The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 91

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Vol. 95, Issue 91

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

AS candidates run unopposed

RETURN POLICY Return policy changes at the SDSU Bookstore and KB Books neglect student interests. page 2

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

STUDY IN SWEDEN Read about the experiences of a San Diego State student who is studying abroad in Sweden. page 4

SPORTS

PLAY AT THE PLATE Find out how one play on Sunday changed the whole game for the Aztecs.

Kallie Larsen / Senior Staff Photographer

A.S. elections will be held March 22 through 25. Candidates for four of the five executive positions are running unopposed. The deadline for write-in candidates is Friday at noon.

page 5

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

TODAY @ SDSU Debate 12 p.m.

Aztec Center The Associated Students Executive Board candidates will participate in a debate at the Free Speech Steps.

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

Anyone who has ever felt compelled to be a leader at San Diego State faces a clear field and in some cases, a guaranteed win in this year’s student elections.

The Associated Students elections will be held March 22 through 25, and despite the approaching deadline, candidacy is slim. Four of the five executive position candidations are running unopposed.

Candidates were permitted to begin campaigning last Friday at 4:30 p.m.

“The shortage bothers me,” A.S. Presidential candidate Grant Mack said. “I don’t want (the election) to be a shoe-in for me. I have been involved in Associated Students for over three years. I have done a lot of work and I would like to show that I am qualified for the position. I would like someone to run against me to show that there is a sort of democratic legitimacy.”

Although the deadline for candidates to be placed on the ballot has passed, it is not too late to register as a write-in candidate. Write-in candi-

dates are encouraged to openly campaign. Their names, however, will not be on the ballot and voters will be required to fill in the candidate’s name when they vote. The deadline for write-ins is Friday at noon.

“We did everything that we have done every other year,” A.S. Elections Coordinator Crystal Warren said. “We ran an add in The Daily Aztec for a week, we sent out an e-mail to the student body letting them know about it and held two informational meetings for prospective candidates.”

In addition to the shortage of candidates for executive positions, there are numerous council seats open for each of the seven colleges, as well as an Unclassified Studies seat and the Graduate Student Association President position.

“I think it is a lack of motivation and a lack of desire to do more with this university,” A.S. Executive Vice President candidate Sean Kashanchi said. “Regardless if students want to be, everyone on this campus is a part of Associated Students.”

According to Mack, candidates will campaign by making signs, handing out flyers, designing T-

shirts, talking to various SDSU organizations and visiting classrooms to inform students why they are qualified for the position they are running for.

“After the elections last semester and throughout the summer, we got together and revised the elections code significantly,” Warren said. “If a complaint is made about a candidate and the committee chooses to disqualify that candidate, it no longer goes to council for approval.

We did that to eliminate the bias, which was what a lot of the controversies were over last election. (This year) we made up an appeals panel and they act as a supreme court.”

According to Mack and Kashanchi, there was contention among the candidates in the last election. Because of the elections code revisions, the new appeals panel will handle any upheaval that may arise.

“I feel that competition brings out the best in everyone,” Kashanchi said. “The candidates that are running unopposed are all qualified, but I think that being opposed will give me a chance to prove that I deserve this position.”

pensation for the energy-reducing solar array and energy efficient variable frequency drive pump installed at the Aquaplex.

“It shows A.S. and SDSU is moving in the right direction in going green,” A.S. Communications Commissioner Sean Kashanchi said. “SDSU is one of the most sustainable campuses in the state.”

suggested that Toubi focus strictly on the MCC. Toubi also said his feelings have improved since a threat of a vote of no confidence from A.S. almost resulted in his removal from office.

A.S. President Tyler Boden said he has been going to the MCC meetings for the past few weeks and is happy with Toubi’s performance as MCC chair.

Having four unopposed executive positions is a new record for SDSU. In 2007, there was one unopposed executive position, A.S. Vice President of Finance. In 2008, only the candidate for A.S. President ran unopposed and last year, only the A.S. Executive Vice President was unchallenged.

“I’ve noticed that a lot of student organizations are much smaller than they used to be,” Mack said. “It might be because of our economy, I think a lot of our students are focusing more on working to pay for school. That is the primary reason we are here, but I think also that being involved is very important … the final frontier for A.S. is getting students engaged.”

A candidate debate will be held today on the Free Speech Steps at Aztec Center from noon to 1 p.m.

The candidates will give speeches on the patio of Aztec Center this Friday at noon and voting will be open on WebPortal in the “eVote” section at 8 a.m. on March 22. The results will be announced on March 25 at 8 p.m. in Aztec Center.

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 TRAVEL & ADVENTURE...............................................4 SPORTS.............................................................................5 CLASSIFIEDS....................................................................7 THE BACK PAGE............................................................8

A.S. BRIEF Green Love Awarded Certificate It’s a sunny day for Associated Students’ Green Love Sustainability Advisory Board, which was the runner-up for an award for the installation of the photovoltaic solar panels at the Aztec Aquaplex.

Green Love will receive a certificate from the California Center for Sustainable Energy titled “San Diego Energy Efficiency Best Energy Efficiency Project” during an awards ceremony on March 25.

The $286,116 award is com-

MCC Michael Toubi, chair of the MultiCultural Caucus said that the cultural organization’s purpose has changed after a council member

Resolution to expose “fake” clinics A.S. created a resolution to ensure students do not get referred to cri-

sis pregnancy centers.

According to the resolution, “most CPCs in the United States are not medical clinics and instead are primarily staffed by anti-abortion and anti-birth control volunteers who have no medical training.”

Representatives from Student Health Services said they were surprised to hear about CPCs and will continue to refer students to approved and reviewed pregnancy centers.

-Compiled by Contributor Alejandra Paz

2

OPINION

The Daily Aztec

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

LOYAL DISSENTER

Public universities should be run by public

D

uring the past few years, we have seen increased hostility toward the people who run public universities in California.

One such demonstration of hostility was a recent hoax which produced a false letter of resignation from University of California President Mark Yudof.

This scam sheds light on people’s frustrations with figures who control the UC budget.

The solution to these leadership woes is an elected student and teacher board to oversee the budgets of public universities. Because students and teachers are affected by budget decisions, they would be best suited to advise and prioritize the budgeting process. One argument against this is students and teachers will only act in their own personal interest and try to get the most money for themselves. However, if the students and teachers

S A L LY S C H I L L I N G S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

are elected by the whole education community, they will have to remain accountable to them.

We can’t expect the current leaders to take it upon themselves to make the right decisions for their universities in the face of the horrible cutbacks and the immense pleading of the students.

We have also seen horrific budgetary measures taken by California State University leadership.

The Board of Trustees, the leadership body of the CSU system, has approved the consistently high salaries of the CSU presidents while accepting serious cutbacks to teachers, staff and students. For example, San Diego State President Stephen L. Weber’s salary has been $299,435 for the past three years.

At the same time, we are witnessing a10.8 percent decrease in the student body and 247 fewer staff

members, most of whom are lecturers, according to Weber himself.

People argue it is not Weber’s fault that we do not have any money. But accepting a set salary at a time when the university is suffering has become an instrument in the destruction of education.

By constantly approving these high salaries for presidents, the Board of Trustees has also been instrumental in allowing this injustice to occur. While boeard members are not responsible for the depleted budget, they are worsening the situation for students. The Board of Trustees is not making decisions with the priorities of the students and teachers in mind.

Many people who sit on the Board of Trustees are CEOs and politicians. One trustee is Linda Lang, a graduate of SDSU and CEO of Jack in the Box. One could assume that the people on the board are best suited to oversee the CSU budget because they

are educated and successful people. However, prestige does not ensure accountability. While they may have great life experience, their expertise does not qualify them to represent the best interest of public education.

Recently, The Daily Aztec published an article about the need for a new student to fill a CSU trustee position. There is currently one student position with voting rights on the 25-person board. It is a mere gesture to have one student on the board, the purpose of this being to quell the public’s criticisms that the students have no say in the Board of Trustees’ decisions.

A public university should be controlled by the public making up the university, not by CEOs of companies such as Jack in the Box. The false Yudof resignation letter stated Yudof was resigning because, “It is not enough to demand lower fees for students and proper funding for top notch

research. We must rethink the entire structure of the University as the first step in rethinking the way our society itself is structured.”

The problem with our current structure is that committees such as the CSU Board of Trustees and the UC Board of Regents are often formed by people who are not affected by their own decisions.

We need to rethink our public university structure. We need students and teachers to oversee the budget for public higher education.

—Sally Schilling is a political science 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.

MASS MEDIUM

New return policies detrimental to students

MCT Campus

New return policies at the SDSU Bookstore and KB Books are not in the best interest of students. The synchronized change causes suspicion about the motivations and relationship between the two College Area businesses.

W

e spent the fall semester battling budget cuts and the onslaught of fee increases. Now, we’re battling our own bookstore with its new, insidious textbook return policy.

As many students know by now, the SDSU Bookstore implemented a new return policy on course materials this semester. The refund period lasts only one week after the first day of classes and is extended until the last day of the add / drop period with proof of dropping the corresponding course. What’s more, returns without proof of the dropped class are subject to a 10 percent “restocking” fee.

After a tumultuous fall semester full of despondent animosity between students, professors and administrators because of budget cuts and fee increases, it’s disheartening that our bookstore has decided to implement such a policy that costs students more.

The 10 percent restocking fee is ludicrous. The only way out of pay-

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

ing is to prove you dropped the course that corresponds to the book or books you are returning. Beyond the reasonable question of “Why does it matter whether I dropped a course?” is “Why should I have to prove to you that I dropped a course?” The bookstore has no right to question why I am making a return unless the product is damaged. It is my prerogative how I spend my money. When I return a pair of jeans to a department store for fitting improperly, I don’t have to prove my waist size changed. This policy does nothing but protect the financial interests of the SDSU Bookstore and its parent, Aztec Shops, Ltd. The new policy represents a further degradation of support for students, which has become a hallmark of our college education.

Services such as the bookstore are almost completely supported by students and should act in our

best interests. No trust remains in the fractious, dysfunctional bureaucracy that is our state-supported public education.

The SDSU Bookstore is not alone in adopting this new return policy.

KB Books, famous for marginally besting our bookstore’s prices, has also joined them in charging a 10 percent restocking fee unless proof of a dropped course is presented.

While I appreciate the competition KB Books brings to the College Area, I can’t help but be miffed by its decision to implement the same textbook return policy this semester.

This act of pseudo-collusion calls into question its relationship with the SDSU Bookstore and its purpose beyond making money. This was its opportunity to differentiate itself and offer something valuable, but instead the store conceded. As a business almost solely supported by college students, its practices should cater to college students. Like the SDSU Bookstore, it shouldn’t always be about the bottom line. If either business’ livelihoods was truly threatened, we would see drastic

price increases or reduced staff and operating hours, not an inflammatory return policy change.

Both stores can certainly try to justify the policy change as a solid business decision. After all, both are not immune to the challenges that businesses face during a recession. On the surface, the 10 percent restocking fee seems like an effective tool to curb impulsive purchases and decrease returns.

However, a good business should have purpose and core values it insists to uphold, even during difficult financial times. By implementing such a policy change, the businesses are saying they care less about customers and more about their bottom line. It’s just another fee students have to pay.

Ironically, the student representatives are the same Associated Students members who led the “When they cut, we all bleed” antibudget cuts rally. Our own A.S. President, Tyler Boden, sits on the board in addition to student representatives Grant Mack, Amanda Pascoe, Caleb McCanne and

Stephanie Savoian. They have failed to protect the students’ interests and are demonstrating deep-seated hypocrisy by advocating for fewer fee increases and budget cuts last semester while now allowing this new policy that costs students more to go into effect.

It’s evident this policy change by our bookstore is nothing more than a reactionary coup of arrogance.

Ultimately, it is a sign of its increasing irrelevance to the SDSU community. When students can find better deals for textbooks from www.amazon.com, www.half.com or www.craigslist.org, there’s really no reason to continue supporting the SDSU Bookstore.

—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.

OPINION

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Daily Aztec

3

CAMPUS VOICES: DID YOU VOTE ON THE MODERN SPACE REFERENDUM?

Name: Trevor Straub

Name: Laurie Stribling

Name: Sarah Brauer

Name: Akili Wachspress

Name: Kristin Collins

Major: Journalism

Major: Journalism

Major: Environmental science

Major: Painting and printmaking

Major: Social science

Year: Junior

Year: Senior

Year: Senior

Year: Senior

Year: Senior

Voted on the referendum: No

Voted on the referendum: No

Voted on the referendum: Yes

Voted on the referendum: No

Voted on the referendum: Yes

“I did not vote because I think it should be the freshmen voting on it.

But I think it’s great because it’s a green building and it will make our school more prestigious.”

“I actually had no idea what Modern Space was. I knew there was a vote going on, but I had no idea what it was about. I don’t think I actually read or heard anything about what it was — because maybe I would have voted then.”

“Why not vote on it? I know that California is the leading area for energy efficiency so why not have that as a student center on campus?”

“I voted yes in 2006, but I didn’t vote this time around because I am graduating and I feel like it should have been done by now. They increased my fees four years ago for a building that didn’t get built that should have been. It will be cool though for the people that will have it.”

“As a vice president of a student organization on campus it’s always hard for us to find space, and we are lucky to get an office. One of the things I really liked about it is the fact that the center is going to be dedicated to student life and giving more room for clubs.”

The Opinion section of The Daily Aztec is currently accepting applications for columnists. If you enjoy voicing your opinion about politics and social issues and have prior writing experience, apply today. www.thedailyaztec.com

E H T R O F E T O V R U O Y T S A C

!

E T A T S F O T S E B

C

U

T

TH

IS

O

U

T!

MCT Campus

RULES: • Choose your favorite “Best of” from our list of 4 finalists.

• Drop off your completed ballot at The Daily Aztec offices, located in the basement of the EBA Building. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT BALLOTS IS THURSDAY, MARCH 18th.

Write your name & number below to be entered in a drawing to win a FREE gift card! ___________________ ___________________

Let us know your choices for the BEST that San Diego has to offer!

1) Best Guy's Night Out: q Hooter’s q Effin’s q East Village Tavern + Bowl q The TapRoom 2) Best Dive Bar: q Effin’s q Bubs q The Dog q Alibi 3) Best Radio Station: q 105.3 FM q 94.9 FM q 91.1 FM q XX1090 4) Best Concert Venue: q House of Blues q Viejas Arena q Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre q Casbah 5) Best Beach: q Del Mar q Pacific Beach q Black’s q Ocean Beach

6) Best Professor: q Dr. Stoddard (Pol. Science) q Martin Kruming (Journalism and Media Studies) q Professor Lund (Business) q David Hewitt (Art) 7) Best Coffee Shop: q Starbuck’s q Peabody’s q Cutter’s Point q The Living Room 8) Best Pizza Joint: q Woodstock’s q Milo’s q Fatties q Bronx Pizza 9) Hottest Date Spot: q Shout House q RA Sushi q Donovan’s Prime Steakhouse q Benihana 10) Best Happy Hour: q Pacific Beach Bar & Grill q Olde City Grill q State St. Grill q 4.0 Deli

11) Best Girl's Night Out: q Whiskey Girl q Typhoon’s q Stingaree q 207 at Hard Rock Hotel

16) Best Burger Joint: q In-n-Out q Hodad’s q Fuddrucker’s q Big Kahuna’s

12) Best Nightclub: q Stingaree q 207 at Hard Rock Hotel q Voyeur q Belo

17) Best Breakfast: q Broken Yolk q Daily Grind q Denny’s q The Mission

13) Best Sushi: q Tokyo Sushi q RA Sushi q Chiba’s Sushi q State St. Grill

18) Best Taco Tuesday: q Fred’s Mexican Café q Pacific Beach Bar & Grill q Rubio’s q Café Coyote

14) Best Late-night Munchie: q Trujillo’s q La Casita’s q In-n-Out q Jack in the Box

19) Best Surf Spot: q Black’s Beach, La Jolla q 15th Street, Del Mar q Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach q Pipes, Cardiff by the Sea

15) Best Taco Shop: q Trujillo’s q La Casita’s q Cotija’s q Sr. Pancho’s

20) Best Place To Get Spoiled By Your Parents: q Donovan’s Prime Steakhouse q Apple Store q The Melting Pot q Ikea

Results will appear in our Best of State issue on Thursday, April 8th!

4

The Daily Aztec

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Student’s stories from studying overseas

A

fter traveling for nearly 48 hours with my iPod nano as my only companion, my “fadder,” Kicki greeted me with an ecstatic smile as I stepped off the train and into the snowy town of Orebro, Sweden. Before I go any further, let me explain the term “fadder.” This is a student of a host university who welcomes foreign exchange students into the community by insuring their comfort and understanding of the culture.

Kicki did an excellent job of welcoming me by giving me bed linens, taking me to the Swedish fast food chain Max, which is comparable to, but not as extraordinary as, In-N-Out and keeping me out until 3 a.m. on the night of my arrival.

Beginning my experience of the city, my new friends and I went to our first foreign exchange party and Villa Strömpis, a popular Orebro dance club situated on a little peninsula that jets out into the river flowing through town. Alongside Strömpis is a winter wonderland filled with charming buildings that hold a variety of independent coffee shops, such as Bara Vara and Java and traditional Swedish to Japanese style restaurants.

My favorite aspect of the town is that there are no chain stores or restaurants. I really haven’t seen any poor areas here, possibly because of the social democratic system the country practices. The Swedish people live in quaint, reasonable houses and quietly go about their day in their snow boots and big jackets. It is quite refreshing, even though the novelty of the snow is wearing off and I’m both ready for spring and slightly jealous of those reading this column from San Diego.

One week into the experience felt more like a month because of all of the orientation activities Orebro University had planned for us. Of course, we had the basic dry lectures

Courtesy of Kicki Backlund

SYDNEE B ROOKER CONTRIBUTOR

on how the university is organized, but I was quite happy with the beautiful fact that the drinking age is 18 years old and the age to buy alcohol is 20.

While I am often preoccupied with having the freedom to drink alcohol, believe it or not, I do study here.

Orebro practices more of an independent study program than the U.S. does With the large amount of assigned reading and small amount of class time, it is up to the student to learn. And for the first time in a while, I enjoy reading my textbooks. Because I rarely have class, I have time to read when I feel like it, and the professors have time to read single-spaced four-page papers. Trust me, if

San Diegans go green for St. Patrick’s Day AM Y EB E R S O L E A S S I S TA N T F E AT U R E S E D I T O R

Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations bring San Diego buckets of beer and gargantuan amounts of everything green for Irish and non-Irish celebrators alike.

Many Americans may remember the fear of being pinched in elementary school if they didn’t wear green on this holiday, so don’t forget to sport this color to all St. Patrick’s Day events. With drinking, dancing, parades and parties, this St. Patrick’s Day is bound to bring luck to many San Diegans.

shamROCK 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Block Party For those who did not attend the San Diego’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade last Saturday, shamROCK 2010 is the next best festive event to check out. The 14th annual shamROCK St. Patrick’s Day Block Party’s theme, “Go Green or Go Home,” is bound to bring environmental activists some sense of joy. Starting 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Gaslamp Quarter, this event will be the biggest Irish party in San Diego. Full of traditional Irish music and food, more than 60,000 square feet of Astroturf will cover the streets in green and provide a place to party for all St. Patrick’s Day lovers.

Three stages of live music will feature the Young Dubliners and the No Doubt cover band, No Duh, as well as disc jockeys such as BDP, Marc Thrasher, Who, Brent Bartel and G*ROY. If attending, remember to check out the Irish Step Dancers from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 7 p.m. as they jig on the main stage.

Presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey and The Field Authentic Irish Pub and Restaurant, this year’s shamROCK

Courtesy of Elise Cranfordf

This picture of Sydnee Brooker and her friends was taken by her “fadder,” a student who helps exchange students adjust to their new school and community.

should bring out the Irish drinking spirit in everyone. For those who drink a little too much, shamROCK offers a designated driver program that provides free rides home anywhere in San Diego County to anyone with a shamROCK wristband.

And if partiers are interested in checking out some of the Gaslamp’s hottest clubs, more than 20 will not be charging a cover during this event.

Tickets are $20 online or can be bought the day of for $25. This event is expected to sell out, so if interested, get the tickets in advance at The Field, call 619-233-5008 or visit www.sandiegoshamrock.com.

San Diego’s Irish pubs Dublin Squ a re Irish Pub & Grill Claiming to be the most Irish of all the San Diego Irish pubs, Dublin Square is offering an Irish breakfast at 7 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. The O’Brien Brothers and The Fooks will start performing at 2 p.m. until closing and the celebratory events will continue with more performances from these two bands on Thursday and Friday.

So whether looking for an Irish breakfast or just wanting to rock out to some high-energy Irish music, visit this pub at 554 Fourth Ave. Call 619-239-5818 or visit www.dublinsquareirishpub.com for more information.

L i st of ot h e r I r i s h p u b s a n d rest a u r a n t s The Blarney Stone Pub, Mc P’s Irish Pub & Grill and The Field are other St. Patrick’s Day options worthy of checking out in the San Diego area.

So whether going to this year’s shamROCK or celebrating at local Irish pubs, St. Patrick’s Day goers in San Diego are encouraged to wear green, eat corned beef and cabbage and drink green beer.

you have to write that much based on the material from the text, you will learn it. In my opinion, you learn way more than if you were to cram for a 60-question multiple choice test twice a semester.

In addition to integrating myself into the school environment, my new living situation was the next step to getting acquainted with my new home. The program directors knew we would need a few things to furnish our residence hall rooms for an affordable price.

Just guess where they sent us — IKEA. And yes, it looks exactly the same as it does in San Diego, so don’t get too excited.

I have met people from all across Europe and I am beginning to understand the foreign “image” of America, which happens to be based on the “American Pie” movies. I am also becoming familiar with European ideals and styles. The cool thing

about this is although everyone in the program grew up in different cultures, we get along amazingly and all 120 of us have connected on some level.

So to conclude, all I can say is that I am very happy here and while I have plenty of time to party, I have plenty of time to learn about other cultures and media communication studies. I recommend this experience to all adventurous souls out there.

And no, I do not miss coffee from Starbucks and the meatballs are really that good here — sorry, Mom.

—Sydnee Brooker is a journalism junior studying abroad in Sweden.

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

SPORTS

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Daily Aztec

5

BASEBALL

Controversial play leads to two-run loss F E L I N A T A M BA KO S S TA F F W R I T E R

A play at the plate early in the game decided the San Diego State baseball team’s fortune Sunday afternoon.

An infield single by junior outfielder Blake Silguero in the fifth inning received a call by the home plate umpire that would USF 5 eventually SDSU 3 stand as the reason for an SDSU loss against University of San Francisco, 5-3, in the closing game of the SDSU Invitational at Tony Gwynn Stadium.

Senior second baseman Mitch Blackburn started the inning off with the team’s only double of the game, and then was pushed to third on two consecutive walks. With a 31 lead, the Aztecs loaded the bases with no outs facing Silguero’s bat.

Silguero’s ground ball toward the third baseman was thrown home in attempt to get Blackburn out on the force at home.

The home plate umpire didn’t call Blackburn out on the tag, but instead called an interference play, resulting in the out both at home and first.

“I’m gonna need to look at the DVD; I thought the throw brought the catcher into the baseline,” head coach Tony Gwynn said. “I thought

Mitch (Blackburn) slid straight in.

Brad (Hungerford), the umpire, thought that he tried to take the catcher out with his legs. I’m gonna look at the disk and make them a copy, too.”

The call left SDSU with two outs and men on second and third, but they were unable to score in that inning or for the rest of the game.

“That changed the game,” Gwynn said. “We had the chance to add to our lead and we didn’t, and it came back to bite us.”

The Aztecs only three runs of the game came in the bottom of the second thanks to poor defense and control by USF. Facing the Dons pitcher Cameron Love with one out, Silguero got a base hit to start off the rally. Next up, senior designated hitter Guy Willeford was able to get on first when a shallow pop-up into left field dropped in front of three fielders. Love then walked four batters and gave up a sacrifice fly, bringing in three SDSU runs, all of which were unearned.

“When we had ducks on the pond, instead of settling in and getting a good pitch to hit, we didn’t do that,” Gwynn said. “We were swinging at balls we should have been taking, and taking balls we should be swinging at.”

The last three Aztec losses all had one very apparent, common problem: a gap in what is the usual starting lineup.

Following a pitch to the helmet Thursday night, sophomore outfielder Brandon Meredith has not been batting in his usual number three spot because of a mild concussion.

“That changed the game. We had the chance to add to our lead and we didn’t ...”

—Tony Gwynn, head coach “It’s a huge hole in the lineup,” Gwynn said, shaking his head. “He still has symptoms: a little lightheadedness, sometimes headaches.

I’m not taking a chance on him getting hit again so we can’t do anything with him until he’s cleared.”

Meredith’s .304 batting average and team-high 12 RBIs have taken their toll on SDSU since he was hit.

The Aztecs went 1-3 for the weekend and now stand at 6-10 this season.

“When you lose one of your big guns, you gotta have someone who will step up,” Gwynn said. “In the best case scenario, I would wish my guys would swing at better pitches, but it is what it is.”

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Jeff Lewis / Staff Photographer

The San Diego State baseball team lost its third straight home game on Sunday.

SOFTBALL

Aztecs snag comeback win SDSU takes two in CHUCK HERRMANN S TA F F W R I T E R

Down 3-0 with the match looking out of reach, the San Diego State women’s tennis team had to come together to pull out a victory.

And come together is what they did AZTECS 4 Sunday afternoon at the GAELS 3 Aztec Tennis Center.

SDSU ended up winning the match against the Saint Mary’s Gaels 4-3.

“Even when we looked to be dead in the water, we came back to win,” head coach Peter Mattera said.

“This match was a glimmer into

how good we are capable of being.”

The team of freshman Julia Wais and junior Julia Trunk won the first doubles match of the day, 8-3, getting the Aztecs off to a good start.

But SDSU started to lose momentum when sophomore Emma Cioffi and freshman Alicia Aguilar lost the tiebreaker doubles point after an intense three-match point final, 9-7.

The Aztecs dug a deeper hole after they lost the first two singles matches in a 3-0 deficit.

That’s when the team rallied around its remaining players to help them earn a victory.

“This was a great team effort today,” Mattera said. “We just kept fighting and encouraging at

every turn.”

No. 71 Aguilar continued her hot freshman season by defeating Catherine Isip in three sets to spark the comeback.

Each singles victory for SDSU was close with all four being decided in three sets.

“We need to ride the momentum we have going from our last matches,” Mattera said.

With the Mountain West Conference matches looming, the Aztecs take their two-game winning streak to Pepperdine next Saturday in Malibu.

The coming match also begins a four-game road trip for SDSU. “We need to make progress every week, and play our best each point,” Mattera said.

soggy Missouri

Aztecs battle through wind and rain to grab two victories D AN P E R E Z S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Through wind, rain and four cancelled games, the San Diego State softball team traveled to Columbia, Mo. and extended its winning streak to seven games. SDSU (15-8) played two of its six scheduled games, beating Bradley University and No. 21 Illinois.

The Aztecs kicked off the Children’s Hospital Invitational with a game against Bradley and SDSU 5 received outILLINOIS 3 standing performances from pitchers junior Samantha Beasley and sophomore Bailey Micetich. The two combined to throw a one-hitter and shut out Bradley.

Junior catcher Eva Sahatdjian was responsible for most of the offensive production, as she homered and drove in four of SDSU’s seven runs in the game.

Beasley, the Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Week for the third time, threw four scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and one walk and striking out seven of the 14 batters she faced.

The Aztecs’ next three games were cancelled and they did not play again until two days later against the Fighting Illini.

SDSU found itself down early, with Illinois taking a 1-0 lead, scoring the first earned run on Beasley since Feb. 26.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Aztecs came back and took the lead with a one-out, five-run rally. The rally was capped off by redshirt senior team captain Monica Alnes, who knocked a three-run homer out of the park to give SDSU a 5-1 lead heading into the sixth.

In the top of the sixth, the Fighting Illini tried to mount a rally themselves, but could only tack on two more, giving the Aztecs their seventh straight victory at the score of 5-3.

In the past two weeks, SDSU has gone from 8-8 to riding its longest winning streak of the season and securely setting its feet above .500.

Throughout the past seven games, the Aztecs have outscored their opponents 36-5 and have been decimating their opponents’ on-base percentage and batting averages. In the winning steak, the opponents batting average has been less than .200 and has allowed SDSU to move up heading into its last tournament of the season.

To kick off the tournament, the San Diego Classic II, the Aztecs will face Massachusetts at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

FOR THE RECORD On March 11,The Daily Aztec incorrectly stated that SDSU baseball freshman pitcher Bryan Crabb has given up only 12 base hits in his 56 pitches. Crabb has given up only 12 base hits in his 56 pitched at bats. The Daily Aztec regrets the error.

After going down 3-0, the San Diego State women’s tennis team rallied to pick up a victory against St. Mary’s on Sunday.

Tired of that long commute?

Go to www.TheDailyAztec.com and click on the Housing tab to search for housing and apartments near SDSU! View images of properties and neighborhoods, compare rents, and browse for housing using our interactive map!

Advanced Test Preparation FIN 325

FIN 329

A+ Review students typically earn the highest grades in the class.

The secret to our success:

OPEN IN PACIFIC BEACH

10 OFF

$

First-time patients also receive a free gift.

RAINY DAY SPECIALS

We simplify every type of exercise, problem, term, and concept that the teacher requires students to know for an exam.

No matter what the exam looks like, our students typically earn the highest grades in the class because they greatly understand the required material for the exam.

Not valid with any other offer.

Minimum purchase of $60.

Expires 3/21/10.

N

QUALIFIED PATIENTS WELCOME

SDOWA

W

1150 Garnet Ave. www.SDOWA.org

(858) 750-2401 10:30am-9pm Monday-Sunday

Garnet Ave.

I-5

FIN 323

Ingraham

IDS 302

Mission Blvd.

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

Grand Ave.

CLASSIFIEDS

Tuesday March 16, 2010

The Daily Aztec

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

SERVICES

HOUSES 4 RENT

$10-14/hr. Seeking loving babycare for 2 sweeties near SDSU. Reliable, responsible, experienced. one2flower@yahoo.com

Yoga. Dance. Fitness. Near SDSU. Co-ed. FIRST CLASS FREE! MIX 4836 Rolando Blvd.

619-889-0061. www.lmgdanceandfitness.com

START YOUR MEDICAL CAREER IN 6 MONTHS OR LESS!

Our Management Co. has over 60 homes for rent within walking distance to SDSU! Take advantage of our early reservation program to get the house you want, when you want it! Please call 858-560-5656 for pics and more info about our properties. www.hsbmanagement.com

Activity Leaders Needed for before and after school programs.

A fun rewarding job working with children and teens, ages 5-14. AM/PM hours available, M-F 15/25 hours per week. Min of 48 college units (or passing CAPE test) and min 6 months experience working with children. Pay rate at $10.16-$11.00 p/h.

E-mail resumes to careers@saysandiego.org or visit our website at www.saysandiego.org SAY San Diego L.A. AREA SUMMER DAY CAMPS Swimming, horses, sports, beaches, crafts ropes courses and more. www.daycampjobs.com Looking for Brand Ambassadors with active lifestyle brands. Must have incredible energy, passion, intellect and charm. 21+ preferred. Contact bryan.delosreyes@gmail.com MAKE $15 IN 45 MINUTES. Latino, Asian, and African American SDSU undergrads ONLY. Participate in psych study. For more information and appointment, visit: http://www.rohan.sdsu.edu/~tdevos/study.html SWIM INSTRUCTORS $12-19/hr. Summer 2010 commitment needed. North County 760-744-7946, San Diego 858-273-7946.

SDSU School of Accountancy Free income tax preparation & e-filing.

Income under $49K. Saturdays 9am-10:45pm and Tuesdays 3:30pm to 5:15pm in EBA 113 http://vita.sdsu.edu

DENTIST

Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Avo Fronjian, DMD 9636 Tierra Grande St. #105 San Diego, CA 92126 858.549.4511

DAILY

P r o f e s s i o n a l M e d i c a l Te c h n i c i a n Certification Program THE DAILY AZTEC DOES NOT ENDORSE OR SUPPORT AND HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OFFERED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS SECTION.

Medical Assistant Patient Care Technician Medical Office Assistant EKG Technician

Educational Excellence!

Convenient Class Schedules!

• • • •

FREE Course Textbooks FREE Premier Medical Kit FREE Scrubs FREE Exam Preps

EASY PAYMENT PLANS!

OTHER COURSES: Pharmacy Technician • Insurance & Coding

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL COLLEGE

New Surfrider Foundation SDSU Club!

Club meetings held Tuesdays starting March 16, 2010 from 5:00-6:30pm in Calmecac in Aztec Center

surfriderSDSUclub@gmail.com Facebook group Surfrider Foundation SDSU Club www.surfriderSD.org

AZTEC 919 Garnet Avenue #219 San Diego, CA 92109

TEACH ENGLISH IN KOREA!

858-357-8800 www.CMCsandiego.com Mention This Ad and We Will Pay For Your First National Certification Exam!

EGG DONORS NEEDED We are seeking attractive women of all ethnicities under the age of 29 who are physically fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle. $10,000 plus all expenses. If you have a desire to help an infertile family please contact us.

Email: darlene@aperfectmatch.com 1-800-264-8828 www.aperfectmatch.com Perfectly matching donors with families since 1998

2010 Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK), Sponsored by Korean Government. $1,300/month (15hrs/week) plus airfares, housing, medical insurance. Must have completed two years of undergraduate.

Last day to apply: 6/10/10. Please visit our Web site: www.talk.go.kr

Jai: 213-386-3112 ex. 201 • kecla3112@gmail.com

Visit Web site for info and times

We’re really starting to turn some heads.

2010 English Program In Korea (EPIK). $1,600-2,500/month plus housing, airfare, medical insurance, paid vacation. Must have BA degree. Last day to apply: 6/10/10. Please visit our Web site: www.epik.go.kr

M-F 1-5PM

Are you a competitive gay tennis player?

Recruiting now for 2010 California Gay Tennis Championship. Inquire: sdgaytennis@gmail.com

THE

Don’t hesitate! Call today to place your ad!

589-9900

ANNOUNCEMENTS

50% DISCOUNT FOR STUDENTS! San Diego dentist is offering All Dental Services at Half Price!

Check them out at www.CosmeticAndFamilyDentistry.org Also check dentist reviews online!

Many students have had great things to say about the office

7

s o c a l ' s

p r e m i e r

c a r e g i v e r

SAN DIEGO'S LARGEST FACILITIES AND SELECTION WITH OVER DOWNTOWN

2215 Kettner Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92101 M-F 7am-8pm Sat-Sun 10am-8pm 619-238-3538

Voted “Best Quality Meds” in San Diego FREE GIFT for First-Time Patients!

Longest Standing Medical Marijuana Collective in San Diego!

Convenient and Safe Parking at Both Locations

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL, DAILY 7AM-9AM

- ALL 8th’s ONLY $50! -

30 FLAVORS! COLLEGE

6956 El Cajon Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92115 M-F 7am-9pm Sat-Sun 11am-9pm 619-465-4217

FREE PRE-ROLL WITH ANY DONATION! Valid only with coupon. One per patient per visit.

Valid with any donation for medicine with SDSU ID. Expires 3/21/10.

"Compassion and Quality Above the Rest!"

In strict compliance with California Prop. 215

Is your bank account not doing so well?

The Daily Aztec

Sell something in our Classifieds and PIG OUT on the extra money.

All Hail The Daily Aztec!

619-594-4199

We’ll take you where you want to go.

www.thedailyaztec.com

twitter.com/TheDailyAztec

8

THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

HUMOR: LIFE ON THE SHARP SIDE

DAILY HOROSCOPE

Talking trash about trashy TV

G

one are the days when MTV actually played music and reality TV consisted of game shows or programs involving challenges, such as “Legends of the Hidden Temple.”

It’s sad that our generation can easily recognize Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi from “Jersey Shore,” yet when shown a picture of a local politician, many people would scratch their heads and reply with, “Wasn’t he on that one show?”

I am guilty of the above to some extent. I mean come on, who doesn’t love watching the inevitable crash and burn on “The Bachelor” or waiting to see who hooks up with who on “The Real World.”

And I’ll willingly admit I am a sucker for “16 and Pregnant.”

For some reason, watching dramas in the form of pregnant teens is more fun in college than it was when I was in high school.

With a plethora of trashy television available to muddle our minds, I’ve compiled a list of some of the trashiest TV shows of the last decade.

“(Insert semi-famous name here) of Love” This series of shows has to be some of the most obnoxious TV in history. How great can a show be when it features an old rocker whose package probably resembles two ping-pong balls wrapped in wrinkly skin and dangling inches below from where they were in their prime?

The reason so many people tune in is more or less because it’s every person’s secret dream. There are dozens of people vying for your attention and your love. For any guy, this would be heaven minus the whole virgin promise, because most of the girls probably have a

M A L L O RY S H A R P S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

nickname somewhere along the lines of “Clappy Go Lucky.” Plus, it has all the basic necessities for our demographic: drugs, sex and more sex, plus some alcohol.

“Gossip Girl” I really don’t understand what’s so great about this one. It seems they are all just a bunch of spoiled brats who booze it up and make decisions worse than Paris Hilton when she was charged with driving under the influence. Also, it seems their lives are surrounded by more sex than Ron Jeremy, which is an impressive and disgusting feat. Plus, preppy bad boy wannabes just aren’t my style, so save the Chad Michael Murray act for “One Tree Hill.”

“Laguna Beach” and “The Hills” “Laguna Beach” was the staple of teenage television with all the hookups, breakups and just plain bitchy behavior. Then someone decided to throw Lauren Conrad and a robo-Heidi Montag a bone with their own spin-off of “The Hills,” which even featured Miss Ceiling Eyes, aka Audrina Patridge.

They really took the whole caboodle once Spencer Pratt was thrown into the mix. The show itself is a joke with its scripted reality and how half of the show is establishing status. Now that robo-Heidi and her tool husband call the shots, the bar has run dry and they don’t realize it closed down years ago. People still watching this show can be compared to those who still own stock in Toyota.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

“Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica” “Is this chicken what I have or is this fish? I know it’s tuna. But it says Chicken. By the sea.”

People who actually watched this are probably the people who show up at Lakers games wearing a Clippers jersey, just fishing for insults about their idiocy.

Enough said.

“Jersey Shore” While these lovable guidos and guidettes fist-pumped their way into the hearts of the show’s guilty viewers, this show is truly one of the trashiest out there. While their partying ways are those envied by even the hardest partiers at San Diego State, their lack of class is what truly denotes them as trashy.

With “Snookie” flashing her thong on the dance floor and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino showing his abs to anything with two legs and boobs, it’s hard to argue this show is anything but sleazy. Though I will admit, it makes for some good drinking games.

In the end, there seems to be certain elements needed for trashy TV. These elements include pompous people, alcohol and sex.

In other words, just visit almost any college campus in America and you’ll see things that are equally entertaining.

Now be quiet, I’m about to watch some reunion episodes and I don’t want to miss any of the “Jerry Springer”-worthy action.

—Mallory Sharp is a journalism junior who is happy to say she’s old enough to not be “16 and Pregnant.”

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (3/16/10) With myriad ideas at hand, a sensible goal for the year is to make use of them. Don't hoard your thoughts and feelings. Share them with associates to get the most out of every task, even the most basic ones.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - The challenge today is to use all this energy without going off the deep end.

Love every minute! Then, share that feeling with your partner.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - You receive more support for your ideas.

The person in charge listens carefully but demands the final say. Be flexible.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Financial pressure causes you to rethink part of your plan. Imagination allows everyone to trim down in a logical, systematic way. It turns out well.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 Your partner's attention is scattered.

Expect input from two or three very different sources. Don't make a final decision.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 6 - Coworkers spread out their work all over the available space. Be careful where you step!

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 Associates go in different directions today, but all want you on their teams. How to

make it work? You'll figure it out.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 Some of your logical ideas are getting away from you as others inject emotions.

Present a clear vision of the goal to the team.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 - You feel an urgent need to start the next project. Others are still mulling over yesterday's results. Ease them into the future.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 6 - You happily control three irons in the fire. But six? That takes intense effort and focus. Divide the problems and conquer one at a time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Broaden your perspective.There are four or five factors to incorporate into a practical plan. Consider the flow of elements.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 6 - You could easily spread yourself too thin regarding both activities and finances. Set aside the rent money before you start.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 Insistence on getting your way works out.

You wanted more recognition, and you accept it in the form of cash. Others are willing to pay. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

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.

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

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com

LOOKING THROUGH OUR LENS

© 2010 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

CROSSWORD

MELODIC SUNSETS Staff Photographer Jeff Lewis captured this photo of a guitarist making melodies while the sunset’s pink, yellow and orange rays settle across the scenic sky.

ACROSS 1 Roaring group 6 Bridge coup 10 Boston NBAer 14 Act like a doting grandma, perhaps 15 Hawaiian port 16 Healthy 17 Musical narrated

by Che 18 Rival of Staples 20 ’40s-’50s paranoia that led to blacklisting 22 “For Your Eyes Only” singer Easton 23 Island strings 24 Rides roughshod over 25 Red Cloud’s tribe 30 Board with eerie messages 31 Neither’s partner 32 Microwaves 36 Not guilty, for example 37 Make one of two?

39 Came down to earth 40 Cowpoke’s prod 41 Petunia, e.g.

42 Serpentine 43 Jane, to Dick, e.g.

46 Fillies and foals 50 __ la la 51 Track athlete 52 “The Breakfast Club” actors are part of it 57 Pencil game that hints at this puzzle’s theme, found in the first and last letters of 18-, 25and 43-Across 59 Conservative front?

60 Perry’s creator 61 “Major” constella-

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com tion 62 Grand __ National Park 63 Futurist 64 Seamstress’s fold 65 Not approximate

12 South American plain 13 Houston pro since 2002 19 Whole grain cereal brand 21 Dossier letters DOWN 24 Flue filth 1 “Believe” singer 25 “How clumsy of 2 Wander me!”

3 “Ars amatoria” 26 Big swig poet 27 Stead 4 Antiprohibitionists 28 Slightly open 5 Count with a 29 Jones of English cape architecture 6 Coastlines 32 Author Grey 7 Family board 33 Quaint word of game regret 8 TV E.T. 34 High-speed high9 Defogging target way 10 Nest noise 35 Underworld river 11 Chair maker 37 Pugilist’s punch Charles 38 Puppy bites

42 Legislative act 43 Military service designation 44 Windex target 45 Lyricist Gershwin 46 Art works by Romain de Tirtoff 47 Paper measure 48 “I surrender!”

49 Bury 52 Pear choice 53 Suffix with cine 54 “__ boy!”

55 Gator’s kin 56 “Critique of Pure Reason” philosopher 58 Capote, on the stage