thursday, oct. 30 - sunday, nov. 2, 2014 • VOLume 101 • ISSUE 24 News • P3
Entertainment • P8
CSU and faculty reach a tentative agreement
Switchfoot swings home to San Diego
#aztecbaseball
A player dressed up as a jungle cat attempts to slide home past a player dressed as a Hooters girl. chadd cady, Staff PhotograPher
PRINT EDITION
COSTUMES IN THE OUTFIELD The Aztec baseball team held its fourth annual Halloween game Sunday.
SNEAKPEEK
Have you ever seen someone riding an inflatable turkey hit a homerun in a Division-I NCAA baseball stadium? If not, you missed out on the San Diego State baseball team’s annual Halloween game, where yes, senior outfielder and relief pitcher Steven Pallares, wearing an inflatable turkey rider costume hit a blast over the leftcenter field offense. There were no cutting corners on the costumes for these gentlemen. Fans got a look at all kinds of unique costumes from Abraham Lincoln to the “Gingerbread Man” and Forrest Gump. Head coach Mark Martinez, who dressed up as Luigi, had a hard time picking a favorite. He believed there might not have been a better costume than junior pitcher Mark Seyler’s who dressed up as an incarcerated Justin Bieber. “I think the Justin Bieber jail costume was pretty good, but it’s tough to argue against a guy who hit a home run in an inflatable ostrich suit,” Martinez said of Pallares’ turkey costume. The game is meant all for fun and a way to get fans involved with the program. Admission was free and players were passing out candy to fans mid-game. However, junior pitcher Bubba Derby
explained that the game does serve a purpose to the team on the field. “It’s definitely fun for us because it’s a long fall, and we’re out here grinding everyday practicing really hard,” Derby said. “To have something like this to kind of just take the edge off and play freely is really great.” While there was a wide array of costumes, none may have caught more attention than a group of players which included sophomore outfielder Tyler Adkison, senior pitcher Mitch Bluman, sophomore infielder Ryan Alvarez, junior pitcher Zack Oakley and sophomore infielder Andrew Brown, who dressed up as the Channel 4 News Team from the movie “Anchorman.” “I had the idea about a year ago, and all the guys I live with kind of spur of the moment with to the thrift store, and it came out really nicely,” Bluman said, dressed up as Ron Burgundy. The news team broadcasted the game live from the third base dugout. According to Bluman you can catch them out on the town in their anchorman suits this Halloween. After last year’s game caught national coverage with ESPN and MLB Network, there was a bar set by Martinez as he challenged his team in the summer to come up with something creative for the game. The team met the challenge by orchestrating a flash mob to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to end the game that
P4 Opinion: painting over racism thinkstock
included the dance team, cheerleaders, and volleyball team. “It was a long process, Cooper Sholder (Director of Baseball Operations) did a great job putting everything together, we had practice out here like three or four times, it was very cool,” Martinez said. “I don’t know if we outdid last year, but it was a great way to do a grand finale.” The team had plenty of musical options to choose from, but selecting a Michael Jackson song was only appropriate to honor a fallen Aztec. “We picked Michael Jackson in honor of Tony (Gwynn), he was a huge Michael Jackson fan,” Martinez said. “For a solid year we had Michael Jackson playing in our pre-game batting practice, so we thought that it would be a good way to give him a shout-out.” Martinez may not be sure if his team exceeded expectations on themselves from last year, but after giving a tribute to their former head coach who was an SDSU icon through a flash mob to cap off the game, the Aztecs make a pretty strong case.
P10 Arts Alive brightens campus ANDY FARRA, Staff Photographer
“babies” Us “90’s were
certainly spoiled when it came to the plethora of feel-good Halloween movies released in our youth.” Backpage • P12 what’s inside? News....................................P2-3 Opinion.............................. P4-5 Sports......................................P7 Entertainment................. P8-9 Features..........................P10-11
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2 news
oct. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: david hernandez • news@thedailyaztec.com
#LatinAmerica
Alumni donate to expand Brazilian studies Jaclyn Palumbo staff writer ____________________________________ Two San Diego State alumni, will donate $2.5 million in the next five years as an endowment for a collaborative program with Brazil. The endowment for the J. Keith Behner and Catherine M. Stiefel Program on Brazil, named after the donors, will fund internships and introduce more courses abroad in Brazil, in addition to courses at SDSU about the country, and more. “We would eventually like to establish a Brazilian studies major or minor; that is the direction we are going,” Director of Program on Brazil Ramona Perez said. Behner, SDSU alumnus of 1971, grew up in Brazil and expressed interest in adding more aspects of the country to the Latin America studies curriculum. In collaboration with Perez, Behner determined what it would take to form a stronger connection between SDSU and Brazil and presented the funding, Perez said. The program is designed to provide more than the typical study abroad program. Interactive lab environments, medical clinics and job shadows are possible opportunities, Perez said. The program is intended to include SDSU students of all majors. Five components were highlighted in a plan for growth and development prior to dispersing of the funding. This
THINKSTOCK
included curriculum building, research and faculty development, partnership exchange, visiting scholars and special collections of culture. Research about Brazilian medical clinics will be compared to previous research by Perez and other faculty in Mexican clinics. “The program is designed to bring faculty together over research to develop
programs for students that are both study abroad and research-based to develop relationships with faculty in Brazil so that we can bring Brazilian scholars here,” Perez said. In addition, bringing Brazilian scholars to SDSU would help students who aren’t able to go abroad to experience cultural immersion. “It is one of those programs that isn’t
just about faculty and research,” Perez said. “Rather it is about how faculty and research can create an entire program for students and the community and begin to make it so each of us understands Brazil.” On Nov. 13, the Program on Brazil will feature guest speakers Elizabeth Soares Coelho and Frederico Peres da Costa from 4-6 p.m. in West Commons 220. This event will introduce attendees to programs in Brazil and have a Q-and-A period. On Nov. 14, there will be a conference suite set up for faculty interested in related research opportunities. To assist faculty members who will be modifying their curriculum to include Brazilian aspects, introductory Portuguese-language classes exclusive to faculty were offered this semester, Perez said. “It is a five year strategic plan to build our Brazil program into one of the best in the U.S.,” Perez said. Page said SDSU will be competing with Brown, Vanderbilt and other private schools. To recognize Behner and Stiefel for some previous contributions to the College of Business Administration and the College of Arts and Letters, the second-largest auditorium in the Storm-Nasatir Hall Complex was named the J. Keith Behner and Catherine M. Stiefel Auditorium. It was dedicated in the spring 2014 semester, according NewsCenter.
news 3
oct. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: david hernandez • news@thedailyaztec.com
#faculty
Faculty, CSU to reach new contract The contract would include a 1.6 percent salary increase. J.D. Hodges Staff Writer ___________________________________ The California State University and the California Faculty Association have made a tentative agreement on a new contract. The CSU and CFA will vote to ratify the agreement online beginning at 9 a.m. on Nov. 1. Voting will close at 5 p.m. on Nov. 9. The new contract will include a general pay raise of 1.6 percent for all faculty and 3 percent for faculty who are below the Service Salary Increase. Those below the SSI will receive a 4.6 percent total increase in salary. The SSI is a salary increase available to eligible employees on their yearly anniversaries. Some SDSU faculty have not been receiving a pay raise. Religious Studies department lecturer Pam Fox recently told The Daily Aztec she has not had a pay raise in 10 years. In a press release, CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White praised the new agreement. “The multi-year agreement is a tremendous accomplishment, as well as a special opportunity for CFA and the CSU to continue to strengthen communication and collaboration as we work together to advance the mission of the university,” White said. “As we approach the next year with limited resources and increased expectations at state and federal levels for increased outcomes, we have this agreement as the foundation on which to build a bright future for our students who deserve the highest quality education programs in the state.” SDSU faculty held a closed-door meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28 and were briefed on the new contract. Charles Toombs, president of the CFA San Diego chapter at SDSU, and associate professor with the department of
San Diego State faculty gathered on Oct. 8 to ask President Elliot Hirshman to support a new contract. David Hernandez, news editor
Africana Studies, said approximately 40 faculty came to the briefing. “There are a lot of positives that relate to other things other than salary,” Toombs said. “The contract addresses workload, intellectual property rights, contributions to pensions and health plans.” Toombs said the contract also addresses misclassification of faculty which will improve pay for some.
Misclassification refers to faculty being in the wrong teaching category, such as a lecturer receiving a professor’s rank. If the contract is approved, it will be a three-year contract. Further discussion for pay raises in the second and third year of the contract will begin May 2015, according to the CFA’s website. Earlier this month, faculty gathered and protested at President Hirshman’s office asking for support of a new
contract. President Elliot Hirshman’s office chose not to comment on the meeting held with faculty that came that day. “President Hirshman warmly received us, listened to our concerns with salary and workload, and expressed his understanding that these were important issues for us,” Toombs said in an earlier interview with The Daily Aztec.
#chilicookoff
AS employees compete in chili cook-off Brooke Martell contributor ____________________________________ Spectators and participants who came out to San Diego State’s Scripps Cottage Thursday, Oct. 23, were all hungry for one thing: chili. The 12th annual Associated Students Employee Chili Cook-off brought together the different departments within A.S. Several groups participated in the cook-off with different recipes that each had their own kick. A total of 16 chefs participated and 9 chills were entered. Each chili station had a different theme, ranging from a Halloween exhibit with a not-so-fake-looking body under the table, to a baby dressed in a chili pepper costume. A.S. Executive Vice President Kevin Hancock participated in the event with a “Frozen” inspired theme, calling his chili “Chilly Chili.” He took the afternoon off from his professional attire to sport a sweater and beanie in 85-degree heat,
A fake, bloody body lies by the “Chili Con Carnage” table at the Associated Students chili cook-off . Brooke Martell, Contributor
all to go along with the Disney-movie favorite. “We’re here to hang out with A.S. employees to boost our morale,” Hancock
said. Tasters who came out to get their chili fix also had the opportunity to win prizes. Crock-Pots and cooking utensils were the
main prizes for spectators, while aprons were given to participating A.S. groups that placed in a category. Attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favorite chili for the People’s Choice and for the best presentation for the Most Creative Design. The more prestigious category, Judge’s Choice, was awarded to the group with the best chili. The Daily Aztec had three of our own crowned the winners of Judge’s Choice. The Daily Aztec’s chili group was named Fahrenheit 451 and beat out several other groups who participated. Advertising Director Tony Disarufino, Sales Manager Adam Zabel and General Manager Jay Harn represented and participated on behalf of the newspaper. Assistant Director of Viejas Arena Tim Ripke was the master of ceremonies for the event for the fourth time this year and was excited to do it again. “We rarely get the chance to come together as a group, because A.S. is kind of big family,” Ripke said. “It was a good turn out and a lot of fun. People really enjoy this event.”
4 opinion
oct. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: elpin keshishzadeh • opinion@thedailyaztec.com
Who’sWho?
#blackface
Editor In Chief Monica Linzmeier Managing Editor Madison Hopkins News Editor David Hernandez asst. News Editor Camille Lozano Sports Editor Kristian Ibarra asst. sports Editor Terence Chin Opinion Editor Elpin Keshishzadeh asst. opinion Editor KC Stanfield Entertainment Editor Nick Knott asst. entertainment Editor Ryo Miyauchi Features Editor Kelly Hillock asst. features Editor Chelsea Baer Photo Editor Jenna Mackey video editor Wesley Beights Digital Content EDITOR Kelly Gardner Production Designers Kate Leonard Mark Anthony Santos THINKSTOCK
Painting over racist views With the social evolution of human rights and equality, the racist implications of blackface in today’s culture have become outdated. Marissa Ochoa Staff Columnist ____________________________________
W
ith Halloween just around the corner, there’s bound to be some case of blackface popping up and causing a controversy. However, it’s not necessarily racist if the portrayal of the costume is respectful. Blackface, or applying makeup to resemble an African American, is no stranger to hyped-up scandals of racism. Often times, with situations concerning racism, there are metaphoric lines society knows not to cross. However, questioning the status quo is what helps society evolve. So here my question stands: Why is the portrayal of blackface racist? Blackface began around the 1830s as an exaggeration of how society believed African Americans acted. Decades after, it made its way to minstrel shows and was a popular theatrical aspect until the civil rights movement. Recently, there have been incidents of blackface across media outlets that many people agree contribute to racist stereotypes. However, what I question is not blackface itself, but why society finds blackface offensive. In some recent cases, those who painted their face darker didn’t do so to exaggerate or undermine African American culture,
so why is everybody still offended by something that no longer holds racist values? Has it ever occurred to anyone that the reason blackface is considered offensive is because of the way individuals portray its meaning without understanding what it’s actually about? I understand decades ago, when minstrel shows used blackface to negatively exaggerate the African American community, the portrayal of blackface was demeaning. However, in the present, it isn’t necessarily representing that foundation anymore. Of course there are those exceptions, but as a whole, present day blackface can be simply used as a part of a costume. Let’s take, for example, the second-
to jump the gun and call out anything remotely close to racism. How can a person not be racist while portraying somebody of African American descent? Well, let’s think about the reciprocal here. “White Chicks” is a comedy about two African American FBI Agents who dress up — and paint their face white — to portray two rich white girls. Yet, no backlash came of it because it was understood it was done as part of a costume. Within those contexts, it was completely acceptable. Now, why is blackface any different? Because the roles are reversed? Although society still has a very long way to go in regards to total equality, people need to start realizing not everything is intended to be racist. Blackface in the 21st century is far from what it originally used to be. If people just accept blackface as a racist act, it will stall a movement toward an evolving community. The more everybody clings to old ideas of racism, the less people will be aware of the realities surrounding racism today. Everybody likes to hold on to what used to be considered racist instead of thinking about its relevancy in today’s society. There’s always talk about wanting equality, but if there is still a hold onto these old ideas, society will forever be at a standstill. Stop saying “that’s racist” and start questioning whether it actually is. One will surprisingly see that the world isn’t quite as black and white as it used to be.
Did it ever occur to anybody that the reason blackface is so offensive is because people look at it that way without actually questioning what it is about blackface that is offensive? grad student from Colorado who painted his face darker to resemble Martin Luther King Jr. for a school project. The media flipped out over an 8-year-old boy who was only portraying a historic icon to the best of his abilities. That’s where the disconnect lies. People need to look at the world color blind. Instead of seeing blackface, look at what the individual is actually doing in terms of his or her intention. In regard to the second grader, his intentions were to represent MLK as he saw him. Malicious? I think not. It’s all about context, yet everybody loves
volunteer writers Ryan Posner Jaclyn Palumbo J.D. Hodges Brooke Martell Marissa Ochoa Tabi Hoshmand Emmilly Nguyen Courtney Brown Hayley Spence Kellie Ferguson Thane Hale Olivia Litsey Cami Buckman volunteer photographers Chadd Cady Brooke Martell Andy Farra Andy Farra Kalie Christensen __________________________________ Advertising Director Tony Disarufino Sales Manager Adam Zabel senior Account Executive Radbeh Rabaz Account Executives Alfonso Barajas Shannon Lubar Kamila Sikorski Accounting & Contracts Michael Bratt Kim Le __________________________________ General Manager Jay Harn Graphics Specialist Chris Blakemore __________________________________
What’sWhat? ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com editorial inquiries 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com Print The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies twice a week on Monday & Thursday during the school year, and 3,000 copies every other Monday during the summer. Web Our website, thedailyaztec.com, publishes daily content & breaking news. Mobile Our mobile app, The Aztec App, is available for the iPhone and Android. __________________________________
oct. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: elpin keshishzadeh • opinion@thedailyaztec.com
opinion 5
#protests
Gender protest misses the mark Tabi Hoshmand staff columnist _____________________________________
I
f you were in front of Hepner Hall last Tuesday, then you likely noticed something odd. Students nonchalantly read newspapers while sitting on a row of toilets in the center of campus. This unusual scene was appropriately titled the “S--t in.” San Diego State’s Trans Action and Advocacy Student Coalition Force organized this “S--t In” to bring awareness to the lack of gender-neutral bathrooms around campus. To get a better understanding of the term transgender, it is defined as someone whose gender identity and expression differs from his or her biological sex. When I initially walked past this event, I was proud that SDSU students were rallying for what they believed in. After some thought, I thought that the purpose of this rally must be broader than immediately obvious. The protesters could have been using the topic of gender-neutral bathrooms as a stepping stone to address other issues, including criticisms about the way this campus has dealt with gender concerns, or so I thought. Although I understand and emphasize with this wider idea, I unfortunately was wrong in my assumption. The group was protesting exclusively for gender-neutral bathrooms, an issue that has already been addressed on campus. Now, I’m all about standing tall for what you believe in and treating everyone with the same degree of respect. However, when it comes down to gender
Students organize in front of Hepner Hall protesting the lack of gender neutral bathrooms. Jenna Mackey, photo editor
equality, it’s not fitting for those involved in the protest to make gender-specific bathrooms such a pointed issue. There’s little need to make bathroom usage a big deal. It’s simple, whether people have strong connections with their biological sexes or not, for physiological purposes, individuals should stick to appropriate bathrooms when there is no other option. And rather than protest over genderneutral bathrooms, students should learn to respect each other’s privacy in their respective bathrooms, granting transgender students the respect they deserve. Gender identity is important, but many college students don’t have the financial luxury to go through a sexual transformation. These same students shouldn’t be harassed while using the bathroom, a place divided
by the simplest of measures: biology. If transgender students fear using gender-specific bathrooms because of persecution from other students, it’s their peers job to change their ways, not the school’s burden to make more large changes. Despite all of this, the concept of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus isn’t even relevant. SDSU offers some gender-neutral bathrooms on campus. Regardless of my feelings toward the issue, this campus has done its job in supporting those who it matters to most, yet the protests still persist. The school is evolving, but it won’t happen over night. Complete change requires time and patience. SDSU has taken an impressive step toward progress, yet protesters on campus continue to criticize these steps.
Unfortunately, in times like these, the school takes the hit. Students who are upset about the state of gender issues on campus wasted an opportunity to shed light on other issues by purely focusing on one concern that is already in the process of being resolved. This protest missed the topic of gender equality instead used sensationalist tactics to address something already dealt with. Many individuals are going to have varied opinions when it comes to genderneutral bathrooms, but this campus has made the appropriate strides to implement positive change. Issues with the speed of this change are a completely different matter. Let’s not make this protest a waste of time and spread more ideas that have still yet to be addressed at all.
#coverprofessors
Professors stranded in meningitis scare Emmilly Nguyen Staff columnist _____________________________________
S
tudents from all around the world go to school at San Diego State. It’s too bad their physicians can’t come with them. Fortunately, the Calpulli Center is amazing in offering many free services to students: from birth control and STD screenings to primary care for the common cold, and other everyday illnesses. Having the ability to receive medical attention and advice from the nurse practitioners, or fill and pick up prescriptions, all conveniently located on campus, is very helpful for students. While this service is tremendously useful for students, its assistance to professors is often overlooked. SDSU professors don’t have access to any services from Student Health Services. Faculty and staff are expected to fend for themselves and acquire healthcare elsewhere. Although the student aspect is in the name, there are special circumstances, such as the recent meningitis scare, where professors deserve the same health perks. According to school officials, whether faculty and staff employees qualify for health insurance depends on the their appointment and time base. That puts the health of professors on the back-burner. So, if one does not qualify, it becomes a personal problem. SDSU professors are a vital part of our campus and they come into contact with hundreds, even thousands, of
students every day. Being in contact with that many students on a daily basis categorizes them as high-risk targets to any viral and/or bacterial outbreaks potentially going around. This risk alone is enough to take the health of professors more seriously. It’s equally important for students to surround themselves with healthy professors, especially in light of the SDSU meningitis scare. According to SHS, faculty and staff have to be treated somehow, but certain professors (who prefer to remain anonymous) were excluded from the evaluations and antibiotics provided during this scare. Granted, SHS is paid for by students through registration health fees, rationalizing its exclusivity for students. But under such circumstances, I would expect faculty and staff to have the same access to offered services. With any potential outbreaks, professors are at risk along with the student body. As explained by SHS, exceptions are made for faculty and staff in regards to flu immunization, optometry care, first aid for on-campus injuries and cases when employees are also enrolled as a student. SHS also states it gives teachers preventative care when it comes to campus health crises. But this statement is contradicted by the instances of the few professors who were denied access to said preventive measures, evaluations and antibiotics. More than 1,000 students were seen by SHS and more than 400 of them were given antibiotics — students with secondary contact were not
given antibiotics due to low risk. For individuals at low risk who still wish to take preventative measures, vaccines are on sale at the health office for the not-solow price of $91. Students have access to so many free amenities on campus, specifically at SHS where nurses can see sick or injured students, prescribe medications, or provide information on pharmacies with discounted prices. Whether the student has health insurance is not a big concern when it comes to appointments, but matters more when it comes to perceptions. With recent faculty protests of salary contract settlements, turning teachers away from a campus-wide health issue is blatant disrespect. Whether it’s SHS or the California State University system, faculty and staff continue receiving the shorter end of the stick. According to the CSU website, only employees who have worked half-time for more than six months, fulfilled six weighted teaching units in one semester, or two consecutive quarters, qualify for medical coverage. Non-eligible employees include: graduate assistants, student assistants, intermittent employees, faculty members only hired to teach summer session, extension or intersession and those who aren’t paid by the CSU. However, all this medical coverage doesn’t even apply to SHS,
whose care isn’t given to teachers unless specified in their exceptions. Sure, professors can possibly afford to purchase the vaccine as well as other medication, but that’s not the point. The point is through vague coverage guidelines by the CSU, SDSU professors were hung out to dry by the health services provided by SDSU.
Student Health Services clarify vaccine qualitifactions. Monica Linzmeier, editor in chief
sports 7
oct. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra • sports@thedailyaztec.com
#aztecbaseball
The Aztec baseball team held its annual Halloween game on Sunday.
Aztec hitters were on a roll.
Halloween baseball game 2014 photos by chadd cady
Aztec pitchers threw egg-cellently.
San Diego’s Channel 4 News Team kept it classy.
Ron Burgundy was stuck in a glass base of emotion.
8 entertainment
oct. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: nick knott • entertainment@thedailyaztec.com
#switchfoot
Switchfoot swings home on tour
courtney brown staff writer _____________________________________ San Diego’s homegrown rock band Switchfoot brings its Fading West tour to the Open Air Theater on Saturday, Nov. 1. The unique tour features the band’s
Brothers Tim and Jon Foreman formed Switchfood during their time in San Diego. jenna mackey, photo editor
surf documentary also titled “Fading West” that lends a deeper insight into where their music inspiration comes from. The band members describe the album as a love letter to the ocean. Drummer Chad Butler grew up
surfing Black’s Beach and listening to local San Diego bands. He attended Carlsbad High School and University of California, San Diego along with bassist Tim Foreman and frontman Jon Foreman. The strong connection with the musicians’ hometown is the heart of
the band. “It’s been home to us since the beginning,” Butler said. “And that’s why Nov. 1 is so special to us, because it’s been a labor of love making this film and putting out the album. So to finally be able to bring the whole project back home feels incredible.” The documentary follows the Switchfoot members while they travel to iconic surf spots around the world, play shows, and record a new album. After 17 years recording together, they decided to look deeper for new inspiration. The challenge was taking their music to a new place that still felt like home. “We look at the ocean and it’s always a reminder of where we came from,” Butler said. “Even if it’s in another country, there’s a commonality and it’s a connection that we have together that was started in the water.” After a year of taking “Fading West” around the country, the musicians are stoked to finally come full circle and bring it home. “We’re really grateful to the San Diego community for all the support it’s shown us over the years and to be able to represent that all over the world where music has taken us is an honor,” Butler said. “To be known as a San Diego band is something we’re really proud of.” The Nov. 1 show sounds like good vibes will be all around from a band with a lot of love for its hometown.
oct. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: nick knott • entertainment@thedailyaztec.com
entertainment 9
#sdsuimprov
Improv team hosts annual Halloween show Hayley spence staff writer _____________________________________ There were both tricks and treats at the Iota Eta Pi Halloween Show on Oct. 28, 2014. In true spirit of the Halloween season, guests were invited to dress up and come share a few laughs as nine of Iota Eta Pi’s players performed a free show for students. Iota Eta Pi is San Diego State’s only Improv Team, consisting of nineteen students ranging from sophomores to seniors. The shows the team performs are completely improvisational, which means that nothing is rehearsed or prepared beforehand. Everything is made up on the spot and unique to each show. This makes the shows fun and even a little random, as the players have to think on their feet and sometimes what comes out of their mouths creates an uproar of laughter. Each show consists of players, who are the performing students, and a student referee. On this night, Colin Metcalf was the referee and he started the night off just right, explaining the games to get the audience into the spirit of the show. The unique aspect of these shows is that the audience is involved in almost every way. They are not only the ones who choose the scenarios and give suggestions that the players have to follow, but the audience also fuels the
Courtesy of iota eta pi
players on as they perform on stage. The louder the audience was, the better the players performed. The players for the night consisted of rookies Jack Holderman and Austin Book, and veterans Kirstie Newman, Emily Yavitch, Mico Ramos, Alex Tobin, Karlie Manzo and Devon Kane. Each brought a unique and different personality to the show, which appealed to all the different personalities of the crowd. There was not just one type of student in the crowd. The team brought in students of all majors and types to the show, making the diversity and the suggestions that were shouted out to the
referee even funnier. Some of the games included in the Halloween spooktacular show were Possession, a game where two players perform, while another “possesses” them, controlling what they say and do during that time. Another game was Interrogation, where two players are interrogated by two others. The two players being questioned have no clue what they have done, and the goal of the game is to get them to figure it out. For the show, the suspects had “eaten peanut butter in a bath tub with Hugh Jackman.” The laughter that ensued as the interrogation went on brought tears
to the eyes. Alex Tobin and Devon Kane interrogated the two suspects, Austin Book and Mico Ramos. The show was a huge success. This is one team to keep an eye out for, especially when looking for a good laugh. Check out its Facebook page for future events. The team usually holds events monthly and are free. While members perform on campus, they also perform at events around San Diego and against other teams in California. To join the group, interested students can attend a meeting every Monday and Wednesday from 12-2 p.m. by the Don Powell Theater.
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10 features
oct. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kelly hillock • features@thedailyaztec.com
#expressyourself
Arts Alive adds color to campus
Arts Alive hosts a pop-up concert event at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union for students to enjoy. andy farra, Staff PhotograPher
Kellie Ferguson staff writer _____________________________________ Being a college student can be difficult and time consuming. It’s easy to get caught up in studying for the next big accounting midterm or finishing that research paper for a psychology class. When this happens, the beautiful, artistic and creative contributions of fellow students can easily be overlooked. Arts Alive is a new initiative created to help remind students of the important artistic and creative contributions being produced by their peers. Arts Alive was brought onto San Diego State’s campus at the beginning of 2014. This initiative is part of the
strategic plan that was developed to help improve specific areas of SDSU. Areas of focus include neighborhood and community relations, entrepreneurial experiences and in the case of Arts Alive, campus art events. “What the president’s office and the strategic plan uncovered is that there is all of this amazing art happening but it kind of is the best kept secret on campus,” current chair Dani Bedau said. “The mandate of Arts Alive SDSU is to go from having it be the best kept secret to having it be that every student, faculty, and staff member on campus has the opportunity to have a transformational experience with the arts over their course of time at SDSU.” Arts Alive is now implementing strategies to endorse and bring
attention to these events. One strategy is the appearance of pop-up events. These events are short displays of creativity from various artists on campus, including dance, music, painting and more. They are held at various times and places on campus. Sometimes they even pop up in places like Love Library, the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union and even at the weekly Thursday Farmer’s Market. These events provide quick glimpses into what some of SDSU’s student artists are capable of creating. Many students may have noticed the sudden appearance of uniquely painted benches by the Music and Dramatic Arts buildings. Arts Alive commissioned the painting of these benches, which
provide a splash of art to an everyday setting. Liberal studies senior Annie Osborn is a student who has noticed the impact a small change like painting benches can have. “As a full time student, I am on campus quite a bit,” Osborn said. “The benches definitely stand out and give this campus more personality. Simple things like that really inspire people.” By integrating art into the everyday lives of students, the campus itself provides a tool in helping students get the most out of their college experience. Along with other endeavors, Arts Alive has plans to continue painting more benches, continuously increasing exposure to the arts. Another focus of Arts Alive is to help the faculty intertwine the arts into their subjects. Regardless of the subject, the goal is to have professors encourage students to attend art events that connect with whatever they are studying. This allows students who are studying a subject that is not focused on the arts a chance to be exposed to some of the creativity on campus. “We believe that (art) makes a campus a more open, welcome, and friendly place where people can be more themselves,” Bedau said. “We’re looking at really trying to help professors … understand the value of what integrating art into their syllabi can do to expand the dimension of the classes that they are already teaching without doing anything extra.” The Arts Alive initiative is still new to campus. Their website is in its developmental stages, but is expected to launch soon. A Twitter, Facebook and Instagram account are up however. Art spans cultures, pushes boundaries and expresses a person’s innermost thoughts and ideas. Arts Alive reminds people of the positive impact creative expression can have on their education and lives.
#registration
New website offers better class reviews Thane Hale staff writer ____________________________________ Course Geeks is a website that hopes to improve the way students evaluate and choose their classes. The website will launch in about a month, to collect reviews from students about their courses at San Diego State, and eventually, it will have enough compiled reviews to act as a resource. The website will provide more specific information than, for example, Ratemyprofessor.com. It’s the brainchild of Kareem Scamahorn, who graduated from SDSU in 2011 with an accounting degree. He has worked as an auditor at other companies and is a licensed CPA, but he has wanted to pursue this idea ever since he was a student. “As a student, I had to register,” Scamahorn said. “But there was never enough information for me to feel comfortable. You can only get so much with what is out there currently.” Where Ratemyprofessor.com might have more subjective reviews of a professor, with tags and some qualities such as helpfulness, clarity, and easiness, Course Geeks plans to have more specific information.
“It’s going to be very objective and factual,” Scamahorn said. “It isn’t so subjective and it isn’t just about picking through what you think is right. For example, the survey students take will ask ‘Does the professor take attendance?’ and the possible answers will be ‘yes, every class,’ ‘yes, occasionally,’ and ‘no.’ Some other questions answered will be “Is homework due every class session?” and “How often does it require a textbook?” Some other questions will provide the number of essays and the number of presentations required in a course. Scamahorn explained that his accounting degree not only helped in his financing the website, but his experience in analytics also contributed to the website itself. “It goes into the logic behind the survey questions,” he said. Subsequently, all of this information will go into the professor rating. The specific information on the course will also be displayed. Other tools the website promises include a list of courses that each student can keep. For that reason, he hopes to link the service to MyMAP. That will also make it so students can search by specific course rather than
Course Geeks was created to enhance the class registration process. courtesy of course geeks
by the professors’ name or department. Lastly, the site will be kept up to date with its information. Scamahorn hopes that students will participate by submitting reviews to the website. “We look at this as students helping students,” he said. “The more people that participate, the better it will be. In the end, it is a college student resource.”
The access to the website is free, and the site will be up in for spring registration. Scamahorn emphasizes the importance of selecting the right classes and hopes this website will change students’ class registration for the better. “I understand the way professors affect student performance,” he said. “It can really change their college career.”
FEATURES 11
OCT. 30 - NOV. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KELLY HILLOCK• FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
#AZTECPRIDE
Model UN fosters communication skills OLIVIA LITSEY SENIOR STAFF WRITER ___________________________________ “Integrative diversity through international awareness.” This slogan is a defining statement of San Diego State’s new Model United Nations club. Recognized by Student Life & Leadership on May 5, the first club meeting was held at the beginning of this month and will continue to be held every Thursday night at 6 p.m. in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Any SDSU student in good standing, after an application and interview process that will occur at the beginning of every semester, is allowed to join the club. According to the United Nations Association’s website, “Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, or other multilateral body, which introduces students to the world of diplomacy, negotiation, and decision making.” International economics and political science senior and President Joel Deas formed the club after speaking with multiple people that suggested its leverage in the professional world, including a UNA board member with whom he spoke at an event for the San Diego World Affairs Council, and a former director of one of the departments in the
Model United Nations club members gather for their weekly meeting, held on Thursdays at 6 p.m. KALIE CHRISTENSEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
National Security Council with whom he met on a trip to Washington, D.C. earlier this year. Deas worked to create the organization’s constitution and structure. They chose students who were already leaders on campus to join him on the executive board of the club. The club is currently assembling a secretariat board to oversee the home conference, as well as a travel team to attend and participate in upcoming conferences in Davis, New York and even Rome, Italy. Teams participating in these conferences must take on the identity of a foreign country and argue for or against certain issues from the standpoint of this country.
“You want to be prepared in a way where you forgot how to argue from an American point of view,” Deas said. There are a variety of students involved with the Model UN at SDSU. While many ISCOR, political science and international business majors are inevitably attracted to the club, there many other types of students involved with the group as well. Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Michel is a social work sophomore whose ideal job is to do social work for the United Nations. “I have always been interested in global affairs and helping people,” she said. “The Model UN is a great place for me because it offers a combination of both.”
Deas said he hopes the group will be able to mediate campus debates and problems involving international relations, as the Model UN practices nonpartisan problem solving. He spoke of providing student led diversity initiatives and motivating students to become actively engaged in their community. Much like the United Nations, SDSU’s Model UN tries to integrate values such as civic engagement, gender equality, sustainability and development into their organization. This appeals to students like international business sophomore Joel Lopez, who heard about the Model UN club from a friend and was drawn specifically to the club’s dedication to promoting cultural diversity. “I am actually working on starting a business, and knowing that I am not alone in embracing the fact that there is a much needed awareness of international affairs and cultural diversity really stood out to me and pushed me to pursue it,” Lopez said. SDSU’s Model UN club works to foster social engagement and professional development in its members for the purpose of succeeding in the club as well as in life after college. “It’s really an organization with unlimited potential, and we would like you to be part of that potential,” Deas said.
CROSSWORDS
ACROSS 1 Crawled, perhaps 5 Broadway show whose title woman can “coax the blues right out of the horn” 9 Renege, with “out” 12 Andalusian appetizer 13 Accord competitor 15 Hole starter 16 Postal service 18 __-pitch 19 Kanakaredes of “CSI: NY” 20 Plastered 22 Curled-lip look 23 Brigades, e.g. 25 The tar, in Spanish 27 Anonymous John 28 “The Black Cat” author 31 __ moss
32 Mountains dividing Europe and Asia 35 With 37-Across, sentence openings, and what the ends of 16-, 23-, 47-, and 57-Across can be when rearranged 37 See 35-Across 40 Hop follower 41 Modest dress 42 NASCAR __ 43 Lion or tiger 45 Exercises begun in a supine position 47 “You made your point” 50 “... if you want to __ man’s character, give him power”: Lincoln 54 Part of 56-Across 55 Eats pretzels, say 56 Google hit 57 Form small
teams at school 60 What “I” may indicate 61 Common soccer score 62 Only 63 June honorees 64 Blind component 65 Breyers competitor DOWN 1 Restrains 2 Like Madame Tussauds figures 3 Traditional temptation 4 “Manhattan” Oscar nominee Hemingway 5 Galaxy gp. 6 Source of 20s, briefly 7 Harmful gas 8 One of the Brontës 9 Dishonorably
dismissed 10 Bird that’s probably not wise and certainly not old 11 Trudges 13 Fit __ fiddle 14 One way to think 17 Mesmerized 21 Porcine sniffer 23 Kazakhstan border sea 24 Collecting Soc. Sec. 26 Arthur who won a Tony for 5-Across 28 IBM 5150s, e.g. 29 Furniture wood 30 Inner circles, in astronomy models 33 Coach Parseghian 34 ‘60s hallucinogen 36 Old BristolMyers toothpaste 37 Beer choice 38 College email ending 39 Extreme summit 41 Former space station 44 “Solve __ decimal places” 45 Reddish-brown horse 46 Bagel choice 47 Eat loudly 48 Main artery 49 Mars pair 51 Drew back 52 NFL analyst Bradshaw 53 Beasts of burden 55 St. Louis-toChicago dir. 58 Place to see RVs 59 NFL mistake
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ocT. 30 - nov. 2, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kelly hillock • FEATURES@thedailyaztec.com
#halloween
From Halloweens past Cami Buckman staff writer ___________________________________
T
is’ the season of oddly carved pumpkins, jumbo bags of snacksized candy and unoriginal costumes — it’s Halloween time. We all know those people that are a bit too excited when they see the signs to pop-up Halloween stores, and we all know the non-festive people that turn off their porch lights on the night of Halloween. Personally, I’m neither of these people. I like to consider myself caught in the middle of the Halloween web. However, instead of the pumpkin carving and costume shopping, my favorite thing about Halloween is the throwback movies shown on television. While we all still enjoy the wonders of “Hocus Pocus” and “Beetlejuice,” I can’t help but think about the children of today and feel sorry for them. Us ‘90s babies were certainly spoiled when it came to the plethora of feelgood Halloween movies released in our youth. Where else can we go to a place called “Halloweentown” and be greeted by witches, warlocks, trolls and every other spooky creature living in harmony? Could there ever be a grandma cooler than Aggie Cromwell?
I know I’m not the only one who can recite the “bay tiki mah, bay tiki fear” spell, and I know I’m not the only one who remembers the ghost that instantly became slim after sitting in a sauna. There’s so much road rage on the streets, but there is no driver as crazy as the spastic taxi-driving
Us 90’s babies were certainly spoiled when it came to the plethora of feel-good Halloween movies released in our youth. skeleton, Benny. It’s a shame mortals can only visit “Halloweentown” for one day out of the year, and it’s a shame that it only comes on television once a year as well. Where else can we be best friends with a Little Vampire? As children, we couldn’t help but adore the late-night play dates between a human boy and his blood-sucking friend, and let’s not forget about the flying cows. Because
#dasnapshots
of this movie, I expect nothing less than loving, supernatural families and vampire hunters if I ever move to Scotland. “The Little Vampire” truly redefined the phrase “blood brothers.” Where else can we work hand-inhand with a friendly ghost named Casper to defeat evil? As a little girl, I remember running around the house with a red blanket wrapped around me pretending to be the girl-witch Wendy. Forget humans, friendly ghosts obviously make better friends. Now, kids won’t be able to understand the excitement people like me feel when there is a phantom on the loose at the Megaplex, you won’t be able to understand how terrifying the movie “Don’t Look Under The Bed” was for an eight-year-old, and you won’t be able to understand how wonderful it would be to personally know the Addams family. If you did watch these flicks as a kid, then you understand why it might be strange for your mother to go out because she could be on a date with a vampire, and you understand the problems of having a mummy such as in “Under Wraps.” These movies may be a bit corny now that we’re all older, but when it’s this time of the year, I can’t help but become lost in nostalgic Halloween memories.
SUDOKU
HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9. Difficulty Level:
4/4
CROSSWORDS, SUDOKU, AND HOROSCOPES COURTESY OF TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC., ©2014. GAME SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Throwbackthursdays
Daily Aztec Staff Clockwise from top: Kristian Ibarra (1995) Kelly Hillock
(1998), Jenna Mackey (1996) and Honorary Aztec Ellis Blakemore.
Ashamed. She forgot to read The Daily Aztec. Now, she’s out of the loop. > Stay up to date with thedailyaztec.com & The Aztec App
PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec. Express your concerns by emailing letters@thedailyaztec.com
HOROSCOPE happy Birthday (10/30/14) - Shine like a star this year. Practice and share your talents. Money comes easier this year, so put some aside for later. Play a game to impact a cause that moves your heart. You can move mountains. Invite others to play. A breakthrough in collaborative fun over springtime leads to reflection. Act together for the world you want. HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad. Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 9 - Friends offer fantastic suggestions. Reinforce the structure of your idea. Research supplies and materials. Practice improves your luck. Power on selfdiscipline to get tasks completed before a social deadline. Call in a favor from a willing conspirator. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 9 - Establish your platform, and endorse your community partners. Create flexible structures. Abandon old fears. Disagreement can be okay. Career matters most now. Creative energy abounds. Assume more responsibility. Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 9 - Keep your treasure buried. Plan your vacation over the next few days. Imagine an adventure in an exotic locale, pushing personal boundaries. Accept encouragement from someone who knows you well. Budget and research before making reservations. Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 9 - Take practical steps to realize a financial dream. Review your budget today and tomorrow. Research options, plot and scheme. Schedule routines to maintain the plan, and then go play with toys and hobbies. Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 The truth comes out, and your theory is confirmed. Get expert advice over the next two days, to forward a home project. Let your partner drive. Wait until you need it to play your ace. Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 9 - The next two days get busy. Gather support from practical friends. Narrow your focus to put out fires and handle urgencies. Team work helps. Do what you promised. Reward your efforts with healthy nourishment. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 - Duty and tradition provide advancement potential. Take an older person's advice on methods with a proven track record. Today and tomorrow are all about having the most fun possible. Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 - A friend offers direct support on a home project. Engage in the battle. Cultivate the most practical options. Personal comfort must be considered. Make lists. Make a surprising discovery together. Home's the best place tonight. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Today is a 9 - You have stores set aside. Study and practice today and tomorrow. Plan for publication or public display. Collaborate with partners, to save resources. Figure your image and persona. Prepare for a social event. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 9 - Today and tomorrow can be quite profitable, especially if you work up a sweat. Someone who seems weak actually isn't. Money flows in and out with greater velocity... keep track. Accept help with the structure. Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 9 - Make a professional commitment, and get empowered. Go ahead and celebrate with confidence today and tomorrow. Play by the rules. Assert your wishes now. You can make it happen. Do no evil, and require that of your networks. Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 9 - Make sure your partner is on board with the plan. They can provide the practical information you need. Rest and recuperate today and tomorrow. Your imagination runs wild, while you crave stability. Handle an obligation.