02-13-2014

VOLUME 100, ISSUE 42

THURSDAY FEB. 13 - SUNDAY FEB. 16, 2014

Get up-to-the-minute news @ thedailyaztec.com P3 / news

SDSU’s budget for dummies

P9 / entertainment

‘Bethany’ faces her harsh drama JORDAN OWEN, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

We’ve got you covered for Valentine’s Day

Reason for the day

P5

The night, spent right V-Day on a budget P6 P7

PHOTO BY JENNA MACKEY, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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sports P11

P8

PHOTO COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK

SDSU takes initiative on drought | news P2

Basketball makes us bounce

Do’s and Don’t’s

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2 NEWS

feb. 13 - feb. 16, 2014

#californiadrought

‘Green Initiative’ combats drought Lawson Navarro Contributor

After the driest documented year in California history, Gov. Jerry Brown urged Californians and all public institutions to reduce their water usage by 20 percent.

Although San Diego is south of counties deemed natural disaster areas, San Diego State and the rest of the California State University system have been working to abide by Brown’s call to action.

“I’ve declared this emergency and I’m calling all Californians to conserve water in every way possible,” Brown said in his State of Emergency declaration on Feb. 17.

Along with his request, Brown issued a proclamation for state officials to assist farmers and communities affected by the drought, to implement water reduction policies and to promote public awareness.

“The request of the governor highlights a very serious situation in our state,” SDSU Facilities Services Director John Ferris said.

“The Facilities Services department has been working for a long time to conserve water.”

Water conservation efforts in the CSU system began in 2008 with the creation of the Water Resources and Policy Initiatives.

The WRPI utilizes system-wide expertise from CSU faculty, staff and students to work

on sustainable water resource management for California, according to Elizabeth Chapin, CSU Public Affairs’ administrative support coordinator. They have partnered with government agencies and major industry water stakeholders Zto promote reforms in campus policies and facility alterations.

SDSU’s Facilities Services began the Green Initiative Project after the WRPI’s inception in 2008. The project contained a component dedicated to water conservation and has saved more than $125,000 a year in water consumption through LEED-certified technology, Ferris said.

SDSU recently opening the LEED Platinum-certified Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, which features several water conservation technologies. One piece of equipment is a “stormceptor,” which aims to use rainwater, as opposed to piped water, for landscape irrigation.

“The Facilities Services department has been working for a long time to conserve water by installing low flush toilets, aerators on faucets and reducing overspray from irrigation,” Ferris said.

The Aztec Recreation Center has also inserted new slides on its facility TVs that offer gym members tips on how to conserve water.

“When the Green Love program was

implemented in campus, the ARC was saving water when we changed our urinals from flush units to no flush urinals,” ARC Building Services Coordinator Ronald Pascual said.

Two months ago the ARC changed to onequart flush urinals, but Pascual said it’s still a water saver.

SDSU is one of the many CSU campuses to work on water-saving methods. CSU Channel Islands has reduced water usage by 28 percent in the last two years by irrigating with reclaimed water.

UCLA is the most recent college campus to respond to Brown’s declaration it released

a Water Action Plan, listing measures to decrease per capita water consumption by 20 percent from baseline levels by 2020.

While it remains to be seen if SDSU or the CSU system will impose any new policy changes in midst of the drought, The San Diego County Water Authority issued a statement the same day as Brown’s proclamation, saying it has “adequate supplies for 2014.”

Despite this, Ferris said the department is currently investigating nozzle designs to reduce irrigation water, as well as potentially replacing plants in some campus landscapes with drought-tolerant plants.

Corrections:

In the article “Mayoral hopeful speaks to Aztecs,” published on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom was incorrectly identified as Gov. Gavin Newsom.

On that same issue, our photo page wrongly printed a statement from Ryan McLemore that should have said this: San Diego State University students are studying abroad at ever increasing numbers in destinations all around the world. During the 2012-2013 academic year, the number of SDSU students studying abroad, anywhere from a week to an entire year, climbed to more than 1,800. These photos show recent recipients of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship exploring their host countries.

The Gilman Scholarship program is aimed at diversifying the types of students who have been traditionally under-represented in education abroad, including but not limited to students with high financial need, students in underrepresented fields such as the sciences and engineering, students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and students with disabilities. Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to offset the costs of study abroad.

The Aztec sincerely apologizes for these mistakes.

3

NEWS

FEB. 13 - FEB. 16, 2014

#SDSUBUDGET

SDSU budget explained: Part I EDITOR IN CHIEF

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state funding was increased tuition and fees.

Since 2008 per semester, tuition and fees for a full-time student at SDSU has increased by $1,506. However, since 2007 the school experienced an almost 14 percent decrease in total enrollment to its lowest point in 201112.

That means that even as tuition and fees increased, the number of students paying fell and the school budget couldn’t fully recover.

There has been modest student growth the last two years but total enrollment is still less than it was in 2004.

Tuition and fee increases remain the most viable way to increase and maintain the SDSU budget. The proposed Student Success Fee is the latest attempt to make up for largescale reductions in faculty caused by the cuts in state funding.

Tuition and fees at SDSU are set by the CSU chancellor at the same base rate of $5,472 a year for students taking more than six units a semester across the entire CSU system.

On top of this mandatory fee schools can also petition to raise fees though any fee changes eventually have to go through the chancellor’s office.

Generally, fee increases at SDSU originate in the Campus Fee Advisory Committee,

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Total Students Enrollment

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Data for both graphics compiled from San Diego State University’s Division of Business and Financial Affairs

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Budget cuts and fee increases aren’t new to San Diego State students. However, the budget itself—where the money comes from and where it goes—isn’t always thoroughly explained. In light of a fee increase currently being discussed on campus, The Aztec is explaining the budget in a new four-part series that will publish the next three Mondays.

SDSU’s $721.3 million budget can essentially be broken down into three groups. First, there’s the university operating fund budget, consisting primarily of what students usually think of when talking about the budget: tuition and fees, and state money. At $328.4 million this is the single largest section of the budget.

Second, there’s “designated revenues,” which includes everything from parking fees and citations to money the athletics department gets from things like ticket sales and corporate sponsorships. These come in at a total of $88.8 million.

Third, there are the four nonprofit auxiliary corporations: Associated Students, Aztec Shops Inc., The Campanile Foundation and the SDSU Research Foundation. These combine for a total of $254.1 million, with the largest

Revenue-based/designated fees/cost recovery

State Appropriation

Tuition and Fees

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ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

SDSU’s operating budget 2004-2014

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LUKE HENNING

by far being Aztec Shops with a budget of $60.5 million. However, the research foundation also manages the university’s $118 million endowment.

For now, we’ll focus on the operating budget part of the overall budget. It’s the simplest because it only has three sources of revenue: $143.4 million from state appropriations, $143.3 million from tuition and fees, and $41.7 million from revenue-based and cost recovery sources.

This comes to a total operating budget of $328.4 million.

The California State University system distributes the more than $2.3 billion it gets from Californian taxpayers to each of the 23 schools within the system based on each school’s enrollment, CSU Administrative Support Coordinator Liz Chapin said.

“Because of the varying sizes and needs of the different schools within the CSU system not all the schools are given the same amount of money,” Chapin said.

Though SDSU was given $143.4 million from the system this past year, this money only accounts for roughly 20 percent of SDSU’s total budget.

In 2008, SDSU received $221 million from the CSU system but the financial crash during that year eventually led to heavy cuts in the CSU budget. During the course of the past five years these cuts have left SDSU with an almost $80 million gap in funding.

One way to make up for the loss of

Operating Budget (in millions)

LEONARDO CASTANEDA

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which is made of a combination of students and faculty. This group then makes recommendations to President Elliot Hirshman who requests a fee increase from the CSU chancellor, CFAC member and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathy LaMaster said.

“The chancellor will only act on a recommendation if it is shown to have support from the students,” LaMaster said.

From 2011 to 2013 record-high tuition and fees accounted for the largest share of the SDSU operating budget. In 2012-13 students accounted for almost twice as much of the school funding as state allocations.

The final piece of the operating budget is made up of revenue-based and cost recovery sources. This revenue source was introduced in 2008 to supplement the tightening budget.

This category includes lab fees and other use fees for services within SDSU. The university has slowly been expanding this category, though it is generally regulated on a department-to-department basis.

Check out the coming issues of The Aztec and www.thedailyaztec.com, as we explain where all this money goes, as well as how fundraising has accelerated at SDSU.

4 OPINION

FEB. 13 - FEB. 16, 2014

who’swho EDITOR IN CHIEF Leonardo Castañeda MANAGING EDITOR Ana Ceballos NEWS EDITOR Hannah Beausang ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Luke Henning SPORTS EDITOR Adriana Bush OPINION EDITOR Madison Hopkins ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR David Dixon FEATURES EDITOR Elisse Miller COPY CHIEF Caitlin Johnson ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF Erik Dobko COPY EDITORS Terence Chin Kelly Hillock Maria Del Carmen Huerta Elpin Keshishzadeh PHOTO EDITOR Monica Linzmeier SCREENSHOT OF THE LULU WEBSITE

#LULU

Lulu app creates unfair bias BRIANA ALFORD STAFF COLUMNIST

In this digital age, the dating world can be complex. If you’re interested in someone, you can stalk Facebook. If you’re about to go on a date with someone, you can check what he or she has posted on Twitter. And of course, if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you can basically see everything they’ve liked on Instagram.

In this technological world, we are automatically giving people the ability to track our every move. While we have the ability to choose what we give off to the world, while on the Internet people still see what they want to see.

Websites such as Yelp, Zagat and Urbanspoon enable people to create and view online recommendations for restaurants. Although these online recommendations are helpful, there is a new type of online suggestion app that is a little more risky.

With that statement, I give you Lulu.

I found out about the app through my best male friend, Sam, who asked me to rate him to raise his overall score. I was curious to see what it was all about and understand why he was so frantic for me to help him out.

For a little background, Lulu is an app created by London School of Economics and Political Science graduate Alexandra Chong.

After a terrible Valentine’s Day date, she was inspired to create an app where she could discuss men that she dated and figure out a way to share details with other women who were potentially interested in the same men, according to the Huffington Post.

After working for a few start-up companies and testing the app at Florida State University, Chong launched the app nationwide in February 2013, according to Technewsdaily.com The Lulu app has a dashboard similar to Tumblr, where women can view men to rate them. Once I saw one of my exes, I decided to try out the app.

The review starts off with women choosing what type of rater they are. You can choose from ex-boyfriend, hook up,

crush and even friend.

You then answer a series of questions based on the man’s humor, manners, appearance, ambition, commitment and intimacy.

At the end of the review you’re able to go through a massive amount of pre-written hashtags to describe his best and worst qualities.

Some of the best qualities, such as #DudeCanCook and #ChristianGrey are flattering, but the worst category hashtags include #CheaperThanABigMac and #HygenicallyChallenged.

These hashtags can leave burns on a man’s ego that he didn’t even know existed.

After seeing my friend Sam’s profile on the app, I realized why he was so upset.

He had one rating, but 1,500 profile views.

His review had #NoComment on his best qualities and almost every bad hashtag displayed.

Even though there was only one review, Sam had more than 1,500 women that could judge him and assume something that they saw on the app is true. I knew the “review man” had no similarities to the man and friend that I know offline, but how was he supposed to explain himself to a potential crush?

None of the girls that laughed at his profile when it read #CheaperThanABigMac could have guessed that this was because he strives to save money because his parents have to support his University of California education, as well as those of his brothers and sisters.

And with #MommasBoy in the bad quality section, most women would assume him to be a man-child, when the truth is he loves and is devoted to becoming the best political science major so he can get a international relations job to help his mother’s family in Afghanistan.

After viewing more Lulu profiles, I bumped into more guys that I knew or heard about and saw that many of their reviews were indifferent to who they were off screen.

I understand the vision Chong was trying to create­—she was trying to help other women stay away from the “bad guys.” But

after reviewing it, I realized the app is a double standard and sexist.

For years, women have been fighting to eliminate clubs or societies that only allow male members. Now, Lulu has female-only membership and members have to join through Facebook to confirm gender.

If there was a website equivalent to Lulu but for men only, it would have many feminist groups in uproar. Most women would declare that all men care about is how women are in bed and their physical appearance.

Even after seeing some of the reviews, the app reminded me of Yelp reviews that have a cynical tone. Like a business, if a patron had bad service at that particular time, the business (or person) was terrible all together.

I understand the comedic mood the app is supposed to have, but hashtags such as #WorkInProgress and #DeathBreath can be offensive and demeaning.

Our society encourages men to be unaffected by crude remarks but these hashtags can be wounding to men who don’t get to speak for themselves. It could become an unfair and biased social media community.

If Lulu is to ever get to the point of popularity on Instagram or Facebook, men everywhere could deal with faulty reputations.

Although First Amendment rights to free speech protect women, they could still be accused of defamation and confronted with possible lawsuits.

For the dating world, Lulu is not the worst option. While one can see what a person is all about, knowing exclusive details about him is invasive. We can have pre-conceived notions about someone before we hear his history. And finally, we can only see one side of the testimony between the rater and ratee.

The Internet can definitely be your friend.

You can Google the answers on your study guide and you can keep tabs of what’s going on with your favorite celebrity. But when it comes to deciding who your potential other half could be, I would stick to the basics and figure it out for yourself without help from the World Wide Web.

ART DIRECTOR Carlos Jimenez PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Mark Anthony Santos Gabriela Flores WEB EDITOR Victor Escoto _____________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jesse Castañeda A.S. SALES MANAGER Jordan Kato ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Tony Disarufino Chase Gillmore Matt Kilefner Radbeh Rabaz Marissa Walsh Kathleen Williams Adam Zabel ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Michael Bratt Kim Le PUBLIC RELATIONS Kelly Hillock Christina Koral _____________________________________ GENERAL MANAGER Jay Harn GRAPHICS SPECIALIST Christopher Blakemore _____________________________________

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FIND US The Daily Aztec office is located in the basement of the Education and Business Administration (EBA) building.

LIKE US facebook.com/dailyaztec FOLLOW US twitter.com/thedailyaztec WRITE US tips@thedailyaztec.com _____________________________________ The Aztec has been San Diego State University’s independent student newspaper since 1913.

VALENTINE’S DAY 5

FEB. 13 - FEB. 16, 2014

#VALENTINESDAY

Reassess the meaning of Valentine’s KALAH SIEGEL

Do: Remember the other 364 days of the year.

The true meaning of this holiday is great, but I think it has been significantly transformed into something materialistic.

Although the point is to show people you love them, remember every day is a good day to shower loved ones with affection, not just Feb. 14.

CONTRIBUTOR

The sweet mix of love and bitterness is in the air, which means Valentine’s Day is upon us.

At this point, all of your social media sites are being flooded either with gushy love posts or funny, but kind of pathetic, memes about “Singles Awareness Day.” After scrolling through the various outlooks about Valentine’s Day that my friends have posted online, I decided the true meaning of this holiday has been completely skewed. So here are some Cupid-approved do’s and dont’s for the big day.

Don’t: Forget all the other people you love.

Some people feel left out on Valentine’s Day including your single friends, so show them some love too, they’ll appreciate it.

Advice for people with labels such as “single,” “taken,” “it’s complicated” or “bed buddies.”

Are you single and ready to mingle?

Do: Go out on Valentine’s Day. There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of this holiday.

If you’re single, go to a party and meet people or have dinner with friends. Many people get caught up in thinking that Valentine’s Day is only for couples. It’s not, so have fun with it.

Don’t: Exaggerate the first “do.”

There’s a fine line between having fun and drinking until you forget you’re single.

“More pregnancy tests are sold in March than in any other month,” Sophie Blystone of Richmond.com wrote.

Don’t let that be you. Chances are your soulmate isn’t at the bottom of that bottle, but your baby daddy or mama could be, so please be cautious.

Do: Give love to your family and friends.

It’s okay if your dad and mom still send you chocolates and heart-shaped cards. Send some love back their way.

Tell your friends how great they are and how thankful you are to have them in your life. Valentine’s Day is about showing love. Love isn’t exclusive to relationships.

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COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK

Don’t: Buy yourself flowers.

Blystone also wrote that 15 percent of U.S. women send flowers to themselves on Valentine’s Day. Unless you’re trying to brighten up your home with floral accents, refer to the “dos” above. Don’t wallow; instead give love and have fun.

Are you young and in love?

Do: Celebrate by making memories.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to try something new.

Spend some time away from campus.

Go to that cool restaurant Downtown, hike to a beautiful San Diego view or go to a drive-in movie. Think more about quality time rather than gift giving.

Don’t: Buy the impersonal, “traditional” gifts.

Stick to gifts from the heart and ones that create memories. It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about showing someone you care.

Americans spend $448 million on candy leading up to the holiday. Men spend an average of $150 for gifts and women $74, according to History.com.

Skip the candy, flowers and jewelry.

If you insist on buying your significant other a present, buy something thoughtful and personal, such as on online photo book that can be shipped to your house with your best couple pictures.

Valentine’s Day

Don’t: Go crazy on social media.

Not many people want to read a a recap of your entire relationship on Facebook. Most people don’t appreciate the “Honey Boo Boo’s mom has a boyfriend and you don’t” memes on Instagram. The secret Twitter riddles regarding your hopes for the outcome of your “complicated” friendship are just confusing—don’t expect many retweets on that one.

Do: Have a positive attitude.

Valentine’s Day is going to be what you make it. Maybe you can’t choose your relationship status, but you can choose your attitude, which will dictate the outcome of your day. Easy.

Don’t: Stress or feel pressured.

Despite what Hallmark wants you to believe, you have the freedom to make Valentine’s Day as significant or meaningless as you want it to be. You don’t have to celebrate or make a big deal out of the day. Instead, you can change the rules and make your own traditions.

Do: Have a great day.

No matter what your relationship status is, have an excellent Valentine’s Day, everyone.

Special Content P5 - P8

Whether you enjoy it or not, Valentine’s Day is upon us. The Aztec is taking the stress out of the day so you can focus on the love. We accept thank yous in the form of chocolate and flowers.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK

6 valentine’s day

feb. 13 - feb. 16, 2014

#valentinesday

How to spend a Valentine’s night-in alicia chavez staff writer

Valentine’s Day is the time of year couples spoil one another with big, expensive gifts and fall in love all over again. It’s the day men and women crowd grocery stores hoping to find the best box of chocolates, bundle of flowers, and giant oversized teddy bear, to give their loved ones. For those who have no one to share the holiday with, Feb. 14 is a constant reminder of lonelines, as the pressures of being alone are only strengthened by the toxic love in the air.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, and if staying inside sounds more appealing than standing outside a restaurant next to an overly affectionate couple, then here are a few movies and TV shows you can cozy up with next to a wood-burning fire.

From left to right, top to bottom: photo courtesy of touchstone pictures, atlantic pictures, new regency pictures and informant media.

For the optimistic :

“10 Things I Hate About You” A classic 1999 teenage movie about a high school outcast who falls in love with an unexpected classmate. Recommended for those who love teen love affairs.

For the fearless :

“The Brass Teapot” For interested in keeping their minds off the holiday, “The Brass Teapot” has less of a romantic twist and more of a “free money comes flying out of a brass teapot” edge to it. No romance here.

For the hopeful :

“Little Manhattan” Being 12 years old and in love is the most painful kind of love there is. “Little Manhattan” forces you to want to be young and in love all over again. This movie makes you feel less lonely and fully inspired.

For the adventurous :

“House of Cards” This Netflix original series exploded last year and this Valentine’s Day, Netflix will be unleashing a long-awaited second season.

For those who have yet to be captivated by one of Kevin Spacey’s best performances yet, this series will be an instant favorite.

“House of Cards” is filled with nontraditional love stories between characters.

Needless to say, the show will ease the pressures of being alone this Valentine’s Day, and remind you your nonexistent love life can’t be all that bad.

For the realist :

“Stuck in Love” This film is your typical Valentine’s Day movie. There are about 10 different story lines happening at once, but they all fit together beautifully to create this masterful mess. “Stuck in Love” is probably the most realistic of this genre of love films.

For the spirited :

“In Good Company” A combination of old and new love, “In Good Company” is recommended for movie lovers who enjoy a good comedy in the midst of dangerously falling in love.

valentine’s day 7

feb. 13 - feb. 16, 2014

#valentinesday

The broke college students’ gift guide CHRISTINE WHITMAN STAFF WRiter

For the couples:

For men:

Valentine’s Day creeps up on us every year, and it seems to be the overly expensive holiday that no college student is ever prepared for. The life of an average college student is comprised of inhaling coffee, studying and eating large amounts of ramen noodles, not gift giving. Most college students are perpetually broke, making the prospect of buying gifts that much more intimidating. With only one day before Valentine’s Day, I expect to overhear from both men and women alike, “What do you think I should get for so-and-so?” Luckily, I have some ideas, because no one wants to give, or get, a terrible gift on Valentine’s Day.

1.

If he’s a sports fan, consider buying him a T-shirt featuring his favorite team. He’ll love it, and every time he wears it, he’ll think of you. Is a T-shirt too pricey? Printed accessories such as key chains, bottle openers and pens are useful and cheaper.

2. If he’s a bookworm, raid your local discounted bookstore and look for pieces written by his favorite

author. Better yet, find a book by an author you know he’ll love, but hasn’t yet discovered.

For women:

3. Give him something he really needs. If he was 1.

You can never go wrong with the traditional complaining last week about how his phone charger isn’t presents—her favorite flowers, candy, jewelry, etc. They’re

Put your money together for an experience you’ll both love.

1.

Go to breakfast or dinner together, and specifically pay for your partner’s meal while he or she pays for yours.

2.

Stay local. Big name concerts can be expensive; find a local concert, musical or poetry reading that’ll be cheaper, but just as enjoyable.

The most important thing about giving a Valentine’s Day gift is that it’s personal to whoever is receiving it. The recipient will love whatever you get him or her as long as you put thought into it. Gifts don’t necessarily have to be expensive as long as they’re thoughtful.

working, buy him another. He’ll find it comforting to know you’re listening, and you’ll feel better knowing your money isn’t going to waste.

classics for a reason. While they may seem expensive, raid the dollar candy bin at Wal-Mart, pick your own flowers or scout out some funky, vintage jewels from a thrift store.

2. Take her out to her favorite restaurant, bar or club. You already know she loves it, and chances are her favorite spot isn’t a five-star, fancy restaurant.

3.

If you’ve been together for some time, print out a hard copy of her favorite picture of the two of you, date the back and frame it.

Campus

Lovin’ Arts Alive SDSU Valentine’s Day Instagram Contest Where: “I Heart You” benches by the music How: When: Why:

building.

Upload a cutesy picture involving the benches to Instagram tagging @ ArtsAliveSDSU and #artsalivesdsu.

Contest ends Thursday at midnight.

Winners are announced on Friday.

For a chance to win the perfect date! The grand prize: Two movie tickets and a $25 gift card to the Cheesecake Factory.

Arts Alive SDSU Under The Dome: “Romeo and Juliet” What: A 15 minute reading of the famous photo courtesy of thinkstock

balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet” performed by eight students from the School of Theatre, Television and Film’s touring production.

Where: Love Library When: 10:30 AM on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th Why: Keep the arts alive at SDSU

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8 valentine’s day

feb. 13 - feb. 16, 2014

#valentinesday

Do’s and don’ts of Valentine’s Day alicia chavez staff WRITER

Valentine’s Day can sometimes be the equivalent of finals week summed up in a 24-hour period: You spend hours preparing for a small amount of time and either end up doing too much or not enough. But not all Valentine’s Day experiences have to be bad. Some of us remember fairy tale dates and others laugh about bad past experiences.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts for this Valentine’s Day.

Gifts

Do: There is no doubt women love flowers. Even if your girlfriend says she doesn’t, every girl appreciates a bundle of flowers on Valentine’s Day. Other gifts depend on the person you’re spoiling.

Health management and policy graduate student Shannon Barber enjoys chocolates and reminisces back to her first year as an Aztec living in the dorms.

“He wrote on the glass doors of our dorm entrance, my initials plus his, all with sticky notes,” Barber said. “Sticky notes aren’t expensive and it’s something I will always remember.”

Kinesiology senior Jonathon Long said he appreciates the simple things like a

good hug or an intimate “I love you.”

The simple things can often go farther and be more memorable than doing something extravagant.

Don’t:

Avoid getting gifts your date could possibly be allergic to. If you’re the one receiving the gift, try to stay positive with a gift you might not have wanted.

Being unappreciative will leave you single for next year’s Valentine’s Day. “One year I was allergic to the fur on a teddy bear a guy gave me,” freshman Jennifer de Mesa said. “And I only like some types of chocolates. I honestly don’t care what he gets me, it’s where he takes me that matters.”

Ideal locations

Do: If you’re having trouble planning the perfect date for a significant other, try thinking outside the box or even sticking to something simple.

De Mesa said she enjoys spontaneity.

The best date she ever experienced was a surprise boat ride on the harbor.

“This guy decorated his dad’s boat with those little round lights and took me to this romantic spot, where we sat on some rocks and talked,” de Mesa said.

Long said he had past girlfriends who were excited for the holiday and others

who appreciated a small dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory.

“The date you plan depends on the person,” Long said.

Don’t: Too often we find ourselves planning an unrealistic date with someone who would never appreciate it.

Stick with what you know and keep in mind the tastes of the significant other you’re spoiling. Also, stay away from heading to a movie theater. This leaves little room for good conversation.

Conversations

Do: Depending on your date and if you have shared many Valentine’s Days together, or will be experiencing your first Valentine’s Day as a couple, keep the small talk sweet and uplifting.

Barber appreciates a good conversation throughout the date.

The only thing more tragic than an awkward silence are several awkward silences.

Don’t: Try to avoid a conversation that would lead to an argument. De Mesa remembered a bad experience one Valentine’s Day during dinner.

“He started to bring up my past and it upset me,” de Mesa said. “It kind of ruined the date.”

Try new things

Do: Try something new and turn the tables around for a change. If you’re the person always receiving the gifts, maybe it’s your turn to surprise your date for once. If you’re the one routinely planning the date, maybe it’s time for a more creative activity such as hiking or salsa dancing.

Long has never had a date planned for him, but wouldn’t be completely opposed to the idea.

“It’s the 21st century; I don’t see why I wouldn’t want someone to plan a date for me,” Long said.

Barber remembers buying a gift for a guy once.

“I put together a ‘Man Survivor Guide’ for him,” Barber said.

The contents of the box included both beef jerky and spray cheese, the bare necessities for men, she said.

Don’t: Try not to cross the line of creativity, whether it be with a gift, dinner reservations or an outdoors activity. Not everyone likes change, or too much of it.

Although Long and Barber have yet to make any Valentine’s Day plans for this Friday, de Mesa said she’s going to spend the day with plenty of friends, a good dinner and a movie.

ENTERTAINMENT

feb. 13 - feb. 16, 2014

#bethany

9

A fresh and honest cautionary tale david dixon

entertainment editor In the spirit of “the show must go on,” I saw “Bethany” at The Old Globe Theatre the evening that prop master Seamus O’Bryan died in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. The only evidence that something tragic occurred was the grief etched on the faces of the cast as they took their final bows.

Crystal (Jennifer Ferrin) lives in a

foreclosed house with a squatter, Gary (Carlo Alban), after the American real estate crisis of 2009. She is an optimistic and mysterious worker at a Saturn dealership whose reasons for living such an unusual lifestyle are unclear. Her personal and professional lives begin to spiral out of control when she tries to sell a sports car to a motivational speaker, Charlie (James Shanklin).

The subject matter regarding poverty makes Laura Marks’ script timely.

Crystal (Jennifer Ferrin) and Gary (Carlo Alban) star in this drama. photo courtesy of jim cox PAID ADVERTISEMENT

ATTENTION:

ALL SDSU STUDENTS All SDSU students are invited to attend advisory open forums to solicit student input on the following proposed increase in campus mandatory student fees: Shall a new mandatory Student Success Fee be established effective Fall 2014? The proposed fee level per semester, if this fee is approved, will be determined through a series of public forums and consultations with interested regularly- enrolled students at San Diego State University, except those exclusively attending Imperial Valley Campus.

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10:00 am

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Monday, Feb. 17 Monday, Feb. 17

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12:00 pm 4:00 pm 8:30 am

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College of Professional Studies & Fine Arts Student Council College of Health & Human Services Council Associated Business Students Council Honors Council College of Education Student Council

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Through Crystal and Gary, the audience sees how they are affected by the Great Recession. Crystal tries to maintain a positive attitude, while Gary is an antisocial loner who believes in bizarre conspiracy theories that make him come across as a dangerous loser.

“Bethany” also works as a character study. Crystal appears to have it all together in spite of her situation, but is hiding information about her past. Her secret provides the emotional center of the tale.

Ferrin, who some might know from the AMC television series “Hell on Wheels,” infuses Crystal with an immensely likeable presence. Her outlook allows viewers to always be on her side, even when the situations become more surreal.

Alban makes Gary a spooky antisocial oddball with a big temper. His melancholy facial expressions make him occasionally empathetic, even though clearly he is mentally unstable.

Shanklin’s sly delivery makes him believable as a man trying to inspire men and women. His role leads to some shocking revelations.

Director Gaye Taylor Upchurch’s staging is minimal, but effective. He uses Lauren Helpern’s scenic design and Japhy

Weideman’s lighting to expertly handle the contrasts between Crystal’s dark abode and the significantly brighter car dealership.

A problem I do have is with the

Crystal tries to maintain a positive attitude, while Gary is an antisocial loner who believes in bizarre conspiracy theories ...

marketing of “Bethany.” It is being labeled as a dark comedy, though the production is really an intense drama.

Marks’ dialogue includes situational humor and sharp satire, but there are many scenes that are uncomfortable to watch that have little to no laughs.

“Bethany” deals with complex subject matters with a consistently captivating heroine and a creepy and unforgettable supporting role. It is a testament to everyone involved that the evening went off without a hitch, even though a horrific event happened earlier that day. O’Bryan will be missed.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

FEB. 13 - FEB. 16, 2014

#BRIANREGAN

Brian Regan delivers clean laughs JAMIE BALLARD STAFF WRITER

In a comedy world populated by sex jokes and raunchy humor, Brian Regan is an exception, an enigma of clean comedy.

Aside from being hailed by performers such as Bill Burr, Pete Holmes and John Mulaney, to name a few. Regan recently appeared with Jerry Seinfeld on the web series, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” Regan did not spend much time with Seinfeld before meeting him for the show.

“I mean, it was fun. I saw him perform in Vegas when I was there, went backstage and said hello,” Regan said. “We know each other professionally mostly, but we’ve never flown a kite together, if you know that saying.”

Known for his approachable comedy, Regan relies mostly on day-to-day

experiences for his stand-up routine, and part of his success seems to be this relatability. Though the term can sometimes be a turnoff when it comes to comedy, Regan truly manages to be “family friendly” without making any comedic sacrifices.

“I would like to think that people will hear material they haven’t heard before.”

- Brian Regan Similar to many comedians, Regan has many influences.

“Well, I’d have to say my brother, Dennis Regan … might as well start with

some nepotism. Seinfeld, Bill Burr, Carol Leifer, Maria Bamford, Chris Rock and so many more,” Regan said.

Regan develops his material from dayto-day experiences.

“I don’t mean to sound flippant or anything, but I just go through my normal day,” Regan explained. “I’m not really looking for comedy. I go where I go, I read what I read and every once in a while something jumps out.”

During the interview, Regan shared a randomly funny story about meeting one of his fans.

“I was coming out of a restaurant, and there was this guy. He was a young guy with a long beard, just shuffling past, looking at the ground. He walked maybe 10 feet past me, stopped and slowly walked back. He comes up to me and says, ‘Hey man, I just want you to know you have a huge following among pot

smokers.’ I mean, I was in complete and total shock. I was expecting him to, I don’t know, ask for a dollar or something, and instead he gives me a compliment. It was great.”

Though he has traveled all over the U.S. for his tour, Regan actually visited San Diego with his parents when he was younger.

“I remember driving through La Jolla, and it’s gorgeous; I mean, definitely a beautiful place. Plus … the weather you have is unlike anything else on the planet.

It’s never too hot, never too cold.”

Regan hopes viewers are caught off guard by his performance.

“I would like to think that people will hear material they haven’t heard before.

That’s my greatest hope—I don’t care if you think it’s funny, I just want you to have never heard it before. That’s the biggest compliment I can get,” Regan said.

#IMAGINEDRAGONS

Weekend Picks: Exciting concerts in town ALEK SANCHEZ STAFF WRITER

Sick Individuals Feeling down about not having a nice dinner and a movie set up for Valentine’s Day? Worry no more. Valentine’s Day is just another Friday, and that means another crazy night in town. If you’re looking for an energetic way to spend your night, look no further than Sick Individuals at Bassmnt on Friday night.

This electronic duo hails from the Netherlands, and is having an intimate tour around North America. Luckily, San Diego is hosting one of their few performances. Don’t miss out on catching

two of the rising stars in EDM while they’re in town.

Imagine Dragons Fresh off a win at the Grammys, Imagine Dragons is bringing its nationwide tour to sunny San Diego this Saturday, Feb. 15. The alternative rock group has nailed performances recently at both the Grammys and “Saturday Night Live.” Debuting its new remix of its huge hit, “Radioactive,” the group has pulled together a fresh rock-rap collaboration with fellow Grammy nominee, Kendrick Lamar. Delivering a high-octane show, Imagine Dragons is set to rock Valley View Casino Center.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT GAUTHIER/LOS ANGELES TIMES/MCT

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SPORTS

FEB. 13 - FEB. 16, 2014

#SPORTSCOLUMN

11

Men’s basketball energizes campus

had other ideas when he made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 4.5 seconds left in the game.

Some would call the win against Boise an escape and an exhalation of breath.

However, I believe it was good for our team to pull out a close win.

Championships are won in March and the Aztecs are bound to have a few more close calls in the coming weeks.

Head coach Steve Fisher has done an amazing job molding his players to fit his system, while senior guard Xavier Thames has taken over the captain’s role that Franklin left behind.

Thames is leading the team in points per game with 18.1 and is the undisputed go-to guy for the Aztecs when the game is on the line.

Senior forward Josh Davis has emerged as a premier rebounder in the country,

averaging a team-leading 11.0 per game.

Players such as redshirt freshman forward Matt Shrigley and junior forward J.J. O’Brien have contributed immensely from the 3-point line and on the boards, respectively.

The success the Aztecs have had so far this season is possibly the most impressive in the program’s history, considering the expectations at the beginning of the year.

However, one question still lingers: “What if we had beaten Arizona?” It’s easy to get used to winning and taking our recent success for granted, but one can only imagine what it would be like if we were undefeated and possibly the No. 1 ranked team in the country.

We gave the Wildcats one of the better games they have had this season, which is a great reason to believe that the Aztecs can make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Aztec fans and students should be overwhelmingly excited. Not only about their recent run, but because of what they have accomplished with such little expectations. As students, I hope you keep getting in line for tickets early on Monday mornings to keep “The Show,” the best student section in the country, as it has been all year. This could be a monumental year for our men’s basketball team and I hope all of you take advantage of the phenomenal play going on at Viejas Arena.

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JJ O’Brien and a member of the Nevada men’s basketball team during a victorious Aztec basketball game. JENNA MACKEY, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

LOGAN BURNS STAFF WRITER

Since the spring semester began, there has been a constant and energetic buzz around campus about the men’s basketball team.

This season was supposed to be a rebuilding one for the Aztecs. The loss of Jamaal Franklin to the NBA was supposed to be catastrophic for our offense, and this year was supposed to be the bridge between grooming our younger players and welcoming next year’s highly hyped freshman class. However, the Aztecs had different plans and have already put them into motion.

As Aztec fans we should be excited to experience what is going on in Viejas Arena and across the country, because this could be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, though

hopefully not.

After key wins against then No. 20/18 Creighton University and No. 25 Marquette University in the DIRECTV Wooden Legacy and perhaps the biggest regular season win in recent Aztec history against then No. 16/17 Kansas, the Aztecs have taken care of business en route to their 21-1 record.

With only seven games left in the season, the buzz around Aztec Nation is, “Can they hold on?” or “Will they win out and finish the season in the top 5?”

Most Aztec fans, including myself, know that anything can happen in conference play, as was exhibited last Wednesday in Boise, Idaho. This game was thought to be a trap game for the Aztecs because of the Broncos’ strong program.

Our Cinderella run seemed to be at the end, but junior forward Dwayne Polee II

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12 THE BACK PAGE

FEB. 13 - FEB. 16, 2014

#VALENTINESDAY

Oh, holiday consumerism

I

t happens just when Christmas decorations begin to disappear from the shelves of stores everywhere, replaced by reds and pinks that flood the aisles in a crimson tide. It can only mean one thing— Valentine’s Day is coming.

As the day quickly approaches, the question on the mind of every couple everywhere isn’t “How will I spend the day with the one I love?” but rather, “What do I get him?” or even worse, “Will she notice that I completely forgot?” Have no fear, friends, for there is an endless supply of tacky Valentine’s Day gifts around every corner.

While department stores are usually the biggest offenders; retailers, supermarkets and even mini marts show evidence of participation in the cash flow that Valentine’s Day brings each year. There’s no escape from the boxes of candy, gift baskets, bouquets of flowers and, my personal favorite, large teddy bears clutching gaudy stuffed hearts with the words “Be Mine” stitched on them.

It seems as though every company, from

VICTORIA VALENZUELA STAFF WRITER

car dealerships to restaurants and hotels, are revealing Valentine’s Day specials in order to cash in on the most gift-oriented day of the year, aside from Christmas. All in the name of love, right? Understandably, these businesses have to make money somehow, and it would seem foolish not to jump aboard the crazy V-Day train to up sales. I find myself loathing the February 14th every year. It’s when I see the merchandise in the stores and hear commercials advertising where to find the “perfect gift.”

Do I hate Valentine’s Day? No. But I hate what Valentine’s Day has become—just another corporate revenue stream for consumers to indulge in because they are convinced it’s what they’re supposed to do. These days, it seems a person’s love is measured by the capacity of his or her wallet. If someone gives you that really nice and expensive expensive present on Valentine’s Day, he or she must really, truly love you. Can you sense my sarcasm?

Let’s be honest­—the insanity of Valentine’s Day is all for the woman’s benefit. As a woman myself, I can admit that. What girl doesn’t love to be swept off her feet by someone who hand-delivers long-stemmed roses and a glittering piece of jewelry? But who is behind the grandeur of such a gesture, you ask? The poor sucker who is stuck footing the bill. For men, the burden is on their shoulders to plan the perfect date. They are expected to take their sweetheart somewhere fancy, armed with a carefully selected bouquet of flowers or chocolate assortment, while making sure the

words

68 Old-fashioned messages

night goes exactly according to plan. All we ladies have to do is show up and look pretty.

If anything goes wrong, it’s the woman who complains that her man didn’t execute a flawless evening.

On the contrary, the lonely hearts out there that aren’t so lucky to be wined and dined by Prince Charming are usually the ones pouring their hearts out on social media about not having a Valentine this year to get them anything. Either way, it’s become all about the physical representation of a person’s love and not about truly showing it.

Now, I’m not saying you should never indulge your significant other to show appreciation. The focus of Valentine’s Day has simply transformed from a day that celebrates love in all its forms to an ugly, superficial representation of materialism and consumer greed. What happened to deeds of love? Which is a better way to show someone you care: by taking the time and effort to do something for the other person that they will value and appreciate, or by letting money do the talking in the form of something that might not even have true meaning behind it? It’s like when someone buys their kid lavish toys to make up for the fact that they’re an absentee parent. The concept is the same.

This Valentine’s Day, I challenge you and your loved one to try something different: A “no gift” policy. Make a vow that your day together will be a present-free zone, removing the pressure altogether. Make a point to actually do something together and create a space for the two of you to connect.

It might just remind you of why you love each other, and as cliche as it may sound, that love is the greatest gift of all.

numbers

DOWN

ACROSS

1 Sign with a sting?

8 Anatomical blade 15 Key keys for many secretaries 16 “Guess again!”

17 Stacked 18 Free-spirited locale?

19 Sub 21 Yahoo! rival 22 Bar order 23 Certain tributes 27 Fitness brand 30 Big name in Tinseltown tittle-tattle 32 Soften 34 “Arrow-maker’s daughter” in a Longfellow poem 37 Score directive 38 __ Arizona

39 Three-time McDonald’s LPGA Championship winner 41 Like the vb. “have” 42 Loser’s metaphor 44 Subject of weekly ratings 46 Make lovable 48 Bolted down 49 Well-sinewed 50 Face-to-face contest 51 Cousin of com 53 Bud abroad 55 Where Superman made his debut 61 Red wood, perhaps 64 Asana accessory 65 Martha’s Vineyard paper since 1846 66 Train 67 Like some Thanksgiving turkeys

1 With 63-Down, toy from Tibet 2 Froyo holder 3 Old Persian poet 4 Pro with a tow truck 5 Uptight type 6 Gilbert and Sullivan operetta that satirizes Parliament 7 “Children of Men” star Clive 8 White 9 Staples staple 10 “Hold on __!”

11 Source of a slow leak, perhaps 12 Sub finisher?

13 Bucolic spot 14 __ Arann: Irish carrier 20 Physician married to Tonya Gromeko 24 “A Bronx Tale” director 25 Lead on 26 Dark ‘n’ __ (rum and ginger beer cocktail) 27 Kept occupied 28 Four-armed deity 29 Favorable track position 31 Outlet 33 Nevada city 35 Verb in first-year Spanish 36 Patient request: Abbr.

40 Trio preceding an exchange 43 Tightens, as a corset 45 Sign of displeasure 47 Take a turn 52 Beside oneself 54 Heavy hitter 56 Storable sacks 57 It may be heard in Orel arguments 58 Theater giant?

59 “ The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” co-star Blanchett 60 Some Fr. martyrs 61 Lic. number 62 Shell mover 63 See 1-Down

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

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Express your concerns by emailing letters@thedailyaztec.com

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thefuture

THURSDAY’S BIRTHDAY (2/13/14) Mercury backs retrograde into Aquarius today, launching your next year with a month of reinvention. Dive into research and practices to grow your health and performance. A spring-cleaning provides the backdrop for a new romantic stage around the June 10 eclipse. Adventure calls; pursue those with friends and a fun game. Service to others provides greatest satisfaction.

Seek love and find it.

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

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - Group projects go well now and for the next three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius.

Don’t sweat the small stuff right now. Cuddle up with a loved one and make some magic.

What could you create together?

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - Resume your leadership role. Schedule more carefully for the next three weeks, as tests and challenges can arise with Mercury in Aquarius. It’s easier to get distracted.

Maintain an active social schedule, and stay in communication.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 - Increase the level of organization. Discuss philosophical ideas and make long-range plans. The communication style could change abruptly. For about three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, you’ll be good at finding ways around problems.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 9 - Financial planning provides power. Figure out prices, and send invoices. Track your earnings and revise your budget. Review statements for errors. For about three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, discover new sources of revenue.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 - Ask for counsel from a master. Team communication reaches a new level. For about three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, let your partner take the lead. Negotiate creatively. Many views give a broader picture.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 Put technology to work in new ways over the next few weeks. Discussions take on a more logical form. For three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, your work gets more interesting, and your cleverness shines.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 - Work on creative writing, art or music over the next three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius. You’ll learn new games and computer programs quickly. Study with talented friends. Play together, and gain new chops.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - Make up a list of intended improvements.

Make choices around style, color and size or scale. For three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, you’ll do your best thinking at home. Communicate virtually, rather than traveling.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 9 - Things seem easier to understand for the next few weeks, with Mercury in Aquarius. Writing flows. You get fascinated by complexities, and entranced in analysis. Review the stats. Consider how they affect business.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Thoughts become more logical, and there’s lots of money to be made over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Aquarius.

Devise an earning strategy, and plot your course. Move ahead confidently.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 9 - You’re more objective over the next three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, and learn quickly. Begin a logical, rational cycle.

Tell your personal story. Get your partner involved. Discuss moving forward.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 9 - Take more time for quiet contemplation over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Aquarius. Completion is top priority. Your dreams are trying to tell you something.

Take notes on realizations and insights.

Meditate.