Daily Titan: Thursday, December 10, 2009

Vol. 85, No, 48

INSIDE DT

California State College, Fullerton

A History of Protests Former professor of communications Wayne Overbeck once wrote that “perhaps the most decisive and enduring victory won by the students of that era was greater First Amendment freedom for college and university students.

Even now, in a time when the courts are narrowing the scope of student freedom rather than expanding it further, students enjoy far greater freedom on campus than they did before the late 1960s.”

FEATURES:

Local coffee shop a haven for students, Page 3

OPINION:

Is media theft really that bad? Page 5

DETOUR:

Inside the mind of Peter Jackson, Page 6

SPORTS:

Nastia Liukin to appear at gymnastics events, Page 8

ONLINE: Will the new NFL stadium in Walnut affect you? Watch the multimedia exclusive at DailyTitan.com/ StadiumConstruction09

Stay connected to the Daily Titan on:

WEATHER

TODAY TOMorrow

Thursday, December 10, 2009

By Maureen Fox Staff Writer The trouble began on Feb. 9, 1970, when Gov. Ronald Reagan visited California State College, Fullerton to address the campus about the need to charge tuition.

Two students, David MacKowiak and Bruce Church made several gestures of contempt and shouted obscenities at Reagan during his speech. Their resulting arrests threw the campus into an uproar.

Because many students saw the arrests as an infringement on their freedom of speech, they began holding demonstrations in support of MacKowiak and Church.

As the demonstrations progressed, the number of participants grew.

On Feb. 25, 1970, a tactical squad of 20 Fullerton police members came to campus to break up a crowd of over 300 protesters. The resulting scuffles and arrests sparked 12 weeks of turbulence.

“(What I remember most is) how absolutely terrified I felt,” Sutphen said.

“There were people who were quite capable of hitting me on the head and knocking me unconscious.”

Up to that point, the protests had been completely peaceful; they were simply standing up for their rights as students and as individuals. They were trying to make their opposition toward the war known, Sutphen said.

“It added to a sense of solidarity on the campus,” Sutphen said. “It was the campus versus the external community.”

But on that day, police arrested 19 demonstrators. That number could have been higher, however, if one professor had not found a way to end the chaos peacefully.

Hans Leder, a professor of humanities, stood up in front of the library and called everyone to attention. He announced that this was now Anthropology 069 and asked the protesters to sit down and have a discussion.

By sitting down, the protesters in the Quad were then attending class. Since it was illegal to forcibly obstruct anyone from attending school, the protesters could not be moved.

Gerritz remembers that the Anthropology 069 class lasted for many days.

“Twenty-four hours a day there would be people sitting in the Quad,” Gerritz Photo Daily Titan Archive said. “The police just had to Two demonstrators flank the door to President William B. Langsorf ’s office during stand around and watch”. the Wednesday sit-in to protest the arrest of two CSF students earlier this month. The Rather than participate demonstrator at left later tried to take a newsman’s camera. This caption ran on Feb. in the protests, Gerritz, a 26, 1970. biology major, volunteered The Vietnam War protests of 1970 are the largest scale with several local doctors and USC medidemonstrations in Cal State Fullerton’s history. CSUF cal students at a first aid station set up in was reflecting the chaos of a nation in the midst of war. the Quad to respond to injuries as they Fifty eight people – consisting of 42 students, two pro- happened. fessors and eight others – were arrested during that spring Gerritz attributes the protest’s peaceful semester and following summer. ending to Leder’s Students defaced and vandalactions. “He had WORLD WIDE WEB ized buildings, held a sit-in of the the forethought president’s office, blocked hallto end the entire To listen to firsthand accounts ways to prevent students from demonstration,” attending class and led a march of the 1970s protests, go to Gerritz said. from CSUF to Fullerton Junior DailyTitan.com/VietnamProtest However, LedCollege to protest Reagan’s goverer’s effort only nance and the Vietnam War. Stuended one demondents set fire to bungalow T1100, which caused $30,000 stration. The protests continued. in damage and destroyed student records. Several stuOn April 15, students held an dents were expelled and many more were arrested. And anti-Vietnam rally in the Quad. They one professor was fired for failing to hold class because burned draft cards, two dolls and one he was protesting. flower in napalm. In the April 16, 1970 One of the largest demonstrations sparked by MacK- issue of the Daily Titan, ex-Vietnam serowiak and Church’s arrests began on Mar. 3, 1970. viceman Dave Mallard was quoted as As the Student Faculty Board held a hearing for the having said, “This is nothing compared two men inside the Humanities Building, protesters to the smoke and smell from real human gathered outside in the Quad. bodies.” On May 4, members of the NaFormer professor of communications and Daily Titan tional Guard opened fire on students at adviser Wayne Overbeck stood on the second floor bal- Kent State University in Ohio who were cony of the Humanities Building with several student protesting the Vietnam War. Four stuphotographers. They captured the scene as the local dents were killed and nine more were inSWAT team attempted to control the crowd. jured.

In an attempt to prevent violence in California, Reagan closed down all the public universities from May 4 – 11. He said he hoped the closure would “allow time for rational reflection away from the emotional turmoil and encourage all to disavow violence and mob action.”

Students returned to class on May 12, the beginning of finals week.

Although some unrest was still evident, the most intense demonstrations had passed. however, Photo Courtesy Wayne Overbeck They,

Photo DAILY TITAN ARCHIVE CSF students once marched from CSF to Fullerton Junior College to protest Ronald Reagan’s governance and the Vietnam War.

Photo DAILY TITAN ARCHIVE March 3, 1970: During one of the most violent protests ever to take place on the CSF campus, 19 demonstrators were arrested before the crowd was turned into a giant class session that reportedly lasted for days.

left a lineage.

“The protests really defined a generation,” Overbeck said. “They made real changes in the system – eventually. Obama’s election is a long-term result of the social changes that began in the 1960s.”

The Vietnam War finally ended in the spring of 1975. But the memories of the protest era have not been forgotten.

Overbeck once wrote that “perhaps the most decisive and enduring victory won by the students of that era was greater First Amendment freedom for college and university students. Even now, in a time when the courts are narrowing the scope of student freedom rather than expanding it further, students enjoy far greater freedom on campus than they did before the late 1960s.”

When the protests ended in the fall of 1970, the nation was still at war, both sides were exhausted and demonstrations across the country had brought violence to universities. But the protesters had made their sentiments heard and expanded their rights to protest for future CSUF students.

Law enforcement was constantly present at California State Colleges in 1970 to keep the thousands of restless protesters from turning too violent. Here, they monitor McCarthy Hall’s breezeway in 1970.

High: 58° Low: 45° Cloudy

High: 52° Low: 50° Light Rain

CONTACT US Main line: (657) 278-3373 News desk: (657) 278-4415 Advertising: (657) 278-4411 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com

Sophomore Paul Gerritz stood in the Quad and watched the Fullerton police officers and SWAT repeatedly push back protesting students who became too rowdy.

“They would run forward and arrest people and hit them with clubs and everything else and then drag them back to be arrested,” Gerritz said.

Professor Sandra Sutphen, who participated in the protests, faced the police as they advanced toward her and other faculty members.

Photo Courtesy CSUF Protesters gathered outside the Humanities Building during the disciplinary hearings of David MacKowiak and Bruce Church, the hecklers who were arrested during Gov. Reagan’s speech.

Page Two

2

IN OTHER NEWS INTERNATIONAL

Al-Maliki ousts security official in wake of car bombs BAGHDAD (MCT) – Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki removed yesterday the chief military official responsible for security in the capital and prepared for a public grilling about security lapses after five car bombs killed 127 people in Baghdad a day earlier.

The bombings also wounded nearly 450 and damaged financial, judicial and educational institutions. Iraq is bracing for more violence in the leadup to elections, now scheduled for early March. Seven people died in Baghdad Wednesday in three incidents, including two involving bombs placed inside buses, police said.

In a nationally televised speech, al-Maliki asked weary Iraqis “for more patience and steadfastness and to continue the path of unity, confrontation and challenge.” He also warned political opponents against seeking electoral advantage in Tuesday’s bloody events.

NATIONAL

BOA cuts a $45 billion check for U.S. government CHARLOTTE, N.C. (MCT) – Bank of America Corp. said it has sent the U.S. Treasury $45 billion to repay U.S. taxpayers for all loans under the Troubled Asset Relief Program yesterday.

The bank announced the plan to pay back the government aid last week. The repayment comes after the completion of a securities offering that raised $19.3 billion.

To repay TARP, Bank of America repurchased all of the preferred shares issued to the Treasury. It also paid the government $190 million in dividends owed on the preferred securities.

The Treasury continues to hold warrants to buy Bank of America common stock that were issued as part of the preferred shares. The bank hasn’t announced a plan to buy those back.

In addition to buying back the shares, the government also has required Bank of America to raise $3 billion by selling assets.

STATE County OKs participation in solar energy program SAN DIEGO (MCT) – Homeowners in unincorporated areas of San Diego County will be able to participate in a pilot program that offers longterm financing for rooftop solar energy systems, under a plan approved by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

San Diego County joins a handful of other counties now participating in California FIRST, a project that seeks to spark investment in home solarenergy systems by attaching the cost to annual property tax bills.

“Sadly, our region has not even begun to tap into the potential of rooftop solar,” said Dianne Jacob, board chairwoman. “I am very excited and very eager to plug into this program and get it off the ground.”

California FIRST is a government coalition organized by the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties.

Rather than requiring customers to pay for the systems upfront, California FIRST would allow property owners to spread the cost of a solar project over 20 years and add the debt to the tax bill.

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

Please contact Executive Editor Skyler Blair at 657-278-5815 or at execeditor@dailytitan.com with issues about this policy or to report any errors.

Daily Titan Editorial Executive Editor Managing Editor News Director Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Opinion Editor Features Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor Multimedia Editor Multimedia Editor Asst. Multimedia Editor Adviser Main Line (657) 278-3373 News Line (657) 278-4415

Skyler Blair Monzerrath Gonzalez Sergio Cabaruvias Kymberly Snew Meghan Alfano Damon Lowney Patrick Cowles Jeremiah Magan Christine Amarantus Brittny Ulate Adan Vasquez Simon Liang Rachel David Ashleigh Johnson Todd Barnes Shruti Patel Isa Ghani Anne Beck Derek Opina Jason Shepard Editorial Fax (657) 278-2702 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com

Advertising Director of Advertising Production Assistant Production Assistant National Sales & Promotion Classified Manager Webmaster Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Advertising Dept. Asst.

Distribution Business Manager/Adviser Main Line (657) 278-3373 Advertising (657) 278-4411

Adrian Gaitan Mandi Braga Sidney Cumbie Katie Hennessey Rebecca Krantz Chris Ullyott Liz Hernandez Elizabeth Lopez Amber VanOrman Hayley Toler Kassia Azimioara Santana Ramos Robert Sage Advertising Fax (657) 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 ©2009 Daily Titan

December 10, 2009

Dorm residents react to construction projects By portia bode

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

Residents of Cal State Fullerton’s dorms say they are frustrated by the explosion of construction surrounding them, but some say the extra housing will be a great addition once the construction is done.

“The fact that they’re building more (dorms) is a good thing,” said Kelsey Barr, a freshman art major. “It means we’ll have more room for more people to stay here. It’s really hard to get into the dorms. I’m glad for the construction, but at the same time, it can get a little obnoxious when walking to class.”

Barr said she is excited that more dorms are being built because it will give more students an opportunity to live on campus.

Because dorm rooms are a limited commodity and CSUF is known as a commuter campus, the new construction will provide a richer college experience, she said.

The new construction, occurring on the eastern edge of campus near Lot E, began last semester and has plagued neighbors all semester.

The dorm construction is occurring at the same time the university is building a new parking structure nearby, waking students at 7 a.m. The parking structure is slated to be finished in spring 2010 while the dorms won’t be ready for occupancy until fall 2011.

The new five-story building complex will include 1,000 beds with double occupancy rooms and shared restrooms, lounges, study rooms and kitchenettes, according to university officials.

Trevor Spencer, a sophomore business major, thinks the construction could have been planned better by building the parking structure before they started building the dorms, so students would have a place to park while the older parking lot was taken out.

“I think that would be a little bit better planning,” Spencer said.

PHOTO By RON FU/Daily Titan Staff Photographer A dorm with 1,064 beds, two residential community coordinator apartments, a new dining hall and rec center is scheduled to be completed in spring 2010.

Wendy Bedrosian, a sophomore business administration major, leaves her dorm less frequently because it is difficult to find a parking spot, she said.

She was affected more by the noise last spring because she lived in the single dorms which are closer to the construction than the double-occupancy dorms where she currently lives.

“I think (the new dorms are) unnecessary considering the budget crisis right now with every school,” Bedrosian said. “It’s sad that they’re cutting classes and teacher’s jobs, but they’re still building 1,000 new dorms that are kind of unnecessary. This is a commuter school anyway.”

Darlene Stevenson, director of Housing and Residential Life, said, “Students would best be

served by taking their classes between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. when there is the most activity around the construction site ... If they can put their schedule in sync with the construction schedule, that would probably be to their best interest.”

She added that students should move their cars during times when parking isn’t at a premium. “If they need to go to the grocery store or post office, it’s probably best for them to do it after 6 o’clock on weekdays and anytime on weekends; therefore, they wouldn’t be competing with regular campus parking issues.”

Stevenson said she hasn’t received any complaints directly from students regarding the new constructions. At this point, they have adjusted to the parking situa-

tion, Stevenson said.

Lacey Califano, a freshman biochemistry major, lives in one of the dorms closest to the construction site. She isn’t bothered by the construction, except for some mornings when she hears the pounding.

Califano suggests students go to sleep earlier in order to wake up before the early morning construction begins.

“We’re kind of fortunate in a way that the major structural component of those dorm buildings are cement blocks, so you have masonry with masons setting cement blocks, so ... it’s not very noisy and that’s a plus,” said Michael Smith, director of design and construction. “The construction project is going very smoothly, and it’s on schedule.”

FEATURES

C afé, a have n for open mi c December 10, 2009

By Jonathan Montgomery Daily Titan Staff Writer features@dailytitan.com

3

Removed payphones distress cellphone-less

By Paulina Rodriguez For the Daily Titan

Max Bloom’s Café Noir, located on the nearly hidden Malden Avenue in Downtown Fullerton, is like stepping through a time machine on caffeine.

Old theater chairs from the 1930s greet customers from the entrance, which leads to an interior design bedecked in film noir, vintage instruments and classic sodas.

With the addition of a unique movie rental system, shelves of books and screenplays, weekly open mics and a great 89 cent cup of coffee, this may sound like a coffeehouse dreamland.

But then again, Max Bloom’s isn’t “just another cuppa joe,” as their slogan states.

Co-owner Kevin Carter said a main focus of Max Bloom’s was to create a real coffeehouse where personal expression thrives.

“Starbucks has pretty much ‘McDonalized’ the entire industry,” Carter said.

In response, Carter made sure to keep a “cash only” policy which removes transaction fees, keeping the prices down for customers. Carter also made sure Max Bloom’s was more than just a place for coffee, but also an outlet for artistic expression, devoted to a past often overlooked.

“It was to bring more appreciation to the movies, music, art and everything from that era, which we feel set the groundwork for everything else that was to follow,” Carter said.

In fact, “Max Bloom” is not an owner, but a fictitious name created to fit the theme and look of a writer from the ’40s or ’50s, Carter said.

To further add authenticity, an old typewriter, a hat and coat, occupies a special section in the shop that ol’ Max Bloom might have used himself.

In the back, an old guitar, piano and snare drum sit silent, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere and looking like an untouchable showcase; however, anyone is welcome to come in and play on the instruments.

Carter said he wants young artists to utilize Max Bloom’s as a stepping stone to get them in front of small audiences, and through “Itz Happening,” the weekly open mic event held every Thursday, musicians of all ages are given that chance.

features@dailytitan.com

PHOTOS COURTESY KEVIN CARTER Max Bloom’s Café Noir is located at 220 N. Malden Avenue in Downtown Fullerton, featuring 89 cent coffee every day and open mic performances every Thursday.

Joese Gloria, host of “Itz Happening,” said it’s essential to give individuals a vehicle for letting out their frustration, whether it be poetically, musically or comically.

After approaching the owners, a deal was struck, and the stage now belongs to Gloria and anyone wanting to perform Thursday night at 7 p.m.

“I think we are going to be here for a long while; it’s the beginning of an awesome partnership. It’s all about supporting the local businesses as far as I’m concerned,” Gloria said. “It can only get bigger as more people hear about it.”

“The music we hear is from different genres, but we enjoy all that,” said Dave Rivers, 51, a Fullerton resident. “I may be 51, but I like all kinds of music.”

“My wife and I come down here; we live right up Wilshire, so it’s kind of a neighborhood type place,” Rivers said.

Rivers also made sure to mention that he is always guaranteed a great cuppa joe.

Max Bloom’s roasts their coffee in small batches, so it is kept as fresh as possible.

Their 89 cent house blend consists of a unique mix of two Brazilian beans.

“We got a small roaster and started buying different beans and coming up with a blend that we both liked and then tried it out on our friends and relatives until we got a general consensus,” Carter said.

He said it has been a learning experience since neither of the owners had ever run a coffee shop before.

But for now, he said the biggest challenge they face is getting people aware of their location since Malden Avenue is a street typically not traveled.

Cell phone users pass by, stepping on the four holes and a square of where a payphone used to be.

A flowerpot covers what is left of a phone booth in College Park on the first floor.

Many students at Cal State Fullerton do not rely on payphones due to the increase of cell phone usage.

There are not many payphones on campus.

“There were plenty of payphones on campus over four years ago,” said Ray Staph, groundskeeper at CSUF. “They weren’t really used, so about over two years (ago), they were taken out,” Staph said.

There was a payphone on the side of the William B. Langsdorf Hall Building, next to a light post.

All that remains is the light post with a concrete square next to it with four holes covered by dirt.

The same scenario plays out on other locations where payphones used to be.

A tall, blue emergency phone now stands in front of the Performing Arts Building.

The remains of the payphone are covered by dirt, hidden behind the emergency phone.

“I haven’t seen a payphone on campus, maybe I haven’t really paid attention,” said Yazmin Chavez, 24, a communications major. “I feel students rely on other students to borrow their cell phones.”

There is a payphone hidden on the side of the Titan Student Union; it is off to the left of the sliding doors. The phone works and charges 50 cents for local calls.

Many students have no idea it is there.

For Tiffany Mendoza, 20, a radio-TV-film major, it has been a year since she used a payphone at 7-Eleven in Irvine.

“I used payphones all the time, when they used to be around.

Now it’s actually easier to ask someone to use his or her cell phone,” Mendoza said.

Most payphones are either not working, vandalized or beaten up.

Finding a working, useable payphone can be frustrating.

The increased usage of mobile phones has brought about much of the decline in payphone usage.

Students like Vivian Chen, 18, a psychology major, do not see a use for payphones.

“I don’t rely on them because I have a cell phone,” Chen said.

Phone companies like AT&T and Bell South have exited the payphone business or disappeared altogether.

Some operators, instead of removing unprofitable payphones, have raised prices on remaining units.

Low-income consumers rely on payphones as a means of communication.

A crisis can also bring back the usefulness of payphones, when expenses are cut back.

“Payphones come in handy for people who can not afford home phones or cell phones. Now with the (economic) crisis, many have lost their job and can not afford the luxury of having a cell phone,” Mendoza said.

Although payphones may come in handy, students prefer to ask a friend, classmate or passerby. Friendly students are willing to lend their phones to someone in need.

“I would let someone borrow my phone, if I see they really need it,” Mendoza said. “I want someone to do the same for me if I have an emergency,” she said.

4

FEATURES

December 10, 2009

Comic books help fight illiteracy and find their way in classrooms

By Jameson Steed

For the Daily Titan

features@dailytitan.com

PHOTO COURTESY MCT Pacific Coast Highway runs along most of the West Coast of the United States, to as far north as Oregon. For students coming out of college, a road trip along PCH and staying at inexpensive hotels, can help relieve the stress built up after years of studying.

Consider a celebratory road trip when final are through

By Maureen Fox

This is a perfect time to take advantage of these discounts. features@dailytitan.com The easiest and cheapest way to travel in California and Nevada is by The academic year is nearly half car.

If a group of friends take a grad over, and students are salivating over trip together, they can split driving the prospect of being done.

Seniors especially are longing for time and the cost of gas.

Using cars for transportation also graduation, when the hours slaving over textbooks end and the real avoids expensive airfares.

California is famous for its beauworld begins.

One traditional way to celebrate tiful coastline, so certain routes, like this rite of passage is to take a gradu- Pacific Coast Highway, are a fun way to see the state as you travel. ation trip.

Depending on how far you plan But with the economy currently circling the drain, how can students to go, planes are a good option for saving time. afford to travel?

Cheap flights can be found The answer is simple: travel lothrough companies such as Expedia cally.

People tend to go to places far and Travelocity or through airlines away to experience the exotic, but like Southwest.

Booking early and taking red-eye few citizens of the United States take the time to explore their own coun- flights can also help to lower prices.

Sticking to inexpensive hotel try.

Students who are willing to take chains, such as Holiday Inn and Best local graduation trips in California Western, is a great way to save on accommoand Nedation. vada will If you save a lot of travel to Students who are willing money and multiple still have a to take local graduation trips in cities, you wonderful California and Nevada will save can acadventure, a lot of money and still have a cumulate by seeing points by new sights wonderful adventure ... staying at or getting the same a new perchain, spective on which can be put toward lower room familiar locations.

While the economy is hurting, rates or upgrades later in your trip.

Hotel chains also have the same this can be helpful to student travelstandards, guaranteeing quality ers.

With people cutting back, hotels, rooms in each city.

Splitting rooms with friends also car rental companies and travel package companies are offering a variety helps you cut costs.

Planning early always saves monof deals to encourage people to keep ey. traveling.

Daily Titan Staff Writer

“

“

As soon as you finalize your dates and number of travelers, start researching online to find the latest promotions and best deals.

Walking is always perfect for exploring cities.

In beach towns, it’s a great way to take in the scenery.

Some cities, though, like Los Angeles, are huge and rely on cars for transportation.

Use your car to get to specific districts within each city and walk from there.

You can also save money on food.

It’s usually not important to try the local cuisine, so fast food is a good option.

If you get sick of fast food, visit local cafés and diners for cheap, quality meals.

Every city has a cultural center, even if their economy is based on tourism, like Las Vegas.

Ask your hotel for tour information if you want to visit museums and other cultural sites.

Remember to have common sense while traveling.

Don’t travel alone at night, and watch your possessions to keep them from being stolen.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and when you visit ATMs, cover the keypad to protect your pin number.

Make sure to ask questions.

Each city has its quirks, and you may be surprised at what is just around the corner.

While main tourist sites are fun to see, wander around in other areas to really get a feel for the local scene.

Local trips may not be exotic, but they still make memorable grad trips.

Comic books are more than junk food for the brain.

That is the message that some across the nation are trying to prove. Over the past few years, the literacy rate for American children has gone down, which is leading to more creative ways of teaching to get children to read and learn.

Comic books are starting to be seen as less of a waste of time and more as a useful tool for learning.

A documentary called “Comic Book Literacy” attempts to tackle this subject. The documentary looks at how comic books can be used within classrooms to teach and promote literacy. The film has educators, researchers, writers and artists give their commentary on the subject by going over current education trends.

“Ask any professional educator and they will tell you that the hardest part of teaching isn’t in the details of math, science or literature but in the act of getting their students’ attention in the first place. This is somewhat circumvented when it comes to comics and reading,” said Todd Kent, “Comic Book Literacy” director. “When a child sees a comic book his or her natural instinct is to pick it up and read it or to pick it up and look through it. Comics are fun. Comics are meant to be read. It is not a huge leap for the child to then associate reading with fun.”

The film is due to hit comic conventions in 2010 where it hopes to gain a distributor.

Some have used comics in new and interesting ways to teach children. The Comic Book Project, created by Michael Bitz, the Center for Educational Pathways’ executive director, has children work with others to create their own comics. The goal is to get children in a creative process leading to literacy reinforcement, social awareness and character development, then publish and distribute their work for other children in the community to use as learning and motivational tools. The comics are published by Dark Horse Comics and distributed across the nation.

The project was started in New York but after successful results has been taken up throughout the nation.

“I know that I discovered Sherlock Holmes, the books of H.G. Wells and Kurt Vonnegut either directly or indirectly through

PHOTO COURTESY MCT Malcolm (left) and Kamaal Washington of Kansas City, Kan., are the creators of a series of comic books aimed at children dealing with diabetes. Kamaal, 12, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes three years ago.

comics, so there is that,” said Scott Tingley, a teacher in the New Brunswick, Canada public school system who runs Comics in the Classroom, a Web site that reviews and recommends comics for classroom use.

Some are cautious on how some teachers will use comics in the classroom.

“Comics should be addressed as a storytelling medium, the way film should be, not as some kind of easy reader thing, but as a separate and distinct way to tell a story. When I teach comics classes, I teach the grammar of graphic narrative, by looking at examples of published comics and figuring out – with the class – how they mean what they do, how the style creates effects. And I have students make their own comics, no matter their own perceived inability to draw. The act of telling a story visually helps understand narrative, I think, and that could translate to other forms of storytelling,” said Timothy Callahan, staff writer for Comic Book Resources.

“Comics used as some kind of step-ladder to get to prose seems like misguided effort to me, in the way that a strict push-up only regime would be a poor way to prepare for a marathon. If you want kids to become better readers of prose, work them up by having them read and attack more types of prose. If you want them to become better readers of graphic narrative, have them read and attack more types of graphic narrative,” Callahan said.

Neil Gaiman, one of the most acclaimed comic book writers, received praise from literary critics and was awarded the Newbery Medal, an award given for excellence in children’s literature for his recent novel “The Graveyard Book.” Though

the book is not a graphic novel, Gaiman has been bringing this quality of storytelling to comics for years. Ask any comic store clerk for proof of a comic book that was more than mental junk food and he will probably direct you toward Gaiman’s run of “Sandman,” which earned Gaiman four Best Writer Eisner awards, the highest honor a comic writer can win.

Writers like Bill Willingham have written novels within their own comic series to bring in some readers who would not read a comic. His recent novel “Peter and Max” takes place within his award-winning comic series “Fables,” following the lives of well-known fairy tale characters as they fight to take back their homelands.

A big problem that could get comic companies to try to create more educational comics is the fact that their readership is aging.

The average age of comic readers is higher every year. Companies like DC and Marvel will soon have to replenish their readers.

Marvel has made a few attempts to gain young readership in the past few years. The Ultimate comics line was aimed at younger readers by creating a Marvel Universe that was at the beginning. Fans could read about Spider-Man, the X-Men or Thor from their re-imagined origins like Marvel’s older readers did 50 years ago.

The comic line was successful, but not in the way it was intended. It was big with Marvel’s older readers and brought back a lot of readers who left comics in the ’90s.

December 10, 2009

OPINION

5

‘Saturday Night Live:’ The good, the bad, the ugly

By Summer Rogers

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

Is it wrong to download music from the Internet without paying for it?

By Katelin Paiz

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

Around 40 million songs were downloaded illegally last year, and new statistics show that 95 percent of music downloads are illegal.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am guilty. Over the last four years or so I have downloaded hundreds of songs illegally. But truthfully, who hasn’t?

We’ve all heard the horror stories of people getting caught and having to pay thousands of dollars in fines, as was the case with a Boston University doctoral student who was charged with illegally downloading 30 songs and in turn was forced to pay a $675,000 fine.

Clearly, the music industry is trying to make an example of the people who do more than the average amount of file sharing. But is making someone pay $675,000 for 30 songs really an effective way to run an industry?

Findings from Harvard Business School suggest that illegal downloading may not hurt the industry after all. Their justification being that the people who typically download music illegally are teenagers or college age individuals who are “money-poor

but time-rich.” In other words, they are the kind of people who wouldn’t buy the songs that they downloaded anyway. The music industry then cannot claim to be losing money from those people.

The sales from the first half of the year even seem to support these findings. The number of illegal downloads and music sales both increased.

Now before Metallica comes after me with a baseball bat, I should say that I’m not entirely sold on these particular findings, but I do think that illegal downloading is not something that the music industry will be able to stop with scare tactics.

It’s clear that making examples of starving college students that download illegally because they can’t afford to buy the CD is only aggravating the problem. After all, we are the computer-savvy generation, and we will always find a way around these barriers.

In fact, if you Google search “illegal downloading” right now it will come up with pages of sites explaining how to avoid getting caught. File sharing is also expanding to the film industry — though somewhat less successfully. If I wanted to, there are at least three Web sites I know of off the top of my head, where one can watch streaming-movies that are still in theaters.

Times are changing, and the entertainment industry needs to keep up if they want to continue making money. It doesn’t matter how much the industries rant and rave.

It’s clear that legislation is not going to stop the “money-poor but time-rich.”

So why not try a new approach?

And no, I don’t mean iTunes.

By Eric Broude

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

In the last 10 years, file sharing has become a plague to the music industry.

According to an analysis by the Institute for Policy Innovation, “Global music piracy causes $12.5 billion in economic losses every year, 71,060 U.S. jobs lost, a loss of $2.7 billion in workers’ earnings and a loss of $422 million in tax revenues, $291 million in personal income tax and $131 million in lost corporate income and production taxes.”

That’s a lot of money. That’s a lot of people not getting paid because someone didn’t want to pay for the latest hit by Lady Gaga.

A common argument for piracy is the idea that most file sharing is being done by people who can’t afford to pay for the music and wouldn’t buy the songs either way; therefore, the music industry isn’t losing any money over file sharing.

I can’t afford to buy a Ferrari either. Should I go steal one? It’s not really that big of a deal because I wouldn’t have been able to buy it anyway.

Sure, the car is a more tangible possession, but it’s the same idea.

There are a lot of things I’d like to

own but can’t afford. That doesn’t mean I have the right to just take them. We’ve evolved past the ideal of “want, take, have.”

Are you still saying the Ferrari is different? OK, how about this.

Let’s say my friend bought a Ferrari fair and square.

Now, I have this brand new technology that can create a copy of something, let’s call it the Sminternet.

So I go over to my friend’s place and copy his Ferrari so I can have one.

Then I start making more copies of it and just give Ferraris away to anyone who wants one at absolutely no charge.

I also give them the Sminternet so they can start making their own copies and giving them away for free.

Do you really think that wouldn’t hurt the Ferrari industry?

File sharing has become one of those things that everyone does because the risk is low, like driving after you’ve had just one drink. No one thinks they will get caught, so they just do it, regardless of whether or not it’s wrong.

When someone does get caught, they complain about being charged unfairly, even when they admit to having broken the law. Well, if you didn’t want to get charged thousands of dollars, you should have just paid the $30 for those 30 songs.

You were really too cheap to just pay a dollar per song? Even less if you buy the full albums?

The fact is, downloading music is still stealing.

If you make the conscious choice to break the law, then you deserve what comes to you when you get caught.

Running for the hills as stress builds

By Greg Lehman

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

Each of us is an animal and we all have urges to get out.

Untapped energy bubbling up from the pressures in our lives, especially the stresses that December brings, can lead to aggression and short fuses.

The end of the semester is here with its requisite finals, gift buying and the shock of another year passing us by.

The winter holiday season can bring a lot of stress in many forms, and we always need an outlet for the things that weigh on us emotionally and spiritually.

There are many ways to let these things out of us. One of the most productive ways to put these natural inclinations to good use is through physical activity.

Everything else seems easier when you have accomplished something

that leaves you flushed with dopamine, soaking with sweat and surprised at your own accomplishment.

The perspective gained is refreshing and does wonders for patience and motivation.

There are plenty of other things to do: hit a heavy bag, ride a bike, climb a rock or pile the weights on at the gym.

Our bodies can be neglected at times of stress, when they should be an instrument to work it out of us.

Living vicariously by watching others, by definition, can only get us so far.

There is almost nothing simpler than strapping on shoes and seeing how far you can push yourself to do just one thing: not stop.

The process fires on every facet of a person: physical endurance, mental dedication and a spiritual clarity that distracts us from the things that plague us everyday.

Personal issues, debt, school and work can be left behind for a little

while as I focus on breathing, pace and the setting around me.

Pouring everything you are into this exhausting process can grant a nourishing respite from the constant engagement the world demands of us.

The time spent can also give you a time to evaluate priorities and confront yourself.

Angry? Run until you are too tired to be angry. Sad? Assert your strength by being strong. Tired?

Keep at it and find out how much energy you did not know you had stored up behind your exhaustion.

I personally prefer running in natural settings. Parks and hiking trails are my favorite, but street running is good too.

The time to be alone with my

thoughts is essential. In our daily lives we are rarely truly alone. It is good to be still at times, to regain comfort in your own skin apart from everyone else and see what you can achieve on your own.

It is always tempting to stop. The brink of despair is a thin line that begs at you every step of the way.

When that hill really seems to never stop, the lactic acid squirting up in your muscles is begging for rest, and this whole thing just seems ridiculous.

This can be the moment of rededication, the time to embrace the absurdity and keep at it. The reward is the process.

The resilience earned lets you know that you can meet any goal and see it through.

“Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” has been shouted out by the “not ready for prime time” players of Saturday Night Live for the last 35 years.

For some of those years, it was worth staying home on a Saturday night to watch, but the eight seasons leading up to the 2009-10 season have left audiences humorless and wanting more from the late night sketch comedy show.

What makes an episode bad? Is it the host? Is it the skits? Is it the dialogue?

I believe a deadly combination of the three can bomb an entire episode, but a great host can salvage poor skits. Unfortunately, great skits cannot save a bad host.

Take for example Megan Fox; she is proof that decent skits can’t save a poor host. I know and understand that she is hot, but she is also talentless, and hotness, unfortunately, cannot compensate for talent.

The skits weren’t poor, but since she was so terrible, the cast had to carry her in every scene, especially Will Forte in the SNL Digital Short “The Date.”

An example of utter disaster is when both the host and the skits are terrible. January Jones from “Mad Men” on AMC hosted on Nov. 14, a day that will live in SNL infamy.

Both the sketches and Jones were awful. She brought every sketch she was in down with her monotone delivery, bringing the energy down and sucking the life out of every joke.

A great host that got bogged down in bad skits was Joseph Gordon-Levitt of “500 Days of Summer” and “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra.”

He really showed his affinity for comedy, but his talent was wasted on the drab skits.

Only two episodes thus far have had great hosts and good skits. Blake Lively of “Gossip Girl” and singer Taylor Swift are surprisingly multitalented. These girls can do it all and have been the only spark of hope for this season.

To save your eyes and brain space

from viewing those crummy skits and/or hosts, here are skits to see (forget the rest): Episode 2: “So You Committed a Crime and You Think You Can Dance:” Hilarious performances from Fred Armisen, Kenan Thompson and Ryan Reynolds.

The SNL Digital Short “On the Ground” with Andy Samberg.

“Fashion:” Lady GaGa and Samberg desperately try to makeout while both are dressed in GaGa’s famous “bubble dress.”

Episode 3: “Tampax to the Max Tournament of Champions 1991:” Will Forte and Jason Sudeikis are ESPN announcers for a female pool playing championship. Sudeikis gives hilarious shoutouts to the sponsor: “Tampax, knickknacks patty-whacks stop your flow with Tampax” and “Tampax, helpin’ you relax when Mother Nature attacks your slacks.”

Episode 4: Gerard Butler’s opening monologue; he sings “Music of the Night” from “The Phantom of the Opera” while being attacked by ninjas.

Episode 7: Gordon-Levitt’s monologue; a re-creation of Donald O’Connor’s “Make ‘em laugh” song and the dance scene from “Singin’ in the Rain.”

The SNL Digital Short “Two Worlds Collide,” featuring Reba McEntire.

Episode 8: “Vagisil Superstars of Bowling Tournament 1989.” A sketch that looks to become a reoccurring skit, brings back Forte and Sudeikis as ESPN commentators, this time providing commentary for a female bowling tournament. Sudeikis brings big laughs when he gives his shoutouts to the sponsor, “Vagisil: When dryness lingers, get some cream on those fingers, Vagisil;” and “Vagisil: I scream, you scream, we all scream for vagina cream, Vagisil.”

“Potato Chip Thief.” Lively is the sole reason for watching this skit.

For a list of SNL’s top 35 skits from its 35 years, visit: DailyTitan.com/2009/12/snl-35

yo u r w e e k ly d o s e o f e n t e rta i n m e n t

Less than jake @ the glass house Photo by ron fu/daily titan staff photographer

For full story visit dailytitan.com/2009/12/less-than-jake

December 10, 2009

detour@dailytitan.com

Drama and the fantastic collide Hollywood heavyweight brings his innovative eye to new book adaptation By summer rogers

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

Peter Jackson is the man known most notably for his epic blockbusters, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong (2004).

His final film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King won him three Oscars in 2004 for Best Director, Best Picture and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay.

He has been on a directing hiatus for four years, but he assures he has been keeping busy. He stepped into the role of producer for director Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 (2009) and is producing a movie version of the Belgian comic strip Tintin due in 2011.

Jackson’s current project is another adaption of a novel, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

This film choice strays from his previous films in that The Lovely Bones deals more with reality rather than the whimsical worlds of elves, hobbits and giant apes.

Jackson kindly took a moment from his busy schedule to discuss his directing hiatus, the challenges of adapting a film from a novel and what attracts him to sci-fi and fantasy genre films.

“

Daily Titan: What sort of challenges presented themselves in adapting The Lovely Bones from novel to film?

Peter Jackson: Well, one of the things is that I’m beginning to learn, because you know, I’m not hugely experienced at doing this, and you’re learning all the time.

Like every time you make a movie, it’s like going to film school. I’m realizing that when you adapt a book, you can only really put half the book into the film.

One of the challenges when you’re adapting is that you’ve got to start making decisions about what the most important aspects of the book are.

DT: After directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong so closely together, how is the process different, being able to take your time with The Lovely Bones?

PJ: I really (enjoyed) doing Lord of the Rings and King Kong so close together.

I was very … I wouldn’t say I was tired of bigbudget fantasy films, but I certainly felt that I had to have a break from type of – Peter Jackson, those films, and The Lovely Bones was Director a project that we partly chose because it was so different and it would keep us on our toes because there’s no doubt that the way that you stay interested in what you’re doing is to keep trying new things and to do things you’ve never done before.

DT: What attracts you to the sci-

Well, one of the things is that I’m beginning to learn, because you know, I’m not hugely experienced at this ...

6

Ax man explores animated territory

By Matt Holland

For the Daily Titan

detour@dailytitan.com

photo courtesy of matt mueller and paramount pictures On the set with director and Oscar winner Peter Jackson (right), and Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan of Dreamworks Pictures’ The Lovely Bones, a Paramount Pictures release.

fi and fantasy genre?

PJ: I always make the movies that I’d want to watch, so whatever I make does reflect my personal taste.

And the movies that I like watching are escapist movies.

I have no interest in seeing movies about people like me or you or people who have regular jobs or live a regular life.

I like being swept away into an adventure that I know I’m never going to have in my real life, seeing and meeting characters that I’m never going to meet because they’re so outrageous or things that happen on screen, and they’re never going to be part of my real life and that whole escapist element, to me, is what’s appealing about films.

DT: How do you balance the two realms of reality and fantasy in The Lovely Bones?

PJ: The Lovely Bones was particularly interesting because it is a very fascinating mix of reality and fantasy. The Lovely Bones is an opportu-

nity for me to make a movie, which says things about what happens to our soul after we die, and that’s obviously a question that we all wonder about.

You know even calling it fantasy, I guess is not really true, because we try to present a case of, this could be what happens to you, and possibly, after you leave your body, your soul divides and lives on. It was fascinating in the sense that there’s a reality to the film, which is Susie’s parents and her sister and her murderer.

There’s a storyline that’s about them, and there’s nothing at all fantastic about that storyline; and in fact, we tried to make that as real as we possibly could. In the other half of the movie, we’re following Susie’s (storyline), which is being told from the point of view of her soul, which is living on after she dies.

It was a fascinating mixture of (fantasy and reality) and that was one of the challenges of the film was to be stepping in and out of both of those points of view, the real and the fantastic.

Musicians have been known to branch out into other art forms with various amounts of success.

Anthrax guitarist and co-founder Scott Ian decided it was time to put down the guitar and get his hands on a computer keyboard to scribe DC Comics’ newest mini-series, Lobo: Highway to Hell. Ian recently sat down with fans at one of Los Angeles’ Meltdown Comics for an intimate Q&A and autograph session.

Lobo: Highway to Hell is a twoissue prestige format series chronicling DC Comics’ favorite alien bounty hunter as he goes fist-to-face with the Prince of Darkness himself, Satan, to seek vengeance for the innocent dolphins that Lucifer killed to send Lobo a message.

The series is penciled by legendary comic book artist Sam Keith, creator of The Maxx, and clocks in at a whopping 64 pages per issue with a price tag of $6.99.

Both issues are currently out at comic book stores everywhere.

At this time, there are no plans to collect the two issues into one volume.

Fans seemed to be pretty excited for the new series.

“I’m a huge Anthrax fan. I play guitar and look up to him. I really like comic books. He wrote a book and combined a lot of my interests, so I thought I’d check it out," said Dean Karasinksi.

“It was kind of funny when I heard that Scott Ian was writing a comic. As a fan of Anthrax, I’ve been listening to his music for a long time, and he’s always had a kind of nerdy, geeky side to things. So when I heard that he was going to write a comic, I said, ‘Hey, that’s going to be fun,' and the thing about Lobo, he’s pretty much the most metal character in all of DC (Comics). It’s a match made in Hell," said Brett Parmenter, an avid comic book reader. "It’s really hilarious. And then Sam Keith,

the artist, mixes it up right there. It’s a great book, and I’m glad he’s doing it.”

During the Q&A session, Ian touched on a number of topics.

“Writing comics is something I could see myself doing longer than being in a band. I did learn one thing though: Comic signings have way less people than band signings.

But I don’t care, I wrote a comic, and I’m happy to be here,” Ian said.

Ian switched gears a bit to talk about music and the song writing process.

“I feel like every song started about zombies. At one point, I thought this could be the soundtrack for World War Z or something. Our music sounds the way it sounds and inspires a certain way, and it usually inspires me to think of really violent stuff. I would say nine times out of 10, the songs come from fiction or fantasy thing(s).”

When looking for inspiration on writing, Ian said he looks up to “(Frank) Miller and (Alan) Moore.

Being a kid in the ‘70s, I grew up on Stan Lee writing comic books. For me, he’s probably one of the biggest influences on me as a person. More recently, I think (Robert) Kirkman is doing some of the best work. The Walking Dead is my favorite book.”

Not one to be considered a onehit wonder, Ian is already planning his next project with DC Comics.

“They already gave me the go ahead on my second project. I just can’t say who it is yet because they don’t want to announce it until after New Years. But it’s pretty much right up my alley. Although, it’s going to be way more difficult. There’s way more plot than the Lobo book.

There’s going to be a lot more characters in it, at least 10 characters in the DC Universe.”

When asked who he would like to collaborate with on a future comic book project, Ian said that he would love to work with painter Alex Ross.

However, he is unsure if he’ll ever get the chance due to the artist’s incredibly busy schedule.

“

7

DETOUR

December 10, 2009

MOVIE

By summer rogers

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

Queen Victoria, one of the most influential and important rulers in the United Kingdom, had an entire period of history named after her (the Victorian era) for all the industrial, political, scientific and military progress achieved during her reign.

A film about such a powerful figure in history should reflect her achievements, and The Young Victoria, a film about the queen’s beginning, fails to illustrate just how powerful and important she was.

Unlike other movies made about British nobles, lik Elizabeth: The Golden Age, which focus on the later years of their reign, The Young Victoria illustrates Queen Victoria’s (Emily Blunt, Sunshine Cleaning) turbulent teen years, her ascension to the throne and her romance with her cousin Albert (Rupert Friend, Pride & Prejudice).

On her journey to the throne, she encounters road bumps. Before she turns 18, her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson, Fred Claus) and her scheming adviser, Sir John Conroy (Mark Strong, Body of

Lies), attempt to force her to sign her power over to them, but she adamantly refuses. After being wooed by her cousin, she finally marries Prince Albert, two years after being crowned queen.

Blunt rules as Queen Victoria; she shows her dramatic chops and really brings Victoria to life. Friend excels as playing the sheepish and quiet Albert. He and Blunt have a fantastic chemistry that really makes the audience fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with one another.

The Young Victoria varies from other films about influential female figures in the fact that it focuses mostly on the romance between Victoria and Albert.

The films about Queen Elizabeth and Marie Antoinette both focus on the personalities and lifestyles of these powerful and influential women, striking a more powerful chord in terms of illustrating the stories of these women.

The Young Victoria is definitely a chick-flick, but it still manages to illustrate the rise of a powerful female.

MUSIC

By Jeremiah Magan

Daily Titan Opinion Editor detour@dailytitan.com

It’s difficult not to think that you are listening to a Queens of the Stone Age album when you hear Them Crooked Vultures and their self-titled debut album. Josh Homme, the lead singer for both bands, doesn’t stray too far from what he knows. If you are a fan of QOTSA this is a good thing.

What sets this album apart from Homme’s previous work is the inclusion of Dave Grohl (drums) of Nirvana and Foo Fighters, and John Paul Jones (bass) of Led Zeppelin.

Avoiding comparison is impossible, especially since Grohl played drums for one of QOTSA’s albums.

Grohl’s drumming is tight, meshing well with the bass work of Jones as a driving force, especially for songs like “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I” and “Warsaw or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up.” Being a primarily three-piece band, Jones’ bass playing is distinguishable amongst the sounds, but for the most part, it only supports the guitar, as most bass playing does in current music. Jones truly breaks

through, using distorted bass as the dominant sound in “Gunman,” making it one of TCV’s funk influenced tracks when it is mixed with the keytar.

TCV takes a different direction with two of its songs. “Elephants” starts like a Van Halen anthem but reverts back to a style similar to the rest of the album.

“Interlude with Ludes” takes a trip through a field of strange, indistinguishable sounds, hollow drums and echoing vocals. The lyrics are difficult to discern but add to the mysterious nature of the song: “On the good ship lollygag / LSD and a bloody pile of rags / I hate to be the bearer of bad news / but I am.”

Them Crooked Vultures is a solid album all the way around.

For fans of QOTSA there will be a lot to enjoy, but anyone looking to hear something completely original will be sorely disappointed.

Homme, Grohl and Jones take what they do best and continue on.

And there is nothing wrong with that.

MOVIE

By summer rogers

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

A film about country music that has a crazy amount of heart, soul and emotion, Crazy Heart serves as an examination of fame and failure and the humanity behind it all.

Washed-up 57-year-old country singer Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges, The Men Who Stare at Goats) is struggling to survive by playing hole-inthe-wall bars across America.

Blake, not only in a slump in his career, is an alcoholic, a smoker, 25 pounds overweight and doesn’t care about his destructive state.

Even when Blake finds love in the form of single-mother reporter Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Dark Knight), it doesn’t make him realize he’s not only hurting himself, but also the people around him until it’s too late.

Bridges shines as the shell of a human being as he gives Blake the ‘crazy heart’ and soul that makes the character so real.

In addition to his superb acting, Bridges showcases his incredible vocal talents; he could be a successful country singer if he desired

to be one.

This performance should earn him a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars.

Gyllenhaal, who in past roles has perfected the role of the tough, hard-edged female, is the rose to Bridge’s thorn; she brings a soft, femininity to the abrasiveness of Blake and creates a balance between the two characters.

Actor Colin Farrell has a small role as Tommy Sweet, Blake’s protégé who is playing sold-out concerts and is infusing the “real country” of Blake’s soulful songs with mainstream music to build his success (think Garth Brooks).

Farrell, an Irishman, transforms flawlessly into an American country star, which is a pleasant surprise and demonstrates Farrell’s diversity as an actor.

Crazy Heart is a journey best taken with an open mind and heart.

As much as the film sounds like a drama, there are laughs (provided

by Bridges) and a great moral to the story.

Sports

8

The Don Says...

Expect top notch defense when ‘Bama and Texas meet in national title game

By Adan VAsquez

Daily Titan Sports Editor sports@dailytitan.com

photo courtesy mct Alabama’s Greg McElroy (left) and Nick Saban (right) could be celebrating for a second time on Jan. 7, 2010, when they meet Texas in the BCS National Championship Game.

December 10, 2009

Not since 2005 has there been a more anticipated BCS National Championship Game. Nor has there been a matchup of undefeated teams.

When the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide take the field against the No. 2 Texas Longhorns on Jan. 7, 2010, in Pasadena, Calif., that’s exactly what the nation will be tuning in to see.

Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide will go into the game looking for its first national championship since 1992.

The Longhorns have had more recent success, winning what many consider to be the greatest championship game in the history of college football when they defeated Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and LenDale White’s USC Trojans behind the scrambling legs of Vince Young.

So what can the college football world expect when these two traditional powers meet on the gridiron?

Well for one, don’t expect the fireworks that 2005 brought us. This one has the makings of a defensive

war, similar to what we saw in last season’s title game between Florida and Oklahoma.

Saban’s brand of football is always strong on the defensive side of the football, and this team is no different. The Crimson Tide will boast the nations second-ranked defense behind linebacker Rolando McClain. Their offense, ranked No. 35 in the country, may not be that impressive on the stat sheet, but they did dismantle the previous No. 1 Florida Gators in the SEC Championship game 33-13, thanks in large part to the breakout performance by running back and Heisman Trophy candidate Mark Ingram, who ran for 113 yards and three touchdowns.

The Texas Longhorns are no slouch by any means. The nation’s second-best team, that spent the majority of the season ranked third behind their title game opponent and Florida, boasts its own impressive credentials.

Mack Brown’s squad comes in with the country’s third-ranked defense, and some guy on the offensive side of the football named Colt McCoy who just so happens to be college football’s winningest quarterback of all-time with a 43-7 record as a starter.

Ranked No. 20 in total offense this season, the Longhorns do possess a more potent attack, thanks in large part to McCoy’s arm, but they should not be expected to explode on Alabama.

Both teams head into the title game having had their fair share of close games and down-to-the-wire finishes. Luck played a huge part in both squads reaching every team’s dream.

Alabama looked more impressive throughout the season until it ran into Lane Kiffin’s Tennessee squad.

But Terrence Cody blocked a field goal that would have ended their title dreams, and kept their perfect season intact with a 12-10 victory.

The Auburn Tigers also gave the Crimson Tide a scare in their Iron Bowl battle. Down 21-20 late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Greg McElroy helped keep his team perfect with a tenacious drive down the field, capped by a four-yard touchdown pass and a 26-21 victory.

The Longhorns didn’t face much adversity throughout the season, blowing out nearly every single one of their opponents. But they did get a mild scare from Texas A&M in 4939 shootout.

However, Nebraska pushed them to the brink in the Big 12 Championship game Saturday. Texas was supposed to walk all over the Cornhuskers on their way to the national title game, but it was anything but easy from the start.

Trailing 12-10 in the last few seconds of the game, a McCoy’s pass sailed out of bounds as time expired, and Nebraska players began to celebrate what looked like the season’s upset of the season. But then the referees stepped in, reviewed the play, and graciously added one more second to game clock – enough time for Texas to kick the game winning field-goal and preserve their spot opposite Alabama.

Each team comes in with something to prove to the nation: that its close calls were nothing more than upset alerts and not their real identity. While it may be true, it may apply more to Texas, who poses more

of an offensive threat than Florida did.

The Crimson Tide must once again go up against one of college football’s greatest quarterbacks of all-time in back-to-back games, and although they passed test number one in Florida’s Tim Tebow, McCoy presents them with more of a threat all over the field, as he can not only beat them running the football, but also has something Tebow is not necessarily known for – his arm. And it’s an impressive one too.

McCoy clearly offers more in this matchup than Tebow and the Gators did against Alabama – running the quarterback nearly every time, or running his famous “jump pass” becomes predictable after so many times.

McCoy will move the ball on Saban’s vaunted defense, quite possibly hang up over 200-yards passing, a couple of touchdowns and keep them on their heels throughout the entire game, but it may not be enough come Jan. 7.

Alabama is too balanced offensively for Texas with Ingram in the backfield and Julio Jones roaming through defensive secondaries. If McElroy can emulate his performance against Florida or simply take care of the ball with minimal mistakes, then McClain and the Crimson Tide defense should be able to hold the Longhorns just enough to bring the Coaches Trophy back home to the Dirty South.

If Nick Saban sticks with Alabama and doesn’t flirt with the idea that he may be – incorrectly – successful in the NFL, then the Crimson Tide could turn into college football’s next powerhouse program. Again.

Nastia Liukin coming to CSUF campus to help save gymnastics program By kirshawna fitzhugh For theDaily Titan

sports@dailytitan.com

Strength, flexibility and balance; gymnastics mats, leotards and talent; family, friends, coaches; and Beijing Olympic gold medalist: Nastia Liukin. This is what will be seen at the 2009 Southern California College Preview meet-and-greet to benefit the Titans’ gymnastics program on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.

Liukin will join the Cal State Fullerton and UCLA women’s gymnastics teams in hosting the event to save the Titans’ gymnastics program.

Titan Head Coach Jill Hicks returned for her fourth season, proud of her team and their accomplishments.

“My girls are great. We’re staying positive, focused, and we don’t have down days,” she said.

Sitting at her desk, bursting with energy and Titan pride, Hicks explained why this meet-and-greet is so significant.

With the only two gymnastics teams in Southern California being CSUF and UCLA, they will combine their talent – making it two teams, one goal.

Their goal is to save their programs

and end the domino effect, not only for themselves, but for their clubs so other gymnasts will have the opportunity to experience college gymnastics in Southern California in the near future.

With the CSUF gymnastics team only an affiliate of the Western Athletic Conference, they’re raising their own funds to keep their program open for the 2010-11 season.

This event will be filled with entertainment and excitement, as both Titans and Bruins will put on a show for their guests and get children involved.

“It’s going to be a great event,” said former CSUF gymnast Juliet Slusher.

Hicks and Bruins gymnastics Head Coach Valorie Kondos’ friendship has also been beneficial for the event because they are not only working to help the Titans, but they’re also working to help each other. Hicks smiled as she recalled herself asking Kondos, “Do you think Nastia would come?” while anticipating the idea of what Liukin’s appearance would do for the fundraising event and their programs.

Liukin will be hosting the event and enjoying a $500 catered RSVP luncheon with the first 40 people

who arrive at the event before the preview at noon.

Following the luncheon, the Titans and Bruins will hold a “Meet the Team” gathering, featuring exhibition routines and an autograph session.

“It’s very exciting that the Olympian will be there,” said Kori Underhill, senior gymnast.

Hicks said this year they have saved money by not buying a lot or flying anywhere. She told her girls that she’ll always be honest with them, but she only wants them to focus on school and gymnastics. She will focus on the funds.

“That’s my job,” she said, “and it’s important that the message about our program gets out at the event.”

The program has been receiving assistance from family and friends wanting to help and support, as well as colleagues.

“We did meet with President Milton Gordon and Vice President Robert Palmer, and they have been awesome and supportive of our event, and we are truly grateful,” Hicks said.

The cost to attend is only $10, and doors open at 1 p.m. It’s a first comefirst serve basis; to reserve a spot at the luncheon, please contact Hicks at 657-278-7922.

photo Courtesy mct Cal State Fullerton alumna Nastia Liukin of the United States performs a beam routing during the gymnastics gala on Aug. 20, 2008, in the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, China.

CLASSIFIEDS

December 10, 2009

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

657.278.4411

By Fax: 657.278.2702

9

5800

Crossword Puzzle brought to you by mctcampus.com

Tutoring Offered/Wanted

Got English?

Improve speaking, listening and writing skills. Convenient downtown Fullerton office. Flexible times/rates. Two experienced English/ESL teachers. Contact: cbertea@fullerton.edu or shanleysm@yahoo.com

By Email: classified@dailytitan.com

************************************* Have an

By Mail: The Daily Titan College Park Bldg.

2600 E. Nutwood Ave. Suite 660 Fullerton, CA. 92831-3110

idea of

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm

something

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

else you would like to see

• Weekly and monthly rates are also available. • For classified display ads, please see our rate card for rate information.

on the Classified

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

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

page?

Send it to

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

Comic

classified@

brought to you by mctcampus.com

dailytitan.com

Read the Daily Titan online @

www.dailytitan.com

********************************

Guess Who?

Caricature brought to you by mctcampus.com

SUDOKU

3 5 6 1 9 8 7 4 2

hard

7 4 9 3 2 6 5 1 8

1 9 4 2 8 5 6 7 3

5 7 2 6 3 9 1 8 4

6 8 3 7 1 4 2 5 9

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved.

Daily Sudoku: Mon 7-Dec-2009

/05 (00% 8*5) 05)&3 41&$*"- 0''&34 %*4$06/54 03 $0610/4 -JNJU POF QFS DVTUPNFS

&YDMVEJOH 7BMVF .FOV $PVQPOT BOE 4QFDJBM 0ÄŠFST

NZTQBDF DPN LGDGVMMFSUPO

Sudoku brought to you by www.dailysudoku.com

9

7 3 3

9

1 8

3

7 4 4

2 5 6

2 9

4

5

6 3 6 8

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved.

6 1

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.

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2009. All rights reserved.

December 9 Caricature: Celine Dion

5

3 4 2 1 8 5 4 7 9 3 6

Daily Sudoku: Mon 7-Dec-2009

%SVNTUJDL PS ÉŠJHI

8 2 5 4 6 1 3 9 7

9

http://www.dailysudoku.com/

Answer Corner

6 1

2 6 2 3

7 4

'3&&

(3*--&% $)*$,&/

9 6 1 8 7 3 4 2 5

7 4 3 1

9

4 3 7 9 5 2 8 6 1

5 6

6 8

Daily Sudoku: Mon 7-Dec-2009

3

9 8

10

SPORTS

December 10, 2009

Titans drop second home game By cesar gonzalez

Daily Titan Staff Writer sports@dailytitan.com

The Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball team played the Lions of Loyola Marymount University at Titan Gym Wednesday night, and they were unable to comeback from a deficit, losing 66-64.

The Titans were led by sophomore guard Megan Richardson, who had 17 points on 7 of 16 shooting, including 2 of 3 from behind the three-point line. Junior guard Lyndsey Grove added 14 points on 6 of 13 shooting from the field.

The Lions were led in scoring by sophomore guard Alex Cowling on 9 of 13 shooting.

“It was a good effort; we played tough and made mistakes, and our shots were just not falling tonight,” Richardson said, adding that they dug themselves into a hole despite playing better than the last game.

The first half was a game of cat and mouse as both teams traded baskets

until the Titans had their own run with about 14 minutes left in the half as Grove hit a jumper and the next possession she made a lay-up. Junior forward Katie Avila also scored on a lay-up during their 6-0 run, which cut the Lions lead to 16-12 with 13 minutes left in the game.

In the remaining 13 minutes, each team traded baskets and the Titans trailed 30-23 at the half.

The leading scorers for the Titans at the half were Richardson and Grove with six points each. The Lions were led by Cowling.

At the start of the second half, the the Titans went on a 8-0 run with three-pointers by Grove and junior guard Britt Peters in a one-minute span that cut the Lions lead to one.

CSUF took their first lead of the game two minutes into the half.

The Lions responded with four straight points to regain the lead at 36-31. The Titans tried to get back into the game, but the Lions scored on almost every possession down as they took a seven-point lead with 12 min-

Junior forward Jenna Breite receives instructions from first year women’s basketball Head Coach Marcia Foster during last night’s 66-64 home loss to LMU at Titan Gym.

utes left in the game.

The Titans answered with a threepointer by senior guard Jasmine Scott to cut the lead to four points.

The Titans tried to stay close with an attempted run at the final minutes of the game, but losing 59-56 with 1:32 left in the game, the Titans turned the ball over and had to foul in order to extend the game.

They fouled Lions’ senior guard Lisa Helmers, who calmly knocked down two free throws to give the Lions a lead at 61-56.

The Titans pushed the ball up the court and Peters launched a threepointer and junior forward Jenna Breite got the rebound and laid the ball in to cut the lead to three, with 46 seconds left to play.

Again, the Titans fouled and the pressure was on junior guard Renahy Young to make two free throws which she did and extended the lead back up to five.

The Titans took their final timeout and got a quick three-pointer by Scott and cut the lead to 63-61 with 21 seconds to play.

After the score, CSUF fouled and hoped Young would miss one of two free throws to make it a three-point game and give the Titans a chance to tie the game and send it to overtime.

Young missed the first free throw and made the second to give the Lions a three-point lead.

With no timeouts left, the Titans pushed the ball looking for a threepointer to tie the game but were unable to get someone open at the threepoint line.

Richardson drove to the basket looking to score, got fouled and went to the line. Richardson missed the first free throw and made the second to cut the lead to two.

The Titans fouled again and Lions’ sophomore guard Candice Nichols knocked down both free throws to give the Lions a four-point lead with four seconds to play.

“One play never makes or breaks a game. Our goal is to be better the next game,” Grove said.

After the game, Titan Head Coach Marcia Foster said, “I loved my team’s effort. Loyola Marymount is a good team, and our goal is to be better every time we play.”

Foster also added that their next game versus Brigham Young University is going to be tough.

Photos By chad uemera/Daily Titan Staff Photographer Junior guard Lyndsey Grove defends an LMU player during last night’s 66-64 home loss at Titan Gym. It was the Titans second home loss in as many tries, in which they again failed to come from behind and hold a lead.

Men’s basketball loses to SDSU on road By simon liang

Daily Titan Asst. Sports Editor sports@dailytitan.com

The road weary Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball team showed their homesickness when they lost 82-68 to the San Diego State Aztecs.

It was a homecoming on Wednesday for redshirt junior forward Jer’Vaughn Johnson, a former San Diego State player.

“It was definitely bittersweet, but more bitter because of the loss,” Johnson said. “It was kind of weird at first going up against all the guys I played with, but once I got on the court, I just wanted to beat them.”

Johnson scored a career-high 19 points and “played like an animal,” said Associate Head Coach Andy Newman.

“The bright spots were Jer’Vaughn and Jamel McGuire, two guys coming back ‘home’ to San Diego,” said Head Coach Bob Burton. “Usually, guys don’t play well in that situation.

Jer’Vaughn was terrific.”

Sophomore point guard Jacques Streeter, who was still feeling a sick, scored 12.

Junior guard Devon Peltier, who was 3 of 9 from three-point range, contributed 11 points.

SDSU freshman forward Kawhi Leonard single-handedly took over the game with career-highs in points (23) and rebounds (18).

“He didn’t feel pressured; he’s a really good player,” Newman said. “He’s really athletic and high motored.”

CSUF’s last home game was on Nov. 24 against New Mexico State when they came back to beat the Aggies after being down 25-3.

When talking about being on the road, Streeter said, it’s about knowing what to do to win and being more focused.

The Titans (3-3) have not shown the same poise they displayed when they beat UCLA in a double-overtime game back in mid-November on ESPN. The problem with the Titans has been their slow starts, and against better competition, they have not been able to come back.

The Aztecs (7-2) stormed out to an early 4-0 lead and never looked back.

Senior guard Aaron Thompson responded with a three-pointer to put

the Titans on the board.

A big blow to CSUF was when redshirt center Bryce Webster had to come out of the game with two early fouls.

With 12:36 remaining in the first half, Johnson showed some range with one of his two three-pointers to cut the Aztec lead to four.

Newman said that it was mainly because they lacked effort on the defensive end of the floor.

Leonard was getting into the lane at will with 11 points in the early going.

After Streeter’s three-pointer, the Aztecs went on a 9-0 run to expand their lead to 19 points until Streeter made a layup to stop the bleeding.

SDSU junior Brian Carlwell, a 6 foot 10 inch, 296-pound center was a force in the middle with six points and four rebounds before intermission.

CSUF shot 40 percent in the first half while allowing SDSU to shoot 55 percent.

The Titans could never get into a rhythm, and the Aztecs led 41-25 at the half.

“We were very ineffective on offense in the first half,” Burton said.

In the second half, it was a different story offensively.

Leonard continued his onslaught in the second half with his aggressive play off the dribble and on the boards.

“Our guys were not able to block out, and he was able to get those offensive rebounds,” Newman said.

The one advantage the Titans could have capitalized on was the 19 missed free throws from the Aztecs, who shot 10 percent better from the field than at the free throw line.

The outlining statistic for CSUF was getting out-muscled on the glass 38-24, giving up 17 offensive rebounds to the Aztecs.

“When you play a team like San Diego State, they are going to out rebound a lot of people,” Newman said.

The Titans will look to get back on track against Occidental College on Dec. 12 at Titan Gym.