2007 11 28

OPINION: Cosmetic surgery can cause more harm than good, page 3

Sports, Page 6

Men’s basketball faces obstacles on the road

Since 1960 Volume 85, Issue 47

FEATURES: Students must make sleep as important as studying, page 4

Daily Titan

Wednesday November 28, 2007

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

DTSHORTHAND Wrestling Match CSUF takes on Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at 7 p.m. in the Titan Gym. Tickets are $5.

Wednesday Concert ASI Productions will hold its weekly concert series in the Becker Amphitheatre from noon to 1 p.m.

a degree with no classes : part 2 of 2

University officials defend Serrano hire

By KARL ZYNDA

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

“I’m thrilled to be home,” Dave Serrano said when he returned after a three-year hiatus at UC Irvine to be Cal State Fullerton’s head baseball coach.

CSUF administrators say successful coaching and attention to the education of his players qualify

him to be head coach more than his bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and University.

The self-described “organization” awards degrees based on “life experience” for a fee, with no classes or tests.

It says that it has “helped thousands of people achieve their desired goals; goals which without the correct certification would have been unattainable.”

But Serrano’s degree from this school is good enough to be accepted by CSUF administrators as fulfilling the degree requirement for head coaches.

DEFENDING THE DECISION Members of the executive administration of CSUF hire head coaches.

According to a complex set of laws and CSU policies, a search commit-

tee is not required.

Patty Sexton, personnel director for the CSUF athletic department, said CSUF President Milton Gordon had final approval of Serrano’s hire. Robert Palmer, vice president of Student Affairs, confirmed this and clarified the hiring process. “[Athletic Director] Brian Quinn and I make the selection of the final candidate, and we recommend to the president. We recommend,

and he appoints, but he’s not going to appoint anyone we don’t recommend, I can guarantee you that,” Palmer said.

Quinn and Palmer defended their selection of Serrano while insisting there should be a degree requirement for head coaches.

“Since we are an institution of higher learning, we would like to see the people who enter positions of reSee DEGREE Page 2

Fall Texas Hold’Em Classic The TSU will host another round of poker at 4 p.m. in a series of qualifying tournaments before the Dec. 5 championship round.

Dollar Bowling Bowling games and shoe rentals are offered for $1 to all students with a valid Titan Card, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Smelly spill clogs road, causes crashes ACCOMAC, Va. (AP) – A waste truck leaked poultry fat along 20 miles of roadway Tuesday, causing at least four crashes and making a stinky mess.

Virginia State Police said a truck hauling a waste product of poultry grease from a Perdue Farms plant left a valve open, and the fat leaked onto U.S. Route 13 from the plant to the Maryland state line.

At least four crashes and several spinouts were reported Tuesday morning on northbound Route 13, said Sgt. Joe Bunting.

One injured person was taken to a hospital, he said.

Bunting described the consistency of the grease on the road as a “glassy film” and said crews were sanding the road surface to help drivers get traction.

However, the gunk was sticking to the tires and spreading onto secondary roads in the region. He added that the grease caused a “really funky” odor.

The truck’s driver was stopped at a weigh-in station near the Virginia-Maryland state line, Bunting said.

Julie DeYoung, a spokeswoman for Perdue Farms, said the company’s priority is to clean up the spill. She said Perdue hired a contractor to coordinate the effort with state transportation and environmental officials.

DeYoung said company officials were investigating the incident to determine how the spill happened. They believe the leak began sometime after the truck – which was driven by an independent driver – left the Accomac rendering plant.

PHOTOS By BELINDA HURTADO/Daily Titan Staff Writer

Celebrating the day of the dead through art

By BELINDA HURTADO

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

M

any witnessed how the dead came to life in Anaheim for the Day of the Dead art event.

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican cultural tradition, which has been celebrated on Nov. 2 since the Mesoamerican time, said Diego Aguirre, artist and alumnus in the credential program at Cal State Fullerton.

“It was celebrated for months until the Spanish conquered Mexico and they combined it with All Souls Day, which is now celebrated as ‘el Dia de los Muertos,’” Aguirre said.

The CSUF alumnus displayed creative paintings and altars, in honor of the dead, for guests.

Over 50 art lovers attended the event to admire the work the young artists produced.

Due to a last minute cancellation on the venue they had initially reserved for the art show, the event was held at the residence of Christina Martinez, CSUF alumna, one of the three artists.

Martinez said her choices were to cancel the event or host it at her home.

“You don’t see this very often,” Martinez said. “I’m a teacher so I do it for the cultural awareness and to promote our culture.”

Aguirre added that the annual Day of the Dead art event has been Martinez’s idea since she was a student at CSUF. Numerous candles delineated the driveway of her home and lit the entrance to the art show on Nov. 17.

The home was an empty space cleared of all furniture and appliances from room to room.

Inside, the house was filled with the sweet aroma of treats, including sweet bread and chocolate, traditionally eaten on the Day of the Dead celebrations.

The walls held the pinned-up artwork the artists were showcasing.

Each artist had a room displaying their own work.

The backyard was also packed with observers who flowed along beside the additional paintings and altars.

Both miniature and life-size papier-mache skeletons of animals and humans adorned the front lawn.

Standing nearly 6-feet-tall close to the entrance, a skeleton of a horse with a cowboy skeleton sitting on top gave a look at the life and death contrast.

Aguirre said the lifesize papier-mache was the reason he chose the name of the event, “Entre La Vida y La Muerte,” which means

AIDS Experience Week

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder’s eyes were red. His voice cracked and was barely audible. Next to him sat coach Joe Gibbs, barely more composed.

Safety Sean Taylor’s violent death had left his team in tears and the NFL in mourning.

Today Partly Cloudy / High: 77, Low: 50

Thursday Mostly Sunny / High: 72, Low: 51

Friday Few Showers / High: 67, Low: 53

Saturday Few Showers / High: 61, Low: 48

Sunday

Mostly Sunny / High: 63, Low: 67

CONTACT US

NFL star dies after shooting The Associated Press

WEATHER

Main line: (714) 278-3373 News desk: (714) 278-4415 Advertising: (714) 278-4411 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com

“between life and death.”

“The people here today are walking around the papier-mache, so you see the contrast between the living and the dead,” Aguirre said.

Aguirre’s altar amplified the contrast between the living and dead.

His canvas painting was a self-portrait holding two guns.

The guns represent both sides of Aguirre’s family, who fought in the Mexican Revolution on Nov. 20, 1910.

The altar also had framed pictures of four great Mexican revolutionaries including Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Presidente Francisco Madero and Felipe Angeles.

“Emiliano Zapata once said ‘I’d rather die fighting on my feet than living on my knees,’” Aguirre said.

Altars are created to remember one’s family and it usually relates to Mexican history, See DAY OF THE DEAD, Page 2

PHOTO By KARL THUNMAN/Daily Titan Photo Editor A traveling tent exhibit to celebrate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 is set up at the Cal State Fullerton campus quad from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. through Friday and 12:30-2 p.m. on Saturday. Free, confidential HIV testing is also available this week.

Taylor died early Tuesday of a gunshot wound from an apparent intruder, a tragic end for a 24-year-old man whose life was transformed by the birth of a daughter 18 months ago.

A bullet damaged the femoral artery in Taylor’s leg, causing significant blood loss and Taylor never regained consciousness, family friend RichardSharpstein said.

Page Two

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Iraqis return home after recent decline in violence

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) – Hundreds of Iraqi refugees boarded buses for home on Tuesday in the first convoy from an Iraqi-funded effort to speed the return of families that fled the country’s violence and insecurity. Many Iraqis have headed back on their own from Syria and elsewhere as extremist attacks have fallen sharply in Baghdad and other areas. But now the Iraqi government is hoping to accelerate the flow and draw more attention to the recent drop in violence by offering to pay for trips home.The program also seeks to win favor from neighboring countries such as Syria and Jordan that are struggling with an estimated 2.2 million Iraqi refugees. Syria has tightened visa rules for Iraqis in hopes of forcing people to return home and blocking new refugees.“Baghdad, you are victorious,” chanted some Iraqis as they headed for a line of 20 buses that would carry about 800 refugees to the border. From there, Iraqi buses are scheduled to bring them to Baghdad on Wednesday, said according to Mohammed Ali al-Budairi, a coordinator for displaced Iraqis in Syria.

NATIONAL NEWS Sen. Trent Lott steps down after 35 years in Congress PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) – In many ways, Mississippi Sen. Trent Lott is living proof that there can be second acts in politics. Lott was ousted as Republican Senate leader in 2002 over controversial remarks, only to rebound last year, winning re-election to a fourth term and the party’s No. 2 post. There apparently will be no third act. Lott announced Monday he will leave a 35-year career in Congress, becoming the sixth Senate Republican this year to announce retirement. Lott, 66, said he wants to spend more time with his family and to pursue other job opportunities, possibly teaching.

He ruled out any health concerns, but said it’s time for a younger voice to represent Mississippi in the Senate. He was first elected to Congress on the coattails of Richard Nixon’s re-election landslide in 1972 – with 78 percent of the vote in Mississippi. He won election to the Senate in 1988, succeeding retiring veteran Democrat John Stennis. His decision to retire by year’s end occurred five years after he triggered an uproar with comments interpreted as endorsing segregation during a 100th birthday party for retiring Sen. Strom Thurmond.

STATE NEWS Group claims law protecting gays is unconstitutional SACRAMENTO (AP) – A Christian group based in Southern California sued the state Tuesday to overturn a law that prohibits discrimination against gays in schools. Murrieta-based Advocates for Faith and Freedom filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in San Diego. It was joined by the Northern California chapter of Alliance Defense Fund, an Arizona-based Christian legal group. The groups filed suit on behalf of several teachers and a student who claim the law, which was passed this year, is unconstitutionally vague and violates student privacy by changing the definition of gender in California’s education code. The lawsuit says school administrators will be forced to read the minds of students, teachers and employees “to determine the individual’s self-defined sexual identity so as not to inadvertently discriminate against an individual based upon their self-defined sex.” But the bill’s author, state Sen. Sheila Kuehl, said the legislation did not change the state’s discrimination laws. Rather, she said it clarified existing education law that already prevented discrimination based upon sexual orientation.

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 Julianna Crisalli at (714) 278-5693 or at jcrisalli@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 Photo Editor Photo Editor Sports Editor Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Special Projects Editor Copy Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Internet Editor Multimedia Editor Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 News Line (714) 278-4415

Ian Hamilton Julianna Crisalli Laurens Ong Johnathan Kroncke John Sakata Cameron Pemstein Karl Thunman Shawn Trondsen Jennifer Caddick Bram Makonda Erin Tobin Ellice Soliven Sofia Arvidson Robert Moran Jake Kilroy Jazmine Graza Tom Clanin Editorial Fax (714) 278-4473 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com

Advertising Director of Advertising Asst. Director of Advertising Ad Production Manager Production Designer Classified Manager National Sales Promotions Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Web Master Distribution Business Manager/Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 Advertising (714) 278-4411

Stephanie Birditt Sarah Oak Keith Hansen Mike Gomez Glen Monroe Jackie Kimmel Jackie Kimmel Ailin Buigues Chad Cisneros Elizabeth Hernandez Juliet Roberts Helen Sim Kiran Kazalbash Dmitriy Filchenko Santana Ramos Robert Sage Advertising Fax (714) 278-2702 E-mail: ads@dailytitan.com

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

November 28, 2007

DEGREE: IS THERE A DOUBLE STANDARD? From Page 1

sponsibility to have degrees,” Quinn said.

Yet when asked where education ranked in the importance of qualifications for a head coach, both men emphasized the importance of experience.

“What’s really important about a baseball coach – what I look for in a coach – is how do they coach the game? How did they learn to coach?

They have probably played some at a high level, then apprenticed as assistant head coach, coached at clinics, coached at camps where they really learned their skills and gained knowledge. That’s not a textbook thing,” Quinn said.

Palmer’s comments about the degree requirement and the importance of experience were similiar.

“Coaches gain knowledge in different ways. They’re working in the field. On-the-job training. But I do think at a minimum they should have a degree ... because we are a university,” he said.

Palmer also said head coaches aid students and education helps them do so.

Quinn did not challenge the validity of Serrano’s degree.

“Yes, it is a degree,” Quinn said.

“I don’t make those determinations.

I know it’s a degree. His track record on the field and in the classroom is what’s important.”

Is accepting a degree from a selfaccredited institution hypocritical?

“No, there’s no hypocrisy at all.

He met the minimum requirements,” Palmer said.

Palmer said he found the best coach possible.

“We have a responsibility to get the best possible professionals we can find in any area, including baseball. We owe it to the players, the university and the community. We believe Dave Serrano is one of the best coaches we could have found,” Palmer said.

The issue of the degree, therefore, is settled in Palmer’s mind.

“To not hire Dave because of the degree he had, would have been – in my view – a terrible mistake,” he said.

SERRANO’S ACADEMIC IMPACT The joy and sense of purpose Meredith Basil, director of Athletics Academic Services, gets from her job was evident as she talked about it.

The department’s task is to provide resources to help student-athletes

for every player who has remained reach their academic goals.

Her enthusiasm grew when she academically eligible and has redescribed how Serrano works with mained at the school.

The total points of the team are her department.

“He makes it clear that academ- divided by points possible, and the ics are their first priority,” Basil said. result, to three places, without the “And when you have a coach that decimal, is the score.

Teams do not lose points when sets that standard, the student-athletes understand that they are going players are drafted by professional to have to focus in the classroom as teams.

Players who return to finish their well as on the field.”

Serrano initiated the relationship degrees after being drafted can improve a team’s APR score. with the department.

CSUF baseball’s 2004-2006 aver“One of the first things he did was schedule a meeting with me age APR score, listed on the ncaa.org and the [department] counselor that Web site, is 954.

The score ranks CSUF baseball works with baseball and his assistant coaches,” Basil said. “As a group this among schools that finished in this year’s final was imBaseball Amerportant ica Top 25 poll, to us.” tied for eighth A t with University t h e of Virginia. meetUniversity of ing they North Carolina d i s – Robert Palmer, had the high cussed Cal State Fullerton Vice President score with a t h e of Student Affairs 988, while Aridepartzona State Unim e n t’s versity had the offices and their support services and went lowest score with an 893.

The score puts CSUF in the 60thdown the list of baseball players one 70th percentile among the 292 Diviby one.

“At that meeting we worked to- sion I teams that reported.

The average Division I baseball gether to develop a plan for them individually, but also as a team, to team score is 931.

Among the eight Big West Conachieve their academic goals,” Basil ference teams, CSUF’s 954 score is said.

The Athletic Academics Services the highest. UCI came in second Department requests grade checks with a 944. Cal State Northridge’s for student-athletes from professors 869 was the lowest score.

The high Academic Progress Rate at least once every semester.

“If we have a concern about a stu- is something Quinn is proud of.

“I really want the APRs higher dent-athlete, we call Coach Serrano and express our concerns. At that and I want the GPAs higher,” Quinn point we develop a plan together said in an October interview.

Quinn is chair of the NCAA West concerning a way to support the stuRegion for baseball and serves on an dent-athlete.”

The support usually involves NCAA subcommittee that addresses academic issues in baseball. meeting with a counselor.

“The reason I like these figures At the meeting, the counselor recommends tutoring resources, going is because Dave was the assistant to the professor’s office hours, a fol- coach,” Quinn said. “He was the low-up by the coach and time man- head of recruiting.”

Quinn said Serrano was the priagement resources.

“It’s nice to know that if we’re mary recruiter when he was the asconcerned about a student, it is an sistant coach.

“If you’re bringing good kids in immediate concern for him, and I you have a much better chance of think that’s important,” Basil said. doing well both on the fields and in the classroom,” he said.

BASEBALL AND ACADEMICS Bob Durazzo, one of Serrano’s One of the ways the NCAA measures the academic performance of volunteer scouts as well as a famteams is with a measurement called ily friend, gave Quinn and Serrano credit for CSUF baseball’s academic Academic Progress Rate (APR).

A team’s APR score is calculated success.

“What Quinn said [to Serrano] by awarding two points per semester

“

To not hire Dave, because of the degree he had, would have been – in my view – a terrible mistake.

“

2

was that, ‘Hey, we have to bring the APRs up. So when you recruit a kid, make sure he’s going to go to class,’” he said.

The prioritizing of academics in its scouting may have kept CSUF from recruiting some of the most talented baseball players.

“You look at the stats, they’ve gone down,” Durazzo said. “We don’t have any big home run hitters.

But they’re graduating.”

Durazzo said Horton made the final choices of players, “but Dave was right there,” he said. “And together, they did the whole thing.”

IS A COLLEGE EDUCATION NECESSARY TO COACH? Those who represented organizations that influence or support CSUF were noncommittal toward Serrano’s degree.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits CSUF as a university.

Its president and executive director is Larry Young.

“We have no rules against people obtaining degrees from nonaccredited institutions, only that such degrees not be used as a basis for obtaining academic positions,” Young said.

Clara Potes-Fellow, the spokeswoman for the CSUs, said “Usually when a bachelor’s degree is required, then the degree should be from an accredited school, but there are circumstances when schools need to be flexible with their requirements.

They will substitute formal education for extraordinary experience or accomplishments.”

Greg Norton, president of the Titan Alumni Association had little to say about Serrano’s education.

“I’m happy that Dave is coaching the Titans, and I’m looking forward to his success as Titan coach, but I really have no opinion on his prior educational background,” he said.

Larry Young is a longtime member of the Diamond Club, CSUF’s baseball booster organization. Last year, he was the club’s president.

“I think it’s an option of the executive administration’s and they have the authority to get the best coach available,” he said of CSUF accepting the degree as fulfilling a qualification.

Young does not believe head coaches should be required to have degrees.

“No, I don’t think that’s necessary,” he said. “You can’t learn the game of baseball in a classroom.”

DAY OF THE DEAD: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND ART From Page 1

Aguirre said.

Among Aguirre’s many pieces of artwork showcased was that of the Aztec God of the underworld.

The painting had mirrors placed around his face.

It is believed this Aztec God would claim his victims and take them to the underworld if they saw their reflection in the mirror.

Martinez also took part in designing an altar to honor the late Mexican singer and actor Antonio Aguilar who passed away this year.

She painted a portrait of him and adorned it with confetti, candles and musical instruments.

Martinez said aside from being Aguilar’s biggest fan, she wanted to honor the singer who is also from her home state of Zacatecas.

She also honored another praised Mexican icon that night, Frida Kahlo.

She painted Kahlo and adorned the altar with skeleton heads covered in glitter, and lit candles as well as small figures of Frida’s husband encased in glass boxes and miniature replica paintings of Kahlo’s own artwork.

For some like Martinez, this is a

holiday where remembering a beloved one is expressed through art.

“It’s the one day of the year where you celebrate the deceased, the loved ones,” Martinez said. “I love it. I love the culture, tradition, altars, honoring the dead by “poniendole ofrendas” [putting offerings out] and the colors bring it to life.”

The “ofrendas,” or offerings, are things the person enjoyed in life that are now placed on the altar for the dead to have in the after life.

“I personally feel I have a strong sense of my heritage,” Martinez said.

“I’m proud of my roots.”

Most of Martinez’s artwork was for sale. Her paintings ranged from more than $200 a piece.

Martinez said she draws her inspiration from her travels to Mexico and people.

After eight years of shows, she only hopes her shows inspire others to participate.

One participant who was inspired to contribute and who has been drawing for eight years is Martinez’s friend, Geoffrey Schorz, an alumnus in the Master of Fine Arts program at CSUF. He was asked by Martinez to showcase his work for the event as

a main artist.

“Because of the show, my paintings began route to el Dia de los Muertos,” Schorz said.

Schorz explained the unique process of how his paintings were done on pieces of tile with encaustic, a heavy beeswax with dammar crystals, underneath and then edged into encaustic.

“I use a lot of methods used by medieval painters,” Schorz said.

Medieval artwork plays an essential role in Schorz’s paintings.

Medieval illuminations like the paintings and writings of Hildegard Von Bingen and images of God inspire Schorz.

Schorz said he is inspired by CSUF alumnus and Orange County resident Jeffrey Valenz.

He also uses “Banksy,” a British guerrilla artist and prankster as a muse.

He said he will continue to paint, to make connections “and to learn

from the experience of faculty like Jade Jewett, my chair in the graduate committee,” Schorz said.

Following along the same path is Aguirre who said he hopes to become a successful artist some day.

For now he continues to participate in all possible art shows at CSUF and outside the college as well.

“If I do become famous, I’d give back to the university and try to attend every art show,” Aguirre said.

Representing CSUF outside of the university means representing an education at a higher level and through his work he can motivate future students to attend a higher level institution Aguirre said.

He said the reason he does art shows like the Day of the Dead event is to endorse culture in the community.

The Day of the Dead is to remember those who have passed away and not fear death as the culture is kept alive, Aguirre said.

Opinion

Titan Editorial Providing insight, analysis and perspective since 1960

To hire Serrano, university stifled healthy conversation Newly-hired baseball coach Dave Serrano reportedly obtained his degree for less than $300 online from a company run from Malaga, Spain.

This degree from Trinity College and University is arguably no more meaningful than a napkin with the letters B.A written on it. But the job description to be a coach at Cal State Fullerton requires a bachelor’s degree with master’s preferred and, for anyone curious about how CSUF athletics value education, Serrano’s biography site at fullertontitans. com clearly lists his degree and date of graduation as 2003.

Serrano was hired a little over a week after George Horton’s departure for the University of Oregon in early September. No search was held and there were no committees convened to discuss the direction of CSUF’s flagship sport.

President Milton Gordon himself made the final decision to hire Serrano.

In doing so, no one had the opportunity to ask the question: Should CSUF hire a coach with a degree from a “school” like Trinity College and University?

If CSUF has no intention of properly obeying its own rules, then administrators should remove the bachelor’s degree requirement. And without any pretense, it should most definitely

Letters to the Editor:

delete the part about a master’s being preferred. Because if it doesn’t, then how can CSUF suggest it prefers a master’s degree when the university is more than willing to accept a degree purchased online without any classes from a shady “school” based overseas?

By hiring him this way, without drawing attention to the degree, CSUF administrators avoided a possible public relations nightmare to appease parents who might be disturbed by the fact that an “unqualified” person is mentoring their kids. For baseball players, the coach is the closest counselor they have. And if the counselor can’t speak from personal college experience, then it may be difficult to relate. Remember: Whether on or off the field, the players are students before they’re athletes.

We don’t dispute Serrano’s impressive list of achievements as a coach, which includes his undersized and young UC Irvine team making an improbable run to the College World Series, defeating CSUF along the way.

Serrano is a fine coach and was a good choice for our school. In fact, he may have been the best choice. However, if the position doesn’t require a true college degree, then CSUF shouldn’t make it seem like it does to stifle what would have been healthy conversation.

Any feedback, positive or negative, is encouraged, as we strive to keep an open dialogue with our readership. The Daily Titan reserves the right to edit letters for length, grammar and spelling. Direct all comments, questions or concerns along with your full name and major to Executive Editor Ian Hamilton at ihamilton@dailytitan.com

3

Cosmetic surgery’s end game America’s superficial obsessions can lead to unsafe practices and a false sense of beauty

By Elisabeth Donovan

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

“Mommy, please don’t die.”

I cried these words the night my mother told me she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

I still remember the tears streaming down her face when she looked into my eyes and promised she wouldn’t.

But two years later, my mother lost the battle.

I was 9 years old and figured her death was the result of bad luck.

It wasn’t until years later, when I informed my family that I wanted cosmetic surgery, I found out the truth. My mother’s breast cancer was linked to the silicon implants in her chest.

This personal experience changed my stance on cosmetic surgery forever.

Our generation is plastic-obsessed. Women now take pride in breast augmentation, bragging about the new “babies” they’ve purchased.

Nowadays, teen girls receive breast implants for their 18th birthday instead of new cars. Women on their lunch break can make a quick stop to the doctor’s office for botox to ease their fears of aging. People can even finance these procedures.

Although cosmetic surgery is highly practiced, it can also be highly fatal.

Two weeks ago, Kanye West’s mother, Donda West, died one day after receiving a breast reduction and a tummy tuck. This publicized example proves plastic surgery can be as dangerous as other surgery.

Patients still choose to go under the knife, even when they’re informed of possible complications.

We live in a superficial world, no doubt. But is it worth it to take these risks?

These procedures are becoming so normalized that many people don’t give it much thought.

We’re surrounded by photographs of “perfect” celebrities and are drawn to their sex appeal. After all, if we looked like that we’d be happy, right?

But most people can’t fit the standards of a movie star or model.

While many models receive cosmetic surgery, graphic designers also alter their pictures.

Human beings can’t look like the perfectly airbrushed photos in magazines. Sadly, women put these pictures on a pedestal and keep them in mind as an ultimate goal.

While we spend time trying to fulfill that image, we forget that our soul makes us truly beautiful. Personality should outshine anatomy.

No amount of plastic surgery can compensate for what’s inside.

The images of “ideal” people won’t die out. As long as sex sells, it will continue to be

shoved in our faces.

In today’s society, we must learn to not buy into these images. Although insecurity can be a major issue, we shouldn’t jeopardize our health to solve it. My mother didn’t need silicon implants to prove her beauty. She lost her life because she fell victim to insecurity. At the end of the day, botox and liposuction won’t prove a thing.

“

You gotta grow up now ... I love you, Mom.

“

November 28, 2007

– Kanye West told a crowd of more than 1,500 mourners

War with Iran could happen Always political. Sometimes correct.

Rarely politically correct. before the next election

By Edward peters

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

Being among the oldest civilizations on Earth, Iran is poised on reviving its status as world superpower.

But with supposed intentions of creating a nuclear arsenal, the United States is more than eager to drop bombs on Iran, ending any possibility of a revived Iranian empire. The current neo-conservative government of the United States views Iran as part of an “axis of evil,” a term not used since World War II. In order to stop this evil, neo-cons favor an assertive use of military force worldwide, for democracy’s sake. This neo-con movement is attempting to polarize the world in order to spread American values abroad, preferably with military might. When it comes to foreign affairs, the United States is viewed as the unapproachable master, and this perception continues to deteriorate its image. Iran looks to be the next target on America’s war against terror. President Bush has repeated over and over, “you’re either with us or with the terrorists,” leaving out any chance of negotiations, or so it seemed.

May 8, 2006, President Ahmadinejad of Iran wrote a letter to Bush, ending 27 years of silence between the two countries. “Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ, but at the same time, have countries attacked; the lives, reputations and possessions of people destroyed,” Ahmadinejad wrote. White House officials dismissed the letter as “worthless.” This letter seemed not to focus on actual negotiations, but was more of a spiritual urging for Bush to rediscover his Christian roots. In any case, the act in itself was unprecedented, Iran writing a letter to the supposed “great Satan.” Its effects were felt around the world; The price of oil fell by $5 per barrel and for once, leaders around the world were privy to the idea of U.S. - Iran negotiations. The letter was sent amidst troubling times for the neo-con occupied White House.

Talks over Iran’s imminent nuclear capability was at a deadlock in the

U.N. due to disagreements among permanent members of the Security Council. The United States and U.K., under chapter seven of the U.N. charter, stated military force against Iran was permitted if uranium enrichment continued. Russia and China vehemently indicated that military action against Iran was completely absurd. Contradictions loomed around every corner. Obviously Russia was backing Iran, yet the White House still maintained its alliance with Russia, and here we have Bush saying “You’re either with us or with the terrorists.”

It was Ahmadinejad’s claim that ,as a signatory of the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran had the right to pursue nuclear technology for reactors that generate energy.

There existed no evidence of the White House’s accusations against Iran’s supposed nuclear arsenal. With mounting pressure from world leaders and no proof Iran was looking to build nuclear weapons, the White House reluctantly saw no option but to attempt open dialogue with the enemy.

May 31, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice publicly announced the White House was prepared for direct negotiations with Tehran. These talks would take place under one condition – that Iran halt all nuclear activity. This was the one and only thing Iran was unwilling to do, as they saw it was their right to create nuclear reactors for energy. Any chance of negotiations quickly faded away. It almost seemed the White House was purposely rejecting any inclination of peace with Iran in an attempt to go to war.

Norman Podhoretz, neo-con and author of the book “World War IV,” (World War III was the Cold War) is in favor of bombing Iran. According to the Oct. 15 edition of Newsweek, Podhoretz wrote in an essay, “I hope and pray President Bush will do it [bomb Iran].” The article went on to say that he believes America is engaged in a “world war” with “Islamofascism.” Podhoretz, along with many other neo-cons, want war with Iran. So the question remains; who’s

to stop them? It is these men that are directly influencing the Bush administration. Behind the scenes they are pulling the strings attached to the president, and if they want war with Iran as Podhoretz stated, it seems inevitable war is what they’ll get. Presidential nominee and neo-con Rudy Giuliani said, “I believe the United States and our allies should deliver a very clear message to Iran, very clear, very sober, very serious: They will not be allowed to become a nuclear power.” He says this knowing full well that Iran will continue uranium enrichment, leaving the United States with no option but to use military force. It seems this is exactly what their hopes are for the near future.

Podhoretz told Newsweek, “I believe that a bombing campaign is the only way to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear capability.”

These men are hell-bent on turning Iran into the next Iraq. This wave of neo-conservatism stands at the forefront of a new American democracy, where the consent of the people means nothing, and what the neo-cons want, they surely will get.

They have been able to infiltrate the constitution and create new, draconian laws thus far. Who’s to say they wont go any further with this New World Order? No one surely knows what the future hold’s for these men concerning Iran and the rest of the world, but one thing is clear – they will stop at nothing to spread American values across the globe, even if that means total rule by the military industrial complex. It’s not so much about spreading American values across the globe as it is spreading American bases and presence. The White House wants to create chaos worldwide so they can be the one’s to offer up a solution. Peace is far from their agenda. Yet, for a moment in history, it looked as if the United States was ready to engage in talks with Iran, the last bastion of hope, but the fact remains: The White House doesn’t want peace with Iran.

Before Bush’s reign as president comes to an end, war in Iran will just be beginning.

by Cindy Cafferty

Voting matters As promised in my last column, I am devoting this week’s verbosity to the candidates fighting for the coveted Oval Office position. I had thought I would be able to accomplish this task with some measure of succinctness, but after the mental vortex I seemed to have passed through the weekend before lastresembling what I can only imagine the Twilight Zone must look like – I may fall yards and paragraphs short of my original concise endeavor to merely plead, cajole and implore you to start looking at the frontrunners and make plans to go out and vote, vote, vote.

My plea is the same – quit crying, start caring and effect change already … but the urgency and the manner at which I may implore has been drastically altered and thus, may span two columns.

Let me explain.

As a participant in the 2007 Moot Court Competition – a Supreme Court simulation – I was given the unique opportunity, along with three other CSUF students, to fly to Virginia and compete in the South Eastern regional against 14 other teams entirely composed of and judged by ultraconservative Christians.

Don’t get me wrong … I have nothing against Christianity. If Jesus loves you and you love Him … great, more power to you. But what Jesus and Pat Robertson have to do with a Supreme Court simulation, the Constitution and common law jurisprudence is something that, a week later, I am still trying to wrap my mind around.

At the risk of sounding paranoid, let’s just say that me and my kind were none too welcome in the back-wooded, brick – enshrined campus of Regent Law School in

“

But, the underlying message here is … pay attention!

Nothing is what it seems this time around.

”

Norfolk, Va. where said competition took place.

I got a first-hand look at a place where my vote does not matter and my presence is, shall we say, less than appreciated. After spending a weekend surrounded by life-size paintings of Pat Robertson with his roaming eyes that seemed to both follow me and undress me at the same time, needless to say, I came back more than just a little unnerved. After remembering that Pat Robertson had recently given his endorsement to Rudy Giuliani, I damn near came unglued.

What do Regent Law School, a Supreme Court simulation and an overwhelming sheath of creepiness that took seven hours, a cross country plane trip and three showers to rid myself of have to do with the upcoming elections? Like a trip to Norfolk, the Pat Robertson endorsement of a pro –choice, divorced, pro – gay candidate is a veritable one -way ticket to crazy town.

Let me be clear here … I am pro -choice, have no problem with divorce, per se, and am a proponent for, or at the least am fairly apathetic toward gay marriage. The issues pat Robertson has implicitly endorsed don’t bother me so much as the paradoxical nature of his

support, and thus the oxymoronic nature of this election.

Thus far, eight candidates are in the running on the Democrat side of the ring: Joseph R. Biden Jr., Hillary Rodham Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson.

The elephants are weighing in with Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Tom Tancredo, Fred Thompson, Alan Keyes and John Cox. In reality, and according to recent polls, the candidates you will most likely need to do your homework for the California primary on are Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Giuliani, Romney, McCain, Thompson and Huckabee.

But, the underlying message here is … pay attention! Nothing is what it seems this time around. A few examples: A Democrat female candidate whose general secrecy has been compared to that of Nixon, a seemingly progressive Republican candidate with an endorsement from the founder of the Christian Coalition and another Republican candidate touting anti-abortion who can’t get the conservative vote because he’s a Mormon.

In other words: welcome to crazy town. Last person to the gate has to read every word Ann Coulter has ever written. First one in may have a shot at figuring out the ballot and making his/her vote count.

In the next few months, make sure you know which side of the ring you’re swinging on, rev up the C-Span and let the games begin because this year, more than ever – at least for our generation – those votes will have to count.

Features Aspiring writers present 4

November 28, 2007

scandals in small doses news@dailytitan.com

TV depicts it, movies exploit it and society loves it: Scandal spurred by age-inappropriate sexual interaction between students and teachers is a common plot among many revered entertainment media.

The thought of a student seducing a teacher explores many of the Freudian ideas of sexual identity.

This type of sexual development strikes a chord with audience members, whether through personal experience or over-exposure and desensitization through the media.

Sexual rebellion manipulated to become entertainment materializes in many forms and mediums. Currently, it graces the public stage at Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana, which showcases Cal State Fullerton’s art community.

“An Evening of One Acts” includes “Mass X Acceleration,” which explores a deviant relationship between a male high school physics teacher and one of his young male pupils. The student-written 10-minute play is one in the series of oneacts that ran from Nov. 2-16.

The play’s writer, CSUF theater arts senior Caitlin Neiman, wrote “Mass” for the advanced playwriting class. It was selected as one of the five featured plays produced by Professor Susan Merson and “One Acts” director Stephen Wagner.

“This play, although only a 10minute production, was well-developed,” Wagner said. “When I first read the script, there were a few things that were unfinished. We spent some time exploring the characters and [Neiman] was able to polish it up.”

Neiman spent five semesters in the playwriting class developing over 10 different productions. “Mass” is the second of her works produced by CSUF.

– Caitlin Neiman

Theater arts major

Bringing student-written productions to fruition is a relatively new phenomenon for the theater arts department. Last spring, the first of a series of student-written plays and one-acts actually performed.

Last semester, Neiman and fellow playwright students Eric Czuleger and Heather Beals had their works performed at the art center.

This year, five students in the advanced playwriting class were given the unique opportunity to see their works brought to life. Plays by Anthony Rodriguez, writer of “The Players Game;” Robyn Gleason’s “Cinderella After;” “Punishment” by Blake Onishi; and “Fae in the Forest” by Marcie Brooks ran alongside Neiman, Czuleger and Beals’ work.

“Mass” is the darkest of the five plays, but “Punishment” is based around a tragic loss that brings two strangers together.

“Blake and I have the two token ‘dark’ pieces,” Neiman said. “The others are fantasies and comedies, all of which are performed by the same 10 actors. I was charmed to see that these actors showed such a depth of range and ability.”

All five of the plays were directed by 2004 CSUF graduate Wagner.

Since graduation, Wagner has been actively involved with student productions. This semester he helped select the plays ready for production.

He worked with each playwright individually to further develop his or her piece and “to understand where each one was coming from.”

“Once their plays were complete they had to let them go. For some it was like giving up their child. It’s hard because they have to wait and watch to see how someone else interprets their writing.”

Photo Illustration By Simon Oh/ For the Daily Titan

A recent study by the National Sleep Foundation has shown lack of sleep has a negative impact on a person’s health and, perhaps, test performance.

Sleeping sound may lead to better grades

By Robert B. Hayek

For the Daily Titan

news@dailytitan.com

American college students are not getting enough sleep and it is jeopardizing their health, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

The foundation’s Web site, sleepfoundation.org, indicates that young adults, presumably those in the age range of 12-25, are at substantially high risk for having sleep and health problems as their lives progress.

In general, since the majority of college students are in this group, it is a red alarm to the dangers of sleep patterns students exhibit.

Gloria Rodriguez, a psychology major, knows all too well the troubles lack of sleep can bring.

“I think that the predominant effect that lack of sleep has on me is trouble concentrating,” Rodriguez said. “I can never focus the same way I do when I’m not tired and drowsy.

My attention spans easily shift elsewhere when I don’t get the adequate amount of sleep I need.”

Psychology Professor Margaret White, an expert in the field of sleep and sleep disorders, said sleep plays a

“

Seniors have it worst in their last semester. Some students have had to repeat classes in the summer.

“

By Laura Burrows

Daily Titan Staff Writer

“

I was charmed to see that these actors showed such a depth of range and ability.

“

Five playwriting students got the chance to see their works come to life

– Margaret White,

Pyschology professor

vital role in how healthy a student’s future will be. White said students who generally fall in the category of not getting enough sleep are usually sleeping about five to six hours a night, if not less.

She said short-term effects include fatigue, poor performance on tests and increased chances of engaging in car accidents.

Not getting enough sleep also impairs a student’s immune system, causing them to get sick more often, both in winter season (in which it is common) and in June when the school year is finishing. She also talked about which students are affected most.

“Seniors have it worst in their last

semester,” White said. “Some students have had to repeat a class in the summer.”

White said students tend to overload on their activities by working full-time and taking a full load at school.

The stress of moving out also causes them to lose even more sleep as they attempt to finish school.

The long-term effects, White said, include a greater stress response in the body, higher blood pressure and raises chances of heart attack in later stages of life. There is also a greater chance of stunted growth since a person needs an adequate amount of sleep to grow properly.

According to both White and the National Sleep Foundation, a person between the ages of 15 to 19 would need between eight and a half to nine and a half hours of sleep a night, while a person in their 20s would need between eight to eight and a half hours.

However, White said average statistics do not always measure the proper amount of sleep one should obtain.

“The amount of sleep we need each night has a strong genetic com-

ponent,” White said. “Some people do not need as much sleep.”

Basically, certain people will need more sleep while others will not need as much sleep. Some would need six hours of sleep, while others would need 10 hours. White said the importance is consistency, and when students lack consistent sleep, they are not alert and it affects them.

Some of these cases could be attributed to sleep disorders that do not necessarily have medical diagnoses yet, while some of the cases could be linked to bad sleep hygiene.

White and the National Sleep Foundation state more people have been killed in single car accidents from lack of sleep than any other kind of causes.

Junior Alejandro Romero, who often works late hours and goes to school in the morning, said he felt sleep was something that was necessary.

“I’m tired all day. I can’t do anything,” Romero said. “I wish I didn’t go to work or school so much, but you get used to it after a couple of years.”

Classifieds

November 28, 2007

Index Announcements 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100

Campus Events/Services Campus Organizations Greeks Legal Notices Lost and Found Miscellaneous Personals Pregnancy Research Subjects Sperm/ Egg Donors Tickets Offered / wanted

Merchandise 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000 3100 3200 3300 3400 3500

Appliances Art/Painting/Collectibles Books Computers/Software Electronics Furniture Garage/Yard Sales Health Products Miscellaneous Musical Instruments Office Equipment Pets Rentals Sports Equipment

Transportation 3600 3700 3800 3900

Auto Accessories/Repair Auto Insurance Miscellaneous Vehicles For sale/Rent

Travel 4000 4100 4200 4300

Resorts/Hotels Rides Offered/Wanted Travel Tickets Vacation Packages

Services 4400 4500 4600 4700 4800 4900 5000 5100 5200 5300 5400 5500 5600 5700 5800 5900 6000

1-900 Numbers Financial Aid Insurance Computer/Internet Foreign Languages Health/Beauty Services Acting/Modeling Classes Legal Advice/Attorneys Movers/Storage Music Lessons Personal Services Professional Services Resumes Telecommunications Tutoring Offered/Wanted Typing Writing Help

Employment 6100 6200 6300 6400 6500 6600 6700 6800 6900 7000 7100

Business Opportunities Career Opportunities P/T Career Opportunities F/T Child Care Offered/Wanted Help Wanted Actors/Extras Wanted Housesitting Internship Personal Assistance Temporary Employment Volunteer

Housing 7200 7300 7400 7500 7600 7700 7800 7900

Apartments for Rent Apartments to Share Houses for Rent/Sale Guest House for Rent Room for Rent Roommates - Private Room Roommates - Shared Room Vacation Rentals

Advertising Information To place a classified ad, call

714.278.4453

By Fax: 714.278.2702

By Email: classified@dailytitan.com

By Mail: The Daily Titan College Park Bldg.

2600 E. Nutwood Ave. Suite 660 Fullerton, CA. 92831-3110 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm Rates: One insertion, up to 20 words .........................................$5.50 each additional word........$0.39 12pt Headline...................$1.75 16pt Headline...................$2.50 Border..............................$5.50 • Weekly and monthly rates are also available.

• For classified display ads, please see our rate card for rate information.

Deadlines: Classified Line Ads: 3 Business days before printing @ 12 noon.

Classified Display Ads: 3 Business days before printing @ 12 noon.

Payment: Please make checks payable to: "The Daily Titan" We also accept Visa and Mastercard Read the Daily Titan online @

www.dailytitan.com

5

1600

6100

6500

7400

Miscellaneous Cellular Phones & Accessories All CSUF students receive 30% off all cellular and ipod accessories and 50% off if you upgrade or activate a new cellphone line. We carry charms, cases, ipod accessories, Bluetooth, Chargers. If we don’t have it we’ll give you an addition 5% off. Next to Fullerton AMC Theaters 446-6341

Business Opportunities

Help Wanted

Houses for Rent/Sale

PART TIME Work at private lake w/boating in Yorba Linda. Boathouse positions available. Will train. Must be customer service oriented, motivated, w/CA Drivers license. $8.00/hour. Minutes from CSUF. Shifts available: Sundays 7am – 3:30pm and 12pm-7:30pm. East Lake Village, 5325 Village Center Drive. 779-0657. Applications required. Ask for Jeff or Susan.

Attn: Fine Art Grad Students

Are you depressed for more than two weeks?

The University of California, Irvine and the University of California, San Diego Psychiatry Departments are recruiting patients for a study of sleep deprivation as a potential treatment for depression. We will also study how other changes of the sleeping time might affect depressed mood.

Subjects will be compensated for their time and inconvenience. If you are interested, please call us at (949) 824-3362.

Beautiful Brand New Condo for Lease in Garden Grove! Two blocks from Disneyland and UCI Medical Center. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath. Amenities including Pool, Jacuzzi, Recreation Center and Fitness Gym. Top floor with view. $2200 per month. Near all freeways. Reva1978@aol.com 714-396-2876

www.felicewear.com Student Discount take 15% off any online purchase! Use code 8186.

Valid only online. Offer expires on November 30,2007!

2400

Books

Sell All Your Used Books!

Email book title, author, edition, condition, isbn to jaeangela@ gmail.com. I will offer CASH $$$ (310) 347-6675.

5500 Professional Services Fiscal audits of the Associated Students and Titan Students Union for the year ending 6/30/07 may be reviewed in TSU-218 during business hours.

Graduate student available for evening and weekend private tutoring in English, Reading, EWP, History and Research Skills. Call (714) 726-4132.

Math, Science, English, and Education majors to tutor younger students (k-8). Call (714) 5778540

6100 Business Opportunities 53 Full & Part-Time Jobs Sodexho to manage employee food service at DISNEYLAND starting now. We will coordinate with your school schedule, offering days, afternoons, evenings and weekends. Full-Time (over 30 hrs/wk) Benefits: Free Parking, Disneyland park pass for all employees. Sodexho (www.sodexho.com) is a global food service company in over 80 countries. For immediate consideration, call 714524-4529.

Make Big Dollers

Become A GoYin Founding Distributor Before 2007 Launch.

Call Local Director For Details.

Jesse: (714) 234-6475 Get out of debt, need cash fast, tired of the bills, tired of the run around, quick easy loans available, personal, business, vacation, home renovations, business start up,. Good, Bad Credit, even bankruptcy, free consultations, no fees.

Call Toll Free 1(866)585-5139.

6200

Career Opportunities P/T Hotel bellman/guest services wanted. Full/Part time positions available incl. weekends.

Starting wage $10/hr + tips and extras. Award winning family hotel across from Disneyland.

Applicants must be CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERTS, upbeat, outgoing & active. Apply in person 9am - 5pm any day of the week.

Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 1380 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802. www.hojoanaheim.com.

Financial Services Company Expanding. Seeking serious people wanting to work full/part time.

Make extra income. No experience needed. Will train. Call Kim (714) 244-411 Earn $800-$3200 a month to drive brand new cars with ads placed on them. www.adcarclub.com.

Real Estate Investor Seeks Students Earn a potential $15k-$20k month while we coach and mentor you Jeffery (951) 813-2554 set4lifeinvestments@yahoo.com

Administration Assistant Needed

Real Estate Development/Pre School Management Company located in Fullerton. This office needs a candidate proficient in Word & Excel.College level classes in Business or Accounting.

Part time position, flexible hours.

Good pay package.

Call 714-323-9632

Pre School Teacher/ Tutor Needed Preferably with ECE units Full-time or Part-time position.

Flexible hours and a good pay package. Pre School located in Fullerton & Tustin.

Pls. Call 562-631-4788

PART/TIME Private Gym Receptionist Looking for a customer service oriented and motivated individual.

Shifts available: 11am-4:30pm $8/hour. Applications required and available at 5325 Village Center Drive, Yorba Linda. Just minutes from CSUF. Questions - please contact Susan or Jeff at 714-779-0657.

Gamestakes.com a leading entertainment website is seeking 1 agent per university. No sellingHuge income potential! Email now:playersU@gamestakes.com

Humorscopes brought to you by humorscope.com

Aries (March 21 - April 19) More trouble with that annoying “bluebird of happiness” today. With any luck, the cat will get it.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) It’s time to tell your friend to quit wearing that rediculous goatee. Why not recommend a sheepee, instead?

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Good day to stand on the sidewalk near a tall building, and stare up at the roof. You’ll meet some interesting people that way.

SUDOKU

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Aliens will land in Los Angeles today.

Unfortunately, nobody will be able to tell.

Leo (July 23 - August 22) Unknown to you, people think you are a wimp - just because of your weak handshake. You need to get one of those hand exercisers, and use it constantly for a few months. Then, crush their little hands into pulp!

Virgo (August 23 - September 22) You will rest peacefully, and sink into a strange dream. In the dream, you will be playing an odd version of soccer with huge clear balloons, and people will be cheering you on from the sidelines, who are dressed in white formal attire. Don’t go into the light. The extra point isn’t worth it.

Libra (September 22 - October 22) Excellent day to fill some pantyhose with pop corn and do the reindeer dance.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Too much “musk” in that cologne - don’t try it.

Or if you do, bring along a few carrots for the moose.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) A new love affair will have you all misty-eyed.

Either that, or it’s the onset of glaucoma, in which case you should seek immediate medical attention.

Previous Puzzle

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20) Soon you will find yourself at another dull party, where the only person you know is who you came with. You’ll need to use Tip #39 of my book “101 Ways To Break The Ice”: Ask some one who they are, after introducing yourself.

When they say their name, repeat it back to them as “YOU’RE Bill Smith???” “Uh, yes” “Well, you sure can’t believe everything you hear, can you?” “What do you mean?” “Well, it’s just that you don’t look at ALL like a weasel, you know? Or at least, hardly at all.”

Aquarius (January 21 - February 18) You will inherit millions, along with a rather elderly butler named Hodgson. You’ll have a nice time.

HOW TO PLAY: Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9: and each set of boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Good day to make as much goulash as pos sible.

Sudoku is made possible by the people at www.dailysudoku.com

CSUF Grand Central Art Center located in downtown Santa Anna’s Artist Village has one studio apartments for rent ($700.00 per month) that will be available the second week of october. Included in the rent are all the utilities (excluding phone), monthly parking pass, internet access, and a studio space. Please contact Tracey Gayer at (714) 567-7238.

Attractive 1 lvl manufactured home on its own land. Tennis courts and pool inlcuded. $289,950. Can arrange financing.

1 mile from campus. Call 714777-8700 or 714-420-5930.

6

Sports

November 28, 2007

Titans head to Arizona to face Pac-10 juggernaut Think Different. Think Simon.

CSUF brings injured All-Big West forward on road trip this week

By Shawn Trondsen

Daily Titan Sports Editor sports@dailytitan.com

Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball hits the road tonight to squareoff against the University of Arizona Wildcats.

The Wildcats (3-2 overall) have been missing Head Coach Lute Olson for the past three weeks, after Olson stepped away from the team due to personal matters. Assistant Coach Kevin O’Neill has been the acting head coach.

“He is going to be with us in some of the practices over the next little bit. He is not going to coach games at this point,” O’Neill told the Associated Press. “There is absolutely no timetable.”

Olson will not be on the bench when the Wildcats host the Titans (3-0) on Wednesday.

Injured star returning

The Titans have been playing without returning All-Big West Conference forward Scott Cutley thus far this season.

Cutley returned to practice this week and his availability is contingent upon his pain threshold and conditioning.

Last Pac-10 win

CSUF is 3-20 all time vs. Pac-10 teams. Its last win came against Arizona on Dec. 1, 1983, when senior guard Leon Wood led his Titans over then first-year coach Olson.

Burton on the road

By Aline lessner/For the Daily Titan Titan senior forward Andrew Green (42) attempts to collect a rebound in Cal State Fullerton’s 87-67 win over CSULA on Nov. 11.

Fifth-year Head Coach Bob Burton is 71-51 in his career coaching the Titans.

Burton owns a 32-36 all-time road record at CSUF. Prior to Burton’s arrival at CSUF, the Titans were 30-115 on the road in the last10 seasons.

Big West coaches predicted the Titans to finish third place in the conference on media day, Oct 24.

Simon Liang

Risky business in the fantasy world With over four months left to go in Fantasy Basketball, the question arises, “Who can help out my team?”

There are also those inconsistent players on the wire who break out of nowhere to average 20 points a game, then suddenly disappear in the box score abyss.

Houston forward Luis Scola is a good example. I, like many other fools during draft day, picked him because of all the preseason hype.

However, he is Houston’s No. 2 power forward, so it is hard to know if he will ever produce consistently.

Picking players off the waiver wire is tricky, because many of those players don’t get consistent playing time.

I’ll give you fantasy basketball lovers the low down between the studs and the duds.

Antoine Walker has found playing time with the youth movement going on in Minnesota. In his last four games, Walker averaged 17 points, a steal and shot 49 percent from the field. He will get more minutes on a young club.

When I heard about Gilbert Arenas’ knee surgery, I yelled all the expletives known in the English language. Not only did he fall in my lap with the No. 9 pick in the draft, he killed my team in three-pointers and assists because he wasn’t producing.

Thank goodness for Antonio Daniels. While Arenas is out you can count on Daniels to contribute. Since the injury to Arenas, he has been averaging seven assists, two steals and five rebounds.

Rookie Sean Williams is a monster on the block. His main value is blocks, and with more time he could be one of the league lead-

ers. However, Coach Lawrence Frank hasn’t figured that out yet, because Williams is averaging only 20 minutes a game. Nets fans would agree with me when I say “Gimme, gimme more.”

If you need rebounds, and rebounds only, look to Indiana’s Jeff Foster. He has always been solid on the glass, but he is getting more minutes this season with Jermaine O’Neal and Troy Murphy becoming nonfactors.

Be on the lookout for Randy Foye, Mike Bibby and Elton Brand when they come back from injury.

No one owns these players right now, but if you need a late season push these are the three who will make you “harder, better, faster, stronger.” Thanks Kanye.

Now, for the players you should stay away from. No more song references, I promise.

I still see Luke Walton on some rosters and it’s puzzling. Since Lamar Odom came back from injury, he has been demoted to the bench and the arrival of Trevor Ariza doesn’t help either. If you have Walton, drop him immediately!

Rashard McCants was on one of my fantasy teams for a couple games. He was adequate, until he began shooting 1-15 a game. Basically, he is a ghost now as Marko Jaric and Sebastian Telfair have taken away his minutes.

Jason Maxiell has been hyped for his shot-blocking ability besides his small stature. However, he’s been fairly inconsistent so far.

Even if Rasheed Wallace is out for a while, Antonio McDyess will cut into Maxiell’s production.

The fantasy basketball season is long, so don’t panic! May the spirit of the basketball gods be with you.