The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 112

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Vol. 95, Issue 112

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

LED tech innovator awarded D ANNY P ENERA S TA F F W R I T E R

CALORIE COUNTS Find out how the health care reform bill will make calorie counting easier. page 3

SPORTS

ON A HOT STREAK Men’s tennis team will aim to keep up its momentum in the MWC Tournament this week. page 4

ENTERTAINMENT

LIFEHOUSE CHAT An interview with Lifehouse, who will be performing this Saturday with Daughtry. page 5

TODAY @ SDSU

Students who stayed at home watching television last Thursday had their lives impacted by this year’s Kyoto Prize winner, even if they didn’t know about the conference San Diego State hosted in his honor that same night.

Dr. Isamu Akasaki was lauded at SDSU for his achievements in the research of blue light-emitting diodes. Attendees of the 25th annual Kyoto Prize Symposium filed into Montezuma Hall to hear presentations from Dean of Graduate Affairs Dr. Thomas R. Scott, Sony Corp.’s Vice President of Technology Development Klaus Hofrichter and award recipient Akasaki.

Akasaki pioneered the field of blue LED technology, which is used in many common devices such as cell phones and televisions.

Scott said the presentations recognized how daily lives are advantaged by Akasaki’s research.

Hofrichter, who brought LED televisions and gaming devices, demonstrated the applications of Akasaki’s work.

In his PowerPoint presentation, Hofrichter showed the impact Akasaki’s research has had on consumer electronics. Hofrichter said it is projected that by 2013, half of all televisions will feature technology created by Akasaki’s research.

“I tried to not say it’s all Sony,” Hofrichter said. “It’s technology for all mankind.”

Akasaki, who spoke only in Japanese, told the story of his life

Courtesy of Inamori Foundation 2009

Akasaki can be credited with improving the blue LED technology used to make cell phone and television screens bright and clear.

and his research while Scott read a translated copy of his speech.

During his presentation, Akasaki told how he continued to pursue his education after his school had been bombed during World War II. He said he could still recall the image of the replacement school, which did not have glass in the windows. In order to keep the cold air out, Akasaki’s class had to put blankets over the openings.

Akasaki said his zest for knowledge kept him motivated throughout all of this.

“Just seeing where he came from and being able to accomplish so

much ... it was definitely inspiring,” art and Japanese senior Christina Bertrang said.

The Kyoto Prize Symposium is a three-day event that takes place at three different universities in San Diego: SDSU, University of San Diego and UC San Diego. SDSU hosts the advanced technology portion of the event and has done so for the past six years. USD hosts the arts and philosophy portion, and UCSD hosts the basic sciences portion. USD hosted all three legs of the event when the Symposium first came to San Diego eight years ago.

According to Scott, the event was divided between the three San Diego campuses to broaden its recognition. Scott added that articles about the symposium are now in hundreds of journals.

The event is sponsored by the Inamori foundation, which donates $50,000 to SDSU for its role in the event. The money is used by SDSU to grant 10 students a $5,000 scholarship.

The Kyoto Prize winners receive a gold medal and 50 million yen, which is $531,250 in American dollars.

Jazz Concerts Noon & 6 p.m., Smith Recital Hall Jazz Week, hosted by the School of Music and Dance, presents concerts from the SDSU Vocal Jazz Ensemble and SDSU Jazz Combos #4 and #5.

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

GREEK BEAT FratMANers supports Denim Day

Greeks participate in walkathon

Fraternity Men Against Negative Environments and Rape Situations, also known as FratMANers, will be tabling today on the Open Air Theatre Walkway for Denim Day, according to Doug Case, coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Denim Day has been internationally celebrated since 1999 in protest of an Italian High Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans, according to the Support Denim Day website, www.supportdenimday.com.

An 18-year-old woman was raped by her driving instructor in Italy in 1992. The victim pressed charges and won the case, but the instructor appealed and the case went to the Italian High Court. In 1999, the court overturned the conviction, declaring that “since the victim wore very tight jeans, the instructor could not have removed them himself, therefore the victim must have willingly participated,” according to the website.

Many Greeks will participate in the 5K Friendship Walkathon, “Jenny’s Walk,” this Sunday on campus, according to Case. The event is in memory of Jenny Poliakoff, a member of Alpha Phi who died in the spring of 2007, Case said.

The event will benefit The Friendship Circle of San Diego, an organization that Poliakoff volunteered for. Founded in 2005, the organization addresses the struggles children with special needs face, such as autism, Down syndrome and other physical and / or emotional challenges, according to the Jenny’s Walk website, www.jennyswalk.com.

Sorority hosts auction Alpha Pi Sigma will host a “Heroes Auction” from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday in the Tula Community Center. It will be auctioning police officers, firefighters and military personnel for community service or dates, according to Case.

Greek Awards Ceremony The Greek Awards Ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. next Monday in Montezuma Hall.

Chapter and individual achievement awards will be presented and recent inductees into Greek-related honor societies will be recognized, Case said. Greek Week winners will also be announced at the ceremony and a check will be presented to the beneficiary, Case said.

Each chapter can send 30 percent of its membership to the ceremony.

Recovery looks good for SDSU SACRAMENTO 1 million SAN FRANCISCO 2.2 million FRESNO 3.5 million

San Diego State has received the most American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants and contracts out of all 23 CSU campuses. A report released earlier this month by the Division of Academic Affairs showed that as of February, SDSU has secured nearly $13 million. The SDSU Research oundation reports that the university has received more than $18 million in ARRA grants as of March 17.

LOS ANGELES 3 million

SAN DIEGO 12 million+

—Compiled by Senior Staff Writer Reem Nour Amounts as of February 2010

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FOOD & DRINK

The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Organic vs. inorganic food raises debate All-natural foods may be expensive but are said to offer more health benefits SA M I C OLLINS S TA F F W R I T E R

Health awareness has grown exponentially in the U.S. since the rise of fatty hamburger chains and processed white Wonder Bread.

The nutritional value of food is a primary concern to a nation where, according to a 2006 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 67 percent of adults ages 20 and older are overweight or obese.

This health consciousness has led to an apparent organic foods revolution, with large chain grocery stores such as Vons, Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Albertsons — even secondary grocery sources such as Target and Walmart —boast the health benefits of their respective organic food lines.

But there are many questions to consider as a potential consumer of these promising provisions, often advertised as nutritionally superior to their conventionally grown counterparts.

What makes this food organic?

This is actually a slippery question that has led to conflicts about the mislabeling of certain products.

“The word ‘organic’ refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural www.mayoclinic.com states. (foods),” “Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers … don’t use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease.”

Though the term is not meant to be subject to interpretation, organic labels have often proven incorrect and may even be misleading shoppers.

Documented on www.cornucopia.org, a website and institution that works to support organic agriculture, is an article titled “Mislabeling Organic Food at Walmart.”

Here, green organic labels tagged to certain grain, dairy and produce products are branded as incorrectly or ambiguously identified.

Many mislabeled items on this website were later revised by Walmart employees.

Organic foods, then, may be as cryptic to grocers as to many of their unsuspecting customers.

What’s so great about organics, anyway?

Organic foods, especially fruits and vegetables, show a smaller amount of pesticide contamination than do inorganic produce.

“Consumers buying organic products, whether produced in the United States or imported, can be assured that (their) foods are produced without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, irradiation or bioengineering,” according to the United States Department of Agriculture and the Federal Drug Administration.

Heightened flavor and the absence of chemicals are frequently referenced in the promotion and defense of organics.

Are organic foods worth it?

This is certainly a subjective question, but pricing and actual nutritional value may leave a taste of doubt in some customers’ mouths.

Organic food has become notorious for more expensive prices than conventionally

Stephen Finlayson / Staff Photographer

A popular trend with the health conscious and environmentally friendly consumers, the organic food hype has made its way onto even generic grocers’ shelves. Some question whether buying pesticide-free is worth the cost.

farmed foods. In 2008, The New York Times ran an article listing organic milk as $4.99 for a half gallon (compared to the average $2.05) and organic bread as $4.55 a loaf (as opposed to the inorganic $3.09). These prices vary by city and year and have begun to level, but organic foods remain largely more expensive than foods produced en masse.

Further, the USDA claims no conclusive evidence to indicate that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food.

Though the USDA certifies foods as organic,

it does not declare any of these products safer or better for consumers’ health.

Gimmicks come and go, and organic food has certainly raised suspicions about being one of those temporary hypes. But there is some truth in the organic industry’s chemical-free appeal and, perhaps, in its eco-friendly high ground. Currently, the jury is out about organics and their health benefits. In the end, the movement’s success may depend singularly on the palates of American food-lovers.

TOP FIVE DESSERT PLACES

M AG G I E P E H A N I C K S TA F F W R I T E R

Ah, dessert. There is something to be said for balancing a healthy, carb-conscious diet. There is also something to be said about taking a break from brown rice and tofu every once in a while and indulging in something worth the calories. Thus, The Daily Aztec presents a list of the top five places to put the diet on hold and enjoy a slice of something sweet.

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 5/2/10.

Extraordinary Desserts — 1430 Union St. and 2929 Fifth Ave. This excellent venue consistently tops dessert lists across the county. Karen Krasne’s Little Italy and Balboa Park eateries offer a full menu of oh-so-melty grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh salads along with the dessert menu. But the real treats here are the many varieties of whipped cream-covered layer cakes and pastries.

The dessert menu changes daily and routinely defies expectations. There may be no better place in San Diego to enjoy a slice of cake after a hard week. Along with an extensive coffee and tea list, Extraordinary Desserts also presents a European-style Sunday brunch perfectly suitable for mom’s semiannual visit.

Tr y: Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

The Incredible Cheesecake Company — 3161 Adams Ave. This underrated Normal Heights gem has been serving intriguing cheesecakes such as the Naughty Hula, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and white chocolate raspberry for nearly 30 years. Given the customer service and delivery option, it’s no wonder this place has stayed in business for so long. The Incredible Cheesecake Company offers scrumptious options for every cheesecake lover and has been known to convert even those not keen on cheesecake.

Tr y: Fudge brownie cheesecake

Babycakes — 3766 Fifth Ave. Cupcake lovers need to look no further than this Hillcrest staple. While Babycakes offers traditional chocolate and vanilla options, regulars praise the original flavors such as peanut butter and jelly, pomegranate, Neapolitan and of course the signature Babies, a delectable blend of marble cake with chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting. For those with a heartier appetite, Babycakes also offers full-size cakes ideal for special occasions.

Tr y: Chocolate raspberry cupcake

Heaven Sent Desserts — 3001 University Ave. Patrons of Heaven Sent Desserts rave about its impressive red velvet cake and delightful assortment of desserts.

Located in North Park, the restaurant offers a daily Afternoon Delight Happy Hour between 3:00 and 6:30 p.m., when diners can munch on one of three special desserts with a cup of tea or house coffee for $6. Beware of parking, spots are limited and North Park is anything but deserted on weekends.

Tr y: Red velvet cake

Yogurtland — various locations around San Diego Yes, this is on the list. Yogurtland has become a San Diego favorite, especially among the calorie-conscious San Diego State sect. Yogurtland is delicious, fast and provides sugar-free options for diabetic patrons as well as those watching their weight. The chain rotates flavors daily and allows customers to dish their own toppings, measuring payment by weight. Yogurtland boasts four locations within driving distance for students: College Area on El Cajon Boulevard, Mission Valley, Little Italy and Pacific Beach.

Tr y: Anything, really

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

FOOD & DRINK

The Daily Aztec

3

Reform makes consumers face calorie facts

Stephen Finlayson / Staff Photographer

R AC H E L S W A N S O N S TA F F W R I T E R

Health care reform has brought a new standard for restaurant chains and vending machines throughout the nation.

Consumers will now be able to see the fat content, calories and nutritional value in all food and alcoholic beverages.

While it may be commonplace to find these calorie counts on most menus in California, the federal legislature now has a national standard for the remaining states.

Customers will be able to make more informed decisions about the foods and beverages they consume, which may lead to a plethora of health benefits and healthier lifestyles.

This change will allow information to be more accessible to the public, whether or not patrons are dieting. Dieters have the opportunity to reap the benefits of calorie counting, or simply accessing the various nutritional information placed on display.

“People will be able to see that the order of chili cheese fries they are considering will be 3,000 calories,” nutritional advocate Margo Wootan said in an interview withThe Los Angeles Times.

There has been a dramatic increase in obesity throughout the past 20 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Wootan advocates the importance of citizens being able to proactively avoid obesity and other diseases associated with unhealthy eating habits.

Dr. Kelly Brownell, a psychology professor at Yale University, conducts research regarding whether this bill would actually bring about any change. He found that if a menu contained caloric information in addition to a statement showing how many calories an average person eats per day, consumers would choose to eat less caloric food.

“The only bright side is the calorie posting,” Danielle Ofri, a specialist in internal medicine at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital, said. “When I see that muffins have over 600 calories, I can’t bring myself to buy one. I know that my fellow doctors as well as patients have made the same observation.”

Ultimately, the bill helps provide consumers with the necessary information to make better eating decisions.

Others such as Dr. Mark Kern, a professor from the department of nutritional sciences at San Diego State, are still skeptical about whether Americans can improve their current eating habits, because previous calorie count menus were deemed ineffective.

“I know that at least one of the early studies demonstrated that adding this information to restaurant menus did not change dietary choices or nutritional status,” Kern said.

In addition to the skepticism shown by Kern, the costly impact this reform has on restaurant and vendor machines is undeniable. An estimated cost of $56 million for vending machines to post nutritional information is substantial, according to www.cnsnews.com. This loss shows why Ned Monroe, senior vice president of government affairs at the National Automatic Merchandising Association, questions the necessity of change.

“People will be able to see that the order of chili cheese fries they are considering will be 3,000 calories.”

—Margo Wootan, nutritional advocate “Our position is that our products already disclose calories. Our items have nutritional information on the back of the packaging already,” Monroe said. “(People) understand that there are certain calories in a chocolate chip versus a honey bun versus a baked chip.”

While some believe this reform is an unwarranted cost for companies, others are thrilled with the government’s attempt to create a less overweight and diabetic nation.

“I’m rooting for health care reform to work, on all its levels,” Ofri said. “The calorie counting is just a tiny aspect. But if it has any measurable impact on obesity and diabetes, the whole reform process was worth the battle.”

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SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

MEN’S TENNIS

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Red-hot Aztecs head SDSU women’s tennis into MWC tourney eyes an NCAA bid CHUCK HERRMANN S TA F F W R I T E R

Throughout the season, the San Diego State women’s tennis team has set a cliché yet essential goal to give them the best chance at success: improve every time it plays.

With that in mind, the postseason has arrived for SDSU, as it heads to UNLV’s campus to square off against BYU on Thursday at the Fertitta Tennis Complex.

“If we are not playing our absolute best, then we are playing at a level very close to it.”

—Peter Mattera, head coach

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

After losing 10 of its first 12 matches to begin the 2010 season, the San Diego State men’s tennis team went on to win nine of its next 11 games, and finished in second place in the Mountain West Conference.

After going a surprising 5-1 in MWC play, SDSU heads to Vegas for Championships AG U ST I N G O N Z A L E Z S TA F F W R I T E R

While it might surprise some to hear a men’s tennis team compare itself to a women’s basketball team, that’s exactly what is happening at San Diego State.

No. 62 SDSU (11-12, 5-1 MWC) is the No. 2 seed going into the Mountain West Conference Tournament, and the Aztecs’ head coach Gene Carswell is hoping to win the championship and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, just like the SDSU women’s basketball team did last month.

“I’m excited about where this team is at,” Carswell said. “They’ve really matured together as a group this year and we’re peaking at the right time. There’s nothing I would want more than to be a Cinderella story at the NCAA (Tournament) this year.”

The Aztecs start their road to the Mountain West Conference Championship today, when they take on seventh-seeded Air Force (10-12, 0-6 MWC), which SDSU beat 7-0 earlier this season, at the Aztec Tennis Center.

No one would expect the Aztecs to be a No. 2 seed and one of the hottest teams in the country after the team’s 2-10 start to the season, not even the players themselves.

“No one was really enjoying being on the court, either in practices or matches,” junior Tim Schulz van Endert said. “There was tension between coaches and the team, and even among the players.”

Schulz van Endert believes SDSU turned around its poor play after a players-only

meeting the Aztecs had following the loss to Pepperdine on April 1. “(At the meeting), we as players committed to being a unit on and off the court,” Schulz van Endert said. “With the coaches, we agreed on being more efficient in practice and before the match by having shorter, more intense practices and more positive energy.

This started the turnaround for the final stretch of the season.”

It’s hard to argue with that, considering SDSU has won seven of eight matches following the meeting. “(The players) knew that something had to change,” Carswell said. “We’ve been preaching a lot of things over the course of the season, and I think that meeting was them buying into all of that and making a commitment to doing things the right way, and (the meeting) was just what the doctor ordered.”

If the Aztecs beat Air Force today, they will take on the winner of the match between UNLV and New Mexico. SDSU has beaten both of those teams already this season, and won’t have to face top-seeded BYU, who beat the Aztecs in Provo, Utah, until the championship.

This is pleasant news for Carswell, who believes SDSU has its “dream draw.”

“If I had my dream draw, I would love for us to make the final and have a showdown with BYU,” Carswell said. “I would love to have another shot at them, and I think our team is better then them, especially at a neutral site.”

But even with the Aztecs red-hot and feeling confident going into the conference tournament, Carswell knows nothing will be given to them.

“Confidence is definitely high right now,” Carswell said. “We feel like we can go out and beat anyone, but, to be quite honest, it’s not going to be an easy road.”

“If we are not playing our absolute best, then we are playing at a level very close to it,” head coach Peter Mattera said.

During a season that had a lot of ups and downs — a four-game losing streak, putting together a tough comeback to beat Saint Mary’s — the Aztecs look to step closer to their potential each time they take the court.

A memorable season also included the rise of freshman Alicia Aguilar, the great play of singles No. 1 junior Julia Trunk and the continued success from the sophomore doubles tandem of Sierra and Roxanne Ellison.

SDSU is the five seed in the Mountain West Conference tournament, and it heads in against the fourth-ranked Cougars with the confidence to win it all.

“We are as good as anyone else in the tournament,” Mattera said, “and overall, we are in a very good position to try and win the whole thing.”

The Aztecs are looking to begin the tournament on a high note, and right now have good momentum after they shut out the visiting UCSD 7-0 at the Aztec Tennis Center on Monday.

SDSU needs momentum because although it seems like an even field, in order for the Aztecs to make the NCAA tournament, they need to play well.

“It would be best to win this tournament to lock up the automatic bid, or else a lot of things would need to fall our way to get in,” Mattera said.

If anything were to prepare SDSU for this upcoming postseason, it was the regular season schedule. Pitted against good teams seemingly every match, the Aztecs now look to take their big game experience to the next level.

“We are battle-tested and ready,” Mattera said.

AT A GLANCE WHEN: 10 a.m. tomorrow WHERE: Mountain West Conference Championships, Las Vegas

VS.

WHY TO WATCH: SDSU faces off against No. 4 BYU in the first round of the MWC Championship tournament. The Aztecs will have to make some serious noise in the tournament to have a shot at an at-large NCAA Tournament bid.

AT A GLANCE WHEN: 10 a.m. today

VS.

WHERE: Mountain West Conference Championships, Las Vegas WHY TO WATCH: The San Diego State men’s tennis team looks to win the MWC tournament crown and earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Nicholas Santiago / Staff Photographer

Despite starting out slow in MWC play, SDSU won six of its final seven games to close out the season.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

The Daily Aztec

5

SNEAK PEEK

Lifehouse dishes upcoming show dirt H UI LING T H A M S TA F F W R I T E R

Lifehouse is special guest on the spring tour for Daughtry, of American Idol fame, which kicked off March 18 in Baltimore and will be making a stop at San Diego Sports Arena this Saturday. The band includes members Jason Wade (lead vocals and guitar), Bryce Soderberg (bass), Ben Carey (guitar) and Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. (drums).

After achieving tremendous success with hit songs such as “Hanging By A Moment,” “You and Me” and “Whatever It Takes,” Lifehouse returns to the limelight with its fifth studio record. “Smoke & Mirrors” was released on March 2, debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 charts and peaked at number two on the Billboard Rock Albums Chart. Recently, The Daily Aztec interviewed Lifehouse’s Soderberg.

The Daily Aztec: How’s the tour going so far with Daughtry?

Br yce Soderberg: It’s great. All the crowds have been really receptive. We’re really good friends with Chris (Daughtry) and his band.

It’s been an all-around good vibe. We’ve been barbecuing, we played paintball, so it’s like summer camp for three months.

DA: Have you been performing songs from your new album?

BS: We have a shorter time slot where we’re only playing for 45 minutes, but it’s great for us. We get to play most of our new record and we also play some of the songs that we know people want to hear ... But it’s a great chance for us to showcase our new album, “Smoke & Mirrors.”

DA: What do you enjoy most about touring?

BS: Touring is just something I have always wanted to do since I was a kid. Right now, our band is getting along so well and all our heads are on the same page. We’re creatively pushing forward to become a better band and better performers. So having that positive energy on the road makes for good times and good shows. I just love waking up and walking through an arena. Ben, our guitar player and I run up the stairs and work out. With all the traveling there’s too much to love and a lot of fun.

DA: Do you and the band have any special rituals or activities when you are on tour?

BS: Funny you should ask that. We just started this ritual before we go on stage. We take 15 minutes and we sit with dimmed lights and silence in the dressing room, just the four of us. We stretch and think about the show and do deep breathing and just concentrate on picturing ourselves doing a kick-ass show.

DA: How would you describe your latest record, “Smoke & Mirrors?”

BS: We took a good solid year and a half making this record. We didn’t want to recreate the same album over and over, and we wanted to show some growth. So we experimented with a bunch of new sounds and we pulled from different influences. In the beginning of the record, we just came off the road from the Who We Are tour and we wanted to capture the essence of what we’ve been doing live in the studio. So, we did a bunch of organic live rock tracks.

Then halfway through making the record, we realized we needed to appeal to the important side of Lifehouse’s fan base, the more polished, record-making aspect, with radio-friendly songs. Jason co-wrote with Chris Daughtry, Kevin Rudolf and Richard Marx. We’re trying to making a different album, get out of our comfort zone lyrically and musically.

Courtesy of Pamela Littky

DA: How did you come up with the title “Smoke & Mirrors” for the record?

BS: It was the first track that we recorded for the album. It was a song that Jason came up with and we always loved the title.

We thought it sounded cool. Throughout the record-making process, we realized that it ambiguously tied into the two sides of us, the radio-friendly polished-making side, and the organic live rock side. The two infused together fits into the title.

DA: Are you excited about touring in Europe this summer?

BS: Absolutely. We just came back from a short run in Europe and the response over there was amazing. The fans there are really die-hard and they really get deep into your music. So, we hope to build our career over there and become bigger and better, and keep going back to Europe and also overseas. We want to go to Asia, Australia and we’d love to go to South Africa. We want to expand and move forward.

DA: Do you have a special shout-out to the fans attending on Saturday?

BS: We love San Diego. We are from Los Angeles, so being in California is home for us. We are going to feel comfortable and it’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re sure the crowd is going to be awesome.

We’re really proud of this new record and we want people to check it out and share it.

For more information about Lifehouse, visit www.lifehousemusic.com. To find ticket information for Saturday, visit www.sandiegoarena.com.

Courtesy of Pamela Littky

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The Daily Aztec

ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

PASS THE POPCORN

‘The Losers’ ventures into well-worn territory M AG G I E P E H A N I C K S TA F F W R I T E R

The trailer for “The Losers” is a fast-paced, gritty, sexy, two-minute and 30 second teaser that packs comedic punch. Unfortunately, the film itself isn’t and doesn’t.

Film aficionados are more used to comic book adaptations taking control of the megaplexes, but some stories just don’t translate to the screen as well as others. This genre isn’t known for realism, but some of the scenes stretch the imagination too far.

The “losers” mentioned in the title are an elite team of United States Special Forces.

Sent to Bolivia for a mission, they survive an attempt on their lives made by suspicious villain, Max (Jason Patric). To discover the identity of their attempted assassin, the team agrees to perpetuate the rumor of their death.

Now declared deceased and working outside of government authority, the five-man squad is stranded in South America without passports or identification, until a sultry stranger (Zoë Saldaña) shows up.

The mysterious Aisha propositions the team, offering her assistance in capturing Max. Despite her supposedly good intentions, Aisha has a plan of her own, and the mind games begin.

Prepare for helicopter stunts, explosions, slow-motion shots, hand-to-hand combat, exotic locales, more helicopter stunts, crafty camera angles during sensual moments, gunfire and finally, more helicopter stunts. The call of duty does promise some beautiful backgrounds, including scenes in Miami, Dubai, Mumbai, Puerto Rico and Los Angeles.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Idris Elba, Chris Evans, Columbus Short and Óscar Jaenada play the warriors with hearts of gold and strict moral compasses. While the younger

members clearly foster a comical attitude about their jobs, an early scene indicates why their profession requires a hard exterior.

The pace of the film seems odd and despite the extensive ensemble cast, it’s hard to determine whether the filmmakers intended to focus more specifically on some members of the team than others.

Chris Evans is indubitably the most entertaining of the “losers,” providing not only the eye candy but the comedic relief as well. His smooth elevator scene is worth the price of admission. One can only wait with baited breath to see how he fills out the Captain America suit come next year.

The real winner here is psychopath Max, played sardonically by Patric. Though steadily acting since his “The Lost Boys” days, Patric is not an easy man to find in Hollywood. Thank goodness he picked up this script, because he introduces a whole new element of awesome to the screen.

Max is callous, ruthless and surprisingly eco-friendly. He has developed a “snuke,” a weapon for the 21st century terrorist that guarantees maximum destruction with minimum pollution. The writing for Max is clever and Patric, perpetually clad in Miami Vicestyle resort wear, crafts a satire about villains only slightly more subtle than Dr. Evil.

“The Losers” isn’t bad; it’s simply average, and average just will not do in a world where films such as “Iron Man” and “Kick-Ass” are raising the bar of creativity. Originality is key and with the exception of a few stunts, audiences have seen all of this before.

Movie: The Losers Distributed by: Warner Bros.

Directed by: Sylvain White Release Date: April 23 Grade: B-

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment

Despite an all-star cast, the plotline of “The Losers” doesn’t measure up to other recently released action films.

CONTEST Win a four-disc special edition copy of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Stadium Arcadium” 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 Red Hot Chili Peppers to enter the random drawing.

Make sure to enter before Wednesday, May 5!

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HELP WANTED Activity Leaders Needed for before and after school programs.

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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 Restaurant delivery service needs reliable CSR with excellent computer and customer service skills.

Dependability is a must. $8.50/hr. 15-20/hr. per week. Weekend and evening hours. Email resume to egorderconfirms@gmail.com SWIM INSTRUCTORS $12-19/hr. Summer 2010 commitment needed. North County 760-744-7946, San Diego 858-273-7946.

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The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR: TOADSTOOL CHRONICLES

My final will and testament

I

’ve been coughing and shooting snot rockets the size of tennis balls for the past couple of months. I just can’t seem to kick this sickness. I don’t know where I got it from. It could be the disgusting mold on my windowsill or the thriving ecosystem in my sink, but I’m still not sure.

Nevertheless, I’m fairly convinced I’m going to die. So I’d like to will away a few of my things.

To my brother, Chuck: You may have my extensive library.

I’ve got “The Catcher in the Rye,” “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” a picture book about snakes and a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Also, there’s a loose floorboard under my bed. Lift it up, and under you will find the greatest collection of porn the world has ever seen.

To my cousin, Alex: For you I bestow all the money I’ve saved since I started to save money.

That was last Wednesday. I probably have about $35.

To the love of my life, Bianca: I know we broke up more than a year ago, but because I’ve become ill, I’ve realized the true value of forgiveness. I don’t even care that I caught you and that fitness instructor together on that exercise ball. Hey, it’s OK. Water

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

under the bridge. And with that massage therapist. Don’t worry about that one either. Or the mailman. Or that sailor. Or the pizza delivery boy. I always wondered why he was so happy to deliver pizzas. Look, all of that stuff is behind me now. I’m fine.

Even the time with my brother. I just want to leave you something from the heart — something that shows you how much you have meant to me. So, when the package comes to your house, don’t worry about that ticking sound inside. That’s nothing. Just open it.

To my good friend and roommate, Mitch: Remember that prostitute we saw walking on El Cajon Boulevard every day for a month? Well, I hollered at her and she should be arriving at the apartment shortly. Her name’s Bonquisha and she’s excited to meet you.

To my good friend, Will: There’s a big hayfield near Buxton, Maine. It has a long rock wall that leads to an oak tree on the north end. It was there that I asked my wife to marry me. At the base of the oak tree there’s a rock that has no earthly business

in a Maine hayfield. Will, there’s something buried under that rock that I want you to have. It’s a copy of “The Shawshank Redemption” on VHS. To my good friend, Chris: No one knows this, but I built a fallout shelter underneath my apartment a few years ago. It’s full of beer. In case of an apocalypse, what better way to go than to drown myself in a fury of Pabst Blue Ribbon, right? Anyway, you can take the shelter, but I’d like all of the beer to be poured on me in my coffin during my funeral.

To my obnoxious neighbor, Sierra: I’m leaving you a muzzle that belonged to my dog. You two probably have the same size snout, so it should fit. I have had to listen to you and your many boyfriends one too many times howling at 3 a.m. It should also protect you from things going into your mouth all the time.

Well, that just about sums it up. I’m feeling an epic snot rocket coming that should be the last of me. I’ve had a good life.

Good-bye world.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (4/28/10) You rise like cream to the top in just about everything you try this year. Driven by a fighting spirit, you finish first by setting practical goals and pursuing them unflinchingly.You learn how to gain and wield power through acquisition. Use it for good.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 Happy day! You have choices:You can revise and edit to refine your message, or you can simply state the obvious, with just a teeny bit of sugarcoating.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - More power to you! Your awareness of changes in the people around you provides a powerful opportunity to transform fear into joy.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Who knew that you could feel so good when you got exactly what you deserve?

Your heart and mind thank you for aiming so high.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 5 Creative projects will move forward brilliantly if everyone's on the same page.

Share dreams that pointed you in the right direction, and feed that inspiration.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 Don't allow your feelings to drift from practical necessities. Instead, exert your will to track progress or identify opportunities. Seek contentment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6 Your heart and mind are headed in differ-

ent directions today. Creative willpower and effort can accomplish two seemingly opposite goals. Get started early.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 You feel like using a sledgehammer.You can get your way without it. Devise a strategy. Remember how amazing you are.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 5 - Two options emerge today.You can choose to go along with your partner, or to do what you want and endure the consequences.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 6 - Hopefully your scissors are sharp.

You need them to cut through the team's petty disagreements. Resist the temptation to flee. It all works out.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 5 - Point your feelings in any direction you choose.You're bound to get good results when you keep moving forward steadily.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - Career opportunities cause you to consider more than one life direction.You could choose greater security or follow your creative talents for later success.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Walk with authority. If you look like you know what you're up to, others will get out of your way. Share the details after the job is done. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

—Noah Henry is an English senior.

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

LOOKING THROUGH OUR LENS SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

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

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

CROSSWORD

POKING FUN Staff Photographer Jeff Lewis captured this sea anemone in a shallow La Jolla tide pool, before it contracted its body in reaction to the approach of a curious finger.

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

ACROSS 1 Hist. or sci.

5 Penn. crosser 9 “This is for real!”

15 Composer Schifrin 16 Noah of “ER” 17 Singer Morissette 18 Response to comic Anderson’s “What’s for dinner?”?

20 Forceful, as an argument 21 Response to Spanish tenor Kraus’s “What’s for dinner?”?

23 1861-’89 territory 25 MFA, for one 26 Oater okay 27 Get ready 29 Bighorn sheep, at times 33 What’s up?

34 Like machinestamped mail 37 Response to Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com Revolutionary Arnold’s “What’s times worn 11 Five-time NHL 44 Do something for breakfast?”? under helmets scoring leader 45 “Give me a rea42 Most proximate 71 Building extenJaromir son” 43 Cold and wet sions 12 Cyclops feature 46 Ahab’s whaler 46 Flute relative 72 1966 Jerry 13 More considerate 47 “Don’t ask me!”

49 Leather source Herman musical 14 Prevents, legally 48 Menacing snake 53 Tokyo, once 19 __ fire under 50 Libra symbol 54 Sitter’s handful DOWN 22 Accept 51 Small band 57 Sly 1 Beehive St. capi- 23 Infielders’ stats 52 Kidnapper’s 58 Response to tal 24 Indy’s pursuit demand actress Bracco’s 2 Old Mideast org.

28 Involve, as in con55 Dinner compan“What’s for 3 Mark of shame flict ion? brunch?”?

4 Change positions 30 Dull finish?

56 Head & Shoulders 63 Dump often 31 “Something tells competitor 64 Response to 5 Like many garages __ goofed” 59 Musical finale jazzman 6 Stooges’ laugh 32 CLX x X 60 Den __, Peterson’s 7 Practiced, as a 35 Wide shoe spec Netherlands “What’s for dintrade 36 Heavy wts.

61 Nestlé ice cream ner?”?

8 New Hampshire 38 Health food co. brand 67 “Eventually ...” college town 39 Former GM divi- 62 Track fence 68 Nastase of tennis 9 Table salt, to a sion 65 PIN requester 69 Maestro chemist 40 Actor Mineo 66 Fish delicacy Klemperer 10 Swedish states41 Potentially lucra70 They’re someman __ Palme tive track bet