October 28 2011

FRESNO STATE

C LLEGIAN

FRIDAY Issue October 28, 2011

COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU

HAVE A HAPPY

SERVING CAMPUS SINCE 1922

HALLOWEEN

Halloween has evolved through the ages

By La Vaughn Marshall The Collegian Halloween is typically associated with costumes, candy, horror and trick-or-treating, but the pre-Christian Celtic holiday has been traced to have begun 2,000 years ago.

“T

he billions of dollars being made will help generate income, jobs and tax revenue.”

— Sean Alley, economics professor

Kevin A Gordy / The Collegian

ASI addresses campus issues

By Samuel Cosby The Collegian Fresno State Associated Students Inc. met for a Senate meeting last week on Wednesday, Oct. 19, to discuss campus issues.

Some of the larger issues during the meeting included the bike racks that were moved from the Free Speech Area, approving the new library hours and the election of a new ASI senator.

Toward the beginning of the meeting, a University Student Union representative met with ASI senators.

This was part of a new meeting segment in order to promote transparency between the two organizations, an ASI senator said.

The USU representative informed ASI senators about the Goodwill donation drive that started on Oct. 24 in order to collect toys, clothes and electronics for those less fortunate.

The representative also discussed the new spirit pride day where students can together sport their Fresno State gear in the Free Speech Area on the first Wednesday of every month.

The representative then discussed the organizations upcoming plans for Halloween. USU will host a Halloween extravaganza Monday, Oct. 31 on campus, starting with a pumpkin carving contest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pa rk i n g a d m i n i s t r at o r A my Armstrong also discussed the movement of the bike racks from the Free Speech Area.

“Over the summer we extended the brick pathway through the Free Speech Area,” Armstrong said. “And while that was under construction we took that as an opportunity to relocate the bike racks, because as you all know, that is the most densely traveled area by pedestrians.

“There have been a lot of issues with bicycles, skateboards and scooters coming through there,” she continued. “Our intention is to protect that area for pedestrians. The bike racks were relocated to various areas on the perimeter of the Free Speech Area, such as near the quad, near the university center and by McClane Hall.”

Armstrong said it makes her happy to see so many bike riders and to see so many racks full, but because of that, she will have to step up enforcement of biking policies on campus. Alongside this, Armstrong’s department is working on installing a cement pad for bike racks just south of the library.

“We are going to put 31 bike racks in there,” Armstrong said. “So it will hold 62 bikes, which is way more than what is in the Free Speech Area before.”

See ASI, Page 3

The Library of Congress in its online collections describes the event as the biggest and most significant holiday of the Celtic year. The Celts were known for worshiping nature, the Sun God and Samhain, the lord of the dead.

The Celtic believed that during Samahain now known as Halloween, the lord of the dead could blend with the living. The Celtic gathered sacrificed animals, fruits and vegetables to help strengthen the Sun God. They would also light bonfires to help the dead through their journeys.

Celtic year became Hallowe’en when Christianity spread and the Celtic underworld became the Christian Hell.

Halloween has now contributed to a boost in market sales. The National Retail Federation estimates that shoppers will be spending about $7 billion on Halloween this year. In 2005 Americans spend $3.3 billion.

The National Retail Federation estimates that this year 161 million Americans will celebrate Halloween.

Economics professor Sean Alley said that since the peak of the recession in 2009, spending on things such as costumes has increased.

Fresno State student Thomas Nichols is one of many college students shopping for a costume on a budget this year.

Alley added that the amount of money consumers spend reflects the status of the economy.

“When people make less money they cut out extra things like buying costumes, “ Alley said. “Now that unemployment rates are going down, people with jobs can buy costumes.”

However, F resno State student Thomas Nichols is one of many college students shopping for a costume on a budget this year.

“I’m going to make my costume,” Nichols said. “I’m dressing up as Mr. T.” Nichols said his costume consists of an old Navy shirt, a chain he bought from The Home Depot, which he spray painted gold. His total cost was about

“W

hen people make less money they cut out extra things like buying costumes.”

— Sean Alley, economics professor

$10.

Halloween stores such as Halloween Express and other merchants begin preparing months in advance. In January, Halloween vendors met in Houston for a four-day Halloween show.

“The billions of dollars being made will help generate income, jobs and tax revenue,” Alley said.

Betsy Behlen, owner of the Fresno Halloween Express, said these trade shows allow them to see the latest cosSee CELTIC, Page 3

Esteban Cortez/ The Collegian

Spirit Halloween employee Anthony Sandoval (right) assists Stephenie Diaz as she shops for a costume for her son at the store located on Shaw and West Avenues in Fresno.

The

Collegian

Opinion PAGE 2

WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Agree with us? Disagree? Just want to get your opinion out?

Write us a letter to the editor. Send it to collegian-opinion@ csufresno.edu.

OPINION EDITOR, TONY PETERSEN • COLLEGIAN-OPINION@CSUFRESNO.EDU

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Striving for a backup plan WEB-SPE@K

The Sticks

Jake Severns

I

t was never a particularly easy task to find a job directly after graduating college, but the economy’s current state and several factors relating to it can make graduation a less than jubilant experience for some.

This week, it was reported that U.S. student loans soared higher than ever, reaching $100 billion in loans taken out this year. Outstanding student loans are expected to reach $1 trillion sometime this year.

When you look at the factors lead-

ing to this massive debt, it shouldn’t be surprising. Every semester students face significant fee increases while programs and courses are cut.

Education is one of the few areas where we are still willing to pay more while receiving less, but not much can be done if we have no other options.

Think of it in other terms. None of us would buy a new car if a salesperson told you that the new model is the same as your old one, only much more expensive and stripped of half the options package.

Now most students are trying to enter a more competitive workforce with large amounts of debt on their shoulders Another factor aiding to the incredibly competitive workforce is high unemployment and the countless stories of layoffs. A significant number of those who are unemployed are returning to universities in an effort to become more competitive in the marketplace.

Of course, this results in younger students competing with a large group of people who have degrees and more work experience. Some entry-level positions are also being filled by people who would have been considered overqualified before the economy crashed.

From what I gather after talking

with numerous people is that it is easier to find jobs in labor positions. It makes sense when you think about the advice economists give during hard economic times.

Most economists advise people to get involved in areas that either saves people money or that serves an area that consumers will always need even with a bad economy.

There are more examples than I can think of, but consider these few examples. Consumers will always need something fixed on items like vehicles, homes and property. Sales are another area where employees are always needed.

I don’t think any of us should look past the possibility of starting out in any of these positions. That’s not to discourage striving for bigger things, but everyone needs a backup plan. A lot of the companies employing these types of positions have advertising, marketing and relations positions as well, but might just takes a foot in the door before an employee can work their way up.

I understand that the point of a college education for some is to leapfrog over labor positions, and some will, but the economy is in a different position than it was a short time ago. That might mean starting out in a different position that most of us planned for.

University High School — Fresno State’s tanning booth

Culled each week from discussions on The Collegian’s website.

Response:

‘Religious questions’ ‘Calladus’: “I see no difference between Christians who accept the teachings of Joseph Smith and the Christians who accept the teachings of Martin Luther or John Calvin. ‘Jesus in America’ makes as much sense to me as ‘once saved, always saved’ or ‘Salvation through grace, not works.’ All of these ideas came to pass centuries after the supposed death of Jesus, and all are, or have been, considered ‘heresy’ by the ‘true’ Church.”

Response:

‘Paul solves the debt crisis’ ‘joshua4234’: “I’m sure you can balance a budget if you slash everything, and if people want that then that’s their choice and they can vote for Paul. Medicare and Social Security are extremely popular, so messing with those programs gets people worried, rightly or wrongly, and most people like spending as long as it’s on things they want. They only hate spending when it’s for the other guy.”

Response:

‘Paul solves the debt crisis’ ‘Brock Tatum’: “Great opinion letter, Tony!

Keep up the good work. Joshua4234 is a wet blanket baby. I don’t think he really understands what’s going on.”

Response:

‘Pat Hill will have to do’ ‘Alfred Leal’: “Coach Pat Hill becomes irritated when questioned by his critics, insisting we be satisfied with a less than medocre record. Fresno fans respond by not attending games. How long can Fresno State tolerate this situation?”

Response:

‘Confessions of a Civil War historian’ ‘Joe Lovell’: “Dr. Kytle, sectionalism was alive and well in our Republic even before it was a Republic. Hancock, Adams, Franklin and Jefferson, at the very least, expressed concern about sectionalism pulling it apart almost as soon as it was formed. This is nothing new...

Also, it seems that every other Christian, western European-based nation and empire managed to get rid of chattel slavery without a major war. Why would you suggest that it was necessary to have a war to end it here?”

Cartoon by Rebekah Franklin / The Collegian

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ASI: New senator appointed

CONTINUED from page 1

Right now the project is still in paperwork stages, but once that is finished, it should only be a matter of time before the racks go up, Armstrong said.

Armstrong also stated that if the need arises, there are plans to build more bike racks on the north side of the Free Speech Area.

“Years ago there [were] different things implemented to keep bikes and skateboards out of that area,” Armstrong said. “There used to be a big red stripe painted through there saying ‘no bikes, no skateboards beyond this point.’ We see this as an important thing to bring back to try to protect pedestrians traveling through there.”

Senators then approved two applications for funding. One is for a Chicano writer’s workshop and the other for International Culture Night.

Toward the end of the meeting, senators were faced with the task of electing a new ASI senator for the College of Health and Human Services.

After some debate and discussion

about whether or not to even vote on the position, senators put the issue to a roll-call vote.

The two candidates were Oscar Perez, a former senator, and Lucas Lundy.

“I really want to represent my college,” Perez said during the meeting. “I am involved with them a lot. I am also a representative at the state level.”

One of the senators, Jaime Moncayo, said that when Perez was working on the Senate Board, he was one of the hardest working senators around.

Lucas Lundy was not present at the meeting, but senators praised him for his teamwork abilities.

Due to his prior experience and commitment to the College of Health and Human Services, senators elected Perez by an overwhelming decision.

One of the last meeting issues was the fence that is being built between the South Gym and the tennis courts.

The Senators wanted to continue pushing for free open hours for the students when not in use by the kinesiology department or by intramurals.

PAGE 3

CELTIC: From Celtic to Halloween tumes, new ideas and props. Bohlen added that this convention gives vendors of every Halloween product the opportunity to show their merchandise.

“If we see something new, we get it.”

Behlen said. The Halloween Express

“N

ow that unemployment rates are going down, people with jobs can buy costumes.”

— Sean Alley, Economic professor storeowners prepared for about 8 months.

“In this economy finding a building isn’t easy,” Behlen said. This year the owners of Halloween Express opened one store to lessen their risks of losing money. The store opened for business

as early as Labor Day. The most popular costume this year are accessories in the “create-a-costume aisle” and zombie customs.

Behlen added that the avera g e amount spent on a costume at the Fresno Halloween Express is about $42.

A study done by the National Retail Federation found that 70 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds wear costumes, which is the highest of any age group.

Other students prefer to minimize expenses by not buying costumes.

Fresno State student Akliatese Harris says she’d rather not waste money on a costume.

“I’m going to just stay in, eat pizza and watch movies,” Harris said.

Harris added that to enjoy Halloween money does not need to be spent.

C

VIDEO: Check out the Halloween video on The Collegian’s website. http://collegian.csufresno.edu

Corporations recruit Web-savvy students as campus insiders

By Tori Stilwell McClatchy-Tribune When Duke University sophomore Christian Drappi sees someone using a Square credit card reader, he pulls out his phone, snaps a picture and uploads it to Twitter.

“It just kind of spreads like wildfire through retweeting,” said Drappi, who is a campus brand representative for Square. Started by Twitter founder

Jack Dorsey, the company makes miniature credit card readers for smartphones and offers competitive swipe rates.

Companies are increasingly using college campus brand ambassadors to spread the word about their products.

These representatives often rely on word-of-mouth tools like social media to publicize the company and any promotional events they host.

Though the brand ambassador is

no stranger to the college marketing scene, social media are changing how these representatives interact with their peers and how effectively their message is communicated.

Companies like Red Bull, Microsoft, Verizon and Twitter all have campus ambassadors dedicated to spreading good news about the brand.

Square has a large presence on the West Coast but is trying to expand its grasp eastward. One way it can do this is through campus representatives, said Adam Bassett, who runs the SquareU program.

Campus ambassadors approach students groups, local merchants and other prospective users to demonstrate how the card reader works and its advantages over traditional machines, Bassett said.

The gig _ technically an internship _ pays $600 per semester, with bonuses based on the number of customers students sign up.

Drappi, a math and physics double major from New Jersey, said he was encouraged by Square to use Twitter to help publicize the product. His University of North Carolina counterpart, Jane Hall, also uses Twitter to announce meetings she has with campus groups, using the hashtag #SquareU to collate the tweets.

“It’s a lot easier to do through a student than from someone in San Francisco,” said Hall, a junior majoring in advertising who wanted the internship to help build her resume.

Cord Silverstein, executive vice president of interactive communications at the Raleigh advertising agency Capstrat, said social media have made it easier than ever for college students to share opinions on a product with their peers. Companies who take advantage of this have a significant edge in reaching the student market segment, he said.

“The ones who are winning are winning because they are supplying their brand ambassadors with great content, and this content is being shared in a way that engages with college students, that speaks to them in the world they live in,” Silverstein said.

“Someone’s peer, someone they respect, like a student or a professor, these people are having much greater impact and influence on what college students think, like and don’t like, because they trust their opinions.”

Kimberly Summers, a junior from Charlotte, N.C., works with American Eagle Outfitters’ campus ambassador program at UNC-Chapel Hill. There she runs the group’s Facebook profile, “AE Student Union,” which has more than 1,200 people who “Like” the page.

The group’s most recent promo-

tion was the “Drop Your Jeans” event, which offered students a chance to donate their denim in return for a branded tumbler, a store coupon and an opportunity to win a $50 American Eagle gift card.

“A lot of people heard about it through the Facebook page,” Summers said. “We can see the impressions, how many people actually saw it, so we know how much influence we have. It’s really great.”

Cathy McCarthy, who heads the campus ambassador prog ram for American Eagle, said the company has brand representatives at 48 schools in 31 states and Washington, D.C. When looking at ambassador applications, McCarthy said the company looks for outgoing students who are social-media savvy. For the retailer, whose clothing targets college students, the ambassador program is an ideal fit.

Summers uses the group’s Facebook page to interact with UNC students about the retailer’s products.

One post, soliciting “Likes” for a photo of sunglasses to be distributed before a Saturday football game, garnered more than 114 responses.

Summers said she also posts photos of the group’s events and people who attended them.

“When we get a picture of someone, they may make it their profile picture,” Summers said. “They’re usually holding some branded material from American Eagle. They’re promoting the brand, and they don’t even know it.”

Heidi Hennik-Kaminski, a marketing and advertising assistant professor at UNC’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, said the peer-to-peer referrals brand representatives provide can be invaluable for companies that target students.

“Most college students in that age demographic end up trusting each other more than recommendations coming from corporations,” she said.

Despite this, Hennik-Kaminski said companies need to be cautious about saturating the target market and inundating students with social media promotions, a symptom often called “Groupon fatigue,” because some customers of the online deal service grew annoyed at receiving daily email offers, many of which they had no interest in.

“The question becomes, ‘How do you break through the clutter?’ Because everyone’s trying to break through that space,” Hennik-Kaminski said.

“Three years ago, four years ago, brand ambassadors on campus were a novel idea. Now companies have them everywhere. There’s only so much mindshare to capture.”

PAGE 4 • THE COLLEGIAN • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

PAGE 5 • THE COLLEGIAN • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

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PAGE6

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

THE COLLEGIAN • A&E ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, JOHNATHAN WILBANKS • COLLEGIAN-FEATURES@CSUFRESNO.EDU

The daily crossword Across 1 Traveler’s reference 6 Baldwin of “30 Rock” 10 A month of Sundays 14 Go after 15 “Later, dahling!”

16 Fictional sleuth who first appeared in the Saturday Evening Post 17 Comedian for hire?

19 Expresses delight 20 Finis, in Frankfurt 21 A month of Sundays 22 Euripides tragedy 23 What Shakespeare’s parents had to do?

27 Zoo re-creation 30 Hippy dances?

31 More than portly 32 Frost, for one 33 Opening 36 __ chic 37 Low grade, or an appropriate title for this puzzle 39 18-Down’s love 40 Orch. section 41 Quarry 42 Post-tonsillectomy treat 43 Gauchos’ gear 45 Tabloid fodder 47 Green that’s hard to swallow?

50 Material for some balloons 51 Couple’s pronoun 52 Continental wine region

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Los Angeles Times

Puzzle by Mike Peluso

C

PUZZLE SOLUTION: http://collegian.csufresno.edu Copyright 2011. Universal Press Syndicate.

56 Punta del __ 57 Memoir title for Sela?

60 Massage therapy pioneer Ida 61 Way 62 Support in a loft 63 South Dakota’s Wounded __ 64 Hudson River city 65 “That’s just crazy talk!”

Down 1 Part of a plot, often 2 “All righty __!”

3 Developer’s need 4 Star of “61*”?

5 Ross __ 6 Buttonhole 7 Retired NPR host Hansen 8 It may be lent or bent 9 Grand Banks catch 10 Slide specimen

11 Easy to babysit, say 12 Number no longer used?

13 “Such a shame” 18 Princess with great buns?

22 Get weak in the knees 24 Had 25 K or G 26 Shades 27 Big bikes 28 Stand watch, say 29 Colt 45 holder 32 Layer 34 Teatro __ Scala: Milan opera house 35 Parlor game 37 Movie monster, casually 38 Tip of the Yucatán peninsula?

39 Banish 41 Movie house suffix 42 Vase, in a pinch 44 Michael of “Caddyshack” 45 Like many ski slopes in April 46 Italian sweetheart 47 Uriah Heep, by profession 48 Is sporting 49 Numbers game 53 Freelancer’s enc.

54 “South Park” co-creator Parker 55 Empty 57 On-target 58 Wheels 59 Neither masc. nor neut.

C

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THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS SPORTS EDITOR, JERRY HUERTA • COLLEGIAN-SPORTS@CSUFRESNO.EDU

PAGE 7

BYE: The ‘Dogs will need to win three of four WAC games to get back to a bowl game CONTINUED from page 8 grown due to eight straight weeks of practice and games.

“There is more cohesiveness, but it is still a work in

progress,” Grady said. “The bye week will help. The guys will get some freshness back.

We’ll practice and work on the little things to try to iron out some details.”

And the fine details are what have been hurting the ‘Dogs, who have lost three of their past four games against Nevada, Mississippi and Boise State.

This season, the ‘Dogs have only converted 35 percent of their third downs, while defen-

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Rouse has helped this young offense get to where it is with just more than half of the season in the books. He has already g ained over 1,000 yards and punched in seven touchdowns to provide some consistency to a unit that has several first-time starters.

“We need to take advantage of more of our drives,” Rouse said. “We need to execute and be more perfect on offense.”

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sively allowing their opponents to successfully convert on third down 42 percent of the time, or 50 conversions on 120 attempts.

While the of fense hopes correct the miscues before its next competition next Saturday at Bulldog Stadium, Grady is confident the unit will improve more than it has after this week’s breath of fresh air.

Confidential emails to Menglish@wctlaw.com

Dalton Runberg / The Collegian

Offensive coordinator Jeff Grady has mentioned that the unit has more cohesion under Carr, but room to grow.

The

Collegian

SPORTS PAGE 8

RB A.J. ELLIS TO TRANSFER

Head coach Pat Hill says that Ellis plans to transfer because of the lack of playing time. The junior will graduate in May so he will play next year as a graduate with one year of eligibility left.

SPORTS EDITOR, JERRY HUERTA • COLLEGIAN-SPORTS@CSUFRESNO.EDU FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

MID-SEASON

FOOTBALL REPORT

COACH: PAT HILL, 15TH SEASON RECORD: 3-5, NEXT OPPONENT LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOG

OFFENSE:

Fresno State has been consistent on offense throughout the season besides the season opener against California and No. 5 Boise State. Quarterback Derek Carr is in his first season under center and has brought the big play back to the offense. Running back Robbie Rouse has provided big runs every game. Also, he has been connecting with his weapons on the outside in sophomore Jalen Saunders, junior Rashad Evans and senior Devon Wylie.

DEFENSE:

The defense has been a bend-but-don’t-break unit all season. Fresno State has given up the big play against most of its opponents. This in part has been caused by the loss of its two starting safeties in junior Phillip Thomas and sophomore Derron Smith. The ‘Dogs have been inconsistent on any given week as they shut down Utah State’s vaunted rushing attack in the second half of that game, but couldn’t slow down Nevada’s running game.

SP TEAMS:

The special teams have brought some stability to Fresno State with senior Devon Wylie already returning two punts for touchdowns. Senior Kevin Goessling has made seven out of 11 field goals so far this season. The only game he struggled was against Mississippi when he missed multiple field goals. Other than that, he was been consistent. Junior Andrew Shapiro rounds out the special teams unit and is averaging 40 yards per punt.

COACHING:

Fresno State’s coaching staff has had to usher in a young team with a bunch of new starters on both sides of the ball. The offense has a brand new startiing quarterback and young playmakers. On defense, the ‘Dogs lost its two starting safeties in the first weeks of the season. The offensive playcalling has been up and down all season as in the Boise State game it was inconsistent, but in the last two games Fresno State has balanced itself.

NEWCOMERS:

The main newcomer on this year’s team is starting quarterback Derek Carr, who has brought back the deep ball to an offense that has needed it. With the added facet, it has opened up more running lanes for running back Robbie Rouse and has given more time for Carr to throw. Carr has brought back the excitement of Bulldog football and now will be the face of the Fresno State program as it will be moving to the Mountain West Conference.

B+ C+ B B B+ Infographic by Brandon Ocegueda / The Collegian

Bye week offers time to rest, recuperate for Bulldogs

By Angel Moreno The Collegian

After 12 straight weeks of football with two top-10 teams on the schedule in No. 10 Nebraska and No. 5 Boise State, including last week’s 45-38 loss to Western Athletic Conference rival Nevada, Fresno State can finally catch its breath before its next game at Louisiana Tech on Nov. 5.

Head coach Pat Hill is in his 15th season as the face of the Bulldog program and will need his ‘Dogs to win four of their final five games to become bowl eligible.

“We get a head start on La Tech, but we also need time off,” head coach Pat Hill said at his weekly press conference. “We’ve had 12 straight weeks of football and we need a little time off.”

This bye week has come at an opportune time for Fresno State because it gives the team the opportunity to rest injured bodies and catch up on schoolwork before a full practice

schedule slated for next week.

Junior running back Robbie Rouse ag reed having this extra time has allowed his teammates to get their bodies’ ready for the rest of the WAC schedule and a late-season date with San Diego State.

“We’ve played a lot of great teams and eight weeks backto-back is no joke,” Rouse said. “So just this bye week is a good week for us to get a lot of schoolwork done, get our bodies fresh and get that extra week to prepare for Louisiana Tech.”

And the rest is much needed since the ‘Dogs are sitting on a 3-5 record and have stumbled out to their worst start in half a decade. Losing last week to Nevada may have slashed Fresno State’s chances at an outright WAC championship before moving to the Mountain West Conference next season.

But the Bulldogs must rest and not get ahead of themselves during the bye week.

Passing game coordinator Jeff Grady feels the team has

Dalton Runberg / The Collegian

Running back Robbie Rouse has managed to stay relatively healthy this season, but plenty of Bulldogs are using this off weekend to nurse ailing injuries and recuperate.