04-18-2013

High: 77º Low: 52º

APRIL 18, 2013

THursday

Boston Marathon updates on page 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Experts discuss possible Boston bombing suspects national

Michele Pluss Staff Writer

Authorities are investigating whether the bombings were a domestic or foreign terror attack.

Speculation continues to swirl around the motives and perpetrators behind the bombing at the Boston Marathon, which took the lives of at least three people and injured more than 170 others, according to The New York Times.

So far, authorities haven’t gathered enough evidence to arrest possible suspects of the attacks.

“Any time bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terror,” President Barack Obama said during a White House press conference on Tuesday. “What we don’t yet know, however, is who carried out this attack, or why, whether it was planned and executed by a terrorist organization—foreign or domestic—or was the act of a malevolent individual.”

Some experts suggest anti-government “patriot” groups may EXTREMISTS continued on page 2

WWW.DAILYAZTEC.COM

VOLUME 99, ISSUE 103

A.I. software automates grading national David Hernandez Staff Writer

EdX, a nonprofit venture established

by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recently unveiled software that uses artificial intelligence to grade written assignments and tests, according to The New York Times.

After an instructor grades 100 essays or essay questions, the system uses machine-learning techniques to base its grading on the professor’s evaluations.

San Diego State English and comparative literature professor Joanna Brooks is opposed to the idea.

“We want students to create original, creative essays,” Brooks said. “A robot-grading machine can’t encourthinkstock EdX released an artificial intelligence software that can grade written asage students to become innovative.” signments and tests. There are many opposed to this automated grading.

“Students should feel ripped off if someone tells them that a machine ment of English and Comparative tention of signing the petition, statcan give them one-on-one feedback,” Literature, students find personalized ing, “the world changes and one must Brooks added. feedback from professors to be the learn to cope with that.”

But electrical engineer and president most helpful aspect of writing assignHowever, she remains cautious of EdX Anant Agarwal is convinced ments, Brooks said. about technology in an educational the software is an advantageous deEducational technology professor setting. vice because, instead of waiting for Marcie Bober-Michel views EdX’s “I don’t think anyone should ever grades, it allows students to take tests software as a potential “support tool” adopt something new wholesale withand write essays repeatedly, improv- that “can be an option in some situ- out vetting it,” Bober-Michel added. ing the quality of their answers. ations.”

Many SDSU professors currently “There is a huge value in learning “It’s probably better designed for use Turnitin.com, which is integrated with instant feedback,” Agarwal told something that is more technical writ- into Blackboard, primarily to check The New York Times. “Students are ing,” Bober-Michel said. “I can’t see it for plagiarism, but it can also check telling us they learn much better with grading poetry or even short stories.” for spelling, grammar, mechanics instant feedback.”

On March 12, Professionals and style errors.

Still, Brooks believes personal com- Against Machine Scoring of Student It remains unknown exactly when ments are more important.

Essays in High-Stakes Assessment, a EdX will release the software, but “What is more valuable to the edu- group of professors and teachers, be- it will be made available online for cation of a college student? Instant gan a petition to condemn automated free for any institution that wishes feedback or personal feedback?” essay grading. Since then, the group to use it.

Brooks said. has collected about 3,000 signatures.

Based on data the SDSU DepartBober-Michel said she has no in-

Seriously, if you haven’t finished “Infinite,” get out of here. Go read a book.

BIOSHOCK page 3

Softball results featured on page 6

Artists celebrate Israel’s birthday

campus Arturo Garcia Staff Writer

Three graffiti artists from Artists for Israel, known as Broker, 2ease and Gloss Black, created a giant canvas in front of Hepner Hall yesterday. Aztecs for Israel invited the group to campus to celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday.

“Art unifies; it makes people come together,” 2ease said. “You don’t have to be Jewish. You don’t have to be anything.”

The artwork portrayed a variety of San Diego State logos, including a bright red Aztec face with feathered headgear, the word “artists” in the school’s colors and the image of Hepner Hall.

“I think it is a great idea to have art as a modality for conversation,” Israel on Campus Coalition West Coast Regional Manager Aviva Frank said. “The canvas becomes the space were people can dialogue with each other. A lot of times we think of dialogue projects as people just sitting around, but I think there is something very beautiful about bringing in the arts.”

Students were encouraged to graffiti the back of the mural, resulting in a plethora of amateur drawings displayed behind the professional work. “(It’s) a little bit of an artistic break to my day,” journalism and media studies junior Rebecca Herndon said. “I don’t know much about their mission. I just

stopped by to spray.”

Another passerby was Associated Students Diversity Commissioner Washington Navarrete.

“In a sense, by showing your culture on campus—whether people agree or disagree—will spark that first dialogue,” Navarrete said. “Having it in the center of campus makes a visual impact. This is the first step.”

Next to the canvas, another campus student organization, the Jewish Student Union, passed out cupcakes and other small gifts in arturo garcia , staff writer commemoration of the anniver- The completed mural by Artists for Israel. Aztecs for Israel invited the grafitti artists to celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday. sary.

The event was funded by the ple to react to his art more than you still reacted to it. If some reCultural Arts and Special Events anything else. action comes from it, you know board and the Jewish National “It’s about making people think. you did something right.”

Fund.

Graffiti’s powerful,” 2ease said.

Artist 2ease said he wants peo- “Even if it is a negative reaction,

2 | NEWS

Volume 99, issue 103 | Thursday, april 18, 2013 from EXTREMISTS page 1

be behind the bombings. Jessica Stern, a terrorism expert at Harvard University, told Yahoo!

News the date of the attack coincided with both Tax Day and Patriots’ Day, suggesting rightwing extremist groups may have been involved. She went on to say April is a prevalant month for extremist group activity. The 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, 1999 Columbine High School shooting and 1985 police raid in which authorities overtook a compound run by a group called The Covenant, the Sword and the Arm of the Lord all took place in April.

...extremist groups tend to target clear subgroups such as the government, Muslims, immigrants, gays or black people.

However, other experts, including Mark Potok, a senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center, says extremist groups tend to target clear subgroups such as the government, Muslims, immigrants, gays or black people. The Boston bombings didn’t target a specific group.

As the investigation surrounding the bombings continues, officials remind the public—and press—not to jump to conclusions.

“The problem you have in the White House is that the hunger and demand for information from the press is always going to outpace your investigation,” National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor told ABC News.

“But there’s no upside to rushing.”

the daily aztec

Boston aftermath slowly unveils truth national Stacey Oparnica Staff Writer

Following the Boston Marathon bombings, information has gradually been released. The Daily Aztec has been compiling updates from The New York Times and The Associated Press.

As of now, three have been killed and more than 170 injured.

Despite conflicting news reports, no arrests have yet been made, according to a senior official in Washington.

The identities of the three deceased victims were released: o Martin Richard, 8, from Dorchester, Mass. o Lingzi Lu, 23, from Shenyang, China o Krystle Campbell, 29, from Arlington, Mass.

Officials said the homemade bombs were constructed using household pressure cookers and packed with shrapnel and nails.

Police discovered a portion of a pres-

People gather at the Paulist Center Boston on Tuesday for a candelight service. Prayers are for the three killed and more than 170 injured in the Boston Marathon.

sure cooker lid on a nearby rooftop.

FBI officials are asking the public to submit any videos or photographs of the blast sites.

The FBI released a statement concerning the reporting of inaccurate information by news media.

“We ask the media, particularly at

christopher evans /boston herald /mct

this early stage of the investigation, to exercise caution and attempt to verify information through appropriate official channels before reporting.”

NHL, NFL form alliance with LGBT community national Alicia Chavez Staff Writer

With rumors circulating about NFL players choosing to come out to the public about their sexual orientations, national sports leagues are forming alliances with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups to remind players of the strong support system behind their decisions.

According to a New York Times article last Thursday, the NHL made headlines by announcing its official partnership with the You Can Play Project. You Can Play’s mission is to eliminate homophobia in sports and plans to work with the NHL by holding group discussions for rookie players to understand gay issues.

You Can Play co-founder Patrick

Burke started the advocacy group in March 2012, after his younger brother Brendon Burke passed away in a car accident. Brendan Burke was the student manager for Miami University’s hockey team and came out to the team a year before passing. The goal of the You Can Play Project is for athletes to give the same level of overwhelming support Brian Burke received from his team.

During a press conference last Thursday, the union executive director of the NHL Players’ Association, Donald Fehr, made a statement about the partnership.

“You ought not to get extra credit for doing the right thing, and that’s what we’re doing,” Fehr said.

The partnership between the NHL and You Can Play is the first of its kind between a national

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo is chair for Athlete Ally Advisory and unofficial spokesman for NFL.

sports league and an LGBT advocacy group. However, with the anticipation of an NFL player disclosing his sexual orientation to the public, other men’s sports are feeling the implications of the NHL’s decision.

The NFL is preparing for the announcement of one of its players by continuing to work with gay activist groups.

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and chair for Athlete Ally Advisory Board Brendon Ayanbadejo called it upon himself to be an unofficial spokesman for the league. Several other NFL players have joined Athlete Ally, another group focused on removing homophobia in sports.

Ayanbadejo discussed the NFL’s acceptance and support for the next player who chooses to come out to fans.

“This isn’t about one player, it’s about all of us,” Ayanbadejo said in a statement. “It’s about being a good teammate and a loyal fan. It’s about respect and everything the

christopher t. assaf baltimore sun /mct

NFL stands for.”

According to the Huffington Post, last Wednesday the NFL and several gay advocacy groups met and discussed future partnerships to end homophobia. Former Tennessee Titan Wade Davis also attended. Davis publicly came out as gay after he retired in 2012.

The gay advocacy groups included Athlete Ally and You Can Play, as well as others. After the meeting, the group collectively made a statement to the Huffington Post.

“Fortunately, that attitude is changing, and the NFL can help make the sport even more inclusive,” the group said in a statement. “We look forward to being a resource for the NFL on LGBT issues and hope to be valuable to the league as we all continue to progress.”

Other men’s national sports leagues, such as MLS, MLB and the NBA have pre-established rules prohibiting discrimination on sexual orientation and have discussed these policies with their players.

entertainment | 3

thursday, april 18, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 103

‘Infinite’s’ ending leads to infinite possibilities editorial

Kevin Smead Entertainment Editor

Before getting started, it should be noted that spoilers abound from here on out. Seriously, if you haven’t finished “BioShock Infinite,” get out of here. Go read a book. Turn the page. There’s probably some opinion piece about the environment, sex offenders or education on Page 4. Read that instead. Whatever you do, don’t read this unless you’ve (a) finished “BioShock Infinite” and are ready to talk about the ending, (b) already had it spoiled for you and just want to join the conversation or (c) just don’t care about the whole deal and have had it with reading the rest of this issue.

Maybe I’m late to the party, but I finally finished “BioShock Infinite.” I’m writing this piece Tuesday evening, having finished the game Monday evening. At this point, I’ve had 24 hours to process the game and really think about the ending and its implications.

Oh, and read, watch and absorb every piece of the conversation on the Internet about it.

I would like to present my take on the ending after a bit of research

bia’s salts and Vigors, and it’s even alluded to in “Infinite” through one of the voxaphones scattered throughout the world that the Big Daddies from “BioShock” were the inspiration for Songbird, even though they technically appear at a later date on a linear timeline.

After learning that there is an infinite number of these universes—all sharing a Joseph Campbell-

e s q u e monomyth-like structure—we finally learn who Booker, the Lutece siblings and Elizabeth actually are.

So, this is where things get weird—if they weren’t already.

Booker took part in the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee and was haunted by it. Soon after that, Booker is at a crossroads as he is about to be baptized in the river.

This is where things split. Based on

I would like to present my take on the ending after a bit of research and intense discussion (mostly with Opinion Editor Leo Castaneda). and intense discussion (mostly with Opinion Editor Leo Castaneda).

While the original “BioShock” pulls the rug out from under you around three-quarters of the way into the game, “Infinite” saves its mega-twist until the very end. After rescuing Elizabeth, killing Zachary Hale Comstock and watching the flying city of Columbia fall to the rebel group Vox Populi, main character Booker DeWitt is transported via an interdimensional tear to the city of Rapture, the setting of the first two “BioShock” games. Elizabeth, who opened the tear, explains the city is a “doorway” and takes Booker to the surface, and more specifically, to the lighthouse from the very beginning of the first “BioShock.”

Elizabeth explains that what appear to be stars in the sky are actually other lighthouses, which lead to other cities and therefore, other dimensions with similar, though slightly different, timelines. She explains that there are always three constants within each door: A man, a city and a lighthouse.

Additionally, there are other similar variables.

Even when comparing the first “BioShock” with “Infinite,” parallels can be drawn. There’s the obvious Andrew Ryan/Comstock connection, the Jack/Booker connections, in addition to the reoccurring importance of the lighthouses at the start of the tale. The smaller connections include the little sisters and Elizabeth, Rapture’s Plasmids and ADAM to Colum-

his decision to be baptized or not, there are multiple Bookers in multiple universes.

In some universes, Booker chooses to accept the baptism and undergoes a religious conversion.

In this conversion, he chooses a new name, Zachary Hale Comstock, and ultimately goes on to found Columbia with the help of the Rosalind Lutece.

However, there is a second Booker who refuses the baptism and essentially becomes the game’s protagonist. Weird, right? You might be asking at this point, “Well, how can they meet if they’re the same person?”

It comes down to the Lutece “siblings.” (I say siblings, but they’re actually the same person from different universes.) They aid Comstock in quasi-kidnapping non-baptized Booker’s daughter Anna, who they rename Elizabeth, take her into their universe and groom her to be leader of Columbia. Robert Lutece sees the danger in this and urges Rosalind to send Elizabeth (also known as Anna DeWitt) back to her home universe.

Comstock finds out and attempts to have both of them killed by sabotaging the machine they use to open tears. However, it doesn’t work, and they’re essentially placed outside of the time stream, free to exist wherever and whenever they choose. So, in an effort to get rid of Comstock, they recruit the nonbaptized Booker from another universe to kill him. This explains how someone who was at Wounded

Knee (1890) at age 20 could still be only in presumably his late 20s or early 30s in 1912, when the story takes place. He’s from an alternate universe—duh.

It’s hinted that this process has occurred many times, much like the ending of Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” series.

This finally begs the question:

What are we left with at the end, and what does it mean? One of the last images we see numerous Elizabeths about to drown Booker as he is about to either accept or refuse the baptism in this pivotal point in

his life. Once he is drowned, both Comstock and Columbia are gone from all timelines, as well as the Booker who rejected the baptism.

In a scene after the credits, we see Booker awaken at his desk to the sound of a baby’s mobile.

He calls softly, “Anna?” as if his daughter is in the other room. In a totally “Inception”—style ending, he opens the door to look, though

it fades to black before we can see if she’s there or not.

Now, I’m assuming—and this is totally my theory, so feel free to prove me wrong here—that by drowning Booker mid-baptism, a third Booker timeline was created. Before, there was merely the binary of “does” or “does not” in his accepting of the baptism. Now, there is a third who never chose. I feel

as though it’s hinted in the closest thing the game has to a theme song, the 1907 hymn, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” The developers were particularly crafty in hiding some spoilers in a song written more than a hundred years before the development of this game.

Really though, this opens up a whole realm of possibilities (you could even say, infinite) that I can’t wait to see Irrational Games explore.

If this whole ordeal sounds incredibly complicated and heady, it’s because it is.

“BioShock Infinite” is a game that asks a lot of its players. I haven’t even touched on the game’s themes of race, class and religion. While this sounds like a wild mess, one thing is abundantly clear: “BioShock Infinite” is a game people will be talking about for years to come.

Oh, and if I got anything wrong or you have you own opinion, let me know. Send an email to entertainment@thedailyaztec.com; I’d love to hear many more takes on this brilliant work of modern fiction.

image credit: irrational

4 | opinion

Volume 99, issue 103 | thursday, april 18, 2013

Time Warner strikes out Padres in cable negotiations san diego

L

et’s play word association.

Name the first five things that come to mind that symbolize San Diego. Mine are the beach, zoo, SeaWorld, San Diego State and even the Chargers. It’s a safe bet the Padres would appear on few lists. They are poised to drop further, now that the 22 percent of San Diego County residents who subscribe to Time Warner Cable are unable to watch the Padres on TV. Padres ownership is situated in one of the smallest television markets in Major League Baseball and needs Time Warner Cable more than Time Warner needs the Padres.

The Padres should be used to not being needed by now. On average, the Padres rank 16th out of 30 MLB teams in attendance since 2001. Only one playoff contender ranks lower than the Padres: the Tampa Bay Rays. It’s difficult to field winning teams without strong home attendance and equally strong local TV ratings.

Ratings of Padres game ratings

declined in three of the seasons between 2007 to 2011. In an effort to improve ratings, the Padres decided to hire well-respected Dick Enberg to provide play-by-play. Unlike football with its blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 16-game schedule, the 162-game baseball season requires announcers with whom viewers can build quasi-familial relationships. That’s not happening in San Diego. Fans aren’t watching, even with the Padres employing a 14-time Emmy-winning broadcaster.

Poor television ratings don’t provide leverage in the Padres’ protracted battle with the county’s second-largest cable provider. Declining demand doesn’t pressure Time Warner to pass costs to subscribers—especially subscribers who are probably resentful of another premium hike.

Price increases in the cable industry are too common. ABC News reported the cost of cable subscriptions rose 30 percent in the past five years. The Miami News reported half of the average cable bill goes to sports programming. The average cost

of a cable subscription of $86 is expected to rise to $200 by 2020. An ever-increasing live sports premium remains the driving factor in that stupefying rise.

Time Warner is partially to blame for what some in Congress consider runaway premium costs. It paid an estimated $3 billion during a 20-year period to carry Los Angeles Lakers games and at least $7 billion for L.A. Dodgers games. The perennial championship-contending Lakers are ratings drivers, but the Dodgers arguably haven’t been the Southland’s best baseball team dating back to the L.A. Angels of Anaheim’s first World Series appearance in 2002. Holding the line against the combined demands of Fox and the Padres is hypocritical— or at least it would be if any San Diegan could be bothered to take proactive action about the also-ran status of this area’s only professional baseball team.

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner and the city council encouraged fans to register complaints on the city’s website to build aware-

ness to let Time Warner know that angry Padres fans will change cable companies if they can’t watch the games. I doubt there’s going to be many takers for Filner’s suggestion, judging by the empty seats during the Padres’ first 2013 homestand.

San Diegans seem content to do anything other than watch Padres games.

Part of the apathy stems from baseball’s decline in sports fans’ hearts. Not a single millennial was alive when baseball could call itself the nation’s pastime without seeming sounding ironic. But there was once a time when the World Series was as important to the nation as the Super Bowl is today. That began declining in 1972, when baseball had its first work strike. Baseball suffered seven more work stikes, culminating with the cancellation of the 1994 World Series. Professional baseball players and team owners are their own worst enemies.

The Padres desperately need attention. Allowing a sizable portion of regional eyeballs to set their sights on anything

other than Padres broadcast is not in their best interest. Despite the compromised assertions of San Diego radio sports talk show hosts, the Padres and Fox Sports are not in the driver’s seat in negotiations. Ownership should convince Fox Sports to wave the white flag and strike a compromise with Time Warner.

While they do risk angering other providers already carrying Fox Sports, Padres’ ownership has the chance to operate from a position of strength should the team produce a consistently winning product by the end of the contract.

The Padres have a long way to go before becoming as universal a symbol of San Diego as its beaches. Uncompromising TV package demands only move them further into obscurity.

The Padres must swallow pride they’ve never earned and do what’s best for promoting a product not currently in demand.

—Staff columnist Mike Heral is a journalism and media studies junior

Curfew laws keep juveniles’ rights in the dark local

T

he Escondido Police Department issued a curfew sweep for minors last week. The citywide ordinance prohibits minors from being out on the streets from 10 p.m. to 5

a.m. According to the police department’s website, 25 juveniles were arrested as a result of the enforcement—18 male and seven female. All of those arrested were eventually released to their parents or guardians, but not before being issued a ticket.

Before release, 16 of the juveniles were screened and referred to the EPD’s Diversion Program as an effort to “improve” their decision-making abilities. The remaining minors were referred to juvenile court.

This doesn’t seem to be the

greatest use of police resources.

I imagine the police department must really believe these kids pose a threat to society in order to validate this enforcement.

Either that or the EPD could just be bored. Between 1990 and 2010, violent crimes in Escon-

they so choose. Unless minors are an active plague on society by breaking the law or menacing others, I don’t see the problem in kids staying out late. If citizens allow the government to place curfews or other restrictions, at what point does it stop?

Between 1990 and 2010, violent crimes in Escondido decreased approximately 36 percent ... However, I find it hard to understand why these kids breaking curfew is such a concern when there are other, more serious crimes. dido decreased approximately 36 percent, and nonviolent crimes decreased by more than 50 percent. However, I find it hard to understand why these kids breaking curfew is such a concern when there are other, more serious crimes.

There could be a few different rationales behind this crackdown, one being the notion that minors staying out late in the streets encourages a type of criminal culture and influences kids to make poor decisions. The first part of this idea comes from genuine concern, which I understand. But the police may be crossing the line in this matter.

According to philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a democratic government only works as a social contract. This contract is an agreement or understanding between the people and their representatives, a tenuous bond constantly stretched and tested. There’s a large gray area where the government may or may not be encroaching on the rights of its citizens, and I would wholeheartedly say curfew is an encroachment. I understand that we don’t live in a utopian society without crime and social problems. There is crime, there are problems; but some problems are private and shouldn’t be the government’s concern.

Parents should be the ones to set curfews for their children, if

If the police tried to instate a curfew for adults, there would be an uproar. No town would stand for the government encroaching upon citizens’ rights. The same should apply to children. Teenagers—and their parents—can be incompetent when it comes to making smart decisions about curfews, but the government shouldn’t assume control immediately. A curfew for minors is essentially the government stepping in and claiming parents aren’t responsible enough to take care of their kids.

What is so harmful about being out late anyway? I recall, in high school and even in middle school, hanging out with friends or going on a walk or a run late at night because it was nice—I found peace then. There’s a negative assumption that goes along with a night culture, but from my experience, those stereotypes aren’t always justified. Rather than arresting and sentencing these young people to juvenile hall or a diversion program, the city should create community centers open late as safe environments for minors. While not all may go, it would provide a safe alternative without resorting to arrests, tickets or allowing the police to step in where they don’t belong.

—Staff columnist Sheridan Reed is a sociology junior

opinion | 5

thursday, april 18, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 103

Re-cycle with campuswide bike-sharing program

campus

S

an Diego State is a large campus for students who have back-to-back classes. I consider the 10 or 15-minute rush between classrooms my cardio workout for the day. Walking from class to class is tiring and long, which is usually why I’m late to almost every class every day. Skateboarding is technically illegal on campus, and riding the Red and Black Shuttle is only convenient with a broken leg that prohibits walking. Bicycling seems the way to go, but a little innovation for biking at SDSU is in order.

Owning a bike on a college campus is a hassle. In order to be a legal cyclist on campus, a bike owner needs a bicycle license corresponding to the bike’s serial number, according to the SDSU Police Department’s

bicycle policy. The bike owner must then lock the bike, preferably with a U-lock. But these are bulky, hard to ride with and annoying at any other time than when locking the bike.

“The absolute minimum security device is a 3-foot length of threeeights-inch case hardened chain together with a quality key type padlock with at least a three-eights-inch hardened shackle,” the SDSUPD’s policy reads However, there is still the possibility of the bike being stolen.

“Bicycle lockers provide the highest security bike storage, Class I long-term parking with protection from theft, vandalism and inclement weather to encourage cycling as a means of transportation,” according to CycleSafe, a bicycle locker manufacturer.

SDSU even had some of these locks on campus at one point, but they have been replaced with bike racks and barns. The racks provide minimal security, because any thief with a good pair of chain cutters could pedal away with a bike in less than a minute. The barns, while a safer option, still do not provide enough protection, because anyone with a key can come waltzing right in.

Last fall, Associated Students addressed the problems with biking around SDSU by starting the Aztec Recreation Center’s “Aztec Bike” Rental Program. This allows SDSU students and faculty to rent bikes for a monthly fee, but they are still responsible for the security of the bike.

In Paris, casual bike transportation has taken another route. Velib is a public bike-sharing program in

which members can access more than 20,000 bikes placed in one of the 1,800 stations scattered across Paris, ride it to its destinations, and safely secure it in one of the designated racks where any other member can access it. However, this caused more people to use the program. Parisians are seeing more and more Velib bikes being worn out from vandalism, as well as wear and tear. One problem is that the bikes are only attached to bike racks.

Let’s combine the ideas of bike sharing with bike lockers. Take Velib’s sharing system and the ARC’s program rental idea, combine them with the safer locking system of bike lockers, multiply the number of locations around campus and voila; a comprehensive, theft-preventive, green transportation option is born.

The program itself will be responsible for the maintenance of the bikes. A semester-long membership fee will include insurance for damage to or loss of the bike. The locks on the lockers, where the bikes are stored, can be programmed to log who checks out a bike and when and can automatically record the bike serial numbers from a transmitter under the seat when the bike is checked into a locker.

The infrastructure for this idea doesn’t currently exist, but it can with a little investment from interested students. With a little innovation, SDSU’s ARC “Aztec Bike” Rental Program can become the way to ride at SDSU.

—Staff columnist Kiersten Ridgel is a journalism junior

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OPINION WRITERS NEEDED Friends, Aztecs, countrymen, lend me your pens! The Daily Aztec’s Opinion section needs your ideas, opinions and musings. Not a writer? We are also looking for artists, cartoonists and poets to show San Diego State what they’ve got. Apply today at thedailyaztec.com or email opinion@thedailyaztec.com to write during the upcoming summer and fall semesters.

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6 | sports

Volume 99, issue 103 | Thursday, april 18, 2013

SDSU splits with UC Riverside and USD

Junior outfielder Patrice Jackson hit her team-leading 11th home run against UC Riverside.

softball Browning Stubbs Staff Writer

UCR 6, SDSU 5 The Aztecs, who are currently receiving votes in the ESPN/ USA Softball poll, had a lot of momentum going into this contest against the Highlanders. The game was neck-and-neck until the fifth inning, when redshirt junior outfielder Patrice Jackson gave the Aztecs a 5-2 lead. Jackson blasted her team-leading 11th home run of the season, bringing in sophomore outfielder Kayla Jordan and senior shortstop Tiffany Corder. Corder played very well for SDSU, going two for two with two walks, an RBI and a run. All of the hard work in that inning collapsed when UCR freshman pitcher Ashley Ercolano hit a two-run home run in the fifth and freshman utility Natalie Sanchez hit a solo home run to put a dagger in the Aztecs’ hearts. Senior pitcher Rebecca Arbino struggled against the Highlanders, allowing five runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks in more than 3.2 innings pitched. Senior catcher Kristin May continued her

jordan owen , staff photographer

impressive streak of nine multihit games this season.

SDSU 4, USD 1 The Aztecs got back on the winning track, beating crosstown softball rival the USD Toreros for the second time this season.

Through five innings, the game remained knotted up at 1-1.

Seldom-used sophomore catcher Kaitlin Connors came up big for the Aztecs, hitting a pinchhit triple to score freshman shortstop Monica Downey, who reached base on a fielder’s choice.

Jordan continued the spark for the Aztecs hitting a single that scored another run to give SDSU the lead for good. In the seventh inning, Corder continued the hot streak for the Aztecs by hitting another triple that scored another run. Arbino bounced back at the right time. After picking up the loss against UCR, she struck out eight batters and only allowed one unearned run. This game tied the school record for three triples in one game. SDSU is now 53-3 all-time against the Toreros.

Next Up: SDSU plays a three-game series against Boise State University Friday through Sunday.

Women’s tennis The San Diego State women’s tennis team remains undefeated in conference play, after beating Fresno State 4-3 and the University of Nevada, Reno 4-3 last weekend in Las Vegas.

The victorious weekend began against the Bulldogs on Saturday.

The Aztecs lost the doubles points to give the Bulldogs an early lead.

But thanks to some fierce play, SDSU made up for the loss, winning four singles matches to seal the win.

On Sunday, the Aztecs started off slow again, losing its doubles matches, which meant they had to come up big during singles play to get the win. The Aztecs won four of its singles matches to send the Wolf Pack packing.

SDSU is now 17-4 overall and 5-0 in the Mountain West Conference.

Track and field On Saturday, seven Aztecs came in first for their individual events at the Arnie Robison Invitational at San Diego Mesa College.

The No. 20 SDSU track and field team dominated in shotput and discus, with redshirt sophomore Jasmine Burrell finishing first in both.

As for the sprints, senior Thoraya Maronsey placed first in the 100-meter with a time of 13:35, while freshman Nicole Oudenaarden finished first in the 200meter with a time of 25:01.

In the 5,000-meter, freshman Hannah Sawatzki clocked a time of 18:44.64 to take first.

Junior Allison Reaser jumped 5 feet, 1 inch in high jump and freshman Karen Snapper pole vaulted a height of 11 feet, 6 inches, adding to the first place count.

The prodigal son returns After spending two years at UNLV coaching the Rebels, former men’s basketball assistant coach Justin Hutson is returning to SDSU. Huston was the Aztecs’ men’s basketball assistant coach from 2006-2011 and played a key role in SDSU’s recruiting efforts, brinings players such as Kawhi Leonard and Chase Tapley to Montezuma Mesa.

Before coaching the Aztecs and Rebels, Hutson coached at Cal Poly and Cal State Bakersfield.

Hutson helped UNLV to two NCAA tournament appearances and two seasons with 25 or more wins.

During his five seasons at SDSU, Hutson was a part of a coaching staff that recorded the most games above .500, most points, longest winning streak, most field goals and numerous other school records. He became the defensive coordinator and helped the Aztecs lead the MWC in scoring defense in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Men’s tennis The Aztec men’s tennis team also remains unbeaten in conference play, after defeating the University of New Mexico 4-3 on Sunday at the Aztec Tennis Center.

SDSU swept its doubles matches for the point and won three singles matches.

The Aztecs are now 17-7 overall and 5-0 in the MW. SDSU will travel to Reno to play against the Wolf Pack Sunday.

—Compiled by Assistant Sports Editor Adriana Bush

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sports | 7

thursday, april 18, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 103

Aztecs prepare for three-game showdown at UNLV

Junior shortstop Evan Potter anchors SDSU’s infield.

baseball Ryan Posner Staff Writer

Pitching SDSU: Nobody is hotter on this Aztec pitching staff than sophomore Michael Cederoth. In his last two starts, he fanned a combined 25 batters and has only surrendered two earned runs in two Aztec victories. If the other starters can hold a lead for the bull pen, freshman Bubba Derby will close it out.

UNLV: The Rebels are struggling of late, losing four of their last six games. A lot of those losses fall on the shoulders of the pitching staff.

paige nelson , photo editor

Freshman Bryan Bonnell, in his only start of the year, got beat to the tune of seven earned runs in 1.1 innings against Arizona State University. The Rebels’ best starter this season has been junior Buddy Borden.

Edge: SDSU Batting SDSU: In the last series against UNLV, all three games were low-scoring affairs won because of pitching. With that said, the Aztecs can hit when called upon, having accumulated six double-digit scoring games this season. Sophomore first baseman Ryan Muno did well in the team’s last series against UNLV, going four

for eight with an RBI and three runs.

Junior second baseman Tim Zier should also play a role in the series, showing he can rake in the RBIs with 24 on the season.

UNLV: What UNLV lacks in pitching, it makes up in the power game with slugging senior outfielder Brandon Bayardi. He feasted on SDSU pitching last series, going five for 13 and driving in four runs. The Aztec pitching staff would be smart to pitch around him and make other Rebel batters beat them this series. Senior outfielder Mark Shannon is also a dangerous hitter, leading the team with 31 RBIs. Edge: UNLV

SDSU: Senior catcher Jake Romanski is the glue that holds this defense together. He’s thrown out more than half of would-be base stealers and is an extra coach behind the dish, helping pitchers call games. Junior shortstop Evan Potter is also solid, shouldering a .964 fielding percentage and turning 20 double plays.

UNLV: This is the biggest gap between the two teams: UNLV has committed

Intangibles SDSU: While SDSU has a record more than .500 (19-17) and took two of three from UNLV last time, the Aztecs could be in trouble this series. This series will be played on the road—the Aztecs struggle away from home, going 9-12 this season.

On the other hand, SDSU won five of its last seven and its pitching staff looks untouchable. What will prevail: good pitching or hitting?

UNLV: Even though UNLV is going through a rough patch in its season, the Rebels should feel good about themselves. Coming into this series, they are 14-6 at home, and were able to keep every game close during the last series. While sputtering at the moment, this team can flat out hit and knows to get the job done at home.

Edge: UNLV

The Los Angeles Lakers’ clutch win at home on Friday against the Golden State Warriors came with a price, when Kobe Bryant ruptured his Achilles tendon during a drive to the basket. This is the first injury of this magnitude in Bryant’s career and could not have come at a worse time. One game earlier, Bryant’s 47-point performance pushed the Lakers past the Portland Trail Blazers to keep his team in play-off contention. Now, the Lakers are looking at potentially clinching the seventh seed, which would suffice for the letdown of a season they have had so far this season.

26 more errors this season than the Aztecs, 24 of those errors have come from sophomore T.J. White. If SDSU can put some balls in play to the left side of the infield, it will be able to force some errors.

Edge: SDSU Prediction SDSU takes two of three

National Sports Beat Franchise superstar goes down

Greinke against Quentin If anyone thinks charging the mound in baseball

is controversial, Carlos Quentin of the San Diego Padres probably reinforced that thought. The Padres’ outfielder charged LA Dodgers starter Zach Greinke after being pegged high up on the shoulder in last Thursday’s game. Quentin broke Greinke’s collarbone and sidelined him for eight weeks in the process. On a positive note for San Diego, the play showed some intensity and edge the Padres seemed to lack for the past four years. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly vehemently suggested Quentin be suspended for as long as Greinke is on the disabled list, but instead, Quentin was only hammered with an eight-game suspension.

-- Compiled by Staff Writer Logan Burns

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Volume 99, issue 103 | THURSday, APRIL 18, 2013

Forget cliche sweethearts

nonfiction Victoria Valenzuela Staff Writer

Whenever someone asks me, “What is your ideal guy?” I tend to go for the obvious, immediately rattling off the physical attributes I find most appealing: tall, tan, muscular, brunette, blue or green eyes and a mouth of pearly whites. Plus, having a defined jaw line doesn’t hurt, not to mention an athletic frame, plus or minus a six-pack of abs reminiscent of a Calvin Klein model. If I could design the perfect man, he would be some combination of these traits.

Before you peg me as a superficial Barbie doll, I also have a list of personality characteristics I would like my partner to have, such as honesty, respect and compassion. In addition, I’ve always been the first to admit I can be shallow when it comes to the opposite sex. It’s one of my flaws, and I’ve always accepted that as being a part of who I am. I tend to rationalize it for myself, thinking I have to be physically attracted to someone because the attraction is the initial spark of any relationship.

We’ve all heard the adage “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” which is true. Have you ever seen certain couples and wondered how in the world they ended up together?

Clearly they found something attractive in one another, whether it’s looks or personality.

Some think a person’s personality can be the most attractive thing about someone and is often what draws him or her when the outward appearance isn’t initially compelling. Though I’ve experienced the latter and can attest to its truth, I’m determined to find someone isn’t only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well.

In my experience, I’ve always

found guys on either end of the spectrum. Either they were gorgeous and seriously lacked positive character attributes, or they were wonderful, funny and charming but not physically appealing. And when I did find the combination of the two, they were either already in a relationship or gay. For as long as I can remember, this has felt like a curse.

“Why can’t I find the whole package? Is that too much to ask for?”

I would begrudgingly preach to the heavens above.

So I’d drown my sorrows in the world of romantic comedies and popular TV shows, lusting after the fictional Hollywood men I wanted to clone for myself.

My way of thinking involves a biological trigger in my genes that causes me to fixate on a man’s physical embodiment. If we look back in time, evolution shows how the first humans selected mates. Cavemen selected women they deemed as young and fertile, while women chose partners they considered strong and reliable. While cavemen are ancient and based in a time when survival was of the essence, when put in today’s terms, it may not seem too far-fetched to think we hold a similar mindset. Men often watch pornography and go to strip clubs and bars to surround themselves with beautiful and sexy women. But women aren’t innocent either; just think of the reasons why you and your girlfriends went to see “Magic Mike.”

A friend of mine told me about a dating app called Tinder, which pairs people with a mutual interest in one another. Unlike other online dating platforms, there are no profiles to read and no questions to answer on Tinder. You simply scroll

through user photos and put them into a “Nope!” or “Like!” pile. It speeds up the process, but you have nothing else to judge people on other than their appearance.

I was shocked by how degrading this method is. How are you supposed to know what kind of people they are if you disregard them completely in two seconds? The sad thing is, we make such quick judgments every day and most of the time, we don’t give it a second thought.

I had a change of heart when I recently found myself having feelings for someone who, on the surface, isn’t what I’ve always considered to be my “type.” My attraction to this person was not about his looks. It was the way he carried himself, his caring nature toward those around him and his zest for life. I began to realize that the narrow vision I always held had been more restricting than I ever thought. Instead of preventing me from “settling,” my high expectations for my dream man held me back from discovering who else might be out there—possibly someone I might be compatible with, but whom I never let myself find.

Let’s face it—the “perfect” man or woman doesn’t exist, and our quest to find him or her is futile.

While we’re on the hunt for someone who meets a specific set of criteria, we could be missing out on other amazing people without ever knowing it. It’s good to have standards, but the key is to not set them so high that no one could ever measure up, because in the end, beauty fades. So instead of looking for my Ryan Reynolds look-alike, it might be time to put down my list and open my heart.

HOROSCOPE

by Nancy Black, Tribune Media Services

Today’s Birthday (4/18/13) - All this network buzz inspires participation. Word travels farther for the next six months, so get it out. Direct this energy homeward. Spend time with friends and family, interspersed with introspection. Respectfully ride out changes with grace. Choose what you get, and create what you want. Include love.

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

Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 - Even in the face of confrontation, access your cool head and glide past old barriers.

There are calmer winds ahead. Celebrate with a home-cooked meal and cozy couch time.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - There’s so much to do. Streamlining your routine saves precious time. Surround yourself with love, and start by giving it away.

Have the party at your house, but don’t go overboard on preparation.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 9 - Don’t be afraid to assume responsibility, and increase your authority. Only when undaunted by fear of defeat can you taste victory. Others may want to distract you from your goals. Stand up for what’s right.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 Your curiosity is aroused, and you’re tempted to buy something you may not need. Think it over. Your energy is best spent making money.

Limit your guest list or the menu, or just make it a potluck.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - Watch those nickels and dimes. You’re bringing them in, possibly the hard way. Walking relieves tension. Move quickly and with keen eyes.

Travel later. Assert your desires today and tomorrow. Inspire, rather than demand.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 - You’re empowered and more sensitive. Dig

deeper without being too critical. Resist the splurge temptation, and continue to increase personal assets. Observe the situation, and contemplate your next move. Pay back a favor.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 - Make a decision you can live with. Hold firm to whatever’s most important. The more complete, the better. Be respectful. Defer gratification. There’s a potential conflict of interests. You have more friends than you realized.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 Decide what you want. There’s a disagreement about priorities. Don’t push too hard. Check out other options. Confront and diminish old fears. Postpone an outing. You’re attracting the attention of an important person.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - It’s getting adventurous for the next two days. Don’t overlook career obligations; handle them before dashing off. Listen to feedback. Get friends to help, and you get to spend time with them.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - New opportunities develop. Work to achieve immediate goals. Right now, it’s better to receive than give. Minimize risks. Make big changes without spending money. Consult distant associates for encouragement.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - You still have paperwork to finish.

Continue to increase savings in the coming week. Assume responsibility. Talk about your feelings. Provide facts. You’ll have more help.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Pay off another debt. Don’t believe everything you’ve learned. Watch out for misunderstandings or errors. Work out the details with your partner, and put your heads together behind closed doors. Uncork your passions. ©2013, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

SUDOKU

by The Mepham Group, Tribune Media Services

Difficulty Level: 4 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.

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Across 1 Invitation reminder letters 5 Tape player button 10 ‘80s pop duo with an exclamation point in its name 14 Renaissance painter Guido 15 Indian city 16 Sharpen 17 #2: Abbr.

18 Like some checking accounts 19 Cry after being tagged 20 *Web page index 22 *”Keep in touch!”

24 Start of a boast 25 “Middle of Nowhere” director DuVernay 27 Prohibit 28 Restaurant survey creator 29 Tease 30 Smacked, biblically 31 Steven Chu’s Cabinet dept.

32 Mononymous “Rumour Has It” singer 34 Used peepers on 35 “Firework” singer Perry 37 Exile isle 39 Debacle 42 Soda buys 46 Mac interface 47 *Comics supervillain whose real name is Charles Brown 51 Start to push?

52 Clarified butter 54 “__ Believer”: ‘60s hit 55 Retailer T.J. ___ 56 Knock out of contention 61 Personal partner?

64 It goes around the world 68 Flat container 69 Ice cream treats 70 With 71-Across, what the answers to starred clues contain?

71 See 70-Across Down 1 Lingerie spec 2 “Absolutely!”

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Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 3 Treading the boards 4 *Vampire victim’s souvenir 5 Flamboyant Dame 6 Where to find a lot of answers?

7 Impish sort 8 Like some vitamins 9 Cake level 10 *Chicken choice 11 Inner city buddy 12 Produce, as cartoons 13 Like most cabs 21 Was introduced to 23 Passports, e.g.

26 Contend 32 Yours, in Tours 33 Big name in scat 36 Cry from Cathy of comics 38 Trash repository 39 Weather for low beams 40 Moderating suffix

41 Terminate 43 Green org.

44 T. __ 45 What F or M may denote 48 “It takes a licking ...” watch 49 U.K. record label 50 Leonine neck features 53 Sought morays 55 Gettysburg general 57 Brain part 58 “And the race __!”

59 Blue hue 60 Mao Tse-__ 61 Seat, in slang 62 NYG NFL rival 63 Fish-and-chips fish 65 Basking goal 66 Where age always goes before beauty, briefly 67 The ANC’s country