2008 10 23

SPORTS: President’s Scholar walks onto the CSUF gymnastics team, page 8

Features: Page 3

Turn your house into a haunted attraction

Since 1960 Volume 87, Issue 30

OPINION: Ashley Madison Agency helps connect the unfaithful, page 4

Daily Titan

Thursday October 23, 2008

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

Campus Life Associated Students Inc. Lobby Corps is hosting an Asian/Pacific Islander summit on Monday in the TSU. Speakers and students will discuss issues ranging from conflicts in the Asian/Pacific Islander community to dealing with diversity and stereotypes. Attendees will also discuss party allegiance within the community.

The purpose of this event is to address issues and concerns that Asians/Pacific Islanders have about the upcoming election.

The event starts at 6 p.m. For more information call 714-2783295

Personification of pets concerns some experts BOISE, Idaho (MCT) – “Oh, isn’t he cute? My little smootchiewootchy!” Some women talk babytalk to their boyfriend or husband.

Some folks talk baby-talk to, well, babies.

And some of us talk baby-talk to our animals.

“You shouldn’t use the D-word, as far as we’re concerned,” Diane Turner said.

Turner is the proud owner of a pug named Madison, and, as the local pug meet-up group organizer, she’s speaking for the entire pug owner world.

“Madison is my baby, and that’s the beginning and end of everything.”

If that raises your eyebrow a notch, here’s another tidbit: in an e-mail from Turner regarding a visit from a Statesman newspaper photographer, she wrote: “There is a big flag of Madison flying in front of the house, so it is hard to miss. I am very excited about all of this – and I’ve told Madison all about it so she is expecting you.

We are looking forward to meeting you in person.”

So, what’s wrong with this picture? Some experts say that humanizing your pet – anthropomorphism – is just not the right relationship.

For the record

Oct. 21 - In the photo caption for “Hollywood invades CSUF” actor Marley Shelton was incorrectly identified as Mary Shelton. We apologize for this inaccuracy.

Avoiding cycles of violence Guest speakers advise students on how to notice early signs of abuse

By Christian Brown

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

In an effort to prevent domestic violence, the CSUF Women’s Center hosted two community educators Tuesday who dramatized an abusive, teenage relationship to help students recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.

The event, “He Loves Me ... He Loves Me Not,” comes in October, which is national Domestic Violence Prevention Month and highlights the warning signs that every person should look for in their potential intimate partners.

Human Options community educators Robert Diaz, 25, and Beth Chapman, 26, portrayed the perfect teenage couple of Jason and Kelli, which quickly turns into an abusive relationship when Jason seeks to control Kelli.

According to Chapman, people between the ages of 15 and 24 are at the most risk of being in an unhealthy relationship like the one which was portrayed.

“One in four in this age group ends up in an unhealthy relationship,” said Chapman who has worked with Human Options for nearly four years.

Sue Passalacqua, associate director of the Women’s Center, facili-

Now when someone cuts you off you can flash him the “anger face” rather than flipping them the bird.

This new gadget gives drivers and passengers a new on-the-road communication medium.

The Traffic Emoticon contraption is made from grids of bright LED lights that form faces and words at the touch of a button.

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See RELATIONSHIPS, Page 2

By Shruti Patel/For The Daily Titan Beth Chapman, playing victimized girlfriend Kelly, telling Robert Diaz, playing abusive boyfriend Jason, that she does not deserve the way he treats her and that she is good enough without him.

Students More than just web page deep play “ brokers Career Center representatives advise students on the harmful and safe uses of Internet networking sites

By POrtia Bode

Grade schoolers learn ‘the business’ with help from a stock market simulator

By Katie Rossomano For The Daily Titan news@dailytitan.com

‘A new gadget for your car’ may ease road rage

tated the workshop and encouraged students to ask questions.

“Reenactments are a powerful way to show the dynamics of violent intimate relationships,” Passalacqua said. “This is the perfect educational piece to offer.”

With more than two dozen students and faculty members in attendance, Chapman and Diaz emotionally depicted the autonomy of intimate partner abuse.

“These relationships are about power and control,” Chapman said.

“These people (abusers) feel like power and control are their right to have.”

As a part of the presentation, Chapman shared the story of a wife and her two kids who endured a physically abusive husband and father who literally trapped his family at home by monitoring them with video cameras in every room of the house.

“The wife worked but her husband timed her trips to and from work,” Chapman said. “This is an extreme case, but it does happen.”

Diaz also highlighted the impact modern technology is having in emotionally abusive relationships.

“We are so connected today,” Diaz said who mentioned the use of Myspace and Facebook by abusers to stalk their partners. “Cell phones and text messaging can be used to be abusive.”

During the workshop, Chapman and Diaz focused on the cycle of violence, which explains how a

Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Economic Education is offering a “Stock Market Simulation” to encourage students in fifth grade through high school to become informed about economics and current events, something that is as important as ever considering the current crisis in the U.S. stock market.

“Because the market is roly-poly right now ... there’s a lot to talk about,” Barbara Sideri, administrative assistant at CSUF’s Center for Economic Education, said.

The Stock Market Simulation, developed by Stock-Trac Inc., was first offered in high schools four years ago. According to the California SMS Web site (www.csusms.com), there are currently 17 states using the SMS with approximately 200,000 students participating annually. It was designed to provide students with an entertaining means of learning about the economy, finance, current events, practical mathematics and technology.

Around 300 teams are signed up through CSUF this semester, Sideri said, which is about average for spring participation. The program is mostly used by teachers to augment their lessons and help students connect what is happening in the market to current events and everyday issues. For example, Sideri said, the SMS can help students understand how the market is impacting gasoline prices.

Steve Eggert, economics teacher at Fountain Valley High School, has used the SMS in his classroom and said that the program is an effective and efficient tool.

See SIMULATION, Page 2

For The Daily Titan news@dailytitan.com

In an event hosted by the Career Center, students were told that 63 percent of employers decided not to hire potential employees after seeing the content candidates had posted online.

This practice might seem questionable but it’s legal, and the Career Center can help students avoid any embarrasment.

The Career Center hosted a workshop on Tuesday on networking sites called “Myspace and Facebook: Helping or Hurting Job Chances.”

One of the most important tips speakers Sarah Yoo and Christina Hubburt gave was to be aware of the content posted. Most significantly, be aware of what is posted about current or previous employers and coworkers.

Yoo, related a story about an employer who had a “perfect” candidate for a legal secretary position. The employer used the Internet to look her up, and found out that the candidate had posted information revealing that she didn’t even want the position. So the candidate didn’t get the job and probably never learned why.

Presenters gave attendees examples of the kinds of inappropriate information employers look for when weeding out applicants, such as, “Do you

Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’

have pictures of yourself that indicate Posting action pictures will likely your political affiliation, religion, sex- help your job chances versus hurting ual orientation or marital status?” If them. Pictures of your graduation, you do, you may be subjecting your- sharing happy moments with your self to discrimination. family, images showing leadership and teamwork “Do you have were some exampictures that show ples suggested. you drinking? Do “We want to you have pictures gear students toof yourself dressed ward thinking in an inapproprimore about their ate/unprofessional future rather than manner?”

– Christina Hubburt, just thinking These were Career Center intern about being here some of the questions asked on a in the moment,” survey during the advised Hubburt. event to help students analyze if their Sattar Langary, a CSUF graduate networking accounts could be used student is pursuing his masters degree against them professionally. in sociology, said “I want to learn how The Career Center’s goal was also to build a good career.” to tell students that there are ways He recommended that all students students could use their social net- utilize the Career Center’s facilities working sited to their advantage. while they can.

We want to gear students toward thinking more about their future ...

“

DTSHORTHAND

Voters debate Props 7 and 1A Guest speakers argue over the issues and hear students comments about the ballot

By Bahar Taghizadeh-Ansari Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

By Ramzi Ibrahim/For The Daily Titan The Department of Theatre and Dance at CSUF go through dress rehearsals for their production, Shakespeare’s popular pastoral comedy, “As You Like It.” The show is being performed at Young Theatre from Oct. 17-Nov. 2.

Supporters of Propositions 7 and 1A argued that these propositions are environmentally beneficial, though opponents said they were expensive and unnecessary in a debate on the environmental propositions held Tuesday evening in Titan Student Union Pavilion A. “These propositions are both important and our role is to get young voters to vote on how they see these propositions,” Elizabeth Hessom, chair of the Environmental Advocacy Committee, said.

Proposition 7, titled “Renewable Energy Generation,” requires utility companies to generate part of their power from renewable sources of energy. Proposition 1A, titled “Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act,” establishes a 220 mph transportation system.

The debate was hosted by the En-

vironmental Advocacy Committee, a subcommittee of Associated Students Inc. Lobby Corps, to discuss the pros and cons of the two propositions that students will be voting on in the upcoming elections.

“I am here to learn more about the pros and cons and have the facts behind each side clarified because there is no clear cut line on either sides of these propositions,” Eva Greer, an anthropology graduate student, said.

Proposition 7 was discussed first.

The initiative would require California’s energy industry to acquire half of their energy from renewable sources by 2025, Mike Dennis, field organizer for Yes on 7, said.

By increasing the use of renewable energy each year, the demand for sources, such as solar or wind power, increases. Building additional plants to meet the demand will create 370,000 general skills jobs for middle-class Californians, Dennis argued.

Dennis’ opponent, Jo-Ellen Allen of Southern California Edison, argued against Proposition 7, saying that the initiative is flawed and very See PROPS, Page 2

Page Two

2

October 23, 2008

IN OTHER NEWS

College Legal Clinic helps community

Afghanistan presses for peace talks with militants

Non-profit program gives professional legal advice to students in need

INTERNATIONAL

KABUL (MCT) – As the crisis in Afghanistan deepens and some Western officials warn that the battle against insurgents cannot be won militarily, the Afghan government is pushing hard for peace talks with Taliban-led militants despite warnings that they could backfire.

Fazil Hadi Shinwari, the head of the government-appointed national council of religious scholars, told the Chicago Tribune in an interview that the Saudi royal family has agreed to President Hamid Karzai’s pleas to mediate negotiations. He said the Taliban had agreed to initial talks in Dubai and had sent two passports of Taliban negotiators through him to be cleared for travel. The Taliban denies any plans to talk, but if they happen, the meetings would mark the first time that Taliban representatives have sat down to negotiate with the U.S.-backed Afghan government since being driven from power in late 2001. While the Saudis reportedly hosted a meeting between Afghan and Taliban officials last month, some of those present said they were not true talks and involved only former Taliban officials.

Negotiations would mean a significant change in the approach toward the Afghan insurgency, which has gained strength in the past year.

NATIONAL

Obama accuses McCain of distorting his tax plan

MIAMI (MCT) – After brainstorming about the economy with Google’s CEO and a former Fed chairman, Barack Obama whipped supporters into chants of “We want pie!” at a noisy rally in Miami.

The demand for pie amounted to an inside joke for tens of thousands of supporters at Bicentennial Park, where Obama used the metaphor to swat down allegations that a “spread the wealth” philosophy amounts to socialism.

“I heard Senator (John) McCain say that I’m more concerned with who gets your piece of the pie than with growing the pie. But let’s be absolutely clear, after eight years of Bush-McCain economics, the pie is shrinking,” Obama said. “And what’s left of the pie has been eaten by millionaires and billionaires.

But it neatly distilled the tax argument the campaigns are waging in the final two weeks, with the Democrat vowing to help the middle class by rolling back Bush-era tax cuts, and the Republican saying that would boost tax bills for many Americans.

STATE

A new gold rush in California

ITALIAN BAR, Calif. (MCT) – In the cold deep canyons of the Stanislaus River, James Anderson isn’t worried about the stock market. The weak dollar doesn’t bother him. Slumping home prices? No problem. He’s got no house but a bed in the back of his 33-year-old Dodge van. Gold prices are up and for Anderson and the legions of other prospectors scouring California’s old mining sites, that justifies the tedious and back-breaking work.

“When you rinse it away and see the gold sitting there, it sends something through your blood,” said Anderson, 68, who lives on Social Security and whatever nuggets, flakes and dust he finds in this rugged Mother Lode riverbed, near the town of Columbia in northwestern Tuolumne County. “It’s like an adrenaline shot.”

Stock market volatility, high metal prices and the popularity of outdoor adventure has triggered California’s biggest mining boom in three decades.

As gold more than doubled in the last decade now approaching $800 an ounce Americans are returning to the foothills, buying picks, filing mining claims and sifting for their fortune, though few ever get rich or even earn enough to pay for the gas to cover the trek.

For the Record It is the policy of the Daily Titan to correct any inaccurate information printed in the publication as soon as the error is discovered. Any incorrect information printed on the front page will result in a correction printed on the front page. Any incorrect information printed on any other page will be corrected on page 2. Errors on the Opinion page will be corrected on that page. Corrections also will be noted on the online version of the Daily Titan.

Please contact executive editor David Carrillo at 714-278-5815 or at execeditor@dailytitan.com with issues about this policy or to report any errors.

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The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Monday through Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSUF System. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The Daily Titan allocates one issue to each student for free.

Copyright ©2006 Daily Titan

By van le

For the Daily Titan

news@dailytitan.com

Until last semester, Nedda Safi, 21, a business major, knew little about the program she would eventually manage.

A year later, Safi is now the executive director of the College Legal Clinic, an on-campus organization aimed at providing students and low-income members of the community with free legal advice.

Formed by a group of students,

faculty and lawyers in 1971, the CLC was created to help release jailed student demonstrators during the Vietnam War, according to its Web page at the Associated Students Inc. Web site (http://asi.fullerton.edu/tsu/collegelegalclinic. asp).

Fast-forward 37 years. The CLC now deals with more contemporary legal issues, such as DUI, immigration and landlord-tenant disputes.

“If you can think of it, we have dealt with it,” Safi said.

According to Safi, the CLC panel consists of over 40 attorneys, who can advise students about a wide range of legal topics, including sexual harassment, discrimination, insurance claims, bankruptcy and disability.

The attorneys hold free consultations on campus once a week.

Consultations are also available at the clinic’s main office, located on Chapman Avenue in Fullerton.

If students feel they need more in-depth advice after a free session, the CLC provides them with a list of attorneys who specialize in that particular field, and the student can contact an attorney of their choice.

Some attorneys on the CLC panel agree to reduce their fees for students who are able to demonstrate financial needs.

The program is certified by the State Bar Association, and is the oldest college-based program to be recognized as lawyer referral service, according to its Web site.

Amanda Jamil, 21, a political science major who is interning at the CLC, estimates that the clinic administers eight consultations each week and has made 49 referrals since the clinic opened during the second week of the semester.

The nonprofit program is governed by a Board of Trustees, which consists of prominent lawyers, judges, and community members.

It is run by student interns, whose responsibilities include arranging consultations, screening attorneys and planning a campaign to increase awareness on campus.

“Our goal is to make sure that students are aware that we have expert attorneys who are willing to donate their time,” said 22-yearold intern, John Kawashima.

props: opposition to going green From Page 1

Dennis called in to question the validity of Proposition 7 opponents’ arguments by pointing out that all three major utility companies in Southern California, including Southern California Edison, are among those opposing the proposition. Renewable energy production will be increased two percent per year for 17 years until it accounts for 50 percent of energy production, he added.

Renewable energy will help make the air cleaner and promote better health for people, Dennis said.

“Clean energy versus dirty energy,” he said. “This is going to bring us green, and if you let them bring this (Proposition 7) down, it will be the same as it is now which is nothing at all,” Dennis said.

Allen said that the cost of carrying out this bill will increase and consumers will have to pay for these costs with a raise in their electricity bills.

She said that the cost of electricity for households will increase an average of $300 annually. But her statement was quickly argued against by Dennis, who assured the audience that the cost of electricity would not rise more than three percent annually.

Allen also added that electricity is an absolute necessity and the transfer to producing electricity from renewable resources would be extremely expensive.

“One thing worse than expensive electricity is no electricity at all,” she said, which the crowd disagreed with.

An audience member replied, saying, “One thing worst than expensive electricity is having health issues,” which Allen agreed with.

Allen said she believes the high costs these renewable resources will create in the long run offsets their benefits at this point. He encouraged voters to vote no on Proposition 7.

The next proposition discussed at the meeting was Proposition 1A.

This proposition calls on voters to give permission to issue bonds for $9.95 billion to build a high-speed train from Southern California, according to the California General Election Voter Information Guide.

Since the population and economy are booming, we need a transportation system that meets the new needs, Paul Dyson, president of the Rail Passenger Association of California, said.

Dyson said that the trains are environmentally clean, will connect Orange County to Northern California at an affordable price, and will create 45,000 new jobs. He noted that low steel prices make this a good time to start the project. Since the price of steel has dropped 60 percent, this is an economically good time to start the project, Dyson said.

“Where we stand at the moment, we have a dysfunctional government, who can’t fix a budget for the state, we can’t wait around for them to fix the budget and provide funds for this project, therefore we will use bonds

to complete the project.” Dyson said.

Curtis Schlaufman, CSUF’s ASI president, filled in at the last minute after the scheduled opponent was unable to attend to argue against Proposition 1A. This project will cost taxpayers over $20 billion in principal and interest and there is no guarantee on how much it will ultimately cost for its completion, Schlaufman said.

“Who’s going from Northern California to Southern California everyday?” Schlaufman asked. The average worker commutes 20 to 30 miles a day, he added.

Schlaufman showed concern regarding the billions of dollars this project is going to cost California with the state budget already running a deficit in the millions of dollars.

“The government does not have the money especially for such a big project and has asked for money from the Wall Street and as we all know, Wall Street doesn’t have any money,” he added.

simulation: educating young students From Page 1

Participants of the SMS are divided into teams and provided with $100,000 of “computer money” to create a portfolio that they are expected to manage and invest. To do so, students must research and then choose companies they expect to be successful. They must become familiar with the companies’ ticker symbols (the stock market code used for a publicly traded company). A research page is offered on the www. csusms.com Web site to assist students.

The simulation, played at www. csusms.com, offers a realistic economic experience. Morteza Rahma-

tian, chair of the CSUF Department of Economics, confirmed that the simulation is “100 percent realistic, except for the money provided.”

A variety of investment opportunities are available. Teams can trade mutual funds, preferred stocks and common stocks over the Internet or via fax. Some stocks earn dividends, and money that is held will earn interest. At the end of the 10-week session, the three most successful teams (i.e., those with the highest financial gain) receive rewards ranging from T-shirts to monetary prizes. Students may compete at the regional, statewide or national level.

The simulation is offered as a voluntary extracurricular activity for a

minimal fee of $15 per teacher-advised teams, and a $20 fee for other teams. Individual teachers have the option to offer the program to their students and then enroll the teams.

Although it is based on the decisions of individual teachers, the “game” is usually played by students during their own time and does not affect their grades.

Along with fifth- through twelfthgrade students, college students and adults may also participate, but only those with a teacher advising are eligible for the potential rewards. Students are divided into one of four divisions; the elementary/junior high school division, the high school division, college or adult division and

then into teams of approximately 3-5 people each.

CSUF professors can register for the SMS by accessing the Web site of the Center for Economic Education. Team numbers and necessary passwords are provided for students before they begin trading. The SMS Web site also provides instructors with lesson plans to direct students while in the classroom so they can make effective decisions while using the simulation on their own time.

Two 10-week SMS programs are offered annually. The current program began on Oct. 6 and will continue through Dec. 12. The next session is available from Feb. 23 to May 1.

relationships: abusers and lovers From Page 1 tumultuous relationship goes from physical fights and angry arguments to apologies and reconciliation.

“The average victim makes six to seven attempts to leave the relationship before the relationship ends,”

said Diaz. “But most feel so isolated that it’s difficult to leave.”

Human Options offers many resources for people desiring to escape abusive relationships including a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling and an emergency shelter for battered women and children.

Human Services major Antonia Maldonado, 21, said the workshop was a success and the role play was a crucial example for college students.

“I think it was very informative. It showed us the red flags in relationships,” Maldonado said. “It

helped us see what we don’t see.”

This Saturday the Women’s Center will also host their 10th annual Violence Prevention Conference in the Titan Student Union, which highlights intimate partner abuse, family violence, elder abuse and human trafficking.

Obama focuses on foreign policy RICHMOND, Va (MCT) – Barack Obama on Wednesday rejected his own running mate’s prediction that enemies would go out of their way to “test” him soon after he takes office, as he and rival John McCain wrestled with a disturbing report suggesting that terrorists are rooting for the Republican.

“Whoever is the next president is going to have to deal with a whole host of challenges internationally _ and a period of transition in a new administration is always one in which we have to be vigilant,” Obama said in Richmond, flanked by national security advisers to signal his readiness to cope with whatever crises might come.

Switching gears from the economy his favorite campaign topic lately Obama addressed for the first time Joe Biden’s assertion last weekend that within six months, adversaries will provoke an international crisis “to test the mettle of this man.”

Republicans have latched on to the statement, arguing that electing Obama could invite attack. In Ohio, McCain cited the statement as he stepped up criticism of Obama.

“I will not be a president who needs to be tested. I have been tested, Sen. Obama hasn’t,” McCain told supporters in Green, Ohio.

“The next president won’t have time to get used to office.”

Obama rejected his running mate’s language but embraced his larger point.

“Joe sometimes engages in rhetorical flourishes, but I think that his core point is that the next administration’s going to be tested regardless of who it is,” Obama said, thanks to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, “an economy in freefall,” and a host of “bad policies” by the current president.

McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds chided Obama for trying to shrug off the concerns Biden voiced.

“Joe Biden ‘guaranteed’ a generated international crisis if Barack Obama is elected, and a smile-for-the-cameras press conference isn’t going to mitigate the risk of an Obama presidency,” he said.

McCain spent the day defending states President Bush won, New Hampshire and Ohio. Obama was vying for Virginia, which hasn’t voted for a Democrat since Lyndon Johnson in 1964 reflecting Obama’s surge in the polls.

The Democrat spent an hour or so in private with national security advisers, among them former U.N. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, former Navy Secretary Richard Danzig and former Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia.

He said afterward that he decided to convene the briefing two or three weeks ago to ensure that he kept up to speed on international issues despite the crush of politicking and the campaign’s focus on domestic prob-

lems.

It marked the second day in a row that Obama surrounded himself with elder statesmen to signal a readiness to lead. In Florida on Monday, he led a discussion on the economy with former Fed chairman Paul Volcker and Google chairman Eric Schmidt.

But his focus wasn’t entirely on foreign policy as he stumped in Virginia, where Democrats see a strong chance to snap their 44-year losing streak.

Obama stepped up his rebuttal to allegations that his plan to roll back Bush-era tax cuts would hurt middle class taxpayers and mark a shift toward socialism.

“It’s not a very plausible argument,” Obama told reporters in Richmond, reiterating that McCain had opposed a proposal that skewed tax cuts to the wealthiest. “Was he a socialist back in 2000 when he opposed the Bush tax cuts?”

October 23, 2008

Features

Give a little, get a lot back How To: Titans who are Big Brothers and Big Sisters find that rewards are greater than the effort

By Eui-jo Marquez

Daily Titan Staff Writer features@dailytitan.com

Work. School. Study. Work.

This schedule is the reality of many of today’s college students.

Cal State Fullerton students have busy schedules, running from work to school, sometimes to a second job, all the while trying to find time to study. With this busy schedule, most students might not want to take on another commitment. But maybe they should, Ray Gillenwater, a 23-year-old advertising major at CSUF, said.

“Often times in life we get distracted worrying about ourselves,” Gillenwater said.

Gillenwater said he believes it’s good for people to think about someone else for a change, and that’s why he became a “Big Brother” to 16-year-old Kyle.

With the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, college students can mentor the next generation, providing fun experiences, advice and access to a new world that the “Little” might never have known. “Little” is the word used to describe the children or teens who are mentored by “Big Brothers” or “Big Sisters.”

“I know that mentoring works because that’s the only reason I’m in college, because I had someone who showed me, this is how you go to college,” said Angelica Cortes, a 30year-old math graduate student and teaching associate at CSUF who is a Big Sister to Alma, 11.

One of the goals of the program is to build self-esteem, Cortes said.

“I know that I’m helping her,” she said.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program matches children ages 6-16 with mentors, and is effective in keeping kids on the right track.

“Littles” are 46 percent less likely to

begin using illegal drugs, 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol and 52 percent less likely to skip school, according to their Web site, http:// bigbrooc.org.

Cheryl Glover, a 27-year-old accounting major, has been a part of the program for more than six years and was matched with 15-year-old Simone more than five years ago.

“I became a ‘Big’ because I have always thought it was important to have good role models and influences in young people’s lives. I want responsible, productive citizens in my community and wanted to do what I could to promote that,” she said.

Glover works full-time, goes to school full-time and is married, but still finds time for Simone.

“Time can be challenging, but it’s important to just fit what you can in. Since Simone is older now and involved more with school and friends, sometimes we just get together once a week for about an hour at Starbucks to catch up,” she said.

Teenage “Littles” can benefit from a relationship with a college student, Kimberley Wilson, 35, said.

Wilson, an alumna and CSUF employee, is assistant director for advance research and prospect management in University Advancement, which raises funds for various CSUF initiatives.

“As college students, now is the time to get involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters. So many of these kids see college as something that can never happen for them. They see their parents, who scrape by on less than minimum wage, welfare, et cetera, and they don’t think that they are good enough or smart enough or have the money to get into college,” Wilson said.

Wilson has been matched with 13-year-old Cinthia for more than three years.

“I tell Cinthia all the time that she can be pretty much whatever she wants and that she will go to college,” Wilson said.

Wilson described the process of becoming Cinthia’s “Big” as serendipitous.

“She drew a picture of a house, and it was the same way I use to draw when I was a kid. And her dad’s a painter, and my dad’s a painter, and she loves horror movies and I love horror movies, and I thought, gosh, this one could be a match,” Wilson said.

Matches are made based on location, personality and preference, according to the Web site. Big Brothers Big Sisters provide a case worker who helps the “Big” deal with any problem that may arise.

Cortes definitely feels a kinship with her little sister, Alma. They come from the same neighborhood.

They both love math. And they both needed a big sister.

“I also didn’t really have that help after school for homework. I didn’t have anyone telling me, yeah, you should keep doing math because it’s going to pay off. You’re going to have a good career,” Cortes said.

Cortes brought Alma to campus to see what it was like.

“A lot of the messages she gets at home or from friends are, well, maybe she wouldn’t go (to college) because it’s too hard, and she might just go work,” Cortes said.

Cortes said she wants her to see the other side, that a college education means having more options.

Cortes sees Alma two or three times a month, but according to Big Brothers Big Sisters, “Bigs” and “Littles” only need to meet once a month for three hours.

Sharon Sagisi, a CSUF alumna, sees 9-year-old Nathalie at least once a month. They have been together for more than a year, and have done a lot of different things, like kayaking, swimming and going to musicals. “Bigs” go through a careful interview process and a thorough background check before they are matched with their “Littles.”

Matches between “Bigs” and “Littles” typically last one year, but after the year is up, they can renew their commitment.

“After six months, you’re allowed to have sleepovers. I told (Nathalie) now that I have this brand new house of my own we can have a sleepover.

So she’s really planning the details down to the grocery list for breakfast and dinner, and the movies that we’re going to watch,” Sagisi said.

Some Big Brothers and Big Sisters have been able to maintain their relationships and go to their “Little’s” college graduation or wedding, Sagisi said.

There are many benefits for the “Littles” in the program, but “Bigs” benefit too.

“It’s fun to hang out with her.

It’s fun not to talk about politics, or work, or adult stuff. It’s fun to talk about kids’ stuff and go have fun,” Wilson said.

Hanging out with a “Little” can make “Bigs” feel young again.

“He reminds me of me when I was his age,” said Scott Codon, 59, who is an alumnus of CSUF, and has been a Big Brother to Anthony, 15, for six years.

“It’s a lot of fun. You end up doing things that you normally wouldn’t do. Like I don’t think I would wake up one morning and say, ‘Hey, I think I’ll go do paint balling.’ But he wants to go paint balling. So we go paint balling,” Codon said.

Codon and Gillenwater are the minority in the program. More Big Brothers are needed than Big Sisters.

“They’re dying to get guys in the program,” Wilson said.

Gillenwater thinks that the low turnout of Big Brothers is due to guys not being aware of the program or understanding it.

“Sometimes I wish I were a guy, because when I go to pick (Alma) up, I see her older brother, I think he’s twelve.

He’s so sweet, and he’s always very friendly, and it makes me feel so bad that there’s not someone picking him up and taking him somewhere,” Cortes said.

Cordon said that the satisfaction he gets from being a “Big” is greater than any help he gives.

“This is such a cliche, but as a ‘Big’ you get more out of it. Just like when you help anybody with anything, you get more than they do,” Codon said.

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Turn your house into a haunted attraction

By Veronica Espinoza and Muey Saephanh Daily Titan Assistant News Editors features@dailytitan.com

Halloween comes once a year, but the hype of this day has been increasing for centuries. Halloween is considered one of the most decorated holidays and decorating your home can make it that much more exciting for children and the neighborhood. A spooky house is not needed to make it scary; it just takes some creativity and time.

Create a spooky atmosphere: Use black lights to replace house lights on the front door and inside the home for a deserted eerie look.

Use household items so you don’t break your bank: Stuff shirts, jeans and pillow cases to create a zombie and place it on the front lawn. Make tombstones with wooden planks by cutting them in various shapes and scatter them around the yard. With a sharpie marker, give the dead a proper inscription.

Visit your local party supply or Halloween store: Buy fake cobwebs and plastic spiders and decorate the doors and trees around the yard to give them a dirty, gloomy feel. Remember to pick up a fog machine for your front yard cemetery.

Pumpkins: Nothing says Halloween more than funny/scary/odd Jack-O-Lanterns. If you are not much of an artist, use a carving kit or simply take two pumpkins and carve out Happy Halloween.

Proper tunes: Spooky sounds or a classic Halloween party mix is always a plus. It creates the perfect atmosphere for your fellow trickor-treaters or party-goers and boosts their Halloween spirit. What other day can you really play the “Monster Mash?”

Candy: You can’t possibly have a haunted attraction without a proper finish. Take a bowl - the larger the better - and fill it up with sweets (try gummy worms and eyeball Gobstoppers). Remember to include Halloween party favors for those who prefer fun tricks rather than treats.

Senior receives highest CSU honor Encouraged by educators student rises to the top of his class

By Tatiana Rodriguez

Daily Titan Staff Writer features@dailytitan.com

Hector Ramos, the son of a Mexican immigrant whose father abandoned him at birth, received the highest honor that the California State University grants to students on Sept. 16 at the Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach.

Ramos, a senior at Cal State Fullerton majoring in psychology, philosophy and political science, was awarded the William Randolph Hearst/ CSU Trustee’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

“Hector’s personal statement was strong,” Anne Gillespie Brown, director of foundation programs and services for the CSU Chancellor’s Office, said, “He speaks from the heart, he’s charismatic, so it was his video combined with his strong recommendation along with his story that convinced the selection committee that he was the top scholar.”

One student is chosen as a recipient for the award from each of the 23 CSU campuses every year and is given a $3,000 scholarship. Two students of the chosen 23 have the honor of being awarded the Trustee Ali C. Razi Scholar and the Trustee Ali C. Razi Honors, with each receiving $10,000 and $6,000 respectively.

“The Razi (scholars), that was the big one,” Ramos said. “I never expected or thought this would happen, I just worked hard and knew this is what I needed to do to come up and help my family, my friends and my community, that’s what I kept thinking.”

He grew up in the city of Santa Ana. His mother held two to three jobs at times, working long hours with little time to engage with Ramos. Ramos, primarily raised by his grandmother, was surrounded by crime and drugs throughout his childhood. By the time he reached third grade, Ramos had already attended five different elementary schools. “Because we moved around a lot there were times when we would pretty often not have our own apartment or anything,” Ramos said. “We would stay in one room in a house with another family, so at one point we had 11 people living in one room.”

His mother and grandmother always instilled in him the idea of staying in school and making something of himself, though Ramos, at times, thought otherwise.

“I definitely started hanging out with the wrong crowd at times,” Ramos said. “But I always tried to stay away from them because my mom and my grandmother always told me ‘don’t do that, you gotta go to school, you gotta work hard, you gotta do this’ ... so I always tried my best to not get involved.”

It was not until eighth grade when Ramos said he truly realized his potential. Karen Berostek, Ramos’ English teacher, was the first “stranger” to encourage him the way his mother and grandmother had been doing for years.

“When a teacher comes up and tells you that, it’s completely unexpected,” Ramos said. “But she told me, ‘Hector, you need to push yourself because you’ve got so much more potential, you can’t let it go to waste’ and I remember (thinking), but ‘I’m an average Joe,’ but she told me ‘Hector, you have all these abilities’ and it really started making me think, God gave me this gift so I can’t waste

it.” Mimi Ko Cruz, editor for Inside Magazine, had the chance to interview Ramos for a feature story.

“What I love about Hector’s story is that while he easily could have taken a turn down the wrong path, he opted to work hard in school and pursue a higher education because of some great teachers who believed in him and his potential,” Cruz said. “His is not just a story about perseverance and determination, but about how educators can influence and provide encouragement to underrepresented students who might not otherwise receive such inspiration to set high goals and work to achieve them.”

Ramos maintained a 3.8 GPA at Orange High School and took advanced placement classes for college credit. He was an athlete for the Orange High Panthers, playing both basketball and football.

After high school, he attended Santa Ana College. It was never Ramos’ plan to major in three subjects.

At first he chose to major in psychology. After taking a philosophy class at Santa Ana College, he realized he had enough time to add philosophy for a double major. Ramos’ need and desire to help defenseless people prompted him to add a political science major, giving him a total of three. Mario Jimenez, majoring in electrical engineering, agrees with Ramos’ idea of using his degree to help other people.

“I think it’s great to use your degree to help others that might not have the funds to hire an expensive lawyer, and besides it would help the community out a lot too,” Jimenez said. Ramos plans to attend law school after he graduates in the spring but is undecided as to what school he will be choosing. He plans on applying his $10,000 scholarship towards law school.

yo u r w e e k ly d o s e o f e n t e rta i n m e n t

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Live Wire October 23

Thursday Pato Banton The Coach House San Juan Capistrano

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thursday Hellogoodbye The Glass House Pomona

25

Saturday Chris Cornell House of Blues Sunset Strip

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Sunday Tiger Army The Grove Anaheim

26

Sunday ZZ Top Pomona Fairplex Pomona

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Monday The Kooks House of Blues Anaheim

detour@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-5027

October 23, 2008

CSUF’s rendition of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” is a hit by jesica eastman

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

It is easy to initially feel like an outsider looking into the complicated world of Shakespeare.

However, Cal State Fullerton’s Theatre and Dance Department’s performance of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” which opened this weekend at the CSUF Young Theatre, proved to be an intimate theatre experience that transcended the terse Shakespearean language.

The romantic comedy follows its heroine, Rosalind, played by Kirsten Kuiken, as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden. Rosalind entreats her cousin Celia, played by Meredith Hinckley, to join her for the journey.

Other memorable characters include the swooning Orlando (who is in love with Rosalind), played by Jesphotos By Ramzi Ibrahim and Lanae king/For the Daily Titan se Abeel, the fool Touchstone, played The department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State Fullerton goes through dress rehearsals for their production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.”

by Jeremy Lelliott, and others.

Beginning in the dark Court of hooks the audience into the play. is still dressed like a man), creating a Duke Frederick, the play seems reAt one point in the scene, Gany- hilarious love triangle. Above all, the mote and what mede and Orlando production was relatable. The cast you would imag(who stills believes made great effort to make sure all The bridge ine a Shakespeare Rosalind is a guy) of the sexual innuendos were underperformance to be: between our text viciously flirt, standable (no wonder Disney never distant and con- messaging reality and making every real- produced Shakespeare into film) and fusing. However, Shakespeare’s flowery ity dating show on let the audience in on the laughs. the spectacular MTV pale in comThe bridge between our textidealism is the fact costumes like the parison to their messaging reality and Shakespeare’s body-shaping cor- that we are all like drama. flowery idealism is the fact that we sets and suit collars Shakespeare’s beloved The cast member are all like Shakespeare’s beloved laced with black that single-handed- characters, “All the world’s a stage, characters. feathers and satin ly steals the show And all the men and women are fabrics added a is Elizabeth Lam merely players. They have their exits contemporary touch to the setting.

Nguyen, who plays Adam, an old and their entrances, and one man in When Rosalind escapes to the se- man with a cane and a raspy voice, his time plays many parts.” rene Forest of Arden, she disguises and Phoebe, whose boyfriend is like The production, which runs until herself as Ganymede and tricks her a lovesick puppy.

Nov. 2, was commissioned to be a love interest, Orlando, to believe she Phoebe is mean to him and he part of the Kennedy Center’s Shakeis a man. The obvious sexual tension loves it. As the play develops, Phoe- speare in Washington series in April between Ganymede and Orlando be falls in love with Rosalind (who of 2009, and for good reason. The seasoned cast and crew created a memorable theatre experience, and at $9 a ticket, it is still cheaper than going to see a movie.

Tickets are available online through the Theatre and Dance Department’s Web site (http://www. fullerton.edu/arts/theatredance).

Shakespeare comes to Fullerton

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DETOUR

d et o ur

October 23, 2008

detour@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-5027

MUSIC

By Alyssa bonavita

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

Jenny Lewis has a way of reeling you in with her magnetic music and contagious personality. Her latest solo album, “Acid Tongue,” is a collection of brilliantly sewn together pieces of art that showcase her diversity as a musician.

It’s as if she has taken her music influences, her experiences with Rilo Kiley, her previous solo album, “Rabbit Fur Coat,” and combined them into an elegant whirlwind of emotion, passion and utterly earpleasing music.

Lewis shows her softer side with alluring piano ballads like “Black Sand” and “Godspeed,” featuring a mesmerizing cello and hypnotic violins that accent her pure voice.

She expresses her indie/soulful rock side with addicting, let-loose songs like “See Fernando” and “Jack Killed Mom.” “The Next Messiah” sounds like a compilation of tunes stitched together to form a nearly nine-minute-long song with gripping melodic transitions. The song features a highlighted vocal perfor-

mance by musician Johnathan Rice, who plays acoustic guitar in the song, and harmonies featuring Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes.

“Black Sand” eases into the album with Lewis’s elegant voice accompanied by soothing, rhythmic keys, light drums and bass. The song is like turning the pages of a riveting book, with the lines, “I have this dream where I’m down on my knees on the black sand. I’m facing the sea as the wind pushes me down to my hands.”

The title track, “Acid Tongue,” ignites a sense of simplicity, with empowering vocals and Lewis’ calming acoustic guitar work. The song oozes with raw, engaging lyrics and perfectly placed harmonies featuring Robinson, Rice and others.

No matter what kind of song Lewis creates, she makes it her own and keeps it genuine.

“Acid Tongue” is another taste of Lewis’ versatility and talent. The album speaks for itself, and it definitely has a lot to say.

REVIEWS NOVEL

By BreanNa moore

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

Lady luck has always been an elusive figure.

But she makes her latest appearance in Nicholas Sparks’s new novel, “The Lucky One,” as a divorced mother rediscovering love.

Despite the depiction of stereotypical characters, and the easy, uncomplicated romance that can only be found in a book, “The Lucky One” has a surprisingly suspenseful plot that plays with the ideas of luck and destiny and how loss can intertwine the two.

“The Lucky One” is the story of retired U.S. Marine Logan Thibault who, while serving in Iraq, found the picture of a young American woman.

After years of keeping the picture in his pocket at all times – during which time he miraculously survives dozens of attacks on his life – he comes to wonder about the power of the picture.

Convinced by his friend that he must repay the lucky lady, Thibault sets out to find her and repay his

debt.

What he finds is a frail young mother whose life is being controlled by her stereotypical, bullying ex-husband.

As our heroes kindle a new relationship, our villain plots his revenge, and a steady mound of suspense begins to grow, leading to a climactic ending.

Released Sept. 30, 2008, “The Lucky One” has a lot of what you would expect from Nicholas Sparks, the author of books like “The Notebook” and “A Walk To Remember.”

The story is grounded in a typical plot line of cotton candy romance, sweet beginnings, and raw emotions.

But on the slightly more substantial side, “The Lucky One” also delves into the depths of the Iraq war and its effects on those who have been unlucky enough to find themselves in its path.

It may not change your life, but as a quick read, “The Lucky One” is the perfect book to curl up with and fall head-over-heels in love with.

www.dailytitan.com

5

MOVIE

By Luis delgadillo

Daily Titan Copy Editor detour@dailytitan.com

The noirish tale of Max Payne, based on the popular shoot-em-up adventure by Rockstar Games, hit theaters Friday with a bloody homage to vigilante detective movies.

“Max Payne” stars Mark Wahlberg as Payne, a man so damaged from witnessing his family’s murder that officials at his precinct deem him unfit for normal duties.

Payne’s office, a dank and dreary storage room for cold case files, serves as a metaphor for justice put on hold.

Acting alongside Wahlberg are Mila Kunis, who plays Mona Sax, a Russian assassin and Olga Kurylenko, playing Sax’s sister Natasha.

Rounding out the cast are Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, as an internal affairs officer investigating Payne, and Beau Bridges, as B.B. Hensley, Payne’s long time family friend who leaves police work to become the head of security for a pharmaceutical company called Aesir.

The company Hensley serves is responsible for a conspiracy to create a

military strength serum that leads to the murder of Payne’s wife. An hour of predictable, bloody payback ensues courtesy of Wahlberg, who does a so-so job of portraying one of the video game world’s top tough guys.

One would think that playing the role of a detective with a chip on his shoulder would be a slam dunk for Wahlberg, but throughout the movie his reactions to the events surrounding him seem constipated.

Kunis’ role in the storyline seems unnatural as we see her trying to justify her presence on screen.

This proves painfully obvious when she steps in during a gun battle against gunmen threatening Payne.

The Ukrainian-born Kunis fits as a Russian beauty, but she is unconvincing as an assassin.

Fans of the video game will be disappointed, unless they have a safe place in their childhood bedrooms (or Dragon Lairs) where they can leave their brains while enjoying the mindless action in this late arriving sensation.

Literary journalist walks with “Wounded Warriors” Mike Sager sits down with the Daily Titan to discuss his latest book by allen d. wilson

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

Marines who are proud to have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, talked with Esquire writer-at-large Mike Sager, whose just released his new book, titled “Wounded Warriors.”

It came out earlier this month and is Sager’s third collection of journalistic prose. Several of the stories are based in the Southland, including a close-up look at Kobe Bryant, an obese man that weighs 650 pounds and a piece on Marlon Brando from 25 years ago.

Daily Titan: Your latest book is a return to journalistic prose that is your signature, after completing your fiction, “Deviant Behavior.”

What shift in thinking did you have to make?

Sager: When I wrote the novel,

it was ongoing for ten years in the spaces when I didn’t have journalism to do. Writing fiction sort of takes a retooling of the factories … So the difference is mainly, that I really know well when I write journalism and I’m learning still when I write fiction.

I like kind of being out of my comfort level, like being frightened.

It sharpens the senses … I think writing is sort of a lifelong search to learn how to say things truthfully but in a unique way.

DT: “Wounded Warriors” posits that the soldiers’ ruined lives are justification enough for peace.

Is the timely release before the election a political message in itself?

Sager: I suspect it’s a political message from the publisher … They’ve

had it since last December but I think it was sort of timed to be more political.

Oddly as it turned out, publishers are afraid of putting out products ... There’s a movie called “Stop Loss” that only lasted one week. I was talking to Rush Limbaugh by phone recently … he sort of said one difference between Democrats and Republicans is that Democrats are always feeling guilty and wallowing and things and I guess he meant on the other hand like some Republicans are ignoring things.

I think maybe if the democrats get back in office my book will be better because Democrats are now willing to sometimes face and wallow in the hard truths of what war really means.

All those (troops) undertook that effort honestly and courageously … but I don’t think war ever solves anything. I’m more of a talker. A little good negotiation in any case is better than pounding over the head especially since I’m 5’ 5”, 150 lbs., I’m not going to win a fight. I’m more into reason.

DT: In “Donut Boys” you captured the perspective of Marines in training exercises. Did you ever imagine you’d be conducting the post-game interviews too?

Sager: No … You just take one thing at a time. It’s funny that I’ve never been a real macho guy, but almost all the stories in “Wounded Warriors” are about men ... I hope that I’m a guy who’s able to bring a little bit of a broader perspective to

writing about those macho things.

For instance, in one of things that’s always attracted me to them (the Marines) … the amount of love they have for each other. Within all the macho crap is this deep love …

It’s not all macho butt-slappin’.

DT: What we get in so much non-fiction is assessment and judgment. The author often comes off as an authority. You tend to avoid highfalootin’ talk.

Sager: I don’t believe in objectivity, there’s no such thing even though they teach it in journalism.

I’ve chosen every word in that story ... The conclusions I’ve come to are a little different because I’m not prejudiced. Another thing I talk about in my teaching is the ability to suspend disbelief.

When you help the American Red Cross, you help America.

Call 1-800-Help Now or visit us at redcross.org

opinion

6

Titan Editorial Providing insight, analysis and perspective since 1960

Pay it forward when parking It has happened to everyone. dential street about a mile away Don’t pretend that you do not and you show up to your class 30 notice it and are not bothered by minutes late, covered in sweat. it.

Everyone knows that parking For most, it causes an immedi- at Cal State Fullerton is horrenate reaction, usually falling on the dous. We do not need people side of rage and anger. making it worse by parking like Say you are driving to school they own the place. for an 8 a.m. class. It starts in All it takes is an extra 30 secabout six minutes and 33 seconds onds of your time to park your and you need to find a parking car in a way that does not prevent spot ASAP. someone from As you parking directly It is called hav- behind you or make your way through the ing common cour- in front of you. parking lot, you tesy ... It is small acts This is unacspot what apceptable and pears to be an of kindness like these s o m e t h i n g open space. that make the world a needs to be You race over better place. done. to it and just as Thankfully, you are about the remedy is to turn the wheel to pull in, you surprisingly simple. realize that the oh-so-kind perIt is called having common son parked next to it has decided courtesy for your fellow classthat their vehicle is superior to mates. everyone else’s and needs an extra These days, people are quick parking space. to judge and blame others when Who knows what their reason- what they should be doing is ing is behind this? looking at themselves. It boils Whatever it is, it does not down to treating others as you override the necessity of occupy- wish to be treated. ing an additional parking space That can mean helping somewhen one will suffice. one pick up some books they So after a few choice four-letter dropped, lending a hand to words, you make your way to the someone whose car ran out of gas closest street parking thinking or moving your car over two feet that perhaps there will be a spot so someone can park in the space next to you. there.

It is small acts of kindness like Unfortunately, it is just not your day as you notice about these that make the world a betfive possible parking spaces that ter place.

We all know that one person could come to fruition if only a few people pulled up a few mea- cannot change the world, but if everyone did the little things, sly feet.

What inevitably happens is then this big world of ours might that you end up parking on a resi- not seem so crazy.

Letters to the Editor:

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Any feedback, positive or negative, is encouraged, as we strive to keep an open dialogue with our readership. The Daily Titan reserves the right to edit letters for length, grammar and spelling. Direct all comments, questions or concerns along with your full name and major to Daily Titan Opinion Editor Austen Montero at opinion@dailytitan.com.

October 23, 2008

Reality Politics

By Joshua Burton

Daily Titan Columnist

Respect the absent voter I just voted. Whatever happens in the next 13 days from when this is printed is beyond my control to respond to.

This didn’t really hit me until today when I was defending Sen. John McCain’s chances of winning the election. My one (and only) argument was that something can always happen in the next two weeks that could kill it for Sen. Barack Obama, who leads by around five percent, according to the Gallup Organization.

Even with all the problems associated with early and absentee voting, I still think these methods are worth it. I’m sick of low voter turnout. I’m tired of voter apathy.

I think that with smart controls in place, these types of ballots make the country better.

The initial problem most people have with absentee and mail ballots is that they can be done from home. This flies in the face of a standard many Americans have proudly touted: the secret ballot.

Since the late 1800’s, the concept of the secret ballot has been important to many Americans.

Voting in a confined booth has allowed people to escape the bribes and bullying of private interests.

All it would take is one story of a union offering bonus checks for anyone who votes for Obama on their mail-in ballot for the nation to second guess their penchant for easy voting.

Given this, I do believe certain precautions need to be taken. We could tighten electoral fraud laws, making punishments harsher and enforcement more extensive. Tollfree telephone numbers should be printed on ballots to make whistleblowing easier and more discreet.

There are obviously unforeseen dangers out there, but the positives, I feel, outweigh the negatives.

The thing is, absentee ballots help a lot of people. As students, we probably know this very well.

Students from out of state enrolled in the UC system totaled 10,338, according to statistics taken from the UC Web site. That many people is equal to the population of some small cities. These are people who, without absentee ballots, would be unable to vote in their home state on Nov. 4.

Now imagine the amount of students nationwide who would be unable to vote were it not for this accommodation. This is a number that could easily turn an election one way or the other.

Combine this with the numerous people who are physically unable to get out to vote on Election Day and you have a sizable number.

However, there are problems inherent in this system. Take Tim Mahoney, a Florida congressman who is up for re-election this November. A week before early voting started in his home state, he got embroiled in a sex scandal. Not only that, but he suddenly came under investigation for ethics misconduct.

Imagine if that story had hit not a week before the early voting, but after. In Sarasota County alone, 4,700 people have already cast a vote, according to CNN. Imagine numbers like that statewide. The secretary of state’s office would be awash with angry voters.

Here we have one danger of early and absentee voting. An early vote means a less informed vote. However, scandals can happen after an election, too. A reality of life needs to be acknowledged. Just because you vote for someone doesn’t mean he is honest – just ask anyone who voted for Richard Nixon.

Yet the usefulness of early and absentee voting is undeniable. Right now, 28 states allow for no-excuse absentee voting by mail and 31 states allow for early voting. Many hope this will make voting easier and increase voting numbers.

As the numbers come in, it is easy to see that this argument for early voting is legitimate. Take Georgia for example: the number of people who have already voted in the current election easily exceeds the amount of people who voted by Nov. 4 in 2004.

I’m hoping we are seeing voting trends changing. I am sick of the fact that only 63.8 percent of our voting-age population actually went to the polls in 2004.

Given this, 31.5 percent of our whole population decided the fate of the entire country after a simple majority victory, which is ridiculous.

We can’t let our fear of injustice outweigh our fear of progress.

We can be intolerant of injustice, but not at the cost of positive change.

If we don’t keep voting easy we risk letting another generation of citizens believe they don’t deserve to be counted, and when it comes to elections, numbers matter.

Cheat on your spouse with the Ashley Madison Agency

By Morgan mclaughlin Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

By now we are all used to social networking sites.

Facebook and MySpace are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to connecting with people online.

And surely we are all aware of the multitude of dating sites that litter the Internet – eHarmony and Match.com being the most widely known.

And in a society where the divorce rate is climbing and the ruse of fidelity is exposed on reality shows such as Cheaters and Temptation Island, it is no wonder that someone wouldn’t capitalize on the market of adulterers.

Enter AshleyMadison.com. Their slogan: “Life is short, have an affair.”

The Ashley Madison Agency, based in Toronto, provides an anonymous service for those already in relationships who are looking for more. It’s the largest dating service

of its kind – the owner, Noel Biderman, said the site has more than 2.5 million members and reportedly has made over $20 million since it was started in 2002.

Although the site’s drop down menu offers “Single” status identifiers, the “Attached Male Seeking Female” and “Attached Female Seeking Male” are what the company banks on to make its money.

You sign up for a free membership, and when you want to contact someone, just enter information for a credit card (a minimum of $55) and you now have credits to spend on using the site's features. All this without worry, supposedly, since the charge on your account will look like something innocuous; “AML Labs” for example.

The site also is supposed to have a customer service department that helps with any calls from suspicious spouses.

Recently the site has made headlines, boasting special promotions in response to Oprah Winfrey’s “Why Men Cheat” series. Members

who purchase an “Affair Guarantee” package who do not experience one within three months will receive a full refund.

Ashley Madison was also in the news after ESPN was asked by the family friendly Disney empire, ESPN’s parent company, to stop running the agency’s advertisements.

Of course not everyone is happy about the site’s business purpose. It ruffles the morality feathers of many who hear about it.

I, for one, have a hard time passing judgment. I can understand both sides. On the one hand, it seems wrong for a company to make millions by connecting people for the purpose of sexual betrayal and extramarital affairs. On the other hand, why shouldn’t a company profit from the rampant and plentiful situations of unfaithful partners and spouses?

Cheating would still happen even if the Ashley Madison Agency didn’t exist. But is it right for the company to make infidelity so easy?

"When monogamy becomes monotony" – another trademark saying

from the agency – shouldn’t we as a society be promoting ways to liven up marriage, ways to work together as a couple, or just plain honesty?

If you’re married or in a relationship and it just isn’t doing it for you anymore, I would think it would be easier, and cheaper, to just be upfront with the person and break up with them. There would be no need to have to spend money on AshleyMadison.com, no need to worry about your significant other finding you out, and there would be no need for guilt.

But what if the cheater doesn’t feel guilty? And what if it’s the excitement of being caught, or the thrill of being naughty that entices people to cheat?

Is there any way to resolve the climbing number of unfaithful people? Aside from a miraculous societal overhaul of people becoming more moral, I see no solution.

Maybe the alternative solution to our monogamous culture should be polygamy.

October 23, 2008

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Our Company is looking for self motivated but team oriented business builders who have a nonstop drive for success. Perfect job for students. make $1500 in your first week. Complete training is available. Please contact: successdailyllc@gmail.com

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Humorscopes

brought to you by humorscope.com Aries (March 21 - April 19) Today someone sitting near you will make repeated nasal sounds that will eventually drive you screaming from the room. Try to avoid attacking them with a box of kleenex upon reentering the room.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Excellent day to be boisterous. Avoid obstreperousness, however.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Today you will irritate people. In fact, you’ll irritate yourself.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Today you will uncover a conspiracy, involving leaf-blowers and other noisy and completely pointless garden equipment.

Leo (July 23 - August 22) Good day to go around “nudging” people.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22) Your manager will be a twit, today. That’s ok, though -- it’s what he’s paid for.

Libra (September 23 - October 22) It will occur to you to wonder, what if Jesus had actually said “The geek shall inherit the earth”, but was just misquoted? Then you’ll think of Bill Gates. Then you’ll start to worry.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Tomorrow when you wake up, you’ll make an unpleasant discovery. Sometime during the night, you’ll have been visited by the nostril hair fairy.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Today you will be struck by the notion that “Life is like one of those little cars that the Shriners get to drive”. You have a mind of great depth and profundity.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20) You need to work harder on your friendships.

Why, you sometimes don’t even like yourself that much, do you? Be nice to yourself this week - buy yourself some flowers or a nice gift. And stop suspecting yourself of having an ulterior motive!

Aquarius (January 21 - February 18) This week, you are the bug and everyone else is the really huge shoe. Your objective: don’t be noticed.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) To your chagrin and horror, you will find yourself humming along with “muzac” in the grocery store. It’s the beginning of the long slow slide, I’m afraid. Next stop: collecting “nick nacks”.

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Sports

8

October 23, 2008

Gymnast receives top honor Freshman Melanie Yamabe’s 4.67 high school GPA helps her receive this year’s President’s Scholar Award Daily Titan Staff Writer sports@dailytitan.com

Persistence is the key. At least it was for 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton gymnast and President’s Scholar, Melanie Yamabe.

Persistence, along with hard work and determination, not only got her into CSUF, but earned her a spot on the gymnastics team.

Yamabe, the youngest of three sisters, grew up in Santa Clarita, minutes from Magic Mountain. She was eight when her mom found a coupon in a magazine for a free trial at Gymnastics Unlimited and she signed up all three of her daughters.

Although her sisters did not continue with the sport, Yamabe says that was the day she fell in love with gymnastics. She asked her mom to enroll her and from then on her passion grew. She has been competing for the past 10 years.

As Yamabe entered high school, her drive to succeed extended from gymnastics to academics. She joined the swim team, was part of the Honor’s Society and a member of the California Scholarship Federation.

Yamabe kept herself busy and any spare time she had was spent doing homework or volunteering.

“I would take the bus from school to swim practice, leave early, my sister would pick me up, then go straight to my gymnastics, which was an hour away,” Yamabe said, “In the car I would do my homework or

sleep.”

Whatever homework that was not completed on the way to gymnastics she would finish on the way home.

On weekends she would do volunteer work for her church, Grace Baptist in Saugus, where she taught third graders in Saturday and Sunday school.

When she was in junior high she volunteered to go with them to Mexico and help at an orphanage, where they dug a well to provide running water.

She helped with anything the church needed; it was time permitting and did not require her to drive anywhere. Yamabe also did volunteer work with the Honor’s Society holding fundraisers and doing community service.

Yamabe said she had to sacrifice a lot of time and sleep and it was tough trying to juggle it all.

In the beginning of her senior year, Yamabe applied for the President’s Scholar award.

The highly competitive application process, results in the selection of only 25 students from a large pool of California high school seniors, based on academics and community service.

Yamabe had no problem getting picked with her 4.67 GPA and volunteer experience.

To remain a President’s Scholar at CSUF, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA while still regularly staying involved with community service.

“I have a personal goal of getting

straight A’s. I would love to get a 4.0 but I know that sometimes there is a plus and minus system,” Yamabe said. “My personal goals I always set higher and those I strive for even more. I’m not really worried about that, maintaining a 3.5 will just fall into place.”

Some of the benefits Yamabe has received for being named a President’s Scholar are having her CSUF tuition paid, a $750 book stipend for the year, a Dell laptop to use and a complimentary parking pass for each semester.

The recipients also get to have dinners with the school president according to Titan media relations.

Yamabe also considered a couple UC schools, UCLA and UC Berkley, but she wanted to make sure the school she chose had everything she was looking for.

Yamabe, a business major, says she settled on CSUF because it has a gymnastics team and she felt it would challenge her academically.

However, getting on the gymnastics team was not that easy. Yamabe sent Head Coach Jill Hicks numerous letters asking to try out.

“She was a level 9; there are different levels in gymnastics. We typically recruit level 10,” Hicks said. “Level 9 is a step below our college division and what we were looking for.”

Hicks wrote back saying that it did not look as though Yamabe had the ability or skills for their level, but wished her luck.

Yamabe didn’t let that deter her;

Think Different. Think Simon.

By Simon Liang

Daily Titan Columnist sports@dailytitan.com

What is going on with the Bay Area?

Coaches are dropping like flies.

Where’s Lane Kiffin? Where’s Mike Nolan?

They are merely images of the

football past.

Last week, Kiffin was the victim of an NFL coaching change. This week, Nolan has received the same unfortunate fate.

The coaching carousel up north is really spinning out of control.

The theme of head coaches being the scapegoats for their team’s failures seems to be surfacing more.

she continued to write to Hicks. Finally, Yamabe asked to meet her. She was going to be participating in a meet in the area, so Hicks agreed.

It was her personality and work ethic that won Hicks over. Her persistence paid off. Hicks said she was pretty good on balance beam and that’s where she said, “OK, I’ll give you a shot.”

Yamabe tried out, but wasn’t sure if she would make the team. After finding out she earned a spot she was very relieved.

“After that I could sleep well, knowing that all my hard work paid off,” Yamabe said. “College gymnastics was my one goal. Knowing that I finally made it was such a big goal that I could check off.”

Since making the team Yamabe has proven that she is a hard worker and a good fit.

“Melanie is really supportive and easy to talk to,” teammate Mika Medina said. “She has a great attitude and always motivates the team.”

Hicks said Yamabe brings great work ethic and hopes she’ll bring confidence to the team.

On balance beam, Yamabe’s favorite, Hicks said she seems to do well under pressure.Due to that confidence Hicks hopes to make her a “first-person-up-person” who could handle that kind of pressure.

Yamabe is a business major with an emphasis in finance. She said she has always dreamed of being a financial manager for a large company.

She is not sure if it is more account-

By Joel Rosario/Daily Titan Staff Photographer Freshman gymnast Melanie Yamabe practices on the balance beam last Thursday. After being a walk-on to the gymnastics team this year, Yamabe also was honored by being named a CSUF President’s Scholar for the 2008-2009 school year.

ing or finance that she would enjoy most, but she likes math so would be satisfied in either area.

Along with the mandatory eight hours in Study Hall Yamabe is required to do as an athlete, she said

she believes that study groups with her teammates will help her accomplish her academic goals. She also plans to maintain the characteristics that helped her succeed in high school and apply them at CSUF.

Bay Area fans deserve better from the once proud Raiders and 49ers

Where is the consistency? Where is the continuity?

Football is the ultimate team sport; it relies on both the offensive and defensive players to pull their own weight.

The coaches and management also hold the key to success because they have to make the right decisions for their team.

However, long gone are the days It is easy to play the blame game of Joe Montana and Steve Young. these days.

It is always easy to point the fin- Jerry Rice is not putting up receiving ger at someone else rather than ac- records in the end zone. Bill Walsh is not roaming the sideline anymore cept fault.

The Oakland Raiders and San implementing the West Coast OfFrancisco 49ers were once proud fense. franchises.

Although they have had more reThey were the pride and joy of the cent success than their cross-town Bay Area. rivals, they have stirred the pot of They had one of the greatest mediocrity for many years. guards to ever play in Gene Upshaw.

They are both in a rebuilding They had defensive end Howie Long mode, throwing their talented young hound quarterbacks for 12 years. players into the fire.

They had running back Marcus AlThe expectations are always high len pummeling in Raider Land, and through defenses there is added presRebuilding may for a decade. sure when players What do all of not be the sexiest wear that jersey. these players have Management has thing to do these days splurged in common? on playThey are all in because everyone ers that they could the Hall of Fame wants to win now, but have got for far less and considered to money. be among the best they really have no They are finanat their respective other choice. cially strapped so positions. they have to work When you think with what they of the past Raiders, you think of the have.

John Madden teams that were alAcross town, the 49ers are in more ways contending for a title. trouble.

When you think of today’s RaidJ.T. O’Sullivan is not going to be ers, you think of the laughingstock the quarterback if they plan on goof the NFL, an embarrassment to ing somewhere. Alex Smith has been the city of Oakland. an absolute bust.

Not very far off are the San FranThe quarterback situation needs cisco 49ers. to be addressed in the offseason if They are tied for the most Super they want to put some points on the Bowl Championships with five. board because Frank Gore cannot do

“

“

By Melissa Caster

C E L E B R A T E

t h e

P A S T

by GIVING in the

PRESENT to

PROMOTE

it by himself.

The defense is spotty at best. The only shinning light is their linebacker core, featuring a second-year stud known as Patrick Willis.

Both teams need a major makeover or some veteran help to shore up the inconsistencies.

Both teams will start with brand new regimes next season, so that means more playbook learning in the offseason.

Rebuilding might not be the sexiest thing to do these days because everyone wants to win now, but they really have no other choice.

However, it will take a while before fans and the NFL will see a Bay Area revival of monumental proportions.

For now, we will have to settle for the atrocities of the two former football giants.

The Raiders will dig themselves out of a hole faster than the 49ers, but that’s not saying much.

If the Miami Dolphins can do it, anyone can, right?

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