2007 03 13

Online DailyTitan

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Since 1960 Volume 84, Issue 21

Harmony in Conlict

Track and Field

Harmony talks about a revolution OPINION, p. 3 for the homeless and poor.

Review of the season so far as the SPORTS, p. 6 team looks to gel

Daily Titan

Torture Lecture Sheds Light

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

Anaheim Hills Fire Under Control

By Ana Beatriz cholo Associated press info@ap.org

Anaheim, Calif. (AP)- A wildfire burning among houses in the hills southeast of Los Angeles was ignited by flames from a stolen car that was intentionally set ablaze during strong Santa Ana winds, a fire official said.

Orange County Fire Authority battalion Chief Ed Fleming stopped short of calling it arson, however, because it wasn’t clear if the intent was to start a wildfire or simply cover up criminal evidence.

Cool morning weather helped firefighters get ahead of a winddriven wildfire Monday morning.

The 3-square mile blaze had damaged two homes but was 80 percent contained, up from just 30 percent early in the day.

“When you have a fire like this the particle levels obviously are way higher, so there’s going to be some short term impacts on peoples health, “ said Victor Brajer Cal State Fullerton professor of economics.

After Sunday’s high neared 100 degrees, the morning temperatures in the 50s were a relief, but dry, windy weather remained a concern for the rest of the day, Fleming said. The national weather service forecast temperatures in the 80s and 90s.

“It’s [fire] not unusual because

Philosophy department hosts symposium on interrogation techniques

By ORION TIPPENS

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

Students, faculty and community assembled together to discuss the ethics and existence of torture in today’s world.

The Cal State Fullerton Philosophy Department held its 37th annual Symposium event at Titan Theatre March 8 and 9. This title of the chosen topic: “Confronting Torture, Perspectives and Moral Issues.”

The symposium focused on political torture and interrogation techniques carried out by military organizations around the world.

Discussions included torture, both physical and psychological, the effects on the individual and society, history, its moral implications and what actions are necessary for change.

“It’s a crucial time for everyone on how far we should go on torture, and whether and when to use it,” Dr. Craig Ihara, CSUF philosophy professor and symposium organizer said. “One of the reasons to talk about this now is that another 9/11 may happen, and if we react without thought on what we can do, we may regret our actions in the long run.”

A series of speakers from many college universities and organizations offered a wide variety of aspects on torture.

Among them were Nancy Sherman of Georgetown University, Wanda Teays of Mount St. Mary’s College, Paul Kjelberg of Whittier College, Thomas Hill Jr. of the University of North Carolina and Claudia Card of the University of Wisconsin.

Campus faculty discussion contributors included two philosophy department alumni, Thomas Dosier and Phil McWilliams, each offering perspectives on defining torture and Dr. Rochelle Green, Philosophy Department graduate and faculty member.

“The power of dialogue is important and it’s often underestimated,” said Green in her speech on media ethics and torture.

The symposium included a theatric performance from torture survivor, Hector Aristizabal.

The one-man act was a reenactment of his horrific experience in a Columbian paramilitary prison, and a mock lecture discussing his own reflection on the issue.

“Theater is what I do and is therefore something I use to process what is crucial to my life,” said Aristizabal.

“This is a great vehicle of communication that will lead people to have an intelligent discussion topic on this subject.”

Students also presented their own perspectives with essays and audience opinions.

“My impression so far is that there SEE TORTURE - PAGE 2

Tuesday March 13, 2007

By daniel suzuki/For the Daily Titan

HILLSIDE FIRE - Serrano Avenue was blocked off during the Anahiem Hills fire Sunday morning. According to Orange County Fire Authority bat-

talion Chief Ed Fleming, the fire was ignited by flames from a stolen vehicle. It is unclear whether the fire was meant to intentionally start the blaze.

SEE OC - PAGE 2

Tusk Force Promotes Titan Pride Spirit Week kicks off with events sponsored by the Tusk Force

By Kristle Snyder

For the Daily Titan

news@dailytitan.com

The Titan Tusk Force is coming full speed ahead with Spirit Week, socials and tailgate parties. This 30member group plans to make the average Cal State Fullerton student into a proud Titan.

The Titan Tusk Force, which has only been around for three years, is a committee of the Associated Stu-

dents Inc. This committee, which is also funded by ASI, consists of smaller committees that are headed

by Vice President of Public Relations Angela Myers. These small groups focus on school promotions, events, spirit and athletics.

“The Titan Tusk Force is a way for ASI to give back to the students,” said Jay Carven, special event coordinator for the group, in a telephone interview.

Spirit Week, which will run March 12-16, will consist of daily activities to encourage students to have “Titan Pride.”

Spirit Week will kick off with the Titan Gear Fashion Show located in

the Quad. Students will be able to enjoy, from noon to 1 p.m., some of CSUF’s latest clothing from the Titan Shops.

On March 13, the group scheduled “Study with Tuffy.” This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. at the Titan Walk and will provide students with free scantrons and bluebooks.

On March 14, the group will start the day with the Race for Home Base Info Fair in the TSU Patio, providing information about ASI and Titan Tusk Force. During the event, which is from noon to 1 p.m., free root beer floats will be provided for students. Careyanne Bylick, a mem-

ber of the Tusk Force promotions committee encourages students to attend the TITANPALOOZA tailgate party after the fair to support CSUF’s baseball team.

“Blue and orange pride is what we’re going for,” said Bylick. “We want students to go all out in blue and orange—from their clothes, to face paint, to even hair.”

The tailgate party will run from 4 p.m. to the start of the game at 6 p.m. in parking lot G. During the tailgate party, the group will be giving away free food, foam fingers and other Titan products.

“Usually when you tell people free food and free stuff, they show up,”

said group member Juli Santos with a laugh.

Spirit Week ends with the group’s 2nd annual “Win a Date with an Athlete.” Students will be able to bid on a date with their favorite male and female athletes. Aside from providing bowling and pizza with a favorite athlete, the event’s proceeds go to Camp Titan, a program sponsored by the group for underprivileged children in the Fullerton community.

“The Titan Tusk Force is always looking for new members,” said Bylick.

The group meets every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the

ASI Unknown to Majority of Students Associates Students Inc. provides students with extra curricular options By kristina junio

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

In a survey conducted by the Daily Titan, 18 out of 36 students didn’t know what Associated Students Inc. (ASI) stood for, let alone what it does for the school.

Yet, ASI Vice President Javier Gamboa said each year ASI receives an operating budget between $5 to $6 million from student fees.

One of ASI’s goals is to provide

extra curricular activities for students that promote learning outside of the classroom. These activities allow students to apply what they learn in class to real life experiences through student organizations and clubs said Gamboa.

“ASI does what it can, given our large student population,” Gamboa said. “We’re the second largest in the state. I think we do a good job outreaching to students, but there is always room for improvement.”

Some activities and student services that ASI provide include allnight study, intramural sports, free concerts and Pub Tuesdays.

ASI also funds the Children’s Center, some annual club activities, ASI student scholarships and the specific

weeks dedicated to each of the colleges, Gamboa said.

“If ASI disappeared I think students wouldn’t have as many events to go to and it would just be all school,” Melody Islam, undeclared, said. “But I think people need a break away from that every so often.”

For Stephanie Thames, criminal justice and chemistry major, ASI was something she grew out of, but she still views it as an important part of CSUF. “I use to be involved my freshman and sophomore year, but now that I’m in my fourth year I’m not in a position to care anymore,” Thames said. “But if it disappeared it would be a very bad thing because there would be no government student

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body and students wouldn’t have a say so on campus.”

For Gamboa, if ASI disappeared on-campus, the outcome would be much more serious than losing a few school events.

“The loss would completely change the university’s atmosphere because ASI provides money and services to many things that students think come standard,” Gamboa said.

“It is so entranced into the university that I don’t think people know how much ASI really does, so it would be a detriment to the students’ experience.”

Each year ASI also tries to change the CSUF commuter school image by providing students with activities and opportunities to stay on cam-

weather

TODAY

pus and build relationships Gamboa said.

“It would be a much less valuable school experience because students wouldn’t have a place to interact with professionals, student members or organizations and they wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the free services ASI has to offer,” Gamboa said.

After hearing the results of the Daily Titan survey, Gamboa said it is evident that ASI needs to keep outreaching to students.

“We try our best to outreach by sitting at tables, speaking at new student orientations, club orientations and in classrooms about opportunities of involvement and our different programs,” Gamboa said.

TOMorrow Sunny High: 84 Low: 59

Sunny High: 80 Low: 58

March 13,2007

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opinion Titan Editorial

Providing insight, analysis and perspective since 1960

“Know Your Info�

Most people know that with – what they have to say.

Wikipedia is hardly a definiHowever, part of being intive source for information. formed is going to many difCase in point: last week, “Es- ferent sources. Listening to a sjay,� a tenured professor of single source of news is simply religion and an editor for the a recipe for poor understandinformation site, turned out ing of the world. to be a 24T h e r e ’s year-old colhuman erlege dropout. ror to worry ... part of being in- about, esOf course, it’s the nature formed is going to pecially on of the infor- many different sourc- b r e a k i n g mation that news. There’s Essjay post- es. Listening to a single r e p o r t i n g ed, not his source of news is sim- that’s specificredentials, ply a recipe for poor cally biased that should as a marketbe under re- understanding of the ing strategy. view. But he world.

Then there’s called himself the individa Ph.D. for a ual choices reason. of reporters That reason was credibility. and editors to omit any given As consumers of informa- piece of information. tion, we are generally very lax To get a truly comprehen– cavalier, even – in our pur- sive view of the world, to be suit of knowledge. In general, informed citizens – and thus we seek out sources that pres- good citizens – we all need to ent things in a way we like and look at our information critithen believe – and often agree cally.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Titan Editorial is solely the opinion of the Daily Titan editorial board and was written after the open debate between board members. The editorial board consists of the executive editor, the managing editor, the opinion editor, the news editors, the copy chief and other editors upon appointment of the executive editor.

Men Suffer From Society’s Harmony in Conflict Double Standards Too Women can get away with things men simply can’t

By Andrew Snyder

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

Why is it that women are able to do things that guys can’t? You know, they go to the bathroom together, have sleepovers and can comment on the way a certain pair of jeans enhances the overall look of their backside.

But if guys were to do that, it wouldn’t be right.

For whatever reason, it’s always considered gay.

We live in a world of double standards where a girl can kiss another girl and say it was just for fun.

But can a guy kiss another guy and say it was just for fun without being looked at a certain way?

Our society is so hung up on stereotypes, first impressions and the “I’m always right� way of thinking.

We see it everywhere we go.

Girls dancing with their girlfriends at a club, women walking down the street hand-in-hand with their best friends.

But when we see this, more often than not, we don’t think anything about the meaning behind it.

We just figure that they are really close friends.

And that’s the difference between men and women.

You take the same two scenarios (a man dancing with another man and a man holding hands with another man as they walk down the street) and we have this preconceived at-

titude about it: It’s wrong and not normal.

But why?

I talk about it all the time with my friends and family.

Why can’t a guy watch “The Notebook� with his best friend or listen to ‘NSync without being called gay?

Even those straws that certain restaurants give you with the bendy neck, the ones that tilt to make it easier to sip your cherry coke, I’ve heard people say that you can’t bend the neck and drink from it if you are guy.

To me, these ideas of what a man can and can’t do are getting ridiculous.

It’s just a straw, just a movie, just music, just dancing, just a compliment from a friend.

Why does everything have to be gay, so black-and-white-with-nogrey-area all the time?

I go to dinner with one of my best friends all the time, almost on a weekly basis, and we have good conversations about the stresses of life and school and all the drama we encounter.

But I hangout and go to dinner with the girl I’m dating as well and we have similar conversations about life, stress, school, drama and gossip.

Our society spends too much time worrying about what other people are doing and not enough time enjoying what we should be allowed to enjoy.

If you like watching romantic comedies, watch romantic comedies.

If you want to comment on the way your friend looks, comment.

It’s really not a big deal and people need to get over it.

I realize double standards are a part of this world but all I ask is if you see me driving down the street and I’m rockin’ out to O-town, just think before you criticize.

You know you enjoyed their song “Liquid Dreams� just as much as I did.

BY Harmony Trevino

Did Someone Say Revolution?

The poor in China and India are revolting. Two of the world’s most populated countries’ new booming economies have made few beneficiaries and have made millions of poor peasants resenting them for it. Chinese workers who are paid low wages have staged protests while poor Indian farmers and villagers are rising up against government land seizures. These poor are standing up against the injustices committed by their governments.

And right now, it’s about time for the poor to revolt here in the United States.

I understand that most “revolts� in America come from unions in the form of picket lines and protests. But I’m talking about a revolt by the people who can’t pay tomorrow’s rent and by those who are already on the streets.

But the poor may never revolt. Some are immigrants, illegal and legal, trying to make a dollar to help their poor families in their home countries. Some are just trying to get by in the states.

The Statue of Liberty says, “Give me your tired, your poor ‌ Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,â€? but unfortunately America never promised to do anything to improve one’s economic status, just provide opportunity. Fair enough.

Some may be too worried about more imperative issues.

Perhaps food is more important than forming a group of homeless and poor to revolt against the Americans whose ideologies hold them there. I know, not

all those who believe in capitalism are selfish, money hungry fiends, but you have to know that there is something fundamentally wrong with capitalism when this country has a systematic problem with the poor. I know there have been problems with socialism and communism, which has led me to believe that the problem is, ultimately, people and their inherent tendency to be greedy, but there should still be more of an effort by our government to make a change.

It is time for the poor to revolt. Our economy, although it is not at its peak, is still productive. Yes, there are debts our government must pay off, but if there is enough money to fund a quagmire in Iraq, there is enough money to help the poor in our country. This is the same tired argument humanitarians have been giving, because the government doesn’t listen. The government ignores protests.

But it’s a chance worth taking because empathy can be infectious. Even if cries for justice fall on the government’s deaf ears, perhaps other people will listen and learn how they can be involved in helping make a change.

Those who have the power to be heard should gather and express concern for those who cannot. If our belief and attitude continues to be “every man for himself � nothing will change.

Some say that how we treat animals is a reflection on our humanity. How we treat humans should reflect that even more.

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March 13, 2007

Page two

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Stallone In Trouble for Bringing Hormones into Australia

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) - Sylvester Stallone faces stiff fines after trying to bring vials of a muscle-building hormone into Australia, where it is restricted.

Lawyers for Stallone, the 60-year-old star of the “Rocky” and “Rambo” movie franchises, represented him in a Sydney court on Tuesday where he faces one charge of importing a banned substance.

Stallone and his entourage were stopped at Sydney airport and kept for several hours on Feb. 16 as he arrived for a promotional visit, while customs officials searched bags and confiscated items. His hotel room was searched and more items confiscated three days later.

Stallone and his group were allowed to leave Australia, and he was not compelled to appear in the Sydney Local Court for Tuesday’s hearing.

YouTube Pick of the Day Title: BINTS

Duration: 1:36 How we found it: Fellow DT staffer Kathleen Cisneros sent it in Summary: This video is a Cal State Fullerton student produced piece about the embarrassment of farting at random moments. This video is for those who enjoy a little bathroom humor. The video was filmed in various places on campus including the library and a humanities classroom. The video is a phony advertisement of a product that can make farts smell great. All the actors are CSUF students. This silly video will make you chuckle and kind of gross you out at the same time.

-Jackie Kimmel

STATE NEWS California Voters Short by One Million SACRAMENTO (AP) - California has nearly one million fewer registered voters today than it did two years ago, in the aftermath of the closely fought 2004 presidential election.

But that is likely to change as voter interest surges again with the wideopen race shaping up for 2008. The state’s expected Feb. 5 presidential primary also could lead more Californians to register than did four years ago.

“Turnout is always significantly higher in a presidential year,” Secretary of State Debra Bowen said Monday in releasing the state’s latest voter registration report. “We may see an even larger change this year, given the nature of the race.”

LOCAL NEWS Walt Disney Co. Launching Web site for Moms LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Walt Disney Co. is launching a new Web site aimed at moms who are increasingly turning to the Internet for answers to everything from problems with teething babies to financing college.

The new site, Disney Family, is a departure for the media conglomerate which has primarily launched Web efforts to promote its own brands and products, keeping strict control over content and presentation.

By contrast, the new site is a one-stop site for parents, especially mothers, providing everything from Internet search to user-generated articles on key topics such as education and food, and, eventually, a “ParentPedia,” a compilation of information on 1,000 topics that can be expanded by users.

The site, to be announced Tuesday in Los Angeles, will go live later this week at at http://www.family.com and remain in beta, or testing, stages until the summer, said Paul Yanover, executive vice president of Disney Online, a unit of the Walt Disney Internet Group.

Disney hopes to make money from selling advertising and from sponsored search, text ads that appear next to search results.

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

Please contact managing editor Joe Simmons at (714) 278-5693 or at jsimmons@dailytitan.com with issues about this policy or to report any errors.

Daily Titan Editorial Executive Editor Managing Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Photo Editor Sports Editor Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Introspect Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor News Page Designer Multimedia Editor Web Master Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 News Line (714) 278-4415

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

Copyright ©2006 Daily Titan

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CAMPUS CALENDAR TORTURE: Symposium TODAY The Psychology of Middle Eastern Women 12 to 1 p.m.: The Women’s Center will host an in-depth look at Middle Eastern culture and the psychology, developmental issues, myths and stereotypes of women in the region. Maryam Sayyedi, Ph.D., Psychologist will speak at the event in UH-205.

Pub Tuesday Open Mic 12 to 1 p.m. at the Titan Student Union Pub Women’s Tennis vs. Central Florida 2 to 4 p.m. at the Sports Complex tennis court. Admission is free.

Baseball vs. Pepperdine 6 to 9 p.m. at Goodwin Field.

Cal State Fullertion students with current Identification receive free admission. General adult admission is $7.

oc: blaze From Page 1 we haven’t had any rain, and that has extended our normal fire season which usually ends in October, November to now,” said Tom Whitfield, director of the Environmental Health and Instructional Safety Department.

A red flag alert, indicating high fire danger, remained in effect in much of Southern California, where a prolonged drought has made the chaparral-covered hills highly combustible.

The wildfire was reported Sunday morning, and hot, dry wind quickly spread it through an unincorporated neighborhood where it threatened multimillion-dollar homes.

Residents of about 500 homes were evacuated but most were able to return Sunday night. Two homes and another structure were damaged, and a fourth structure was destroyed, said Capt. Steve Miller of the Orange County fire authority.

Temperatures hit record highs for March 11 in many spots, including 97 in nearby Fullerton. The city’s previous record high for a day was 84 degrees in 1959.

The wind gusted to 49 mph and humidity hovered around 5 percent.

“There may be more cases of asthma, more hospitalizations, some work loss days, sensitive people might get sick and not be able to work. For a few days it’s probably wise for a lot of people, especially sensitive people to stay inside,” Brajer said.

The dry weather comes two years after the region was awash with a near record 37 inches of rain. Only about 2.4 inches of rain has fallen on downtown Los Angeles since July 1.

Normal annual rainfall in Los Angeles is 11.43 inches.

“You just have to be careful on a fire day. You can’t predict things like this,” Brajer said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric weather models suggest that an emerging “La Nina” pattern of cold water in the tropical Pacific will keep the area dry.

The Fullerton Fire Department is also out assisting on the Orange County fire, a secretary for the Fullerton Fire Department said.

Compiled by the Associated Press; quotes by Sarah Gammill Daily Titan Staff

WEDNESDAY Eating and Mindfulness: How to Enjoy and Celebrate Food without Binging on it 12 to 1 p.m.: Stress caused by school, work and family can contribute to mindless eating. Additionally, women are often encouraged in society to be slim. This workshop focuses on ways to enjoy food and stop eating once we’re satisfied. Speaker will be Rebekah Smart, assistant professor for the counseling Dept.

UH-205.

Baseball vs. USD 6 to 9 p.m. at Goodwin Field.

CSUF students with current ID receive free admission. General adult admission is $7.

THURSDAY Free Glow Bowling Thursday 3 to 7 p.m. at the Titan Student Union Underground

From Page 1

by standing in an uncomfortable position for a lengthy amount of time, is a lot of moral foundation work forcing pressure upon prisoner’s to be done in this world, and it’s an body parts and other atrocities. overwhelming topic and it’s hard to Guantanamo Bay was also know where to brought up for start,” said David its interrogaQuattrocchi, 25, tion techniques One of the reasons to a philosophy and including sleep english major, depravation, talk about this now is after reciting his and that another 9/11 may beatings essay at the symdrugging. happen. posium.

A reoccurring – Dr Craig Ihara Much discustopic at the symsion focused on posium was the CSUF Philosophy Professor the U.S. role in call for change in the Iraq war as policy to prevent well. Green resimilar events minded the aufrom happening dience of the abuse carried out by again.

U.S. soldiers with infamous pictures “We should engage in an act of showing the detainees being forced dissent everyday with someone we into sexual situations with other pris- know,” said Matthew B. Romain, oners, being threatened with death 34, CSUF alumni.

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IN OTHER NEWS

4

March 13, 2007

The Hub

Going Overseas and Unlocking Sticky History Getting School Credit

by Michelle Ramos

Daily Titan Staff Writer maneditor@dailytitan.com

Imagine the sight of a doubledecker bus making its way down a cobblestone road. Picture running with the bulls in Pamplona.

These experiences can be yours by spending a semester in England, Italy or Spain.

The College of Social Science and Humanities is gearing up for their upcoming study abroad programs.

This fall, students will be studying Shakespeare in London with the

theater as their classroom. Instead of reading the plays at a desk, they can travel to London and watch his words come alive onstage.

In Spain, students can experience the famous “Running of the Bulls” in Pamplona, which takes place annually from July 7 through 14.

Studying in Florence, Italy, can give students the opportunity to study art history in the midst of Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David, Brunelleschi’s Duomo and the Medici Chapels.

Aside from the studying aspect of the trip, weekend excursions are planned that include attractions.

“The program itself is awesome, you go somewhere almost every weekend,” said Becky Taylor, 28, liberal studies major. “We went to Rome, Venice, Sienna, and my

friend came out and we went to France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria.”

Students are given the freedom to explore the surroundings, just as any tourist would.

“We took the train to Cinque Terre for a weekend and there’s this hike you can do up there,” Taylor said. “You’re basically hiking on the side of a mountain and all of a sudden you come around this corner and you see this little town tucked into a little cove, and that’s your destination.”

Jessica Rickerts, 21, communications major, said one of her favorite destinations was The Golden View restaurant in Florence.

“They had the best food I have ever tasted in my whole life, we always ate there. One of our favorite dishes was the chicken penne with truffled almonds,” Rickerts said.

Another favorite destination was a small coffee shop Rickerts and her friends found on the way to class.

“There was this little coffee shop on the corner, and we were almost always late for class,” Rickerts said.

“I really miss it, I really hope I have the chance to go back someday.”

Studying abroad can be a costly affair. The programs range from $4,945 to $8,795. If the cost is an issue there is financial aid and many scholarships are available as well.

“Do whatever you can to get the money – grandparents, aunts, uncles ... it’s a life-changing opportunity.

There’s no better time to do it than now,” said Janelle Hudson, humanities and social science Study Abroad Program assistant.

For more information on any of the trips, students may attend one of the informational meetings. Upcoming meetings are on April 12 and 24.

All meetings are in room H-213 at noon.

by John Sakata

Daily Titan Staff Writer maneditor@dailytitan.com

Learning history from Professor Carl Wendt won’t be easy.

It will require a crash course on chemistry and understanding something about oxidation. It touches on geography. The professor is enthucourtesy of arttoday siastic but he can’t tell the students what they’ll learn because he doesn’t know himself.

Foundation, professors Wendt and And as for the textbook, it’s not Hewitt will study tar, scientifically expensive because Wendt is rewrit- known as bitumen, to better undering it while his students are in class. stand the Olmec culture and their Wendt calls this history class an- living patterns. thropology.

The two-year grant that began “It’s the biggest project I’ve done,” Feb. 15 will allow Wendt to travel to Wendt said. “It’s Mexico. exciting.”

There, he will Beginning in collect and send May, Wendt will No one has analyzed samples of tar coltravel to Mexico a tar sample ... That’s lected from oil seeps with eight gradu- the new aspect where back to Fullerton ate students. Along where Hewitt and with chemistry Pro- it’ll take a lot more three undergradufessor Scott Hewitt, work. ate students will – Scott Hewitt analyze it. Together, the two will try to Cal State Fullerton Professor Wendt and Hewitt make history, or at least uncover it, by hope to unlock seshedding light on crets surrounding some long-buried the culture. details about the ancient Olmec “As far as I know, nobody knows civilization. about the oxidized hydrocarbon,” “How were they interacting with Hewitt said. “No one has analyzed one another?” Wendt said. “How a tar sample [this way]. That’s the were they interacting with other new aspect where it’ll take a lot more people? Were they conquering? Or work because there are no methods were they just interacting – was it available. We’ll have to make it up just a friendly relationship they had as we go.” with other groups? So I think the Unlike the Mayan and Aztec culasphalt allows us one small window tures, the historical record of the Olto see what they were doing in one mec is less developed and researched, part of their economy, which relates Wendt said. to other aspects.”

The Olmec occupied southern With the aid of $115,000 in grant Mexico between 1,500 to 400 B.C. money from the National Science Most well known for crafting gi-

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Study Abroad programs provide students with a way to see the world

Two Cal State Fullerton professors hope to find ancient secrets with tar

gantic heads out of stone, largely believed to be of the Olmec leaders, the culture relied on tar to make pots and water-proof canoes.

Anthropology major Peter Stanslow said he is looking forward to the drive to Veracruz and four months in Southern Mexico.

Though the graduate student has been on multiple expeditions before, he is excited by the prospects.

“I see it as the opportunity of a lifetime,” Stanslow said in an an email interview. “This is a new unexplored area in Olmec archaeology, and the research will shed light on the trade networks, domestic living, and processing techniques of the Olmec empire.”

Wendt and the graduate students will collect samples from museums, archeological labs in the area and acquire samples from excavations.

By comparing the bitumen to other samples, the two hope to understand Olmec travel patterns and lifestyle.

“There will be a lot of this on the ground, stomping around, and trying to locate this stuff. It’s still very experimental at this point,” Wendt said.

Hewitt said he was interested in the project immediately. He was interested in South and Central America to begin with and traveled to Peru 20 years ago as a graduate student.

At Fullerton, he teaches atmospheric chemistry with an emphasis on the oxidation of hydrocarbons.

He said the students – and himself included – have never tried analyzing the oxidation process with tar.

“The students are doing all the analysis,” Wendt said. “I am there if they need help, but most of the times I am not. They come to me, show me the results, we figure out what to do next. The goal is for them to become independent thinkers.”

And what they will discover is still largely a mystery to everybody involved.

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March 13, 2007

SPORTS

Titan Track and Field Team Looks to Gel Fantasy Fix

BY ALEKSANDRA WOJTALEWICZ Daily Titan Staff Writer sports@dailytitan.com

The Cal State Fullerton track and field team sprinted, jumped, threw and hurdled at the Ben Brown Invitational that took place last weekend at Mt. San Antonio College and Cal State Fullerton.

“We were able to put on a high quality meet and our athletes represented our program with some outstanding performances,” CSUF track and field Head Coach John Elders said on the official CSUF athletics Web site.

“There are a variety of participants at the meet from different types of schools,” said Luke Chappell, a spectator and father of Titan junior sprinter Maurice Chappell. “It’s a good showing.”

On the first day of the meet, Titan Amanda Eichmann, a sophomore, won the 3000 meter steeplechase in 11:15:81, setting a new personal best. Eichmann came in fourth place at the Big West Conference last year.

Titan freshman Andrea Aguilar won the women’s 10K on Friday.

Although coming in seventh place in the hammer throw at the

meet, Titan senior Scott Hutchison relay team, consisting of senior Kithrew a personal best of 183 feet, 9 miah Hudson, sophomore Nancy inches, meeting the NCAA regional Blake, junior Brittany McClellan standard. and senior Kandace Wilson won the During Saturday’s competition, event with a time of 3:46.70. the men’s 4x100 meter relay team Wilson is hoping the good start came in second place, with a time of will continue throughout season.

40.55.

“I’m just taking it one day at a Their time allowed them to quali- time,” Wilson said. “[All I can do is] fy for the NCAA Regional meet, ac- leave it all on the track and give it all cording to the I’ve got.”

CSUF athletics Senior Dinah Web site.

Clark placed secThe relay ond in the 100 We can talk [about team conmeter hurdles, how good the team is] sists of seniors with a seasonal Jon Pratter, best of 14.22. but we have to go out Chris Ep“I had a reand do it. stein, Marques ally good time; I Barosso and wasn’t expecting freshman Lawto run that fast.

– John Elders rence Trice.

I’m very pleased,” Track and Field Head Coach Barosso was Clark said. last year’s Big She attributes West Champiher success to her on in the 200 mindset. meters.

“I believe in Pratter also made a personal re- myself more,” Clark said. cord in the 100 meters with a time Out on the field, freshman Jaof 10.61 and in the 200 meters with meena Hunt set a new school record a time of 21.54. in the discus throw, with a throw of Titan freshman Roberto Ar- 146 feet, 5 inches, placing her in chibold won his 400 meter section, fifth place. running a personal best of 48.0.

Freshman pole vaulter Andrew Titan freshman Lamar Jackson Steben jumped 15 feet, 5 inches, came in sixth place in the 110 meter placing him in fourth place. high hurdles with a time of 14.89.

Sophomore Kelly MacLean and “It was my first race of the year, Junior Dalya Taman tied for third so I opened up with a pretty good place at 12 feet, 2 inches. time,” Jackson said.

The mark was MacLean’s seasonal The Titan women’s 4x400 meter best, according to the CSUF athlet-

“

“

Both men’s and women’s teams find competitive spirit in weekend event

ics Web site.

Taman, whose personal best is 12 feet, 5 inches, the NCAA requirement, plans on “staying healthy and getting past the requirement to qualify for Nationals,” Taman said.

In the men’s high jump sophomore Jonathan Golden placed third, clearing 6 feet, 9.75 inches.

“I’m content,” Golden said.

“There are some things I have to work on during the week and implement that into next weeks meet” Elders said that this year’s team looks promising so far.

Last year was “the most successful season in history,” Elders said.

The Titan men came in third place at the Big West Conference and the Titan women came in fourth place.

For this season, Elders hopes to repeat last year’s success.

“We need to keep focused at getting better,” Elders said. “We need to stay humble, work hard and let the results speak for themselves.”

The 104 member track and field team is “the most talented group of athletes we’ve ever compiled,” Elders said.

Taman said the athletes on the CSUF team have a “good team bond” and is “very supportive” of one another.

Currently, the team is preparing for its next meet, the Trojan Invitational, on Mar. 23 held at Cal State Fullerton and USC. “We can talk [about how good the team is] but we have to go out and do it,” Elders said.

BY James Thompson

Everyone Loves a Winner

New York Knicks’ President and Head Coach Isiah Thomas got a new contract extension just months after his boss, James Dolan chairman of Madison square Garden, told him in so many words: win, or else. Since the Dec. 16 game/brawl with the Denver Nuggets, the Knicks have gone 20-17 and have a one-half game lead over the Orlando Magic. Good going Zeke!

John Amaechi became the first openly gay male athlete to ink an endorsement deal with a mainstream company. Headblade Inc., creators of a head-shaving razor.

About Amaechi signing the deal, Headblade chief executive Todd Greene said, “He’s a man who’s comfortable in his own skin and he’s not afraid to go against the grain.”

Clever.

Let’s get to the fantasy …

The fantasy basketball season is winding down and playoffs are upon us. It’s time to start tightening up your squad with solid contributors.

Dump anyone who will be out longer than a month and start picking up guys who at least average 25 minutes a game. The time

for production is now if you want to make that playoff push.

If your team is struggling at the point guard position, check out Denver’s Steve Blake. He’s on the verge of nabbing the fifth starting spot on the team. In his last six games he is averaging just over nine points and a steal. He’s also had six dimes in each of those games.

Another point guard who’s playing well is Atlanta’s Anthony Johnson. Johnson is starting in place of injured Speedy Claxton and has been playing well.

Most fantasy teams should be set by now and if you’re not you’re probably not making the playoffs.

If your team needs a solid producer my advice is watch the waiver wire and the injured list. Your best bet could be to pick up a guy’s back up, like Jermaine O’Neal’s who injured his knee. He’s missed the last two games and there is no timetable for his return. Ike Diogu is O’Neal’s back up and is averaging more than 15 points in O’neal’s absence.

James Thompson’s columns appear every Tuesday. sports@dailytitan.com

CSUF Softball Team Falters Against No. 12 UCLA

BY ANDREW SNYDER

Daily Titan Staff Writer sports@dailytitan.com

The Cal State Fullerton softball team (14-9) looks to bounce back this week, hosting the Judy Garman Classic, beginning Wednesday night.

The Titans suffered a 8-1 loss to UCLA last Wednesday night at Anderson Family Field.

The Titans’ night started off on the wrong foot as Fullerton’s ace Candice Baker (8-4) gave up a lead off home run to UCLA’s Krista Colburn giving the Bruins the 1-0 lead.

But the real damage was done in the third and fourth innings for the

Bruins.

In the top of the third, the Bruins would put runners on first and second and UCLA’s Whitney Baker singled to center field pushing the score to 2-0.

They would score three more in the inning on three straight hits, the third being a three-run home run from Julie Burney, extending the

Bruins lead to 5-0.

But the Bruins weren’t done.

They followed with three more runs in the fourth inning, all three solo home runs.

UCLA’s Kaila Shull would lead off the fourth inning with a monsterous home run to right field that landed in the outfield of another softball field behind Anderson Family Field.

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