Daily Titan: Tuesday, March 2, 2010

March 2, 2010

Vol. 87 Issue 14

Show me your cure

Nerdgasm: Hollywood doesn’t do its homework

Artist photographs breasts for book to aid cancer research.

NEWS, Page 2

OPINION, Page 4

Some Winter Olympic sports easier than others

TUESDAY

SPORTS, Page 6

Adderall imposes unhealthy effects on student body STUDENT BODY, Page 3

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

High heels: The sexy killer photo courtesy eraphernalia vintage

By Brenna Phillips

Meg Whitman

Steve Poizner photo courtesy mct

Daily Titan Staff Writer

Jerry Brown photo courtesy gage skidmore

features@dailytitan.com

photo courtesy mct

Race for governor begins Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

With state gubernatorial elections just around the corner, tension surrounding which candidate will occupy Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s vacant seat are mounting.

In the Republican Party, Meg Whitman, former president and CEO for eBay, and Steve Poizner, California State Insurance Commissioner and businessman, are running against each other in the primaries, June 8. Although not declared yet, on the democratic side Attorney General Jerry Brown seems to be leading the party’s candidates for primaries.

Schwarzenegger has served two terms in office and is barred to serve a third term, although this is not the case for Brown, who has also held a two-term position as governor of the state (1975-1983). Implemented in 1990, the terms do not prevent

Brown, former mayor of Oakland, from round in his arsenal, is a multimillionserving a third term in office. aire. His company SnapTrack was one of “There are some independent groups the first to develop GPS chips used in campaigning on his (Brown’s) behalf, cell phones. what they’re basically doing is attacking Sonenshein says that what can give Meg Whitman, since they see Whitman Poizner a chance in the primaries is that as the leading candidate for the repub- he’s attacking Anthem Blue Cross, who lican nomination,” are raising insurance said Raphael J. Sonrates by 39 percent, For Luis Alday... enshein, chair of the however, he says it’s division of politics a governor should be very hard for Poizner administration and someone who’s honest to catch up to Whitjustice at Cal State man since she’s far Fullerton. “Whitman and not someone who away in her lead is emphasizing her promises a lot of things among republican business experience that he or she won’t be voters. and she’s also runSarah Hafeez, an ning very expensive able to carry out. undeclared freshman radio ads that are very at CSUF, says she’s professionally done,” not that into politics Sonenshein said. Her ads focus on re- but believes the next governor should be ducing taxes, bolstering education and someone who can relate to the people creating jobs. and is approachable.

Whitman’s business experience hapFor Luis Alday, human resources manpens to be amassing a bankroll in the agement mayor and a senior at CSUF, a billions while in her former role as chief governor should be someone who’s honexecutive of online auction giant eBay. est and not someone who promises a lot Poizner, also with a business back- of things that he or she won’t be able

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By Alma Sanchez

carry out.

Alday says young people don’t usually vote because there’s not a lot of pressure, and admits his first time voting was in the most recent presidential election, because he was motivated to vote for Barack Obama. He says he is not likely to vote in the coming gubernatorial elections. Nina Nejib, a political science major and a senior at CSUF, admits not following gubernatorial elections this time.

“I tuned out after Arnold,” Nejib said.

Although not very familiar with the candidates, Nejib knows what she wants in the next governor - someone that does not implement policies with cuts on education. Whitman has already invested $39 million in her campaign and has said she’s ready to spend $100 million or more.

“She said she is not worried about the prospect of a media blitz attacking her candidacy, and said she did expect her personal wealth to be an obstacle with voters,” reported the Associated Press.

See GOVERNOR, Page 2

M.E.Ch.A. readies students for ‘day of action’

By Allie Mosier

Daily Titan Staff Writer

Before the March 4 protest takes place, the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A.) wants to educate the campus community about the issues behind the budget cuts. The March 4 protest was put together by the California Faculty Association (CFA), with the goal of raising awareness about the current crisis in public education and the lack of

The CSUF Meridian shuttle service is to be canceled Friday in the midst of a three-year contract.

dents will also be holding posters with quotes about how the budget cuts have personally affected them. Because of Gov. Schwarzenneger’s budget cuts for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 fiscal year, Cal State Universities have been placed $283 million below their operational needs, meaning that CSUs across the country to do not have the necessary resources to provide for or meet the needs of students.

Because of this, incoming student enrollment was cut by 10,000.

M.E.Ch.A. is not only concerned

MULTIMEDIA The 19th Annual Break 8k held by the Brea Mall took place on Sunday Feb. 28th 2010.

about how the budgets cuts are affecting current college students but about how they will affect high school students and eligible first-time freshman.

“California broke its promise,” Herrera said. “They said that if we wanted to go to college, people would be able to.

So what do you do when you’re pushing people out and not letting freshman in?

You’re denying them access to what you said was able.”

photo cour tesy flickr.com/ markusram

news@dailytitan.com

photo courtesy tatiana pedroza/For the Daily Titan

funding to not only colleges and universities, but elementary and high schools as well.

“We want people to be ready for March and be informed and not just walk there because they think it’s the cool thing to do,” said M.E.Ch.A. member Veronica Herrera.

M.E.Ch.A. members, along with other students, will gather in front of Humanities March 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. handing out pamphlets with facts about the effects of the budget cuts. Stu-

Carrie Bradshaw may have the ability to effortlessly and gracefully walk the streets of New York in 5.5 inch YSL stilettos, but for the rest of the world, wearing heels can be a painful experience, accompanied by wincing and walking that looks downright ridiculous. Movies such as “Sex and the City” and “The Devil Wears Prada” encourage women to toss out their flats and replace them with high heels, without realizing the damage they are doing to their body.

“According to the study by American Podiatric Medical Association, 39 percent of women wear high heels every day,” said Dr. Paul Yoon, a podiatrist at Fullerton Medical Center. “Within this group, nearly three out of four (women) have reported a shoe-related foot problem.”

Ankle sprains and pain in the balls of the feet are common effects of wearing high heels but long-term conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, calluses, calf contractions that can lead to Achilles tendinitis and knee and lower back problems often occur, according to Yoon.

“Lower back pain can also result as the spine bends backwards to compensate the forward push of the body when you walk in heels,” said Yoon. “It can also increase the knee joint pressure and contribute to osteoarthritis in the long term.”

The fashion industry has seen the rise of the “statement shoe,” taking away the focus from the clothes themselves and turning the high heel into the centerpiece of the outfit.

“Christian Loubouitin and YSL brought back the skyscraper heel trend,” said Lindsay Albanese, a celebrity stylist and FIDM alumna. “Sky-high heels have always been around, but they have definitely become the forefront in shoe trends in the past few years.”

However, fashionistas may want to save making a statement with their heels for when they are at a bar or a club, not when you are trudging across campus with a backpack.

“Occasional wear of high heels for evenings out would be fine and will not contribute to long term foot problems,” said Yoon. “But daily wear of high heels, especially greater than 3 inches, would significantly increase the foot problems.”

Most fashion-conscious students will argue that “pain is beauty” and they are more than willing to sacrifice their feet in the name of fashion. However, fashion-forward students do not need to resort to flip-flops to find comfort on campus.

“Wedge heels are making a huge comeback this year and they are more comfortable than heels,” said Albanese.

“I also love flat boots with most outfits. They are always street chic and stylish.”

Or you could opt for a shorter heel or one that is wider, both of which are more stable and better for you feet than stilettos, but they can still be bad for your back and knees, according to Yoon.

“I would never wear high heels to school unless I was doing a professional presentation for class that day,” said Chaena Mendoza, a 23-year-old health science major. “I like to look and dress cute when I come to school, but wearing heels to school would be overdoing it. When I see other girls wearing heels at school, I feel bad for their feet.”

See MARCH 4, Page 2

The National Honors Society of Collegiate Scholars is giving a helping hand to local high school students.

INDEX

News .......................................................... page 2 Student Body ................................................ page 3 Opinion....................................................... page 4 Classifieds ................................................... page 5 Sports ......................................................... page 6

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2

March 2, 2010

IN OTHER NEWS

INTERNATIONAL Chile’s army arrests curfew violators

SANTIAGO, Chile – The Chilean army, enforcing emergency decrees aimed at containing widespread looting, arrested scores of people Monday for violating an overnight curfew as the country reeled from the weekend’s devastating earthquake.

The death toll climbed past the 700 mark as more bodies were pulled from the ruins of cities and towns hardest hit by the magnitude-8.8 quake.

The national emergency office early Monday put the number of dead at 711, up slightly from a figure given by President Michelle Bachelet Sunday afternoon.

NATIONAL Obama’s unveils ‘turnaround’ grants for schools WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Monday announced a new intervention program for 5,000 of the nation’s lowest-performing schools, available to districts where officials take actions as drastic as firing principals, clearing out staff and even shuttering some campuses.

In an address to a coalition of education advocates at the United States Chamber of Commerce, Obama unveiled his administration’s “turnaround” grants, designed to improve student achievement and change the local culture in schools that are doing poorly.

“There’s got to be a sense of accountability,” Obama told the group. “Our kids get only one chance at an education. We need to get it right.”

Under the plan, Education Secretary Arne Duncan will administer $900 million in grants next year to school districts that adopt one of four reform models. In some cases, a school can qualify for the grant money by taking steps to reform instructional strategies and improve teacher effectiveness, in part by extending planning time for educators.

STATE

Atheists spread message on Sacramento billboards

SACRAMENTO – A coalition of atheist and agnostic groups have bought billboard space in the Sacramento area to tell like-minded individuals they are not alone – but not in the godly sense.

The billboards say: “Are you good without God? Millions are.” The message appears on a background of fluffy white clouds and blue sky.

The billboards are part of a national campaign that began last year in a dozen cities, including Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati and New York. Similar ads went up in Seattle and Tampa Bay, Fla., in January.

The Sacramento billboards, which will be up for a month, cost $6,450.

The advertising is sponsored by the Sacramento Area Coalition of Reason with funding from the national United Coalition of Reason, based in Washington, D.C. The advertising space includes the Sacramento Area Coalition of Reason Web site: SacramentoCoR.org.

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 Sergio Cabaruvias at 657-278-5815 or at execeditor@dailytitan.com with issues about this policy or to report any errors.

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Copyright ©2010 Daily Titan

Book bares breasts for cause

By Jennifer Karmarkar Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

Hundreds of women across the country are baring their breasts for a new project to support breast health. “b for a cure,” the brainchild of San Francisco photographer Peter Bruce, will compile black and white photographs of more than 300 women’s breasts in a coffee tablestyle book, with proceeds going to breast-health charities.

“Everybody loves boobs; everybody loves breasts,” Bruce said. “(We thought:) let’s create a book on breasts. And we might as well do it for a good cause and give back some money while we’re doing it.”

Bruce said the photographs will be anonymous and will include women of all ages, ethnicities and walks of life, including women who have lost one or both breasts to cancer.

“This is not a playboy shoot, it’s a real-life project,” Bruce explained. “We want everybody to look at the book and say ‘Wow, these are the people who could actually be affected by breast can-

cer.”

Bruce is a seasoned photographer who has worked with Playboy, the Melbourne (Australia) Opera, major Hollywood studios and celebrities that include Michael Caine, Elton John and Vanessa Williams.

He became cognizant of the scope and severity of the disease after his wife participated in a three-day walk in support of breast cancer awareness. After kicking around some ideas, he and a business partner came up with the idea for a book that would enhance the beauty of women’s breasts.

Bruce plans to print 2,500 books in the first run. Sale price will be around $50, with 30 percent of the profits donated to charity.

Although the charities have not yet been finalized, he envisions the proceeds to be split between a large organization with a good following, a juvenile foundation to help future generations and an individual on the cutting edge of breast cancer research.

Cal State Fullerton psychology major Anita Wadwa, 35, said she is skeptical about the project.

“I don’t see how photographing 300 women’s breasts is supporting breast cancer,” Wadwa said. “I wish

people could come up with something more creative than nudity to raise money. If some women are willing to do it, great – breasts are beautiful. But I don’t think women need to be exploited, even for a good cause.”

While most of the models will be “everyday women,” Bruce said he plans to include at least one pair of celebrity breasts (anonymously) in the book. Only nude breasts will be shown in the photographs. No faces or bodies will be revealed.

So far, more than 500 women across the country have signed up to participate.

31-year-old Tamisha posed at the photo shoot in San Francisco last month and was surprised at how comfortable she felt.

“I think it’s a great cause and it was easy to donate my time,” Tamisha said. “I don’t personally know anybody who has been affected by breast cancer but it struck a chord in me and I like the approach that Peter is taking with the project.”

Others are less certain. “In terms of posing for the book, I don’t think I could do it, just because I’m not very comfortable exposing myself,” said CSUF marketing major Carmen Busa, 22. “Even though it’s anonymous, I just haven’t been in that position, I guess. I would definitely be interested in purchasing that book, though. I think the concept is really interesting.”

Busa’s sister Kristine, a CSUF alumna, agreed.

“I would not be comfortable

Photos courtesy of Peter Bruce Above: Photographer Peter Bruce.

Below: Logo for Bruce’s project.

with the pictures either, but I would definitely buy the book because I believe in the cause,” she said. “Our mom had an issue with her breasts and we know a lot of people with that issue in our family.” “b for a cure” is seeking females 18 and older for upcoming photo shoots in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. Bruce said the modeling is done on a volunteer basis. “(Women) are doing this gratis, free, because they’ve either been affected by breast cancer or they see the beauty in the project,” he said.

For more information on the organization or how to participate, visit the Web site at: bforacure.com.

March 4: Eduational protesting From Page 1

Though Schwarzenegger proposed to restore $305 million to the CSU 2010-11 budget, as well as provide an additional $60.6 million for enrollment growth, Herrera is concerned that high schools will not receive enough funding.

Herrera said that college students shouldn’t dismiss the importance of first-time freshman being denied admittance in to a CSU or UC, because it not only affects freshmen but the education system as a whole.

Funding for K-12 and community colleges was reduced by $1.5 billion, according to the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities.

“It doesn’t matter restoring the money to us if K-12 are cut, because then people aren’t going to be able to make it here regardless,” Herrera said.

Herrera is also discontented with the way the issue is being handled.

Herrera said that she feels as though students and their education are being treated like a business. Students are paying more and getting less – less classes to choose from and less class time due to furloughs.

“I’ve had professors tell me ‘I feel sorry for you. I made it less hard this semester for you’ and it makes me angry. I didn’t pay more so that they could teach me less,” Herrera said.

Herrera said that since students are being asked to pay more for tuition and professors are being asked to take furloughs and get a 10 percent salary deduction, Chancellor Reed should also do the same. Chancellor Reed earns $362,500, receives housing and a $12,000 car allowance, according to the CFA Web site.

“Your (Chancellor Reed) asking our professors and our administration to take pay cuts and telling them

they can’t come to work, but yet you yourself are saying you’re not going to sacrifice anything?” Herrera said.

Herrera made it a point to say that students don’t realize how much power they have when they pay tuition.

She said that students should demand to get what they pay for just like they would demand to get something they paid for at a store.

M.E.Ch.A member Jesus Herrera Rivera said students have to take charge in order to make a difference.

Students can join M.E.Ch.A. and bring their own posters to demonstrate how the budget cuts have affected them.

“Facts are facts; they’re numbers.

But when the numbers are attached to a face and a voice, that’s when people are going to care,” Herrera said.

“We have to show people that we care and that we won’t sit idly by,” said M.E.Ch.A member Andy Olea.

Photo courtesy of MCT Thousands protest budget cuts, furloughs and tuition increases at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif, Sept. 24, 2009.

Photo Courtesy MCT Gubernatorial hopeful, Steve Poizner (left) stands beside the current Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Governor: Race is on From Page 1 Sonenshein says although Whitman is drawing from her personal assets to finance her campaign, she is also focusing heavily on fundraising. Soneshein also pointed out that Poizner is contributing to his campaign out of pocket as well. He has ponied up $19 million so far.

While the practice is not uncommon among politicians with the means to do so, Soneshein feels it’s only a small piece of the political puzzle.

“Big money candidates do not always win in California because their message has to be good and they have to be able to handle debates and issues,” Sonenshein said.

If Whitman were to win the primaries, she will most likely face Brown in the general elections in November.

“It’ll be a real example of an experienced political figure versus a novice in politics who has a lot of money and can promote a business image,” Sonenshein said.

Brown has an extensive background in politics, over 40 years

of experience, and has held important political positions throughout his career. At 36, Brown was elected governor, making him the youngest at the time. If reelected, he will be the oldest governor of California to date.

Whitman on the other hand has been a successful businesswoman and held important positions within major companies.

If elected governor of California, Whitman will be the first woman to occupy the seat.

“You feel hopeless voting,” Nina said, adding the she doesn’t know if it will even lead to change.

California has other independent parties who have also nominated their candidates for the coming elections, however third party candidates rarely share much of the spotlight while in the shadow of Republicans and Democrats.

“Just because she works for big businesses, what does she know about schools? About school budgeting?” Nina said.

Nina said she will consider going out to the polls to vote if, among other things, there’s a worthy candidate.

3

March 2, 2010

Meditate: Just breathe

By JENNIFER KARMARKAR Daily Titan Staff Writer features@dailytitan.com

Visualize the lift. Breathe in...

Breathe out. Grip the bar... Lift.

It’s a routine that powerlifter Huy Nhan, 24, kinesiology strength and conditioning major, has performed hundreds of times while preparing to deadlift 575 pounds. He incorporated the visualization and deep breathing techniques into his routine three years ago to improve his concentration, with surprising results.

“I’ve gotten a lot stronger from it,” Nhan said. “I feel a lot healthier from it and my grades are actually a lot better as well.”

The 5’10”, 250 pound Nhan, who is training for his first power competition, uses diaphragmatic breathing and imagery meditation prior to each lift. He also meditates throughout the day to stay focused and calm.

He is in good company. Longconsidered the providence of mantra-chanting monks and mystics, today more Americans than ever before practice yoga and meditation as a path to physical and mental wellbeing.

According to a survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, nearly 13 percent of adults practice deep breathing exercises, more than nine percent meditate and six percent practice yoga.

The findings were reported in a 2009 article by the American Medical Association.

Kinesiology major Justin Vidal, 21, began meditating more than a year ago as an alternative to taking pain medications. Herniated discs

in his lower spine had left Vidal with sciatica and chronic back and leg pain. Doctors prescribed multiple pain medications but the pain was still so severe that some days he was barely able to crawl to the bathroom.

“At first I was just so angry,” Vidal recalled. “Why me? Why do I have this pain? Why do I have to take all these pills? Why am I stuck in this position?”

That’s when Vidal began searching for an alternative way of life. At the suggestion of a friend, Vidal began to meditate.

Soon he began to notice subtle changes: his digestion improved, he was sleeping better, his mind was calmer.

And there was an added benefit: his test-taking skills improved.

“Meditation can definitely bring your stress level down to the point that when you get in (the classroom), you can be relaxed,” Vidal said.

Both Vidal and powerlifter Nhan are students in Cal State Fullerton kinesiology professor Patrick Freeman’s Hatha yoga classes. A yoga-devotee since age 12, Freeman stresses a multi-disciplined approach to yoga and meditation.

“A lot of people in the west think of yoga as what you do at 24 Hour Fitness or at the rec center,” Freeman said. But to an advanced yogi, that’s “basically kindergarten.”

“It’s still very good; it’s good for the health of our body and, for some people, that’s all they want out of yoga and that’s fine,” Freeman said.

“The cool thing about yoga is that you can take from it whatever you want...It’s not a religion; it’s a system of scientific principles designed to still the restless mind.”

Freeman said humans think more than 60,000 thoughts a day. Yoga and meditation teach techniques like relaxation and concentration to slow down those thoughts.

Meditation can be practiced anywhere, even your own living room.

Photo COURTESY MCT

Hikers should beware and prepare

By Christine Amarantus

Daily Titan Editor at Large features@dailytitan.com

A wise person knows her limits. I, however, am far from wise.

The wreckage of the S.S. Dominator, a Greek freighter that ran ashore off of Palos Verdes, is said to be a fairly easy walk from Bluff Cove, with occasional boulder-hopping and the possibility of tripping over seal carcasses. After looking over some hiking Web sites describing the trail with rave reviews from other hikers, we embarked on what we expected to be a day at the beach.

Thinking we were only going to encounter sand, I wore sandals — rookie mistake number one.

We had also forgotten to bring water, sun screen or hats of any kind. On top of all that, I didn’t charge my phone, so a quarter mile into the trek my phone’s battery died.

The first leg of the journey was as pleasant as could be. We walked down the hill, onto the beach and past many surfers enjoying the waves.

Then, it snuck up on me — I started to get really thirsty. By midday, the sun rose from behind the cliff and gleamed right into our eyes as we stumbled along.

As our trek continued, the sun descended into the ocean

and the tide inched nearer. I began to panic as I became more dizzy. I began taking mental notes of spots where I could pass out. Little did I realize, this was a sign of sun stroke.

When we could finally detect the Dominator’s silhouette in the distance, we were struck with a brief ray of hope, and hurried to it as quickly as possible, which is not saying much, considering our faintness and the effort it took to get over the rocks.

At that point, the shipwreck was anticlimactic. I was more interested in getting out of that place.

The sky grew dark and the sun cast rainbow-like shimmers across the horizon. Without flashlights (I forget, what number rookie mistake would we be on

Graphic COURTESY MCT

now?), we would soon be lost in the dark. And yet, we had no idea where to climb out.

I gave up. “Call 911,” I told Brandon.

I was out of ideas.

He dialed the number, just as concerned as I was. The dispatcher heard the story: We were dehydrated, sun stroked, lost.

“Just keep walking,” she says.

“You’ll be fine.”

After ending the call, Brandon’s phone beeped, signaling that it would soon run out of battery.

Suddenly, a beacon of hope arose from nowhere: lit cigarettes. People could be maybe 100 feet ahead of us.

We cried for help and climbed toward the lights. A pair of surfers, Sean and Sean, answered our call.

We felt stupid telling them about getting lost and not bringing water.

“It happens to the best of us,” they said as they handed us their canteens, and led us out of there.

What should be taken from this cautionary tale is to always be prepared.

Always remember the essentials.

Have water and maybe some food, wear sturdy-soled shoes and dress in layers. Practice on shorter trails before taking on the longer, more strenuous hikes.

Graphic by Kristen Hulsey Daily Titan Design editor

Pills for class concentration

By Juliana D. Campbell

Daily Titan Staff Writer features@dailytitan.com

It’s midnight, you’re exhausted from eight hours of class and you still have 15 chapters to read. Your stomach hurts and you have a headache. You sweat just thinking about what you have to do and in order to focus, you grab “study-enhancers,” such as Adderall, or energy pills, and try to concentrate.

Caffeine is the most common drug amongst college students and many are aware of its detrimental side effects. However, not so many know about the downsides to energy pills and study-enhancing drugs.

Increasing in popularity, Adderall is not an uncommon prescription drug used to help students concentrate in class and do better on tests.

Adderall, or amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, was first marketed in the 1960s as the diet pill of choice.

It is currently classified as a stimulant medication and appetite suppressant and is mostly used to treat both attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Adderall stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the release of chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals, or neurotransmitters, help the brain send signals between nerve cells. The drug helps restore the balance of these neurotransmitters to the parts of the brain that control the ability to focus and pay attention.

“Yes, they do make an individual more alert, but at what cost?” said Dr. Patti Laguna, sport psychology professor. “The lack of sleep, especially with long-term use, can be extremely dangerous.”

The side effects of Adderall may not be noticed the first few times, but as time progresses, users are capable of experiencing repercussions.

“Some side effects include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, constriction of blood vessels, increase of glucose in blood, restlessness and insomnia,” said Laguna. “Serious side effects include increased body temperature, irregular heart rate, cardiovascular failure, and seizures.”

According to Laguna, there have been a few studies conducted that have examined Adderall misuse.

For example, approximately six to 10 percent of students nationally have misused Adderall for studying, while Adderall misusers typically have alcohol-related problems (i.e., binge drinking). Adderall misusers include more males (14.4 percent) than females (9.1 percent), more white (14.5 percent) than non-white (6.1 percent) and more students residing with the Greek system (53.9 percent) than those residing on campus (14.5 percent) or those who reside off campus (seven percent).

Those who want to avoid Adderall attempt to stick to other studying habits.

“Usually when I have an exam, I just cram,” said Barbra Cembrano, a 24-year-old illustration major.

Although Adderall may be a bad choice to study with, other substances such as energy pills aren’t any better and can even be worse.

For example, some students take caffeinated diet pills as an alternative to sugar-filled beverages. However, there is one unforeseen problem with caffeine in diet pills: the amount of caffeine can be equal to two or three cups of coffee. When that is added to the already caffeine-enriched student diet of soda pop and Red Bulls, it can increase a student’s heart rate and blood pressure and can induce insomnia and anxiety.

“If you need to stay up late take a cold shower, run around, turn up the music and open up a window,” suggested history major Tondra Russell.

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March 2, 2010

Nerdgasm “Exploring the highs and lows of nerd culture.”

Should addiction be medically considered a disease?

By James Gobee

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

“Addiction seems to be the only disease you can get yelled at for having: ‘Damn it Johnny, you’re an alcoholic!’ ‘Damn it Johnny, you have lupus!’ One of those two doesn’t sound right,” the late comedian Mitch Hedberg once said.

Being addicted to something is, at least at one point in time, a choice. One had to choose to take a drink, snort a line, spike a needle, etc.

The people that have deemed addiction a “disease” are the same people that are benefiting from pushing this viewpoint onto the American public. It’s the ineffective treatment centers that continuously re-admit people into detox facilities and drug rehab programs, therapists and other doctors who now have a client for a lifetime and pharmaceutical companies who make billions off of the drugs they prescribe for them.

I find that last one most disturbing because it doesn’t take a college graduate to know that prescription drugs are one of, if not the biggest, drug abuse problems in the country. Doctors and treatment centers keep prescribing

more drugs to those suffering from addiction problems.

Nearly all addiction treatment centers actually believe that what they are doing is right, although it is all based on false statements.

When doctors say that addiction is “treatable” they mean that you can take drugs to stifle your symptoms, when in actuality, there is not a single one that can cure the problem.

Addicts say that they can’t control their impulses and because they are born with a genetic predisposition. It’s not a choice.

Psychologist Gene M. Heyman, author of “Addiction: a Disorder of Choice,” told the Boston Globe about addictive substances, which these days are said to include food, the Internet and all manner of other things that cause changes in the brain and make it almost impossible to exercise restraint.

“The critical question is whether these changes ... block the influence of the factors that support self-control,” Heyman said. “My hunch is that if drug-induced brain changes do not block the influence of costs and benefits on drug use, then Internet-induced brain changes do not make turning off your computer impossible.”

People frequently quit their addiction for reasons such as family relationships, economic pressures, legal pressures, etc. These are the kinds of things that influence decisions, but these are not things that influence symptoms of real disease like turrets syndrome, schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Addiction starts with a choice, which is when behaviors or activities are influenced by their consequences.

By Michael Arellano

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

While the first choice to take an addictive material, such as a drug, is decided wholly on the individual, once that person becomes addicted to that item, it becomes a disease.

“Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drugseeking and use,” the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported.

By compulsive drug-seeking and use, they mean that this behavior does not involve the person’s conscious brain.

So if a person who is addicted to a drug does not consciously choose to use that drug, how can anyone deny that addiction is a disease?

Addiction not only affects the way that a person processes thoughts, but it also slows down the metabolic rate of the brain, just as heart disease slows down the metabolic rate of a heart.

Diseases and addiction are similar in the fact that they disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ, can be cured, and if left untreated could lead to death.

What’s surprising though is how many Americans still believe that addiction is not a disease. This

For your consideration ...

Writer discusses her top five picks among the Best Picture Oscar nominees

by Ashley Luu

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

“Avatar” conveys how technologically advanced we have become and influences the next generation of hardcore filmmakers to keep pushing forward. Never before in my life have I come out of a movie theater speechless because a film has left me awe-inspired. It conceptually revolutionizes cinema because it combines live-action with motion-capture, animation and other technologies, and the story and beautiful visuals suck you into a foreign civilization among the Na’vi tribe. It is not a perfect film and viewers might suggest that the storyline is too simple and several characters, like Dr. Grace Augustine and Parker Selfridge, are underdeveloped. I agree the film was rough around the edges, but it overcompensated by including breathtaking graphics, strong acting from the two leads and a well-told story.

“Up in the Air” is not nominated for its special graphics or entertaining shock value. It is a story that any adult can relate to if they are going through a crisis or transition in their lives. Why? Because it teaches us that adulthood can suck, whether you’re someone out of college who thinks they know what they replete with five-to-10-year plan, but realizes their hopes and dreams are

crushed and may never happen when reality sets in, or, it could mean that a middle-aged someone who runs away from responsibilities and constantly travels does not know how to grow up and loses opportunities as people change and move on without him.

The dialogue is superb and as characters converse with each other, every line, whether serious or sarcastic, ebbs and flows. You never expect what they will say, nor do you challenge their opinions or perceptions of life. Every character is flawed just like the rest of us, and the mistakes they make are genuinely possible for everyone else to make.

“The Hurt Locker,” a highly praised film, is a strong contender for its raw intensity, realistic shots and dramatic sequences. Based on the bestselling book, “War is a Force That Gives us Meaning,” New York Times war correspondent and journalist Chris Hedges provides a great theme to the film by stating, “The rush of battle is a potent and often lethal addiction, for war is a drug.” The film also adds a interesting touch to the nominees because it is attached to female director Kathyrn Bigelow, who happens to be James Cameron’s ex-wife. Spicy.

I know, all you want to do is sob and blow your nose in the intensely emotional “Precious” based on a novel “Push,” by Sapphire. Gabourey Sidibe makes her acting debut as Precious, an illiterate, obese and pregnant teen who uses her imagination to picture different scenarios where she is accepted as a human being -

something that the real world does not offer. Sidibe who is articulate and intelligent in interviews, courageously portrays a character whose deep and drawn-out voice and typically nonattractive characteristics makes any viewer empathize and care about her difficult situation. “Precious” is a highly dramatic film that wraps a viewer’s attention into this difficult journey of a young woman who struggles to gain the love and respect that everyone deserves. After watching this film, you should count your blessings and hope that there are options for those who are oppressed and feel like there is nowhere else to go.

Even though “Up” is an unlikely win for Best Picture, I approve of its universal appeal to those who have thoughts of escaping from their lives when it gets too mundane, stressful or frustrating. It’s an adorable, colorful, emotional and lovable film that caters to all ages. Rarely would an animated feature film be selected for best picture with two unique lead characters: a grumpy old man who no longer appreciates life, and a chubby child who wants someone to appreciate him. This imaginative film has a welldeveloped and gratifying story that takes you on an adventurous journey toward self-reflection and the love for life and what it offers.

argument has little evidence behind it and is backed by people who know little or nothing about addiction.

When treating addiction as if it were a moral failure of an individual, few people recover. However, when it is treated for what it really is, a chronic disease, more people come out clean, especially when put into programs that are reoccurring.

People just do not willingly search out ways to destroy their own bodies because they are morally weak.

One-hundred million people didn’t die in the 20th century because they weren’t morally strong enough to stay away from tobacco.

More people need to do their research on addiction and see how it affects people. They need to get to know a recovering addict to experience what their daily struggle is like.

Many today believe that addiction is a moral failure as they do not know an addict, so they do not understand what it is like for addicts, leaving no room for sympathy.

The truth of addiction is that it severely damages the brain, leading to a loss of self control and a person’s ability to make sound decisions.

Addiction is not fully viewed as a disease, but other similar unhealthy behavioral choices have, such as diabetes and hypertension.

All of these deal with life choices and some form of addiction, whether it be food, anger or drugs, and all have physically debilitating results if left untreated.

If people began to understand what addiction is, and make an attempt to understand a person who has gone through it, the truth about addiction being a disease will become less debatable and more widely accepted.

‘Shutter’ crap

by Ashleigh Johnson

Daily Titan Copy Editor opinion@dailytitan.com

“Shutter Island” has been a huge success for director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio. I don’t mean to drop a metaphorical deuce on their success – wait, no, sorry. I totally do.

The movie has all the trappings of a good thriller/atmospheric-horror/talking picture: it has an engaging plot, interesting (likeable is admittedly a bit of a stretch) characters, spooky settings, blah blah blah. And then we get to the end.

Over the years, psychology has become a sort of a dues ex machina for screenwriters; a “Get Out of Jail Free” card when they write themselves into a corner.

It’s easy to see why. Whereas society has a pretty good grasp on some areas of study, psychology remains a largely uncharted territory. Furthermore, while demons and vampires can be dismissed as imaginary creatures, the idea that one’s own mind – which is supposed to help rather than hinder – can turn against us is, frankly, terrifying. Or at least it would be, if at this point the idea wasn’t so cliché and overused.

“The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” is basically a book that gives information about every recognized mental illness.

It’s also a buffet of plot devices for screenwriters.

Problem: Your main character is being pursued by an insane serial killer who is also targeting everyone that said main character knows and loves. The time has come to unmask the identity of the serial killer, and if it’s not shocking enough, some high-powered Hol-

lywood executive is going to rape your dog. WHAT DO YOU DO? Solution: The main character did it.

He/she has Multiple Personalities Disorder (or Dissociative Identity Disorder, if you want to be hip and with the times). Now sit back, relax and enjoy some margaritas.

Problem: You wrote a full-length script and are reading through it again only to realize that it’s not interesting/convoluted enough. WHAT DO YOU DO? Solution: Give the main character amnesia; make the plot about him/ her figuring out the plot. Remember: everyone loves amnesia! Amnesia is to Hollywood suspense films what apple pie is to America.

Problem: Your script is not weird enough. You must add more weird shit. WHAT DO YOU DO? Solution: Make one of the characters (preferably the antagonist, but feel free to make it the protagonist if you’re feeling sassy) schizophrenic. Only when you’re doing research about the disease, don’t look at any valid medical sources. Rather, use soap operas and older horror movies. No one will know the difference!

I’m picking on “Shutter Island” because it’s the most recent example of a long history of Hollywood using stereotypes about the mentally ill to mend plot holes. Well, that and because “Shutter” manages to take all three clichés and smelt them together to form an ending that can only be described as similar to pulling a delicious chocolate cake out of the refrigerator only to have someone set you on fire.

Most films depicting mental illness will also rely on the insta-cure to make everything all better after it’s revealed that one of the characters is insane.

“Shutter Island” is no exception.

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March 2, 2010

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Daily Sudoku: Mon 1-Mar-2010

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2010. All rights reserved.

medium

9 2

9 2 4

3 4 2

4 9 1

5 8 6

7 3 8

6 1 7

3 6 2 7 4

8 3 7 5 1

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Daily Sudoku: Mon 1-Mar-2010

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1

2 6 5 1 9 8 3 7

4 6

medium

3

5

8

4

3

1 7 9

1 8 9 3 4 5 7 6 2 7 5 2 4 9 8 3 1 6

8

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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2010. All rights reserved.

9

2

7

4 3

8

1 2

3

5

9

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Get your message out to the public loud and clear. Be sure to stress why it’s urgent. Get under their skin. Also encourage feedback.

4

9

3

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Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 6 -- Someone could talk you out of your cash unless you’re careful. Listen to emotional persuasions, then season them with practical logic.

1

9

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Do exactly what you want in a social situation. Others have a separate agenda that you don’t need to follow. Manage your own responsibilities.

9

2

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- What seemed impossible yesterday becomes almost ordinary now. There could be a flood (literally), but the solution is self-evident.

8

2

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2010. All rights reserved.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 5 -- Find concrete words to describe elusive feelings and ideas. You know what you mean. Make sure others get the point. Dream large.

2

4 6 5

5

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Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Everyone’s on the same page now, and you reach agreement on the magical quality of the work. Logic still provides the foundation.

4 3 8 7

7

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Continue to address issues presented by others. Unless you truly care, allow them to have their way. Meet your own needs later in the day.

1

3

5

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Money remains an issue, but you find a way to adjust spending or spread out the payments. Creative efforts produce an alternate income stream.

4 6

6

Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is a 6 -- If you travel, remember to take your passport.

Harmony at home could be jeopardized. Make sure you’ve left enough money to cover expenses.

1

1

7

Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Now that you’ve fully articulated your message, you can race ahead to convince others that your creative logic will work. Don’t forget to inject lots of enthusiasm.

8

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 6 -- What you hear isn’t necessarily the final word on what’s required. Ask leading questions if you have to. That way you discover the feelings behind the demands.

Daily Sudoku: Mon 1-Mar-2010

-- Boost or readA partwant it.

http://www.dailysudoku.com/

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 your imagination by surfing the Internet ing fiction. Images drive creative effort. ner provides reasonable feedback, if you

6

March 2, 2010

Some Olympic sports lack real athletic ability How’s that for getting to know No Americans walked away with your teammates? any medals in the event this year, Or if that doesn’t seem too out of which is surprising because I would sports@dailytitan.com the norm for you, how about a preg- think the poor American diet would During this winter season, I have nant woman curling? only contribute to heavier athletes, watched more Winter Olympics Canada’s Kristie Moore is over which would only help in this than ever before. five and a half months pregnant and, event.

It wasn’t just because it was con- in my opinion, shouldn’t be walking By the looks of it, you don’t need stantly running on several different on thin ice and vigorously sweeping to be too physically fit. channels either, but because I was the surface.

However, the amazed that some of these games Olympic sports extra layer of fat Olympic sports don’t require any athletic talent. should have an might help if you should have an Here are a few of the least-known athletic aspect to were to crash. games in the Winter Olympics, them, one with athletic aspect to Skeleton – The some of which give us all that feeling shock value, much opposite of luge. them, one with shock The only visual that we too can compete for interna- like NASCAR. tional bragging rights.

Come on, you value, much like difference is that Curling – Yeah I know, most peo- know nobody en- NASCAR you do this on ple have at least heard of curling by joys watching cars your stomach. now, but where else can you find a driving around in It’s basically togroup of men and women with day circles. People want to see crashes. bogganing, so sorry Kristie Moore, jobs sliding a rock down a flat sheet Luge – Another sport I find fas- this may not be a good sport for you of ice in a shuffleboard/dart-throw- cinating. right now. ing hybrid?

Microsoft Word must think so First of all, who in their right It’s a fact that three of the four too because it doesn’t even recog- mind would compete in an event players for the men’s United States nize the word. It’s a sport that only called “skeleton” and slide down froteam have been living in the same the brave, or the completely insane, zen tubes on top of a modified shopapartment for the past year. would even attempt. ping cart, going head-first into a pile of foam padding?

I guess I would if I was guaranteed to make it to the foam.

But it must be nice to compete in the Olympics while sitting down.

I don’t see where being physically fit is a requirement here too.

But being so similar to luge, wouldn’t it be funny if America didn’t walk away with any medals in this event too? That’s right, they didn’t.

Biathlon – My favorite event that I was introduced to this year. It’s a mixture of cross-country skiing and good, old-fashioned rifle shooting.

The only thing to make this even better, besides the skiing uphill and downhill in tights with a rifle United States’ Wynn Roberts prepares to shoot in the men’s 20 km Biathlon Individual.

By brian zbysenski

Daily Titan Staff Writer

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Intramural sports offers opportunities By jenna west

For the Daily Titan

sports@dailytitan.com

At the Student Recreation Center (SRC), the sound of tennis shoes screeching across the wooden floor and the pulse of a dribbling basketball echo throughout the building. These are not the players of a collegiate basketball team but an intramural sports team, composed of talented student-athletes competing for something other than a trip to the NCAA Final Four.

The SRC gives Cal State Fullerton students an opportunity to perform on a competitive or amusement level in sports such as basketball, soccer, flag football and softball through the intramural sports program.

Intramural Sports Coordinator Albert Beltran revealed the benefits intramural sports offers, other than physical health.

“Working out and playing sports overall makes you feel well and is a good stress relief,” Beltran said.

CSUF students, faculty and staff can sign up for the intramural sports program for one fee of $60 with their team members.

Do not be discouraged if you do not have a team, the free agent process allows individuals to be drafted to a team.

“In some cases, there will be enough free agents to form a team.

Last semester, a free agent team won the championship,” Beltran said.

There is one thing that a team strives for in the championship: bragging rights. Geography major Nicholas Firsich and his team have won the championship in soccer for the past three years.

“It’s mainly about bragging rights, and the t-shirt feels like an accomplishment. Not many people get to wear that shirt,” Firsich said.

Intramural sports provide students with an enjoyable source of exercise and employment. Whether you are in the game or on the sidelines, just because it is not at an intercollegiate level does not mean it’s not entertaining.

“Unexpected things can happen, it gets very intense,” Firsich said.

“Blood is drawn.”

Firsich is an athlete and supervisor of the soccer league, score keeper, and official of the intramural sports program. He sets up meetings, places free agents onto teams, creates the schedule for the workers and referees and hands out championship tshirts.

“It’s a great experience, you meet great friends and make great memories,” Firsich said.

One of the main difficulties Beltran and his staff face is providing game times that work with the staff and participants’ schedules. It is more

difficult for those who commute to make themselves available, but it is possible. Freshman Marquel Jones, an electrical engineering major, made it possible.

This is Jones’ first year of playing five-on-five basketball through the intramural sports program. Looking to try-out for the CSUF basketball team, Jones pushes to challenge himself. As a commuter, he did not want to stay unless the game was taken seriously.

“Next to playing at the collegiate level, intramural sports is the next best thing,” Jones said.

Jones enjoys the program because it is more team-oriented and provides an opportunity to stay in shape and improve. The CSUF intramural sports program presents fitness for those looking to play at the competitive and entertainment levels.

“Next to playing at the collegiate level, intramural sports is the next best thing,” Jones said.

Jones enjoys the program because it is more team-oriented and provides an opportunity to stay in shape and improve. The CSUF intramural sports program presents fitness for those looking to play at the competitive and entertainment levels.

“If you want to have fun, build a skill or craft, go into intramural sports,” Jones said.

photos courtesy mct The United States curling team of Allison Pottinger (left) Nicole Joraanstad (center) and Debbie McCormick (right) sweep the stone.

strapped to your back, would be if the skiers didn’t stay stationary to take aim and fire.

I would much rather see the skiers still skiing on a downhill slope, almost like a drive-by.

Then maybe one day, the U.S. might have a chance at this incredible event.

France walked away this year with six medals.

The games should be made for athletes who are willing to be in-

jured. That way, when they come back to the sport, they can have an amazing come-back story waiting for them.

But no one gets injured in a game like curling, right? That would be just too embarrassing.

Well only in America has that happened. U.S. team captain John Shuster now has a finger that gets locked because he once swept with a broom that was one eighth of an inch too thin.

So from clenching too hard, he sometimes wakes up with a stuck finger, according to Nbcolympics. com.

True athletes don’t admit to such bogus “injuries.” Especially when you’re acting as the team “skip” by throwing the “pancake” down the ice.

The minimal hand injuries paired with the cutesy nicknames will only justify that curling should be kept as a hobby.

The Walk-Off: Beauty and art of coaching basketball

By brian whitehead

Daily Titan Staff Writer sports@dailytitan.com

Hall of Fame coaching legend John Wooden once said, “A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.” With this in mind, being a coach – a basketball coach, in particular – isn’t easy.

Between the kid who travels every time he touches the ball, the kid who falls down every time he runs at full speed, the kid who shoots any and every time he’s within 25 feet of the basket, the clumsy big kid who jumps for a rebound and doesn’t even graze the ball and the kid who doesn’t quite comprehend the idea of dribbling, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome in order to be a successful coach.

Somehow, I’ve managed to do so.

See, I’ve coached 12 and 13-yearolds for three of the last five years, and though every new season posed its own unique and daunting challenges (say, losing your best player because he was flunking out of ju-

nior high), I’ve been lucky enough to finish in first place each year I’ve coached.

Three years, three titles. Phil Jackson who?

In all seriousness, its been a blessing, really.

I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t exactly had to coach the preEmilio Estevez Mighty Ducks.

I’ve had my fair share of players who were already pretty darn good, as well as kids who possessed the natural athleticism and ability to succeed on their own.

However, for every natural athlete I had, I had a handful of kids who were anything but.

The majority of my kids lacked basic coordination, athleticism, and ability.

Having said that, these particular players always made up for their inabilities with unteachable heart, will and effort.

“There is no substitute for guts,” Paul Bryant once said.

With two practices a week and a couple games every weekend for three to four months, it’s nearly impossible to not become emotionally attached to these kids.

You work with them at practice, joke with them, find out what’s going on at school, encourage them to work their tails off for the sake of the team, help get them comfortable in their own skin, then watch them succeed on the court.

“All coaching is, is taking a player where he can’t take himself,” Bill

McCartney, former University of Colorado football coach, once said.

As a coach, I try not to get too excited after victories, but I can’t help it.

And I try not to beat myself up too much after losses, but I can’t help it.

Losses are always tough to swallow for the simple fact that there’s always a part of me that assumes the blame.

There’s always something I didn’t see, or something I could’ve done something differently. Naturally, whether we lose by one or by 100, I can’t help but feel like I let my kids down. It’s a taxing job, it really is.

However, as Vince Lombardi once said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.”

At the end of the day, I don’t do it for the winning.

Ultimately, there’s no better feeling than seeing every kid develop throughout the course of the season.

Of course, winning is the immediate goal, but in the grander scheme of things, a coach’s underlying goal is to leave each kid, regardless of skill set, better than he was when you got him.

As cliche as it sounds, a 10-win, first-place season lasts a couple months, but giving your kids a new found love and appreciation for basketball lasts a lifetime.

Sure, being a coach isn’t easy, but being an influential and supportive figure in each kids’ life is.