12-01-2014

MONDAY, DEC. 1 - WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3, 2014 • VOLUME 101 • ISSUE 32

SOCIAL LIFE SHUTDOWN SDSU to investigate frat allegations • P3 Opinion: Greek life enables rape culture • P4 MONICA LINZMEIER, EDITOR IN CHIEF

#AZTECFB

FIVE YEARS The San Diego State Aztec football team went undefeated in six home games this season. With their latest win, the Aztecs clinched a school-record fifth straight bowl game.

RYAN POSNER STAFF WRITER ____________________________________

SNEAKPEEK

Needing a win to secure a fifth straight bowl appearance, San Diego State thumped the California State University, San Jose Spartans by a score of 38-7 on Saturday afternoon at Qualcomm Stadium.

It was a career day for sophomore running back Donnel Pumphrey, who has been the Aztecs ringleader on offense all season as he played his best game of the year.

Pumphrey finished the game with 22 carries for a career high 267 yards and three touchdowns, fueled SDSU’s offense in the blow-out win.

“The offensive line picked it up all year,” Pumphrey said in the post-game press conference. “They’ve been able to open up holes in their big lanes, and all you see is green, to be honest. I was able to make a couple guys miss and hit the hole.”

Big lanes may have been an understatement, as Pumphrey took advantage of the Spartans defense early and often.

Just in the first quarter, Pumphrey racked up 150 rushing yards and a touchdown, which had him on pace to break the NCAA Division I single-game

rushing record.

Pumphrey then promptly scored in the opening minutes of the second quarter giving him a Madden-like stat line in the early stages of the game.

“I think what’s most amazing about this is that since the first two weeks of the season, everybody is stacking their defense to stop the run,” head coach Rocky Long said. “And in order to still be able to run that well, you have to have good running backs which we do, but good running backs don’t show up unless somebody’s blocking.”

With a large lead at hand, Long “called off the dogs” and let junior running back Chase Price take over rushing duties for the rest of the first half. Price didn’t give the defense much of a break, though, finishing the game with 22 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown.

The rushing attack was not the only unit on SDSU that played an exemplary game.

After shutting down Air Force Academy last week, the defense was at it again stifling the Spartans offense all game.

Heading into halftime, the defense had shutout SJSU, allowing just 108 yards of total offense. If not for a 34-yard touchdown by the Spartans in the fourth quarter, the Aztecs would have kept their opponents scoreless for six straight

P10 Grad students master musicals ROBERT PLANT, STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER

quarters to close out the regular season.

“We get after it practice all week long,” sophomore safety Malik Smith said.

“The scout team gives us a good look and coach (Long) makes sure he gives us a good look so I think that had a lot to do with it all through the season.”

Now, all the Aztecs have to do is wait as they prepare to hear their destination for their program-record fifth straight bowl appearance.

There’s no telling where SDSU is heading, but Long has his fingers crossed that his team will get to stay home at Qualcomm Stadium to play the United States Naval Academy in the Poinsettia Bowl.

“I’d love to stay home, because I think it’s a classy bowl (game), and I think they do everything for the team and the players,” Long said. “It’s really first class because we’ve been there a couple years ago, and it’s as nice a bowl game as I’ve ever been to. We’d love to stay home if they would have us.”

No matter where the Aztecs end up, they will have made history for the SDSU football program.

“I’m happy for the program because it’s going to be our fifth-straight bowl game, which sometimes people will say that’s not no big deal, but I’ve been coaching a long time, and guess what? It is a big deal,” Long said.

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Sophomore running back Donnel Pumphrey ran for 267 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday’s win against the Spartans.

CHADD CADY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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2 news

dec. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: camille lozano • news@thedailyaztec.com

#statestudiesabroad

Study abroad program takes off emely navarro staff writer _____________________________ San Diego State was recently ranked No. 22 in the nation for its study abroad program, according to the Institute for International Education’s new Open Doors Report. This new ranking also establishes SDSU as one of only three California universities that were ranked in the top 25 nationally for sending students abroad.

“We always look to maintain quality in our programs and it is reflected in the number of students going abroad,” International Student Center Director Noah Hansen said.

“Our numbers are growing and have been growing, and I think that is a reflection of meeting the needs of the students.”

The university provides students with many options for studying abroad and has 335 educational study abroad programs in 52 different countries. SDSU also requires students in 34 academic programs to study abroad.

Hansen said the university encourages every student to study abroad and has made it a requirement for some majors

such as nursing and hospitality, because the university feels that students who graduate will be much better served if they have some direct contact with another country through an approved program.

Going abroad teaches students coping and problemsolving skills that will be useful for the rest of their lives, but may not be attained if they stay in the U.S, he said.

“Going abroad really gives students the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and open their mind to different ways of thinking, but it also enables our students to take different loads of course work and to have learning experiences that are sometimes not available here at SDSU,” Hansen said.

He also said employers realize the value of a student who can think outside the box and has different cultural experiences.

“We live in a globalized society where information with people flows back and forth, and if students are going to work and live in that sort of world they need to be equipped with an experience of what it is like in another country and we hope with the learning of the languages as well,” Assistant

The Be International kiosk will serve as a traveling resource for students to learn about studying abroad opportunities.

Jenna Mackey, Photo editor

Vice President of International Programs Alan Sweedler said.

In order to increase the number of students going abroad and educate them about the options available, the International Studies Center created the Be International campaign.

This campaign encourages more engagement with students looking to study abroad by providing awareness and a starting point, SDSU Communications Director Kim Calderon said.

“When we started the Be International campaign it really

started with trying to solve a problem which was the fact that there are tons of international opportunities around campus but it was difficult to find where some of those opportunities were because there was no physical standing point,” Calderon said.

She explained that SDSU’s new Be International kiosk would be the solution to this, it to get the information out to students. “(The kiosk) is meant to be a physical signpost for students,” Calderon said. “The kiosk is

meant to look like an extension of SDSU.” The kiosk will move around campus and provide information about the international programs offered as well as to answer questions about studying abroad.

Students who are interested in studying abroad but don’t think they can afford it can apply for an Associated Students’ scholarship to study abroad or visit the International Student Center website, where more scholarship opportunities are listed.

During its regular meeting Mon., Dec. 1, 2014 the Associated Students Board of Directors will vote on some important

BYLAW AMENDMENTS.

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Copies of the proposed changes are available to interested individuals upon request from the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union’s Information Booth and the A.S. Office, located on the third floor of the student union.

Comments regarding the proposed changes are welcomed in advance.

619-594-6555 as.sdsu.edu

NEWS 3

DEC. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CAMILLE LOZANO • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#SEXUALASSAULT

SDSU to investigate frat allegations DAVID HERNANDEZ NEWS EDITOR _____________________________________

Take Back the Night demonstrators marched through the San Diego State community to protest sexual violence.

MONICA LINZMEIER, EDITOR IN CHIEF

university is committed to working with, and supporting, our Greek community as it pursues these essential efforts.”

Cole said he is proud of the work SDSU is doing to combat sexual violence but acknowledged that there is more work to be done.

“I don’t think we should be satisfied with where we’re at,” Cole said. “We can do more and we’re going to do more.”

Concerned Students of SDSU — the on-campus group that organized the rally on Nov. 21 — previously demanded that SDSU suspend all fraternities. The group has also urged SDSU to expand its Sexual Violence Task Force to be more inclusive to diverse students and asked the university

to fund a Take Back the Night Week and an app developed by SDSU students that helps students report sexual assaults.

Busse said despite recent initiatives

by SDSU to combat sexual assault, the university has not done enough.

In an unscientific poll conducted by The Daily Aztec, 36 percent of participants said the harassing of the demonstrators was unacceptable and that the InterFraternity Council was right to suspend social activities. The second highest response of 27 percent, called for the issue of sexual violence to be addressed by the entire campus, not just by Greek organizations.

Only one percent of participants said the suspension was uncalled for.

WE ASKED YOU: DO YOU THINK THE SDSU INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL WAS RIGHT TO SUSPEND ALL GREEK SOCIAL ACTIVITIES? 1%

2% 10%

36% 24% 27%

36% YES, THE HARASSING OF SEXUAL ASSAULT DEMONSTRATORS IS UNACCEPTABLE 27% SEXUAL ASSAULT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ALL ACROSS CAMPUS NOT JUST GREEK LIFE 24% YES, MEMBERS OF GREEK LIFE NEED TO BE EDUCATED ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT

339 READERS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ONLINE POLL

D

ea

A I L Y

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Cole said every fraternity and sorority member would soon undergo sexual assault awareness programs. He added that some fraternities have already begun preparing presentations on sexual assault.

SDSU’s FratMANners program already allows fraternity members to learn about sexual assault intervention and awareness. Cole said Sigma Phi Epsilon members that partake in the program give presentations to the fraternity.

Ortega said she believes the university can do more to combat sexual violence at SDSU, but she is happy that Greek organizations will be taking steps to educate its members.

“I think it’s amazing on the part of the fraternities because they are acknowledging that this is a problem and that their institution or fraternities are in a way promoting this,” Ortega said. “Men should be at the forefront of this because sexual violence makes men look bad.”

SDSU President Elliot Hirshman addressed the issue and the fraternities’ decision to suspend social events in a statement last Wednesday.

“I commend the leaders of the Greek community for recognizing our shared responsibility to end sexual violence and taking these proactive steps to address this critical issue,” Hirshman said. “We must work as one community to create the substantive changes necessary to end sexual violence on our campus. The steps outlined today are the beginning of what must be a sustained effort to change attitudes, culture and actions and the

r

San Diego State will investigate allegations that fraternity members harassed demonstrators rallying against sexual assault during a protest in late November.

As Take Back the Night demonstrators marched through the communities surrounding SDSU on Nov. 21, Sigma Phi Epsilon members yelled obscenities at the demonstrators. Later, Delta Sigma Phi members waved dildos from the balcony of their fraternity house, Take Back the Night co-organizer Jordan Busse said.

Passing cars also egged the individuals rallying that night, Busse said.

Associated Students President and Sigma Phi Epsilon member Jonathan Cole suggested that the members involved with the event should be expelled from their respective fraternities if allegations are true.

He said the Greek system has “no tolerance” for the alleged actions.

Busse said SDSU leaders have not reached out to the demonstrators regarding the investigation. SDSU administration was not available to comment on the investigation process by the time of publication.

SDSU communications student Frida Ortega participated in the Take Back the Night rally and said the fraternity members’ actions didn’t stop the demonstrators.

“It actually encouraged us and motivated us to continue, and even chant louder because obviously they were upset that we were bringing this issue to light and they felt uncomfortable,” Ortega said.

Sigma Phi Epsilon will be conducting its own internal investigation and fraternity President Austin Dean said members would be expelled from the chapter if allegations are proven to be true.

Delta Sigma Phi did not return requests for comment.

SDSU’s InterFraternity Council suspended social activities indefinitely on Nov. 26. to focus on educating its members about sexual assault. The Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and the United Sorority and Fraternity Council will educate its respective members on the impact of sexual assault.

10% NO, I DON’T THINK THE ACTIONS OF SOME GREEK LIFE MEMBERS SHOULD AFFECT ALL GREEK LIFE MEMBERS

2% OTHER 1% NO, THIS IS UNCALLED FOR KATE LEONARD, ART DIRECTOR

#SDSUVETERANS

SDSU listed as best for veterans in 2015 JD HODGES STAFF WRITER _____________________________________ In a recent ranking, Military Times listed San Diego State as No. 38 in the best fouryear schools for veterans to attend in 2015.

“SDSU’s program is nationally renowned; cohorts of mine from other schools ask me about what we are doing all the time,” on-campus VetSuccess Counselor Natacia Cordle said. “The proof is in the pudding, veterans come here because they hear about the great services we have for veterans.”

The ranking was based on several factors. The schools were evaluated in five categories: university culture, academic quality, student support, academic policies and financial aid. The closest attention was paid to university culture and student support, according to the Military Times’ methodology report.

Other aspects that factored into the rankings included the amount of staff support that schools give to veterans and

veteran issues, the student-to-staff ratio, accreditation rating of the school and whether the school participated in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a partnership between the Veterans Affairs Department and schools where the difference in tuition is made up jointly

financial services and economics who graduated in 2013, is now in SDSU’s financial and tax planning master’s program. Pederson said he knew early on that SDSU would be a good fit for him as a student veteran.

After leaving the Marine Corps in 2004, Pederson was working and going to

“

TO BE RECOGNIZED LIKE THAT AND TO HAVE THE PRESENCE WE DO HAVE ON CAMPUS IS VERY GOOD FOR VETERANS.”

- Josh Pederson, graduate student and veteran

between the VA and the school when the GI Bill fails to cover tuition.

Setting SDSU apart from other schools is the Veterans House. It is the first student veteran house on a college campus and offers a place for student veterans to socialize, meet and plan activities.

Josh Pederson, a double major in

school part-time at a community college.

When it came time to find a four-year school, SDSU was one of the schools he considered.

Pederson attended an information session for veterans in San Marcos organized by the California State University.

“I got a really good feeling of what SDSU was doing there,” Pederson said. “SDSU presented what they were doing with and for veterans. They said who we need to talk to, and what we need to do, and it was a very good feeling knowing that this is all here for you.”

The SDSU Veterans House was also a selling point for Pederson.

“It helps make a family-like atmosphere on campus,” Pederson said. “You walk in, and there is an instant connection with others there from the bond of serving together, that is one of the things that really anchored me here and showed me that SDSU is a great place for veterans.”

Pedersen said one of the most unexpected things for him was the fact that veterans are recognized as a cultural community on campus.

“To be recognized like that and to have the presence we do have on campus is very good for veterans,” he said.

SDSU has more than 3,200 veterans, active duty, reservist and dependents of military members enrolled.

4 opinion

DEc. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: elpin keshishzadeh • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Who’sWho?

#priorities

Donors favor student athletes tabi hoshmand staff columnist _____________________________

W

ith basketball season taking over most of San Diego State students’ time recently, the importance of sports is apparent on this campus. It’s become so vital to the school, that an estate gift from Bob and Robin Sinclair of $1.25 million has been donated to launch the Coryell Legacy, a program focused on providing scholarship support for student athletes. Scholarships are a godsend when attending college, but don’t donations such as this favor athletes over academics? When looking over the stats, it becomes clear that there is more money being spent on funding athletics than on educating students.

Although not alumni, the Sinclair’s have been donors since 2012. According to Associate Athletic Director for Development Bob Moosbrugger, the Sinclair’s have seen the student-athletes not only perform on the field or court but have had the chance to interact with them at most

of the events. They appreciate the poise it takes to balance academics with the rigors of being a Division 1 athlete.

However, if all of high school was spent focusing on their college and pro careers, where did school fit in?

Moosbrugger explained that the primary goal each year is to raise the funds needed for the Department of Athletics’ commitment to student-athlete scholarships, this fiscal year the commitment is $7.6 million.

“With the anticipated approval on new NCAA legislation allowing for a scholarship to reflect the true cost of attendance, which $7.6 million would turn into $8.2 million at minimum,” Moosbrugger said.

How much funding does the department really need? If there is a minimum, what determines the maximum?

The Coryell Legacy is separate from The Campaign for SDSU, in which the former focuses only on athletes while the latter benefits any department a donor wants to fund.

In regards to the benefits the Coryell Legacy will have, it certainly favors the student-

athlete recipients of these scholarships. Even more so, Moosbrugger explained that having these scholarships to offer potential student-athletes, helps coaches recruit the best possible student-athletes. This becomes unfair to students who work hard in high school academically, but don’t get the same advantages as potential athletic recruits. The process of recruitment for academic geniuses is hardly the same.

How can you weigh the importance of a scholar versus an athlete?

It has been shown that public universities competing in NCAA Division 1 sports spend as much as six times more per athlete than they spend to educate students.

SDSU competes in Division 1 basketball and several other sports. The school clearly favors this department. Sports bring in money for the school and are therefore necessary to invest in.

Collegiate athletes bring in so much publicity to their school that they become the ultimate unpaid intern.

Although being recruited based on athletic talent in high school is an accomplishment,

how long will most of their sports careers last? The likelihood of most of these very dedicated and talented athletes becoming professionals in any sport is statistically slim.

According to the NCAA, only baseball saw more than 2 percent of NCAA players go pro.

Basketball sees 1.2 percent play professionally while football only sends 1.7 percent to the pros. The cost of funding an athletic department involves a large risk in comparison to the cost of investing in students’ academic abilities in fields where they’ll certainly spend their careers.

The Coryell Legacy adds more funds to sports in addition to The Campaign at SDSU. This year, the fundraising goal has increased to 700 million dollars, which is donated to specific departments around campus, and that fund alone provides a solid foundation for athletics without the added support of the Coryell Legacy. Favoring athletics over academics is noticed and although these sports keep college spirit alive, the amount of money being prioritized on sports is the real issue at hand.

#greeklife

Greek life perpetuates rape culture marissa ochoa staff Columnist _____________________________

A

s

sexual assault on college campuses garners increasing media attention, San Diego State has stepped into the limelight in perhaps the most infamous way possible. SDSU has taken steps to combat sexual assault and campus administrators deserve some recognition for their efforts. Unfortunately, that’s all down the drain now. Recent actions taken by members of SDSU Greek organizations have solidified what many students have been thinking. Greek life has institutionalized rape culture within its community.

Take Back The Night was an anti-sexual assault march held on Friday, Nov. 21 that took place at SDSU and off campus near Greek housing.

As an ex-Greek member, I can honestly say that even I was shocked at what happened that fateful night. Members of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Sigma Phi yelled crude obscenities, threw eggs and even waved sex toys (classy) at the marchers.

What began as an event raising awareness of sexual assault ended up raising awareness of the rape culture cultivated and sustained by Greek organizations.

Sexual assault has become an infamous aspect of SDSU’s reputation, and the fraternities’ behavior demonstrated how proactive Greeks are when it comes to preventing it. There have been at least seven reports of sexual assaults at parties this semester alone. The fraternities involved in the offensive behavior toward the Take Back the Night marchers was just a sweet cherry on top of the existing problem.

National chapters have defended the Greek system for decades instead of taking a step back and realizing what the system has been condoning all these years. A mass email sent out to students by Associated Students President J. Cole said the SDSU Greek community is working hard to educate Greek members on sexual assault. I completely agree that this system is in dire need of education, but a few extra seminars about rape and sexual assault isn’t going to mitigate what these organizations have been getting away with and perpetuating for years.

As much as its members will deny it, the Greek system suffers from a systemic rape culture.

If one looks at the big picture, there’s no arguing the fact that Greek organizations across the U.S. engage in behavior that promotes sexual violence, and SDSU is apparently no exception.

The University of Virginia is currently being investigated for a fraternity gang rape allegation.

Just 24 hours after the Take Back

the Night protest, SDSU sent out a crime alert for sexual assault in the area where the march took place. A recent article published by inewsource pointed to two studies suggesting that “fraternity members are more likely than non-fraternity members” to be rapists, and that “women in sororities are 74 percent more likely to experience rape than other college women.”

How many sexual assault and harassment cases at SDSU will women have to endure before the rape culture within the Greek system is taken seriously?

I know fraternity and sorority leaders require mandatory sexual assault courses for all members, but this has clearly been ineffective. The instant those seminars are over some fraternity members apparently decide to do whatever they want. Forget about the one in three women who will be sexually abused during their lifetimes, and don’t pay any attention to victims who are less than 30 years old. After all, they only make up 80 percent of sexual assault victims.

All I see are organizations that turn a blind eye toward sexual assault for the sake of preserving their definition of a good time.

What’s most alarming is that these individuals are members of the SDSU community. The socalled leaders of this campus are the same people preserving rape culture within the system.

But these are only a few “bad apples,” right? Why would somebody demonize an entire

system because of the actions of a few? Maybe it’s because the organization didn’t prune those bad apples in the first place. The fact of the matter is the Greek system utterly failed to weed out those who think it’s acceptable to harass fellow students as soon as their behavior was evident. I don’t care if it’s one out of 100.

That one person is enough to taint the whole system.

SDSU exists in a rape culture that’s currently thriving through Greek organizations and there’s no reason to think this incident and countless others won’t just be swept under the rug by campus “leadership” in the future. Sure, Greek life may implement more sexual assault seminars and temporarily suspend social events, but a few administrators wagging their fingers and a self-imposed social activity ban won’t change an institutionalized culture.

Unfortunately, and perhaps worst of all, this isn’t the end of fraternity members harassing and sexually assaulting their fellow Aztecs. This incident gained more media attention than other events, but I guarantee that sexual assaults and harassments surrounding Greek organizations will continue to pop up like wildflowers every semester.

One would hope that in 2014 members of the Greek community would be less primitive and more civil than their predecessors. Sadly, judging from what happened during Take Back The Night, this doesn’t seem to be the case.

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 Olivia Litsey Photo Editor Jenna Mackey video editor Wesley Beights Digital Content EDITOR Kelly Gardner art director Kate Leonard Production Designer Mark Anthony Santos volunteer writers Ryan Posner Emely Navarro JD Hodges Marissa Ochoa Anthony Berteaux Rafael Avitabile Tabi Hoshmand Ethan Bailey Colleen Larson Kellie Ferguseon volunteer Photographers Chadd Cady Kelly Smiley _____________________________ Advertising Director Tony Disarufino Sales Manager Adam Zabel senior Account Executive Radbeh Rabaz Account Executives Alfonso Barajas Sarah Richardson Kamila Sikorski Teak Switzer Accounting & Contracts Michael Bratt Kim Le _____________________________ STREET TEAM Emily Alvarenga Shelby Snyder Conor Nordberg Paige Plassmeyer _____________________________ General Manager Jay Harn Graphics Specialist Chris Blakemore _____________________________

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opinion 5

dec. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: elpin keshishzadeh • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

#feminism

Time pollsters say drop the f-bomb

A Time magazine poll asked readers what words should be banned in 2015. Our opinion columnists have taken sides regarding the inclusion of the word “feminist” on Time’s list.

Marissa Ochoa Staff columnist ____________________________________

L

ike any magazine, TIME has been praised and challenged throughout the years for controversial and newsworthy topics.

Most recently it has received a considerable amount of backlash from readers when its “poll of words to ban in 2015” piece came out. “Feminist” happened to be included in the list and the nation went into a frenzy. TIME has since issued a public apology for the inclusion — which might I add was a poll, so it wasn’t TIME magazine’s choice to include the word.

Although TIME magazine undeniably mocked the word, which didn’t do the publication any justice, to some extent, the foundation of what the magazine was trying to say is understandable. It’s not about discrediting feminism by stripping it of its identity, but rather about removing the word as pop-culture jargon.

Feminist is a provocative term now used all too colloquially. If somebody wants that label, he or she must have the means to fight for women’s rights.

Like TIME said, it’s not about what the word represents, it’s about how the word is used today. More often than not, celebrities all of a sudden label themselves as feminists — which on the surface seems like a great idea, but labeling oneself as a feminist doesn’t mean it pushes the movement forward.

Beyonce’s famous performance with the word “feminist” gleaming behind her was one of the defining moments in her career. Taylor Swift is apparently a born-again feminist, parading the term around like a whole new outfit. Even the beloved Emma Watson has given eloquent speeches about feminism.

The growing number of supporters doesn’t mean it needs to become some sort of fashion statement for the world to see.

Don’t add the word “ feminist” to one’s list of characteristics because it’s the latest trend and think it’s going to move equality along any faster.

Anybody can say he or she is a feminist, but to actually submerge oneself into the ideology is a completely different ballgame.

Pioneers, such as Elizabeth Cady

Stanton, penned the Declaration of Sentiments and demanded women’s rights. The women’s liberation movement entailed radical demonstrations and protests. Riot Grrls of the 1990s shifted gender scales in the music industry and challenged the male-dominated punk rock scene.

All of these past events banked off of one thing: sending feminism into uncharted waters and trailblazing the way for future individuals.

It was about action, not labels. It was about walking the walk and saving the talk for other means. There was no need to say “I am a feminist” when actions justified it just fine. Today, the actual word gets thrown about as a symbol of girl power.

But it isn’t utilized in the way necessary to give that power backbone.

Feminism has now become some sort of political statement and has lost its actual meaning.

To be a feminist entails much more than just supporting women’s rights.

There has to be action and intellect that

PRO

It’s not about discrediting feminism by stripping it of its identity, but rather about removing the word as popculture jargon fuels the equality movements into a greater ideology.

Being a feminist isn’t a political party or sexual preference that needs to be explicitly stated at every moment one can get. It’s an ongoing movement that is still being experienced to this day.

Don’t water down such a powerful term, but use it when necessary. I believe in the raw definition of being a feminist, but it’s not a term one needs to wave around to prove his or her prowomen’s-rights mentality.

In defense of TIME magazine’s inclusion of such a powerful word, no one needs to wear a feminist label to understand that any gender (whether specified or not) deserves to be treated with respect and equality.

Anthony Berteaux senior Staff columnist _____________________________________

“A

re you like a feminist or

something?” This is often the joke made when one of my friends and I discuss women’s rights and gender equality. Without fail, the automatic reply to this is, “Yeah, I’m just your everyday bra-burning, man-hating femi-nazi.”

We continue to chuckle as though our jokes about feminist caricatures hold no more levity than a few laughs.

While this harmless exchange may be thrown off as a joke, it underlies a major issue that lies in our society — one that has been further highlighted with TIME magazine’s controversy regarding its inclusion of “feminist” in its annual poll of words to ban. It’s 2014 and women still make 78 percent of what men make.

TIME magazine’s inclusion of the word “feminist” is a disgusting disregard to this disparity and these tragic incidents that have occurred because of social inequality.

Due to societal circumstances, the f-word has become a joke. The social media age has become witness to a new wave in feminism and the feminist identity — a chic new wildfire trend that has lead to many referring to the f-word with little levity. Feminism is the hot new label everyone wants to identify with. From Emma Watson openly speaking at the United Nations Conference to symbolisms of girl power in Disney’s recent hit “Frozen,” feminism has become a bandwagon persona. The false knowledge of gender inequality has resulted in feminists who misunderstand feminism as anti-male with no consciousness about its essence.

As illustrated by TIME, this increasing culture of people claiming to be feminists, without acknowledging and understanding its history and ideologies, diminish the weight of feminist politics and the struggles of pioneers of the past.

The assumption is that feminism is insular, dealing with issues only relating to women, such as reproductive rights, rape and the gender wage gap. However, should we look at feminism throughout history, it has been at the forefront of social justice movements, such as the American Revolutionary War, the abolition of slavery, prison reform, social security, public education and anti-war

movements.

Feminism hasn’t always been about fighting cat-calls or burning bras to show body autonomy, but about fighting tangible issues affecting all minorities.

To be a feminist, one must not fight a gender-specific battle but show solidarity to all struggles encompassing inequality.

However, faux-feminism is the trend and ignorance is in.

It is this ignorance towards feminism that has allowed for an anti-feminist culture to rise, starting from idiotic men’s-rights activists such as Divergent star Shailene Woodley who rejects feminism because she doesn’t agree with the “anti-men” ideology often mistakenly associated with feminism.

Does this ignorance excuse TIME’s inclusion of the word “feminist” in its poll? Absolutely not. TIME magazine’s poll is a satirical joke against a culture that sensationalizes fad words. To include the profoundly powerful word “feminist” among words such as “bae” or “turnt” trivializes the word as something not

CON

however, fauxfeminism is the trend and ignorance is in. worth serious thought. This delegitimizes feminist struggles and implies feminism isn’t something permanent, and like any fad, will die out.

In a culture where a young 16-year-old Maren Sanchez was stabbed because she rejected a prom invitation and a disturbed Elliot Rodgers killed many in his retribution against females in Isla Vista, society is in need of feminists who know a thing or two about the ideology.

However, while its inclusion of the word “feminist” in a poll is unacceptable, TIME reveals the central truth about what feminists can do today. The label next to “feminist” on the poll reads “Quit throwing this label around like ticker tape at a Susan B. Anthony parade.” The term “feminist” cannot be a label referred to with little reverence. It has to hold ground in our culture as a term that spearheads social justice movements not only for women, but all marginalized minorities.

This is the only way a better future will be ensured for all. The real f-word isn’t really feminism, but it’s actually what we are all fighting for: the future.

6 SPORTS

DEC. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KRISTIAN IBARRA • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#AZTECMBB

Aztecs gear up for crosstown rivals RAFAEL AVITABILE STAFF WRITER _____________________________________ San Diego State men’s basketball will welcome the University of San Diego to Viejas Arena on Thursday evening for the unofficial city championship. SDSU (51) is coming off of a second-place finish in the EA Sports Maui Invitational after losing to the University of Arizona 61-59 in the championship game.

The Aztecs nearly fell to USD last season, escaping the Jenny Craig Pavilion with a one-point victory. Former Aztec point guard Xavier Thames turned the ball over with just four seconds left in the game, which led to a game-winning 3-point opportunity for then-sophomore guard Duda Sanadze. Luckily for the Aztecs, Sanadze’s shot bounced off the rim.

The Toreros return three of their top four leading scorers from last season with Sanadze, senior guard Johnny Dee and senior point guard Christopher Anderson.

Dee leads the 4-2 Toreros this season with 21.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He’s a definite threat from 3-point territory, having made 27-54 attempts so far this season.

The Aztecs will also have to pay attention to Anderson running the point. Second on the team in scoring at 10.3 points per game, Anderson has amassed a total of 54 assists through six games. Dee may be the go-to guy, but it’s clear that Anderson has

Senior forward Dwayne Polee II had 12 points in last year’s victory against the Toreros.

KELLY SMILEY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

a knack for finding the open man.

USD scores just under 73 points per contest compared to the Aztecs’ 68, and has fallen short of the 70-point mark just once this season beating Southeast Missouri State 67-56. USD shoots the

ball better from the floor and from the free-throw line, and averages about a half rebound per game less than SDSU. The Aztecs have featured a stifling defense so far this season, and it should continue on Thursday. Their 42 blocks

and 54 steals on the year nearly double the Toreros’ total in both categories.

The Aztecs are looking to get a win at home before they play a tough Pac-12 road game at the University of Washington on Sunday.

I don’t know how I ever lived without the Aztec app!”

Scan. Download. Enjoy.

SPORTS 7

DEC. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KRISTIAN IBARRA • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#AZTECFB

COMMENTARY

SDSU makes most of bad division ETHAN BAILEY SENIOR STAFF COLUMNIST ____________________________________

W

ay back in September, in The Daily Aztec's football special issue, I predicted the Aztecs would win all of their home games and have a chance to compete for the Mountain West Championship.

On Saturday, part of that prediction came true. The Aztecs did indeed win all their home games but the stars weren't perfectly aligned enough to have a chance at the conference title, as the University of Hawaii fell to the California State University, Fresno Bulldogs.

Sure, it's disappointing for the team not to make an appearance in the championship, but head coach Rocky Long said after Saturday's 38-7 drubbing of the California State University, San Jose Spartans his group of players is special.

"I've coached all over the place," said Long. "And our players... If you just tell them the truth they react the proper way. If you try to blow smoke, they know you're full of it... so we just tell them the truth."

Well, I hope that truly is the case

because I'm about to drop a truthbomb up in this: The Mountain West Conference was a disaster this season.

The Mountain division was actually pretty respectable, with Boise State University and Colorado State University finishing with 10-2 overall records. To put things into perspective, Air Force Academy finished fourth in the Mountain Division with two more wins than the Aztecs. The Aztecs technically have the best record in the West division at 7-5.

hanging their schedules showing wins and losses on the fridge anytime soon.

It's OK, though — true followers of Aztecs football likely already realize the MW isn't exactly the Pac-12, and it's important to take the MW for what it is: a mediocre football conference.

Regardless of that, though, the Aztecs have all but guaranteed a ticket to a bowl game which is commendable.

It'll be the fifth straight bowl game appearance for the Aztecs — concrete proof SDSU is committed to putting

... WELL, I HOPE THAT TRULY IS THE CASE BECAUSE I’M ABOUT TO DROP A TRUTHBOMB UP IN THIS: THE MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE WAS A DISASTER THIS SEASON. Heck, before the Aztecs speared the Spartans on Saturday, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors had an outside chance to win the MW West division — with a 4-8 overall record.

Yeah, it was just that kind of year for the MW, especially in the West division. The University of Reno, Las Vegas finished a putrid 2-11 conference record while the Spartans weren't too far ahead with a 3-9 record to end the season.

Let's just say those schools won't be

a quality football team on the field to represent the school.

Long said after the game if the Aztecs didn't have a shot at the championship, the practices leading up to the bowl game would be less intense. Long said he sees bowl games as a reward for having a good record at the end of the season.

So to the players: enjoy this upcoming bowl game. You played hard all season long and deserve to play in one more game, especially the graduating seniors.

No, the MW isn't quite a power conference but that's not the team's fault. It played through the schedule it was given and missed a chance at the conference championship by one game, even though it was tied for the best record in the West division.

It was a good season and if the Aztecs get a bid to play at home in the Poinsettia Bowl, I'll certainly be there.

8 photo #aztecfb

aztec football vs. sjsu spartans Photos by chadd cady, staff photographer

DEc. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: jenna mackey • photo@thedailyaztec.com

news 9

dec. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: camille lozano • news@thedailyaztec.com

#Studentsgiveback

Students feed San Diego homeless Colleen Larson staff Writer ____________________________________ A group of student volunteers gathered at the St. Vincent de Paul Village to feed the homeless on Nov. 25. The event was coordinated through the Aztec Unity Project, an organization at San Diego State that arranges charity events once a month for students to participate in.

AUP offers students the opportunity to learn about and volunteer non-profit organizations within the community while building connections with fellow students.

The student volunteers represented several different on-campus organizations, including the PreDental Organization, the Pan-Hellenic Association and the Pre-Professional Health Organization. Some volunteers noted prior community service experience with programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life and local animal shelters.

Student volunteers said they participated to give back to the San Diego community, network with other participants and make a difference in someone’s life.

The event was held at St. Vincent de Paul Village, a homeless shelter in San Diego, whose mission statement is to “end homelessness one life at a time,” according to its website. The shelter gives out an average of 4,000 meals a day and

THINKSTOCK

also offers the homeless occupants a culinary arts program to further develop a career in that field.

At St. Vincent de Paul Village the student volunteers cooked dinner for the

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homeless and also had the opportunity to sit and eat with some of them.

“A particular moment that stood out to me was when we had the opportunity to sit down and eat with an individual

who had just received a meal from us,” international security and conflict resolution senior Garret Austin Hein said. “He went on to ask all of us about who we were, what interests we had and finally emphasized to us that we are all the future of this world.”

After the event Hein felt excited and he encouraged other Aztecs to get involved in community service.

“I felt so stoked after this event, it is almost impossible to feel any other way when you are in service to others and learning about the stories of individuals who come from different paths in life.”

Hein said. “There is nothing to lose when doing community service, volunteer work or philanthropic events. There is only something to gain and that is to live life more humbly, with more love and with more happiness.”

The day before the event the student volunteers gathered in the Center for Leadership and Community Service room of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union for a meeting. There the student volunteers introduced themselves, were given an in-depth look into the organization they would be working with and watched a short documentary about a homeless teenage girl living in San Diego.

According to the Regional Task Force on the Homelessness, a federal funded campaign to gather data on the homeless population in San Diego totaled 8,879 in 2013.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

DEC. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: NICK KNOTT • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#MFA

Graduate students master musicals KELLIE FERGUSEON STAFF WRITER _____________________________________ San Diego State is home to a variety of programs with many different focuses.

One of the graduate programs offered is the Master of Fine Arts in musical theater.

“It’s a very, very intensive program,” MFA musical theater program director Paula Kalustian said. “Students come from all over the country and the world for it. We only take on eight to ten students every two years.”

One of the students currently enrolled in the program is Courtney Kattengell.

She has a background in performing arts, beginning at an early age with dance progressing into studying theater arts.

“I grew up dancing, and then I got into acting from dance,” she said. “I’ve been in other types of plays, but I am most interested in the art form of musical theater.”

After completing her bachelor’s degree in theater performance with a minor in musical theater from Marymount Manhattan College in New York, Kattengell decided she wanted to return to school and study to become a teacher of musical theater.

“While I was (at Marymount) I was teetering on the brink.” she said. “Do I want to just be an actress, or do I want to be an actress who also can teach and preserve? I am really into theater history, knowing where it all comes from and recognizing formulas and patterns to work upon in the future- that stuff intrigues me beyond belief.”

This interest led Kattengell to SDSU, where one of the two programs in the

country offering a MFA in musical theater exists. The program consists of a small cohort of graduate students who study, practice and perform together throughout the course of two years.

Kikau Alvaro is another student in the program. Originally from San Jose he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State. He was drawn to New York where he gained experience as an actor, dancer, director and choreographer. Though New York is now his home, he has returned to California for two years to complete his graduate studies. Like Kattengell, he hopes to use his education to teach others about

focus on the weakness and strengths of each person.

“I feel like the program allows us to do everything,” Alvaro said. “We teach, we sing, we are doing accompaniments of musical theater history, and dancing. It is everything.”

For Kattengell, this has helped her grow into a more confident singer.

“I come from a more insecure vocal background,” she said. “I was trained as a dancer and then as an actor. Since the beginning of this program, I have sensed a change in my voice, and I feel more in touch with my vocal abilities. I have found my voice in singing now I know

“

WE TEACH, WE SING, WE ARE DOING ACCOMPANIMENTS OF MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY, AND DANCING. IT IS EVERYTHING.”

- Kikau Alvaro, MFA student

musical theater.

“I want to take this program to an undergraduate or graduate level form of study,” he said. “I want to continue to pass along to a creative environment that this information is important, as well as in an artistic way by pushing the genre of musical theater through creating, directing, choreographing and investigating things that haven’t been done.”

The program focuses on every aspect of musical theater and allows students to be involved. Because the program consists of a relatively small group of students, it is easier for the instructor to

who I am as a performer. I think all of us have had that moment where you can feel something has changed.”

The small group of students working together fosters the ability for close collaboration between students. Alvaro, who has experience directing and choreographing different performances, finds collaboration crucial to success in musical theater.

“The idea of collaboration is critical, especially as a director and choreographer,” he said. “Really being open to ideas from all sorts of different places, including writing teams and other actors, as well as giving artistic vision

to an audience. I feel there are ways in which I have sort of pushed that and can incorporate people into my process.

Different artists have different ways they go about that but really musical theater cannot function unless everyone is on the same team. The idea of collaboration is something I champion, and am a part of, and seek and want.”

Both Alvaro and Kattengell will perform in “Les Miserables” in December. They are currently beginning rehearsal, and Kattengell, who will be playing Eponine, says she is both nervous and excited.

“It’s become such a big deal, because of the movie,” Kattengell said. “This is a great thing, because more people will come see it, but it is also a nervewracking thing because the audience knows it. They know how it sounds, and they can come in with a preconceived notion about the play. I think this is the first time I have been a character that is this commercially successful. This is the first time I am tackling a character that everyone already knew.”

Along with performing, the MFA program also allows students to gain experience teaching undergraduates and directing other plays. Alvaro will be co-directing and choreographing the musical “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” next spring.

The variety offered within this unique program helps students develop and master their already considerable artistic talents.

“Theater is ever changing, and not one thing always works,” Kattengell said. “I have been able to come out of these experiences as a more versatile performer.”

#DIVERSIONARYTHEATRE

LGBT-loyal theatre shows range The Diversionary Theatre is notable for being a major playhouse in San Diego targeted towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. While the stories on its stage focus or feature gay characters, many of its productions deal with universal themes that appeal to straight audiences as well. These upcoming events have the potential to be intelligent and raw theatrical experiences.

DAVIDDIXON

STAFF WRITER

TRU WHEN FRIDAY, NOV. 21 TO DEC. 21 The end of the 2014 season is a one-man show about “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “In Cold Blood” author Truman Capote (Todd Blakesley).

Director Derek Charles Livingston’s new interpretation of the 1989 monodrama features the openly gay writer reflecting on many wild and entertaining events from his past. Several San Diego State alums — including lighting designer Luke Olson, sound designer Kevin Anthenill and faculty member Peter Herman as the costumes and make-up designer — will help bring Capote’s world to life.

BABY WITH THE BATHWATER WHEN THURSDAY, FEB. 26 TO MAR. 29, 2015 Playwright Christopher Durang is best known for his recent Tonywinning comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” While “Vanya” was a Broadway hit, “Baby with the Bathwater” is a lesser-known work from Durang. The play is a bizarre tale about Helen and John Dingleberry, a couple with a young baby. Although they do not know the sex of their child, the two of them believe their kid, Daisy, is a girl. This leads to unusual consequences for Helen and John’s child when Daisy is revealed to be male. The staging of Durang’s work might be a strange and very funny way to kick off the 2015 season.

A NEW BRAIN WHEN FRIDAY, NOV. 21 TO DEC. 21 “A New Brain” is a humorous musical with a bold premise. William Finn and James Lapine’s book revolves around Gordon Schwinn, a homosexual composer who finds out he is suffering from arteriovenous malformation. The plot is loosely inspired by Finn’s own experiences with a brain AVM. Fortunately, Finn survived surgery and he co-wrote the book and created the musical numbers to “A New Brain” after that dark period in his life. Director Kim Strassburger is responsible for staging this hopeful and inspiring version of the original piece.

features 11

dec. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kelly hillock • FEATURES@thedailyaztec.com

#volunteer

Serving community reaps rewards Olivia Litsey Assistant Features Editor ____________________________________ Student Life and Leadership at San Diego State recently began online reporting for community service hours.

Students can log hours they spend performing community service as an individual or as part of an organization.

Those who log 100 hours of community service on the SLL website are eligible to receive a community service certificate.

“We were really happy; we had over 44,000 hours reported the last academic year,” Assistant Student Life Adviser Chelsea Winer said. “Our goal was around 30,000 because that would be an average of every student reporting one hour.”

A list of the most popular organizations SDSU students are involved in is also provided on the website, including San Diego Food Bank and the American Cancer society.

Many of the student organizations listed in the “Service and Support” category of Recognized Student Organizations on the SLL website provide opportunities for students to serve as volunteers in the community as well.

According to the SLL website, involvement in community service leads to the improvement of learning, personal and professional skills. Winer mentioned time management and communication skills in particular as areas that are likely to be improved upon with volunteer involvement.

Obtaining these skills seems to be

Members of the Aztec Unity Project volunteer their time to better the community. courtesy of j. cole

an added bonus rather than the direct focus of current SDSU students who are active volunteers.

Two general service and support organizations that focus heavily on community service at SDSU are Rotaract and Circle K. Communications junior Grace Diaz is the vice president of memoirs for Rotaract. She said one the most rewarding aspects of being a volunteer is the interpersonal relationships that she is able to establish with those the club reaches out to.

She spoke of one volunteering experience with Rotaract in which she was working in a garden to help create area for meditation at a rehabilitation

CROSSWORDS

Across 1 Greenhouse growth 6 Condescending one 10 Take wing 13 Andrea __: sunken ocean liner 14 “So I was wrong!”

15 Actor Stephen 16 *Mark of a hothead 18 “A mouse!”

19 Remain fresh 20 North African port city 22 Regret one’s 32-Acrosses 25 Cavs, on scoreboards 26 Blurt out 27 Figure skating jump 28 NYC airport named for a mayor

30 One of two matching beds 32 Admission in a confessional 33 Hotelier Helmsley 35 Lady’s title 38 *”This space available,” in a Pennysaver box 41 Peddles 42 Fight mementos 43 Crunched muscles 44 Dog who reveals the Wizard 46 Netherlands airline 47 Those, to Pedro 48 Procedure: Abbr.

49 Stamp sellers, briefly 51 Ancient scrolls 53 Takes over, like

center for teens. She recalled that one of the inhabitants of the center was especially thankful.

“She was literally crying,” Diaz said.

“It was so touching. That’s been one of my favorite experiences, just creating relationships.”

Communications junior Melissa Farlow, the vice president of administration for Circle K, has found value in the relationships she has established with her fellow club members, with whom she has been able to bond over similar interests and lifestyle choices.

“Giving back with them — it’s something that (we) do,” Farlow said.

“Like you would go hang out with your

friends at the mall, we do community service.”

A.S. President and finance senior Jonathan Cole, a recipient of the SLL community service certificate, has had been committed to community service for his whole life. As a student at SDSU, Cole has noticed that participating in volunteering events increases awareness of issues that deteriorate the local community. In one instance, he worked on an Aztec Unity Project that focused on cleaning up the San Diego River.

“Almost all the people participating in our event had no idea that drug abuse and homelessness were huge issues in the local area,” Cole said. “So in that event, not only did we serve the community, but we also developed awareness (of ) issues that are going on.

And, as college students, how we can get more involved and prevent that.”

A second recipient of the certificate, psychology senior Matt Alegria, has participated in events such as a service trip to Kenya with YoungLife San Diego State, building houses for the needy in Mexico with Amor Ministries, and feeding the homeless downtown with Embrace. He feels that community service is complementary to the lifestyle if a college student.

“In my eyes, it’s invaluable as far as life experience,” Alegria said. “You come to college to gain experience, to explore the world, to go outside of your comfort zone and realize your boundaries in a lot of ways. I think community service and being open to serving others is essential in that process.”

Classifieds

termites 55 Menu item 56 Baseball’s “Iron Man” Ripken 57 Foot-operated mechanism on a motorcycle, and what the first word in each answer to a starred clue can be 62 Pitcher’s stat 63 Online letter 64 Accord automaker 65 Brain scan, for short 66 Put on notice 67 Being hauled to the garage Down 1 ASAP cousin 2 Baseball’s “Iron Horse” Gehrig 3 Tycoon Onassis 4 Five-cent coin

5 Unavailable 6 Total 7 Himalayan country 8 Brunch order 9 Arctic hazard 10 *Relaxed 11 Suspicious 12 Chews the fat 14 Back-to-school mo.

17 Lipton shelfmate 21 Basketball Hall of Famer Thomas 22 Filing tools 23 Formally banish 24 *A football referee may throw one 25 Vancouver NHL team 29 Baby talk syllables 31 Alleged Iraqi arsenal, for short 33 “__ we forget” 34 Sea divided by shrinkage 36 Leafy recess 37 FC Barcelona soccer star Lionel 39 Nearby 40 Deodorant spot 45 Kia sedan 47 “Sleepless in Seattle” director Nora 48 Game trap 50 “The Odd Couple” slob 52 Japanese beer brand 53 Slurpee alternative 54 Distort 55 Broadband letters 58 Family 59 Blasting material 60 Tokyo, long ago 61 Like unprocessed data

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12 the back page

dec. 1 - 3, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kelly hillock • FEATURES@thedailyaztec.com

#chriscorner

Surviving a cheesy job Chris Blakemore Graphics Specialist ____________________________________

E

nduring a part-time job while being a full-time student is a daunting task. My undergraduate career was once a hybrid of feigning interest in political science lectures and manhandling pizza dough on weekends. For four years at California State University, Bakersfield, I spent about thirty hours per week donning a fashionable apron/hairnet ensemble at a middling local restaurant called The Pizza Market. Although the work was hot and I always wound up smelling like a homeless Chef Boyardee by the end of my shift, the memories are unforgettable.

I was just a fragile high school kid when The Pizza Market hired me as a line cook.

That fragility was short-lived, however, as the first few weeks of my employment consisted of my manager, who had the demeanor of a drill sergeant on steroids, verbally assaulting the shyness out of my soul. Phrases such as “You’re stupid, you’re ugly, and nobody likes you” come to mind. This negative reinforcement, while seemingly abusive, was always delivered with tongue-in-cheek. At least, I think that’s what was in his cheek. It could have been a wad of Red Man. After weeks of abuse, my only defense to his attacks was to craft clever comebacks that were sharper than Penelope Cruz’s nose. Years of Jerky Boys albums and Adam Sandler movies had laid the foundation for a ripe vocabulary of comedy, so one day I decided to let my volcano of sarcasm erupt in a magnificent display of witty lava. I told him I was going to feed his genitals to my dog. Okay, so it wasn’t witty, but it was effective.

Once he discovered I was no longer an easy target, a mutual respect was born.

Even after that manager left for another job, I still maintained the sarcasm that helped me survive the early months.

It was the only way I could deal with

the number of characters who would call themselves my co-workers during my tenure. If I had stayed timid and been forced to deal with people like the suspender-wearing Vietnam vet who would slit your throat with an olive can lid at the drop of a hat, I’d still be in therapy.

Representing the polar opposite of timidity, the delivery drivers were a case study in lunacy. They would often argue over long-distance deliveries, because longer routes meant bigger tips, and one memorable bout was between two soldiers of the white trash brigade. The fisticuffs ensued over who was going to take a delivery to the outskirts of Bakersfield with the hopes of earning an extra three dollars. You know your life isn’t going well when you’re willing to risk a broken jaw and jail time over

Like Heidi Klum on a date, I had to go out in spectacular fashion. single-digit amounts of cash. It’s not exactly a king’s ransom. Cooler heads prevailed and no punches were thrown, but the image of those two standing beer gut to beer gut like two hillbilly sumo wrestlers is forever burned into my memory.

Epitomizing the art of gullibility, the girls who worked the front counter were a rare breed. Most of them tended to believe anything I said when it came to job duties, and I would frequently exploit their naivety by playing pranks.

My favorite trick was to have them water the plants around the restaurant. It usually took them about eight minutes to realize the plants were fake, and about nine minutes for me to laugh at

#dasnapshots

them. Entertaining oneself through the humiliation of others is a great remedy for a lackluster job.

Alas, the monotonous life of pulling legs and slinging pepperoni eventually came to an end, but not without controversy. Most people would just write a standard two-week notice, give it to their boss, and extend their middle finger as they drove off in their mom’s minivan, but not me. Like Heidi Klum on a date, I had to go out in spectacular fashion. For weeks, I crafted my notice like a fine artist sculpting a statue, writing down recollections that would make a health inspector cringe. Once I had laid down four years worth of tomato sauce memories and cheesy jokes, the monster that stared back at me was a ten-page masterpiece known simply as, “The Notice.”

Seeking to avoid the backlash that was bound to ensue, I handed it to my manager and hightailed it out of there faster than an Oakland Raiders fan running from the cops. Most who read it were thoroughly amused, save for one sweat pants-wearing owner.

I wasn’t there to see it, but witnesses said his reaction was comparable to that of a miniature Incredible Hulk. To be fair, reading ten pages about substandard cleaning rituals and pool table fornication would tend to make a man angry.

Despite all the shenanigans, I still look back fondly on my time at The Pizza Market. While the work itself was miserable, my co-workers made it all worthwhile. Even though more than a decade has passed and we’re all busy with our own lives, we can always look back on those times and laugh, because no one else will ever quite understand what we experienced. From the shorttempered drivers to the plant-watering front girls, these are friendships and memories that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Not even for an extra three dollars.

SUDOKU

HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9.

Difficulty Level:

1/4

CROSSWORDS, SUDOKU, AND HOROSCOPES COURTESY OF TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC., ©2014.

GAME SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

model status: sea lion style

From the archives of The Daily Aztec, this sea lion posed for our camera back in 2009. He's quite photogenic.

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 (12/1/14) - This year's set for adventure! Thoughtful long-term planning before 12/23 leads to a new phase (until 12/19/17) in selfdiscovery and personal power. Refine the itinerary this summer. Travel and education especially thrive before next August, when your career takes off.

New beginnings at home develop after 3/20. Expect spontaneous outbursts of romance, fun and love.

HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad.

Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 9 - You're taking control. Assuage doubts with factual data. Secrets get revealed.

Abrupt change occurs. Look forward to two days in the spotlight. Don't fall for a trick. Thoughts turn to home, family and food. Sink into a bonding moment.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - Finish old projects today and tomorrow. Productive creativity and thoughtful insight creep in silently.

Consider all options. A partner points out a fallacy. Stand firm, and another backs down. You don't need pie-in-thesky promises. Avoid temptation.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 - A surprise could change things. Take the time to understand fully. Don't run away from a tough situation. Postpone an outing, maybe. Travel beckons, but take care. Avoid distraction. Don't run away from your work. Explain updates.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Enter a two-day testing phase.

Focus for intense action. There are pitfalls, but it could get profitable. It's not a good time to gamble, even if money's tight. Draw the line. Don't request funding for incomplete plans.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 - Surprises keep your focus on immediate needs. No gambling allowed.

Set long-range goals over the next two days. Pay attention to one job at a time.

Don't believe everything you hear. Wear comfortable clothing and get physical.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 - Changes necessitate budget revisions. Invest in your own education.

Ignore someone who would deceive.

Communications get garbled. Don't base your plans on fantasies. Consider an exit strategy before committing.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 - Compromise and negotiation come easily over the next two days. Don't make expensive promises. Involve the whole group in your plans. Defer gratification for now. Don't talk about dreams and visions... just keep in action.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 - Don't fall for an impossible scheme, with Mercury square Neptune. Watch out for spills. Don't fall for crocodile tears or tricksters. A disagreement about priorities could slow the action. A distressing dream offers valuable clues.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Romance, fun and interesting games entice you to play today and tomorrow. Don't talk about ephemeral fantasies... focus on concrete and practical efforts. Manage resources carefully. Enter a two-day creative cycle.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Handle home repairs today and tomorrow. Don't fund a fantasy. Prioritize practical efforts that increase comfort and convenience. You have plenty of dreams, but keep the budget to one job at a time. Increase space.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Today is an 8 - Practice creating a positive spin on what's happening, for entertainment. Write and record your latest collaboration. There may be a pop quiz... keep alert and do your homework.

A conflict with authority could arise.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 9 - Today and tomorrow could get lucrative. Manage money wisely.

Don't be afraid of shadows. Make a big decision. Give in to a brilliant idea. Resist mediocrity. Look for the hidden story, with Mercury square Neptune.