‘LAS AMERICAS’ PAGE 10 ‘HAMLET’ PAGE 12 RATTLER MADNESS PAGE 15 >> www.stmurattlernews.com>w ww w w

With Halloween approaching, a tendency to be easily frightened can sneak up on people. Completely natural things, like the sound of a door creaking or the wind knocking something over, can be magnified into a paranormal experience and linger in people’s minds for days.

According to the University website, ground for the campus was broken Sept. 1894. With such an old campus, it is natural for ghost stories to surface. While there are some skeptics, others strongly believe in the supernatural world.

Joe Lucio, library services supervisor of the Blume Library and Cotrell Commons, has had many

supernatural occurrences while working here.

“I personally think only certain individuals are exposed to these types of experiences,” Lucio said.

When closing, Lucio walks the library floors after turning off the lights. One night, strange shadows caught his eye.

“I thought they were students but I didn’t see anyone. My hair stood up,” Lucio said.

He also explained that there are times when he pushes the chairs in and later finds them pulled out.

“I think it was the brothers from the cemetery,” Lucio joked.

Lucio has become used to these unusual experiences and just goes on with his day.

Visiting Lecturer of Art James Joffe began teaching on campus in 2002, and claims he has witnessed strange occurrences throughout the Charles Francis building. It is rumored the design art studio may have once been a chapel for the brothers and at one point, was a dormitory before it was remodeled into classrooms and offices in 2000.

“I, and another faculty member, have experienced the sensation, or feeling, of someone walking past our doorways when no one else is in the building,” Joffe said.

Joffe’s office is located on the top floor of the building. Late one night, he was in a rush to not get locked into the faculty parking lot.

Amanda CanoMANAGING EDITOR

A growing unofficial subculture has begun to make its way to the forefront of fitness-based recreation on campus. Skaters of all board type and size get to class in almost half the time with double the fun.

The skateboarder population has risen with the arrival of freshmen this semester.

“As a commuter who’s not naturally social, I think it’s cool that skating on my long board helps pass time between classes while also serving as a great ice-breaker,” freshemen biology major, Steven Ridgway said.

For skateboarders, a long board and a skateboard are entirely different. A long board is a longer

variant of the common skateboard and tends to be flat, while the classic skateboard has curvy geometry to better serve for tricks. The complex differences vary depending on the board model, which are engineered to better suit their intended uses

such as carving and downhill racing.Also commonly ridden on

campus are the lightweight and easy to cary “cruisers.” They are bit smaller than a typical skateboard and are usually made of sturdy plastic.

Skaters shred through University grounds Sara LaToulCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Increasing awareness

The Alpha Sigma Tau chapter at St. Mary’s is currently hosting Breast Cancer Awareness Week, a topic that hits close for one University professor, who notes that minority women are significantly more likely to die from the disease than Anglo women.

Breast Cancer Awareness Week began with a “Pink Out” mass Sunday evening, and will conclude Friday as Alpha Sigma Tau sends out prayers from the Quad. They will also be collecting donations for a local breast cancer research center at

their “Pretty in Pink” party tomorrow.

According to sophomore Eng lish-communication arts major Analissa Cantu, one of the event organizers, the chapter chose to support breast cancer awareness because it is a cause that most women seem to think that they don’t have to worry about until they are over the age of 40.

“Women don’t realize that breast cancer can hit at any age, and chances are many people here on campus either know someone who has or is battling breast cancer,” Cantu said.

Janet Frias CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Juniors Pablo Muniz and Claire Etter do a double take in the University Center. Photo by Felix Arroyo

see BOARDS page 11

see HAUNTINGS page 9

see AWARENESS page 4

Student skateboarders take a break from riding on the bridge next to Dougherty Hall. Photo by Sara LaToul

hauntings in the hallwaysVol. 100 Issue 9 October 17, 2012 A St. Mar y ’s University Publication Since 1925w w

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Contact UsThe RattlerSt. Mary’s UniversityOne Camino Santa Maria Box 83San Antonio, TX 78228Office: (210) 436-3401Visit Us: University Center Room 258Email: rattlernews@gmail.comWebsite: www.stmurattlernews.com

News in BriefSlither into the networkStudents in science, engineering and technology can connect with local, regional and national recruiters in UC-A, Thursday at 6 p.m. through Ready S.E.T. Connect.

Snake and bake at BaketoberfestBud Light and the St. Mary’s Alumni Association are hosting Baketoberfest starting at noon on Saturday. Proceeds fund student scholarships and University and alumni programs. Enjoy music from Roger Creager, Jonathan Tyler, Northern Lights, Jack Ingram and Texas Tornados.

Treat yourself to a scream or twoJoin the Residence Hall Association in celebrating Halloween with Boo Bash on Oct. 24, from 6-9 p.m. Residence Hall will be decorated as haunted houses for the community children who will be trick-or-treating on campus.

When the world bites the dustJoin the President’s Peace Commission on Oct. 30 between 9:45 a.m. and 1:50 p.m. to discuss the philisophical implications of end times. The first discourse revolves around the implications of the Mayan calendar.

Snakes, solute hisstoryThe community is invited to the dedication of the Cotrell Learning Commons on Friday, Oct. 26 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The dedication ceremony honors President Emeritus Charles E. Cotrell.

Police Blotter9.24.12Student in Founders possessed multiple knives; DOD contacted and knives confiscated; referred to Judicial Affairs.

9.27.12Non-student riding motorcycle in courtyard outside Flores Hall; argued with officers; county citation and Criminal Trespass Warning issued; escorted off campus.

9.28.12Employee arguing with spouse and pounding on roof of vehicle in Lot V; Parties separated; Aramark administration notified.

10.03.12Student attempted to drag student boyfriend through window at Chaminade Hall; Student slammed window down on girlfriend’s finger causing injury; DOD contacted; StMU Citations and No Contact orders issued to both students; Referred to Judicial Affairs.

Can’t get enough of these? For a full list of the blotter, visit the News section at:

www.stmurattlernews.com

Alicia Kozameh (left) and Carmen Tafolla (right) were gifted Brother Cletus’ paintings by Gwendolyn Diaz (center) during the Las Americas Letters event on Oct. 11. Photo by Emily Artalejo

University hosts latino literary activists

The University recently welcomed authors Carmen Tafolla, Alicia Kozameh and Paula Varsavsky to share how they have addressed human rights issues in their own writing at the 13th annual Las Americas Letters conference.

Attendees participated in writing workshops and panel presentations with the authors and were welcomed to listen to readings the authors gave from their own works.

“(Literature) brings humanity back. It’s easy to hide ourselves…but it’s hard to ignore human voice,” San Antonio Poet Laureate Carmen Tafolla said.

This is only the third year of the Las Americas Letters program. The program was initially called Las Latinas Letters, but expanded the program to include not just U.S. born Latino writers, but include writers from all over Latin America.

“What interests me most is that the Latino community can be included and be exposed to themes that might be unknown to them such as political situations in Latin American countries which are sometimes not addressed by the United States,” Tafolla said.

“So many times we think that human right abuses are things that happen to

other people in other places and I just thought that it was important to bring to our campus, a broad array of ways that our human rights can be chipped away on a daily basis,” Gwendolyn Diaz, conference director and professor of English, said.

On Oct. 11, Tafolla discussed the importance of the sanctity of human life and the power that literature has for human rights as well as the importance of multicultural education

“If we don’t receive an education, it’s hard to realize our potential. And we’re born with such gifts that are needed in our world. A multicultural education teaches people to respect who they are,” Tafolla said. “People have to learn to respect differences because there’s no such thing as a society where everybody is the same.”

For Argentinian novelist and former political prisoner Alicia Kozameh, the conference was an opportunity to share the importance of human rights with the Latino community of San Antonio.

“We advocate for human rights because there is injustice, because there is a lack of respect for human rights throughout the world,” Kozameh said. “Otherwise, the theme wouldn’t exist. The theme exists because of the absence of justice. We must demand what we don’t have.”

Argentinian author Paula Varsavsky participated in the conference to help students grow with their writing.

“It’s like that old phrase, talk to me about your town and you’ll talk to me about the world,” Varsavsky said. “There is a universal idea of human rights, but each single story of human rights opens the eyes of the students.”

Sophomore English-communication arts and psychology major Sammantha Rodriguez attended the readings on Oct. 12 and learned the importance of self-expression in writing.

“Writing is not just to state the facts, but to state your feelings because in the end, when you leave this world, your literature is what you’re going to leave behind,” Rodriguez said. “We can be an influence for the future.”

Azhmir AcostaSTAFF WRITER

Fast Facts About Authorso Carmen Tafolla: renowned internationally; recently named Poet Laureate of San Antonio.o Alicia Kozameh: detained as a political prisoner in Argentine, 1978.o Paula Varsavsky: critics coined her novel “No One Said a Word” the “Argentinian Catcher in the Rye.”Source: carmentafolla.com and wingpress.com

news»3www.stmurattlernews.com

Roni VowelsCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Software benefits student performance

A new software program in St. Mary’s classrooms appears to be improving student learning, making better use of professors’ time, evening out variation in students’ performance and giving foreign students new chances to succeed.

The software, Camtasia Relay, captures classroom audio, video or both as recorded on an instructor’s personal computer, enabling students to replay moments in class they may have missed or not understood.

Teresa Van Hoy, associate professor of history, uses Camtasia Relay on her iPhone to record her lectures.

“Absent students can catch what they’ve missed. Students can hear their own performances. Online summer students can hear tutorials offered ‘live,’” she said. “(The students) feel less pressure to take notes, especially on final paper writing tutorials, because they know they can go back and hear again any part they missed.”

Through an Alkek Foundation grant, the Bill Greehey School of Business acquired Camtasia Relay.

After downloading the software, users can record lectures, presentations, step-by-step processes or other items. Once recorded, the software automatically sends the recording to the iTunes U course page, which students can access any time through Blackboard.

After its implementation in May 2011, Camtasia Relay had a one-year trial in the business school. It is now used to accomplish a variety of course goals, such as fostering a greater understanding and coherent application of course concepts through recorded lectures, as well as encouraging more class discussion.

This allows increased understanding and focus on course concepts during class time, according to Jeff Schomburg, director of the Center for Instructional Technology.

Arturo Vega, associate professor of political science, said he uses Camtasia Relay in his graduate research course as a supplement to the lectures and instruction to SPSS, a social science research software. Using Camtasia, he records step-by-step tutorials on SPSS and then posts them for his students to refer to outside of class.

“I can understand what we are actually doing in the assignments, ” Elizabeth Rodriguez, one of Vega’s graduate students, said.

Besides enabling a greater understanding of the course material, Rodriguez said using the tool has motivated her and her classmates to engage more in class discussion.

“This tool has made me feel more confident because I have a way to see if I’m on the right track or not. If I wasn’t grasping a concept and the professor’s instruction did not help, I would be able to reference where I lost understanding,” graduate student Aaron Perez said. “This tool helps me to be able to understand and then, in turn, explain it to other classmates.”

Patricia Britton, adjunct professor of accounting, said she uses Camtasia Relay to demonstrate lengthy accounting processes carried out using Excel, such as building income statements, balance sheets and pages showing owners’ assets, liability and equity.

Britton said she’s observed an increase in student progress on a particular project, most of which she attributes to use of the software.

“When I first assigned the project, in which students set up and complete an entire accounting cycle in Excel, only 30 to 40 percent of the students were able to complete every sheet,” Britton said.

After Britton implemented Camtasia, project completion and quality increased.

“Ninety percent of the students were able to complete and link all of the spreadsheets and most of the students derived the correct net income. Three of the 17 students had a perfect project with every cell properly referenced.”

The tool has been especially important for students who were struggling with assignments, Britton said, specifically for international students who combat with the language as well as the material. Such students were able to take as much time outside of class as they needed to decipher the language while reviewing the material

Download the St. Mary’s app through iTunes or browse iTunes U for lectures presented by St. Mary’s faculty as well as other universities’ lectures.

lithering statistics

“Garni Hall was built in the 1950s and is constructed of concrete. During the Cold War, some basements on the campus were identified as fallout shelters and marked as such, as was the common practice at the time. They no longer would be used in that way, and there is no general access to the Garni basement area. Since the sign serves no purpose, it will be removed to prevent confusion, as will any other similar signs remaining on campus.”

Gina FarrellDirector of Media Relations

B U R N I N G

Is there a fallout shelter in Garni Hall in use today?

Graduate student Carlos Quesada reviews class material recorded using Camtasia Relay. Photo illustration by Felix Aroyo

1,477Total occupancy

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12 residence halls

2halls atcapacity

7halls overcapacity

3halls undercapacity

vs.

AD, AF, CH, CR, FL, JD, LO HJL, MA TR, FN, DO

Graphic by Adriana Avila

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Within five years of diagnosis, minority women are nearly three times more likely to die of breast cancer than white women, according to associate professor of history Teresa Van Hoy.

Forty percent of minority women diagnosed with the disease do not survive to the fifth year after detection, compared to 15 percent of Anglo women, according to Van Hoy. The difference in survival depends on who can afford and access early detection—a disparity that is addressed under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

“Only in the military do women of color (have) the same excellent survival rate as Anglo women,” Van Hoy said. “That’s because of the excellent medical care and early and regular screening that they have in the military. So somehow we are failing our civilian women, and they are dying at a much higher rate.”

The disparity is evident every day to

Francisco Garcia of American Medical Response, who transports patients to local hospitals.

“We transport more white women with breast cancer than we do Hispanic women, and we rarely transport women of color,” Garcia said. “I think that Hispanic women are more reluctant to seek treatment for fear of the costs, because most don’t have health insurance.”

The breast cancer mortality rate is higher for minority women, Van Hoy said, because of a lack of health promotion and awareness in their communities, opportunities to acquire health insurance and time and resources to get mammogram screenings.

“Early detection saves lives. It’s so much cheaper for patients, for the community and for the insurance companies to pay for the screenings than for the cut, burn and poison (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy),” she said.

In addition, the survival rate of a breast cancer patient can go up to 93 percent if cancer is detected early enough, according to

the American Cancer Society. Van Hoy said Americans must assure

that race is not correlated with breast cancer mortality, and not so badly split between women of privilege and women in poverty. Americans must also take steps to encourage working class people to get regular checkups.

Another obstacle to breast cancer prevention for women, Van Hoy said, is simply business. Many women cannot afford to miss work to go get checked. Doing it on their own time also presents a problem, because many women with children often don’t have childcare. Van Hoy suggested daycare at the doctor’s office and paid time-off for female workers to get annual checkups as possible solutions. She also suggested that businesses declare a “National Get-a-Mammogram Day.”

“When ill health no longer correlates highly with poverty or race, then maybe we’re done,” she said.

Van Hoy was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 in February 2002, and is a proud survivor.

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 twendorf@sm-usa.orgor 314.533.1207 or visit www.marianist.com/vocations

WearRingStMaryAd_Oct2012_Layout 1 9/24/12 11:46 AM Page 1

Sports facilities construction continues with second phase of the master plan, according to Aaron Hanna, director of outdoor athletics complex planning.

Phase one finished in 2001 with the construction of the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center.

“The new Sports Complex will provide ...renovations to the baseball field and construction of new baseball facilities, additional tennis courts, two soccer fields and two softball fields,” Hanna said.

Softball player Nicole Sardelich, a sophomore exercise and sport science major, looks forward to completion of the sports complex.

“It will look like what a college level field is supposed to look like,” Sardelich said. “Ever since they recruited me, I have been excited to play in the sports complex.”

Basketball player Moses Sundufu, a senior exercise and sport science major, projected an attendance increase.

“It will be good for our athletes because a lot more people will attend the games. It will bring the teams more supporters,” Sundufu said.

Although the sports facilities are primarily for University use, Hanna affirmed that upgrades should attract even more NCAA Division II championships and tournaments, showcasing the University, the community and Bexar County.

“St. Mary’s is contributing $9.5 million, with an additional $6 million grant from Bexar County’s Community Venues Program,” Hanna said. “We will also continue to make the fields available to high schools and other organized athletic teams.”

Intramurals coordinator Leah Bowen noted that flag football and slow pitch softball were affected this semester, but only outdoor soccer will be affected next semester.

“They will be played as soon as the outdoor sports complex is complete.” Bowen said. “We will have an intramural field designated to us, plus we will have the option of having a lighted field so we can get more games in during the evening hours.”

Hanna indicated that the community would be invited to the opening ceremony that is scheduled to take place in 2014.

AWARENESSfrom cover

Athletic complex progressesCatharine Trevino and Alex EakinsSTAFF WRITER AND NEWS EDITOR

Residence hall Wi-Fi update

Compiled by Alex Eakins

According to Louisa Martin, education technology research manager and planner for St. Mary’s Information Technology Services, and James Villarreal, director of residence life, the University tested a new wi-fi provider which could potentially be implemented in residence halls.

Villarreal indicated that Residence Life has wanted to add Wi-Fi to rooms in residence halls for a long time, but budget restraints have prevented the measure.

Visit stmurattlernews.com for the full article.

Remaining EventsInformation/Fundraiser TableThu., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.University Center Atrium

Pretty in Pink PartyThu., 6 p.m. Outdoor Amphitheater

Quad PrayerFri., 11:10 a.m. Quad

ink-tober October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month. Find out ways you can participate and contribute both on campus and around San Antonio.

Alpha Sigma Tau sisters (From left to right: sophomores Analissa Cantu, Amalia Gonzalez, Tania Pena and senior Julia Samaniego) promote Breast Cancer Awareness. Photo by Vivian Rodriguez

venom»5www.stmurattlernews.com Running through the veins of campus...

Paint the Parkway PinkSat., 8 a.m.

North Central Baptist Hospital

5K run/walk, 1-mile family walk and kids fun run.

Post-race health fair and awards ceremony.

SGA Pub NightThu., 9 p.m.St. Mary’s Cafeteria

Student Government Association is hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness themed Pub Night. Wear Pink.

Pink Chihuahua CocktailThrough Oct. 31Taigo’s Cabo Grille

$1 of each ‘Pink Chihuahua’ drink purchased will be donated to Komen San Antonio affiliate through the end of October.

Source: www.painttheparkwaypink.com

Source: www.tiagoscabogrille.com

Graphic courtesy of Marianna Villarreal8O N EOUT OFWOMEN IN THE U.S.will developBREAST cancer

The likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age.

One of every 100 breast cancer cases occur in a man.

The best defense against breast cancer is to get frequent mammograms and clinical breast exams.

White women are more likely to get breast cancer than any other ethnic group, however African American women are more likey to die from it.

Only 5 to10 percent of all breast cancer cases occur because of inherited mutations.

Sororities promote Breast Cancer awareness

Beta Sigma Phi sorority is selling T-shirts (above) for $10. Orders will be placed Friday, Oct. 19. Contact Beta Sigma Phi for more information. Photo courtesy of Beta Sigma Phi sorority

Compiled by Adriana Avila

Source: www.komen.org

Professor of physics at Yale Un ivers i t y Meg Urry, the first chairwoman

of the department of physics at Yale, presented an interesting riddle in a recent CNN article, “Why bias holds women back.”

“A man and his son are in a serious car accident. The man dies on the spot, and the son is rushed to the hospital. Upon entering the operating room, the surgeon says, ‘I can’t operate on this boy; he’s my son.’”

When presented with this riddle, many listeners cannot understand how this is possible — had the father not just passed away in the car crash? The reality is that the surgeon is not the deceased father — it is the mother of the son. The riddle illustrates how the majority of people automatically assume the surgeon in the riddle is a male,

an interesting comment on how women continue to be viewed in the sciences.

The overlooked answer to the riddle highlights how society as a whole tends to be bias when accrediting a position in the sciences or medical fields primarily to males. It also points to a possible cause to why the female population in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is still drastically lower than the male population. Even with women outnumbering men on college campuses, females constitute fewer than 12 percent of working physicists and engineers, according to the same CNN article.

One of the typical answers researchers give as why women are a minority in the STEM fields is family priorities. Nonetheless, Urry believes that family priorites are not to blame because it does not take into consideration the females in

the STEM fields who chose not to have a family. Urry believes the problem remains in the bias towards males in the STEM fields.

Even though the University is merely one among thousands of educational institutions in the country, it’s an honor to attend a school which Forbes Magazine ranked 15th in the nation and first in Texas for helping women succeed in STEM fields. It is important to remember that we are in the minority

in terms of encouragement and acceptance of women in STEM fields in the nation. Female science majors should have nothing but pride in the University’s continued efforts to include and provide exceptional educational opportunities to women in the STEM fields. Not only does it show St. Mary’s dedication to its female students, but it exemplifies Lao Tzu’s memorable quote: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Since 2011, Texas has severely cut funding to family planning with the budget significantly slashed from $111.5 million to $37.9 million. There has even

been speculation that the dramatic cuts were made by conservative lawmakers to try and weaken clinics who provide abortions, such as Planned Parenthood.

According to a San Antonio Express-News report, four San Antonio clinics that received state funding lost their entire $680,000 budget. Fortunately, none of these clinics have had to close or reduce their hours, thanks in large part to private donors.

While the purpose intended for the

budget cuts has had little to no effect on some clinics, other clinics in the city were greatly affected. The Express-News reported the number of people treated annually at University Health System clinics has dropped from 10,000 to only 5,000 since 2011. Consequently, since reducing the budget for state family planning funds, many of the clinics in the system have had to close. Fewer clinics means less women will be able to get appropriate care and testing they need, including pap smears, access to contraception, pregnancy testing and prenatal care.

These clinics are designed to help low-income women and students; without them, many women may go without essential health services .

Numerous clinics fortunate enough to remain open still suffer from reduced hours and services. Even worse, some clinics have gone so far as to implement a waiting list to receive birth control or be seen by a doctor. This all means hundreds, maybe thousands, of women will be put at a higher risk of disease, unwanted pregnancy and cervical or ovarian cancer.

These budget cuts have done a great deal of harm to the low-income and young female population of San Antonio. If clinics in the University Health System are forced to close due to budget cuts, the health of San Antonio women will be endangered, all to prove an inane point in the fight against access to abortion.

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 rattlernews@gmail.com.

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

DanielleSaenz

LilIanaEspinoza

STAFF EDITORIAL

As temperatures begin to drop, people are preparing for the most anticipated time of the year—the holiday season. Though on the surface, the season may seem harmless, the religious connotation of many of these holidays can cause complications.

With Halloween just around the corner, many are trying to think of cool costume ideas and planning parties, but it is important to remember that not everyone celebrates Halloween. It is essential to remain respectful of everyone, and be mindful that, because of religious or other reasons, people may not be comfortable joining in the Halloween fun.

Christmas may be more complicated, with the inherent religious connotation it comes with. While individuals who share a Christian conviction can be comfortable sharing in their faith, there are others who do not share these beliefs. Friends of the Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, agnostic or atheist beliefs all deserve equal respect and should be treated with upmost sensitivity.

Equally important to Christmas is Hanukkah, where followers of Judaism celebrate family and their heritage. Just after Christmas, Kwanza, an African American celebration of family, begins.

It is critical to take a moment to remember those who may perceive the holiday season in a different way. Tolerance and respect is key.

Math, tech, engineering weak for women

Budget cuts reduce services for women

Holiday respect

Illustration by Ana Cano

Each year, Ha l l owe en brings about major issues of political correctness. Ever y thing

ranging from advertisements for haunted houses to costume choices can come under major scrutiny.

A prime example is the newest video for one of San Antonio’s popular fall attractions, 13th Floor Haunted House. The video depicts a creepy man breathing heavily while feverishly searching Facebook for users’ pictures. He prints out one picture and hangs it on a clothesline filled with dozens of Polaroids of other profile pictures. A quick check to his phone reveals the haunted house opens in five minutes, and the disguised man departs for his job at the 13th Floor.

The idea of an actual murderer waiting for

unsuspecting victims at 13th Floor is chilling, upsetting and just plain scary, but instilling the fear of fictional murderers is simply a traditional part of Halloween. The video, while not necessarily offensive, is a great way to scare off potential customers.

Along with the bothersome video, people can only imagine the amount of tasteless Halloween costumes set to be worn this year. With the upcoming presidential election, the candidates are likely targets of criticism. Expect to see Obamas with placards that read, “Hand over your candy so I can redistribute it,” or even pictures of Romney shaking a fist at Big Bird. Incidentally, since his comments about cutting funding for PBS, Big Bird costumes have seen a dramatic increase in sales, according to CNBC.

Suggestions for offensive costumes are also widely

circulating on the Internet. Dozens of sites offer instructions for creating a zombie Muammar Gaddafi costume, the recently deceased dictator of Libya.

Possibly the most offensive mask available is the realistic rendering of James Holmes, better known as the “Aurora Killer,” who opened fire in a dark theatre and killed 12 people. The costume is unbelievably life-like, complete with pasty skin, bulging eyes and a

mess of bright orange hair. According to an ABC report, eBay removed the listing and issued this statement: “eBay does not allow listings that attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering.”

Halloween should be fun, and while the declaration one makes with costumes may not always be politically correct, there is no excuse for joking about tragedies. For this Halloween, get creative, but don’t rely on shock value. Stay classy, St. Mary’s.

With the election less than a month away, a myriad of important issues are being discussed at length. One significant matter, which has received little focus on the national stage, however, is the Supreme Court. The ability

for presidents to appoint federal justices, with Congressional approval, is a key part of their executive power.

Unique to any other official of our federal government, justices of the Court serve life terms, as long as they remain in “good behavior.” This reflects how the legacy of a president can last significantly longer than the four or eight years they serve in the oval office. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt provides a prime example: after chastising a conservative-leaning court for overturning many of his New Deal policies, FDR made eight justice appointments, transforming it to a significantly left-leaning court. Two of his appointees remained on the Court until the 1970s, years after the end of FDR’s term.

According to a CNN report, many analysts believe the next elected president may have the opportunity to appoint anywhere from one to three new justices — the elderly associate justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, appointed in 1993 by Bill Clinton, is currently battling cancer and is a probable contender to step down. Obama has emphasized the importance of empathy in the judicial philosophy of his candidates, while Romney has been quoted as saying he would look to appoint candidates in a similar judicial mold as Chief Justice John Roberts.

Either candidate could infiltrate the court with enough appointees to tip the current delicate balance to either the right or left; associate justice Anthony Kennedy, generally cast in the role of the swing vote on major cases, tends to lean more towards the conservative. Obama has made two appointments thus far—associate justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan—both who are already important figures for the liberal branch.

In upcoming years, the court will most likely hear cases that deal with important and contentious issues of our day — voting laws, same-sex marriage and recurring issues like abortion and affirmative action. The possibilities for court nominees by the next president are an important factor to consider when casting your ballot.

commentary»7www.stmurattlernews.com

BrianaPerez

Presidents leave their legacy on the Court bench

Illustration by Ana Cano

Murder and mayhem nothing to laugh at

EmilyArtalejo

Senior Justin Patterson looks at a mask of President Barack Obama at a

local Halloween Spirit store. Photo by Felix Arroyo

A poll conducted by CNN reports illegal immigration as the second of the top five foreign policy concerns. With President Barack Obama and Republican

candidate Mitt Romney battling it out for the presidency, some say that ultimately, the election will come down to the Latino vote in swing states. Since one of the most contentious issues facing the nominees is illegal immigration, there is no question why there is so much talk about the Latino vote.

Current figures from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement report that in 42 months, the Obama administration has deported 57 percent more people per month than the Bush

administration. It has been suggested that this increased figure is due to an increase in the total illegal immigrant population, but according to the Department of Homeland Security, immigrant populations have remained relatively static since 2005.

Besides deportation, the Dream Act, a bill that provides a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. at a young age, is also a central concern of many Latino voters.

President Obama’s support of the Dream Act, along with his proposed two-year work permit and deferral of deportation programs, means the possibility for many illegal immigrants to gain citizenship seems much higher under the Obama administration than it would be if Romney won. Romney has

been quoted as saying he would veto the Dream Act if it is passed by Congress.

In addition, Latino populations are traditionally Christian, and the two candidates have very different stances on divisive social issues like abortion and gay marriage; both issues that clash with general Christian ideologies.

It is clear that there are two very distinct directions for Latino voters to choose. Now more than ever, there is a need for the 23.7 million eligible Latino voters to actually get out and vote.

Dulce Matuz, one of Time’s 100 most influential people and president of the Arizona Dream Act Coalition, couldn’t have articulated this need better.

“We’ve made the beds, we’ve mowed the lawn, we’ve picked up the trash — now its time we pick our president.”

TamaraGarcia

Latino voters essential in Nov. 6 election

Brother in the AtticFor most people, it doesn’t take long after joining the community to hear

stories about St. Louis Hall. “The story goes that a brother used to work out in the attic of St.

Louis Hall. One day, he ended up slipping and breaking his neck.” senior

criminal justice major Hilda Ortiz said. Ortiz has been told that you can still see him working out before

nightfall.Another version of the story Ortiz has heard is how the brother’s

ghost can be seen at midnight. “Once, I almost stood out with friends waiting, but we kind of chickened

out and left ten minutes before midnight,” Ortiz said. Exorcisms at St. Mary’s Residence Halls

Sophomore biology major Alicia Miller has heard not one, but two stories

about exorcisms in residence halls. “My friend moved into Adele and they actually had to warn her about

an exorcism happening in her room,” said Miller. “They simply said they

had to inform her about it, but for her not to worry about it, that it

really wasn’t like the movies. But then again, an exorcism is an exorcism.”

Although some students would agree that Treadaway simply looks creepy,

junior business major Adrian Zamarripa has a reason for believing it is

creepy.“There was an exorcism in Treadaway,” Zamarripa said. “The

environment in there is just freaky in general, but on the third f loor,

things get weirder.”Zamarripa explained how people say there’s a room that’s closed in the

hall and believe that’s where the exorcism happened.

Center of Terror

Despite how ne

w the Universit

y Center seem

s,

there are many rum

ors about haun

tings in the

building. Accor

ding to UC Sta

ff Member Pilar

Resendez, abou

t ten years ago

, a man had a heart

attack on the s

econd floor an

d fell over the

rail to

the f irst f loor

. Paramedics sh

owed up and no

one

was able to re

vive the young

man.

“Ever since th

en, we’ve been

hearing noises

around that ar

ea,” Pilar said

. “Sometimes he comes

near Kathy Sis

oian’s off ice.”

Freshman polit

ical science major Al

exis Arriaga

work-studies a

t the UC and h

as heard rumors

about a lady w

ho worked in th

e Residence Lif

e

Off ice dying. O

ne Sunday, at m

idnight, Arria

ga was

closing with a

friend, and th

ere were no m

anagers

or faculty in t

he building. The two

students heard

whistling and t

he lights start

ed f lickering.

“We started turn

ing off all the

lights and head

ed

toward the do

ors,” Arriaga

said.

Usually, the do

ors close very

smoothly, but this

time, Arriaga sai

d the doors we

re shaking rea

lly

loud.

Fabricated Fable from the FireThere used to be a portrait of a girl in the

basement of Chaminade Hall. Residents of the

hall have claimed to see the girl walking the halls

at one point or another. The ones who saw her

would tell others that she died in the fire, but

senior criminal justice major Hilda Ortiz, who

also works in the Off ice of Admissions, set the

story about Chaminade Hall straight.

“Since Chami did burn down at one point, it

seems so believable that we would have a ghost.

But no one did die. They just made her up,”

Ortiz explained.

unexplainable phenomenaChildre

n in the Grave

yard

Class of 2012 a

lumni Veronica Lu

na remembers w

alking

towards the ce

metery in the m

iddle of the nig

ht her

freshmen year

.

“The big wind ch

ime would not make noi

se unless we w

ould

walk toward i

t. When we would w

alk away, it wo

uld stop

making noise,” L

una explained.

One day, she w

as walking tow

ard it with he

r friends

around 3 a.m.

“We heard little c

hildren laughin

g from what s

eemed like

the bushes and

no one was th

ere. We ran a

ll the way back

to

Marian,” she sa

id.

Seniors Alexandra Chow and Jessica Aranda run past the Marianist Cemetary.

Exercise equipment still hangs in the attic

of St. Louis Hall.

from coverHAUNTINGS“As I was grading, it seemed like someone walked past my open off ice

door,” Joffe explained. “I thought I heard footsteps, but really only glimpsed a shadow going by as I looked up.” Hurrying from his desk to both stairwell doors, Joffe saw no one.

“As I sat back down, I felt a cold sensation roll up my body and felt a shadow go by my doorway again back the other way,” Joffe recalls. “I did not think twice. I got my bag and keys and sprang out my off ice.”

Joffe experienced another strange occurrence during an evening design class several years ago. Two students took their portable light table into another studio classroom

to trace some pattern designs. In order to use the light tables, the studio lights had to be turned off to see the designs on the light table. Toward the end of class, a metal banging noise from the studio where the two students were was heard. Joffe asked the students if they had knocked something over, but the students said a metal paint can popped off the top of one of the large storage cabinets. “I went in to check, but f irst turned on the lights, and saw an empty

metal paint can that we use for still-life drawing on the f loor,” Joffe said. “I looked at the top where it had been and thought ‘what could cause this paint can to move six inches to the ledge ... and fall to the f loor?’”

The fear in the two students’ eyes convinced him that they were not playing a trick on him. “I don’t know, it is strange and I guess it could be scary if you let it,”

Joffe said. “To me, it is an interesting unexplainable phenomena that could be just overactive imaginations.”

Knock, knock, who’s there?

As a freshmen, junior business management major

Vanessa Garcia lived in Lourdes Hall.

“It sounded like someone would unlo

ck the door, but

when we would look, no one w

as coming in,” said Garcia.

She also recalls things like her printer turning on in

the middle of the night.

According to sophomore biology major Alicia Miller,

there are also rumors that some students have seen the

ghost of a girl walking down the hall.

Fabricated Fable from the FireThere used to be a portrait of a girl in the

basement of Chaminade Hall. Residents of the

hall have claimed to see the girl walking the halls

at one point or another. The ones who saw her

would tell others that she died in the fire, but

senior criminal justice major Hilda Ortiz, who

also works in the Off ice of Admissions, set the

story about Chaminade Hall straight.

“Since Chami did burn down at one point, it

seems so believable that we would have a ghost.

But no one did die. They just made her up,”

Ortiz explained.

unexplainable phenomena

Senior Valeria Villaseñor peeks outside

her room door.

Graphic by Carla Rodriguez; Photos by Carla Rodriguez

Compiled by Amanda Cano;

10«features www.stmurattlernews.com

Senior Linda De la Torre-Alva, junior Holly Garwood, junior Natalie Trinidad and junior Cassandra Antell dress up as The Plastics from “Mean Girls.” Photos by Adriana Avila; graphic by Amanda Cano

Senior Marquielle Orwat shows off her tough side as Katniss from “The Hunger Games.” Photo by Adriana Avila

Senior Isaac Morales party rocks like LMFAO. Photo by Adriana Avila; graphic by Amanda Cano

Sophomore Otto Jimenez is the walking dead. Photo by Adriana Avila; graphic by Amanda Cano

Skip the store, style yourself

As Halloween creeps up, the need for a killer costume deosn’t mean students have to resort to eating ramen noodles until Thanksgiving.

Whether it’s fun, scary or a little bit spicy, here are some simple costume ideas that can be created from what’s already in the closet.

LMFAOFor those who are sexy and they know

it, there’s no way this party rocking costume can go wrong. Flaunt those tight pants, cut off a funny shirt and put those trendy nerdy glasses to use. For those who

are feeling super sexy, try the “no shoes, no shirt” look LMFAO sings about.

Katniss EverdeenAlthough getting crafty to create a

bow and arrow might take a little extra work, the tough Katniss look is easy to pull off. Girls can dig into their fall wardrobe a little early and throw on their favorite layers. The most esssential part to this costume is the bold black boots.

Mean GirlsIn honor of National Mean Girls Day

on Oct. 3, girls get the ultimate excuse to dress like their favorite Plastic. Whether it’s with an oversized pink polo shirt or tiny little skirts, don’t forget the most important rule: Halloween lands on a Wednesday this year, and on Wednesdays,

“We wear pink!”

ZombieWith the rumored apocalypse nearing,

one of the most popular costumes this year is the zombie. The best part is the ability to use the clothes that are just taking up space in the closet. Throw pants in a little mud and find a worn out shirt to stain with fake blood, and the wardrobe will be complete once they are torn a little. Finally, smear some white and red paint over the face, and go frighten people like the walking dead.

These are just a handful of simple but eye-catching costumes for this Halloween. The key is to keep things simple, using the avaliable wardrobe wisely and trying to avoid expensive accessories.

Amanda Cano and Nick CanedoMAANAGING EDITOR AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Costume ideas that won’t break the bank.

PHOTO POLLQ: What costume do you think will be the most

popular this Halloween season?

“I think Iron Man is the big hit

among males.”

Kristen Burress Senior

Music and History

“I think the political figures

due to the election.”

Alfonso PachecoJunior

Politcal Science

“I think girls will be Katniss due to

all the hype of ‘The Hunger Games.’”

Amber Anderson Senior

History

“I think a zombie because of the

world ending this year.”

Bonita Babu Junior

Criminology

“I think the most popular would be

Mean Girls.”

Emma SalazarJunior

Political Science

features»11www.stmurattlernews.com

Student poll highlights rises in stress

Amanda CanoMANAGING EDITOR

It’s no secret that the average college student will experience stress at some point during their academic life, but a poll taken by 112 campus students shows that factors causing students stress are more varied than in years past.

With the downturn of the economy, students are now compelled to be competitive after they graduate by means of internships or jobs related to their field of study in order to have the experience necessary to give them an edge. In fact, 49 percent of students polled agreed career related issues were a source of major stress, making it the fourth largest source of campus stress. Academics ranked at 91 percent, finances at 61 percent and sleep difficulties at 51 percent.

The large number of students worried about their finances reveals a problem greater than just a need

for cash: many are responsible for supporting themselves, or at least responsible enough to make sure they have enough money to pay for their schooling and their living expenses. The result is full-time students with part-time jobs.

Nate Roberts, a freshman engineering science major, works as a firefighter and is usually asked to work during weekends. However, it isn’t rare for him to be called in on school nights.

“Even weeks where I only work weekends are tough because it’s hard to find time to do whatever work I have over the weekend,” Roberts said.

What’s worse is how an unexpected weeknight call interrupts Roberts studies and sleep. Unfortunately, stories like Roberts’ are far from rare, and with students stretching themselves so thin, it’s surprising a mere 51 percent of students stress about sleep

difficulties.Thankfully, the Student

Psychological and Testing Services (SPATS) offers to see students to help them with stress management.

“We encourage students to utilize our services to become calmer, more productive people,” Barbara Hardin, director and licensed clinical psychologist of SPATS, said.

The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. During these hours, students can drop by to set up their initial appointment, or intake.

“It is designed to help us figure out what the best course of action would be for a particular student,” Hardin said.

Alternately, students can call SPATS at 436-3135 or stop during walk-in hours on Tuesdays to be seen without an appointment.

Since stress is an unavoidable part of a student’s life, one should always seek help when needed.

“Long boards are cool and everything, but there’s nothing like the feeling of almost dying I experience every time I pop a trick on my skateboard,” Cory Weatherly, a junior exercise and sport science major, said.

Weatherly admits to various broken bones and most recently, pulled a screw out of the sole of his shoe.

“Just the hazards of doing what I love,” Weatherly said.

At least six known cases of major injury due to skateboarding have occurred this semester, but despite the risk, the sense of community offered through skateboarding at the University for both men and women is something to marvel at.

As it stands right now, the student-ran Facebook group, “STMU LONGBOARDING,” and irregular meet-ups on and off campus are about as official as it

gets for the skating Rattlers. With growing interest and publicity, hopefully the campus board crew will gather a larger crowd to ollie and grind with.

Though his current career consists of him being a band director at a local middle school, class of 2011 alumnus Bobby Baiza also spends time as a ghost hunter with the Russell Rush Haunted Tour.

After being hired by Mix 96.1 radio station shortly after his 2007 internship, Baiza got involved with Rush’s idea of investigating haunted areas, according to the Russell Rush Haunted Tour website.

“I told Russell that I was really into the show ‘Ghost Hunters’ and that I would like to work with him,” Baiza said.

For the past five years, Russell Rush has taken a team of paranormal investigators to five different locations, learning about the history and supernatural experiences.

Baiza didn’t always have a steely confidence with otherworldly phenomena. During a particular late night in the Treadaway rehearsal halls, Baiza and his peers heard creepier than usual noises and decided to see what it was.

“There is an exit sign at the end of the hallways that gives off a little light. That night, it gave off just enough light for us to see a figure at the end of the hall walking from side to side,” Baiza said. “Whatever it was, it did not acknowledge us and we didn’t want it to.”

After participating in Rush’s investigations for so long, Baiza does not feel as afraid as he once used to be.

“After a while, you just see and hear so many different things, you become numb to the scaredness and you become more curious than anything. You just want to know what’s out there,” he said.

Although Baiza finds the paranormal world interesting, he understands that this is not a lifestyle for many people. His biggest advice for those who are scared, religious or superstitious is not to go looking for an answer.

“Say you do encounter something that’s not explainable, don’t go looking for answers because you’ll most likely get an answer,” he advised.

For more information about the Russell Rush Haunted tour, visit www.therussellrushhauntedtour.com or like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rrauntedtour.

Alumnus hunts ghosts

David AguayoSTAFF WRITER

Junior Corey Weatherly attempts a wall ride. Photo by Sara LaToul

Alumnus Bobby Baiza has witnessed unusual ‘paranormal’ activity in Treadaway Hall. Photo by Adriana Avila

BOARDSfrom cover

For an exclusive video of the skateboarders on campus, vis i t our websi te :

www.stmurat t lernews.com

12«entertainment www.stmurattlernews.com

Up next

Movies

Director Martin McDonagh’s new movie is a comedy filled to the brim with witty dialogue and tip-top acting. The storyline is so intricate and multi-layered, it is easy for audiences to feel lost, though. Nonetheless, the final product is satifying and Christopher Walken gives one of his best performances yet.

Music

Oct. 19

Oct. 22

Source: tumblr.com

Source: filmofilia.com

Taylor Swift’s third studio album, “Red,” is a predictable but irresistible combination of country and pop. The first two singles have already climbed to the top of the Billboard charts, with the latest peaking at sixth. One can only imagine the damage the full album will do to every sales record out there.

HHHHI

Seven Psychopaths

Red

‘Hamlet’ raises the bar for drama productions

The University’s drama department is presenting Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” with a twist this year.

“I wanted to create an atmosphere that was very intimate, where the audience can touch the actors,” director Adam Burke, visiting assistant professor of drama, said.

“The audience is engaged by the production. We created a set where the audience is actually going to be sitting on the ground and the action happens in front of them and behind them. So, to see what happens, they will have to literally turn around,” Burke added.

Though “Hamlet” is one of the most produced stage plays in the world, Burke believes the great majority of University students have not had an opportunity to watch the play on stage, though they might have studied the text or watched a movie adaptation.

According to Burke, the decision to put together a production of “Hamlet” was based both on his interest in the story and how well it fit with the number of students able to participate in the play.

“Part of the reason why we chose this play was so some of our actors could get the experience of working alongside more mature, more experienced actors,” Burke said. “It just so happened that, on this production, it worked out well. The number of younger roles and older roles that we had was equal.”

Among the weathered actors is Richard Pressman, professor of English and communication studies, who was invited by Burke to participate in the production.

“Adam Burke came after me and I said, ‘I really don’t think so, but maybe we can talk about it,’” Pressman said. “Then Bernadette Hamilton saw me in a public place on campus, and she went right up to me and said, ‘You! We want you to be Polonius!’”

Pressman said he was still reluctant because he felt it was a big time commitment. Even though he had, for many years, wanted to be on stage as an actor, he had no training whatsoever. His only experience had been a walk on role in college, with no lines, and a play in fourth grade, in which he forgot his single line.

“In the back of my mind I kept thinking, ‘My wife is going to kill me!’ She’s going to say, ‘Are you out of your mind? You’re going to be tired and grumpy,’” Pressman said. “But I went to tell her what was going on and she said, ‘Oh! What a wonderful opportunity! If you want to do it, you should do it.’”

Senior English major John Goddard, who plays the protagonist Hamlet, said Pressman’s participation in the play has been extremely beneficial.

“(Pressman) knows the play inside and out. He has helped me many times throughout rehearsals. He knows all the multiple meanings of the words and phrases, so having him on set is invaluable,” Goddard said. “We have gotten the most work done in the smallest amount of time for ‘Hamlet’ than any other play I’ve done here at St. Mary’s.”

Goddard said the role of Hamlet has been one of the most challenging for him. To Goddard, playing the prince of Denmark has also been, above all, an extremely rewarding learning experience.

“I had never had a role this large in a

Shakespeare production, but fortunately I was alerted early enough to do research on Shakespearian acting,” Goddard said. “Adam’s decision to have the play performed around the audience also gave me something new to work. Hamlet has many soliloquies and asides, all of which I am saying directly to (individual) audience members, which makes them feel like they are really a part of the world we are creating.”

Goddard believes students are the ones who may benefit the most coming out to watch “Hamlet.”

“This is kind of embarrassing, but I myself had not read the play until Adam recruited me. Even if students have seen it, they haven’t seen it the way we are doing it,” Goddard said. “We aren’t doing anything crazy with it, but every director and actor has a special interpretation of the material. That is what’s so great about theatre.”

Burke thinks students should take more chances in actively participating in one of the drama department’s productions.

“We’ve had a lot of people who are not, say, drama people, but as long as they are prepared to work hard and seriously, then usually it’s really successful,” Burke said.

On the Playbill for the future, Burke mentioned an opera rock production that is going to be unlike anything the campus has seen before. Meanwhile, students can delight in an intricate production of “Hamlet” that promises to be memorable to the campus community.

Stela KhuryENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

HHHI I

Rivals Laertes (Edgardo Ramirez) and Hamlet (John Goddard) duel during rehearsal for the play. Photo by Dale Fastle

entertainment»13www.stmurattlernews.com

Books

Daniel Handler’s new series marks the transition of Lemony Snicket, the writer’s penname and narrator of “A Series of Unfortunate events,” into the status of full-fledged character. The first book of the series, “Who Could that Be at This Hour?” will begin chronicling Lemony Snicket’s younger years when he was part of an organization “nobody knows about.”Recommended for: Fantasy and young-adult literature fans.

Television

Oct. 23

Source: imdb.com

Source: amazon.com

“Mockingbird Lane,” a reboot of the 1960s sitcom “The Munsters,” was supposed to be “Pushing Daisies” director Brian Fuller’s new project, but CBS was reportedly unhappy with the final product and decided to air the pilot as a Halloween special instead. This might just be the show’s chance to capture a following and a full series order.

The Munsters return

All the wrong questions

13th Floor to terrorize crowds with new set upNicole GomezSTAFF WRITER Featured on Travel Channel’s “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” and “America Haunts,” 13th Floor Haunted House surprises guests with new additions and improved attractions. Located downtown, the 72-year-old building hosts San Antonio’s largest haunted house and has generally helped elevate the city to one of the best in the country, in terms of haunted houses and notoriously haunted locations.

This Halloween, haunted house enthusiasts can expect an entirely new experience at 13th Floor. Guests will begin by descending into a blood stained room and numerous themed rooms that will challenge guests’ anxiety with special emphasis given to the sort of monster that inhabits each area. Actors in horrifying

makeup with a tendency to follow guests, as if they were truly bloodthirsty maniacs, only increase the terror.

Just when visitors manage to make it to the basement in one piece, there are still several more rooms to get through before the nightmare ends, including the anti-gravity room, with a difficult to navigate arrangement that forces guests to put their minds to work amidst chaos. Among the many novelties, a memorable addition to the attraction was the psychiatric patients, which are alarming and chilling.

13th Floor is a perpetual journey with attractions which have meticulous attention to detail in the setting and special effects. By the end of the adventure, it is highly likely every single guest will be rendered absolutely terrified.

Halloween box office showdown

Jocelyn GarciaSTAFF WRITER

Silent Hill: Revelation Paranormal Activity 4Anissa BravoSTAFF WRITER

Paranormal Activity followers now have a fourth chilling installment from the popular franchise to look forward to this Halloween season.

“Paranormal Activity 4,” set to premier Oct. 19, has already generated quite a bit of buzz due

to its secretive plot. Chronolog ica l ly,

the fourth installment will follow the second film, which ended

with Katie k i d n a p p i n g Hunter, her sister’s son.

The film will take place five years after the kidnapping when Katie and Hunter, renamed Robbie, move into a new house and set off unusual events that affect their neighborhood.

The previous films have proven to be thrilling as well as extremely successful. “Paranormal Activity 3” broke horror film records in the

United States, bringing in $26.2 million on its opening day on a meager $5 million budget; the franchise as a whole has earned $297 million worldwide.

The Paranormal Activity stories are told through low-quality video recordings, capturing eerie events as they happen. For “Paranormal Activity 4,” the directors have incorporated new technology, such as an Xbox Kinect and a webcam. It will be interesting to see what variety this will add to the storytelling, but these novelties will no doubt be another means of creating even more bone-chilling visual dynamics.

The Paranormal Activity franchise has a faithful fan base that seems eager to watch every new installment. The tagline of “Paranormal Activity 4” is how, “all the activity has led to this.” It seems that fans can expect an explanation of what has happened to the characters from the previous films. Oct. 26

Maybe “Silent Hill: Revelation” is not the most anticipated movie of the year, but don’t expect it to hit theatres quietly.

The 2006 “Silent Hill” movie adaptation of the 1999 video game was not a hit among critics, who certified the movie at 29 percent rotten on RottenTomatoes.com. However, many fans of the video games felt more in touch with the movie, which grossed $97 million on a $50 million budget.

“Silent Hill: Revelation” is reported to focus on the story of Heather Mason, who finds out her life and identity are intricate lies and ends up transported to the town of Silent Hill on a journey of self-discovery that perhaps she would have been better off not taking. The eerie plot and astounding 3D visual might make the second installment in the Silent Hill movie franchise a sure shot for

audiences looking for a good Halloween scare-fest.

Freshman entrepreneurial studies major Gabe Ruiz is one of the students looking forward to the sequel because he’s a fan of the original game series.

“In comparison to most movies based on games, ‘Silent Hill’ stays true to its origin,” Ruiz said.

The outlook is not quite as positive from alumnus Jorge Diego Martinez Jr.

“The movies break away so much of the original story,” Martinez said. “In ‘Silent Hill,’ for example, the game is a lot of mental horror as to where the film concentrates on visual horror.”

Whether movie goers are looking to be scared out of their mind, or wanting to delve deeper into the video game adaptation, “Silent Hill: Revelation” hits theaters Oct. 26.

The long awaited light at the end of the tunnel. Photo by Leo Reyes

14«sports www.stmurattlernews.com

*Home games in bold.Soccer home games played at NISD sports complex.Volleyball games played at Bill Greehey Area.Men’s Golf will be held at the Dominion Country Club.The Heartland Conference cross-country meet will be held in Wichita, Kan.

All Day

7 p.m.2:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.2:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

5 p.m.Noon

1 p.m.Noon

7 p.m.NoonNoon

4 p.m.7 p.m.

All Day

All Day

All Day

UPCOMING GAMES & EVENTS

Oct. 22 StMU/Bruce Williams Inv.

MEN’S GOLFDATE

Oct. 18Oct. 20Oct. 25Oct. 27Oct. 31

Oklahoma ChristianNewmanSt. Edward’sDallas BaptistTexas A&M International

MEN’S SOCCERDATE

Oct. 20 Heartland Conference meet

CROSS-COUNTRYDATE

Oct. 18Oct. 20Oct. 25Oct. 27

Oklahoma ChristianNewmanSt. Edward’sDallas Baptist

WOMEN’S SOCCERDATE

Oct. 18Oct .20Oct. 27Oct. 27Oct. 30

UT Permian BasinMcMurryOklahoma Panhandle St.Sourthern ArkansasTAMU Kingsville

VOLLEYBALLDATE

WOMEN’S GOLF

Oct. 26 Apache Invitational

Men’s TennisDATE

Oct. 19 Apache Invitational

Women’s TennisDATE

TIME

TIME

TIME

TIME

TIME

TIME

TIME

TIME

OPPONENT

OPPONENT

OPPONENT

EVENT

EVENT

Oct. 15 Schreiner Fall Classic

DATE EVENT

EVENT

EVENT

Even though he’s only a freshman, business major Kirby Gorzell has already accumulated a number of accolades.

These include winning a tournament championship, being named the Heartland Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week and

even catching the eye of media outlets such as MySA.com.

Gorzell’s recent title came at the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational tournament, where his score of 209 aided the Rattlers in claiming third place as a team.

The recent title has been only one link in a chain of recent successes for Gorzell, including a second place title in the Territory Classic tournament. Gorzell confidently attributed the accomplishments to a positive shift in his attitude.

“I’ve had a drastic change in my attitude,” he said, “I’ve been a lot more calm and just kind of let things happen.”

Gorzell’s attitude adjustment has given him the ability to make the best out of the worst situations.

“I lost my 16-year-old sister, Kali, in a boating accident right before I came to St. Mary’s and it

really took a toll on me,” Gorzell said. “It’s always going to be hard to deal with. While I’m never going to get over it, it changed me for the better. I find myself thinking more positively and, even

though it’s tough sometimes, I try not to get frustrated, especially on the golf course. Kali changed my attitude about almost everything in my life.”

With this inspiration in mind, Gorzell’s humble aim is to continue contributing to his team one tournament at a time.

Freshman golfer finds local fame on fairway

MEN’S GOLF

After facing a terrible loss, Gorzell improves his drive by adjusting his attitude.

Christina FaselerSPORTS EDITOR

As a freshman, Gorzell already stands as one of the most prominent golfers on the StMU team. Photo by Christina Faseler

“I’ve had a drastic change in my attitude. I’ve been a lot more calm and just kind of let things happen.”

Kirby GorzellMen’s Golfer

‘Somthing big’ to hit campus with basketball pep rally

Putting its own unique spin on the NCAA Division I tradition of Midnight Madness, Rattler Athletics is hosting Rattler Madness next week.

The theme for this year’s event is “Something Big is Coming.”

“I don’t want to give away too much,” Chad Peters, sports information coordinator for the

Office of Communications, said, “but it’s going to be a big reveal. Rattler Athletics is going to have a new look.”

Rattler Madness kicks off Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. with a pre-event tailgate on the Alumni Field and areas surrounding the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center. The tailgate will feature food, Red Bull energy drinks, music and, for the first time, beer for students

who are of age. At 8 p.m., the doors of Bill Greehey Arena will open to begin a massive pep rally, which will include performances from the cheerleading squad and Code Blue dance team.

“Fun events are really what it’s all about,” Peters said. “There will definitely be a lot of dancing. ‘Gangnum Style’ might even make an appearance.”

Rattler Madness will also

feature many opportunities to win prizes, such as a T-shirt giveaway at the door, giant foam finger giveaways and much more. Mini-games will include a half-court shootout, 3-on-3 basketball games with fans playing alongside St. Mary’s basketball players and several other fun challenges.

“We really want to make sure that everyone comes together as a part of St. Mary’s,” Peters said. The

event is free to all students. Food and drinks will be available for purchase using dine-in dollars.

Rattler Madness gives students an excellent chance to support their team and have tons of fun.

For more information on Rattler Madness, visit rattlerathletics.com or contact Chad Peters at 210-431-4379.

sports»15www.stmurattlernews.com

S E A S O N R E C O R D SSPORT SEASON CONFERENCE

Volleyball

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Soccer

12 - 7

3 - 7 - 1

8 - 6

4 - 4

2 - 4 - 1

2 - 5

A S O F O C T. 1 3

Conference ranking: 4th

Conference ranking: 5th

Conference ranking: 4th

Use shoes to kick up spirit

University students surely already own a Rattler T-shirt, pair of sweat pants, shorts, vintage hat, lanyard or just about every other item of clothing in the bookstore. There is, however, one thing needed to make the spirit outfit complete for game day—a pair of customized StMU shoes.

Here are some step-by-step tips on how to make a pair of Rattler kicks:

1. Pick the kicks. A pair of white TOMS Canvas shoes

are highly recommended. They’re easy to customize and every pair purchased allows TOMS to give a pair of shoes to a child in need in a Third World country.

2. Choose the weapon(s). Make sure there is an ample supply

of spray paint, acrylic paint, glitter and whatever else is desired for the design. Some even use cloth to make patches.

3. Graffiti skills. When using spray paint, tape off

whatever section of the shoes that shouldn’t be sprayed. Use spray paint as directed and allow time to dry. Be sure to use only masking tape, medical tape or any form of tape with sticky strait-edged sides.

For alternating colors, tape the area intended to have painted with the secondary color, then spray and allow to dry. Next, tape off the area that was just sprayed and repeat the same procedure.

For an added effect, try sprinkling glitter on the shoes before applying spray paint.

4. Be a Picasso. First, apply acrylic paint to make a pattern.

Then, write out “St. Mary’s University,” or draw a portrait of Rattler Man. Finally, make whatever finishing touches to add a cool effect. There’s no shame in asking a friend for help.

5. Rock the kicks. Debut the new spirit shoes at the next

sporting event. Go ahead, jump in with the Rowdy Rattlers. The new awesome kicks will make even Rattler Man envious.

Christina FaselerSPORTS EDITOR

A pair of TOMS shoes customized with gold spray paint and royal blue acrylic paint displays how students can create their own shoes. Photo by Christina Faseler

Arturo Osteguin Jr.FEATURES EDITOR

SCHOOL SPIRIT

RATTLER MADNESS

Alyssa TaramonaFreshmanExercise and sport science

Quick facts:Tarmona’s defense was a key component in the soccer team’s recent wins against UT Permian Basin and McMurry University, as she leads the team in blocks. Though her high school didn’t offer soccer, she followed her passion by traveling to play in club leagues.

Where are you from? What high school did you attend?I am from Forney, Texas, which is about 40 minutes outside Dallas. I went to (a) private school, Poetry Community Christian School, which is 30 minutes away from Forney.

How old were you when you first started playing soccer?I started playing when I was four and have played ever since.

Did you play any other sports growing up?I started playing volleyball when I was in the sixth grade…we ended up winning state during my senior year (in high school). I started playing basketball in third grade and played off and on throughout middle and high school.

What position do you play?I play goalkeeper and it’s my favorite position. I love practicing on the field with the rest of the team as well because it challenges me and makes me a better player.

Tell us a little about the team.The girls are all fantastic and hard workers. Everyone supports everyone and we will back each other up no matter what. We might have had a rocky start, but we are growing as a team and are getting better with every game.

Compiled by Jenavie Aguilar

THE HOT

The volleyball team still has a shot at an NCAA tournament appearance despite one conference loss and one other loss following an eight game win streak.

Texas A&M International University brought St. Mary’s to a tie for fourth place in the Heartland Conference. Having defeated the Dustdevils 3-2 earlier in the season, the Rattlers are definitely capable of reclaiming their spot as sole possessor of fourth place and moving on to the conference tournament.

Outside hitter Kelsey Huber, a sophomore art education major, said the team’s main goals for the season are to make it to the Heartland Conference tournament, win the tournament and to move on to the NCAA tournament. With six conference games left in the season, the team’s lofty goals are not far from reach.

Although the 3-0 loss against TAMIU was crushing, not one member of the team plans on backing down or backing out. Defensive specialist Melissa Dahle, a junior exercise and sport science major, believes that the team has a new element that will

bring them through. “We went to New York and had sparked

intensity. It showed us that we had another gear,” Dahle said.

The bond that has been formed between these ladies is inseparable and will surely lead them to success in the remainder of their season.

“We all have different personalities,” Huber said, “but we’re all like best friends.”

“There’s never a moment that we don’t feel supported,” Dahle added.

Team continues to fight for season goalsChristina FaselerSPORTS EDITOR

The back row of the Rattler volleyball team gets in positon to receive a serve from Our Lady of the Lake University. Photo by Sarah Dwyer

C O N F E R E N C E R A N K I N G SRANK TEAM RECORD

A S O F O C T. 1 3

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

UA Fort Smith

Dallas Baptist

St. Edward’s

St. Mary’s

TAMIU

UTPB

Newman

OK Panhandle

8 - 0

7 - 2

6 - 3

4 - 4

4 - 4

3 - 5

1 - 7

0 - 8

VOLLEYBALL

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