WEDNESDAY February 1, 2012 Volume 97, Issue 66 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M
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CSU presidential salaries capped DUSTIN MICHELSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Tara Millspaugh staff writer The Board of Trustees has officially placed a salary cap on newly hired presidents of all California State Universities. The new policy at hand states, “Compensation paid by state general funds for newly hired CSU presidents to be no more than 10 percent above the previous incumbent’s base pay.” This change of policy resulted from
the controversy regarding the salary of San Diego State President Elliot Hirshman. His annual salary of $400,000 is $100,000 more than that of his predecessor, Dr. Stephen L. Weber. If this policy had been enacted before Hirshman was hired last year, his base pay would be capped at $325,000. California Gov. Jerry Brown and several statewide officials were outraged to learn that the Board of Trustees had passed Hirshman’s salary, calling it “excessive.” Brown said there should not be such a disproportionate raise for
Hirshman and other CSU presidents during California’s budget crisis. CSU Board Chair Herbert Carter said with this new salary cap the board will hire competent and qualified presidents while adhering to realistic budget constraints. Along with the salary cap, the Board of Trustees has also approved a new comparator list to determine the incoming president’s compensation. Previously, there was a 40 percent salary gap between presidents on the list who made as much as $2 million
annually, compared to CSU presidents who made only $280,000, according to a news release. “The new compensation limits, and the more relevant tiered list of comparator institutions, will give stakeholders a good benchmark of where presidential compensation will be set as we move forward,” Carter said. The new policy is being implemented as Fullerton, Northridge, San Bernardino, San Francisco and California Maritime Academy are in search of new presidents.
US backs ACTA File-sharing site gets shut down Government cracks down on popular website Megaupload.
On Jan. 19, one of the nation’s most popular file-sharing websites, megaupload.com, was shut down by the U.S. Department of Justice because of allegations of copyright infringement, racketeering and money laundering. Police arrested the site’s creator, Kim Dotcom, and three other Megaupload partners at a $30 million
mansion located in New Zealand. A raid of the mansion ensued and luxury items, such as fine art and cars, were seized. Currently, the contents of Megaupload’s servers are in limbo, with potential data deletion in as little as two weeks. Citing a reaction of overall disgust online, powerful Internet group Anonymous retaliated against Megaupload’s termination by successfully shutting down the websites of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America. In the past, Megaupload has received celebrity musician endorsements from artists such as will.i.am and Kanye West.
sparked wider public awareness of the agreement. The U.S. has already signed ACTA, with both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations having issued executive orders to keep negotiations concerning Internet control legislation secret because it could cause “damage to the national security.” However, much of the response to ACTA has been negative. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., called the treaty “more dangerous than SOPA,” citing the lack of a congressional vote as his primary concern. Popular science and technology website Ars Technica was quick to dispel much of the misinformation
surrounding ACTA, stating the debate must be “informed by accurate information.” The writer made it clear, though, that ACTA has “both procedural and substantive problems” as it was “negotiated in extreme secrecy by a small group of wealthy nations.” Mexico, one of the countries previously involved in the ACTA negotiations, has rejected the final agreement. ACTA states that countries can sign the treaty until the end of March next year, although the European Parliament, which is responsible for ratifying the treaty, is set to vote on the agreement this June.
Elisse Miller contributor
MCT CAMPUS
U.S. has already signed agreement, faces opposition. Ana Ceballos staff writer The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement is an initiative to impose international standards for enforcing intellectual property right. The plan is to solve the growing problem of counterfeit goods and piracy, which is considered to be a threat to the sustainable development of the world economy, according to the European Commission. ACTA will deal with the protection of physical goods such as generic medicines, food patents and free circulation of medical information.
Digital infringement is also part of the treaty’s regulations. Civil enforcement penalties for copyright infringement will consist of paying damages, though the actual penalty for piracy is still uncertain. Countries such as Japan, Australia, Canada, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and 22 of the European Union’s members have signed the treaty. Nevertheless, these signatures solely mark the progress of ratification, which ultimately rests in the hands of the European Parliament. Early discussions about ACTA took place throughout 2006 and 2007. The negotiations started in June of 2008. During these negotiations some countries requested the text should not be disclosed, meaning public and civil organizations would not be part of the compromise. The leaking of documents to the Internet
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Old Globe Theatre‘s newest play is a dramatic morality tale.
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E N T E R TA I N M E N T Two of San Diego State’s fraternities break out and step in style.
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Throughout time, there have been many end-of-theworld predictions. The difference ... is the variance in total number of believers. F E AT U R E S
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D A I LY
AZTEC Wednesday, February 1, 2012
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
A L L T H E W O R L D ’ S A S TA G E
Globe’s ‘Recommendation’ builds tension David Dixon staff writer
COURTESY OF HENRY DIROCCO
The theme of loyalty in question has been present in recent big screen films such as “The Ides of March” and “Tinker Tailor Solder Spy.” “The Recommendation,” a new play at the Old Globe Theatre, also deals with this message, as a strong friendship is suddenly tested. Iskinder Iudoku (Brandon Gill) is a nerdy, but not completely antisocial, college student who quickly befriends his roommate, Aaron Feldman (Evan Todd). The wealthy Feldman is spoiled with a capital “S,” yet he is well meaning and helps Issy climb up the social and business ladders of success. Years after meeting, Aaron tells Issy he is going to embark on a beer run. Moments later, Aaron is arrested for reasons even he does not completely understand. Revealing more about the plot would spoil too much, but what follows is a tense morality tale in which the relationship of the two buddies goes to some dark and ugly places. While young playwright Jonathan Caren has written some shows in the past, “The Recommendation,” his
first major production, affirms he is a strong new voice in theater. The dialogue is reminiscent of the great Aaron Sorkin: incredibly smart without losing sight of his characters. Director Jonathan Munby is excellent in his pacing of “The Recommendation,” which at times feels similar to watching a modern big-screen drama. His storytelling is so engrossing; it is hard to believe he makes the intimate Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe feel so grand. The acting from the entire cast is spectacular. Gill plays the transformation from a somewhat naïve boy to an emotionally conflicted man wonderfully. Gill’s performance is natural and feels more like a real person than an actor giving a theatrical characterization. While Todd could have made Aaron into a pompous pain in the butt, he instead makes him an empathetic, witty and likable individual. As funny as he is, the best scenes are the ones when he reveals his vulnerability in dire situations. These moments, which Todd handles with aplomb, reveal how pathetic Aaron has become. The most complex role belongs to Jimonn Cole, who plays Aaron’s prison roommate, Dwight Barnes.
Because the audience does not get to know him quite as well as Issy and Aaron, it becomes tough to figure out what his motivations are. Cole produces a sense of menace whenever he is on stage. Betrayal is a reoccurring motif in “The Recommendation.” This is true with all three central characters. They break promises made to each other in order to satisfy their own personal interests. The backstabbing transmutes the funny drama into a chilling story full of disturbing dread. “The Recommendation” is as tense as it is hilarious. Act I has plenty of laugh-out-loud scenes with some terrific allusions, including a priceless reference to the rap song, “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.” Even when things take a serious turn in Act II, there are still some hysterical jokes, credited in no short part to the three leads’ interactions with each other. The target audience might be young adults, but “The Recommendation” is a creatively compelling drama that should appeal to all. In ways it is a hidden gem, a technically “small” show that surprises with originality and artistry. Tickets and information about “The Recommendation” can be found at theoldglobe.org.
POP ROCKS
Fraternities show off stepping skills Members of San Diego State’s Phi Beta Sigma and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternities “stepped” for the crowd on Monday, as part of the annual National Pan-Hellenic Council Spring Yard Show.
According to Step Afrika!, the nation’s first professional stepping company, “In stepping, the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and spoken
T H E
word.” SDSU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council hosted this year’s oncampus stepping performance. –Compiled by Managing Editor Beth Elderkin
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ALEJANDRA PAZ, STAFF WRITER
PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
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D A I LY
AZTEC Wednesday, February 1, 2012
F E AT U R E S
Apocalypse draws near Brittany Fasano staff writer With the supposed end of humankind fast approaching this year, as the ancient Mayans predicted thousands of years ago, some may be gearing up for one of three potential outcomes: an apocalyptic end, a transcendental shift in human consciousness or just another day. According to Mark Heley in his book, “The Everything Guide to 2012,” “Dec. 21, 2012 marks the end of a 5,125-year cycle in the Mayan calendar. This is the very last day
There is a prophecy in one of the surviving books of the Mayans, “The Book of Chilam Balam of Tizimin,” which says, “in the final days of misfortune, in the final days of tying up the bundle of the 13 (katuns) on 4 Ahau, then the end of the world shall come and the katun of our fathers will ascend on high.” This text suggests the Maya thought the world would come to an end in 2012, but they also believed when the world was destroyed, it would be reborn and created anew. “This could be interpreted as a worldwide disaster rather than an apocalypse,” Heley wrote. The prophecy finishes, “these valleys
“From what I know, there’s no prediction from the ancient times that the 2012 date in any way presages the ‘end of the world.’ Rather, Mayan historians generally concur ... the end of one cycle would be a moment of celebration for the society ...” Doug Leonard, SDSU astronomy professor
this calendar counts up to.” Throughout time, there have been many end-of-the-world predictions. The difference between past doomsday prophecies and the end of the Mayan calendar is the variance in total number of believers. The Mayans were known for their advanced mathematical skills and knowledge of astronomy, which is evident in their calendar. “For the Maya, time was the essential center of their culture, an all important singular focus that pervaded every aspect of their way of life,” Heley wrote. The Mayans used three separate calendars: the Long Count, the Tzolkin and the Haab. The Long Count was used to look into and date historical events. The Tzolkin was a 260-day cycle from which predictions and prophecies could be made. The Haab was the calendar the Mayans used to record the 360-day cycle of their year. The Tzolkin and the Haab combined specified unique days within a 52year cycle, which compares to the equivalent of our century. “From what I know, there’s no prediction from the ancient times that the 2012 date in any way presages an ‘end of the world.’ Rather, Mayan historians generally concur that coming to the end of one cycle would be a moment of celebration for the society and then the calendar would just begin again just as it did back in 3114,” San Diego State astronomy professor Doug Leonard said.
of the earth shall come to an end. For those katuns there shall be no priests and no one who believes in his government without having doubts.” After 2012, the world will enter a
new era, unmapped by the Maya. Most apocalyptic conclusions about the Mayan calendar and what is being written about the subject are considered modern speculation. The world is going through several momentous crises, including financial instability, a depletion of resources, an extinction of species and a boom in population growth. But even the creator of the “Galactic Superwave Theory,” Paul LaViolette, is optimistic about humanity’s outcome. “If there is an event, he believes it is likelier to be a more minor wakeup call type of event, rather than a cataclysm,” Heley wrote. It would be impossible for the Mayans to predict the exact date of the end of the world, but to some, that doesn’t mean it isn’t going to happen. “I don’t think the world will end,” computer science sophomore Jared Fukushima said. “There has always been speculation and different dates pointing to when the world will end and nothing has yet to happen.” Upon being asked what he will do on Dec. 21 Fukushima said, “I plan on throwing an ‘end of the world’ party.” Go ahead and indulge in exhilarating theatrical thrillers based on the 2012 prophecy and delight in the various books and fanciful novels about the subject, but education is crucial and conspiracy theories should be recognized as just that: theories. “(There is) certainly no reason from modern astronomical science to think that anything special will happen this coming December,” Leonard said. “So, I say go ahead and plan your New Year’s festivities for 2013.”
BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
HOROSCOPE TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (2/1/12) Treat yourself to lovely scenery, delicious food and company. Recurring themes this year are fun, friendship and learning. The first six months highlight home and family, while social life heats up the second half. Make a big wish! To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 Allow ideas to gel, for now. Get into research, where it's all starting to make sense. Pull together facts and data, and sort through them to discover treasure. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - You have plenty of profitable ideas, and some are ripe for the picking. Confer with dreamers for inspiration, and let the wind dictate your direction. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 The Moon's in your sign, and you're riding high. A unique character enters the picture. Accept an assignment for the money, and find hidden interest. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 Thinking and planning fits your mood. Slow down and contemplate. Fine-tune your domestic environment. Clarify your direction, and get ready to play catch up. LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 Balance responsibility with a bit of crazy. Don't take friends for granted. They're really there for you. It's a two-way street ... do something fun together.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 Wake up to a beautiful day full of options. Climb mountains, cross rivers, stop and smell the roses. Watch where you place your feet. The view's incredible. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 Business interferes with fun. Don't goof off! You'd much rather play. Plan a vacation or trip, even as you manage your responsibilities. Being productive pays. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 With the right company, you can face obstacles that you normally might shy away from. Things don't seem like such a big deal. Balance action and patience. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 9 - Insights battle for your attention. Intuition guides your pen, and emotion fuels your efforts. Imagine that you have it all. What would that look like? CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - "Do what you love and the money will follow" really rings true now. But really, don't worry about the money ... it comes. Enjoy the little pleasures. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - You are surrounded by love, but you may not be in the mood to run around. Find the inspiration you need to tackle a creative project. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 It's best to stay close to home for the next couple of days. Don't rush any decisions now that you may regret later. Stand your ground, and take it easy. ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.
BY THE MEPHAM GROUP, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
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ACROSS 1 Bank heist 4 Bedframe piece 8 Beyond harmful 14 “... by __ other name ...” 15 Bare bones 16 Billiard ball feature, about half the time 17 Buzz-filled 2007 animated film 19 Brings together 20 Burdensome additional levy 22 Boldly states 23 Birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen 26 Baker’s meas. 28 “Behold,” to Brutus 29 Ball-shaped frozen dessert 30 Betty White costar in “The Golden Girls” 32 “Ben-Hur,” e.g. 33 Bedrock resident 34 “But then again ...” 35 Bug-bitten? 36 Brown who wrote “The Da Vinci Code” 37 Billion-year period 40 Brother of Judah 42 Bump off 43 Biotin, thiamine et al. 47 Blinked the sleep from one’s eyes 48 Bothersome parasites 49 By order of 50 Bigheaded sort 51 Bing Crosby’s “__ You Glad You’re You?” 53 Baseball team’s list of players 55 Balanced state 57 Behave candidly 61 Black-tie wear 62 Bardot’s “the same”
/ Daily Aztec BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 63 Breathtaking snake? 64 Began, as a lawn 65 Beachfront property? 66 Buddy DOWN 1 Boxer’s punch 2 Binary digit 3 “Bon voyage!” 4 Better half, so to speak 5 Burgundy book 6 Bickering 7 Box office setting 8 Baton Rouge sch. 9 Blower of Sicilian smoke 10 Buffer between a hot plate and a dinner table 11 Built for NASA, say
12 Brief summary 13 __ Bear: Ursa Minor 18 Broadcaster of “Morning Joe” 21 Blackboard symbols in the locker room 23 Bride’s passé promise 24 Birdbrain 25 Belch, say 27 Blissful song 30 Better for enjoying the outdoors, as weather 31 “Belshazzar’s Feast” painter Rembrandt van __ 33 “Black Sunday” airship 35 Biblical prophet: Abbr. 37 Blond sci-fi race
38 Barrel sources 39 Bolshevik’s denial 41 Bundles up (in) 42 Bound by oath 43 Blaring siren sounds 44 Basis of morality 45 Belaying tool for climbers 46 Became edgy 47 Belonging to an ancient time 50 “Blood Simple” co-screenwriter Coen 52 Bay of Fundy wonder 54 Big name in video games 56 Bald spot filler 58 Backward flow 59 Bronze coin of old France 60 Bar bill