The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 60

Wednesday January 20, 2010

Vol. 95, Issue 60

THE

DAILY

w w w. T h e D a i l y A z t e c . c o m

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Tw i t t e r : T h e D a i l y A z t e c

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913

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CITY 3 Classes take backseat to furloughs

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

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S U M M E R R A I N B O LT S TA F F W R I T E R

Change and adjustment set the tone in the fall, and with another semester just beginning, hindsight is in full gear.

The results of an Associated Students survey that questioned students about their experience with furlough days have been released, with the majority of respondents giving the system a thumbs down.

About 20 percent of the student body took the poll between Nov. 19 and 27. While most said professors made it clear in the syllabi when they would take furlough days, more than 80 percent said their professors took off instructional days, which negatively affected the course. More than 62 percent of polled students also said course material was jammed into a scanty amount of instruction time. About 63 percent claimed that no alternative methods of teaching were offered when professors took off an instructional day.

“My least favorite part about the furlough days is the fact that I have paid for the class in full, but I am not receiving my education in full,” psychology freshman Christopher Pozil said.

Other students said they have experienced some confusion and miscommunication stemming from the scheduled days off.

Biology freshman Aidan Casey said it was hard to keep track of the furlough days and the constant scheduling changes.

Students aren’t the only ones affected.

Some professors found it difficult to fit a full load of coursework into a decreased amount of class time.

“I assume the main concerns teachers have are the 10 percent pay decrease, struggles in cutting coursework and difficulty in being able to adequately teach coursework,” Natalie Colli, A.S. vice president of University Affairs, said.

“It interrupts the flow of the semester and takes away face time with the students,” political science professor Nancy Speckmann said.

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

Results of an Associated Students survey about furloughs showed that more than 80 percent of polled students said their professors took time off on instructional days.

“Unless I look into their eyes, I don’t know that the students are understanding.”

Students and faculty have held multiple rallies on campus protesting the furlough days and budget cuts in hopes of catching the attention of decision makers and apathetic students.

“I think the rallies are beneficial to students that don’t know what is happening,” Colli said.

“It also unites us all on one front.”

The A.S. University Affairs Board has deliberated less disruptive solutions to the problems caused by furloughs.

“Shortening the length of semesters and coupling furloughs with spring and winter breaks are options that have been discussed, but all of the solutions are double-sided,” Colli said.

Furloughs are said to be in effect until June

30 for all California State University campuses.

Statewide surveys evaluating the effects of furloughs were dispersed to each of the 23 CSU campuses in early January. Once the results are compiled, they will be taken to CSU Chancellor Charles Reed in March at a California State Student Association meeting in Long Beach in an attempt to find a different solution for the educational setback.

SDSU surpasses national graduation rate R E E M NO U R S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Getting in the door may be harder than ever, but the chances of leaving San Diego State with a degree is increasing as the university has churned out graduates at the highest rate in its history.

Of the first-time freshmen who enrolled full time at SDSU in 2003, 66.4 percent graduated in six years or less, compared with 53 percent for those enrolled in 1999, according to the SDSU Office of Analytic Studies & Institutional Research. The national average for similar universities is 64 percent.

The increase was because of a number of changes affecting the university’s conduct between 1999 and 2003, Sandra Cook, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, said.

According to Cook, establishing SDSU as an impacted campus in 1999 is one of the main reasons for the increase in graduation rates.

Cook said significant budget cuts in the early 1990s kept students from enrolling in necessary classes. One of the main goals of having the SDSU campus impacted was to guarantee students the classes they needed so they can graduate in time, she said.

“We’d get a report of students who had their registration date and passed it and not have any units,” she said.

Another reason why it took students longer to graduate in the 1990s, Cook said, is because there was a culture of taking 12 units per semester and regarding that as a full load.

Four-year graduation rates for full-time first-time freshmen were as low as 9.3 percent in 1997, 9.8 percent in 1998, and 13.9 percent in 1999, according to the SDSU Office of Analytic Studies & Institutional Research.

Cook said SDSU began urging students at orientation and in counseling services to take 15 units instead of 12.

“If students are smart … you pay the same flat rate if you take 12 units or 15 units,” Cook said. “The quicker you finish the quicker you get in the job market.”

Cook said the Major Academic Plans, which were offered by SDSU starting fall 2004, also contributed to the increase in four-year graduation rates. The MAPs allowed students to see the best sequence of classes to take in order to guarantee the classes are offered, she said.

Four-year graduation rates increased to 28.4 percent for first-time freshmen enrolled in 2003, which is approximately

TODAY @ SDSU

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Aztec Women’s Basketball v. Utah

GENERAL INFORMATION

Viejas Arena

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7 p.m. to 11p.m.

The lady Aztecs hope to score big against last year’s Mountain West Conference regular season co-champion.This is the first game since the MWC championship game last March.

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three times the graduation rates estimated throughout the 1990s.

Cook said the administration is very pleased with the increasing graduation rates and that she expects the trend to continue.

“We have great students and there’s no reason they can’t graduate,” she said. “It’s good to get them out there in the job market and get that economy going.”

Cook advised students to follow the MAP, use degree evaluations and visit the Academic Advising Center. She said it’s all about “making a plan and sticking to it.”

Still, the downward trend of the national and global economy is affecting students’ decision to graduate on time.

James Tarbox, director of the Career Services Center, said he has been seeing more students confused about whether and when to graduate. Many students want to avoid entering the job market by delaying their graduation date from fall to spring or by going to graduate school, he said.

But Tarbox said he’s seeing an opposite trend among students as a result of the recent increases in fees.

“Some students are coming in saying I want to get out faster to decrease the

amount of student debt,” he said.

Both Tarbox and Cook said it’s hard to predict which trend will become more popular in the upcoming years, but both agreed that students shouldn’t delay graduation to escape the job market.

“They should graduate and get themselves out of here and make room for another student,” Cook said.

Graduating on time will not only provide access to more students, but will also reduce expenses for enrolled students.

Cook said the fee increases at SDSU may have a positive effect on graduation rates.

“The higher it goes the more incentive there is to finish sooner,” she said. “If it starts being thousands and thousands of dollars, people will start thinking different about it.”

SDSU also ranks among the top 25 national universities for students graduating with the least amount of debt, according to U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges, 2010 Edition. For the 2006 academic year, the average student debt upon graduation was $14,500, according to the CSUMentor Web site.

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

OPINION

Delay the case for same-sex marriage

US aide to Haiti helps regain trust

T

MCT Campus

As the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case begins, people on both sides of the issue believe this will be the case that will make it to the U.S. Supreme court and decide on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage.

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5

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FLAMING LIBERAL

inter Break provided little vacation time for gay rights activists. During the break, what may very well prove to be the most important case of our generation began. On Jan. 11, the court presiding for a U.S. District Court lawsuit filed by lawyers Ted Olson and David Boies on behalf of two same-sex couples who sought marriage licenses after the passage of Proposition 8.

The case, known as Perry v. Schwarzenegger, has already created a media buzz about a potential U.S. Supreme Court appeal, no matter what decision is made by presiding Judge Vaughn R. Walker.

Many pundits have already labeled this case as the one that will create federal policy for the legality of same-sex marriage. Although this court case is necessary, we must be cautious not to move forward until we know we have the votes needed to win. The likelihood of passing a law regarding same-sex marriage is more likely after President Barack Obama has the opportunity to replace one of the conservative judges on the bench.

Even before the first day of the case, there was a litany of political rhetoric and special interests vying for influence. The controversy centered around the issue of televising the court case, either on TV or through a delayed feed on YouTube. After much dispute, it was decided that the court trial would be viewable on YouTube through a delayed feed. The rightwing groups, who didn’t want their half-baked defenses of discrimination televised for the whole world to see, quickly challenged the decision. This is because conservative arguments against granting all people the freedom to marry are outdated, unfair and bigoted.

Once challenged on a constitutional level, I am sure there is no amount of political spin that could convince an impartial judge to support a majority group voting to eliminate a minority group’s rights.

It seems the political pressure from conservatives worked, as the U.S. Supreme Court intervened in a decision of 5 to 4 to stay the dissemination of the court videos. This decision, many speculate, could parallel the actual vote on whether or not to make same-sex marriage a constitutionally protected right. Not surprisingly, justices John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito all voted against streaming the videos. Joining them was the only possible swing vote, Justice Anthony Kennedy. The court’s liberal block, justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Paul Stevens, along with the newest Democratic appointee Justice Sonia Sotomayor voted in favor.

There’s nothing surprising here. I am concerned the most about pushing on an issue that is not yet ripe. Many have shown the parallels between this court case and Loving v.

Virginia, the 1967 Supreme Court case that established that ruled anti-miscegenation laws were unconstitutional and gave people of dif-

The Daily Aztec

A L L A N AC E V E D O OPINION EDITOR

ferent races the right to marry. California itself had overturned these laws in 1948 and it was almost two decades before the issue reached the Supreme Court and produced a victory for liberals.

We live in a different time than the Loving v. Virginia case where most states, including the most liberal ones, have yet to legalize same-sex marriages. As much as the rhetoric of street protests chanting equality cannot wait, I cannot condone moving forward with an issue we can’t win. Many supporters of same-sex marriage do not see the long-term effects of the grassroots work needed to educate people about same-sex marriage. Those one-on-one conversations are necessary to open hearts and minds.

I remember calling my father, who I knew had a “Yes on 8” sign on his front lawn and asking him to vote “No” because his son, step-son and daughter were gay. He was quiet on the phone as I told him I was gay and wanted to have the same thing I hoped he wanted for all his other kids. I want a family, a husband, kids, a mortgage, two year-old temper tantrums, and most importantly, love and support.

He said no, flatly and coldly. He said he could not support my decisions or my lifestyle. He told me my kids would not be his grandchildren and that he had a right to be happy as well. He stated his happiness did not include accepting my mistakes.

This was, of course, a difficult conversation with some hard things to hear, but I was proud of the fact that I did what I have asked thousands to do: have those difficult conversations with friends and family. As much as it hurt to hear that, I am not done having the conversations I know we need to have to educate others.

We need to be pragmatic about this.

Standing on street corners with signs, or filling out online petitions isn’t going to bring us the support we need. The courts seem to be the right place to go, because I reject the notion that a majority group can vote on a minority groups’ rights. It doesn’t look like we have the votes now. Things may change as it is likely to take a couple of years before this case makes it to the nation’s highest office. In that time, we need to keep watch, keep talking and hope Obama has a chance to replace one of the conservative justices. A loss now could set us further back. We can’t risk that.

—Allan Acevedo is a political science and comparative literature junior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Include your full name, major and year in school.

he tragedy and devastation in Haiti has brought the international community together in a surge of relief efforts on behalf of the developing nation. In the aftermath of the earthquake, the U.S. and President Barack Obama have acted valiantly and swiftly in deploying American support to this suffering nation. These efforts show what America is capable of and the first true glimpse at the kind of leader Obama can be.

The U.S. has deployed its armed forces, development agencies and health agencies to provide food, water and medicine to the stricken third world people.

American non-profits such as the Red Cross and UNICEF have sent Americans from all across the country to Haiti to rescue trapped victims and facilitate the recoveries of injured ones. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Haiti rallying the international community together for the sake of the damaged country. Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have been tasked by Obama to lead efforts of their own by establishing the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. And most importantly, the American people have donated millions of dollars to enable these relief efforts out of kindness, compassion and hope. Because of these efforts, American will be able to reestablish its position in the international community.

These massive humanitarian efforts define the values of the U.S. and its people. We are strongest when we come together for the common good of our people and others and weakest when we don’t. Our president recognizes the human element in this tragedy and has acted on behalf of a nation that values the life of each and every one of its citizens. After all, these relief efforts are about saving human lives and laying the foundation for a better future.

As Americans, we have always acted out of compassion for the misfortunes of others. We help those who cannot help themselves.

During Obama’s first year in office, he has been charged with apologetic behavior and unwillingness to prove the power

A N DY L E W E N D OW S K I S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

of our country. But what he has really done is set the stage for our country to win back the hearts and minds of the international community, which has been hesitant to trust us. In the midst of another nation’s tragedy, our own nation’s resolve and leadership is on display. The level respect for our country has increased from the last administration, as evident when Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. This is more powerful diplomacy and beneficial to foreign policy than any military action could ever be.

Contrary to the recent musings from right-wing pundits, Obama’s actions on Haiti’s behalf are rooted in compassion and his desire to build a better world. It’s a sure signal of the kind of world leader he can be. We can be hopeful that Obama will be able to overcome much of the stigma from the previous administration. The cards he was dealt were out of his control. Rather than continue to fight in two fruitless wars while also trying to save an economy from the brink of collapse, Obama seems more capable of bringing nations together to work on behalf of humanity.

What the Haitian disaster shows us is that America is still the world’s preeminent power. We are the only nation that can spark true international cooperation to build a better future. Obama, as an idealist and as a pragmatist, has shown the American people and the world what kind of leader he really is.

At this moment, every single U.S. citizen should be proud to be an American.

This is America at its best. This is humanity at its best.

—Andy Lewendowski is a media studies senior —This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Include your full name, major and year in school.

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U.S. support to Haiti will help rebuild our international reputation and influence in the world.

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

FOOD & DRINK

The Daily Aztec

7

Shutting out the light to open the senses K A R I L UU S TA F F W R I T E R

It may be just a “Star Wars” reference, but going to the dark side has its benefits. From playing hide and seek to “fooling around,” activities in pitch black has many allures. And now, it includes fine dining.

Who needs candlelit dinners for romance anymore? This chic movement was founded

in Europe and not only consists of dining with the lights out, but it also revitalizes and helps to explore the senses.

The Opaque restaurant at the W Hotel San Diego opened more than five years ago, and because of customers’ overwhelming experience, it keeps attracting new eaters.

A common habit of humans is to judge an item by its appearance. Opaque’s purpose is to break that habit — with fine food.

Prior to being seated, diners choose from

one of four three-course menus and check in personal belongings. Special security measures are taken to make the experience safer and more enjoyable. Forget about lights, or any flashlights for that matter, customers are led to their table in a completely dark room.

Prepare to be served by a blind or visually impaired waiter.

Eating requires fewer dining manners and less class, as people cannot see each other eat. Missing one’s mouth will be com-

Courtesy of the W Hotel San Diego

At Opaque restaurant customers are served in the dark by blind waiters who offer them a variety of simple dishes. They are challenged to heighten their sense of smell, touch, sound and, most importantly, taste to experience fine dining a whole new way. So get messy, relax and forget looking good on a “blind date.”

mon and spilling beverages is not just for 5year-olds anymore.

Get messy, use both hands and even lick the plate. No one will be able to see or judge bad manners; customers will be too focused on challenging their senses and rediscovering their foods. Sounds are the only guide in the room.

The featured dishes are simple plates of fish, chicken, beef and vegetarian options with a side of vegetables. In spite of the simplicity, the meals have particularly sensual aromas, textures and tastes that will drive one’s nose and taste buds wild. The entrées come with a gourmet salad and Chocolate Decadence with raspberry white chocolate sauce or Baileys cheesecake with vanilla essence.

However, the owner, Benjamin Uphues, emphasized the experience as not just about eating, but using food as a gateway to the experience.

“It’s really about your senses and what you reevaluate,” Uphues said. “It’s not ‘It’s dark and now the food taste(s) better,’ it’s an essential exploration and you rediscover something about your own personal being.”

Dining in a unique restaurant such as Opaque requires a lot of trust and willingness to shift a typically weaker muscle (the tongue) into gear. According to Uphues, some eaters sit down and realize that the darkness is beyond what they anticipated and immediately want to leave. However, the reaction may be normal because the dark can be unsettling. But those who stay and eat will leave with a more enriched and enlightened outlook. “(People realize that it’s) very revealing and they are very stunned by what actually happens and how impactful on how it touches them,” Uphues said. “It teaches people to use what they have every day but they don’t use. It’s an essential adventure that leaves you with something gained you have access to and take for granted.”

Although Opaque no longer takes individual reservations, it now accepts parties of 20 or more. Uphues said this is because of permitting issues with the hotel, fire codes and it no longer was cost effective.

It is reminiscent of what parents say to their children: There’s no need to be afraid of the dark. For more information, visit its Web site at www.darkdining.com or call 800-710-1270.

A new year to hang up the hangover blues AN D R E A M O RA S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Almost everyone has experienced one. Some people might have one right now. It is the dreaded “I will never drink so much again” hangover. Often those colorful mixed drinks and martinis, the glass of red wine, shot of Patron, the Long Island Iced Tea and light beers that seemed harmless the night before can make getting out of bed the next morning a difficult task.

For many college students, an occasional hangover is the result of a night of heavy social drinking. Symptoms such as a headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, lack of concentration or vomiting are caused by dehydration and are the body’s reaction to being poisoned with too much alcohol, according to www.WebMD.com.

Preventing a hangover can be as simple as eating before drinking and staying hydrated throughout the night. The following tips can help alleviate a pounding head and upset stomach to quickly get one’s body back in motion.

Do not drink on an empty stomach Before sipping that first sweet cocktail or draft beer, one should make sure to have food in their stomach. A full belly before alcohol consumption helps prevent a hangover because food slows the body’s absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.

“Having a solid meal, comprised of complex carbohydrates and lean protein sources such as chicken breast with vegetables will

help your body continue to digest food and beverages more appropriately,” registered dietitian and nutritional educator Tracy Daly said.

Any type of food that is in one’s system before they start drinking is better than none at all. Salty snacks such as french fries or potato chips are recommended by some experts because they make one thirsty, but be cautious to quench thirst with water and not more alcohol. Foods high in fat, such as a cheeseburger or a slice of pizza, may help combat a hangover, but eating after one is already drunk is not effective.

“Overall, it is less important what you eat and more important that you have some type of food in your stomach before and during drinking,” health educator Lori Bednarchik said.

Drink plenty of water Water is the best way to fight dehydration.

People should limit themselves to one alcoholic beverage every hour, alternating with equal servings of water or fruit juice. An 8ounce glass of water between cocktails and before bedtime is also essential to help replenish the body.

“Alcohol is a diuretic,” health educator Sue Henry said. “If a person did not drink plenty of fluids, they may experience a pounding headache and be very thirsty the next day.”

The morning after remedy Drinking beverages high in antioxidants and electrolytes will work best to help restore the body of lost nutrients. Sports drinks, tea and fruit juices such as tomato, cranberry or

orange juice can help detox the body and ease symptoms associated with a hangover.

“Drinking a glass of Gatorade or orange juice can also help the next morning,” Daly said. “The electrolytes and vitamins in these beverages help to get your body going again.”

Avoid caffeine Coffee lovers and soda drinkers alike should avoid these favorites when feeling hungover.

Caffeine will dehydrate the body more and prolong a hangover. Depending on different people, milk may sooth, or worsen, an upset stomach.

“It’s typical to reach for that cup of coffee, soda or energy drink when you’re tired or hungover,” Daly said. “(But) this will actually work against you. Drinking a glass of water with a nutritious meal will make you feel better, faster.”

A hangover may cause discomfort for a period of several hours. More severe symptoms such as constant vomiting, irregular or shallow breathing, “blacking out” or irresponsiveness shows signs of alcohol poisoning and require immediate emergency medical care.

One may be crossing the line of alcohol abuse if drinking often results in alcohol poisoning or frequent hangovers that interferes with personal responsibilities, Henry said.

“If a student has a hangover and misses class one time and learns from that experience and does not repeat that behavior, that is not considered abuse,” Henry said. “Yet, if the student repeatedly misses class, fails to study for a test and/or drives while intoxicated, that meets the definition of abuse.”

Liquid Library

SPORTS

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The Daily Aztec

9

MEN’S BASKETBALL: WHILE YOU WERE OUT The San Diego State men’s basketball team went 5-3 during Winter Break and opened Mountain West Conference play with a record of 2-2. Here is a recap of those games.

Dec. 19: Arizona State 55, SDSU 52

added 14 or more. The win extended the nation’s longest active win streak in overtime games to nine.

in double figures. Leonard led the way, piling up 17 points and 12 rebounds in the 35point rout.

Dec. 29: SDSU 58, UC Riverside 53

Jan. 5: SDSU 74, New Mexico 64

Coming off perhaps its biggest win of the season (a 63-46 victory against Arizona), SDSU suffered a letdown seven days later against the Sun Devils. ASU had four players score in double figures and forced the Aztecs to turn the ball over 24 times. The loss snapped SDSU’s season-long five-game winning streak.

The Aztecs returned to Viejas Arena for the first time in nearly three weeks and picked up a hard-fought win against the Highlanders. After trailing by as many as 10 points in the second half, UCR pulled within one with 44 seconds left in the game, but freshman forward Kawhi Leonard made a pair of free throws that ultimately sealed the game for SDSU.

Dec. 22: SDSU 76, Drake 73

Dec. 31: SDSU 89,Pomona-Pitzer 54

In their second overtime game of the year, the Aztecs pulled out a three-point win in Iowa. Junior guard D.J. Gay scored 18 points while three other SDSU players

Less than 4,100 fans showed up at Viejas Arena to watch the Aztecs pummel a Division III opponent. SDSU shot 53 percent from the field and had six players score

The No. 15 Lobos came into Viejas Arena riding high, but left with their second loss of the season. The Aztecs out-rebounded New Mexico 27-22 and were clearly the more athletic squad. Junior forward Malcolm Thomas racked up 18 points and 15 rebounds and was part of the reason the Lobos only shot 35.1 percent from the field.

Jan. 9: Wyoming 85, SDSU 83 In one of the most stunning losses in recent SDSU history, the Aztecs came out of ArenaAuditorium for the second time in as many years with a loss. Playing without junior forward Billy White (ankle), SDSU coughed up a 14-point lead and lost the game because of a Cowboy guard JayDee Luster 3-pointer

(AS OF THE MORNING OF JAN. 19)

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE STANDINGS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

Team

Conf.

Overall

BYU

3–0

18–1

Colorado State

2–1

11–6

Utah

2–1

9–8

New Mexico

2–2

10–3

UNLV

2–2

14–4

SDSU

2–2

13–5

TCU

2–2

9–9

Wyoming

1–3

9–9

Air Force

0–3

8–10

BEATBOX Check tomorrow’s issue of The Daily Aztec for a full recap on yesterday’s San Diego State men’s basketball game against Utah in Salt Lake City.

–Compiled by Assistant Sports Editor David Pope

with 6 seconds left in the game.

Jan. 13: UNLV 76, SDSU 66 After beating the Rebels three times last season, the Aztecs couldn’t quite pull out another win against UNLV at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. Turnovers (20), free throws (16-28) and abysmal 3point shooting (12.5 percent from behind the arc) doomed SDSU, giving the team its fifth loss of the season.

Jan. 16: SDSU 67, TCU 62 TCU came out of the gates on fire, making 69.6 percent of its 23 field goal attempts. But in the second half the Horned Frogs cooled off, opening the door for the Aztecs. Riding White, who scored a team-high 16 points, SDSU was able to catch and hold off TCU in the second half, picking up its 13th victory of the year.

–Compiled by Sports Editor Edward Lewis

10

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SPORTS

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Three Aztecs selected in 2010 MLS SuperDraft Beitashour, Cardenas and Wallace take the next step into professional ranks D AN P E R E Z S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

Nick Cardenas was the second Aztec drafted on Jan. 14, selected by the Kansas City Wizards, No. 36 overall.

Steve Beitashour had the best car wash of his life on Jan. 14. While waiting in the water and suds, the San Diego State men’s soccer team’s defender got a text message from his agent informing him he had been drafted in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

“I was at the car wash while trying to follow the draft on my phone and I was really anxious,” Beitashour said. “It was one or two picks before me and my phone hadn’t updated, and I got a text from my agent saying I got drafted and a lot of texts from different people saying congrats. It was an awesome surprise.”

Beitashour was the first of three SDSU players to be drafted into the MLS SuperDraft, with defender Nick Cardenas and midfielder Jamel Wallace joining him.

Beitashour was chosen in the second round with the 30th overall pick by the San Jose Earthquakes. Cardenas was the next Aztec to go as he was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards just six picks behind Beitashour at No. 36. Wallace finished off the SDSU drafts picks in the fourth round after he was selected 59th overall by the Seattle Sounders FC. “When I found out that the Earthquakes took me, I was blown away,” Beitashour said. “I grew up watching and rooting for them, and being able to have the opportunity to play for your hometown team means so much. I can’t even describe how excited I am.”

The three Aztec draft selections tied for the third most draft picks in the country with NCAA runner-up Akron and Notre Dame. The two schools with more draft

selections were Wake Forest with four and UCLA with five.

“Being drafted feels so great,” Wallace said. “This has been my dream for a long time, I mean every kid’s dream is to play in the pros. I’ve been so blessed to be able to fulfill this dream and sometimes I can’t believe that this is actually real. And to come out with two of my teammates makes everything better.”

Cardenas participated in the MLS Player Combine and highlighted his skills for all 16 MLS teams, so there was no doubt his performance there mixed with his fourth straight first-team all-Pac-10 honors, ensuring his draft prospect.

“ I’ve been so blessed to be able to fulfill this dream and sometimes I can’t believe this is actually real.”

—Jamel Wallace, former Aztec midfielder “I was nervous on draft day and couldn’t wait for it to be over,” Cardenas said. “But once I got the call from my agent saying I got drafted, I had the biggest feeling of relief.”

The three SDSU draft selections more than doubled the previous total amount of Aztecs drafted to the MLS in school history, leaving them with a chance of playing each other one day in the future.

“I’ve thought about facing them one day and it’s really cool,” Wallace said.

“Even though we play different positions where we may never go one on one with each other it could be a fun challenge, especially to see who can come away with the bragging rights.”

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12

The Daily Aztec

TEMPO

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

REEL 2 REAL

‘Book of Eli’ rich in gore, poor in meaning to reach a silly ending rather than, perhaps, the ultimate message. If it were not for predictably good performances from Washington and Oldman, as well as an unexpected performance by Tom Waits in the minor role of an engineer, the film might not have succeeded.

“The film walks a fine line between fun action-entertainment and a serious religious parable, only to reach a silly ending rather than, perhaps, the ultimate message.”

MCT Campus

Denzel Washington was trained in martial arts by Bruce Lee's protégé Dan Inosanto for the movie. He also did his own stunts for the hand-to-hand combat scenes.

T I M D R AU T S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Not since “The Boondock Saints” have audiences been exposed to as much stylized bloodshed in the name of Christianity as in “The Book of Eli,” the latest addition to the recent wave of films depicting the aftermath of an apocalypse. The film follows the journey of Eli (Denzel Washington) as he heads west across a barren wasteland. In his possession is the last known copy of the King James Bible, a priceless artifact that he guards with his razor-sharp machete, and if necessary, his life. The result is

an aptly entertaining, violent chase film with heavy religious pretentions.

Even though directors Albert and Allen Hughes are not afraid to put faith into the equation of this post-apocalyptic drama, there is still plenty of stylized violence. Eli acts only in selfdefense, but when he is attacked he reveals himself as a ruthless warrior who will not hesitate to kill. The filmmakers provide the early fight scenes with gruesome Quentin Tarantinoesque eye candy, then retreat to a more traditional style in later scenes.

As Eli makes his way into a town in search of water, he is confronted by Carnegie (Gary Oldman), who runs the town and also happens

to have an army of men searching for a copy of the Bible, with the intention of ruling the postapocalyptic world with it. Eli escapes with the help of Solara (Mila Kunis), who lives with Carnegie and her blind mother Claudia (Jennifer Beals). Solara decides to follow Eli on his journey, and the two work together to protect the book from harm.

The film is shot well, with slick action sequences and a suspenseful opening scene, providing for an effective hook. As the plot develops, however, the film’s scenes become a little more contrived and less believable. The film walks a fine line between fun action-entertainment and a serious religious parable, only

Despite some issues with the plot, “The Book of Eli” has enough stylistic action and suspense to entertain audiences, at least on a visual level. With the help of a respectable cast, the movie is interesting and fun to watch. Whether it leaves any lasting impressions or not will depend on the viewer, but mainstream audiences are not likely to take the film seriously as it lacks the emotional sincerity of last year’s “The Road.”

“The Book of Eli” is rated R and is currently playing in theaters nationwide. For more information on the film, visit http://thebookofeli.warnerbros.com.

Movie: The Book of Eli Distributed by: Warner Bros.

Directed by: Albert and Allen Hughs Release Date: Jan. 15 Grade: C+

TEMPO

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

BOOB TUBE SCOOP

The Daily Aztec

13

VISCERAL VISUALS

‘How I Met Your Mother’ SDSU gallery soon reaches its 100th episode to open downtown K A I T L I N T R AT A R I S

The crew of the CBS show celebrates with song S A N DY C H A S E S TA F F W R I T E R

Nearing the end of its fifth successful season, the CBS Network’s comedy “How I Met Your Mother” decided to do something a little different, albeit slightly familiar: sing. To be specific, Broadway baby Neil Patrick Harris sang.

Television shows producing song and dance numbers are nothing new. Joss Whedon was the first to craft an entire musical episode (titled “Once More, with Feeling”) on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in 2001, which now lives in infamy akin to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in small movie houses across the country.

There was also the ingenious 2007 “Scrubs” episode in which a patient believes herself to be crazy because whenever people

talk to her, she can only see them singing and dancing.

Fans of “How I Met Your Mother” might be the first to point out that in order to be true to the general malaise of these characters, it was wise to only have one song to cap the 100th episode rather than going through the strenuous undertaking of creating an entire musical episode. It was smarter still to turn it into a dreamlike sequence for Harris’ chauvinistic, suit-loving character, Barney Stinson.

One quick trip to YouTube and a search for “Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit (The Suit Song)” will produce happy feelings just in time to head to the first Thursday class of spring semester. While this episode originally aired on Jan. 11, it is still available to watch on CBS’s Web site.

The writing on this program has been consistently refreshing and witty since it began in 2005, and with hilarious additions such as this musical number, this show will continue to amuse audiences for seasons to come.

S TA F F W R I T E R

San Diego State’s secretly flourishing art community is already displayed in three different galleries on campus. However, it is unknown to many students that SDSU artwork will have a home in downtown San Diego this spring.

The downtown gallery was given to SDSU for 60 years with free rent by Bosa Development and will located in the Electra residential tower. This space brings the art of SDSU and its students outside of just the campus.

“This gallery was given to SDSU for 60 years with free rent by Electra residential tower ... the opening date is still unknown.”

MCT Campus

Neil Patrick Harris sings in prime time.

The opening date for this new gallery is still unknown, so while

waiting spend some time in the three art galleries located on campus. The University Art Gallery located on the fourth floor of the Art building hosts a number of artists both San Diegan and otherwise. The past exhibition of Blue McRight hosted a number of three-dimensional and two-dimensional art pieces centered around the traveling life of the artist; in one room an entire trailer home was reproduced and in another, green rabbits filled the walls and floors.

New art is seen every semester in this amazing gallery directed by Tina Yapelli.

In addition to the installed art pieces, artists participate in openings and small receptions so that visitors can speak with them about the works. There are also two smaller galleries located on the fifth floor of the art building, both used to host graduate student galleries. These galleries usually change weekly and display a large range of artwork and mediums. SDSU is producing multitalented artists and has established a nurturing art community both on campus and throughout San Diego, giving students a chance to support fellow peers.

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THE NEWS DOESN’T END WITH OUR PRINT EDITION! Log on to www.TheDailyAztec.com to read more news stories, editor’s blogs, and much more!

THE DAILY AZTEC IS GOING MOBILE! OUR NEW iPHONE APP IS ON THE WAY AND WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU GET YOUR NEWS!

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Caesar’s reproach 5 Plays a trump card, in bridge 10 #2 14 Caution 15 1946 high-tech unveiling at the Univ. of Pennsylvania 16 On Hollywood Blvd., say 17 Way out 18 Mizuno Corporation headquarters 19 Sty resident?

20 Microprocessors 23 Poet Lowell 25 Tennyson’s twilight 26 Beginning 27 Shipping thingies used as a filler 32 Persian Gulf ship 33 Roll call response 34 Court response 35 With 63-Across, this puzzle’s theme 37 Water color 41 Grammy winner Braxton 42 Subjects for searching or saving 43 Bits of user information created by Web sites 48 “Me, too!”

49 Buddy List co.

50 Eastern discipline 51 Contortionists 56 “Back __ hour”: store sign 57 Budapest-born conductor 58 “Good heavens!”

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 61 15th century date 62 Place for a bracelet 63 See 35-Across 64 Wet expanses 65 Shocking weapon 66 Rare bills DOWN 1 Farm mom 2 It’s based on purchase price 3 Scooter kin 4 “Do __ others ...”

5 Get back in business 6 Like heroes who deserve more credit 7 Italian automaker

8 Counterfeit 9 Fight memento 10 Hindu god incarnated as Krishna 11 Join the Army 12 Runs off to wed 13 Beer with a blue ribbon logo 21 Subject of the play “Golda’s Balcony” 22 Ice cream holder 23 Per unit 24 E or G follower 28 Mauna __ 29 “Why Can’t I?” singer Liz 30 Common Market letters 31 Biblical refuge 35 “Mayday!”

36 D.C.-to-Albany dir.

37 Just fine

38 ’50s TV scandal genre 39 Title beekeeper played by Peter Fonda 40 Part of PGA: Abbr.

41 Mattress size 42 Step on it 43 Dribble 44 Holiday Inn rival 45 Muscat residents 46 Ranch roamers 47 More slime-like 48 Leveling wedges 52 Jr.’s exam 53 First name in gossip 54 Fraternal group 55 Room at the top 59 46-Down call 60 Gridiron gains: Abbr.

16

THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

HUMOR: LIFE ON THE SHARP SIDE

Beating to my own drum by kicking the clichés

W

hile many of you are hitting the gym harder, eating healthier or partying more than ever to meet your New Year’s resolutions, I am sitting on my couch at home doing the same things I did last year. And I’m laughing at you poor souls who have been brainwashed into believing that a new year will bring enormous change to your life.

We all know that the truth is: once January ends, those with the wiggly thighs and midsections will let their gym memberships expire. Then, like a mass extinction greater than the one that killed the dinosaurs, they will disappear from the gym altogether and return to their selfloathing ways.

Months from now, those who resolved to lead healthier lives will find themselves slipping toward old habits. Health will take the backseat, and soon enough, people the size of hippos will once again populate Denny’s during the late night hours when all other restaurants have shut their doors. Maybe these people shouldn’t have set goals that were less attainable than a playoff bid for the New Jersey Nets.

Personally, I’m doing something more or less conventional than most when it comes to the new year and all its hype. I’m resolved to not live like the expected clichés of life.

I have vowed to my editor to refrain from

M A L L O RY S H A R P S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

writing about the events that take place on my 21st birthday, an easy promise, given I may end piecing the night together much like the fine gentlemen of “The Hangover.”

I’ve also made it clear to her that I will not do the infamous first trip to Las Vegas documentation. I feel that is a “been there, done that,” type of story. And as the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

I have also made a resolution to avoid the fad of dieting and losing weight. Now I know that I’m nowhere near being a bikini model, but hey, at least I can eat a slice of cake and not have the urge to vomit minutes later. Plus, I would rather have hips with more to love than be sickly skinny like some partygoers were before “Operation Sudden Fall.” Some of them look like all it would take is one good gust of the Santa Ana’s to sweep half of the female population on campus off the ground.

The above are just a few examples of my cliché cleansing New Year, yet there are so many that are used to describe everyday situations that I believe are as useless as a pregnancy test from the dollar store.

For example, growing up, I was always told, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Yet, I was often confounded by

this logic. If someone takes my eye, well then hell, it’s only fair I take his in return and I’ll call it an even exchange — maybe.

“ ... I was always told, ‘An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.’ Yet, I was often confounded by this logic. If someone takes my eye, well then hell, it’s only fair I take his in return and I’ll call it an even exchange — maybe.”

Another favorite cliché that resonates in my distant memories is that I “march to the beat of my own drum.” Well then, who gave me the melody and can I get a refund? Maybe I should look into hiring a drum major because I apparently lack rhythm and my life is anything but musical. Maybe I should

embrace my drum and it beats much like college students embrace “Jersey Shore” and its ability to become a drinking spectacle.

Although, I think the one cliché I’ve heard most often from the day I started talking is, of course, “Silence is golden.” Well blah-de-blah-blah. Clearly, the person who wrote that must have been a loner who had no one to talk to and therefore was trying to justify his ways. Well news flash, silence may be “golden,” but yelling is way more fun.

It’s funny, because as I’m writing this, I literally just found a cliché that has landed me right where I am now. That being said, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Well, clearly I’ve avoided that cliché because I’ve put off writing this column for more than a week now and instead replaced my time with sleep, food and well, all the “necessities” that are expected of those on Winter Break.

So, welcome to 2010. It’s sure to be a year of hook ups, mix-ups and break ups. But hey, look on the bright side, it’s never too early to start planning your resolutions for next year.

—Mallory Sharp is a journalism junior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

LOOKING THROUGH OUR LENS

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com © 2010 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

DAILY HOROSCOPE IT’S SURREAL Assistant Photo Editor David J. Olender captured and illustrated this photo of a girl who is looking up, seeking an enlightened perspective and exploring the interrelation of nature and the body.

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (1/20/2010) Typical of your usual style, self-reliance is a huge theme this year.You will be tempted to apply force to get your way. A better strategy is to develop a strong plan and implement it through more sensitive attention to the desires of your family or associates.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 More is better in the persuasion department, as long as you speak gently.Talk to several people before making a decision.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 6 - As long as you keep your own responsibilities in mind, you can help others and enjoy the process. Add your personal stamp.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Make significant changes as early as possible.You'll feel better for it, and others will adjust more easily when they're awake and alert.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 Take off in a direction of your choice. Do this early and stick to your decision. If you act like a leader, opportunities will come.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 Seize the day! You now can make changes that seemed impossible before. As you take off in a new direction, be sure to keep inventing.You may obsess over details.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 Re-establish your independence while also

honoring your partner's desires. An ambitious idea moves forward because you've thought it through to the end.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 Listen to what others say.Their ideas are on target now. Share the task of revising plans and make sure that family members agree.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 5 - Go your own way. Don't let anyone persuade you otherwise. If you can work independently you'll get 10 times more done, and results will be far more creative.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - You don't have as much energy today. Stick to well-traveled pathways and postpone action on original ideas. A friend invites you out for supper.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Independence counts for a lot today.

Move your ideas forward and plan a new initiative as well. Balance your checkbook.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Whistle while you work, but not too loudly. Others may do better with silence.

Don't stifle your happiness, though. It's good for them.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 5 Even though you want to go off by yourself, logic suggests dealing with responsibilities first. Devise a plan to be at home as early as possible. © 2009,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.