Vol. 96 Issue 4 St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper 10.29.08

The Rattler

Page 3

Film series raises aware-ness of SOA and protests.

Shutting Down SOA

Page 21

The Cure finally release anticipated album.

Not Just A Dream

Page 16

Guest lecturer stresses impact of Latino vote.

Politically Aware

Cast your vote, eat your candy and discover frightful new ways to celebrate Halloween.

Trick or Treat

News The Rattler

2 10.29.08

News in Brief

On Campus Off Campus

PPC holds final lecturesThursday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.University Center Conference Rm. A

The last day of the President’s Peace Commission (PPC) will have the presentations “An Insight into Corporate Responsibility,” “Sustainable Human Development, One Dollar at a Time” and “Going Green on God’s Green Earth.”

A schedule of the PPC presentations can be found at www.stmarytx.edu/ppc

Self-defense classes availableWednesday, Nov. 5 – Wednesday Nov. 19University Center Conference Rm. A

The University Police Department (UPD) will be offering the “Rape Aggression Defense” training to the community. Students and faculty can learn skills to protect themselves. Techniques will be practiced with UPD members. The session costs $10 and completion will allow members to retake classes free of charge.

American Indian Heritage Month approachesThursday, Nov. 6, 6 p.m.Media Viewing Room, Louis J. Blume Library

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Language Club and the North Ameri-can Student Association are hosting the Andean Co-operatives Lecture. The information will be presented by Cathie Joslyn, an activist, artist and professor from Clarion Univer-sity in Pennsylvania.

This is one of many events hosted in November in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month.

Seminar to cover future in IraqMonday, Nov. 3, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.AT&T Technology Center

The International Relations Department presents “The Road Ahead in Iraq: A Map for the New Administration.” Guest speaker Gen. Ricardo Sanchez will present the semi-nar that will cover the potential directions for Iraq once a new president is elected. Refreshments will be available.

SOURCE: Commons.wikimedia.org

Aircrafts to be inspected for stress cracksOver 600 F/A-18 jets are being inspected for cracks in their wing assemblies. Some jets, which are used by both the Navy and Marines, have been used during missions in Af-ghanistan. Fifteen planes have already been identified to have the problem, which can be resolved with a panel replacement.

Navy officials state that no operations will be interrupted and that a newer version of the F/A-18 is not part of the inspection.

SOURCE: CNN.com

UN looks to protect developing countries in global economic crisis

United Nations Sec.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon wants help for developing countries as a guard against the current recession. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund met with Ki-moon to discuss investments to help the world’s poor.

“[The economic crisis] threatens to undermine all our achievements and all our prog-ress,” said Ki-moon.

SOURCE: BBC News

SOURCE: sxc.hu

Crackdown on smuggled cellular phonesAfter death row inmate Richard Tabler made threats to a state senator on a smuggled cellular phone, all prisons in Texas were put on lockdown and searched for contraband.

The search led to the discovery of 13 cellular phones. Some family members of the inmates found with cellular phones have been placed under arrest for helping inmates acquire the devices.

SOURCE: Associated Press

Political sign theft increasesFor some, the theft of political yard signs, has become a part of election season. While the stealing of such signs is illegal, it has increased this election year. In some cases, entire streets in Bexar County have had their signs vanish. Both parties have been expe-riencing this trend. Signs nailed down have also been stolen.

Some citizens, both Democrats and Republicans, have purchased up to 10 signs at a time so they can replace the signs immediately after they are taken.

Earlier in October, one person found 35 Obama signs on the side of a road and turned them over to the police.

SOURCE: San Antonio Express NewsFront cover design by Jon Mike Hernandez

On Oct. 22, the University Center’s Conference Room A was filled with the sharp words of six student debaters.

Senior political science major A.J. Arjanen, junior international relations major Brynna Boose and freshman political science major Geoffrey Tahuahua were the stu-dents who represented Republi-can presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.

On the opposite side of the room sat sophomore political sci-ence major Tyler Ingram, junior criminology major Martin Pina and senior biochemistry major Ga-briel Hernandez, who represented Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama.

The first round consisted of 10 questions that were asked by four

student facilitators. The second round consisted of 10 questions that were asked by the audience.

The third round was a face-off, during which one of the parties asked the other party about their candidate’s policies.

The final round gave one of the

debaters from each team a chance to give a closing argument on why they believed their candidate is the best choice for president.

Many students listened to how student debaters defended their candidate’s platform on topics including the economy and our

involvement in Iraq. Freshman en-trepreneurial studies major Payton Reiff thought it was better to hear students debating the position of the candidate.

“It makes a difference hearing the positions in the words of peers, it makes their points more under-

stood,” said Reiff.“There were good points from

each side,” said Student Gov-ernment Association President James Escamia.

While there was no announced winner of the debate, Danielle Saavedra, a freshman political science major was excited about the debate.

“The debaters on each side both presented their candidate well,” said Saavedra. “I will have to give the win to the Democratic side though because they seemed more knowledgeable of the issues and presented a very powerful closing statement.”

Student debater Tahuahua said that the debate could make stu-dents more involved.

“Politics are too important to be left to the politicians.”

NewsThe Rattler

310.29.08

Photo by Davlin Hamel

The SGA-hosted student debate gave students the opportunity to participate in politics by sharing their knowledge and perspectives on the issues and speak on behalf of their respective candidates.

Students get political involvement in student debate

Global film has U.S. setting

The second part of the Global Awareness Film Series was “Inside the School of the Assassins,” which was shown in the University Min-istry Center as means of continu-ing the efforts in furthering the ac-knowledgement of global issues.

The film informed the audience about the School of the Americas (SOA), now known as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) in Geor-gia. The SOA is a training facil-ity in the United States that gives military instruction to the people of Latin America. It was founded in the 1940s as a way to combat the spread of communism to the western hemisphere.

Focusing on the fact that many trained at the school have gone on to commit brutal crimes and violate many human rights in their home countries, the film men-tioned that graduates of the SOA

were responsible for the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero, a crit-ic of human rights violations by the government in El Salvador.

This murder, along with those of several Jesuit missionaries, prompted the SOA Watch. While the film presented graphic images of victims and destroyed villages, brief descriptions were made of the life of Fr. Roy Bourgeious, the founder of the School of the Amer-ica’s Watch. In these descriptions, his military service and protests at SOA were shown. The film chron-icles Bourgeious’ efforts to prove that the SOA is the source of tor-ture training to other countries.

He interviewed victims and even previous graduates who said that torture was the focus of the curriculum of SOA and not the promotion of democracy, as the school claims.

After the film, Bro. Brian Hal-derman lead a discussion in which several students said that this was their first exposure to the informa-

tion on the SOA. Freshman political science major Christian Ekleberry, who also attended the previous Global Awareness film, expressed her thoughts on the film series.

“I really learned more about the School of the Americas and got SOA Watch’s opinion,” said Ekle-berry. “I’m actually excited to see the other side of it.”

Bro. Brian Halderman, who hosted the screening invited stu-dents to attend an annual vigil at SOA. Last year, the vigil outside Fort Benning, Ga., drew 20,000 participants.

“I was really interested in go-ing to Georgia and protesting this,” said freshman biology major Sarah Batista.

According to Halderman, stu-dents can sign up for the waiting list and contact him if they want to attend. Non-violence training will be provided, which lets partici-pants learn non-violence philoso-phy and what to do in response to potential aggression. What is

learned will not necessarily be put into practice. “We are not asking students to participate in civil dis-obedience,” said Halderman.

There is one more film to be shown as part of the series.

The final movie of the Global

Awareness Film Series this semes-ter will be “Invisible Children,” showing in November. If students enjoy the series, it will continue on into the Spring semester.

By Ari RiveraNews Editor

By Dominica GarciaStaff Writer

Second part of University Ministry’s film series informs students about the SOA.

Courtesy of everystockphoto.com

This year students can participate in a gathering with other protesters across the nation to shut down the School of the Americas.

Deans’ List

4 10.29.08

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Highest HonorsDanielle AdanAmanda AlanizEric AmozurrutiaAllison AvalosSarah BenavidesBrandee BurkeItasve CamachoRuben CarreteVanessa CarrilloHillary CigrangVanessa ColonFloyd ContrerasKristen DaggettAlfonso DeLaTorre-NarvarteCharles DevineNathaniel DialsTara DorogiVerenice D’SantiagoChristine DuchouquetteTiffany EdwardsJennifer Elliott-ProsciaMatthew FennerAndrew FletcherChristopher FremauxJose GalvanMegan GalvinCaitlyn GeraciVanessa GonzalesEmily GonzalezMary HestilowPeter HouhoulisKenneth HowellJacquelyn JohnsonCarina JonesElizabeth JoyceMelissa Kavetski

Sonia KnapeJohnson LeKristin LeslieNicole LozanoJennifer LugoChristina MaresAna MarquezJames MasseyAndrew MedinaAdam MeyerLorenzo NicholsAidee OrtegaKenton PaseRobert PohlChristina RamirezChristina RodriguezAngela SantanaKristin SepulvedaSean StilsonDavid StryculaLaura SudanoErika TaylorAllison VandeHeyAlyssa WealtyMichelle WhiteAlvaro Zapatel-MalpartidaHigh HonorsDaniel AraujoBobby BaizaKelly BakerLuis BarajasEleonora BassLinzui BerumenSamantha BezdekGreg CamachoMarcela CamarenaDiana CanalesTeresa CarlosRoxanne CastilloSarah CooperPhilip Couture

Marie CrabbChristina DominguezCindy DominguezVivian EsparzaColby FosterMegan Freasier,Dean GarciaMiguel GarciaLauren GarciaZachary GollnerElvira GonzalezErica GonzalezAmanda HapneyDiana HelmEvelia HernandezChristina HernandezZayra HernandezCheryl HoelscherAshley IbarraMary KingCraig KinnebergMonica LackupsRebecca LopezWilhelmina LorenaAnthony LuhrmanDaniel McCarthyChristopher MedinaJenai MehraMelody MejiaVanessa MendozaCassandra MunozAnneliese NewNancy OrtegaAntonio PadillaLeslie PlantDaisy ReyesKeily RiveroGuillermo RodriguezMagdalena SalazarAmanda SalinasAnthony San Miguel

Matthew ScruggsCristina SerranoPatricia SipesKim TeranIrene TeveniAshleigh WarfieldHector ZapataSharon ZaragozaHonorsIvonne AguilarJon-Erik ArjanenEvelyn AzuelaAda BarreraBrynna BergmanClayton BilladeauElin BonillaBrynna BooseMajel BradenMarco CardenasQuinn CaruthersAdam CasianoMonica CastanedaDanielle CejaMelissa ChavezValerie CobosSharon ColemanDallas ColtonLynda CruzJessica DaviesEduardo DavilaJasmin DeanYadira DeLunaDavid DuarteMelinda EnriquezValeria EscobedoJose FrechNatalie GamezAdriane GarciaMarissa GarciaStephanie GarciaJesus Garza

Alyssa GonzalezDaniel GonzalezKimberly GriffinRachel HaritakisRuben HernandezJames HopkinsHeather KainChristine LeNatalie LealOlivia LegardaKristopher LevyTalitha LewisMartha LopezRita LopezJuliana LunaAmy LyonAverie MaldonadoSinthya MaldonadoOliver ManglonaCrystal MaresBenny MarquezLorae MarquezBethany MatochaKori McCarverSean McKeeJacqueline MendezAmanda MendiolaAlonzo MendozaJesus MendozaFatima MenendezDanielle Mittelstadt,SanJuanita MoncadaNoelia MontezJosemaria MorenoRene MunozAnna NuzzoLaura O’BarJohanna OberhoferMahana PaigeIris PerezDavid Peterson

Arthur PikeErica PinaCynthia PompaJessica RamirezLaura RamosChristopher ReaNancy RealyvasquezGillian RedshawHannah RendonMark ReynaElizabeth RuizCassandra RutanAvery SaenzAlfredo SaenzSonya SanchezTina SanchezEliana SandovalTheresa SandovalPatricia SarmientoChristina SavvaLauren ScallyChristina ScarboroughJennifer SchraderClayton SosaHortense StokesSarah SwaimKiersten SwanierStephanie TauerAugustus TorresAlyssa TrevinoJoshua ValadezAlyssa ValdezClaudia ValladolidDominique VargasRegis VelascoBrooke VillafrancaCarol VreelandTrinae WeldyNicole WellingtonKatrina WhiteMegan Wilkie

Bill Greehey School of Business

Highest HonorsAngelica AgredanoDanko Barisic Stephanie BaumgartSteven BrooksAnahi CovarrubiasRobert FreemanDyana GarciaLance GossenLigia HenriquezAmanda KroppNancy MartinezMiguel MoralesJoseph OjileHector PedrazaBret PetersSarah Proper

Peter RaySarah RocheErick RodriguezMarcela SalinasGianfranco SeminoMateo UgasChristopher VinsonSarah WeynandMarika WhitehurstColby WilsonMichelle WolfordHigh HonorsAlexia BalliJohn CaseKelly DowdPaolo DurandJaclyn GoodChristina GoveMegan HaleyKari Hulsey

Sarah IngramAdam LandryBrenda LopezShannon LowryMonica MarquezConsuelo MartinezLisa MartinezAlexander MaurerMitchell PetersonGeorge PosadaTomas ReyBrandi RodriguezClaire StervinouTami TydlackaDavid VaioRose VazquezHonorsGladys AbievaLeslie AragonElsa Ballesteros

Lindsay BarnesGeoffrey BennettDanielle BorboaJose BouVicente CabeiroElvira CamargoAlma CarmonaJames CarterJules ChanMiguel ChavarroJenna ChavezJoel CyriacRoberto DiazStephanie DinningErica DominguezMarisela EscobedoRoxann GarciaGrecia Garza,Elsa GonzalezBailey Goulart,

Berta Gubi, InLorena GuzmanStephanie HopkinsJayson Horn, Thomas HuttenhoffJose KongAmber LunaAndrew MartinezAmanda Meier-McMullanChristopher MokenJeana MontesdeocaLyla MoonGabriela MoralesChastity NobleKevin PeggElizabeth PerezMallory PhilmanJose PlacenciaAllyshea Puchi-CortezRachelle Ramos

Stefanie Ransom-Becker,Melissa RecioCatherine ReillyElisa ReynaMartha RojasAngelica SaenzCatherine SalinasBarbara SandersJoshua SotoTruc TranSara VaraCarlos Vidaurre-VegaAdam VillanuevaJose VillarrealMeghan VokesBraxton WatsonJames Willingham

Deans’ List

510.29.08

School of Science, Engineering and Technology

Highest HonorsHenrietta AbodakpiAdrian Agapito Alvaro AguilarJulius AluyenMiguel ArroyoVictoria BalderasAmanda BenavidesSteven BrzezinskiDamon CardenasAlejandra Cavazos-SaldanaAdriana CorreaCourtney DeaneJoseph DiazJessica DunnTracy ElizaldeJames FischerChristopher FloresMargarita GardeaAlyssa GonzalezGuy GrubbsZachary Hernandez

Anthony JonesBrianna KayBrandon KeySamantha LayneTiffany LeInez LealWendy LinAmanda MartinezSarah McCurdySamantha NicholsGabriel NogueraBrett NussdorferMiriam OchoaAmar PatelAdrian PerezNadia PerezCristhian RamirezNayeli RodulfoGabriel RosadoChristopher SierraCassandra StefanovicCelia VaclavikSarah VanWinkleAriel VinasHigh HonorsAustin Beatty

Gina BuffaloeDavid CadenaAlfonso CavazosSandra CrusaSharlene FlesherMegan FosterDavid GaitherAraceli GarciaCesar GarciaFrank GonzalesSteven GutierrezMatthew HnatowCatherine HoffmannTiffany JanskyJessica JohnsonTerence LibeiroAnastasia PembertonAnna PloteClaudia RamirezPerla RodriguezNikhil SethNaomi SotoAmanda StoneKyle TrippToni TulliusNina Vega

Sarah VegaHonorsJessica AcostaLythia AndradeJames AndryBrandon BallesterosKimberly BarreraDeven BhaktaEric BrionesLauren BrittenJoshua CavazosServando CordovaAmy CrissmanMichael DeLaCruzDaniel DelgadoSylvia DeSolaJessica EsquivelVincent FrancoVictor GonzalezBrittany JohnsonLauren JohnstonRyan KonkrightChristopher LaskoStormy LopezAngelica LopezAmy Luu

Rachel MaldonadoJafet MoralesBarbara NeuschSophia OntiverosCelina OrtegaAlejandro ParadaDamiana PenaMelody PerezLisa PhamKathleen QuezaJose RetanaLaura ReyesSarah RozinekSamantha SaldanaLauren ScalercioSabrina ServinEverardo SilvaErica SolisAlejandra SuarezDiana TorresMark TovarNorma ValdezVitas VanDijkAlejandra Zertuche

Deans’ List Criteria

Editor’s Note: The Deans’ List, published in THE RATTLER Fall 2008, is based on Spring 2008 grades provided by the Registrar’s Office and the Graduate Dean’s Office as of October 3, 2008.

To be eligible for the Deans’ List in the Schools of Humanities and Social Sci-ences; Science, Engineering and Technol-ogy; and Bill Greehey School of Business, students must:o be full-time status (12 earned hours) o earn a grade point average of 3.60 or above.

The Dean’s List for these Schools consists of three categories. Students must earn the following GPAs:

Highest Honors 3.90 to 4.00 High Honors 3.80 to 3.89Honors 3.60 to 3.79.

Graduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.9 or higher in the Gradu-ate School, have accumulated eight hours of graduate study and were enrolled in at least six hours during the semester of honors are selected for the Dean’s List.

Students who made the Dean’s List may request a certificate in the Dean’s office of their respected major.Bill Greehey School of Business - ALK 203Humanities & Social Sciences - CF 2 Science, Engineering & Tech. - MT 201Graduate School - REIN 105

Graduate School

Jennifer A. AdamsRussell A. AldrichKirk AndersonRaul AriasEmily McConnell ArthurEricka P. AvilaTracey E. BandyEugene D. BarronLinda BarronJason R. BatesDavid BazaLindsay A. BradleyRebecca D. BruneBethany A. BuenteoJennifer ButlerXamara M. CaballeroAngelina M. CavalloTimothy A. CollinghamKaren B. ConlinWilliam C. CookRyan CrowMark Crumpton

Marian L. DavisJessica G. DeitchHeather M. DeppeGregory A. DerderianPerry J. DeyarmondDemetrius R. DonserouxTiffany A. DowdyGerald FerdinandCarlos J. FerrerGiuseppe D. FielderStephen P. FitzsimonErica J. FuchsElizabeth C. GalleDaniel A. GarciaEma I. GarciaAndrea GarzaRandolph T. GarzaJose A. GilRobert C. GrangerDeborah A. GuidryJulie N. HoldererMeghan M. HorrellAndrea L. JensenRichard W. Jokinen

Crystal JuarezVictoria K. KalkwarfSamantha A. KaramAndrew S. KarasSean P. KlimekLaura D. KlusAlison C. KoederitzOlesya KrasnikovaMatthew B. KrisakKristine KrumpelmanMichael G. LaFeveJessica E. LewisJames D. LiggettDaniel J. LupoClaudia Macias-ClarkAndrea MancillasTiffany A. MarshallGuy R. MartoranaBjana D. McGeeKathryn C. ModisetteMarvin I. MoralesSteven M. MoynihanPhillip C. NeerJoy L. Nelson

Matthew D. NelsonLesley E. NicholsCharlene O’ConnellLiam M. O’FarrellJesse OlivarezLisa A. PageLarry Eldridge PartenDuke PenaAlan D. PhillipsTimothy PowellCandace A. Prado-MartinJohn A. PriestlyRachel G. RamseyKim A. RayLina RedwanScott P. RheinschmidtCherie M. RitchJessica M. RodriguezHernan RozembergFikret SarisenRyan T. SchilhabRobbe L. SebestaAmy Lynn SirizzottiMichelle Lee Smith

Stephanie O. StarkeyFrances A. StephensonJeanette D. TappeRobin M. ToepperweinAmy L. ToliverLorena TorresAnne Marie Van EssGladys VazquezRicardo VelaRobert A. VietasMagaly ViezcasRodolfo L. VillarrealNguyen T. VuWilliam P. WaldenDana R. WatsonTanya WhaleDrew G. WilsonStephanie D. WolfeMinghua XuAlice E. Yates

News The Rattler

6 10.29.08

All-Hall Service gives residents a chance to give back

Residents joined together to volunteer at The Children’s Shel-ter for the All-Hall Service Day on Oct. 25. The event, co-sponsored by Residence Life and the Service Learning Center (SLC), continues the idea brought about in 2006 of encouraging cooperation between residence halls and the SLC.

The collaboration of services began when Residence Life staff approached the SLC about hav-ing a hall director be a liaison be-tween the offices. According to Rebecca Rutledge, associate direc-tor of Career Services, “This helps to create long lasting relationships between offices.”

Rutledge said that another ob-jective is to “get all the residents to-gether and market to them and have them go out into the community and serve.”

This semester’s All-Hall Ser-vice Day began with the resi-dents meeting at 8:15 a.m. in Pe-

can Grove, where transportation was available. About a half hour later, they set off to the shelter to begin working.

The students who participated in the service project said that they believed they would be working with the children, but were sur-prised when they were asked to do landscaping instead.

“I wasn’t disappointed by that, it was very nice to know that I could help them improve the appearance of their place,” said freshman busi-ness major Travis Brownlee.

The students worked for two hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. while getting to know the students from the various halls, which Dough-erty Hall Director and Residence Life Service Learning Liaison John Carrillo cites as one of the benefits of doing a service project such as this.

“This is building community between residence halls and it gives you a good chance to have a connection with people you don’t normally have,” he said.

Carrillo worked with Lean-dra Williams, the coordinator for AmeriCorps and the VISTA volunteer program, to orga-nize this semester’s event at The Children’s Shelter.

Residents from Chaminade, Treadway, Lourdes, Marian and Dougherty were present to make a total of 25 volunteers, the limit given by the shelter.

“The opportunity to make an actual difference per capita per person should be greater than nor-mal,” said Carrillo.

After the service hours were completed, the students gathered together for a moment of reflection about what they had accomplished that day. Most expressed the satis-faction of having helped the shelter with something they needed.

“Every volunteer hour that is given has the value of $19.51,” said Rutledge.

The students calculated that around $1,000 was contributed through their efforts; money that they happily exclaimed could

be now put to more impor-tant necessities needed by The Children’s Shelter.

“I would definitely recom-mend to other students that they come and volunteer and experi-ence what gratitude other people have for just this small part our

time,” said Brownlee. “Two or three hours of my day is not a lot to give back to my community, but it is something.”

Students can visit the Service Learning Center to sign up for fu-ture All-Hall Service Days.

By Keily RiveroStaff Writer

Courtesy of The Rattler

St. Mary’s students and the surrounding community celebrate Halloween on campus while promoting safe trick-or-treating.

Residents continue annual Halloween campus tradition

On Oct. 28, the residence halls hosted the 21st annual Boo Bash, a night of games, haunted corridors and candy.

The event, held by the Resident Hall Association (RHA), invited the surrounding community to the campus in the various residence halls where they participate in a haunted walk and children can trick-or-treat. Sophomore Bethany Matocha, a political science major and Executive Board treasurer of the RHA, believes the event is an excellent opportunity to meet with the surrounding community.

“It is really exciting because we get to reach out to the children that live mostly on the Westside,

where we live. We get to expose them early to St. Mary’s and to the fun we have here at University,” said Matocha.

Boo Bash, which lasts from 6 to 8:30 p.m., has seen upwards of 800 children and their families each year.

Decoration and props needed for the event was funded primar-ily by the private donations of the residents on campus. Freshman bi-ology major Posha Gresham, presi-dent of the Dougherty residence hall committee, is pleased with the assistance that they have received from the other residents.

“We received a lot of support from the residents [of Dough-erty] with the different ideas that they’ve pitched, decorations and even money,” said Gresham. “I

think people will want to come be-cause we’ve been working so hard for the actual day and it’ll look so good.”

Not only is the event an op-portunity to get involved with the community, but according to Vince Ancona, a freshman biochemistry major and part of the Dougherty Boo Bash committee, it is a terrific way to show school spirit and a sense of competition. During Boo Bash, the participating residents halls competed for scariest and most creative hall.

“It is fun to get creative and compete with the other resident halls to try to be better,” said An-cona. “What it comes down to is how hard we work and how much fun the kids have when they pass through the halls.”

By Jaime PerezSenior Staff Writer

Photo by John Carrillo

The Children’s Shelter was the site of 25 resident volunteers that landscaped for two hours to give back to the community.

CommentaryThe Rattler

710.29.08

Mappa Mundi

Graphic illustration by Analicia Perez

The importance of this election calls on voters to inform themselves and make responsible use of their right to vote.

Fashion sense vs. political sense

The Need for Global Citizenship

By Alfonso de la TorreCommentary Editor

On Nov. 4, the people of the United States will choose a new president that is likely to change the course of the country. Yet what Americans do that Tuesday is more than picking a president; they will significantly change the world.

There is a common fallacy in American politics that says that the interests of the world and those of this country are different and move in opposite directions. But that is simply not true.

The United States and the rest of the world have the same interests in peace, prosperity and justice. As Martin Luther King said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Today, those threats are great and several.

Yes, the United States is in a severe economic crisis and national security rightly continues to be a top concern. But that is also a concern for the people in Somalia, where citizens have had to flee the capital Mogadishu after weeks of violence.

While we experience a financial crisis because we see the Dow Jones go down, people in Ethio-pia see food prices go up. Bolivia is on the brink of total chaos. Burma continues to have the most tyrannical government in the world.

Zimbabwe is still in crisis. Haiti remains ex-tremely poor. The list continues. And the president of the United States, albeit not God, has the ability as the leader of global efforts to solve these issues.

Many people throughout this great country believe that the rest of the world hates the Unit-ed States. Furthermore, they argue that there are countries in the Middle East that are “full of peo-ple who want to kill us.” (The phrase belongs to Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas.)

I beg to differ. People all around the world wait for the United States to take a positive leadership role in dealing with the pressing issues of this still-young century. What the world feels for the United States is not hate, but disappointment. This coming Tuesday, you have the power to change that. It is through your vote that you can help this nation become what it can be.

I am not asking you to forget about your prob-lems or place any blame on the United States. I am asking you to face the need for global citizenship.

As an American, but also as a human being, ask yourself if your candidate will build not only a better country, but also a better world. Make your vote with that in mind and then hold the next president accountable.

You, as an American voter, have greater influ-ence than many leaders of the developing world. Vote thinking not only of what is best for you and for this country; think about what is best for the entire human family. The people of this world, from the favelas in Brazil to the villages in Darfur, will thank you for that.

On the hit show Proj-ect Runway, American fashion designer and se-ries judge Michael Kors is noted for expressing his opinion on what makes an outfit work. For him, an outfit is not just the right garment on the right body; it is also the right accessories,

hairstyle, and makeup–essentially, it is the complete and total package brought together for the right situation.

In this end, Kors knows what he is talking about. For example, you can dress a woman in a dark blue evening gown just perfect for her body shape, but if her hair is a mess and she is wearing neon-colored accessories, she ends up looking garish instead of gorgeous. She stands out, but in a really bad way.

On the other hand, a woman in a sim-ple white sundress paired with the right amount of brown or gold accessories and makeup that looks almost natural can come off looking fashion-forward at a garden party. Here, she also stands out, but for all the right reasons.

Give or take a few necessary adjust-ments, the philosophy of fashion can be

applied to something much more impor-tant than Fashion Week at Bryant Park–the 2008 Presidential election.

The right circumstances can turn a na-tional tradition into a worldwide event.

The presidential race is always, to say the least, a peacock-display of skill and expertise paired with mudslinging with the opposing candidate.

While this has long since become the norm in the oft-dubbed “post-9/11” world, these peacock displays are actu-ally being taken more seriously.

Why is that? Why has the election be-come so much more important now than it was, say, ten years ago?

It has to do with the circumstances. When Bill Clinton left office, the econ-

omy was relatively stable; we were not embroiled in a war; there was no such thing as the “No Child Left Behind Act” bogging down the education sector.

As most now people recall it, things were pretty nice. We were looking for someone that we felt would preserve things as they were; we thought George Bush was that person when we elected him into office.

Now our economy is teetering on the edge of collapse. The war is still dragging on. Education and health care are at the

forefront of many American minds. We are in a state in which we do not

want or need someone who will contin-ue leading us in this direction. Instead, we crave a change for the better and are looking for a leader capable of bringing that to the table.

Essentially, we are looking for a new outfit, preferably one that comes with as many of the right accessories as possible.

But who is the right person for such a difficult job?

When everything is said and done, how do we know that we have made the right choice? The answer to that is about as relative as a person’s fashion sense. To that end, what matters–what really makes this election and every other elec-tion important–is that we choose.

Change is important, but change does not come without a little effort. When people don’t make the effort to be in-formed, the chance for change just slips through our fingers. If someone doesn’t choose their own clothes, they end up wearing something they don’t like.

Nobody wants to be that person. Please inform yourselves. Make this elec-tion important, because as the saying goes: “Every vote counts.”

Cristina Gonzalez

Personal choice should not stay in the wardrobe. Put more effort in picking the next president.

The 2008 elec-tions are impor-tant, not only for the U.S. but for the whole world. With both Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain having views on international af-fairs that differ

from those held by the Bush ad-ministration, the election of the next president of the U.S., the top economic and military power of the world, will have a significant effect on the global political landscape.

First, the next president will have to make important decisions regarding Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran. The U.S. needs to do some work there, and the next adminis-tration will have to decide whether to move troops from Iraq to Af-ghanistan or not.

Obviously, Iran’s case is a special one. Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadinejad is looking forward to seeing how the election of a new president will impact the relationships that the U.S. has with Iran and Israel – an American ally but not an Iranian friend. There-fore, the Middle East will continue

to be the most important issue in the diplomatic and geopolitical agenda of the U.S. government.

Second, the Asian dragons, es-pecially China, expect a president that will try to renegotiate the terms of trade in which both American and Chinese companies compete. In fact, Obama is arguing for more restrictions to the trade with China. The Chinese want a president that will agree to discuss the best way to protect American intellectual property while encouraging trade among the two nations.

Third, President George W. Bush took a good step by taking North Korea out of the black list to which the so-called “Axis of Evil” countries belong. Indeed, that mea-sure has made both governments reconsider their diplomatic rela-tionships, but it also brings about how ending the nuclear program in North Korea continues to be a top priority for America.

Last, but not least, we have the tense relationship between Russia and the U.S. that arose after the conflict in Georgia. Indeed, Russia has adopted a defiant position to-wards Washington, which has de-fended the Georgian interests in the conflict. But everybody knows that

Georgia, with U.S. sponsorship, wants to be included in the North American Treaty Organization (NATO), something that Russia opposes. With this, the next presi-dent will have to show his dowries in talking to both countries.

The U.S. needs to guarantee fairness in the Georgian process rather than be an arbitrary ally of Georgia. Nuclear disarmament will be a delicate issue as well. The next administration will have to deal with President Medvedev and his puppet master, Prime Min-ister Vladimir Putin, which will definitely be difficult given Putin’s great ego and dictatorial traits.

Still, the next president will have to be wise enough to man-age that situation and maintain the progressive work towards nuclear disarmament.

Either Barack Obama or John McCain will have to work in dif-ferent diplomatic “battle fronts.” It is there that it will not be enough to be audacious, hopeful or a “mav-erick.” Rather, we need someone with his feet on the ground who is humble enough to talk to heads of state in cordial terms for the sake of not only national, but interna-tional security.

8 10.29.08

Commentary The Rattler

President will face challenges from abroad

Source: wikimedia.org

The next U.S. president will be of great interest to president Mahmud Ah-madinejad of Iran.

Alvaro Zapatel

Source: wikimedia.org

Tibetan Buddhist monks led the protests in China earlier this year.

Kenneth Howell

Darfur, Tibet, Burma: Do they fit in the candidates’ agendas?Fast forward

to inauguration day – a chilly January morning, clear and beau-tiful. The presi-dent-elect steps forward, takes the oath of office and gives his inaugu-ral address.

The stress of getting elected is over, but the problems the new president is about to face dwarf anything he’s experienced so far.

The new president needs to save a failing economy, find a path to victory for twin wars in the Middle East, engage an unfriendly Russia, control the nuclear ambi-tions of Iran and work to clean up a polluted environment. That agenda is an impressive maze of problems for someone just starting a four-year term, but where in the maze is Darfur, Burma and Tibet?

These are still current issues. Only a year ago here at St. Mary’s,

the President’s Peace Commission showcased the horrors in Darfur with several speakers and a gallery of heartbreaking photographs.

Half a year ago, Cyclone Nargis slammed into Burma, leaving an estimated 146,000 dead. The mili-tary dictatorship of Burma refused aid for days as survivors suffered.

Even more recently, in the weeks leading up to the Olympics, protests interrupted the torch run as people worldwide rebuked Chi-na’s human rights record and the status of Tibet.

Where did these issues go? Turn on the television today and you’ll get an earful about the presi-dential campaign or our economic meltdown. No Darfur. No Tibet. No Burma.

You need to look hard to find both campaigns’ policies on these countries. Eventually, after digging and searching through news ar-ticles, speech transcripts and their personal websites, you’ll manage to find a list of typical positions:

allow democracy in Burma, respect human rights in Tibet and agree to peace in Darfur.

But take a look at their posi-tions on the economy or Iraq and you’ll get endless paragraphs, sound bites and interviews dis-cussing in detail how each candi-date would approach the problem as president.

These point to what the Ameri-can people focus on as a whole. No mention of Darfur, Burma, or Tibet indicates how these issues are not that important to the American people right now.

The candidates want you to know that they’ll do an excel-lent job fixing the economy while protecting us from extremists in a stunning show of leadership. However, there is little mention of how China should grant more po-litical freedom to Tibetans or that democracy should be allowed to blossom in Burma.

It’s not that you can blame Americans for focusing on how to

fix their own problems, but inter-national problems haven’t conve-niently gone away.

Americans need to demand their leaders to balance domestic and international issues, attending to both while forgetting neither. The world needs our leadership, influence and cooperation to help end the war in Darfur and fight for

the human rights of the Burmese and the Tibetans.

We are still a strong country that can be a force of hope and change in the world even while facing our own problems. It is that strength that is part of our American way and we should always live up to that calling.

This is supposed to be an article explaining why Sen. John McCain is the best choice for presi-dent, without criticizing the other candidate. But in fact, I don’t think McCain is the best choice. I’m vot-ing for him simply because he’s the lesser of two evils. I respect the man and his

service to our country, but I feel that there are others that are more qualified who can’t or aren’t running. The fact that this situa-tion exists reveals the sad reality of American politics.

Even though important issues such as illegal im-migration, crime and globalization are not being discussed in this campaign, we can rely on the is-sues the m e d i a c h o o s e s for us: the f i n a n c i a l crisis, the War in Afghanistan and energy.

There’s not much of a dif-ference between McCain and his opponent on a so-lution to the financial crisis. Both support a bailout, so t h a t is the solution regardless of whom we vote for.

McCain states that he will keep taxes low, but that’s just basic economics: you keep taxes low during a recessionary period, es-pecially on those who pay wages. So if you want a fundamental principle of economics to be practiced, vote for McCain.

For the past five years, the war in Iraq dominated headlines until the surge was implemented, thanks to John McCain and David Petraeus. Now most discussion sur-rounds the forgotten War in Afghanistan.

Both candidates want more troops to be sent to the region, but McCain states that he won’t commit troops to Pakistan while the nation remains our ally.

If you want to prevent the anti-American fallout from the invasion of a nation whose population already hates us, is unstable enough and armed with nuclear weapons,

vote for McCain.While we continue to transfer billions of

dollars to the Middle East region for our en-ergy needs, both candidates favor research for a switch to alternative fuels. But only one candidate has made increased domestic drilling a centerpiece of his campaign.

This one speaks more loudly than the other on the issue and even has a running mate committed to energy policy. If you want lower energy costs and a path toward energy independence, vote for McCain and his partner, Gov. Sarah Palin from Alaska.

We all know who John McCain is; he’s a familiar face, a war hero, an advocate against earmarks and a respectable member of the Senate with a long record of bipartisan accomplishments. We don’t have to worry about his cronies or skeletons be-cause he doesn’t have any.

McCain is truly the candidate of change: he changed the direction of the war in Iraq, tried to force a change to the regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and will change the energy policy of this nation with his reform-minded running mate.

Even though McCain is not the best choice out there for president, he is the lesser of the two evils and the best candidate out of those who have a chance of winning.

910.29.08

CommentaryThe Rattler

The Final Round: Who should win?John McCain is an honest leader and provides

an opportunity for real change.Barack Obama is forward-thinking and

represents the hopes of an entire generation.

Chris Childree

Mary Hestilow

Finally, a candidate for our generation takes the stump. After years of close-call election cycles that run on the politics of baby-boomers, Barack Obama is a welcomed phenomenon.

The 2008 presidential race we find ourselves in is at once a dichotomy.

Up close, this is nothing more than a familiar partisan struggle. In the long view, however, this race seems to be something more—a chance to cast off our

dour shades of cyni-cism and turn

away from our post-Cold War p u r i t a n i c a l traditions.

Obama is a forward-look-

ing candi-date of

t h e

21st century and he represents t h e opportunity to redefine politics, regain international support.

With mainstream media paying du-tiful lip service to the Democratic nominee, any casual observer can see that Obama’s novelty does not come from his stance on the issues. In that regard, he easily fits his party’s mold.

Rather, it is his ability to rise above the fray, the transparency with which he runs his campaign and his utter break with politics as usual that so captivates the electorate.

Case in point, Obama’s consistent oppo-sition to the Iraq War has shown wise discre-tion in evaluating what may not have been

in the nation’s best interest.What’s more, we cannot forget the soft

power that Obama brings to the table. Growing resentment towards the U. S.,

unpopular wars and our interminable need to consume and pollute more per capita than any other nation has struck a match to the now-withered decadence that once was America in the eyes of foreigners.

Realizing this crippling hindrance, Amer-icans look to restore a favorable image of the United States abroad.

Widely favored on the international scene, Barack Obama offers up substantial leverage in an ever-globalizing world. Con-trary to being a weak contender on national security, it is specifically this type of soft power that can help America establish more friends and fewer enemies.

The candidacy of Barack Obama is no small thing. It will affect the overall senti-ment and behavior of our generation and the future we are already forging. Politics as an institution has not kept step with our changing society.

This is especially reflected in the current financial crisis.

Changing financial innovation has out-paced regulation, an issue Obama is

acutely aware of. To preserve our competitiveness as a nation,

to face the economic, e n v i r o n m e n t a l

and ideological struggles of

the 21st cen-tury, the old guard will not do.

An in-trinsic el-

e m e n t of the Obama c a m -p a i g n

is the cultural force it is leading, particularly among

young voters. Now more than ever, we

need an enthusiastic youth to address the woes facing the world we will soon inherit.

“Change we can believe in” does not come from our institutions or policies but from within us, and Barack Obama has stumbled upon the opportunity to inspire exactly that.

Illustration by Jon Mike Hernandez

10 10.29.08

Commentary The Rattler

The RattlerEditor in ChiefElizabeth Ruiz

Managing EditorChristine Le

Layout/Design ManagerJon Mike Hernandez

News EditorAri Rivera

Commentary EditorAlfonso de la Torre

Features EditorSarah Mills

Entertainment EditorStephanie Sanders

Sports EditorChris Filoteo

Photo EditorRobin Johnson

Assistant Photo EditorAnalicia Perez

Staff CartoonistJaymee Baxley

Advertising ManagerKimberly Vela

Assistant Ad ManagerKatie O’Donnell

Writing CoachDominique Vargas

Faculty AdvisersMargaret LuevanoBrother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

StandardsThe 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 UsThe RattlerSt. Mary’s UniversityOne Camino Santa Maria Box 83San Antonio, TX 78228210.436.3401 / 210.431.4307 (fax)rattlernews@stmarytx.edu

Letter to the EditorThe 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, faxed to (210) 431-4307, 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 the newsroom at (210) 436-3401.

Latin America awaits result of the U.S. electionPres ident ia l

nominees Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama have both ad-dressed Latin America and the Caribbean in their emotion-packed speeches; they acknowledge that

the United States has focused much of its attention on more pressing matters in different regions of the world, especially the Middle East.

Slowly, Latin America seems to have lost the kind of relationships that some of its countries had with the United States The question is, though, what are the candidates planning on doing about it?

In regard to Latin America, the candidates have talked most exten-sively about immigration and bor-der control; this is actually a point where, for the most part, both of them agree.

McCain and Obama believe that the borders should be secured with physical and virtual bar-riers, as well as with additional personnel. They also plan to pros-ecute employers that hire illegal

immigrants and have the undoc-umented workers enroll in pro-grams to resolve their status. They both believe that comprehensive immigration reform must include a path to citizenship.

Additionally, Obama firmly be-lieves that legal immigrants who have fought for the United States overseas should have access to faster and more efficient proce-dures toward becoming citizens.

When it comes to diplomacy

with “unfriendly” countries, how-ever, both candidates have very different standpoints.

Obama believes that aggressive and principled diplomacy is need-ed and is willing to meet one on one with the leaders of countries like Cuba in order to find solutions to age-old conflicts.

McCain’s policy is quite differ-ent; he does not support meeting personally with the leaders of such countries because he feels it would

lead nowhere and simply encour-ages the governments of these countries to do as they please.

Another issue that the candi-dates disagree on is the signature of trade agreements.

McCain believes that the Unit-ed States should work toward expanding the Central American Free Trade Agreement. McCain also supports engaging in free trade with Colombia in order to help Latin America expand eco-nomic growth and promote equal social opportunities.

Obama firmly opposes both of these free trade pacts because of the circumstances surrounding them. He believes that they are of no use if the countries involved are not providing higher labor and environmental standards or if the country’s union leaders are perse-cuted or assassinated.

However, both candidates agree that Latin America is a key region because of its strong economic and political ties to the United States. Let’s just hope that whoever is chosen as president keeps both the United States’ and Latin America’s best interest in mind.

Lorna Cruz

To the editor:In “Candidates examined

through VP choices, inconsisten-cies” [Vol. 96, Issue 1], Alfonso de la Torre, with great ignorance, ab-surdly proclaims of Sen. McCain, “He is profiting from the myths and misconceptions that portray him as an expert in foreign policy, which he is not. McCain is sup-posed to be a foreign policy expert for two reasons: first, because he was a POW; second, because he has visited Iraq several times.”

After reading his idiotic com-mentary, I could not help but say, “That’s four minutes I’ll never get back.”

Perhaps a more responsible commentary would have in-cluded McCain’s leadership role within the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Indeed, twenty-plus years of briefings by the State Department, the Pentagon, the Intelligence

community, along with joint com-mittee hearings with the Senate Foreign Policy Committee, bet-ter portray McCain’s true experi-ence and “expertise” of foreign policy, rather than egregious infer-ences by a person whose dislike for a particular candidate clouds his judgment.

Moreover, this commentary ridiculed Sen. McCain’s foreign policy experience as nothing more than “the word Iraq, a verb, and the name ‘Gen. Petraeus.’”

Well, truth be told, Senator Mc-Cain could find less qualified ad-visors than Gen. David Petraeus, who holds a Ph.D. in International Relations, has been named in For-eign Policy magazine’s list of the top 100 intellectuals and who just happened to be the commander in charge of Iraqi operations that called for the “Surge,” which Obama hailed to have “succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.”

While our list of grievances to-wards this article is long, we can only laugh at the author’s hypoc-risy. Alfonso stated, “McCain has referred more than once to the ‘common border between Iraq and Pakistan’ when such a border does not exist.”

What he fails to tell you is the context of the quote. Indeed, Sen. McCain misspoke, but it is clear that he was referring to Afghani-stan, which was the focus of the interview, and not Iraq.

However, if “Such a mistake is not a minor one or a simple ex-change of consonants,” as Alfonso claims, is so noteworthy, would it also be relevant to address Sen. Obama’s call for translators in Iraq be immediately redeployed to Afghanistan, considering the languages of two lands are completely different?

The people of Afghanistan do not speak Arabic, Kurdish nor

Turkoman, but instead, Dari and Pashto. Would it also be important to reveal that Sen. Biden referred to Iranians as Arabs, which is consid-ered an insult to Iranians?

By the way, Alfonso, you claim that McCain has made this mistake “more than once,” we challenge you to provide the sources of these “other” occasions!

In the end, it is troubling that the author assumed that the readers would simply take his word, with-out conducting further research.

This absolute disrespect to the intelligence of the St. Mary’s student body is an insult, and frankly, an indictment upon Alfonso’s integrity.

So next time you decide to spew your nonsensical asser-tions, please do so in a manner that is intelligent, truthful, and somewhat responsible.

AJ Arjanen & Andrew Glueck

Letter to the Editor

Source: wikimedia.org

Immigration continues to be a very important issue for Latin America.

President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, free trade and immigration are top issues in the agenda with the region.

1110.29.08

CommentaryThe Rattler

Catholics called to faithful citizenship

Photo by Analicia Perez

The Catholic Church stresses the importance of life issues when voting.

How are Cath-olics supposed to vote? It is the $1 million question.

I, among many others of the Cath-olic faith, am an undecided voter. I find the issues at stake difficult to grapple with.

I see the democratic candidate as a supporter for the choice to abort children in the womb (or halfway out of it) and a man with excellent communication skills.

The republican candidate I see as lacking in those skills, a person whom I doubt will unite an Amer-ica, which is dividing harshly be-tween parties. Neither of these persons is, I feel, ready to lead the United States.

While we wear out our mental scales trying to weigh the options, our bishops direct us to the docu-ment they released in 2007 entitled “The Challenge of Forming Con-sciences for Faithful Citizenship.”

In it, they remind us that partic-ipation in shaping the moral char-acter of our nation is an obligation for followers of Christ.

The bishops state that “there are some things we must never do, as individuals or as a society, because they are always incompatible with love of God and neighbor. A pre-eminent example is the intention-al taking of innocent human life through abortion.”

“We as Catholics are not single-issue voters,” they remind us. “A candidate’s position on a single is-sue is not sufficient to guarantee a voter’s support.

They add that “a candidate’s po-sition on a single issue that involves an intrinsic evil, such as support for legal abortion or the promotion of racism, may legitimately lead a voter to disqualify a candidate from receiving support.”

Due to the difficulty of these high standards, I have heard many voting philosophies during these past few months.

Many of my Catholic friends who have experienced the horrible crimes of economic injustice tell me that, while they don’t agree with Obama on abortion, they think he can do a lot of good in other areas of justice and equality.

Many say that he should be more concerned with the current

state of the nation; therefore, we might still be able to limit abor-tions by our regular efforts.

Other friends say they cannot vote for Obama knowing his view on abortion.

They say that there is no way they could vote for a man whose philosophy includes the belief that a person has the right to choose whether an innocent person ought to live or die.

Our good bishops do not tell us who to vote for, and neither will I. However, I will echo their words.

A Catholic voter should take great pains to form their con-science. He/she cannot be satisfied by watching debates and reading campaign materials. Voters must search for the truth, even if it op-poses party loyalty. Christ com-mands our first loyalty.

A Catholic voter is obligated to examine what it means to be a member of the one, holy, catho-lic and apostolic Church. He/she must reach beyond personal expe-riences, into the 2,000-year experi-ence of the Church, before casting a vote this November.

Don’t forget to ask for guidance. My prayers are with you all.

Angela Santana

The year is 2044, and it is an election year in the United States. After serv-ing more than 20 years in the Senate, Emilio Tor-res is now running for the Presidency of the U.S. It is a historic moment for our country as we welcome the first Hispanic presidential

candidate of a major political party. Could there actually be a Hispanic presi-

dential candidate in the next 36 years? Have the accomplishments of Sen. Barack Obama made the path to presidency any easier for a Hispanic candidate?

The truth is that for a Hispanic to become a presidential candidate, let alone president, many factors have to come into play.

Unlike African Americans, Hispanics have been under-represented in our politi-cal history.

Great leaders like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson have both contributed to the rich history of African Americans with their civil rights involvement.

Yet, issues like prejudice against Hispan-ics during the segregation era are not as well-known.

This does not mean that the Hispanic population has not had its fair share of some great and inspiring leaders like Cesar Chavez, who helped bring about many im-provements to union laborers, and Dolores Huerta who helped Chavez form the Agri-cultural Workers Organizing Committee.

Obama’s victories should empower mi-norities to become more involved with the political process and whether Hispanics will follow his lead remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure, more representation is needed in the government to make a fu-ture Hispanic nomination conceivable.

Several other students share this sentiment.

“We must take into account the future census of the United States when Hispan-ics will become the largest minority, while whites will no longer be the majority,” said political science major David Zapata.

The population trend in the United States will be a driving force for any future Hispanic

politicians. It will open doors of opportunity for anyone who takes the advantage.

“Many Hispanics still hold strong iden-tifications with their countries of origin, un-like African Americans who strongly identi-fy with the U.S.,” said political science major Mayra Carranza.

A successful Hispanic presidential candi-date would foremost have to be an Ameri-can before calling out any other geographi-cal or cultural identities. To lead this country you must understand this country and most importantly, you must call this country your home.

The year is 2008; Emilio Torres is walk-ing out of his government class, wondering if his dream of being a U.S. senator will ever come true.

He decides to work within his commu-nity to promote political involvement, and the representation of Hispanics in local and state politics.

Bearing in mind his future political aspi-rations, he will wait for the perfect opportu-nity to run.

After all, that is what the future

Hispanic president will have to do to make this dream possible.

Miguel Angel Garcia

Sen. Barack Obama has torn down barriers for African Americans in political leadership. But what about Hispanics?

Representation, identification challenge possibility of Hispanic presidential candidate

Illustration by Jaymee Baxley

12 10.29.08

Features The Rattler

Procrastinators never fear: costumes are hereThe Peanut Gallery

Halloween is the one time of the year that dressing as wild and crazy as possible is ac-tually encourages, so we want to know:

“I’ve been Dennis Rodman for five years in a row. It does scare people when I wear it.” -Alex Maurer, senior international business major

“I’m going to be a peacock. I thought it was random and unique.” - Marissa Kuri, freshman biology major

“The one I liked the most was Cru-ella de Ville. It was really close with the wig and dress that looked like it was made out of dalmation.”

-Karla Bayona, freshman international relations major

What’s your costume?

By Stephen GuzmanStaff Writer

For the entire month of October, thou-sands of American consumers search for that perfect costume for the one night of the year when it’s actually acceptable to look completely insane. However, for a great deal of us, the perfect costume is simply unattainable.

The stress of midterms may have drawn you off track from your costume shopping plans, or maybe your festivi-ties are on a budget this year. Whatev-er the case may be, Halloween is days away and you are still lacking in the cos-tume department.

If you are in desperate need of a cos-tume and would do anything to avoid the insanity of the hundreds of other

last-minute Halloween shoppers, have no fear because there are a few interest-ing ways to concoct a last minute getup that will definitely be the talk of any Halloween party.

Any of these costumes could be al-tered or enhanced by using your own creative touch. Be imaginative to make it your own and you’ll have the most unique costume this Halloween.

Photo Illustration by Robin Johnson

COSTUMES: WHAT YOU NEED1. Mummy

This costume may take time, but the outcome is worth it. You’ll need: • Toilet paper • Tape

2. Big Baby Done correctly, this costume will blow your friends away. You’ll need: • Large towel or shirt of any color for diaper• Small towel or pillowcase for bib• Safety pins• Any baby objects for accesories (i.e. bottle, toys,

pacifier)

3. Clark Kent The right clothes and superhero attitude make this a simple, yet super costume. You’ll need: • A white, long-sleeved, button-up shirt, dress pants• Blue shirt• Superman logo (can easily be printed out)• Thick framed glasses

4. GhostIt may be a little cliché, but this fast and easy costume will definitely get lots of laughs. You’ll need: • White twin size sheet• Scissors

5. RobberWarning: Don’t enter a convenience store in this costume! You’ll need:• Ski mask or panty hose• Dark colored jacket or pullover

FeaturesThe Rattler

1310.29.08

Trip builds homes, friendships

By Sarah MillsFeatures Editor

While some students left campus for mid-semester break to visit their families, others chose to help families that they have never met.

Eight students volunteered in the Mid-Semester Break Service Immersion Trip from Oct. 15—Oct. 18 in San Juan at Proyecto Azteca. The program provides colonia resi-dents with assistance needed to build their own homes.

Colonia settlements, located along the Tex-as-Mexico border, often lack water, sewer sys-tems and other city services, such as garbage collection and paved streets. In the colonias, land is sold to families and then the families gradually construct housing with materials they have.

Proyecto Azteca helps these residents build their own houses by securing mort-gage loans to pay off colonia lot purchase balances, then allows residents to use their own labor to build homes. After the home is finished, it is moved to the families lot in the colonia that they reside in.

“I became a little emotional when I found out that there are so many people without homes in San Juan, and they seemed oppressed,” said freshman biol-ogy major Rebecca Rodriguez. “Hon-estly, the area has so much potential for growth.”

Students on the immersion trip helped build the houses for families in order to re-lieve the amount of hours that the families must work to finish their house.

“Every family that receives help receives a hand up, not a hand out,” said Krystina Irvin, civic engagement coordinator of the Service Learning Center.

The volunteers collectively put in a total of 550 hours of sweat equity into building

the homes.“I learned the true meaning of hard work.

On one day we helped at a construction site, which was definitely something new for me, but it was fun,” said Rodriguez.

Irvin said that although the work pushes the volunteers’ limits, it gives them a tan-gible result to their work.

“Although I was only in San Juan for two days, I am sure the work I performed will help the community grow stronger and lead to big changes.”

Senior English literature major John Vasquez, who also attended the immersion trip, agrees that their work was effective.

“People tend to think that you can’t make a difference, but I think the work that we did was a testament contrary to that,” said Vasquez.

Apart from all of the hard work, volun-teers were able to enjoy socials and meeting new people.

“You don’t go entirely for work. We went to the beach one of the days and I met some people,” said Vasquez. “The last immersion trip I went on I actually met my girlfriend.”

In addition to meeting new people, stu-dents were also able to enjoy the satisfaction of helping others.

“It is a satisfying feeling to know that you have made a difference by the smiles you see,” said Rodriguez. “God intended for us to use our gifts to honor him. We are blessed to be a blessing.”

For some, volunteering also provided a better understanding of the lives of others that are less well-off.

“You learn a lot about the other side of life. I know students realize that there are people that are less fortunate, but we actually got to see it firsthand,” said Vasquez. “That in itself is learning experience, if anything you appreciate what you have even more.”

Photo courtesy of Krystina Irvin

Immersion trip allows students to bond while helping others.

Freshman psychology major Alé Navarro and others seal exterior nails with putty.

The group pauses during construction for a quick photo. Students include left to right: freshman psychology major Alé Navarro, graduate student Jose Resendiz, freshman biology major Rebecca Rodriguez, freshman business major Andrea Mitra, freshman business major Amanda Martinez, freshman international relations David Pfeifer, freshman biology major Esele Ehi-Ebewele, and senior English Literature major John Vasquez.

Photo courtesy of Krystina Irvin

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The Rattler

14 10.29.08

No excuses! The Rattler offers several loca-tions to go on Nov. 4. Early birds can get their vote in before Oct. 31.

The Home Stretch

In the recent electoral map pro-jection published Oct. 25 in the New York Times, Sen. Barack Obama has 286 of the 270 electoral votes needed to win. His opponent Sen. John Mc-Cain has 163 votes, with the Times indicating 89 votes as tossup.

Among the states listed as “Lean-ing Obama” are Virginia, Iowa, Colorado and New Mexico, all of which voted for President Bush in 2004.

Tossup states Nevada, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and Florida also vot-ed for Bush in 2004.

RealignmentThe shift could be attributed to

the realignment theory, cited by political science professor Larry Hufford, Ph.D., as an explanation for why the electoral map could potentially turn more blue than red this year.

“This theory promotes the idea that there are few elections where you see realignment in the elector-ate,” he said. “That realignment lasts for one generation. The po-litical scientists who support this theory think that this is one of those years.”

He notes that the last shift was in 1980 when the electorate vot-ed for the Republican nominee Ronald Reagan.

”When Powell said that “this is ‘a transformational’ and ‘genera-tional’ candidate” indicated he was “agreeing that this is a realignment year,” said Hufford.

Comparing this year’s election to the pivotal 1980 race, Hufford drew more parallels. “[President Jimmy] Carter and Reagan were close until three weeks prior to the election,” he said. “In those three weeks, there was a massive swing to the right.”

The upcoming election also brings possible shifts in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“With the financial crisis, there’s a potential for a larger majority. The Democrats will pick up at least six Senate seats and at least two seats in the House of Representatives,” predicted Hufford.

In the latest Newsweek poll, Obama has 53 percent of the vote, while McCain has 43. The votes with more significance are elector-al votes, which Obama also has a lead in.

“If you look state-by-state in the electoral map, it looks to be even more of an uphill battle for McCa-in,” said Hufford.

The better corkEconomics professor Alejandro

Velez, Ph.D., said that the economic recessions do not favor the party in power. However, he said that the is-sue can be tracked back decades.

“People can bash Bush all they want, but this problem took at least 20 years to develop,” he said. “There are not too many clean hands.”

Velez adds Congress members to the list of blame recipients. “They have too cozy a relationship with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.”

He added that the president’s quick response to the crisis might bode well for him. “He might be blamed for it, but historians might be favorable on him,” he said. “He has had to swallow his pride and conduct wider diplomacy.”

Of the tasks for the new presi-dent, Velez said that the next ad-ministration will need to take on a global approach to the economic crisis.

He referenced New York Times columnist and Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman, who also stated that a solution will need a global approach. According to Krugman in a write-up titled “The Interna-

tional Finance Multiplier” posted on his New York Times blog, “Banks are failing, or needing urgent gov-ernment rescue, on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“The choice will be based on who will be better suited for that role,” he said. “It’s not about global dominance anymore. It’s about which candidate is a better team player.”

The tax plans that are proposed by each candidate could only make up a small percentage of the overall effort needed to remedy the tax is-sue. Velez predicts those plans to be stimulus packages which nei-ther candidate has mentioned on the trail.

He likens the president-elect to a cork in water. “You’re floating, but you’re not controlling the water. We have to decide who will be a better cork.”

Swing toward ObamaMany factors can go into find-

ing the better cork. In response to why the electorate has started to swing toward Obama, Hufford lists a combination of factors.

“His performance in the debates where he looked and sounded pres-idential and a calm demeanor in times of crisis; a massive number of new registered voters, especially 18 to 25 year olds.”

“When the Swift Boat character assassination attack began, he had the money to immediately counter it,” he added “All the issues that they brought out had been brought out in the Democratic primary.”

He also cites that the negative ad campaigns have created a dan-gerous political climate. “We des-perately need political campaigns where we need adversaries, not en-emies,” Hufford argued “The prob-lem with recent political campaigns is that they are organized to win the election, not to govern.”

Economic philosophyMany conservatives and former

Bush cabinet members announce their support of Obama, including Powell, former Press Secretary Scott McClellan and conservative colum-nist Christopher Buckley.

Adding to the shift is former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan, who told House Oversight Committee that we are “in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime credit tsunami.”

Velez, who likens the tax plans proposed by each candidate as a water pistol on fire, said that the tsunami metaphor is affective. Sim-ilar to the natural disaster, the pro-posed tax plans can be expected to “hit several countries.”

Hufford says that the free-mar-

ket philosophy, advocated by Nobel Laureate economist Milton Fried-man and adapted in the policies of Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, is “dead for the foreseeable future.”

In Catholic teaching, Hufford referred to Rerum Novarum, an en-cyclical issued by Leo XIII in which he wrote that “some opportune remedy must be found quickly for the misery and wretchedness press-ing so unjustly on the majority of the working class.”

“Many of the encyclicals speak to the danger of an unregulated market system, while at the same time promoted the idea of subsid-iarity, which is that decision should be made at the lowest level appro-priate for that issue,” said Hufford.

Hope for the futureRegardless of who wins, Velez

acknowledges that the candidates will have to breach their promises as he doesn’t believe “that the plat-forms will be up to the task.” How-ever, he is faithful in the judgment of Americans.

“I am not pessimistic about the American voter; the American vot-er generally gets it right,” he said. “When we have doom-and-bloom, back-and-forth, the American voter generally gets it right.”

The Rattler

1510.29.08

By Elizabeth RuizEditor in Chief

Obama

McCain

Leaning Obama

Leaning McCain

Toss up State

Campus experts weigh in on the 2008 Presidential Election

Source: nytimes.com

Graphic by Jon Mike HernandezIn this electoral map projection from The New York Times as of Oct. 25, 2008, each state is visu-ally represented by their amount of electoral votes in support of Obama or McCain.

16 10.29.08

Features The Rattler

Not many people can claim to be a public speaker, author, artist and media consultant. However, Lionel Sosa, the most recent speaker of the 2nd annual St. Mary’s American Mar-keting Association (AMA) Coca-Cola Executive Lecture Series, has all of these titles under his belt.

“His accomplishments are too numerous to list, but to be in the marketing industry for decades and a painter all his life made Mr. Sosa the ideal candidate to speak at the lecture series,” said Lance Gossen, president of the AMA and chair of the 2nd annual AMA Coca-Cola Executive Lecture Series.

Sosa is the founder of Sosa, Bro-mley, Augilar & Associates now Bro-mley Communications, the largest Hispanic advertising agency. He is also a member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame and was featured in Time magazine as one of the 25 most influential Hispanics in America in 2005.

“To have a figure who has accom-plished so much be 20 feet in front of you makes it somewhat of a surreal situation,” said Gossen.

Sosa has also been a Hispanic media consultant in seven Repub-lican presidential campaigns since

1980 and has worked alongside Ronald Reagan, the Bushes and John McCain.

On Oct. 22, 75 attendees heard Sosa’s speech that was focused on the importance and impact of the Latino vote.

“If you’re not politically aware, somebody else is going to be making the decisions for you,” said Sosa. “Its like going into a restaurant and hav-ing the waiter tell you what you’re going to eat. If you don’t order you’ll get whatever they want to feed you.”

Sosa illustrated the impact of the Latino vote by discussing how candidates who target that com-munity often win compared to their opponents who ignore the Latino vote.

Sosa also played commercials that the McCain party has developed in order to reach out to Latinos and com-plimented Obama for his campaign’s ability to reach out to minorities.

“I thought it was great how he didn’t sway either way; he told the truth,” said senior marketing major and AMA member Janna Saucedo. “It was also neat how he felt about Hispanic empowerment.”

Sosa also touched on the impor-tance of having young adults partici-pate in the elections.

“Their vote does make a difference, to know how much the youth vote

means to this country and to the can-didates,” said Sosa. “I think we’ll be seeing a larger turnout of the young-er voter than ever before in history, and I think the younger voter will be the voter that will make the differ-ence if Barack Obama wins.”

Sosa serves as co-chair to McCain’s advertising committee, but discussed the good and the bad of each candi-dates’ advertising strategies.

“He knew what he was talking about and didn’t persuade us to vote for John McCain,” said freshman marketing major Aurora Baumgart-ner. “It was nice not to have people push political campaigns down our throat.”

Despite his achievements and suc-cess in the marketing field, Sosa chose not to emphasize prestige.

“You may get recognized for do-ing your work, but the work is what really turns me on. If I had never got-ten an award, it would be the same,” said Sosa. “Nothing is more impor-tant that doing what you love.”

Students noted Sosa’s humble attitude and ability to approach politics honestly.

“Mr. Sosa is very down to earth and makes everyone feel very com-fortable,” said Gossen. “The com-bination of those two makes him a powerful figure for both Latinos and Americans.”

In his speech, Lionel Sosa discussed how the Latino vote may help decide who wins the election in swing states such as Florida.

Group focuses on international issues

Students attending the CIS meeting look over the Presi-dent’s Peace Commission schedule to see events that are internationally focused.

Lecture speaker discusses impact of Latino vote

By Keily RiveroStaff Writer

In an effort to establish unity and reach a broader audience, many of the internationally focused organizations on campus came together to create the Congress of Internationalist Students (CIS). CIS had their second meeting on Oct. 22.

“CIS is a congress where student organizations can form an alliance and share event announcements, but it does not infringe on the sovereignty of each individual organization,” said graduate student and CIS fascilatator Jennifer Butler.

The new group was also developed to help relieve the busy schedules of members who were in multiple inter-national organizations.

“On Monday, I was going to three meetings that were saying practically

the same thing.” said Butler. Recently, the International Students

Organization, Americans for Informed Democracy, Phi Beta Delta and organi-zations from the School of Law have joined the coalition.

“The goal with this group is to be able to reach out to your friends and go ‘Hey, there is a single meeting that has a lot of cool ideas and I think you’d be interested,’”said graduate student and CIS chairman Philippe Nassif.

Nassif hopes that this coalition will help different organizations share their vision and event plans with a larger base.

“We hope to achieve less conflict between different organizations, not in the sense of not getting along but more in the sense that we can join together to put on these events,” said Nassif.

Senior international relations ma-jor John Reyes, who attended the

meeting in hopes of recruiting found-ing members for the Japan Rattler Association, agrees.

“We have a lot of smaller interna-tionally-oriented organizations and if we get all of them together I think we have a bigger presence and we’re actu-ally able to do more,” said Reyes.

Reyes also hopes the CIS will in-crease the impact that international or-ganizations have on campus.

“I wanted to be in a group that was proactive, and I noticed that in the past years, we really haven’t had that much influence on campus in comparison to other groups,” said Reyes.

CIS also stressed the importance for students to be internationally aware.

“It is really important for students to get out of the U.S. bubble,” said But-ler. “Other students need to realize that ‘It’s a big world and we’ve embraced globalization rapidly.’”

By Sarah MillsFeatures Editor

Photo by Robin Johnson

Photo by at Robin Johnson

FeaturesThe Rattler

1710.29.08

Wings bring on the heatBy Jaime PerezSenior Staff Writer

The Buffalo wing, also known as the hot wing, has secured a place of honor as the food that has seen it all.

Despite its prominence as the king of sport-watching foods, the hot wing’s origins are uncertain. Many have claimed credit for its creation, but according to www.chow.com, The Anchor Bar in Buffalo New York is most often recognized as the creator of the wing we know today.

When the city embraced the new creation, the wing soon became a staple for every bas-ketball and football game. On average, the U.S. consumes 20 billion wings every year, with 1 billion being consumed on Super Bowl Sunday according to the Chow Web site.

With the increased popularity of the Buf-falo-based snack, the wing was given an of-ficial state day on July 29, 1977, catching the interest of entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. Its popularity soon caught fire and spread to other areas in the U.S. with creations of wing-oriented establishments such as Hooters.

As the hot wing made a name for itself as a football and basketball game must-have, major corporations like Little Caesar and Pizza Hut offered their own variations, mak-ing the wing available to mass consumers around the world.

The wing has even entered our pop cul-ture psyche with help from blonde pop star Jessica Simpson, and despite what the fa-mous singer may have said, the Buffalo wing is not made out of buffalo.

The traditional wings that are often staples at sports bars and parties are made from the wings of normal-sized chickens, with the tips separated and the middle section cut in two.

However, not all chicken wings are cre-ated equal. In fact, what is recognized as an authentic Buffalo wing has no breading and is deep fried then lightly rolled in a mixture of butter and hot sauce.

With the wing having shared so many im-portant events in our lives: the retirement of Brett Favre, the eighth gold medal for Olym-pian Michael Phelps and the return of Brett Favre, it is only fair that we review some of the wings San Antonio has to offer.

PIZZA HUTBuffalo Mild Wings, 10 for $6.994525 Fredericksburg Rd.

Warning: do not expect to leave during half-time and be back for the third quater if you don’t order these wings ahead of time.

Staff says: These wings had an unnaturally bright red-orange color with a salty sauce. They are pretty big com-pared to others, but they are also very fatty. However, the skin was pleasantly crispy. The sauce is sticky, but overall not too messy.

LITTLE CAESARSCaesar Wings, Mild Flavor, 10 for $6.991603 Bandera Rd.

Litlle Caesars’ wings are “buffalo flavored” and have very little sauce. The wings are ready faster than their trademark Hot-N-Ready pizzas are.

Staff says: The meat comes easily off the bone, but it’s meat is a little odd tasting. The sauce is not messy at all. At first it seems to have a subtle flavor, but the spiciness kicks in after taking a couple of bites. All of us agree “this wing is for girls.”

PIZZA PATRONFiesta Wings in Buffalo, 8 for $4.993690 Frederickburg Rd.

This pizza place offers many items at a reasonable price and had the wing order out in less than five minutes.

Staff says: The sauce had a ketchup like look to it and did not have a classic buffalo flavor. The meat was juicy and had smoky undertones to it. Some of the wings were slightly burned and had dry meat. These wings are not recommend-ed unless you are on a serious budget.

THE WING FACTORYBuffalo Wings, Mild Flavor, 5 for $3.233910 Fredericksburg Rd.Staff Favorite

This drive-thru wing stop offers order sizes of 5 to 500 and the wait in line was about seven minutes.

Staff says: These wings had the most traditional buffalo flavor to it. The sauce was messy, but was a delicious bold flavor. The meat was a little on the dry side, but the great taste compensated for it. The intensity of the spiciness came immediately and was enjoyable.

Photos by Robin Johnson

The Rattler staff rates a quintessential sports snack.

18 10.29.08

Features The Rattler

Artistic expression part of holiday

By Sarah MillsFeatures editor

The Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, centers on remembering and respecting the dead. However, this holi-day celebrated on Nov. 2 has also become a form of artistic expression.

Although both Halloween and Dia de los Muertos are associated with death, the latter does not involve fear of the dead or trick-or-treating.

“Here in the U.S., it’s about scaring people. For us, when we talk about death, there is no connotation of being scared,” said Minita Santizo, director of international education programs.

Santizo noted that for those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos, death is just as important as being born.

“We have a greater respect and admira-tion for death,” said Santizo. “We approach death more openly and generally than Americans do.”

Typically, those honoring the deceased will set up an altar with that person’s photos,

favorite food and other reminders of their loved one.

Elaborately decorated skulls made out of sugar and pan de muerto, a sweet bread with the design of a cross on it, will also be set on the altar. It follows the popular belief that if food is left out, the person that it is dedicated to will take it.

“People really put their heart and soul into it,” added Santizo. “What makes it dif-ferent is that personal touch.”

It is also common for people to dress small skeleton models to represent different politi-cal figures, arists and celebrities and place these on altars.

La Catrina, a female skeleton symbolizing death in Mexico, emerged from a zinc etch-ing by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada, is just another figure of the Day of the Dead and is often depicted in lavish dress in many paintings and figures.

Intricate artwork, unique alters and fes-tivities appear everywhere from the streets of downtown to homes all around San Antonio as the community continues this cultural tradition.

El Mercado/Market Square 514 W. CommerceLOS ALTARES DEL MERCADO

Over 30 altars created by artists, merchants and high school classes will be on display in the Market Square. There will also be a performance by Las Monas Drum & Dance Group.November 2, 1 p.m.

On Nov. 7, Say Si will have a Dia de los Muertos First Friday celebration. There will be exhibits from student artists, live musical and dance performances and festive food.November 7, 7 - 11p.m.

SAY Sí1518 South Alamo, Studio 103MUERTITOS FEST 2008

Graphic by Jon Mike Hernandez

Dia de los Muertos involves honoring the dead in creative ways.

Photo by Analicia Perez

An altar on the second floor of Rhinebolt displays some of the objects used to remember loved ones. There are other altars located around campus to be judged as part of a contest.

Day of the Dead around town

EntertainmentThe Rattler

1910.29.08

Entertainment UnmaskedWhat has your vote?

Music:Cure album drops after numerous setbacks. Was it worth the wait?

Books:Lennon comes back to life in new bio. See Calendar.

The theater:‘Turn of the Screw’ may or may not satisfy entertainment needs. You decide.

Movies:Will Molly Hartley have your vote for scary movie this Halloween? See Calendar.

PsychicPerformers:Sylvia Browne says farewell. See Calendar.

Source: stmarytx.edu, peacebuttons.com, suretone.com, traileraddict.com, i28.photobucket.com

20 10.29.08

Entertainment The Rattler

Really, YouTube? Someone is actually watching this right now.

Play turns up few screws short of perfect performance

Even before the lights officially lowered onto the stage to reveal the actors, it became evident that words like “almost,” “not quite” and “a little short of” might be used in asso-ciation with the Jeffery Hatcher adaption of The Turn of the Screw: A Ghost Story. If not for the tiny, though noticeable, mistakes that plagued the event, one might fully appreci-ate the performances of the actors.

This chilling Victorian ghost story, adapt-ed from Henry James’ novel, tells the tale of a governess driven to madness after seeing restless spirits in the mansion and possibly in the children she has sworn to protect.

In the past, the original novel and produc-tion of the play had raised acclaim and de-bate over the symbolism of the ghosts. Were the demons real? Who is the true villain in

the story? The play produced by the drama depart-

ment on campus was equally ambiguous and intriguing; however, the rest of the eve-ning took a different turn.

As the audience walked in, they were greeted in candlelight with “spooky” ghost stories performed by the actors. The tales were a tad too familiar—Bloody Mary is a campfire classic for any kid growing up—and unfortunately, the ghost stories seemed childish compared to the very grown-up tension and symbolism created by The Turn of the Screw.

Even if the troupe had a better selection of ghost stories, the individual performanc-es were unprepared and unpolished and the somber mood created by the darkness was deflated considerably by the “er’s” and “ums” of the actors. Perhaps with a little more practice, the actors would not have

been a little short of scary. The play itself, directed by Richard Adam

Burke, starred only freshman psychology major Ruben Tadeo Fuentes Garcia and freshman business major Anndria Ashlie Flores. Both actors were consistently good. Their Victorian accent, though maybe not entirely believable abroad, was indeed pass-able on this small stage production.

Their chemistry translated beautifully to their characters’ nanny and child relation-ship that even hinted at a Freudian moth-er-son complex that had made the original book so controversial. Indeed, the kiss be-tween the possibly possessed 10 year-old boy, played by Tadeo, and the governess, played by Flores, was wonderfully creepy and sinister. Individually, both actors were moving and uniquely interesting.

Flores was graceful and believable in her digression from her earnest, Poppins-

like character to a terrified and suspicious madwoman. Tadeo, who plays both the boy and the maid, was equally good. His perfor-mance of the child was both sinister and en-duringly innocent.

Despite such good performances, it is un-fortunate that a third actor wasn’t included to play the maid Mrs. Gross. Though Tadeo did his best at playing the character, the per-formance was unsure and uncertain. In an-other actor’s hand, the character could have been played to be a quirky, morally ambigu-ous character whose intentions are uncer-tain, unlike the obvious, one-dimensional caricature that was performed.

Mistakes and all, the production made for a fun, enjoyable event. Though some el-ements were not consistent with the rest, it should still be known that the play, as well as the rest of the evening, was almost perfect.

Photo by Analicia Perez

Freshman business major Anndria Ashlie Flores and freshman psychology major Ruben Tadeo Fuentes Garcia bow to the audience after their third performance in The Turn of the Screw: A Ghost story.

It’s Pop-Up Video, Fatalistic Halloween Edition!

Adorned with pop-up news links about the tainted milk crisis in China, this video features our protagonist, Mike Mozart of Jeep-ersMedia, looking into the camera with deep desperation, warning consumers that the Domo Prod-ucts the he mentioned last week could bring the fatal sweep of tainted milk to your home.

“I’m not giving my funny, cra-zy toy reviews today,” he warns. “I’m being deadly serious.”

Trying to avoid potential hav-oc, he frantically pleads with his faithful YouTube disciples to ob-serve the ingredients label on these products: full cream milk powder and skim milk powder. For those of us who haven’t been as keen on the news, Mike tells us that 50,000 Chinese babies have become ill af-ter consuming milk powder prod-ucts laced with melamine.

“And nobody seems to care,”

he says.He holds up a candy skull.

“”How appropriate that it’s a skull,” he cries.

He later says that they might not be tainted, but “I don’t think you should trust it.” He later equates it to a “Candy 9/11.”

Well, kiddos, remember all the safety tips for Halloween. Don’t go into a stranger’s house, don’t eat unwrapped candy and according to Mike Mozart of JeepersMedia, be ever-wary of melamine poisoning.

“Deadly Candy 4 Halloween?. . . Candy Product Review 2008 ofPotentially MELAMINE Tainted Treats, A SERIOUS Warning My Mike Mozart of JeepersMedia on You Tube”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3dbBQPIFf0&feature=bz302Viewed Sunday, October 26, 11 a.m.Views on YouTube: 261, 676

By Elizabeth RuizEditor in Chief

By Jaime PerezSenior Staff Writer

EntertainmentThe Rattler

2110.29.08

The Cure releases no. 13

Attention all Cure fans: Please proceed to the nearest record store. 4:13 Dream, The Cure’s newest and thirteenth studio release, is ready for purchase. The much anticipated album from the English rock band finally hit shelves on Oct. 27 after it was pushed back twice from its original release date.

If the existing singles are any indication, this album will be worth its purchase. True, this is no Disintegration, but casual listeners and those who have followed The Cure’s success should not find themselves too dis-appointed. Years of touring and a constantly changing lineup have yet to do them in.

To that end, the music is proof. Robert Smith’s vocals still sound impeccable and the

guitar work sounds on point. Even though they are recycling some songs from previous recording sessions, there is also enough new material to keep the recent album from be-ing a “b-sides” sort of record.

“Sleep When I’m Dead” (originally writ-ten for The Head on the Door) has a catchy, quick feel to it. “The Perfect Boy” is dreamy and romantic, reminiscent of an earlier Cure song called “Pictures of You.” It can be ex-pected to be a track that some clever direc-tor considers inserting this into his/her next feel-good film.

Overall, if you’re looking for a super-early Christmas gift for yourself or someone you know, 4:13 Dream sounds like a good bet. And while you’re at it, why not pick up the EP released last month entitled Hypnagogic States? It’s sure to win over the Cure fan who just has to have it all.

By Cristina GonzalezSenior Staff Writer

New York breakbeat rockers Cobra Starship return to San Antonio after appearing as the final act at this year’s Vans’ Warped Tour in July.

Hot Topic presents “The Sassy Back Tour” with Forever the Sickest Kids, Say It Loud and Hit the Lights on Nov. 8.

The Scout Bar welcomes the five-man band to San Antonio, where they have had only only two previous visits as a group. The first stint introduced them as openers on the “Fueled By Ra-men Tour 2007” with Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is... and +44.

Cobra Starship consists of members from other bands who have played successful sets at local venues such as the White Rabbit and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

Made of members from Midtown, Armor for Sleep and This Is Ivy League, Cobra Starship has rattled the Dallas and Houston areas in their two-year ca-reer while undertaking several mini-U.S. tours. Making these two visits to San An-tonio in one year, could this be the start of a relationship?

Their wacky, theatrical reputa-tion and funky beats have become fan favorites since they broke onto the scene in early fall of 2006. This comical nature can be heard in the song “I Kissed a Boy,” their summer single parodying Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl.”

Though it was not as big of a smash hit as Perry’s, they push forward in their attempt to make a laugh riot out of fans.

“You all get us! You’re in on the joke,” announced lead vocalist Gabe Sa-porta as he proclaimed his love for his fans at Warped Tour.

Kids at heart, the band jumped at the opportunity to appear on the al-bum Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mu-sic from the Motion Picture with the guitar-powered, beat-driven song “Awww Dip” last year.

Cobra Starship’s lineup originally

began as just Saporta recording the song “(Bring It On) Snakes on a Plane” for the horror-thriller Snakes on a Plane (2006).

Former Midtown vocalist, Saporta progressed his sideproject by taking on bandmates to record a full-length album and kept the group together for a small tour with labelmates Gym Class Heroes.

Shortly after the tour, While the City Sleeps, We Walk the Streets dropped, and Cobra Starship officially went from just Saporta to a five-member lineup, all of whom share the same liveliness to play music but have fun. Though only one lineup change with the replacement of their original female keytarist took place, their touring has been non-stop.

“The Sassy Back Tour” marks Cobra Starship’s first-ever headling tour. With two albums on the shelves and a third one set for release early next year, these guys (and girl) have got a good thing going for them.

By Stephanie SandersEntertainment Editor

Source: cache.umusic.com

The first full-length album in four years, 4:13 Dream revives The Cure for a comeback and a nomi-nation for the MTV Europe Music Awards, scheduled to air Nov. 6.

THE TOUR GUIDE

22 10.29.08

Entertainment The Rattler

AC/DC hotter than ever with new ‘Black Ice’Legendary group begins a new tour with a new album while maintaining their classic sound.

San Antonio AC/DC fans have reason for excitement when they get to experience a performance at the AT&T Center on Dec. 12. As singer Brian Johnson says, the show will be “one of the biggest and most expensive production things we’ve ever done.”

After eight years, AC/DC is finally back with their new album, Black Ice. The album was released on Oct. 20 and can be pur-chased exclusively at Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club or the official AC/DC website. The album will not be available to download online be-cause the band says it depletes the worth of the album.

Lead guitarist Angus Young states, “We don’t make singles – we make albums.”

Before fans cry foul, the band has allowed them to listen to the album in its entirety on their webpage.

On Oct. 28, AC/DC will begin an 18-month world tour to support Black Ice. There are 42 dates scheduled in cities across the U.S. with San Antonio being fortunate to have one of them.

Unfortunately, with ticket prices rang-ing from $129 to $1,295, the cost of entry is not exactly on the cheap side. A possible reason for the high price is because of their notoriously excessive stage shows. This tour promises to top previous ones.

However, the price for the album is more reasonable, retailing at $11.88 at Wal-Mart.

Although it doesn’t exactly bring you front and center at what will most likely be the year’s most memorable rock concert,

the affordable pricetag allows you to rock out to the band in your room or car while still being able to feel a wallet in your back pocket.

The great thing about this band is that no matter what album they release, it al-ways has the signature sound that has made the band so great. Black Ice continues their long tradition of writing music that brings fans back to their rebellious teenage years.

Black Ice features 15 tracks that add up to about an hour of non stop rock n’ roll that ranges from hard-hitting to laid-back groov-ing. Some of the more up-tempo songs are “War Machine,” “Big Jack,” “Rock N’ Roll Train” and “Spoilin’ for a Fight.” Tracks that keep the groove are “Skies on Fire,” “Stormy May Day,” “Money Made” and “Rocking all the Way.”

A couple of songs catch the listener a little off guard. “She Likes Rock N’ Roll”

has a funk-inspired intro that sounds spo-radic for the band. There is also a ballad track called “Rock N’ Roll Dream” that is dynamic but far from a typical tear jerker. “Anything Goes” sounds a little too poppy for a band like AC/DC.

Apart from these tracks, the rest of the album sounds like straight-ahead rock. What would you expect from a band that uses “rock n’ roll” in three of their song titles?

By Benny MarquezStaff Writer

Source: brilliantstages.com

Guitar heroes AC/DC give audiences their money’s worth. Fans have until Dec. 12 to pick up Black Ice before the band makes their San Antonio visit.

Entertain YourselfThursday, Oct. 30InvoluntaryMovement TourBayside, The Matches, Valencia, The Status7 p.m., White Rabbit

Friday, Oct. 31The Hauntingof Molly HartleyMovie Premiere

Saturday, Nov. 1John Lennon:The LifePhilip NormanBook Release

Saturday, Nov. 8Latino Music FestThe West Side Horns, Krayolas, Pinata Protest12 p.m., Main Plaza

Wednesday, Nov. 12MikadoScenes from opera MikadoSt. Mary’s Univ. Music Dept.Time TBA, Reinbolt Hall Theatre

Sunday, Nov. 9Sylvia Browne LivePsychic farewell tour2 p.m., Lila Cockrell Theatre

2310.29.08

EntertainmentThe Rattler

Nowadays, moviegoers do not attend scary movies for the thrill of fright anymore. They go because the ultimate goal of the experience has become sat-isfying our curiosity of how the main characters meet their ends.

We walk out our front doors already expecting that everyone in the film will die a horrible and painful death. If we are lucky, their strong attempts to survive their bitter end will consist of a series of complex and creative obstacles that are both physical and mental.

Just when it seems that the last person standing does have some chance of survival, he or she is killed off. If they are not, their journey to escape from death continues in the sequel or in another horror flick with a similar plot that has been seen in the past.

Once the urge for viewing the perfectly-executed death scene is satisfied, the customer is about seven dollars poorer than before they arrived. The movie may not be well-liked by the audience, but now the only curiosity left in mind is wondering how the story would have ended if it had gone in another direction.

More than likely, everyone would still have died somehow. Now, when someone who has not seen the movie asks if it was any good, you can either try to influence or discourage him/her into seeing the movie, depend-ing what your opinion was of the show.

But no matter what you tell them, they will still want to sat-isfy their curiosity. The Saw films

have built up a large fan base with their just-when-you-think-it’s-over transition from film to film. And it was no surprise that the Saw V midnight showing on its opening day was sold out. In fact, the line overlapped the turnout of fanfanatic teeny-bop-perss for the showing of High School Musical 3.

Saw V successfully managed to tie up the last of the loose ends and even brought up some that I honestly had forgotten about. Perhaps they were lost between the third and fourth movies.

Saw V concluded with the realization: :“Everyone was sup-posed to die.” But if you caught drift of any of the previous four films, you would’ve already known that. You just wanted to find out how.

The final chapter in the Saw series was a mere hour and a half long. With that length, you can’t help but wonder whether or not it really was the end. Also, was it worth the seven dollars spent on a ticket?

In the end, curiosity does not drive scary movies. Scary mov-ies drive curiosity. If you are not wondering how the char-acters are going to die, you are wondering if it was a film really worth seeing.

So, why see it? Generally, those who go to these movies don’t walk out scared because the movies are not about that anymore. Rather, it is the intense interest that causes the charac-ters in these movies to get killed in the first place. Their own curi-osity to find the killer or survive the game leads them to their un-timely death.

Knowing that, where exactly will your curiosity lead you?

Grindin’ your gears

By Stephanie SandersEntertainment Editor

Curiosity killed the scaredy cats.

Source: rottentomatoes.com

An intimidated Ian (Zuckerman), center, fuels his drive by subjecting himself to outrageous advice on women given by right-hand man and self-proclaimed chick magnet Lance (Duke), right.

Sex drives, car rides on overdrive Sex Drive, based on Andy Behrens’ teen fiction nov-

el All the Way, is a comedy, romance and adventure film all in one.

The film revolves around 18-year-old Ian Lafferty (Josh Zuckerman) who describes himself as “the only virgin he knows.” He is the typical nice, awkward teenage boy who turns to the Internet as a means to practice his flirting.

In his endeavors, Ian meets a girl via the Internet and after several online chats, plans to travel cross-country to hook up with her. After sneaking away with a car belonging to his brother Rex (James Mars-den), he takes two friends: ladies man Lance (Clark Duke) and “just friend” Felicia (Amanda Crew), along for the ride.

The plot follows the formula of films with teenag-ers whose hormones are on overdrive, such as Ameri-can Pie (1999), Road Trip (2000) and the most recent box office hit Superbad (2007).

Though at times this movie seemed to have a pre-dictable storyline, the cross-country journey added hysterical situations. Their experiences include car trouble, a crazy carnival, dealing with a psycho ex-boyfriend, meeting Amish people and seeing pop/punk band Fall Out Boy.

What started off as an actual drive for sex, turns out to be a road trip full of unpredictable adventures.

If you have MySpace or Facebook saved as one of your home tabs and have a habit of chatting with

strangers online, watching Sex Drive could be like looking into a mirror. And if you’re a person who loves to laugh until your stomach hurts, this is a defi-nite must-see.

By Daniella GarciaStaff Writer

Anyone in the spotlight grindiní your gears?

Source: rottentomatoes.com

During his cross-country drive, Ian (Zuckerman) breaks out of his long-time shell and embraces life with gal pal Felicia (Crew).

Send entertainment commentaries to rattlernews@gmail.com

Sports The Rattler

24 10.29.08

Decade-old BCS stirs debate

The Rattler’s BCS top ten evaluations vs. The BCS

Chris Filoteo’s Top Ten

BCS Top Ten

1. Texas 2. Penn State3. Alabama4. Oklahoma5. Texas Tech6. Florida7. Oklahoma State8. Georgia 9. Ohio State

10. USC

1. Texas 2. Penn State3. Alabama4. Oklahoma5. Georgia6. Florida7. Texas Tech8. Oklahoma State9. USC

10. Ohio State

Jonathan Trillo’s Top Ten

1. Texas 2. Alabama3. Penn State4. Oklahoma5. Georgia6. Florida7. Texas Tech8. Oklahoma State9. USC

10. Ohio State

SPORTS EDITORIAL

Many people think the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is a flawed system that doesn’t spread fairness throughout schools in the country evenly.

Majority of the media prefers the South Eastern Conference (SEC) to play in the BCS Championship games; the last two BCS Champions played in the SEC Conference.

Senior Staff writer Jonathan Trillo feels the Big Twelve Conference is the strongest in college football.

He replied when asked if the Big Twelve Conference is the toughest that “it is, because it has six out of the 12 teams that are ranked in the BCS Top 25 Poll and they still have a tough conference.”

He also thinks the SEC is a top contender for the best conference in the country.

“They are right up there with the Big Twelve, a tough and competitive conference as well,” said Trillo.

Since the Big Twelve formed over 10 years ago, I have always believed that it is the best conference in college football.

With Texas and Oklahoma as perennial championship contenders and other bowl eligible teams: Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Missouri, and maybe Kansas, the Big Twelve is always heavily stacked in competition.

The latest polls on www.espn.go.com show four teams are bowl eligible thus far in the Big Twelve; compared to two SEC schools.

I placed four Big Twelve teams within the first seven rankings because these schools play each other every week and the level of difficulty is much harder than other conference schedules.

In a matter of three weeks Texas defeated: number one Oklahoma, number eleven Missouri and number six Oklahoma State.

That is enough reason to believe Texas should be number one.

The Longhorns still have to travel to Lubbock to face number eight Texas Tech next week.

A tough schedule should keep the Longhorns on their toes in the latter part of the season.

Consistent football is what Texas fans demand from them.

This can be the team to win the National Championship and duplicate the great year of the ‘05 Longhorn champions.

I feel Texas can hold onto the number one ranking if they continue with productive football.

This is the main reason I believe the Big Twelve is the hardest conference in the country.

Which other conference has four or five top 15 ranked schools?

The Big Twelve will always be one of the hardest conferences to play, no matter what anyone has to say.

Trillo ranked Penn State over Alabama number two because of the recent struggles Alabama has suffered.

It is still early in the rankings, so Trillo kept his top 10 similar to the BCS.

No matter how the teams are ranked there is a lot of time left in the season for schools to prove if they have what it takes to win it all: composure and consistency.

The Big Twelve constantly has at least one team a year that plays in a BCS bowl, the BCS has four bowl games (eight teams total); therefore I feel this year one team will win the championship and maybe two more will join in playing in a BCS bowl.

The Longhorns look like the team to beat this far and I don’t think it will change soon.

Why the BCS should look a different way

By Chris Filoteo Sports Editor

By Jonathan TrilloSenior Staff Writer

The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is in its tenth year and has spurred much controversy.

Using a combination of polls and computer selection formulas, the BCS trims down teams to two in order to play for the national championship.

The BCS consists of six conferences: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-10 and the South Eastern Conference (SEC).

The champions of each of the listed conferences are entitled to qualifying for a BCS bowl, while four other highly ranked teams from other conference are admitted to the bowl game series.

To clear things up at the end of the season, the number one and two teams ranked in the BCS poll play for the National Championship.

The remaining eight teams are invited to the other four BCS bowl games (number three would play number four and so on in this pattern). In total, the BCS produces five bowl games.

With the current system, there has been a lot of controversy in the Division I college football world.

Division II and III use playoff systems much like that of high school football.

Some have contested that the

BCS isn’t fair because the champion of the six BCS conference teams are automatically granted a bowl game. This is assuming that the team is ranked in the top ten of the BCS rankings.

The point is that not all teams are undefeated when they win their conference.

For example, all the champions in the BCS conferences have one or more losses and there are five teams that are undefeated (almost numerically impossible), have tougher schedules than other teams and played higher quality games against good teams, or have one loss to a great team by one point.

The major problem is the “what ifs” that the BCS leaves out.

In my eyes, there are just too many. The first non-BCS team to make a BCS bowl game was Utah.

In 2005 their final standings in rank was number six in the BCS.

This granted Utah a bowl bid.But with the BCS system mak-

ing it harder for smaller conferenc-es to compete in a National Cham-pionship, such an opportunity is not limited to other conferences.

I had mentioned earlier that there was a playoff system in Division II and III football; honestly, I feel this is a better system over the current one.

The reason I feel this way is because the lowest seed, though

against all odds, has the same opportunity as other higher-seeded teams to make it to the National Championships.

With this system, there would be a problem to try and implement this into Division I.

For one, being that there are some old bowl games that have been around for a long time such as the Sun and Rose Bowls, there is the question of whether or not they become obsolete.

Another problem arises in college football. Twelve games are a lot for students and adding playoffs prolongs the season even further.

My solution would be to add a playoff system and incorporate the current bowl games into a playoff format.

So if your team makes it into the final standings of the top 25, they qualify for the playoffs and the more they win, the higher their payout is.

As a means to facilitate the playoff system, there might only be ten games in a regular season instead of twelve.

Some might contest, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

However, I feel that the BCS is broken in many different aspects and shouldn’t be resistant to change, especially if that change is more effective.

While the United States faces economic crisis, the insurance corporation American International Group, Inc. (AIG) holds tight with the sponsored soccer club Manchester United, a member of the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in English football.

As of Oct. 24, the Federal Reserve System had loaned AIG $90.3 billion as they continue to dance around a possible collapse within the company.

This loan is in addition to the $85 bil-lion government bailout given to the in-surers last month.

Where should AIG cut their costs? According to Reuters, AIG is

trying to sell parts of the business to repay the initial loan from the Federal Reserve.

With over 300 million fans, Man-chester United is ranked as the most-watched sports franchise in the world.

The four-year contract with AIG, be-gan in April 2006 and is worth nearly

$100 million.The club has been assuring

audiences since September that AIG’s financial situation will not affect the team’s sponsorship.

Because the economic downfall occurred midway through their contract, Manchester United is still owed half of the $100 million deal.

During this troubling time, the Federal Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is working to protect its teams, which are all experiencing unease in regard to their American sponsors.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter plans to implement more specific guidelines on European club ownership “which has left football exposed amid the economic downturn,” said ESPN’s Darren Ennis.

AIG is only one of three shirt spon-sors in Manchester United history.

Their previous sponsorship with mobile network Vodafone lasted six years and showed a decline in the team’s good fortune.

It was not until AIG signed a contract with the team that the bad luck dwindled.

The Web site aigvictims.org was created for AIG customers affected by the financial predicament.

It can assist people in meeting with other customers to engage in discussion about certain issues.

Should Manchester United fans join the e-mail list to ensure the bad luck does not return?

Should American tax-payers join as means of ensuring that their tax money will not go to paying for the English Premier League and European Cup winner’s sponsorship?

At the start of the Manchester United/AIG relationship in 2006, BBC News noted that the club had been surpassed in the run for the world’s richest soccer club.

It was not until the AIG deal was pitched that things looked in favor of the club.

“The club hopes that the shirt deal will go a long way towards helping to finance recovery,” said BBC News.

If Manchester United recovered, will AIG recover?

And if not, will it be our own pockets that will suffer?

SportsThe Rattler

2510.29.08

AIG, Manchester United partnership threatened

Records are thrown away when playoffs arriveEvery professional sport in

the United States has a different method of a playoff system.

I think baseballs’ playoffs are the closest to being the most fair out of all the pro sports.

Only four teams from each league in baseball advance to the post-season; therefore, each team must perform at a high level of skill in order to move forward.

I believe a playoff system can work under proper circumstances.

For every division or conference, one team in each division or conference will advance. For example, if there are three divisions in one conference, there will be three teams advancing.

Second, only have three teams eligible from each conference or division and have the number one seed face the sixth seed, number two play the fifth seed and number three take on the forth seed.

Third, play single elimination until two teams are left and they

will play for the championship. If a game results in a tie, the higher seed will advance.

Major League Soccer (MLS) uses a format that confuses many fans.

Any team can underachieve the

first half of the season and then win a few games later in the season to become qualified for the playoffs.

MLS currently has thirteen teams and eight of them can play in the post-season.

How good is the quality of

talent if more than half the league can play in the playoffs?

The last two teams that qualify barely have winning records.

By logging onto web.mlsnet.com, you can find out the entire layout for the MLS playoffs.

The English Premiership League is the most prestigious association in the world.

The best players from all around the globe thrive to put on any Premiership teams jersey.

There are 20 teams placed in one group, or table, and at the end of the season the team with the best record wins the championship.

It is that simple; no playoffs, just give the championship trophy to the best team in the season.

I have always felt the playoff configuration in any sport in the United States has many flaws.

For instance, how fair is it for the best team during the season to lose in the playoffs to a team that narrowly qualified?

Last year the New York Giants defeated the New

England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

This is a great example of the best team losing to a wild-card team, or the last two teams that made the post-season.

If playoffs didn’t exist, the Patriots would have been crowned champs.

I think they should have been champs, not because they are the Patriots, because they had a perfect 16-0 record during their season.

I believe most pro team owners want to prolong the season in order to increase profits from ticket sales.

There shouldn’t be an extension to a season simply to make more money.

MLS should take a step back and watch how a dominant league maintains success.

We can learn a lot from the Premiership, not only to experience a different style of soccer, but also to see another way to govern an association.

By Chris FiloteoSports Editor

By Stephanie SandersEntertainment Editor

Source: sxc.hu

If Major League Soccer changed their playoff system, more fans would pay attention.

The current economic crisis could affect sponsorship deal

Over the past nine years, Spurs fans have noticed that their team only wins a championship on years that end in odd numbers.

Based on this reasoning, many predict that the Spurs are in line to win the 2009 NBA title.

However, such forecast can easily be identified as being based upon false logic.

Some connect the Spurs’ inability to win on even years to some sort of curse.

But in sports, “curses” are brought upon a team based on their own perception of one.

This complex is similar to what faced the main character in the Shakespearean play “Macbeth.”

After being made aware of the witches’ prophecies, it was Macbeth’s own actions, not fate,

which brought his defeat.If the Spurs always brought on

their own defeat on even years and victory on odd years, then they should have no problem winning the title in ’09.

But this is based upon the assumption that the Spurs have the team to win a championship and for this upcoming season, I do not believe that applies.

The ’09 team can be easily compared to the ’01 team which had a lineup of players during an odd-numbered year that won the Western Conference Finals by conquering the Los Angeles Lakers.

Both have or had an aging man in the middle who’s seen better days and who’s injury risk is strong: David Robinson then, Tim Duncan now.

Both have a talented swingman not able to compete to his fullest due to injury or the potential for one: Derek Anderson then, Manu

Ginobili now. The team is and was composed

of a core of aging players from the past championship, who are just shells of their former selves: Sean Elliot, Avery Johnson and Jaren Jackson then, Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley and Jacque Vaughn now.

Though the Spurs added a vigorous array of young players including Roger Mason and George Hill, this team is still not strong enough to compete with the powers of the West.

The Hornets, Jazz, Lakers, Rockets and Blazers all have legitimate chances to make it to the Finals after adding significant pieces to their puzzles.

The Spurs, however, do not. Like the Ottoman Empire, they are just the “sick old men of the West” and can be seen as being in the same secondary class as the Mavericks and Suns.

The Utah Jazz seems to be the team that will conquer in the West.

In a way, they are representative of Malcolm from “Macbeth” in comparison to the Spurs.

They are the ones who execute their offense to perfection with Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams running the show and behead their opponents with the stellar defense of Andrei Kirilenko and company.

They may ascend to the throne if they can get past Chris Paul and the Hornets, or the retooled Lakers squad that made the Finals plus a healthy Andrew Bynum, or the Rockets with newly acquired Ron Artest, or maybe even the Blazers with the finally healthy Greg Oden.

Perhaps, and hopefully, the Spurs will not be like the Ottoman Empire or Macbeth by collapsing in on themselves and causing a fall that will fundamentally change who they are.

I do not feel this is the case. I trust the Spurs’ management and believe that they will add the right pieces.

But at this moment, I do not think this will be their year.

Sports The Rattler

26 10.29.08

Comeback for Silver and BlackBy Chris ChildreeStaff Writer

Source: wikimedia.org

The Spurs have hoisted this trophy before, but will this be the year for them? The West is strong and the Spurs will have to stay focused the entire season including some key players beginning the season injured.

Shakesperean struggle could face the ’08-’09 Spurs

SportsThe Rattler

Having a healthy Halloween

Stress causes exhaustion and weight gain. This is especially true for college students who are new to managing their own lives and are now responsible for everything from work to classes to maintaining friendships.

There are numerous ways to get in shape and avoid the infamous “freshman fifteen.”

Keep in mind that routines are not for everybody, so switch it up.

You do not have to stick to the same workouts every day.

So, put down that Hershey’s bar and hide your trick-or-treat bag because it’s time to begin achieving the body that you’ve always wanted.

Here are some fun ideas that you

can use to combat boredom and lead you to a healthier lifestyle.

Try running the indoor track located in the AACC for more of a beginner’s work out. It is smaller than the outdoor track and is helpful during inclement weather. Running thirteen laps equals one mile.

The outdoor track is a good option if you’re used to running at a more advanced level. No mattter what degree you are at, the outdoor track will still be useful and is favored by experienced runners because six laps equal three miles.

Before your run, start by warming up for five to 10 minutes and walk one lap. This will help prevent any muscle damage, especially if you are running outside in cold weather.

Begin by running for 30 minutes at an easy jog and maintain that

pace the entire time. Once you are done, don’t forget to cool down by running for five minutes at a slower pace than you were running or jogging at before.

If you are running at 10 mph for 30 minutes, you will have burned about 560 calories.

Interested in a more simple work out? Try swimming wading or doing a few laps in the AACC pool.

An ideal form of exercise, swimming works all of your muscles while supporting your body in the water and reducing the risk of injuries.

To tone your legs and rear, focus on kicking your legs - you can do this by simple up-and-down leg kicks while on your front or back; it is easiest if you hold a kickboard or float.

Breaststroke legs will also

help you with toning your legs and rear, but do this on your back because using kickboards for breaststroke can cause spinal damage.

To tone arms, use a pull buoy between your legs and focus on front crawl arms. This exercise involves stretching forward, pulling the water in towards your stomach and pushing it out towards your ‘pockets’. If you swim at 25 yards per minute for 30 minutes you will burn about 120 calories.

Be environmentally friendly by riding your bike around campus or at a nearby park.Do not forget to wear your helmet for safety.

If you are traveling six mph for 30 minutes, you will burn 106 calories.

There are numerous exercise

options you can explore on campus. Try the fitness classes, like yogalates, boot camp and kickboxing; all are available in the AACC.

By Brissa RenteriaStaff Writer

Different ways you can shake off extra holiday weight

Source: sxc.hu

Although they may look tempting, indulging in excessive sweets can prove detrimental to your health.

By Jaime Perez Senior Staff Writer

As streets become infested with ghouls, vampires, and zombies this Halloween, students and parents should be concerned with something that is even more terrifying then a blood thirsty clown or a large man in a hockey mask.

This year both trick and treaters should cower in fear at the scariest

monster of them all. It will find you when you’re

sleeping, it will strike you at day or night.

Babysitters and unsuspecting teens alike should be prepared, for it goes by only one name: the empty calorie.

Making smarter purchases for your Halloween selection and walking from house to house on Halloween night is an excellent way to stay in shape.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, leisurely and brisk walking in combination with healthy eating will greatly impact your body, especially for those who are obese.

So, trick-or-treaters don’t need worry about gaining extra pounds beneath their costumes.

With smart and careful purchases, you can make your Halloween both sweet and healthy.

TRICKING OUT THE TREATS

Snicker’s fun size bar (15grams): 70 calories, total fat 3g, sugar 7g

An unhealthy treatMini Box Raisin (14 grams): 45 calo-ries, total fat 0 grams, sugar 10g

Though the sugar content is relatively high in a box of raisins, one must take into account that a box of raisins is also high in potassium—a necessary dietary mineral and electrolyte that helps with kidney function.

A tricky alternative

Reese Peanut cup miniature (42grams): 294 calories, total fat 12g, sugar 18g

An unhealthy treatCraisins: Sweetened Dried Cranberries (42grams): 138 calories, total fat .5g, sugar 29.4g.

Though a box of cranberries may not be an exciting treat for eager trick or treaters, the benefits of eating cranberries can not only be beneficial for one’s urinary track, but it can also improve the body’s circulatory system and reduce the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol, according to a recent study from The National Institutes of Health.

A tricky alternative

3.5 Almond Joy snack size bars (68grams): 325 calories, total fat 17.89g, sugar 32.202g

An unhealthy treatSubway packaged apples (68grams): 35 calories, total fat 0g, sugar 7g

The prepackage apples are a safe and healthy choice for those who don’t want to pig out on the high caloric intake of an Almond Joy. The apple segments, which are high in Vitamin C, will help prevent scurvy for those with spongy gums.

A tricky alternative

Starburst Fruit Chews 5 pieces (25gram): 200 calories, total fat 0g, sugars 15g

An unhealthy treatChewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bar (24 grams): 100 calories, total fat 3.5g, sugar 5g

Besides being very low in cholesterol and calories, granola bars, homemade, or otherwise, contain high amounts of the essential trace nutrient for humans, Manganese.

A tricky alternative

Now PlayingTry this fun workout playlist to put

on your iPod this season

Chris Brown

Britney Spears

Daft Punk

Ne-yo

Taylor Swift

Rihanna

Underoath

We the Kings

Womanizer

Forever

Technologic

Closer

Disturbia

Love Story

Down, Set, Go

Check Yes Juliet

2710.29.08

28 10.29.08

Source: sxc.hu

Biking, swimming and running are three ways you can use to burn off calories. Using the facilities on campus is a great way to get started.

By Brissa RenteriaStaff Writer

Are you the type of person who doesn’t get into a routine? Have you been called lazy at least once?

Do you wake up in the morning thinking you are going to work out later, but end up having “too much to do”?

Do you worry about what you should do to get “in-shape?”

If these questions apply to you, then what better time than now, before the holiday season, to start working toward a healthier lifestyle?

Thanks to holiday candy and turkey, we consume the most around this time of year.

Cont. on PG 27, SEE “Different”

Page 26

The Spurs control their own destiny this season.

Page 24

Page 25

Spurs are ready to win

A look at why many fans don’t agree with the BCS.

BCS college football

Does AIG really have money to be sponsoring a team?

AIG still sponsors Man U

Rattler SportsVol. 96 Issue 4 St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper 10.29.08

Source sxc.hu

Prepare to battle the holiday bulge