The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 24

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Vol. 95, Issue 24

THE

DAILY

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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 SPORTS

Former chapter returns to SDSU

DANCE OFF The San Diego State women’s soccer team prepares for big games in an unusual way. page 2

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

HACK FOR THE PRIZE Find out how hackers were rewarded for their skills with a contest created by Netflix. page 7

TEMPO

Courtesy of Phi Delta Theta

Phi Delta Theta fraternity (headquarters featured above) has returned to SDSU after an absence of more than 10 years. The chapter began recruiting new members on Monday.

J A N E L B R UA N S TA F F W R I T E R

SNEAK PEEK After two decades of music, Pearl Jam continues its legacy at Viejas Arena tomorrow night. page 12

CONTACT

While one fraternity was recently expelled from San Diego State, the university has welcomed back several former chapters this semester.

Last May, the Interfraternity Council accepted an expansion process that is inviting former chapters Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta and Pi Kappa Alpha to come back on campus.

Among the first of the three to return is Phi Delta Theta. The California Pi chapter was founded in 1989 at SDSU and ran for several years. However, due financial problems, Phi Delta Theta along with Phi Gamma Delta and Lambda Chi Alpha were suspended in 1995.

“In the initial formation of the group, 27 of the initial founding fathers that joined all graduated at the same time,” Dustin Struble, director of expansion, said. “This huge attrition made it impossible for the chapter to fill its house ... Low mem-

bership and financial mismanagement was essentially the downfall of the chapter.”

Phi Delta Theta is a valuesbased Fraternity and while at SDSU the fraternity won several awards. They were also the first national fraternity to implement an alcohol-free housing policy, meaning alcohol was not allowed on the fraternity’s property at any time.

The members are allowed to drink alcohol as long as they are being responsible and following the law but at a third party venue away from the chapter’s facility.

Phi Delta Theta adopted this policy to avoid the stigmas and stereotypes that are associated with fraternities, according to Struble.

“Unfortunately, for many people, when they think of (or) when they hear the word fraternity they (think of) things that have nothing to do with the principles that all fraternities were founded upon,” Struble said.

“By making this change, we wanted to get back to the values of our fraternity.

“Essentially our mission as an organization is to exemplify friendship, sound learning and moral rectitude,” Struble said. “However, we want the founding fathers to also identify what our colony is going to stand for on campus whether it’s diversity, leadership, involvement, integrity, chivalry, etc.”

Struble added that the fraternity wants to make a positive impact on camps.

“Phi Delta Theta wants to be one of the strongest chapters on the campus,” he said. “We want to exemplify academics, be the most involved in student organizations on campus.”

Struble said the fraternity is seeking members who want to participate in community service projects.

He said he hopes to find members who want to help rebuild the chapter at SDSU. “Most importantly, (we want) men that exemplify values — gentlemen on campus that respect women

and respect the other individuals and organizations on campus,” he said.

Recruitment for Phi Delta Theta began Monday and will be continuing throughout the year. The fraternity will be holding an information session at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Adams Hall.

Doug Case, coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life, said the decision of whether or not to bring back the chapter was ongoing.

“IFC has been considering expansion for awhile,” Case said.

“We invited former chapters to return to the campus.

“In spring 2008, (we) expelled Sigma Pi, Delta Sigma Phi and Lambda Chi Alpha, so the loss of three fraternities expedited the process of bringing a new frat to the campus” The IFC also developed long range plans which may bring Phi Delta Theta to campus this fall. Phi Gamma Delta will be invited to colonize in the fall of next year, and Pi Kappa Alpha for Fall 2011.

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INDEX SPORTS............................................................................2 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY.........................................7 TEMPO...........................................................................10 CLASSIFIEDS..................................................................14 THE BACK PAGE.........................................................16

Book club promotes conversation E L I S E F OX S TA F F W R I T E R

San Diego State already hosts one of the state’s largest libraries, but a new club is adding even more books to the list.

The SDSU Book Club has made its way onto campus. The club is using a federal government book list from the intelligence community as a tool to inform the SDSU community about various global matters.

With help from its founders, Jessica Elford, an SDSU alumna, Lauren McCombs, her colleague, and Pasquale Augustine, a longtime resident of San Diego and political appointee who has served in three presidential administrations, the club is looking to educate the community and promote awareness of politics — something the media does not necessarily do, according to Elford.

“There’s no real sense of obligation to educating the people,” Elford said. “Watchdog reporting is

very expensive and they don’t have the luxury to report on it.”

Augustine and his associates from the intelligence community in Washington, D.C. compiled a list of books, which have pertinent information regarding world issues, Elford said.

These include issues of Russian arms deals, in “Moscow Rules,” by Daniel Silva, and the impact of technology in “Breakpoint,” by Richard Clarke, as well as other reads by Clive Cussler, Ahmed Rashid and David Baldacci.

These authors may be known for their bestsellers and thrillers, but they also have history within intelligence communities, making them credible sources for the topics of discussion, Elford said.

The SDSU Book Club is currently discussing global warming and the depletion of natural resources in Cussler’s “Arctic Drift,” but Elford says that people don’t necessarily have to have read the book in order to participate in discussions.

Elford said she believes this could be a “step forward” for communities to become aware of issues such as the CIA’s secret funding and political chaos.

“How do you know what the government’s doing?” she said.

“We do want to partake. We do want to be educated. We just don’t know who to trust and which institutions to trust.”

The SDSU Book Club sponsors Book Club meetings along with the SDSU Alumni Office, which take place on the last Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. The books in discussion are discounted as well, according to Ken Packer, the general bookstore department manager.

“I think the focus of the book club is to look at contemporary issues through literature,” Packer said. “We need more awareness and activity on issues that affect the students. I think it’s a good thing.”

The club’s first meeting was last Wednesday and is open to the com-

munity. A new book will be discussed every other month, because most of the books are 400 to 500 pages, according to Elford.

The trio has nine program advisors who help direct conversation at meetings.

Advisors consist of SDSU and UCSD professors and faculty, as well as Time Warner Cable associates.

The founders started the Book Club at UCSD several months ago.

The club meets at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Porter’s Pub on campus, and is also open to the community.

Elford, McComb and Augustine are supported by local universities, and are based out of La Jolla. Their work is published in Blast, an online magazine, a television show and their Web site, www.behindcloseddoors.com.

“I think what we do in the world is amazing; however, as the world policemen, we do play a very important role,” Elford said. “I’m a big supporter of our government but it has to be responsible.”

2

SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

Thursday, October 8, 2009

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Unique pregame ritual helps Aztecs prepare F E L I N A T A M BA KO S S TA F F W R I T E R

Some teams pray together before games. Some teams have group dinners the night before a big match.

The San Diego State women’s soccer team dances.

“Before the games,” sophomore defender Hayley Marsh said, “we all go into the soccer locker room outside the field, put on music and have a dance competition.”

You may be wondering what dancing in the locker room has to do with playing good soccer.

“We try not to make it too serious all the time,” redshirt junior midfielder Cat Walker said.

“Because in the end it is just a game and we’re here to play. It breaks the ice a little bit, not to distract each other, but to get people laughing.”

SDSU has gone 7-3-3 this season, and has yet to be shut out once. Walker is a big part of that, leading the team in goals with four this season. Marsh has also played a big role in the Aztecs’ success, scoring two game-winning goals so far this season and holding up a determined back line.

Sometimes a little silliness can help a team focus. Especially in soccer, teammate chemistry is essential because it truly is a team sport.

Freshman forward Niki Fernandes feels the team bond already despite this year being her first playing for SDSU.

“I feel comfortable here,” Fernandes said. “I’ve gotten to know everyone and we all kind of just click.”

Walker agrees, explaining how even her individual success is associated with the hard work of everyone else.

“We wouldn’t succeed if we weren’t all on the same page,” Walker said. “We’re all equally passionate. We’ve been working really hard but we also try to make sure there’s a fun side so it’s not just day in, day out of practices and games.

“Maybe I’m the one who puts it in the goal, but if there weren’t ten people out there and the ten people on the bench, I wouldn’t be able to do it. Teamwork doesn’t function one versus 11.”

So the next thing to wonder is what kind of music gives these ladies such a victorious energy.

Walker explained that they make a team mixed CD where everyone picks a few songs they like.

“A current fan favorite right now,” Walker said, “is (the GS Boyz’) ‘Stanky Leg.’” While to most “Stanky Leg” isn’t the most motivating song, it must have some magic to it looking at the team’s record. Considering the Aztecs have these dance-offs in their home locker room where they’re most comfortable, their home record is remarkable.

In this season SDSU has gone 51-1 in home games. The one loss,

Nicholas Santiago / Staff Photographer

Pregame locker room dancing has helped the San Diego State women’s soccer team build chemistry and victories this season.

which occurred in August against Cal State Northridge, was the first home loss against a non-conference team since 2007. Otherwise, this Aztec season has played host to two shutout games and a total of 11 goals on home turf.

“We’re at school to play soccer,” Walker said, “but at the same time we want to keep it fun and we want to succeed. We don’t want to play and lose, so of course that passion is going to be there. It’s not work, it’s not a chore, it’s genuinely something that gives us joy.”

AT A GLANCE WHEN: 4 p.m., today WHERE: SDSU Sports Deck

VS.

WHY TO WATCH: The Aztecs will bring their dancing feet to the first game of conference game play, where they look to keep their home record high.

SPORTS

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Daily Aztec

3

VOLLEYBALL

McMillan’s long journey leads her to SDSU 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

Many miles north of San Diego, across the U.S. border in Canada is where Caitlin McMillan’s story begins.

In her hometown of Coquitlam, British Columbia, McMillan found her passion for volleyball.

She started in fifth grade and each year played on club teams with girls who were one-to-two years older.

But it was uncertain if volleyball would be there after high school.

“Not a lot of people go away to college back in Canada,” the senior outside hitter said. “Because there are not full scholarships.”

Eventually she learned they actually were offered.

“I think when I hit high school was when I found out,” McMillan said. “And then when I found out it was available, it became a dream to go play somewhere else really competitive and get away from home for a while.”

McMillan didn’t waste any time making an impact at Pinetree Secondary School. In her freshman year for the Timberwolves, she received an award for being the best offensive player and in the following year, she received one for being the best defensive player.

She would also be selected as the libero for the Canadian national youth team when she was 16 years old. For three weeks, McMillan and her teammates did “intense volleyball-only training” two or three times a day.

The team didn’t get a chance to compete that year, but she still took something away from it.

“It was a really cool experience,” McMillan said. “It was really cool to go up there and get a Team Canada jersey and represent a country in something.”

In her senior year at Pinetree, McMillan added to her list of awards when she was selected as the Female Athlete of the Year and Most Valuable Player for the Timberwolves.

After a successful career at Pinetree, she decided to join the

AT A GLANCE WHEN: 7 p.m., tonight WHERE: Peterson Gym

VS.

WHY TO WATCH: SDSU will battle Mountain West Conference co-leader Colorado State in the first of a three-match home stand.

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

San Diego State senior outside hitter Caitlin McMillan traveled all the way from Canada to make an impact with the Aztecs.

San Diego State volleyball team.

There were other schools that offered her a scholarship, but there was something about SDSU that made it different.

“I think coming down here just felt good,” McMillan said. “It felt right. I wasn’t too comfortable with leaving home, so it was important where I was that I felt comfortable.”

McMillan played in half of the Aztecs’ matches as a true freshman, but it was in her sophomore year when she made the biggest impact for SDSU.

Against TCU on Oct. 13, 2007, former teammate Stephanie Darnall broke her leg and McMillan came in off the bench to replace her. While the Aztecs may not have defeated the Horned Frogs in that contest, McMillan notched her first doubledouble of her SDSU career with 10 kills and 15 digs and also set new career highs in both categories.

“I think it was a bit of a wake-up call,” McMillan said. “At the beginning of the year, I had a different role on the team and then as soon as that happened, I had to com-

pletely change my mentality and step into a bigger role.”

The Aztecs will need everyone on the team to step up tonight against Colorado State. The Rams come to Peterson Gym as the coleader of the Mountain West Conference and haven’t lost since Sept. 9, when Duke defeated them.

“It’s more about us playing our game,” head coach Deitre CollinsParker said. “We’ll continue to work on the things that we’ve always worked on.”

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SPORTS

Thursday, October 8, 2009

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5

MEN’S SOCCER

Rivalry game pumps up Aztecs like ‘none other’ Aztecs take on Pac-10 rival UCLA in pivotal home game on Sunday D AN P E R E Z S TA F F W R I T E R

The San Diego State men’s soccer team will play 19 games this season. None, however, will be quite like those against UCLA. The intensity, the heated rivalry, the animosity mixed with respect sums up what playing the Bruins feels like.

“This game psyches us up like none other,” redshirt senior tri-captain midfielder Jamel Wallace said. “To come out and have the opportunity to compete with them and host them is something that sort of riles us up.”

SDSU (3-3-3) is at a point in its season where it can be swayed either way; a win or loss against the Bruins will greatly affect the outcome of the rest of the season.

“I love having the chance to beat them,” Wallace said. “Especially being my last year, I would love to come away with a win.

I mean, we do try to win every game and we compete with everything we got, but something is always a little different about playing UCLA.” The Aztecs’ past against UCLA is not a favorable one; the Bruins own a 28-4-9 record against SDSU without dropping a game since 2007. The last time the two teams met, the Aztecs were able to hold on to a 3-3 tie followed by a 6-1 blowout in favor of UCLA. “They have seemed to have this advantage over us,” redshirt senior tri-captain forward Matt McManus said. “But this is different – we can forget the past, we can move on. We need to simply focus and play our game and get help from everyone on the field.”

McManus will be adding some muchneeded help to the lineup this weekend as

the Bruins game will be the first in which he will be cleared to compete this season following an injury.

“I’m really excited, I’m also anxious,” McManus said. “Being away for a while has driven me a little crazy, but I am looking forward to getting back on the field. I just need to focus on playing like the injury never happened and contribute as much as possible.”

Feeling the effects of the 2-1 loss to Oregon State this past weekend, while having the six-game winning streak simultaneously snapped, has put a lot of stress on SDSU to perform better.

“We know what we want to do, out-battle, out-fight,” Wallace said. “We need to realize that just because the streak ended doesn’t mean we wont win again.”

To have a shot at the win, the Aztecs have to jump on the board early and make sure to build an early lead, because without one, UCLA will fight and battle its way back.

“They have some all-star-like talent, but that doesn’t scare us,” McManus said.

“We’ll shut them down and frustrate them.

And if we mix that with a high-powered offense, we will be playing our ball and controlling the game.”

AT A GLANCE WHEN: 2 p.m., Sunday WHERE: SDSU Sports Deck

VS.

WHY TO WATCH: The Aztecs take on rival UCLA in a key Pac-10 matchup.

FORECASTING THE MOUNTAIN Editor’s note: Each week, The Daily Aztec will pick the winners of every Mountain West Conference game.

SATURDAY, OCT. 10 Air Force vs.TCU, BYU at UNLV, Colorado State vs. Utah, New Mexico at Wyoming NAME: David Pope (29-10) TITLE: Assistant Sports Editor PREDICTION: TCU, BYU, Utah,Wyoming QUOTABLE: “Someone should remind

Glenn he’s a Cowboys fan and is one spot away from Beau in these standings, so I don’t know why he’s talking crap.”

NAME: Edward Lewis (29-10) TITLE: Sports Editor PREDICTION: TCU, BYU, Utah,Wyoming QUOTABLE: “Don’t call it a comeback!”

NAME: Glenn Connelly (28-11) TITLE: Photo Editor PREDICTION: TCU, BYU, Utah,Wyoming QUOTABLE: “I just feel bad for Pope losing, killed actually, in fantasy and having to watch Favre dismantle the Packers on Monday on his birthday weekend. Ouch!”

NAME: Beau Bearden (25-14) TITLE: Senior Staff Writer PREDICTION: TCU, BYU, Utah, New Mexico QUOTABLE: “I know picking New Mexico is a bad move, but what do I have to lose? Actually, I think Edward might give Assistant City Editor Whitney Lawrence my spot if Wyoming wins this week.”

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

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FOR SDSU MEN’S SOCCER 28

Times UCLA has beaten San Diego State

4

Times the Aztecs have beaten the Bruins

9

Times SDSU has tied UCLA

2

Years since the Aztecs have beaten the Bruins

3

Wins for SDSU this season

3

Losses for the Aztecs this year

3

Ties for SDSU this season

14

Goals scored by the Aztecs this year

Advanced Test Preparation

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

The Daily Aztec

7

The ‘tooth fairy’ brings the gift of sight N AT A L I A V A N S T R A L E N S TA F F W R I T E R

A 60-year-old woman bit off exactly what she could chew — and she got her vision back in the process.

Sharron “Kay” Thornton, a grandmother in Mississippi, was diagnosed with StevensJohnson Syndrome in 2000. The rare disease scarred her cornea and caused her to lose her sight, according to the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

After nearly a decade of being blind, Thornton qualified for a procedure that was pioneered in Italy and was the first of its kind in the U.S. Doctors from the University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Institute embarked on a month-long procedure in which Thornton’s eyetooth, also referred to as a canine or cuspid tooth, was implanted in one of her eyes in order to hold a prosthetic lens.

Within a few hours of the bandage removal during Labor Day weekend, Thornton could see again; she was able to recognize faces and objects. The Florida university reported 15 days later that Thornton was reading newspapers.

The Mayo Clinic Web site describes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome as a rare disorder in which a person’s “skin and mucous membranes react severely to a medication or infection.” Thornton’s case was a textbook example of the disease. After an apparent medication reaction, she experienced what the Mayo Clinic describes as the “painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of skin to die and shed.”

Along with the loss of her sight, Thornton suffered hair, nail and skin loss.

Surgeons at the institute describe the procedure as a process that requires a team of dentists and ophthalmologists.

Thornton’s surgeon, Dr. Victor Perez, said the procedure “implants the patient’s tooth in the eye to anchor a prosthetic lens and restore vision.” The patients’ eyetooth is removed from the jawbone, shaved, sculpted and drilled into. Then a prosthetic, optical cylinder lens is inserted into the tooth, and the unit is implanted into the chest so the tooth and lens can bond together.

MCT Campus

After several months, the unit was removed from Thornton’s chest and implanted into her eye.

The surgeons at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute described the surgical technique as “modified osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis.”

According to the institute, the surgery has proven effective in cases where severe corneal scarring blocks vision, but the eye remains healthy.

A former restaurant manager and mother of three, Thornton is a strong woman who, after losing her sight, battled thoughts of suicide and struggled with feelings of embarrassment because she needed her daughter to care for her. In an interview with CNN,

Thornton said, “It was very embarrassing and humiliating for my daughter to take care of me, and it wasn’t supposed to be that way.

I’m supposed to take care of her.”

With the return of her sight, Thornton had two of her favorite things on her mind: her grandchildren and television. After the surgery, Thornton told CNN, “I’m looking forward to seeing my seven youngest grandchildren for the first time.”

After Thornton had her bandages removed, CNN reported the first thing Thornton’s friend handed her after they arrived at their hotel was the TV remote.

Thornton said to her friend with excitement, “Hot dog!”

With about 600 of these procedures ever performed worldwide, surgeons say there is little evidence for or against the safety of MOOKP. Although the procedure was successful for Thornton, it was a long process and will cause a deformation of the eye.

Looking to the future, Thornton is now balancing her attention between her favorite television shows and time with her grandchildren. “We take sight for granted, not realizing that it can be lost at any moment,” Thornton said. “This truly is a miracle.”

Nobody has to see her to believe that Thornton is seeing life through her eyes, and with a new perspective.

Netflix revolutionizes its rental service J O H N P. GA M B OA S TA F F W R I T E R

When people are recommended to watch a terrible movie or something that is completely unrelated to their style or taste, it can turn them off to taking another’s advice.

Well, Netflix wants to change that. If people are not already subscribed to or familiar with Netflix, the California-based company recommends movies to individuals based on taste, ratings and rental history using an assortment of complicated algorithms and codes in the form of a program called Cinematch. For example, if someone likes the movie “Children of Men”, they will probably love “City of God,” in theory.

To improve Cinematch, the $1 million Netflix Prize was created in October 2006.

The ongoing competition, which ended Sept.

21, pitted 51,000 programmers, statisticians and engineers from around the world against each other to increase accuracy of film recommendations by 10 percent.

Within the last two years, various progressive prizes have been awarded to teams for making huge gains in improvements.

However, the race didn’t pick up speed until June, when BellKor’s Pragmatic Chaos, a seven-member supergroup of merged teams, reached the 10 percent mark.

“We had a bona fide race right to the very end,” Chief Executive Officer and cofounder Reed Hastings said at the prize announcement, according to a Netflix press release.

In the end, BellKor beat out another international group called The Ensemble, by turning in a completed algorithm 24 minutes earlier. Each team had a final improvement of 10.06 percent, but it came

down to a few short minutes to figure out who would win the million bucks.

Martin Chabbert, a Canadian engineer from team Pragmatic Theory, thought they had initially lost.

“We really thought that we had lost for an hour or two,” he said. “We were just coming to grips with that fact when we got the announcement that we had the better score on the test set.”

“We also assumed that The Ensemble team had some hidden sauce in their sleeve,” Michael Jaher, a team member from Austria, said.

But when the team was flown to New York City to accept its prize, many of the members had never even met in person.

“Nearly all team communication runs via e-mail,” Jaher said. “Andreas (Töscher of Pragmatic Chaos) and I both work for our company, Commendo, so we met each other very often for face-to-face meetings and we spent a lot hours speaking about algorithms via Skype.”

The time difference for BellKor’s team members in the U.S., Canada, Austria and Israel rarely posed problems, Chabbert said.

“Everyone had plenty to do on their side,” he said. “At any rate, the European guys go to bed pretty late so there was plenty of overlapping awake time.”

When the test started, Netflix gave out 100 million anonymous movie ratings from 480,000 customers to approximately 18,000 movies for the engineers to start with. The data varied wildly with one customer rating 17,000 films. Initially, it was so confusing to the engineers that on the developer’s message board on the competition site, people questioned if it was even possible.

Courtesy of www.Netflix.com

Despite the outliers, Chabbert said the biggest challenge for the team was to find patterns in the data.

“Everyone has ideas on the psychology behind rating movies,” he said. “But the key is to translate these intuitions into a model powerful enough to capture the subtle trends in the data.”

When working as a collaborative team, BellKor was required to document ideas and methods in order to exchange information with the transcontinental team. Chabbert said he usually had exchanged ideas verbally before the coalition was formed.

All of the hard work and organizing paid off, but a new challenge has emerged.

Almost as soon as the Netflix Prize ended, Hastings announced a sequel to the prize called the Netflix Prize 2. The focus of the new prize, according to a Netflix press release, will focus on behavioral and demographic data, such as ZIP codes, age and gender.

When asked if he will be taking part in the sequel after spending nearly 40 hours per week coding, Jaher said, “From my point of view, I will give Netflix Prize 2 a try.”

But with Netflix even admitting that they don’t know how this new data could help create better predictions, it could be a sequel with a twist ending.

10

The Daily Aztec

TEMPO

Thursday, October 8, 2009

LIVE AND DANGEROUS

‘Ayo’ for last Saturday’s hip-hop performers San Diego got down with their bad selves with a medley of hip-hop artists T I M D R AU T CONTRIBUTOR

Canes Bar & Grill, located in Mission Beach next to Wave House and Belmont Park, was host to a variety of hip-hop acts last Saturday, all determined to keep the crowd partying into the night.

With a bar on each side of the stage and another upstairs, the early crowd took advantage of the opportunity to have a couple of drinks and loosen up as the rest of the attendees steadily filed in. However, it wasn’t until San Francisco rapper Andre Nickatina took control of the stage that the whole crowd started getting into the groove.

After a hip-hop introduction from DJ Ruthless and three emcees, California group Deep Rooted performed 45 minutes of high-energy hip-hop. Supported by two Urban Dynamics dancers, one female and two male vocalists rapped over contemporary beats and Michael Jackson samples.

Next to take the stage was Souls of Mischief, an alternative hip-hop group from Oakland comprised of A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, and Tajai, all members of the acclaimed hiphop collective Hieroglyphics. The group performed a combination of classic Hieroglyphics tracks and new songs from the upcoming Souls of Mischief album titled “Montezuma’s Revenge.”

By the end of its set the floor was packed, and as Souls of Mischief retreated

backstage, the crowd began to chant the name of the man they really came to see, Andre Nickatina.

As the wave of anticipation hit its peak, the crowd exploded with excitement as the violin intro to “Baking Soda in Minnesota,” accompanied Nickatina’s entrance onto the small stage.

“As the wave of anticipation hit its peak, the crowd exploded with excitement as the violin intro to ‘Baking Soda in Minnesota’ accompanied Nickatina’s entrance on to the small stage.”

The show was part of his Khanthology Tour in support of his latest compilation album. Nickatina formerly recorded with the stage name “Dre Dog,” but his real name is Andre Adams. Originally from San Francisco, Nickatina seemed to enjoy performing for his West Coast fans.

With a height of 6-foot-4-inch and a loud, distinctive voice, Nickatina quickly took control of the crowd by instructing them to put their hands in the air. Fans

sang along as he opened with back-to-back performances of fan favorites “Dice of Life,” “Jungle” and “Conversations with a Devil.”

Nickatina kept the crowd active between songs, yelling “make some noise for drugs and alcohol” too many times to count.

Given the strictly enforced 21-and-older age restriction, most people seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. One fan in the front row even offered Nickatina his baseball cap as a token of his appreciation.

Nickatina kept the crowd’s blood pumping by leading them in call and response chants, such as “When I say ‘get,’ you say ‘money!’” The crowd also responded by singing along to hard-hitting tracks such as

“Crack Raider Razor,” “My Rap World” and of course Nickatina’s claim to fame, “Ayo For Yayo.” He also paid tribute to the late Bay Area rapper Mac Dre, by performing “Andre N Andre” in a duet with Mac Dre’s recorded voice. After he was done performing his epic set list, the crowd chanted for an encore. By this time it was already later than 1 a.m., so Nickatina came back out, rapped a brief a cappella verse and said goodnight, leaving the audience satisfied after a great night at the beach.

For more information on Andre Nickatina visit www.andrenickatina.com.

For more information on upcoming shows at Canes Bar & Grill, visit www.canesbarandgrill.com.

Have a knack for film?

Can’t get enough of concerts?

The Tempo section is looking for new writers! If you think you have what it takes, contact Tempo editor Anya Moberly at 619-594-6968 or send an e-mail to tempo@thedailyaztec.com.

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

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11

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY

The Destro delivers a heavy amount of metal Band’s sophomore album continues trend of blazing riffs and vocals ALEESHA H A R R I S MANAGING EDITOR

Courtesy of Metal Blade Records

For Texas-based metal band, The Destro, its years of relentless touring may have finally paid off.

The band’s sophomore album, “Harmony of Discord,” released by Ironclad Recordings, hits stores on Oct. 13 and is a prime example of typical The Destro style: loud and heavy. With its latest release, the band kept much of its persistent thrash guitars from its 2007 full-length release “As The Coil Unwinds,” an album that garnered the band much praise and comparison to

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY

‘Pink’ indie pair offers a very colorful debut Duet uses recorded sound to produce a refreshing take on today’s music A N YA M O B E R LY TEMPO EDITOR

United Kingdom shoegaze duo The Big Pink recently released its debut album, “A Brief History of Love,” on Sept. 14 to much worldwide admiration and intrigue. The performing pair is Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell, who take the synthesized guitarromp to a mature level with singles such as “Velvet,” “Dominos” and “Too Young To Love.” Often incorporating various remixed tracks, The Big Pink relies on recorded noise creations in mash ups to keep listeners interested in a given track from start to finish. After signing to 4AD, an admired indie record label based in the UK, The Big Pink continued its music-making creativity and finalized “A Brief History of Love.” The album in its entirety is curiously engaging, unlike the usual waves of popularity found nowadays. There are vocal accompaniments found on the album, which are also evident during its

live performances, further making this collaboration exceed the pair themselves. The strength of the album is in its textured instrumental layering and minimalistic vocals. “The Big Pink” is a true refreshment in modern music making.

The Big Pink will be performing at 8 p.m. on Nov. 21 at the Casbah and will also be supporting Muse during its UK tour this year. For more information on The Big Pink, visit its Web site at musicfromthebigpink.com.

Courtesy of Amazon

the Metallica of years past. Yet, the band’s new album manages to achieve a previously unattained level of focused heaviness and delivery that is escalated beyond what was present in its earlier efforts.

“Almost completely absent from this album are the generic, timed breakdowns of many current bands of this genre.”

With a vocal tone that is slightly comparable to that of The Acacia Strain frontman, Vincent Bennett, but without the variation

of tempo, The Destro’s Eric Daughtry delivers an impacting auditory experience. A sound which has garnered the band stage time with renowned metal bands such as Goatwhore and Pentagram.

Almost completely absent from this album are the generic, timed breakdowns of many current bands of this genre. The CD isn’t without its fair share of the “southern metal” style, however. “Harmony of Discord” instead provides nearly 30 minutes straight of blazing riffs and fiery kick drums.

In support and anticipation of its impending release, The Destro is currently on tour through most of October with fellow metal bands, Arsonists Get All The Girls and It Dies Today. For more information on The Destro, visit the band’s Web site, www.myspace.com/thedestro.

12

The Daily Aztec

TEMPO

Thursday, October 8, 2009

SNEAK PEEK

Pearl Jam remains untamed despite years of evolution

MCT Campus

The rock veterans of Pearl Jam have been impressing fans for more than two decades. Nevertheless, it has shown itself to be unstoppable, releasing a new album and recently setting out on a nationwide tour.

P AU L H E R N A N D E Z S TA F F W R I T E R

Circling the musical wagons for more than 20 years, Pearl Jam (Eddie Vedder / guitar, vocals, Stone Gossard / guitar, Jeff Ament / bass, Mike McCready / guitar, Matt Cameron / drums and percussion) has built a remarkably consistent career in terms of quality, success and principles.

Amid the phenomenal fame that was praised for its first album “Ten,” which tells a tale of the superficial trappings that accompany success, Pearl Jam has stuck to its guns, continuing to make music that sells out arenas and tops record charts.

The band’s newest compilation, “Backspacer,” is a another concise gathering of upbeat tracks.

“The Fixer” invites the listener to Vedder’s lyrics, which are simultaneously palatable and powerful. The melancholy smooth-like-butter feel of “Just Breathe” exemplifies the band’s craft of toning it down, venturing into country textures and highlights Vedder’s masterful baritone.

After a day’s rest from a four-night run in Los Angeles, the Seattle-based powerhouse plans on connecting with the audience through grunging guitars, explosive drumming and unrelenting vocals in San Diego State’s very own Viejas Arena tomorrow night..

As captivating as Pearl Jam is on record, the live experience offers the audience a sense of privilege to be there — where the band and its fans will exchange energy.

San Diego will surely be treated to classic goose-bump-causing gems such as “Jeremy,” “Corduroy,” “Given to Fly” and “Alive,” which have made Pearl Jam a sonic legend for what now has become generations of fans.

The heat is still prevalent and the rush of rock is alive in a band that puts respect in music for 20 years and counting. Yet, for all

the commercial success and respect that flows its way, Pearl Jam has never been granted a free pass in the music industry. These musicians have worked tirelessly to stay on top with an extensive international audience.

The redeeming power of music is a creed it knows all too well. The majestic power Pearl Jam is able to conjure is packed with mystery and irony. It was against all odds that an Illinois-born San Diego surfer and former Bad Radio frontman would fuse with former Mother Love Bone members to create the timeless soundstage of pure rock ‘n’ roll known as Pearl Jam. The night will be enhanced with thunderous rhythms and raw combustion by opening band Ben Harper and Relentless7: two unique ensembles that can only be experienced tomorrow night.

For more information on Pearl Jam, visit its Web site at www.pearljam.com. For more information on Ben Harper and Relentless7, check its Web site at www.benharper.com.

For more information on Viejas Arena, visit www.as.sdsu.edu/viejas_arena.

MCT Campus

Courtesy of Amazon

MCT Campus

TEMPO

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Daily Aztec

13

ANYA’S CITY SCENE

Take advantage of the many musical offerings in San Diego A N YA M O B E R LY

AND

ALEESHA H A R R I S

TEMPO EDITOR AND MANAGING EDITOR

Midterms on the horizons do not do much to help with the stress levels students might be feeling these last few weeks. Whether it’s the declining economy or the weather change that is taking its toll, there are a few things that might cheer even the most humdrum souls.

Saturday: Legendary hardcore band hits San Diego’s Epicentre Hardcore heavyweight Bane will play on Saturday at Epicentre in Mira Mesa. Be sure to check this show out; It’s a chance to see this legendary band in a tiny, intimate venue.

According to the band’s MySpace, the California dates will be its last for a “longgg longgg time.” So if an evening of donut-sized circle pits and rowdy gang vocals sound like a recipe for a good time, pencil in a night with Bane. Supporting bands Trash Talk, Forever United, World of Pain and Foundation will also be on hand to deliver some serious tunes.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $13.

Sunday: Soma promises to be A Day To Remember Alone with nothing to do on Sunday night?

This weekend, local all-ages venue Soma has an epic lineup of bands scheduled. Up-and-comers I See Stars and In Fear and Faith will kick off the night. With a much heavier tone, Australian metalcore band Parkway Drive will take the stage in what should arguably be a headlining spot. Main ticket band A Day To Remember won’t disappoint, however, so be prepared for hundreds of preteens and earpiercing sing-alongs. Tickets are on sale for $18 and doors open at 6 p.m., but don’t anticipate getting a ticket the night of the show because this event is sure to sell out.

Sunday: Jason Mraz to perform for free Live Nation has teamed up with San Diego native for a free performance at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre. It’s an all-ages show, so bring the kiddies to what should be a carefree evening in Chula Vista. Special guests Brett Dennen and Bushwalla will be playing alongside Mraz, as guests will be treated to soulfully good tunes at no cost. The show starts at 6 p.m. but arrive early because this show will surely fill to capacity.

Saturday: “Booty Bassment” doubles Monday: CD release party for Christmas Island the dancing fun every month Anti Monday League presents another enterFor fans of the monthly “Booty Bassment” at South Park’s Whistle Stop Bar, good news is afoot. Now hosting the historic dance night bimonthly, Booty Bassment disc jockies Dimitri Dickinson and Ryan Poulsen continue to produce remixes and redubs for all music lovers. Join the trembling tushy fun Saturday for five bucks.

taining Monday of music at the Casbah. Hosted

by Tim Pyles, FM 94.9 extraordinaire, every Monday launches various acts and live radio feeds from inside this legendary locale.

Monday’s show will feature thrash-pop group The Intelligence, along with the CD release party for San Diego-based Christmas Island. It’s not the holiday season yet, but its jams will be just as delightful.

Aleesha Harris / Managing Editor

MCT Campus

No matter what day of the week, there is always something to do in San Diego. Jason Mraz, who just won Album of the Year at the San Diego Music Awards, will be performing a free concert at Cricket Wireless.

14

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16

THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR: POPE’S DOCTRINE

‘Your last article was stupid’

A

s many of you may recall, last week was my birthday.

I turned 21 years old and celebrated all weekend with my best friends, really having the time of my life.

But the week wasn’t perfect.

And because I’m David Pope, I choose to highlight those blemishes.

First of all, things got off to a rocky start early last week when my good friend and associate, Sports Editor Edward Lewis, was abruptly dumped by his girlfriend after four years of blissful togetherness. I took this as a personal insult.

How dare you, Kelsey? How dare you? What is Edward supposed to do now? He’s spent the past four years playing Madden and fantasy NASCAR. He’s passed more time watching SportsCenter than he has sleeping, and now he’s supposed to jump right into the dating world?

This is just another reason why I don’t trust white women.

Well guess what, “K-Sizz”?

This is San Diego effing State.

There are more hot girls on this campus then there are textbooks.

He’s calling your bluff and you will rue the day you crossed The Daily Aztec Sports section.

Anyway, moving on; we had a party Friday night at my house.

There turned out to be quite a few people who showed up. At one point, Edward and I were in my room, doing something totally not gay, when we heard female giggling coming from the kitchen followed by nearly inaudible whispers saying something to the effect of, “The Daily Aztec? Like The Back Page guy is here?”

At this point, Edward gave me a look that said, “Pope, you are going to have sex tonight.” I responded with an expression that read, “Yes, Edward. Yes I am.”

So we walk out of my room feeling like gods among men and

D AV I D P O P E A S S I S TA N T S P O R T S E D I T O R

present ourselves to the half-dozen intoxicated girls in the kitchen.

One of them asks, “Are you The Daily Aztec guy?” as she pushed her friend in front of me like we’re on the playground in fourth grade. I responded with an overly confident, “Why, yes I am.

This is my friend Edward.

Together we make up the sports editorial staff, but you may be more familiar with my work in The Back Page humor section.”

The girl who had been pushed to the front of the cluster quickly retorted, “Your last article was stupid.” She was totally serious, completely sincere.

After a few seconds of stunned silence from both of us, Edward turns to me and says, “Dog (Edward calls everyone ‘Dog’ when he’s been drinking), that went in a completely different direction than I expected.”

She wouldn’t even tell me what she didn’t like about it. She just kept repeating “No, I don’t want you to write about me in your next article.” Well too bad, girly. I don’t respond well to criticism.

It doesn’t make sense. I’m hilarious and everyone loves me.

That’s a scientific fact. This girl wants to challenge the laws of nature and I don’t like it.

But what I do like is all the love I got via e-mail this week. A sincere thank you for all the birthday wishes and compliments on the column.

However, once again, I didn’t get anything that I can use in a column. I did get one guy who seemed to want me to write about atheism and why religion is bad.

Sorry, buddy. As long as Honey Bunches of Oats cereal is around, I still believe in a benevolent God. And then there was the guy who claimed I was hitting on his girlfriend via these columns and

threatened to “beat my face in,” and continued to say that all I’ll want for Christmas will be my “two front teeth” back. Hey, the year 1964 called, it wants its ambiguous playground threat back. Though, I’m not entirely sure if it was real.

If it was a big satirical epic, then I apologize, sir, and thank you very much for your hilarious commentary. But there was a serious lack of proper punctuation and an excessive misuse of “were” in place of “where” as well as some serious “your” versus “you’re” confusion, so I’m thinking it was real. Real stupid. Ha! Seriously, guy. If you are an SDSU student, please do every graduating senior a favor and immediately drop out. You’re lowering the value of our degrees with every grammatically incorrect word you type.

No but seriously, keep the threats of violence coming. That’s not illegal or anything.

But I digress. Of course the big excitement in my life right now is I leave for Las Vegas tomorrow morning.

As promised, you can expect a full running diary on the weekend’s debauchery when I return.

But before I leave, I would love any advice for Vegas shenanigans from my loyal readers. So as always, hit me with an e-mail and you too can have your intelligence insulted in a Back Page column.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (10/08/09) Magical energy attaches itself to everything you do. Writing projects move forward at light speed. Keep this age-appropriate.Try to get a lot of work done before noon.Then you can play.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 6 You may not hear what you want to hear, but once you think about it, you realize this is your lucky day after all.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - No matter what you say today, nothing seems to work.Tomorrow is another day, and things will look different.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Meet deadlines with an older person early in the day.Then you have time for fun and play.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 As hard as it is, you can get your thoughts into shape. Make sure they're your thoughts, not ones spoon-fed to you.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 5 - An older person shares news that comes as no surprise.Take it in stride.You perk up late in the day.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 Pay attention to even the smallest changes

in people's attitudes. Use that info to sell your ideas more successfully.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 Words can solve problems now.Take a practical approach to a difficult situation.

Soothe ruffled feathers later.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 5 - Take care of a difficult problem you've been avoiding. Express emotions and gain support from a family member.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 5 - Before you make a decision, consider what others want. Remember, these are your friends!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Take heed: What other people say truly matters, even if you don't think so.

Use their words to your advantage.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 6 - If you can get down to the practical nitty-gritty early, you'll achieve great things by the afternoon.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 5 Your partner provides sage advice.You'll take it if you're smart. By day's end, you see why it was right. © 2009,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

—David Pope is an English senior.

1 2

3 4

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

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

Did you love this column? Did you hate it? Have any suggestions for future topics? E-mail Pope at dpope@rohan.sdsu.edu to be featured in his bimonthly mailbag column.

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com © 2009 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

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EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

ACROSS 1 Athenian with harsh laws 6 “Star Wars” princess 10 Hip-hop mogul who married Beyoncé 14 Grapevine traveler 15 Srs.’ lobbying gp.

16 “Dies __”: hymn 17 Get hitched quick 18 Jam on the brakes 20 Stick-on design 21 Go astray 22 Press conf. format 23 Soft court stroke 25 Wallowing place 26 Pasture 27 Colorfully patterned fabric 31 Songstress Adams 34 RCA Victor pooch 37 Altar consent 38 Small family busiSolution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com nesses 41 Driver’s lic. et al.

65 College official 10 Holy wars 39 Sprint Cup org.

42 Lend a hand 66 Like slasher 11 Elvis __ Presley 40 It may take years 43 Fast time movies 12 Swing set site to settle one 44 Gander 67 1954-1977 13 Epsilon follower 45 Seoul man 46 Embarrassed defense gp.

19 Water gun 47 Lyric poems 48 World Series mo. stream 49 Playful prank 49 Stir-fried dish D O W N 24 Desk phone unit 50 Brazen minx 54 Legend automaker 1 “Judge __”: 25 Orchestra leader 51 “Star Trek” com57 Cross shape Stallone film 27 Third aftermunications offi58 Yellowish earth 2 School tool thought, in a ltr. cer tone 3 Big name in gas 28 Old Italian 52 Grain disease 59 Hush-hush activi4 Admit one’s guilt money 53 Like some simple ties, briefly, and a to serve less time 29 Paradise questions hint to the hid5 Threat-ending 30 Eddie of the ’40s- 54 West Point, e.g.: den theme in 18words ’50s Senators Abbr. , 23-, 38- and 496 Rodeo rope 31 German artist 55 Apple center Across 7 Weird Al Nolde 56 Eye part contain61 Magician Henning Yankovic parody 32 Dimwit ing the iris et al. of a Michael 33 “__ Excited”: 57 He bit Miss 62 Region Jackson hit Pointer Sisters hit Gulch in a 1939 63 Shoshoneans 8 It’s pumped in 35 __ dixit: assertion film 64 __ the side of gyms without proof 60 Pull hard caution 9 PC program 36 Luau fare