09-29-2010 by The Daily Aztec

OBESITY EPIDEMIC

COACH-IN-WAITING

BALBOA BELLIES

Unhealthy eating habits are fattening the nation.

Does Rocky Long have his sights set on SDSU’s head coaching job? page 4

“Super” dance troupe will be coming to Balboa Theatre Sunday afternoon. page 6

dailyaztec page 3

the

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Vol. 96, Issue 19

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913

w w w. T h e D a i l y A z t e c . c o m

INDEX:

calendar ... 2

opinion ... 3

Tw i t t e r : T h e D a i l y A z t e c

sports ... 4

entertainment ... 6

TODAY @ STATE The Labyrinth of Desire 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Experimental Theatre Aiana String Quartet, noon Smith Recital Hall

features ... 7

backpage ... 8

The president addresses education RENEE VILLASEÑOR NEWS EDITOR

& SARAH KOVASH A S S I S TA N T N E W S E D I T O R

Underfunding. Budget cuts. Bleak job prospects. Unaffordable student loans. These are some of the discouraging words and phrases that often bombard the psyche of college students. However, President Barack Obama had words of encouragement for young people during a phone conference with student journalists on Monday. During the teleconference, Obama spoke with several college and university reporters throughout the country about the subject of higher education and the future of young Americans. One of the president’s main focuses was his three-point plan to work toward the U.S. having the highest amount of college graduates in the world by 2020. He pointed out that the U.S. has fallen from first to 12th place worldwide, in terms of college graduates. “I’ve been talking about this a lot lately,” Obama said. “We have fallen behind.” His first point is to make college more affordable by redirecting bank bailout money to students and increasing college tax credits for middle-class families. Additionally, he referenced his Affordable Care Act that would enable students to remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until they are 26 years old. “And that obviously provides relief to a lot of young people who are looking maybe at their first job not providing health insurance,” Obama said. It also included a plan in which graduates would not have to pay more than 10

percent of their salaries toward student loans. Additionally, public service workers, such as teachers, police officers or firefighters, would have the remainder of their debts forgiven after 10 years of making payments. “That’s obviously going to be a big boost that would have helped me out a lot,” Obama said. “Because I ended up having 10 years worth of loans I had to pay down after I got out of law school.” The president also referenced the need to focus on community colleges. He stressed the importance of making sure they turn out a properly prepared workforce. Next week, Jill Biden, Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, will host the first ever White House Summit about community colleges.

What students can do now A student journalist asked if the president agreed that college students today make up the “lost generation,” pointing out that they are accruing record amounts of debt and job prospects are bleak. However, the president offered words of encouragement in addition to his plan. “Don’t let anybody tell you that somehow your dreams are going to be constrained (from) going forward,” Obama said. “You’re going through a slightly tougher period.” Eventually, the focus shifted to what students can do on an individual level to help themselves during these tough times. He emphasized the need for students and parents to be smart consumers of universities. The president referenced the sometimes comparatively lavish athletics and dining facilities at universities, noting that money should be funneled into creating a better educational experience rather than luxurious amenities. “You’re not going to a university to join a spa,” Obama said. “You’re going there to learn so that you can have a fulfilling career.”

Pete Souza / Official White House Photo

President Barack Obama participated in a conference call with student journalists in the Oval Office, Sept. 27.

Noting that information, Obama mentioned the importance of students knowing where their tuition dollars are going and being able to make decisions based off of that information. “There should be a pie chart at every university that says, out of every dollar you spend in tuition, here’s where your money is going,” Obama said.

Government steps forward

MCT Campus

Besides allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ health care plans until they are 26 years old under the Affordable Care Act, Obama and his administration are taking other steps toward helping young Americans be more successful despite the economic climate. The administration has already increased the Pell Grant. “We’ve made it available to more people,” Obama said. “We’ve made it more reliable. So hopefully students who are studying now are going to be able to keep their student loan — their debt — lower than I did when I went to school or Michelle (Obama) did when we went to school.” While Obama stressed that he has been taking large strides toward change in the country and keeping his campaign promises, he also acknowledged reform has been stifled by disagreements on both sides, which may have discouraged many of his supporters. “Naturally, some of the excitement and enthusiasm started to drain away because people felt like, gosh, all we’re reading about is constant arguments in Washington and things haven’t changed much,” Obama said. Although, Obama continued to point out that change is difficult in this country. He is focused on communicating with young peo-

ple and reminding them that they have to be consistently involved to help facilitate change.

Public universities Obama also addressed the reasons tuition at public institutions keeps rising. State budgets are being strained, causing cuts to fund higher education.

“Don’t let anybody tell you that somehow your dreams are going to be constrained (from) going forward ... you’re going through a slightly tougher period. —President Barack Obama

To help the states, Obama said he can help to ensure states are taking in more tax revenue. He also stated that the cost of higher education is the only area where inflation is higher than health care’s. Again, he stressed that the way to help solve issues plaguing higher education and young Americans is to be involved and informed. “I hope that everybody starts paying attention these last five weeks,” Obama said. “We’ve got an election coming up. I want everybody to be well-informed and to participate. If you do, then I feel very optimistic about the country’s future.”

The Daily Aztec

THIS WEEK IN SAN DIEGO

# W E D N E S DA Y , S e p t . 2 9 A i a n a S t r i n g Q u a rt e t Smith Recital Hall

Noon Listen to the Aiana String Quartet, comprised of members Hanna Hurwitz, and Roseminna Watson (violins), Jillian Bloom (cello) and Mario Anton Andreu (viola), when it brings its performance to San Diego State. The Aiana String Quartet has performed in locations around the world and today an audience can listen for free.

T h e L a by r i n t h o f D e s i r e Experimental Theatre 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This play features romance and comedy in a story that tests the definition of love.

# T H U R S DA Y , S e p t . 3 0

L e e Ko n i t z M a s t e r c l a s s

Rhapsody Hall (M113) 2 to 4 p.m. The Lee Konitz New quartet presents a free masterclass for the public. Members of the Quartet are Lee Konitz (saxophone), Jeff Denson (bass), Florian Weber (piano) and Ziv Ravitz (drums). Padres Game Location: Petco Park Time: 3:35 p.m. The final game of a four-game series puts the San Diego Padres against the Chicago Cubs.

# F R I DA Y , O c t . 1

R e p r o d u c t i ve J u s t i c e Wo r k s h o p

Arts and Letters 105 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event explores sexual health issues within the context of other social justice issues. The workshop is led by Gabriela Valle and Luz Alvarez Martinez.

Men’s Soccer SDSU Sports Deck 1:30 p.m. Cheer on the SDSU men’s soccer team as it plays against Oregon State.

Women’s Soccer SDSU Sports Deck 4 p.m. Watch the SDSU women’s soccer team compete against TCU.

O.A.R. Open Air Theatre 7:30 to 11 p.m. The rock band O.A.R. will perform and The Expendables will make an appearance.

Women’s Studies Association president. Also among the evening’s events is a dance performance by Eveoke Dance Theatre.

V i va la Re v o l u c i ó n : A Dialogue with the Urban Landscape Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Now through Jan. 2 This exhibit, viewable both in the museum galleries and in public sites across the city, features the work of 20 artists including pieces from Mark Bradford and David Ellis. The pieces address urban issues and are created by artists from 10 countries.

# S U N DA Y , O c t . 3 Men’s Soccer

SDSU Sports Deck 1 p.m. Watch SDSU face off against Washington.

L a M e s a O k t o b e r fe s t

# S A T U R DA Y , O c t . 2

Spring Street and La Mesa Boulevard Noon to 6 p.m. The La Mesa Village is hosting six city blocks of food courts, beer gardens and booths for this 3-day street fair. The festivities start Friday at 11 a.m. and end Sunday at 6 p.m.

S D S U Wo m e n ’ s S t u d i e s 4 0 t h A n n i ve r s a r y F i n a l e D i n n e r

C h a rg e r s G a m e

Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center 6 p.m. The anniversary dinner will feature keynote speaker Beverly Guy-Sheftall, the National

Qualcomm Stadium 1:15 p.m. The San Diego Chargers will take on the Arizona Cardinals.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

# M O N DA Y O c t . 4

M a r k D o t y Re a d i n g

Room LL108 7 p.m. Mark Doty, award-winning poet and nonfiction author, will be giving a free reading. Doty won the National Book Award for Poetry in 2008 for his book of poems titled, “Fire to Fire: New and Selected Poems.” Also, his memoir “Dog Years” was a New York Times bestseller in 2007.

# T U E S DA Y O c t . 5 Limelight: The Charlie Chaplin

S t o ry

La Jolla Playhouse 7:30 p.m. Running until Oct. 17, this musical depicts the story of Charlie Chaplin’s rise to fame and fall from grace.

Seeing Beauty Exhibition Museum of Photographic Arts Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit focuses on the aesthetics of beauty, conveyed in the pictures of various photographers including Mary Ellen Mark and Edward Weston. This engaging exhibit runs until Jan. 23, 2011.

Submit your event to: dailyaztecnews@gmail.com

Photo Editor David J. Olender took this photo of Passion Pit’s lead singer Michael Angelakos belting it out during the band’s opening performance for Muse at Viejas Arena last Wednesday evening.

www.AplusReview.com

“I always score higher with A Plus!” - Abby, Business Major

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

OPINION

The Daily Aztec

A GUEST’S PERSPECTIVE

Students must embrace healthier lifestyles

admit it: I’m in love with junk food. There was an entire week in the residence halls when I ate hot fries exclusively. I can tell you the layers of a Snickers ice cream bar in sequential order. Clearly, like most Americans, I have been suckered into the cheap delicacies of our snack food culture. The junk food industry has invaded our country, armed with ketchup packets and promises of savory sesame-seed buns. Instead of fighting back, we’ve pulled out our wallets, grabbed some napkins and surrendered. Junk food has now become a nearly inescapable aspect of our daily lives. Look around you. The food at San Diego State is proof.

These are the realities that have undoubtedly contributed to the rise in obesity-related health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Walking from College Square to Storm Hall is like strolling past a life-size menu of fatty treats. We’ve got Sbarro, Panda Express, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, Taco Bell and three Starbucks Coffee shops on campus. Let’s not forget the Aztec Markets, where the rows of chips, candy and chocolate tower above the selection of healthy alternative options. While Salad Sensations is your best bet for healthier eating, a “Make-Your-Own” salad costs a whopping $9. So what is the incentive to eat healthy if junk food is less expensive and more widely available? This is typically the mentality of a hungry, money-tight college student. But according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, that attitude is not getting us anywhere. “More than one third of U.S. adults — more than 72 million people — and 16 per-

STACEY OPARNICA CONTRIBUTOR

cent of U.S. children are obese. Since 1980, obesity rates for adults have doubled and rates for children have tripled,” according to the CDC. These numbers are staggering. When confronted with these shocking facts, people are quick to point fingers at the usual explanations. The truth is, we as a nation have developed seriously detrimental eating and exercise habits. According to an article by CNN, only about 60 percent of Americans pay attention to nutrition labels, while less than half pay attention to serving size. Keep in mind that even if you do glance at nutrition labels, overlooking the serving size is not going to give you an accurate account of what you are eating. While nutrition labels are here to help us, they’re useless if we don’t read them or know how to apply them to our lives. According to an online survey by the International Food Information Council, nine out of 10 people do not know how many calories they should eat every day to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, many of us do not know what our recommended personal nutrition intakes should be. In reality, there is no one-size-fits all nutrition plan for everybody. It is entirely dependent on weight, age and activity level and therefore varies from person to person. Now let’s tackle the issue at home: the nutritional value of the food on campus, or lack thereof. Take, for instance, the new Crispy Shrimp Burrito Rubio’s has been advertising lately. That baby racks up 770 calories, about onethird of your recommended daily cholesterol intake and 1790 mg of sodium. Equally as frightening is the nutritional value of one can of Sprite, which contains 39 grams, or about 9 teaspoons, of sugar. Panda Express is especially guilty — a plate of chow mein noodles, fried rice and orange chicken contains 1,370 calories, 50 grams of fat and 188 grams of carbohydrates. We cannot ignore the consequences of consuming these nutri-

CITY ANALYSIS

So what are we hungry college student to do? Rectify our eating habits. Instead of dropping $8 for a burrito and a drink from Rubio’s, hit up your local grocery store and spend the exact same amount for quality food. If I, the fast food devotee, can end my faithful relationship with junk food, so can you. Let a new healthy lifestyle be our closure.

—Stacey Oparnica is a journalism sophomore. —The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

MCT Campus

CAMPUS ANALYSIS

Research targets San Diego homeless ast Monday morning about 200 volunteers gathered for an innovative survey of downtown San Diego’s homeless. The data collected goes beyond the traditional head counts and will lead to a more thorough understanding of the city’s destitute residents. Those identified as most vulnerable will be placed in the 125 beds being provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Organizers also hope to use the information collected to provide the homeless with preventive health care, which has been shown to reduce the number of ER visits, saving lives as well as taxpayers’ dollars. The survey, a sample of the more than 8,500 homeless people in San Diego County, has already revealed some surprising results. This often neglected population is far more diverse than it is generally perceived to be. Many who are homeless are old and have been battling chronic homelessness for decades. Others are young men and women for whom vagrancy is a choice. The exceptionally impoverished homeless, such as 50-year-old Melvin Price, often battle several issues, such as childhood abuse, drug and alcohol addiction and mental illness, simultaneously. This makes reintroduction into society more challenging. The survey comes at the heels of news that provides both hope and tribulation for the local destitute. The annual temporary winter shelter is once again being threatened as San

tion nightmares on a regular basis. If these numbers don’t convince you to make the switch, chew on this. The CDC predicts obesity will eventually overtake smoking as the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. When you consider that we live in a country with more than 12,000 McDonald’s locations, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. On campus, you would have to pay more for a container of fruit, which is $2.99 at the Aztec Market, than for a Crunchwrap Supreme at Taco Bell, which costs around $2.79. These are the realities that have undoubtedly contributed to the rise in obesity-related health problems such as Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

LEONARDO CASTANEDA CONTRIBUTOR

Diego’s City Council delays a vote on its location after receiving complaints from East Village residents wary of hosting for a fourth consecutive year. Similar complaints moved the shelter away from Barrio Logan after nine years. Despite this, San Diego Housing Commission is scheduled to open the shelter in time for Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, plans for a permanent shelter at the rundown 6th Avenue World Trade Center San Diego are gaining momentum. The center, proposed by People Assisting the Homeless in association with the Family Health Centers and Affirmed Housing, will provide 225 permanent beds as well as health and rehabilitation service. Similar programs in Los Angeles and New York have had great success by providing those in need with the tools to become independent and stay off the streets. Planners hope a successful center downtown will spur imitators throughout the county. Homelessness is a growing problem that city officials, as well as nonprofit agencies, hope to begin solving through better understanding coupled with effective long and short-term action.

—Leonardo Castaneda is a business administration freshman.

SDSU Calpulli Center offers limited hours

an Diego State’s Student Health Services, located in the Calpulli Center, provides primary care, specialty care, immunization and health promotion between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on all weekdays, except for Thursdays (9:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Student fees are paid during registration, allowing students to regularly visit the clinic at little or no cost during the time of visit. While other student centers remain open on a 24-hour basis — such as the library study area and the Aztec Recreation Center — all injuries that occur after clinic hours must be treated at an emergency room as an urgent care visit, which leaves students responsible for covering the financial costs. According to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey in 2007, the average cost for trips to the emergency room was $1,037. Without insurance, this fee is the financial burden of the student. An alternative method exists for our neighboring school, UC San Diego. The university offers optional coverage, the Student Health Insurance Plan, which is deducted during the time of registration at UCSD. SHIP covers its students’ primary care visits and day-to-day needs, as well as hospitalization, emergency visits, dental care, psychiatric counseling and pharmaceutical needs. The undergraduate cost for SHIP is $290 per quarter and includes coverage throughout the summer. Students can make the decision to opt out of the insur-

PAIGE NORDEEN S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

ance plan by applying for a health fee waiver. According to UCSD’s Student Health Service website, the PPO network includes 100 percent coverage during emergency visits at either UCSD Hillcrest Medical Center or Thornton Hospital. Students are responsible for the deductible and co-pay. When students receive care from an outside provider, 80 percent of their medical costs are covered. SDSU has made an effort to accomplish something similar to SHIP by providing a link to Wells Fargo Insurance Services on the Student Health Services website. It is geared toward matriculated students; although, the cost exceeds that of UCSD’s SHIP plan. The Wells Fargo insurance plan costs $1,637 and payment is due in full at the time of purchase. The insurance plan covers 20 percent of costs for emergency care or hospitalization within the PPO network. SDSU should expand the insurance options for enrolled students or extend Student Health Services hours in conjunction with classroom hours, and open its doors to students on weekends to reduce the possibility of having students cover emergency room fees.

—Paige Nordeen is a media studies senior.

The Daily Aztec

SPORTS

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

MATT-ER OF FACT

Gut feeling: Long is coach-in-waiting

File Photo

When Rocky Long was head coach at New Mexico, he won at least six games in every season from 2001-07.

efensive coordinator Rocky Long has a nasty little secret. At least, that’s what my gut tells me. And my bowels don’t rely on arbitrary refuse such as facts, or old journalism tactics such as interviews. My gut knows when it’s being fed garbage, and it thinks Long hasn’t been entirely truthful with his decision to come to San Diego State. My gut is also saying I ate too many barbecue Pringles, only enforcing the time-tested truth of not being able to stop once you pop. Oh, and before I continue, what’s up with all this winning SDSU is doing? Those Aztecs better start losing football games like the good ole days, because I’m not a fan of change. That stuff is for marijuana cigarette users. As for me, I’m old, misogynistic and desperately clinging to failed ideas tighter than the geezer cane I use to drag my out-of-date body around. So back off punk. Like I was saying — SDSU better start losing, or Brady Hoke will get an offer from a better school, and Long will replace him as head coach. That’s right. Long is a coach-in-waiting, and it’s more obvious than an in-the-closet Richard Simmons. But if you’re one of those losers who needs “facts” to believe Long is a coachin-waiting, then my gut poses you this question: Why would he take a $550,000 pay cut? Long unexpectedly quit his head coaching gig at New Mexico, where he was pocketing $750,000, to earn one-fourth of that as the Aztecs’ defensive coordinator. Long said in a statement released by the school that he came to SDSU because he and Hoke are friends. Pshhh. Let’s be honest: Benjamin Franklin is the friendliest dude on the planet, but Long left 5,500 of those friends in New Mexico. “OK, OK,” I said to my gut. “Then how do you discount what Long said when his statement said he missed the hands-on approach of being a coordinator, which gets lost in the duties of being head coach?” My gut told me I was an idiot, and drew my attention to several offers Long received from South Eastern Conference and Big 12 schools. He could’ve been “hands-on” within one of the most prestigious conferences in the nation. Instead, he’s at SDSU. And why? It’s because it makes sense. Long is a coach-in-waiting. First, hiring Long as head coach saves the Aztecs money. They wouldn’t need to

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

M A T T MCCLANAHAN S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

employ a search firm to replace Hoke. SDSU paid $30,000 to a search firm for assistance in hiring former head coach Chuck Long. That was obviously money well spent. He did a lot of things while he was here, such as ruining the football program. If his success as a head coach could be translated into the physical attractiveness of a woman, you’d get a female version of Larry Bird. An additional $65,000 went to another searching firm in 2008, this time for help to hire Hoke. Long isn’t just a good decision economically. He’s also a proven coach in the Mountain West Conference, taking the Lobos to seven consecutive bowl games. New Mexico was the only school in the MWC that won at least six games every season from 2001-07, despite its lackluster recruiting base. This is just my gut talking, but maybe Long realizes he’s 60 years old. Why not let a younger Hoke come in, turn the program around and then steer the ship after Hoke leaps from the Aztec stepping-stone? And don’t for a second think Hoke won’t leave SDSU if he officially turns the program around. He did it at Ball State, his alma mater. He’ll do it here. Coaches-in-waiting are becoming a trend in college football, even among college football’s elite. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is waiting on Mack Brown to retire at Texas, and former offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher is now at the helm after waiting for Bobby Bowden to retire at Florida State. Similar coach-to-be scenarios have undergone at Kentucky, Purdue and Oregon, to name a few. But here’s the difference: Hoke is very secretive about his football program. And media in San Diego doesn’t even attempt to squeeze a drop of honesty out of Hoke. You should see the press conferences after football games. They would be pretty lonely without The Daily Aztec. Might as well start answering the question now: Would you mind Rocky Long as your head coach? While you wrap your bacon around that, my gut is telling me to take care of this Pringles situation.

—Matt McClanahan is a journalism senior. —This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

SPONSORED BY

FOR SDSU FOOTBALL 153

Total points for SDSU this season

38.2

Points per game for the Aztecs

854

Rushing yards for SDSU this year

1184

Advanced Test Preparation

Passing yards for the Aztecs this season

Wins for SDSU

Loss for the Aztecs

Rushing touchdowns for SDSU this season

Points given up by the Aztecs this year

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

The Daily Aztec

ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

New dance-travaganza Old play, new players Balboa Theatre will showcase an exotic performance on Sunday HUI LING THAM

Ticket prices range from $30 to $50 and can be purchased at sdcivic.org, at the San Diego Civic Theatre box office or by calling 619-570-1100. For more information, visit sdbalboa.org. For more information about the Bellydance Superstars, go to bellydancesuper stars.com.

S TA F F W R I T E R

This fall, the Bellydance Superstars will be undertaking its most extensive tour of North America, traveling to 70 cities in less than three months in two legs starting tomorrow and ending in February. This Sunday, the dance troupe will be performing a one day-only show at the historic Balboa Theatre. The Bellydance Superstars has been touring for six years and has performed more than 700 shows in 22 countries. Its unique mix of music and choreography along with its colorful costumes has combined to transform the ancient art of belly dancing into a full-blown show. The show title of this season’s tour is Bombay Bellywood, which emerged from a blend of Indian to Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal styles that will be incorporated in the performance. For Bombay Bellywood, the troupe will have a new addition to its cast — Arthur Gulkarov. He is the first male cast member and was previously a principle dancer in the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil production of “O.” The cast also features San Diego natives Kami Liddle, Petite Jamilla, Stefanya, Sabah, Sabrina Fox, Nathalie, Lauren, April Rose, Moria and Colleen. San Diego Theatres will be presenting this belly-shaking performance for only one afternoon at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the historic Balboa Theatre.

Courtesy of San Diego Theatres

The group’s tour only features one show in San Diego.

CARMEN SPLANE CONTRIBUTOR

Woody Allen’s new project, “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger,” finds all of its characters at a standstill in life. Divorce, affairs, disappointment and loneliness are all reprising their roles in yet another Allen film that seeks to define life’s meaning. The movie, set in London, opens with its most comical and lovable character, Helena (Gemma Jones), who is in the middle of a nervous breakdown. Driven mad by loneliness and a loss of self-worth, Helena seeks guidance from a loopy fortune-teller she believes can solve all of her troubles. Helena passes the time visiting her oracle, drinking scotch, and pestering her sonin-law, Roy (Josh Brolin). Roy, a med school graduate, is now unemployed and obsessed with repeating the success of his first novel. Roy and Helena’s daughter, Sally (Naomi Watts), are well past the stage of passion and infatuation. Instead of working on their relationship, Sally would rather focus her energy on her job at the art gallery and Roy would rather spend his days gazing at the mysterious “girl in the window.” Helena’s ex-husband, Alfie (Anthony Hopkins) is desperately seeking to reclaim his youth and finds it in the vapid and unabashedly loose Charmaine (Lucy Punch). Alfie wines and dines her, dazzles her with jewelry, buys her a house and eventually marries her. Hopkins’ character is very charming here. He plays the role of a sappy, love-struck old man dazzled by a young floozy to a T. With the help of money (and Viagra), Alfie is able to keep Charmaine interested, at least for the short-term. Not only are all of the characters dissatisfied with their current states of being, they are hinging all of their hopes for happiness on a new relationship. Helena’s personal fortune-teller pacifies her with the prospect of meeting a “stranger,” Alfie is running around London trying to keep up with Charmaine, Sally is secretly pining for her boss and Roy is busy pursuing Dia (Freida Pinto), the beautiful and engaged “girl in the window.” Roy and Dia’s love affair takes a page out of the middle-aged man’s handbook of finding validation in a younger woman. The whole thing is very “American Beauty.” Dia has theme music whenever she graces the

screen, she is always in red and she gives Roy the validation he needs. The movie feels as though it were meant for a stage rather than a screen as the characters wisp in and out of the scenes in flurries of hurriedness and uncertainty. In the end audiences are left with a group of people that have reached no life epiphany, have had small victories but have not achieved fulfillment and still don’t seem completely satisfied. A quote from “MacBeth” opens this film: “A tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” In the end, that’s exactly the impression the audience is left with. The buildup and subplots are very intriguing despite their predictability, and although the anticipation grabs and gives hope for a great ending, in the end, nothing really happens. Verdict: The film has tiny glimpses of Allen’s genius, but don’t be surprised if they are hard to find.

Movie: You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger Directed by: Woody Allen Release Date: September 22 Grade: B-

Courtesy of Sony Classic Pictures

Antonio Banderas gets lost in the romantic shuffle.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Daily Aztec

Escape from San Diego’s concrete jungle Joshua Tree National Park provides travelers with a desert oasis ANTHONY ARTALE S TA F F W R I T E R

East of Los Angeles, past the sandy beaches and the stars of the Hollywood Hills, are great stretches of desert. It is an alien wasteland and offers little to those who call it home. Among the vast expanse, a strange oasis of flowers and trees sits along the desert basin: Joshua Tree National Park. Only a three-hour drive from San Diego, the park is a trek worth making. The name of the park comes from the bizarre-looking Joshua tree. When Mormons first crossed the Mojave Desert, the trees reminded them of a biblical story where Joshua reaches his hands to the sky in prayer. The trees have dozens of arms, and when the day turns to dusk they cast their humanly shadow, waving goodbye to the sinking sun. The land the park sits on is a geological hot spot, dissected with hundreds of fault lines and incised by the San Andreas Fault line. Combine this with the processes of erosion and, alas, a rock climber’s mecca. Clusters of boulders litter the park, standing like sentinels over the Joshua trees. Daniel Culley, a hiker from Riverside, stood in front of an army of beige boulders, carefully planning his ascent. “I’ve been climbing here for a little over a decade,” Culley said as he clipped on his safety harness. “Every time I come I’m in awe of the natural beauty of this place. When you get to the top the view of the trees and rocks is really spectacular.”

Brooke Valls / Staff Photographer

Standing just three hours northeast of San Diego State, Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors the chance to camp, rock climb, go off-roading and more.

Once winter begins to fade, the signs of spring erupt across the park. The hillsides turn to shades of yellow and purple, and the Joshua trees bloom their large cream-colored blossoms. The park transforms from the earth-toned hues of a desert to a garden of every color.

On top of the adjacent San Bernardino Mountains is Keys View. Perched atop the valley floor, Keys View overlooks a snow-capped mountain, the desolate Salton Sea and the San Andreas Fault line that splits the land. Living in San Diego, the urban landscape

can become repetitive and uninviting. In a day’s time, students can escape to the wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park, a place where someone can exist outside the grasp of the concrete jungle and stare into an undiluted starry night surrounded by pillars of stone.

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Bartenders needed earn up to $250/shift. No experience required. Will train FT/PT call 877405-1078 ex:993. EGG DONORS NEEDED! Healthy females ages 18-30. Donate to infertile couples some of the many eggs your body disposes monthly. COMPENSATION $5,000.00-$8,000.00. Call Reproductive Solutions (818) 832-1494 donor.eggreproductive.com Need partimer to build simple webpages. $15/hr 20 hours/week. Contact robm@gotlds.com

Security-No experience required up to $15/hour. Undercover store detectives trainees needed all throughout San Diego. Seeking sharp applicants to work plane clothes apprehending shop lifters and employee theft. Optional traning available. FT/PT must have clean background call 24hrs for interview 858-492-8017. Seeking intern, previous front desk experience. Mon-Th 5:30-8:30pm and Saturday 9:45-12:15pm Rolando Blvd info@lmgdanceandfitness.com

ROOM 4 RENT Room, private balcony. $570/month. Gated community, pool/jacuzzi, tennis, coldasac parking, dogs, 15min to SDSU 515-778-2711.

Arrested for a DUI or other crime? Contact attorney William Concidine at defendingsandiego.com or 619-855-5157. Need a personal trainer? Need to become healthy? Elite physical health training for girls and guys. Increase cardio, tone, bulk, cut, drop weight, any goal. Very affordable and private. Free 2 sessions by October 1st. Contact Dan 916-690-1966.

ECON 101 • 102 Over 60% of the students get C’s, D’s and F’s. Don’t settle for that nonsense! Get into our awesome reviews and score higher!

589-9900 1-5PM

www.aplusreview.com

THE DAILY AZTEC DOES NOT ENDORSE OR SUPPORT AND HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OFFERED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS SECTION.

twitter.com/TheDailyAztec

REVIEW

Put your ad in the ring and score a

REVIEW

KNOCKOUT!

College of Business Econ Econ Stats Math IDS Acctg Acctg IDS 101 102 119 120 180 201 202 301

“A+ REVIEW saves me time AND I score higher!”

IDS 302

FIN 323

FIN 325

FIN 329

589-9900 M-F 1-5PM Visit Web site for info and times

- Karen, Business Major

www.aplusreview.com

THE DAILY AZTEC | Our prices really measure up! | 619-594-6977

New research study semen analysis looking for healthy males. To pre-qualify for this study you must: be a healthy male between the ages of 25 and 64 years of age mild erectile dysfunction ok, willing to provide 6 semen samples. Study medication, study related physical exams and blood test provided. Compensation for time and travel up to $1,125. Please call San Diego Clinical Trials at (619) 287-6000 or visit our website at www.sdclinicaltrials.com

SERVICES

www. the daily aztec .com

619. 594 .6977

THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

TWISTED WIT

The timeline of a career

orking at your first job is a lot like being stuck in a terrible relationship — dirty demoralizing, and let’s be honest — after a while you just stop caring. But it never starts off that way. First, there’s the honeymoon stage. It’s only been a few days, but you can tell you and this job are going places. You might even start to wonder why people complain about working so much — it’s not even half the Justin Bieber-level of mind-numbingness you’ve been told your whole life. No, you’re going to be a professional burger-flipper, damn it. Even better — You’re going to be an artist. Of meat. And then there’s the “comfortable” stage. You know, when you start to notice things about the store that you didn’t notice earlier. It’ll start slow — having to cover shifts for the co-worker who always calls out sick on holidays, or constantly dealing with the customer who asks for refills (for his hamburger). Nothing big, of course. Just enough for you to question whether that journalism degree is really going to pay off (It isn’t). Inevitably, you’ll have your first fight. There’s no doubt this will probably have a lot to do

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

CHRIS POCOCK S TA F F W R I T E R

with the first meager paycheck you’ll receive from your employer. You probably don’t know what Medicare is, but you’re starting to get the sneaking suspicion that Grandma’s been holding out on you these last couple of Christmases. ALL RIGHT, GRANDMA. I know Kohl’s is having another super sweet sale, but sweaters again? With light-up reindeer? Really? And finally, the last stage: soulgrinding and demoralizing selfresignation. The only reason you keep driving to work is because you hope someday you’ll get there and the whole place will be on fire. Maybe just to rub it in a bit, you’ll bust out the Six Flags dance on its ashes. Who knows? But if that’s not the case, you’ll have to settle for putting on your emasculating, grease-stained apron once again, work another eight-hour shift and sneak sips from the 40 in your car on your break. Welcome to financial independence, my friend. OK, so maybe having a job in the food service industry isn’t as bad as I make it out to be. There’s definitely some perks — not starv-

ing is one. But in my defense, complaining about my job is as American as football, beer and exDisney stars snorting cocaine off of toilet seats. Tomorrow officially marks my second-year anniversary in the food service industry. I could celebrate the occasion like I did last year — crying into receipts of my diminishing bank account balance and splurging on an extra serving of Easy Mac — but I’ve realized it could be a lot worse. I could, of course, be working for The Koala. So instead, I’m taking a glass half-full approach. Things could get better in the next year. Maybe I’ll get a raise or a promotion or finally be able to show off those dance moves I’ve been practicing. And if things get worse? I’ll probably move up to Canada, open my own denim store and start things fresh. I’ve got $20 in my bank account — at least $2,000 Canadian, I’m hoping. Your move, mediocre job.

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (9/29/10) Track your dreams this year. Filled with symbolic messages, dreams provide you with multiple perspectives on life, love, family and career. Will dream staging and plot come true in your daily life? Only if you take action to make it happen. ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 5 Tensions between you and associates muddle a dynamic where awareness can be achieved. State your positions clearly using basic facts. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - If you depend on luck, you actually get great results in the romance department. Take it all in stride.You've earned the good fortune. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 6 Stress in the workplace is compounded by differences in opinion between males and females. Diffuse the situation by listening for what's missing. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 5 At least you're aware today of what others believe they want.You may not agree, but try to fulfill their desires anyway.You learn something by day's end. LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 5 Don't plan to conquer the world today. If you can manage your own mind, you've made progress. Cleaning up your household environment also helps. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6 People pair up to accomplish diverse tasks.

The cleanup crew needs extra help in the form of supplies and manpower. Make order a priority. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 5 Who's that masked man who just walked in? You need to know in order to make a quick decision. Ask pointed questions before taking action. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 10 - All of the work you have today will miraculously be finished in a short amount of time.Take a nap when you’re done. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Whatever happens in a social setting returns home with you.Then you see the good fortune attached to what seemed quite unpleasant. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 5 - Something you already knew deep inside gets confirmed now with documented fact.Try not to lord it over skeptics.You know who they are. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - There's trouble with a public appearance when the star fails to arrive on time. There's not much you can do about that. Start without them. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 8 You feel especially lucky when your partner falls in step with longtime friends and their plans. Personal conversation inspires a new start. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

—Chris Pocock is a journalism junior and is hoping his other job doesn’t take any of this seriously and fire his ass. Otherwise, tally-ho, Canada, eh? —This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

SDS-VIEW

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

CROSSWORD

AND THE (MUSICAL) SHOW GOES ON Photo Editor David J. Olender captured this shot of Muse’s frontman last Wednesday at Viejas Arena. We’re not sure if this young man has to urinate, or if he just havin’ a wicked sweet jam “sesh.”

C O N T AC T GENERAL INFORMATION

FEATURES EDITOR, MATT SALWASSER 619.594.7279

619.594.4199

DAILYAZTECFEATURES@GMAIL.COM

EDITOR

IN CHIEF, RUTHIE KELLY 619.594.4190 EDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

SPORTS EDITOR, EDWARD LEWIS

NEWS EDITOR, RENEE VILLASEÑOR

OPINION EDITOR, TOM HAMMEL

619.594.7782 DAILYAZTECNEWS@GMAIL.COM

619.594.0509

619.594.7817 SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

DAILYAZTECOPINION@GMAIL.COM

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, MAGGIE PEHANICK 619.594.6968 ENTERTAINMENT.AZTEC@GMAIL.COM

ART DIRECTOR, BRITTANY PASLAWSKY 619.594.6979 ARTDIRECTOR@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

WEB EDITOR, JOSEPH YOUNG 619.594.3315 WEB@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

ACROSS 1 Hitchcock’s wife and collaborator 5 Floater with a ladder 9 Garnish on a toothpick 14 Radio tuner 15 Peace Prize city 16 Kind of spray 17 Ringing sound 18 Hurricane zone 20 Unflappable 22 Playful swimmer 23 Craft 24 __ in November 25 Bodybuilder’s pride 28 Alternatively 33 “Time out!” 37 TV ad-skipping aid 40 “M*A*S*H” role 41 Palo __, Calif. 42 Dismay at the dealer 45 1970 World’s Fair site 46 Hearth burn consequence 47 Jacuzzi, e.g. 50 Polite oater response 54 Destroyer destroyer 56 Sprinter’s device 60 Sign of corporate success, and a literal hint to the puzzle theme found in 18-, 20-, 33-, 42- and 56Across 62 Con 63 Supple 64 Cornerstone word 65 Spotted

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 66 Prayer opening 67 Ball holders 68 Coastal raptors DOWN 1 Appends 2 Ray of “GoodFellas” 3 Some Musée d’Orsay works 4 Pool problem 5 Optimistic 6 “The Thin Man” pooch 7 Dentist’s suggestion 8 Holy scroll 9 Not digressing 10 Prix de __ de Triomphe: annual horse race 11 Writer Dinesen

12 Shop cleaner, briefly 13 Caribou kin 19 Diagnostic proc. 21 “Shoot!” 26 Drag 27 Joust verbally 29 Strong criticism 30 Mardi Gras city’s Amtrak code 31 Trick-or-treat mo. 32 Bout stopper, for short 33 Wallop 34 NFL scores 35 “That’s a riot— not” 36 Cupid, to the Greeks 37 General associated with chicken 38 “__ a date!”

39 By way of 43 Negotiated white water, perhaps 44 Thick-bodied fish 47 One vis-à-vis two 48 Oregon State’s conf. 49 Diet doctor 51 Med. drama sets 52 He rid Ire. of snakes, as the legend goes 53 Pooh’s creator 55 Unimpressed 56 __ speak 57 Freq. test giver 58 Prime-time time 59 Pontiac muscle cars 60 Road warning 61 Up to, in ads