The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 118

Monday, May 10, 2010

Vol. 95, Issue 118

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

Fraternity reinstated at SDSU

A.S.’ BIGGER PAY DAY Budget cuts don’t stop A.S. from voting for more pay for its executive board members. page 3

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

CRITICAL MASS Find out how cyclists are taking back the San Diego streets. page 4

SPORTS

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

Phi Kappa Psi was suspended in November 2008 after Operation Sudden Fall, a joint investigative collaboration between SDSU Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

R E E M NO U R S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

SOFTBALL ON TOP The San Diego State softball team celebrates its seniors’ careers with a win against Utah. page 7

TODAY @ SDSU Reading 5:30 p.m., Scripps Cottage David Gewanter and David Matlin will present readings. This is the last Hugh C. Hyde Living Writers Series event of the semester.

For more of today’s headlines, visit:

www.thedailyaztec.com

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EDITOR

IN CHIEF, FARYAR BORHANI 619.594.4190 EDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

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FEATURES EDITOR, NICOLE CALLAS 619.594.6976 FEATURE@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

SPORTS EDITOR, EDWARD LEWIS

Phi Kappa Psi, suspended since November 2008 as a result of Operation Sudden Fall, is back on campus with a plan to be a positive influence within the Greek system. The fraternity successfully complied with all stipulations and conditions of the suspension and was reinstated by San Diego State with all privileges on May 1, according to Randall Timm, director of Student Life and Leadership.

Operation Sudden Fall, a joint investigation between the SDSU Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency, targeted people suspected of selling illegal drugs to students. More than 30 SDSU students were arrested as a result of the raid, including several members of Phi Kappa Psi and Theta Chi. Phi Kappa Psi was put under a rigorous suspension program because the fraternity’s involvement with the selling of drugs was not at the same level as Theta Chi, which was expelled, Timm said.

“It was a very tough time, and to be honest, this is the strongest suspension I’ve seen in 20 years,” Timm said.

“They were very close to being expelled … but they complied.”

During the 18-month suspension, the fraternity was required to adhere to all IFC policies, and was denied a series of privileges, including the right to vote, the right to serve on the IFC executive board, the right to host any

official social activities, the right to participate in recruitment activities, intramural sports, Greek Week, the Dean’s Trophy competition and organization activities such as Aztec Fest, the Student Expo and Homecoming. It could not use any Associated Students or university funds, could not table or fundraise or use any areas of campus for posting.

The fr--aternity was not allowed to host philanthropies, but was allowed to be involved with others’ philanthropies, according to Timm. It could only be involved with workshops, retreats and service projects, he said.

“They did the best they could,” Timm said. “They didn’t violate any rules. The good guys in the house were allowed to stick around, and so because of that they were the ones to hold the group together and I think they need to be proud to some extent. There are a group of people who said, ‘We don’t want to be known for what happened with Sudden Fall, we want to be known for doing things we’re proud of.’”

Peter Kim, president of Phi Kappa Psi, had just joined the fraternity in Fall 2007, right before Operation Sudden Fall took place. Although he was disappointed, he decided to stay.

“I thought I was joining a fraternity that was going to give me the college experience that the fraternity promises, but when that whole ordeal happened we were all very disappointed,” he said. “Some decided to leave and some decided to stick

around. I personally felt like I could stay and make a change … something new, something that would ultimately be mine.”

The fraternity had a complete membership review right after the incident, which consisted of the fraternity’s alumni association interviewing every single member to determine who should stay, according to Kim. The individuals that were involved in the drug selling were correctly expelled, he said.

Kim said the fraternity’s activity was “very quiet” compared to fraternities that had privileges, and was still operating despite severe handicaps.

“It’s not the Greek system it was two years ago; we’re different.”

—Randall Timm, director, Student Life and Leadership “Throughout the suspension, a lot of people left and those who left were merely there for the social aspect of it more than the noble vision that we all share,” Kim said. “It opened my eyes to which of these were willing to stick around not just as your friend, but your brother.”

Kim said during the suspension, the fraternity members who were left

grew closer. They could not host events, so they would usually go GoKarting, go to the movies or have bonfires at the beach, he said.

The fraternity currently has a total of 15 members, compared to the average IFC fraternity membership of 50 to 60. Kim said the fraternity will work with the Student Life and Leadership administration to plan a large recruiting strategy for next semester.

“We’ll have a whole recruit process that would much rather prefer recruiting quality guys than quantity, and we hope to accomplish that by implementing an interview process during rush,” Kim said. “We learned from the past mistakes from the members of the past and so we’re going to work to prevent anything from happening. We’ll be a positive in the Greek system.”

Phi Kappa Psi will be a testimony to the hard work that was put in order to keep the fraternity together, and they want to keep going in that positive direction, he said.

Timm said he’s impressed with Phi Kappa Psi and what the Greek system has been through lately.

“We’re going through a renaissance,” Timm said. “The things that have happened in the past are in the past. There are a new group of students who are committed to upholding great values … and the fact that they’re coming back is a great renaissance. It’s not the Greek system it was two years ago; we’re different.”

619.594.7817 SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

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CAMPUS CRIME

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, ALLIE DAUGHERTY 619.594.6968 TEMPO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

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ADVERTISING 619.594.6977

INDEX OPINION.........................................................................3 TRAVEL & ADVENTURE...............................................4 SPORTS.............................................................................7 CLASSIFIEDS..................................................................11 THE BACK PAGE.........................................................12

Fire May 7 — San Diego State Police received a call regarding a fire at Villa Alvarado Apartments on Alvarado Road. The incident reportedly occurred at 3 a.m. last Thursday.

The reporting party said The Daily Aztec stand in front of the apartments was on fire, SDSU Police Sgt. Ron Broussard said.

They proceeded to extinguish the fire with water. Broussard said the newspaper stand melted, but there was no other property damage. There is no suspect information at this time.

Last week, The Daily Aztec reported that a fire had occurred at the same location on April 26.

SDSU Police Capt. Lamine Secka said a number of papers, including a stack of The Daily Aztec newspapers and miscellaneous fliers, were on fire at the exterior entrance area of the apartment complex. A student stomped on the papers to extinguish the flames, Secka said.

It is unclear if the two incidents are related, Broussard said. Anyone with information regarding either incident should contact the SDSU Police Department at 619594-1991.

Stay away order May 6 — A woman was issued a stay away order after creating a disturbance in the SDSU library.

Broussard said Pecora Coleman, a 33-year-old who is not affiliated with the university, was sleeping in the library and refused to leave when staff asked her to. The woman has been asked to leave the library a number of times in the past, Broussard said.

Burglary May 5 — A man was arrested after he burglarized a student’s resi-

dence. Broussard said a female student reported a burglar y in process when she discovered that her screen door was shut, but her main door was open when she returned home to her residence on Dorothy Drive. Police arrested Michael Mitchell, a 19-year-old who is not a SDSU student, for burglary and possession of stolen property. A laptop computer, iPod Touch, purse and wallet were stolen, Broussard said. The suspect was transported to jail following his arrest.

—Compiled by Assistant City Editor Kristina Blake

OPINION

Monday, May 10, 2010

THE DAILY AZTEC E D I T O R I A L B OA R D Ruthie Kelly • Managing Editor Faryar Borhani • Editor in Chief Sarah Grieco • Managing Editor Allan Acevedo • Opinion Editor Reneé Villaseñor • Assistant Opinion Editor

The Daily Aztec

3

FREEDOM HAWK

The US must improve national security efforts

Opinion — the voice of The Daily Aztec The Daily Aztec is committed to generating responsible, thoughtful commentary on issues important to San Diego State and the surrounding community. If you would like to submit a letter, a column or a column topic to the Editorial Board to be considered for publication, contact us at opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed; please include your full name and year in school or city of residence and profession.

AS pay increase is irresponsible

L

ast year, the citizens of California passed a proposition that prevents the governor, members of the state legislature and other top state officials from receiving salary increases if the state General Fund is expected to have a deficit.

Most agree that this is something all governments, national and local, should abide by. Unfortunately, San Diego State’s own student government doesn't.

On April 21, members of Associated Students voted for a measure that defies a principal even the state government must abide by.

Members voted for a salary increase for the executive board to compensate for the cost of living in San Diego during the summer.

Executive board members, who are required to live locally during the summer, previously were only compensated for the cost of living for the fall and spring semesters. The measure allowed for $4,947 to be added to each of the five executive board members’ $21,490 annual salaries.

In addition, the outgoing board members will be compensated $4,731 for last summer. While most of the money being paid to outgoing executive members will be pulled from savings in this year’s budget, A.S. has said that it does not know where the extra $24,735 — the total cost of the increase for all five executive board members — will come from in future years.

In addition to their salaries, which are calculated to include the annual cost of tuition, executive board members are also eligible for financial aid. In fact, both Vice President of Finance Ignacio Prado and President Tyler Boden currently receive financial aid in addition to their A.S. salaries. For many students, a $21,490 salary, plus financial aid, is more than enough to live in San Diego for the year.

In an attempt to legitimize the measure, the current and incoming board members abstained from voting. The measure still passed 17-7, with 15 members abstaining. This may seem like a more fair way to conduct the vote, but it should come as no surprise that members voted to increase the pay of their friends and colleagues, especially when it has no direct effect on them ... not to mention that many are likely planning on running for executive positions in the future.

We understand the motivations that prompted A.S. to vote to increase the executives' salaries, but we can’t ignore this irresponsible use of student fees. The council can save money while ensuring the executive members are supported; all it takes is a little creativity. The bylaw in the executive members’ contracts states that members must be paid the estimated cost of living for a student off campus, the budget crisis should have prompted a search for alternative solutions; a deal with the Office of Housing Administration to live in University Towers during the summer at a discounted price would be a possible way to prevent the board from having to use more of our student fees for its own financial cushion, for example.

In an interview, the executive director of A.S., Dan Cornthwaite, who proposed the salary increase, said, “Over the years, observing the work ethic of the execs, it’s money well spent.” While it’s arguable whether or not such a use is money well spent, it’s virtually certain that the money could have been better spent. A.S.’ job, first and foremost, is to act in the best interest of students.

If A.S. had acted on this principle, it wouldn't have passed this measure; the money could have been used to give back to students through services or scholarships. For example, the cumulative $24,735 that will now be added to the executives’ salaries could have been used for $500 study abroad scholarships for almost 50 students — enough to make the difference between a student being able to afford studying abroad or not.

It's crucial for our student leaders to continue to promote student interests during this financial crisis.

This means that they must not only provide a leading voice against budget cuts, but also be vigilant in their own actions to ensure that precious funds are allocated to the students and services that need them most.

The passing of this salary increase may be justifiable because of the time executive board members are required to put into their jobs, but it is an irresponsible action when the needs of the greater student body are considered. Our student government cannot continue to pass hypocritical measures such as this without a thorough consideration of the alternatives — otherwise, the SDSU student body will continue to pay.

MCT Campus

The recent car bombing attempt in Times Square shows a need for the U.S. to reevaluate its approach to security.

O

n May 1, the U.S. faced its third terror attack in six months. A 30-yearold naturalized citizen from Pakistan, Faisal Shahzad, has been arrested and admitted to parking a car loaded with explosives in Times Square. The crude bomb found in a Nissan Pathfinder in Manhattan was similar to those used in attempted terrorists attacks in London and Glasgow, Scotland in 2007, according to The Weekly Standard. Fortunately, a street vendor noticed the suspicious car and alerted the police. Because of the bomb’s poor construction, it was able to be defused in time.

Shahzad flew into Pakistan several months ago and learned to make bombs in terrorist camps in Waziristan, Pakistan. Since Shahzad’s arrest, eight other terrorists in high levels of the Pakistan Taliban have been arrested. E-mails and long distance phone calls between Shahzad and the Taliban have been uncovered.

Thankfully, authorities arrested Shahzad as he attempted to board a plane for Dubai at John F. Kennedy airport.

More disturbing than this, the same officials who made excuses for their failure to stop these terror attacks in this current administration were downplaying the incident and making excuses as early as the next morning.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano suggested that the failed attempt was a “one-off” event during an interview on ABC. She was then asked about the possibility of international involvement, to which she responded “Well, right now, we have no evidence that it is anything other than a one-off but we are alerting state, local officials around the country, letting them know what is going on.”

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was quick to hypothesize the attacker might be upset with recently passed health care reform in another desperate swipe to paint the tea partiers — or “tea baggers,” a derogatory term even President Barack Obama has applied to the group, according to a book authored by Newsweek columnist Jonathan Alter — as a radical terrorist group. Democratic New York Sen. Charles Schumer said, “odds are quite high he is a lone wolf.”

This sounds very familiar, doesn’t it?

Hours after the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, FBI officials told Fox News that a link to terrorism “was not being discussed.” When reports came out that the shooter, Nidal Malik Hasan, had been in contact via e-mail with senior al-Qaeda member and recruiter Anwar alAwlaki, the FBI claimed their correspondence was not significant. After the number of e-mails was released, the FBI pitifully covered itself by saying it was part of the psychiatrist's “research.”

P AT R I C K W A L S H S E N I O R S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

Six weeks later, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was able to board a plane to the U.S., after his parents warned the U.S. Embassy they felt their son had become a radical terrorist. As the plane descended above Detroit, Abdulmutallab made a failed attempt to detonate explosives sewn to his underwear. The Obama administration followed the same playbook in response to this attack. Napolitano and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs tried to claim the “system worked.” It took three full days for the president to release an official statement about the attack while he was on vacation in Hawaii, to which he called Abdulmutallab “an isolated extremist.” This was said after Abdulmutallab admitted to FBI agents that he had trained with alQaeda in Yemen.

It’s clear that the Obama administration and its left wing allies are desperately trying to paint these attacks as isolated incidents. However, they have been proven wrong each time. They need to call this what it is: Terrorism. During the past six months two of three attempted attacks have been avoided while the third, unfortunately, was not stopped. We can’t be complacent.

It’s clear the current Homeland Security leaders are not up to the task. Three times in six months the system has failed. They are failing the American people and changes are needed immediately. We must fight this terror. A shakeup of the Homeland Security and intelligence agencies are in order.

The George W. Bush administration went seven years without a terrorist attack after Sept.

11. It was able to do so by defining our enemy and understanding their nature and capability, then defeating it.

We must allow the intelligence community to work to its full potential and use every legal tool possible to carry out its mission. Attorney General Eric Holder’s war on the CIA is not helping. There are two potential problems occurring: Either we are not getting the proper intelligence to thwart these attacks before they happen or our intelligence community is too hesitant to act upon these leads.

We can’t afford to continue to fight terror by relying on Lady Luck.

—Patrick Walsh is a political science junior.

—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.

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

The Daily Aztec

Monday, May 10, 2010

Critical Mass cyclists take back the streets M AT T D O R A N S TA F F W R I T E R

A teeming horde donning all manners of wild costumes screams and shouts. A horn blares to alert the mob to move into formation. A few break off from the pack, the exodus begins and the invasion is imminent. No, the Huns aren’t coming — it’s Critical Mass, set to siege the streets of San Diego.

Critical Mass is a free monthly event for cycling enthusiasts to gather and ride together around San Diego. The goal of Critical Mass is to raise awareness of bikers’ rights to share the road with automobiles and promote cycling as a green mode of transportation.

“Bikers are disrespected when cars come around,” Owen, a junior at High Tech High School, said. “And we’re out here making sure they notice us.” Participants do not need to be activists, though. Many riders come to enjoy the camaraderie and a night ride through San Diego.

“I just like riding bikes and coming out here, hanging out and riding with my friends,” Joey, a graphic design student at Mesa College, who has been riding in Critical Mass for almost five years, said.

Critical Mass began in San Francisco in 1992 and has since spread to more than 300 cities worldwide. It has been in San Diego for almost a decade and continues to gain popularity. Most rides average 1,000 cyclists, and frequent riders are affectionately known as “massers.”

Critical Mass takes place the last Friday of every month, rain or shine. Riders begin meeting at 7 p.m. at the fountain by the Rueben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. At roughly 10 minutes to 8 p.m., a loud, Viking horn echoes across the pavilion, signaling everyone to begin circling the fountain.

As riders gather around the fountain, they

Courtesy of Matt Doran

Participants in Critical Mass meet at 7 p.m. in Balboa Park every last Friday of each month to reclaim the roads and raise awareness about biker’s rights.

hoot and holler, excited for the upcoming ride. When there is no longer any room for bikers to swarm around the fountain, the horn trumpets a second time, and riders begin the journey out past the Prado Museum and into the city.

“The main course goes from here to downtown, then up to all the beach areas, through Clairemont,” Owen said. “It gets over to Mission Valley, Old Town. We go pretty much everywhere.”

There is no set course riders follow. Those in front choose the path extemporaneously and ride through all parts of San Diego. Past rides have gone as far north as Oceanside. An entire ride can be more than 30 miles, but riders usually break off before the end. The ride eventually ends back in Balboa Park, with the die-hard cyclists returning to the fountain as late as 1 a.m.

Of course, more than 1,000 cyclists descending on San Diego’s urban thorough-

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fares can wreak havoc on traffic. There are police officers who escort the ride and do their best to maintain order, but because there is no set path, no roads are blocked off.

Before coming to an intersection, some of the lead riders pull into the crosswalk, dismount and raise their bikes over their heads. This is a sign to the other riders it is safe to pass and also a small act of defiance toward waiting motorists. Once everyone has passed, these cycling crossing guards rejoin the group.

“Safety for this is what you’re taught as a kid,” Brian, a Costco employee and third time rider, said. “Just stay on the right side of the road and go with the flow of traffic.”

With so many riders sharing the road, safety is a concern. Knowing the cycling hand signals can be helpful, but isn’t necessary.

Because the ride takes place at night, lights on a bicycle are a must, and a helmet and

bright clothing are suggested.

Many participants take the opportunity to wear flamboyant clothing, both to be easily seen and to make a fashion statement.

Some women wear hot pants and wigs.

Some men wear costumes. Many riders put extra lights and glow sticks on their bikes. Some even attach music players.

Critical Mass is for everyone and every type of bike. There are serious racers on multi-thousand dollar bikes, trick riders on BMXs, hipsters on vintage Schwinns, trail riders on mountain bikes, couples on two-seaters and even unicyclists. Families and groups of friends ride together, and first-timers mix with veterans.

The next event is on May 28. Students interested in participating only need a bike, the proper safety equipment and the desire for a cycling adventure. Visit www.sandiegocriticalmass.org for more information.

Monday, May 10, 2010

DATING & ROMANCE

The Daily Aztec

5

Ways to work through depression together 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

Depression affects more than the person suffering from it. Loved ones and significant others are also deeply affected.

“Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44,” The National Institute of Mental Health’s website states. With approximately 14.8 million American adults suffering from depression in a given year, many San Diego State students either know someone who has been depressed or have suffered from it themselves. There are multiple recommended methods of helping a partner while still watching out for one’s own well-being.

Recognizing the problem

Depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Whether a person has constant fatigue

or generalized negative self-talk, symptoms often are misinterpreted by friends, family or significant others. Relationships may suffer as people feel their partner has changed, when really, that person is going through a major depressive disorder. If someone’s personality starts to dramatically shift, it is important to support rather than attack. By recognizing the problem and discussing it in a non-confrontational way, that person may be able to start seeking help before the issue gets out of hand.

How to help

Partners of depressed people tend to want to fix the problem. But this can be detrimental to one’s own personal psychology and it is widely recommended to seek outside help.

Encourage the depressed partner to see a therapist who can then recommend them to a psychiatrist if they need medical treatment.

Often when depressed, even the smallest tasks seem like overwhelming mountains that are impossible to climb.

Thinkstock

www.TherapistFinder.com is a resource to aid in finding local and specialized therapists for a significant other who can’t even manage getting out of bed.

Keep a calendar, offer to drive them to their appointments there or remind them when to take medication.

Lead by example. Encourage the person to exercise, avoid alcohol and drugs and eat healthy. Positive activities such as going for a walk to get out into nature or learning how to make a new, healthy dish together promotes teamwork and feelings of comfort.

Research depression together. It helps when couples know what each other are going through so they can provide the necessary support.

Despite multiple advertisements and the strong emphasis placed on medical treatment, therapy and lifestyle changes can be even more important to overcome depression for good.

There are multiple theories about the causes of depression — chemical imbalance, which blames depression on lack of serotonin, is just one of them.

Learning how to be proactive by changing one’s lifestyle can help to avoid the side effects of antidepressants, which can be sleeping, stomach and intestinal problems as well as sexual malfunctions or generalized loss of interest.

If choosing to take medication, remind the depressed partner to never stop “cold turkey,” keep track of any negative mood changes and allow at least one to two weeks between dosage reductions.

But be aware about the potential side effects and risks such. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires a warning label to be placed on medication bottles about the increased risk of suicide in young adults taking the medication.

How to help oneself It can be tiring having to consistently cope with a partner who is apathetic, angry or acting negatively. It is important for people to speak up for themselves and communicate to their partner if they are being abusive or manipulative.

There is only so much one can do for a person who isn’t responding, so make sure to continue to have a social life and not feel guilty about going out with friends or having fun.

People can only help others if they are well enough to take care of themselves.

Staying open and talking about one’s own feelings with family members or friends is also important to stay connected and centered.

Exercise, meditation, support groups and breathing and relaxation techniques ease stress and help one cope with being in the presence of negativity.

Remember, this isn’t permanent.

When to seek help If depression becomes severe, the possibility of suicide may emerge. At this point, professional help is needed. Inform the partner’s family and a doctor. Remove dangerous objects and take away any medication that may be used to overdose.

Talk face-to-face with the partner about the issue and write the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK, on a piece of paper and in their phone. This tollfree, confidential crisis hotline provided by the government offers 24-hour suicide prevention support. The phone number of the San Diego Access and Crisis Line is 1-800-479-3339.

For online depression groups, visit www.depressiontribe.com.

For more information about depression, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s website at www.nimh.nih.gov.

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6

DATING & ROMANCE

The Daily Aztec

Monday, May 10, 2010

How to stay together when thousands of miles apart AN D R E A M O RA S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

San Diego State is known for its diverse study abroad program. More than 1,600 SDSU students leave for a semester or two each year to embark on adventures. For those in a committed relationship and have never been away

from their significant others, it may be best to set some ground rules before departing.

Many people may assume that the love one shares with their partner is enough to hold the relationship together. But lacking essential elements such as time, effort and communication can fizzle out any passionate romance. The following are tips to help keep a relationship together overseas.

Stay connected Many multimedia devices and social networking websites allow people to more easily stay in touch. In long distance relationships, it is vital to communicate with each other as often as possible because daily updates can help couples stay in sync despite the distance.

“Without (communication) don’t even bother,” international business senior Nytza Cardenas said, who has been in a long distance relationship for nearly five months.

She still talks on the phone with her boyfriend every day. “There’s no point in having a relationship if you can’t involve the other person.”

Any medium used to stay in contact is significant to both partners because it lets them know that they are missed. Even if one person is far away, it keeps them in the loop of what is happening in their boyfriend or girlfriend’s life.

Those who have cell phones can send text messages if it is too expensive to make a long distance call. For those who have Internet access, send daily e-mails or Facebook messages. Make a cyber date. For those who have a webcam, take communication a step further and create a Skype or MSN Messenger account, which allows couples to video chat.

Set respectable boundaries Thinkstock

Many people would not think about cheating on their partner, but it may be recommended for couples to talk openly about the possibility of unexpected scenarios.

When traveling to a new country, people should expect the unexpected. And while one should enjoy their experience abroad, partners can remain loyal to each other by establishing reasonable boundaries.

“I’ve always told (my boyfriend), ‘don’t do anything you wouldn’t want me to do,’” Cardenas said. “It’s common sense. You know when you are doing something that’s going to upset the other person in the relationship. There are limits.”

Be honest More than staying connected, it is important for couples to remain honest with each other.

If something does happen, if feelings change or infidelity occurs, that person should have the courage to tell their partner. Don’t assume that because something happened overseas that it does not matter or that their significant other will not find out.

If one’s significant other has the opportunity to study abroad, their partner should support and trust them. Ultimately, if a couple maintains strong communication and are honest with one another, the relationship can last the distance and time apart.

All relationships face challenges and some are more difficult than others. The distance between two people can be a challenging factor in a relationship, but if there is constant communication and interest in one another, time apart could bring a couple closer together.

Living as roommates without ruining the friendship Roommates don’t necessarily need to have completely similar personalities, but boundaries and expectations should be set before moving in. There should be a formulaic way of determining whose turn it is to take out the trash, load the dishwasher, clean the counters, etc. If kept track by tallies or determined by a schedule, roommates may not have to be in charge of hassling one another to do their part.

Visitors

MCT Campus

Before moving in together, take the time to effectively communicate in order to keep order under the same roof.

Moving in with a pal can can significantly change the relationship EM M A S E C K E R CONTRIBUTOR

As the school year comes to a close, so do many San Diego State students’ housing leases. Some students will say tearful farewells to residence hall roommates who turned into best friends, while others will run gleefully out the front door clutching their boxes and bags, never looking back.

But for many people, summer marks a time when big decisions must be made that may have a significant impact for years to come: Where and with whom to live?

When it comes to choosing roommates, despite all contrary advice, many students immediately decide to move in with their closest friends. They reason that because they are compatible as friends, this will certainly translate into them being compatible as roommates. For some, this may be true.

Others, unfortunately, may become tragically attuned with the phrase “you don’t know someone until you live with them.”

Home is where people are able to completely strip down to their naked selves

(some literally as well as figuratively) and shed public façades. When living with one’s family, students may be grumpy, messy, particular, private, quiet or loud. At the end of the day, poor behavior is more often tolerated. Because of genetic kinship, families tend to love each member regardless. A sister may selfishly use the last of the hot water and receive retribution from another sister; but as soon as they are done tattling to the parents, they continue being siblings.

In childhood homes people may act shamelessly and families love each member anyway.

With roommates, the living dynamic is much different. For the situation to run smoothly, and most importantly, to keep the friendship strong, certain groundwork should be laid out beforehand. Important rules must be established.

Cleaning While some people need cleanliness to function, others relish in the disorder, mess and mayhem of the college student lifestyle.

The first type believes dirty dishes belong in the dishwasher, while type two thinks this is impractical. Type one prefers backpacks and notebooks to be kept in rooms and on desks and type two thinks the dining room table should be the desk — and the beer pong table, for that matter.

Another important policy to establish before moving in is when people are allowed to visit the house. When it comes to visitors staying the night or large volumes of people coming over and being rowdy, it is considerate to check with the other roommates beforehand. If one roommate wants their significant other to stay the night, they should run it by the roommates first — especially if the bedroom is shared.

It can be uncomfortable for roommates to sleep in the same room as another couple, and nobody should feel like a stranger in their own room or house. If one knows that they don’t like many of the people their friend hangs out with or their significant other, then the living situation should be questioned before it’s too late. Otherwise, it could become an issue in the future and could put enormous strain on the friendship.

taking the time they spend together for granted because they live in the same house, but that is the first wrong turn many friendships take.

Remind friends how much their company is enjoyed and spend time with one another outside of the house to keep that part of the friendship stimulating and exciting.

The most important thing to consider before moving in with a close friend is whether or not it is worth taking the risk.

Many will say, it is almost easier living with mere acquaintances than with close friends Roommates in many respects have to maintain a business-like relationship and must effectively manage affairs that are not always pleasant. Friends may be fun to party with, but having that party brought to the house when trying to study presents a problem.

A roommate’s inability to manage money may have seemed irrelevant before, but at the end of the month, no one wants to worry about having to pay a friend’s portion of the electric bill. Although, these issues can be avoided.

Living with close friends can be a great experience and many have succeeded in keeping their friendships strong.

Remember, maintaining the friendships the number one priority. Always be honest with one another and living with close friends can be a great option for many.

Communication Communication is by far the most essential factor in maintaining a peaceful household among friends. Roommates can be completely different, but much of the household incongruity can be transcended by proper communication. It might impossible for both messy and clean types of people to happily coexist in one house. However, many may find that as long as each housemate is accepting, tolerant and respectful of the other, it is more than possible. What is most important is that roommates discuss honestly what they expect from one another.

Some rules: Never nag one another, leave rude notes or get angry, because then roommates may get defensive. Simply remind them if they are slacking in one way or another or need to contribute more.

Roommate activities A final, but crucial way to avoid friendships growing stale and embittered is by continuing to do the same fun activities as before moving in together. Roommates can begin

T i p s fo r n e w r o o m m a t e s 1. Keep a list of chores with a rotation to remind everyone whose turn it is for the given duty.

2. Collect rent and other bill payments ahead of time so problems wont arise last minute.

3 . Vocalize concerns and problems rather than keeping them bottled up inside. The key to a healthy household is communication.

4. Do not nag roommates: Everybody wants their independence.

5. Have a roommate night at least once a week where everyone hangs out as friends, with no mention of house-related issues.

6. Help each other out in small ways such as setting an extra alarm for a roommate to make sure they don’t sleep through an important exam. This will reinforce how much the friendship is still valued and not taken for granted.

Monday, May 10, 2010

SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

7

SOFTBALL

Seniors earn shutout in final home game Alnes, Knudsen, Fleming and Quichocho-Rosario win in final home game D AN P E R E Z S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Nicholas Santiago / Staff Photographer

Monica Alnes was one of four seniors to play their final game at the SDSU Softball Stadium on Saturday.

Every home win for the San Diego State softball team ends with the same tradition — the singing of the SDSU Fight Song.

But Saturday’s version had a different ring to it as the Aztecs’ four graduating seniors led the team in its rendition SDSU 1 on Senior Day. First baseman Monica Alnes, UTAH 0 outfielder Brittany Knudsen, catcher Sydney Fleming and outfielder Stefanie Quichocho-Rosario were recognized by friends, family and fans after their second win of the weekend against Utah.

“These four are very special ladies, on and off the field,” head coach Kathy Van Wyk said.

“They have been some of the best leaders this program has ever seen. It’s tough to know that they’ll never play in this stadium again.”

The four put their emotions to work in the three final homes games of the season, going 2-1 against Utah and Brigham Young. But they had help, as junior pitcher Samantha Beasley put SDSU (31-13, 9-3 in Mountain West Conference play) on her back.

“She (Beasley) carried us just like she has been all season,” Van Wyk said. “She has had the ultimate confidence in the past few weeks, and even on Thursday she was superb. But she had one bad pitch and that’s where the heartbreak came from.”

In the loss to BYU on Thursday, the Aztecs jumped out to the lead first in the fifth inning, as freshman right fielder Patrice Jackson sent a sacrifice fly ball deep into center field to bring Quichocho-Rosario home from third base.

The Cougars finally got to Beasley in the top of the sixth inning. Beasley’s no-hitter was broken up by J.C. Clayton’s lead off single.

The next batter up, Andrea R amirez, launched a 0-2 pitch from Beasley to give BYU a 2-1 lead that it would not let go of for the rest of the game.

“I was really angry after the game on Thursday, but it only lasted about a half an hour,” Alnes said. “But I texted some friends on UNLV and told them they had to win and focused on making sure we beat Utah.”

In the first game against Utah, Beasley wasn’t the only dominant force for SDSU. Freshman catcher Kristin May went 3-3 with one home run and four RBIs. May racked up the last two of RBIs and put a dagger into the Utes with a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth, capping off a four-run inning for the Aztecs.

“I really wanted to win that game for the seniors,” May said. “And it was really good to be able to put so many runs on the board and do my job.”

On Senior Day the game was scoreless until the bottom of the sixth, when Knudsen recorded the only RBI of the game, scoring sophomore Felicia Reifschneider from second.

“It felt so good to go out on two wins, but at the same time it’s so sad to know I’ll be leaving,” Alnes said. “This is my family. This field where I’ve spent 70 hours a week for five years is my home. I know I’ll be heading to the real world, but saying goodbye is never easy.”

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Monday, May 10, 2010

SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

9

BASEBALL

Wilson, Crabb injured as Aztecs rout Falcons F E L I N A T A M BA KO S S TA F F W R I T E R

The San Diego State baseball team’s scoreboard may read impressive, but one look between the lines and you’ll see a game of injuries and headaches.

Saturday afternoon, SDSU knocked the Air Force Falcons 21-6 at Tony Gwynn Stadium despite two crucial injuries and a man with a migraine behind the plate.

In the bottom of the first, sophomore catcher Chris Wilson got a solid triple, but went down somewhere SDSU 21 in between second and third base because of AIR FORCE 6 pain in his knee. Head coach Tony Gwynn had no choice but to bring in the Aztecs’ usual junior catcher Matt Parker in his place.

“He’d been having migraines last night,” Gwynn said after the game. “He told me he was down to play but understood that it would be best that he sit out so that I don’t have both of my catchers in the lineup, in case something like this happened.”

Parker filled in well behind the plate, getting three runners out on attempted steals, despite his migraine troubles.

A half inning later, freshman pitcher Bryan Crabb was hit in the foot on a come-backer that had him doing the stop, drop, and roll off the mound. Great defensive plays, including a ball being flipped out of sophomore first baseman Jomel Torres’ glove to catch a guy at the plate, helped get Crabb to the bench. Crabb lasted midway through the fourth inning, but was obviously having a tough time.

“That’s part of the game,” Gwynn said.

“Injuries are gonna happen; you need to have depth. Luckily (we) have guys that can step in and do the job.”

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

After sophomore catcher Chris Wilson went down with a knee injury, junior Matt Parker stepped in and played exceptionally well, despite dealing with migraines.

The depth of the SDSU roster carried the game to an incredible lead thanks to hot bats all through the lineup and relief pitching.

Junior outfielder Cory Vaughn almost hit the cycle with a single, double, and two threerun homers into deep left field. He pulled in seven RBIs during the game, just trailing behind the Aztec record of eight.

“The first thing I see go straight over the plate, I’m trying to put a swing on it,” Vaughn said. “A lot of times they try to just throw that

going to look at (Air Force’s) record and think it’s gonna be easy, but they’re Air Force cadets. They’re not just gonna roll over and let you beat them.

“That’s a constant battle we’re playing with ourselves. Even though we scored a ton of runs, we still have to go up there (to) throw strikes, make plays, and hit the ball.”

With the win, SDSU’s record improves back above .500 to 24-23, with about two weeks before the season wraps.

one fastball by you to get ahead of the count, but that’s the one I want.”

Big hitter, sophomore right-fielder Brandon Meredith, also had a great game at the plate. He went 3-4 with two doubles, and a controversial call at first base on his one unsuccessful at-bat.

“In the big picture we did a lot of things right,” Gwynn said. “We scored 21 runs on 18 hits; that should get it done for pretty much any team. Your biggest nightmare is that we’re

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The Daily Aztec

SPORTS

Monday, May 10, 2010

FOOTBALL

SUMMER FUN

QB mentor thinks SDSU should utilize ‘The Q’

The Daily Aztec is looking for writers for all sections. It’s not too late to start for the summer!

Swing by The Daily Aztec offices in the basement of the EBA building, or call 619-594-4199 for more information. www.thedailyaztec.com

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

Quarterback guru Steve Clarkson believes holding camps at Qualcomm Stadium would be an advantage.

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

Qualcomm Stadium holds a capacity crowd of more than 70,000. It plays host to more than 15 combined college and professional football games in any given season. And, according to quarterback guru Steve Clarkson — who has coached QB greats such as Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Leinart and Jimmy Clausen — it also may be the key to rejuvenating San Diego State’s lackluster football team.

“I’d like to see them utilize the stadium itself a little bit more,” Clarkson said of the SDSU football team. “I know all they do when they run their camps is they have it at their practice facilities and that’s fine; but ultimately it’s playing in a pro stadium that gives those kids a special feel that, ‘If I come to San Diego State, this is where it all happens.’”

Clarkson was in San Diego on Saturday for his annual high school quarterback camp. Every year, he sees hundreds — if not thousands — of potential Division I quarterback prospects all across the country. If the Aztecs use Qualcomm Stadium as a recruiting tool, he said, SDSU might have a better chance to land some of those key prospects.

“My perspective would be if they get more proactive and less reactive, then I would see this as a great opportunity (to get recruits),” Clarkson said. “Because certainly the weather, this city, the facility — it’s certainly comparable to a major program, so there’s no reason why it can’t do what it should do.”

Two of the quarterback recruits on the Aztecs’ radar in attendance on Saturday at Helix High School for Clarkson’s quarterback camp, “The Steve Clarkson Dreammaker Tour,” are St. Augustine High School’s Evan Crower and Newbury Park High School’s Jake Geringer. Both said Qualcomm Stadium was definitely a plus when considering SDSU, but neither said it was a dealmaker.

“It’s an awesome facility, and the Chargers play there too, so it’d be an amazing opportunity to play there,” said Geringer, who is also drawing interest from, among other schools, UCLA, USC and Oregon.

“You get a lot of people watching you and you get a lot of exposure, but just to be there at the school with those coaches and to get the opportunity to learn from them and become the best player I can be, I think would be the best.” “(Qualcomm) is a big factor too — the stadium holds like 50,000; they can get a lot of fans at Qualcomm,” Crower added.

“But I’m looking to play; I’m looking to get involved in the program, do whatever I got to do to play.”

Head coach Brady Hoke and the Aztecs will conduct five single day camps in June, which are open to all high school football players. While the camp is not a combine or a recruiting day, it gives coaches a chance to see potential recruits and gives potential recruits a chance to see what SDSU has to offer. None of the camps are expected to be held at Qualcomm Stadium.

The university said the reason the camps take place at practice facilities, as opposed to Qualcomm St adium, is money. To pay for the use of the stadium for camps would be “astronomical,” the school said. Transporting the players, getting security for the event and having the proper medical care available at the site would make the camp’s $45 participation fee significantly higher.

Crower, who already committed to Stanford, will likely not attend the Aztecs’ camps this summer. Geringer, meanwhile, said he is trying to make it out to a camp in June. Either way, Clarkson is convinced if SDSU can better utilize its resources, that it could have a successful football program.

“They did it once with Marshall Faulk and Dan McGwire back in the day,” Clarkson said. “And they clearly can do it again.”

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The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR: TWISTED WIT

Catching coffee shop fever for finals

I

t’s that time of the year again — the days are getting hotter, the skirts are getting shorter and finals are lurking around the corner like a bad hangover after a night of tequila.

In all honesty, I’m a little worried about the weeks to come. As much as I want to believe it, summer’s still a few weeks away and I’ve still got a butt-load of studying to do before I can ride my bike shirtless along the beach while blasting Jack Johnson on repeat.

Just kidding, I’m not a d-bag.

Still, as the days are getting closer to summer, it’s been harder to concentrate in class. Only significant amounts of coffee and frequent and unsuccessful attempts to make it past the sixth level of Tetris on my iPod Touch — damn you, awkwardly shaped green block! — have successfully kept me awake throughout class.

Recently, however, my teachers have steadily increased their looks of pity toward me and the rest of the class has started to become a bit unnerving. I’ve decided it’d be best to buckle down and put some actual study time in.

Although it would probably be just as easy to study at home, I’ve always enjoyed studying at coffee shops near San Diego State.

Because I was born with the attention span of a small rodent, it’s a great help having an unlimited supply of coffee at my disposal to help power through essays,

Monday, May 10, 2010

CHRIS POCOCK S TA F F W R I T E R

books, articles or whatever.

But that’s really only a small part of it. The truth is, I’m a selfconfessed people-watching addict.

Cafés are great places to people-watch because, obviously, there is a large variety of people who buy their mocha-latte-cappafrappa-whatevers at coffee shops.

Each café is a small reality show, with its own cast of weird regulars who can range anywhere from the homeless to the everyday suburban housewives.

In a small way, I feel like coffee shops have helped me with my education, and have maybe even taught me a few things. Here are some examples.

Poetry If you would have asked me a few months ago, I would have probably told you that being written about in a poem is pretty flattering. Until recently, I’ve never had someone describe me in rhyme scheme. That is, until a homeless regular I sometimes talk to wrote me a lengthy, rhyming poem.

Even though he described me as a blond Justin Bieber — ouch — I have to admit, I’m a bit taken aback, as well as creeped the hell out.

Sex Education While I was getting out of my car

a few weeks ago, I was witness to a hilarious scene occurring at the drive-thru at a popular coffee shop. As the man slowly and with great difficulty, ordered drinks, the woman sitting next to him was using her mouth to perform an act I can hardly describe in this article. Even more hilariously, the whole group of people working inside rushed to the window to watch the whole thing via drivethru camera. The best part is — she ordered a white chocolate mocha.

Women’s Study The other day, I went to a nearby café to study for an upcoming exam. As I sat reading one of the required books for the final, an ancient man sitting next to me observed a chubby, 50-year-old woman get out of her car to order a drink.

“Goddamn it,” the old man said, elbowing me so I’d see the middle-aged woman. “If women like that keep walking by, I’m never going to get home. You know what I mean?”

Although I’m not attracted to the fairer, “well-aged” sort of women, strangely, I’ve got to admit that I knew exactly what he meant.

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (5/10/10) Your inner wisdom will provide insights that you can test in practical ways.Your sense of where to make changes may move deeper into your subconscious, yet your efforts achieve practical, measurable results.Tune up the volume on intuition.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 Although today may feel stressful, energy will flow creatively if you remember to breathe. Results aren't immediately apparent but are worth waiting for.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 6 - Every instruction you give seems like criticism. Actually, you're excited by the possibilities but want to make detailed refinements.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 6 Ungrounded ideas have been floating around at work. As you draw them in, you see how they fit together.Take stock and share them with co-workers.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 5 On one hand, you want to be the leader and the life of the party. On the other, you'd be just as happy going your own way.You get to choose.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 You're tempted to play those slot machines today. Not a good idea. Instead, wax enthusiastic at work.Take creative risks rather than financial ones.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 5 You hear things straight from the horse's

mouth.You also can gather information from dreams or meditation - less direct, but equally revealing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 5 The balance tilts in favor of careful spending. Everyone wants to get more stuff, but do you really need it all?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 - If you could charge money for all the love going around right now, you'd be wealthy.You understand the needs of others, and they respond in kind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 6 - The work you do today contributes greatly to a career goal. It seemed like something was missing, but now you've got it, and you make it yours.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 6 - You're aware that you're ready to advance to the next stage.There are still nagging details to be resolved in order for you to move forward.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - An investment in home and family today is worth the effort. An older person suggests a gift that satisfies practical needs and also provides pleasure.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 Count yourself among the fortunate.You find out early on what's needed to please your boss.You have all day to figure out the logistics. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

—Chris Pocock is an English sophomore.

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

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

LOOKING THROUGH OUR LENS

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

RAIL JAMMING Assistant Photo editor David J. Olender captured this student competing in the Campus Rail Jam Tour that took place Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium.

ACROSS 1 The U.S. minimum is $7.25 per hour 5 In the phone directory 11 It can follow poli or precede fi 14 One out of two 15 Break out of jail 16 Refusals 17 Amo, amas, __ 18 Ground beef concoctions on buns 20 Nervous twitch 21 Kitchen cabinet stack 22 Light beige 23 Dried meat sticks 25 War’s opposite 26 Apprehension 27 Food fish that’s often red 29 Quechua-speaking country 30 Two-time loser to Ike 32 Radical ’60s org.

33 Winter underwear 37 Doofus 40 “Do __ See God?”: Jon Agee palindrome book 41 Meat-inspecting org.

45 Visibly embarrassed 47 Lynx family member 49 Kind of carnival show 50 Toronto ball team 52 Airline to BenGurion 53 On the train 55 Rockies hrs.

56 Fruit-and-cinnamon-flavored cereal

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 58 59 60 61

Samoa’s capital Go after in court Surgeon’s tool Long race, for short 62 Military gps.

63 Military instructions 64 Coastal raptor DOWN 1 Bugs’s question to “Doc” 2 Pooh’s creator 3 Ice Age remnant 4 Young newt 5 Nielsen of “Naked Gun” films 6 Muslim religion 7 Highlanders, e.g.

8 Record, à la Nixon

9 Omar of “The Mod Squad” movie 10 “L.A. Law” co-star Susan 11 Nestlé brand named for its covering of tiny white confection balls 12 Strong-armed 13 Publishers, e.g.

19 Cherokee on the road 21 Jammies 24 Handle roughly 25 “Royal” annoyance 27 Gin flavoring 28 Slangy “No way” 30 Elderly 31 School dance VIPs 34 Grimm beast

35 Formerly, in wedding news 36 Math or soc. studies 37 Side by side 38 Sea lion newborn 39 Pancho’s ponchos 42 Run playfully 43 Motel with a sunrise in its logo 44 On the line 46 Relate 47 Pops, as a bubble 48 Multivolume ref.

50 Italian bowling game 51 Southern California hoopster 53 Open just a bit 54 57-Down, for one 57 “Xanadu” rock gp.

58 Chowed down