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The Rattler | St. Mary's University
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Vol. 100 Issue 11 November 28, 2012 A St. Mar y ’s University Publication Since 1925w w
>> www.stmurattlernews.com>w wGIFT IDEAS PAGE 11w STUDENT ACTRESS PAGE 12w ATHLETIC DIRECTOR PAGE 15w
In an attempt to offset student expenses,
the St. Mary’s bookstore is planning a small introduction to a big opportunity—renting textbooks, instead of buying them.
While looking to upgrade the bookstore’s software system, bookstore officials keyed in on a bonus option which facilitates book rental. Because the demand to rent textbooks is increasing, bookstore officials decided it was time to accommodate the masses as early as next semester.
“That seems to be the thing in the industry these days. So we decided to go
ahead,” bookstore director Arnold Davila said.
The program would start by renting out a limited amount of textbooks, excluding e-books. Once expanded, textbook shelves will state whether a book is eligible for rental or purchase.
After a student rents a book, a contract will be printed for the student to sign, agreeing to care for the book and return it by the due date, according to bookstore manager Kimberlee Ferris. Once the contract is signed, the bookstore will collect a credit card to place on file for the student’s rental period, to hold in case of delinquency. This keeps students accountable for losses or
severe damages, such as coffee stains and excessive page tearing, with the exception of highlighting and note taking.
At the end of each semester, if the book is not returned by the date due, the credit card on file will be charged a late fee of $10-$20, which could increase until the book is returned, or the full price of the textbook is charged.
“Basically, the credit card is just security that (the student) rented the book and will return it back,” Davila said.
Additionally, students will have the option to rent using their bookstore accounts, or close the account. However, all rentals will still require a credit card on file.
“I think it’s a good idea,” senior marketing major Brendan Valdivia said. “I rent my books from (the website) Chegg.com. I close my bookstore account at the beginning of the semester, and just rent my books because I think it will come out cheaper.”
Ferris aims to uphold current goals for students by providing the correct book at the right time at the best price.
Bookstore cashier Louise Sutton looks forward to the new options.
“It’s a good change. I think it’s good for the kids. I just hope everybody is patient with us because it’s going to be new,” Sutton said.
Carla RodriguezLAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR
Junior Rebeka Garza attempts to finish her homework alongside a serious doomsday prepper. Photo by Adriana Avila
University bookstore adopts textbook rental policy
THE END OF THE WORLDTHE END OF THE WORLD P. 8
FINALS WEEK& P. 11FINALS WEEK&
PAGE 10
SURVIVESURVIVE stache dash‘
2«news www.stmurattlernews.com
Contact UsThe RattlerSt. Mary’s UniversityOne Camino Santa Maria Box 83San Antonio, TX 78228Office: (210) 436-3401Visit Us: University Center Room 258Email: [email protected]: www.stmurattlernews.com
News in BriefOh Christmas tree, oh Christmas treeJoin President Mengler and alumni in lighting the Christmas tree, today at 7 p.m. near the fountain in front of St. Louis Hall. The Alumni Christmas Social in Pecan Grove will follow from 8-9 p.m. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the University’s “Miracle on 36th Street” toy drive.
Faithful retreatJoin Brother Jose Matos in a retreat Friday to Sunday at the Benedictine Sisters Omega Center. After two presentations followed by discussions, relax, pray, reflect and participate in recreational activities such as canoeing and hiking.
Bid a faithful farewell to graduates Kneel alongside this semester’s graduates, friends and family in prayer and thanks for gifts received during time spent at St. Mary’s. The Baccalaureate Mass will commence Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
The 12th annual fall commencementWhether graduating or cheering graduates, commencement is one of the most significant events of the semester. Reserve a spot, shed some tears and reflect upon the not-so-distant future. Commencement is Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m.
Sing along at the Christmas ConcertThe annual concert will start at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, and is open to the public. Stop in to hear a carol or two.
Police Blotter10.28.12SAPD stopped student vehicle near Lot H for not using turn signal; arrested student for illegal narcotics and weapon possession; evidence confiscated; referred to Judicial Affars.
10.30.12DOD found highly intoxicated student in Founders Hall; student became combative; EMS contacted and transported student for further medical treatment; referred to Judicial Affairs.
10.31.12Employee heated wax, breaking container and causing fire in Moody; fire extinguished; Physical Plant contacted for cleanup.
11.09.12Student struck in throat during Greek Week event at Chaminade Field; student winded and bruised; DOD contacted; referred to Student Life and Judicial Affairs.
Can’t get enough of these? For a full list of the blotter, visit the News section at:
www.stmurattlernews.com
President discusses plans for University
President Thomas Mengler conducted sessions last month with faculty and staff to move forward a strategic plan, according to Arturo Vega, associate professor of political science and former president of the faculty senate.
Mengler’s vision to reshape St. Mary’s into “the finest Catholic university in the Southwest” is earning both good marks and pointed questions from faculty in a process that will outline goals and objectives by early next year.
“What you want to do in a strategic plan is…have open sessions and have conversations,” Vega said. “He’s doing the right thing by having these sessions... It is a very good thing.”
According to Professor of Mathematics Paul Uhlig, current president of the faculty senate, the sessions called to attention the need for St. Mary’s to better market its facets through strategic planning.
He indicated that “the solution is not to throw $10 million into an advertising program...(but) it’s a problem if our excellence is a secret…we need to be better about sharing our excellence with the world.”
The issue is tricky, according to Robert Skipper, associate professor of philosophy.
“I’m a really big fan of word-of-mouth advertising,” Skipper said. “I think a lot of people are cynical about published ads...if it comes from another person they trust, they’re more likely to believe it...I think the best spokespeople are alums.”
Mengler noted that St. Mary’s doesn’t have $10 million for an advertising campaign, and the institution must continue engaging the alumni in word-of-mouth advertising. Yet, alone it will not be enough, he said.
Issues such as this prompted him to enlist strategic planning consultant James R. Dublin to facilitate strategic thinking sessions. The previous University strategic plan, “Vision 2012,” was developed from 20 sessions with nearly 500 participants.
As he did with faculty and staff, Mengler addressed leaders of the student body Nov. 13, presenting his vision and clarifying that the process will be collaborative. In the session, Mengler answered students’ questions about adding graduate programs.
“We are open to other graduate programs…we have to be responsive to a community at large,” Mengler said.
However, he stressed that only programs that are academically excellent would be added.
“They have to be first class,” he said.When posed the question about
adding doctoral programs, Mengler placed emphasis on maintaining strong undergraduate programs.
“It’s hard to sway me to create new doctoral programs when we are fundamentally a different university.”
At Mengler’s inauguration ceremony Nov. 9, his wife Mona described her husband as a “visionary.”
“He believes strongly in collaboration with his colleagues and expresses his confidence with them in entrusting that they will be honest with him, even if they disagree,” she said.
Such collaboration to form a strategic plan is scheduled to conclude with approval by the board of trustees this spring or summer, according to Mengler on the Gateway home page under “St. Mary’s Strategic Planning.”
The next step is to propose goals and objectives for the next meeting of the University’s board of trustees Feb. 8.
“St. Mary’s will be the best place to continue the maturing process and continue the journey we’re all on, whether you’re 18, or 59 like me,” Mengler said.
Daniel CedilloCONTRIBUTING WRITER
From left to right: Chancellor Rev. Martin A. Solma, Board of Trustees Chairman Charles T. Barrett, University President Thomas Mengler and his wife Mona during Inauguration ceremony Nov. 9. Photo by Christina Morgan
news»3www.stmurattlernews.com
B U R N I N GWhen was
the veteran memorial built and
who does it honor?
Q U E S T I O N
“In 2004, Memorial Plaza, located between St. Louis Hall and Chaminade Hall at the front of campus, was dedicated in the memory of 1st Lt. Edwin Frank Dietzel Jr. (B.S. ‘41), who lost his life during World War II. The plaza’s monuments bear the names of St. Mary’s soldiers who have died defining their country during wars and major conflicts around the world. Note that there are a few names that will be added in the near future.”
Gina FarrellDirector of Media Relations
Republicans woke up after the election with a “political hangover,” as less than 40 percent of voters ages 18-29 voted for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, but the University’s College Republicans say they’re not giving up, and will continue to organize.
“You pour so much effort and heart into it and it’s tough. At first you feel pessimistic, but I think (the organization) will be fine in the end,” junior political science major Alfonso Pacheco said.
StMU College Republicans volunteered in seven campaigns, including those of local judicial candidate Joseph Helscher, U.S. Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco, Senator-elect Ted Cruz and congressional candidate David Rosa, according to senior political science major Vanessa Benavides, College Republicans chairperson. Their volunteer efforts included raising money for candidates, compiling information packets and educating students about the candidates’ values.
“We know none of our efforts went to waste. We are the only organization on campus that protects the conservative voice,” Benavides said. “It is important that we remain active on campus so that students know that the minority political view is still represented on campus.”
Approximately 60 percent of young voters supported Obama, according to exit poll data reported by CBS News. Tufts University researchers reported if Romney won even half the youth vote, or if young voters had stayed home entirely, Romney would have been elected president.
“We have to appeal more toward the youth, and that’s not just us (Republicans on campus) but as a national platform,” Pacheco said. “That’s something that we struggle with.
Nationally, we need to stop with this religious bigotry.”
Despite Republican losses, the campus’ College Republicans plan to host the State College Republican Executive Committee (SCREC) Feb. 23. The meeting will bring together leaders from 28 different Texas chapters, including Trinity University, University of the Incarnate Word and University of Texas at San Antonio.
“We will bring in speakers to help us learn how to promote the conservative voice on our campus,” Benavides said.
The week before the convention, the College Republicans will host events including a session on why the conservative voice is less popular among young students, a “Respect for Life” program and a field day.
In addition to hosting SCREC, the College Republicans received an invitation to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) March 14-16 in National Harbor, Md. Previous conference speakers have included Mitt Romney, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Benavides and Pacheco said they hope to continue supporting other candidates, including Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Bexar County District Clerk Donna Kay McKinney.
Pacheco, who’s been active in the College Republicans for three years, said the group has grown.
“When I was a freshman, there were five students, including me, in total (in the organization) and most of the students were older than I was,” Pacheco said.
The College Republicans now number almost 20.
“We have underclassmen that are willing to take on leadership roles whenever the older members leave, so I feel good,” Pacheco said. “Everyone is welcome to come in and although people have different views, our ultimate goal is to make the country a better place. You have to read both sides. If you just get one side constantly and haven’t heard the other one, it kind of scares people (from politics).”
Freshman political science major Alexis Arriaga agreed.
“Even though this is a Republican (organization), we talk about each candidate, and not just one which helped me see which candidate’s views matched my own,” Arriaga said.
Analissa CantuCONTRIBUTING WRITER
Loss won’t deter Republican group
lithering statistics
total cost of all
$26,492,400u n d e r g r a d u a t e c r e d i t h o u r s
Freshmen:
Sophomores:
Juniors:
Seniors:
Total undergraduate credits hours
TOTAL:
10,945
8,642
7,657
9,551
Cost at 720 per hour
$7,880,400
$6,222,240
$5,513,040
$6,876,720
36,795 $26,492,400
Graphic by Alex Eakins
Despite Romney’s loss, College Republicans maintain confidence.
47%44%
Age
Exit polls by ageObama Romney
60%60%55%48%
18-2425-2930-3940-4950-6465+
36%38%42%50%52%56%
Source: Edison research
4«news www.stmurattlernews.com
Wear the Ring: It’s our habit.Explore the life of a Marianist brother|priest|sister
The Society of Mary (Marianist brothers and priests) andthe Daughters of Mary Immaculate (Marianist sisters) areinternational Catholic religious orders founded in France
in the early 1800s. They are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and findinspiration in her way of bringing Jesus to the world and following Him.From the time of their profession of perpetual vows, Marianist brothers,priests and sisters wear a ring as a mark of their lifelong commitment.
For more information, contact Brother Tom Wendorf at [email protected] 314.533.1207 or visit www.marianist.com/vocations
WearRingStMaryAd_Oct2012_Layout 1 9/24/12 11:46 AM Page 1
To incorporate bilingual activities and cultural celebrations into its faith, the Hispanic ministry has focused primarily on liturgies and major celebrations such as “Dia de los Muertos” and the upcoming “Posadas” in December, according to the Minister for Spiritual Development Brother Jose J. Matos-Auffant.
The Hispanic ministry began approximately a year ago, and has been gaining momentum at a reasonable pace since. Providing a connection to heritage for over 60 percent of the student population, the ministry desires a greater impact.
Fortunately, funding has not been a problem for the ministry.
“The beauty of it all has been the generosity of many student organizations and individuals willing to pitch in for each of our events so far, thus making this effort all the more rewarding beyond the numbers,” Matos-Auffant said.
Students like sophomore accounting major Sandy Guevara have contributed significant amounts of time to Hispanic ministry related activities.
“I love reading in Spanish and I’ve had the opportunity of reading at Spanish Mass twice,” Guevara said.
The starting point for the Hispanic ministry is Spanish liturgy, because it attracts students through provocation of memories in their native languages.
“Many students are attracted to Spanish Mass or ‘Misa en Español’ as it evokes childhood memories or helps them keep connected with their religious traditions,” Matos-Auffant said.
A challenge for Matos-Auffant arises because the Hispanic community here is diverse.
“We have to be very sensitive to regional and national pride, to history and to current issues in order to provide ‘a place for everyone at the table,’” Matos-Auffant said.
Guevara has been grateful for the Spanish Masses conducted by the Hispanic ministry.
“When I first attended Mass in St Mary’s, it felt awkward to listen to it in English, since I am used to listening to it in Spanish,” Guevara said. “I decided to attend the first Spanish Mass and it reminded me so much of my homeland and my family that I was very happy that they were finally going to make some time to give Mass in Spanish.”
Guevara is both hopeful and expectant of a prominent future for the Hispanic ministry, indicating that she would like to have Spanish Mass every Sunday.
Hispanic ministry informs faithfulAlex EakinsNEWS EDITOR
In an email from Director of Residence Life, James Villarreal confirmed suspicions that Residence Halls would soon have Wi-Fi.
After testing a new Wi-Fi vendor in Marian Hall early in the semester, Residence Life grappled once again with the idea of adding Wi-Fi to the Residence Halls.
“Once the budgetary and hardware pieces were in place, the University Executive Council, led by President Tom Mengler and with strong support from
Student Development VP Kathy Sisoian, endorsed the proposal and requested immediate implementation of this important addition to your halls,” Villarreal stated in the email.
A quality of life survey strongly indicated that students opted for Wi-Fi in dorms.
Workers will begin implementing Wi-Fi in dorm halls within the next few weeks.
When students return in January, Wi-Fi will effectively be available in dorm rooms.
RESIDENCE HALLS DORMS TO HAVE WI-FI
their, they’re, thereyour, you’re
Know the di� erence?Come to our writers meetings next semester.
Email [email protected] to join our contact list
815 Bandera Road (Corner of Bandera and Woodlawn) (210) 433-2531 www.lisasmexican.com
Celebrating your Birthday or Graduation:
Lisa’s offers private party accommodations
Full catering or deliveryCurbside service
10% Discount with Student I.D.
Live Music Fridays
Hours of Operation:Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 10:00pmFriday & Saturday 8:00am to 11:00pm
Sunday 8:00am to 9:00pm
Taste the Tradition of Lisa’s
6«commentary www.stmurattlernews.com
StandardsThe Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Assosiated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Assoiation, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
Letters to the Editor PolicyThe 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.For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401 or email [email protected].
Editor-in-ChiefNick Canedo
Managing EditorAmanda Cano
Layout/Design EditorCarla Rodriguez
Copy EditorAshley Snipes
Web EditorJuan Casas
Photo EditorFelix Arroyo
Assistant Photo EditorAdriana Avila
News EditorAlex Eakins
Commentary EditorBriana Perez
Features EditorArturo Osteguin Jr.
Entertainment EditorStela Khury
Sports EditorChristina Faseler
Advertising ManagerRachel Hernandez
Faculty AdviserBrother Dennis Bautista,S.M., Ph.D.
Editorial Staff
STAFF EDITORIAL
Finals week is notoriously a stressful time for students. Everyone has their own method for successful late night studying — drinking pots of coffee, downing dozens of energy drinks, eating sugary snacks or repetitive pacing around the dorm. Unfortunately, some turn to unhealthy methods so popular, they are now referred to as “study drugs.”
The immense amount of pressure students feel to end the semester with a perfect letter grade may lead down a dangerous path. Some popular prescription study drugs include Ritalin and Adderall, traditionally used to treat ADHD. According to UT Austin University Health Services, both of these dangerous study drugs have the potential for dependency; side effects include insomnia, vomiting, tremors, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, unusual bleeding, and impotence.
A survey performed by the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania revealed in 2009, 25 percent of students on polled campuses admitted to using one of these study drugs.
The pressure to be perfect can permeate a college campus, but it is important to balance striving for perfect grades with responsible decision-making. No class or grade is worth destroying your long-term health.
Study sensibly
Now that commercialism is the fuel for the holiday fire, the real meaning of Christmas is no longer the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. To participate in the holiday, it seems people must buy a tree, stick it inside the house, shove piles of gifts under it, open them Christmas day,
then contemplate what to do with gifts which aren’t liked. Many overlook what this holiday should mean.
As Christian tradition stands, Christmas is the day specifically set aside to celebrate Jesus’ genesis, in particular, the time leading up to his birth. It is a time to reflect on what Jesus was able to do for us: coming to earth to sacrifice himself, saving us all from our sins. Sadly, many people can go their entire lives not knowing the deeper meaning to the season draped in red and green regalia.
The take over of holiday commercialism muddled a day meant to be full of love and of joy and togetherness; people have completely forgotten what they are celebrating and exactly why they are celebrating it. The true meaning of Christmas has been lost to hundreds of dollars spent looking for the so called ‘perfect’ gift. Families continue to gather during Christmas, but the time spent together consists largely of eating and opening gifts, often without even a mention of Jesus Christ. These gatherings are rendered meaningless without the underlay of spiritual significance.
As it is, there will always be people who cannot afford to buy gifts they want to for their loved ones. These people can often feel excluded from the holiday, as if it is their fault for not having the money for lavish gifts. What people need to focus on is looking past material objects to the deeper intent of the holiday season, allowing the traditional meaning of Christmas to remain strong in the future. The reason for the season is Jesus Christ, and nothing else.
Many think the commercialism surrounding Christmas has forced people to unnecessarily waste money on overpriced junk, causing them to lose site of the true meaning of Christmas. Not only is this assumption incorrect, the commercialism surrounding Christmas is necessary.
The reality is the economy would suffer greatly if not for the holiday season. According to the Dayton Daily News, retailers find holiday sales essential to obtain yearly profits, as the holiday season accounts for up to 40 percent of annual sales. In fact, Black Friday—the day after Thanksgiving
marked by huge sales from most major retailers—is when many businesses start to turn a
profit. Without this pivotal day, and the weeks following, many jobs would be lost.On a different note, without
commercialization, there is no individual tradition. Giving complete meaning to Christmas means celebrating by giving, receiving, eating, decorating and realizing
through these acts how much we love each other. Whether it’s birthdays, weddings, Thanksgiving, Valentine ’s Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day, we appreciate happiness by sharing gifts and receiving them. It is in our nature. As physical creatures in a physical world, physical manifestations of abstract concepts are needed in order to better understand them. Commercialization allows the manifestation of the abstractness of the Christmas spirit. Much of the significance of Christmas comes from the many traditions surrounding it, most of which could not exist without commercialization.
It is possible to become entirely sucked into the commercialized aspect of Christmas and to lose all sight of the underlying meaning behind the gifts and lights and food. But so long as people remember why they get and give, the spirit of Christmas is enhanced, not hindered, by the commercialization surrounding the season.
TamaraGarcia
DaleFastle
Holiday commercialization takes meaning away from religious celebrations.
Illustration by Jasmaine Aquino. Graphic by Carla Rodriguez
Commercialization allows for tangible ways to celebrate with loved ones.
Tis’ the season to empty wallets?
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When looking at the 2012 election results, it’s easy to believe not much has changed. Obama remains president, the House of Representatives is
still a Republican majority and the Democrats retained control of the Senate. Many believe that the United States is destined—or doomed—to repeat the last four years.
Citizens—disgruntled with this perpetuation of the status quo—have accessed a page of the White House’s website, We The People, in order to create and promote petitions to secede from the United States. In total, citizens of over 30 states have filed a petition and currently Texas and Louisiana have obtained enough petition signatures to garner a response from the White House. However, scholars predict that the seccession campaigns will lose their fervor by January.
Though citizens are exercising their right to make their voices heard through peaceful means, Obama’s re-election is actually a step in ending the political gridlock in Washington. As Republican House Speaker John Boehner eloquently stated, “Let’s rise above the dysfunction
and do the right thing together for our country.”
We can expect fewer attempts to repeal legislation passed in Obama’s first term. Without the pressure of an upcoming election, parties can work together to agree on a deficit-reduction plan by Jan. 1.
Not only do the relationships between parties in Congress look promising, the current Congress is the most diverse ever. There are more women and African Americans in the Senate than ever before, as well as an increase in the Hispanic representation; on Nov.
6, the electorate put into power Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay candidate to be elected to the Senate. There are two practicing Hindus in Congress and the first Buddhist was recently elected to the Senate, and 20 members of the House are younger than 30. Finally, the legislative body is beginning to look more like an actual American melting pot.
As diversified politicians begin to deemphasize politics and emphasize action, it’s quite possible that the nation may truly become a nation by the people, for the people.
One of the largest school districts in Texas, San Antonio’s Northside Independent School District, is currently running a pilot program to track students on two of its campuses using technology rooted in their student
identification cards and may possibly expand to all 112 schools, which serve nearly 100,000 students.
It doesn’t seem a coincidence the district admittedly chose to run the program at John Jay High School and Anson Jones Middle School where attendance is the lowest in the district; this gives NISD the most room to show potential attendance improvement during the pilot program.
“This way we can see if a student is at the nurse’s office or elsewhere on campus, when they normally are counted for attendance in first period,” district spokesman Pascual Gonzalez said.
If students wish to skip class the last place they would be is on school property. But the “smart” cards can only track students while they are on school property.
The “smart” cards will be worn on lanyards around the neck. Forcing all students at a public school to wear a certain article of clothing on a daily basis that tracks their whereabouts on school property sounds like something out of a utopic novel. Unfortunately, it’s happening in the city’s largest district.
District officials claim the Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) tags will improve safety by allowing them to locate students as well as provide an accurate count at the beginning of the school day to help offset cuts in state funding, which is partly based on attendance. Apparently, the district thinks this task is too much for the teachers, who currently hold that responsibility.
The pilot program will cost the district approximately $261,000, with no tangible reason for implementation besides increasing attendance.
“I think this is overstepping our bounds and is inappropriate,” said trustee M’Lissa M. Chumbley at the May board of trustees meeting. “I’m honestly uncomfortable about this.”
Sadly, the rest of the board didn’t feel the same.
commentary»7www.stmurattlernews.com
NickCanedo
Local school district surveils student location
EmilyArtalejo
In Azhmir Acosta’s article last issue, “City Catholics react to politics in church,” the Catholic Church in San Antonio was dealing with increased scrutiny from Catholic residents objecting to the Church’s involvement in politics. Acosta believes the Church as a whole should not endorse specific political candidates. Religious leaders should have the right to impact voters’ decisions, especially when religious values and freedoms are being targeted.
On Aug. 1, 2011, President Obama administered the HHS mandate. The mandate requires all health insurance plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods and sterilization procedures. A large majority of religious organizations will be required to choose to either violate their consciences or drop health coverage for employees.
In addition, citizens who oppose the contraceptive services and sterilization procedures will have to support it with tax dollars – which goes against their religious freedom as well. Forcing religious institutions to comply with the mandate, despite objections of good conscience,
is a severe blow to one’s religious liberty.Like Acosta said, religious voters need to realize that
political rhetoric finds its way into all aspects of life, including the religious life. No political candidate is perfect, but one who decides to impose on a right that is associated to all, is a candidate who does not agree with the Founding Fathers of this country.
A letter to Obama released by the Family Research Council and signed by over 2,500 pastors and evangelical leaders, states, “Thomas Jefferson drafted the Virginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom in 1779, which passed in 1786, and set the stage for the First Amendment. In it, Jefferson states: ‘to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical.’”
Election may finally spur action in D.C.
Illustration by Ana Cano
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Katherine Benavides
Senior English-Communications Arts
What do you think? Voice your opinion and visit the Commentary section at:
www.stmurattlernews.com
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Apoc
alyp
se o
ccur
s w
hen
the
zom
bie
infe
ctio
n ge
ts to
the
poin
t whe
n so
cial
chao
s ens
ues.
Th
is m
ay h
appe
n qu
ickl
y or
ove
r tim
e, d
epen
ding
on
the
vect
or, r
apid
ity a
nd in
itial
out
brea
k lo
catio
n of
th
e in
fect
ion.
For
exa
mpl
e, if
the
outb
reak
is v
iral,
with
an
incu
batio
n pe
riod
of a
few
hou
rs, o
r bre
aks
out i
n a
maj
or
city,
the
patie
nt ze
ro to
full-
on Z
POC
in a
ver
y sh
ort p
erio
d of
tim
e.
The
best
way
to
kill
zom
bies
dep
ends
on
the
infe
ctio
n ve
ctor
an
d un
ique
phy
siol
ogy
of t
he z
ombi
e. G
ener
al c
onse
nsus
is t
hat
dest
royi
ng th
e ce
ntra
l ner
vous
sys
tem
is th
e m
ost r
elia
ble
met
hod,
w
hich
can
be
acco
mpl
ishe
d w
ith a
blo
w t
o th
e he
ad. I
f the
y ar
e liv
ing
zom
bies
, the
n se
verin
g th
e m
ajor
blo
od v
esse
ls, h
eart
or
lung
s w
ill b
e qu
ick,
but
not
inst
ant.
Wha
t w
ould
ha
ppen
in
th
e ev
ent
of
an
elec
trom
agne
tic p
ulse
? Fi
rst,
all e
lect
roni
c de
vice
s w
ould
be
frie
d to
the
poi
nt o
f no
repa
ir. A
irpla
nes
wou
ld i
nsta
ntly
fal
l ou
t of
the
sky
, pa
cem
aker
s w
ould
sto
p w
orki
ng, a
ll au
tom
obile
s w
ould
be
out
of c
omm
issi
on a
nd a
med
ia b
lack
out w
ould
occ
ur. A
nd th
is w
ould
on
ly b
e th
e be
ginn
ing.
With
out s
ecur
ity s
yste
ms,
sto
res
and
hom
es
wou
ld b
e ra
ided
. The
gov
ernm
ent,
with
out
any
com
mun
icat
ion
to i
ts p
eopl
e, w
ould
fal
l. W
ith a
mad
das
h fo
r fo
od a
nd o
ther
es
sent
ials
, ev
eryo
ne w
ould
fig
ht w
ith e
ach
othe
r an
d hu
man
ity
wou
ld b
e in
a w
ar o
ver
reso
urce
s. T
he o
nly
way
to s
urvi
ve w
ould
be
to
be t
he f
irst
in t
he s
tore
s to
tak
e al
l nec
essa
ry e
quip
men
t an
d fo
od, a
nd th
en h
ide
away
for
a w
hile
as
ever
yone
els
e fig
hts
over
wha
t’s le
ft.
Last
M
ay,
NASA
re
port
ed
4,70
0 “p
oten
tially
ha
zard
ous”
ast
eroi
ds a
re c
urre
ntly
nea
r Ea
rth.
Ro
cks
bigg
er t
han
300
feet
are
so
clos
e to
the
pl
anet
, one
cou
ld m
ake
it th
roug
h th
e at
mos
pher
e;
som
e of
the
m a
re p
roje
cted
to
pass
by
Eart
h as
ea
rly a
s Fe
brua
ry 2
013.
The
re h
ave
been
thre
e co
nfirm
ed m
ajor
im
pact
s w
ithin
the
last
10
year
s, n
one
of w
hich
mad
e im
pact
in
larg
ely
popu
late
d ar
eas,
but
thi
s is
no
mor
e th
an a
mat
ter
of
chan
ce. I
t is
larg
ely
acce
pted
tha
t an
ast
eroi
d ca
used
the
mas
s ex
tinct
ion
durin
g th
e Cr
etac
eous
per
iod
whi
ch w
iped
out
the
di
nosa
urs.
An
impa
ct to
day
coul
d ha
ve th
e sa
me
resu
lt: e
xtre
me
volc
anic
act
ivity
, the
regr
essi
on o
f the
sho
relin
es c
uttin
g ac
cess
to
drin
king
wat
er a
nd th
e m
ovem
ent o
f the
floo
d ba
salts
, rel
easi
ng
sulfu
ric g
ases
into
the
atm
osph
ere,
ulti
mat
ely
mak
ing
any
life
on
unsu
stai
nabl
e.
A re
lativ
ely
over
look
ed d
oom
sday
sce
nario
wou
ld
be a
n al
ien
inva
sion
. Acc
ordi
ng to
Ste
phen
Haw
king
, th
e ou
tcom
e w
ould
be
sim
ilar
to w
hen
Chris
toph
er
Colu
mbu
s fir
st la
nded
in A
mer
ica,
whi
ch d
idn’
t tur
n ou
t ve
ry w
ell
for
the
Nativ
e Am
eric
ans.
Haw
king
ex
plai
ns t
hat
alie
ns m
ight
exi
st i
n m
assi
ve s
hips
, tr
avel
ing
the
univ
erse
as
nom
ads.
Hav
ing
used
up
all t
he re
sour
ces
on th
eir o
wn
plan
ets,
they
wou
ld b
e lo
okin
g to
con
quer
and
col
onize
wha
teve
r pl
anet
s th
ey c
an fi
nd. U
nles
s in
vade
d by
pea
cefu
l alie
ns, t
he w
orld
w
ould
eith
er b
e ex
term
inat
ed, e
nsla
ved
or a
com
bina
tion
of b
oth.
Th
e be
st b
et w
ould
be
to f
ind
shel
ter.
It w
ould
be
impo
rtan
t to
st
ock
up o
n su
pplie
s. N
onpe
risha
ble
food
s w
ould
be
espe
cial
ly
impo
rtan
t to
sur
vive
in
hidi
ng.
Ultim
atel
y th
e al
iens
will
lea
ve,
conq
uer o
r fal
l to
the
hum
an ra
ce.
One
of t
he m
ore
deva
stat
ing
scen
ario
s th
at c
ould
re
sult
in th
e en
d of
the
wor
ld is
a n
ucle
ar h
oloc
aust
, or
a g
loba
l nuc
lear
war
. Acc
ordi
ng to
the
Fede
ratio
n of
Am
eric
an
Scie
ntis
ts,
ther
e is
an
es
timat
ed
19,0
00 n
ucle
ar w
eapo
ns c
urre
ntly
in
the
wor
ld,
alth
ough
inf
orm
atio
n fr
om o
ther
cou
ntrie
s is
hig
hly
unre
liabl
e.
Coun
trie
s re
cogn
ized
as n
ucle
ar fo
rces
incl
ude
the
U.S.
, the
Uni
ted
King
dom
, Fra
nce,
Chi
na, R
ussi
a, I
ndia
, Isr
ael,
Paki
stan
and
Nor
th
Kore
a. R
ecen
t rep
orts
als
o re
veal
Ira
n is
on
its w
ay to
bec
omin
g a
form
idab
le n
ucle
ar t
hrea
t. Of
the
kno
wn
nucl
ear
war
head
s,
2,00
0 U.
S. a
nd R
ussi
an w
eapo
ns a
re c
onsi
dere
d on
hig
h al
ert,
read
y to
be
depl
oyed
at a
mom
ent’s
not
ice.
The
resu
lts o
f nuc
lear
de
tona
tions
cou
ld i
nclu
de i
mm
edia
te e
xter
min
atio
n, r
adia
tion
pois
onin
g, a
dra
stic
cha
nge
to g
loba
l tem
pera
ture
s an
d so
ciet
al
chao
s. I
n a
full-
on n
ucle
ar w
ar, t
here
real
ly is
no
hope
of s
urvi
val
for h
uman
ity.
Acco
rdin
g to
the
Arlin
gton
Inst
itute
, oil
acco
unts
for
over
45
perc
ent o
f all
ener
gy g
ener
ated
wor
ldw
ide,
as
wel
l as
fuel
s 96
per
cent
of
the
tran
spor
tatio
n se
ctor
. Oil
is a
lso
an e
ssen
tial p
art o
f the
pla
stic
s,
fert
ilize
rs a
nd a
spha
lt in
dust
ry. A
s a
finite
sou
rce,
oi
l will
one
day
be
depl
eted
. Wha
t will
hap
pen
then
? The
wor
ld w
ill
have
a s
ocio
-eco
nom
ical
col
laps
e. P
eopl
e w
ill s
top
repo
rtin
g to
w
ork,
the
stoc
k m
arke
t will
cra
sh a
nd th
e w
orld
as
we
know
will
ce
ase
to e
xist
. Mod
ern
soci
ety
will
be
sent
bac
k to
its
prim
itive
st
ages
. Peo
ple
will
hav
e to
gro
w t
heir
own
food
an
d en
gage
in
bart
erin
g as
the
col
laps
e of
the
mar
ket
will
mea
n th
e co
llaps
e of
fiat
cur
renc
y or
lega
l ten
der.
Ther
e w
ill b
e rio
ts in
the
stre
ets,
th
ere
will
be
no p
olic
e fo
rces
and
the
gov
ernm
ent
will
cea
se t
o ex
ist.
Utte
r ana
rchy
will
resu
lt.
A so
lar
flare
occ
urs
whe
n m
agne
tic e
nerg
y bu
ilt
up in
the
sol
ar a
tmos
pher
e is
sud
denl
y re
leas
ed.
As a
res
ult,
radi
atio
n is
em
itted
acr
oss
virt
ually
th
e en
tire
elec
trom
agne
tic s
pect
rum
. The
am
ount
of
ene
rgy
rele
ased
is
the
equi
vale
nt o
f m
illio
ns
of
100-
meg
aton
hy
drog
en
bom
bs
expl
odin
g si
mul
tane
ousl
y. Ac
cord
ing
to a
rep
ort
by N
ASA,
alm
ost
noth
ing
is im
mun
e to
a
supe
r so
lar
fare
, fo
llow
ed b
y an
ext
rem
e ge
omag
netic
sto
rm.
Whi
le e
lect
ric p
ower
is m
oder
n so
ciet
y’s
corn
erst
one
tech
nolo
gy
on w
hich
virt
ually
all
othe
r in
fras
truc
ture
s an
d se
rvic
es d
epen
d,
it is
par
ticul
arly
vul
nera
ble
to b
ad s
pace
wea
ther
. On
a h
ot
sum
mer
day
in T
exas
, for
inst
ance
, peo
ple
in H
oust
on m
ight
be
runn
ing
thei
r ai
r co
nditi
oner
s on
pow
er r
oute
d fr
om D
alla
s. I
t m
akes
eco
nom
ic s
ense
—bu
t not
nec
essa
rily
geom
agne
tic s
ense
. In
terc
onne
cted
ness
m
akes
th
e sy
stem
su
scep
tible
to
w
ide-
rang
ing
“cas
cade
failu
res.”
If t
his
happ
ens,
peo
ple
will
pan
ic a
nd
be fo
rced
to s
urvi
ve u
ntil
the
prob
lem
is fi
xed…
if it
ever
is.
SEAN
LAN
AGAN
, SEN
IOR,
ZOM
BIE
HUNT
ERRA
UL J
IMEN
EZ, S
OPHO
MOR
E, B
URNE
D AL
IVE
TAYL
OR B
ACA,
SEN
IOR,
DIS
ORIE
NTED
KEYL
A RA
MOS
, SEN
IOR,
IN T
HE D
ARK
LIAN
A CA
STRO
, SEN
IOR,
GOI
NG H
OME
TIM
PAI
Z, S
ENIO
R, R
EADY
FOR
ACT
ION
CYND
Y AL
VARE
Z, S
ENIO
R, C
OMET
-ED
TO R
UNJE
ROM
E BU
DOM
O, S
TAFF
, SNI
FFLE
S
DOOM
S DA
YDE
STRU
CTIO
N G
raph
ics
by C
arla
Rod
rigue
zA
ll sc
ener
ios
writ
ten
by T
he R
attle
r Sta
ffPh
otos
by
Adr
iana
Avi
la
12
43
87
65
ALEX
REG
UERA
, SEN
IOR,
SCA
VENG
ER
N
Last
M
ay,
NASA
re
port
ed
4,70
0 “p
oten
tially
ha
zard
ous”
ast
eroi
ds a
re c
urre
ntly
nea
r Ea
rth.
Ro
cks
bigg
er t
han
300
feet
are
so
clos
e to
the
pl
anet
, one
cou
ld m
ake
it th
roug
h th
e at
mos
pher
e;
som
e of
the
m a
re p
roje
cted
to
pass
by
Eart
h as
ea
rly a
s Fe
brua
ry 2
013.
The
re h
ave
been
thre
e co
nfirm
ed m
ajor
im
pact
s w
ithin
the
last
10
year
s, n
one
of w
hich
mad
e im
pact
in
larg
ely
popu
late
d ar
eas,
but
thi
s is
no
mor
e th
an a
mat
ter
of
chan
ce. I
t is
larg
ely
acce
pted
tha
t an
ast
eroi
d ca
used
the
mas
s ex
tinct
ion
durin
g th
e Cr
etac
eous
per
iod
whi
ch w
iped
out
the
di
nosa
urs.
An
impa
ct to
day
coul
d ha
ve th
e sa
me
resu
lt: e
xtre
me
volc
anic
act
ivity
, the
regr
essi
on o
f the
sho
relin
es c
uttin
g ac
cess
to
drin
king
wat
er a
nd th
e m
ovem
ent o
f the
floo
d ba
salts
, rel
easi
ng
sulfu
ric g
ases
into
the
atm
osph
ere,
ulti
mat
ely
mak
ing
any
life
on
unsu
stai
nabl
e.
A re
lativ
ely
over
look
ed d
oom
sday
sce
nario
wou
ld
be a
n al
ien
inva
sion
. Acc
ordi
ng to
Ste
phen
Haw
king
, th
e ou
tcom
e w
ould
be
sim
ilar
to w
hen
Chris
toph
er
Colu
mbu
s fir
st la
nded
in A
mer
ica,
whi
ch d
idn’
t tur
n ou
t ve
ry w
ell
for
the
Nativ
e Am
eric
ans.
Haw
king
ex
plai
ns t
hat
alie
ns m
ight
exi
st i
n m
assi
ve s
hips
, tr
avel
ing
the
univ
erse
as
nom
ads.
Hav
ing
used
up
all t
he re
sour
ces
on th
eir o
wn
plan
ets,
they
wou
ld b
e lo
okin
g to
con
quer
and
col
onize
wha
teve
r pl
anet
s th
ey c
an fi
nd. U
nles
s in
vade
d by
pea
cefu
l alie
ns, t
he w
orld
w
ould
eith
er b
e ex
term
inat
ed, e
nsla
ved
or a
com
bina
tion
of b
oth.
Th
e be
st b
et w
ould
be
to f
ind
shel
ter.
It w
ould
be
impo
rtan
t to
st
ock
up o
n su
pplie
s. N
onpe
risha
ble
food
s w
ould
be
espe
cial
ly
impo
rtan
t to
sur
vive
in
hidi
ng.
Ultim
atel
y th
e al
iens
will
lea
ve,
conq
uer o
r fal
l to
the
hum
an ra
ce.
One
of t
he m
ore
deva
stat
ing
scen
ario
s th
at c
ould
re
sult
in th
e en
d of
the
wor
ld is
a n
ucle
ar h
oloc
aust
, or
a g
loba
l nuc
lear
war
. Acc
ordi
ng to
the
Fede
ratio
n of
Am
eric
an
Scie
ntis
ts,
ther
e is
an
es
timat
ed
19,0
00 n
ucle
ar w
eapo
ns c
urre
ntly
in
the
wor
ld,
alth
ough
inf
orm
atio
n fr
om o
ther
cou
ntrie
s is
hig
hly
unre
liabl
e.
Coun
trie
s re
cogn
ized
as n
ucle
ar fo
rces
incl
ude
the
U.S.
, the
Uni
ted
King
dom
, Fra
nce,
Chi
na, R
ussi
a, I
ndia
, Isr
ael,
Paki
stan
and
Nor
th
Kore
a. R
ecen
t rep
orts
als
o re
veal
Ira
n is
on
its w
ay to
bec
omin
g a
form
idab
le n
ucle
ar t
hrea
t. Of
the
kno
wn
nucl
ear
war
head
s,
2,00
0 U.
S. a
nd R
ussi
an w
eapo
ns a
re c
onsi
dere
d on
hig
h al
ert,
read
y to
be
depl
oyed
at a
mom
ent’s
not
ice.
The
resu
lts o
f nuc
lear
de
tona
tions
cou
ld i
nclu
de i
mm
edia
te e
xter
min
atio
n, r
adia
tion
pois
onin
g, a
dra
stic
cha
nge
to g
loba
l tem
pera
ture
s an
d so
ciet
al
chao
s. I
n a
full-
on n
ucle
ar w
ar, t
here
real
ly is
no
hope
of s
urvi
val
for h
uman
ity.
Acco
rdin
g to
the
Arlin
gton
Inst
itute
, oil
acco
unts
for
over
45
perc
ent o
f all
ener
gy g
ener
ated
wor
ldw
ide,
as
wel
l as
fuel
s 96
per
cent
of
the
tran
spor
tatio
n se
ctor
. Oil
is a
lso
an e
ssen
tial p
art o
f the
pla
stic
s,
fert
ilize
rs a
nd a
spha
lt in
dust
ry. A
s a
finite
sou
rce,
oi
l will
one
day
be
depl
eted
. Wha
t will
hap
pen
then
? The
wor
ld w
ill
have
a s
ocio
-eco
nom
ical
col
laps
e. P
eopl
e w
ill s
top
repo
rtin
g to
w
ork,
the
stoc
k m
arke
t will
cra
sh a
nd th
e w
orld
as
we
know
will
ce
ase
to e
xist
. Mod
ern
soci
ety
will
be
sent
bac
k to
its
prim
itive
st
ages
. Peo
ple
will
hav
e to
gro
w t
heir
own
food
an
d en
gage
in
bart
erin
g as
the
col
laps
e of
the
mar
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will
mea
n th
e co
llaps
e of
fiat
cur
renc
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lega
l ten
der.
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e w
ill b
e rio
ts in
the
stre
ets,
th
ere
will
be
no p
olic
e fo
rces
and
the
gov
ernm
ent
will
cea
se t
o ex
ist.
Utte
r ana
rchy
will
resu
lt.
Acco
rdin
g to
Mot
her
Natu
re N
etw
ork,
one
of
the
mos
t da
nger
ous
thre
ats
to t
he h
uman
rac
e is
a
viru
s. A
viru
s is
a d
eadl
y di
seas
e th
at s
prea
ds
rapi
dly
thro
ugho
ut
the
wor
ld.
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in
the
last
ce
ntur
y, th
ere
have
bee
n fo
ur m
ajor
flu
epid
emic
s,
as w
ell a
s HI
V an
d SA
RS.
Scie
ntis
ts b
elie
ve it
is in
evita
ble
for
anot
her
pand
emic
lik
e th
ese
to o
ccur
. M
ore
peop
le w
ere
kille
d in
the
191
8 in
fluen
za “
Span
ish
Flu”
out
brea
k th
an in
Wor
ld W
ar
I. In
tod
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tim
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dea
dly
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spre
ad f
aste
r an
d in
fect
eve
n m
ore
peop
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se o
f m
oder
n tr
ansp
orta
tion
and
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amou
nt o
f int
erna
tiona
l tra
vel t
hat t
akes
pla
ce to
day.
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if a
na
tura
l viru
s do
es n
ot th
reat
en th
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man
pop
ulat
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man
kind
is
a th
reat
in it
self
with
bio
logi
cal w
arfa
re a
nd d
isea
ses
like
anth
rax
and
chol
era.
If t
he w
orld
wer
e to
end
bec
ause
of
natu
ral
disa
ster
s,
we
coul
d se
e hu
rric
anes
, flo
ods,
ts
unam
is,
eart
hqua
kes,
to
rnad
oes,
vo
lcan
ic
erup
tions
an
d m
any
othe
r ex
trao
rdin
ary
life
thre
aten
ing
natu
ral
even
ts.
Alth
ough
the
pla
net
expe
rienc
es m
any
natu
ral
disa
ster
s ea
ch y
ear,
thes
e di
sast
ers
may
be
com
e in
crea
sing
ly
mor
e fr
eque
nt
and
sign
ifica
ntly
m
ore
inte
nse
then
any
eve
r be
fore
. Al
ong
with
the
inc
reas
ed
prop
erty
dam
age
and
econ
omic
loss
es, t
he lo
ss o
f hum
an li
fe w
ill
incr
ease
exp
onen
tially
. In
actu
ality
, exp
erts
say
the
freq
uenc
y of
ea
rthq
uake
s ha
s no
t cha
nged
in th
e la
st h
undr
ed y
ears
, and
the
likel
ihoo
d of
the
wor
ld e
ndin
g fr
om a
vio
lent
ear
thqu
ake
is s
lim.
In o
rder
to p
repa
re fo
r a n
atur
al d
isas
ter,
stoc
k up
on
food
, wat
er,
cand
les,
mat
ches
, bla
nket
s an
d ta
ke s
helte
r in
safe
pla
ces.
In a
rece
nt p
oll,
10 p
erce
nt o
f int
ervi
ewee
s be
lieve
d th
e M
aya
cale
ndar
poi
nted
to w
hat c
ould
be
the
end
of th
e w
orld
. For
the
May
an s
ocie
ty, th
e co
ncep
t of
time
is c
yclic
al in
nat
ure
and
the
idea
of d
eath
and
re
birt
h w
ere
cent
ral t
o ho
w th
e ca
lend
ars
wer
e la
id
out.
The
May
a cr
eate
d fo
ur s
epar
ate
cale
ndar
s; e
ach
depe
nded
on
the
even
t rec
orde
d. T
heir
mos
t pro
min
ent c
alen
dar
was
the
Long
Co
unt,
whi
ch w
as o
nly
outli
ned
until
201
2. Th
e M
aya
succ
eede
d in
pi
npoi
ntin
g hi
stor
ical
eve
nts
beyo
nd th
eir
time,
suc
h as
dro
ught
s,
dise
ase
outb
reak
s an
d as
tron
omic
al o
ccur
renc
es, a
ll of
whi
ch a
re
conn
ecte
d to
nat
ural
, rep
etiti
ve e
vent
s. T
he e
nd o
f th
is c
ycle
of
the
Long
Cou
nt c
alen
dar
mea
nt t
he c
ompl
etio
n of
an
era
to t
he
May
a, b
ut w
hat t
hat s
houl
d m
ean
to m
oder
n so
ciet
y is
not
cle
ar.
Spec
ializ
ed a
rche
olog
ists
cla
im th
e M
ayan
s w
eren
’t fa
talis
tic, b
ut
mer
ely
atta
ched
to
thei
r cy
cles
. The
que
stio
n is
: th
e en
d of
the
cy
cle
of w
hat?
Onl
y De
c. 2
1 w
ill te
ll.
Oppo
site
to
gl
obal
w
arm
ing,
sc
ient
ists
be
lieve
Ea
rth
has
the
pote
ntia
l to
free
ze o
ver.
Fallo
ut fr
om
nucl
ear w
ar o
r a v
olca
no b
last
cou
ld c
reat
e en
ough
du
st i
n th
e ai
r to
com
plet
ely
bloc
k su
nlig
ht,
thus
ca
usin
g a
deep
plu
nge
in s
urfa
ce t
empe
ratu
res.
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the
196
0s,
clim
ate
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eler
s di
scov
ered
tha
t if
Eart
h st
ayed
co
vere
d in
eno
ugh
ice,
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t of t
he in
com
ing
sola
r rad
iatio
n w
ould
be
ref
lect
ed b
ack
into
spa
ce c
ausi
ng a
con
stan
t te
mpe
ratu
re o
f 50
deg
rees
bel
ow z
ero
Fahr
enhe
it. I
f Ea
rth
rem
aine
d co
ld lo
ng
enou
gh,
it co
uld
be c
atas
trop
hic
to t
he e
cosy
stem
s an
d hu
man
lif
e. I
n th
e 19
90s,
a g
eobi
olog
ist
from
the
Cal
iforn
ia I
nstit
ute
of T
echn
olog
y di
scov
ered
gla
cial
dep
osits
in
the
trop
ics,
whi
ch
mea
ns E
arth
has
alre
ady
spen
t lon
g st
retc
hes
of ti
me
froz
en. T
he
life
rem
aini
ng d
urin
g th
at t
ime
may
hav
e m
anag
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o su
rviv
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ingi
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ctua
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heat
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10«features www.stmurattlernews.com
“Movemeber” has become the month many people worldwide participate in to promote prostate cancer awareness. On campus, the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Campus Recreation are partnering to hold the second annual fundraising event, ‘Stache Dash, tomorrow at 5 p.m.
“While doing research on what No Shave November was, I came across the website Movember.com that explained it as a way to bring about awareness for men’s cancer,” sophomore marketing and management double major Jacob Bartholomew said.
Reading about the cause inspired Bartholomew to create his own event. ’Stache Dash is a scavenger hunt type of event in which students make teams of three to five people to compete in various actives and riddles around campus.
“The event requires you to use your brain and your brawn,” according to Bartholomew. “Once you solve a riddle, you will be given a list of more riddles and then you will have to complete a quick physical challenge.”
Senior philosophy and economics double major Sam Regonini participated in ’Stache Dash last year.
“It was a really fun experience with my friends, but it also helps in raising money and awareness for Movember and prostate cancer affecting men,” Regonini said. “I always participate in Movember/No Shave November and ’Stache Dash is a really cool way
to make it more than just growing facial hair.”Sophomore finance major Alyana Stokes
participated in ’Stache Dash last year and hopes to do so again this year.
Stokes said, “Overall it was a lot of fun. We had a good time trying to figure out the clues. They were unique and made you think outside of the box.”
Bartholomew expects to work out the kinks from last year to make this year a greater success.
“One of the failures from last year was the craziness of holding it for the first time, but it will run more smoothly this year,” Bartholomew said.
’Stache Dash is open to the whole campus. There is a small entrance fee per person and there will be prizes for the winning team.
“This event is for a good cause and will be a lot of fun. Who wouldn’t want to compete?” Bartholomew said.
Mercedes KelsoSTAFF WRITER
Campus unites to raise awareness for prostate cancer by scavenging with soup strainers.
Nick CampanaSeniorEnglish-Communication Arts
Pablo Cruz Jr.JuniorEnglish
Graphic by Amanda Cano
Justin Quiroz SeniorTheology
Chin Curtain
Boxed Beard
Jesus Style
DuckTail
Brian BuchmeyerSeniorMathematicsN
osh
ave
Mo
vem
ber
Pers
on
alit
ies
Sophmore Jacob Bartholome, organizes the annual ’stache dash, usually with an articfial mustache. Photo by Adriana Avila
features»11www.stmurattlernews.com
Made for you with pennies and love
Providing gifts for family and friends doesn’t mean draining students’ bank accounts or racking
up interest on a credit card. Making or buying something small and from the heart means a lot more than buying a generic gift that could be given to anybody.
Here are a few ideas to jumpstart the creative side of the brain that may have been fried while cramming this semester.
Whether on a budget or not, buying inexpensive gifts with a personalized touch can make others’ hearts melt during the cold, snowy season.
After all, it is always the thought, not the monetary value, that counts.
Vivian RodriguezSTAFF WRITER
Mason Jar
Batch of CookiesPhoto Album
Dream Catcher
SurviveFINALS
AttireDon’t wear overly comfortable clothes, like pajamas. If you are comfortable, you will be more prone to want to go to sleep sooner.
PostureSit up straight at a table. Do not study on a comfy lounge chair or on your bed.
Action PlanSwitch tasks every hour to avoid exhausting your brain on one subject. Often times, a break from a specific topic helps refresh one’s perspective on the subject.
BreaksTake 15 minute breaks, but do not use these breaks to take naps. Try stretching to keep you awake.
RejuvenateAlthough most people turn to caffeine to stay awake, the best thing to drink is water. Drinking water leads to consistent restroom breaks.
Graphic and Compilation by Amanda Cano
Study Hours During Finals WeekDec. 9 through Dec. 15
Day
Sun.
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Blume Library
1 p.m. to midnight
7:45 a.m. to midnight
7:45 a.m. to midnight
7:45 a.m. to midnight
7:45 a.m. to midnight
7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learning Commons
1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gift ideas that will melt hearts without freezing accounts.
Anyone can put a variety of gift ideas into a mason jar, which can be edible or inedible. Some people layer cake into a mason jar or an assortment of candy, a miniature flower arrangement or diorama of a shared memory.
A simple trip to the grocery store to pick up some mix and just about an hour of baking is all it takes to make someone’s day. And with some extra change, a trip to the dollar store or a craft supply store might yield a Christmas themed tin to put the goodies in. It’s from the heart, requires a personal touch of baking and it doesn’t cost too much money and it’s a unique gift that everyone will want a piece of.
A photo album filled with pictures of family and friends can go a long way. There are photo albums already designed that just require photos to be slid in, but there’s also scrapbooks where an extra crafty person can embellish pages with themed stickers and papers. Michael’s Arts and Crafts supply store has a large selection of scrapbook albums with easy to customize paper and personalized stickers to make that person feel extra special for a gift that isn’t too pricy, but is priceless.
For those who may be superstitious or even simply appreciate a cultural art form, a dream catcher is a great addition to someone’s decor. This will not only remind people that they’re safe at night from evil spirits, but it will also give them an incentive to be reminded of the care given to them.
Whether on a budget or not, buying inexpensive gifts with a personalized touch can make others hearts melt during the cold, snowy season.
Photos by Adriana Avila
12«entertainment www.stmurattlernews.com
Up next
Movies
The movie adaptation that has been in the minds of Tolkien fans for nine years finally delivers its first out of three installments. With the promise of a faithful recreation of the story, coupled with content from the appendixes of the novel, fans have much to look forward to. Tickets for the premiere weekend are already sold out at many locations.
Television
Dec. 14
Source: blogspot.com
Source: rottentomatoes.com
“The Hour” premiered under the guise of a newsroom drama set in the ’50s. Instead, it dazzled audiences with an espionage mystery, a far cry from the melodrama of “Mad Men.” The new season brings another mystery and an dynamic not as amicable between Freddie and Bel. The show returns to BBC America on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
The Hobbit
BBC’s The Hour
Nov. 28
Valerie DominguezCONTRIBUTING WRITER
Senior English-communication arts major Anndria Flores is a rising star in the University’s theatre program and is sure her experience with acting will help her pursue a varied career in hotel management and teaching.
Flores was born and raised in San Antonio surrounded by richness of culture in local theaters such as the Majestic Theatre. Flores’ family often took her to see plays, especially the Nutcracker during Christmas time. But theater has not always been a passion of hers.
“I was a little bit (too) timid to get involved with (theatre),” Flores admitted.
Flores first attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where she chose ballet as an elective because she felt more comfortable in it. But when Flores moved to West Campus High School, where theatre was her only choice, she participated in “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” and found great pleasure in reading scripts. Flores believes fate put theatre in her path and she found herself hooked.
“I started my freshman year and I was in theatre every year after that,” Flores said.
Though theatre became a part of her, Flores chose to attend St. Mary’s to pursue a career in hotel management. Her experience at the Embassy Suites Hotel was not all she had in mind, though. The more she moved up the
employee ladder, the more she grew wary of how her work schedule impacted her lifestyle.
“I quickly realized it was a 24-hour operation...you work crazy hours, period,” Flores said.
Flores adjusted her goals to accommodate what she feels matters most to her: friends and family.
“I’d like to teach communication or business administration,” she stated.
Although Flores has identified a variety of career paths, these have not satisfied her hunger for theatre. In addition to her plans as a professor, Flores chose to pursue a minor in theatre, adding a semester to her degree plan.
“It’s something I am very passionate about,” Flores said.
During her time here, Flores has participated in two productions including the recent production, “Hamlet.” Flores pointed out that playing Ophelia in “Hamlet” was especially difficult.
“A lot of the characters I played were the shy, timid character…I’ve never played a character where someone goes off the deep end. It was really hard for me to get to that mental state,” Flores said.
However challenging different roles can be, Flores loves theater and believes it can be the perfect creative outlet for anybody, whether it relates to their field of study or not. She says
that in every career, it’s important to be able to communicate with others.
“Theatre has allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin and to be quick on my feet; to not be afraid to interact with people,” Flores affirmed.
Amanda Marlyng Saldivar concentrates on finishing her painting for a class. Photo by Alex Diaz
Student Art ExhibitionsThe art department is accepting submissions from students enrolled in art courses for the fall 2012 student invitational exhibition.
Eligible submissions
Artwork will be on display in Blume library over the winter break.
• drawings, paintings, printmaking, photography and sculptural works.
• Nov. 28 - Dec.5• Charles Francis 23 (9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. or by
appointment)
Compiled by Danielle Saenz
From passion to success:theatre changes student
Deadlines
Anndria Flores directed a student one-act for the drama department on Nov. 16. Photo by Felix Arroyo
entertainment»13www.stmurattlernews.com
Google’s competitive answer to the iPhone, the Google Nexus 4 is already smashing records. The phone sold out in less than an hour on the online Google store. Besides having all high end technologies, the phone is the first to have an open source Android operational system. The best part: the Nexus 4 starts at only $299.
Until recently, Tim Burton’s “Pinocchio” was a project that not even the director thought would see the light of day, but it seems the movie is happening. Jane Goldman of “Kick-ass” fame is reportedly writing the screenplay. If rumors are true, Robert Downey Jr. will play Geppetto, a man who embarks on a journey to find his doll turned human boy. Despite the well-known names attached to the production, no film adaptations of “Pinocchio” have been well received in 72 years. Downey Jr. and Burton are leaping into a risky project and one can only hope they survive.
Apple better watch out!
Twilight Zone
Hearsay
New from Nintendo, just in time for holidaysStela KhuryENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Nintendo brings its A-game to the holiday shopping battleground with what might be the first of a new generation of video game consoles.
The WiiU, released Nov. 18, is a greatly anticipated upgrade to the widely successful Nintendo Wii, which lagged behind with technological specs compared to its counterparts including Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles.
The new Nintendo console is reported to be 50 percent more powerful than Sony’s PS3 and offers interesting gaming dynamics with the addition of the WiiU GamePad. The new main controller is tablet-shaped, yet surprisingly ergonomic, with basic gaming buttons plus a touchscreen used for in-game interactivity, such as accessing maps, items, reloading ammunition and even video chatting.
The WiiU may not be as revolutionary as its
predecessor, but it pushes for new game ideas and the reimagining of old formulas.
“Epic Mickey 2” is another of WiiU’s additions, which builds on its predecessor with a more stable camera and voice acting. The game also brings co-op play to the table so players can switch between characters to perform certain unique tasks. Multiplayer is also now available.
“Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed” is a simultaneous release with the PS3 and Xbox 360, but with extra features exclusive for the Nintendo console. The WiiU GamePad allows five player racing on split screen as
well as interactivity during races through the touchscreen, such as using boosts and items. On “Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed,” the gameplay does not differ from its previous installment, but it expands on the original game with new levels and crisper graphics.
The highly anticipated “ZombiU” is Nintendo’s attempt at appealing to serious gamers. The WiiU’s upgraded HD graphics and HDMI port allowed Nintendo to catch up to the competition in this first-person zombie shooting game with an interactive flare: players may customize a character with their own face, but if the player dies in-
game their character lives on as a
zombie who, when found and killed, p r o v i d e s s p e c i a l items. The multiplayer mode of “ZombiU” is one of a kind,
with both split screen and
online gaming available. The WiiU
GamePad adds to the multiplayer fun by allowing one of the players to assume the role of a zombie and go against the others.
“Nintendo Land,” the accompanying game with WiiU, allows players to experiment with the functionality of the GamePad through different entertaining minigames – a must-have for early adopters.
However, “Nintendo Land” only comes with the WiiU Deluxe bundle, which includes a 32GB memory and controller charging stands. It will retail for $349, a bargain for buyers considering the game itself is $60 and the WiiU Basic Bundle is $299.
Look for WiiU and its launch games anywhere game consoles are purchased.
RDJ as...Geppetto?The University of the Incarnate Word offers 20 graduate degrees, 4 professional and 2 doctoral programs.
UIW’s newest programs are:
• Master of Education with a concentration in Online Teaching & Training
• Master of Education with a concentration in Student Services in Higher Education
• Doctor of Business Administration (Pending SACSCOC approval)
Increase your earning potential at UIW
Come to our upcoming information session Thursday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the UIW International Conference Center Auditorium. RSVP by calling 210-829-6005 or online at UIW.edu/gradstudiesrsvp
Source: google.com
Source: listal.com
WiiU quick facts•Eighth generation home console
•8GB or 32GB internal memory
•HDMI audio and video output
•Nintendo Wii accessories compatible
•Basic bundle ($299), Deluxe bundle ($349)
Source: wired.com
The women’s basketball team was selected as the second place team in the Heartland Conference pre-season poll, behind Arkansas Forth-Smith, and is expected to excel further in the post-season than last year.
The team used the untimely end to last season as motivation for a 4-2 start this year with a recent win over Harding University 78-58 Saturday. Returning forward Morgan Pullins, a sophomore exercise and sport science major, had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.
“My goals as an individual are to get the team to that NCAA championship and to just do whatever I’m needed to do,” Pullins said.
Also returning is guard Jackie Woods, a junior exercise
and sport science major. Last season, she led the team in points, was named to the All-Heartland Conference First Team and was named the Heartland Conference Newcomer of the Year.
Woods takes the most pride in receiving Newcomer of the Year honors.
“That tells me that other teams acknowledge my abilities,” she said.
Woods continues to live up to her reputation this year, leading the team with 16 points against Incarnate Word despite the teams loss, 54-65.
“(Our goals are) to be first in conference and make it all the way to the elite eight for the chance to win a national championship,” Woods said.
players focus their individual goals into one singular team goal for victory, the team is sure to see nothing but
wins this upcoming conference season.“As a team I’d like to get to the Conference tournament,
win, get that ring, play back at home in the elite eight and go on to win the whole NCAA tournament,” Pullins said.
14«sports www.stmurattlernews.com
Team starts off season on up-side, record stands at 4-2WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Sara E. FloresSTAFF WRITER
WINNING THE TIP-OFF
Senior Felicia Jacobs looks to pass the ball into a teammate in a game against Cameron University Nov. 10. Photo by Sara E. Flores
The women’s basketball team is in action tonight as they play Tarleton State University at 7 p.m. in Bill Greehey Arena.
Admission is free with student ID.
Join the Rumba!
GAME TONIGHT
After 12 dedicated years of service, Charlie Migl will be stepping down from his role as athletic director at the end of the semester and
spending 100 percent of his time as the St. Mary’s baseball coach.
“I think it’s come to a time where (my) job is two full time jobs,” Migl said. “President Mengler and I had a conversation and we both came to the conclusion that I probably needed to do one or the other.”
During Migl’s time as athletic director, St. Mary’s received four of its six national championships – baseball in 2001, softball
in 2002, an individual golf championship in 2006 and an academic golf championship in 2009. Migl regards these championships as some of the greatest accomplishments for the athletic department.
“In the course of your career, it’s hard to win that last game,” Migl said. “It’s exciting because everyone who helped you is excited, the school is excited about it, the community is excited about it and it’s something that the players will have with them for the rest of their lives.”
Although Migl takes great pride in the championships achieved during his tenure as athletic director, he directs the accolades to the team coaches and the athletic staff as a whole.
“I was just here, I mean, I was just part of the deal,” Migl said. “A lot of people have to do a lot of things for all of that to happen, so
it wasn’t just me by any means.”Migl also takes pride in his athletes’
classroom performance. “Both academically and athletically, I
think we’ve done good things,” Migl said. “Winning the championships and then our athletes doing so well in school, that makes you feel good. “
In the search for a new athletic director, Migl hopes to see an inspired individual rise to the position.
“I think the biggest thing is that we get somebody in here who has a vision for what we want to do here at St. Mary’s,” Migl said. “Hopefully we can continue the success that we’ve had; making us the best Division II school that we possibly could be.”
sports»15www.stmurattlernews.com
RATTLER HOOPS SCHEDULENov. 28 - Jan. 12
WOMEN’S BASKETBALLDATE OPPONENT TIME
Compiled by Christina Faseler
Christina FaselerSPORTS EDITOR
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Coach Migl steps down from Athletic Director position
Photo courtesy of Sports and Information
FALL-OWJenna Paul named Heartland Freshman of the Year and selected for All-Conference Team.
Senior Emilie Snelson named to All-Conference Team. Seniors Leia Kirch, Annia Olivares, and Carolyn Martin and junior Leah Snelson named All-Conference Second Team.
Jack Wolf named Heartland Freshman of the Year and selected for All-Conference Team. Seniors Anthony Bustos and Aaron Stares selected for All-Conference Second Team.
Nov. 28Dec. 1Dec. 5Dec. 17Dec. 19Jan. 3Jan. 5Jan. 10Jan. 12
TarletonTexas A&M Intn’lTexas Woman’sSoutheastern OK StateEast CentralUTPBOK Panhandle StateArkansas-Fort SmithNewman
6 p.m.2 p.m.7 p.m.
5:30 p.m.4 p.m.
5:30 p.m.2 p.m.
5:30 p.m.2 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALLDATE OPPONENT TIMEDec. 1Dec. 4Dec. 8Dec. 18Dec. 19Jan. 3Jan. 5Jan. 10Jan. 12
Texas A&M Intern’lIncarnate WordDallas ChristianWest FloridaDruryTexas Permian BasinOK Panhandle StateArkansas-Fort SmithNewman
4 p.m.7:30 p.m.
2 p.m.11 p.m.9 p.m.
7:30 p.m.4 p.m.
7:30 p.m.4 p.m.
*Home games in bold.Home games played in Bill Greehey Area.
UP
Katy Migl (class of 2005) set the University’s volleyball record for digs in an individual match, digs in an individual season, digs per set average and career digs. She was also recognized as the Heartland Libero of the Year.
Tyler Migl finished his final season of eligibilty last summer with a trip to the College World Series and the American Baseball Coaches Association Golden Glove award.
Jason Migl will be starting off his career as a freshman on the Rattler baseball team this upcoming season.
MIGL
MIGL’S LEGACY CONTINUES
Migl’s children have left their own marks on St. Mary’s Athletics.
Quick facts:Olivares was selected to the Heartland All-Tournament Team after just one game in the tournament, and was also selected to the Heartland All-Conference Second Team.
When did you start playing soccer?I started playing soccer when I was in third grade. My school nurse was the one who introduced me to soccer and the first soccer team I was a part of. The name of my first soccer team was the Cheetahs.
Have you ever played any other sports besides soccer?Yes. I also played volleyball, basketball and ran track in high school.
What position do you play and why?I play center back. I have always played defense since I first started, but I’ve always been very versatile. I love playing anywhere on the field. When I first got here, our coach pretty much put me in any position on the field; I didn’t mind as long as I was playing. Defense was always my favorite position because it is what I’m used to and where my coach needed me most.
Why did you choose to play at St. Mary’s?I always wanted to come to St. Mary’s ever since I first heard of it. When I was in seventh grade, I played with an age 19 and under team. A lot of the girls were recruited to St. Mary’s and did really well here. From then on I was always determined to play for St. Mary’s. (That’s) what I did and I don’t regret it; it was the best choice I made both for athletics and academics.
How do you get along with your teammates?I get along with them really well. I consider all of them my sisters. They are the greatest group of girls I know.
Compiled by Sara Flores
Annia OlivaresSeniorForensic Science
THE HOT
16«sports www.stmurattlernews.com
Students workout body, minds for finalsStationary bike+ textbook
Sprints+ vocabulary
Vertical leg raises+ study materials
Oblique twists+ notecards
Static plank+ Novel
Freshman exercise and sport science major Jessica Rodriguez (right) and freshman psychology major Niobi Gottlieb (left) study their textbooks as they cycle to sucess in the classroom.
Joel John, a first-year law student, picks up a term on a notecard and sprints to the opposite end of the court to match it with its definition
Senior marketing major Allie Murray uses chapters instead of minutes to determine how long she holds her lower plank.
Jumior exercise and sport science major Kyle Bumpas gets his workout in while reviewing with his spotter.
Junior political science major Jim Schwen uses notecards instead of a medicine ball to reach from side to side.
Photos by Sara Flores and Christina FaselerCompiled by Danielle Saenz and Christina Faseler