The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 74

Monday, February 15, 2010

Vol. 95, Issue 74

THE

DAILY

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

AZTEC

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

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913

I N S I D E T O D AY OPINION

SDSU

UNLV

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LETTERS The Daily Aztec readers write in to have their say about recent columns. page 2

DATING & ROMANCE

see MEN’S BASKETBALL on page 5

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

Bookstore invokes new policy CONDOM WEEK National Condom Week offers guidance for staying safe after a love sprung on Valentine’s Day. page 3

TODAY @ SDSU Reading 5:30 p.m., Scripps Cottage Editor Matvei Yankelevich and former SDSU professor Bruce Boston will give a reading. The event is free and open to the public.

For more of today’s headlines, visit:

www.thedailyaztec.com

CONTACT GENERAL INFORMATION 619.594.4199

EDITOR

IN CHIEF, FARYAR BORHANI 619.594.4190 EDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

CITY EDITOR, WHITNEY LAWRENCE 619.594.7781 CITYEDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

FEATURES EDITOR, NICOLE CALLAS

R O B E R T M ORENO CONTRIBUTOR

The San Diego State bookstore and its competitor KB Books have made a change to their refund policies.

The new policy — the same for both stores, implemented at the start of this semester — states that refunds on all textbooks are subject to a 10 percent restocking fee. According to KB Books’ Web site, the restocking fee will be deducted from the customers’ refund.

Todd Summer, director of campus stores for Aztec Shops, Ltd., said the new policy helps the SDSU Bookstore increase revenue by decreasing the rate of refunds.

Summer said the reason the SDSU Bookstore enacted the policy was to lower the percentage of textbook refunds to textbook sales, which has steadily increased to about 13 percent.

The high refund rate is because students buy textbooks from the SDSU Bookstore and return them when they find cheaper books elsewhere, Summer said, but it’s the students who buy the books with

the intent of keeping them who pay for the costs of refunds.

“For refunds, the operational costs increase,” Summer said. “All these costs are eventually borne by students who keep their books.”

Ken Appel, the owner of KB Books, said about 20 percent of textbook refunds are because students find the textbooks cheaper elsewhere, and some students use KB Books as a “loaner” service until then.

“In a high percentage of these cases, the book was purchased from us with no intention of being kept, only to buy time until their order arrives five to 10 days later,” Appel said. “In these cases, we would effectively provide a loaner book for students for this period.”

Appel said KB Books adopted the 10 percent restocking fee policy not to make money, but to discourage students from buying books with the intent of returning them.

Computer science senior Michael Chapa said the new restocking fee is fair. He said he had no complaints with the implementation of this policy because it’s such a small fee.

“If this policy supports our bookstore and provides more textbook circulation then that is fine with me,” Chapa said.

Not everyone supports this new policy. Alay Patel, a computer science graduate student, said he does not agree because the bookstore and KB Books should focus on giving students more money for buybacks. He said if the buyback payout were not so low, the high percentage of refunds would decrease.

“Why am I going to pay a hefty price on a book and then get little back from it at the end of the semester?” Patel said. “If I can find a book somewhere where it is cheaper and break even on the buyback, then I’m happy.”

Summer said he understands not everyone will be happy with this new policy.

“In the context of increased refunds and increased operational costs, there is understanding from many who initially did not like this policy,” Summer said.

Summer said the new return policy, the acceptance of competitors’ coupons, price matching and the 10 percent coupon for text-

books at buyback have saved students about $50,000 this semester.

He said the cost of the restocking fee to students was only a few thousand dollars.

Summer and Appel said the restocking fee has been successful overall because refunds have decreased this semester compared to previous semesters.

Appel said since refunds have decreased and business has improved, KB Books is able to focus on reducing textbook cost.

“We are able to focus our efforts on providing customers the best service without spending much time providing free loaner copies,” Appel said. “Reducing that cost will also help us further lower our prices in the future.”

According to Summer, for a student to get a full refund and have the 10 percent restocking fee waived, the student will need to show proof that they dropped the class for the textbook they are refunding.

Appel and Summer said they would re-evaluate the policy at the end of the semester and decide whether or not to continue the policy next semester.

619.594.6976 FEATURE@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

SPORTS EDITOR, EDWARD LEWIS 619.594.7817 SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

CRIME BEAT

OPINION, ALLAN ACEVEDO 619.594.0509 OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

TEMPO EDITOR, ALLIE DAUGHERTY 619.594.6968 TEMPO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

ART DIRECTOR, ELENA BERRIDY 619.594.6979 ARTDIRECTOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

PHOTO EDITOR, GLENN CONNELLY 619.594.7279 PHOTO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

WEB EDITOR, MYLENE ERPELO 619.594.3315 WEB@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

ADVERTISING 619.594.6977

INDEX OPINION.........................................................................2 DATING & ROMANCE.................................................3 SPORTS.............................................................................5 CLASSIFIEDS....................................................................7 THE BACK PAGE............................................................8

Burglaries Feb. 6 — San Diego State police arrested a man who had unauthorized access to a campus office.

Police Capt. Lamine Secka said officers who were on foot-patrol of the Life Sciences North building found 33-year-old Mulumva Lwanga on a computer inside a locked office.

Lwanga, who is not affiliated with the university, claimed he was trying to find a place to sleep, according to Secka. Lwanga was arrested and transported to jail for burglary, illegal possession of state keys, unauthorized access to a state computer, possession of stolen property and illegal lodging.

Feb. 7 — A man was arrested after he reportedly attempted to steal a bicycle at the SDSU Transit Center. Transit security contacted the police to report that a bike theft was in progress. During the course of the pursuit, Edilberto Bellosillo, a 37-year-old who is not affiliated with the university, reportedly threw a pair of pliers at the transit officer. Secka said the officer tripped on some stairs and injured his hand. With the assistance of a K-9 unit from the San Diego Police Department, police were able to locate the suspect hiding under a staircase at the basement level of the Education and Business Administration building. Bellosillo was arrested for assault with a

deadly weapon, battery to transit personnel, theft, vandalism and possession of burglary tools.

Assault with a deadly weapon and felony vandalism Feb. 11 — SDSU police issued a crime alert because of an incident that concerned the safety of the university community. At 2:09 a.m., two suspects threw two pint glasses at a student standing on the second floor of Gamma Zeta Alpha fraternity, which is located at 5560 Hardy Ave. on Fraternity Row. The victim was not struck or injured, but the glasses hit and shattered a

door window. The damage is estimated at $500. The suspects reportedly got out of their car and yelled that they were from Nu Alpha Kappa fraternity before they threw the glasses, Secka said.

Police have not yet located the suspects. They were last seen driving away in a black four-door sedan, possibly a Nissan with an unknown license plate. Secka said police believe the suspects are students, but they are still trying to confirm that information. If you know any information about this case, contact the SDSU Police Department at 619-594-1991.

—Compiled by Assistant City Editor Kristina Blake

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The Daily Aztec

OPINION

Monday, February 15, 2010

MASS MEDIUM

Success of GOP lies in breaking stereotype

O

ur democracy is crumbling because we don’t have a healthy two-party system. The Republican Party, lead by ardent ideologues, has become a fractured, angry faction that is hurting our democracy. In order for the U.S. to have a healthy and vibrant government, the Republican Party must embrace and support younger and minority members to connect with more voters and encourage diversity.

The “Grand Old Party” hasn’t been grand for years. The only truism in their nickname is “old.” The face of the GOP has become that of white, racist, ignorant and elderly men who try to hold onto ideologies that no longer apply to modern America. Unfortunately, the attitudes and actions of the few who fit this stereotype are seen as representative of the entire party. Instead, the party must embrace the ideas of both its young members and those that fall outside the category of white and male, instead of writing them off as inexperienced, unimportant or too radical. The future of the GOP depends on its ability to embrace new ideas and diversify its base.

Sen. John McCain’s wife, Cindy McCain, made waves last month when she posed for California’s “NOH8” marriage equality campaign, which advocates legalizing same-sex marriage. The Republican base cried foul, considering it conservative suicide. She joined her daughter, Meghan McCain, who also champions gay rights. A provocative ad of the senator’s wife with her mouth taped shut symbolizes not only the push for marriage equality, but her own party’s inability to change while still retaining its core values.

The undertones in the ad speak to the party’s desire to silence both social progress as well as its female members.

Cindy McCain, portrayed as a subservient and smiling wife during the 2008 presidential campaign, has made it clear that she will not be silent anymore. The paternalistic Republican Party needs to grow up.

Let’s not forget that the Republicans’ answer to the gender diversity represented by then-Sen. Hillary Clinton was former Gov. Sarah Palin. The GOP thought it could fool the country into believing an inexperienced and ignorant politician like Palin could match the credentials of Clinton, a highly educated and experienced politician who has devoted her life of public service. Likewise, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele was the Republican’s answer to the racial diversity represented by President Barack Obama. Michael Steele didn’t become the RNC Chairman because he is an extraordinary Republican leader with innovative ideas, but because he is black.

For the party to become relevant again, it will have to attract more members such

MCT Campus

The GOP must embrace party members such as Cindy McCain, Meghan McCain and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who break the mold of the stereotypical Republican.

A N DY L E WA N D OW S K I S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

as Cindy and Meghan McCain, Congressman Aaron Schock and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Schock, who is the youngest member of Congress at age 28, is the only Generation Y Republican congressmember, and seems to be more tuned in to life in modern-day America than any other member of Congress. The Illinois Republican has fresh ideas and a drive to impart true change. His party, dominated by elderly white men, is holding him back. In a Congress where the average House Member’s age is 56 — the highest in its history — Schock brings much-needed youth and perspective to our nation’s capitol. His fresh ideas, much like Cindy and Meghan McCain’s,

will drive the future of the party, but only if the party itself allows progress.

Jindal is the nation’s first and only IndianAmerican governor. He is highly educated, sticks to his conservative principles and has smart policies about sustainability and immigration. In 2008, he had one of the highest approval ratings of all governors in the country and transcended the issue of race, allowing his policies and voting record to define him.

Unfortunately, the GOP relegated him to the shadows after his disastrous response to Obama’s first address to Congress in February of last year.

The GOP faces the challenge of holding on to the core ideas of conservatism while adjusting to the modern era. It needs to realize the country is moving forward into a new century, while it is stuck in the past. How the GOP applies conservative values to the challenges

of a globalized world will determine its success or failure. Tax cuts and decreased government, however, are not the answer to everything — much to the GOP’s chagrin. It needs smart, conservative policies and members representative of today’s demographics.

As cliché as the word “change” has become in American politics, Republicans must embrace change to become the Grand Old Party once again. They need a renewal, or they will continue on their current path of irrelevance, which will ultimately hurt our country.

—Andy Lewandowski is a media studies senior —This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Include your full name, major and year in school.

LETTERS Dictionaries are your friends — use them In The Daily Aztec column titled “San Diego needs a strong-mayor system” from Feb. 8, Patrick Walsh advocates the “strong-mayor system” with “an independent, voter-elected figurehead leading San Diego.” Actually, a figurehead is a person who seems to be leading but actually doesn’t have any real power – the exact opposite of a strong mayor.

But then, we don’t even know who is doing what in the city of San Diego because “The Democrats on the council want SD taxpayers to pay for their” — Whose? The taxpayers? — “greed and mismanagement, taking the hit for the budged shortfall” — Who is taking the hit? — “while they” — Who? — “continue to make an obscene amount of money.”

On the same page, Andy Lewandowski’s column “Debate beneficial for Obama and Republicans,” claims that Republicans “lambasted the president for failing to uphold his many campaign promises.” To uphold a promise would mean nothing more than to main-

tain or affirm those promises against opposition. I can uphold my promises until hell freezes over; if I do not keep them, then they are simply hollow. It is also quite unclear what the writer means when he suggests that meetings between the parties could be “a means of removing rhetorical spin from inaction.” If Congress or Senate (or both) revel in dilly-dallying, it really doesn’t matter much if they give this a rhetorical spin or not. By the way, neither party — one might hope — wanted to “justify terrorist retribution,” which means retaliation by terrorists. What politicians who passed the Patriot Act wanted was to justify retribution for terrorist acts.

A dictionary can be a veritable treasure-trove of information — when used.

—Monika Slater, instructor, Rhetoric and Writing Studies department

All student voices should be heard In response to Allan Acevedo’s column published Feb. 9 titled, “Referendum process is unfair,” I submit for your con-

sideration a number of inaccuracies and omitted information. I have no problem whatsoever with Acevedo sharing his opinion in the “independent student newspaper.” However, as editor of the section, I believe he has stepped over his bounds in only commenting on only one side of the issue. The Opinion section should not be used as a platform to push a political agenda. Acevedo is omitting the counter-opinion. The Daily Aztec should have requested a counter-opinion column to run as well.

More importantly, The Daily Aztec is losing its journalistic integrity when Acevedo states in his final paragraph that he is inviting students who do not support the referendum “to write a letter to the editor to express their concerns so we can publish it and make sure all student voices are being heard.” Nowhere in his column does he solicit statements from students who are planning to support the referendum. Whether you plan to support the referendum or not, your voice deserves to be heard.

I want to assure the student body that I take my position seriously as executive

vice president. The welfare and rights of the students of San Diego State are my number one concern. I did submit a “pro” statement for the voter pamphlet, because this referendum and project are vital to the growth of the student body and for future Aztecs.

I invite all students to attend one of our open forums from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22 in Montezuma Hall or from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 in Montezuma Hall. Beyond these open forums, I will be sending teams of students to give presentations to large student organizations and to table on Aztec Center walkway, in order to fully educate the student body. I also invite all students to pick up a voter pamphlet and educate themselves on exactly what a “yes” vote means, and what a “no” vote means.

Students are welcome to contact me if they have concerns or questions regarding the referendum.

—Jeremy Katz, business and finance senior and Associated Students executive vice president

DATING & ROMANCE

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Daily Aztec

3

National Condom Week speaks sex truths Dating excitement and intimacy shouldn’t mask important sex questions AN D R E A M O RA S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections remain a major public health challenge in the United States. There are approximately 19 million new STD and STI infections reported each year and nearly half of those are contracted from people 15 to 24 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Helping raise awareness of this issue and the importance of wearing condoms, colleges across the country are recognizing National Condom Week Feb. 14 through 21.

San Diego State students including Vox: Voices for Planned Parenthood, Students for Public Health, Peer Health Educators at Student Health Services and members of Associated Students were on campus last Thursday campaigning for “Safe Lovin’ Vday,” handing out free condoms and educational brochures on how to enjoy safer sex.

Some students may think they have heard all they need to know about condoms, but statistics suggest a number of people still use them incorrectly or not at all. Everyone must stop making excuses and start using protection in order to ensure nothing but love is being spread between the sheets.

“I don’t need to wear a condom.”

Men and women who are sexually active need to use a condom every time they have sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy and the spread of STIs and STDs, according to health educat o r s .

Latex, plastic and nonl a t e x rubber condoms are available for men, or women can wear a female condom, a plastic pouch that is inserted into the vagina.

Both methods are 98 percent effective.

“Condoms aren’t just a man’s responsibility any more than pregnancy prevention is just a woman’s responsibility,” said Vanessa Forsberg, grassroots coordinator for Planned Parenthood in San Diego and Riverside Counties. “Even if you or your partner is using another method of contraception like birth control pills, it’s very important to use condoms.”

“Sex feels better without one.”

Using water-based lubricants such as K-Y Jelly or Astroglide with condoms can help make sex more enjoyable. Avoid using oilbased lubricants, including petroleum jelly, because they may damage latex.

“Lubricant is important in safer sex because it also makes condoms and (dental) dams slippery and less likely to break,” Forsberg said. “Lubricants make safer sex feel better by cutting down on the dry kind of friction that a lot of people find irritating.”

“STDs and STIs won’t happen to me.”

Some STDs and STIs can take more than six months before being detected. Genital herpes and the human papillomavirus can spread before symptoms are ever present. Irregular discharge, sores, redness or burning pain when urinating, are common symptoms, and anyone experiencing them should tell their partner and avoid sexual contact until the symptoms are diagnosed and treated, according to www.WebMD.com.

“The most common symptom of an STI is no symptom at all, so it’s possible for you to exchange a gift that keeps on giving without even knowing it,” Forsberg said.

“Condoms are expensive.”

Condoms are inexpensive and can be purchased at most convenient stores. State p r o -

grams, such as Family PACT, which is offered at SHS, provides many forms of contraceptives and sexual health services free of charge to those who apply and are eligible to participate. For more information about

Courtesy of Mariam Bier

This week is National Condom Week. San Diego State students and educators are promoting knowledge about safe sex across campus, and providing condoms and information about contraceptive options to all students.

the Family PACT program, visit www.familypact.org.

“Purchasing a condom is cheaper than taking care of a baby or paying for your STI medication,” said Ronnee Brown, co-president of Students for Public Health. “Always practice safe sex and remember that you have the authority to take control of your health and future.”

Sometimes condom users may not know the a proper way to take care of condoms in order to ensure they are not torn or damaged.

“Heat damages condoms, and keeping a condom in your wallet exposes it to a lot of body heat and friction,” Forsberg said. “Store your condoms in a cool, dry place. That means no glove compartments, either. Don’t forget to check the expiration date and be careful when you’re opening the package.”

“We use Plan B.” Emergency contraceptive pills, commonly

known as the “morning after pill” or Plan B, are last resort options for those who have had unprotected sex and want to prevent pregnancy. Users should keep in mind, though, that emergency contraception is not designed to be taken regularly or in place of birth control, and it does not help protect against STIs and STDs. Abstinence is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent STIs and STDs and unintended pregnancy, but those who are sexually active should know there are places to go for help.

“We want students to understand that there are plenty of advantageous resources in close proximity of campus, which allows more accessibility and availability for everyone,” said Maricelle Flores, the student representative for the College of Health & Human Services. “(We want) students to know that we are here to help.”

DATING ADVICE OF THE WEEK This week’s dating advice was adapted from dating expert David DeAngelo’s http://datingadvicesecrets.com.

MISTAKE #4: Trying To Buy Her Affection The situation: You took a woman out to a nice dinner, bought her gifts and flowers, and she still rejected you for someone else who

How do you explain this?

Believe it or not, this is a pretty natural phenomenon. It’s not because women don’t want gifts and nice dates, but because it sends a message.

You’re saying, “I don’t think you’ll like me for who I am, so I’m going to try to buy your attention and affection.”

As good and respectful as your intentions may be, overzealous pampering — especially on an early date — usually comes across as overcompentating for insecurity, a weak attempt at manipulating her.

That’s right, women see this as manipulation. Save the star treatment for after you’ve been dating a while.

MISTAKE #5: Sharing Your Feelings for Her Too Early didn’t treat her even half as well.

There’s a reasonable explanation for why an early overshare turns women off.

See, very attractive women are rare.They get a lot of attention from

men ... you may not realize it, but attractive women are approached in one way or another all the time. It’s more than possible that an attractive woman could be approached several times a day by men who are interested in her. Do the math: That may translate to dozens of times in one week, hundreds of times in a month.

As a result, attractive women usually have dated a lot of men, and have a lot of experience.They know what to expect, so someone who starts saying “I really, really like you,” or even worse, “I think I love you,” after one or two dates sends her running away. It just signals that you fall for women too fast and can’t control yourself, or don’t have a sense of proportion.

No matter how tempted you may be to confess

your undying love, don’t. Relax.There’s a much better way to let her know how you feel without freaking her out with images of stalkers dancing in her head.

For more dating mistake advice, visit http://datingadvicesecrets.com.

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The Daily Aztec

DATING & ROMANCE

LOVE BUSINESS

Disapproving loved ones cause relationship issues

Kallie Larsen / Staff Photographer

Being in happy relationships may be more difficult when family members and friends disapprove of a loved one’s partner. Whether it be cultural, religious or personal differences, the balance between close family and personal happiness in a relationship is difficult.

R

elationships are challenging by nature, but dating someone whose friends and family don’t approve can make bonding with a new partner even more difficult. After finding that special person who you enjoy spending time with and who also appreciates your company, introducing him or her to your family can be very exciting.

Trouble can arise if the people you were so eager to introduce your lover to do not hold similar feelings of admiration.

Families can be rocked by disapproval toward a significant other. It’s important to stay rational and, as in most conflicts, try to see the other person’s point of view.

Being honest with all parties involved is a good initial strategy. Be truthful to your lover, because trust can be jeopardized if they later find out that you were dishonest about your family’s true opinions.

“When my family was unwilling to budge on how they felt about him, I wrote a long e-mail. I told them that they raised me well and that because of that, they should trust my judgment.”

—Brooke Holliday, SDSU accounting senior In addition, you should facilitate open and honest conversation with your family.

Tell them exactly why you admire your partner, and try to get them to see the side of this person you love that they can’t see at face value.

“When my family was unwilling to budge on how they felt about him, I wrote them a long e-mail. I told them that they raised me well and that because of that, they should trust my judgment,” accounting senior Brooke Holliday, who had previously been in a conflicted relationship with her family, said. Remember that your parents are probably reacting this way because they

S USA N H E A LY S TA F F W R I T E R

love you and only want the best for you.

Examine the intentions of everyone involved. Your parents may simply be trying to look out for you, so it’s best to really examine the person you are dating. Ask yourself if they have a point. Think about how this person makes you act, how they make you feel and if you like the person when you are around them. If this person brings out the good in you and has brought positivity to your life, then this situation is more a matter of trying to make your friends and family see this.

Similarly, try to discover the intentions of your parents. If their opinion stems from a personal bias such as a difference in religion, race, age or background, their dislike may not be based on a sincere concern. It’s also not something anyone can or should change just for a relationship.

“I grew up in a very Christian household,” Holliday said. “When my boyfriend had some attributes that were different from this, my family reacted badly.” After months of struggling with her family, she led her parents to realize all they were really doing was pushing her away from them. She respectfully made her parents understand she was not going to leave him for unjustifiable reasons; their opinion was biased.

Not all cases end this way, and sometimes no compromise will be made by any party. Under the circumstances, it is important to make the best of the situation.

Speak to your significant other and let them know that your parents’ approval does not change your feelings toward them, because strong insecurities may arise in such cases. Let your family know that you respect their opinions and do not want this type of issue to ruin your relationship with them. The most you can do is reassure them that they have raised you to the best of their abilities and should trust your decisions as an adult.

If the person in the relationship is worth the struggle, sometimes challenging situations make relationship bonds stronger.

—Susan Healy is a business and administra tion senior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Monday, February 15, 2010

SPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Daily Aztec

5

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

White leads SDSU past No. 23 UNLV

Aztecs drop third MWC game in a row

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

D AV I D P O P E A S S I S TA N T S P O R T S E D I T O R

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

Junior forward Billy White scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds and blocked two shots on Saturday.

E D WA R D L E W I S SPORTS EDITOR

Billy White grew up in Las Vegas, so he usually plays UNLV harder than he plays most teams anyway. But after hearing pundits doubt the San Diego State men’s basketball team this past week, White wanted to make an even bigger statement against the No. 23 Rebels on Saturday afternoon.

“We just wanted this game real, real bad,” the junior forward said. “Just prove to everybody that we can with people that SDSU 68 hang are ranked. A lot of UNLV 58 people doubt us, saying we can’t beat people that are ranked. So we just try to prove to ourselves and to everybody else that we can compete with anybody in the country.”

In front of 9,224 people at Viejas Arena, SDSU sent out the message loud and clear: The Aztecs can hang with ranked teams.

SDSU completely dominated a nationallyranked UNLV squad, 68-58, in a game that was never really close.

“Our team just wants to win,” White said. “We told ourselves and our coaches that we are not going to lose anymore, especially not at home. Our goal was to not lose at home, period, but of course we got that one loss, so we are going to try to keep going and just build up our résumé.”

The Aztecs have now taken down two ranked teams in a season for the first time since 2006-07. In January, SDSU beat thenNo. 14 New Mexico, 74-64. Ironically, White

left that game early in the first half with a high ankle sprain and did not return.

“Billy White had, by far, his best game (on Saturday) since getting hurt in our first game against New Mexico,” head coach Steve Fisher said. “(Saturday) was a really nice win for us; everybody contributed.”

White finished the game against the Rebels with 19 points, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal and even made nine of his 11 free throw attempts. As a team, the Aztecs had four players score 11 or more points and combined for a free throw percentage of 74.2.

On the defensive end, SDSU limited UNLV’s two best players, guard Tre’Von Willis and forward Chace Stanback, to just 21 points. In their first meeting on Jan. 13, Willis and Stanback combined to score 41.

“I thought we defended in a fashion that gives you a chance to win,” Fisher said.

“They had 25 first-half points. We did not allow them to get to the rim at will on straight line drives. We knew who their 3point shooters were and we contested the 3point shots. We made it hard for them to get good, easy looks.”

After being written off by most of the country, the Aztecs (18-7, 7-4 in Mountain West Conference play) are suddenly right back in the thick of the MWC race with just five games to go. SDSU is two games behind New Mexico for first place and is now currently tied with the Rebels for third place.

“It’s not a fluke that we are beating these teams here, ranked teams,” White said. “It’s not a surprise to us, because we know we can hang with anybody in the country.”

After suffering consecutive losses, the San Diego State women’s basketball team traveled to Las Vegas in search of a confidence-boosting win against UNLV. Unfortunately for SDSU, the Aztecs got just the opposite: a hard-fought, heartbreaking loss — their third in a row.

SDSU (14-9, 6-5 in Mountain West Conference play) started hot, jumping out to a first-half lead that REBELS 66 reached as many as 16 points, but after scoring AZTECS 59 just two points in the final eight minutes of the half, the Lady Rebels (12-13, 5-6 MWC) got within one point going into the break and continued their momentum through the remainder of the game, winning 66-59.

“I give credit to Vegas, they got after it on the glass,” head coach Beth Burns said to Chris Ello of www.goaztecs.com. “(I was) very disappointed at halftime with 16 turnovers, on the interior we had nine and I think again it’s all kind of a toughness quality. Where for some reason, when things don’t go our way, whether it’s 3-2 or 100-50, we kind of fold our tents a little bit.”

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

While the 26 turnovers didn’t make anything easier on the Aztecs, UNLV’s bench players outscored the SDSU bench 20-4. Junior forward Allison Duffy was the only Aztec nonstarter to score while junior forward Jessika Bradley was a near non-factor offensively, going scoreless on 0-2 shooting, though she did pull down a team-high nine rebounds.

Free throws once again killed SDSU. The Aztecs got to the line just 16 times, hitting 10 of their shots, while the Lady Rebels took a staggering 41 shots from the charity stripe, connecting on 25 of them.

“Forty-one free throws is a lot of free throws,” Burns said. “That’s tough because it’s not just putting a pretty good free throw shooting team at the line; it’s putting us in trouble.”

All three starting SDSU guards — junior Coco Davis and seniors Jené Morris and Quenese Davis — fouled out of the game. The Aztecs were within two points with less than a minute to go, but clutch free throw shooting

by UNLV sealed SDSU’s fate.

The Aztecs’ next game will be at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday when conference-leading TCU comes to Viejas Arena. Earlier this season, the Lady Frogs defeated SDSU in Fort Worth, Texas, 80-63.

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Wins for SDSU this season

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Losses for the Aztecs this year

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Wins in Mountain West Conference play for SDSU this season

5

Losses in MWC play for the Aztecs this year

3

Losses in a row for SDSU

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Turnovers for the Aztecs on Saturday

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Free throws attempted by SDSU against UNLV

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Free throws attempted by the Rebels against the Aztecs

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The Daily Aztec

SPORTS

WATER POLO

Monday, February 15, 2010

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Aztecs split weekend’s Doubles point loss dooms games away from home SDSU against the 49ers After falling to UC Irvine, SDSU rebounds against Long Beach State P HIL GI O R I S TA F F W R I T E R

The San Diego State water polo team can explain last weekend’s games in two words: Déjà vu.

“Friday was a tough loss because it was mostly mistakes we made,” head coach Carin Crawford said.

SDSU 8 “Saturday was a much needed win, and we LBS 5 improved in a lot of areas that we struggled with. It’s good to end the weekend on a winning note.”

SDSU was able to get past a tough 6-5 loss on Friday at UC Irvine and gain confidence with an 8-5 win on Saturday at Long Beach State. The Aztecs jumped out to an early lead after the first quarter, and never surrendered the advantage back to the 49ers.

SDSU drew a strong team effort all around, especially from junior center Ashley Novack.

“Ashley (Novack) played a really strong game,” Crawford said. “She made a few adjustments and scored a couple goals.”

Novack stepped up for the Aztecs and scored two goals. Sophomores Leanne Ford and Meaghan Poland also tallied two goals apiece.

“We played a lot better than we did on Friday,” Novack said. “Better communica-

tion helped our offense and defense.”

Although Saturday’s win is a confidencebooster for SDSU, it fell short on Friday and the team still has work to do to move forward.

“We need to work on the power play,” Crawford said. “Eliminating turnovers and executing well will be the key to success.”

The Aztecs were 1-for-11 on the power play Friday, a critical statistic in a one-goal loss. The defeat followed a 10-5 win for SDSU against UC Irvine last Sunday.

Ironically, the 10-5 win against the Anteaters was preceded by a rough 12-11 loss to Hartwick.

“Friday was a tough loss because it was mostly mistakes we made. Saturday was a much needed win, and we improved in a lot of areas.”

—Carin Crawford, head coach The Aztecs will be back in Irvine next for the UCI Invitational Feb. 27.

“The UCI Invitational is the most prestigious tournament for NCAA water polo,” Crawford said. “We have to win our first game to make top eight, if we don’t, the best we can do is ninth.”

CHUCK HERRMANN S TA F F W R I T E R

After beating the University of Hawaii on Thursday at the Aztec Tennis Center, the San Diego State women’s tennis team began their two-game road trip on Saturday with a loss at No. 58 Long Beach State, 4-3.

The day started well when the team of junior Julia Trunk and freshman Julia Wais won their doubles match at the No. 2 dou49ERS 4 bles spot.

The team of Sierra AZTECS 3 and Roxanne Ellison began its doubles match leading 4-1, but the Long Beach State No. 1 team rallied from behind to beat the sophomore sisters 8-5.

The last doubles match went down to the wire, with the team of sophomore Emma Cioffi and freshman Alicia Aguilar eventually losing to the 49ers’ No. 3 doubles team, 9-7.

“I knew the doubles matches might mean a lot going into the singles,” head coach Peter Mattera said.

And those matches ended up being the key, as SDSU split the singles matches 3-3 after the loss on the doubles point.

Trunk continued her impressive season by winning yet another singles match to improve her overall singles record to 5-2 this season.

“To have her lead the singles matches with the confidence she is playing with is big for the team,” Mattera said.

Not being able to make the critical points when it could have made a difference ended up being the biggest problem for the Aztecs.

Need a tan for Spring?

Nicholas Santiago / Staff Photographer

Australia-native Emma Cioffi, sophomore, whips her racket during doubles matches on Saturday.

“We did not play the big points as well as we should have,” Mattera said.” “But sometimes you have to learn lessons the hard way.”

SDSU looks to continue its strong season with the second game of its two-game road trip at Tucson, Ariz., to face off against the Arizona Wildcats.

“We have a young team this year and have to learn as we go,” Mattera said.

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THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR

‘Seniors in the City’ becoming a plausible trend with cougars

I

had to pick up my drunk mom up at a party once. It was this huge house on a hill, with expensive statues and flourishing gardens. I showed up to round up my mom, and everyone is partying in the backyard. There’s probably 50 people, all of whom were very well-dressed and drunk. One of my mom’s friends started talking to me, slurring like she had molasses in her mouth. She was a few bottles of champagne past the recommended doseage.

She was a cougar.

This discussion is long overdue — the whole cougar thing.

Cougars are a 21st century invention, soon to be obsolete.

They will soon be overridden by silver foxes — women older than 65 whom younger men see as “hot” — who will have a new niche in our society. Frightening concept, huh?

The only thing less frightening than a silver fox is a cougar, and that only a relative improvement. “Cougardom” is disastrous to the fabric of our society.

See, cougars aren’t hot.

They’re kind of like wax sculptures that have been melted a little — hanging skin, wrinkles, the works. When does it stop?

When does their supposed hotness fade into the realization

Monday, February 15, 2010

N O A H H E N RY CONTRIBUTOR

that they’re weathered and worn? Between the ages of 54 and 55?

Last year, San Diego Magazine printed an article about a Cougar Cruise that travelled from San Diego to Mexico.

The cruise accepted anyone, but older women and younger men were encouraged to come. It was like a perversion of a theme park ride — only women with Botox and spider veins and men more than 18 years old with fetishes for furry upper lips allowed. The cruise’s final destination was the land of young washboard abs. The car ride back home must have been one of shivering regret, resenting having to see husbands’ hairy, unkempt bodies that resembled silverback gorillas.

The concept of the cougar spun out shows such as “Desperate Housewives,” “Sex and the City” and “Cougar Town.” But where is the line?

When will shows like “Lovesick Grandmothers,” “Seniors in the City” and “So You Think You Can Dance: Wheelchair Edition” exist? It’s only a matter of time.

To all the cougars and cougar-chasers out there: Please, think of the children. We’re

talking about teenagers and adults in their early 20s; they can’t hold their own against experienced adults.

I know what you’re thinking — “Come on bro, cougars are hot.”

No. No they’re not. And whoever thinks differently must have serious mommy issues.

Cougars also inhabit the same social circles that young people do, which is weird. I don’t go to clubs because they are for hippies and people who wear straight-billed baseball caps, but if I did, I’d be alarmed to see my mom at one. Knowing that she’d be dancing in a club with guys who sport diamond studs and waxed chests would make me cry. Cougars belong in two places: zoos and dense forests. They don’t belong at the local bar, plastered beyond repair in their daughter’s clothes — it’s not their natural habitat.

But in the end, I shouldn’t worry too much. This cougar thing is only a fad. Like Chia pets or H1N1. Cougars will scurry back to their dens and stay out of nightclubs and Maybelline commercials.

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (2/15/10). With exceptional effort on your part, this year promises unusual achievements.You make gains while others are stalled or slipping back. Independent thought is your basic tool.You refuse to follow along just because someone else is enthusiastic, and you check the bottom line projections yourself.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - If you allow your mind to wander a bit, you'll discover creative ideas at every turn.

Turning them into productive results seems almost too easy. Enjoy it.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - A dream image may stick with you as you begin your day. Expand it and apply its mojo to all your activities.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 Track developments in your career field. A new contact provides optimism. Use your skills to conclude a transaction that satisfies everyone.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Optimism begins and ends the day.Take advantage of this commodity. Spread it around.The more you share, the more you get to enjoy it yourself.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 Whatever you failed to complete yesterday, you get another chance now when an associate opens the conversation. Business almost takes care of itself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 -

View each task on your list as an opportunity to learn. A lighter touch may get the job done without breaking essential parts.

Tidy up after yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 Get busy on a household project that promises to restore emotional balance for at least one person.Tighten a screw here and seal a lid there.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - Contact a female who's closely in touch with a customer's needs. Make sure the solution reflects well on the person who pays the bills.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Things are about to get complicated. Use your creative powers to simplify wherever possible. Dress for flexibility.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - To get the most done today, first align with your partner, then divvy up the work. A female helps with your part so that you can support others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - A lot of folks have their fingers in the pie today. Although you don't want to deplete resources, you'll probably run through some cash now. Spend wisely.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 If you charge ahead with your own creative ideas, you may leave others in the dust. Soothe their ruffled feathers.This push gets the work done. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

—Noah Henry is an English senior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

Instructions: Complete the grid so

LOOKING THOUGH OUR LENS

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

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com © 2010 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

CROSSWORD

OPEN WATER FLIGHT Staff Photographer Nicholas Santiago captured this shot of a pigeon taking flight off the Pacific Beach Pier as the sun beamed down on a clear day.

ACROSS 1 Put __: sail 6 Lyricist Sammy 10 Word of woe 14 “Lost” network 15 “Milk’s favorite cookie” 16 Stoicism founder 17 Upright or grand 18 Office divider 20 Baseballer with a tomahawk on his jersey 22 Opposite of NNW 23 Myrna of “The Thin Man” 24 Sharpshooter Annie 28 Corp. boss 29 Sawyer’s buddy 31 Ore-__, maker of frozen potatoes 32 “Like I haven’t heard that before” 35 Eyelid woe 37 Covert govt. group 38 Nights, to poets 39 4x platinum hit single, co-written

by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie 44 PC key 45 Actress Natalie 46 IM company 47 Diving seabird 49 24-hr. cash source 50 Watch chain 53 Author of the novel indicated by the ends of 20-, 32- and 39-Across 57 Actor’s asset 60 Smallest 61 Exile isle

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 62 Run away 63 Bring together 64 Golda of Israel 65 Abstain from food 66 Painful spots DOWN 1 Spanish snacks 2 “In memoriam” news items 3 Weighing device 4 Sicilian erupter 5 “Anne of Green Gables” setting 6 Insured patient’s outlay 7 Many an Iraqi 8 German “Mister” 9 Zero 10 Pontiac SUV named for an early Mexican

11 Hawaiian garland 12 It starts with enero 13 Trinity member 19 Russian prince known as “Moneybag” 21 Horn beep 25 Ruled, as a writing pad 26 Genesis garden 27 Deviates from a course 28 Sonny’s partner 29 Popped (out), as to the outfield 30 “__ Mommy kissing ...”

32 Lawman Earp 33 Bounce back 34 Auction off 35 Exchange 36 Prefix with con-

ference 40 “The Seven Year Itch” actor Tom 41 Rebuked 42 Promise in court 43 Remus’ twin 48 Speeder’s downfall 49 Useful quality 50 Knack 51 West, to a Spaniard 52 Computer memory units 54 “Return of the Jedi” dancer 55 Hawaiian strings 56 Strange: Pref.

57 Jewelry stone 58 Corrida cheer 59 “Madama Butterfly” sash