02-02-2015

MONDAY, FEB. 2 - WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2015 • VOLUME 101 • ISSUE 39

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ECA AZT DO 3 UN INA E M AG ¡LE P

ALL ABOUT AN AZTEC: SENIORS Check out some interesting insights on Aztecs Melissa Wendorf and Allison Ross • P11

#AZTECMBB

REACHING FOR THE SKY

Before reading this quote, consider all the different defensive juggernaut teams Steve Fisher has led during his tenure as San Diego State’s head coach.

Got it? Thinking about Xavier Thames and Josh Davis locking down the perimeter and interior last year?

About Kawhi Leonard, Malcolm Thomas and the legendary 2010-11 squad?

OK, good.

“This is as good of a defense we’ve seen since we’ve been here,” Fisher said. “Tonight was a classic example,” Fisher said after his team beat the Utah State University Aggies (12-9, 5-4 Mountain West) 62-42 on Saturday.

It’s high praise, and the Aztecs (17-5, 7-2 MW) backed it up.

SDSU forced the Aggies, who averaged about 10 turnovers before Saturday, into 19 turnovers, which the Aztecs converted to 15 points.

SDSU limited Utah State to a 29.2 field-goal percentage — about 15 percent less than its season average before walking into Viejas Arena.

Continued offensive struggles (11 turnovers and 21 points on 33.3-percent shooting) overshadowed the first-half defensive performance, but Fisher chose to stay calm with his team at halftime and focus on the positives.

“What I said tonight (at halftime)

was that I’ve never seen you play better defensively,” Fisher said. “You took a team that runs set plays to perfection and you made them play scramble ball which is what we wanted them to do.”

“Coach Fisher wasn’t steaming today,” senior guard Aqeel Quinn said. “Turnovers started with me.

We came in the locker room and we talked about the turnovers and said we wanted to keep it down to one or two turnovers … our defense was solid tonight so that’s all we can lean our head on.”

The Aztecs maintained their Fisheresque defense in the second half, but they also flipped the offense switch to “on.” SDSU scored 41 points on 51.6 percent shooting while allowing 28 points on 29.6 percent shooting.

SDSU sucked the wind out of Utah State’s gut in a six-minute stretch early in the second half. Senior forward J.J. O’Brien missed a turnaround jumper with 16:49 left, but he grabbed his own miss and dished it to redshirtsophomore Matt Shrigley for a successful corner 3-pointer.

Three minutes later, freshman forward Malik Pope grabbed another offensive board and put it in to give SDSU a 37-16 lead with 12:40 left.

Utah State junior guard Chris Smith nailed a jumper on the next possession, ending SDSU’s 14-0 scoring run.

But Pope permanently snatched back the momentum with five straight points: a corner 3-pointer and a lob-

city alley-oop from freshman guard Trey Kell that culminated SDSU’s 21-4 scoring run the start the half.

Pope finished with 13 points on 5-9 shooting, four rebounds and a lot of something that can’t be measured by stats: energy and excitement.

“Malik (Pope) has a certain aura about himself when he gets out on the floor,” Quinn said. “He’s a young cat; he’s ready and full of energy. Every time he gets the ball off a rebound he’s pushing it.”

Quinn had quite a night as well, leading all scorers with 15 points on 5-10 shooting.

Shrigley played 11 minutes despite having food-poisoning-like symptoms this weekend. He finished with five points and two assists.

Junior forward Skylar Spencer played his best offensive game in a while, scoring eight points on 4-5 shooting. He continued to lead the team’s interior defense, blocking three shots and altering countless more.

“It was great to see Skylar (Spencer) up here smiling and excited that he did more than block shots and rebound,” Fisher said. “Skylar has been a huge part of some great success at San Diego State. We know that and people that know basketball know that. Too many people want to talk about what we can’t do rather than saying he is part of a terrific team and he’s playing a valuable role.”

SDSU next travels to play the University of Nevada, Reno (6-14, 2-6 MW) Wednesday at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.

“canThepush music that a sleep-

deprived student to persevere deserves special recognition...”

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MATTHEW BAIN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR ___________________________________

PRINT EDITION

The San Diego State Aztecs defeated the Utah State University Aggies 62-42 at Viejas Arena Saturday.

SNEAKPEEK

Junior forward Skylar Spencer scored seven points on 4-5 shooting against the Aggies on Saturday afternoon.

KRISTIAN CARREON, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

P2 KCR earns six nominations WESLEY BEIGHTS, VIDEO EDITOR

P4 Discussion: Freedom of Speech THINKSTOCK

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2 NEWS

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#COLLEGERADIO

KCR nominated for radio awards EMELY NAVARRO STAFF WRITER _____________________________ San Diego State’s KCR College Radio has been nominated for six Intercollegiate Broadcast System Golden Microphone Awards for 2015.

“It’s amazing,” TV film and media senior and KCR General Manager Olivia Hill said. “The fact that we have six nominations is just incredible, and we really earned it. Everyone who has been nominated definitely deserves it.”

The Intercollegiate Broadcast System, a nonprofit education corporation that is affiliated with high school, college and community radio stations, helps give recognition to various stations through their programs and awards. The nominations came from submissions the KCR team sent in mid-December.

The student-run radio station’s six nominations include Best Online Radio Station; Best Campus News by Quinn Owen; Best Play by Play Baseball by Patrick Carr; Brett Moore and Matt Hoffman; Best Play by Play Other by Brendan Price, Brett Moore and Matt Hoffman; Best Promotions Director Emma

Healy; and Best Production Designer Josh Papas.

Deciding what segments to submit for these awards took about a year.

“Throughout the year, you hear good quality work and when we hear content that is really good we bookmark it and submit it to IBS,” Hill said. “Overall the hard work of the entire KCR staff really contributed to the success the past year.”

Best Production Designer nominee Joshua Papas, an SDSU environmental engineering senior and KCR production designer, was in shock after finding out about his nomination.

“It feels great that all my hard work is finally paying off,” Papas said. “I love KCR, I never thought that I would have the chance to go to New York and actually win an award for doing what I truly enjoy.”

Each time KCR Programming Director and communication sophomore Matt Hoffman did a hockey broadcast, he said his colleagues would all say to one another that this broadcast would be the one they turn into Intercollegiate Broadcast System in hopes of getting a nomination.

This semester KCR will

Two KCR hosts broadcast a sports segment. The radio station was nominated for six college radio awards.

WESLEY BEIGHTS, VIDEO EDITOR

continue to expand and attempt to make its presence known on campus. They will continue the “Farmers Market Turn Up” from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays by the flagpole on Campanile Walkway, where they will showcase DJs, local artists and student performances.

“The biggest goal is to always get more exposure and having a weekly music event like this has us on the right path,” psychology senior and KCR Events Director Emma Healy said.

KCR recently created a new segment called “SDSU Questions,” in which they go around campus and ask random students 10 questions.

If they answer nine out of the 10 questions correctly, they win a SDSU Bookstore gift card.

For sports this semester, the radio station will finish up the hockey season broadcast then move onto broadcasting 14 baseball games. At the beginning of each broadcast they will play a special tribute to SDSU alumni,

coach and baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.

Additionally, the sports team will be broadcasting San Diego Surf, an American Basketball Association team.

KCR is currently accepting new member applications until Feb. 4 through its website.

Winners for the Golden Microphone Awards will be announced on March 7 at the 75th Annual Intercollegiate Broadcast System conference in New York City.

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MUNDO AZTECA 3

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#TIJUANA

Fincas urbanas cultivan beneficios VENTURA OLVERA ESCRITORA _____________________________ Global Shapers Tijuana Hub, grupo que forma parte de la comunidad de Global Shapers Community, una comunidad de jóvenes lideres de entre 20 y 30 años de edad que pertenece al foro económico mundial, dio inicio a su iniciativa “bordofarms” recientemente.

El movimiento tiene como propósito brindar una ocupación sustentable por medio de fincas orgánicas, a aquellos individuos que han sido deportados de los Estados Unidos y que ahora se encuentran varados en “el bordo”, a la orilla del río Tijuana en una área que se encuentra bajo un puente, entre agujeros de suciedad y alcantarillas.

“El plan era crear algo en conjunto para beneficiar a la comunidad de Tijuana”, dijo Miguel Marshall, líder de la iniciativa “bordofarms”. “Nos dimos cuenta de que algo muy importante en Tijuana es la falta de infraestructura que existe para nuestra comunidad de deportados.”

En los últimos cinco años, EE.UU. ha deportado a un

Un trabajador cultiva la tierra de un “bordofarm,” una finca orgánica.

VENTURA OLVERA, ESCRITORA

número récord de inmigrantes.

Cada año, de 250,000 a 300,000 de estos individuos son enviados a México, de acuerdo a datos del departamento de suridad nacional de EE.UU y el instiuto nacional de migración de México.

México cuenta con 15 puntos de repatriación, sin embargo, un tercio de los deportados es generalmente enviado al estado de Baja California, y la mitad de estos, que equivale a un número de entre 100 a 300 personas, es enviado diariamente a Tijuana.

“Al notar la apatía que se vive en la ciudad, nos desesperamos y dijimos, ‘hay que pensar en algo productivo’”, dijo Marshall.

“Y pensamos, ‘¿por qué no

hacemos huertos en donde podamos brindar empleos?’”

La idea es utilizar las habilidades que la mayoría de los imigrantes deportados han utilizado en los campus en EE.UU. y poropocionarles la oportunidad de vender lo que cultivarán.

Varios de los individuos que viven en “el bordo” se mostraron muy agradecidos por la iniciativa, como es el caso de Roberto Martínez, un hombre que fue deportado hace un par de meses y que dijo sentirse contento por haber sido recordado por la comunidad tijuanense.

“Lo que me motivó a venir a ayudarle a los jóvenes que

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tienen este plan, es el hecho de que esto es lo mejor que yo he visto en lo que llevo aquí”, dijo Martínez. “Yo trabajé en la siembra en Estados Unidos por muchos años y cuando escuché de esto me interesó venir a buscar la oportunidad de un trabajo, apoyar a los jóvenes que se acordaron de nosotros y agradecer la esperanza que nos han dado”.

Representantes de la iniciativa Tijuana Te Quiero, que tiene como propósito mejorar el cruce peatonal de Tijuana a San Ysidro, asistieron a la inauguración del proyecto de “bordofarms” y ayudaron a los individuos deportados con fruta y agua durante su trabajo.

Mónica Schroeder, fundadora de Tijuana Te Quiero, dijo que le pareció natural que Tijuana Te Quiero se involucrara en el proyecto, ya que considera que es importante brindarle a este problema atención local, para que por medio de la ayuda colectiva se le logre transformar la situación de los deportados.

“Nos interesa ayudar a todas estas personas que tienen ganas de trabajar”, dijo Schroeder.

“Nosotros estamos aquí, estamos trabajando y creo que juntos podemos lograr que toda

esta área se vuelva verde en un futuro no muy lejano”.

Las fincas orgánicas denominadas “bordofarms” son producto de la colaboración de dos organizaciones sin fines de lucro con sede en Tijuana: fundación Gaia, que promueve un estilo de vida sustentable y que regularmente ayuda a los inmigrantes deportados, y Transición Tijuana, que inaugura y opera parques urbanos alrededor de la ciudad.

La planificación del proyecto comenzó en noviembre y fue inspirado en la iniciativa de una compañía que se dedica a la conservación de huertos verticales con alta tecnología, Marshall dijo.

“Se llevó a cabo de manera muy rápida”, dijo Marshall. “No somos una organización todavía; no estamos denominados como organización sin fines de lucro, dijimos ‘primero el proyecto, ya después la formalización’”.

Durante el evento inaugural el 17 de enero, algunos miembros de Global Shapers Tijuana Hub, así como activistas de San Diego, se unieron a una docena de migrantes deportados y sin hogar, mediante la preparación del suelo y la siembra de frutas y verduras.

4 OPINION

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

Who’sWho?

#FREESPEECH

EDITORIAL

Know the power of rights T

he recent tragedy at the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris have sparked a worldwide controversy about freedom of speech and rights that are often taken for granted.

As journalists and editors of this newspaper, we have a duty to our peers and our generation to uphold these rights, as well as utilize this freedom in our pages and spread the voices of this community.

Free speech provides opportunities for thoughtprovoking conversations and

responses to current events.

Although the opportunities behind free speech are often controversial, the rebuttal to any offense is only viable through the very freedom some choose to condemn.

The ability to speak ones mind, free from criminal prosecution, allows the sharing of ideas, good and bad, and is absolutely essential to a functioning and informed society.

Now more than ever, freedom of speech is often under attack. In a recent poll, a third of those surveyed

believed the First Amendment goes too far in protecting free speech — a 13 percent increase from previous years.

The mixed views toward free speech are often due to a lack of understanding about the protection itself.

Not many people thoroughly grasp the weight of the rights that would be taken away if free speech wasn’t in play. The task of upholding free speech is more than exercising the right, it’s also necessary to be knowledgeable about these powers to use them for all the possibilities they present.

Without free speech, the mere foundation of education on this campus would be diminished.

Freedom of speech is backed by transparency and the voices of many.

That is why The Daily Aztec not only accepts, but encourages students, faculty and staff to submit Letters to the Editor on behalf of any campus issues — because free speech doesn’t only prosper in the hands of those holding the pen, but for those upholding the protection.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Monica Linzmeier MANAGING EDITOR Madison Hopkins NEWS EDITOR David Hernandez ASST. NEWS EDITOR Camille Lozano SPORTS EDITOR Kristian Ibarra ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Matthew Bain OPINION EDITOR Elpin Keshishzadeh ASST. OPINION EDITOR Anthony Berteaux ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Nick Knott ASST. ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Ryo Miyauchi FEATURES EDITOR Kelly Hillock ASST. FEATURES EDITOR Olivia Litsey PHOTO EDITOR Jenna Mackey

#FREESPEECH

‘Je ne suis pas’ Charlie Hebdo COURTNEY WHITE CONTRIBUTOR _____________________________

T

welve lives were tragically lost on Jan. 7, when two masked gunmen entered the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo, the now infamous French satirical magazine.

However, this tragedy is no reason to support the social media movement that imploded soon after: “Je suis Charlie.”

The hashtag, which was tweeted more than 3.4 million times within the first 24 hours of the attack and is now one of the most popular hashtags in history, was originally intended to show support for freedom of speech. Few realize the hashtag has ended up being misused for a variety of purposes. So, before you purchase your “Je suis Charlie” Urban Outfitters T-shirt, there are a few points to consider.

Supporters of “Je suis Charlie” are not exclusively supporting freedom speech, but they are also supporting the magazine that depicts incredibly offensive, racist and vulgar images. While it is all supposedly in the name of secular satire, this isn’t how western countries should be responding to a heinous

act of terrorism. As a result, Americans and western Europeans, who support the movement, end up financially supporting magazines that attempt to alienate an entire culture.

I am not contesting the right to free speech, I am merely advocating for a more wholesome and considerate way to express this right - especially during a sensitive time concerning foreign relations with Islamic countries.

Khaleel Mohammed, San Diego State associate professor who specializes in Muslim law and extremist movements, shed some light on what “Je suis Charlie” means when it’s tweeted. Mohammed said the degree to which the attack was planned and the reaction that was intended in western countries is being overlooked. Both France and the United States responded in a similar fashion, which has further alienated the Muslim population as a whole.

“These militants want (western societies) to respond, which is to make Muslims in general feel as if they are the ‘other’,” Mohammed said.

“Je suis Charlie” is seemingly key evidence of this intentionally provoked

response. The movement has become a way for western countries to come together and support freedom of speech, secularism and the absence of Islam. The Muslim community hasn’t publicly been welcome to participate in this movement.

This exclusion is even more evident by the fact that many Twitter users have been mentioning “Je suis Charlie,” while also hashtagging “Kill all Muslims.” The fact that any population of people have united over the use of these hashtags only further alienates the innocent people who have done nothing wrong. These campaigns further develop ambiguity in communication, pulling readers from the faces.

“We know that we condemn it, but we’re not going to be apologetic for it,” journalism sophomore and Muslim Student Association Vice President Ahmed Buzeriba said regarding the attacks in France.

Rightfully, they don’t have to be sorry, because they haven’t committed a crime.

It’s no secret many make the mistake of associating all Muslims with the radical ideas of extremists. It should not be so unfathomable to think that not all Muslims are

violent extremists, but civil individuals who would rather not have their spiritual beliefs be devalued through cartoons from a French rag.

“Violence is never the answer, even if they are depicting our Prophet, who is really dear to us, as some savage barbarian,” Buzeriba said.

That being said, do not fret.

Freedom loving citizens don’t need to compromise their ethics to support freedom of speech. “Je suis Ahmed” is on the rise. The hashtag came from the discovery that one of the policemen shot in the Charlie Hebdo attack, Ahmed Merabet, was Muslim. The man died protecting those writers’ right to ridicule his own religion.

Supporting the Ahmed’s actions and his family is a more constructive way to support free speech. Why would you support anyone who abuses rights to say harmful things, rather than supporting someone who uses their rights to do good?

The Muslim community, along with society, knows you can’t stop people from saying nasty things. However, just because one is able to say those things, that doesn’t mean they should.

WHAT DO STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY? JESSICA VALENCIA • WOMEN STUDIES & SPANISH SENIOR It’s the freedom to express your ideas. Especially being in academia, being able to discuss these ideas is important in creating dialogue. San Diego State does pretty well on discussion and dialogues. However, one thing I noticed, and I saw this with a Daily Aztec back-page article, is the fact that certain pages have been censoring comments because people

have been trolling. I think that is something that has been happening and needs to be addressed.

People want to discuss ideas, you know? However, when it becomes a personal attack or a point of contention, then it becomes difficult to continue speaking on that. I think we do a great job of being able to navigate these thoughts amongst our diverse student body.

I think the lack of freedom of speech will make people feel alienated, especially if people

have different opinions from everyone. I’m not thinking of just SDSU but in general, it would definitely limit dialogue.

The kind of interactions we have with each other they couldn’t be as rich as they would be. _____________________________ CITLALLI CONTRERAS • ANTHROPOLOGY SOPHOMORE I see freedom of speech as a living being — a living testament for people to truly seek to break the mold that have long been set

VIDEO EDITOR Wesley Beights DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Kelly Gardner ART DIRECTOR Kate Leonard VOLUNTEER WRITERS Emely Navarro Ventura Olvera Courtney White Emily Brennan Ryan Posner Patrick Carr Rafael Avitable Kris Keehl VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS Ventura Olvera Kristian Carreon Chad Cady Connor Guy Sarah Smith Andy Farra _____________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tony Disarufino SALES MANAGER Adam Zabel SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Radbeh Rabaz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alfonso Barajas Jordan Dennison Peyton Fedorka Sarah Richardson ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Michael Bratt Kalie Christensen _____________________________ STREET TEAM Emily Alvarenga Shelby Snyder Conor Nordberg Paige Plassmeyer _____________________________ GENERAL MANAGER Jay Harn GRAPHICS SPECIALIST Chris Blakemore _____________________________

What’sWhat? for us by countless people and systems to eradicate that kind of self-expression.

Without freedom of speech we lose parts of ourselves that truly make us human because since the dawn of time the need to communicate and the urge to express ourselves, whether it be through art, music, everything, has always been ingrained within our nature. To suppress that innate desire of expression would be to deny ourselves our humanity and to create a kind of coldness.

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WEB Our website, thedailyaztec.com, publishes daily content, videos & breaking news.

The Daily Aztec has been San Diego State’s independent student newspaper since 1913.

OPINION 5

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#FREESPEECH

Student paper bites at censorship Offensive humor doesn’t provide grounds for dismissing free speech.

ANTHONY BEREAUX ASST. OPINION EDITOR _____________________________

T

he senseless terrorist attack on Charlie Hedbo in the wake of the new year forced many people to ask legitimate questions about the price we pay for freedom of expression in a western secular society.

However, the phenomena of “Je suis Charlie,” directly following the debacle of the comedy film “The Interview,” isn’t a narrative that speaks as broadly as freedom of expression in the face of terrorism, but rather it specifically addresses the price and power of comedy.

In retrospect, comedy has always been risky business.

Famous and successful comedians such as David Letterman, Russel Brand and Sascha Baron Cohen have received numerous death threats from jihadi groups, radical Christians and radical Palestinian militants in the name of offensive comedy.

Edgy comedienne, Kathy Griffin, recounts an incident

#STATESPEAKS

in her best-selling memoir “Official Book Club Selection,” in which an offended member of a Muslim group threatened to kill her during her act.

Such is the spirit of a provocateur I suppose.

However, the question posed by many during the Charlie Hedbo tragedy was simply: Were they asking for it?

While a majority condemned the massacre as an act of senseless terrorism, others attempted to rationalize the attacks by using Charlie Hedbo’s provocative cartoons as a pretext for the violence.

Henri Roussel, co-founder of the French satirical paper, has condemned the late editor Stephane Charbonnier’s decision to continuously run the offensive cartoons of Islam’s holy Prophet Muhammad.

He stated that Charbonnier’s decisions to run such provocative material dragged the team to its demise.

The rhetoric was this: if anyone were to truly practice freedom of speech, people who abuse it should be prepared to experience the consequences of it — even if that leads to

Koala has dealt with detractors who wish for nothing but its censorship.

During the fall of 2013, students rallied to send a letter to San Diego State’s Freedom of Expression Committee calling for an end of the publications distribution on campus. The motion failed. However it failed for good reason. In SDSU’s freedom of expression policy, it states the school, as an institution of higher education, “… defends the expressions we abhor, as well as the expressions we support.”

The existence of provocative media, such as The Koala and Charlie Hedbo, needs to persist in the face of those who wish to censor. Provocative expression needs to exist to maintain intellectual integrity and foster dialogue Even some comedians argue there is even intellectual value in pursing provocative expression and stereotypes.

During an interview for the comedy podcast, “You Made it Weird” hosted by comedian Pete Holmes, American-Jewish comedian Moshe Kasher has said he finds inherent value in up-playing racist stereotypes.

“I’ve been criticized at points for digging into these stereotypes (about Jews) in

my jokes but I believe that there is power in digging into (them) because they are that ridiculous,” Kasher said, “I think it’s helpful because it shows in full repose how ridiculous and absurd they are.”

While satirical publications walk the fine line between what’s appropriate and inappropriate, its provocative nature in publishing stereotypes and horribly offensive humor initiates dialogue that would otherwise remain stagnant. It calls into question the truth behind the reason of offense. What does a racist joke say about public misconceptions about a certain race? What does it say about society? These are one of the many questions we could be asking ourselves.

If you’re offended by The Koala, be offended. If you’re offended by Charlie Hedbo, be offended. We take for granted that to even be offended is both the blessing and the curse of living in a democracy based on the foundation of free speech and expression. Maybe if we analyzed offensive comedy, we’d find that we’re not so much offended by the joke itself, but we’re shocked by the harsh sliver of truth that lies behind the thin veil of comedy.

PROFESSORPROVIDEDINSIGHT

AMY SCHMITZ WEISS, PH.D

JOURNALISM AND MEDIA STUDIES ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

F

massacre.

I beg to differ.

No matter how offensive, no display of free speech justifies terrorism. To even state so undermines the value and intention of expression, and it’s the adherence to the freedom of speech that entails even the most provocative forms of comedy must be protected and respected. It’s not enough to look at this on a global scale. To understand this broad concept, one must consider a local perspective. For example, let’s take a look at The Koala.

If you’ve been on campus long enough, you would know that the satirical newspaper, The Koala, is an equal offender to all minorities. Filled to the brim with phallic imagery, racist jokes and stereotypes, the Koala has never been for the faint-of-heart. For some it’s hilarious, but for others it’s highly offensive.

In a New York Times piece about The Koala, reporter Kyle Spencer offers an introspective look at the trials and tribulations of the publishing of publication, detailing the harassment Koala distributors face: Alleged on-campus verbal threats, spitting and even professor retaliation. In line with its offensive nature, the

reedom of speech to me means you have the ability to freely speak your mind and to be able to share those thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints with anyone and for them to be able to hear it.

We can see the lack of freedom of speech globally.

There are a lot of places around the world where they don’t have the ability to speak freely and they don’t have the ability to publish freely. As a result, their viewpoints, their opinions and their information is stifled.

In many cases, they may be misinformed, and sometimes they can’t make the best decisions on a daily basis. We can see this happening all over the world. So, it’s important to know that we, in the United States, take it for granted having freedom of the press. We always think it’s just there, but we have to acknowledge that we fought for it to get where we have it today.

It’s important to recognize that we should continuously keep fighting for it, even though we do have it here in the U.S., because it could easily be taken away from us. This means being active in discussion, speaking out, getting your voice heard and making sure that your viewpoints are out there. It entails calling out those places in the world where censorship exists — where people don’t have the opportunity to have freedom of expression and calling into question, “Why is that?” and “Why can’t people all over the world have the opportunity to speak?”

The repercussions (of not having freedom of speech) are quite large. Having that stifled or taken away from you can be quite detrimental to your being able to know exactly what’s happening around you and how you feel about making decisions on a daily basis. From ones as simple as deciding where to go shopping for groceries to deciding what to wear, or who to vote for, and how legislation will change one way or another and how that will impact your daily life.

I think any or all of those can be impacted when freedom of expression is stifled.

RONNIE SCHREIBER, PH.D

POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR AND DEPARTMENT CHAIR

I

think the important thing to understand, generally, or at least legally, with freedom of speech in the United States is it’s governed by laws when it has to do with speech being regulated by the government; so it doesn’t always apply to just individuals or individual acts of saying things.

It’s important that people understand that, that freedom of speech has a constitutional meaning.

Obviously, it’s problematic if we have government regulations that define what speech is appropriate and what is not appropriate. So, I think it is important that the First Amendment rights to freedom of expression are guarded.

However, I think it’s also important for people to understand that in no matter what context people are making speech claims or speech acts, that speech has consequences.

I appreciate we have freedom of speech, but it doesn’t mean that what you say doesn’t have consequences, and have effects on the way it influences fellow citizens and our ability to interact with each other. Some speakers have more power than others, so I think it’s important to understand the context in which speech is being made and how much power that speaker actually has.

In the most extreme cases, the lack of freedom of speech is problematic because the diversity of opinion doesn’t get heard and power gets replicated in very stringent ways, much more so than here in the U.S.

CARRIE O’CONNELL

JOURNALISM AND MEDIA STUDIES LECTURER

F

reedom of speech means the ability to express ourselves in a manner that allows us personal autonomy. What it doesn’t mean is our ability to disrupt intentionally to just get others frustrated.

There are limits to freedom of speech, for example, don’t troll Delta Airlines and tell them there’s a bomb on the plane. To me, what freedom of speech essentially means is our unalienable right that carries with it a lot of responsibility, because our words do mean a lot and we can’t take that lightly.

There is a burden of responsibility when we express ourselves — especially if we’re journalists. We carry a lot of influence and a lot of power.

To me the lack of freedom of speech looks like, not just the censoring of the government, but also a silencing of dissenting opinion by groups that perhaps have an issue with another group. It can look like quieting a dissenter, which is typical of a government who shuts down someone who has a challenging opinion. I believe the lack of freedom of speech is much more complex than that also, it can be wielding your power to silence another and we see a lot of that happening across the world today. Sometimes that’s backed with a threat of physical force.

One of the perfect instances that we’ve seen recently online are “concern trolls” where there is a lot of stifling of debate and stifling of opinion. Obviously this isn’t the stripping away of someone’s right to freedom of speech, but we certainly tend to self-muzzle when we feel threatened and we certainly pull back our public communication.

I think we’ve seen a lot of this recently with women. It’s really any denial of one’s right to express themselves and maintain personal autonomy within the boundaries of acceptable human behavior.

One of the consequences of limiting freedom of speech is a narrow point of view. If you limit free speech, if you try to impose one perspective and even if this is majority rule and shuts the minority down, what it does is it denies us diversity of intellectual thought — which is key to not only human interaction, but also key to newsrooms and it can lead to tunnelvisioning us.

I think dissenting voices, even as challenging as they are at times, are necessary because we all see the world in different perspectives.

6 PHOTO

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: JENNA MACKEY • PHOTO@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#AZTECMBB

AZTEC MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. UTAH STATE AGGIES Jan. 31, Photos by Kristian Carreon, Senior Staff Photographer

NEWS 7

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#MILLENNIALS

Millennials prove to be progressive

San Diego State students protested the Michael Brown case in Novemeber. A new study labels millennials as progressive.

PHOTO EDITOR, JENNA MACKEY

EMILY BRENNAN STAFF WRITER ____________________________ Millennials are the most confident, connected, openminded and progressive generation, according to recent studies.

“Millennials, A Portrait of Generation Next,” is a series of reports studying values, beliefs and behaviors of members of the Millennial generation, the population of people reaching

adulthood in the 2000s. The study was recently released by Pew Research Center.

The research concluded that Millennials are the most accepting of interracial marriage, the most accepting of immigrants, with 58 percent believing immigrants strengthen the country, and are the only generation in favor of the legalization of gay marriage.

“I have been very fortunate to teach in a department where a lot of students are first

generation college students,” Chicana and Chicano studies professor Leilani GrajedaHigley said. “Many of these students are aware and active because they come from a place of oppression.”

In the past year, San Diego State saw students participate is various events, protests, and solidarity movements such as the Take Back the Night march against sexual assault and the protest on the decision of the Michael Brown shooting case

Ferguson.

“My sophomore year we put up a mock wall representing the wall that separates Palestine and Israel and included art and information,” SDSU senior Hassan Abdinur said. “Some students are really appreciative and once they understand what is going on they want to know more and do more.”

Abdinur attributes the lack of knowledge, or the statement “Oh, I didn’t know,” as a huge motivator for not only himself, but for many activists.

“Now that you understand, now that you know there is a problem, know that you need to step up in whatever capacity you can step up in,” Abdinur said.

While Millennials exhibit more open-mindedness than previous generations, a report released by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research showed today’s college students also rank about 40 percent lower in empathy than students two or three decades earlier.

“It’s easy to say that you know there are problems in some country across the world and not do anything when all you hear are statistics and faceless people, which is why it is so important to humanize the struggles,” Abdinur said.

A new trend in the millennial generation, coined “slacktivism,” involves using social media platforms to write about the issues happening around the globe without actually going out and being involved in protests.

“You just sit on the computer and share and retweet without doing much, and now that is considered activism, (but) there is a lack of action after that though,” Abdinur said. “It’s cool that you know about all this stuff, but where does the action come into play?”

Researchers believe the most likely reason for both the progressive attitude and desensitization is due to new technology and social media available to this generation.

“I don’t know if students have changed as much as started to outsource their brains,” GrajedaHigley said. “Technology and social media has allowed them to see what is happening all over the world.”

According to a 2014 survey conducted by MTV and David Binder Research, 89 percent of Millennials believe “everyone should be treated equally, regardless of race.”

“We are at a crossroads at the minute, we are unique, so do everything in your capacity to bring about more change,” Abdinur said.

#ASSOCIATEDSTUDENTS

AS begins accepting election applications KELLY HILLOCK FEATURES EDITOR _____________________________ Applications for San Diego State’s Associated Students elected positions are now available through Feb. 12.

“I really encourage people to get out there and run,” Vice President of External Relations Jacqueline Karczewski said.

“You’ll learn a lot and put yourself out there to the student body. If you don’t want to run, I encourage you to vote.”

Any student meeting the specified criteria is eligible to run.

GETTING STARTED All candidates must be currently enrolled in at least six units, have completed six units in the previous semester, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and can’t be on judicial or academic probation.

The application process includes filling out a packet, which can be picked up in the A.S. office in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, and writing a short paragraph on the student’s campaign to be featured on WebPortal and in The Daily Aztec.

As long as an applicant meets the criteria, his or her application will be approved after Feb. 12.

According to the A.S. website, there are 34 elected positions available:

A.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS • President (1 seat) • Executive Vice President (1 seat) • Vice President of External Relations (1 seat) • Vice President of Financial Affairs (1 seat) • Vice President of University Affairs (1 seat) A.S. CAMPUS LIFE COUNCIL • Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union Board Representative (1 seat) • Campus Community Commission Representative (1 seat) • Community Service Commission Representative (1 seat) • Recreation and Wellness Commission Representative (1 seat) • Sustainability Commission Representative (1 seat) • Student Diversity Commission Representative (1 seat) • Student Support Commission Representative (1 seat) • Student at Large Campus Representative (2 seats) A.S. UNIVERSITY COUNCIL • College of Arts and Letters Representative (3 seats) • College of Business Representative (4 seats) • College of Education Representative (1 seat) • College of Engineering Representative (2 seats)

• College of Health and Human Services Representative (3 seats) • College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Representative (3 seats) • College of Sciences Representative (4 seats) • Undeclared/Unclassified Studies Representative (1 seat) • Graduate Student Association President (1 seat) CAMPAIGN RULES Campaigning begins on March 6.

Candidates must follow strict guidelines throughout the campaign process. Most importantly, applicants can’t announce their candidacy until open campaigning begins at 4 p.m. on March 6.

Candidates may only spend a specified amount of money and must turn in all receipts to A.S. at the conclusion of elections week.

This is to ensure no candidate has an advantage over another.

All campaign materials must be placed in specified areas and may not be directly placed in the ground. During the open campaign period, candidates may visit classrooms or student organizations to promote their platforms and encourage students to vote. Elections week is March 9-12 and the voting period is March 16 to 19 through WebPortal.

“That whole week you’ll see posters up, T-shirts up — whatever candidates decide to

Associated Students is accepting applications to run for elected positions until Feb. 12.

CHADD CADY, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

do,” Karczewski said.

Candidates must attend a mandatory meeting on Feb. 17 and 18, where official photos are taken and general information is distributed. Following this, candidate debates will take place during elections week from 12 to 1:30 p.m. March 9-12 on the North Library Walkway.

This is an opportunity for students to learn more about candidates and for candidates to explain their platforms and

answer any questions from the student body.

The election results will be announced at 8 p.m. on March 19.

“It’s really important to have competition and not to be afraid if someone else is running,” Karczewski said. “Competition really helps the voter turnout; it encourages people to run, and makes people more aware of what’s going on and really gets people into A.S. elections.”

8 SPORTS

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KRISTIAN IBARRA • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#AZTECWBB

Fort nets 15 in win against Aggies RYAN POSNER STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ The San Diego State women’s basketball team defeated Utah State University 7059 Saturday afternoon in Logan, Utah.

It was just the second road win of the season for the Aztecs. They have not won on the road since beating the Air Force Academy Falcons on Dec. 31.

SDSU and Utah State exchanged the lead six times in the first half, but the Aztecs were able to take control with a 33-28 lead at the midway point.

The Aztecs would hold that lead for most of the second half. However, the Aggies narrowed the lead to just three with a little over seven minutes remaining in the game thanks to a 12-2 run.

Redshirt-junior forward Erimma Amarikwa took matters into her own hands, though, and widened the gap by scoring six consecutive points to fuel a 16-6 run.

While the Aggies cut the lead to single digits in the waning minutes of the game, the Aztecs would prevail for the victory.

Amarikwa led the team in points with 17, even though she had just four at halftime.

Her nine made free throws were also a deciding factor in helping to close out the game.

Freshman point guard McKynzie Fort

was right behind her teammate with 15 points, and she also helped in clinching the game for SDSU by hitting a crucial layup with less than two minutes left.

Senior forward Khristina Hunter did her job cleaning up on the glass and led the team with seven rebounds.

She also scored 11 points, which made three Aztecs who scored in double digits.

Utah State out-rebounded SDSU, though, by a margin of 43-38.

The Aztecs (7-13) have struggled this season but have had better luck in Mountain West play where more than half of their wins have come (4-5 in conference).

With a win on Saturday the Aztecs snapped their two-game losing streak and have the chance to win two regular season games in a row for the first time this season.

SDSU will face off against a University of Nevada, Reno (6-13, 2-6 MW) team that has had struggles of its own this season.

Not to mention, the Wolf Pack is in the midst of a six-game losing streak.

Another thing that works in the Aztecs’ favor is that the game will be played at Viejas Arena where the team is 4-5 this season.

SDSU is currently in seventh place in the MW standings and have a long way to climb to match California State University, Fresno (17-3, 9-0 MW).

Freshman point guard McKynzie Fort scored 15 points in Saturday’s victory against the Aggies.

CONNOR GUY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

#AZTECMBB

COMMENTARY

Pope provides Viejas with exciting vibes PATRICK CARR SENIOR STAFF COLUMNIST _____________________________________

F

reshman guard Trey Kell dribbled the ball to the right wing, stopped and threw a two-hand lob pass about a foot left of the basket where freshman forward Malik Pope was at the apex of his jump.

Everyone except the five Utah State University defenders on the floor saw the play developing.

Pope caught the ball with two hands, slammed down the alley-oop and continued earning the adoration of Aztec Nation while blasting Viejas Arena’s roof off.

That alley-oop during Saturday’s 62-42 dismantling of the Aggies proved one thing: there’s a new fan favorite on the Mesa.

Fans caught their first real glimpse of the freshman’s five-star prowess in December against San Diego Christian College when Pope grabbed a defensive rebound, dribbled coast to coast and did a nasty crossover before taking off about 12 feet away from the basket for an earthshattering slam dunk.

Just a week and a half ago, Pope almost singlehandedly carried SDSU on the road against Colorado State University, but his breakout game of 22 points and seven rebounds wasn’t enough.

The fans finally understood why he was highly recruited.

In the first half of Saturday’s game against Utah State, Pope, like the rest of the team, was completely off the mark and inept with the ball. Zero for two from the field and two turnovers in six minutes. Yet the crowd still buzzed with

Freshman forward Malik Pope had 13 points in 19 minutes against the Aggies.

KRISTIAN CARREON, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

anticipation every time he got the ball.

In the second half, like the rest of the team, Pope blossomed and the crowd cheered on. First it was an offensive rebound putback. Then came a 3-pointer, courtesy of the smooth jump shot. Then the alley-oop and two more deep balls for a grand total of 13 points in just 13

second-half minutes.

Whenever he was on the court, the mood around the arena changed. It was more electric; there’s a certain aura about Pope, as Quinn said after the game.

So why do fans love him? He’s refreshing. Refreshing because he just looks like he’s on another level

offensively than everyone else. The quickness, awareness, silky smooth shot; it’s no wonder the fans booed junior forward Winston Shepard’s air-ball layup and roared when Pope kept sinking 3-pointers.

Every time Pope steps onto the court, people pay a bit more attention, wondering what he will do next. He’s not breaking records left and right, but his style of play is different, a welcome sight to the beleaguered fan base that’s had to endure such wretched performances this season, most notably the road tilts in Seattle and Fresno.

He does many things so well. He can rebound on defense and offense. Head coach Steve Fisher always wants the team to crash the glass and Pope is 6 feet 10 inches tall (the flat top probably adds another two inches), has a big wingspan, can jump high and is aggressive on the glass.

Pope is also a surprisingly good ball handler. It’s not often you see a 6-foot-10 player who can dribble through traffic and push the ball up the court, which is another thing he does that refreshes the crowd. A lot of times when SDSU players grab rebounds, they just jog up the court.

Pope pushes the issue.

The mere sight of Pope galloping toward the other end is something that excites the crowd, scares the opposing defense and also keeps the Aztecs themselves on their toes.

“He’s a young cat, he’s ready, full of energy,” Quinn said after Saturday’s game. “When we know he has the ball, everybody runs, because they know he might pass them the ball or he might make a spectacular play.”

Dare we compare the electricity Pope brings to the presence once brought by one Kawhi Leonard? I think maybe we will consider having that discussion if Pope keeps playing like this.

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KRISTIAN IBARRA • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

SPORTS 9

#AZTECMBB

Fisher’s men hit the road for Reno RAFAEL AVITABLE STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ The San Diego State Aztecs (17-5, 7-2 Mountain West) are set to square up with the University of Nevada, Reno Wolf Pack (6-14, 2-6 MW) on Wednesday in Reno, Nevada. SDSU is looking to bounce back on the road after losing two of its last four games away from Viejas Arena.

Nevada is looking to reverse a losing trend of its own having lost its last six conference games in a row, including a 56-point loss on the road against Colorado State University. The Aztecs need a win to maintain their first place status in the MW while Nevada is hoping

to avoid plunging further toward the bottom of the conference standings.

The Wolf Pack is led by junior forward A.J. West, who is averaging a doubledouble through eight conference games with 14.6 points and 11.6 rebounds. His 9.9 rebounds per game throughout the season ranks first in the MW. West is also a factor on the defensive side of the ball. His 2.8 blocks per game is second best in the conference, but he has as many blocks on the year as he does personal fouls with 53. Watching West battle in the paint with junior forwards Skylar Spencer and Angelo Chol should be worth the price of admission at Lawlor Events Center.

The Aztecs are coming off of an

impressive 20-point victory at home against the Utah State University Aggies.

Senior guard Aqeel Quinn led all SDSU scorers with 15 points and freshman forward Malik Pope had yet another solid game off of the bench with 13 points. The Aggies were held to just 29.2 percent shooting from the field. Quinn’s 15 points on Saturday night kept him atop the SDSU scoring leaderboard with a 11.2 per-game average.

The Aztec scoring defense now stands in at third in the country at 53.1 points allowed per game. The Wolf Pack defense ranks 169th in the nation at 66.1 points allowed per game.

Tune in to ESPN3 to catch the tipoff at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

#RISETO25

HEAD-TO-HEAD VS.

17-5 (7-2)    

RECORD 6-14 (2-6) OFFENSE DEFENSE COACHING OVERALL

WHEN: FEB. 4, 7 P.M. WHERE: RENO, NEVADA TUNE IN: ESPN3

COMMENTARY

Aztecs require renovations to ‘Rise to 25’ KRIS KEEHL STAFF COLUMNIST _____________________________________

J

ust prior to San Diego State’s football team playing the United States Naval Academy in the Poinsettia Bowl, Athletic Director Jim Sterk launched the aptly named “Rise to 25” campaign. The cleverly named campaign was meant to embody its namesake and assist both the basketball and football programs in not only cracking the top 25 rankings, but also maintain the ranking year after year.

This plan is set to transform SDSU into a perennial powerhouse. Surely one ingredient must be present to make the proposed David-to-Goliath rise possible. How is an athletic program with little relevant history going to secure consistent top 25 rankings?

The plan’s lifeblood? Money.

To date, the football program has received roughly $10 million in donations to launch itself from the relative obscurity of 10 years ago to national prominence. This money is earmarked to improve facilities, add staff, enhance game day experiences and upgrade Qualcomm Stadium.

Sure, the money, staff, facilities and game-day experiences all help, but a single $10 million donation is not going to bring recruits, generate excitement, focus national attention on SDSU or earn the respect that is now needed for major bowl game berths or future seeds in the College Football Playoff.

Instead of pretending fundraising is going to put SDSU on the map, reach for actual substantive change and switch conferences.

Enter the Big 12 Conference.

The Big 12 is a Power Five conference that many believe was snubbed in this year’s four-team College Football Playoff.

The most likely cause of not getting one of its two teams — both of which had higher rankings than eventual National Champion Ohio State University — into the playoff was the lack of a conference championship.

The Big 12, which only has 10 of the 12 members required by the NCAA to host a conference championship football game, has petitioned the NCAA to allow it to host a championship game with its current membership. Should that petition be denied, it’s an absolute possibility the Big 12 will look to expand its conference to 12 members.

Look no further than SDSU. Right now, it’s safe to say that no one

knows what the Big 12’s long-term plans are, but it would be difficult to turn down a school with a football program that has five straight bowl appearances and a men’s basketball program that is consistently involved in the top 25 conversation with two Sweet 16 appearances in the past four years.

Under the current contract with the Mountain West Conference, the Aztecs are coming off of a year in which they made just more than $3.3 million. Yet during that same time period, the 10 teams in the Big 12 divided $213 million, with eight of the 10 teams receiving $23 million each.

According to Blair Kerkhoff of The Kansas City Star, Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby expects conference revenues to swell to $40 million per team. Hypothetically, if the Big 12 absorbs two more schools to make itself eligible for the College Football Playoff, that would leave an equal $33.3 million for each school in the conference.

This is how you finance a “Rise to 25” campaign.

Though securing those financial gains and achieving the “Rise to 25” goal would be quite an accomplishment, the benefits of joining the Big 12 are far greater.

A move to the Big 12 would put SDSU on the map. Aztec head coach Rocky Long could walk into homes of potential recruits across the country and be recognized by SDSU brand due to its conference affiliation.

Today, recruits recognize colleges because of a strong brand, geographical proximity or some other personal connection to the school. Recruits on the other side of country don’t currently have high exposure to SDSU, especially with SDSU playing games being televised on CBS Sports Network or the Internet on ESPN3.

Economically speaking, when SDSU becomes a household name, it gets better recruits. When SDSU secures better recruits, its team wins games.

And when teams win games, ticket sales will translate into money for all athletic programs.

The MW lacks that power to make SDSU a household name. Outside of certain California cities and the fourcorners region of the United States, the MW lacks respect. All recognizable schools in California are in the Pac-12 Conference, a Power Five conference.

The Big 12 provides this Power Five credibility with stronger opponents and a brand that is associated with winning.

In the MW, SDSU has no prayer of

Aztec football head coach Rocky Long led the Aztecs to their school-record fifth straight bowl game in 2014.

SARAH SMITH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

participating in the College Football Playoff — ever. In the Big 12, doors will open to more lucrative bowl games and ultimately the College Football Playoff system.

In 2014, the Big 12 and the MW shared the same amount of postseason bowl game appearances at seven. And at the conclusion of the 2014 football season, the Big 12 held a three-to-one advantage in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings.

Besides the potential benefits for football, men’s basketball — the marque attraction at SDSU — would more than benefit from the transition to a better league.

Since its inception in 1999, the MW has only been rated above the Big 12 in basketball RPI, a rating that calculates win percentage with strength of schedule and opponents strength of schedule, twice.

Consistently better competition produces battle-tested teams come bowl selection and tournament time. In the NCAA, a team is judged by how it does in bowl games or post-season tournaments.

When iron sharpens iron, a tough season schedule will yield a tough post-season team.

Of course, it would be intellectually dishonest if the minimal drawbacks were not discussed.

A move to the Big 12 would mean two things: SDSU would no longer have a geographical rival in conference play and

travel times would increase significantly.

The loss of a geographical rival is not the end of the world. We are in a day of college athletics where rivalries are second to revenue streams. It’s worth mentioning that SDSU lacks a legitimate conference rivalry in California. Are fans supposed to believe that California State University, Fresno is a rival? They can keep the oil can and SDSU will take the money and branding of the Big 12.

Travel is a bit trickier. It requires students to miss more class and can lead to more fatigue as seasons wear on, but the basketball teams would only travel to these destinations once per year while football would go on an every-other-year basis.

This all looks great in theory, but SDSU and Sterk have a tall task ahead of them if they did, in fact, want join the Big 12. SDSU would likely need to secure another team to go with them to the Big 12, and the Big 12 would have to be willing to accept both teams.

However, the Big 12 had two potential College Football Playoff teams that never had the chance to play for a National Championship, and it won’t soon forget the feeling of watching another team hoist a trophy that it believes belongs to its conference.

So, what do you say, Mr. Sterk? What is SDSU willing to do to reach its “Rise to 25” goals?

The Big 12 is a conference with the cash you covet and it needs SDSU.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: NICK KNOTT • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#GAMING

Gamers cash in on golden opportunity “Games with Gold” provides Xbox Live Gold users with opportunities for free downloads.

THINKSTOCK

• • • •

between SDSU and Downtown High frequency Limited stops All day, every day Connects to Rapid 235 and all Trolley lines

NICK KNOTT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ____________________________ Video games can serve as a key aspect of a young college student’s life, much in the same way that Netflix or HBO GO can ­— a way to distract oneself from the rigorous course work dumped on students each semester.

However, unlike Netflix and HBO GO, purchasing new games every month can quickly deplete one’s bank account due to the fact that the average retail price for a single game is about the same price as a tank of gas, if not more.

There is a way to still get some great games for dirt cheap, or even free, thanks to the wonderful people at Xbox.

Each month the gaming system company highlights new games in their “Deals with Gold” and “Games with Gold.”

“Games with Gold” allows

Xbox Live Gold members to download free games each month directly from the Xbox Live Marketplace. Typically there is a free download at the beginning of each month, and then a second free game midway through the month.

Since the games are free, they’re not going to be the big blockbuster games that everyone loves and enjoys.

What they will be are not-assuccessful games that are still fun or games resurrected from days of lore.

Currently Xbox has two games that are worth the free download: “Worms Battleground” and “Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Deluxe Edition.” The two games couldn’t be more polar opposite.

“Worms Battleground” is a continuation of the ‘90s hit “Worms” series where players battle it out as a squad of worms, each player taking a turn and using different weapons to take out the cartoony enemy worms.

For those who are more into role-playing games, “Witcher 2” is a quest-based game where players build their character’s skills over the

course of the game. For avid RPG gamers, “Witcher 2” is a big step up from “World of Warcraft” but not quite on the same level as “Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.” The free download is a perfect introduction to the “Witchers” series, and there’s plenty of time to get into it before “Witcher 3” releases in May. “Deals with Gold” is Xbox’s other means of hooking its premium service users.

The concept is pretty self explanatory, score awesome deals on awesome games.

Recently Xbox has given its users deals on games such as “Skyrim” and “Grand Theft Auto San Andreas,” the latter only costing a mere four dollars.

For Aztec who enjoy gaming, and free stuff, it’s smart to get in the habit of checking the Xbox Live Marketplace for any new games that may strike a fancy. These types of deals are perfect for students who are battling the constant costs of books, tuition, rent and food. All the money saved by taking advantage of these deals can get a student a lot of Top Ramen, which is perfect gaming food.

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FEATURES

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KELLY HILLOCK • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

11

#AZTECPRIDE

All About An Aztec: Seniors

MELISSAWENDORF

W

HAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE?

Melissa Wendorf: My favorite thing about going to San Diego State is being able to go here with my best friend. I have gone to elementary, middle, high school, and now college (with her). We are roommates and in the same major.

SDSU would not be the same without her.

AZTEC ACCOLADES • Child & Family Development, Senior • SDSU Track & Field, Cross Country PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLISON ROSS

ALLISONROSS

AZTEC ACCOLADES • Child & Family Development Major, Dance Minor, Senior • Kappa Delta (Executive Board), Order of Omega Honors Society PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLISON ROSS

Allison Ross: My favorite thing about SDSU is being a member of Kappa Delta.

I have truly enjoyed these past three years and I couldn’t imagine being a student here without it. This organization has truly made me grow as a leader and has enriched my college experience.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENERAL EDUCATION CLASS YOU’VE TAKEN AT SDSU? MW: My favorite general education class I have taken at SDSU was actually taken all the way in China! I studied abroad over the summer to Beijing and Shanghai and took General Studies 450, which was learning about popular culture in China and comparing it to the United States. It was such a fun and interesting experience and, most importantly, amazing food!

AR: My favorite general education class that I have taken has been CSP

CROSSWORDS

ACROSS 1 Burst into tears 5 Wander off the point 11 Rainy 14 Hodgepodge 15 In the plane’s cabin, say 17 New Year’s __ 18 Pennsylvania borough in today’s news 20 Clinton’s instrument 21 Ambulance VIP 22 ‘50s nuclear experiments 23 Founded, on signs 25 Foe 27 Approved, briefly 29 Pop singer Diamond 31 Henry VIII’s sixth wife Catherine 32 Conk out 35 “Make up your

mind!”

37 Germany’s __ Republic, 1919-’33 40 Flip-flops 41 What we’ll have of 3-Down, according to folklore, if 18-Across 62-Down sees his 50-Down on 65-Across 43 Puppies 45 Bahamas capital 46 Thick fog metaphor 48 Dirt road groove 49 Amt. on a new car window 53 Venus de __ 54 Mess of hair 56 Employee handing out playbills 57 Stoolie 59 Workshop grippers

420. The professor made the course so interesting and I truly enjoyed learning about counseling and pop culture!

So far learning about children’s development has been such an amazing experience.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS?

MW: My future goals are to attend a credentialing, and master’s program to teach regular or special education at the elementary school level. If I ever got the opportunity, I would love to be a crosscountry coach in my spare time.

MW: My favorite place on campus is the training room in the Athletics Center. I love to go and foam roll, stretch, and take ice baths after my workouts with my teammates. It is relaxing after a hard workout and helps to prevent future injuries I could have.

AR: After graduation in May I plan to attend graduate school in the fall to get my masters in education and elementary credentials. One day I hope to be a second grade teacher.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR? MW: In third grade, I had the most amazing teacher, Mrs. Felix who gave me a strong passion for school and teaching.

She is the epitome of what the “World’s Best Teacher” is. I hope as a teacher I can inspire my children as Mrs. Felix did for me. Not to mention, her daughter is Allyson Felix, who is an Olympic gold 100m and 200m runner who also hopes to be a teacher!

AR: I have always loved children and my parents always envisioned me as being an elementary school teacher.

AR: My favorite place on campus is the new courtyard in the student union.

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING OR SURPRISING ABOUT YOU? MW: Something interesting about me is that I had five wisdom teeth rather than the usual four. Not only is this interesting, but my older brother was born missing one adult tooth. The joke of the family is that his missing tooth popped up in my mouth.

AR: Something surprising about me is that I attend school with my best friend and that we have been in classes together since we were twelve and we are the same major.

CLASSIFIEDS

63 Word after Iron or Stone 64 Corp. leader 65 February 2, every year 68 Coffee hour vessel 69 Asian language in a region famous for tigers 70 __ vault 71 Letter before tee 72 La Brea discovery 73 Filled with wonder DOWN 1 Girl who lost her sheep 2 Barnard graduate 3 Cold season 4 Bagel go-with 5 Landslide victory 6 Poker pot starter 7 Corp. execs’ degrees

8 Bend before in reverence 9 Lucky Luciano cohort Meyer __ 10 Before, in poetry 11 Cowboy movies 12 Shirking, as taxes 13 LBJ’s home state 16 Salon coloring 19 Speak 24 Sweetie pie 26 Dennis the Menace’s grumpy neighbor 28 Hate 30 Part of UCLA 32 Chinese appetizer 33 “I think ...,” in texts 34 Make, as money 36 Mets’ old stadium 38 Old Montreal baseballer 39 Back 41 Flippered aquarium attractions 42 Sch. with a Spokane campus 43 Typist’s stat.

44 Some young cows 47 Pennsylvania raceway 50 Sundial casting 51 Entertain in style 52 Victimized, with “on” 55 Outlet inserts 56 GI show gp.

58 USSR secret service 60 Santa __: West Coast winds 61 1551, to Caesar 62 Given name of the critter in today’s news 64 Billiards stick 66 NBA official 67 Dean’s list no.

Help Wanted Swim Instructors $12/hr+ Full/part-time hours; TBD. Full-time hours mandatory June through August - 40+ hours per week. One year commitment required. Competitive swimming background required, CPR & WSI certifications recommended.

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12 THE BACK PAGE

FEB. 2 - 4, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KELLY HILLOCK • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#FABBEATS

Tunes that ease studying OLIVIA LITSEY ASST. FEATURES EDITOR _____________________________________

E

very student has their own way of studying. For me, some of my assignments require pure silence and single-minded concentration, while others require motivation to keep me awake and productive.

The music that can push a sleepdeprived student to persevere with their precalculus problems or Latin paradigms deserves special recognition.

The following five albums are those that I have found to effectively carry me through treacherous yet successful study sessions. Hopefully they can be of similar help to you.

"X" Ed Sheeran’s most recent album, "X," which is read as “multiply,” is a reliable choice to fall back on. I can specifically remember listening to this album as I sat at a cubicle in the 24/7 study area of the library, trying to avoid looking at the inappropriate pencil graffiti and drowning in a figurative pool of tears as I realized the impressive new level of procrastination I had achieved.

Thankfully, there is nothing that can soothe frazzled nerves like Ed’s perfect British vocals to whisk you away from murky water, either in a delicate manner with a gentle voice or more forceful, gravelly notes. While listening to deluxe edition of the album, I find it useful to imagine myself as one of the tireless dwarves of Thorin and Company — committed to my quest just like they were in "The Hobbit" as "I See Fire" fills my ears. If dwarves can persist, so can we, right?

"MY EVERYTHING" On a different note, Ariana Grande’s album My Everything ranks high on my list as well. I think her name has become the permanent first option on my Spotify

Web Player list of recent searches.

There are a variety of song selections to choose from on this record, yet none too distracting to draw you away from your studies. My favorites are "Best Mistake," for the slow beats and dreamlike quality of the song, "Just a Little Bit of Your Heart," because Harry Styles wrote it, and "One Last Time," because there is no match for the sweet contradiction of heartache mixed with a fast, dance tempo. If the moment calls for it, throw in some "Honeymoon Avenue" from Ari’s "Yours Truly" album for a solid five and a half minute vocal cord exercise.

You deserve the mental break and it will motivate you to continue on.

"LANGUAGE & PERSPECTIVE" One of my greatest discoveries in the realm of homework music is the Bad Suns’ album "Language & Perspective."

You’ve probably heard "Cardiac Arrest" on the radio, but who knew an amazing album lay behind this catchy tune? Its alternative rock sound is one that quiets

extra stimulation is necessary to keep your eyelids from succumbing to their own heaviness. "Mamma Mia! The Movie Soundtrack" is the perfect solution.

From the first track, the bright colors of the Greek island Skopelos and smiles of Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep flood your mind and instantly double your energy. Each scene that corresponds with a song plays out in your brain and an urge to sing along to the recreated ABBA hits becomes undeniable. I have found this to magically facilitate the calculations necessary to complete whatever assignment is currently at hand.

"2CELLOS" Lastly, think of those classical types of songs your online radio recommends as the best music for studying. Some of the really lame ones are only good for putting any tired student to sleep. But if there was ever a suggestion that was not lame, it was probably this Croatian cello duo.

2Cellos’ self-titled debut album reigns supreme for the times that your brain is

THE MUSIC THAT CAN PUSH A SLEEPDEPRIVED STUDENT TO PERSEVERE...

DESERVES SPECIAL RECOGNITION. your stress and brings you along for a ride of infectious rhythm that the combination of the drum and guitar create. Lead singer Christo Bowman (quite possibly the coolest name ever) has an echoing voice of relatively high pitch. It might seem as though you can’t swim anymore, but as soon as you begin moving like the ocean with Christo, all is well with the world once more. This is an album that generally remains playing on my laptop even after I have completed my task.

"MAMMA MIA!" When it gets into the wee hours of the morning and you are the last of your roommates to still be awake at home,

#DASNAPSHOTS

so done that you can’t handle the words that make up song lyrics anymore. Their lyric-free covers of songs you already love, like Smooth Criminal, "Viva la Vida," and "Where The Streets Have No Name," can turn a brutal homework experience into a wonderful one. There is something indescribable about rediscovering great music by means of cello. Announcement: they just released their third album, "Celloverse," at the end of January.

Personally, I am looking forward to my next study sesh just so I can listen to it.

You’re welcome for the approximate five hours of more efficient homework time. Now stop reading about it and put that Blackboard tab to work!

SUDOKU

HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

4/4

CROSSWORDS, SUDOKU, AND HOROSCOPES COURTESY OF TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC., ©2015.

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MONOCHROMATIC MOUNTAINS

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PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.

Express your concerns by emailing letters@thedailyaztec.com

HOROSCOPE HAPPY BIRTHDAY (2/2/15) - Friends and partnerships are your golden ticket this year. Your network has everything you need. Collaborate on fulfilling creative dreams with your community.

You can get necessary funds, especially after 3/20. An educational conflict after 4/4 requires a decision: stay or go?

Grow your assets with an organized plan, especially after 10/13. Give love generously.

HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - You're tuned into the flow of the game. Enjoy it without taking expensive risks. Get together to play with a shared passion, hobby or sport. Fun with friends reveals unexpected surprises. Cuddle with someone sweet.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 9 - Accept encouragement from your tribe. The next two days are excellent for interior decoration. Learn new domestic crafts, or take on a beautification project.

Friends connect you with a solution.

Results win admiration and praise.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 - Meet a deadline and keep your good reputation. A new educational phase begins. Talk, write and schmooze today and tomorrow. Your partner has connections... meet new people. Get out of the house and mingle.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 9 - Today and tomorrow form a prosperous phase. Do your part, and your team will do theirs. Take leadership together with a partner to tap another revenue source. Don't procrastinate on paperwork. Collaborate, and send invoices.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - Take advantage of your personal charisma today and tomorrow. Take charge of your destiny. More savings leads to more confidence. Discover a new income source. Pay back a favor or debt. You're getting stronger.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 9 - Negotiate a materials upgrade. Finish up tasks today and tomorrow. Complete projects to make space for new. Others work to help you achieve what you're after. Love and hugs soothe someone who's on edge.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 - More work is required. Friends help out now. Add a creative flourish. Enter a two-day party phase. Meetings and social gatherings provide productive fun.

Notice your gut reaction. Play together, and discover new strategies.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 - Compete for more career responsibilities over the next few days.

Look sharp. Learn from failure and adjust your aim to suit. Persistence pays off.

Calm a loved one's nerves. Rejuvenate an old bond.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Do the homework. Plan a trip, but don't go yet. Make a packing list. Clarify the itinerary, and confirm reservations.

Rebellions or disruptions could flare up.

Use your wits and your words to solve a problem.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 9 - Your touch seems golden today.

An amazing discovery awaits. Save a bonus in a safe place. Organize shared finances today and tomorrow, to avoid hidden leaks. Rejuvenate a relationship by inventing a new collaboration.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 9 - Rely on partnership over the next two days. Charm with imaginative ideas. Working at home gets profitable.

Express your love and vivid feelings.

Together, you can fulfill an old personal goal. Toast to celebrate.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Bring excitement to the bargaining table. The next two days include steady work. Keep the ball moving. Start planning a new project. A wild letter or email arrives. Stay objective. Begin by learning the rules.