03-14-2012

Exec. VP hopefuls tell motives

WEDNESDAY March 14, 2012 Volume 97, Issue 90 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M

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SCAN CODE FOR MOBILE CONTENT

SDSU’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT N E W S PA P E R SINCE 1913

INDEX:

F E AT U R E S

CHANNELLE MCNUTT

JOE STEWART

president, Afrikan Student Union

editor-in-chief, Brick Road Magazine

Arturo Garcia staff writer In two years’ time she brought Safe Zones training to council members of Associated Students, became the president of the Afrikan Student Union and asked the entire campus to “pledge diversity.” A candidate for this year’s A.S. elections, Representative of the College of Arts and Letters Channelle McNutt said she has a few ideas in mind for “meeting students halfway.”

Currently, she also holds the position of diversity commissioner and has co-chaired the restructuring process for the past year.

A year ago, McNutt, along with her then Co-Commissioner Janelle Fejeran, began a campaign called Pledge Diversity. Its purpose is for students to individually commit to diversity and inclusion at San Diego State.

Last year, then-President Stephen L. Weber signed the pledge she wrote calling students to action in regards to diversity and social justice. President Elliot Hirshman signed it this year.

“I’ve been able to diversify my own perspective on community engagement and my understanding of communities I had no idea about,” McNutt said in regards to her own

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

pledge. “It’s about being advocates for communities that aren’t as heavily represented.”

McNutt said she has done extensive work with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning community, having a majority of A.S. Council members Safe Zones-trained this semester.

Safe Zones at SDSU trains students, staff and faculty to improve the campus climate for LGBTQ people, according to women’s studies professor Esther Rothblum.

“Currently, within the Cholula Center, which is the cross-cultural center for the time being during construction, there is an LGBTQ resource center as well as a women’s resource center there, which are kind of serving as templates for the centers that will be within the new student union,” McNutt said.

As co-chair of the Restructuring Committee, McNutt has been part of the governmental restructuring of A.S. since its beginning. Last summer, McNutt and Tom Rivera, current candidate for the executive vice president of external affairs position, helped construct the initial proposal for the new government. Throughout the

Stewart, he does not want students to vote for any of the candidates.

Instead, he is advocating they chose “none of the above” on the ballot.

Stewart said there should be a drastic change in the A.S. student government before students elect more representatives. His vision is that if no one were elected, then A.S. would have to rethink its structure and motives.

Stewart is currently editor-inchief of his own publication, Brick Road Magazine. The magazine serves as an outlet for students to voice their opinions in a safe domain without fear of backlash.

Stewart said his magazine is a more positive outlet to express his opinion than elected office.

Stewart said he does not believe Rob O’Keefe, candidate for A.S. president, and Channelle McNutt, candidate for A.S. vice president, fully understand what their positions are.

He said he is unsure if McNutt can keep her focus on the meticulous aspects of the organization.

However, he did say each candidate has strengths as well.

“Really and truly, though, I think those are two great candidates, and I think that a lot more will be done this year than the past year,” Stewart said.

see McNutt profile on page 3

Tara Millspaugh staff writer Joe Stewart is not the average candidate running for Vice President of Associated Students. Unlike his opponent, he does not want to win.

Last year, Stewart ran for the same position. The difference between this year and its predecessor is the fact that he actually did want to win the position last year.

“I really did run because I was pissed off, about what was going on with campus, especially what’s going on with this Modern Space,” Stewart said. “I will be talking about that until the day I die, or until I sue.”

Stewart said he disagrees with the fact that Modern Space has increased student tuition, when only 4,050 out of San Diego State’s nearly 33,000 students voted in favor of the building.

“If I were elected, I would not allow the administration to manipulate the council like they do,” Stewart said.

During the last Wednesday’s A.S. debates, Stewart explained his reasons for running and why he was calling himself Joe “None of the Above” Stewart. According to

Debates heat up for VP candidates VPs of finance, external affairs and univ. affairs battled over Alejandra Paz staff writer Last Tuesday at noon, Associated Students vice presidential debates were held in front of Hepner Hall.

This included the vice president of external affairs, finance and university affairs positions.

Vice president of finance The candidates for vice president of finance include Eric Anderberg, Pooria Daryabeygi, Michael Kemmer and William Pixler.

A.S. College of Business Administration Representative Anderberg said he plans to connect with all students through building diverse programs and efficiently spending money. He said a lot of finances come with the new student union, and someone with experience can be active in that role.

“This whole team has the most experience out of anybody here,” Anderberg said. “We really care the most about A.S. and we are the most equipped to do the best job for the students. “ Candidate Kemmer is not part of A.S., but said he wants to create change and make everything transparent to students. He also said A.S.’s $2 million budget is not transparent and if given the opportunity he would make sure the money was spent efficiently.

Kemmer said he was surprised to find out many students have no idea they are paying almost $200 every semester to their student government.

“Our goal is to bring SDSU back to you. Mr. Anderberg has some great experience. He served on the finance board,” Kemmer said. “My question is, if he’s promising these things why hasn’t he done it already? He’s part of A.S.” Anderberg has served A.S. for two years with numerous positions. He said being on finance boards has allowed him to see, analyze and review the $2 million budget for A.S. In respond to Kemmer, he said he has worked on student involvement.

“I’m not making promises I can’t keep,” Anderberg said. “In regards to why I haven’t do it so far, I have done it so far. I’ve talked to student organ-

izations; I’ve talked to people and told them to come to finance board.”

Pixler, who has worked with A.S., said tuition increases should not be happening. He said SDSU students deserve better.

“I know from the bottom of my heart, if given this opportunity, I will be able to perform my capabilities at the highest level,” Pixler said.

Vice president of external affairs The candidates for vice president of external affairs are Erin Barra and Tom Rivera.

External Affairs Board member Rivera said he would enhance communication and use his experience to unite the student body. He said he would take A.S. to the next level.

see VP debate on page 3

La Jolla ‘stand’ dishes fine Mexican bites with a fresh, sit-down twist.

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OPINION Check out Brody Burns’ discussion on why high gas prices are really not the president’s fault.

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

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... male students at San Diego State will match the micro-short, tanktop combo with ... basketball shorts and flamboyant tank tops.

B A C K PA G E

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W E AT H E R : PARTLY CLOUDY HIGH: 67 LOW: 52 SUNSET: 6:56PM

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D A I LY

AZTEC Wednesday, March 14, 2012

FOOD & DRINK

Mexican food stand sets ground in La Jolla Puesto serves fresh, stand-quality food in restaurant setting Ana Ceballos staff writer It’s that time of the day again.

Stomachs are growling and demanding to be fed. While most taste buds may ask for the plain bean and cheese burrito with chips and salsa on the side, today is the day to taste something new.

Puesto, which translates to “stand” in Spanish, recently opened in La Jolla on the corner of Wall Street and Girard Avenue. Although a bit of a drive is required to this bean-and-cheese alternative, the effort will be well compensated with delicious “street food” in a clean and modern space.

Contemporary Mexican architecture seduces customers inside the restaurant, where they will find small circular chairs surrounding rectangular white tables and a couple of cozy booths in the corners. The allure of this so-called stand is that it entices customers to walk toward the front of the restaurant where an employee will take orders and intro-

duce the “taco-ordering journey.”

Puesto’s specialty is tacos with a choice of fillers, including steak, chicken, fish, shrimp, grilled salmon, or vegetarian options, which include potatoes and chiles, potatoes and soy chorizo, corn truffle or zucchini flower. Carnivores and vegetarians can eat in harmony at Puesto.

As soon as the order is taken, the creative process begins. Because customers are able to fully view the kitchen’s clean appearance, with its refrigerator displaying fresh vegetables and sparkly metal utensils, they can observe Puesto’s chefs preparing the dishes. By displaying luscious food options next to its grills where the restaurant’s staff also prepares homemade, stone-ground corn tortillas and exhibits a variety of salsas, toppings and condiments, customers can be easily bewitched.

“The first time I came here it was a bit overwhelming, so I had one of the guys put the toppings that he recommended for me,” frequent customer Robert Lara said. “There were like eight different salsas.”

The process requires customer and chef to work together. When the customer states what he or she wants, the chef will make it happen by incorporating all feasible requests

into the dish. This may sound like a simple give-and-take procedure, but with so many options, the brain is invaded by choices that can be difficult to make on an empty stomach.

Puesto’s speed of service is quick and outstanding. However, once the procedure is complete, only one obstacle before consumption remains: payment.

Two tacos cost $6.45, while three cost $8.95. These prices may not be remarkably inexpensive, but they are worth the quality. Taking into consideration all of Puesto’s fruits and vegetables are fresh and organic, this luxurious La Jolla eatery could become a monthly visit.

Puesto’s atmosphere may be casual, but its design is elegant. To some it may be difficult to find an occasion to visit such a unique restaurant. It is too casual for an anniversary and perhaps too much for a quick lunch break. But once customers have had a taste of Puesto’s flavorful food, appetite will outweigh occasion.

The restaurant’s doors have only been open since earlier this year, but it looks like this stand is settling down comfortably on its La Jolla corner.

“I came again tonight,” Lara said.

“And it was even better than the first time. I will be back again.”

Puesto’s organic options satisfy meat and veggie lovers. | KATIE FOSTER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Food pyramid loses its shape Sandra De La Torre staff writer

MCT CAMPUS

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

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HUNGER STATISTICS 925

Advanced Test Preparation

Number of people who went hungry in 2010, in millions

62

Percent of hungry people in Asia and the Pacific

26

Percent of hungry people in Sub-Saharan Africa

2

Percent of people in developed countries

13.1

Percent of world population that is hungry

2,720

Number of kilocalories current agriculture could provide every person per day

1.35

Number of developing countries’ citizens living on $1.25 a day or less, in billions

160

Approximate number of days poorly nourished children are ill per year

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

The original food guide pyramid was the prevailing symbol of a balanced diet in the U.S for decades. It was used as an educational tool for nutritional purposes and even went through a few transformations.

However, last year it was replaced with a design called MyPlate.

Since 1916, the United States Department of Agriculture has created a number of food guides. They started simply, each evolving as more specific knowledge was included.

The original food guide pyramid was established in 1992 and, according to the USDA website, was created to make consumers more aware of emerging food patterns, hoping to “promote overall health and well being.”

Variety, proportion and moderation were also some of the factors the pyramid design focused on.

This being said, the original food guide pyramid received criticism because it was difficult to understand and it misrepresented the ideas the USDA tried to convey.

In 2005, the original food guide pyramid was replaced by a brandnew design called MyPyramid.

This design featured an updated version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which changes every five years. The new name was meant to make the pyramid more personalized.

A website was also created, mypyramid.gov, where consumers could search for more nutritional information with the simplified illustration.

MyPyramid was different in that it included the need for physical activity.

However, even with its new features, MyPyramid was criticized for its simple design and lack of detail.

Instead of making changes to MyPyramid, it was removed and replaced with MyPlate last June. This was an important tool in Michelle Obama’s campaign against obesity.

MyPlate’s design features a plate divided into four sections, which include fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. A dairy section is also included, but is placed outside of the plate in a cup shape.

Like previous guides, MyPlate has a website and includes the most recent dietary guidelines, which, according to professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences Mark Kern, is “considered the graphical representation of those guidelines.”

MyPlate was created to serve as a reminder to consumers to eat healthier and has received mostly positive feedback since being presented to the public last year. But, like previous guides, there is room for improvement.

“One reason I don’t like MyPlate is that people seem to think they need every meal to look like MyPlate, which is not the intention of the USDA,” Kern said.

Along with the guides provided by the USDA, there are also alternative guides that include the Healthy Eating Plate and the Healthy Eating Pyramid. These guides were created by the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Health and, while they are similar to the guides provided by the Department of Agriculture, they were created to fix some of the problems those guides have.

Some of the major differences between the Healthy Eating Plate and MyPlate are the details. The Healthy Eating Plate includes more information about the type of foods each individual should have and also provides examples and direction.

Both the Healthy Eating Pyramid and Healthy Eating Plate have a section that emphasizes the need to exercise.

Everyone has the choice to determine which food guide best fits his or her lifestyle. For more information about different guides visit the USDA’s website at nal.usda.gov or the Harvard School of Public Health’s website at hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource.

D A I LY A Z T E C Wednesday, March 14, 2012

NEWS McNutt profile: Executive VP candidate Channelle McNutt makes her case.

Continued from page 1 academic year, the chairs have met with an elected committee to reshape the proposal. Their meetings have been open to the public.

At Wednesday’s debate, McNutt said the A.S. restructure will permit members to specialize on their positions so everyone on campus can be fully represented.

This is an item of controversy in the restructuring process, because it suggests the concentration of seats, or getting rid of numerous positions; the most talked-about one being the future standing of cultural organizations in A.S. In the current structure, each cultural organization would have an individual seat on the council. The proposed structure would put all cultural organizations within a so-called MultiCultural Caucus. The last few meetings of the restructuring committee have focused on the future of the MCC. McNutt also brought some of the current chairs in the caucus into the restructuring meetings, to provide their own input to the committee.

“The conversation was left off with the Multi-Cultural Caucus still serving as the place for cultural orgs and underrepresented orgs to come and speak,” McNutt said. “There was even a discussion before that of having at least one representative be a member of the MCC for every college council.”

During the debate, McNutt said she prioritized communication with students more than fiscal responsibility, sustainability and transparency. McNutt said she put transparency last because it is something A.S. already does.

McNutt said her plan, in regards to communication, is to meet students

halfway. According to McNutt, there has been an obvious outreach from A.S. to freshmen students throughout the years. Tabling and orientation are designed to attract newcomers, McNutt said, but she is concerned about the upperclassmen. She said “guerilla marketing” was a possible way of attracting these students.

McNutt said she felt passionate about one particular political and social issue: the problems pertaining to higher education in California.

According to McNutt, the number of male inmates of color in prison is greater than those in universities.

“The amount of money that goes into prisons in comparison to institutes of higher learning is ridiculous,” McNutt said.

According to McNutt, ASU members recently discussed how the budget cuts were affecting them individually.

McNutt said several of the organization’s members were shocked when they discovered their financial stability and their position at SDSU were also at risk, when the California State University Board of Trustees considered cutting down financial aid.

“It was eye-opening for them because they realized the commitment they have to their brothers and sisters who haven’t made it yet,” McNutt said. “They really need to advocate on their behalf so they can make sure those students will have financial aid in the future.”

McNutt is a third-year student aspiring to graduate in the spring of 2013 with a double major in political science and communications. After graduating, she plans on going to law school and receiving her Juris Doctor to practice law in California.

VP Debates: VP candidates for finance, external affairs and univ affairs showcased .

Continued from page 1 “Every little bit counts and although there have been tuition cuts, increases have also occurred,” Rivera said.

As a candidate who is not part of A.S. but has continuously worked with numerous politicians, Barra said she wants to bring San Diego State back to the students.

She said instead of rallying, she would like to incorporate actually developing a bill, in order to make change happen.

“When I was a freshman, I vaguely knew what A.S. was,” Barra said. “My goal is to go out there and speak to the students. I have asked students for their opinions, what they would like to see change; it’s all about that personal connection.”

Vice president of university affairs The candidates for the vice president of university affairs include Matt Cecil, Josh Morse and Zach Frantz.

President of Inter-Fraternity Council, Matt Cecil said his focus is to reach out to the student voice and to formulate proper academic policy.

“Through my leadership, I’ve been able to work with thousand of students in order to survey and listen to various voices to create a better university experience,” Cecil said. “I have been deeply involved in cultural and diverse conversations. I’m able to understand all cultures and ethnicities, and I am dedicated to a diverse and engaged university community.”

Morse was a member of the President’s Cabinet and worked with A.S. for two years. He said he would promote student voices by listening and empowering them.

“People are advocating on your behalf, and a lot of us don’t under-

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stand what they are actually doing with that,” Morse said. “We need to connect our voices to the University Senate, which makes a lot of decisions on this campus” Frantz said A.S. should be involved in day-to-day affairs, only if that is what students prefer. He has no A.S. experience, but said this is the reason why he is running. He said he is for the students, instead of trying to run them.

“I want to get involved and represent the students,” Frantz said. “I feel like our current government has failed us, and I am the change to the current system.”

In response, Cecil said A.S. should create a valuable experience for students.

“Every student pays a fee to A.S. and it is our job to create the best possible university experience for them,” Cecil said. “If you’re not dedicated to that, why are you running for this position?”

Students have until Thursday to log on to WebPortal and vote.

Lama Tenzin visits SDSU The Dalai Lama’s personal emissary gives lecture today Kevin Smead assistant news editor The Venerable Lama Tenzin Dhonden will speak today at 12:30 p.m. at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center.

Tenzin is currently acting as the

Personal Emissary of Peace for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Trained in the monastic traditions of Namgyal Monastery, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s personal monastery in Dharamsala, India, Lama Tenzin has completed rigorous studies in Buddhist philosophy and Tantric practice.

He is also a renowned master of the art of Buddhist sand mandalas and butter sculpture.

An American for more than 20 years, Lama Tenzin has acted as the

media liaison for His Holiness since 2005. This visit is a precursor to His Holiness’ sold-out visit to San Diego State in April.

Today’s lecture focuses on the concepts of compassion and impermanence, which is also the theme for His Holiness’ SDSU lecture, “Compassion Without Borders.”

Following the lecture, The Lama Tenzin will answer student questions posed earlier this week.

The event is free but space is limited.

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D A I LY

AZTEC Wednesday, March 13, 2012

OPINION

Gas prices are not President Obama’s fault

C

hances are you’ve had the unpleasant experience of filling up your gas tank recently. It’s painful. If you’ve managed to somehow avoid the torturous experience, then here are some of the raw figures associated with the escalating costs of gasoline. As of March 5, gas prices in California are the nation’s highest, with the composite average for all grades of gasoline costing $4.46 a gallon. This price is a 12.3 percent increase from prices last year in March, and 56 cents more expensive per gallon than the national average. These mounting prices have directly correlated to a growing annual expenditure for Americans on gasoline. Last year, the Consumer Federation of America estimated the average American household spent $2,832 on gasoline. Using conservative estimates of gasoline consumption, the average Californian can expect to pay an additional $300 to $500 to that annual $2,832.

Such startling prices and the requisite impact upon Americans’ wallets is bound to resonate with politicians, especially in an election year.

Oftentimes, Republican candidates have pandered on the topic, and attempted to demystify this incredibly complex topic by offering a simplistic explanation.

One such example of this pandering was employed by Rick Santorum, who went as far as to allege the 2008 recession was largely the fault of mounting gas prices.

He claimed the “bubble burst in housing because people couldn’t pay their mortgages because of $4a-gallon gasoline.” This is a dangerous oversimplification of two phenomena that happened simultaneously in 2008. It also shows ignorance on his part of the actual forces which caused such a catastrophic economic climate to occur.

The other pandering tactic involved the offering of blatantly hollow promises that a president likely cannot deliver. Newt Gingrich utilized this strategy when he famously promised that, if elected, he would exercise the ability to secure $2.50 a gallon prices. He also decried President Barack Obama’s administration with the following: “If you want $10-a-gallon gasoline, an anti-energy secretary and weakness requiring us to depend on foreigners for our energy, Barack Obama should be your candidate.”

To briefly deconstruct Gingrich’s assertions one can easily realize he is simply making outlandish promises as a last ditch effort to appease voters. First off, the United States is already unequivocally dependent upon foreign oil. In 1998, our net imports of crude oil, measured in number of barrels, surpassed our domestic production and has remained that way ever since. As of right now, 49 percent of our gasoline consumption comes from net imports, which certainly describes a state of dependence. Similarly, if you work as a car dealer and 49 percent of your income comes from commissions made on sales, then losing this stream of income would drastically impact your finances.

Moreover, on his claim of $10-agallon gasoline prices, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects gas prices will remain less than $5 through December next year.

Gingrich’s scare tactics are a desperate attempt by a candidate who obviously sees his prospect of winning the nomination as dwindling.

The candidate who actually surmised the most intelligently on the topic was Mitt Romney, when he said, “I think people recognize that the president can’t precisely set the price at the pump.”

Brody Burns staff columnist In actuality larger forces than the commander in chief impact the price of gasoline. In January, more than 75 percent of the price paid at the pump went to pay for the costs of crude oil. The remaining went to marketing, taxes and the refining process. The most significant factor affecting the overall price at the pump is the price of crude oil, and numerous factors affect this price.

The economic forces of supply and demand have an intimate relationship with the price of crude oil.

On the demand side, economic growth on a global level regularly increases the demand for crude oil, as development in foreign countries correlates to a growing demand for crude. This is currently occurring in places such as China, India and Brazil. Conversely, in regards to the supply side, a powerful actor known as “OPEC” exerts true power. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries produced 43 percent of the world’s supply of crude oil in 2010, and in the past have enforced production limits on members. The EIA summarizes this supply side power of OPEC: “OPEC countries have essentially all of the world’s spare oil production capacity and possess about two-thirds of the world’s estimated crude oil reserves. Oil prices have often spiked in response to disruptions in the international and domestic supply of crude oil.”

Other factors impact the price as well. Seasonality regularly changes the price of crude, with the highest prices coming during the summer months. Likewise, a weakened buying power or a weak dollar makes acquiring barrels more costly, which in turn can lead to high prices at the pump for consumers. Another major impact is the role of speculators, which is something Obama has attempted to regulate. Last April, Obama formed a task force aimed to investigate oil and gas speculation and the potential instances of fraud or manipulation in the role of making prices jump. The effectiveness of his task force is certainly questionable, as they have only met four times in the course of a year, but it is certainly not the picture Gingrich paints.

These actions are one of the major dangers of election pandering. Gas prices are complex, involve numerous factors and cannot solely be attributed to the actions of the president. Yet when a candidate attempts to distort this reality and place the entire blame on the current administration, voters tend to believe them.

For complete disclosure, when former President George W. Bush was inaugurated in January of 2001 the average price in California was $1.62 a gallon. The peak price of his tenure was in the summer of 2008 when this price crossed more than $4.59 a gallon. Obama has witnessed similar volatility: $2 when he was inaugurated to $4.46 last week.

From these numbers, it’s clear that neither political party can stump on a record of keeping prices down.

Additionally, neither party can attribute the entire blame on the other party’s administration. Unlike the frenzied news media, gas prices cannot solely be controlled by a single politician’s talking points.

BRODY BURNS IS SEEKING A MASTER’S IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

Though much of the Republican presidential candidates’ rhetoric says otherwise, gas prices are not affected by presidents. | MCT CAMPUS

D A I LY A Z T E C Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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

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AZTEC GAMING

‘Mass Effect 3’ finale massively disappoints

BioWare’s eagerly awaited third and final installment in the “Mass Effect” series delivers a mostly great experience, only to fall agonizingly short in the final minutes. The ending and controversial DLC have caused uproar. | MCT CAMPUS

Fantastic story and gameplay are tainted by the final sequence Cody Franklin head of aztec gaming Perhaps the best way to sum up “Mass Effect 3” is with an allusion to another recent sci-fi extravaganza.

When “Battlestar Galactica” wrapped up its final season, fans were expecting a spectacular ending to the beloved franchise. For years, fans poured their hearts and souls into the series, hoping to be rewarded with a blockbuster ending.

Instead, in its final hours, the series decided to throw in quasi-religious references and completely change the dynamic of the show. Fans felt mortified and betrayed, as if they’d lost a loved one, full of grief, some even feeling physically ill.

Sadly, “Mass Effect” fans will very likely suffer this same fate when picking up the end of the trilogy.

That isn’t to say “Mass Effect 3” is a bad game: In fact, it is likely one of the best games released this year, if not one of the best games this writer has ever played. However, years of waiting, hundreds of hours of enthralled playtime and an incredible connection to the story are all tossed aside with what will likely become a case study of how to ruin a story.

Perhaps 99 percent of “Mass Effect 3” will leave you breathless, and the last 10 minutes will as well, but for entirely the wrong reasons.

The ending is truly a travesty because so much of the game is superb. The latest iteration of combat in the series is by far the most intense, high-energy, tightly tuned thrill ride fans will encounter in most games out today. The introduction of co-op gameplay, which felt strange and unnecessary before launch, has actually become one of the game’s strongest selling points.

Gamers will likely put nearly as much time into the cooperative multiplayer as the single-player portion, though this may be because of the game’s oddly short length.

The story, excepting the final 10 minutes, is also truly spectacular.

Few games will take players on an emotional roller coaster ride the way “Mass Effect 3” will. Particularly strong moments with a few key characters will leave all but the most cold-hearted in tears. Even though the story seems to be shorter than previous games, with an estimated game time of 20-40 hours depending upon how much of the side content the player completes, nearly every minute of that time will keep

ple of allowing its players to create their own fates, the ending of the trilogy is ham-fistedly forced upon the player. Gamers will likely have no desire to replay the game or its predecessors after ending the journey once; a shame, as replay value has been a strong selling point of previous games.

Overall, “Mass Effect 3” is a very good game; if BioWare had not bungled the ending so horribly, gamers on the Internet would be singing its praises from the digital rooftops.

Few games will take players on an emotional roller coaster ride the way “Mass Effect 3” will. ...

However, it all falls apart at the end, in what feels like one of the most rushed ... endings ever. players on the edge of their seats.

However, it all falls apart at the end, in what feels like one of the most rushed and frankly half-assed endings ever. With plot holes galore and uncertainty abound, it is as if BioWare has completely forgotten the most basic plot structure taught in elementary English: no falling action or resolution can be found.

Likewise, the ending tosses aside nearly all the decisions players have made throughout the course of the three games, leaving players feeling disrespected and dishonored. For a series that has been a shining exam-

New players with no experience of the previous games will find the game an absolute blast. However, to the long-time fans of the trilogy, the ending may sour any enjoyment delivered. Players will be incredibly entertained and find every penny of the price worth it until the very end.

However, on principle alone gamers should wait until BioWare gives some sort of reasoning for how devastatingly poorly the conclusion was handled, and how they plan to rectify the situation. It is hard to justify paying full price for a game from a developer that seems to find it so easy to betray its fans in its newest releases.

#ReadersChoice What do you think the future of music and film is?

Which student musician or artist on campus needs to be featured?

Tweet or post your answer on The Daily Aztec’s Facebook, we’ll cover it.

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AZTEC Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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

A L L T H E W O R L D ’ S A S TA G E

SDSU Theatre’s ‘Zanna’ doesn’t disappoint David Dixon staff writer For the past few years, musicals at San Diego State have been shows that celebrate the past. Now, there is a modern comedy being performed on campus that deals with a very important 21st century issue: intolerance and, more specifically, sexual orientation discrimination.

“Zanna Don’t! A Musical Fairy Tale,” takes place in a universe where homosexuals rule the earth and being straight is frowned upon. Within that alternative reality, the main character, Zanna (Tom Vendafreddo), is both a high school student and a fairy who tries to be a contemporary matchmaker. Like Jane Austen’s heroine, Emma Woodhouse, Zanna discovers his meddling does not always achieve the results he expected, which ultimately leads to a forbidden romance between a talented quarterback (Mike Potter) and an eager busy bee who happens to be a girl (Bethany Elkin).

Director Rick Simas was given the difficult task of making mood changes in this production feel perfectly natural. The entire first act is a satire happily poking fun at society.

Act II seems like it is headed in the same direction, but when the heterosexuals realize they really do feel a romantic connection, the plot take a serious turn. Simas handles this transition extremely well and it is surprising how emotionally involving “Zanna Don’t!” becomes.

The big twist that occurs in the climax is a huge bombshell; the revelation adds depth to the story’s message about love and acceptance.

“Zanna Don’t!” uses a reversed social context to explore the modern themes of intolerance and discrimination in the midst of a forbidden romance. | COURTESY OF ZWINK PHOTOGRAPHY

Everyone in the cast is terrific, but the actor who really holds it all together is Vendafreddo. He has given strong supporting work in recent years in “Little Women” and “The Boyfriend,” but as a lead, Vendafreddo is outstanding and instantly likeable as the supernatural boy who only wants to help others.

Vendafreddo is at his best in two of the many standout musical numbers.

Zanna leads fellow characters in a

musical within a musical about heterosexuals in the military. “Be a Man,” is a parody of military propaganda that Vendafreddo handles with witty verve.

He is also amazing in a sad song in Act II called “Someday You Might Love Me.” The only context that will be given in this review is that “Someday You Might Love Me” comes after a heartbreaking conflict. He reacts to this incident with such dramatic power there were audience members

getting audibly choked up during the opening night’s performance.

Even with these dark moments, “Zanna Don’t!” maintains an upbeat attitude. It is hard not to smile when entering the Don Powell Theatre, because C.L. Ward’s scenic design creates the tone with a happily cartoonish depiction of the fictional school, Heartsville High. The fun only continues with Dominic Abbenante’s spare but smile-inducing projection designs,

which are mostly devoted to bringing Zanna’s bird friend, Cindy, to life.

Made with plenty of goodnatured humor and heart, “Zanna Don’t!” proves to be a wonderful time. The addicting songs, along with the timely story, result in a creative crowd-pleaser.

Tickets and information about “Zanna Don’t! A Musical Fairy Tale” can be found at theatre.sdsu.edu.

UNDER THE SCOPE

Ed Helms talks about ‘Jeff’ and storytelling movies and said, “Sign me up. Let’s do this.”

DA: How are you similar to your character in “Jeff, Who Lives at Home?”

EH: Well, I think that character wants to do the right thing. He wants to be a good guy. And I certainly share that. This guy gets in his way a lot and I certainly get in my way a lot. I don’t think I’m quite as dysfunctional as this guy. At least I hope not. But I do share that struggle to be a better person. And then, of course, we both look alike and we share the same voice.

DA: What are the differences between working on a TV series versus working on a film, and which do you prefer?

Ed Helms of “The Daily Show” fame has enjoyed success on the silver screen. | MCT CAMPUS

Andrew Younger senior staff writer Ed Helms, a veteran correspondent on “The Daily Show,” catapulted to fame with recurring roles on “The Office” and “The Hangover.” With his new film “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” Helms explores his comedic range in a more realistic setting. He spoke to The Daily Aztec about his criteria for choosing a project, his improvisational skills and how working on a TV series is similar to going to school.

The Daily Aztec: How did you get involved with “Jeff Who Lives at Home” and what has the project been like?

Ed Helms: “Jeff, Who Lives at Home” was a script that got floated my way

by Jason Reitman, who was one of the producers on it. He’s a friend and we worked together on a couple of “Office” episodes. And then Mark and Jay Duplass had written the script and Jason jumped on to produce it.

They thought I might be a good candidate for it, so Jason just sent me it directly and I loved it right away. I watched all of the Duplass brothers’

EH: I love them both equally. The differences are when you work on a movie it’s a summer camp feeling.

Because everyone just comes together for this one event. And you’re there for six weeks, eight weeks, whatever it is, and it’s all kind of run-and-gun. There’s this exciting energy to get this one thing done.

And a lot of times, a movie might be on location somewhere and you have that added exotic feeling of being away from home. This movie is shot in New Orleans, which is one of the greatest cities on planet Earth, and so that added to the excitement and fun we had.

On a television set, it’s sort of like going to school. A school that you enjoy. Because it’s regular and it’s all familiar people. It’s a regular schedule. It’s an ongoing process year after year. It has a very comfortable feeling that way. The actual work itself is very similar, obviously, but there is a

little bit of a different energy and a different approach to it. You can have a normal life happening during television production. It’s much harder during movie production.

And I was joking at first, but I really do love them both. I love the comfort and the fun and the familial vibe of “The Office” and I love the excitement and derring-do of a movie. I’m lucky that I get to do both.

DA: How does starring in an indie film compare to working on a major studio film and are you open to working on more indie films in the future?

EH: “Cedar Rapids” was an independent film and that was one I spearheaded as an executive producer. I love the genre. I actually love all outlets for storytelling. Internet, radio, a major studio motion picture, an improv sketch on a live stage somewhere or a TV show, I just love to be a part of fun stories no matter what the medium is. I’m always openminded. I’m always looking at material and deciding based on whether or not I think I can contribute or bring something to the table or have a lot of fun doing it.

It’s funny, when you work on a lot of movies you realize quickly that it’s insanely hard work. And whether or not you’re actually going to enjoy the process of making a movie starts to become a major consideration, because it takes three or four months of your life. And life is short. So you look at everything like the people you’re working with. Is the script funny? Are you going to be laughing while you’re making this movie? Is it in a neat place like New Orleans?

And then does the story resonate on any kind of emotional level? Even if

it’s a really silly story or silly movie you still have to connect to the material somehow. So those are the criteria more than any specific medium or scale of production.

DA: You have mentioned that the film isn’t as comedic as you’re used to. With your improvisational background, how much freedom did the Duplass brothers give you with the script?

EH: It’s funny because they wrote a fabulous script. Down to the word it is a wonderful, compelling, hilarious and moving script. With that said, they were the first ones to say “Don’t say a word of this.” So we improvised almost every line of that movie and it was really exciting. The filmmakers, Mark and Jay Duplass, really love that collaboration. And that’s kind of a rare thing in writers and directors.

It was really exhilarating, I know, for Jason (Segel) and myself to just be into the scene. We would read through it and understand what needs to happen in the scene, what it’s about, where it takes us, and where it goes. And then just do it over and over and over again. And keep finding new and different versions of it and new ways to express the same things. You find these authentic moments and it feels real when you’re doing it. I can’t explain it but it’s real exciting and I’m stunned by the results. I think Mark and Jay got something of me that I didn’t necessarily know was in there as a performer. And I know Jason brought his A-game all over this movie. It’s a fun and exciting and really gratifying process, and I’m super proud of the product.

D A I LY A Z T E C Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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D A I LY

AZTEC Wednesday, March 14, 2012

8

B AC K PAG E

HUMOR

HOROSCOPE

‘Weather’ anyone cares

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (3/14/12) Love is the answer. Where do you want to grow this year? Set goals for finances and career, and aim for what you love. In the second half of the year, home and family exert a stronger pull. Pay down debt and conserve resources. Figure out the costs, and save up for your dreams.

M

y morning routine is pretty blasé. I wake up to the sound of a hand-me-down clockradio made in 1902 (probably more like the mid to late ‘90s, but if you saw it, your best guess would likely be as good as mine. For an exact date, you’ll have to speak with my pops) blaring 91X’s non-existent morning show. After pressing the wrong button on the clock for the 134th time, the music finally ceases and I shoot out of bed.

I walk straight to my television, flip it on and tune into Matt Lauer’s handsome face telling me all about the breaking world news that I, more than likely, could not possibly care any less about. “The Today Show” serves as pretty entertaining background noise as I get myself ready for the day. The usual every-morning routine goes down and, while I could go into detail, I’m sure you’ve seen some variation of it in one gettingready-for-a date-during-the-opening-of-a-movie montage or another.

It’s all pretty mundane and robotic until I hear Al Roker’s peppy voice utter the words that determine how the following 15 minutes of my day are going to play out.

I was raised in a household with a mother who set out my clothes before bed every night until I started high school (I’m sure it continued later than that, but for the sake of my reputation and in an attempt to avoid complete and total mortification, we’ll say it ceased when I was 12). I woke up in the morning and getting dressed was a no-brainer. Maybe it was her tingling mom senses, but she always knew whether to put out long sleeves or short sleeves. She knew whether to include a cardigan or a hoodie. She just knew. Now, I know what you’re thinking and no, I do not, at 21 years old, still have my mom set out my clothes before I go to bed.

But I would be lying if I said I didn’t mentally plan outfits the night before.

Hayley Rafner staff columnist But back to Al Roker …

Regardless of whether or not I have picked out an outfit, I patiently wait for Mr. Roker to say the words I need to start my day.

“Here’s what’s happening … in your neck of the woods.”

That’s when I drop whatever I’m doing — whether it be makeup brush, toothbrush or hairbrush — and wait for the adorable Jodi Kodesh to tell me what to expect from the weather outside my door. After the information is delivered in a timely manner

Tell me why, in a 50-degree chill, I see girls walking around in micro shorts and tank tops. Tell me why, in the blazing San Diego mid-February summer, I see girls walking around in scarves and sweatshirts. Have they not learned by the time they’ve entered early adulthood that morning fog burns off? Have they not learned if it’s raining when they leave the house it may, possibly, stay that cold for the remainder of the day and, perhaps, may not be the best day for flip-flops? Have they not learned there are, literally, hundreds of websites and news channels that predict the weather to help them decide what to wear?

Tell me why, in a 50-degree chill, I see girls walking around in micro shorts and tank tops.

Tell me why, in the blazing San Diego mid-February summer, I see girls walking around in scarves ... and before NBC switches back to Roker standing in the plaza looking 4 to 6 inches shorter than the rest of the anchors, I know exactly how to dress. I’ve lived in my skin for 21 years, so I know how it goes. It’s simple, really: above 70 degrees, no jacket; less than 70 degrees, jacket. That’s pretty much it. No ifs, ands or buts.

So tell me why, no matter what the weather report says that morning, I never fail to see students around campus who have decided to either a) not care about overheating in the middle of the day, b) not care about freezing in the middle of the day or c) my favorite, have a blatant disregard for appropriate clothing, no matter the season.

I’m just singling out the ladies here. Everywhere I look, most (or possibly all) male students at San Diego State will match the microshort, tank-top combo with a standard SDSU boy’s uniform of basketball shorts and flamboyant tank tops.

Let me save you all some midday discomfort and offer you a page from my book: Check the weather report, listen to Al Roker (he is the most trusted man in news) and for God’s sake, if it’s June and I see you in a scarf, I’m gonna whip it off you faster than you can put on last season’s rain boots.

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 feel good in your skin today. Your magnetism and charm attract what you ask for, so consider your requests.

Challenge: utter no complaints. Only speak your dreams.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - You're especially persuasive in the morning and easily convince others that you're right. Build up resources, and add players to the team. Cool off in the evening.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 Study, grow and expand early today with ample energy to get you moving. Others get magnetically drawn into your game. A quiet night refreshes. Share love.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - People seek you out for advice. It could be your philosophical view or your brilliant wit. Take advantage of the interest to move a pet project forward.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 Your charm and enthusiasm are getting attention. Figure out your strategy, and make your move in a way that everyone benefits. Leave your money in the bank.

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES Patience.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 Decide where best to put your energy. You can get whatever you need. Compromise will be necessary. Be careful not to overspend. Time spent reviewing the plan pays off.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 You're inspired by freedom and justice.

Apply your passion to a current project.

Continue to gather data. If the reality doesn't fit the vision, alter the vision.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - You've got someone under a spell. Ignore that little voice in your head. It's not very nice, usually. Trust your real intuition. Go with your heart.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 9 - You're becoming more attractive with age. Your willingness to solve problems and take action is inspiring. Give yourself permission to be creative and look good.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 5 - Don't be afraid to pull the necessary strings so the music plays your way.

Prepare your lessons well, and go for the honor roll. Live and learn.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Friends help you solve great philosophical problems. Combine your powers and dreams for more effectiveness.

There's plenty of room for romance.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 9 Enjoy home. Give your career more flavor by adding some passion. The more you enjoy your work, the better you'll do and the happier you'll be. It's a winning cycle. ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

SUDOKU

Difficulty Level: 3 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

—Hayley Rafner is a Media Studies Junior.

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

See your name on the Backpage Our Features editor is accepting submissions for Backpage humor and fiction contributions. Send your work to features@thedailyaztec.com.

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Diamond-studded tooth caps, e.g.

6 "High Voltage" band 10 Valence lead-in 14 Smash over the infield, say 15 "The Big Sleep" genre 16 Normandy city 17 Arctic digs 18 Refuse to grant, as access 19 Big hike 20 Standard of comparison 23 Be a buttinsky 24 Corner opening?

25 Saved to watch later 27 Oldies refrain syllable 28 Do one's homework, so to speak 30 Casserole morsel 31 Like some kitchen cabinets 35 Go (for) 36 __ close to schedule 37 'Enry's 'ouse 38 Escape 39 Bad check letters 40 Govt. workers concerned with returns 44 Asian festival 45 Hi-fi spinners: Abbr.

46 Convenient connections 47 Fighting words 49 WWII USN carrier 50 Common college degs.

53 It includes a vest ... and what can be found in each set of circles in the long answers 57 Nile queen, familiarly 58 PTA part: Abbr.

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 59 Like a five-star hotel 60 Hide from a trapper 61 Spanish surrealist 62 Big chip maker 63 Not busy 64 WWII British gun 65 "With Reagan" memoirist DOWN 1 Goodyear flier 2 Crossbred big cat 3 Parquetry design 4 Modernists, informally 5 "I have had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it" speaker 6 Actress MacDowell

7 Either "True Grit" (2010) director 8 "Correct answer!" sound 9 Formal glassware 10 When Juliet drinks the potion 11 13th-century globetrotter 12 One whose workplace is all abuzz 13 Printer's purchase 21 Printer's purchase 22 Add a little color to 26 Calendar entries 27 Cello sect.

28 PowerCat soccer cleats, e.g.

29 In __ of: replacing

31 "Reuben, Reuben" actor Tom 32 Yet to be paid 33 Crab variety 34 Pear choice 38 Mil. installations 40 Wrath, in a classic hymn 41 Checks carefully, as a contract 42 Backup medium 43 Provisional 48 Put pen to paper 49 Early Soviet leader 50 Former Montana copper-mining city 51 Clothing rack array 52 Vogue 54 Hurdle for a jr.

55 Cruise stopover 56 Trig ratio 57 Cost-of-living stat