Daily Titan: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 9, 2010

Vol. 87 Issue 17

Titan basketball teams receive All-Big West accolades Men’s and women’s basketball have a combined six players receive regular season awards for their play.

SPORTS, Page 6

TUESDAY

Massive comic convention could soon call Orange County home NEWS, Page 2

Derek Jeter’s fate up for debate OPINION, Page 4

Monkey Business Café offers great food and prices for students FOOD, Page 3

MULTIMEDIA: Top ten plays of the 2009-10 men’s basketball. See more at The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

DailyTitan.com/BasketballTopTen

Blind man’s art catches eye By jennifer Karmarkar Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

In the late ’80s, Kurt Weston was a rising star in the glittering world of high-fashion.

As a photographer for an international styling company, he routinely rubbed elbows with top models and designers from Sassoon and Helene Curtis, and jetted to photo shoots in Europe at a moment’s notice.

Then in 1993, complications from AIDS forced Weston onto disability. Two years later, he was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus retinitis, an inflammation of the retina that left him blind in one eye and with limited vision in the other. Gravely ill, he thought his career as a photographer was finished.

“I really thought that was it; I was really freaked out,” Weston recalled. “The thought of not being able to continue my life’s passion was horrifying. I was in a frantic battle just to stay alive. My thoughts were focused on survival and everything else paled in comparison.”

A combination of powerful antiretroviral drugs brought his AIDS under control.

Now Weston, 52, who earned his MFA from Cal State Fullerton in 2008, uses his talents to help redefine others’ perception of the nature of sight.

“When I got sick and I lost my vision I had to reinvent what I do with photography. How do I do it? What do I do?”

Weston said. “Now it’s not so important to make these fashion pictures; what’s more important is how do I use what I still have left of my vision and my talent as a photographer to express things in life that have real meaning.”

Weston’s most recent body of work, “Seasons in the Prayer Garden,” is on exhibit at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton through March 28. He will speak there about his work March 9 at 1:00 p.m.

The work is comprised of garden flowers and other natural scenes that he shot locally and in the Pacific Northwest in 2009, using a Nikon Digital SRL camera and lenses of varying focal lengths. Weston digitally amplified the images to bring out certain

Photo courtesy orangejuiceblog.com

By Ashley Luu

Daily Titan Staff Writer features@dailytitan.com

photo By Jennifer Karmarkar/Daily Titan Staff Writer Legally-blind photographer Kurt Weston uses a magnification software program to edit his images. Weston began losing his sight in 1995 as a result of the AIDS virus.

color frequencies found in nature but not normally visible to the human eye.

The result is electrifying hues of color that let the viewer see the images the way a bird or a bee might see them in nature.

Some of the photos are intentionally out of focus because that’s the way Weston sees things.

“I do that to let people know that something out of focus can be beautiful too,” he explained.

Two years ago, Weston was diagnosed with a rare cancer that formed multiple tumors in his abdomen. He believes that the color frequencies he finds in nature have regenerative and

healing properties that keep his cancer from spreading.

Nung Rigor, 35, of Hacienda Heights, met Weston at the exhibit opening at the Muckenthaler and was impressed with his work and his spirit.

“His optimism really emulates through his art,” Rigor said. “I love the vibrant colors and exciting shades of autumn in the Pacific Northwest.

When I talked to Kurt, I found that we share something in common: we both believe in the powerful energy of nature.”

Matthew Leslie, director of exhibitions at the Muckenthaler, was instantly drawn to Weston’s work when

he saw it at an annual exhibition shown at the Southern California College of Optometry opening last year.

“It was just such an interesting body of work,” Leslie said. “To me (the photos) are just unearthly. Each flower he photographs has its own personality.

They’re sort of all-encompassing in a beautiful way. They’re beyond poetic beauty. They’re a strange beauty; almost a dangerous beauty in some ways.”

Leslie said most people who see the show at the Muckenthaler are surprised when they learn that Weston is legally blind.

See BLIND ARTIST, Page 2

Senator’s soda tax proposal not so sweet

By Serena Whitecotton Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

California State Senator Dean Florez (D-Shafter) introduced a bill that will implement a tax on sodas and sweetened drinks.

This is a move to encourage Califor-

nians and their children to drink healthier alternatives, according to the senator’s press release.

Senator Florez introduced this bill to curb obesity and help the state’s deficit, which is around $6.3 billion, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

“Any kind of revenue that could be

Beverage Industry Lobbying for 2009 Amount spent on lobbying in opposition of proposed federal tax on sugared soft drinks

gained from taxing would be appro- consume soda. I don’t think people priate,” said Andrele King, a 24-year- will go away from drinking sodas beold political science major. “And I cause they are a little bit more expenthink that should be used to com- sive,” Rubin said. “They need to be pensate the decrease in the education very, very expensive in order to not budget. They should go as far as to drink it.” make weed legal and tax that too.”

The bill said Californians consume Amanda Rumble, a 20-year-old about 172 to 175 calories per day American studies mafrom sweetened jor, doesn’t think the beverages, and tax will be effective at 10 to 15 percent stopping people from of children and drinking soda, unless young adult’s it’s very substantial. daily caloric “I think it depends intake is from on how much they these drinks. really tax,” Rumble The drink said. “If people are manufacturer addicted to drinking – Dean Florez will have to pay soda, they will drink one penny per California State Senator it anyway.” teaspoon of sugSenator Florez said ar to California. in a Feb. 17 press The revenue conference that the revenue from of this tax will go into a new fund, the tax would go into a fund to pre- called the Childhood Obesity Fund, vent obesity and would eventually according to the bill. lower obesity rates, which are at an Then, according to Florez and his all-time high. legislation, the increased revenue “We have a health epidemic in from the sales tax, due to the California … and the health of our increased price of the soda, future generations demands we ad- will help solve Califordress it,” Florez said. “Diabetes, nia’s budget crisis. obesity and heart disease should not be the legacy we leave for our children and theirs.”

Daniela Rubin, an assistant professor of kinesiology, thinks the bill will only work with a large tax.

Otherwise, she said, consumers will continue to buy soda.

“I think that with any type of specialty food, people will still

“

We have a health epidemic in California ... and the health of our future generations demands we address it.

Graphic by Kristen hulsey/daily titan design editor

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PepsiCo ($9.2 million)

Geisha House not for diners

Coca-Cola ($9.4 million)

American Beverage Association ($18.9 million)

Geisha House is Santa Ana’s modern Japanese restaurant, located on Main Street. Although recently featured by the OC Restaurant Week, this sushi bar and saké lounge can be compared to a uniquely designed club that just happens to sell food. While walking towards the entrance of Geisha House in Santa Ana, the enormous wall photos of Japanese girls in “Harajuku-like” clothing gives off the impression of a clothing store rather than a restaurant.

Geisha House supposedly provides a “sensual, ethereal, mysterious” experience.

See GEISHA, Page 3

CSUF to undergo accreditation review

By Alison Munson

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) will be conducting a capacity and preparatory review March 10 through March 12, in accordance with the re-affirmation of accreditation procedures required to maintain Cal State Fullerton’s status as an accredited university.

“It’s the institution getting a grade in a sense,” said Edgar Trotter, acting associate vice president for undergraduate programs and member of the WASC steering committee. “It’s a midterm; a giant midterm.”

WASC is a non-profit corporation that periodically reviews institutions to be recognized by the United States Department of Education. The visit will be focusing on gathering information to help CSUF examine itself and make adjustments and improvements.

“As I collected data and put it together for the reports, (I realized) how many great achievements, how many significant achievements we have made since our last accreditation,” said Dorota Huizinga, associate vice president for graduate programs and research and accreditation liaison officer for WASC. As an accredited institution, CSUF students are guaranteed the education that they are expected to have, said Huizinga.

See ACCREDITATION, Page 2

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March 9, 2010

INTERNATIONAL

Suicide bomber strikes Pakistani intelligence unit LAHORE, Pakistan – A suicide car bombing at a building that houses terrorism investigations in Lahore killed at least 13 people and wounded 80 others Monday, the first terrorist strike to hit a major city in the country’s heartland this year.

The blast targeted a special investigative unit that interrogates key terrorism suspects. The entire building had collapsed from the force of the blast, and rescuers spent the morning searching for survivors in the rubble.

Lahore’s Administrative Chief Khusro Pervez said the bomber had crashed through a security gate before ramming a perimeter wall and detonating his explosives. More than 1,100 pounds of explosives were used in the attack, police said.

NATIONAL Former Army Ranger gets 20 years for plot to kill SEATTLE – A former Army Ranger who masterminded a 2006 Tacoma, Wash., bank robbery was sentenced Monday morning to 20 years in prison for assaulting a co-defendant in prison and plotting to kill a federal prosecutor.

The sentence was part of a plea agreement reached by Luke Sommer, who is already serving 24 years in federal prison for the bank robbery.

Sommer, 22, pleaded guilty in January to assault with a deadly weapon for the prison knife attack on another man convicted in the bank robbery, and to solicitation of a crime of violence for trying to hire an undercover FBI agent to kill a federal prosecutor in Seattle.

The deal allowed for Sommer to spend an additional 20 years in prison on top of the 24 he was already facing.

In sentencing documents, prosecutors said Sommer’s crimes “struck at the very heart of the criminal justice system.”

STATE California lawmaker announces he’s gay SACRAMENTO – A Republican state senator from Bakersfield came out of the closet in a radio interview Monday morning in the wake of a report that he had been at a gay club in Sacramento before he was arrested on drunkendriving charges last week.

State Sen. Roy Ashburn has been on personal leave since his arrest early Wednesday in his state car not far from the Capitol. The arrest touched off rampant speculation about his sexuality after a Sacramento television station reported he had been at a gay nightclub just before he was pulled over by California Highway Patrol. But Ashburn had declined to comment.

He broke his silence in an interview on Bakersfield radio station KERN-AM with talk-show host Inga Barks on Monday morning, saying the incident had led to “restless nights” and “soul searching.” Ashburn said he had “brought this on myself.”

“I am gay,” Ashburn said. “Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long. But I am gay. But it is something that is personal and ... I felt with my heart that being gay didn’t affect – wouldn’t affect – how I did my job.” He did not express resentment that his sexuality had come under scrutiny, saying, “Through my own actions, I made my personal life public.”

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

Comic-Con may move to OC

By CHRISTINE AMARANTUS

Daily Titan Editor at Large news@dailytitan.com

Comic-Con International, host of the largest convention in the Western Hemisphere, the San Diego Comic-Con, may move this second largest convention in the world to Anaheim in 2013.

Although Comic-Con attracted over 125,000 people for 2009’s convention after capping their attendance, filling the San Diego Convention Center to capacity and selling every possible ticket, the sentiment in San Diego has been that the convention simply doesn’t generate much revenue.

“Internally, we have a pretty conservative calculation on direct attendee spending from Comic-Con because it’s a unique event and a little difficult to get our arms around,” said Mark Emch, the convention center’s vice president of finance told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

“Also, there is significant local attendance, and they’re not going to stay in hotels.”

The convention center’s 2010 forecast, released last January, bills the Society for Neuroscience (SNS)’s November event as their top economic gain, expecting 36,000 attendees, nearly one quarter of Comic-Con’s expected turn-out.

“This valuable group was welcomed to San Diego in 2007 when it set the record for producing the largest economic impact, $133 million, of any event held in the building to date,” the forecast reads. “This time around, the SNS is expected to surpass its own record and generate an unprecedented $163.7 million in economic impact as well as $2.3 million in tax revenue for our city when it’s most needed.”

Anaheim was among a handful of cities throwing their hat into the ring, interested in making a new home for the convention when

their contract with San Diego is up in 2013.

Los Angeles and Las Vegas have also been considered.

“Anaheim fitted appropiately for it. We have a large convent i o n c e n t e r, bigger than San Diego’s,” said Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/ O r a n g e County Visitor & ConvenBureau. “In fact, they are running out of room in San Diego, and we have a very nice, well-priced housing package.”

Ahlers further commented on the size of San Diego’s convention center compared with Anaheim to the Associated Press.

“It’s hard to unseat a destination that has grown with an organization – we have some of those here in Anaheim,” Ahlers told the AP. “But in reality, if you are at a stagnant point in your growth and you can’t grow any further, you have

tion

photo By christine amarantus/ Daily Titan Editor at Large A life-size wax Wolverine on display at Comic-Con 2009.

to look toward the future.”

David Glanzer, ComicCon’s director of marketing and public relations, said that Comic-Con International has put a lot of t i m e and energy into reviewing each of the proposals submitted.

“We are really not leaning in any sort of direction right now,” Glanzer said in terms of choosing to either move the convention to another city or keep i t in San Diego.

“The biggest thing is we’ve maximized our space, meaning we can’t allow any more attendees ...

Our income pretty much is flat, while our costs continue to increase,” Glanzer said, regarding staying in San Diego.

Many Cal State Fullerton students attend Comic-Con each summer. Entertainment arts major Caroline Knight, 18, commented on the possible move to Anaheim.

“There’s not much space to keep up with the high number of visitors in the San Diego convention, but the Comic-Con does have a long history in San Diego. Then again, Anaheim has more

space and affordable hotel rooms for everyone,” Knight said. “It’s one of those things where it’s hard to decide to move the biggest annual comic-con of the year to a different area when its been traditionally held at San Diego.”

Brett Parmenter, host of Titan Radio’s “The Harbinger,” a show which concentrates on talking comics, commented on the shorter driving distance should Comic-Con move north.

“I do love San Diego and the Gaslight District and everything else in and outside of the con,” he said, “but for me, as someone who’s back-and-forth between Riverside and Fullerton, the drive and costs to go down there can put a real dent to my resources.”

Parmenter further commented on the lack of space in San Diego itself.

“There is more ... breathing room in a city like Anaheim, and Orange County as a whole than that particular corner of the San Diego harbor,” he said.

Several critics have indicated that moving the convention to Anaheim would increase the likelihood of appearances from many more celebrities with more previews and insights into upcoming Hollywood releases, as Comic-Con is well-known for being one of the first public forums where Hollywood makes announcements.

“Location, location, location,” wrote Brent Lang and Dominic Patten for TheWrap.com. “Imagine how many more mega-stars would show up if they just had to take the limo for a short(er) spin on the 5.”

Comic-Con, which will be held July 22-25, has already sold out of their four-day badges as well as their Friday and Saturday-only tickets.

Four-day badges had sold out

by September, even after admission was raised this year from $75 to $100.

Community development seeks citizen

By Nathalie silva

For The Daily Titan news@dailytitan.com

The Fullerton Community Development Citizens Committee is accepting applications to fill one vacancy to be part of the Fullerton Council Advisory group for an unexpired term until June 10, 2013.

The job is voluntary, but it gives both Fullerton and nearby residents a voice on the decisions made for the city. The committee discusses housing situations, community developments, developing programs and proposed money spending, which creates future benefits for the city.

Members are also involved in the Fullerton’s Community Development Block Grant Program, which

helps with the city’s housing, funds help the community, then money local programs and provides services shouldn’t matter.” to communities.

Laura Quevedo, 22, an accountThe committee has eight members ing major senior also agrees with and they are Gutierrez. looking for one “I would apply more to join the to the position begroup. cause I would like Anna Gutierto be more involved rez, 22, a CSUF in my community. senior majoring These decisions in psychology affect everyone – Anna Gutierrez around us and I would consider Psychology major joining the would like to have team. my voice be heard,” “A voice is a Quevedo said. voice and that’s just the first step to However, some students decided making my ideas and path for the they would not be willing to voluncity to be fulfilled,” she said. “Sure teer for the position. you don’t get paid, but if you’re pas“I would not work for the Fullersionate enough about your goals to ton City Consul. Having a voice in

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...if you’re passionate enough ... then money shouldn’t matter.

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IN OTHER NEWS

any political matter does not emanate change per say, it merely gives peace of mind. Having your voice heard does not mean your opinion listened to,” said Jorge Sotelo, 28, a senior marketing major.

By volunteering, students receive a chance to meet key members of the Fullerton City Council and maybe build a connection that can help them in the future should they choose to pursue a poltical career.

Individuals interested can visit the city’s Web site at Ci.fullerton.ca.us and submit their application online or call the Fullerton City Clerk’s Office at (714) 738-6571. They can also visit the office in Fullerton City Hall; 303 W. Commonwealth Ave. Volunteers who apply must also live in the Fullerton area.

blind ARTIST: CREATING WITHOUT SEEING From Page 1

“I think at first it’s just a puzzle,” he said. “Everyone, including myself, asks the same question: how on earth do you take these photos when you can’t see much around you? And it’s just through a collection of tools and experience that he’s able to do this.”

To edit his photos, Weston uses a software program called Zoom Text, which blows up the images on his screen. He also uses a small monocular devise that allows him to see with some clarity with one eye.

Although his most recent work is color, it was Weston’s black and white photographs that earned him acclaim. His “Blind Vision” series of self-portraits that chronicled his emotional journey dealing with site loss has been exhibited at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. In 2009, his work was included in the California Museum of Photography’s exhibition “Sight Unseen: International Photography by Blind Artists.”

Weston also did a series of touchable photographs for the Berkeley Art Museum, putting caulking

around the outline of the image so that a blind person could touch and interact with it as they listened to an audio description.

“It was really cool because not only did blind people get to experience the work, but totally sighted people were closing their eyes and trying to experience it like a blind person,” he said.

Not content to just create art, Weston also helps other visuallyimpaired artists show theirs. In 2005, he co-founded Shared Visions, an annual year-long art show at the Southern California Col-

lege of Optometry, across the street from CSUF. “Kurt really helped us develop the direction for this event, which has made a difference to all the artists who have been in the exhibit,” Arlene Kaye, curator of Shared Visions said. “He has had a lot of challenges in his life and it’s very inspiring that he has overcome them in such a positive way.”

Weston’s work is on exhibit at the College of Optometry through August. “Seasons in the Prayer Garden” runs at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center through March 28.

Accreditation: csuf review From Page 1

Without accreditation, CSUF looses eligibility for student financial aid, grants and contracts that go toward the campus, its good reputation and diploma recognition, Huizinga added.

“Without accreditation (your) degree is valueless. (You) might as well have spent the last four years playing video games,” Trotter said.

In order to be a re-affirmed, CSUF is in the midst of a three-stage process that occurs approximately every 10 years since1963.

The initial stage began in 2007 with an institutional proposal that identified three main themes that CSUF wants to address: campus wide planning, student planning and assessment, and promoting student engagement and success. CSUF is currently in the second stage of the process, Capacity and Preparatory Review (CPR). During

this stage the WASC visiting team will ask questions to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the university.

The process has become one of selfstudy and assessment and how can you improve, Trotter said.

The final stage occurs approximately 18 to 24 months after the CPR. The educational effectiveness review will look into the results of the proposed changes from the first and second stages. “(WASC) will come in and ask so this is what you said you were gonna do, did you do it?” Trotter explained.

The WASC visiting team will have the capability of requesting information and documents from individual students and organizations. This is not to evaluate individual performance but rather to examine how information is displayed to the student.

Students might be asked about their personal learning goals, whether their

expectations about CSUF were met, and whether the services that are provided for students outside of curricular activities are accessible to everybody.

If approached students are advised to “definitely be honest with your opinions and really think about your experience as a whole, in the classroom and out of the classroom,” said Joseph Lopez, a fourth-year communications major and Associated Students Inc., executive vice president. “Give the accreditation team a summary of what its like to be a CSUF student.”

Students are encouraged to get involved during the WASC visit. There will be an open forum for students and WASC members March 10, from 2-3 p.m., in Room SGMH 3230 in Mihaylo Hall.

WASC will present on what they are doing and provide students a chance to bring up topics that they want to discuss, Lopez said.

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March 9, 2010

Fullerton’s best-kept secret

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

My mother warned me never to judge a book by its cover and, had I listened, I would have checked out Monkey Business Café in Fullerton years ago.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who doesn’t listen to their mother – this 5-year-old eatery seems to be the best-kept secret in town.

Driving down Lemon Street, the landmark lipstick-red building is easy to spot. Banana-yellow signs splashed across the store-front promise espresso and free Wi-Fi, adding a touch of kitsch. The windows sit high above the street with shades usually drawn, furthering the mystery about this place.

It turns out that Monkey Business has had several incarnations since the owner, Hart Community Homes, launched the business in 2003. It began as a thrift store, then closed and reopened as a café in 2005. Three months ago, the café morphed into a full-blown restaurant with the addition of a grill and an oven.

On my first visit, Sunday breakfast was in full swing. About a dozen customers of all ages relaxed at umbrel-

la-coiffed picnic tables and sprawled across plush, pillowed couches and chairs that line the spacious room.

A toddler scrambled to and fro across the hardwood floor, pausing to bang on the weary baby grand near the entrance. Bleary-eyed students guzzled organic coffee while waiting for their food.

Andy Grether, 23, a business management major at Cal State Fullerton, lives across the street from Monkey Business Café and eats there about three times a month. He said the food is always good, no matter what he orders.

“It’s all homemade and it doesn’t feel processed,” Grether said. “Every day there’s a new special. I usually just ask the girl behind the counter to surprise me.”

That day the kitchen staff surprised Grether with the breakfast special ($5.99), which comes with two eggs any style and a choice of applewood bacon, black forest ham or grilled chicken. The special also includes a choice of potatoes or fruit and toast or whole wheat pancakes.

A few words about the stuffed banana cream french toast ($7.50) — order it and savor it as if it were your last meal. Stacked high with sliced bananas and smothered with sweet

vanilla cream cheese – one bite and I was in monkey heaven.

There are healthy options too, like the acai breakfast bowl ($6.75) and homemade granola ($6.00).

Lunches feature sandwiches and salads priced between $4.75 and $6.95.

My favorite was the veggie sandwich ($5.75), layered with crunchy veggies and served on squaw bread. The addition of homemade lemon-basil mayonnaise and veggie cream cheese was a stroke of genius.

And if great food isn’t enough, Monkey Business also has a really cool back-story: it is part of Hart Community Homes, a non-profit social enterprise that operates two licensed, residential homes for foster boys between 13-18 years old.

Executive Director Cari HartBunevith opened the thrift storeturned-café/restaurant to provide transitional assistance for youth who were aging out of the foster care system at age 18.

Some youth work as cooks and dishwashers; some design labels and t-shirts. Others help with marketing and office work or tend the organic garden on the side of the building.

“Whatever their strength, we will find a pathway for them to build on,” Hart-Bunevith said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOLCE GROUP The Geisha House’s club-like decor ‘provides a sexy dining experience that titilates the senses,’ at least according to its web site.

GEISHA: house Brothel-like From Page 1

PHOTO BY JENNIFER KARMARKAR/Daily Titan Staff Writer Monkey Business Café recently added hot sandwiches and breakfast to their menu. Prices range from $3.95 and $7.50.

At least, that’s what it says on the Web site. The techno music was overtly noisy, so it was definitely not sensual or ethereal.

I agree that it’s mysterious. In fact, so mysterious that I couldn’t tell who was greeting me inside because the lighting was too dim.

All I heard was, “Hello,” and perhaps, “How are you?” in Japanese as I squinted inside, unable to figure out who was talking to me.

The color scheme was red and black, with round red tables that you typically see in Chinese restaurants. There was a glowing cube-shaped platform with LCD screens of fireplaces within it, large pictures against the wall of more Japanese girls wearing colorfully-layered clothing and quilted iron board canvases displaying Japanese artwork and pictures of geishas.

“If you’re looking for a quiet dinner, then it’s not the right place. It’s club-like,” said diner A.J. Kim, 31.

Set in the atmosphere of a high-class brothel, the Geisha House is supposed to “embrace Japan’s sexual history” and has the goal to “make the client climax,” according to the Web site. I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s a unique dining

experience that you can give a chance if you’re a weekly party goer who enjoys screaming and shouting at the dinner table.

“The (owners/staff) put a lot of time and effort on the decorations,” said server Lauren Salcido, 22.

Despite its club-like decor, the sweet and crunchy seaweed cucumber salad lightened my mood and made me eager for more. You can never go wrong with food covered in sesame dressing.

But be sure to stay away from the OC Sunfire Roll that includes lobster, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, mango and Wasabi Yuzu dressing. It left a strange fishy aftertaste in my mouth that was hard to get rid of. If you’re not a fan of sushi, try the Maguro Spicy Taru-Taru Crispy Rice with tuna on top as an appetizer.

Since the small-portioned food left my stomach halfempty, the cinnamon gelato was next. It tasted like Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

The customer service was similarly impeccable. The server was attentive and genuinely cared to provide a good dining experience.

“I try to be as present and personal as possible so they (customers) feel like a part of our family and friends,” Salcido said.

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March 9, 2010

Reality show too good to be true

By Brian Whitehead

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

In the history of mankind there have only been a handful of truly transcendent captains: Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Kirk, Captain America, Cap’n Crunch and “The Captain” Derek Jeter.

While those preceding Jeter on that list do the majority of their work in fiction, Jeter does his under the bright lights of the New York media, as well as the dimmed lights of his bedroom at his Florida off-season residence.

At 35, the All-Time Yankees’ Hit King is entering the final year of his 10-year, $189 million “megadeal” with the New York Checkbooks and, like any athlete entering the final year of his contract, is hoping to get an extension sometime soon.

You’d think that with a handful of championship rings, a .317 career batting average, a hitting prowess that hasn’t been seen since the days of Pete Rose, and a who’s-who list of alleged flings that would make Wilt Chamberlain blush, the Yankees would jump at the first chance to re-sign Mr. November.

Nope.

Unfortunately for Jeter, the Checkbooks have a policy in place barring them from negotiating a new contract with a player until his previous contract expires.

Surely this policy is in place to prevent them from stupidly resigning a washed-up veteran masquerading as a rejuvenated ballplayer in his contract year, only to watch helplessly as said player decomposes the following season(s).

But we’re talking about Jeter here. If the Yankees were to make an exception to their policy, certainly it’d be for “The Captain,” right?

We’re talking about one of the 15 greatest Yankees ever. A man who has helped bring five World Series titles to New York in his 15year tenure.

The Face of the franchise who will undoubtedly have his own plaque in Cooperstown whenever he decides to retire.

For God’s sake, if the Yankees can shell out $40 million to Carl Pavano and $46 million to Kei Igawa, why can’t they show their shortstop some overdue love?

In fact, in the last five years, “The Captain’s” average season looks something like this: 154 games played, .321 BA, 14 home runs, 75 runs batted in, 202 hits, 107 runs, .392 on-base percentage and, most importantly, ZERO connections to performanceenhancing drugs, which is more than can be said about 50 percent of major-leaguers.

The Yankees shouldn’t feel obligated to give Jeter another 10year, $200 million megadeal like they did in 2001.

What they should feel obligated to give him is respect.

By Cort Tafoya

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

We already know the arguments for extending Derek Jeter’s contract: He’s the Captain. He’s a hero. He’s a legend, a Hall of Famer and arguably the most popular Yankee ever. His accolades and stats are so legit it’s disgusting. A .317 career batting average, ten-time all-star, plus a four-time winner of both the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards. And we can’t forget he’s batting .999 when it comes to dating models who look like tens.

But when your ball club establishes the precedent that it does not renegotiate contracts until they expire, then the moral thing to do is follow that rule. To succumb to the line of thinking that Jeter is simply so spectacular and special, the Yanks have to make an exception is to throw away the idea of baseball being about teams winning ballgames.

Because the very last thing the Yankees need during the season is the New York media sensationalizing every latest detail about Jeter’s contract talks.

Disagree with me? Take it from Jeter himself.

“I think it’s unfair to be talking about myself when we’re trying to win. That’s the approach I’ve always had. That’s not going to change,” Jeter said in late February.

Yankee management is brilliant in taking the stand that it won’t renegotiate Jeter’s contract until it’s over. By squashing the entire situation now, they save the ball club from yet another media circus during spring training.

The theory that media distractions prevent teams from winning titles is long established. Remember NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens’ saga in Philadelphia and Dallas? His constant bickering with teammates and coaches attracted an enormous amount of media attention that only intensified the spotlight on each and every Cowboy and Eagle, particularly the quarterbacks. And we all know how poorly Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb reacted to the pressure.

While it’s not the same as a contract extension, the added spotlight and drama are all that matter.

I’m certainly not comparing Jeter’s character to T.O., but they both have the same undesirable ability. Along with their talents, they bring the media and the microscope. Rarely do the rest of their teammates respond well to that.

The best way to handle Jeter’s contract is to not talk about it until it expires. The fans will complain. They’ll get anxious. They even might not renew their season tickets until they know for sure “The Captain” is coming back. But they’ll thank management later when the avoided media hoopola leads to another World Series ring in October.

opinion@dailytitan.com

“Undercover Boss” pulled in a record 38.6 million viewers on its premiere night, which made it the most watched post-Superbowl show in history.

It is easy to see how this new reality show would appeal to the American masses.

Most would love the chance to show the CEO of their company what “hard work” really entails.

Being a former Home Depot employee, I took great pleasure in watching Waste M a n a g e m e n t ’s CEO chase after stray pieces of trash as they blew across the hillside of a local dump and witness the 7-Eleven CEO fail miserably at making a pot of coffee.

However, I will give credit where credit is due. I am sure corporate executives put in their fair share of hard work and diligence to become the head of a corporation, and I applaud the few that were willing to give up their corner office and private jet to work alongside “common folk” for a week.

But many are questioning if “Undercover Boss” is more staged than they let on.

After tuning in for the past few weeks, there is an evident formula in the show’s production, and the end result is always the same: the CEO is appalled by the conditions his minimum-wage employees are subjected to and humbled by their crappy situations.

“

Then he goes back to corporate, reports his findings to a table full of suits (who look like they are vigorously taking notes, but I suspect are doodling cariactures) and gives an Obama-esque speech to a small crowd of teary-eyed employees.

I don’t buy it.

Obviously, the four employees who are selected to be on the show benefit from it.

They’re usually offered a position in the marketing department, a promotion or a two-week family vacation getaway of their choice. But it is questionable whether or not the thousands of other employees see any noticeable change in their work environment.

The sentiment the big boss man expresses to the four lucky chosen ones may be true, but I can’t help but wonder if they forget all about them once they rest their heads on their 2,000 thread-count pillowcases.

Do they wake up in the morning and actually try to implement the “changes” they promised, or are they back to finding ways to increase the company’s profit line so they can keep their million-dollar mansions from being the next short-sale?

Or perhaps this is just a brilliant public relations move on their part.

Who doesn’t want to support a company led by a man who isn’t scared to get his hands dirty?

If I could offer one piece of advice to all the CEOs who are agonizing over how to make thier employees happier, thus increasing their productivity: keep it simple and give them a raise.

I took great pleasure in watching Waste Management’s CEO chase after stray pieces of trash as they blew across the hillside of a local dump...

“

Should Derek Jeter be an exception to Yankees’ ‘No New Contract Negotiations’ policy?

by Brenna Phillips

Daily Titan Staff Writer

Nerdgasm “Exploring the highs and lows of nerd culture”

‘Hurt Locker’ dubbed the Chosen One

by Ashleigh Johnson

Daily Titan Copy Editor opinion@dailytitan.com

So … the Academy Awards was Sunday night.

Now, if there’s ever a time of year that makes me want to chug some good ol’ fashioned shotgun mouthwash, it’s the smug circle-jerk that is awards season.

Nevertheless, when a story calls, I answer – with my fists.

What was I talking about again?

Oh yeah, the Academy Awards.

So just remember this, dear reader, I sat through several mindnumbing hours of this crap for you (in between playing Fallout 2).

You can thank me later.

Without further ado, I present Nerdgasm’s Fantabulous Oscar Recap in Glorious 3-D! Right, so “The Hurt Locker” was the big winner of the night, earning the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Writing (Original Screenplay), etc.

The Iraq War drama’s director, Kathryn Bigelow also won a statuette for Best Director, beating out ex-husband James Cameron (who could probably hide, like, 2,000,000 Stimpaks in his jowls alone), and becoming the first woman to ever win the award for best director.

Sandra Bullock was named Best Actress for her work in “The Blind Side,” despite being irradiated to the point of losing her hair and not having any Rad Aways in her inventory.

Eventually she died on stage, her life ending in the wasteland.

Jeff Bridges won the Best Actor award for “Crazy Heart” and gave a poignant speech thanking his late parents and wondering just how the HELL my steal failed when I have a 70 percent steal stat and I got the guard all liquored up with Rot Gut beforehand which SHOULD have lowered his perception enough so

PHOTO COURTESY MCT Fun fact: James Cameron pooled all his skill points in Unarmed Combat. Run, Kathryn Bigelow, run!

that I could have easily nabbed all of the Micro Fusion Cells he was carrying.

This game fricking cheats!

Mo’Nique won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her part in “Precious” and started to reload the game only to realize that she hadn’t saved since before entering New Reno and now she has to go all the way back to stupid fricking Navarro and deal with all the bullshit of getting past the guards again just so she can get to that stupid locker and get the stupid Advanced Power Armor again.

Goddamnit, I fricking hate Navarro!

Christoph Waltz got an acting award for his supporting role as a Nazi in “Inglourious Basterds.”

He deserved the Oscar; he did a good job in that movie, in my opinion. Although I heard that Woody Harrelson and Stanley Tucci gave really good performances in their respective movies, so really it was anyone’s game.

“Up” won for Best Animated Picture. Hey, you know what else is up?

My goddamn blood pressure after successfully running away from four random encounters only to get my ass handed to me because I stepped on a raised plate and triggered an explosion which caused the Chosen One’s body to resemble raw hamburger on the desert ground.

I swear if I see that title card telling me that I’m dead and now everyone in Arroyo is dead too because I’m an incompetent idiot, I will seriously shank the next person who so much as looks at me funny.

All in all, it was an unsurprising ceremony: the people everyone expected to win, won.

Nothing particularly scandalous or interesting happened, and everyone gave boring-ass speeches that made me pray for – HAHAHAHA! You done just got pwned, bitch!

Who’s your mommy now, huh?

Huh? HUH?! That’s right, I am.

God, I love this game.

5

March 9, 2010

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Horoscopes

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Either you travel, or out-of-town company arrives. Work may take a back seat to social activities. Conversation reveals your next move.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Everyone’s willing to talk now. This is good, because you make more progress in far less time. Take a vote early.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Earlier you did what your partner told you to do. Now it’s your turn to apply elbow grease for the creative results you desire.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- A female brings new information to the table. Your group wants to take the most practical approach possible, as time is a huge factor.

Virgo least They what

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is everyone’s clear about what may not want to go along, but you said. You know what they

a 7 -- At you want. they know want, too.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- With lots of household issues to care for, you may lose focus on all else. Keep in touch with co-workers to stay in the loop.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- If talk were as cheap as some say, you’d come out a winner in every department. Dress up a practical message with stirring content.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Work out some financial details now to save yourself problems later. Search through your desk at home to find all the appropriate documents.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 5 -- You need to contain your overly demanding behavior. No one doubts your love of the project. Ease up for greater success.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Do your work in private if possible. Sharing now only confuses the issue. Firm up your ideas for presentation later.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Maintain a cash reserve for unexpected expenditures. Someone springs a surprise with a price tag. Take it in stride if you can.

Sudoku Sudoku brought to you by dailysudoku.com

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3

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Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 6 -Romance is definitely in the picture. Probably best to keep that out of the workplace, though. Deal with problems early so you can relax together later.

Daily Sudoku: Fri 5-Mar-2010

How To Play: Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9: and each set of boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Correctly complete todays Sudoku and receive two tickets to the LA Galaxy versus PFC game for Wednesday, March 10 in Titan Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

2 3 8 5 9All completed 7 1 Sudokus 4 must 6 be turned into Adrian Gaitan or 7 9 5 1 4Monzerrath 6 Gonzalez 3 in8CP 660.2 *First come, first serve basis.*

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

Ltd 2010. All rights reserved.

brought to you by mctcampus.com

s Jame

6

March 9, 2010

Six Titans earn All-Big West honors Big West First Team:

Megan Richardson

Gerard Anderson

(Sophomore)

(Senior)

Richardson, who made the Big West AllFreshman team last year, led the Titans with 15.4 points a game.

She was the Big West Player of the Week for the week ending Nov. 15, she was also nominated three other times for the same award.

Richardson reached double figures 24 times, including eight 20-point outings. She also made a team-high 40 three-pointers.

Memorable moments: Scoring a career-high 29 points against San Jose State in the season opener, dishing out a career-high eight assists in an overtime loss to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Senior Jasmine Scott

Freshman Mya Olivier

Scott averaged 11.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, as well as starting all 30 games this season.

Memorable moment: Scott recorded the fourth triple-double in school history with 11 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists agasint Long Beach State Feb. 4.

Olivier averaged 5.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in conference play while shooting 53 percent from the field.

Memorable moment: Olivier hit a last second jump shot to gave the Titans a 76-74 victory over UC Irvine Feb.10.

Big West Honorable Mention

Big West All-Freshman

Anderson, an All-Big West Honorable Mention selection last season, has stepped up big during Big West play by averaging 14.7 points.

He was the Big West Player of the Week for the week ending Feb. 14.

Anderson has led the Titans in scoring in eight games this season.

Memorable moment: Dunk over Nikola Dragovic of UCLA, dunk over Willie Galick of Cal State Northridge, put back dunk over three Long Beact State defenders.

Scoring 18 points in three overtime periods to defeat CSUN Feb. 13.

Sophomore Jacques Streeter Streeter, an All-Big West Freshman Team honoree last season, was first in the Big West this season in assist-to-turnover ratio and second in assists. Also led the Titans with 11.9 points a game.

Memorable moments: Hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer to beat Cal Poly on Feb. 24, making key plays down the stretch to bury UCLA on Nov. 16.

Junior Jer’Vaughn Johnson Johnson, a transfer from San Diego State who sat out the 2008-09 season, stepped into the starting power forward role this year and has started all 29 games, leading the Titans with 6.3 rebounds a game.

Memorable moments: Scoring 19 points on the road against his old SDSU team. Scored a carrerhigh 22 points on Jan. 23.

Big West Honorable Mention

Alumnus, LA Galaxy set to play at Titan Stadium sports@dailytitan.com

Cal State Fullerton will host the Los Angeles Galaxy March 10 at 7:30 p.m., as they take on Puntarenas FC of Costa Rica in an international friendly.

“We think it’s an important game, it’s our first game in public this year,” Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said. “We’re playing against a good team that has done well in the Costa Rican league and it’s a good time of year to give us a good game.”

This is not Arena’s, or the Galaxy’s first time playing at Titan Stadium.

“It’s great to go into Orange County and be around an important fan base,” Arena said. “We’ve always liked to be at Cal State Fullerton, it’s always been a good venue.”

The Galaxy’s two most popular players, forward Landon Donovan and midfielder David Beckham will not be attending the friendly against Puntarenas tomorrow. Donovan is on loan to English Premier League’s

Everton and Beckham is on loan to that we want,” Saunders said. “I reAC Milan’s Serie A club. ally feel that this year is going to be Despite the absence of Donovan a good year for us, we have a lot of and Beckham, the Galaxy are still familiar faces and we feel confident confident in the other players that with each other.” will be in action, Saunders spent mid fielder Chris his first two years We’ve always liked as a Titan before Klein, forward Edson Buddle, to to be at Cal State Ful- transferring mid fielder Eddie University of CalLewis, defender lerton, it’s always been ifornia for his last Omar Gonzalez two years. He was and back up goal a good venue. a two-year starter – Bruce Arena at Cal, earning keeper Josh Saunders.

First Team AllHead Coach Saunders is a Pac-10 honors in Cal State Fullereach of his seaton alumnus and played for the Ti- sons with the Bears. As a senior in tans for two years.

2002, Saunders was named the Pac“I learn a lot from the big names, 10 Player of the Year award, becomwatching them and how they do ing the first goalkeeper ever to win things,” Saunders said. the award.

With only two international exhiIn the 2009 MLS Championship bitions left before the season starts, game, goal keeper Donovan Ricketts the Galaxy has been training hard to sustained a hand injury in the secensure success. ond half and was unable to contin“We haven’t given away many ue, which allowed Saunders to make goals in preseason so were going to his appearance. play well and go forward and get “I had to come in and be prepared. chances and finish those chances That’s something I’ve been prepared

“

“

By james gobee

Daily Titan Staff Writer

for because that’s my job,” Saunders told Oregonlive.com. “I felt like I could come in and make a contribution to the team.”

Saunders made a couple amazing saves in the second half that kept the Galaxy in the game, as they moved on to penalty kicks and gave the Galaxy a chance. Saunders continued to make two outstanding saves in penalty kicks.

“Josh did great,” Galaxy midfielder David Beckham told Oregonlive. com. “That’s all you can ask of your goalkeeper.”

In the end, Saunders guessed wrong on Real Salt Lake Robbie Russell’s game winning penalty kick.

“I was one save away from a championship,” Saunders told Oregonlive.com.

The Galaxy’s 15th season begins March 27, as they take on the New England at the Home Depot Center in Carson, unless the New England Revolution strike.

The Revolution’s bargaining agreement under Major League Soccer has expired and a new agreement has not been reached yet.

photo courtesy flickr/CKDISCO The LA Galaxy were the 2009 Major League Soccer Western Conference champions.

“Last year was about, can we get a core group that can complete in this league because we hadn’t done that,” said 12-year MLS veteran and Galaxy midfielder Chris Klein.

Last year, the Galaxy proved that they could compete as they made it to the championship game.

“We’ve been going all preseason

with guys playing 30 minutes, guys playing 45 minutes and guys playing 60 and now its starting to build to get that game fitness for the guys can go 90 minutes and be able to do it at a high level,” Klein said. “I think these last few exhibitions that we have will be a good test for us to see if we can get in full games.”