02-14-2012 by The Daily Aztec

TUESDAY

February 14, 2012 Volume 97. Issue 72

LOVE is Eq ual

INDEX: NEWS

D A I LY A Z T E C Tuesday, February 14, 2012

NEWS

Moroccan strife chronicled in student film Film comemmorates one-year annivesary of popular uprising Arturo Garcia staff writer The February 20 Movement for Change, an ongoing, activist-led uprising against Morocco’s Makhzen, or ruling elites, will commemorate its one-year anniversary Monday. To remember the continuing struggle, international student at San Diego State Nadir Bouhmouch has assembled a documentary titled “My Makhzen and Me.” Bouhmouch, a student majoring in both Television, Film and New Media and International Security and Conflict Resolution, returned to his home in Morocco last summer where he collected footage for his project. According to Al-Akhbar English, the self-professed “foreign correspondent in the Middle East,” Bouhmouch’s film chronicles the movement and the tactics used against it by the regime. The February 20 Movement is the manifestation of a group of Moroccan students who through the use of social media caused tens of thousands to seize the streets and

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demand change, according to a press release sent by Bouhmouch. The documentary’s objective was to investigate what gave birth to the revolt and the difficulties it faces as it struggles for freedom, democracy, human rights and an end to corruption and poverty, according to Bouhmouch’s press release.

Al-Akhbar said The February 20 Movement called for political reforms, not the ousting of the regime. However, Bouhmouch said they wanted the Moroccan king to step down from any political position of power. Morocco is currently considered a constitutional monarchy. According to Bouhmouch, the

Moroccan state media never mentioned The February 20 Movement’s participants and the international media barely gave coverage to the movement. Although Bouhmouch was not present during the February 20 Movement, he was present when the campaigns for referendum

occurred, with their complementary protests. According to Bouhmouch, the vote for the new constitution, which was assembled by people who were appointed by the king, was supposedly rigged. “Supposedly 98 percent voted yes for the constitution, which is clearly not the case because I actually drove around to look at the turnout in the election booths and apparently 72 percent (of Moroccans) voted in total — but when you walk around there aren’t any lines, so I don’t see how that’s even possible,” Bouhmouch said. Sponsored by Amnesty International, the film will be released on Monday, the movement’s anniversary. According to Bouhmouch, the title “My Makhzen and Me” derives from his goal to create a sense of individualism that could inspire the popular response of action. “I want Moroccans to leave inspired and with the need to do something,” Bouhmouch said. “And I want the rest of the world to question what they are given in the media and realize that everything is not shown on the media. If they really want to know what’s going on in the world they are going to have to look past what’s given to them by mainstream channels like CNN.”

Judge sinks PETA lawsuit CLC helps with U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller student needs dismissed the case because

Ilgin Karlidag contributor

“Free Willy” didn’t become reality for the killer whales at SeaWorld when a federal judge in San Diego dismissed a lawsuit filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claiming the orcas are enslaved and entitled to be free by the protection of the 13th amendment. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller dismissed the case because animals aren’t in the same category as humans in terms of slavery, and are not protected by the 13th amendment, The Associated Press reported. PETA claimed the captured killer whales are forced to live in concrete tanks and perform at SeaWorld. Despite the case’s dismissal, PETA views the case as a victory, because for the first time in history constitutional protection against slavery was argued for animals in court. “This historic first case for the orcas’ right to be free under the 13th Amendment is one more step toward the inevitable day when all animals will be free from enslave-

animals aren’t in the same category as humans in terms of slavery, and are not protected by the 13th amendment ... ment for human entertainment,” PETA said in a statement. SeaWorld’s defense attorney, Theodore Shaw, told the Associated Press that if the court were to grant the killer whales constitutional rights established by the 13th amendment, then it would have severe consequences for not only the U.S. government that uses dogs to sniff out bombs, but also for zoos and aquariums. SeaWorld claims the lawsuit is a publicity stunt by PETA. “SeaWorld remains the standard for zoological stewardship of marine animals and we reject any challenge to the conditions and quality of care for

these remarkable animals,” SeaWorld said in a statement. While SeaWorld said it has not only rescued killer whales injured in the wild but has also raised awareness to save natural resources, PETA’s attorney Jeffrey Kerr said his organization has no plans to give up the struggle to protect the killer whales. The plaintiffs of the lawsuit were five killer whales: Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka and Ulises. Tilikum, the largest whale, was watched carefully after he killed his trainer, Dawn Brancheau, when he pulled her underwater in February 2010. Brancheau was the second trainer killed by Tilikum, who drowned another trainer in 1991.

Stacy D. Garcia staff writer In an effort to help students who are having legal or financial difficulties and need an expert to give them some guidance, Associated Students partnered with CLC Legal Inc. to provide San Diego State students with legal and financial advice. “The program entails an opportunity for students to have an hourlong free conversation with a legal adviser and gives them information about what they are going through,” A.S. Vice President of External Affairs Krista Parker said. “Not every student has the opportunity to have any type of legal counsel so getting that free opportunity to students is exactly what that does.” To access the service students simply call CLC and provide their RedID number to verify they are an

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SDSU student. The CLC representative will then match the student with the appropriate attorney or financial adviser depending on the student’s issue. The legal and financial program is paid through the Student Body Association fee students pay every semester. “The legal and financial service is part of a 2008 referendum called ‘Enhance Evolve Innovate’ resolution. The referendum increased the Student Body Association Fee by $20 per semester and it was approved by 64.6 percent,” Parker said. With the new fee increase, programs such as SDSU Study Abroad, the spring GreenFest event and other student organizations have also received funding. According to Parker, every month only around 15 to 45 students take advantage of the program. Contact CLC free of charge at 1800-541-9701.

Advanced Test Preparation

Years since February 20 Movement for Change began

Estimated population of Morocco, in millions

Supposed percentage of Moroccans voting for new constitution

Supposed percentage who voted “yes”

189

Size of SeaWorld San Diego, in acres

7 45 0

Number of orcas at SeaWorld San Diego Maximum number of students using CLC Legal services each month Cost for CLC Legal services, in dollars

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

D A I LY

AZTEC Tuesday, February 14, 2012

SPORTS

WO M E N ’S L AC R O S S E

SOFTBALL

SDSU receives SDSU drops a close one learning lesson Hunter Hewitt contributor

OSU 19 | SDSU 4 The storylines were aplenty as the San Diego State women’s lacrosse team kicked off its inaugural season on Saturday against the No. 18 Ohio State Buckeyes in Palo Alto at Stanford. In the program’s first-ever collegiate game, SDSU was defeated 19-4 and showed its lack of experience, according to first-year head coach Kylee White.

SDSU improved its play in the second half, allowing only five goals, but it wasn’t enough to get the Aztecs back into the game. Sophomore attacker Meris Walsh and freshman attacker Jackie Mills added one goal apiece, but the Aztecs could not generate enough offense to outscore the Buckeyes. White, who played at Ohio State from 1999-2002, was admittedly a bit nervous facing her alma mater, but is excited to see how her new team grows and responds after the tough loss. “I have to give Ohio State all the credit, they are an excellent team,” White said. “It was great to battle them

“Having this first game under our belt is really going to help us next weekend. Now we know what Division I lacrosse looks like ...” Kylee White, SDSU head coach “We lacked experience in our decision-making, and didn’t play our style for the entire 60 minutes,” White said, whose 28-player roster features 24 freshmen. “We had moments where we played true Aztec lacrosse, but there were also moments where doubt came into mind and we looked like a new team.” The Aztecs (0-1) took an early lead when freshman attacker Lauren Maack scored 22 seconds into the game, but the Buckeyes (1-0) scored eight unanswered goals to set the tone and take an 8-1 lead. After another goal by Maack, Ohio State added six more goals to make it 142 at halftime.

in our first game, and I think we are going to take this and grow from it and learn from it.” White also stressed the importance of finally getting the first game out of the way. After months of scrimmages and practicing against each other, they were finally able to experience a real game. “Having this first game under our belt is really going to help us next weekend,” White said. “Now we know what Division I lacrosse looks like and feels like, because you can’t really emulate it in practice.” SDSU will host Cincinnati at 7 p.m. this Friday in its first-ever home game.

WAT E R P O L O

Aztecs settle for third at UCSD Laura Barrick staff writer

SDSU 9 | LMU 8 This past weekend the San Diego State water polo team participated in the Triton Invitational hosted by UCSD. SDSU took on four challenging teams in two days and finished the tournament in third place with a 3-1 record. While Saturday was no contest for the Aztecs, who easily snagged two wins, Sunday was bittersweet. The team received its first loss of the season, 9-8, to No. 6 UC Irvine. Hours later, the Aztecs were back on the pool deck to take on No. 12 Loyola Marymount for third place. SDSU trailed LMU 4-3 at halftime.

The Aztecs gained momentum in the third quarter, and outscored LMU 3-1, leading for the first time the entire game, 6-5. The game became more suspenseful toward the end, as LMU tied the score 7-7. Junior driver Emily Whalen scored an impressive gamewinning goal. Junior utility Amber Pezzolla led the team with three goals, while senior two-meter defense Leanne Ford contributed two goals and senior utility Meaghan Poland had one. Senior goalkeeper Kelly Campoli also had an impressive game with 12 saves. Although finishing in the top five, playing for third place was tough on the team, according to head coach Carin Crawford. “It was a challenge to put the loss from Irvine behind us,” she said. “We had to dig deep for this win.”

“It was a challenge to put the loss from Irvine behind us. We had to dig deep for this win.” Carin Crawford, SDSU head coach

The Aztecs lost their third one-run game of the season Danielle Gaut staff writer

ORE 5 | SDSU 4 Although the San Diego State softball team was tied or led the majority of the game, the momentum shifted in favor of No. 16 / 11 Oregon when it took the lead and the win with a walk-off pinch-hit RBI double in the bottom of the seventh inning. In its sixth and final match on Sunday at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz., SDSU (3-3) suffered a difficult 5-4 defeat against Oregon (3-2). This was the third one-run loss of the season for the Aztecs. “We just hit good enough to get the lead but we didn’t execute the rest of the game,” head coach Kathy Van Wyk said. Sophomores Lorena Klopp and Hayley Miles each homered early in the game. Just six games into her second season, Klopp has already hit four home runs and is now SDSU’s all-time leader in home runs with a career total of 19. Defensively, SDSU gave up 12 hits and left 12 runners on base. In five of the seven innings, the Aztecs allowed the leadoff batter to get on base. SDSU finished the tournament with three wins and three losses.

Sophomore Lorena Klopp leads SDSU in home runs with a career total of 19. | SDSU ATHLETICS

“It was encouraging and discouraging at the same time. As a whole, we hit the ball very well. We had 12 home runs this weekend and all the games were very close,” Van Wyk said.

SDSU is now preparing for its next tournament where it is set to host the 22nd annual Campbell/Cartier Classic this weekend beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday against Notre Dame at the SDSU Softball Stadium.

D A I LY A Z T E C Tuesday, February 14, 2012

H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

Backbreaking claims raise yogis’ brows Yes, yoga can wreck the body, but it probably won’t Alyssa Zickenberg contributor

KATIE FOSTER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Soulful meditation, quiet solitude and deep connection with the body’s core are usually what come to mind when imaging yoga; not the hip-displacing, vertebrae-popping and stroke-inducing activity that preys on fit college students and lifelong yoga masters alike. However, a recent article in The New York Times has cautioned just that. The article, “How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body,” has caught the attention and ire of yoga enthusiasts, as well as the confusion and curiosity of readers across the country, by presenting the ancient Indian practice as inherently dangerous, with lurking injuries waiting to attack with each downward-facing dog inversion or lotus pose stretch. Since its introduction to the western world, yoga has evolved into a booming fitness craze and lucrative industry, with an estimated 20 million Americans currently practicing it. With so many practitioners at all different levels of fitness experience trying to twist and bend like rubberboned gurus, a certain amount of injuries are bound to occur. While some yoga-related injuries may be severe, data comparison puts the overall danger of yoga into perspective. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, only 5,500 cases of yoga-related injuries

were reported in 2007, averaging 3.5 injuries for every 10,000 practitioners. At this rate, golfing and weight training pose more of a threat. In the same year, the CPSC reported 103,000 golfing injuries while the American Journal of Sports Medicine reports an average of 57,000 weight trainingrelated injuries each year. “You can get hurt doing anything,” creator of University of California, San Diego’s yoga teacher training program Arturo Galvez said. “I ride a motorcycle for fun and I’ve trained. I’ve taken classes, I wear a helmet, I wear a jacket with padding; and yet in the back of my head I know, this is a dangerous little thing I like doing. You take all your precautions … and then you enjoy it.” Galvez has more than 25 years experience in Hatha Yoga and got his start in India studying with worldrenowned teachers B.K.S. Iyengar and Indra Devi. Galvez, like most in the yoga community, does not deny the risks involved with modern-day yoga, especially for those with preexisting injuries or ailments. However, he does not support claims that most people should not practice yoga, or that it is inherently dangerous. “I don’t recommend to them, ‘don’t do yoga.’ I recommend to them to go find a smaller class and a teacher who has the experience to handle their problem,” Galvez said. “Find someone who can give you the attention and that has the experience, and if that happens then it can be great.” Galvez suggests the way yoga is currently marketed to Americans and the way it is increasingly practiced is the source of such risk and injury. The problem lies not in the practice of yoga itself, but in the increase of large

classes taught by inadequate teachers to a constantly changing group of practitioners with the main focus of yoga as an exercise. “I do recommend yoga to patients, but instructors need to have the knowledge and be trained properly to be able to give you the correct verbal cues,” San Diego State Director of Clinical Education Kelly Prescher said. “Otherwise, there is definite potential for injury.” Prescher, who is also an orthopedic physical therapist, echoes Galvez’s praise and support for the values and benefits of yoga, contingent upon finding an instructor with adequate skills and experience. In 45 years of combined experience, neither Galvez nor Prescher have knowledge of anyone who has been injured by practicing yoga. Instead, both specialists have seen numerous clients reap the rewards and benefits associated with the practice. Yoga has been associated with more than 50 well-documented medical and psychological benefits, such as stress relief, improved circulation and reduced depression and anxiety. Yoga experts such as Galvez seem to agree that to fully benefit from yoga and avoid injury, the practice needs to be approached with more awareness by all involved. Aspiring yogis must strive for balance, take into account personal limitations and remember: Yoga may be physical, but it’s also psychological. Galvez will be teaching a Healthy Back Yoga class at the Aztec Recreation Center every Friday from this Friday to April 13 from 11 a.m. to noon. The class is $60 with ARC membership and $70 without.

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OPINION

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

College Republicans belittle ‘coming out’

love political satire. At its best it can make us aware of serious issues in a lighthearted way. At its worst, satire can be an insulting, ineffective way to make a point. The political stunt that San Diego State’s College Republicans recently participated in is a clear example of satire at its worst. On Feb. 6 the group celebrated Conservative “Coming Out” Day. The conservatives gathered around the main flag pole at SDSU to “celebrate being a proud Conservative.” The innuendo didn’t end there. They advertised the event saying “there is no reason to be ashamed of who you are,” and promised solidarity with fellow conservatives. This stunt openly mocks coming out, an often difficult and painful experience in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender community, for the sake of attention. Identifying oneself as homosexual is a difficult decision. When someone comes out, they face rejection from their friends and family. They risk open discrimination and marginalization, even among those who are supposed to support them. Recently we have seen LGBT teens bullied into suicide after coming out to their peers, despite the widespread “It Gets Better” campaign. Despite the possibility of mean-spirited

Leonardo Castaneda staff columnist rejection, countless men and women bravely come out every year because they realize the need to express who they genuinely are is greater than the fear of rejection. This is in no way comparable to announcing one’s political inclinations or party affiliations. To equate them is an unfair attempt to diminish the importance of coming out for the LGBT community. For someone to “come out” as a conservative makes a mockery of the pain and fear gays have to experience when they come out. Maybe this stunt wouldn’t be so offensive if opposition to gay rights and gay equality wasn’t such a central issue for the Republican Party. Many Republicans have adamantly opposed gay marriage, allowing gays to adopt and admitting openly gay men and women into the military. Rick Santorum has claimed repeatedly that convicts in prison are better parents than gay couples, and that gays should simply consider not being gay anymore. And this isn’t some party extremist; this is a man with a real chance of winning the Republican Party’s presidential nomination.

Of course, not all Republicans share such strong anti-gay sentiments. But the reality is the party as a whole has built its conservative platform on not extending equal rights to gays. This is the political party College Republicans affiliate themselves with and the party they are supporting with their political stunts.

the College Republicans felt there was a large percentage of the SDSU population who are secretly conservative, scared to express their true political feelings. Maybe they felt an event such as the Conservative Coming Out Day would inspire others to reveal themselves to their fellow peers.

When someone comes out, they face rejection from their friends and family ... For someone to “come out” as a conservative makes a mockery of the pain and fear gays have to experience. Now they are stealing the language and ideas from a community their party has fought so hard to ostracize. For Republicans to take the label of victim from those whom they themselves are victimizing is willfully offensive. The whole charade seems to hinge on the idea that Republicans are somehow an oppressed minority, held down by the evil liberal academic establishment. Therefore they must stand together in solidarity as fellow conservatives. Maybe

How conservatives came to see themselves as a maligned minority is difficult to understand. Even in California they hold considerable political power. San Diego Rep. Duncan D. Hunter and Mayor Jerry Sanders are both Republicans. Most importantly, there are no antiRepublican movements in San Diego, or anywhere. There are no anti-Republican marches; no one is attempting to take their civil liberties away by, for example, not

allowing them to marry. Whatever consequences there could possibly be — and I seriously doubt there are any — to revealing yourself as a conservative, they are nothing compared to losing your friends and family, or even your job because of your sexual orientation. To even suggest that conservatives need the encouragement and support to admit their political inclinations that LGBT individuals need to come out is insulting. At best this was an ill-conceived joke, a tasteless attempt at garnering some attention for the College Republicans on campus. At the worst, it was an attempt to play the victim at the expense of those who have been suffering from hatred and discrimination, often at the hands of the Republican Party. Whatever the motive, events such as these should not find a home at SDSU if we wish to remain an institution praised for our openness to LGBT students.

LEO CASTANEDA IS A JOURNALISM SOPHOMORE.

TAN DOAN, PRODUCTION DESIGNER

D A I LY A Z T E C Tuesday, February 14, 2012

OPINION

A million moms can’t be wrong, can they?

ow do we define “traditional values” nowadays? The American Family Association seems to think “traditional values” are synonymous with pseudo-religious intolerance and bigotry. Recently in the news, there’s been a particularly meanspirited campaign against various prominent gay voices in popular culture. A sub-group of the AFA called “One Million Moms” has attempted to advance its hateful agenda against homosexuality. Its most recent target was comedienne and talk show host Ellen Degeneres. One Million Moms launched a campaign via Facebook, calling for J.C. Penney to terminate its relationship with Degeneres, whom JC Penney has named their spokesperson. Not surprisingly, this is unacceptable to the folks at OMM and the AFA.

Kenneth Leonard contributor customers” who would supposedly shop elsewhere because they don’t want to patronize a business that has a gay spokesperson. OMM is also currently attacking Macy’s, because Macy’s ran an advertisement featuring a wedding cake topper with two grooms. Even the advertisers on ABC’s television show “Modern Family” are being attacked by OMM because apparently television shows featuring families with a diverse range of characters are morally offensive. The real issue at hand here isn’t the stupid, dogmatic nature of the AFA’s campaigns against people who aren’t ashamed of cultural or

The real issue at hand here isn’t the stupid, dogmatic nature of the AFA ... The real issue ... is religious fringe groups are attempting to claim a monopoly on traditional family values. The statement on OMM’s website states J.C. Penney is “insulting” its customers by maintaining a professional relationship with Degeneres. The group claims Degeneres is not representative of the typical J.C. Penney shopper, because she is a homosexual, and therefore exists at odds with “traditional” families. OMM calls for J.C. Penney to fire Degeneres in order to “retain loyal

sexual diversity. The real issue – the one very reader should be concerned with – is religious fringe groups are attempting to claim a monopoly on traditional family values. The definition of traditional family values is obviously quite open to interpretation. In the wake of One Million Moms’ senseless, puritanical attack on her character, Degeneres made a statement on her

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talk show, saying she admired J.C. Penney’s decision to reject the AFA’s disgusting cultural agenda, and affirming her personal values of “honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated and helping those in need.” She went on to say, “To me those are traditional values, that’s what I stand for.” Her display of class in the face of religious bullying of the AFA perfectly illustrates the type of constructive response intelligent people must make in these situations. It is unacceptable for groups such as the AFA to pretend to be somehow a voice of moral superiority. Even outspoken bigot and professional polemicist Bill O’Reilly has spoken out in condemnation of OMM, and, by extension, the AFA, in the wake of its attempts to bully J.C. Penney into firing Degeneres. What are traditional family values, anyway? The AFA gets its traditional moral and familial values from biblical tradition. Let’s talk for a second about biblical family values. A quick look through the incestuous, murderous, adulterous, polygamous families of biblical tradition should be enough to make any thinking person wonder if bronze-age customs and traditions are really what we should base our morality on in the 21st century. Maybe it’s time to start reevaluating the definition of traditional family values, or even to question the merits of traditional values when measured against modern values. I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest selfrespect, tolerance, integrity and courage are admirable, timeless values. If you’d like to see examples of these values in action, look no further than J.C. Penney.

Californians: Prop 8 is a thing of the past

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

t comes as no surprise that the ban on same-sex marriage was deemed unconstitutional, but there is now a slue of speculation as to what will happen next. Some opponents to same-sex marriage believe the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will be forced to rehear the case with more than three justices in the hope that a larger panel will be the change they need to have the results overturned. Others believe it will be appealed to the Supreme Court, while still others don’t think it will be heard again at all. Regardless what the next step is, it will take some time before samesex couples will be able to get legally married in the state of California. My hope is to see equal rights for

Heather Mathis staff columnist everyone: gay, straight, black, white or otherwise. There was a time when interracial marriage was taboo; if conservatives can adjust to that, they can certainly adjust to giving the right of marriage to gays and lesbians. Hell, Newt Gingrich has been married three times, but because they weren’t men, that makes it OK? Even Rev. Al Sharpton appeared in a video supporting same-sex rights, stating, “As a Baptist minister, I don’t have the right to impose my beliefs on anyone else, so if committed gay and lesbian couples

want to marry, that’s their business. None of us should stand in their way.” Well said, Reverend. Slowly, the tide of opposition toward homosexual marriage is turning. Surprisingly enough, there is also a group called Mormons For Marriage that, while its religion strictly prohibits homosexuals to marry, is fighting for the rights of same-sex couples. Even multimillion dollar corporation Goldman Sachs has declared its support for the overturn of the voterapproved proposition passed in 2008 — a great publicity move to bring in more gay and lesbian investors. A bank that slams the minority — although not as small a minority as some would like to think — would likely lose clients because of its discriminative views or commentary.

Macy’s has also drawn attention from an anti-gay group called One Million Moms for a print ad recently released on magazine stands. The advertisement features a photograph of a car with a license plate that says “I do” and a wedding cake tied down in the trunk with two grooms atop it. The subtle ad received attention from Proposition 8 supporters and a petition has been created to have the ad removed – yet another low blow to the gay community from a group of women that has banded together against gay rights. I’ll bet these same women didn’t mind Kim Kardashian’s 72-day-long marriage, right? In a column from the Huffington Post, University of Michigan law professor Steve Sanders said, “There is no reason to believe four justices on the Supreme Court, which is what it takes to grant (an appeal) petition, are chomping at the bit to take this issue on. The liberals on the court are going to recognize this was a sensible, sound decision that doesn’t get ahead of the national debate … and I don’t think the decision would be so objectionable to the court’s conservatives that they would see a reason to reach out and smack the Ninth Circuit.” It’s uncertain to tell what the next step is for Proposition 8, but with the backing of so many wellknown groups, there is real hope for the equality of gays and lesbians not only in California, but perhaps for the entire country. Although it has been pointed out by Proposition 8 supporters that the Ninth Circuit is best known for having the most decisions over-

turned, California has been standing behind gay rights for years and has concrete reasoning to use as the legal glue for the Ninth Circuit’s decision. For example, since 2005, California has given gay and lesbian couples the right to be in domestic partnerships — essentially the same rights and benefits of traditional married couples. Also in California, the court had struck down two laws limiting marriage to only opposite-sex couples five months before Proposition 8 was voted into place. California, which houses its Supreme Court in gay-friendly San Francisco, has a history of supporting same-sex marriage and gay rights. Although the Ninth Circuit does not only cover California, the court’s decision was just and up-todate. I truly believe whether a larger Ninth Circuit panel hears the case or the U.S. Supreme Court does, the decision will remain the same. Ostracizing and singling out a group of people and denying their basic human rights is just wrong. Allowing same-sex couples to marry is not going to “destroy the institution of marriage,” nor is it going to affect traditional marriage in any way. Proposition 8 is clearly unconstitutional and flat-out unfair. People are people and love is love; gay or straight, it shouldn’t matter.

HEATHER MATHIS IS A JOURNALISM JUNIOR.

D A I LY

AZTEC Tuesday, February 14, 2012

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Dodge financial dilemmas on mint.com Budgeting site helps students alleviate monetary woes Brittany Fasano staff writer Whether swimming in cash or drowning in a sea of debt, budgeting remains the most important aspect of financial success. By eliminating the hassle of collecting receipts and calculating figures, mint.com makes budgeting a relative breeze. Mint is a secure personal accounting website that is free and easy to use. It allows users to keep track of checking, savings and credit accounts in one place. After creating an account, the site automatically organizes transactions and groups income and expenditures. Then, it utilizes graphs and pie charts to visually display how money is being spent. Mint recommends different ways to budget money based on a user’s

account information. It also alerts users when they are charged notable fees and when any unusual activity occurs. It is Mint’s goal to assist students as they work to maintain savings goals by tracking spending and investments, providing tangible objectives and transmitting bill reminders. With proper use of this website, users could even end up making money. “I really like how easy (mint.com) is to use,” anthropology senior Tina Hughes said after reviewing the site. “I will definitely give this website a try, especially since I will be graduating soon and need all the help I can get financially.” Even if students are cautious of their spending, it’s easy to overspend by purchasing designer coffees, shopping or indulging in nights at the bar. The average amount of credit card debt for college students is $2,000. To avoid constantly running out of money and into debt, start budgeting by categorizing all sources of income. Then make a list of fixed

Mint is a secure personal accounting website that is free and easy to use. It allows users to keep track of checking, savings and credit accounts in one place ... (Mint) organizes transactions and groups income and expenditures ... ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

costs, estimate expenses of discretionary items (such as food, laundry and entertainment) and add some extra for emergencies. Sticking to a simple budget plan like this allows college students to identify where money is going and how to successfully save. “My parents give me $300 a month and I make it last,” interior design sophomore Tatyana Maslyanko said. “I try not to spend money on anything I don’t need.” Sixty-six percent of students receive funds from home while 49 percent work part time. To earn extra cash, consider starting a business, selling items on eBay, searching for jobs on campus or learning to invest. To save money, inquire about student discounts, shop for reduced-price items, utilize coupons and avoid buying textbooks until they’re needed. Those seeking the extra help of Mint may find themselves asking if it’s really all that safe. Mint protects usernames and passwords with the same level of security as a financial institution. None of the information is available on the site and only the user’s email is linked to his or her account. This means no one can access users’ account information with a password. All sensitive information is encrypted and hidden in an unmarked building. Students looking for a simple, automated system to track spending and accomplish basic budgeting should check out mint.com. There’s nothing to lose.

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D A I LY A Z T E C Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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D A I LY

AZTEC Tuesday, February 14, 2012

B AC K PAG E

HUMOR

HOROSCOPE

All single sans mingle

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (2/14/12) Your circle of friends keeps expanding, from your heart outward. This year it advances your dreams. Being polite is a virtue to practice; "please" and "thank you" go a long way. Sometimes a respectful protest is in order, too. Share and celebrate love.

t’s that time again. Just picture it. It’s cold (not cold, but San Diego cold. So, you know, you throw a cardigan over your tank top and shorts), it’s a few weeks into the semester and you’ve suddenly become aware of a campus-wide infestation of a peculiar breed of human beings: couples. That’s right, Valentine’s Day is back again and, whether you are psyched or dreading it, there’s no denying it once it’s here. You’ve never seen the colors pink and red in such abundance; hearts adorn every visible surface and you can almost see cartoon hearts floating over that couple making out in the hallway between classes. I’ve never done any research about why the presence of such overbearing displays of affection pop up midway through February, but I know it happens. I know that as gushy and girly as I am about generally everything in life — from painting my nails, to quoting chick flicks, to “aww”-ing every time I see a puppy — Valentine’s Day can turn me bitter and grouchy. I’ve seen it happen to the best of us. It’s just one of those holidays that creates strongly opposed emotional responses. You never get that with other holidays. I’ve never approached someone during Halloween and been grumpily told, “I hate this holiday. I don’t need people walking around showing off the fact they have candy to make out with, when not all of us have candy, even if we all want candy, who will buy us presents and visit our parents and compliment us and love us.” Because a) That would be asking a lot of candy, which I’ve never known it to do, and b) Most other holidays don’t inspire the same kind of jealousy Valentine’s Day does. It’s just a time of the year when we all feel like we need to be at a certain point in our lives, though not all of us are.

Bree Lutjens contributor And for those of us who are unsure of what to do about that, here’s a little guide. Us singles who have no prospects (this would be my home base), you’ve got to learn to embrace it. I mean, you can always be that girl who sits at home alone in her pajamas, watching “The Notebook” on Lifetime, eating her weight in ice cream while Taylor Swift plays on a loop. (If that’s you, don’t be offended. I just described my average Tuesday night.) You can complain to your other single friends and you can avoid your in-a-relationshipand-therefore-the-enemy friends. You can make this time of year horrible and stressful, or you can just accept it and make it fun. You can enjoy yourself by watching a fun movie, taking yourself out to dinner or doing a little shopping (I will forever be an advocate of retail therapy). You can plan a night with friends. You can find a way to make the night a positive one without thinking of that nonexistent someone. And you can rest assured I will be in the same boat as you. For those of you who are single and “talking,” which seems to sum up more people than I can count, you can consider yourself lucky. You’ve got someone to think about, to talk about, to gossip about. But I get it: Sometimes it sucks to have that someone who isn’t really a someone. You have the idea of a person, but not the actual confirmation you are more than just an idea. It’s the ultimate tease. You don’t know if they’re thinking of you, but you know you’re thinking of them, and you’re not sure if you should be or not.

I say you have two options. You can spend the night “talking,” giggling about the message, overanalyzing the wordage and sharing everything they say with the aforementioned singlewithout-hope group. Or you could just let it go, just for the night. You could take time for yourself and see if that someone will ever lead to being an actual “someone.” This is the stage that will always be a bit vague, because it resides between the single and taken categories, even though it’s not a technical relationship (until Facebook gets it, which we’re all waiting on so 90 percent of us can change our relationship status). Those of you who are taken and loving it, enjoy your Valentine’s Day. Realize the rest of us may or may not want to talk to you, but don’t take it personally. We’re really happy for you … on any other day of the year. But on this day, the calendar has decided to remind everyone of that special breed we call couples that get to be even more in love than usual. We probably wont feel so inclined to express our admiration. Have your date with your someone, eat pasta at a cute little Italian restaurant, end up recreating that scene from “Lady and the Tramp,” go on adventures and share romantic kisses goodnight. But don’t expect to share stories with the rest of us until tomorrow, once we’ve taken the gallon of Ben & Jerry’s to the trash, cleaned up all the tissues that have accumulated from watching “The Notebook” three times and have officially changed our ringtone to T. Swift. Because I’m guessing the majority of us won’t be terribly receptive until then.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 - A productive morning leaves space for a romantic evening; make what you will of it. You can have whatever you're willing to stand for: Love is worth it. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 Expand your mind and heart with an adventure, perhaps a rendezvous at a secret spot, followed by a puzzle to untangle or an art project to enjoy. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 9 Complete tasks earlier in the day. You're a powerhouse. Later, reward yourself with relaxation and delicious food. Remember that pampering works best when it goes both ways. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - You're busy and getting busier at work, and that could interfere with your love life. Communication is key. Travel could be slow. Research holds crucial clues. LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - Don't overspend on luxuries. Who needs them when you've got love? Celebrate with dear ones, and be flexible about how it looks. Your true love holds you to your highest.

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 You're just on fire. New pathways are revealed. Plan to indulge the places where your heart is. Your confidence is quite attractive. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 There could be a clash between love and money. It's not a good time to get extravagant. Don't push yourself too hard. You have super study power. Share kindness. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 9 Your capacity to listen makes you more alluring. Stay in contact with loved ones. You're getting more powerful, so you might as well raise the stakes. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - It all works out (if you're willing to do the work). You're in top gear, and improving, but remember that Valentine's Day is not all about you. Share. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Plan a special day together with a loved one. It doesn't need to be expensive. Go ahead and give your word. It's okay to be quiet, too. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - A boost of energy helps you complete projects, but it could also wear you out by the end of the day. Make time for being social later. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 Step into the emotional limelight. "Respectful" and "willing to be of service" get you the farthest. If the recipe falters, add a dash of "love." ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

SUDOKU

Difficulty Level: 2 out of 4 Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudokudragon.com

—Bree Lutjens is a public relations freshman.

LO O K I N G T H R O U G H O U R L E N S

CROSSWORD

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S ... JIGGLYPUFF? Staff Photographer Katie Foster captured this photo of some colorful characters catching a bit of fog-free San Francisco air.

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ACROSS 1 Place for family game night 4 Book of poems partly by King David 10 Farm grazer 13 Egg cells 14 Communicating regularly 16 Fat Tire product 17 Ballplayer’s hat 18 Woos, minstrelstyle 19 N.J. neighbor 20 Dismiss an occult dollmaking practice? 23 Hanukkah money 24 Govt.-issued ID 25 Donahue and Collins 26 Double Stuf cookies 28 With 57-Down, wealthy people 31 Hair removal brand 32 “What’s that chocolate beverage you’re drinking, Yogi?” answer? 36 Raggedy doll 37 Debate side 38 PC component 39 Studio whose films get off to a roaring start 42 Model train expert? 45 Speed-of-sound name 48 Wee, like bairns 49 Sarandon of “Bull Durham” 50 Snow-block home 52 Hippie’s home 55 When Romeo meets Juliet 56 Frilly Hawaiian dress? 60 Small amount 61 Temps 62 Fib, e.g.

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 64 Dark time for a poet 65 Kind of fiction 66 Recreational transport, briefly 67 Driller’s deg. 68 More sexy 69 Manhattan liquor DOWN 1 Bespectacled dwarf 2 Role for Patti LuPone or Madonna 3 Layered pastry 4 “Hogwash!” 5 Scissors cuts 6 Periodic table figs. 7 Access with a password 8 “Faster, huskies!” 9 John Candy skit show

10 Golf bag carrier 11 World Cup chant 12 Runner-up’s news 15 Earring style 21 Texter’s “From a different aspect ...” 22 “Say it isn’t so!” 23 “La maja desnuda” painter 27 Second-year student 29 High, in Hamburg 30 Spanish river 33 Top Olympic medals, in Madrid 34 Rapid economic expansion 35 Plains tribesmen 39 Powerfully built 40 Tip on a table 41 City bond, informally

42 Dynasty during Confucius’ time 43 Juliet’s family name 44 American territory in the Pacific 45 Offended 46 Signed a pact, say 47 Circus performers 51 Slays, mob-style 53 “Care for __?”: after-dinner offer 54 Numbskull 57 See 28-Across 58 Hodgepodge 59 Mouse manipulator 63 Night of anticipation