The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 76

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Vol. 95, Issue 76

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 FOOD & DRINK

GREEN EATS

Body of SDSU student found W H I T N E Y L AW R E N C E

As the first U.S. LEED-awarded restaurant, Claires’ organic food is worth checking out. page 3

SPORTS

SWEEP The SDSU men’s and women’s basketball teams both beat TCU. page 4

TEMPO

PARADISE AT LAST The birds are singing in SDSU’s new zany musical “Birds of Paradise.”

CIT Y EDITOR

The body discovered Sunday on the cliffs of La Jolla was identified yesterday as San Diego State freshman Sandy Khoo of Millbrae.

Khoo, who was 18 years old, lived in University Towers residence hall and was reportedly last seen Saturday by friends.

Her parents flew from Millbrae yesterday to identify her body, which was found around noon near the Torrey Pines Gliderport. A rescue helicopter was used to airlift her body from the cliffs and paramedics pronounced Khoo dead on sight.

According to an article published yesterday in The Union Tribune, San Diego Fire-Rescue spokesman Maurice Luque said Khoo may have fallen about 50 feet. The San Diego Department of the Medical Examiner reported multiple blunt force injuries as the cause of death.

Counseling and psychological services is open to any student affected by the loss, according to SDSU Media Relations Manager Gina Jacobs.

Some students are already reacting to the tragic loss of their friend.

“From what I saw she had a passion for art unlike any freshman I have ever met,” said an acquaintance who wished to remain anonymous. “She always asked me about events going on at campus and was always at some meeting or another with an art club on campus. I saw so much in store for her future with the drive that she had. My heart and prayers really go out to her family, I can’t even imagine the pain they are going through.”

A UCSD student who knew Khoo from a summer art program also shared his thoughts.

“I promised her that I would someday visit her at SDSU, but I guess I won’t be able to do that anymore,” he said. “I just hope … she’s now in a better place.”

“Sandy. I love you and I will miss you always. The best things come in small packages,” Sarah Mariano, a graphic design freshman at the Rhode Island School of Design, said.

“Sandy, you may have been small but you packed a lot of love,” Andrea Nguyen said. “You were a great friend. Rest in peace. I’m going to miss you so, so much.”

Photo Credit: Facebook

page 5

TODAY @ SDSU

Design class rebrands orchestra

“Birds of Paradise” Musical 8 p.m., Don Powell Theatre The musical is the final production for graduating students in the master’s of fine arts musical theatre program.

Tickets range from $13 to $15.

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 619.594.6976 FEATURE@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

SPORTS EDITOR, EDWARD LEWIS 619.594.7817 SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

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 FOOD & DRINK............................................................2 SPORTS.............................................................................4 TEMPO..............................................................................5 CLASSIFIEDS....................................................................7 THE BACK PAGE............................................................8

S U M M E R R A I N B O LT S TA F F W R I T E R

The San Diego State graphic design studio course and the Symphony Orchestra are joining forces to create posters that will benefit both programs. Students from the course will show off their creative flare by designing posters and electronic flyers for the orchestra’s upcoming performances.

“The role of our SDSU graphic design studio course is an opportunity for our student designers to serve and connect with different organizations and businesses on campus and in the community,” course lecturer Gary Benzel said.

“The SDSU Symphony Orchestra contacted our class about helping them design materials for two upcoming performances.”

Students began planning for the posters four weeks ago. The 18 students in the course were divided into two groups, one for each concert. Student leaders from the course will present their designs to the orchestra today. The orchestra will then determine which design is the best fit.

“The opportunity for the students to interact with the client gives them the experience of presenting concepts and executions that are actually produced and put into use,” Benzel said. “It also helps them understand the process of projects from beginning to end and operate within real time deadlines. The students are excited for the opportunity to have their work selected and potentially used by the symphony.”

The orchestra is excited to have the publicity and hope the posters

and flyers will draw a larger audience to its performances.

“Until 12 months ago, the Symphony Orchestra wasn’t doing any publicity, so I started encouraging my students to come up with some poster designs,” orchestral studies director, Matthew Rowe, said. “Having posters in the last year has made a difference, no doubt about it. We feel the orchestra is something more people should know about.”

The Symphony Orchestra hired a designer to create posters for concerts in the past. The collaboration with the SDSU graphic design course will cut costs for the orchestra as well as offer the design students real-life experience.

According to music performance junior Salma Bachar, the

design students asked the orchestra, “What kind of feeling does the concert evoke?”

“We told them the names and themes of the concerts,” Bachar said. “The first concert theme is the Chopin anniversary, celebrating the 200th anniversary of his work. The second concert is titled ‘100 Years Ago in Europe.’”

The Symphony Orchestra showed the design students the posters from previous concerts so they could get a feel for what was needed.

Music performance senior Sarah Davis said 100 flyers, one large poster, three medium posters and 300 postcards will be created.

“The postcards will be sent to donors, local high school conductors and all of the departments at SDSU to boost awareness,” she said.

Students said they feel the publicity generated in the past year has had a great impact on concert attendance.

“Last semester, we had a very successful outcome due to the publicity,” Davis said. “People almost had to be turned away at one of our concerts. I have never seen an outcome like that in my four years of performing.”

According to Davis, the Symphony Orchestra would like to be recognized more among SDSU students.

“The graphic design course can come up with creative ways to publicize that we wouldn’t,” Davis said. “I’m excited to see what they produce.”

The Symphony Orchestra’s next performance will be held at 7 p.m. on March 18 in the Smith Recital Hall.

Courtesy of the SDSU School of Music and Dance

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FOOD & DRINK

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Sweet treats and beats at cupcake lounge 76 different mouthwatering ‘Cups’ made from quality and organic ingredients AN D R E A M O RA S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Walking into Cups is like stepping into a stylish, retro diner. This eco-friendly La Jolla lounge serves more than decorated cupcakes.

From the milk to the flour, all the ingredients are bought from local farmers, ensuring dessert fans will enjoy the most organic eats in town.

“We believe our cups taste better because we use only the freshest, top-quality ingredients — organic and local,” Cups founder and owner Michelle Ciccarelli wrote on www.cupslj.blogspot.com. “Eating foods grown or harvested organically isn’t just better for you, because it has no added pesticides and hormones, but also better for all of us because less toxins are released in their making.”

Ciccarelli wanted to create a place that combined desserts and music where people of all ages could go to relax, study, celebrate or hang out with friends. And with 76 different cupcakes to choose from, visitors can try a new flavor every day of the week.

Earth-friendly atmosphere Cups defines green by using sustainable and recycled materials from wall to wall. People can take a seat on a spinning stool by the counter or sit on the long red bench against the wall. Other unique details include convenient purse hooks under the bar and cupcake orders come elegantly served on a white plate with a fork and knife.

“Our countertops are recycled glass, the floor is (made of) pebbles, the walls are recycled paper and even the pink ‘fizz’ (that) lights up the wall and ceiling is recycled plastic,” Ciccarelli said. “We serve our milk in reusable Strauss bottles, which we also used to decorate the wall across the bar. Our to-go containers are all vegetable-based or made of recycled materials.”

Sweet sounds and live music During the week, visitors may notice a pink Easy-Bake oven near the entrance but what they may not know is that it’s used as a disc

Karli Cadel / Staff Photographer

‘Cups’ doesn’t just sell delicious treats such as the “Limone Ricotta” seen above. At night, the hipster café turns into a nighttime lounge where local bands perform.

jockey booth on the weekends. People can enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and karaoke on Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Daring singers receive a free cupcake for their first time singing on the microphone.

Something for everyone It takes a team of eight pastry chefs to prepare and bake each treat from scratch every day. More than 50 assortments are rotated daily to create a unique 10 “Flavors of the day” menu, including vegan, gluten-free and

dairy-free choices for those with special dietary needs.

“We make the basics like vanilla and chocolate, and favorites like red velvet, which we call Velours Rouge,” said Ciccarelli. “But we also love to get really creative with fresh seasonal ingredients like our Lime-Chile-Mango in the summer or the Pumpkin Cardamom in the winter. Funkier flavors include the Wine & Cheese, a cabernet chocolate cup with Brie frosting and candied walnut.”

One can also sip an organic hot or cold beverage, including the house-made chai tea,

strawberry milk “on tap,” or the CupQuake, a cupcake milkshake.

And Cups did not forget about the dogs. Pet owners can also bring their dogs in for a treat.

“We serve PupCups for your dog (such as) the Peanut Butter-Bacon and other dogfriendly flavors.” Ciccarelli said. “And dogs can chill in our PupLounge, featuring a dog ‘sofa’ and grass-covered table.”

Play chef Cupcake fans will soon be able to learn how to bake their favorite treats when Cups Culinary School, a private teaching kitchen and party room, opens this month. Beginning cooks, including children, can learn the basics while those who are more experienced can learn advanced baking and decorating techniques. A private baking class can be booked for parties.

Delicious deals Visitors can enjoy a regular cupcake for $4 or opt for a mini cupcake for $2. Cups also offers daily discount deals, including “Two for Tuesday,” buy one full-size “Flavor of the Day” cup and receive one free, and “Student Humpday,” students with a valid school identification card receive 25 percent off any food or drink purchase.

“We believe our cups taste better because we use only the freshest, top-quality ingredients — organic and local.”

—Michelle Ciccarelli, Founder and owner of Cups

Karli Cadel / Staff Photographer

Last year, Cups teamed with the Ronald McDonald House Charities to do “Cupcakes for a Cause.” Chefs created the Love Cup, a lemon-vanilla bean cup with a lemon curd center, topped with lemonade frosting. A portion of every Love Cup sale went toward helping San Diego families in need.

Cups is located on 7857 Girard Ave. in La Jolla. For more information call 858-459CUPS or visit www.cupslj.com.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

FOOD & DRINK

The Daily Aztec

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Paving the future with design and good eats S HANNON C L A R K S TA F F W R I T E R

As Kermit the Frog once so eloquently put it, “It’s not easy being green.” And it isn’t.

Experts are thinking of new ways to save energy and resources so quickly that at times keeping up with all that’s going on seems impossible, let alone remember to bring reusable bags into Target. However, it doesn’t always have to be so complicated. Take a small first step: Have some breakfast.

At a little café and bakery called Claire’s on Cedros, it really is that easy. This cozy cottage in Solana Beach has more than just a great atmosphere; it’s on its way to being recognized as the greenest restaurant in America. From walls insulated with used blue jeans, to specially reserved parking spots for hybrids, to solar-generated energy, the feisty, independently owned and built café walks the walk in every eco-friendly way possible. It’s even on the way to becoming Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certified, which would make it the first restaurant of its kind in the U.S. to achieve that honor.

“We were there for the first Earth Day and took that to heart.

Building in a sustainable way was just a natural extension of us.”

—Claire Allison, Co-owner of Claire’s on Cedros Founded, built and co-owned by San Diego State graduates Claire Allison and Terrie Boley, Claire’s on Cedros offers the taste of homemade meals made with locally

grown organic produce as well as dairy and meats that come only from animals raised without hormone supplements.

“What makes our food special is it is made from scratch,” Allison said. “We start at the beginning. Our food philosophy goes back to my own personal attitude about cooking … Our food is fresh ingredients prepared simply and straightforwardly and at a price point that is affordable.”

However, Allison and Boley’s passion for the environment didn’t start six months ago, when the restaurant opened. The two owners and friends have held the planet in high regard since their elementary school days as Girl Scouts.

“Both Terrie Boley and I have lived our lives in ‘green’ ways since we were kids,” Allison stated. “We were there for the first Earth Day and took that to heart. Building in a sustainable way was just a natural extension for us. It is the way we live.”

Even if one can ignore the impressive accomplishments that this little café has made in sustainability, Claire’s on Cedros — when it comes down to it — is also a really nice place to eat. The food is good, the recycled material decorations are charming and the service is amazingly friendly. So much so, that the waiters are willing to chase after forgetful customers in the rain to return the credit card they left inside.

So go ahead, take a chance on a little business with big ideals. It’s more than a good meal. It’s supporting a real step forward not only in sustainability, but also in how companies should conduct themselves in this new age of environmental possibilities. “(Claire’s on Cedros) is an example of what can be accomplished with sustainability in mind,” Allison concluded. “It is possible to create something functional and beautiful and sustainable all at the same time.”

To learn more about the ways Claire’s on Cedros is going green, visit www.clairesoncedros.com.

Serving Fair Trade and Organic Espresso and Coffee roasted locally in San Diego by Café Moto!

Located right on campus!

FREE BAGEL WITH ANY BEVERAGE PURCHASE! Cream cheese available at additional charge.

One bagel per customer.

Available while supplies last.

Expires 2/28/10.

Paige Nelson / Staff Photographer

Claire’s on Cedros is on its way to becoming the first environmentally free-standing restaurant in the U.S.

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SPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Aztecs take care of SDSU beats No. 23 TCU business on the road to snap losing streak 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

The San Diego State women's basketball team was backed into the proverbial corner last night when it faced off against No. 23 TCU. SDSU was riding a three-game Mountain West Conference losing streak which included its first home conference loss since 2008 and AZTECS 84 two losses to middle-ofMWC teams.

FROGS 61 the-road All the frustration that had built up throughout the past two weeks was unleashed last night when the Aztecs demolished the nationally-ranked Lady Frogs, 84-61.

“We just had to decide to get it done,” head coach Beth Burns said. “All five people, at any one time, did what they were supposed to do, enthusiastically, energetically and with each other to produce this result.”

SDSU (15-9, 7-5 in MWC play) was led by a stellar performance from senior guard Jené Morris. She had 14 points in the game’s first 10 minutes and ended up leading all scorers with 23 to go along with five rebounds and four steals.

“This was the game we wanted to (use to) start up (another) winning streak,” Morris said. “It hasn’t been fun the last couple of games. We haven’t played the best basketball.

And we wanted to come home to start that up, especially against TCU.” Morris was one of four Aztecs to score in double figures. Junior center Paris Johnson broke out of a recent funk to net 19 points,

going 5-6 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, the Davis sisters, Quenese and Coco, scored 14 and 12 points, respectively. Quenese ended up leading all rebounders with 13 boards to go along with a team-high seven assists.

The SDSU victory snapped a four-game winning-streak for TCU (19-6, 9-3 MWC), which shot 21-for-58 as a team. Guard TK Lafleur led the Lady Frogs with 18 points on 7-14 shooting.

“We were just so frustrated after losing to UNLV,” Morris said. “Personally, I didn’t think of TCU as a ranked team. Of course they are, and they’re a great team, but I think we saw this as, ‘We have to get ourselves together.’”

The win was especially meaningful to coach Burns as last night was a part of the “Pink Zone” initiative which women’s basketball teams across the country have been participating in all week. The program promotes breast cancer awareness and raises money for the Kay Yow Fund in honor of the legendar y NC State coach who Bur ns coached with years ago.

“This was San Diego State’s game for Coach Yow,” Burns said. “I told the team ‘This is Coach Yow’s game. Give her the respect she deserves.’ And we sure did.”

The Aztecs hopes for an MWC regular-season crown remain distant, but not unreasonable. SDSU is still two games behind the firstplace Lady Frogs, who have tough games remaining against New Mexico and at BYU. The Aztecs are in third place, two games behind the Cougars in the loss column, but will play host to BYU on Feb. 24.

SDSU’s next game will come on Saturday when it travels to Salt Lake City to take on Utah.

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

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

If Ronnie Moss wasn’t a TCU Horned Frog, the San Diego State men’s basketball team would have won last night’s game by 32.

Unfortunately for SDSU, Moss is TCU’s point guard. So the Aztecs had to work a little harder for a victory.

Despite allowing Moss to score 15 points, SDSU took care of business in Fort Worth, Texas, beating the Horned Frogs, 68-51, at the Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.

The Aztecs started the game playing tight defense, only allowing six TCU points in the first 12 minutes.

But t hen Moss got SDSU 68 loose, picked up 11 of TCU 51 his 13 first-half points in the final eight minutes of the period and brought SDSU’s lead down to just 10 at the break.

“At halftime coach just talked about Moss and how many points he had,” freshman forward Kawhi Leonard said to XTRA Sports 1360 AM after the game. “Because he had 13 points and they had 19 at halftime; and (Fisher) just wanted us to focus on him and get him passing the ball into different people on the court.”

In the second half, the Aztecs limited Moss to just two points and cruised for the final 20 minutes. SDSU’s big men were just too much for Moss and the Horned Frogs in second half.

“Coach just talked to the bigs today and just said, ‘We’re going to need a lot of you guys tonight,’” junior forward Billy White said to The Mtn. “‘We need you guys to just finish at the basket.’ So that’s what we tried to do tonight.”

The Aztecs out-rebounded TCU 34-24 and outscored the Horned Frogs 48-14 in the paint. White scored 17 points and piled up nine rebounds, showing signs that he’s finally 100 percent healthy after a high ankle sprain last month.

“Billy is one of those guys that he sometimes can be his greatest ally but at times he’s his own worst enemy when he gets frustrated,” Fisher said to XTRA Sports 1360 AM. “But I think we’ve got the good Billy White back now.”

Leonard recorded a game-high 18 points and pulled down three rebounds and continued to make a case for Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year honors.

“I just came in for the win,” Leonard said to The Mtn. “Me and my team just focused on defense and just executing plays and that’s what we came in here for.”

The win is the Aztecs’ third in a row and moves them into sole possession of third place in the MWC standings. SDSU (19-7, 84 in MWC play) will take on Utah next at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Viejas Arena.

“We need (the fans),” Fisher said to XTRA Sports 1360 AM. “I would say right now get ready, get your tickets, plan your Saturday night at Viejas Arena with the Aztecs.”

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

SPONSORED BY

FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 23

Points for Jené Morris last night against TCU

19

Points for Paris Johnson in last night’s game

13

Rebounds for Quenese Davis, a game-high

44.4

Advanced Test Preparation

Three-point shooting percentage for the Aztecs last night

16

Points for TCU’s Helena Sverrisdottir against SDSU

23

Turnovers for the Lady Frogs last night

4

Blocks for Jessika Bradley against TCU

4

Games remaining in the Aztecs’ regular season schedule

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

TEMPO

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VISCERAL VISUALS

Evolution of Charles Darwin comes to life K A I T L I N T R AT A R I S S TA F F W R I T E R

The San Diego Natural History Museum has been featuring a journey along the life path of Charles Darwin in its latest exhibit “Darwin: Evolution, Revolution.” Installed Nov. 7 of last year, this exhibit educates its visitors about the history of the theory of evolution but more importantly, the history about the theory’s creator: Charles Darwin. The exhibit features multiple replicas of animals skeletons, taxidermies of birds and samples of insects as well as live creatures. These all demonstrate the extensive journey Darwin made from obsessively collecting beetles to observing and recording slight changes in many species of birds and other animals.

Despite the strong majority of naturalist thinkers during the 1800s who upheld creationist beliefs that God created each individual exclusively, Darwin continued in scientific pursuit of a much more interesting and outlandish idea.

As a child, Darwin had little interest in his studies, was the fifth of six children and lost his mother at a young age. Later in life, his father pushed him to study medicine but he ended up at the University of Cambridge studying to be a clergyman. However, the saving grace of his scientific career came with a simple invitation to join a British voyage aboard The H.M.S. Beagle as a naturalist. The next five years Darwin spent on the ship determined the rest of his life. The journey led to his famed studies of finches on the Galapagos Islands and according to the exhibit, Darwin “grew from a wide-eyed observer into a profound analytical thinker.”

The exhibit also claims the internal changes occurring in Darwin transformed his work

forever and furthermore “transformed our understanding of the living world.”

Darwin began to connect ancient fossils to modern creatures, and trace the slight changes taking place within these animals.

The discovery and studying of fossils provided Darwin with evidence of early life forms and an idea of how the earth was millions of years ago. After Darwin’s marriage to Emma Wedgwood, he formed the rough beginnings of his famous evolutionary theory. It was not until much later when a similar piece of work

by Alfred Russel Wallace prompted Darwin to release his published work on his theory of evolution.

This exhibit educates its visitors on the history of the theory of evolution but most importantly, the history about the theory’s creator.

The Darwin exhibit will prove to be both educating and entertaining for all visitors, displaying a wide range of historical information paired with interesting displays on the evolution of animals and even humans. Previously, humans had not been considered part of the natural world, which changed with Darwin’s ideas. The interactive activities, live animals and colorful displays will attract visitors to learn about the theorist’s past. The exhibit will be on display at the San Diego Natural History Museum until Feb. 28 and is a highly recommended one to visit.

Courtesy of San Diego Natural History Museum

The Charles Darwin exhibit features many different species of animals he observed throughout his life.

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

‘Birds’ cast performs a la Chekhov, ‘Wicked’ K A R I L UU CONTRIBUTOR

Courtesy of Swink Photography

Seated: Maier; L to R in Back: Snow, Fritsche, Spector, Deater; L to R around chair: Alexander, Hafso; in chair: Joyce

Warning: Spoiler alert Love them or hate them, musicals are one of the best ways to see fresh and talented actors at their finest, minus the Hollywood glamour mumbo jumbo.

However, in San Diego State’s latest musical “Birds of Paradise,” quality acting, witty banter and silly musical numbers are what holds this production together. The plot surrounds a small-town group of bickering theater enthusiasts who attempt to rehearse a musical based on Anton Chekhov’s story “The Seagull” with the assistance of a professional actor.

This lesser-known and off-Broadway musical features the lyrics and story from Winnie Holzman, who is known for Broadway’s “Wicked.” This is also the last performance for this year’s graduating Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre class.

Theater groupies fall in and out of love with each other and humorous dance scenes unfold. Lawrence Wood (played by Joe Joyce) is the lesser-known actor who returns to his hometown only to be coveted and over-glorified by peers. Homer, the sensitive and socially awkward writer (played by Brandon Joel Maier) has his script read by Wood, who wants to put on the production of “The Seagull.” Joyce does a commendable performance showing Wood’s ego-boost slowly getting the best of him. Maier is also convincing as the frustrated writer and depicts Homer in such a way that the audience tends to sympathize with his character most.

The play has hilarious musical numbers such as “Penguins Must Sing,” in which actors Ira Spector, Amy Fritsche and Justin Deater prance around in full-size and tuxedo-like penguin suits, which will crack a smile on any viewer’s face. And the “Birds of Paradise” song is a wonderful number from ladies Katie Alexander, Nancy Snow and Fritsche.

The acting from all the characters was topnotch, however, the plot played out like a comedy-drama — a formula that usually doesn’t go hand in hand. There were punchy oneliners and each character had their own unique personality, but they were easily phased by Wood’s star power and mindlessly followed what he said, making one feel annoyed by their naïveté. The talented Homer is really underappreciated until the end when they all learn to work together without Wood and the familiar undertones of teamwork seep through.

The characters do progressively change as they continue working, but there isn’t much of a resolution to any of their love triangles. They all fuss about the play and the audience is teased into thinking they will see the production of “The Seagull” musical, but to no avail.

In spite of the mediocre plotline, the musical ended on a happy note. The actors were all very entertaining and displayed a wide range of talent.

The remaining performances are at 8 p.m. on Feb. 17, 18, 19 and 20, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Experimental Theatre.

For more information visit www.theatre.sdsu.edu or call 619-594-6884.

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TEMPO

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

The acclaimed tragic love story returns to ballet H UI LING T H A M CONTRIBUTOR

Once again, the legacy of one of William Shakespeare’s classics was brought to life on stage.

To end the celebration of its 20th anniversary, the San Diego Ballet decided to return with last year’s performance of “Romeo and Juliet.”

Lead by the direction and choreography of artistic director Javier Velasco, San Diego Ballet dancers attempted to take audiences back to the 16th century to relive one of history’s most famous tragic love stories.

The Lyceum Theatre stage was transformed into a scene of talented ballet dancers who had worked hard to put together this memorable show. Although the famous line “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” was nowhere to be heard, the audience was still treated to a night of passion and romance. The ballet was accompanied with music by Sergei Prokofiev and beautifully colored costumes by Marcia Averett and Sandra Mangusing, which blended perfectly to set the tone and mood of the show.

The strong chemistry between the dancers gave the show a pleasant flow and energy.

They showed good coordination and synchronization in the transitions between acts.

Even though there were no props, Velasco made full use of its simplicity. He had the Renaissance figures on stage throughout most of the play, which seemed to act as backdrops to the main characters.

The strong chemistry between the dancers gave the show a pleasant flow ... Even though there were no props, Velasco made full use of its simplicity.

Abby Avery gave an outstanding performance in her role as Juliet. With her background in performing with the Fresno Ballet and the Los Angeles Ballet, this was her first time taking the role of Juliet. Her transformation into the young, innocent Juliet was done successfully through her elegant moves and graceful steps. Furthermore, her powerful display of facial expressions helped audiences interpret her emotions. From her depression of being forced into marriage by her mother to her undying love for Romeo, she drew the audience’s attention every step of the way.

Romeo was played by Carlo Di Dio, who provided a solid performance as well. This was his third collaboration with Velasco and he did a splendid job giving a dramatic end-

Courtesy of San Diego Ballet

Carlo Di Dio, who danced as Romeo and Abby Avery, who danced as Juliet, both gave strong performances in the ballet version of Shakespeare’s famous play.

ing to Romeo’s life. Combined with the choreography of Velasco, the performers successfully captured the intimacy, passion and desire of the love birds.

Another character that gave a lasting impression was Lady Capulet, played by Rachel Sebastian. Her stage presence was felt every time she appeared and her character

provided the drama in the ballet. As soon as she appeared, the music became loud with a heavy thumping background even after her expressive emotions were accelerated after the death of Tybalt. The dramatic tension between her and Juliet came as the turning point of the performance, which eventually led to the suicide of Romeo and Juliet.

When all these excellent talents are combined on stage, the result is a night full of elegant choreography, but also a story filled with drama and passion. It’s obvious why the San Diego Ballet invited audiences to join them again this year for a three-night only performance.

LIVE AND DANGEROUS

St. Vincent stuns all with sharp and stylish sounds Music at Belly Up Tavern instills audience with wonder and awe T I M D R AU T S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Last Wednesday was a night to be remembered by the intimate crowd who paid $14 to see genre-bending indie rock temptress St. Vincent perform with Wildbirds & Peacedrums at Belly Up Tavern.

Wildbirds & Peacedrums is a Swedish band consisting of Mariam Wallentin on vocals and assorted percussions and her husband Andreas Werliin on drums. After a modest introduction from Wallentin, the duo performed an hour of startlingly original folkpop using only percussion and vocals. The crowd was pleasantly surprised by the inten-

sity this mysterious band brought to the stage, in particular Wallentin’s powerful, bluesy vocals and Werliin’s ferocious drumming. The group played passionate music beginning with the explosively psychedelic “There Is No Light” all the way through “My Heart,” in which Wallentin purposefully repeats “ I’m lost without your rhythm,” a phrase that sums up the duo’s stage dynamic. At one point during the set, Werliin was drumming so hard one of his tom-toms nearly fell over.

Next to perform was St. Vincent, the stagepseudonym of singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Annie Clark. While still highly unrecognized by the public, St. Vincent has gained notoriety and critical acclaim through the excellent sophomore album “Actor.” Clark’s brilliant synthesis of catchy pop vocals, ultra-edgy guitar licks and gorgeous orchestral arrangements makes St. Vincent’s sound stand out among independent pop-rock artists. Furthermore, Clark’s

stunning beauty, quirky personality and instrumental skill make it an utter delight watching her perform.

Clark was accompanied on stage by four supporting male musicians including a drummer, bass player and two multi-instrumentalists who provided violin, rhythm guitar, keyboards, saxophone and woodwinds.

She informed the crowd that this was her first time playing at “this jam spot,” having graduated from The Casbah where she claimed to have once played six times in a single year.

St. Vincent opened with “The Strangers,” a song that starts as a dreamy and innocent pop song carried by rhythm and woodwinds, building up until the distorted guitar kicks in like a monster who’s been hiding in the closet. St. Vincent went on to play a few more songs from “Actor” including the catchy “Laughing with a Mouth of Blood.”

On the infectious pop single “Actor Out Of Work,” Clark broke her prim and proper

stance and revealed her artistic edge, busting out spastic guitar blips between verses and occasionally giving in to a ragdoll posture that looked like something out of a Tim Burton film. Belly Up is the perfect venue to catch Clark’s subtle nuances, such as how her ears anticipate the drummer’s slow beats as she played keyboard for “The Bed.” The audience subconsciously inched closer to the stage with each song, transfixed by Clark’s majestic form.

Additional highlights from St. Vincent’s outstanding performance include Clark’s solo cover of Jackson Browne’s “These Days,” the bone-crunching single “Marrow” and an encore performance of “Your Lips Are Red.” Needless to say, established fans were more than satisfied while their uninitiated guests were absolutely blown away by the night’s stellar array of fantastic music.

Visit www.ilovestvincent.com for additional info.

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THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR: ANOTHER SKIPPED DIPLOMA

Living broke, but still ballin’

A

re you a baller on a budget? Lately, I’ve been looking for ways to save money as a college student. Let’s face it, many of us are strapped for dough. Here are a few things to consider if you’re interested in getting the most bang for your buck.

Transportation Own a vehicle? Need some gas?

Ever heard of a crooked credit card? It’s also called a siphon. I suggest practicing with water before trying it with gasoline. I myself am still learning how to siphon petroleum without drinking too much of it. However, one problem is newer vehicles have car alarms. Some of them have locks on their gas caps, too. However, if you can find a pre-1990 lifted pickup truck, then you shouldn’t have any major problems. Except for the owner and his pit bull. And cops, of course.

Housing Have you thought about investing in a tent? If you buy a tent, then you’ll have a movable home. And if you have a movable home, then you won’t have to pay rent. Is this for you? Do it. Buy one. Then pitch your tent on the main quad. That way, you’ll already be on campus when you wake up. Plus, with the

J A S O N H E N RY M C C O R M I C K CONTRIBUTOR

new digs, you’ll probably become really popular. Everyone on campus will start calling you “Bag Lady” or “Tent Guy” or some other nickname with a nice ring to it, a ring like the sound of the dirty pocket change you can earn from panhandling or textbook buyback.

Grub Eat plenty of bread. It’ll fill you up and loaves are super cheap.

Perhaps you’d like a topping to go along with it. If you’re poor, then grab a box of powdered ranch dressing. Or, if you're rich (read: you have more than $10), then pick up some peanut butter and jelly. Other meals to consider: Adderall, mustard and ketchup packets, butter and saltine crackers (available at Aztec Shops). And I bet your mom has the goods, too.

In the kitchen or pantry, I mean.

Clothing Looking for a new outfit? Visiting a thrift store is a decent option. Just remember to avoid purchasing used underwear. There are a number of local shops to choose from, especially on University Avenue. I bet you’ll find all sorts of vintage clothing at any of those fine estab-

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

lishments. Why pay $80 for a pair of jeans with holes already in them? You can probably find a holeless pair for around five bucks at a thrift shop. Look into it.

Textbooks Purchasing college textbooks at the SDSU Bookstore is a bad idea.

Aztec Shops, which not only owns the bookstore but almost every other shop on campus, sells used or recycled books at top dollar.

Whether you want a five dollar meal deal, some gum or a bottle of Aztap water, then you’ll be sure to find it overpriced at one of the conveniently located stores on campus, owned and operated by “notfor-profit” Aztec Shops.

But the good news about shopping at the SDSU Bookstore is the wait in line, which will result in being late for your 1 p.m. class that sucks and bores the hell out of you anyway. It’s your call, but if I was you, I’d strongly consider this advice and wouldn’t buy my textbooks from an Aztec Shops establishment. Unless you can steal them, buy your books online.

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (2/17/10) Discover the persuasive power of emotion. Never make the mistake of depending on anger or coercion. Instead, test each outpouring and learn to wield passion, joy, fear and other feelings skillfully. Go ahead, leap to the occasional conclusion without considering the facts. Learn from it.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - Take a midweek break to enjoy delicious cuisine.This could be a good time for lunch with co-workers to work out a logical plan of action.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - You desire something sweet today. One or two bites will satisfy the craving without trashing your diet. One drink is plenty.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 As the Moon enters Aries, you get a boost of enthusiasm that helps you make a deadline. Power your way through the last obstacle.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 As you become aware of household issues, form a logical plan of attack to make repairs and renovations that everyone will love.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 - Do you feel a bit sad? Pay close attention to the feeling for a few moments, and then go on to another task.Your mood improves in time for dinner.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 You have to bend your mind around a

problem to get a new perspective.

Suddenly you see the light and find a practical route to completion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 - A new person enters today. At first you wonder if there's anything new in the conversation. By late afternoon you see the wisdom of adding another view.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - Finally! Group members have learned to take care of their own needs. Will it last?

Yes, if you show your appreciation.

Bonuses help.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - The pressure is off, and you feel tremendous relief. Relax and enjoy a day that requires fewer adjustments. Rent a feel-good movie and kick back.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - There's an internal struggle going on.

You want to do something ingenious, but the job calls for simple logic.You can have both if you fulfill basics first.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - You and your partner feel like you're on the right track creatively. An older person provides sophisticated logic to help you move forward.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 You've been flexible for days.Today you decide to do things your way.Your enthusiasm is infectious. Say what you want and let the group carry the message. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

—Jason Henry McCormick is a philosophy senior.

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

LOOKING THROUGH OUR LENS

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

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

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

CROSSWORD

FLY AWAY Staff Photographer Nicholas Santiago captured this thunderous moment of a plane flying over a building at San Diego International Airport.

ACROSS 1 Whack, biblically 6 Condescending sort 10 Kodak rival 14 Brightly colored tropical fish 15 Chaplin’s last wife 16 Road for Pilate 17 “That’s __ trick!”

18 Cutting-edge Motorola phone?

19 Statistician’s input 20 How some scary things go 23 Nous minus moi?

24 “The loneliest number,” in a 1969 hit 25 Wasted, as a chance 29 Not subject to change 35 “I wish!”

37 On the calmer side 38 Floors, briefly 39 Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant 40 Third qtr. start 41 Talons 43 Male in an alley 44 Cognac initials 46 More work 47 Some stilettos 50 Not easy to see 51 Crimson opponent 52 Not quite oneself 54 Activity that involves the first words of 20-, 29and 47-Across 62 Perfume holder 63 Tobacco unit 64 Like chalet roofs 65 Be sore 66 Take a shot 67 Word after sing or string

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 68 Nerve opening?

69 Lose fur 70 Common asset?

13 Brokerage statement subj., perhaps 21 Overly curious DOWN 22 Bat’s prey 1 Rough guess 25 Leans, as a ship 2 See 3-Down 26 King ___ 3 Unit on a 2-Down (Michael Jackson) 4 Ambush 27 “Ditto” 5 Weird Al Yankovic 28 “Star Trek” sequel, spoof of a Michael for short Jackson hit 30 Brownish gray 6 Airman’s assign31 Under the ment weather 7 Early boat builder 32 Giraffe cousin 8 Quatre + sept 33 Hopeless 9 With no excep34 Exam type you tions can’t guess on 10 Act nervously 36 Apollo 13 com11 Home to Zion mander Jim National Park 40 Average guy?

12 Rocker Joan 42 Auction unit

45 “Star Trek” defenses 46 Defunct gridiron org.

48 Sullivan’s charge in “The Miracle Worker” 49 Emulated a couch potato 53 Canine woes 54 Guilty pleasure 55 Iolani Palace site 56 “Uh-huh” 57 In one’s birthday suit 58 “The Wizard of Oz” family name 59 Bard’s river 60 Clothing store department 61 Fringe 62 U-Haul rental