Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Vol. 95, Issue 108
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
Summer gets more expensive
THE SOHO SCENE The new SOHO Restaurant and Lounge offers unexpected culinary combinations. page 2
SPORTS
OVERLOOKED? Sam Beasley has been dominant this year for the Aztecs, but lacks national recognition. page 4
MCT Campus
The increasing cost of tuition has more students considering summer school to speed up their academic progress, but an the new summer tuition leaves some wondering if it’s worth it.
ENTERTAINMENT
SA RA H GR I E C O MANAGING EDITOR
“DEATH” REVIEW Read a review of “Death At A Funeral” and an interview with Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan. page 5
TODAY @ SDSU Enviro-Fashion Show 12 p.m., Aztec Center Patio The fashion show, part of GreenFest, will showcase outfits made from recycled materials and crafted by various student organizations. For more of today’s headlines, visit:
www.thedailyaztec.com
San Diego State students registering for summer classes will feel the heat this year with a fee increase. This year, three units will cost $1,010, a stark change from last summer when three units were priced at $790. There is also a 19 percent decrease in available classes for the summer. Only 485 classes are offered to students, compared to 598 last summer. “The summer class schedule is definitely smaller,” Sandra Cook, SDSU assistant vice president for Academic Affairs, said. Cook said during a bad economy, it is less likely students will want to pay for summer school, but there is funding available for students with Pell Grants. “Now that the Pell Grant applies for summer, students may want to take advantage of that,” Cook said. “It will help them move them along.”
Cook said she doesn’t think one particular college was more affected by the cuts than others. “I think it’s cut pretty equally across the board,” Cook said. “Everybody shared the pain.” Each school within SDSU has been affected, but class reduction varies for each department. “The biology department has tried to minimize the loss,” Dr. Andrew Bohonak, vice chair of biology and director of Undergraduate Advising and Curriculum, said. “But students who have flexibility will have an easier time finding classes.” According to Bohonak, there are not enough large classrooms to fill the demand for summer classes and lecture classes with room for 500 students are booked in advance. “There is an incredible amount of planning going into registration,” Bohonak said. “We have done everything we can.” Reflecting the need to prioritize while making decisions based on reduced funding, some departments
are offering upper division classes rather than lower division classes. The School of Communication will only be offering one lower division class and the Department of Anthropology will have just two lower division classes. According to Ronald King, chair of the political science department, the entire department has managed to make it through the cuts unaffected. With the end of the semester just a month away, students are considering their options for the upcoming semesters. Eddie López, the associate director of advising for the biology department, has seen an increase in students visiting the advising office to discuss summer school. “Once you tell them the fee (of summer classes), students sometimes change their minds,” López said. Although summer classes are notoriously more expensive than in the fall or spring semesters, some students take them in order to stay on track with their major.
“This year I really wanted to take summer classes and I was financially prepared to do so, I just saw that nothing was available to me,” Jessica Weldon, a social science senior, said. Weldon said it has always been a problem finding classes for summer, but this year has been much harder compared to previous years. “I was going through my list of classes I still needed to take and not one of them was offered,” Weldon said. Despite cuts, there has been an increase in distance education classes, which students can take online instead of on campus. This summer, 41 online classes will be available, including 13 classes that have never been offered online. Professors teaching the summer session will not be subject to state mandated furlough days, although administrative offices will still observe the unpaid days off. Students may choose from three different terms offered during summer session. Classes begin May 27 and end Aug. 18.
CONTACT GENERAL INFORMATION 619.594.4199
EDITOR
IN
GREEK BEAT
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
ENTERTAINMENT 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 ENTERTAINMENT...........................................................5 CLASSIFIEDS....................................................................7 THE BACK PAGE............................................................8
Greek Week San Diego State’s Greek Life Activities Board is hosting “Viva Las Greek Week” for the rest of the week. Greek Week is an annual fundraiser that benefits various nonprofit organizations. Some of the Greek Week events include a community service event, a night at the ballpark, Greek games and a showcase of accomplishments during the Greek talent show, according the SDSU Greek Week 2010 website. An Enviro-Fashion Show will take place today from noon to 1 p.m. on the Aztec Center Patio Stage. An Organic Beer Garden with the Recycled Art Show will take place from noon to 7 p.m. tomorrow in Aztec Center with a Greet Talent Show following at 7 p.m. The Greek Games event will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Check in starts at 3 p.m. for all participants. Main events include a relay race, a “tug o’ war,” an eating contest, ultimate discus and a raffle.
“These events work to promote Greek unity, as well as community and campus involvement,” according to the website.
Greek Week helps fund ophthalmology research In support of Sigma Phi Epsilon member Jeremy Poincenot, who suffers from Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, this year’s Greek Week will benefit the the Doheny Eye Institute. The institute is an organization dedicated to furthering the conservation, improvement and restoration of human eyesight, according to the DEI’s website, www.doheny.org. LHON was first described in 1871 as a sudden loss of vision in young men with a family history of blindness, according to the International Foundation for Optic Nerve Disease website. “The disease causes a loss of central vision within two to eight weeks, usually affects both eyes, may cause eye pain or discomfort at first, and may cause neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling,” the website states.
Greek Week teams compete Fraternities and sororities participating in Greek Week have been divided into eight teams. The Teal Team: Alpha Phi Gamma, Gamma Zeta Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Kappa Delta. The Green Team: Lambda Sigma Gamma, Gamma Phi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Theta and Alpha Chi Omega. The Blue Team: Nu Alpha Kappa, Sigma Alpha Zeta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Delta Gamma. The Purple Team: Sigma Lambda Gamma, Alpha Pi Sigma, Sigma Chi and Gamma Phi Beta. The Red Team: Sigma Phi Omega, Gamma Rho Lambda, Delta Sigma Psi, Phi Delta Theta and Pi Beta Phi. The Yellow Team: the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Upsilon Kappa Delta, Zeta Beta Tau, Alpha Epsilon Phi and Alpha Phi. The Orange Team: Alpha Psi Rho, Lambda Theta Alpha, Sigma Lambda Beta, Delta Upsilon and Delta Zeta.
The Grey Team: Beta Omega Phi, Sigma Theta Psi, Sigma Nu, Alpha Epsilon Pi and Kappa Alpha Theta.
Sorority raises money for cause Kappa Delta held its Shamrock Event, a 5K walk at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay, last Sunday. There were about 300 participants, which made for a successful philanthropic event, according to Doug Case, coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life. The sorority raised $6,500 to benefit its national philanthropy, Prevent Child Abuse America, Case said. PCA America works to provide leadership to promote and implement efforts at both local and national levels to prevent abuse and neglect of children, according to the PCA America website, http://www.preventchildabuse.org.
—Compiled by Senior Staff Writer Reem Nour
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The Daily Aztec
FOOD & DRINK
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
New restaurant dishes up exotic flavors
Stephen Finlayson / Staff Photographer
SoHo Restaurant and Lounge fuses American and Latin-American tastes J E S S I C A G O O DW I N CONTRIBUTOR
Inspired by the artsy New York neighborhood of SoHo, restaurant owner Carlos De Narvaez chose North Park as the location for his new eatery. North Park’s progressive and trendy qualities are reminiscent of the famous New York barrio, making it an ideal location for innovative new businesses such as SoHo Restaurant and Lounge. The casual tone of the restaurant makes it neighborhood friendly, while also holding stature in the fine-dining industry for its unique and high-quality culinary combinations. Colorful, street-art styled paintings deck the walls in the dining room and add a youthful mood to the setting. The dining room layout is spacious and the booth-style
seating is comfortable whether guests are on an intimate date or dining in a large group. The décor is minimal, aside from the random splashes of color provided by the paintings. While it does lack certain charms, the open kitchen and brick oven somewhat compensate for its simplicity. While the décor could use a little more excitement, the food doesn’t need anything else. The cuisine can be described as American comfort and Latin American fusion, accented by hints of African and Mediterranean spices. Vegetarians may have limited options here. Although there are a few veggie plates, such as the Black Eyed Pea Cake and four tempting salads with homemade dressings, most of the dishes are prepared for meat lovers. Though the menu does not overwhelm diners with excessive options, selecting an appetizer is difficult because of all the intriguing ingredient combinations that provoke taste buds’ curiosity. The knowledgeable and friendly servers provide detailed descriptions of the elaborate dishes, which customers may find helpful throughout the decision making process.
Some interesting starters include the mini rabbit corn dogs served with housemade ketchup and mustard, or freshly caught, wood-fired mussels prepared with Spanish chorizo and caramelized leeks. The Aged Cheddar Hush Puppies are a simple, Southern classic with a twist — crisped to perfection on the outside with a dreamy, doughy consistency on the inside. The sauce that accompanies these tasty morsels must be equally appreciated. The house-made Creole mustard remoulade accents the aged cheddar harmoniously. Whenever possible, executive chef Kevin Cedillo and his team strive to make everything from scratch, from the bacon to the sauces. Choosing an entrée is less brain-wrenching because the choices are more limited. There are six meat-based plates; three beef, one chicken, one rabbit and one fish. The menu also offers less expensive alternatives, such as wood-fired pizzas, hamburgers and even a lamb burger. The restaurant uses Meyer beef, which is a certified humane, top-notch meat company that boasts cattle that are all grassfed and free of added hormones. The Meyer short ribs are braised in a heavy, smoked tomato sauce and served with a homemade spinach and goat cheese tamale, and topped with Peruvian cherry salsa. The contrast between the tangy cherry sauce and the sweet tamale alongside the rich meat sets this dish apart from other short ribs in town. This savory dish costs $17.95, a good value considering the generous portion and high quality of beef. It won’t leave the customer hungry, unlike some fine-dining restaurants where the customer pays $30 or more for an unsatisfying tease-a-meal.
Visit The Daily Aztec website to read the whole review of SOHO Restaurant and Lounge at www.thedailyaztec.com.
SOHO: Breaking it down 3025 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 92104 Telephone: 619-764-5475
Hours 11 a.m. to close, Tuesday to Sunday. Happy hour 4 to 6 p.m.
The Food American comfort-South American fusion with hints of Mediterranean and African spices.
The Scene Casual, young vibe with street art-style paintings on the walls. Comfortable, booth-style seating, open kitchen with brick oven to create ambiance.
Service Knowledgeable, helpful and friendly with a laid-back vibe.
Pricing Starters $5.50 to $11.50; entrees $14.95 to $18.95; burgers and woodfired pizzas $10.95 to $13.95; desserts $4.95 to $6.95
Must try Mexican Chocolate Sunday, Braised Meyers Beef Short Rib and Aged-Cheddar Hush Puppies. Try the Interesting Reds and Whites wine options.
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 4/25/10.
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 5/2/10.
Food & Drink
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Daily Aztec
3
Highlighting hidden speakeasies in San Diego
David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor
Speakeasy-style bars reveal the exclusive and classy side of the city K A R I L UU S TA F F W R I T E R
Socialites can now party like it's 1929. In contrast to a typical bar, speakeasies do not allow drunken patrons stumbling around shouting, or women facing unwanted advances from men. This type of behavior will result in being thrown out. Reminiscent of the prohibition days when alcohol was illegal, secret speakeasy venues were originally created to supply customers with much-needed alcoholic beverages. Nowadays, San Diego is host to a fair share of classic intimate bars for drinkers with a taste for high-quality alcohol and spirits.
The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge
Prohibition Drinkers be warned, this stringent bar in the Gaslamp totes a list of specific house rules to know before entering, such as no loud obnoxious behavior or name-dropping. Visitors need to be on the guest list to enter as well. However, once inside, customers can rest easy in black leather booths, enjoy the delicious drinks and listen to occasional live jazz music, making this experience well worth the trip. Similar to The Wellington, the bartenders take the time to learn the drinks best suited to particular tastes, as they bring back old-fashioned customer service. However, be prepared to wait, as the amount of people who want original drinks often surpasses those desiring something on the menu. To find out how to be a part of the guest list, visit the bar’s website, www.prohibitionsd.com.
Dizzy's
For those desiring the finer side of life, these speakeasy-style venues provide a great alternative to cliché bars.
C F FREE CANNABIS
for all new patients! Our goal is to provide the FINEST medication to ALL recommended patients! First 100 patients will get a gift basket on the 20th of every month, a.k.a. “Patient Appreciation Day” All first-time patients get a FREE edible and FREE t-shirt!
12th Ave.
Instead of fretting about the drinks or the fancy attire, Dizzy's is the place to go for those who solely want to listen to and appreciate jazz and blues music. Located across the street from the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, Dizzy’s restful ambiance of brick walls and low lighting counters the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp Quarter a few blocks away. Although food is not served, customers can purchase drinks or bring food or snacks of their own. All ages are welcome and tickets are available at the door the evening of each event. They go on sale approximately one hour before show time. For show times, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.
S ’ A I N R O ALIF T NI ES
11th Ave.
With limited advertisement, this gem is deemed the place to go for a classy dining setting for Gothic romantics. The Wellington is so dark, diners' eyes have to take a minute to adjust, as the only lights are a dim chandelier and candles perched on tables. Velvet curtains hang elegantly along its walls, despite the restaurant's lack of windows. Mirrors are paneled along one side of the wall to give an illusion of depth, but in reality, the restaurant can only seat 30 people. A tiny, lit bar area is the main focal point for customers. The Wellington is a world apart from typical chain restaurants because of its quality of food, small size and lone bartender who will actually take the time to tailor drinks to a diner's liking. Specializing in seven different types of steaks and 18 different martinis, The Wellington is incomparable to other steak houses. Its popular Beef Wellington plate is composed of a Filet Mignon, which is seared, covered with Cremini mushroom duxelle, wrapped in puff pastry and baked to medium rare. It is also served with Madeira-Mushroom sauce. Its oddly
refreshing Cucumber & Goose Martini is always in high demand, as it is filled with Grey Goose, fresh cucumber, mint, lemon juice and eucalyptus-infused syrup. The restaurant is located in Hillcrest, next door to its sister restaurant, The Red Door, which specializes in gourmet comfort food. For more information visit its website at www.thewellingtonsd.com.
Broadway
1133 Broadway E St. San Diego, CA 92101 F St. phone: 619.238.4200 fax: 619.238.4244 email: californiasfinestcoop@gmail.com
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SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
WATER POLO
SOFTBALL
Freshman makes a Beasley snubbed despite stellar play splash early in career Junior pitcher not named finalist for Collegiate Player of the Year D AN P E R E Z S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R
Twenty-one wins, 260 strikeouts in 157.3 innings, an opposing batting average of .156, only 31 walks and an astounding earned run average that is second to only one pitcher nationwide at 0.71 should speak for itself. Yet despite all these career-best statistics, practically all of them highly ranked nationally, the San Diego State softball team’s junior pitcher Samantha Beasley was snubbed from being a 2010 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 25 Finalist. “Sam (Beasley) never really paid attention to any recognition,” head coach Kathy Van Wyk said. “Her focus is always about her performance on the mound and how she can get better. The thing about Sam (Beasley) is that she is always working on getting better.” Beasley has seven statistical categories that rank in the top 20 nationwide and has continued to improve as the season progresses.
Her dominance on the mound led her to remain undefeated in conference play at 4-0 for first-place SDSU (26-10, 4-0). “Sam (Beasley) handled a well-hitting UNLV team,” Van Wyk said. “They are out there hitting on the plus side of .330 and she really didn’t pitch her best game, but she got the job done.” Beasley and the Aztecs will be taking their perfect record in the Mountain West Conference to Salt Lake City as they take on the Utes. Utah is currently two games shy of .500 at 19-21 with a conference record of 2-3 but it is riding a three-game winning streak, having beat the University of New Mexico twice. The Utes are 3-0 at home and the game against SDSU will be the second of nine straight home games. Beasley will be facing a Utah team that is only batting .276 on the season and plans to continue her outstanding performance, national recognition or not. “We are going to try and ride our home wins and our road wins as we move further into conference,” Van Wyk said. “We’re playing well as a team, the defense is holding up, our bats are alive and we are pulling out ugly games. All of that is spelling out a successful season.”
AT A GLANCE WHEN: 4 p.m. MT
VS.
David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor
tomorrow
Amber Pezzolla scored three goals in her first-ever collegiate game playing for SDSU earlier this season. This week, the freshman was named Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Mikasa Newcomer of the Week.
WHERE: Salt Lake City
B E AU B E A R D E N
WHY TO WATCH: The SDSU softball team will face off against Utah and aim to stay undefeated in Mountain West Conference play.
S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R
Na m e: Amber Pezzolla Position: Utility Number: 7 Height: 5’7” Class: Freshman High School: Bonita High School Hometown: San Dimas How she f i t s: Less than two years ago, head coach Carin Crawford announced that she had signed a trio of players from Chino Hills Area Water Polo (CHAWP): Amber Pezzolla, Alex Ford and Courtney Muller. “Amber Pezzolla is one of the most creative and dynamic all-around players I have seen in all my years of coaching,” Crawford said. “She is quick, which allows her to create offensive opportunities from her outstanding defense, strong and smart. Amber has the skill and ability to make an impact for us right away. She is the type of player who is a pleasure to watch and I am excited for the opportunity to coach her.” Season so far: Pezzolla had an incredible start in her first game on the San Diego State water polo team. In SDSU’s seasonopener against UC San Diego, she scored three goals in a 19-8 victory for the Aztecs. As the season progressed, Pezzolla continued to be a consistent scorer and defensive player for SDSU. She currently leads the Aztecs with 49 goals and ranks first in steals with 68. “I believe that we have definitely had our ups and downs this season, but overall I think it went really well,” Pezzolla said. “At first it was a little rough because we are such
a young team and we hadn’t really played with each other before, but we got a hang of things and started playing well as a team.” Best tool: Pezzolla has been a threat for SDSU all season, on both offense and defense. She’s scored five goals on two occasions, against UC Davis on Feb. 28 and Brown on April 2. And her seven steals on Jan. 24 against Michigan ranks as a gamehigh for the Aztecs this year. “I feel that everyone on this team has a different skill to bring in the pool and all together it really works out well,” Pezzolla said. “And I feel like mine is counterattack.”
“ (Pezzolla) is one of the most creative and dynamic players I have seen in all my years ... I am excited for the opportunity to coach her.” —Carin Crawford, head coach Somet hing you don’t know: Pezzolla enjoys playing water polo, but she also likes to dance. “I’m good at jerking and rejecting,” Pezzolla said. “And I love hip-hop dance.” Quot able: “Take the path less traveled.”
AT A GLANCE WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday
VS.
WHERE: UC San Diego WHY TO WATCH: The SDSU water polo team will face its crosstown rival for the rights to the Harper Cup.
David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor
Despite winning her seventh Mountain West Conference Player of the Week award this week, Samantha Beasley has been left off the 2010 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 25 Finalist list.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
The Daily Aztec
5
UNDER THE SCOPE
Rock and Morgan discuss life and ‘Death’ A L L I E D AU G H E R T Y E N T E R TA I N M E N T E D I T O R
“Death At a Funeral” is the newest movie that depicts the way a dysfunctional family deals with the patriarch’s death. Recently, The Daily Aztec was able to interview actors Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan about their experiences on set.
The Daily Aztec: What makes this film different from the 2007 British version of “Death at a Funeral?” Chris Rock: Anything with Tracy Morgan in it is different. You put Malcom X and put Tracy in it instead of Denzel (Washington), it’s a different movie. The cast is different. A lot of the little jokes are different. Tracy Morgan: I’m the abstract one. I’m the funky guy diabetic. DA : What is the theme of the movie? CR: The movie is about acceptance. This guy’s dad was gay, but he loves him to death. It is not even a “but.” It’s just, “I love him to death.” With family, (you love each other) no matter what. TM: Family keeps you honest and it keeps you grounded. It’s unfortunate that we all have to come together sometimes because somebody died. But it’s funny on top of that; the overlay on top of that is funny. DA : How was it working with the all-star cast? CR: It was fun seeing comedians. When you start out, you see comedians all the time. You see them in the clubs. You see them in the comedy clubs, the real clubs, the deli, the diner. People get families. They get the careers. You don’t see nobody, but it’s like, I’m hanging out with Tracy. I’m hanging out with Martin.
DA : You guys are both “Saturday Night Live” alums. What was it like to get to work with each other again and how is the energy similar to “Saturday Night Live?” TM: For me being a part of this movie was like my brothers. My big brothers, I was about to have a fight in the park and my big brothers were there, so I had to win. I had to win. CR: It was amazing. I trust Tracy, because Tracy has the Jedi training of “SNL.” There’s only a few, especially a few of us black men that have gone through this Jedi training and survived it. So we are brothers. We are frat brothers. TM: That’s my alumni right there. That’s my alumni. He left the door open for me and Martin ... so I’m doing it for the younger standups behind me. But you have to be special. DA : Both of your careers have spanned more than 10 years. What is it like still working in
Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Hollywood after all of this time and putting on a movie in 2010? CR: I can’t believe I’m still here. TM: I can. CR: I used to open up to Al B. Sure! I used to open up for Terri Schinazi. So I’ve seen them come and go. I’ve seen hot leaps quick. TM: Longevity, though, Chris. You got it, you got it. CR: … Treat your first like your last. TM: Yes, you have to approach everything like it’s the last time you’re going do it, everything, and that’s the key to it. DA : What will you leave your audience thinking about after experiencing this film? CR: This movie is really about accepting your family for who they are, not to judge people … this is a big movie for the African American community. We need to get off this bashing gay people crap. DA : Was there any ad-libbing on set? T M : Danny Glover took Ex-Lax before I shot my scene and he really pulled through my hand. CR: Yes, that happened. That really happened. No, no, what happened was I slipped the Ex-Lax in his lunch and he didn’t know he took it. Then we got to the — TM: (We) put it in a can of pork and beans and franks.
CR: Right, and we got to the poop scene (and) he really pooped.
enjoying what’s happening today. I can’t really call tomorrow. It’s none of my business.
DA : Chris, you were discovered by Eddie Murphy and he became your mentor. Have you returned the favor for any other comedian? CR: I try to be friends with lots of comics. Tracy, he doesn’t need me, but every now and then I would see him and I’d try to give him a little bit of advice about “SNL,” the same way Eddie gave me advice about “SNL” (and) how to deal with people, so I try. I try my best. Wanda Sykes, you can say that. I don’t even look at that as a mentorship. The people are so funny, they don’t really need me. I’m trying to be their friend. I’m trying to push up to them. I never know. They might have to hire me for a job one day. TM: He’s just a regular dude. He comes around and he lets you know that you could be a regular person. You don’t have to go up to defense, so you see Chris like that and then you try to avoid — he just lets you know that there’s some landmines out there, not to step on them.
DA : How do you feel the issues this family faces in this movie relate to issues any average middle class African American family faces? CR: We need to be more inclusive. People should be able to be out of the closet, at least around their families. TM: If you have a cocaine habit, then you have a cocaine habit, deal with it.
DA : Tracy, do you see yourself collaborating with Tina Fey in any other projects, such as another TV series or movie? TM: We’re still having fun doing “30 Rock.” (But) who knows? I can’t really call it. I’m just enjoying what I’m doing today and we’re
DA : When you were making this movie, did you watch the original to prepare for your roles in this film? Did you use it as a guide? TM: Absolutely not. We did the movie, that sort of movie, but we wanted to add our flavor to it. We wanted to complement — I wanted to complement the role that I saw. And when I saw the cast at Screen Gems that Chris and everybody had assembled, I was like, “This is going to be the bomb, baby.” DA : What was the experience of having Peter Dinklage involved with both movies? Did he bring any comparative ideas, having worked on both productions? CR: He knew where the mistakes (were). He knew where because every now and then we’re trying to do new stuff and he goes, “We tried that. Why don’t you try this?” So we wouldn’t repeat mistakes they did in the first.
SNEAK PEEK
Art and fashion collide tomorrow in downtown K A R I L UU S TA F F W R I T E R
Courtesy of Project Ethos
“Project Runway” designers will be appearing at Project Ethos tomorrow along with other artists and designers.
Project Ethos is changing the face of fashion and art in San Diego tomorrow downtown. Expect the glitz and glam of a typical fashion show, catwalk included, as it will be featuring eight fashion designers, four disc jockeys and 10 artists. Project Ethos is the platform for new and budding creators on the rise. With two former “Project Runway’’ contestants, Jesus Estrada and Gordana Gehlhausen, and featured DJs such as Buddy Akai and Space Cowboy, this show is sure to be comparable to a Los Angeles production and bring some much-deserved attention to the art scene in San Diego.
“It’s a celebration of art and ... an incubator for an up-and-coming artist,” featured designer Eleonore Santos said. “They’re getting more respect in the fashion and art world because they’ve had more exposure. Their main focus in the show is the fashion because it’s the more exciting part of the night and (it will) showcase a lot of art as well.” Santos, a San Diego native, is featuring her whimsical and feminine chic clothing line, Garden Party. She will be debuting her Fall 2010 collection and selling every item from the show at her booth. The show is at 8 p.m. tomorrow at the On Broadway Event Center. Pre-sale tickets are $15, $20 at the door and $40 for VIP. The event is for those 18 years old and older. For more information, visit its website at www.projectethos.com.
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The Daily Aztec
ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
PASS THE POPCORN
‘Funeral’ remake lacks originality despite all-star cast
Courtesy of Sony Pictures
M AG G I E P E H A N I C K S TA F F W R I T E R
Chris Rock has conquered both the small and silver screens. He is a successful writer, producer, actor and comedian. And yet his uncommitted, trite portrayal of a man grappling with the death of his father in the midst of a kooky family gathering leads “Death at a Funeral” into the category of once-promising comedic obscurity. A remake of a 2007 British film of the same name, “Death at a Funeral” showcases the similar clichéd jokes and sight gags audiences have seen for decades. Stereotypical family humor coupled with a large yet unconvincing cast leads the audience to beg the question: Why? “Death” opens with Rock’s character, Aaron, contemplating his eulogy for his dearly departed father. Enter cliché number one: His beautiful wife is fretting about her biological clock. Golly, won’t they ever have a baby? This lack of children (of course) createa a comical rift between the couple and Aaron’s newly widowed grandchild-grubbing mother — a mother who doesn’t get along with her daughter-in-law. As the day of the memorial drags along, family members arrive and personalities clash. The insanely busy Elaine, played by Zoë Saldaña (evidently the woman will sleep when she’s dead), shows up as a cousin dragging along her unwelcome boyfriend. The boyfriend, played by James Marsden, doesn’t do himself any favors in his quest to gain acceptance from her father, ashe accidently ingests some kind of LSD-hybrid drug. His role as a high-as-akite outsider supplies some of the funnier moments in the film. As the guests arrive, Aaron is befuddled by the presence of a small man. The myste-
rious dwarf, played by Peter Dinklage, who performed the same role in the 2007 original, requests to speak in private with Aaron before divulging some tender information. As the plot heaves forward, obscenities increase and the dysfunctional family becomes further entwined in drama, ranging from petty to downright grave. Oddly enough, not one person seems to be mourning the death of the family patriarch. Director Neil LaBute attempts to make “Death” a maelstrom of hilarity driven by genuinely funny characters. Unfortunately, very few of the characters are as funny as he hoped they would be. Few actors stand out — Danny Glover does, as the crotchety wheelchair-bound uncle, as does Tracy Morgan as the clueless but well-meaning family friend. Actually, Morgan is a breath of fresh air. His hysterical performance proves his presence should be required in every mediocre comedy. He is undoubtedly leagues above Rock, who, appearing to be delivering his lines out of obligation, even makes Martin Lawrence look theatrically skilled. While there are admittedly some vulgar, laugh-out-loud scenes, “Death at a Funeral” fails to cover any new ground. Its very creation begs the question: Is there no more original material left to be created? If “Death” is any indication, the future is bleak and audiences may very well be destined to re-experience stories that have been slightly tweaked and recast to reach a different demographic. Oh Hollywood, you have reached a new low.
Movie: Death At A Funeral Distributed by: Screen Gems Directed by: Neil LaBute Release Date: April 16 Grade: C
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Win a free copy of Sex Pistols’ “Nevermind the Bullocks” on vinyl! A new vinyl-only e-store of albums from everyone’s favorite artists has been launched! To celebrate, The Daily Aztec has partnered with Because Sound Matters to give away one free vinyl record each week for the rest of April. To win this week’s selection, e-mail tempo@thedailyaztec.com with five random facts about the Sex Pistols to enter the random drawing. Make sure to enter before Wednesday, April 28! Visit http://www.becausesoundmatters.com/?cmpid=cmr for more amazing vinyl selections!
Courtesy of Sony Pictures
This funeral brought together an ensemble cast including Luke Wilson, Zoë Saldaña and Martin Lawrence.
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DAILY HOROSCOPE
HUMOR: TOADSTOOL CHRONICLES
Guys, don’t be a flatterbox
M
ommy always said, “Noah, always be nice to girls. Treat them with respect and dignity, and never miss an opportunity to buy them gifts. Like flowers and chocolate bunny rabbits.” I took this advice to heart in my youth, and knew that love consisted of giving all that I had to the one I adored. Oh, how very wrong I was. And how very asinine that advice was. Giving gifts to a girl (whom you’re not together with, of course) equals death. You might as well write her a sonnet in blood telling her that she’s lovelier than a rose speckled with dew on a precious summer morn. In calligraphy. The thing is, the more thoughtful the present, the creepier you’ll seem. If you made her a T-shirt in her favorite color with her name embroidered on the front, the first thing she’ll imagine is you in a dark room holding thimbles and sewing, as a candle-lit shrine of her photos look down upon you. Meanwhile, your mom will be encouraging you, telling you how sweet and considerate you are. Mom, it didn’t work out. The only logical gift I can think of giving a chick is panties. Then she’ll at least know where your mind is. The red hand mark on your face should subside, as her respect for you should soon reach a new high.
N O A H H E N RY S TA F F C O L U M N I S T
Society has us programmed with Hallmark propaganda. Romantic comedies and visions of Ryan Gosling leaping onto that Ferris wheel bar like a damned spider monkey have permeated and replaced our natural instincts. Can you picture a caveman taking a girl out for gelato and paying for everything? No. He’d club her five minutes into the date should she start yapping about her Chihuahua, her exboyfriend and how crazy she used to be in high school. He’d then drag her back to his cave. At least cavewomen appreciated that sort of assertiveness. Can you picture a caveman on Valentine’s Day? He’d smell the affection in the air, then he’d throw up. I’m getting off track. The point is, don’t let falsities dilute your conscience and make you do things you shouldn’t, such as buying gifts for girls you aren’t dating. One time in the sixth grade, I gave a girl, Susie Baylor, a box of chocolates for her birthday. Her face lit up, feigning enthusiasm, and she called me “sweet.” Guys, when a girl calls you sweet, you might as well call her weekly to watch “Ugly Betty” together and eat sorbet from the carton, because you are just friends. So I gave her the box of chocolates, and later that day I heard that she was kissing the most popular kid in school behind the gymnasium.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I was devastated. I vowed from then on I would stop showering girls with gifts. Just kidding. I was the one who was kissing Susie Baylor behind the gymnasium. My asthmatic friend Donny was the one who gave her the chocolates. You really think I’d be dumb enough to give a girl chocolates? For those who have difficulty grasping this concept, I have created a fool-proof system. Whenever you have that urge to buy a girl gifts, promptly do the following: Call a good friend, someone you trust, and ask him to give you a nice, swift kick in the balls. The swelling and pain should induce a psychological association with buying gifts, and your impulses should soon reverse. My TestiKick System has proved 99 percent effective in trial runs. The only gift you should give is yourself. And even give that sparingly. Paint a picture, write a song, catch a beat — focus on improving yourself before you try to gain the approval of someone else. Do not be like Donny. By the way, Donny, I’m sorry, man. I had to kiss Susie behind the gymnasium. She gave me a box of chocolates and I thought it was sweet.
BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (4/21/10) Steer your craft through agitated emotional waters this year by focusing on the practical details. Release emotions in private when possible. Cool down before making decisions. Heal difficult relationships with compassion for all (especially yourself). ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - As carefully as you have defined each responsibility, you discover that some people didn't take notes. Review details privately to support the whole team. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 6 - You almost have all the personal details figured out.There's one last thing:You have to let everyone in on the plans. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 6 To wrap your mind around a problem, let your thoughts wander where they may. Take note.Then formulate a solution. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 - If you keep your eye on the prize and adjust your demands to suit the group, progress will be made without additional stress. LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - Just about anything you do today will work out nicely. Consider balancing public appearances with a private financial conversation. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 5 Someone stresses out over faulty communication equipment. Resort to old-fash-
ioned telephones.They may be retro, but they still work. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 Talk over any major decisions with coworkers. Devise a plan that reduces stress while accomplishing the desired changes. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 - The beauty of having good luck today is that others find you especially clever.They don't realize you're just winging it. Keep them in the dark. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Responsibilities take you into a public forum, where you analyze confusing situations and make recommendations based on experience. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 6 - Everything remains on an even keel. You've scoped out the details in advance and know exactly what needs to happen. Isn't it great? AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - Don't get agitated if some things don't go your way.View issues as opportunities to gain ground or grow a new skill. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 You wish you could have it your way, and you're tempted to ignore an older person's instructions. It would be much easier to adjust your desires to suit others today. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.
—Noah Henry is an English senior. —This column does not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Daily Aztec.
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.
LOOKING THROUGH OUR LENS
Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com © 2010 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.
CROSSWORD
AIRLIFTED Staff Photographer Jeff Lewis captured this image of a palm tree being pushed by the forceful winds flowing through its branches in Ocean Beach.
ACROSS 1 Harpsichord relative 6 Doorframe part 10 One of Hammett’s Charleses 14 Aggressive poker bet 15 Spooky-sounding lake 16 Musician Clapton 17 Consequence of the subprime mortgage fiasco 20 Start of something? 21 Accident investigation agcy. 22 Lowly assistant 23 Swindle 24 Move quickly, as clouds 25 Exit spectacularly 31 Get out of bed 32 Hunan pans 33 Consume 35 Cellar stock 36 Blin, in Blois 38 Chip’s buddy 39 Frat party staple 40 Mindless repetition 41 Championship 42 Punished severely, with “on” 46 Guns 47 Word after open or seven 48 Take big steps 51 Hit or miss? 52 Special __: military force 55 Complaint from one trying to concentrate, perhaps—and this puzzle’s title 58 Aqueduct feature 59 Lob
EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS
Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 60 Narrow canyon 61 Cook in the microwave 62 Fencer’s weapon 63 Tic, e.g.
10 Chilean poet Pablo 11 Algerian seaport 12 Game played on a world map 13 Sore DOWN 18 Store in a hold 1 Peel 19 Clover-shaped 2 Martinique et suit Réunion 23 Artful stratagem 3 “__, poor Yorick!”: 24 Engage in retail Hamlet therapy? 4 Zilch 25 Stare in wonder 5 Musically monot- 26 Bay window onous 27 New Wave band 6 Zippy watercraft __ Boingo 7 Like about 20% 28 Tammany Hall of Israeli citizens name today 29 “Peachy keen!” 8 Univ. near 30 Carlo Rossi wineHarvard maker 9 Stud muffin pho- 34 Be rife (with) tos 36 Sports car
named for a small warship 37 Info in AAA TripTiks 38 “That’s mine!” 40 Saxes and oboes 41 They usually have strings attached 43 Twist in pain 44 Scary African fly 45 Frau’s spouse 48 Ugly duckling, actually 49 Drive-__ window 50 Pinion partner 51 Still life subject 52 Gumbo pod 53 Things for hanging things 54 Stern’s opposite 56 Emulate Kanga 57 Radar gun aimer