02-16-2012

DIAMOND DAYS

3 FOOD & DRINK 5 BASEBALL PREVIEW 6 ENTERTAINMENT 12 CLASSIFIEDS 15 BACKPAGE 16

NEWS

2

SPORTS

2

D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, February 16, 2012

NEWS

Syrian rebels call for president’s removal Violence continues as death toll climbs to more than 5,000 Ilgin Karlidag contributor Mass killings of civilians in Syria continues as the conflict between the Syrian military, led by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, and the opposition named the Free Syrian Army, grows more ferocious.

near a park, killing children as well as other civilians, regime-controlled Syrian State television reported.

FSA denies any responsibility for the bombings, and blames the Syrian army forces for the blasts.

Syria’s third-largest city Homs, a central area for the uprising, has been bombarded for more than a week straight by the Syrian government, resulting in a significant number of casualties.

Those opposing the Syrian government seek the ousting of al-Assad, who took office following his father’s death in 2000. Al-Assad’s family, a

“Al-Assad must halt his campaign of killing and ... allow a democratic transition to proceed immediately.”

Barack Obama, president of the United States

Inspired by the uprising in Tunisia and Egypt, the protests began in the southern city of Dera in March of last year. Al-Assad’s regime responded with a brutal crackdown, killing more than 5,000 people so far, according to the U.N. Last week, twin bombs exploded in Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, killing 28 people. One bomb went off

minority Alawite (Shiite) sect, has been in power for 40 years in Syria, a predominantly Sunni country.

San Diego State Professor Ahmet Kuru, an expert in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies in the Department of Political Science, said the relationship between Shia and Sunni Muslims is determined by political and socioeconomic conditions.

MCT CAMPUS

“If President Assad’s family had respected basic human rights of its citizens, then the people would not have opposed the regime so strongly. It is a matter of freedom, not religion,” he said.

President Barack Obama condemned the Syrian government’s assault against the protesters.

Soledad Cross ruling appealed C R I M E B E AT

MCT CAMPUS

Backlash ensues after appellate court rules cross unconstitutional Elisse Miller staff writer Last Thursday, the Liberty Institute relaunched its “Don’t Tear Me Down” campaign as an effort to keep the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial Cross erect.

The Liberty Institute is a “nonprofit organization to protect freedoms and strengthen families by impacting the legislature, media, grassroots, and the courts with the truth,” according to the organization’s website.

Built in 1954, the cross has been the subject of legal battles for more than 30 years. The American Civil Liberties Union and other activist groups have attempted to remove the statue because of its religious connotation. Recently, these groups were victorious after the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals deemed the cross unconstitutional.

Now, the Liberty Institute and thousands of veterans are fighting back by taking the case to the Supreme Court, where they hope to set a precedent concerning religious symbols and memorials. The organization filed a petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, meaning the Supreme Court will examine and review the lower court’s case and determine if the right verdict was made.

“This cross does not exclude people like me. Somebody in Washington (Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America) joined with the ACLU. This decision does not represent all Jewish war veterans. Support this monument. It doesn’t exclude anybody,” Col. David Epstein, a Jewish retired army veteran, said.

Others have come out in support of the cross in different ways. Singersongwriter Jon Christopher Davis has made his original song “Don’t Tear Me Down” available for purchase on iTunes. Most of the proceeds will go to the Liberty Institute’s fight for the Mt. Soledad cross.

A website, donttearmedown.com, has also been created in support of the cross, promoting its value as a war memorial.

“Al-Assad must halt his campaign of killing and crimes against his own people now. He must step aside and allow a democratic transition to proceed immediately,” he said in a statement from the White House.

The United States, France and Britain, along with 13 other council members, voted in favor of a recent

U.N. resolution aiming toward an intervention in Syria. The resolution was vetoed by China and Russia.

“Russia and China have tried to protect the Assad regime despite the mass killings, and a major reason is that Russia and China regard the Assad regime as the most anti-American Arab state in the Middle East,” Kuru said.

Six-year-old stoned from PS5 A report was made to the San Diego Police Department last Saturday by a witness who reported suspects throwing rocks at a 6year-old girl. When police arrived at the scene they were unable to find the suspects or collect any additional information to carry out an investigation. Suspects were last seen leaving PS5 on 55 Street.

State student practicing parkour, a training method focused on moving around obstacles with speed and efficiency, lost her balance while climbing the Industrial Technology building.

After landing on the ground, it was reported she was unable to move, at which point she was transported to Alvarado Hospital Medical Center.

Parkour paralysis On Sunday, a female San Diego

–Compiled by Staff Writer Ana Ceballos

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, February 16, 2012

SPORTS

3

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Double trouble; SDSU loses second straight Antonio Morales sports editor

UNM 77 | SDSU 67

PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

“All season people have been talking about San Diego State and UNLV going at it, so this is a nice win to put us sole in

It’s not like the San Diego State men’s basketball team hasn’t lost a game this season, but the latest setback felt pretty devastating.

After UNLV lost to TCU on Tuesday night, last night’s game between New Mexico and SDSU became a battle for sole possession of first place in the Mountain West Conference.

The Aztecs were playing at home and had already beaten the Lobos in “The Pit,” but none of that mattered as New Mexico came into Viejas Arena and dominated SDSU, winning by a final score of 77-67.

The result means the Aztecs are now tied for second place with UNLV, while New Mexico is all alone in first place.

The loss was the second straight for SDSU. It was the first time in 80 games the Aztecs have dropped back-to-back decisions.

Head coach Steve Fisher was impressed by the Lobos, who earned a season-defining win last night.

“Tonight we played a team that played better than anybody we’ve played to date,” Fisher said. “They beat us — I don’t think we lost. They beat us, they were very good.”

most of the love from the national media have been SDSU and UNLV. Those are also the two teams that are now in New Mexico’s rearview mirror.

The Lobos came into Viejas Arena with a chip on their shoulder and it showed.

New Mexico took the lead with 15:40 left in the first half and never relinquished it.

Drew Gordon dominated the inside with 17 points and 17 rebounds, while Kendall Williams dominated the outside, scoring 21 points and going 5-for-6 from behind the arc.

Gordon hopes the win will help the national perception of the Lobos and get them more national attention.

“All season people have been talking about San Diego State and UNLV going at it, so this is a nice win to put us sole in first,” Gordon said. “I think we will get a little more recognition for being in the hunt to win the conference.”

Lobos leave impression

Down but not out

All season long, the two teams in the Mountain West that have been getting

No doubt the loss was tough for the Aztecs, but the team knows it has to

Drew Gordon, UNLV forward regroup in a short amount of time because the conference is so difficult.

“They outplayed us tonight and they got the better of us on our home court, but we have to bow our heads back this week. It’s tough,” junior guard James Rahon said after the game. “We have to make sure we get this one in Colorado Springs this weekend. It was a tough loss tonight, but we’ll try to get this next one.”

Fisher knows his team and knows it will be prepared come time for Saturday.

“I have no doubt that we will be ready on Saturday, that’s the job description,” Fisher said. “We’ve got character kids that will compete hard.”

News and notes After being held scoreless for most of the game, junior guard Chase Tapley heated up for seven points in one stretch of the second half to bring SDSU within six points.

Sophomore guard Jamaal Franklin suffered an ankle injury, but Fisher told the media after the game he didn’t know how Franklin injured it.

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D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, February 16, 2012

SPORTS

WO M E N ’S B AS K E T B A L L

Aztecs hold off Lobos to claim 19th win Ruben Meza

“We planned to exploit them because last time they showed us a 2-3 defense. We wanted to get the ball inside and then pop it back out.”

contributor

SDSU 57 | UNM 44 It was like a dramatic play, a showcase that had some of everything.

A tense setting: The Pit. A rising action: A 20-point lead. And a plot: Getting off to a hot start, handling overwhelming pressure and having a struggling star shine on the stage in the end.

The San Diego State women’s basketball team (19-5, 9-1 MW) stopped a huge comeback to take a 57-44 win against the New Mexico Lobos in Albuquerque, NM last night.

In the victory, junior center Malia Nahinu earned her first career double-double scoring 16 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and getting five strong blocks.

Junior guard Chelsea Hopkins added 12 points and six assists, while junior guard Courtney Clements reached a milestone of scoring more than 1,000 points in her collegiate career (Arizona / SDSU) with eight.

“We planned to exploit them because last time they showed us a 2-3 defense,” Nahinu said. “We wanted to get the ball inside and then pop it back out.”

Popping it out wasn’t necessary after tip-off as Nahinu scored seven of the Aztecs’ first 14 points.

Malia Nahinu, junior center “That kind of was our game plan going in,” SDSU head coach Beth Burns said. “ Heck, that was our offense in the first half.”

The Aztecs’ MW leading defense held the Lobos to just 22.7 percent from the field and forced 12 turnovers to put SDSU ahead 24-10 at the break.

Still, UNM was ranked the best 3point shooting team in the conference (.380) coming into this game, reminding SDSU the game was still not over.

“Our plan was just to continuing getting big stops,” Nahinu said. “We had to lock onto to them defensively.”

Already prepared with the defensive mindset for the second half, Clements quickly came out with the hot hand.

She scored back-to-back jumpers followed by a layup to give the Aztecs a huge 20-point lead.

Rattled with a slow start, UNM responded with a 7-0 streak and continued to attack. Led by senior forward Porche Torrance, who finished the game with 20 points, the Lobos put together a 19-8 run with 8:31 remaining.

The momentum-shift, mixed with the loud energy in the crowd, put the Aztecs to the test with just a 45-39 lead with 5:19 remaining.

Somebody had to step up, and quite fittingly, the struggling sophomore guard Kiyana Stamps was that somebody. Until that point, Stamps had missed 24 consecutive field goal attempts throughout the last three games.

The past was suddenly forgotten, however, as she knocked down a clutch 3-pointer with the shot clock expiring.

“She had to take the shot,” Burns said.

Things continued to fall the Aztecs’ way as Torrance fouled out with 3:22 remaining, quieting the arena.

Stamps then put an end to the last of UNM’s hopes after nailing another three to put the score at 57-42.

“We were glad it was her, if anyone, to come up with the big shots at the end,” Nahinu said.

SDSU will try and continue to stretch its one-game lead in the MW when it takes on Air Force at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Viejas Arena.

FILE PHOTO

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

SPONSORED BY

FOR SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Advanced Test Preparation

10

Number of points Lobos scored in the first half

4

Number of times in a row Aztecs won at The Pit

15

Rebounds grabbed by junior center Malia Nahinu

16

Points scored by Nahinu

6

Assists earned by junior guard Chelsea Hopkins

2

Steals by Hopkins

1,000 10

Career mark surpassed in points by junior guard Courtney Clements Number of turnovers had by Aztecs

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, February 16, 2012

FOOD & DRINK

5

Morning meals make for healthier habits Stephanie Schauer staff writer Breakfast may have a reputation for being the most important meal of the day, but how many people actually begin each day with a healthy bite?

A recent online poll from The Daily Aztec asked students if they incorporate breakfast into their daily routines. The results found that, of 34 total voters, 59 percent eat breakfast every day, 15 percent eat in the morning more often than not, 21 percent sometimes manage to eat breakfast and 5 percent never do.

That 41 percent who claimed not to regularly partake in a morning meal are missing out on the abundance of nutrients and benefits breakfast can offer.

According to livestrong.com, eating breakfast improves memory and enhances cognitive performance, particularly when processing complex visual challenges. But the benefits of a healthy breakfast don’t stop with the brain.

Eating breakfast, preferably within an hour of waking up, can jumpstart the metabolism process. However, if the meal is skipped it can result in the opposite effect.

“When you skip a meal, you slow down your metabolism so you store fat, you raise stress hormones and you break down muscle,” Aztec Recreation Center personal trainer and holistic health coach Evelyne Lambrecht said. “Studies show that people who eat larger meals in the morning eat less the rest of the day, and lose more weight and keep it off easier than people who ate smaller meals or nothing.”

BROOKE VALLS, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

On days when the “snooze” button has been hit one too many times and mornings are hurried, Lambrecht suggests consuming a well-balanced meal to give the day some much-needed momentum.

“You should have a balanced breakfast, meaning it should include some good protein and good fat as well as some healthy carbs,” she said. “The morning is a great time to eat some starchier carbs.”

Have leftover grilled chicken sitting in the refrigerator? Use it. Lambrecht recommends incorporating leftovers into a morning meal as long as that meal includes those healthy proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

“You don’t have to eat breakfast foods for breakfast,” Lambrecht said. “I love eating dinner leftovers in the morning.”

Some students may reach for foods that require as little preparation as possible, such as bagels and toaster pastries. Or they may stop by Starbucks to pick up a quick Frappuccino and decadent blueberry muffin before class.

Lambrecht advises against this.

“Stick to real foods, not processed,” she said. “A Frappuccino is not breakfast. A Starbucks mocha Frappuccino has 60 grams of sugar. That’s about 15 sugar cubes. You’re better off getting a cup of oatmeal there and getting a regular coffee or Americano on the side.”

Is the inevitable crash worth a moment of satisfaction? Muffins and other sugary foods may not be such a good idea if a long day of classes and study sessions is in store.

“Muffins are dessert foods, not breakfast food,” Lambrecht said. “Same

with bagels, Pop-Tarts, donuts and most cereals. They not only contain way too many bad ingredients, (but) they are very high in sugar. When you eat these high-sugar foods, your blood sugar spikes and then crashes and you’re irritable, hungry and can’t pay attention in class.”

To put an end to energy rollercoaster rides and possibly improve academic performance, be sure to wake up earlier. This allows adequate time for morning meal preparation.

One simple meal option is a protein shake. Blend together a nutritious shake with half a bag of frozen berries, a generous helping of spinach, about half a cup of coconut milk, water, cinnamon and vanilla extract, followed by a scoop of protein powder that does not contain artificial sweeteners.

For those who consider sleep just as important as breakfast, Lambrecht has a bit of advice: Set aside time during the evening prior to prepare a well-balanced morning meal. One great option is her specialty, little egg “muffins.”

To make these muffins, simply mix scrambled eggs with chicken sausage and fresh veggies. Then pour the mixture into a muffin pan and bake. In no time, a healthier alternative is created.

Director of San Diego State Dining Services, Paul Melchior, recommends another dining option for students living on campus: The Dining Room at Cuicacalli Suites. “(It) is your best alternative to create a balanced diet full of variety due to the customization concept there,” Melchior said.

With so many simple and healthy dining options available, it’s time for breakfast to reclaim its role as the most important meal of the day.

6

BASEBALL

Aztecs going through youth movement SDSU is looking to build off of the growing pains of 2011 Michael Manbert staff writer

Adversity is nothing new to San Diego State. After having lost four starters — three to graduation and one to the NBA draft — the San Diego State men’s basketball team entered this season with little media attention, with experts and analysts alike touting 2012 as a “rebuilding year.”

So much for that.

So, too, did the SDSU football team — after having lost a plethora of starters, among them the school’s top two wide receivers (both of whom were NFL draft selections), the Aztecs were widely regarded as non-factors on the gridiron last year.

An 8-4 regular season later — one that ended with a berth to the New Orleans Bowl, no less — and there was nothing but praise for yet another SDSU squad that had highly exceeded expectations.

Aztec baseball would like to think it’s next.

“Expectations are high,” junior pitcher Bryan Crabb said, referring to a 2012 SDSU baseball squad that will look to mirror the successes of its athletic counterparts that have notoriously thrived in most recent campaigns largely attributed to contributions from young players.

Head coach Tony Gwynn and company are working hard to mold a baseball team full of young talent into contenders in a competitive Mountain West Conference. The team finished fourth in the standings last year at the conclusion of the regular season.

While SDSU enters its 2012 campaign with a bit of senior leadership in first baseman Jomel Torres and catcher / utility Chris Wilson — both named to the Mountain West Preseason All-Conference second-teams by College Sports Madness — the majority of the roster is comprised of young talent, with the Aztecs expected to start at least five sophomores.

Leading the charge for an SDSU sophomore baseball class that looks to take the MW by storm, both immediately and in years to come, are Cole Swanson, Cody Smith and Tim Zier. In regard to preseason All-Conference

teams, the former two — Swanson and Smith — were named to the first team, while Zier was selected to the second.

Smith and Zier look to anchor a lineup that collectively batted an anemic .258 in 2011.

A Freshman All-American selection last season, Smith will be the cornerstone of the Aztecs’ outfield. Regarded as a fivetool player, the speedy Smith was nearperfect in swiping 15 bases in 16 attempts last season while hitting .311, good for second-best on the team, and number one among regular starters.

The then-freshman also tied for the team lead in triples last season with four, and displayed impressive power, hitting two longballs while also being one of four Aztecs to drive in 30 or more runs.

Zier will return to his starting position at second base this season after performing admirably there as a freshman. With a .301 batting average last year that netted him a team-best 66 hits, Zier also ended the season by reaching base safely at least once in each of the team’s final 16 games, while hitting safely in the final 14 — streaks he will carry into the 2012 campaign.

The extremely young trend also carries into the pitching rotation.

At its forefront is sophomore Swanson, who enjoyed a wildly successful freshman campaign that saw him garner Freshman AllAmerican accolades.

At 6 feet 5 inches, the tall southpaw threw consistently throughout the year, and improved in time for conference play, finishing the league season with a record of 3-1 and a very solid 3.27 ERA. Corey Black also threw very well in his first year of collegiate play, amassing a team-high 78 strikeouts while posting a 3.23 ERA. While he saw limited action in the field last season, the sophomore is expected to strictly be a member of the Aztec pitching staff this year.

“We have a team that is both very talented and young, but we won’t use youth as an excuse.

Expectations are definitely high.”

Bryan Crabb, SDSU junior pitcher

Look for Swanson and Black, who were also first and second on the team in innings pitched last season, respectively, to emerge as standout pitchers for the Aztecs this season.

Among the rest of the sophomores who look to play significant roles this year are catcher Brad Haynal, infielders Cody Slader and Evan Potter and outfielder Dillon Bryant.

A recruiting class ranked 25th in the nation doesn’t hurt, either.

Mostly comprised of freshmen, SDSU’s incoming baseball class provides immediate improvement to the pitching staff.

One of these pitchers is Michael Cederoth, who enters his first collegiate season with a huge upside. After having been drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 41st round, Cederoth, who throws in the mid 90s, opted to attend SDSU. A junior with a fitting name, Travis Pitcher is another draftee added to the roster who will make an impact this season.

Freshmen Steven Pallares, Brandon Thomas and junior Ryan Doran also headline a highly touted incoming group of pitchers.

Catcher Jake Romanski and third baseman Ryan Muno lead a talented group of freshmen position players who also look to have their presences felt right away.

While optimism is justified, many would expect growing pains out of a team comprised of many players who have no more than one year of collegiate experience.

“We have a team that is both very talented and young,” Crabb said. “But we won’t use youth as an excuse. Expectations are definitely high.”

FILE PHOTO

SCHEDULE Feb. 17-19 vs. Washington

March 9-11 vs. Saint Mary’s

April 17 at UC Irvine

Feb. 21 at UC Riverside

March 16-18 at New Mexico

April 20-22 vs. TCU

Feb. 23 vs. Kansas State

March 20 vs. San Diego

April 27-29 at Air Force

Feb. 24 vs. Oregon State

March 23-25 at Cal Poly

May 1 vs. UC Irvine

Feb. 25 vs. Kansas State / Pacific

March 27 vs. UC Riverside

May 4-6 vs. UNLV

Feb. 28 at Cal State Fullerton

March 30-Apr. 1 vs. Air Force

May 11-13 at Texas A&M

March 1 vs. Cal Poly

Apr. 3 vs. Cal State Fullerton

May 15 vs. Loyola Marymount

March 2 vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee

April 5-7 at UNLV

May 18-20 at TCU

March 3 vs. San Francisco

April 9 vs. San Diego

May 24-25 Mountain West Tournament

March 4 vs. Cal State Northridge

April 10 vs. Long Beach State

March 6 at Long Beach State

April 13-15 vs. New Mexico

7

PREVIEW

Micetich commands attention for SDSU The senior pitcher looks to continue her great career on the mound Ryan Schuler staff writer

San Diego State senior pitcher Bailey Micetich stands in the middle of the pitching circle of SDSU Softball Stadium as she waits for her teammate to get set in the batter’s box. The sun slowly begins to disappear from view as each Aztec softball player still wears her red game-day uniform from the team pictures taken earlier that day.

“Three more outs,” yells head coach Kathy Van Wyk. This will be the last half-inning of the inter-squad scrimmage. Practice is almost done. The stadium lights turn on as Micetich looks for the sign from her catcher.

One by one, the batters dig in to face the team’s top returning pitcher from last season’s NCAA Regional squad.

Three up, three down. The Woodland native runs back to the dugout and high-fives each teammate heading in from the field.

“We all put in the work together,” Micetich said. “We all support each other.”

That team chemistry has made the Aztecs a national power with seven trips to the NCAA Tournament in the last 11 years, including four consecutive. Micetich has participated in the last three.

The Aztecs began their season last week against Texas Tech as a part of the Kajikawa Classic at Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz.

“Ultimately I want us to win a Mountain West Conference Championship.

I’ve been waiting for that for three years.”

Bailey Micetich, SDSU senior pitcher

Arizona State is the team that ended the Aztecs’ 2011 season. The Sun Devils are also the defending national champions.

It was May 22 when the Sun Devils beat the Aztecs, 6-1, at Alberta B. Farrington Softball Stadium on their way to a national championship season as the No. 1 overall seed of the NCAA Division I Softball Tournament.

Micetich did not pitch in that last game.

Instead, then-senior Samantha Beasley took the loss. Micetich had pitched the previous game, a 6-4 win against Long Beach State to give the Aztecs one more breath of life. Throughout five innings of work,

Micetich allowed only one earned run and three hits while striking out three of the 23 batters she faced.

But that was a long time ago.

This season, Micetich knows she will be the “center of attention” on an Aztecs team that is receiving votes in both the USA Today/NFCA and ESPN.com/USA Softball polls and was ranked No. 23 by College Sports Madness.

“To be honest, I like to be the center of attention,” Micetich said as she laughed. “I like to touch the ball every single time.”

With all eyes being on her, College Sports Madness preseason pitcher of the year hopes she can lead the Aztecs to a level of success not seen since the 2001 season, when SDSU came within inches of its first-ever Women’s College World Series berth.

“Ultimately, I want us to win a Mountain West Conference championship,” Micetich said. “I’ve been waiting for that for three years.

I want that and then I want us to get out of that regional and make it to a super (regionals), then get to the College World Series.”

Those look like lofty goals for a softball player who wanted to quit the sport at an early age, but decided to stick with it.

“My mom was the one telling me, ‘No, you’re not going to quit; Yes, you’re going to go pitch for an hour,’” Micetich said.

“Even when I wanted to quit softball, (my parents) were the ones who told me to finish, and look at me now.”

Micetich would go on to have an extraordinary high school career, winning four letters at Pioneer High School and helping the Patriots win four consecutive Tri-County League championships, as well as a 2006 section championship.

Individually, Micetich captured league MVP honors in her final three years and allleague for all four years. During high school she was also named an all-state small school’s selection and was a Sacramento Bee All-Metro first and second-team selection.

This led to serious recruiting attention.

“The schools that were looking at me ultimately came down to Nevada-Reno, Fresno State and here,” Micetich said.

“We (the coaching staff) loved her motion because she’s just slow, methodical and smooth, and very deliberate with her delivery,” Van Wyk said. “We liked that poise. Immediately when we called her, she sounded thrilled and very excited. I think we were one of her top choices right away. We were able to land a good one, but I don’t think we knew how good.”

Her first year on Montezuma Mesa, Micetich was named the MWC Freshman of the Year after totaling 19 wins, 11 shutouts and 180 strikeouts. Other awards she

FILE PHOTO

received her freshman year included making the All-MWC team and being named the MWC Pitcher of the Week twice.

“I almost started crying at practice when coach told me I won Freshman of the Year,” she said.

As a junior, Micetich would again find herself on the All-MWC team as she went 20-12 with a 1.85 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 174 1/3 innings. She would be named the MW Pitcher of the Week three times and was chosen as a part of the 2011 Easton NCAA Division I All-America Third-Team.

A season like that leads to high expectations for this season, a season in which Micetich is the straw that stirs the drink.

“I think that she is in a leadership position as a pitcher just because it’s inherent in the position,” Van Wyk said. “She wants to have a great senior year. She wants to go out and finish strong. Her performances from the past have gained her a lot of respect from her teammates, so it’s going to lead us to a great season.”

As Micetich enters her final season as an Aztec, she can’t help but to feel mixed emotions.

“It’s bittersweet,” Micetich said. “I’m excited, but I’m a little sad because it’s my last season, but I mean what better way to go out with a bang.”

Regardless of this season’s success, Micetich will enjoy every moment.

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE Feb.17 vs. Notre Dame, Oregon State

March 4 vs. Long Beach State

March 23 vs. Princeton, at Pacific

Feb. 18 vs. UCF, UC Davis

March 6 vs. Maine

Mach 24 vs. Saint Mary’s

Feb. 19 vs. UCLA

March 9 vs. Butler, Connecticut

March 27-28 at Arizona

Feb. 23 vs. Oklahoma, Texas

March 10 vs. California

April 13-15 vs. Colorado State

Feb. 24 vs. New Mexico State

March 11 vs. Purdue, Oregon

April 18 at San Diego

Feb. 25 vs. Iowa State

March 13 vs. Quinnipiac

April 20-22 at New Mexico

Feb. 26 vs. Stanford, Cal State Northridge

March 15 vs. Harvard

April 25 vs. Cal State Fullerton

March 1 vs. BYU

March 16 vs. Purdue

May 2 at Cal State Fullerton

March 2 vs. Fresno State, Charlotte

March 17 vs. Quinnipiac, Valparaiso

May 4-6 vs. Boise State

March 3 vs. Saint Joseph’s, Nevada

March 18 vs. Long Beach State

May 10-12 at UNLV

8

BASEBALL

Left field - Dillon Bryant

Center field - Cody Smith

Despite hitting a mediocre .268 last year, Bryant finished the season strongly, hitting .387 in the Aztecs’ final 10 games.

Smith is yet another Aztec who put forth an absolutely stellar freshman season that saw him hit a solid .311 last year.

Slated to begin the game on the bench, Bryant was thrust into a starting role against Cal State Northridge on March 8 last year and made the most of the opportunity by hitting his first collegiate home run.

His reward?

Bryant is expected to be the starting left fielder for SDSU and the coaching staff that expects him to respond with consistency and improvement in 2012.

A spot on the Freshman All-American team, for starters.

Also a second-team all-Mountain West Conference selection last season. The sophomore will undoubtedly return to center field in 2012 — a position where the speedy Smith, who stole 15 bases in 16 attempts last year, is expected to thrive.

9

PREVIEW

Shortstop - Evan Potter

Catcher - Kristin May

Right field - Patrice Jackson

Left field - Lorena Klopp

Potter is a sophomore infielder who is renowned for his defensive abilities.

This May sister will be starting at catcher this season, where she split some time with Eva Sahatdjian last year.

Jackson sat out last season and used her redshirt year.

Klopp has already worked her way into the SDSU record books.

She is supposed to be the starter in right field this season. In 2010, Jackson started 25 games, two in left field and 23 in right.

She hit 15 home runs last season, which set the single-season record for the Aztecs.

Potter did not fare exceptionally well at the plate as a freshman last season, hitting just .205. However, he did manage to walk 18 times, and was hit by eight pitches. Potter had a respectable .340 on-base percentage and managed to score 24 times after amassing just 26 hits.

The junior hit .233 a year ago, with two home runs and 13 RBIs. She has proven to be a good fielder behind the plate, too. She only recorded one error in 169 chances in 2010.

Regardless, Potter is in line to return to the starting lineup at shortstop in 2012 following a 2011 season in which the versatile athlete also saw playing time at second and third base.

The other catchers listed on the roster are redshirt freshman Wendy Tamayo, who transferred to SDSU from Nevada, and freshman Kaitlin Connors, who was playing at La Costa Canyon High School last year.

She hit .194 in 72 plate appearances that season.

She has gotten off to a blazing start in 2012.

Through six games she is hitting .500 with three home runs and seven RBIs.

She has already broken the career record for home runs, which was 17, and it’s only the beginning of her sophomore season.

She also set the school record for extra-base hits last year with 25.

She’s racked up 19 total bases and her slugging percentage is .950.

Klopp spent most of her time in left field, and should spend most of her time there this season, too.

Third base/INF - Cody Slader

DH/utility - Chris Wilson

First base - Jomel Torres

Second base - Katie Mathis

Centerfield - Hayley Miles

First base - Justeen Maeva

Switch-hitting Slader will likely be the starting third baseman for the Aztecs.

Wilson is one of two seniors who appears to have a starting role in 2012. After having split time as a starter at catcher and in the outfield last year, expect Wilson to again garner playing time at both positions.

Torres brings leadership and experience to the team.

Mathis is expected to be a major contributor at second base this season.

The senior also brings a powerful bat, with which he knocked in a team second-best 36 runs last year.

She was hampered by injuries last year, which caused her to play in just 31 games.

Miles put together an impressive performance last season — so impressive she was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year.

Maeva, who previously transferred from Cal State Bakersfield, was the Aztecs’ best hitter a season ago.

Despite his power, though, Torres walked an astonishing 43 times this past season. He also notched a team-best .428 on-base percentage.

Mathis is a sophomore from Bear River High School in Grass Valley.

She hit .344, knocked in 29 runs and had five home runs. She tied Maeva for the team lead with 54 hits.

The senior can hit for power and for average.

Last season she batted in 39 runs, hit a team high .348 and sent home runs over the fence seven times.

After having made the transition from shortstop to third base throughout the course of the last few games last year, expect the sophomore and his reliable glove to remain at the hot corner this season.

While the SDSU staff knows what it’s getting from Slader as a fielder, he hit a lowly .222 last season with an anemic .298 on-base percentage. The Aztecs will need more contributions from the wiry sophomore in 2012.

Wilson, who tied for the team lead with five homers and was third on the team with 33 RBI., will also be utilized as a DH this season.

Wilson performed exceptionally during league play, hitting .315 with four homers, three of which came against Air Force on April 21, which tied the Aztecs’ single-game home run record.

After having recorded a .984 fielding percentage during his 48 appearances at first base, expect the versatile Torres to put forth yet another strong showing in 2012.

The other two players listed at second base are freshman Jacki Campa and junior Tiffany Corder.

Campa is a true freshman from Bonita High in La Verne, Calif.

She led the team in doubles with 11 and walks with 22. She has a knack for getting on base, too. Miles led the team with a .440 on-base percentage.

Corder transferred to SDSU from UC Santa Barbara.

She was also one of two players to start all 55 games last year.

She was also tied for the team lead in hits with 54.

Expect more of the same from the power-hitting first baseman in her senior season.

Second base - Tim Zier

Catcher - Brad Haynal

Pitcher - Cole Swanson

Third base - Ashley Rose

DP/Utility - Kamerin May

Shortstop - Fiana Finau

Zier is a talented player who looks to be a cornerstone of the SDSU roster throughout the next few years. He started at second base in 34 games and in left field for 19, look for him to transition almost exclusively into the starting position at second base.

A local product of Rancho Bernardo High School, Haynal started at catcher on 27 occasions last season prior to suffering a twisted knee while playing behind the plate against Air Force on April 21. He would only appear in six contests after the incident.

As a freshman last season, Swanson went 4-2 while posting an impressive 3.27 ERA in league play.

The other corner infielder is back for her senior season.

The other May twin is back for her junior season. In 2011 May had a respectable .281 batting average.

Finau is a freshman from Hilltop High School.

Rose started 52 games last season. She is strong with her glove, as she had a .969 fielding percentage.

She started 51 games, had 43 hits, seven doubles, four home runs and 19 RBIs.

Zier is a contact hitter through-and-through.

Expect the Escondido High School product to continue hitting leadoff for the Aztecs.

The righty brings a strong arm and a powerful bat to the table for a San Diego State squad that expects significant contributions from many of its young players in 2012.

At the plate, Rose hit .217 last season with four doubles and 17 RBIs.

Early this season, May has been used primarily as a pitcher. In her first four appearances her record is 1-2. Her ERA is 3.00 and she has struck out 15 batters in the 16.1 innings she has pitched.

In doing so, the 6’5 lefty earned Freshman AllAmerica honors. Swanson will look to again set the tone for a young pitching staff that looks to be greatly improved with a very talented incoming class added to the roster.

She has started slow through this season, only batting .133, but expect her to improve her batting average as the season goes on.

Her slugging percentage was .405.

Even though she has only played in two games this season, she is batting .400.

Finau is playing shortstop, where she is replacing Jen Wisneski, who was one of the senior leaders on the team last year.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SDSU ATHLETICS

—Compiled by Staff Writer Michael Manbert

—Compiled by Sports Editor Antonio Morales

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12

D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, February 16, 2012

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

PA S S T H E P O P C O R N

Film ‘Safe House’ borrows heavily The exciting movie unabashedly parallels the “Bourne” trilogy Andrew Younger senior staff writer “Is this legal?” asks the gaping maw of CIA rookie / audience surrogate Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) as he witnesses intelligence thief extraordinaire Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) being waterboarded in a South African safe house. For a film that fancies itself a thinking man’s action movie in the vein of the “Bourne” trilogy, one would think a CIA agent working a black-ops site would know whether so-called “enhanced interrogation” techniques are legal or not.

And that’s one of the biggest problems of “Safe House.” Where Jason Bourne had the luxury of amnesia to explain his crisis of conscience and lack of information, writer David Guggenheim and director Daniel Espinosa solved their dilemma by making Matt Weston an idiot.

As Matt watches Tobin’s torture, unnamed paramilitary / terrorists / no-goodniks storm the safe house to extract Tobin and retrieve a flash drive McGuffin full of ostensibly sensitive data. After every other CIA

agent is killed, it’s up to Matt to spirit Tobin away to another safe house several hours away. Naturally, Tobin escapes on foot in the show-stopping centerpiece action sequence of the film. Matt disobeys orders from CIA headquarters to give up the search for Tobin out of some desperate need to prove himself (yes, the phrase “off the grid” is used).

However, the more he learns about Tobin and the possible contents of the flash drive, the harder it becomes to justify his pursuit.

The wonderful irony about “Safe House,” which grapples with the morality of data and intellectual property theft for the greater good, is that it borrows so many story elements, it should have been called “The Bourne Facsimile.” Embedded subcutaneous microchip? Check.

Estranged European girlfriend?

Check.

French reunion with estranged European girlfriend?

Check. Haircut montage to hide identities? Check. Blurry handheld action sequences?

Check.

Oversaturated, gritty film stock?

Check. Even the excellent Brendan Gleeson and Sam Shepard act as stand-ins for “Bourne’s” Brian Cox and Chris Cooper, respectively. It doesn’t help that the trailer for “The Bourne Legacy” is attached to this film.

That’s not to say “Safe House” isn’t entertaining. Espinosa obviously studied his source material in meticulous detail while editor Richard

Denzel Washington takes direction from Daniel Espinosa regarding his role as on-the-run ex-CIA agent Tobin Frost. |

Pearson’s jump-cutting gives the film an energetic, jittery feel. Also, Washington, in full “Training Day” mode, turns in a monster performance that singlehandedly boosts the quality of the film.

Just try not to think too hard.

Movie: SAFE HOUSE Distributed by: UNIVERSAL PICTURES Directed by: DANIEL ESPINOSA Release Date: FEB. 10 Grade: C+

MCT CAMPUS

The wonderful irony about “Safe House” ... is that it borrows so many story elements it should have been called “The Bourne Facsimile” ... That’s not to say (it) isn’t entertaining.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, February 16, 2012

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

13

A L L T H E W O R L D ’ S A S TA G E

‘Squawk’ starts Thursday The latest play to take stage at the Experimental Theatre David Dixon staff writer San Diego State’s School of Theatre, Television and Film begins this year’s spring semester with a show suitable for the whole family. The award-winning “Squawk” is about a peace song competition in a society of birds. Entertainment is inevitable when the competition does not go according to plan, as the birds cannot seem to agree on each others’ ideas for the big event.

“Squawk” is advertised as “ideal for all children under the age of 90.”

The performance is directed by Margaret Larlham, who was responsible for writing and directing the enjoyable kid-friendly short play, “Symphony of Clouds (Musical Adventures of the Boy Mozart).”

This raises expectations for “Squawk,” as “Symphony of Clouds” was a success with audiences.

The creators of “Squawk” are Ellis Pearson and Bheki Mkhwane, two South African men who have collaborated on pieces for more than a decade. While they have gone their separate ways, Pearson and Mkhwane’s creative work continues to be performed around the world, including in the U.K., Ireland, Pennsylvania and now San Diego.

While it is hard to find a good amount of information about the play’s other productions online, the

South African newspaper Mail & Guardian wrote a very positive review of an earlier version of “Squawk” that played at the Playhouse Opera. The review praised the writers for their unique storytelling.

“It’s a sharp tale … The dialogue is clever and fast-paced; no wonder, it was devised by this talented twosome,” the reviewer wrote.

“Squawk” sounds like it will be another theatrical success for SDSU. While adults will probably end up enjoying themselves at the very least, this could be a great opportunity for extremely young ones to be introduced to the awesome power of live theater.

Tickets and information about “Squawk” can be found at theatre.sdsu.edu.

Photographers and concertgoers: Send your high-res photos to entertainment@thedailyaztec.com to have them published in the entertainment section.

Please address emails: “Daily Aztec concert photos” and remember to include your name, major, graduation year.

T H E

DA I LY

A Z T E C .C O M

R E L E A S E D F R I DAY

COURTESY OF DISNEY PICTURES

“The Secret World of Arrietty”

“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance”

This animated film is an adaptation of Mary Norton’s “The Borrowers” from the renowned studio that produced “Spirited Away” and “Ponyo.” A miniscule 14-year-old inhabits the recesses of a suburban home with her parents. They “borrow” tiny, often trifling items from the big family to survive.

Nicolas Cage reminds moviegoers that he really loves comic books with another iteration of the “Ghost Rider” series.

Johnny Blaze (Cage) is recalled from hiding to defeat the devil.

“This Means War” Two CIA agents (Chris Pine and Tom Hardy) fight for Lauren (Reese Witherspoon), whom they are both dating.

Lighthearted yet intense espionage and gun battles ensue.

—Compiled Anderson MCT CAMPUS

COURTESY OF TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

by

John

14

D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, February 16, 2012

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

L I V E A N D DA N G E R O U S

SNEAK PEEK

Local Grooves rocks HOB North Park home to spoken word Isabella Place

staff writer

Last week’s Local Brews Local Grooves All-Access #7 concert extraordinaire was nothing short of dynamic. This event was brilliantly developed by Cathryn Beeks, local radio host of “The Homegrown Hour” on 102.1 KPRi. Beeks created this extravaganza as a method to get music lovers out of the house to listen to amazing local music. She did this by presenting it in one of the most appropriate venues San Diego has to offer: The House of Blues.

Last Friday, 14 bands were able to show a near sold-out venue their chops. The artists formed a mini music festival, as each act was allotted a 20-minute set. The results were performances that wouldn’t have seemed out of place on a more exciting episode of “American Idol.” Chasing bands from stage to stage with friends – there were two stages, three counting the restaurant stage upstairs – made venturing to and fro fun.

The lineup included The Fabulous Rudies, 321 Stereo, Ryan Hiller, Mad Traffic, Manganista, 28 North and S03 on the main stage, while Bitter Sober, Scott Wilson, Chris Carpenter, Bass Hamza, Uniform Victor, Last Golden Bear and Just Like Jenna performed in the Delta Room.

Although from Los Angeles, 28 North was undoubtedly a crowd favorite with a sound that paralleled My Morning Jacket. And even

Elevated hosts a bimonthly slam poetry competition Edward Henderson staff writer

ISABELLA PLACE, STAFF WRITER

though the Delta Room is approximately one-tenth the size of the main stage, the bands that played there knew how to work the crowd.

True local boys Just like Jenna proved a tiny stage doesn’t necessarily mean a small audience: Au contraire, with an area filled to capacity, listeners still found it appropriate to dance the night away to this rock band’s sexy style.

Though the time flew by, Just like Jenna had enough time to tease the crowd into seeing it perform in the near future.

Perhaps the only downfall of the evening was the strict rule that alcohol was to stay in the room or on the level where it was. Many people spoiled by Las Vegas getaways attempted to step onto the street for a quick transfer from room to room only to be disappointed by a bouncer at the door.

The next LBLG All-Access Fest event is expected to be held in June, so save the date. In the meantime, stay in the loop about all these awesome bands and shows. Check out the calendar on listenlocalsd.com.

It’s only 8:30 p.m. and the line outside Eveoke Dance Theatre in North Park has already begun to wrap around the building. Doors don’t open for another half hour, yet the diverse crowd continues to grow. Love for spokenword poetry is the common bond that has brought this blend of spectators representing different ages, races and belief systems together.

Every first and third Thursday of the month at 9 p.m., Eveoke Dance Theatre hosts Elevated.Since 2005, Elevated has been the premiere spoken-word poetry showcase in San Diego. Jerrica Escoto, a graduate student at San Diego State and frequent performer at Elevated, explained why the event draws such a diverse crowd.

“Poetry isn’t just for one group of people; it’s a human experience.

Poetry takes emotion and creativity and makes it a link that brings people together,” she said.

The event began when a collective of local poets decided to create a plat-

form for members of the community to share their opinions, viewpoints and life stories through poetry.

Elevated is home to some of the best spoken-word artists in the world.

Rudy Francisco, the reigning Individual World Poetry Slam champion was among those who brought the venue to fruition.

“I think what makes our venue so special is that it feels like home,” Francisco said. “Not only is the show entertaining, but in every poem you hear, you can cling onto something that was said and relate to it.”

That feeling of home is evident when walking into the venue. A spirit of camaraderie fills the room as people take their seats and share their excitement about the promise of the evening.

Once the first poet steps to the microphone, however, a thick silence descends over those in attendance as they prepare to ride the wave of emotions the poem takes them on. The first show of every month is an “open mic” where anyone can perform. The second show is a “poetry slam” where poets compete and five random audience members serve as judges.

Winners of these slams get to compete for a spot on San Diego’s poetry slam team on a national stage.

“It’s not your usual night out like going bowling or to the movies” SDSU senior Mick Walsh said. “You’ll experience an aspect of San Diego like you never have before.”

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16

D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, February 16, 2012

B AC K PAG E

HUMOR

HOROSCOPE

When I became a killer

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (2/16/12) Frugality is practical; conserving resources is a natural expression. Whether it's energy, money or resources that you're saving, it's always a good idea to stash some for later. Studies take you to unexpected places. Explore and boldly discover this year.

hen I was little, there was nothing I wanted more than a dog.

Actually, that’s a total lie. I think there was nothing I wanted more than a pony, but, within reason, there was nothing I wanted more than a dog. It was always my understanding that dogs were friendly, cute and made you a better person. These are the things you learn when you’re raised by a TV. I remember begging for a puppy, especially a cocker spaniel, because they were the cutest creatures I’d ever seen.

Instead, I was told dogs were messy and a lot of work. Knowing that, my parents would ask, wouldn’t I be better off with my swing set?

I was better off with my swing set, but this is not something you’re willing to admit when you don’t receive what has been at the top of your letter to Santa every year since you can remember.

We’d had cats before, both of which ran away around the time my brother was born, forever instilling in me the idea that cats were psychic.

But no dogs. We bought fish and stuck them all in a giant fish tank and let one of the cats (that was, I suppose, less psychic than the other) sit there and watch them circle around the tank endlessly, imagining herself a little goldfish lunch. Now, that cat never actually killed those fish. She just sat there, licked her lips and dreamed of the day she could have the lunch she desired. I don’t blame her. It’s like sticking a freshly made, home-cooked meal in front

W

Bree Lutjens contributor of a college kid, then putting a lid on it and swatting them every time they try to reach for it. (I’m sure half of you now have an extraordinary amount of sympathy for my cat.)

What actually ended up killing my fish was the rocks at the bottom of the tank, which each fish, one by one, decided to try swallowing.

You’d think, after watching the fish before them die swallowing said rocks, they would steer clear. But I guess fish, which I’d already determined were not as psychic or selfcontrolled as cats, were not too bright. So, one by one, we watched each fish go the exact same way.

I should’ve taken it as a sign.

I’d never thought of myself as being particularly bad with animals. I mean, they are — for the most part — cute, cuddly and easy to care for.

You feed, you bathe, you pet, you take outside. And the reward? A giant, real-life stuffed animal you will never be teased at for snuggling with while watching old Julia Roberts movies late at night. Fish are slightly different. They are less cuddly and not terribly fond of being pet (so I’ve learned), but require less maintenance. They are also the only pets permitted in the dorms.

Therefore, my roommate and I bought ourselves a betta fish.

Mind you, I’m the kind of person who likes to give everything names, from my childhood teddy bear (astutely named Teddy) to my GPS (Emily). I do not forget these

names. I use them often. So, at the point I find myself writing this column and not remembering that fish’s name, you know it must have been a disaster.

The girls across the hall managed to keep their betta fish alive for a few days — three, I believe. I remember their fish’s name. MasterBetta. We have clever neighbors. Our fish survived less than 24 hours and had a name that will escape me for the entirety of this piece, I’m sure.

It’s not that he wasn’t taken care of.

My roommate had bought a fishbowl, decorations, rocks for the bottom and a whole tin of fish food. All for a 22-hour fish.

We never did figure out how he died. We only know he came into our lives one late afternoon and by the time class ended the next day, had entered the realm of toilet bowls and porcelain heaven.

Although he wasn’t in our lives for long, He-Who-Cannot-BeNamed-Because-We-Forgot made a lasting impression on us.

Together we laughed, we cried and we learned about life; primarily that I should be thankful my parents never let me have a dog.

Because if I can kill a fish in 22 hours, there’s no telling the horror that might occur should I have the opportunity to care for a dog.

Thank you for the life lesson, dear fish, and may you rest peacefully in your toilet bowl in the sky (or in the men’s restroom on the second story).

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 You've got tons of energy for making big strides toward final outcomes. Don't worry about details right now. Your easy humor lets you coast to victory.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - A slow morning leads to big picture conversations with a broad outlook. Take notes. New doors are opening for greater leadership.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Continue developing partnerships in impossible places. In case of doubt, review the instructions. Put yourself in another person's shoes.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 9 As if you're not busy enough, there's more work coming. Someone shows you how to use technology to increase productivity.

Two heads are better than one.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 Don't wait until the last minute to finish projects. It's about to get intense, and you want to make it to the finish line. Relax with friends after a job well done.

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 You keep your family together with your capacity to see both sides of the story.

Create better communication channels.

Don't get too serious.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 You get a morale booster. Now see if you can pass it on. There are many opportunities for growth, especially in your relationships. Let them know what you heard.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 There may be morning grumpiness or frustration. Get into projects with diligence and passion, and afternoon energy relaxes.

Look for beauty, and find it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 9 - Put the pieces together. There's nothing that can stop you now. You can always get help for the puzzles you don't understand. A friendship thrives.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 5 - Enjoy the sunshine, if you can. A partner's encouragement empowers you.

Face-to-face interactions produce great ideas. Follow your schedule.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - You can really make it happen. Surround yourself with those who truly support your creative vision. No need for extravagance.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 Enjoy peaceful moments. See yourself in a new light. Your enthusiasm and creativity are quite attractive. You're more appreciated than you know. ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

SUDOKU

Difficulty Level: 4 out of 4

—Bree Lutjens is a public relations freshman.

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

S DS -V I E W

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

CROSSWORD

UNDER CONSTRUCTION Photo Editor Antontio Zaragoza captured this group shot of enthusiastic fans at last night’s men’s basketball game. Despite losing the game, the spirit of the Aztec fans remains strong and unbreakable.

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PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed in the written works of this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

Letters to the editor can be sent to letters@thedailyaztec.com. Story ideas can be sent to tips@thedailyaztec.com.

ACROSS 1 USAF NCO 5 CrŹme de la crŹme 10 Jazz devotees 14 “Tulip chair” designer Saarinen 15 Plant need 16 Crowning 17 Some HDTVs 18 Hopelessly lost 19 Pasta/rice brand word 20 Basic computer command 21 “Check, mate” 22 Common Cape Cod feature 24 Restaurant kitchen workload 26 Get one’s teeth into 28 Bush spokesman Fleischer 29 Invoice word 30 Encourages 31 “__ a problem” 32 Palm tree starch 33 Organize, in a way 34 Incidentally, in IMs 35 Massachusetts school ... and a description of the two-word meeting that occurs at each circled letter 38 Summer setting in Chi-town 40 Off-the-wall response?

41 61-Across curl 44 Rival 45 Catchall checkbox 46 One point from a service break 48 Football’s Parseghian 49 Thing to cook up 50 “Just like that!”

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 51 To a greater extent 53 Expert in pop psychology?

54 Vinaigrette ingredient 55 __ ideal world 56 First name in bologna 59 One-named illustrator 60 Touch down 61 Fire sign 62 Stepped heavily 63 What some losers have to resist 64 Cary of “The Princess Bride” 65 “__-mite!”: “Good Times” catchword DOWN 1 Severe fear

2 Bolts down 3 Fictional wolf’s disguise 4 Talking-__: tongue lashings 5 Somewhat far 6 Past curfew 7 Part of TGIF 8 “Catch my drift?”

9 Acquired by, in the big leagues 10 “The Alienist” writer 11 Cartoon hero with antennae 12 Twelve-note scale, e.g.

13 Séance contact 21 Lovable droid 23 Clumsy hammerers’ cries 25 Square dance complement 26 Hobby with hooks

27 30-Down genre 30 Classic film involving a split personality 34 A sleeper hit may be on it 36 Went wild 37 Bee complex 38 Circles around the sun 39 Landers lead-in 42 “My sympathies” 43 Exhortation from a gift giver 44 Clan 45 Chances for photos 47 Lake Erie city 50 Small openings 52 Fades to black 53 Create 57 Tee size letters 58 Bully 59 Flight board abbr.