The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 50

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Vol. 95, Issue 50

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 TEMPO

Alumna gets an extreme gift Students help clean up SDSU alumna’s garage

HARD ROCK Papa Roach lead singer Jacoby Shaddix explains why Saturday’s concert is a must-see. page 2

SPOTLIGHT

SPANISH COWBOYS Find out how a student earned critical acclaim for his short film “The Last Vaquero.” page 6

SPORTS

VEGAS BOUND SDSU’s football team will play its final match of the season this week in Las Vegas. page 9

K R I ST I N A B L A K E S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

While most of us will be giving thanks tomorrow, Rita Roberson is giving thanks today.

A group of students from the general studies course, Disability and Society, took a cue from the television program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and volunteered to make over Roberson’s garage, the place where she does her physical therapy.

Roberson, a San Diego State alumna, was born with cerebral palsy.

“I feel very appreciative,” Roberson, who graduated from SDSU in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation, said.

Roberson lives with her friend and full-time caregiver Mary-Denise Giesing, in a small house that requires lots of extra space so the 52-year-old can maneuver her electric wheelchair. Because of this, Roberson has to keep her physical therapy and exercise equipment, a large mechanical horse called the Equicizer, in her garage.

“Her one goal is to stand, hold her own weight ... something that none of us could really say is our goal in life.”

—Mari Pflaster, head of volunteer project

CONTACT GENERAL INFORMATION 619.594.4199

“If it would come in the house, it would be the only thing in the house,” Giesing said. “It’s the size of a real horse.”

Roberson’s Equicizer, which she named “Rita’s Fancy,” is an essential part of her therapeutic regimen. It strengthens her leg and torso mus-

Courtesy of Mari Pflaster

Pictured above is Rita Roberson, a San Diego State alumna with cerebral palsy who had her garage revamped by 10 students from a disability and society class. The students cleared the way for Roberson’s Equicizer, a machine she uses for her physical therapy.

cles, which that are necessary for standing and balancing.

“My Equicizer is important to me because I’m almost able to stand myself up,” she said.

Mari Pflaster, a child and family development major and student assistant for the class, headed the volunteer project. She said that what started off as an “intimidating job” turned into a learning experience.

The volunteers cleaned and organized the cluttered garage to make room for the Equicizer. They also installed insulation, drywall and shelving.

“Rita totally deserved to have the garage cleaned out so she could ride her Equicizer,” Pflaster said.

“Her one goal is to stand, hold her own weight, which is something that none of us could really say is our goal in life.”

Meeting Roberson and complet-

ing her own community service hours changed Pflaster.

“It made me realize that disability is something that’s natural,” Pflaster said. “It’s something that you don’t need to be afraid of; you don’t need to be uncomfortable with it.”

Students have to complete a community service component and spend 15 hours working with someone with a disability or for an organization that works with people who have disabilities.

Mendy McClure, who teaches the class, said the hands-on experience teaches students to “understand that disability is not something about a person that they can’t do, but it’s about things that people can do, given the opportunity to succeed.”

She said she hopes students use the knowledge and experience they

acquire in the class to inform others about people with disabilities.

“We’ve got so many different kinds of students in our class, so we’re hoping that they take that experience with them and be able to apply it in their real life,” McClure said.

Approximately 10 students participated in the four-day project.

“It was really, really inspiring and really cool,” Pflaster said. “All of the students worked really hard. It was cool to see them give up a weekend and do something nice for somebody else.”

Julio Velazquez, a dance senior, said the project was not only rewarding for Roberson, but for him, too.

“It just feels really great to give,” he said. “When someone needs help, it just makes you feel good; and by helping someone, you help yourself.”

EDITOR

IN CHIEF, FARYAR BORHANI 619.594.4190 EDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

CITY EDITOR, KEVIN MCCORMACK 619.594.7782 CITYEDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

FEATURES EDITOR, AMINATA DIA 619.594.6976 FEATURE@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

Program gives free legal aid

SPORTS EDITOR, EDWARD LEWIS 619.594.7817 SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

STATE

OF MIND EDITOR, ALLAN ACEVEDO 619.594.0509 OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

Students can use program to help solve legal issue

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 TEMPO............................................................................2 SPOTLIGHT.......................................................................6 SPORTS............................................................................7 CLASSIFIEDS..................................................................11 THE BACK PAGE.........................................................12

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

Having issues with a landlord or roommate? Associated Students has a service for that.

Students now have access to free legal and financial services through A.S. Along with legal consultation, students can get information about establishing and managing their credit.

“Students are surprised to see how much is on their credit card and they don’t track it,” Curt Padilla, vice president of Business Development for CLC Incorporated, said. “They spend it

like free money and easily get into debt. There are ways to manage credit and debt.”

After a phone consultation, those seeking the service are directed to a lawyer. The student is then given the choice to either call or meet the lawyer for a free one-hour consultation. If they choose to have that lawyer represent them, they are given a 25-percent discount off the lawyer’s standard rates.

“Eighty percent of the time, the 60-minute consultation is all the student needs,” Padilla said.

The Aztec Legal & Financial Services was part of a referendum that passed in the spring of last year. “A survey was done to see what students would like to see in a student programming referendum if we were to have one,” Natalie Colli, vice president of University Affairs, said. “It stems from saying that this is what we would like to

fall of last year but wasn’t heavily advertised because it was on a “test run,” according to Alyssa Bruni, vice president of External Affairs.

“It sterns from “It was suggested by our former saying that this is associate executive director Susan Heiser to do a soft opening as a test what we would like run for it’s success,” Bruni said.

A.S. continues to work with CLC to see on campus to improve the results of the proand we went gram, Bruni said.

“We had heard of a couple of ahead and did the complaints about the service and that students felt they were being referendum.” pitched more than helped,” Bruni said. “We have worked with CLC to —Natalie Colli, fix that problem and haven’t heard vice president of University anything since then. CLC has conAffairs firmed with us their follow-up conA.S. has partnered with CLC sultation process to eliminate any Incorporated to provide the free problems that might occur during legal and financial services. the phone call.”

For a consultation, students can The Aztec Legal & Financial Services was implemented in the - call 1-800-541-9701. see on campus and we went ahead and did the referendum.”

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TEMPO

The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

SNEAK PEEK

Don’t make this rock concert a ‘last resort’ Vacaville natives Papa Roach will be performing in San Diego on Saturday A L L I E D AU G H E R T Y A S S I S TA N T T E M P O E D I T O R

The band Papa Roach broke out into the mainstream in 2000 with its first album “Infest.” Now, almost a decade later, the Californian quartet is still at large, this time touring America in support of its latest album “Metamorphosis.” Recently, The Daily Aztec was able to chat with lead singer Jacoby Shaddix while he was on the tour bus headed to one of his shows. Papa Roach will be playing at 8 p.m. on Saturday at House of Blues.

T h e D a i l y A z t e c : What is your favorite Papa Roach song and why?

J a c o b y S h a d d i x : Right now it would have to be “Into the Light” because pretty much, the sound of it, the whole thing breaks through and lyrically to me it says a lot. It’s like I’m my own worst enemy. The song is about getting outside of yourself.

DA : Can you explain the name Papa Roach?

J S : Papa Roach came from my great-grandfather who passed away. For some odd reason, I named the band after my grandfather. It’s a weird, awkward name but it’s our name.

DA : Are you as wild and crazy in real life as you are on stage?

J S : At times, yes. But there’s a way you have to balance out your life — that’s the most important thing, is trying to find a balance.

But I need the stage. I don’t know what the hell to do with myself when I’m away from it sometimes. When I take extended periods of time off from tour I get stir-crazy.

“I think that’s one of the most important things in my life is trying to live in the moment. And when you’re playing music and performing, you’re in the moment.”

—Jacoby Shaddix, Papa Roach DA : What’s the craziest experience you’ve had with the band?

J S : One of them was almost dying on tour.

In a van we went over a bridge and hit black ice … we were all asleep and we were sliding all over the road and crushed up against the wall. Luckily no one got hurt but it was one of those moments where I thought my life

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was going to end.

me) walk away happy. It’s just one of those things. I connect with people while I’m up there and ultimately, I live in the moment. I think that’s one of the most important things in my life is trying to live in the moment. And when you’re playing music and performing, you’re in the moment.

DA : If Papa Roach was in the circus, which role would each band member serve?

J S : I would obviously be the ringleader. Jerry (Horton) would be a trapeze artist. Tony (Palermo), our drummer, is actually a midget. And our bass player (Tobin Esperance) blows fire. I think it fits each person’s character. Tony (Palermo) is kind of goofy, Tobin (Esperance) is mysterious and f—-ing dangerous. Jerry Horton – well, he’s just kick-ass all the way around.

DA : What are you most looking forward to about playing in San Diego?

J S : Oh, dude. Obviously the great weather, f—-ing fantastic Mexican food and a kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll show.

DA : What cheers you up on a bad day?

J S : It sounds kind of cliché, but if I’m having like a bummer day, getting on stage (makes

DA : What questions have you always wanted to be asked but you never have?

J S : Man, I’ve been asked everything. What

would be your guilty pleasure, what would your fans not know about you?

DA : What’s the answer?

J S : Well, I like to watch bad, corny, cheesy romantic movies with my wife. Like really bad, corny, cheesy movies. And we watch really goofy shows like “So You Think You Can Dance?” and stuff like that.

DA : Any parting words?

J S : Anybody out thre looking to go to a badass rock ‘n’ roll show come and see the real deal. We put our lives and our hearts and our souls into the music and we hope that our fans connect with that.

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY

Banhart’s bilingual album offers varied tempos T A N YA D R AC O L A K I S MANAGING EDITOR

Venezuelan-American singer and songwriter Devendra Banhart serves up yet another bilingual album with “What Will We Be.” This 14-song folk piece is truly a delight to both the ears and the soul. First song, “Can’t Help But Smiling,” sets the mood with mellow percussion and loving lyrics, which continue in the next two tracks “Angelika” and “Baby.” Banhart really does upbeat and quirky like nobody else, opening a song with the lyrics, “Replenish your blossoming bacchanal.” And he doesn’t stop there. The album slows down considerably with “First

Song for B” and “Last Song for B,” in true Banhartian fashion — think back to “Surgery I Stole” from “The Black Babies.” The tempo doesn’t speed up, but the singer does let his croon out in “Meet Me At Lookout Point” and the curiously named track “Chin Chin & Muck Muck.” Those who have been waiting for this album will not be disappointed with Banhart’s versatile voice and fantastical lyrics on point, all culminating in the psychedelic-inspired track “Rats.”

Artist: Devendra Banhart Album: What Will We Be Label: Reprise Records Grade: A

Amazon.com

Hailing from Houston, Devendra Banhart blossomed as a musician in The Castro District of San Francisco.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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REEL 2 REAL

‘Precious’ will assuredly pull viewers’ heartstrings New film embraces tragedy, family and incest in a tearful yet real way J O S H E LW E L L S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

“Precious” has been slowly rolling out to movie theaters these past few weeks, tagged with Oprah Winfrey’s seal of approval. For some, the “seal” means a sheep-like herding toward anything being pimped out by the queen of media.

For others (this reviewer included), an Oprah recommendation comes with a grain of salt, given her recent track record with films (see: “The Secret Life of Bees.” On second thought, don’t).

But, with “Precious” having its San Diego debut last week after screenings in Los Angeles and New York, it turns out it deserves every extra audience member Oprah brings it.

It tells a story that deserves to be seen, and it tells it in a way that never lets the audience come up for air as they’re sucked into the power of the story.

The title character is an overweight Harlem high-schooler, kicked out of school after getting pregnant for the second time — by her own father.

Comedian Mo’Nique turns in the stand-out performance of Precious’ abusive mother, constantly berating her daughter for her weight and for “stealing her man.” But she keeps Precious around, nonetheless, in a slave-like atmosphere to continue collecting welfare.

And that man being Precious’ own father only adds to the drama, as well as the agonizing tragedy of her life.

The film could easily veer off into overly melodramatic territory, but the director and

Courtesy of Anne Marie Fox

screenwriter add a nice touch by allowing Precious to escape into a heightened dream world whenever traumatic events happen.

Whether it be her father raping her, her mother criticizing her, or peers teasing her,

the audience quickly gets taken to the inside of Precious’ mind where she imagines life as a popular singer or imagines her mother as a kinder, more loving personality or any kind of life other than her own.

By giving Precious a sense of humor, which allows her to build relationships with the people in her life outside of her family, the film allows the audience to remain hopeful for her life and for her two children that she cares so much for, despite those details of how she got pregnant.

Despite a strong example of a hateful, resentful mother in her own life, Precious stays optimistic, with the obvious and occasional setback, and continues to push forward.

“Push,” by the way, is the name of the book by author Sapphire, which the film is based on. It’s a 1996 novel that stemmed from Sapphire’s encounters with a young girl while teaching in Harlem.

The realism and immediacy of all the drama in the story easily takes the audience in and creates something much more than entertainment, forcing viewers to become invested in Precious’ life.

Nice pick, O. Sorry for doubting you.

Movie: Precious Directed by: Lee Daniels Distributed by: Lionsgate Grade: A Courtesy of Anne Marie Fox

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY

Animal Collective changes colors on ‘Fall Be Kind’ T I M D R AU T S TA F F W R I T E R

It’s been quite a year for Brooklyn-based indie band Animal Collective. While the band is no stranger to receiving glowing reviews from critics, its most successful and accessible album to date, “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” was released in January of this year. Taking advantage of its growing success and creative peak, Animal Collective has released a remarkable new EP titled “Fall Be Kind.” The title is a play on “fall behind,” referring to the changing of the clocks during the fall season.

The EP features five newly recorded tracks, most of which were developed from recent live performances.

While “Merriweather Post Pavilion” was more of a spritely, warm collection of songs,

“Fall Be Kind” sounds a little more dense and dreary, but in an appealing, complementary sort of way. Listening to it induces similar feelings as floating around the air on a cloudy day. “What Would I Want? Sky,” is a perfect culmination of the band’s creative style and musical potential, taking the first ever legally licensed Grateful Dead sample from the song “Unbroken Chain” and making it the band’s own by creating a strangely uplifting psychedelic-pop anthem with lyrics such as “And the sky got filled up too fast / And the taxi man’s saying, ‘You betta / Give him your money / Stop daydreaming dude!”

Opening track “Graze” is an interesting two-part song complete with an elfish panflute melody. The center of the album holds the slower, more repetitive song “Bleed,” which achieves mesmerizing vocal harmonies despite its subtle creepiness and the touch-

ingly vulnerable “On a Highway.” The final track, “I Think I Can” begins with ghostly synthesizers and evolves into an astoundingly intricate and rhythmic vocal jam.

The album falls just short of 30 minutes long, but its rich, dark texture combined with catchy pop melodies will likely have listeners keeping this one on repeat for a while.

“Fall Be Kind” was released digitally Monday on iTunes. It will be released on CD and LP Dec. 15 via Domino Records. Animal Collective is currently touring in Australia.

To preorder a copy of “Fall Be Kind” or for more information visit www.dominorecordco.us.

Artist: Animal Collective Album: Fall Be Kind Label: Domino Records Grade: A Amazon.com

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

UNDER THE SCOPE

SDSU grad develops ‘new and noteworthy’ iPhone application

MCT Campus

Apple, Inc.’s cellular sensation, the iPhone, now carries more than 4,000 applications including themes of cooking, gambling, rhyming, riddling and shopping. It is the perfect gift for the multitasking student.

T I M D R AU T S TA F F W R I T E R

San Diego State alumnus JT Tyler recently gave a guest lecture in Noah Arceneaux’s (assistant professor of journalism & media studies) media convergence class, along with longtime friend Richard Piety (CSU Long Beach) and freelance iPhone programmer Randy Hsiao (Cornell). The topic of discussion was the iPhone application Free Falling, which the three of them created together. After getting their application approved by Apple, it was featured in the New and Noteworthy section of the App Store on iTunes.

Free Falling is a simple yet addicting game in which the player must keep his or her ball from hitting the top of the screen by causing it to fall through gaps in the solid platforms.

To make things difficult, the level scrolls up more rapidly with each new level. The game has five levels, each with its own unique backgrounds, music and powerups that fit the theme. Different levels include a city skyline

with fireworks, an underwater theme, a flaming hot level, a freezing cold level (watch out for the ice cubes) and an outer space level.

Tyler and Piety got the idea for Free Falling from a similar, even more simplified TI-83 calculator game Fall Down. They did some of their own online research to make sure the game was not copyright protected, then started developing ideas to make a similar game for the iPhone. Once they thought of the idea for the App, they began looking for a local iPhone programmer who they could partner with to start game development. While searching on Google Groups, they found Hsiao. Hsiao is a Cornell graduate who had worked for Rockstar Games for seven years. However, he left the company because he wanted to have full control of game design.

During the guest lecture, Hsiao spoke about the iPhone submission process. Apple offers an iPhone Developer Program for $100 a year. The program offers all necessary development tools such as coding equipment, an iPhone simulator, performance data and an interface builder.

Tyler and Piety released the App with their newly formed company, Good Times and Didge, which is a business partnership that they created while traveling abroad in Australia. Faced with a tight budget, Tyler composed and recorded all the music for the game, while Piety used images from services such as www.istockphoto.com.

It typically takes about two to four weeks for an iPhone application to get approved once it has been submitted. Apple takes all aspects of each App submission into account, including the description and keywords attributed to each App. Free Falling took about three weeks to get approved before it was featured in the App Store. After being tested by Apple, the game was selected from thousands of new applications to be featured in the New and Noteworthy section of the iTunes store for about two weeks.

As far as advice for students who may have their own ideas for iPhone applications, Tyler, Piety and Hsiao recommend that if students get a good idea for an App, they should act on it as soon as they can before somebody else gets the same idea. Having a solid, mar-

ketable idea is more important than knowing the actual iPhone technology.

“ Once they thought of the idea for the App, they began looking for a local iPhone programmer who they could partner with to start game development.”

Free Falling is currently available in the iTunes App Store for $1.99.

For more information on Good Times and Didge, visit www.goodtimesanddidge.com. For more information on the iPhone Developer Program visit developer.apple.com/iphone/program.

SNEAK PEEK

Honored heavy metal band to ‘rock and roll all nite’ at Sports Arena A L L I E D AU G H E R T Y A S S I S TA N T T E M P O E D I T O R

For those who like to rock ‘n’ roll all night and party every day, the perfect concert has arrived.

The band KISS is back, this time touring the U.S. on the Alive / 35 tour in support of its latest album “Sonic Boom.” The tour’s name comes from the group’s celebration of its 35th anniversary, and it is the first major tour since the Rock The Nation tour in 2004.

Although the only two original members performing will be singer and bassist Gene Simmons and singer and guitarist Paul Stanley, the show still promises to be a night of intense excitement with all the expected KISS theatrics. Plus, drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, replacing Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, respectively, promise to be just as good as the originals.

KISS, who made it big in the late ‘70s, is most famous for hits such as “Detroit Rock City,” “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Hotter Than Hell,” as well as other antics including its infamous makeup and putting its own blood into the red ink of KISS comic books.

The group will be stopping in San Diego at 7:30 p.m. this Friday at the San Diego Sports Arena, with opening act Buckcherry.

Tickets range from $15.50 to $126. For more information, go to www.kissonline.com.

MCT Campus

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

TEMPO

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LIVE AND DANGEROUS

Blues legend B.B. King graciously welcomed at recent show S A N DY C H A S E S TA F F W R I T E R

While teens and young adults are asking for the latest Guitar Hero games this holiday season, an authentic guitar hero hit the stage at 8 p.m. last Sunday at Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. Silver-haired for years, blues legend B.B. King showed no signs of stopping as he let his soulful set of pipes soar to a soldout crowd, but not before calling on Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real to open the show. This band, hands down, is one of the greatest opening bands anyone can be fortunate enough to see. Fans of blues-rock such as The Black Keys or even the vocal stylings of Jeff Buckley absolutely must give this group a listen. Nelson, who just happens to be one of Willie Nelson’s many children, follows in his father’s musical footsteps in all the right ways. Formed recently, this band doesn’t have an album available on www.Amazon.com, but inquiring minds can find tracks and purchase “Brandos Paradise Sessions EP” on its Web site.

San Diego sometimes has the reputation of not taking too kindly to most opening acts.

However, when Nelson started playing his guitar with his teeth, concertgoers took notice. Sometimes musicians try this as a gimmick, hoping to imitate a guitar great such as Jimi Hendrix, but usually it just ends up sounding muddled or messy. Yet for Nelson, even with the six strings to his lips, every note sounded perfect and with passionate nuance not often seen in younger players. By the conclusion of its lively set, it was easy to tell that Promise of the Real had recruited some new fans.

After a short break to reset the stage, the B.B. King blues band came out for an approximately 20-minute instrumental set, especially showing off the chops of the brass and saxophone players. While some had been expecting a solo performance from the king of blues, the full-ensemble sound was a wel-

David J. Olender / Staff Photographer

B.B. King and company created a warm and intimate setting at the Belly Up Tavern on Sunday night, offering the perfect beginning to the holiday season.

come addition as the intimate venue erupted with the amazing sounds of the blues band.

Finally, King walked on stage to the sounds of his band mixed with the incredible volume of the audience. King played hits such as 1964’s “Rock Me Baby” and 1970’s “The Thrill is Gone” but also mixed in a couple of soul and folk standards, including Lou Baxter

and Johnny Moore’s “Merry Christmas, Baby” and the old-time classic “You Are My Sunshine.” For the latter, King dedicated the song to “all the ladies.” At the end of the song, he asked for the house lights to come up, counted to four and kindly asked for all the couples in attendance to kiss. It was a lighthearted and sweet moment and a lovely way

to kick off the holidays, which all too often can be overshadowed with stress. Even lovelier was King’s humble conclusion to the evening, part prayer and part gratitude: “I’ve played in over 90 countries, some I would love to go back to and others I’m afraid to go back to. If I am allowed to keep playing and come back here, I will.”

UNDER THE SCOPE

‘Boondock’ sequel producer and director chat on decade-long gap

Courtesy of Allied Adv. Pub.

J O S H E LW E L L S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

“The Boondock Saints” was in theaters for only two weeks back in 1999. It wasn’t until its DVD release that teenage boys and men around the nation made the “shoot ‘em up” revenge flick a cult favorite.

Ten years later, “The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day” has finally been made, and director Troy Duffy had a lot to say about the

decade-long process. The Daily Aztec sat down with Duffy, the film’s producer Chris Brinker, a former San Diego State student as well as one of the Saints himself, Sean Patrick Flanery.

Expletives were aplenty during the interview, proving that these guys like their fourletter words.

After the first film had a limited release because of the Columbine shooting, it failed to find that initial audience in the theaters.

Duffy saw the sequel as “an honest chance

Courtesy of Allied Adv. Pub.

to succeed,” adding that, “We’re going to now see what Boondock can really do and how many fans there are really out there.”

When describing the process of why it took so long to get made, the aspect of the screenwriting immediately came up. He had seen his fair share of failed sequels (“The Matrix” is an example, the original which came out the same year as “The Boondock Saints”) and was intent on doing it right, waiting for an idea fitting enough to bring the saints back into action.

Brinker elaborates on the situation by saying that as soon as a script was done, “There was interest from a distributor, so we found ourselves in a perfect position to go make this movie, not only the one he wanted to make but under terms that were acceptable.”

With “Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day” released in San Diego on Nov. 13, local fans of the original can now decide what they think of those terms in which Duffy made his sequel.

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SPOTLIGHT

The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

ONE PROFESSOR. ONE S TUDENT.

ONCE A MONTH.

Rich with experience Documenting lives and life appreciation and inspiring his own ANDREA MOR A, Staff Writer When people hear the word “cowboy,” they often think of the hat-wearing, lasso-throwing, gun-shooting glamorized actors riding horseback in old Hollywood Western films. And while these portrayals may be close to the real thing, many do not realize the values of family, honor, hospitality and resourcefulness one can learn from a cowboy.

Stephen Crutchfield, graduate student in the department of television, film and new media at San Diego State, set out with his camera, boom microphone and lighting equipment to a hidden ranch in Descanso in search of vaqueros (Spanish cowboys).

What he captured was hours of raw footage that recounts the history of the fading culture from those who are still alive to tell the tale.

Crutchfield directed, edited and produced a 14-minute documentary titled, “The Last Vaquero.”

He entered it into the California State University’s 19th annual Summer Arts Media Arts Festival and won second place for documentaries last month.

Every year, MAF showcases some of the best student work in animation, documentary, experimental, interactive, music video, narrative, television, feature screenplay and short screenplay from the 23 CSU campuses. This year the judges chose 30 finalists among 171 entries. Crutchfield was the only student from SDSU chosen as a finalist.

“I really enjoyed ‘The Last Vaquero,’” MAF Director Joanne Sharp said. “It had an interesting cinematic style and truly captured a fading lifestyle.”

“The Last Vaquero” was screened before an audience of industry professionals, professors and students at the MAF in Fullerton before winners were announced. Crutchfield did not attend the ceremony and was out of town celebrating his 10-year wedding anniversary when the good news was announced.

Crutchfield first became intrigued with the vaquero lifestyle and began researching it after attending and videotaping a cowboy poetry event, which is a form of Western storytelling usually told through song and playing a guitar.

“Most of what we know about the American cowboy today started with the vaquero,” Crutchfield said. “The vaquero was perhaps the most skillful horseman the world had ever seen and many believe the vaquero way of ranching is more beneficial for animals than today’s modern ranching techniques.”

After years of researching vintage magazines, books and Internet sources, he met a saddle maker in Descanso. Crutchfield found an article

by Garry McClintock titled “Hey, Mr. Vaquero!” that outlined the vaquero lifestyle and talked about McClintock’s friend, Granville “Granny” Martin, whom many claim to be the last vaquero.

Martin, who died in 1991, is the main figure in the documentary.

Martin was resourceful, self-sufficient and could survive in the backcountry for weeks.

Black-and-white footage of Martin making a reata (lasso) weaves back and forth with new footage of McClintock teaching the same process to a young cowboy, who wants to learn the traditional techniques of making a rawhide lasso.

Crutchfield developed a close bond with McClintock and Martin’s family through the filming process and became a part of the tight-knit ranch community.

“It’s a great honor to tell these stories of what the world was like 100 years ago and try to

learn something from that,” Crutchfield said. “Those who knew him well exclaimed that if you spent any time with Granny ‘and had at least a half a brain’ you’d learn something.”

After numerous interviews, days of shooting, 50 pages of transcripts and 12 hours of raw footage, Crutchfield was ready to begin editing.

“Sometimes it felt like it would not be possible to edit a scene together (because) the challenge seemed too great,” he said. “Then, by process of elimination and refinement, a scene was created.”

Crutchfield said he wants to tell stories that are interesting to him as well as others. His film was shown to colleagues and professors to critique and several edits had to be made before the final cut. “‘The Last Vaquero’ is a thoroughly professional documentary,” TFM professor Mark Freeman said.

“Because Stephen is a tenacious and meticulous filmmaker, his research uncovered a littleknown story. His documentary is beautifully shot and well written.”

One of the advisers who oversaw the project, TFM professor Greg Durbin, said Crutchfield has an abundance of innate talent.

“Stephen did an excellent job structuring the material so that it captured the viewer’s imagination and even had a dramatic shape,” Durbin said. “I found myself quite caught up in how a leather lasso is made, something I would not have guessed would interest me before watching this doc.”

Before filming “The Last Vaquero,” Crutchfield directed the short narrative film, “One Cold Night” and directed “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” His documentary titled “Tissiack: The Great Northwest Face,” won first place from Videomaker magazine in 2007.

With “The Last Vaquero” Crutchfield hopes others will reflect on lost traditions in their own lives and the people that have impacted them.

“I enjoyed the relationships that I established through the making of this film,” Crutchfield said.

“They left a mark on me, just as Granny left a mark on them. I hope that this film will inspire viewers to reflect on their own lives to consider those who have left a mark on them.”

ASHLIE RODRIGUEZ, Staff Writer Sitting in his warm, Rwandan classroom, 9-year-old Emmanuel Rudatsikira remembers when his principal told the class to run for their lives.

“I had polio when I was three, but I ran as fast as my weak legs could take me,” associate professor and director of San Diego State’s Global Emergency Preparedness and Response Program Rudatsikira said.

“When I got home,” he said, “everyone had gone into hiding. Many people were killed on that day.”

For Rudatsikira, being born and raised in the Western part of Rwanda — and still being alive to talk about it — is no small feat.

Different disciplines are integrated into the studies, such as biomedical, genetic, psychosocial, cultural, environmental, societal and political influences, according to the Web site of SDSU’s Graduate School of Public Health.

Rudatsikira’s background has led to an unparalleled expertise in refugee health, disaster management and violence prevention. Last year he accepted an invitation to lead the Global Emergency Preparedness and Response Program at SDSU. “It was a great opportunity to train a world-class workforce that will effectively address the challenges associated with natural and man-made disasters on a global scale,” Rudatsikira said.

Guiding a generation that can address disasters is not only a profession for Rudatsikira, but also a passion. Living through disaster himself, the professor understands the importance of people who know how to rectify world crises.

After witnessing the destruction of health infrastructure that had taken years to build in his country and many preventable deaths because of man-made and natural disasters, Rudatsikira knew he’d pursue a field in emergency preparedness and response.

Since earning his doctorate, Rudatsikira has written numerous publications on global health, committed to project coordination in Africa and Asia and taken up research in more than 30 countries in the six regions of the World Health Organization.

Rudatsikira’s story of service and success in the face of seemingly unbeatable odds is inspiring and undeniably exceptional, yet he believes that any person can achieve great things — even when the situation feels hopeless. His solution is simple.

“Trust in God and focus on your studies,” he said. “Always keep in mind that, if you do not give up, the best is yet to come.”

For more information on Emmanuel Rudatsikira or to contact him, visit www.publichealth.sdsu.edu.

“Since then, I have never t a ken neither life nor safety for granted.”

Brutal clashes between the Hutu and Tutsi people have plagued Rwanda with perpetual violence since it achieved independence in 1962. Military coups and the genocidal acts of the Hutu government have shaken the country’s stability and safety, throwing it into utter chaos and killing thousands of men, women and children along the way.

Running on tired, wobbling legs, Rudatsikira survived that gruesome day.

“Since then,” Rudatsikira said, “I have never taken neither life nor safety for granted.”

Rudatsikira believes he was spared from the massacre for one reason.

“I was spared to serve,” he said.

Earning a medical degree in Africa, Rudatsikira came to the United States as a refugee. Unwilling to stop his education with only a bachelor of arts degree, he went back to school to earn a doctorate in public health epidemiology, a field that focuses on both global and individual health.

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SPORTS

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Daily Aztec

7

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Leadership shift faces the Aztecs

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

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

The jerseys still say San Diego State and the colors are still red, white and black. But the faces and bodies that used to occupy them are now drastically different. There’s no more Richie Williams, no more Lorrenzo Wade, no more Kyle Spain, no more Ryan Amoroso and no more combined 42.8 points per game from the four departed starters.

“It used to be, ‘Well, Richie’s supposed to lead us; Zo’s supposed to lead us,’” senior guard Kelvin Davis said of last year’s SDSU men’s basketball team. “Now it’s like, ‘Well, who’s going to have a great game? Who’s going to speak up?’”

It’s one of the more popular questions surrounding the 2009-10 version of the Aztecs. The team has plenty of talent, but where’s the leadership and chemistry going to come from?

Early on in this season, the answer is still unclear. Against UC San Diego in the season opener, junior forward Malcolm Thomas led the team with 20 points.

Against Saint Mary’s, it was hard to find anybody who stepped up in a 22-point blowout. Against Santa Clara, junior forward Billy White seemed to be the man, scoring a game-high 17 points.

Four games into the season, no one really knows SDSU’s true identity. But, according to Davis, that’s the beauty of this year’s Aztec squad.

“We don’t have to go out there and this person has to get 15 shots,” Davis said.

“Everybody can score 20 one night and have five the next night.”

Last year, the team had its chiefs and its

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

Indians. Williams led the team on the court, Wade was the leader off of it and Spain and Amoroso were the role-players, filling in whenever Williams or Wade couldn’t. This year, though, things are a little different.

“With this group, everybody came in together, so everybody is together now,” Davis said. “It’s not like, ‘Well, they’ve been here …’ No, it’s a team, it’s like a big family.”

The team hasn’t had much time together because of injuries, which may be the reason SDSU hasn’t found its identity yet. White missed time in October with a bruised wrist, sophomore guard / forward Tyrone Shelley missed time with a foot injury and both Thomas and sophomore forward Tim Shelton missed time with knee injuries.

Everyone except Shelton has returned to the floor, which has helped the Aztecs develop some continuity these past few weeks. SDSU will have a chance to gel even more when it finishes the West Coast Classic today against Pacific and Saturday against Northern Arizona.

“Everybody’s chemistry is coming together because everybody is playing their role really well,” Davis said. “Once we really gel and get everybody on the same page, it’s going to be so much easier.”

AT A GLANCE WHEN: 7 p.m., today WHERE: Stockton

VS.

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SDSU will keep trying to gel as a team against Pacific.

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Rebounds for the Aztecs in Monday’s game against Fresno State Rebounds by Billy White against the Bulldogs

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Combined points for White and Tyrone Shelley in Monday’s 62-58 win

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Score Higher, Aztecs!

Lindsey Martin / Assistant Photo Editor

Newcomers Kawhi Leonard and Brian Carlwell have replaced veterans such as Lorrenzo Wade and Kyle Spain.

FOOTBALL

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

AT A GLANCE

MOUNTAIN WEST STANDINGS AT

Conference

Overall

7-0

11-0

7-1

9-2

6-1

9-2

5-3

7-5

3-4

5-6

2-5

4-7

2-5

4-7

1-6

3-8

0-7

1-10

TCU BYU UTAH AIR FORCE WYOMING SDSU UNLV COLORADO STATE NEW MEXICO

WHO: SDSU at UNLV WHAT: The Aztecs try to end their season on a high note with a road victory.

WHERE: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas WHEN: 6 p.m., Saturday TV: The Mtn. HD RADIO: AM 600 KOGO (San Diego)

The Daily Aztec

9

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

FRIDAY, NOV. 27- SATURDAY, NOV. 28 Wyoming at Colorado State, Utah at BYU, New Mexico at TCU, SDSU at UNLV NAME: David Pope (55-13) TITLE: Assistant Sports Editor PREDICTION: Wyoming, Utah,TCU, SDSU QUOTABLE: “I’m not totally confident with picking Utah, but I have to pick differently from Glenn if I want a shot at an outright first-place finish. Go big or go home, bro.”

NAME: Glenn Connelly (55-13) TITLE: Photo Editor PREDICTION: Wyoming, BYU,TCU, SDSU QUOTABLE: “I’m going to spend this Thanksgiving drunk.”

NAME: Edward Lewis (53-15) TITLE: Sports Editor PREDICTION: Wyoming, Utah,TCU, UNLV QUOTABLE: “I’m really looking forward to relaxing, eating some turkey and watching the Dallas Cowboys beat up on the Raiders.”

NAME: Beau Bearden (47-21) TITLE: Senior Staff Writer PREDICTION: Wyoming, BYU,TCU, SDSU QUOTABLE: “I think we should have a basketball pick ‘em, Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

While the San Diego State football team has had a disappointing two weeks, getting blown out in Utah after a fourth quarter collapse to Wyoming the week before, SDSU has its final opportunity to end the season with a victory on the road in Las Vegas.

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The Daily Aztec

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

CLUB SPORTS

Held back in the water, Bond still competes

Courtesy of Shane Bond

M AT T H E W M C C L A N A H A N S TA F F W R I T E R

With each energy-sapping dog paddle or involuntary gulp of water that went down his throat, San Diego State triathlon team captain Shane Bond could have given up.

But quitting isn’t something Bond is comfortable with. And besides, it was his first triathlon and he wasn’t going to let his inability to swim keep him from finishing.

Bond had never been a good swimmer.

One time as a child, Bond was clinging to the edge of a pool in the deep end when he lost his grip and began to sink. Had Bond’s brother not been there to pull him out, he could have drowned.

The incident frightened young Bond and he stayed out of the deep end until his eighth grade graduation party where he finally captured the courage to leap into the water. After jumping in, Bond dog paddled to the shallow end.

In his first triathlon, nearly a decade after his eighth grade graduation party, Bond once again leapt into the water not knowing how to swim properly. Only this time, the shallow end was 500 meters away.

“It took me basically 40 minutes of dog paddling, backstroking and whatever else you want to name that ugly stroke that I was doing,” Bond said.

Even though Bond admitted doubt lingered in his mind as he swam, he didn’t let it drag him down. Bond had always seen inspirational stories on television about people defying great odds to finish a triathlon. One story that left a strong impression on Bond was about a man with Lou Gehrig’s disease, who said that he would complete the Ironman in Hawaii even if it meant he had to be rolled across the finish line.

So, when lifeguards kept asking if Bond was OK after coughing up water, Bond kept paddling as if he were.

“That’s one thing about this sport that I think I love the most,” Bond said. “You see those stories and it’s just like, ‘what is my excuse?’ If they can do it, then why can’t I get my butt off the couch and go do it too?

There’s something about it. You just can’t quit. It’s powerful.”

Bond has since competed in approximately 15 other triathlons including a Half Ironman in Oceanside. And it wasn’t until after his second triathlon that Bond finally learned from a book how to swim efficiently. After teaching himself to swim, it took Bond the same amount of time to do the 1.2-mile course in the Half Ironman as it did for him to swim his first triathlon, which was a quarter of the length.

While Bond may have been a late bloomer in terms of the swimming component of triathlons, he has had an easier time with the running and cycling portions. Just the other week, Bond rode his bicycle to Disneyland, stopping only once to buy a Gatorade, an AriZona Tea and a brownie. Bond nonchalantly said he enjoyed Disneyland and the time he spent there gave him a chance to loosen his legs.

But the triathlon Bond is planning to do in the spring won’t be like a walk in the theme park. It’s a new Ironman, said to be one of the most brutal of them all. The race happened to be announced on Bond’s birthday and it will take place in Utah just two weeks after Bond and the rest of his SDSU club team competes at the USAT Collegiate Nationals. Bond’s goal is to finish the race within 12 hours.

“It’s about pushing yourself and showing yourself that you can set a limit that you never thought you had,” Bond said.

“And then it’s about going past it.”

Courtesy of Shane Bond

Despite struggling in the swimming portion of his first two triathlons, Shane Bond excelled on land with his running and cycling. Bond and the rest of the SDSU triathlon team will compete in the USAT Collegiate Nationals.

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Wednesday November 25, 2009

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Drop off your toys at the The Daily Aztec offices at the basement of the Education and Business Administration building on the east side of campus or at the AS Business Office in Aztec Center.

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THE BACK PAGE

The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR: POPE’S DOCTRINE

Thanksgiving, I love you

I

never thought I’d say this, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I’ve always loved it, but I think it may have officially jumped Christmas to make it to the top of my list.

First of all, you wake up and your house already smells like deliciousness and by the time you make it out of your room and turn the TV on, the Detroit Lions are already down by four touchdowns.

If that’s not enough, football goes on all day and is capped off by the greatest food ever (not served at La Casita’s): Pie. Football, pie and … well I guess that’s it. But those two are good enough to push Thanksgiving, or “T-Gives,” as I like to call it, to the top. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.

You know what? This is awkward. I’m sorry, I’m not very good at writing about things I like. I’m much more proficient at writing about things I hate, such as theme parties. I hate theme parties.

Theme parties were fun back in the day. We all went to an ‘80s party freshman year and gawked at the girls in spandex, but it’s time to move on.

Just this last weekend I had two theme parties to go to. The first was a wig party in Clairemont. I wanted to dress as a Whig. You know, a member of the 1800s American political party? Yeah, no one else seemed to get it either.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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

Next up was “Rock Stars and Divas” for my female friend’s 21st birthday. Now that’s annoying enough in and of itself, but this wasn’t even a house party; we were going to Typhoon Saloon in Pacific Beach.

I really didn’t want to dress up at all, but my buddy Robbie was wearing skintight red pants, absurd high-top sneakers and a Freddie Mercury moustache to boot, so I felt like I needed something. I put on reasonably tight gray jeans, a too-small, faded black T-shirt and some Vans from high school with a studded belt. I was adorable while Robbie looked so ridiculous he wouldn’t get out of the car when we went to pick up liquor.

So when we arrive at the preparty in PB, sure enough, we were the only guys in attendance that made even the slightest attempt to dress up. Robbie then announces, “Well this sucks, I’m glad I brought a change of clothes, I’m about to walk back to my truck and change.”

Oh sweet. Guess what? I do not have a change of clothes.

Now suddenly I’m the overdressed one. On top of that, I didn’t even really look like a rock star, I just looked like a 14-yearold who shops at Hot Topic.

At that point, I basically guar-

anteed that everyone in the bar would look down on me and there was no way I was getting laid. In other words, it was like every other Saturday night.

I did, however, end up consuming enough alcohol to stop caring about the beginning of the night. You know you’re having a good time when your buddy grabs you and says, “Time to go.”

Then when you ask him why, he says, “The bar is closing” and you’re completely shocked.

“What? This bar closes at 10?

How lame.”

“It’s 1:30, Pope, and you’re wearing some girl’s jacket. Its time to go.”

“Touché, moustache man.

Touché.”

So I leave you with this: While you’re enjoying your turkey and cranberry sauce during this wonderful holiday, don’t forget what you should really be thankful for.

For me, it’s pie, Aaron Rodgers and those of you who read these columns and don’t threaten to literally knock my teeth out.

No but really, thank you. It’s my awesome readers that give me the confidence to continually get rejected by girls at bars and denied by girls in my classes.

And that’s from the heart.

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (11/25/09) Begin the year by letting go of a responsibility so that you can accept new ones.Your power grows most effectively when you plan carefully in private before taking the public stage.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - Healing occurs today when you pursue romance with dedication. Speak from your heart.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 5 - Spend the day resting.You don't have to do everything. Enjoy quality time with your partner.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 6 Push peripheral issues out of your mind.

Instead, focus on your partners and enjoy the moment.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 Not only do you get more done today, but you also love what you're doing, and so does your partner.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 5 - In anticipation of the holiday weekend, make time for a soothing bubble bath and interesting music.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6 You may not be able to go for the gold

today, but you certainly can have silver. Polish your heart and wear it on your sleeve.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 Stick close to your loved ones.They need to feel your support and your healing touch.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - Everybody else seems to be on the romance wagon today.You can follow along or give yourself a relaxing hour alone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Express your feelings. Healing energy flows through words that are carefully chosen.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 6 - Adapting to conditions gets you through a long day.You can wait to have things your way. Just do what you're told, and it will work out.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 6 - You get a golden opportunity to send just the right message to an important older individual. Get it right.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 Take action to soothe raw nerves. Revise the plan so it's actually possible. Shop early and stick to your list. © 2009,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

—David Pope is an English senior.

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

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

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

LOOKING THOUGH OUR LENS

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

CROSSWORD

PURE PIER LIGHTS Assistant Photo Editor Lindsay Martin captured this captivating view of the pier at Ocean Beach as the last breaths of sun peaked over the ocean horizon.

ACROSS 1 Workout room 4 Bit of hardware 9 Suffix with sea 14 Extinct ostrichlike bird 15 Games authority 16 Give __: care 17 360-degree artwork 19 Hardly the gregarious type 20 Buckeye 21 “Skip the sordid details” 23 Like many airports: Abbr.

24 __ firma 25 Well fluids 26 Former resident of Lhasa’s Potala Palace 30 God of hawks?

31 Gear part 32 Frank 33 Fanzine, e.g.

34 Limerick place 36 Old Prizm automaker 37 Represent as identical 39 __ and outs 40 East Berlin’s Cold War counterpart 41 Wildly exciting, in slang 43 Guesses “true” when the answer is “false” 44 Pulitzer winner Walker 45 Concert halls 46 Golfer who won the 1992 U.S. Open 49 Prescription measure 51 Nebraska city 52 Long-time Chinese leader 55 Boston airport

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com Bach work Superior Keats work Raison d’__: reason for being 18 Golf course 22 Shrimplike crusDOWN taceans 1 Canyon or Sierra 24 “In space no one can hear you 2 Toy on a string scream,” for 3 Rapid-fire weapon “Alien” 4 “Eats, __ & Leaves”: punctua- 25 Mosul resident 26 Forest female tion handbook 27 Source of mohair 5 Reef stuff 28 Bearings 6 “Saving 29 Near-eternity Private __” 30 From the U.S. 7 Common street 31 Cash alternative name 34 Neapolitans, e.g.

8 Cunning sort 35 Director Lee 9 Not paid hourly

56 Throw out 57 Nitrogen-based dye 58 Pork cuts 59 Essentials 60 Go one better

10 11 12 13

38 Shi’ite leader 40 Server’s basketful 42 Bygone bringers of cold blocks 43 Named for a car model, group who sang the 1961 hit formed by the ends of 17-, 26-, 41- and 52-Across 45 Leaked slowly 46 Turnpike fee 47 Melville novel 48 “The Gift of the __” 49 Info 50 Auto designer Ferrari 53 Stump creator 54 Red state org.