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CA L I F O R N I A P O LY T E C H N I C S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y “The Messenger” brings emotions of war to big screen. IN ARTS, 7
Volume LXXIV, Number 50
Obama’s job Florida State head summit has democrats coach Bobby Bowden considering new stimulus. calls it quits. IN NEWS, 4
IN SPORTS, 12
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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One year after Starkey’s death, cases ongoing Megan Hassler mustang daily
“You were handed a bag of alcohol and you were supposed to finish it all together. Some bags had hard alcohol, mine just had beer ...We were drinking for like an hour,” Sauer said. Tom Sauer, now a business junior, was a fellow Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) pledge of Carson Starkey. He attended the pledge event called “Brown Bag Night” on Dec. 1, 2008, the night before Starkey died from respiratory arrest due to acute ethanol toxicity or alcohol poisoning. Starkey’s blood alcohol concentration was
between 0.39 and 0.44. “I definitely got close to him in those couple weeks,” Sauer said. “I think it was a little different for me because I was a second year; I thought of it as more of a party. I didn’t feel pressured to drink.” Now, a year after the death of 18year-old Starkey, there is a civil lawsuit, criminal charges and numerous changes to Cal Poly greek life. Starkey’s parents, Scott and Julia Starkey, filed a civil lawsuit against the national fraternity, the local chapter and nine individual former SAE members on Sept. 22 of this year to coincide with the start of the academ-
ic year. Four of the nine individuals named in the suit include Haithem Ibrahim, Zacary Ellis, Adam Marszel and Russell Taylor. The night of the SAE pledge event, they were taking Starkey to the hospital but turned around after he vomited in the car. The other five people named in the lawsuit were officers of the local SAE chapter at the time of Starkey’s death. All of the parties of the civil suit will appear in court on Jan. 26 when the judge will set a schedule for the trial. Ibrahim and Ellis are also being charged with felony hazing causing death and misdemeanor furnishing
alcohol to a minor causing death. Marszel and Taylor pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges for hazing causing death and furnishing alcohol to a minor causing death.When asked for comment, Ibrahim and Ellis said they were not to talk to the Mustang Daily by their legal counsel. Ivo Labar, one of the attorneys representing Starkey’s parents, was involved in the writing of Matt’s Law, a California anti-hazing law. It rules that those charged with hazing can be charged with misdemeanor and felony charges rather than lesser penalties, under which Ibrahim and Ellis are being charged.
The law came as a result of the death of Matt Carrington at Chico State University in February 2005 in series of events similar to what reportedly occurred in Starkey’s case. Carrington was forced to drink water from a five-gallon jug while doing calisthenics with fans blowing on him. The water intoxication was done as part of a hazing ritual for the unrecognized fraternity Chi Tau. Fraternity members did not call for emergency help for over an hour. Since Starkey’s death, the Cal Poly greek community has undergone see Starkey, page 2
Cal Poly professor talks youth Boarders busted sports at the White House There is a Alexandria Scott mustang daily
Kate McIntyre
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Brian Greenwood, a Cal Poly recreation, parks and tourism administration (RPTA) assistant pro-
fessor, met with White House staff to discuss the current state of youth sports in America. Since the economic downturn has affected the rise in obesity and crime, Greenwood spoke to the staff about how
courtesy photo
Assistant professor Brian Greenwood (second from left) recently visited the White House to talk to administration officials about youth sports.
sports programs are necessary in public schools. “It’s not just sports, it’s arts, it’s drama, it’s all those aspects we tend to think of as extraneous. Whenever there’s financial trouble, those are always the first to be cut,” he said. “We’re basically working to reverse that trend.” Up2Us is a national coalition of organizations that emphasize sports in youth development. Greenwood and other Up2Us members, including International Tennis Hall of Fame member Monica Seles; Kevin Jennings, assistant deputy secretary of the Office of Safe & Drug Free Schools; and U.S. Olympic Speed Skater Nathaniel Mills, met from Oct. 21-23 with representatives from six White House offices for a meeting titled “The Critical State of Youth Sports in America.” More than $2 billion was cut from the nation’s youth sports programs in 2008, according to research commissioned by the coalition. “The ‘ripple effect’ of these budget cuts will extend far beyond the see White House, page 2
Skateboards are legal on campus; riding them isn’t. The University Police Department enforces the law for safety reasons, but not everyone agrees with the ban on skateboards. Last year the UPD gave 112 tickets to skateboarders. “The only time skateboards are legal on campus is when they are being held,” Sgt. Robert Eckrote said. “There is no riding allowed at all on any of Cal Poly’s property.” No one at the UPD knows exactly when the law was implemented, but Sgt. Lori Hashim said it has been around for more than 20 years. The officers’ concern is with the safety of riders and bystanders and with property damage and related costs. There is also a potential danger to motorists. “There is a possibility of a driver swerving to avoid a skateboard and colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian,” he said. The UPD has medical reports of injuries reported, but they do not keep statistics of specific injuries so a number for people
possibility of a driver swerving to avoid a skateboard and colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian. —Sgt. Robert Eckrote UPD
injured from skateboards is not available. Health & Counseling Services also does not keep data of injuries on campus. “We don’t have statistical information but the majority of accidents we see are from skateboard and bike falls,” administrative analyst Alexandra Kohler said. Despite the ban and dangers, see Skaters, page 2
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White House continued from page 1
playing fields,” said Paul Caccamo, Up2Us executive director, in an October press release. Up2Us director of research and evaluation Megan Bartlett said the coalition’s goal is to ensure that every child who wants access to a high-quality sports environment has it. Involvement in sports has an edge over traditional mentoring programs because it has the dual benefit of being physically active. In under-served communities, that’s especially important, she said, because of the rising childhood obesity rates. The movement with Up2Us is focused on increasing sports-based youth development. Research has shown that children who play sports are less likely to join gangs or become pregnant as teenagers, or suffer from lifelong medical
Skaters continued from page 1
skaters can be seen around campus holding and riding their boards. Nick Shellhammer, a horticulture junior, skateboards to school but not on campus. Though he follows the law, he doesn’t agree with it. “I don’t think it should be illegal unless people are vandalizing,” he said. “I swear I see more bikers swerving between people than I do skateboarders.” There is more of a concern for
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conditions like diabetes and asthma or childhood obesity. They’re also more likely to graduate from high school and college. “The benefits are truly endless, everything from keeping kids out of trouble to building character to build confidence, decreasing obesity to lifelong fitness,” Greenwood said. Cal Poly RPTA senior Lynn Hutchins said sports are a crucial part of a child’s development. Hutchins has worked with children as a swim instructor and lifeguard and said she has seen children develop socially, physically and mentally to become well-rounded as a result of their involvement in sports. Hutchins played sports throughout high school and partly in college, which she said kept her on the right track. Her brothers stopped playing early in high school, which had a detrimental effect on their development, she said. “Sports kept them busy and out of undesirable activities,” Hutchins
said. Greenwood’s role in Up2Us is in research. He studies everything from decreases in funding for school sports to the trend “pay to play,” where students are charged to play in school sports. He said Up2Us is making the case of the critical nature of the situation we find ourselves in so multiple entities will come to the table and donate money. Right now, Nike and NFL are major players in sports-based youth development; Nike funded a report Greenwood helped write on sports’ impact on development that will be released early next year. We’re seeing more and more interest from those who are making a great deal of money to give back, he added. He hopes that continued involvement with Up2Us will lead to grant money that enables students to become involved in the research, but the most important thing people can do is get involved with a member organization as a volunteer, he said.
people skating and doing tricks than those skating for transportation. Skateboard tricks cause property damage and mean replacement of benches, curbs and rails. Associate director of facility services Doug Overman said property damage on campus is nowhere near the problem it used to be. “Skateboarding damage has really tapered off,” he said. “Five or six years ago it was a problem; skate parks have made it less of one.” When caught riding on campus the UPD will first give a warning,
then citations thereafter. Violators have the option to attend a bicycle and skateboard diversion class, which will clear them of a first citation. Several years ago, the fine was $25 for every offense. “Skaters were willing to risk riding and pay the fine,” police records manager Fred Mills said. “The UPD went to court to elevate prices and have fees increase for every continuing offense.” Fines for skateboarding start at $146 for the first, $190 for the second and $380 if caught a third time. Rollerblades and scooters, like Razors, are also prohibited.
Starkey continued from page 1
several changes. Although alcohol was never officially allowed in pledge events, Cal Poly officials are monitoring these events more closely. Incoming pledges attended two sessions as part of their initiation into greek life. A panel made up of Cal Poly alcohol counselors, police officers and representatives from Sierra Vista Medical Center discussed hazing nationwide and how to handle it. “We are trying to coordinate our efforts to educate the community,” said Mary Peracca, alcohol and drug specialist and panel member. All pledges and new member educators were required to attend. “They went over what could happen to you (consequences) and like when is a good time to take someone to the hospital,” said John Corgel, Delta Chi assistant member counselor in charge of new member education and journalism senior. Pledge education and “Big Bro Week” have also changed as a result of last year’s incident. After the indefinite suspension of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity by Cal Poly, Sauer decided to pledge again for Delta Chi in Spring 2009. During his recent “Big Bro Week” the activities included hiking to the Poly P, fishing and a scavenger hunt.When describing his pledging experience, he reiterated that there was no alcohol involved. “I definitely feel like people are a lot more cautious,” Sauer said. “There is zero tolerance.” Delta Chi wasn’t the only fraternity to see such changes. All fraternities and sororities officially chartered
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 through Cal Poly’s Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Association have adopted similar measures, according to Stephen Lamb, director of greek life and IFC adviser at Cal Poly. Incoming IFC president Andy Farrell said he hopes to improve the “toxic relationship” between the community and college students, specifically greek members. The changes he has seen since last December include the community changing its outlook, greater awareness of brothers, more unity and camaraderie and eradication of alcohol and hazing in all new member processes. The changes coming from the highest levels of greek life seem to have infiltrated the individual level as well. Starkey’s death serves as a reminder of the finality of certain events. “You are going to have to live with the consequences,” Sauer said. The Starkey family has also begun several projects in and around Austin, Texas, where they live. The Carson Starkey Alcohol Awareness and Education Act was unanimously passed April 30 and took effect Sept. 1. It requires Texas school districts to implement an “evidence-based alcohol awareness program” into middle school, junior high and high school curriculum. The bill was supported by the Starkey family as part of their effort to educate people about hazing and the symptoms of alcohol poisoning. Starkey’s family also started a nonprofit organization called With Carson. Their Web site, withcarson.com, features news, projects and events they are organizing, a blog, apparel, photos, information for donations and links see Starkey, page 3
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Starkey
Word on the Street
continued from page 2
“Does Cal Poly’s proximity to the Men’s Colony concern you after a prisoner escaped Monday night?”
“No, I got the notification and I’m going to be on campus all day. If anything happens there are a lot of people around to mediate and get help.”
“I’m alright, I lock my doors and there’s a lot of people and houses in San Luis Obispo. I’m not super worried.”
“No, because I’m not too worried. I don’t think he is going to come here.”
“I’m from here so I’m used to it. Cal Poly security is strong enough that there is no need to worry.”
-Lynn Gualtieri, mechanical engineering senior
-Brenton Jenkins, food science and nutrition senior
-David McDermott, mechanical engineering junior
-Morgan Dewar, agricultural science freshman
“No, I can see how people would be but I’m not really (concerned). I feel pretty safe on campus.”
“It’s always a concern but I’m not worried something bad might happen; I trust the police. I would be more worried if I was at Cuesta.”
-Ryan Swearingen, recreation, parks and tourism administration junior
-Alec Barlow, economics senior
compiled and photographed by jennifer titcomb
Pilots continued from page 5
pilot experience may also have been contributing factors to the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, called commuting “an issue that deserves immediate concern” and at the hearing urged Margaret Gilligan, the FAA’s associate administrator for aviation safety, to consider long-distance commutes a part of the overall pilot fatigue problem. Gilligan said the FAA’s rulemak-
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ing committee, which worked from July to September this year developing recommendations for the agency based on science and international standards, did not recommend any changes to current airline commuting policies. So far, the FAA continues “to see that as a pilot responsibility,” Gilligan said, though it is “considering additional elements” to the upcoming rules. The committee, composed of 18 labor, industry and FAA representatives, delivered its final report to the FAA on Sept. 10. Joe Williams, a spokesman for Pinnacle Airlines, which owns Col-
gan Air, said the company respects the right of pilots to live where they choose. “Where would you draw the line?” he said. Industry and labor representatives struck similar themes in questioning the government’s possible intervention. “It’s a crew member’s responsibility to be rested and prepared,” said David Castelveter, a spokesman for the Air Transport Association of America, the nation’s largest airline trade group. Captain John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, the leading pilot union in North Ameri-
ca, said in an interview after the hearing that the instability of the regional airline business contributes to pilots suddenly finding themselves with commutes of hundreds of miles because their airline has lost or gained a contract with a larger airline. Prater, a pilot who lives in southern Illinois, has had to commute as far as Guam, in the western Pacific Ocean, to get to work. Still, he disagrees that the problem is as bad as lawmakers say, and said he believes businesses and unions should come together to make sure pilots are properly rested and flyers remain safe.
to the Facebook pages. One Facebook page, called “I LOVE CARSON STARKEY,” is a forum designed to “spread love and awareness.” It was created by a peer and friend at Cal Poly, Tatum Barnes. The other page is called “1 Mil Aware,” and was created to “bring awareness to the all too common fatal effect of alcohol poisoning.” In an e-mail, Barnes said that she hoped people would learn from Carson’s life. “I hope that no one would think of themselves as invincible, and that people would live their lives with purpose, joy and selflessness, the way Carson did,” she said. Today there will be a commemorative display to honor Starkey from 9 a.m. until midnight on the second floor of the University Union. It was organized by greek student leaders, who will hand out green armbands for people to wear as a reminder of Starkey’s life and death. The display will also feature pictures and an excerpts from the eulogy delivered at Starkey’s memorial service by his brother, Hayden Starkey. “Never let Carson die. He is in all of us somewhere. Some part of him is in us and to just carry on with that part and never let it die,” Hayden Starkey said at Carson’s memorial service. “Take whatever part of Carson you have and just use it for some good.”
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Democrats consider new stimulus at job summit Kevin G. Hall mcclatchy newspapers WASHINGTON — The nation’s 10.2 percent unemployment rate gets renewed attention this week as President Barack Obama hosts a jobs summit on Thursday, a day before the Labor Department reports new job numbers that are unlikely to show significant improvement. Obama invited academics, business and labor leaders to a White House seminar to hear their suggestions on what might spark them to begin hiring again. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, there’s growing Democratic support for a new “jobs bill” to provide more economic stimulus next year. Ideas Congress is weighing include potential tax credits for employers for new hires, a payroll tax holiday for employers, and big government work programs like those of the 1930s, with today’s efforts likely to boost inner city jobs and reverse years of neglect. Democrats worry that the jobless rate will keep rising ahead of congressional elections next year, threatening the majorities they now hold in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Weighing against new jobs programs, however, are trillions of dollars in projected federal budget deficits over the next decade, which threaten long-term economic stability. The roughly 130 attendees at Obama’s jobs summit will divide
into six discussion groups — on “green” jobs, boosting small business employment, government infrastructure spending, fostering growth of U.S. exports, business competitiveness and workforce development/ training. “The president is open to all good ideas to supplement the steps we’ve already taken to put Americans back to work. There are limits to what government can and should do, even during such difficult times. That is why we have invited representatives from across the private sector to discuss how we can work together to continue to spur job creation,” said Jennifer Psaki, a White House spokeswoman. Two issues sure to come up are whether more stimulus spending would boost employment and whether tax cuts, credits or holidays would help spur job creation. Princeton University economist Alan Blinder, a summit attendee and a former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, supports public works programs for low-wage workers. However, he warned in a recent article against providing tax credits to employers. It would be hard, he said, to distinguish between new hiring tied to the economic rebound versus hires sparked by tax credits. William Dunkelberg, chief economist for the National Federation of Independent Business, which represents small businesses, hopes that Obama doesn’t pursue tax credits for new hires. “Our member surveys for plans
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The chart above shows the jobs lost by sector since the recession began, Dec. 2007-Oct. 2009. to add inventory and plans to hire are all coming in at 35-year lows. They have no reason to hire anybody because they don’t have anything to do.That’s why the tax credit is a silly idea,” Dunkelberg said. He said that consumer confidence, expressed in retail sales, must improve before firms consider new hiring. Economist Mark Zandi favors a limited tax credit. “If you wanted to give some juice to the job market towards the end of 2010, the best thing probably would be a jobs tax credit with a twist.You’d say, ‘I’ve got $25 billion to spend on this — first come, first serve.’You do a ‘cash for clunkers’ on the tax credit,” said Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Economy.com. Cash for clunkers provided a
limited-time tax credit to consumers trading their older cars for newer, more fuel-efficient ones. Zandi’s tax credit would be offered within a narrow timeframe to create both buzz and demand among employers. “The timing may not be too bad on this. The job market by then may have stabilized a bit already, credit should be flowing a little bit more normally, and if you put this kicker on top of it, perhaps it turns things around more quickly,” said Zandi, who also favors $75 billion in additional stimulus spending. “I think that’s not an unreasonable thing to take a shot at.” The White House summit invitees include small business owners, who provide most employment nationally. There will be, however,
a heavy presence of big corporations, including the top executives from Google, AT&T, Qwest, FedEx, Disney, Boeing, Dow Corning and other major companies. The nation appears to be out of recession, as shown by the 2.7 percent growth in the third quarter, a period when the largest distributions were made from the $787 billion economic stimulus bill passed in February. Zandi and other economists think the bill’s aid to states and extensions of unemployment insurance kept money circulating and preserved state and local government jobs. Stimulus money for new construction or repair of bridges, roads and other infrastructure projects also helped.
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International
SAN LUIS OBISPO (MCT) — The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission is conducting a special inspection at Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant to determine how two safety switches were misaligned, potentially impairing response in the event of a severe reactor accident. The inspection started Monday and is expected to take several days to complete. It will be conducted by Diablo Canyon’s senior NRC resident inspector, two reactor specialists and an emergency preparedness inspector from the agency’s regional office in Arlington, Texas.
MINNEAPOLIS (MCT) — A critic of the U.S. military policy is suing the federal government because a letter that she wrote to her serviceman son stationed in Iraq was returned with “DECEASED” errantly stamped on it in red letters. The lawsuit filed last month in Minneapolis federal court by Joan Najbar, of Duluth, Minn., claims that “as a result of receiving the letter indicating that her son was dead, Ms. Najbar suffered emotional distress with physical manifestations.” Najbar, whose son Sam Eininger was serving with the National Guard when the letter was returned in 2006, is seeking relief from damages including emotional distress, loss of income, attorneys fees and other expenses and “additional damages to be proven at trial.”
BAGHDAD (MCT) — Iraq has just passed through what may be its least violent month since the U.S. invasion six and a half years ago. Political violence remains a daily occurrence, but fewer Iraqi civilians, policemen and soldiers died in November than in any of the past 79 months, according to official figures. Two U.S. soldiers died of combat-related injuries. Whether the relative quiet will last is anybody’s guess. A massive bombing in downtown Baghdad on Oct. 25, which killed at least 155 people and badly damaged government buildings, proved that al-Qaida in Iraq, which claimed responsibility, is still active and Iraqi security is still porous.
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SAN DIEGO (MCT) — The U.S. Supreme Court will not review a last-ditch effort by automaker Ford to overturn an $82 million award for a San Diego woman who was left paralyzed when her Explorer rolled over and crushed her spine. The high court denied the case without comment. The case has been winding its way through state and federal appeals courts since 2004, when a San Diego Superior Court jury initially awarded Benetta Buell-Wilson $369 million in damages. It was the first time Ford had ever lost a lawsuit stemming from a rollover accident involving the Explorer.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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NEW YORK (MCT) — The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that it will make a formal decision next year on whether to allow a 15 percent blend of ethanol in domestic gasoline, after initial tests showed that cars can run on the fuel. The move toward raising the limit from the 10 percent blend laid out in 1978 drew praise from hardhit ethanol producers, while players in the petroleum industry lauded the agency’s decision to put off a final ruling for now.
Lawmakers look at pilot fatigue Joe Markman mcclatchy newspapers
WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration will announce new rules on pilot fatigue in January, but they likely will not include restrictions on long-distance commutes that lawmakers said Tuesday are essential to solving the problem. The February crash of a regional Colgan Air flight in Buffalo that killed 50 people highlighted the need for federal rules limiting the distance pilots often have to fly to begin their work day, said Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., who heads the Commerce
Committee’s aviation panel. One pilot traveled from Seattle to Newark, N.J., before the flight, the other from Tampa, Fla. Both died in the crash. “You’ve got people whose work station is on the East Coast, flying from all over the country just to go to work,” Dorgan said in a hearing on Tuesday.“I’m not suggesting that people shouldn’t commute. I am suggesting that if you’re going to have this kind of substantial commuting, you better understand that you’re going to have some problems.” Ice buildup on the plane and lack see Pilots, page 3
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TOKYO (MCT) — A new environmental tax that the government plans to introduce in April to combat global warming is raising concerns in the electricity and gas industries due to expected hikes in prices for kerosene, coal and electricity. As the new “green tax” is certain to greatly affect people’s lives, the Environment Ministry’s envisioned tax will be a topic of hot debate at the government’s Tax Commission, which began working on the revision of fiscal 2010 tax reform Monday.
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Doug Gibbs, a first officer for American Eagle airlines, cleans the cockpit before a flight at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Gibbs’ schedule can be hectic at times and federal regulators are investigating rules on pilots’ flying and rest times.
Wednesday, december 2, 2009
arts & Entertainment editor: cassandra keyse
book column Another Type of Groove Feminism underscores plot in “HERmione” founder returns to the Chumash stage tonight Jill Donovan special to the mustang daily
Buddy Wakefield is getting his groove back. The former co-founder of Another Type of Groove at Cal Poly will return to take the stage tonight for the 10th anniversary at 7:30 p.m. in Chumash Auditorium. Wakefield founded the program with Mark Faboina, who was the director of the Multicultural Center. In order to celebrate the anniversary, Wakefield will once again perform, now as a successful poet both nationally and abroad. Wakefield was working at a biomedical firm before he quit in 2001 to pursue his passion in slam poetry. He sold or gave away most of his possessions and lived out of his Honda Civic for several years, touring North American poetry venues full-time. Wakefield won the Individual Poetry Slam Championship in both 2004 and 2005.The championship is
a world renowned competition held annually in Berkeley. Almost 100 selected poets representing various poetry slam venues meet for three days of competition to select an annual winner. Wakefield is now signed with Ani DiFrance’s Righteous Babe Records to publish his latest album of poetry, titled “Live at the Typer Canyon.” He claims Seattle as home when he is not on tour. Some at Cal Poly are already acquainted with his work and sense of style. “His work tends to be very humerous and is approachable to many types of people,” said Melody Shirazi, Multicultural Center assistant coordinator. This month’s Another Type of Groove will be presented as one 40minute section with an open mic session before and after. “His humorous poetry will be a fun way to end this stressful quarter,” Shirazi said.
“Words went round, had odd ways of tacking off, billowing out, full sail. If she could have gone to Point Pleasant, listened to the sea, everything would come right.” Fall is my favorite time of year. Friends, family, great food and, if you’re lucky, a warm fire and a good book to cuddle up with on those foggy, dreary days. On days like these, I like to go back to some of my favorites, classics I will never get tired of reading. This year the book that has taken up residence on my oversized armchair by the window is H.D.’s “HERmione.” Written in 1927 but not published until 1981, this is the first of three semi-autobiographical novels by imagist poet Hilda Doolittle (who normally wrote, and is most commonly known as, H.D.). Though she is not a very widely known author, her work is nonetheless significant. As one of the few female authors of the modernist era, H.D.’s work is significantly important in creating an identity for women both as authors and characters. “HERmione” is not only a significant work in literature, but it is also beautifully written and idealistic. Since this is a semi-autobi-
ally drives it are the ideas you find hidden within H.D.’s beautiful use of language. Her attention to detail and the way that she is able to seamlessly create all the supporting details for this life-changing transition is impeccable. Written in the stream of consciousness style, this novel tends to be kind of confusing at times, but the moments of confusion are worth it in the end. These confusing moments are actually what keep bringing me back to this novel; every time I read it I find something new, a new metaphor that I hadn’t noticed or a different turn of phrase that stays with me. H.D. is remarkably successful in creating an extraordinary story out of a seemingly normal life, and giving agency and voice to generations of female writers all while setting a high standard for writers to follow. “I have tasted words, I have seen them … Words may be my heritage and with words I will prove [myself].”
ography, the protagonist is based on the author. The protagonist’s name in the novel is Hermione Gart, though, as the title suggests, she is mostly referred to by her nickname, Her. Was it an accident that H.D., an early feminist writer, gave her protagonist a nickname that defined her merely as a pronoun rather than as an independent subject? Probably not. What is more important though than simply her nickname, is how Hermione Gart is able to move past her status as a secondary subject and take full agency over her Melinda Truelsen is a literature own life. Though not an easy transition, it is a fascinating one that graduate student and Mustang Daily consumes your attention for the book columnist. entirety of the novel. Her Gart is a young girl in her early 20s who is at her family home in Pennsylvania shortly after failing out of Bryn Mawr (a women’s college on the East Coast). At school, she was learning math in an attempt to please her family and prove herself somehow. But after failing to understand a certain concept, she seemingly gives up. Why would she just give up and go home? The answer isn’t easy; in fact, the struggle to answer this question drives the development of this novel. While searching for self-discovery and self-definition, Hermione Gart reflects on her relationships with her friends and family. She also develops romantic relationships in the course of the novel — some which might surprise a more conservative reader. One of her relationships is with George Lowndes, who is courtesy photo assumed to be represenAuthor H. D. was most widely rectative of H.D.’s real relationognized for her poetry, which carried ship with poet Ezra Pound. Though this isn’t a heavily strong themes of feminism and Greek plot-driven novel, what re- mythology.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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movie column
Moverman finds success with “The Messenger” I personally couldn’t imagine how difficult it must be to cope with the mental hardships of having to walk up to the house of a total stranger and inform them that their child or spouse has been killed in combat. Most individuals already know what has happened before words are spoken, because seeing those two men in uniform is enough. Everyone takes the news a different way. Some become violent, others simply yell and cry and some say nothing. Filmmaker Oren Moverman’s “The Messenger” is a brilliantly written, directed and acted tear-jerking drama about two soldiers with this job. One of them, who has grown accustomed to his job, is Capt. Tony Stone, portrayed marvelously by Academy Award nominated veteran Woody Harrelson (“The People vs. Larry Flynt”, “Zombieland”). The other is Staff Sgt. Will Montgomery, played nearly perfectly by an underappreciated up-and-coming star named Ben Foster (“3:10 to Yuma”, “X-Men: The Last Stand”). Captain Stone, who has never fought in a war, seems extremely comfortable and confident with his position. Montgomery on the other hand is ironi-
cally a younger, wounded veteran who is just starting out with Stone and instead having trouble being a stone-cold soldier who is supposed to leave his emotions at home. Stone is worried about Montgomery’s tendency to care for people, telling him to “avoid physical conduct and refrain from hugs.” He tells his young colleague that no matter how vulnerable or sad a person may become, their job is to deliver the news and not provide a friend. “The Messenger” provides yet another astounding performance for Woody Harrelson.You get the feeling that while his stubborn alcoholic and run-down character has never experienced combat, he has experienced
The Messenger (2009) Director: Oren Moverman Starring: Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton, Jena Malone, Steve Buscemi
courtesy photo
Woody Harrelson (left) and Ben Foster star in “The Messenger,” a drama that follows two soldiers responsible for informing families that their loved one was killed at war.
enough in his tough life to realize this job is all he has. Ben Foster was known in the past as an extremely versatile actor who has usually appeared as impressive, hardened individuals like the crazed drug addict from “Alpha Dog” and heartless killer Charlie Prince in the magnificent western “3:10 to Yuma.” While his character in this film is certainly no softy, it is nice to see Foster reinvent himself in such a satisfactory and vulnerable role. The two actors together create characters that, despite their disagreements and differing life experiences, obviously do care for and almost need each other. As the film progresses, our protagonists meet Olivia, a widow whose husband has recently been killed in action. Olivia is portrayed powerfully by Oscar favorite British actress Samantha Morton (“In America”, “Minority Report”). Montgomery seems to be drawn to Olivia’s anguish, even more so than anyone else he has met throughout the story. Soon a delicate, hesitant romance slowly begins to develop between them in a series of heartfelt scenes that tell us a lot about these two characters with very little dialogue and excellent directing. “The Messenger” is the directorial debut of Oren Moverman, previously successful as the screenwriter for the edgy Bob Dylan biopic “I’m Not There.” Being a veteran of the Israeli military himself, Moverman is probably no stranger to the torment of war. This is a very personal and emotional film that does an excellent job at balancing out sadness and depression with segments of love and affection. I personally would like to see all three of the film’s main actors nominated in the upcoming Oscars. Foster in particular delivers a performance so profound and honest that it is difficult to remember at times that he is not actually a war veteran. Alex Petrosian is a biological sciences sophomore and Mustang Daily movie columnist.
“As the fog rolls in”
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opinion/editorial Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Editor in chief: Emilie Egger Managing Editor: Alex Kacik
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Organic or overpriced? During my most recent trip to Ralph’s grocery store, I found myself standing in the produce section debating which variety of apple to select. Some of the Gala Apples boasted a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Organic sticker and had a price tag listing of $2.29 per pound. The others simply labeled “Gala Apples” had no indication of being organic and cost $0.49 per pound. I found myself wondering: Is buying the organic option worth the extra money? It seems that every food now comes in an “organic” variety, from spaghetti sauce to packaged cookies to fresh produce. When faced with a decision between two varieties of food, one costing less than the other, college students might be inclined to pick the cheaper option. After some research, in most cases, I would say that buying the organic option is not worth the extra cost. As a cash-strapped stu-
dent, I could do without a 50 to 200 percent price increase on groceries and feel that the evidence regarding health effects between non-organic and organic is too inconclusive to take into account. Before delving into my reasoning, the term “organic” should be made clear. According to the USDA, “Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation.” How much more does it cost to go organic? I went into a local grocery store with a small list of things I typically buy on a weekly basis.
Here are a few of the 10 items I compared: Non-organic Grade AA eggs (12 eggs): $2.99 vs. Organic Grade AA eggs (12 eggs): $4.99 Non-organic 1% milk (half gallon): $1.99 vs. Organic 1% milk (half gallon): $4.79 Non-organic Gala Apples (1 pound): $.49 vs. Organic Gala Apples (1 pound): $2.29 Non-organic Ragu pasta sauce (10 oz.): $2.63 vs. Organic Ragu pasta sauce (10 oz.): $3.99 Based on this list, the difference in price for non-organic vs. organic was $13.66 or a 58 percent increase. The food items I looked at are just a portion of what I usually buy each week. I generally spend about $80 per week on groceries, which if increased by 58 percent would be about a $46 increase. In a year, I could potentially be spending about $2,400 more on groceries by switching to a completely organic diet. Is it worth the extra cost?
steve ansul newsart
First of all, we were not at war at the time when the crime was committed. The crime was committed on US soil, making it a
civilian court matter. Lets cut the bullshit, they will be convicted regardless of how they are tried. We are “fighting” to protect our rights, yet we’re so willing to suspend the fundamental rights of criminals. The absolutely deserve 100% to see their accusers and see ALL evidence against them. Can you imagine being tried for a crime and not being able to see the evidence of the crime that
Rob Rutherford, a Cal Poly professor of animal science, describes why he chooses to buy organic food. “Health is a condition of homeostasis.There is a balance of all the microorganisms in the soil. If we do something to destroy the balance of the soil, we are destroying the balance of food and the balance of us,” Rutherford said. His reasoning for this all goes back to a quote that says that humankind owes its existence to the fact that there is six inches of soil and the fact that it rains.These natural phenomena should not be tampered with, he said. While Rutherford might think that using pesticides destroys the
you are being accused of? You also have to take into account the politics behind it. If they are tried on a military tribunal then Obama has to sign each death sentence personally, each one has to have his signature on it, there could be some political repercussions from the left. —Jim In response to “Sept. 11 master-
natural balance of nature, some studies show that eating organic vs. non-organic do not show any drastic differences. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was determined that there were a small number of differences in nutrition between organic and conventionally produced food but not large enough to be of any public health relevance. What should you buy? Another study, published by the USDA, found that if deciding to go on a partial organic diet, a few food items should always be bought organic due to consistently higher levels of pesticide residue in their conventionally grown counterparts. Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 U.S. government pesticide test results, researchers at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., have developed the “Dirty Dozen” fruits and vegetables: apples, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries, bell peppers, celery, potatoes and spinach. The “Dirty Dozen” all have a very thin skin, which makes it easier for pesticides to seep in. As organic foods gain popularity, I think prices will decrease. For the time being, however, I plan to buy based on what research has discovered by buying the “Dirty Dozen” produce organically whenever possible, and sticking to conventional foods when it comes to processed food to save some cash. In the long run, I would like to add more organic foods to my diet when my budget allows, not just for the potential benefits on my health, but also for benefits organic farming has on the environment. Katie Koschalk is a journalism senior and Mustang Daily reporter.
mind should not be unfairly tried on U.S. soil”
NOTE: The Mustang Daily features select comments that are written in response to articles posted online. Though not all the responses are printed, the Mustang Daily prints comments that are coherent and foster intelligent discussion on a given subject.
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sports
Bowden
Golf
continued from page 12
continued from page 12
for being one of the most accessible coaches in major college football history, avoided reporters. He arrived on campus in his black Mercedes sedan at around 11 a.m. EST, and entered Florida State’s Moore Athletic Center through a back entrance. With a crowd of reporters gathered around Bowden’s car, two individuals affiliated with the football program drove Bowden’s car out of sight. Spetman also refused to answer questions and, for the second consecutive day, walked mostly in silence as reporters attempted to prompt him to provide answers. Spetman said it’d be “a while” before he’d talk. For most of the day, reporters and television trucks camped out in the parking lot outside of the Moore Athletic Center. There were no fewer than seven TV satellite trucks here, and Ponder and Watson spoke before more than a dozen cameras. Ponder said he was looking forward to the beginning of the Fisher era, who will become the Seminoles’ head coach after FSU’s bowl game. Because of Bowden’s retirement, Florida State has now become a viable candidate to play in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1, according to published reports. The Gator Bowl has the third pick of Atlantic Coast Conference teams but would be interested in selecting Florida State because of the interest surrounding Bowden’s final game. Bowden said he’d had discussions with Fisher. “I talked to Jimbo yesterday and
onships following a 15thplace finish as a junior. She earned first-team All-CIF-San Diego Section honors three times and was named to the second team as a junior. Sedej also was named to the All-Palomar League first team three times and was a second-team selection as a freshman. She helped Poway to the 2006 state title and currently is ranked No. 56 among high school girls golfers in the state by Golfweek. Sedej averaged 38.82 strokes per nine-hole round this season. Mark Wyllie, San Jose, Calif. (Bellarmine Prep)
mcclatchy-tribune
Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden has decided to retire as head coach of the storied Seminole program, Tuesday morning, following his team’s bowl game. The 80-year-old coach will finish his 44-year career at the reigns of Florida State’s football program. told him what I was going to do, you know?” Bowden said. “And wish him luck and I’ll do anything I can to help him and Florida State. I’ll just be pulling so hard for Florida State, especially those boys next year.” It’s unclear whether Bowden might remain at Florida State in an ambassador role. Bowden, who
turned 80 last month, joked that he’d have to find a job for the first time in more than five decades. “We’re going to be happy,” Bowden said about himself and his family. “Now, you know I have to go out and get a job? Can you believe that? I’ve got to go get a job. I ain’t had a job in 55 years.”
Wyllie placed fifth in the West Catholic Athletic League finals last spring and earned first-team All-WCAL honors as a junior at Bellarmine Prep. Ranked No. 48 among high school boys golfers by Golfweek, Wyllie finished in the top 10 in three Future Col-
legians World Tour events last summer and placed third in the 2007 Northern California Golf Association Junior Championships. Taylor Yoshitake, Playa del Rey, Calif. (Saint Monica High School) Yoshitake is a two-time Santa Fe League individual champion and finished tied for 33rd in the CIF-Southern Section individual finals last month as a senior at Saint Monica High School. She tied for first place in a qualifier for the American Junior Golf Association’s Heather Farr Classic last April, but missed the cut by just two strokes in the Heather Farr Classic.
mustangdaily.net
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
SPORTS
sports editor: Brian De Los Santos
mustangdailysports@gmail.com
MUSTANG DAILY
golf
wrestling
Mustang golf adds Early recruitment class gains national recognition six new recruits sports information report
Cal Poly has signed six high school golfers, two men and four women, to the National Letter of Intent. The announcement was made jointly by Cal Poly director of athletics Alison Cone and Mustang golf coach Scott Cartwright. In alphabetical order, they are: Asia Adell, Fresno, Calif. (Clovis West High School)
mustang daily file photo
The Mustangs have posted an undefeated record through two contests against Cal State Fullerton and Missouri. mustang daily staff report
Cal Poly’s 2009 class of five recruits, announced two weeks ago, has been judged as the sixth best in the nation by InterMat. In its Early Period Recruiting Class Rankings, InterMat lists Iowa as No. 1, followed by Northwestern and Iowa State. Penn State and Cornell round out the top five. Cal Poly’s signees — five high school wrestlers — to the National Letter of Intent included a pair of state champions and three state placewinners. “The Cal Poly program is not one usually seen toward the top of the collegiate wrestling landscape or the recruiting rankings,” according to a release by InterMat on its Web site. “However, this class of five wrestlers — four of them ranked inside the Top 100 recruits for the Class of 2010 — is clearly among the best classes of the early period.” This season, first year assistant coach Mark Perry joins the Mustangs. Perry spent the past year as an assistant coach at Penn State and was the NCAA individual national champion for two consecutive
years (07-08) while propelling the Iowa Hawkeyes to a team championship in 2008. “Mark Perry is spearheading the recruiting and has made a tremendous impact in a relatively short period of time,” the release read. Mustang recruits in the Top 100 include No. 42 Jesse Delgado of Gilroy High School, No. 83 Tucker Armstrong of Kenton Ridge High School in Springfield, Ohio, No. 93 Drew Meulman of St. Francis High School in Mountain View and No. 95 Travis Gallegos of Foothill High School in Palo Cedro, Calif. “We’re very excited that some of the best wrestlers in California and the nation have signed with Cal Poly,” said Mustang head coach John Azevedo. “Being ranked sixth shows we are headed in the right direction.” Azevedo and Perry are both optimistic for the futures of their incoming recruits. “Coach Azevedo and I are very pleased with how our early signing period class has turned out. These five student-athletes have the mindset and attitude we want in every one of our athletes,” Perry said. “They want to be NCAA champions and they want team titles.” Azevedo and Perry hope their early recruitment class will strengthen the Mustangs’ hopes at reaching the top of the Pac-10. “As the spring signing period is just around the corner, we are at work looking to sign guys who will make an immediate impact on the program,” Perry said. “The Cal Poly wrestling staff is working very hard in all areas to bring Pac-10 and national championships to the West.” In InterMat’s high school weight class rankings, Delgado is No. 5 at
119, Armstrong is No. 10 at 140, Meulman is No. 7 at 285, Gallegos is No. 10 at 160 and Dominic Kastl of Gilroy High School, the fifth Mustang signee, is No. 16 at 160. After a losing record led the Mustangs to finish sixth in the Pac-10 championship a year ago, Cal Poly has posted a 2-0 record in duals against Cal State Fullerton and Missouri so far this season. “We’re a year older,” Azevedo said at Monday’s press conference. “Nobody wants to experience what happened last year … Hard work and commitment is what’s (turning this season) around.” With the aspect of experience, come a couple of new additions to this year’s squad. “Our lineup is a little bit different (this year),” Azevedo said. New faces on the mat include Boris Novachkov, who is considered the Mustangs’ best wrestler by Azevedo, a wrestler who didn’t suit last year because of a redshirt. Others include Steven Vasquez (165) and Nick Fisher (149), who both redshirted last year. “Overall, were very pleased (with our start).” Azevedo said. “The guys have competed very hard.” Even with the undefeated season Azevedo sees room for improvement. “It can get better, but you’re always looking to get better,” Azevedo said. The Mustangs were idle last week for Thanksgiving and return to action Friday and Saturday at the 28th Annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Invitational at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nevada.
Adell finished second in the Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference finals and sixth in the Southern California Girls High School Championships earlier this fall. She has led Clovis West High School to four consecutive CIFCentral Section team championships. Adell won the CIF-Central Section Northern Area Championship with a 69 and finished second in the section¹s team finals. She is a three-time TRAC MVP and earned first-team allcity, all-conference and all-San Joaquin Valley honors. Adell also earned scholar-athlete awards.
playoff. During the summer he qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur, finishing 119th in stroke play, after placing second in the sectional qualifier at Stanford. Haley won the 2009 Ty Caplin Memorial Pro-Junior Championship and finished second in both the San Ramon Open and in the boys 16-18 flight of the Northern California Golf Association’s Junior Championship at Spyglass Hill. He earned first-team AllEast Bay Athletic League honors as a junior. Alexandra Phillips, Reno, Nev. (Bishop Manogue High School) Phillips won the Nevada 4A Girls State Championship as a junior, placed in a tie for 12th place as a senior and was 14th as a sophomore in 2007. She also won the Northern Nevada regional title in October. Phillips once caddied for Patty Sheehan and played with Gary Player at the Walmart First Tee Open, part of a Champions Tour event at Pebble Beach in September.
Justin Haley, San Ramon, Calif. (California High School)
Sorelle Sedej, Poway, Calif. (Poway High School)
Haley won the CIF-North Coast Section Tournament of Champions and tied for 14th at the Northern California Boys High School Championships last spring, surviving a four-person
Sedej finished tied for sixth place in the 2009 Palomar League finals and tied for fifth place in the CIF-San Diego Section champi see Golf, page 11
Head coach Bobby Bowden set to retire Andrew Carter orlando sentinel
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Bobby Bowden, the man who built Florida State’s once-moribund football program into one of the nation’s best, announced on Tuesday that the Seminoles bowl game will be the last game he coaches. Bowden’s confirmation puts an end to a whirlwind of speculation that had surrounded his future since reports leaked on Monday night that he’d be retiring. Bowden, who arrived at Florida State in 1976 and led the Seminoles to national championships in 1993 and ‘99, did not make himself available to reporters on Tuesday. During an interview on Tuesday with the university’s sports information department, Bowden said, “Nothing lasts forever, does it? But I’ve had some wonderful years here at Florida State, you know it. Hadn’t done as good lately as I wish I could have, but I’ve had wonderful years. No regrets.” Bowden’s retirement comes days after Florida State ended the regular season 6-6 following a humiliating
37-10 defeat at No. 1 Florida. As recently as Sunday afternoon, Bowden expressed his desire to return for another season as FSU’s coach. But during a meeting on Monday morning with Florida State president T.K. Wetherell and FSU athletic director Randy Spetman, Bowden was presented with two options, according to a high-ranking university source: either retire or return in a reduced role that ceded authority to Jimbo Fisher, the Seminoles’ offensive coordinator and coach in waiting. Bowden mulled the offer and decided to retire on Monday night, according to another high-ranking university source. Neither Wetherell nor Spetman made themselves available to reporters on Tuesday, but FSU quarterback Christian Ponder and Dekoda Watson, a linebacker, spoke on the team’s behalf. Ponder said it was “weird” that he and Watson were designated the university’s spokesmen, and Watson said, “I feel like a lot of people feel he deserves better.” Meanwhile, Bowden, known see Bowden, page 11