09-16-2010

dailyaztec Thursday, September 16, 2010

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Vol. 96, Issue 12

study abroad 5

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NEWS 3 Fee increases a possibility for SHS

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Daily Aztec

HOLLY PABLO CONTRIBUTOR

Student wellness is a primary concern on campus, as indicated by the estimated 60,000 appointments served at Student Health Services at Calpulli Center annually.

But the ease and accessibility of health care is at risk because of a projected budget deficit of $2.5 million for the 2010-11 fiscal year. This has led administration and members of the Student Health Advisory Board to discuss alternate options, according to Interim Director of SHS, Tom Wilson.

As part of a proposal to balance the debt, students face a possible $65 increase in both fall and spring registration fees in addition to the $85 per semester they currently pay. Also proposed was a $50 increase for summer terms in addition to the current $60 fee, Wilson said.

If approved, students will pay $150 per fall and spring semesters and $110 for the summer, with changes effective Jan. 1.

At Calpulli Center, students are seen by licensed and certified health professionals for services ranging from general medicine, urgent care, mental health, dentistry, optometry and pharmacy — all at little to no cost as part of the current $9 million budget.

Seventy-five percent of the budget is used toward salaries and

Ryan Lowy / Staff Photographer

Because of a projected $2.5 million deficit, students may have to pay nearly twice as much per semester for student health fees.

benefits and 25 percent covers operations and maintenance. If an adjustment is not made, the extent of the possible reductions includes reducing the staff of 180, services such as athletic medicine, days of operations and introducing costs for previously free services such as elective immunizations, among others, Wilson said.

“Our ability to spring back is not going to be (affected) just in dollars, but also in morale, stability, space issues and licensing issues,” he said.

“It would be very devastating.”

There are three main factors, he said, as to why the budget deficit has grown throughout recent years: Mandatory health funding collected in conjunction with registration fees have declined because of limited enrollment, the cost of providing medical care is increasing and the college students’ psychiatric needs are more complex.

Associate Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Dr. Maria Andujo Hanger, said the department has anticipated the effects of this decline in funds for

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the past three years, given California’s budget crisis and the national economy.

Student health services have been spared so far, Hanger said, but at this time, it is crucial to get the fee adjustment approved to continue fostering an environment of wellness and safety by continuing to offer educational counseling and violence prevention services.

“The last time there was a (health) fee increase was eight years ago, when students approved a $22

increase in 2002 to build the Calpulli Center,” Wilson said. “If this fee increase does not happen, there will be no choice but to lay off staff, and if you don’t have the staff, you can’t offer the services.”

Social work major Denise Barrios said that in the midst of rising tuition costs in the state, the $65 increase could be considered a burden to some students.

“I don’t agree with fee increases but if I have to, I would pay for it because students do need those (health) services,” Barrios said. “Lots of students are stressed or get sick and need medical help. It’s convenient having the health center there.”

Computer science major Jose Banos agreed that he would support the higher cost.

“I don’t think anybody likes a fee increase, but with the services that are offered, $65 isn’t that bad,” Banos said. “It’s good to have that option available.”

The final recommendation will be sent to San Diego State President Stephen L. Weber by the end of next month.

If it is passed, the change will be signed the first week of November to give the student body and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships advanced notice, Wilson said.

More information will be released at public forums held by the Campus Fee Advisory Committee.

The dates are to be announced.

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

STUDY ABROAD

The Daily Aztec

5

The first of many steps MALLORY SHARP S TA F F W R I T E R

Many say that studying abroad is a life-changing experience and one that will not soon be forgotten.

Bonds are formed, world views are stretched and the old passport receives a few more stamps. Because studying abroad is seemingly becoming the norm at San Diego State, there are a few places on campus that students who are interested in doing so should frequent.

with the adviser for their majors. Here, students will learn more specifically where they can travel and with what program, as well as what courses they will need to take while abroad.

This will aid students in planning their class schedules, as well as learning what to take during their exchange as there may be specific classes that are offered overseas. Also, a major adviser will help make sure students are meeting all the

The International Student Center This building, located across the street from the Aztec Recreation Center and Fraternity Row, provides services to those who are currently in an exchange program, either residing in the U.S. or abroad. One example of its services is an online program finder, which informs students about locations they can visit as well as programs that the universities offer. It also provides information sessions to help students know what to expect when traveling abroad and where to obtain passports, visas or vaccinations that may be required. Its website offers even more information as well.

Office of major More and more majors at SDSU are starting to require students to study abroad as a part of their curriculum, which means that those who are required to study abroad need to be in touch

proper requirements (course related) before embarking on their exchange.

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships While most students apply for some sort of aid during their college career, many are not aware they are eligible for several different types of aid when studying abroad. SDSU offers students the chance to apply for scholarships to help pay for their exchange. As for the cost of tuition while abroad, students pay the same rate for school and housing as they would at SDSU, which can help curb

some of the costs. Because students who study abroad tend to travel and spend more money than usual, especially if their host country’s exchange rate is high, students are also eligible for government grants and loans.

STA Travel at SDSU Located in Aztec Center, this seemingly small office is often overlooked, but one peek inside can reveal hidden gems for those looking to get out of the U.S. in a cost efficient manner. STA is dedicated to giving students the best bang for their buck and understands students often have very restrictive budgets.

Students may be advised to speak with STA Travel as soon as they consider studying abroad. This also helps attain a cheaper airline rate before fares start to increase. STA Travel also provides brochures about what to do and see in the area of travel, as well as helpful tips to ensure that the experience is a positive one. It is even there to serve those who do not wish to study abroad and just wish for a little world experience.

The website offers language classes, information about hotels and hostels and even provides information about food and customs.

For those who are looking to spice up their education with a dash of adventure, stop into any of these offices and speak with someone about a unique trip that can be remembered for years to come.

Maura Ochoa / Staff Photographer

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

STUDY ABROAD

The Daily Aztec

Choosing outside the box

Stephen Finlayson / Staff Photographer

AHMANIELLE HALL S TA F F W R I T E R

For students who think San Diego State isn’t far enough from home, they may choose a tour of the Mediterranean Sea before walking by the campus Mediterranean Garden. Those who feel the urge to study abroad have many places to choose from, but with so many options, it can be difficult to pinpoint the ideal destination. Sure, London, Paris and Barcelona are interesting places to experience, but there is a broad range of other countries that can provide just as much of a rewarding educational and cultural experience.

The SDSU Study Abroad program offers 52 places to choose

from, but students should find their “niche;” a program that can accommodate their major requirements as well as a place to satisfy their inner adventurer.

“Part of it is niche because we have programs for specific majors, but there are places that fit a lot of students’ needs; it’s just that people are unaware of them or haven’t thought about those places,” Lynn Eddy-Zambrano, an SDSU exchange and education abroad adviser, said.

Students at SDSU are encouraged to look at all of their options before making their final decision.

“Students think they know, but we open their eyes to new possibilities,” Eddy-Zambrano said.

Non-traditional destinations such as South Korea, Latin America and

Botswana are some of those new possibilities because they cost less and their programs are not as competitive, Education Abroad Adviser Adrienne Fusek said.

Students looking to immerse themselves in Asian culture might enjoy taking a plunge into South Korea. SDSU has two exchange programs located in Seoul, and both programs focus on small classrooms and providing individual student attention, Fusek said.

Housing is free, and depending on the program selected, students could also receive a stipend for teaching English classes.

For students weary of traveling to a place where they have to speak another language, Hong Kong and Singapore are also niche destinations that allow students to take all of their classes in English.

“Singapore is very friendly to U.S. students with only one language,” Eddy-Zambrano said.

Singapore-bound students would study at Nanyang Technological University, one of the top universities in the Asia Pacific region that boasts state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms.

Technologically advanced cultural experiences can be found in Latin American countries as well.

“Culturally, students come back so enriched; there’s a lot of really interesting history and

cross-influence in Latin America,” Eddy-Zambrano said.

Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Costa Rica are just a few among many Latin American countries where students can participate in the culture that surrounds their learning environment. Both Latin America and Spain offer homestay programs where students can live with families and attend classes in order to experience the country’s culture firsthand.

“There is a misconception that there isn’t enough freedom in the homestay program, but if you want an in-depth approach, this is the best,” Eddy-Zambrano said. “You’ll be living with families and see how they celebrate holidays.”

Whether living with a family or on their own, on campus with Americans or off campus with students from other countries, study abroad students are offered a variety of travel programs to accommodate them; all they have to do is choose a destination.

Until all options have been exhausted and all nooks and crannies have been searched, keeping an open mind to new and exciting opportunities will help students find their “niche” abroad.

For more information, visit the SDSU Study Abroad website at sdsu.edu/studyabroad.

Finding those secret sites JESSICA GOODWIN S TA F F W R I T E R

So you’re about to go abroad, maybe for a semester, maybe for a year. You can read all you want in the travel guides about where to eat, drink and what to do, but to get the real experience, talking to locals is the way to go. After studying in Madrid, Spain for a year, I compiled a journal full of business cards from hostels and restaurants from the cities where I traveled. I have selected a few of my favorites to share with you from some of the most memorable places in Europe. I wish you all a pleasant and safe journey and I hope you enjoy some of these secret gems.

Madrid Even after living there for a year, I would roam the streets every day for hours, stumbling upon new bars, shops and mercados I had never seen before. There is so much to do and see in such a lively city, but there are a few local spots that stand out in my mind as “must-sees” if you’re living there or simply passing through.

Metro: Noviciado With live reggae music every Thursday night, this little bar is always full of locals. Drinks are relatively inexpensive, the music is live and the dance floor is always full.

Metro: Ópera Traditional Asturian tapas bar and restaurant, this place fills to the brim with locals almost every night. You might have to push through the local Madrileño crowd to get a spot at the bar, but it is well worth it. Try the cidra, queso de cueva, morcilla and the tortilla española. The bartenders are friendly once they recognize you.

Lisbon, Portugal This city is beautiful and underrated. The hostels were the cleanest and nicest, the city is not excessively touristy and it is relatively inexpensive. Rossio Hostel was very clean and comfortable, and located in the center of the city. Try the local Azeitão cheese that usually comes as an appetizer before meals. As for the food in Lisbon,

Courtesy of Jessica Goodwin

the seafood is especially delicious, specifically the cod.

Chaouen, Morocco If you get the opportunity to make it to Morocco, be sure to visit Marrakech, which is an amazing city.

Equally amazing is Chauen, a smaller village in the mountains where all the buildings are painted different shades of blue and where many Spaniards go for vacation. It’s very rustic and doesn’t have an active nightlife or many amenities, but the medina is beautiful, the food is

exquisite and it is so different from what Americans are used to. A hostel called Dar Meziana looks similar to Disney Princess Jasmine’s palace.

Cinque Terre, Italy: Flying into Milan, Italy is usually affordable, around 40 euros on EasyJet, and from Milan you can catch a train to this incredible place for about 20 euros. It is touristy, but amazingly beautiful and quaint.

—Jessica Goodwin is a journalism senior.

7

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STUDY ABROAD

The Daily Aztec

The ‘FMLs’ of traveling MIRANDA ADLER CONTRIBUTOR

For the San Diego State students who study abroad each semester, the trip is full of new adventures, experiences and information. On the journey to making the international leap, students endure rough moments and situations that test even the strongest of people, from completing endless amounts of paperwork to the rigorous visa process. But what happens when these unfortunate events follow students across the globe?

For advertising junior Sierra Sawtelle, the trouble started early on.

After arriving in Paris, Sawtelle realized she had misplaced her passport.

She noticed it was gone while standing in line at Customs.

“My lack of French upon arrival only enhanced the embarrassment,” Sawtelle said.

She said a kind stewardess radioed a flight attendant still on the plane, who found the passport wedged between the latest SkyMall and People magazines.

“Let’s just say that your passport shouldn’t be an item you can locate in the backseat pocket in front of you,” Sawtelle said.

The Students Abroad checklist, available on the SDSU International Student Center website, urges students to always keep photocopies of important travel documents such as passports, credit cards and travel insurance. That way, if a duplicate is needed, the information is easy to access.

The checklist also recommends students become familiar with important phrases in the respective language of the countries they visit.

Johnny Spezia, an international business senior and former resident of Barcelona, Spain, couldn’t agree more.

“Don’t be shy around locals,” Spezia said. “Try to speak the language or you will never fully learn it.

Go out and meet people to see the culture through a local’s eyes.”

Spezia also agrees with the checklist’s tip of trying to fit in with the local culture.

“In Barcelona, you need to know the word ‘vale.’ It means, ‘OK, sure, yeah,’ that sort of thing,” Spezia said.

“If you don’t know this word you should just give up trying to communicate. If you don’t understand what someone says to you, just say, ‘vale, vale, vale,’ back, and chances are you’ll get the response you want.

Then just say it again and again, and you have a conversation!”

Spezia said that learning how to

juggle a “futbol” is a must in the Spanish culture.

Jaime Bissell, a communications senior, also learned some key aspects about diverse culture in the south of Spain. She said that while studying abroad in laid-back places such as Granada, don’t expect to follow any set plans.

She said that her program took a weekend excursion to the city of Cadiz for a carnival, which Bissell described as “Halloween on steroids.” She said no one from her program booked hotel rooms because they were just planning to celebrate all night, apparently a common occurrence in Spain and most of Europe.

Not long after midnight, a torrential downpour hit the festival. Bissell said that she spent the next six hours scurrying from bar to bar, vying for a dry spot along with the hundreds of

Guide to travel guides MATT SALWASSER F E AT U R E S E D I T O R

In regard to exploring the world, the travel guide website lonelyplanet.com offers this sound advice: “All you’ve got to do is decide to go and the hardest part is over. So go!”

While deciding where in the world to study might be hardest part, seeing all there is to see in that place may come as a close second.

Travelers are travelers because they love to discover new adventures, experience different cultures and generally have a desire to, well, “go.”

As a traveler, there are probably few things worse than being away for five months only to return home and feel like there was something missing the entire time, as if the experience wasn’t taken advantage of. This is where the helpfulness of travel guides makes a welcomed entrance.

Be they in print or online, travel guides have surely become some students’ lifesavers when away. However, of all such guides to take advantage of, these are four, two online and two in print, that stand out.

Lonely Planet The Lonely Planet brand of travel guides is one of the most popular out there. Often rivaling another brand, Rough Guides, The New York Times has called the Lonely Planet guidebooks, “quite simply, like no others.” According to amazon.com, the books “are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit.”

The inside seems a little textheavy but full of information, and every few pages features a map or other graphic of the page’s place of interest. Online, Lonely Planet also

other partygoers. To make matters worse, she spent the five hour ride back to Granada in soaked clothing on a crowded bus.

That night, Bissell was able to proudly use the popular Spanish phrase “No pasa nada,” which is equivalent to, “No big deal.”

“While studying abroad I learned to take everything with an open and optimistic mind,” Bissell said. “So many memories and friendships came out of that disastrous night and I wouldn’t change any of it!”

From lost documents to embracing the local culture, traveling is all about learning to handle new and challenging situations. Life abroad isn’t as simple as a stroll beneath the Eiffel Tower or a fishbowl-sized glass of sangria. But for students who do choose to travel abroad, the “FML” moments seem to make the best memories.

Eyewitness Travel If graphics and color have a higher priority than text, the Eyewitness Travel books are packin’ heat. Stuffed with colorful pages, beautiful photography and annual updates, Amazon says the guides “use pioneering innovations, such as 3-D mapping, building cutaways, floor plans, guided walks and evocative photography to truly show you what others only tell you.” As an additional plus, restaurant and hotel listings are included, as well as a list of useful terms from whatever foreign country is the focus. Typical Eyewitness Travel guides cost $25-30.

wikitravel.org Unfortunately for the printed travel guides, they run the risk of going the way of magazines, newspapers and, pretty much, dinosaurs. Online travel guides are increasing in popularity, such as the site, wikitravel.org.

Similar to the notorious, open-forpublic-edits website Wikipedia, Wikitravel allows people to edit and update destinations’ pages.

“These guides can be written by anyone, whether they’re an expert on all things Europe, or just know a thing or two about hiking in Russia,” an article on bravenewtraveler.com states. “It’s a free-for-all affair that has the potential to overthrow the dominion of the guidebook.”

The article continues to list the five positives of such a website, which consist of, “More writers means a balanced opinion, editable information is current information, (it serves as) an outlet for travelers to share their advice, (is) a complete information package (and allows) unlimited growth.” Overall, the site has 23,786 destinations so far and is still expanding.

travellerspoint.com

Katie Fisher / Staff Photographer

stresses the fact that its books are printed using Ancient Forest Friendly paper, and are written honestly as authors are forbidden to exchange favors for positive reviews. Few pages are printed in color, but this may help keep the price down. A typical Lonely Planet guide will set shoppers back about $20-25.

Despite Wikitravel’s innovation, it isn’t without its share of drawbacks, such as a lack of listings for accommodations. Not only does travellerspoint.com offer resources for anything from a resort to a youth hostel, it also links to travelers’ blogs and a massive photography gallery.

Destination information is also provided through forums as well as from members of the site, called Travel Helpers, who are there to answer the questions of the confounded explorer.

Deciding to travel is one thing, but deciding how to travel is another entirely. Travel guides can help explorers navigate the best a destination has to offer, with as little trouble as taking a trip to a local bookstore or finding an Internet connection. But, that should be one of the easier parts.

“So go!”

Thursday, September 16, 2010

11

The quirkiest of customs NOAH HENRY S TA F F W R I T E R

To prepare for this article outlining some of the quirky laws in other countries, many came across as odd, some were crazy and others were just plain hilarious. The customs in some countries are understandable.

Some of them include dressing modestly and in neutral colors such as black and white, for any females visiting China, Japan, India, Russia and those in the Middle East.

Cleavage is definitely a no-no, and it’s expected that visitors respect their cultural dressing traditions. Where it’s expected to dress in modest fashion, it’s the opposite in European countries and Latin America.

Fashionable dress and bright colors are the norm and often respected in these cultures.

Some of these laws were baffling; several were entirely too absurd to believe. But they are real, and very plainly illustrate the maxim that truth is stranger than fiction.

If England is the destination, please know that it’s legal for a male to urinate in public as long as it spills onto the rear wheel of his car, and only if his right hand is placed on the motor vehicle. Also in England, specifically in the city of Liverpool, the only circumstance in which it’s legal for women to be topless is if they are saleswomen in tropical fish stores. So guys, start saving money to buy tropical fish if Liverpool is on the itinerary.

In Australia it’s illegal to wear black clothes, felt shoes and black face makeup or shoe polish in public for fear of resembling a cat burglar. It’s also illegal for one to walk on the right side of any footpath.

In Denmark it’s illegal to wear masks.

It’s also required of drivers to check underneath their cars before they drive to make sure there are no children or gypsies sleeping there.

In Greece, electronic games have been banned from all Internet cafes. This law was enacted in 2002 to fight illegal gambling.

In Italy, it’s illegal for a man to wear a skirt. So guys, remember to abstain from packing any skirts if traveling to Italy. And, oddly enough, it’s completely legal to pinch a woman’s bottom. Now, there are stories

about presumptuous Italians and their forward, flirty exploits, but this goes to a whole new level. Viva Italia!

In Germany, as in Denmark, it’s illegal to wear masks, except this only applies to work strikes. It’s also illegal for a person’s car to run out of gas on the Autobahn.

Furthermore, it’s also illegal to stop on the Autobahn for any reason.

In Singapore, the punishment for attempting suicide is imprisonment for up to one year.

This isn’t a law, but in Thailand, the left hand is considered unclean, so refrain from eating with it. And it’s also considered rude to point at people. As for the law, it’s illegal to be shirtless while driving a car and to leave home without wearing underwear.

It would be naïve to think laws such as these exist solely in foreign countries. The States also has its fair share of crazy statutes.

For example, did anyone know it’s illegal in California to eat an orange in a bathtub?

The reason for this has to do with the citric acid in oranges mixing with bath oils to form some kind of explosive element.

As most of these seem irrational at first glance, many do have legitimate reasons for existing. So for anyone planning to study in another country, it might be a good idea to become acquainted with its more obscure laws. If not for humor’s sake, for the sake of understanding the quirkier nuances of a culture.

Transportation abroad CHRIS POCOCK S TA F F W R I T E R

Studying abroad can make for the trip of a lifetime, allowing for an opportunity to explore and understand countries and their own unique cultures, food and lifestyles. But without a good idea of the transportation in and around the area, it can get frustrating and expensive traveling in and outside the city.

It’s no secret Europe is the most common destination for students studying abroad, and perhaps for good reason. Though Europe’s several countries are diverse and rich in culture, neighboring nations are conveniently located within driving distance of each other, allowing the possibility for one to explore other countries while studying abroad in a single city.

For the more outdoorsy type, bicycling within one’s own city — or even to neighboring countries — can prove to be an inexpensive and reliable way to lose the “Freshman 15.” For those looking for something less challenging but still hoping to get a taste of the outdoors, backpacking is a widely popular method of traveling between countries. And considering the wide array of affordable youth hostels located throughout Europe, some with prices as low as 20 euros, camping down for the night will hardly break the bank while allowing travelers to still meet new people.

Although traveling by bike or by foot might appeal to some, there are certainly other methods of traveling between countries. Renting a car is definitely an option, but having the convenience of

steering those four wheels can be costly — as much as $48 a day depending on the city. Some countries, Italy and Spain, for example, require the user to own an International Driving Permit before driving the vehicles, and many car-leasing companies won’t even permit those younger than 21 to rent their cars.

Traveling by train is another popular option within Europe. Although not as speedy or direct as traveling by plane, trains make up for this lack of efficiency by allowing for a far more scenic ride, as well as a more spontaneous travel plan. Eurail, one of the major rail companies within Europe, has several good deals that are extremely customizable and travel-friendly. Travel passes can last anywhere between three to 10 days and can be used in one country, one region, between five countries or all of Europe’s 21 countries depending on one’s preference. While traveling by train can be fairly inexpensive (as low as $39 per ticket) longer and more complex trips can get expensive fast, costing more than $1,200 for the most expensive, yet most unlimited pass.

And finally, air travel is always an option. Ryanair, an airline that flies specifically in Europe, has some very good deals that cater to travelers hoping to see different cities quickly and on a budget. With prices as low as $45 between cities, there’s definitely a reason nearly 74 million travelers use the airline annually.

But obviously, Europe is not the only destination for students studying abroad.

Asia is another common continent for those hoping to study somewhere new.

In Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, public transportation is legendary for its efficiency, and, considering gas prices usually cost more than $4 per liter in urban areas, it might be the average student’s only option. A Japan Rail Pass is fairly affordable, and the opportunity to ride on bullet trains that exceed

MCT Campus

Speed trains are a popular and fun way to get around.

300 kilometers an hour is surely not an experience to miss.

Most cities in China, however, are far more reliant on automobiles. Taxis are a safe bet there, allowing for the benefit of traveling directly to a preferred destination. Public buses are inexpensive and widely used, with fares usually costing 15 to 25 cents per ride. However, because of ever-increasing traffic congestion and pollution, rail travel and subways are rapidly becoming favored among locals and travelers to the country.

12

STUDY ABROAD

The Daily Aztec

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Studying with Gilman ome might say that studying abroad is a great opportunity to party and travel. Others might tell you it is an amazing opportunity to learn. Last semester I studied abroad, and I can tell you, it is something you cannot fully understand until you experience it.

I studied in Madrid for five months. During my time there, I went to school and lived in residence halls with mostly Spanish people. It was an unforgettable experience that exceeded my expectations. Although I partied, traveled and learned, there was much more to it. I learned more about life in those five months than in the past four years. It really is an expe-

S

Courtesy of Grecia Saavedra

rience that opens your eyes and your mind to what is out there: the world.

I met people from different places who taught me a lot. These people come from a different culture, and they can turn an ordinary day into a memorable one. I also learned how to solve all kinds of problems on my own, because living in a different country by yourself is so much different than living in your hometown by yourself. It is harder because not only are you on your own, you also have to understand a different culture in

GRECIA SAAVEDRA CONTRIBUTOR

which things operate in a completely different way. For example, school registration was so much harder than adding courses through the Internet. I had to physically go to school every day to request courses, talk to several people and make sure I got them. It is not difficult, just different, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of a completely unfamiliar culture.

This is what I value the most from my semester abroad — the experience of being a part of something that is so different. The Spanish people have very different habits and traditions, and it was really interesting to learn to live with them.

As soon as I arrived, I noticed the difference. One thing I noticed my first night in Madrid was that people in Spain walk everywhere. In America, we are used to getting in our cars and driving to wherever we need to go. We can also take a taxi or the bus. Of course people in Spain have this transportation, but to them, it’s just easier to walk. The first few days I really missed my car, especially when I was wearing high heels, but now I miss walking around such a beautiful city.

Food is another big difference. In Spain, pork is everywhere, even in the chips. I love spicy food, and to my surprise, this is something Spanish people don’t like at all.

Additionally, food portions in Europe are so much smaller than the ones we have in America and I had a much healthier diet during these months. Food was definitely the biggest adjustment, but I eventually grew to love Spain’s famous “jamón serrano.” Even going grocery shopping was a whole new experi-

ence. Every day was a new adventure.

What people may also tell you is that studying abroad is too expensive. They say getting enough money is too hard or even impossible – I can tell you this is not true. When I decided I wanted to travel, I knew my parents’ money and my money wouldn’t be enough. I began to look for scholarships, and I discovered there are many that are specifically directed toward studying abroad.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are planning to study abroad. The application process consists of submitting an application, transcripts and two essays. Although it may be time-consuming, it is easily accomplished and well worth the benefits. This scholarship is what gave me the opportunity to live and learn in Spain.

Another scholarship that made it possible for me to study abroad is the Associated Students Study Abroad Scholarship. A percentage of the student activity fee from San Diego State students is used for this scholarship; therefore every SDSU student has the chance to earn it. The application for this scholarship also requires an essay, and like any other scholarship, it is competitive.

Unfortunately, students sometimes think that their GPA isn’t high enough, or that their essay isn’t good enough. The truth is, nothing is lost by applying. All I can say is that no matter how hard it seems, it is definitely worth a try.

—Grecia Saavedra is a marketing junior.

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

Tales from across the pond

W

hile traveling in Europe throughout the last six months, I visited one place that will stick with me forever.

Here, you get free food with your beer, everyone is expected to take daily afternoon naps and you can explore one of the wonders of the world. Walking along the streets I heard salsa music, smelled and tasted tapas from local restaurants, felt the 40 degree Celsius (104 F) air and saw smiles on many faces. The place I am speaking of is a town in southern Spain in the region of Andalusia about 70 km (43 miles) from the ocean where mountains meet plains. The place is called Granada.

I decided to go to Granada because my friend had been studying abroad there for a year. I had no idea what was in store. We traveled from the coast by bus through dry foothills, olive trees and grape vineyards until we came to a street called Gran Vía de Colón located in the center of town.

Then we only had our feet to carry us through the cobbled streets and hills lined with brightly painted houses. The first order of business was to have a picnic of brie and tomatoes at Parque Federico García Lorca and then take a siesta in the grass.

That night I had my first tapa, a small plate of food served with an ordered beverage, at a local bar that my friend and her foreign exchange buddies had become regulars at. After a few beers and before we left for Sugar Pop, the chosen dance club for the night, the Spanish exchange students raised a shot of honey rum, typical of Granada, to studying abroad and new friends.

The next morning, after some serious sleeping in, we did what girls like us do best – shopped.

The shops had names such as Mango and Birshka and can be described as sophisticated, foreign

SYDNEE BROOKER S TA F F W R I T E R

Forever 21s. It was quite an adventure, and I returned to California with a sexy new jumper I am sure no one in San Diego will have.

Although I enjoyed the Spanish shopping scene, it did not blow my mind like the Alhambra did. This palace and fortress that lies above the city was constructed in the 14th century and added onto by later rulers. Until 1492, the Alhambra was under Arab control and was described as “the Islamic paradise on Earth.”

Eventually, Queen Isabel of Castile took charge and returned the Alhambra to Spanish rule.

OK, back to my story.

Basically what the Arabs believed is true: The Alhambra is absolutely gorgeous. The architecture is a stunning Spanish style full of intricately carved arches and columns. Gardens adorn every level of the palace, and as I climbed the staircases, the views of Granada became more miraculous. What struck me was the staggering amount of time and effort that must have gone into every detail of the building. In a way I was sad because I realized in our country there is no historic palace or building that could be described as a piece of art like this.

After our visit to the Alhambra we were hungry and thirsty. We decided to go to a tapas bar called La Bella y la Bestia which can be translated as Beauty and the Beast. With our sangrias we were served berenjenas con miel, fried eggplant drizzled with honey, and empanadas, small potato and cheese pockets. As we ate, we watched Spain beat Honduras 2-0 in the World Cup and got a celebratory glass of wine from the bartender. La Bella y la Bestia became my favorite bar.

That Wednesday night we went to “reggae night” at a club called Afrodisia and danced for

hours. The club was a bit slow at first but by 3 a.m. it was packed. The dance floor was huge and surrounded by two bars and a bunch of comfortable couches. That night was just one of the many fantastic experiences I had in Granada.

It is definitely a different lifestyle there, and I am so grateful my good friend invited me to experience it. When I asked my friend, Spanish

Courtesy of Sydnee Brooker

senior Alicia Mitchell, what she thought of her year in Granada she said, “Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity that no one in college should pass up. Immersing myself within an entirely different culture and lifestyle than my own was one of the most terrifying and gratifying things I have ever done. My time spent in Granada will undoubtedly always have a place in my heart as one of the best years of my life.”

—Sydnee Brooker is a journalism junior.

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

STUDY ABROAD

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Daily Aztec

13

Musing Spain ll of my reasons for leaving the U.S. for Madrid, Spain can be traced back to a guard booth in Orange County. I spent my summer after freshman year in a swivel chair waving in cars, looking out a window at trains passing every hour on the hour.

That time spent alone blurred the days and weeks together. All I’d done in more than two months was make plans and churn through memories. To pass the shifts, I turned to Ernest Hemingway. The man loved beautiful women and Spain. He didn’t love himself. I didn’t either.

My great expectations for the next year at San Diego State fell short by the fall. Friends from freshman year went their own ways. Classes were large and impersonal. I listened to the advice of older students. “You have to have a list of internships on your résumé. What’s a degree worth anymore? If you don’t you’re already behind.” I wasn’t having that.

One day I stopped walking and asked myself what the hell I was doing. I had quit my job and pushed away someone I loved. This life in this place was hollow because I had made it that way.

Ten minutes later I was in the Extended Studies Center Study Abroad Office. I talked with Yadirah Lagomarsini. She listed every program SDSU had in Europe, and we narrowed it to Spain.

“We have a summer program in Madrid for a month, how does that sound?”

“Perfect.”

A

Courtesy of Renee Villaseñor

Singaporean serenades he most difficult question I’ve ever had to answer is, “How was your trip?”

Those four words send a rush of anxiety through me. How could I answer that question? I could never truly express the beauty, the smells, the tastes and every detail without which the experience is simply misunderstood. The sad truth is, unless you have lived abroad for an extended period of time, you can’t fully understand.

It was my great fortune to study abroad in Singapore. Despite all of its quirks and discomforts, Southeast Asia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is made up of scenes and experiences that most only find in dreams. It is indescribable.

For that reason, I will not even attempt to tell you about the entirety of my time abroad in this short column, which means I will leave out many details about the experiences that made it so meaningful to me. I’m not writing a travel brochure and to only concentrate on those things would be to sell the experience short. Of course it was beautiful and amazing, but it was more than that, more than just attending school in another country or going on vacation. It changed my life.

I spent the first night sprawled on a sheetless mattress in a tank top and super short sweat shorts barely being able to breathe in the thick humidity and thinking to myself, “What the hell am I doing here?” But, within a few days, I was having the time of my life.

Going to Asia was probably the biggest culture shock I could have given myself. Cars don’t stay in their lanes, people are either very cold and won’t look you in the eye, or they will give you the shirts off their backs. Singapore is on the other side of the world, but for someone who has never traveled outside the western world, it might as well be a different planet.

I often liken coming home to waking up from a dream. Getting into LAX, I was energized but quickly disoriented. I saw my family and had a moment of elation followed by subtle disappointment. I realized I wasn’t the same person they expected me to be, and what was worse is that they were the

T

RENEE VILLASEÑOR NEWS EDITOR

same. Everything was the same as it was when I left.

No one ever tells you that it will be so much harder coming back than it was to leave. You feel like an outsider and may often seek people who understand, or will at least try to understand your lifechanging experience.

Things are different now. After much consideration, I can say confidently I would love nothing more than to move back to Singapore with no plans of permanently returning to the U.S. I have never had a clearer picture of what I want for my future and the kind of person I am and strive to be.

Whenever I tell someone about my experience I catch myself romanticizing it. I preach the experience as if I am recruiting people to a religion. But it wasn’t always fun. No matter how many traditional customs you learn or how long you are there, you are always the outsider. You have to surrender to your environment because thinking about what happens to you, where you end up and what you eat will drive you insane.

Traveling is tough. It leaves deep impressions on your heart, mind, soul and body. But you become a better person for it, and hopefully you contributed something to those you met along the way.

The experience wasn’t always easy. There were definitely times I longed for the comfort of the familiar, to spend a night in my own room instead of a hostel and for a good slice of pizza and not another bowl of noodles. However, I would not trade one single moment of the experience for anything in the world.

I recently bought a ticket back to Asia and will be leaving late Christmas night. My friends and family, only half joking, say they are worried I will never come back.

To them I say, “If I don’t come back, don’t come looking for me, just be happy for me.”

***

After three days at an elderly Spanish woman’s dinner table, I could speak more Spanish than I could after two semesters at SDSU. The traditional grandmother understood English but refused to speak it. By our fifth breakfast I was discussing Spain’s economic crisis with her.

Those of us from San Diego would meet in front of University de Nebrija and walk to the metro station up the road, look at the city rail map and make a decision.

Anyone who had been searching for something else finally had it, and the pace never ceased. The tapas, smokefilled bars, the World Cup, electric nightlife, five-story clubs, 4 a.m. (early for Spain) taxi rides and walks under orange street lamps were there for the taking. I slept into the afternoon, made phone calls and walked out the door for the parks, cafés, architecture and world-renowned fine art museums.

Life attracted more life. The crowd I spent my weeks with took trains and

TOM HAMMEL OPINION EDITOR

buses to Toledo, Barcelona and Valencia on the weekends. We temporarily lived in hostels and took people from anywhere with us.

But I still looked forward to coming home to Madrid. Every ideal had a pulse. The people I came to know and respect represented countries from every corner of the world. A young girl in a museum told me how hard life was in industrial Russia and how beautiful the heartbeat of a horse felt. A Syrian man had taught me the principles of the Islamic faith on a plane. I heard a South Korean translator tell his wife and daughters in Seoul that he loved them while the North Korean military was performing tank demonstrations.

The afternoon and night before my final, I spoke solely in Spanish. My British and South Korean roommates were sitting at the street corner café and hailed me toward them. We watched rolling lightning in the dark clouds and listened to the thunderstorm on the terrace until it rained. By 1 a.m., a Spanish secretary in the bar was telling me about the 2004 alQaida bombing of Atocha station.

At 2 a.m. I ate two loaves of bread, drank a liter of water and studied my flashcards. I was delirious writing paragraphs for my Spanish final running on two hours of sleep but strangely, I felt content. The only set plan I had for the next 20 days was a flight out of the Czech Republic.

The next day I was on a train to Rioja with an eccentric character from San Diego.

Twenty-four hours passed and we stood on a mountainside with our skin and clothes stained purple, eating baguettes with jamon, looking at the vineyards through the valleys below. We hadn’t slept a minute the night before; we sang and danced under buckets of wine thrown through the air into crowds stomping over streams of purple in the mud, to horn bands blaring Spanish anthems for three hours. The man who took us in for the weekend, the Spanish professor who treated us like family, took a picture. It was the most complete and thorough happiness I’d ever felt, and it stayed with me.

Then there was Paris.

—Tom Hammel is a political science senior.

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

—Renee Villaseñor is a journalism senior.

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

Courtesy of Tom Hammel

Thursday, September 16, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

The Daily Aztec

15

PASS THE POPCORN

Warsaw documentary exposes ghetto life MORGAN DENNO S TA F F W R I T E R

Though the concept for “A Film Unfinished” seems brilliant, the movie itself falls flat.

Directed by Yael Hersonski, “Unfinished” is a documentary about the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. The Nazi regime had been famous for the large-scale production of propaganda films, and many years after the war had ended, an old propaganda film titled “The Ghetto” was found deep within the archives.

Because the editing was never completed, the hour-long film, originally created in May 1942, was never shown to the public.

During the war, the Warsaw Ghetto had been the most well-known ghetto in Poland because of its large size. Despite the space, there were hundreds of thousands of Jews living within a 3-square-mile radius plagued by famine and disease. The film is organized into its original five reels, each progressively more graphic and depressing than the last, and consists of interviews with those who had lived in the Warsaw Ghetto and those who had worked for the Nazis during that time. Journal entries and personal records also supplemented additional information to the story line.

However, as gripping of an idea as the film has, the actual propaganda film speaks more for itself than the stale and uninspiring interviews. The propaganda film was completely staged by the Nazi SS, but it’s the hollow look

in the eyes of the thousands of starving people that resonates with those watching.

The original film, “The Ghetto,” was framed to portray kindness as an everyday occurrence by staging scenes where soldiers gave families food and nice clothes. These families were forced to act like this was a regular event within the ghetto walls. In contrast, the newly uncovered footage reveals corpses on the street, piles of feces in the courtyards and the skin-and-bone figures of those who had nothing left to eat. Like many other scenes, the SS forced a girl to walk past the begging and starving children to show that some Jews still looked down on other Jews. Though the scenes of the emaciated bodies and haunting eye contact from the prisoners may cause viewers to cringe from sadness and pity, the actual documentary’s story line doesn’t evoke very much emotion.

The film has a raw and uncut feeling that allows viewers to feel as if they were really in the ghetto, seeing these people just before their deaths at the concentration camps.

Though the film takes a very minimalistic approach with very little narrative or score, it would have been more powerful if left alone as the original propaganda tape, allowing the people and scenes to speak for themselves. Maybe the film should have been left unfinished.

Movie: A Film Unfinished Directed by: Yael Hersonski Release date: Aug. 18 Grade: C Courtesy of Oscilloscope

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The Daily Aztec

SPORTS

Thursday, September 16, 2010

FOOTBALL

Missouri QB will be a challenge for SDSU EDWARD LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR

It’s hard to understand why Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert doesn’t make more headlines in today’s sensationalized, bloweverything-out-of-proportion, prisoner-ofthe-moment news world.

The junior is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. He might even be No. 1 by the time this season ends. He’s 6 feet 5 inches, 235 pounds, has a jet engine for an arm and has the statistics to match his measurables. Yet in the national spotlight, he’s nowhere to be found.

But even though national outlets such as ESPN and Yahoo! Sports haven’t noticed him yet, the San Diego State football team certainly has.

“I’ll tell you,” head coach Brady Hoke said. “He’s awfully accurate with the football and he’s got a big strong arm. I was just watching some of their passing game, and he throws the out (route) and it’s on a rope.

He’s a good football player.”

Gabbert has thrown for 501 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions this season. He’s completing a ridiculous 75.9 percent of his passes, the best in the nation by far. And he’s undoubtedly the biggest reason why Missouri is 2-0 this season, beating Illinois and McNeese State by a combined score of 73-19.

“He’s a big, strong-armed guy,” Hoke said. “And he can run the ball too.”

SDSU defensive back Andrew Preston has seen some pretty good quarterbacks in his career with the Aztecs. In practice, he’s faced Ryan Lindley and Kevin O’Connell. In games, he’s seen Jimmy Clausen, Andy Dalton, Max Hall, Brian Johnson and Rudy Carpenter.

On Saturday, when SDSU takes on No. 25 Missouri in Columbia, Mo., he’ll get to add Gabbert’s name to that impressive list.

“I’ve seen a lot of film of him actually, going back to last year too,” Preston said.

“He’s a good quarterback. He’s definitely got a strong arm. I was just watching some film of him this morning, and he can run from one side of the field to the other — he’s running to the left and then throwing across his body and he’s throwing a bullet. So it’s definitely going to be a great opportunity to play against a good quarterback.”

The Aztecs haven’t faced a team with this caliber of quarterback since they fell to Dalton’s TCU squad 55-12 last season.

This year, SDSU has only allowed 306 passing yards to bottom feeders Nicholls State and New Mexico State. So Preston is happy to greet the challenge Gabbert brings this weekend.

“He’s got good receivers and good targets to throw to,” Preston said. “So it’ll be a great opportunity like I said and we’re looking forward to it.”

AT A GLANCE W H E N : 4 p.m. PT, Saturday W H E R E : Columbia, Mo. T V: Pay Per View (check local listings) W H Y T O W A T C H : SDSU will try to beat a

VS.

ranked opponent and move to 3-0 this season.

FORECASTING THE MOUNTAIN Editor’s note: Each week, The Daily Aztec will pick the winners of every Mountain West Conference game.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 18 San Diego State at Missouri, Air Force at Oklahoma, BYU at Florida State, Colorado State at Miami (Ohio), New Mexico vs. Utah,TCU vs. Baylor, UNLV at Idaho, Wyoming vs. Boise State

NAME: Edward Lewis (13-3) TITLE: Sports Editor PREDICTION:

Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida State, Miami (Ohio), Utah, TCU, Idaho, Boise State

QUOTABLE: “I wish I had the onions to pick SDSU over Missouri. But I don’t.”

NAME: Matt McClanahan (13-3) TITLE: Staff Columnist PREDICTION: Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida State, Miami (Ohio), Utah, TCU, Idaho, Boise State QUOTABLE: “I like my football like I like my coffee: Spiked. Big game this weekend.”

NAME: Agustin Gonzalez (12-4) TITLE: Assistant Sports Editor PREDICTION:

Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida State, Miami (Ohio), Utah, TCU, Idaho, Boise State

QUOTABLE: “*Insert witty comment here*”

NAME: Dan Perez (12-4) TITLE: Senior Staff Writer PREDICTION:

Missouri, Oklahoma, Florida State, Miami (Ohio), Utah, TCU, Idaho, Boise State

QUOTABLE: “Hey Edward, how’d that holding call feel?”

MCT Campus

After facing inferior opponents Nicholls State and New Mexico State, the San Diego State football team will travel to Columbia, Mo., to take on quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the 25-ranked Missouri Tigers.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

19

VOLLEYBALL

Aztecs try to take down crosstown rival BEAU BEARDEN S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

It’s been a long time since the San Diego State volleyball team beat USD. Seven years to be exact.

SDSU came back from a 2-0 deficit during the 2003 season to defeat the No. 18 Toreros, 3-2.

Since then, the Aztecs haven’t been able to notch a victory against their crosstown rival. SDSU senior middle blocker Lauren Salisbury will try to change that this weekend.

“I have walked into every match at San Diego State with a sense of urgency, regardless of which team was on the other side of the net,” Salisbury said. “Being a senior hasn’t really changed (my) sense of urgency or aggressive play, but I will definitely walk into the match with a lot more knowledge than the previous years.”

USD has been a force in the West Coast Conference, winning three consecutive league titles between the 2006 and 2008 seasons. Amy DeGroot has been a big part of the Toreros’ accomplishments. The senior outside hitter has been key in her time at USD, and she currently ranks first in the WCC with 3.78 kills per set this season.

DeGroot was also a huge part of USD’s success this past weekend, recording 28 kills

in the Toreros’ two victories against Virginia and then-No. 23 Long Beach State.

“They will have a little momentum, but with each game comes new competition,” Salisbury said. “Regardless of ranking, on any given night, any team can win.”

While the Aztecs may be coming off a winless weekend in Hawaii, they had won five of their previous six contests and will look to use that same momentum against USD. In that stretch, the arms of junior outside hitters Kyley Sexton and Paije Pearson were instrumental in SDSU’s success. Along with the duo, freshman outside hitter Raegan Shelton was also involved in the offense.

“We have a great group this year,” Salisbury said. “And when we play with confidence and composure we do -- good things.”

The Aztecs will face off against a tough slate of teams in the USD / SDSU Challenge.

After its contest with the Toreros at 7 p.m. tomorrow in Peterson Gym, SDSU (5-4) will return to its home court to face No. 12 Minnesota at 11 a.m. on Saturday before ending the tournament with a match against UC Santa Barbara later that night.

“This weekend will be great competition for us,” Salisbury said. “All the teams in the tournament are great programs and we are excited to play them. Regardless if we are playing the No. 1 team in the nation, or the last-ranked team, we are here to play San Diego State volleyball.”

David J. Olender / Photo Editor

Junior outside hitter Paije Pearson and the rest of the Aztec volleyball team look to beat USD tomorrow.

AT A GLANCE VS.

W H E N : 7 p.m., tomorrow W H E R E: Peterson Gym W H Y T O W A T C H : The San Diego State

volleyball team will attempt to pick up its first win against the Toreros since 2003.

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THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

Thursday, September 16, 2010

DAILY HOROSCOPE

7 2 OFF SUIT

My cubicle confessions

M

y editor asked me to gear this column toward traveling to fit the paper’s theme, which, as you know, is studying abroad.

This is depressing as I spent my summer in an 8-by-8 felt-wall box.

The closest I came to traveling was my failure to dribble at a pick-up basketball game.

However, I now have wisdom to pass to you naive college students who think “Office Space” and “The Office” are amusing, comedic pieces and not the terrifying Hollywood bits they really are. Here is the employee guide you won’t be given at graduation.

Offices are glass buildings with huge windows to let in a lot of light. The windows are then covered with blinds to keep the light out. If these blinds are not enough to keep out the light, cubicle walls built in front of the windows finish the job.

The important people have offices. The size of the office is directly related to how much you have to suck up to its occupant.

The more walking space around the desk, the more power they have. Executives have offices large enough to play “duck, duck, goose” around their desks. By this theory, the security guard in the downstairs lobby is the most important person in the building.

Seeing as the labyrinth of cubicle walls is confusing at first, I wouldn’t suggest the Hansel and

the average man has gained 28 pounds and the average woman has gained 24 pounds compared to their 1960s counterparts. I just need to convince Michael Moore to start a documentary and we’ll blow the lid off this thing.

Eventually, there will come a time when you look around and say, “This is not what I want to be when I grow up.” To cheer yourself up, I suggest thinking about how much better the office is compared to other places you’ve suffered. It’s better than, uh … middle school! Yes, junior high, where you occasionally got stuffed in a trash can.

My life goal has always been to be Lois Lane, the hard-hitting reporter dating Superman.

Instead, I’m a business journalist writing about women-owned businesses and sustaining an abusive relationship with Ben & Jerry.

On Wednesday, I start my new job as a theater teacher at a high school where I’ll have an office with a door. My first order of business will be to open and close the door repeatedly till I am certain that I am no longer in a cubicle. In “Inception,” Leonardo DiCaprio has a top. My totem will be this door.

KRISTEN ACE NEVAREZ S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

Gretel bread crumb trail method to find your desk. My boss didn’t think it was as clever as I did.

But don’t be deceived by the cute name “cubicle” — they also call the zoo’s gorilla cage a “habitat.” Titles hold little value; just look at Nobel Peace Prize president awardee Barack Obama or MTV’s Best Movie of the Year, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

To make cubicles seem more like home, people will put up pictures of their kids, inspirational posters and word-of-the-day calendars. My cube neighbor has a picture of Heath Ledger’s Joker knifing Curious George while saying, “Why so curious?” I knew we’d be friends right away.

Anyway, I’ve noticed that cubicles offer as much privacy as a thong bikini, so when your boss says, “Think outside the box!” you should wait till he’s back in his office before muttering, “How do I think outside the box when you’ve got me in a box eight hours a day?” Another downside of the cubicle is that when you quit, there is no door to slam.

I feel that it is my duty to inform you of an inconvenient cubicle truth: At its introduction in the ‘60s, the basic cubicle size was 10-by-10. Now in present-day, it has shrunk to 6-by-6. However,

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (9/16/10) Mental effort gets you better results than sheer brute force.This is your year to share imaginative vision with a partner, and then make that vision become a dynamic, successful reality.Your best opportunities may come through the women you know.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 Get private time with an associate with a bright idea.This could change your entire future, so consider it carefully before you act.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - You will encounter beauty at a soiree and meet people of interest. Pay attention to kind strangers who will assist you in your journey.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Allow luck to take you where the wind blows. Now you create your own experience by sharing this with another. Capture it on video.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 You're flooded with insights today. How will you express them? You may need assistance in getting your thoughts on paper. Accept help from others.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 6 - You learn today about the dynamics involving feelings and concrete action. Sensitivity prevents breakage. As much as you'd like something done, take time for care.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 Make sure to use all your talents as you talk

about necessary changes. Provide visual cues and language that appeals to emotions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 You've laid the ground for successful work by developing practical means. Now you need to get everyone involved in the process.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 - You will go on an amazing adventure if you allow yourself to take a risk. Drop everything and enjoy life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 9 - Today you need to understand a financial issue. Research leads to unusual insights concerning forces and uses for money.Think on it overnight.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Co-workers share your desire to move a project forward.Try a variety of ideas and work them into one focused effort.Then measure the results.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - Gather everyone's suggestions in a hat.

As you pull out each one, apply the spirit or mood (if not the content).This ensures progress.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 9 Prepare to top off your week with an important meeting. Powerful people consider your work and suggest additional creative changes. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

—Kristen Ace Nevarez is a theater arts senior.

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

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

Instructions: Complete the grid so

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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.

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Piano pro 6 Fizzy drink 10 Kellogg School deg.

13 UV ray absorber 14 x and y, perhaps 15 Blackberry lily, e.g.

17 *Powerful punch 19 “Still Life With Old Shoe” artist 20 Together, in music 21 Ham 23 Depict artistically 26 *Where the tight end is positioned, in football lingo 29 Polar buildup 31 Extremists 32 West pointers, sometimes?

33 Sulky state 34 See 59-Down 37 It prints many scheds.

38 “Spartacus” Oscar winner 41 Mined matter 42 Sitcom pal of Fred 44 Shades that fade in fall 45 Bond trader’s phrase 47 Not completely 49 Admirals’ concerns 50 *Shot pioneered

by Wilt Chamberlain 53 Knife of yore 54 Like “ASAP” memos 55 Beer-making aid 57 Kerouac’s Paradise et al.

58 Places where you can watch (and whose end can follow the ends of) the answers to starred clues 64 “Don’t change it”

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 10 Cocktails similar to a Buck’s Fizz 11 *2010 St. Andrews competition 12 Made public 16 Peeved 18 Where some DOWN signs change 22 Retail VIP 1 Rocky hill 2 Weapon designer 23 Really, really 16-Down __ Gal 3 Nutmeg-topped 24 Sympathetic words drink 25 *Wimbledon 4 Add pizazz to event 5 Like many a vol27 Meet unexpectunteer: Abbr. edly 6 Wedge-shaped 28 Actor Ken and mark others 7 Kitchen gadgets 30 Barry Bonds’s brand alma mater, 8 Haitian seaport briefly __ Cayes 33 Fab Four mem9 Be convinced ber about

65 Liver nutrient 66 Bother persistently 67 Curly shape 68 “Forget about it” 69 Like an evening in a Frost title

35 Wax eloquent 36 As such 39 Gets going 40 Batman before George 43 Consumes 46 Treaty subject 48 Reliever’s spot, for short 49 Needing a 1Across 50 Hoo-ha 51 Really 16-Down 52 Ben player on “Bonanza” 56 Payroll figs.

59 With 34-Across, country club feature 60 Rider of Dinny the dinosaur 61 In days past 62 Untrained 63 Place to serve slop