The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 19

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Vol. 95, Issue 19

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

MEN’S BASKETBALL

GREEK BEAT

FOOD & DRINK

New organization to form on campus Sorority Outreach and Support is a new organization forming at San Diego State this semester. Its purpose to is to focus on the prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence and to educate sororities about the proper means of handling sexual assault and domestic violence victims within their own sororities.

Breanna Piper, political science senior and president of Sorority Outreach and Support, said she and Delta Gamma alumna Morgan Jenkins sought after creating this organization because they have both been victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

“We want to give (girls) support and resources to help them in the process of prosecuting if they choose to do so,” Piper said.

Students are not required to be involved in the Greek system to join the organization.

A NEW SCHOOL Bartending school teaches the basics in becoming a bartender and gives you the connections you need to get started in the world of bartending. page 3

TEMPO

Fraternity welcomes new neighbors to Fraternity Row Sigma Nu hosted a barbecue event and welcome party for its new neighbors, the Student Veteran Organization last Sunday.

The veterans moved into the house of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, which was expelled in May of last year because of regulation violations.

UNDER THE SCOPE We spoke with co-writers of “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell,” Tucker Max and Nils Parker on upcoming film, booze and egos. page 5

Fraternity comes back on campus The Interfraternity Council has been reduced from 16 to 11 fraternities as a result of five fraternities being expelled between May of last year and this month. The expelled fraternities include Sigma Pi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Delta Sigma Phi, Theta Chi and Sigma Alpha Mu. Doug Case, coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said the IFC is excited about bringing Phi Delta Theta back to campus next month. The Phi Delta Theta Director of Expansion Dustin Struble, will be organizing the recruitment efforts for the new fraternity this week.

TODAY @ SDSU Dear Harvey 8 p.m., Experimental Theatre The SDSU School of Theatre, Television and Film show a collection of stories of Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist and California politician.

For more of today’s headlines, visit:

www.thedailyaztec.com

CONTACT Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

GENERAL INFORMATION IN CHIEF, FARYAR BORHANI 619.594.4190 EDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

—Compiled by Staff Writer Reem Nour

WADE GOES GREEK

619.594.4199

EDITOR

Former SDSU men’s basketball forward Lorrenzo Wade is taking his game overseas. Read about his journey to Greece on page 4.

CITY EDITOR, KEVIN MCCORMACK 619.594.7782 CITYEDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

FEATURES EDITOR, AMINATA DIA 619.594.6976 FEATURE@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

SPORTS EDITOR, EDWARD LEWIS 619.594.7817 SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM OF MIND EDITOR, ALLAN ACEVEDO 619.594.0509 OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

Little champs make big impact

STATE

TEMPO EDITOR, ANYA MOBERLY 619.594.6968 TEMPO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

ART DIRECTOR, ELENA BERRIDY 619.594.6979 ARTDIRECTOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

PHOTO EDITOR, GLENN CONNELLY 619.594.7279 PHOTO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

WEB EDITOR, MYLENE ERPELO 619.594.3315 WEB@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

ADVERTISING 619.594.6977

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

B E AU B E A R D E N S P O R T S S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

It was a journey that these 12 young men from Chula Vista will never forget.

The members of the Park View Little League team did the unthinkable by making it to the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., and defeating Chinese Taipei to win it all.

The PVLL team’s accomplishment also parallels with someone who just left San Diego State last year.

“A pitcher like Stephen Strasburg, who is a San Diego native and played for SDSU gives the children here in San Diego and other places in the country a reason to want to come to SDSU,” child development junior and

South Bay resident Cynthia Rodriguez said. “Park View winning that championship has young people considering SDSU for athletics and academics.”

Strasburg has been mentioned among the Blue Bombers as well.

PVLL head coach Ric Ramirez said he didn’t think it was farfetched for his players to want to be like Strasburg one day.

“I think because of Stephen Strasburg, those who pitch are going to want to go to San Diego State and be like him,” Ramirez said.

“He’s another one who has accomplished something that has immortalized himself at San Diego State.”

PVLL did more than just win a championship.

“I feel that this team has put a mark on Park View as far as Little League,” Ramirez said. “You can

now say that Park View is legendary, I don’t think that’s putting it lightly. I think what we want to do is to do something at Park View that’s going to immortalize the team because it is a once in a lifetime type of thing.”

The city of Chula Vista came together to celebrate the win with a rally set up by Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox. An estimated 10,000 fans showed up as well as a number of high-profile individuals such as former San Diego Padres Phil Nevin and Randy Jones. The team also received the key to the city and a plaque for each player, recognizing their accomplishment. Lastly, Chula Vista declared Sept. 15 as “Park View Little League World Champions Day.” But none of this compares to the effect the Blue Bombers’ victory had

on Chula Vista’s youth.

“For Chula Vista, as far as the kids, it made them believe that going to the World Series is possible,” Ramirez said. “And I can see how that can be for the young people playing baseball, even for higher level baseball (players) thinking to themselves that these kids could do it. They did it for Chula Vista. It just hit home.”

PVLL has made many appearances since returning from Williamsport, but they have yet to appear at any SDSU-related events.

Ramirez said the university contacted him about going to an Aztec football game, but it conflicted with the Padres game.

“I’m hoping that we reschedule that,” Ramirez said. “Definitely.”

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The Daily Aztec

FOOD & DRINK

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

New group caters to student food lovers HA R D I K SHUKLA CONTRIBUTOR

Some people eat to live and some live to eat.

But, when a bunch of food connoisseurs get together, it’s heaven on Earth. It may be a simple French onion soup, a hamburger or currysalved pomfret; no matter what it is, for foodies, all food is great. Foodies, a new organization on campus, binds students together through their love for food. The group was formed last semester and is now recognized

by San Diego State. Students don’t need to be a hospitality and tourism management major to join this group; it’s open to anyone with an interest in food.

Foodies is affiliated with the California Restaurant Association. The CRA took interest in the group and now helps them in planning events, providing a great platform for students who have an interest in entering the restaurant industry. Members meet industry professionals through the events organized

by Foodies, which help them understand the inner workings of restaurants. During one of its events, the Foodies team went on a behind-the-scenes tour of Phil’s BBQ in San Diego. Fred Glick, vice president of CRA took the organization on a tour of the restaurant and gave them tips on starting a restaurant of their own. In addition, Foodies members were able to try some of the best dishes at Phil’s for free. Last semester, Foodies organized an event called “Who’s Got Better Taste?” This competition between Foodies and other clubs on campus was judged by San Diego chefs to see which of the organizations could come up with the best dishes.

They also carried out a Mardi Gras food drive on campus with proceeds going to the U.S. Food Bank.

Foodies has many interesting events lined up for this semester such as a trip to Fallbrook Winery with a tour of the facilities, grape crushing, lunch and tastings. They also plan to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of The Fish Market, where members will be taught how to prepare fresh sushi by sushi chefs. For more information on the upcoming events and about the group, you can visit it’s Web site at www.sdsufoodies.blogspot.com.

Courtesy of Foodies Group

Foodies is a new organization on campus that is open to all food lovers who want to share a taste of their passion with other students at food events and gatherings.

Courtesy of Foodies Group

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

FOOD & DRINK

The Daily Aztec

3

There’s more to bartending than just serving The job that regularly deals with drunk people, late nights, and bar fights AM Y EB E R S O L E S TA F F W R I T E R

It’s good to know at least one job is benefiting from the economy: Bartending. As many San Diego State students can vouch, not having money won’t stop them from drinking.

Whether looking for a part-time job to make some extra cash or just a fun way to meet new people, bartending is a reasonable option.

There is one rule — every bartender must be at least 21 years old. Having that covered, there are different routes to getting into this career such as bartending school, knowing the right people or going through a restaurant.

“It’s been my experience that either bartending school is a scam, or at the very least it’s unnecessary,” Nicole Novak, a bartender, talent buyer, coordinator and event planner for U-31 Cocktail Lounge & Bar in San Diego, said. “I don’t know any bartenders that went to school.”

Some bars even advertise, “Experienced bartenders only, those with only bartending school will not be considered.”

But for those who want to go this direction, San Diego Bartending School, National Bartenders Bartending School and Bartending Academy of San Diego are options for local schools. They offer courses about standard restaurant and bar procedures, bar terminology, how to increase tips, hands-on training and learning how to bottle flip.

Yet, all that and more can be picked up

MCT Campus

Getting a job as a bartender can have its perks as a college student. More often, going to bartending school isn’t required and even seen as unnecessary to get the job.

through first-hand experience. Starting at a restaurant is a sure way to get experience while making money. After adequate time practicing, around two years, one can then

search the job market for an appealing bar to work at.

Of course, being in the right place at the right time always helps. Knowing the right peo-

ple, as in many entertainment industry jobs, often helps to get a person’s foot in the door.

But working at a bar or restaurant isn’t the only option. Civic and social situations, traveler accommodation, amusement and recreation industries, universities or promoting for performing arts, sports and similar events are all places to put alcohol expertise into action.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-service restaurants have the highest levels of employment for bartenders, as 199,140 people are in this particular industry out of 503,420 people who bartend across the U.S. The mean hourly wage is nearly $10.

“Dealing with drunk people is hard. They can be slow when I’m super busy, forget what they want, order the wrong drink and then don’t want to pay for it ... ” —Nicole Novak, U-31 Cocktail Lounge & Bar bartender

MCT Campus

MCT Campus

But bartending isn’t all bottle flipping and tips; there are long hours, late shifts, bar fights, drunken customers and many guidelines to follow.

“I have to cut at least one drunk person off every night,” Novak said. “Dealing with drunk people is hard. They can be slow when I’m super busy, forget what they want, order the wrong drink and then don’t want to pay for it, leave their credit cards at the bar, not leave as much cash to cover what they ordered, all sorts of shenanigans.”

Luckily, at many bars and clubs, the bouncers check identification at the door and break up fights so bartenders can focus on their long lines full of often-impatient customers.

Also, one must prepare to be bought multiple drinks per night.

“I’ve seen some fellow bartenders pour themselves shots of water if they want to take a shot with a friend but have already had one too many,” Novak said.

Either way, for those night owls who love being around music and meeting new people, bartending is a great job to get into.

“I’ve met so many people just like me, that have to have their fix of dance music,” Novak said. “And it makes me glad to have found them somewhere.”

For more information about bartending visit www.bartending.org.

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SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Wade takes his game from SDSU to Greece B E AU B E A R D E N S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Lorrenzo Wade knows fight. In fact, fight and Wade go back quite a long way.

A burglary accusation once landed him a nine-game suspension. A shoulder injury once caused him to miss a key Mountain West Conference game. A nasty bout with the flu once forced him out of an MWC matchup with Air Force. But Wade partnered with fight, and came through it all.

So now, nearly six months after he played his last game for the San Diego State men’s basketball team, did he really think fight would leave his side just because the National Basketball Association came into his life?

“I don’t want to focus too much on getting back because I have a job to do here.”

—Lorrenzo Wade, former SDSU forward

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

Former San Diego State men’s basketball forward Lorrenzo Wade, who tallied more than 1,000 points for the Aztecs, didn’t catch on with an NBA team last summer. Now, he’s ready to make an impact overseas.

“For some reason in my life I have always had to work a little harder than others to prove myself,” Wade said. “And although it may not be convenient, I don’t mind taking the long route to get where I want to go and feel I belong.”

Last April, after finishing his career at SDSU, Wade began preparing himself for the NBA Draft. He worked out at a performance company in Manhattan Beach called Gameshape. For roughly five to six hours a day, he and former Arizona State guard James Harden worked on their respective games for draft day on June 25.

But when that day came, Wade wasn’t drafted.

So his next option was NBA Summer League.

He continued training in Manhattan Beach and set up workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks. And when the Bucks announced their roster in July, Wade was one of the 12 listed.

Unfortunately for Wade, the Bucks didn’t give him much of an opportunity to prove himself. He only logged 11 minutes in two games and scored just eight points.

“Summer League was an eye-opening experience,” Wade said. “It was a good and bad experience at the same time. I got an opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world, but didn’t feel like I played enough to prove, without a doubt, that I belong at the highest level.”

Although Summer League may not have gone well, Wade was still contacted by several teams. But nothing was definite.

So his options were training camp or a team overseas.

Training camp could lead to the NBA DLeague if he was cut. And by that time, it would be too late to be signed by a high-paying professional European team. That financial risk was one Wade couldn’t afford to take. So his agent compiled a list of European teams that were playing in leagues at the highest level and provided the maximum amount of exposure. In the end, Wade signed to play in Greece.

“It was a tough move to make,” Wade said.

“Putting your ego on hold for what might turn out to be the best thing for me and my family in the long run.”

While he may not have disclosed his contract, Wade did jokingly say it was more than the scholarship he received with the Aztecs.

He is now in Greece and as usual for Wade, is teaming up with fight to make an impact on his new team.

“I definitely view Greece as a gateway back to the States,” Wade said. “At the same time I don’t want to focus too much on getting back because I have a job to do here. I have the same mindset that I always have and that’s to do what I can to help my team win.”

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Getting to know: Niki Fernandes F E L I N A T A M BA KO S S TA F F W R I T E R

Name: Niki Fernandes Position: Forward Number: 10 Height: 5-3 Class: Freshman High School: Woods Cross High School Hometown: Bountiful, Utah

speedy senior forward Jessica Gordon and tough sophomore defender Hayley Marsh.

Last weekend against UC Irvine, Fernandes put up the most shots for SDSU with four, three of which were on goal, and assisted the game-winning goal in overtime.

Best tool Fernandes’ ferocity is her strong point. She is always focused on the ball no matter where it is on the field. “I’ve always been a forward,” Fernandes said. “I’ve always been the one to attack.”

How she fits

Something you don’t know

Niki Fernandes comes to the San Diego State women’s soccer team as an aggressive forward with plenty of experience. She’s played soccer since she was 4 years old and continued on to high school, where she participated in tournaments that took her far from her hometown of Bountiful, Utah. She’s played in all 11 games this season and is slowly earning her way to a spot on the starting roster. SDSU has won the last three games; all of which Fernandes started in.

Her passion for sports is something she has exercised her whole life. “Growing up I was a four-sport athlete,” Fernandes said. “If I wasn’t at soccer, I’d be at track, basketball or softball.”

Although her love for soccer was first, she claims that keeping herself busy in offseasons helped her to keep her athletic energy up to par. “I’ve always been competitive in my other sports,” she said, “but now I only have one. It’s nice though, because now I can direct my full attention to soccer.”

Season so far Despite being in her first year with the team, Fernandes has worked her way to the top of the Aztec stats sheets. She has the second most shots taken with 21 — 12 of which were on goal, proof that she’s aggressive and accurate. Fernandes also ties in the second place spot for goals scored with two, alongside

Quotable “I’ve scored two goals but I’m still learning,” Fernandes said of her time with the Aztecs. “I have a lot to learn; the coaches had to be patient with me and I had to be patient with myself. Everybody gets frustrated sometimes, but it’s definitely been fun.”

Nicholas Santiago / Staff Photographer

San Diego State women’s soccer freshman forward Niki Fernandes has tallied two goals and an assist this season for SDSU, despite starting just three games. Fernandes also ranks second on the team with 21 shots.

TEMPO

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Daily Aztec

5

UNDER THE SCOPE

Tucker Max confesses being a ‘smart bomb’ how it impacts his friends, (we looked at) what stories have I already written that fit that and will be cinematic and funny. So, “The Austin Road Trip” story was obvious.

NP: It gets around bad; it’s like AIDS in Africa.

DA: When you were doing this did you start looking at Tucker Max more as a fictitious character or did it still seem autobiographical?

TM: Very different, extremely different. Well, (on the) movie tour we have a huge tour bus, we (have) a whole crew of guys working on it, girls, actually, working on it. (With) the book, everyone who’s come out has already read it and likes it, if you show up you already liked it. (With) the movie, these were the premieres, you know, and these are people who loved the book and hadn’t seen the movie. We had screened it for a lot of people beforehand so we knew how they would react, but to see four hundred to five hundred people erupt in laughter for an hour and a half is like, cool, but it’s different because the reaction is immediate and it’s right there.

TM: Not fictitious … it was just almost like an ultimate universe Tucker. Matt (Czuchry) is such a different dude than me. In real life, (Czuchry), is the nicest, most compassionate dude that there is, and so it was just about getting him into the right space, and then letting him also bring what he brought. He’s such a nice dude, he brings likability and a redeeming ability to that character that I probably don’t have in real life but that he definitely has. It’s like he plays a better me than me in some ways.

DA: So how did you go about choosing him for the role?

TM: He was the best by far; there wasn’t really anyone even close.

NP: He was supposed to be the first one that read as well.

TM: And he didn’t come in because his manager didn’t think it was a good role for him, and we read two hundred f**king actors and they all sucked.

Courtesy of Allied Advertising

Tucker Max created quite a name for himself in online, literary and, most recently, the film worlds with his harsh yet hilarious personal accounts of inebriated adventures with his friends and women.

KAITLIN TRATARIS S TA F F W R I T E R

The Daily Aztec: What inspired you to make a movie based on your book?

Tucker Max: The fact that I could make a lot of money from it (and) I wanted to make a shrine to my own ego. No, it was once I realized the stories were pretty popular I think it was pretty obvious that it would make a good TV show or movie.

DA: Were you surprised at the large female following?

TM: I’ve been doing this for seven years, I know who my fan base is. I know it’s about half and half. It’s so funny because I get an e-mail every day, like some girl (saying), “I’m sure I’m you’re only female fan.” (But) I’ve had book signings before in Boston, I’ll never forget this, there’s like four hundred people at this book signing and seriously, legitimately at least two hundred fifty if not three hundred women. Halfway through, this girl comes up, she goes, “I know I’m your only female fan but,” and I’m like, “Are you f**king retarded, you stood in line with like three hundred other women!”

And she kind of like looked at me shocked, I’m like, look around, she’s like “Oh.” No, (the female following) does not shock me.

DA: Last night, you talked about making sequels to your film. Are you planning on writing anything else along the same lines or making something different?

TM: Like a book?

DA: Yeah, any book.

TM: There’s a sequel coming out, called “Assholes Finish First,” in February.

DA: “Assholes Finish First,” is that more of the same?

TM: Very similar to “(I Hope They Serve) Beer in Hell,” it’s basically the same, just new stories.

Nils Parker (Max’s co-writer): Crazier stories, if you can believe it.

TM: If you can believe it.

DA: The worst Tucker Max story I read was pretty bad.

TM: There’s one in “Assholes Finish First” that might hit that in terms of being like, “Wow, what the f**k?”

DA: If you had to pick one story, what’s your favorite? And what’s your least favorite? The appendix one?

TM: Um, you mean to live?

DA: Yeah.

TM: Yeah that sucked, that sucks, that was not fun. It’s like funny to laugh at but it was not fun. (My) most favorite is definitely “The Midget Story,” I think. That was the most fun to write and to live, it was like the first time you go to Disney World. It was all sunshine and kittens.

NP: Just the visual alone. This is something we are going to have to film, is walking in on midget prom.

DA: I didn’t know there was a midget prom.

NP: Well, that’s a euphemism. They had a ball. At the end of the convention they had a dance.

TM: Yeah, literally like a ball.

NP: And there was this big ballroom, with a DJ up on the stage and four hundred midgets.

TM: It was crazy.

NP: But some of them had handlers that were tall.

TM: It looked like stalagmites.

NP: It looked like the floor of a cave.

TM: It was awesome.

DA: I really like the way you guys put the movie together, because I know it’s difficult to take a bunch of different stories and mesh it into a narrative. How did you guys go about approaching that?

TM: We said, what’s the most cinematic, what works the best? First, movies (are a) story medium, so you’ve got to get a great story, and then a good plot to support it and then you kind of put in the scenes and the humor and the characters and all that sh*t. So once we figured out the story is going to be about Tucker’s narcissism and

DA: How has the book tour differed from the movie tour?

DA: Were you nervous at all?

TM: I wasn’t nervous only because we had screened it for so many people and we had gotten the same reaction over and over, so I knew (how) it was going to play, and it has played that way and better. I knew we were going to do all right but I just didn’t want it to go off.

DA: Do you think you’ve changed from the Tucker Max that’s in the books right now?

DA: Did you make fun of them as much as you do everyone else?

TM: The book mostly covers my life from (age) 23 to 24 — to 28 to 29 and I’m 33 now. I still get drunk and hook up with girls but I was a reckless unguided missile, at that age, now I’m more of a smart bomb.

TM: No, no you don’t make fun of actors in auditions.

Read the review of “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell,” online at www.thedailyaztec.com.

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TEMPO

The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

REEL 2 REAL

Sci-fi thriller offers frights but lacks insight

Courtesy of Jay Maidment and Constantin Film Produktion

Actors Ben Foster and Antje Traue huddle in a spacecraft in the recent horror / science fiction film, “Pandorum.” The setting is on a hypothetical Earth-like terrain, in which American space soldiers are instructed to create a viable living environment in response to the overpopulation of Earth. The task proves to be more of a frightening challenge than was expected.

TIM DRAUT CONTRIBUTOR

Before viewing “Pandorum,” it’s important to be aware of the symptoms that are attributed to such an experience. “It starts with a shiver, an itch, a slow boil … the biological side effects of flying deep space, feeding into paranoia.”

German Director Christian Alvart (“Antibodies”) succeeds at putting

suspense and terror back into the science fiction genre with “Pandorum,” a tense and claustrophobic deep-space survival adventure aboard a dark and ominous spaceship in the year 2174.

The eerie setting of the film is established early on when Corporal Bower (Ben Foster) awakens from an eight-year sleep onboard an enormous, pitch-black spacecraft with no recollection of his identity, his mission, or his location in the universe.

After Bower wakes up his commanding officer, Lieutenant Payton (Dennis Quaid), the two try to come to terms with their situation as they quickly realize that their survival, not to mention the fate of the entire human race, is at stake. As quaking power surges and strange creaking noises erupt from the belly of the ship, Payton realizes they must locate and repair the spaceship’s nuclear power reactor before it ruptures. There is only one problem:

The doors are locked.

While crawling up through the dark, narrow airshaft in search of a way out, Bower quickly realizes that he and Payton are not alone.

Lurking around the deep dark bowels of the spaceship is a horde of screeching, slobbering mutant warriors armed with blue glow sticks and sharp melee weapons used for the sole purpose of hunting humans. Unfortunately, for the remaining crew members, the

creatures are strong, fast, intelligent and very hungry.

Not knowing how many other humans are still alive, Payton and Bower must find a way to take control of the ship and find out what happened to the missing crew before being torn apart by mutants, or worse, succumbing to the dangerously paranoid and delusional symptoms of deep space exploration, known as “Pandorum.”

While the movie clearly borrows many elements from its deep-space horror predecessors such as “Aliens” and “Event Horizon,” its post-apocalyptic subplot and intense, frightening action sequences make it a fresh and worthy entry into the R-rated “haunted spaceship” sub-genre. The suspense scenes are carefully crafted, delivering some effective scares, although some get to be a bit silly toward the end. However, many of the fight scenes (yes, the mutants know martial arts), seem rushed and are not particularly well-edited. The film’s claustrophobic and disorienting atmosphere provides little room for character development, although there are some interesting psychological twists and turns as the characters struggle to survive and fight for each other’s trust. The acting holds up to the needs of the film, as Foster and Quaid show a valiant effort in performing their lead roles.

For science fiction fans, “Pandorum” will be a darkly entertaining and compelling thrill ride, falling just short of the clever insight that makes the best science fiction films memorable.

Although it appears to be much more influenced by the sci-fi films of the past rather than a likely a model for those of the future, “Pandorum” manages to be fun and enjoyable at its face value as a futuristic fright-flick.

Movie: Pandorum Distributed by: Constantin Film Produktion Directed by: Christian Alvart Grade: C+

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Letters adapted on stage in ‘Dear Harvey’ Current campus play recounts support sent to political icon ALLIE DAUGHERTY A S S I S TA N T T E M P O E D I T O R

In light of the recent budget cuts, the San Diego State theatre department was told it would have to cut its repertoire down from six plays to five — it’s a good thing it didn’t.

Peter Cirino, the director of the almost-doomed play “Dear Harvey,” and producer Jay Sheehan fought to make sure no show was taken away.

The play, however, is so wonderful it’s amazing that there were ever thoughts about cutting it. One reason for this is because Cirino also fought to perform something with more meaning than the average show. “I was brought (to SDSU) when I was first hired as a diversity guy, so to me that meant to represent every part of being truly multicultural,” he said in a recent interview. “It was important to me to direct a play about a culture that’s being forgotten or being pushed aside or disenfranchised and I thought it was really a good key for this department.”

“Dear Harvey” also brings the Aztec community closer together:

The script was written by alumna Patricia Loughrey and the music was composed by current student Thomas Hodges, whose piano melodies bring the emotions of the characters and audience together perfectly.

The show itself is absolutely marvelous despite the fact the only aspect funded by the school is the lights. All costumes, props, etcetera were bought by the cast and crew themselves, proving that everyone involved truly put their heart and soul into making this play great.

“Dear Harvey” was recently performed at the Diversionary Theatre, yet Cirino notes that his version is slightly different. “The Diversionary one was a workshop and they basically read the piece as if (it was a collection of) letters,” he said. “They did it very stylized. They actually didn’t memorize them. Our play took a different journey: We decided to bring all of (the letters) to life, so sometimes we are in the middle of the riots during that time frame, other times we are in a nondescript heaven where Harvey Milk is talking to one of his lovers and telling him how the world has changed and how he sees his future. And other times we are in the middle of a modern-day activist telling the world ‘I’m trying to help you change the world like Harvey did.’”

Courtesy of Zwink Photography

Cast members of “Dear Harvey” discuss the impact political activist Harvey Milk made through re-enactments and monologues.

“Dear Harvey” has no backdrops except for a few relevant pictures projected on the back wall; the props are scarce and there is no wardrobe change. Nonetheless, it emanates radiance from start to finish. Anthony Simone’s performance empowers everyone’s inner

diva while Kristin McReddie adds some lighthearted fun with her portrayal of Jackie Grover. Derek Smith’s monologue is emotionally moving and powerful and Emily Davenport’s talent is heartwarming. The love each cast member has for this production shines

through with every movement and every word of dialogue.

According to Cirino, “It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, it’ll make you learn something you never knew before.” “Dear Harvey” is a touching performance that should not be missed.

6

TEMPO

The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

REEL 2 REAL

Sci-fi thriller offers frights but lacks insight

Courtesy of Jay Maidment and Constantin Film Produktion

Actors Ben Foster and Antje Traue huddle in a spacecraft in the recent horror / science fiction film, “Pandorum.” The setting is on a hypothetical Earth-like terrain, in which American space soldiers are instructed to create a viable living environment in response to the overpopulation of Earth. The task proves to be more of a frightening challenge than was expected.

TIM DRAUT CONTRIBUTOR

Before viewing “Pandorum,” it’s important to be aware of the symptoms that are attributed to such an experience. “It starts with a shiver, an itch, a slow boil … the biological side effects of flying deep space, feeding into paranoia.”

German Director Christian Alvart (“Antibodies”) succeeds at putting

suspense and terror back into the science fiction genre with “Pandorum,” a tense and claustrophobic deep-space survival adventure aboard a dark and ominous spaceship in the year 2174.

The eerie setting of the film is established early on when Corporal Bower (Ben Foster) awakens from an eight-year sleep onboard an enormous, pitch-black spacecraft with no recollection of his identity, his mission, or his location in the universe.

After Bower wakes up his commanding officer, Lieutenant Payton (Dennis Quaid), the two try to come to terms with their situation as they quickly realize that their survival, not to mention the fate of the entire human race, is at stake. As quaking power surges and strange creaking noises erupt from the belly of the ship, Payton realizes they must locate and repair the spaceship’s nuclear power reactor before it ruptures. There is only one problem:

The doors are locked.

While crawling up through the dark, narrow airshaft in search of a way out, Bower quickly realizes that he and Payton are not alone.

Lurking around the deep dark bowels of the spaceship is a horde of screeching, slobbering mutant warriors armed with blue glow sticks and sharp melee weapons used for the sole purpose of hunting humans. Unfortunately, for the remaining crew members, the

creatures are strong, fast, intelligent and very hungry.

Not knowing how many other humans are still alive, Payton and Bower must find a way to take control of the ship and find out what happened to the missing crew before being torn apart by mutants, or worse, succumbing to the dangerously paranoid and delusional symptoms of deep space exploration, known as “Pandorum.”

While the movie clearly borrows many elements from its deep-space horror predecessors such as “Aliens” and “Event Horizon,” its post-apocalyptic subplot and intense, frightening action sequences make it a fresh and worthy entry into the R-rated “haunted spaceship” sub-genre. The suspense scenes are carefully crafted, delivering some effective scares, although some get to be a bit silly toward the end. However, many of the fight scenes (yes, the mutants know martial arts), seem rushed and are not particularly well-edited. The film’s claustrophobic and disorienting atmosphere provides little room for character development, although there are some interesting psychological twists and turns as the characters struggle to survive and fight for each other’s trust. The acting holds up to the needs of the film, as Foster and Quaid show a valiant effort in performing their lead roles.

For science fiction fans, “Pandorum” will be a darkly entertaining and compelling thrill ride, falling just short of the clever insight that makes the best science fiction films memorable.

Although it appears to be much more influenced by the sci-fi films of the past rather than a likely a model for those of the future, “Pandorum” manages to be fun and enjoyable at its face value as a futuristic fright-flick.

Movie: Pandorum Distributed by: Constantin Film Produktion Directed by: Christian Alvart Grade: C+

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Letters adapted on stage in ‘Dear Harvey’ Current campus play recounts support sent to political icon ALLIE DAUGHERTY A S S I S TA N T T E M P O E D I T O R

In light of the recent budget cuts, the San Diego State theatre department was told it would have to cut its repertoire down from six plays to five — it’s a good thing it didn’t.

Peter Cirino, the director of the almost-doomed play “Dear Harvey,” and producer Jay Sheehan fought to make sure no show was taken away.

The play, however, is so wonderful it’s amazing that there were ever thoughts about cutting it. One reason for this is because Cirino also fought to perform something with more meaning than the average show. “I was brought (to SDSU) when I was first hired as a diversity guy, so to me that meant to represent every part of being truly multicultural,” he said in a recent interview. “It was important to me to direct a play about a culture that’s being forgotten or being pushed aside or disenfranchised and I thought it was really a good key for this department.”

“Dear Harvey” also brings the Aztec community closer together:

The script was written by alumna Patricia Loughrey and the music was composed by current student Thomas Hodges, whose piano melodies bring the emotions of the characters and audience together perfectly.

The show itself is absolutely marvelous despite the fact the only aspect funded by the school is the lights. All costumes, props, etcetera were bought by the cast and crew themselves, proving that everyone involved truly put their heart and soul into making this play great.

“Dear Harvey” was recently performed at the Diversionary Theatre, yet Cirino notes that his version is slightly different. “The Diversionary one was a workshop and they basically read the piece as if (it was a collection of) letters,” he said. “They did it very stylized. They actually didn’t memorize them. Our play took a different journey: We decided to bring all of (the letters) to life, so sometimes we are in the middle of the riots during that time frame, other times we are in a nondescript heaven where Harvey Milk is talking to one of his lovers and telling him how the world has changed and how he sees his future. And other times we are in the middle of a modern-day activist telling the world ‘I’m trying to help you change the world like Harvey did.’”

Courtesy of Zwink Photography

Cast members of “Dear Harvey” discuss the impact political activist Harvey Milk made through re-enactments and monologues.

“Dear Harvey” has no backdrops except for a few relevant pictures projected on the back wall; the props are scarce and there is no wardrobe change. Nonetheless, it emanates radiance from start to finish. Anthony Simone’s performance empowers everyone’s inner

diva while Kristin McReddie adds some lighthearted fun with her portrayal of Jackie Grover. Derek Smith’s monologue is emotionally moving and powerful and Emily Davenport’s talent is heartwarming. The love each cast member has for this production shines

through with every movement and every word of dialogue.

According to Cirino, “It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, it’ll make you learn something you never knew before.” “Dear Harvey” is a touching performance that should not be missed.

CLASSIFIEDS

Wednesday September 30, 2009

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So be sure to stay informed by picking up a copy of The Daily Aztec everyday at one of the many paper racks on the SDSU campus!

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• Work on Campus in between classes • Decide your pay with up to 12% commission on weekly sales • Network with San Diego’s major companies like House of Blues, The CW Network, and Anheuser Busch • Flexible 15 hour work week • More real life work experience than an internship • Room for managerial advancement

For more information about the position, please call Drew at (619) 594-3583.

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THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR: I’M A GIRL, YOU KNOW

A marsupial in my apartment

I

used to have two pet rats when I was a kid. Call me crazy for owning two animals with long, nasty, hairless tails, but Stormy and Cinnamon were the loves of my pre-pubescent life. Yeah, don’t judge me. You all know you owned a smelly guinea pig or a pet hamster at least once during your childhood.

Nowadays, the closest thing I have to a pet is my roommate’s 27-pound cat (aka “The Puppy”) and her squeamish Siamese jungle kitty named Simon, who meows incessantly for no apparent reason. Luckily for me though, I had the momentary recollection of what it was like to be a pet owner just last week when I was visited by the freakish reincarnation of my old friend Stormy.

“Nowadays, the closest thing I have to a pet is my roommate’s 27-pound cat (aka ‘The Puppy’) and her squeamish jingle kitty ...”

It was a Monday around 11:15 p.m. and I was home alone doing my usual routine: watching Chelsea Lately, scarfing down a Reduced Fat White Cheddar Cheez-It box and counting down the days, hours and minutes until Friday, when the incident occurred. Now to remind you all again, my roommate’s cat Simon is skittish as hell and always makes his presence known by crying hysterically while he waltzes around the apartment.

Keeping this in mind, it came as quite a shock to me when I noticed him out of the corner of

R Y A N E I S E N AC H E R S E N I O R S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

my eye, slinking toward his food dish without uttering even half of a meow.

“Simon, why are you being so qui- ...” I asked, turning my head before abruptly cutting my question short.

Instead of making contact with a cross-eyed cat, I found myself staring straight into the beady little eyes of an opossum inside the apartment. “What … the … f … ” I’ve come across an opossum once or twice in my life, but in those circumstances, it was either bloody and covered in tire marks in the middle of the road or playing dead while my parents’ dogs were attempting to use it as a chew toy. Not until now have I been able to say that I had the enjoyment of a personal playtime with one.

The first thing that ran through my mind was whether or not this thing was infected with rabies and going to turn the cats into the feline version of Old Yeller, prompting them to claw me to a torturous death in the middle of the night. The second thing that ran through my mind was, “How in the hell do I get this revolting beast out of my damn apartment?”

Being I’m not the most intelligent person in the world, I leapt off the couch in a fit of frenzy, which in turn caused “The Puppy” to take notice of Stormy No. 2 and chase it under my roommate Keri’s bed. Way to go, Ryan.

I ran upstairs to my friend Liz’s apartment and alerted her to this critical dilemma.

“Maybe, The Puppy chased it back outside,” she whispered to me as we tiptoed around the apartment, me with a Swiffer WetJet in hand — what I had in mind, I have no idea — and her holding in front of her an outstretched blanket.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

At this moment, The Puppy let out a blood-curdling hiss from underneath Keri’s bed, confirming he had done nothing of the sort. It was then I decided to call Keri’s friend Chancy to see if she could provide us with some much-needed assistance. About 15 minutes later, Chancy showed up with a flashlight, a broom and a cardboard box, suggesting we might be able to lure the beast out from under the bed. I’m no rocket scientist, but I definitely don’t think an animal of any kind would willingly jump into a cardboard box after being prodded with a broom by a creature who is 20 times its size. However, at that point I was ready to light fireworks in the apartment if it got the job done.

Unfortunately, our brilliant plan turned into a rather frustrating debacle. After shoving the broom around under the bed for awhile, we decided it best to maneuver Keri’s Incredible Hulksized mattress against the wall in order to get our target into better position. An hour into this sweatinducing mission, Chancy was finally able to give the critter a hockey stick-like swat into the cat carrier just before I slammed the crate door shut. Halle-effin-lujah!

I’d like to believe this was in fact my pet rat Stormy coming to visit me 11 years later — although a much more heinous and rancid version of him, unfortunately. I then deemed it appropriate to name the little nugget as we dropped him off next to a sleeping homeless man at the kiddie park across the street. His name is SloMo. If he happens to grace your household one day, please send him my regards.

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (09/30/09) Make long-range plans with your loved ones this year. List all the craziest goals and destinations and then come up with lists of what you'd have to do to make that happen.

You'll be amazed.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 The work will get done.You'll make sure that happens. Get help from a partner who already knows how to do the job.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 5 - Let a partner deal with some of your worries. Settle back into your regular routine; it'll be relaxing.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 You're doing well at keeping the details together. If you don't feel up to the challenge, hide out and wait.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 More family time is required. Listen to a shy person. It'll take a while, but you'll learn a lot about this person.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 Your genial attitude makes you easy to be around. If you really want them to mind you, however, be a bit more strict.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6 Continue to proceed with caution. Follow

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

To apply, contact City Editor Kevin McCormack at 619-594-7782 for more information.

www.thedailyaztec.com

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

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

Can you dig deeper into the issues affecting the San Diego State community?

The City section of The Daily Aztec is looking for motivated, newsminded writers. It’s a great opportunity for journalism and English majors looking for newspaper experience.

© 2009,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

SUDOKU

—Ryan Eisenacher is a journalism senior.

DO YOU HAVE A NOSE FOR NEWS?

through with the things on your list. It's OK to start new projects, too.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 Whatever worked yesterday won't work today.Take a practical view. By the end of the day you'll be back on top.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - You thought you knew exactly what the score was ... and you were wrong.

Now, take charge and fix your mistakes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - You have to say what's on your mind several times.You're the only person who's bored. Others need to hear it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 5 - You tune right into what others need. Once you get started, helping them is easy. Assert yourself as needed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - If you're sure that you'll care about the issues next week, hold your ground. If you don't care, don't cry.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 Look into your heart before you make a commitment.You'll waffle during the day.

By tonight you'll have decided.

© 2009 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Used a spade 4 “Look what I did!”

8 Accident 14 Fertility lab eggs 15 Baghdad’s country 16 Francia neighbor 17 *Evil Asian doctor in Sax Rohmer novels 19 Contaminates 20 Blow, as one’s lines 21 “There oughta be __” 23 South American mountain chain 24 Second largest planet 26 Scalawag 28 Seek damages 29 Category 30 Polish Nobelist Walesa 33 Workout aftereffects 36 “We’ll always have __”: Rick, to Ilsa, in “Casablanca” 38 “Get off the stage!”

39 Satisfied laugh 41 Transfers to a central computer 43 Whisperer’s target 44 Smooths, as wood 46 Wetlands bird 47 Compact __ 49 Sheet on the road, perhaps 50 Cartoonist’s frame 51 Like steamy prose 53 Ogden native 57 Alexander of “Seinfeld” 59 Truth stretcher 61 Daffy 62 Thunderstruck

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 64 Each answer to a starred clue is a type of this 66 Wall Street worker 67 Yemen coastal city 68 “__-Tiki” 69 Tijuana snooze 70 Lean to one side, at sea 71 Lay down the lawn

8 Queens ballplayer 9 Violinist Stern 10 __ cord: chiropractor’s concern 11 *Scooter feature 12 Pot starter 13 Student’s permission slip 18 Maligning sort 22 *Tusked mammal 25 Deteriorates, as iron DOWN 27 Hop along happily 1 Tips in a gentle31 Programmer’s manly manner output 2 Soft palate dangler 32 Emcee 3 Full range 33 Served perfectly 4 Main element in 34 Indian spiced tea pewter 35 *Trotter’s 5 Mysterious footwear item 6 Wonka’s creator 36 *Eyebrow cos7 Sea-life displays metic applicator

37 Hard rain?

40 Café lightener 42 Dakota Native American 45 Point in math class?

48 Froggy chorus 50 Foiled villain’s shout 52 First stage 54 Pawns 55 Cold sufferer’s outburst 56 Incessantly 57 Setup punches 58 Prefix with culture 60 Bavaria-based automaker 63 Musical syllable 65 “The Closer”TV station