A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 99 Issue 4 • October 19, 2011 • stmurattlernews.com

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12 ENTERTAINMENT10 FEATURES 15 SPORTS

University hosts Boo Bash for community Finding costumes that won’t break the bank Thirteen gory scenes that will make you scream Intimidating athletes put some fear in the game

3 NEWS

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o.Dia de los Muertos What everyone should know about this historic holiday Pg. 8

Sea World gives everyone

something to scream about

Pg. 5

NewsThe Rattler2 October 19, 2011www.stmurattlernews.com

Students praise and worship at a retreat on Saturday, Oct. 15 in Camp Sionito. Students organized the gathering in order to prepare for their leadership roles as staff members for Rattler Awakening. / Photo by Alex Diaz.

STAFFEditor-in-ChiefAzhmir Acosta

Managing EditorAmanda Cano

Copy EditorNick Canedo

Layout/Design Editor Chrystalla Georghiou

Web EditorEmily Scruggs

News EditorKatherine Benavides

Commentary EditorBriana Perez Features EditorArturo Osteguin Jr.

Sports EditorJoe Rodriguez

Entertainment EditorDania Pulido

Photo EditorFelix Arroyo

Assistant Photo EditorJennifer Sims

Advertising ManagerLeo Reyes

Staff CartoonistsEric VijilJasmain Aquino Faculty AdviserBrother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

Alex MeyerAri Rivera Lena ScalercioJessica VallesJulie LosoyaBrian MagloyoanEmily Artalejo

Alexander EakinsAustin W. NewtonAngelica RadacinskiChris Childree-Denice HernandezMercedes KelsoFrances Mell

STAFF WRITERS

Nicolas Campaña Alejandra DiazMiriam CruzAnalissa CantuBrittany HorackSarah JardineCheyenne Palmer

Sarah DwyerChanti Lee VongRubi DoriaMelina CavazosMiriam DorantesMaria Correa

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The Publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

The Rattler welcomes letters that do not exceed 500 words and include the writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number. Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling and content.

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INDEXnewscommentaryfeaturesentertainmentsports

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NEWS IN BRIEF

POLICE BLOTTER

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Wednesday, Oct. 05Employee found chemicals mixed with cleaning solutions in the Richter Math-Engineering Center. All toilet paper were missing from restrooms.

Thursday, Oct. 06Strong odor of marijuana emitting from student’s room in Lourdes Hall. Director on Duty was contacted and room was searched. Nothing found. Student was referred to Judicial Affairs.

Saturday, Oct. 08Intoxicated student defecated on self and property at John Donohoo Hall while knocking on another student’s door. Director on Duty was contacted. Physical Plant contacted for cleanup and student was referred to Judicial Affairs.

Monday, Oct. 10Staff member in academic library fell down stairs skinning knee, hand and elbow. EMS was refused and first aid was applied. Physical Plant contacted for repair.

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Walk to cure diabetesMembers of the Omega Delta Phi, Inc. are supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation by encouraging students to walk in the JDRF’s Walk to Cure Diabetes event. The function will be at the Alamodome on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 9 p.m. Funds raised at the event will help in the research for a cure for diabetes.

A night filled with fright!The University Programming Council is hosting Fright Night at Alumni Field on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. Students can watch a free scary movie and participate in a costume contest with prizes. There will also be hot chocolate, snacks and candy.

Pecan Grove receiving literary submissionsEditors of the Pecan Grove Review publication are asking for students to submit any literary works for consideration to be printed. All materials must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 28 to PGRsubmission@stmarytx.edu.

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October 19, 2011

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News The Rattler 3October 19, 2011

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The Resident Hall Association will be hosting the university’s annual celebration—Boo Bash—on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. It is an opportunity for the parents and children of the community to experience Halloween in a safe and free way, according to Julie Crusa, junior psychology major and RHA president.

“Parents and kids can expect to have a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience. There is going to be tons of candy and little activities for the kids to do,” Crusa said. “Organizations have contacted us saying they are going to do musical chair booths, bean bags tosses, etc. Also, the kids can expect to get scared while walking through the dorms.”

Much like previous years at the community event, students will transform various resident

halls into scary and non-scary haunted houses and there will be a carnival in Pecan Grove with student-run booths providing a variety of games and candy.

The only major change to Boo Bash is the implementation of an age limit capped at 13. According to Crusa, this limit has been implemented because teenagers generally don’t have the same amount of fun as the kids, and often times, this can lead to them conjuring new and inventive ways to get themselves into trouble. Crusa feels that this event is organized for the kids, and that they should be the primary focus.

Parent and community member Sheena Owens has brought her daughter to the event for four years and admires the dedication it takes RHA to coordinate the event. “I think the idea that the university provides this service to the San Antonio community to provide

a safe environment…is to be applauded,” Owens said. “The students who work to put this event together and who work at the tables at the event do a wonderful job.”

Director of Marian Hall and RHA advisor Janie Moncada assists Crusa in organizing the event and ensuring the function is completed on time. “It’s a lot of man-hours,” Moncada said. “I do logistics and make sure that everything gets done along with Julie.”

According to Moncada, the event generally has about 800 attendants. Despite the age limit, Moncada and Crusa expect this number to increase or at least remain the same.

Owens promotes the goal of Boo Bash and feels that most families should make attending this function a tradition. “If you haven’t had the opportunity to participate in this annual event and you have young children, I

would encourage you to attend and start something you and your family can experience safely together,” Owens said.

Students have the opportunity to get involved and act as a tour guide or volunteer. The individual hall counsels are asking for volunteers to decorate the halls

and donate candy to be passed out at the different haunted houses. Also, Moncada states that free T-Shirts will be available.

“Students get to earn volunteer hours as well as dress up for a night and help out the community around them,” Crusa said.

RHA members to host annual Boo Bash on Oct. 25By Alexander EakinsStaff Writer

Community member Sheena Owens holds her daughter, Gianna, in Pecan Grove at one of the Boo Bash events in previous years. / Courtesy of Nina Owens

Student groups organize events to raise cancer awarenessBy Tiffany GalvanStaff Writer

In correspondence with Breast Cancer Awareness month, many student organizations are coordinating activities to help students become more aware and supportive of this cause.

Members of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority will be partnering with the Rattler cheerleaders to have a “Wear Pink Day” on Oct. 20, where students wear pink during the day.

Also, according to junior forensic science major and philanthropic chair for AST Ivory Dodson, the sorority will be assisting the Rattler volleyball team for their “Volley for the Cure” event that will be held on Oct. 29 at noon. At this event, the volleyball team will donate the money they make from the game to an organization that helps find a cure for breast cancer. Players of the team will also be wearing pink jerseys as another way to raise breast cancer awareness.

“A lot of people don’t realize how likely it is to potentially happen to them,” Dodson said. “As a sorority, it is important for us to promote the issues of women and help spread awareness to help the St. Mary’s University community to get involved in the cause.”

Other events like Pub Night, which the Student Government Association hosted

on Oct. 13, encouraged students to don pink while socializing. Also, the Beta Sigma Phi sorority sponsored a “Wear Pink, T-shirt and Cupcake Sale” on Oct.14 where the proceeds, like Pub Night, went toward the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Breast cancer is important because one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the Susan G. Komen website.

“Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control, and it affects both men and women,” the website states. “In Texas alone, 13,090 Texans have been diagnosed with breast cancer and 2,550 could die from this disease.”

While various organizations are participating in raising awareness, Director of Family Practice at the Student Health Center Dr. Sandra M. Vasquez also encourages students to be informed of the disease. As a survivor of breast cancer for 15 years, Vasquez stresses on the importance of early detection.

“I’m very attentive when young women come to see me because in my case I was lucky,” Vasquez said. “If you feel something different, don’t wait, don’t assume. A lot of people assume that just because they are young it won’t affect them.”

Many risk factors are involved in causing breast cancer.

“Family history, women who haven’t had children, women who don’t have children until after thirty years old, starting periods at a young age and late onset of menopause are all risk factors of breast cancer.” Vasquez said. “Young women don’t usually survive long—I’ve been blessed.”

In order to become aware of any risks, Vasquez promotes performing self-breast exams. Also, getting involved can be very impactful and beneficial for individuals affected by this disease.

“My whole perspective in life changed. When this happened to me, everything changed,” Vasquez said. “I think what students can do is become involved in those community events to help raise money for research so we can find a cure.”

Organizations can request educational materials regarding breast cancer awareness through the Komen San Antonio website to inform students at any events they coordinate. The requests for these materials must be received at least one week prior to the pick-up date and must be limited to 50 per organization/event. Additional materials are 50 cents each.

Students can learn more about various local events at the Alamo Breast Cancer website. Proceeds from the events will go to the foundation.

Upcoming San Antonio Events

Wednesday, Oct. 19Healthy Women Make Healthy Communities - Our Lady of the Lake University, 9 a.m.

Thursday, Oct. 20Taking Charge of Money Matters & Support Resources - START Center, 1st floor, 4383 Medical Drive, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 194th Annual Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer - Brackenridge Park, 10:30 a.m.

Compiled by Katherine Benavides

Source: Alamobreastcancer.org

CorrectionThe article about the Catholic Student Group

on page 8 of last issue was written by Ray Garcia De Alba, president of the Catholic Student Group.

NewsThe Rattler4 October 19, 2011

www.stmurattlernews.com

By Adriana BenavidesContributing Writer

In an effort to support the For Paws program on campus, staff at the Louis J. Blume library has designated October as “Fines for Felines” month as an alternative way to provide funds for the program without asking for donations from students.

For Paws is an organization that helps eliminate the possibility of cats in the area becoming a hazard to society by making sure they are spayed or neutered and vaccinated, according to Co-Director of For Paws Caroline Byrd.

“We get no money from St. Mary’s, so we depend on grants, donations and fundraisers,” Byrd said. “If someone were to walk in here and say, ‘Here’s a quarter for For Paws, we’d gladly say ‘thank you.’”

Library staff will use the fines that usually goes to the library for the For Paws program instead.

There are no hidden fees and the fine rate for overdue books remains unchanged.

Since October is National Feral Cat Month, Library Director Palmer Hall started the program last year to use the library fines collected for October as a way to contribute to the campus group.

“It’s a way to let people know about For Paws and how they can contribute,” Byrd said. “The student feels no effect at all, and they are unaware that they helped the cats. “

Although there has been a slight change in the direction of where the library fees will go, freshman international relations major Anahi Alivizo sees the benefit that this initiative accomplishes.

“It’s a good idea because it’s for a good cause and if we didn’t neuter the cats, there would be tons of cats roaming the campus,” Alivizo said.

According to Co-director and bookkeeper of For Paws Nettie

Lucio, cats can have up to 18 kittens a year, and the average cost to neuter a cat without discounts ranges from $100 to $200.

According to Lucio, the “Fines for Felines” raised about $585 last year. Not only do these funds go to spay and neuter cats, but they also help For Paws provide food, water, vaccinations, flea treatments and any necessary medical care.

Junior corporate finance major Sean Lanagan agrees with Alivizo in how the program tends and supports the many felines in the area.

“I think the idea has good intentions,” Lanagan said. “It is a great way to raise revenue for the program to help solve the cat population problem around campus.”

Some students, like senior biology major Tanya Lerma, feel that support should be for other animals who wander around campus as well and not just

specifically for cats.“I personally don’t agree

with it because if they (library members) are going to do it for the cats, they should do it for the stray dogs that come on campus,” Lerma said.

Since the program has started, For Paws has managed to spay and neuter 653 cats. According to Byrd, the only cats she records helping are the cats she sees, and she feeds around 13 cats, but roughly, there are about 20 cats on campus.

Members of the For Paws program acknowledge that there are many ways in which individuals can donate to this cause, including bags of cat food and small monetary donations.

“We don’t want to burn people out. I understand that students are paying a tremendous amount of money to the university, but we really believe this is a service to the neighborhood,” Byrd said. “We’ve been down these streets and we’ve helped elderly people

who share their meals on wheels with cats, and it’s these people that we want to help. We say let’s fix all the cats first, so you don’t have somebody to feed and that brings a tremendous relief to them.”

Spice, one of the For Paws cats, sits outside at Quad. / Photo by Katherine Benavides.

A pest control contractor performed preventive procedures on Oct.11 after residents discovered three rat carcasses and excrement in their ceiling in Leies Hall earlier this month.

At the beginning of this month, students living on the third floor of the hall reported their findings to campus police. Initially, what sparked the residents to look under the ceiling tiles in their main common room was a smell that was far from the normal.

“A week and a half before we reported it, we started smelling this horrible smell. It just got unbearable. So one day, we just decided to look and figure out where the smell was coming from and we realized it was coming from the ceiling,” senior finance major Matthew Sisneros said. “We opened the ceiling and checked and there was rat poop everywhere.”

After Sisneros notified campus police, the director on duty was contacted, followed soon by members of Physical Plant. Sisneros explained that the maintenance staff, who was on call at the time, was originally allowed to clean out the dead rats and not the poop.

“They took the rats away, but they weren’t going to clean out the ceiling with

all the rat poop until Monday…because maintenance wouldn’t be in until then,” Sisneros said. “So we asked the guy and the guy was nice enough to clean it for us.”

Sisneros and his roommate, senior marketing major Philipp Geiger, stated that the maintenance staff worker was only able to work until ten that night because the department did not want to pay overtime. The rest of the cleaning took up most of the weekend and the roommates left their room in order to avoid it.

“The cleaning they did was on Saturday and Sunday as far as the ceiling goes,” Greiger said. “That’s why we actually left, since they were in the common room and there were ladders everywhere and the ceiling tiles. We couldn’t do anything if it was during the week. We got lucky with that.”

After removing three dead rats—one which was fresh and likely contributing to the odor—ABC Home and Commercial Services was contacted to complete preventive approaches to areas around the room, according to Facilities Administrator William M. Tam.

“ABC Home and Commercial Services applied a rodent repellant to all access holes in the fire wall and attic space. Yesterday (Oct.11), the ABC supervisor

was called and they performed inspection of the exclusion work and found some burrows under the building,” Tam said. “They put poison in the holes and located some large cracks in the ground that could be the possible source of entry.

Sisneros, who lived in the same room last year, originally reported an incident similar to this some time last semester. He and his roommates heard footsteps in the roof that prompted him to inform Physical Plant. Physical Plant placed traps because “they said that was the only thing they could do, which was a little upsetting because this year we found out that there was,” Sisneros said.

According to Director of Residence Life James Villarreal, the reason why Physical Plant wasn’t aware of the situation until this year was because of the timing the traps were placed last year.

“Because it was near the end of the semester, the rodents could have been caught after the semester ended,” Villarreal explained. “Over the summer, some of our buildings are used for conference groups, and we may not have used this particular group of rooms. Once the semester began, the other rodent may have been caught in the trap that the residents found.”

After the measures were taken and the cleanup was completed, the residents

of the room met with Villarreal on the Monday following that weekend.

“I met with (the residents) to listen to what had occurred and their concerns, answer any questions and apologize personally for the tremendous inconvenience,” Villarreal said. “We never want this type of situation to occur, and have preventive procedures including weekly exterminator visits for various pest control issues. When it does occur, we have procedures in place, and we follow them in collaboration with our Physical Plant colleagues.”

A maintenance staff worker informed residents that checkups of the common room and fire sprinklers are done weekly in order to ensure safety in the residence halls.

“If (the maintenance worker designated to check Leies) would have properly checked it, then he would have noticed something. We just thought it was extremely disgusting,” Sisneros said. “Making sure that student areas are clean and sanitary and doing the weekly checks to make sure that’s not an issue is the only thing that I think could have been different. It could be a health issue in the future.”

Pest prevention steps completed after dead rats foundBy Katherine BenavidesNews Editor

Library workers use book fines to support university cats

A review of SeaWorld San Antonio’s “Howl-O-Scream.”

It is that time of year again when pumpkins are carved, spider webs are hung and anything that is slightly spooky is haunted. While some might constantly look over their shoulder during October, those walking through the parks of SeaWorld San Antonio are definitely being stalked by creatures of another dimension.

During the Halloween season, SeaWorld is transformed into “Howl-O-Scream” after 6 p.m., and all of their seasonal attractions return to life from the dead. The parks’ attractions are themed around its resident pumpkin-head, Jack O’Lantern, and include the Frightmare Forest, Den of the Departed and Jack’s S.O.S. Maze. As guests walk through the park, they must survive different scare zones filled with creatures of the night.

Jack’s S.O.S. Maze—themed like a freak show—is this year’s newest attraction. While guests are waiting to enter the maze, a freak show is taking place outside. Once they enter, guests must find their way through a maze that includes black lights and neon paints, freakish noises and posters, and an unexpectedly long, but fun, vortex.

Frightmare Forest—rated the scariest attraction in the park—begins with a zombie priest giving a sermon that warns guests not to continue any further. Among the frightening path, guests encounter different scenes representing popular phobias many share, such as the fear of rodents and the dark. Before the final scene, guests enter Jack’s hometown, featuring a

breathtaking set-up of a pumpkin patch filled with neon painted jack-o-lanterns. This scene alone is the best part about going to “Howl-o-Scream,” creating the feeling of stepping into “A Nightmare Before Christmas.” The forest is “kid-friendly” before 6 p.m., for those who are not brave enough to enter.

This year, SeaWorld premiered “Monster Stomp”—one of the highest-budgeted shows in a long time. “Monster Stomp” is one of the most exciting experiences of “Howl-O-Scream,” featuring live performances of classic Halloween hits like “Thriller” and “The Time Warp”.

This year, guests have the option of participating in the “Face Your Fears Tour,” which gives them a behind-the-scenes tour of “Frightmare Forest” and “Den of the Departed,” reserved seating at “Shamu’s Rockin’ Creep Show” and “Monster Stomp” and an all-you-can-eat dinner with the resident pumpkin head Jack O’Lantern. Guests can also meet and greet with the animal stars of “Creepy Creatures” and a quick queue pass for front of the line access to all attractions. This tour is the perfect opportunity for those who fear they might be too afraid of

Frightmare Forest—giving them a sneak peek of what is to

come.SeaWorld San Antonio’s “Howl-O-

Scream” is a fun-filled Halloween experience that does not disappoint. The

most daring move to make this season is skip the haunted houses and splurge at SeaWorld. Your wallet will not be haunted by the

nightmares Jack gives you.

FrightmaresShows&

By Amanda CanoManaging Editor

For a web-exclusive review of 13th Floor Haunted House, check us out at: stmurattlernews.com

/ Photo by Leo Reyes.

“Howl-O-Scream” Scare MeterFrightmare Forest

Den of the Departed

Jack’s S.O.S. Maze

Shamu’s Rockin’ Creep Show

NEW: Monster Stomp (Must See)

Last year, the Obama administration authorized the targeted killing of American-born Anwar al-Awlaki. On Sept. 30, a missile fired by American drones completed the mission. Three of the men accompanying Awlaki at the time of the

attack were also American citizens.As Americans, we are born

into certain rights. As human beings, we should extend those rights to people of different nationalities. The U.S. cannot be innocent in their practices if they act like the enemy they aim to destroy.

American citizens have the legal right to due process, a right that those men did not receive. If we start to pick and choose those who get to keep their rights based on crimes that may or may not have been committed, then a more serious problem will arise. Are we a nation governed by laws or by political power?

If this is how the U.S. deals with its foreign affairs, then this could eventually be the behavior citizens can expect to receive. Awlaki was accused and suspected, but not legally proven guilty. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, or at least that is what is preached. This situation was not dealt within the legal system our country was founded upon.

We are a nation of individuals. What is best for the country is based on what is best for the individual. If individual cases begin to be handled politically without the proper application of laws, then the entire country could be dealt with in a similar fashion.

Laws protect society. Its laws are applied toward actions to establish a standard of living that the citizens can expect. It is what separates the organized from the chaotic. If this country ignores the laws that guarantee

citizen rights, it will cause our societal system to collapse.

Our laws separate us from the lawless. The constitution ensures unalienable rights and freedom to all citizens. No matter what the political agenda is, citizens’ actions can deprive them of their freedom, not their lawful rights. In this case, those concerned with preserving individual rights should question the actions of the Obama administration.

October 19, 2011Commentary6 The Rattlerwww.stmurattlernews.com

Nearly 15,000 San Antonians took to the streets on Oct. 2 for the city’s first ever Siclovia—an event for citizens to promote healthy living. The city shut down a four-mile stretch of Broadway Street to allow citizens to participate in their

f a v o r i t e physical activities. T h e s e events are part of a larger

initiative spearheaded by Mayor Julian Castro called SA Balance. The goal of the initiative is to promote healthy eating and encourage physical activity in the Alamo City to help shed its fatty image.

It won’t be easy for the city ranked the 7th fattest in the nation by Men’s Health Magazine. San Antonio is known more for its puffy tacos and margaritas than its slender residents. But all vanity aside, the lack of proper diet and exercise is cause for greater concern. Obesity can lead to more serious medical issues. Combine that with the fact that nearly five million Texans are uninsured and the result is a Texas-sized health crisis. Texans are getting sick and they can’t afford to pay for it—and that’s no way to live.

The very people who are most likely to be obese are the ones who are most likely to not have health insurance, which include minorities and those below the poverty line. It’s a vicious cycle. No one seems to be concerned with addressing the larger issue at hand—doing everything in our capabilities to ensure that our citizens can be healthy members of society.

So while many saw this first Siclovia as a waste of tax dollars, those who participated saw the bigger picture. It is a commitment to a better Texas that all Texans should make. Programs like Siclovia are among the first steps we can take to ensure a healthier population.

Battle between individual rights and security

American-born jihadist Anwar al-Awlaki was killed in a deliberately targeted drone strike in Yemen last month, more than a year after landing on the American kill-or-capture list. Sources within the U.S. Department of Justice say the killing was justified through the Congressional authorization of force against al-Qaeda, passed in the aftermath of 9/11.

This authorization gives the president the power “to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.” Awlaki fit this description and his death is justified when facing the larger issue of national security.

In the 1990s, while a cleric at a San Diego mosque, he served as spiritual adviser to two of the 9/11 hijackers. He had several closed-door meetings with them, and provided housing and financial assistance, according to the 9/11 Commission Report. In early 2001, he met with a third hijacker in Washington, D.C. Investigators concluded that Awlaki had advanced knowledge of the 9/11 attacks.

Within al-Qaeda in Yemen, Awlaki focused on the recruiting of American Muslims through web videos, earning him the nickname “the Bin Laden of the Internet.”

However, he then became directly involved in acts of terrorism. In 2009, he encouraged Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan and personally advised and recruited the failed “underwear bomber” Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. It is not out of the realm of possibility to conclude that he was planning further attacks.

Critics of the killing, including Representative Ron Paul, argue that Awlaki was not given due process as outlined in the Fifth Amendment, and that the killing amounted to assassination, which is prohibited through executive order. Paul should realize that the process of eliminating Awlaki was due in the course of war. An assassination pertains to the illegal killing of political officials outside of war. This was a legal elimination of a treasonous enemy. Awlaki’s removal has left the U.S. and its citizens a much safer place.

Health initiative a new beginning for San Antonio

Cartoon by Eric Vijil

C O U N T E R

Pointa

Pointa

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PROSecurity supercedes individual rights in extreme cases.

All citizens, no matter their crime, deserve their rights.CON

Chris Childree

FrancesMell

AlexMeyer

Do you think programs like Siclovia should continue?

What RattlesYour Cage?

Share your opinion and see your classmates on our website: www.stmurattlernews.comin the Community section.Join the debate!

Commentary 7www.stmurattlernews.com

The RattlerOctober 19, 2011

Across the nation, demonstrators are holding signs with slogans such as “99 percent serve one” and “We are the 99.” Occupy Wall Street, the grassroots leaderless campaign, is calling for social and political reform based on the claim that 1 percent of the population holds the majority of the nation’s wealth. The movement is spanning across all social barriers, asking American citizens to become more involved in the political process and voice their concerns.

The movement’s two most prominent issues are rooted in corporate greed. They fight for accountability of corporate executives, saying that

money from the most recent bailouts has not trickled down in the economy and remains in the pockets of powerful CEOs. These corporations use their financial power to sway legislators with campaign contributions, leaving the other 99 percent of Americans without a voice. Protestor Ibraheem Awadallah says that voting isn’t the simple solution. “The problem is this system in which the corporations have the biggest influence in politics in our country.”

Over the last decade, reports from newspapers and newscasts show depressing statistics about the rise of unemployment, casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq and home and business foreclosures. Occupy Wall Street puts a face to all of the disheartening numbers. Citizens feel the effects of the economic downturn daily. “We are seeing many more of our families doubling up, tripling up in apartments…parents are losing jobs,” said protestor Sam Coleman in an interview by Democracy Now. “We see it in the kids, as they come to school with less materials. They come to school more stressed out.”

Though the demonstrations have been accused of promoting class warfare, it is a movement in which unemployed middle-aged citizens, multi-million dollar celebrities, teachers and Ivy League students have joined together to speak out against the current political and economic situation.

Occupy Wall Street began a month ago in New York City and has reached over one thousand cities since. Not only is the ideology and support of the movement reaching the nation, but it is also allowing each community to express its own concerns and access the government at a local level. Occupy San Antonio has also began protests in Hemisfair Park.

Critics discount the movement as being too vague, but it is this ambiguity that has brought tens of thousands of people together for one cause—change. The Civil Rights movement, the most recent powerful social movement, did not start out with legislative demands or drafted policies, but with a group of disenchanted Americans who took a step to form a more ideal nation.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Jobs can inspire innovationReferring to the passing of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, President Obama

stated Jobs was a man "brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called Jobs “a visionary who changed the way we live, an innovator whose products brought joy to millions, a risk-taker who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo." And while some may diminish the contributions and advancements Jobs gave the technological world as merely expensive gadgets and toys, he is a perfect example of an American innovator for the new millenium.

In an age where thousands of American jobs are going overseas and an international recession steals every headline, risky business ventures may be the last thing on an entrepreneur’s mind. But America itself was built on world-changing ideas filled with innovation. What we can offer to the world is not a cheap labor force or an abundance of natural resources, but new ideas and ingenuity. With the global race for advancements in full swing, America is falling behind in categories like math and science. It may be time for the U.S. to up the ante by accepting that we have real competitors on the global scale.

Jobs and other innovators, like Bill Gates, have capitalized on foreseeing what is up and coming and what trends the consumer market will see next. Modern inventions have combined the importance of function and style to appeal to the “instant-gratification” generation. America’s youth should learn from these business tycoons and remember to take risks and think creatively.

Occupy protests calling for change

Four Loko deemed dangerous

Cartoon by Eric Vijil

Cartoon by Eric Vijil

Phusion Projects, producer of the popular alcoholic beverage Four Loko, has agreed to alter the drink's labeling to reflect the accurate alcoholic content after pressure from government and educational institutions, according to CBS News. Mislabeling alcoholic drinks is unsafe and inexcusable.

The sale of Four Loko was banned from several college campuses—as well as the states of New York and Kansas—after incidents of illness, suicide and death last year, according to The Week.

The Federal Trade Commission states that it is unsafe to consume a Four Loko in one sitting and charged Phusion Projects with deceptive advertising. The FTC claimed that a 23.5 ounce can of Four Loko is the equivalent of four or five 12 ounce beers, rather than the one or two beers it advertises. The Phusion Projects website boasts that Four Loko cans are adorned with seven warning labels, yet those labels are ineffective if they are incorrect. Co-founder Jaisen Freemen announced that starting next spring, Four Loko will have new labeling and will be able to be closed, rather than having only a tab.

Four Loko was named after the four ingredients it originally contained: alcohol, caffeine, guarana and taurine. The Journal of Addictive Behavior states that the caffeine suppresses the “buzz” of the alcohol, causing consumers to feel less intoxicated than they are. These effects could lead to extremely dangerous situations for Four Loko consumers.

In response to warnings from the Federal Drug Administration, Phusion Projects released a new version of the drink in January 2011 without caffeine, guarana and taurine. This “one loko” of sorts is relatively safer to consume than its parent. However, product mislabeling does occur and can be dangerous. The slow decline of Four Loko is a perfect example of misleading the consumer. A lesson from the FTC: if a drink tastes like death, don’t drink it all at once.

EmilyArtalejo

EmilyScruggs

WRITER CLARIFICATION

Chris Childree Staff Writer

To clarify my position in the last issue’s article, “Challenging the death penalty in Texas,” I would like to explain the basic premise of the article. Certain words were removed during the editing process that significantly altered two of

claims. In the article, it is stated, “if a jury finds an individual guilty of a crime beyond reasonable doubt then that individual is guilty of the crime.” However, I do not consider the justice system to be perfect and understand that sometimes

innocent people are found guilty. In the original version, I wrote that if found guilty “it is most likely that the individual is guilty of the crime.”

Next, it is stated that, “In essence, death penalty opponents have an issue with the American

judicial system...” However, I would not simplify the argument of all death penalty opponents in this way, especially those that oppose the death penalty on moral grounds. As written in the original version, I was talking exclusively about those

that base their opposition on the potential that innocent lives will be taken.

By Nick CanedoCopy Editor

Homemade costumes scare away the expensive prices October 19, 201110 The Rattler

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Halloween sales don't compare to Santa Claus' charismaBy Alexander EakinsSta! Writer

Consumers will spend $5 billion on Halloween this year, only 1/100th of consumer spending on Christmas last year.“

”

By Arturo Osteguin Jr.Features Editor

October 19, 2011 The Rattler 11

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Door habits show courtesyBy Pablo Cruz Jr.Contributing Writer

Discussing whether holding the door is an obligation

The Rattler12www.stmurattlernews.com

October 19, 2011

Proceed with caution if you dare! !ese gory scenes are not for the faint of heart, beating or not beating. By Emily Scruggs and Jessica VallesWeb Editor and Sta! Writer

By Ti!any Galvan Sta! Writer

By Dania PulidoEntertainment Editor

If you’re in the mood for Tim Burton’s quirky film antics or if you prefer to keep your rhymes classic and complicated with Shakespeare, the exhibits at the McNay art museum have just what you’re looking for.

By Shawna TurnerContributing Writer

Classic horror play makes its mark in the art community

The Rattler 13October 19, 2011www.stmurattlernews.com

October 19, 2011SportsThe Rattler14www.stmurattlernews.com

QUICK STATSCATEGORYRecordYards per seasonTD per seasonINT per seasonSuper Bowl winsLeague MVPPro Bowls

RODGERS32-204,2412910.61 (XLV)(MVP)none1 (2009)

FAVRE186-1123,78026.717.71 (XXXI)3 (1995-1997)

11 (1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009)

Who is the GREATEST Green Bay QB?

This past February, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers led one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL to a Super Bowl championship. Fifteen years earlier, a young quarterback named Brett Favre led Green Bay to their first Super Bowl victory since Super Bowl II. Since Favre’s controversial departure from Green Bay in 2007, many questioned whether Rodgers could match the legacy Favre left behind, which leads us to ask: who is the greatest?

Statistics:Over the course of 20 years, Brett Favre

achieved every major NFL career record for quarterbacks, including touchdown passes, passing yards and interceptions. Favre is also the only player to beat all 32 teams in the NFL. But one record that stands out above all else is the 297 consecutive regular season games Favre started from 1992 to 2010.

Since becoming the Packers starting quarterback in 2008, Rodgers has steadily improved, rising among the ranks of the NFL elite. Compared to Favre’s first three seasons as a starting quarterback, Rodgers has compiled a better completion percentage and more total yards passing at the helm of the Green Bay offense. Much like Favre was during his career, Rodgers has also proved durable, only missing one start.

Advantage: Favre. Time will tell if and when Rodgers will come close to touching Favre in the NFL record books, but as for now, number 4 has the edge.

FAVRE:1RODGERS:0

Playoffs:Favre led Green Bay to three memorable

playoff runs from 1995-1997, including

two Super Bowl appearances and a win. However, Favre’s playoff record is a mediocre 13-11. In his 20 years playing in the league, Favre failed to make the playoffs only five times.

In his first three seasons as starting quarterback for Green Bay, Rodgers led the Packers to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2009 and 2010. In those two postseasons, Rodgers compiled a 4-1 playoff record, including a Super Bowl victory in only his third season.

Advantage: Rodgers. The playoff records don’t lie. Rodgers still has many more playoff games to look forward to and possibly more championships. He won a ring early in his career, and has the supporting cast to win many more.

FAVRE:1RODGERS:1

Individual Awards: Favre achieved several accolades

throughout his career, including 11 Pro Bowl selections, three first team All-Pro selections, and three consecutive league MVP awards from 1995-1997. Although Rodgers hasn’t played for nearly as long, he has a Pro Bowl appearance in his own right and something Favre never achieved, a Super Bowl MVP.

Advantage: Favre. There will be many more Pro Bowl selections for Rodgers in the future and potentially a regular season MVP, but Favre is the only player in the history of the NFL to win three consecutive MVP Awards.

FAVRE:2RODGERS:1

Head-to-Head:Favre and Rodgers faced each other

four times during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. In their first two meetings in the 2009 season, Favre led the Minnesota Vikings to victory throwing seven touchdown passes and no interceptions. In 2010, Rodgers led Green Bay to victories against the Vikings in both matchups. In their third meeting, Rodgers threw for 295 passing yards and two touchdowns. Their last confrontation was no contest as Green Bay mauled Minnesota 31-3 in what

was Brett Favre’s last game against the Packers. Rodgers threw for 301

yard and four touchdowns.Advantage: Rodgers.

Even though both Favre and Rodgers are 2-2 against one another, Rodgers displayed consistency with his statistics. On the other hand, Favre was

incredible in his two victories but was less than average in the

two defeats. It is safe to say that Rodgers consistency gives him the

slight edge.

FAVRE:2RODGERS:2

Who’s the Greatest?Based on all the categories covered,

the greatest is Favre. However, it isn’t fair to compare a 20-year legacy to a career that has yet to see its full potential. It will only be a matter of time before the arguments for Rodgers get stronger while he etches his name alongside the great quarterbacks to play the game. As for now, “The Ironman” takes the win.

By Brian MagloyoanStaff Writer

AARON

ROD

GERS

12

BRETT F

AVRE

4Week six has just passed for the

NFL and it is time to make some crucial decisions about your fantasy football team so that you can dominate your league. Who has overachieved, and who should you try to trade away for maximum value?

Trade FOR:Dez Bryant or Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys)

Both are a bit of a risk with injuries, but acquiring one of them at a cheap price is well worth it. Of the 10 games remaining on the Cowboys schedule, five of the teams they will be playing are ranked worse than 20th in the league in passing yards allowed per game. Only three of those games will be against a top 10 secondary, meaning Bryant and Austin will be gashing defenses for huge points.Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit Lions)

If you’re having trouble with the tight end position, then Pettigrew is a solid choice. With wide receiver Calvin Johnson almost guaranteed to receive double and even triple coverage, Pettigrew will get more breakout games like he had against Minnesota. Don’t overspend to acquire him, but he is a solid pick up.

Trade AWAY:Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans)

You are likely to still get good value now if you trade away Johnson. You could potentially pick up a solid quarterback and a wide receiver to give you security and another running back. Johnson has done little due to his holdout, which caused him to get out of shape and more prone to injury. The Titans also will go against some of the best run defenses in future games, including the Bengals and the Falcons.All New York Giants running backs

The Giants are ranked 28th in the league when it comes to running the ball, and it is only going to get worse. Of the Giants last 10 games, five are against top 6 defenses against the run. Get all you can for these running backs and stay away from the New York running game that will cause you to lose points.

Dominate your fantasyfootball with these tradesBy Joe RodriguezSports Editor

/ Courtesy of Sportslogo.net.

Source: theredzonereport.comSource: 12xworldchamps.blogspot.com

October 19, 2011 Sports The Rattler 15

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Upcoming Games

Men’s Soccer

Friday, Oct. 28 at St. Edward’s University, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 2 at University of the Incarnate Word, 7 p.m.

Women’s Soccer

Friday, Oct. 21 at Newman University, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 23 at University of Texas-Permian Basin, 2 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 27 vs. St. Edward’s University, TBA, 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 29 vs. Dallas Baptist University, TBA, 1 p.m.

Volleyball

Thursday, Oct. 20 vs. Newman University, Bill Greehey Arena, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 22 vs. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Bill Greehey Arena, 12

p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 25 at University of Incarnate Word, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 vs. University of Central Oklahoma, Bill Greehey Arena, 7

p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 29 vs. University of the Southwest, Bill Greehey Arena, 12 p.m.

Cross-country

Saturday, Oct. 22 at Heartland Conference Meet, 10:30 a.m.

*Home games in bold

Gerry CheeversThe Hall of Fame goalkeeper that

played for the Boston Bruins from 1966-1972 and 1975-1980 holds the record for longest streak by a goalkeeper without a loss—32 games—but that is not his greatest legacy. He is best known for his horrifying mask. Cheevers would start every year with a clean white mask. Every time that he got hit in the face, he would have the trainer paint stitches on the mask for a truly gory look.

Lawrence TaylorL.T. is considered by many to be

the greatest defensive player in NFL history. Because of the pressure Taylor was able to put on the quarterback and the repulsive, career-ending injury he applied to Joe Theisman, teams started putting a huge emphasis on getting quality offensive linemen to protect the quarterback. Taylor was a three time defensive player of the year and a two time Super Bowl champion.

Jack LambertA Pittsburg Steeler for life, Lambert

dominated as the middle linebacker for the team’s steel curtain defense. That defense helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls in six years. Besides his stellar play, Lambert is best known for not having his four front teeth that he lost in a high school basketball accident. The football field was the only place Lambert wouldn’t wear his dentures, and Fox named him the NFL’s toughest player of all-time in 2004. Although the Steelers do not retire numbers, Lambert’s 58 hasn’t been issued to any Steeler player since he retired.

Honorable Mentions

Randy JohnsonHe’s big, tall and ugly, and could

throw a 100 mph fastball at a batter’s earhole if he wanted to.

Mike TysonA super-heavyweight best known for

his brutal knockouts, jail time and for biting off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear.

Top three scariest athletesGerry Cheevers of the Boston Bruins makes a save with his glove. His gruesome, iconic mask has stitches painted on it. / Courtesy of worldsstrangest.com.

By Joe RodriguezSports Editor

Jack Labert, middle linebacker, prepares before a game. He was part of the famous steel curtain that won 4 super bowls. / Courtesy of clarenceworly.com.

Lawrence Taylor sacks the quarterback. Taylor was the most feared defender of his time. / Courtesy of bleacherreport.com.

After a mediocre record of 3-5 during the regular season, the Hammer Boyz, an intramural team, went on to go undefeated through the post-season tournament and win the 3-on-3 intramural basketball championship.

The team was not able to perform to their full potential in the first eight round robin games because not all four of the players were available for the games.

“Those first games weren’t really a good example of how good we were,” said freshman corporate finance major Karl Wacker. “We all had our roles on the team and missing people definitely hurt.”

The 3-5 record forced the Hammer Boyz to have a poor seed entering the single elimination tournament. However, they were able to go past all the competition to win the three games necessary to win the tournament.

“All of those games were tough because we had to face all of the best seeds every game,” said freshman engineering management major Anthony Morano.

The Hammer Boyz were able to make it work though, with Walker and Morano heading the defensive front by holding down the paint and aggressively rebounding the ball. On the offensive side, freshman engineering management major Angel Hernandez was able to spread out

defenses with his sharpshooting from the 3-point line. Jamarcus Williams, a freshman exercise and sport science major, was also able to score effectively using his speed and athleticism.

Considering the season was formed last minute, 3-on-3 basketball was a huge success. Successful advertising for the tournament led for all 14 team spots to be filled in only three days. The best eight teams then went on to compete in the single elimination tournament.

For winning the tournament and being crowned 3-on-3 basketball champions, the Hammer Boyz received shirts to commemorate their title.

October 19, 2011 Sports The Rattler 16

THEHOT

SEAT

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DeAnna PattersonIndustrial Engineering Senior

/ Courtesy of St. Mary’s Athletics.

QUICK FACTS: Has played all of her collegiate career as a shooting guard. Last year, she emerged as a sharpshooter from the 3-point arc. Patterson is going to play point guard for the first time collegiately this year along with her usual shooting guard position.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO ADJUST SWITCHING POSITIONS FROM PLAYING SHOOTING TO POINT GUARD THIS YEAR?“I got recruited to play both. I played point all through high school and I am very comfortable with the system here at St. Mary’s. I’ll be fine.”

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THE SEASON? “We did several things. Going through the pre-season, conditioning, workouts and going to the gym to get up shots whenever possible.”

AS A SENIOR, HOW DO YOU HELP LEAD THIS TEAM? “I usually make sure that the team is able to get together for some full 5-on-5 scrimmages. We have five freshmen and a sophomore, so we make sure we get together around after 4 p.m.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE NEW ASSISTANT COACH, CHANLEE BOTTOMS? “So far so good. It’s always nice to have a coach who has been a player before. It helps you know that they understand you. She is also able to give me some knowledge from her days playing.”

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?“We graduated three senior post players last year that scored most of our points. I think teams are going to underestimate us because of that, and we are going to be able to surprise some teams. I’m really excited. It is senior year and I want to go out with a bang.”

Compiled by Joe Rodriguez

Hammer Boyz win 3-on-3 tournament

The tournament winner Hammer Boyz pose for a picture after one of their games. (From Left to right) Angel Hernandez, Karl Wacker, Anthony Morano and Jamarcus Williams. / Photo by Miriam Cruz.

By Joe RodriguezSports Editor

Teams play in the final tournament on the last day. The final tournament featured 8 teams that had to qualify through their preliminary games. / Photos by Miriam Cruz.