women’s basketball leading-scorer Natalie Gamez
Q: What is your full name, your
classification and your major?
A: Natalie Carolyn Gamez, junior
English language arts [major] with
teacher certification.
Q:
Where
originally from?
A: San Antonio, Texas.
are
you
Q: What high school did you go to?
A: Communication Arts High School, a
magnet school out of Taft High School.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MARY’S ATHLETICS
Number 42 junior Natalie Gamez looks to shoot
a free throw.
By Marika Gonzalez-Whitehurst
-Staff WriterNatalie Gamez is “leading the way.”
Gamez is a third-year player who earned
All-Heartland Conference honors in her
second season with the Lady Rattlers,
averaging 14.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5
assists. She was second team all conference
and was also voted MVP by her teammates
in the 2006-2007 season.
“Natalie did great last season and even
more over the off-season, expanding her
game,” said Head Coach Martens.
This season, Gamez continues to be a
leader on the floor. She was the high scorer
with 22 points at the most recent game
against East Central University. The Lady
Rattlers defeated East Central, 73-58.
Q: What made you choose to come to
school at St. Mary’s?
A: St. Mary’s is great educationally
and close to home, so my parents
can come watch me play, which is
important to me.
Q: What do you like about St. Mary’s?
A: It is a small atmosphere. Teachers
get to know students, and students are
able to form bonds with their professors.
Everybody knows everybody.
Q: What do you plan to do when
you graduate?
A: I might try to come here to be the
[graduate] assistant or to go into coaching
at one of the local high schools.
Q: Do you see yourself as the team
leader? If so, how does it feel to be the
team leader? What are some extra things
that you have to do?
A: I see myself as one of the team leaders
because of the position I am in. It is an honor
to be looked up to. As a leader, I feel like
everybody is watching what I am doing, so
I must lead by example and make sure that I
am doing everything that the coaches want
me to so that the girls will do the same.
Q: How does it feel to be MVP/second
team all conference?
A: I feel honored. It is one thing for
the coaches to vote on you, but for my
teammates to vote me MVP showed me
that [they] believe in me. As far as the other
awards go, it is nice to know that your game
is improving, that you are being recognized
for all of the hard work that is put into the
game and that others think that you are a
good player.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Your team as a whole?
A: I always try to get to the gym earlier
than everyone else to shoot. As a team, we
always go out to eat before each game and
get to the gym early to shoot. I always say a
personal prayer with similar content before
each game.
Q: Is the team like a second family?
A: Yes, I spend so much time with them,
and we live with each other here on campus,
my home away from home.
Q: How is the season looking so far?
A: We had a shaky start, but we
were able to get back on track this past
game; hopefully, it will be the start of a
winning streak.
Q: Does basketball permit you time
to have a life outside of the team? A
love life?
A: Yes, it does, but it is all about balancing
your time. You have to make the time for
God [and] your family and friends, and
I think I do a good job of that. And yes, it
does give me time to have a love life.
Q: What do you look forward to the
most every day?
A: Right now, I enjoy preparing for
our games. We are constantly preparing
for [them] year-round. Finally getting
the opportunity to compete in games
is rewarding.
Q:
What
makes
up
your
average weekend?
A: Usually, [playing in] basketball
tournaments and games, preparing
academically for the next week and hanging
out with my loved ones.
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
A: I love all kinds of music: country, hip
hop and R&B in particular.
Q: Who is the best rapper alive?
A: Nas.
Q: How many days do you get off for
Christmas break? How do you feel about
the length of your break?
A: Five days. It is OK with me because
I am from here, and it takes me 15 minutes
to get to my house, but I feel sorry for
some of the other girls [who] don’t get to
spend more time with their families in their
hometowns. The girls are my second family,
so we have a lot of fun during the break.
We get to just hang out with each other and
play basketball for 30 days.
Q: What political party
affiliated with?
A: I’m a liberal democrat.
are
you
Women’s basketball’s Reed looks forward to new season
By Melody Mejia
-Staff WriterName: Allison Reed
Classification: Freshman
Major: English/communication arts
Hometown: Palestine, Texas
Position: Post
Height: 6’4”
Experience: Started in fourth grade at
YMCA, played in middle and high school
Q: Why did you choose St. Mary’s? Was
there any other university that made it
hard for you to choose where to go?
A: The main reason I chose St. Mary’s
was the fact that I received a full ride and
wouldn’t have any student loans that I
would have to worry about or take care of
later. Another reason I chose this university was that I felt the coaches really cared
about the team and how well we connected.
Some of the other schools that I considered
were Hardin-Simmons University, Howard
Payne University, The University of Mary
Hardin-Baylor and Temple College.
Q: As an incoming freshman, what
was the hardest part of getting used to
college basketball?
A: I didn’t realize how time-consuming
everything (basketball) would be. I really
have to make sure [that] I get my homework
finished ahead of time so [that] I am not
rushed all at one time to get things done.
Q: Did/Do you play any other sports
besides basketball? What are your
hobbies?
A: In high school, I played volleyball and
received district and area honors. I threw
the discus in track and won first place at the
district track meet.
My hobbies [include], of course, sports,
but I also love to sing. I am a bit shy in front
of large crowds, but if I know you well
enough, I [will] sing in front of you all the
time. Just ask my friends.
Q: What do you do when you have free
time away from basketball?
A: Catch up on sleep and, every now and
then, go to a movie with some friends.
Q: What do you like the most about
St. Mary’s? The least? How would you
change that?
A: What I like most about St. Mary’s is
the friendliness [that] I have received from
every person I have met. What I like least
about St. Mary’s is the involvement that the
student body has with sports. I think that
the soccer fields, the gym and the baseball
and softball fields should be filled with fans
all around to cheer their team on and show
a little pride. One way to change it is to
remind people as much as I can that there
are games coming up and to attend the
games myself.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: My role model is my brother Ryan.
Even though he is eight years older than
me, he has always been there for me. He
went through some of the things [that] I go
through. He played college basketball, and
I always go to him for advice.
Q: If you could meet anyone in the
world who would it be?
A: I wish I could have met Lucille Ball.
She is one of my all-time favorite actresses
and was one of the first successful women of [TV]. A few years ago, I found out
that she died the day I was born, which is
really sad.
Q: Do you prefer Spurs,
Mavericks or other?
A: Everyone, I think, on this
campus is going to hate me for
this, but I love the Mavericks.
I am from East Texas; we are
too close to Dallas to not love
any Dallas team. I have to
say [that] I do like the Spurs
sometimes. I just like the
Mavericks more.
Q: How would you convince students from St.
Mary’s and anyone in general to come out to see you all
PHOTO BY MELODY MEJIA
play?
Allison Reed tells about her experience as a first-time
A: I would make sure to freshman and women’s basketball player.
tell them about the game and
ask them right away if they are
ting to play college ball.
coming; if they say they don’t know, I just
Q: What do you miss the most
say, “Well, you better!” Also, I am going to
post stuff on Facebook.com to make people about home?
know that there is a game.
A: The beautiful pine trees and beauty of
East Texas.
Q: What would you say in terms of advice to all those high school seniors who
Q: What is one thing that you brought
want to play college basketball?
with you to ease the homesickness?
A: Get in touch with a coach at a school
A: Pictures of my family and pictures of
that you are thinking about going to; send my precious one-year-old nephew Rhett.
[the coach] a letter, e-mail or tape of a mix
of your different games.
Q: Are you a democrat or republican?
A: Mostly republican. I basically just
Q: What has been the toughest part of choose who really has the right values and
practices and/or game days?
who is going to do right for our country.
A: The toughest thing for practice is
learning all of our plays, and for game days,
Q: Anything else you’d like to add? Adgetting focused [to] do all of our plays the vice? Words of wisdom? Comments?
right way.
A: I have two favorite sayings: (1) Never
let anyone make you someone you’re not;
Q: What are you looking forward to this stay true to yourself, and live your life for
season and those to follow?
God. (2) Never let the fear of striking out
A:Winning. And the experience of get- keep you from playing the game.
Interested in sports? Great! Sports writers are needed. Contact Kimberly Vela at rattlernews@stmarytx.edu or at 210.436.3401.