05-01-2014

VOLUME 100, ISSUE 62

Thursday, May 1 - sunday, may 4, 2014

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Veteran keeps moving forward | features P8 megan wood, staff photographer

Swipes for charity | news P3 courtesy of thinkstock

courtesy of litsa tzotzolis

| P5

OPINION

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National City partnership

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P9 / entertainment

Classic animal friends visit SDSU

| news P2 P11 / sports

Aztecs set for MWC showdown

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913

2 NEWS

MAY 1 - 4, 2014 • THE AZTEC

#SAGEPROJECT

Aztecs plan National City’s future

The Sage Project Symposium gave SDSU students an opportunity to present their proposals about ways to improve National City’s growth and sustainability goals.

LAWSON NAVARRO STAFF WRITER

A diverse group of San Diego State students came to Montezuma Hall on Monday to present their proposals on how to improve National City.

“Growing up I thought National City was bland, didn’t think much about it and there were lots of negative things I heard about it,” graphic design senior Franco Garcia said.

Garcia was one of about 70 presenters at the Sage Project Symposium, where students had the opportunity to present their research and proposals for ways to counter some of the economic issues and negative perceptions of National City.

The Sage Project: Community Engagement for Sustainable Cities Program is a partnership between SDSU and local government in National City where students from 14 classes are given the opportunity to assist the government with partner-directed projects that direct smart growth and sustainability goals.

“The purpose was to highlight work

Students gathered to present research on improving National City on Monday. About 70 presenters attended the symposium. COURTESY OF LITSA TZOTZOLIS.

that students have been doing all year long and to celebrate our first year doing this since it was our pilot year,” Sage Project Program Director Jessica Barlow said.

The project proposal Garcia worked on Because of its highly urban and lowoutlined plans to create a functional way income community, National City is the to find systems using color and graphic city partner for the Sage Project until the elements to delineate the four districts 2015-16 academic year. of National City. The proposal suggests Real estate senior Joey Zaniboni using recycled material to place signage worked on a project to find the best uses across the city directing visitors to each of properties to evaluate a long-range district. plan for property management. His Project proposals ranged from group proposed certain lots of land be merging law enforcements with San turned into residential areas or a large Diego County to exploring community commercial retail spot, such as an auto interest in creating industry store. microbreweries in “As a student, National City. any time you can “These are the kinds “Students get real–world of experiences that created projects experience in an take students beyond that were already industry you are one semester of of interest to the passionate about work,” Barlow said. city,” Barlow said. to interact with “They tackled government, it’s these projects from a good idea,” different perspectives.”

Zaniboni said.

Sustainability senior Kris Rios worked According to Barlow, the proposals on a proposal advancing a skatepark will be reviewed by the city, but there is some locals call “the sewer,” as well as no guarantee they will be carried out. creating murals to liven up art culture in However, the information and research the city. will be used in some shape or form by the “The perception is that it needs city as it moves forward. care and attention from the inside “These are the kinds of experiences and outside,” Rios said. “This is an that take students beyond one semester opportunity to make a difference with of work,” Barlow said. “It’s an experience the little I know.” that can be transformative.”

The Sage Project: Engagement for Sustainible Cities Program is a partnership between SDSU and the National City government. Students from 14 classes are involved. COURTESY OF LITSA TZOTZOLIS

NEWS

MAY 1 - 4, 2014 • THE AZTEC

#SWIPESFORTHEHOMELESS

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Org. seeks to help SD homeless UCLA nonprofit hopes to feed San Diego homeless with leftover money from SDSU student meal plans.

ADRIANA MILLAR STAFF WRITER

A new student organization at San Diego State may let students donate leftover meal plan money to provide food for the homeless.

Swipes for the Homeless is an international organization that began at University of California, Los Angeles, where students would swipe out meals from their dining hall and deliver them to homeless people in Los Angeles. Now an official nonprofit organization, Swipes for the Homeless has switched to transferring meal swipes into non-perishable goods, and serves more than 60 universities across the world.

Public administration senior and Swipes for the Homeless President Mia Sarno is spearheading the program’s introduction to SDSU. She got the idea at her internship for the city of San Diego, where she was inspired to bring the program to local campuses.

“I was really passionate about it, and I was doing a lot of research about it­—how big the population is, how big the age range, which is actually really close to a lot of college kids’

age—and I was like well, let’s try to pilot the program at State,” Sarno said.

She said San Diego is ranked third in homelessness in the U.S., and has a homeless population of roughly 10,000, with half of the population under the age of 25. Sarno’s final project for her Rhetoric and Writing Studies class, creating a fictitious student organization, helped build the SDSU chapter. She said two of the chapter’s main board members were part of her RWS group.

Swipes for the Homeless was officially recognized as a student organization about a month and half ago. The organization hopes to implement the Swipes program beginning next fall.

Political science junior and Swipes for the Homeless president for the 2014-15 school year John Giguere said the program hopes to receive backing from Associated Students before entering into negotiations with SDSU Dining Services.

“Having the student body’s backing shows support on campus and that they want this to happen,” Giguere said.

The program would most likely be geared toward the Meals Plus Plan, since the money

Swipes for the Homeless will focus primarily on the Meals Plus Plan because other plans empty daily.

MEGAN WOOD, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

rolls over and must be used by the semester’s end, Giguere said, Although the Swipes program is not currently available on campus, the group has held several other events, including food fundraisers and will host a launch party and concert on May 9. According to the program’s Facebook page, the event will be a Choose5 Campaign, which encourages students and community members to donate at least $5 electronically or bring five pieces of lightly-used clothing or five nonperishable items of food at the door.

“We’ve proven already we’re more than just the swipes,” Giguere said. “We’re doing a lot of volunteer operations, and we’re

planning on going every Wednesday and Thursday to donate time, probably at an organization like the San Diego Food Bank.”

Along with being the first California State University to have a Swipes chapter, the group plans to go above and beyond donating leftover meal plan money.

“If you’re eating your meals, that awesome, but if you’re not empowered to find work or get off the streets, that’s hard,” Sarno said. “We’re hoping to create mentorship relationships within the community, and there’s a couple of organizations I’ve started the conversation with, but right now a lot the events we’re doing are focused on donating food or money.”

4 OPINION

THE AZTEC • MAY 1 - 4, 2014

who’swho

#SDSUPRANKS

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

A man from BigDawsTV pranks Aztecs by playing BopIt in the library. COURTESY OF YOUTUBE

Aztecs, please take your shenanigans off campus EMILY ALVARENGA STAFF COLUMNIST

In college, you often see some pretty strange people do some pretty strange things. Aztecs witness the unexpected everywhere on campus: in class, in the market or even in the library. It becomes almost ordinary to find someone doing something bizarre, but some students are taking it too far.

Here at San Diego State, I’ve seen some weird things, but what I didn’t expect to see was students recording themselves doing these ridiculously idiotic things.

It doesn’t bother me so much that students choose to be dumb. What bothers me is the time and place they choose to do so.

The popular college touring months of March, April and May mean campuses are often flooded with prospective students and their parents. In these three months, countless families are seen exploring the campus while prospective students—and their parents—decide where they are going to attend in the Fall.

The cultural environment of college is a big part of this decision, and for better or worse, as students, we are a key part of this culture.

Within the past month or so, I’ve witnessed several people record themselves performing drinking challenges either in class or in the library.

I’ve also seen a couple of embarrassing YouTube videos with “SDSU” tacked onto their titles.

Maybe Aztecs just don’t understand, but when prospective students are looking into a college, the first impression tells them a lot. If the first thing they see when they look at our campus is a student taking shots in a classroom or running around the library in nothing but a pair of boxer briefs, they

aren’t going to want to attend our school.

60,000 views in barely a month and made Or if they do, it’s probably for the wrong national news, causing people around the reasons. country to question the students here at You’re probably thinking, “Who cares SDSU. what they think of our school?” The I was curious to see how widespread answer? You should care. the video had gone, so I approached a To be successful in your future career group of prospective students who had these days, you must go to a prestigious just finished their campus tour. school and graduate with a degree.

“Yeah I’ve seen it,” prospective student As students, we contribute to SDSU’s Emily Richtie from Washington said. “I prestige. But when we start making our don’t get how he could even be allowed school look bad to prospective Aztecs, it to run for A.S. after a video like that. It creates a problem. definitely made me question the integrity If students of the Associated stop wanting to Students board here go to SDSU, our at SDSU.” Here at San Diego school’s good Now a new State, I’ve seen name will start to “Pranks San Diego some weird things, sink. Its reputation State University” but what I didn’t doesn’t only rely video has begun on academics, but circulating, with expect to see was also our image and more than 130,000 students recording how we portray views in just more themselves doing ourselves to the than a week. This these ridiculously public. If we video features idiotic things. tarnish SDSU’s BigDawsTV reputation, how pranking students can we expect to and teachers land good jobs after around campus, in we graduate? Who is going to want to the library and during class. Based on its hire someone from a school known for viral status, the video clearly has students the crazy behavior of its students? talking. Even though most students just Our school’s reputation should laugh it off, what about the image this is matter to everyone attending. What I giving to the public? really don’t understand is why students Students needs to realize that we aren’t behave so badly on campus. Is it that little kids anymore—what we do matters. exhilarating to record yourself drinking Nowadays, with the technology we have in a classroom? Few people will look at everything we do can be remembered that and think it makes you look cool. forever.

More likely, they’ll think you’re reckless So before you record yourself doing or just embarrassing. something stupid on our campus, just Not all attention is good attention, think, “Am I going to want my future and this year SDSU already had some employer to find this video?” not-so-positive publicity. During SDU’s Remember, what you do affects the Associated Student elections last month, community that you represent. Think Luke Dzierzanowski became the center about your actions before you become the of attention when his campaign video one to ruin the reputation of our school featuring bikini-clad girls and cigars and potentially hurt the future of all went viral on March 10. The video topped fellow Aztecs.

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

what’swhat

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OPINION

MAY 1 - 4, 2014 • THE AZTEC

#GRADECURVES

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Test curves protect flawed system ELPIN KESHISHZADEH STAFF COLUMNIST

With the semester coming to a close, students are struggling to hold onto their GPAs. This is the time when calculations are made to determine the final exam grades students need in order to pass the class.

In times of such undeniable stress, any scraps of sympathy thrown our way in the form of extra credit or a curve comes as a divine get-out-of-jail-free card.

The desperation of passing the Spring semester with flying colors is blanketing the flawed grading system of some college classes. There is no doubt a grade curve has saved nearly all of us at one point or another, but what if these free passes are acting as a bandage for poor class structures?

A grading curve is intended to maintain a class average, but if that average is circling around the low 60s, are the students still the problem?

If the majority of the class ended up with a poor grade, it would raise many red flags about the nature of the course syllabus. So to keep that from happening, some professors curve their poorly structured exams to represent an even spread of scholars and slackers.

As much as students despise exams, they’re intended to measure how well students are assessing and applying the information they absorb in lectures. So if the structure of the exam is failing to measure that variable, a curve acts as a bandage solution—an excuse to avoid the reality that the set-up of the exam could be the problem.

It’s no secret the diploma we work everyday to earn is not cheap, so if the exams that are measuring how close we are to that goal are flawed, the curves hurt students more than they help. Students don’t complain because in many instances it’s this same curve that has saved their academic standing, but we deserve to get the education we pay for.

We’re not paying for average. We’re paying to be the graduating class capable of those executive positions and impressive business deals. We’re paying for greatness, and it’s not attainable by being treated as average.

When professors throw out specific questions on an exam, that means they acknowledge the poorly structured question was the cause of the low response rate. That instance is always appreciated by many students. But this isn’t always the case with grade curves.

Next time a professor tries to hide the fact that their exams aren’t serving a proper purpose with a two-to-three letter grade curve, ask yourself if you’re getting your money’s

COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK

worth.

Dedicating an average of 40-hour a weeks to our academia, the results of sleepless nights spent studying should be met with an accurate measurement of our knowledge. If I knew the result of a majority failing an impossible exam would give me my A or B regardless, I’d spend my semester sipping margaritas at the beach instead of using concealer to hide the bags under my sleepless eyes.

Personally, I’m prouder of the B I earned with tears and hard work than the A I received because the rest of the class found the exams just as ludicrous as I. Your time is valuable, and you should hold your professors to the same standard they hold you to.

#SEXUALASSAULT

Sexual violence is everyone’s problem MORGAN RUBIN STAFF COLUMNIST

Let’s face it—there are few places on the planet where we can feel safe. Some people feel safe within their homes, while others find comfort within the walls of religious institutions and schools. With all the sexual harassment cases at universities across the United States in recent months, the latter hasn’t really been true. Schools such as Yale, Columbia, Ohio State, Harvard, Brown and a number of others are currently under fire for the poor handling of the sexual assault cases that have happened on and around the campuses, reported by students.

There is a multitude of problems within university policies that have been brought to the attention of the general public. Here’s what needs to be done by universities to improve how sexual harassment cases are handled.

Stop playing the blame game Victims of harassment at these campuses have said that upon reporting the crime, they were essentially blamed for, “partaking in risky behavior,” or “being vulnerable.” One school administrator even allegedly asked, “What could you have done differently?” in the wake of a victim’s rape. I find any level of victim shaming despicable, especially when it involves an educational institution. The job of the school faculty and administrators is to help

students in any and every way possible, not put into their heads that such unthinkable acts happen only because of the actions of the victims themselves. That’s how students start to blame themselves, which leads to depression, and in some cases, suicide.

Don’t wait for the government to say what to do This has gone so far, that politicians are getting involved. Sen. Claire McCaskill from Missouri stated earlier this month that she will start a national investigation looking into how universities respond to the sexual assault cases reported to them.

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama set up a task force to look into the issue.

When the situation gets so bad that the government has to step in, it’s clearly time for universities to reevaluate their current practices. This measure shouldn’t be necessary, and frankly it’s frightening that it is. The evaluations of procedures should be happening before the government steps in. Schools can take it upon themselves to create more preventive measures to try to make those cases few and far between, without pressure from the government.

Make sure the convicted actually pay for the crime In August 2013, a Brown University student was brutally raped by a former friend. She filed charges through the university, and as a result, he was found guilty only of breaking the university’s code of misconduct. He only received a year of suspension from the school for raping his classmate—a slap on the wrist, basically.

COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK

Don’t forget that the classmate he raped will no doubt run into him on campus once he returns. To have someone around that has been found guilty of hurting someone is bound to be horrifying for the survivor of the crime. If I were in that young woman’s position, there is no doubt that I would be terrified to be at that school.

This is why the universities need stricter punishments for those convicted of such crimes. Not only should the schools expel that person, they should follow up with an actual criminal investigation. Rape is rape, whether a student does it on campus or not.

Those people should be held accountable.

Though not up to par with many other universities, I’m not deluded into thinking San Diego State is free from such upsetting activities. Luckily, our school has a few

ways to combat sexual assault, such as a once-a-year safety workshop organized by the SDSU Police Department and the Women’s Resource Center. However, there is always opportunity to do more.

It’s imperative that everyone, not just college students, are mindful of the dangers, the precautions and the solutions to these problems. An estimated one in five women have been sexually assaulted in this country, according to The New York Times. With each passing day, it seems as if the only people that are safe are the sexual assaulters themselves. We have the power to change the status quo and prevent these crimes by making students feel safe with their peers. The time to act is now and not hesitate any further for governmental intervention.

6 PHOTO

the aztec • May 1 - 4, 2014

#throughourlens

Looking back: a year in review

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1.Aztecs fans rush the court after Mountain West win. Kevin Serrano, staff photographer 2. Conrad Prebys donates $20 million to SDSU. Wesley Beights, staff photographer 3.SDSU student runs for mayor of San Diego. Monica linzmeier, photo editor 4.Students protest fee increases. Wesley beights, staff photographer 5. Sky Show at Qualcomm Stadium. Monica Linzmeier, photo editor

FEATURES 7

MAY 1 - 4, 2014 • THE AZTEC

#SDSUCHEF

Aztec chef wins national competition ALICIA CHAVEZ STAFF WRITER

When Ed Glebus was first announced as the new associate director and executive chef for Aztec Shops at San Diego State, he had no idea his first order of business would be a three-day culinary competition at the University of Southern California. Glebus represented SDSU at the 2014 National Association of College and University Food Services Competition and took home the gold medal for his lobster dish.

A culinary contest The competition, held April 5-7, invited college and university chefs from across the West Coast region to compete for the title as Best West Coast Chef at a college or university. The theme of the competition was “flavors,” which is exactly how Glebus captured the hearts and stomachs of judges. He created a California-inspired, surf and turf dish with an element of surprise. He prepared a lobster pasta, pairing it with something a little different—beef bacon.

Judges asked competitors to create three servings of the same dish, only providing the chefs with two stove burners, a trash can and electricity. Everything else was up to the chefs.

After receiving praise from all four judges, Glebus was given the gold medal for his creative dish, and the Best in Show trophy. Competitors were graded on their sanitation, cleanliness, organization, creativity and execution, as well as other categories.

Glebus said he gets his inspiration to continue cooking from the kitchen itself.

“I love everything about the kitchen,” Glebus said. “The pressure, the heat, the creativity, the craziness, the last minute-ness. You never stop learning in this industry. That’s what drives me.”

Humble beginnings Before Glebus found himself on the SDSU campus, he grew up in Massachusetts, making sandwiches at a small shop where he discovered how much he loved being in the kitchen.

Once he arrived in San Diego, Glebus had his share of odd jobs including one at a Jamaican breakfast restaurant. Glebus then made the transition to hotel food service.

Glebus began working for the Marriott hotel in Downtown San Diego. He was a part of their fine dining restaurant, and gradually made his way up to the executive chef position. While an executive chef, he was introduced to the “farm-to-table” theory. Farm-to-table means making all food from scratch and sourcing all food products from a nearby farm. Glebus and a team of chefs began to execute the farm-to-table operation. According to Glebus, it was the first time it was introduced to San Diego,.

“Vegetables like carrots were picked that morning, cooked, peeled and served the same night,” Glebus said.

He saw the benefits of cooking with fresh foods, in both

Chef Glebus wears his medal for winning the title as the best chef in the West Coast region. MONICA LINZMEIER, PHOTO EDITOR

health and taste, and after five years transferred to the Marriott’s Mission Valley location, taking with him his precious knife kit and the farm-to-table philosophy. He soon joined the Business and Industry Food Service and started working at the Qualcomm offices with the CulinArt program.

“CulinArt’s philisophy is the food comes first,” Glebus said. “Which is my philosophy as well, because if the food isn’t right to begin with, then why are you going to go and eat it?”

Changes at SDSU Glebus was welcomed to SDSU last January and now oversees the Cuicicalli dining hall, University Towers Kitchen, the production kitchen, bakery and the faculty and staff club. He was given the executive chef position based on his background and certification from the American Culinary Foundation.

Glebus has several ideas to improve SDSU’s dining services.

“My ultimate goal is to make the food a lot better and something students want to eat, too,” he said. “I’m not going to put something on a menu they don’t want to eat.”

Obtaining the ACF certification was an accomplishment Glebus made while first working at the Marriott. He is now able to administer and proctor the tests. He plans for all chefs at SDSU to be ACF certified in the near future, something that will not be easy for them.

The ACF certification test requires chefs to take management, sanitation and nutrition courses, then take

a written exam with a given list of ingredients to create a menu, cook an appetizer, entree, salad and dessert for four different judges.

This certification opened the door to several opportunities for Glebus. While he was working at Qualcomm, the Navy approached him and asked him to travel to Japan for two weeks to help certify a group of 20 chefs. Glebus is now serving as the Chairman of ACF Board, San Diego chapter.

Looking ahead Glebus will travel to the University of Massachusetts, where chefs from around the country will celebrate and compete in the 20th annual Tastes of the World Chef Culinary Conference. Glebus will be taking three other SDSU chefs along with him. This is a four-man basket competition, where judges give chefs a product and the team is asked to create a menu, and then execute a salad, entree and dessert for 10. The competition will be held on June 15 to 20.

Glebus will then head to Baltimore, Maryland in July to compete for the national title as best college and university chef. Though it will be a long journey, Glebus knows he will have an entire campus of supporters back home.

For future students who wish the same success, Glebus has had in the culinary industry, he recommends experience before making any committments.

“They teach you a lot in school, but that’s just a foundation,” Glebus said. “Once you get into the real world, you realize you’re not going to be the next Emeril Lagasse or Bobby Flay.”

8 FEATURES

MAY 1 - 4, 2014 • THE AZTEC

#AZTECVETERAN

Veteran keeps positive attitude

Torres was a real life example of how their project could help service members, and said he doesn’t mind talking about his prosthetic legs or his injury.

“I wish more people asked me about how I lost my legs,” Torres said. “People need to know there is a legitimate war going on.”

J.D. HODGES STAFF WRITER

Before 26-year-old psychology freshman Julian Torres was a student at San Diego State, he served five years as a Marine and fought in Marjah, Afghanistan. After being in Afghanistan for only three weeks, Torres stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device.

“When I got hit, I went straight up, saw my shadow and landed right on my face,” Torres said. “I remember everything about that day. I was conscious until they put me to sleep on the surgical bed.”

Torres lost his legs from the explosion and now has prosthetic legs.

Positive attitude Losing both legs in the blink of an eye would be hard for even the most positive of people, but Torres has more than just a positive attitude; he integrates optimism into his everyday life through three steps.

“One, get radical with your self-talk,” Torres said. “Two, surround yourself with people that are ahead of you, and not only ahead of you, but they expect you to catch up to them. Three, you’ve got to give back; you’ve got to have human interaction.”

This positive attitude has helped not only mentally, but also physically.

“I can say having the right mindset is

Influences and the future

SDSU veteran Julian Torres keeps an active lifestyle and positive outlook. COURTESY OF JULIAN TORRES

critical because I had 12 surgeries—most guys with my injury have 100 surgeries,” Torres said. “I lost 70 percent of my hearing, but I got it all back. I credit that to an unwavering optimism that it’s going to be OK.” Torres was recently selected to receive a home built for him by the charity Homes For Our Troops, which builds houses for service members who have been severely injured. The houses have wider hallways and doorways, lower counters and handicapfriendly bathrooms.

Torres originally requested to have a house in San Diego, but HFOT said it could be a challenge and he may have to wait for a while. However, soon after that, HFOT found a spot for him and his family. Torres

credits this opportunity to his positive mindset.

Giving back Torres is giving back by motivating others.

He speaks to private companies, churches, schools and amputee support groups about his experience and what it takes to stay optimistic.

Torres was asked to speak to workers for a private defense contractor about a project involving IED detection. The project was already almost a year behind schedule.

“They wanted me to talk about a sense of urgency and the gravity of the situation,” Torres said. “Those guys just see what’s on the assembly line and not the big picture sometimes.”

Though he is currently studying psychology, Torres is also interested in English.

“Authors leave a legacy, and I would like to leave my mark on society,” Torres said. “I believe that literature is important because it can portray current events in an imaginative and creative way, and it can invoke emotions in people. Literature has the ability to speak beyond the grave.”

Torres said he loves how he feels he can have a relationship with an author of a book that was written hundreds of years ago. He cites Thomas Moore’s “Utopia” and George Orwell’s “1984” as favorite books of his.

Torres feels his role in life is to help people achieve and maintain a “champion mindset.”

His injury has helped him appreciate what’s important in life.

“The hustle and bustle of life doesn’t get me in a rush,” Torres said. “I would love for people to feel what I feel everyday: true happiness.”

MAY 1 - 4, 2014 • THE AZTEC

#junglebook

ENTERTAINMENT 9

Classic animal friends visit SDSU brittney pickei staff writer

Doing an adaptation of a beloved children’s book could be a risky move, but Margaret Larlham’s version of “Jungle Book” was nothing short of incredible and immensely entertaining. The change in storyline makes for a compelling and action-packed show with an important message. Larlham’s revision of the children’s novel updates the story and takes an environmental approach.

This version of “Jungle Book” gives the audience a new perspective on how the actions of humans are impacting our environment. Although the play’s plot covers some heavy topics, from the beginning the humorous dialogue exchanges between characters kept the audience laughing. The musical numbers and the expressive interaction between the characters make this play great for all ages.

The impeccable chorography and high-quality vocal performance by the cast are some of the main reasons “Jungle Book” is so entrancing to watch. One of the unique aspects about the show is that the costumes are creatively designed to depict the animals of the jungle, and acrobatic stunts The adventure are performed on a silk rope by Taylor emphasizes it’s Richardson.

The stage transformed into an exotic within our power to jungle located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, make changes for the and is decorated with intriguing props better. designed by the talented masters of fine arts students in design and technical theatre.

The story stays true to the original where Mowgli (Megan Duncan) is required to learn the “laws” of the jungle from Mother Wolf (Jilliann Giacalone), Bagheera the Panther (Chanel Lucia), Baloo the Bear (Christopher Yarrow) and the deceitful tiger Shere Kahn (Ryan Sandvick). Sandvick portrays Khan as a villainous tiger that is constantly trying to sink his teeth into Mowgli. However, he is continuously stopped by the other animals in the jungle. The hilarious dynamic between Shere Khan and the jackal hyena, Tabaqui (Kelli Plaisted) adds to the comedy of the show.

the

fun&games issue coming thursday 5/8/14

The Jungle Book reimagining on campus inspires and amuses with characters like these playful monkeys.

courtesy of the sdsu school of theatre, television and film

The production leaves the audience with a friendly reminder that we must always be aware of the consequences of our actions. The adventure emphasizes it’s within our power to make changes for the better. This is a message that kids and adults can both appreciate.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

MAY 1 - MAY 5, 2014 • THE AZTEC

#CINCODEMAYO

Weekend Picks: Dance and Danny RYO MIYAUCHI

Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4. Old Town’s restaurants and cantinas will offer food and drink specials all day on Friday for your enjoyment, along with four live music stages located throughout Old Town. There’s fun for the whole family, including a children’s play area and a stagecoach ride throughout the historic part of Old Town. Museums and gift shops are open for your leisure, so don’t forget to stop by and enjoy this cultural celebration.

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

ALEK SANCHEZ STAFF WRITERS

Ryo’s Picks SDSU University Dance Company celebrates 25 years This year, the University Dance Company at San Diego State celebrates 25 years as a student performance group. For the occasion, the company will present a dance concert during the weekend of May 2-4 in ENS 200, the dance studio on campus.

The upcoming concert will premiere four new dance works: “Blot” by Gina Bolles Sorensen, “GO” by Leslie Seiters, “Duets” by Patricia Sandback and “Presence” by Melissa Nunn. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students with a REDID. Check for showtimes online at the SDSU School of Music and Dance website, as times vary each day.

Mesa College student art show From May 1 to 15, the San Diego Mesa

The University Dance Company will perform brand new dance. COURTESY OF JOE ALTER

College Art Department and Art Gallery presents its spring 2014 student art show. The exhibition features works in various artworks from printmaking, photography and more, all produced by students enrolled in studio arts courses and the Fashion Department.

On opening day from 4 to 7 p.m., the gallery will also host a reception and an art sale. If

you plan to see the exhibition later, be sure to check the San Diego Mesa College website for gallery hours.

Alek’s Picks Cinco De Mayo at Old Town Don’t miss out on Old Town’s 31st Annual “Cinco De Mayo” celebration on

Danny Brown Unique would be a good way to describe rapper Danny Brown. From his wild and engaging personality to his high-energy singles and one-of-a-kind voice inflection, Danny Brown has made waves in hip-hop culture during the past couple of years. With collaborations with Childish Gambino, A$AP Rocky and Ab-Soul to name a few, the rapper has the talent and skill ready for the limelight. Since March, Danny has been touring to promote his latest album, “Old,” and will bring his show to San Diego this Friday, May 2 at Porter’s Pub.

#TRIBALSEEDS

San Diego’s own Tribal Seeds keep jammin’ with new album JOSSELYN MOLINA STAFF WRITER

From the warm beaches to the reggae music scene, a lot of great things come from San Diego. Who better to represent the city than Tribal Seeds and their fourth album, “Representing.”

Tribal Seeds, the six-man reggae-rock band from San Diego has flourished since their start back in 2005. They’ve toured with multiple big names throughout the years such as Matisyahu, Rebelution, SOJA, Sublime with Rome and Collie Buddz. Their new album, which will be released this Friday, simply does San Diego and its people justice.

Their collaborations are a breath of fresh air for any reggae fan, featuring prominent voices in the reggae scene such as New Kingston, Kyle McDonald from Slightly Stoopid, Don Carlos and Mykal Rose. Each one of their songs

has beautifully-fitting vocals laid upon different combinations of harmonizing instruments. The album includes seven of Tribal Seeds’ songs and five songs featuring the collaborated artists, each bringing on a new sound and style to the selection.

Although this fourth album is a continuation to “Soundwaves” from 2011, it brings about a sense of community in the reggae scene while expressing the love for music. Some notable songs to watch out for in “Representing” are “Rock the Night,” “In Your Area” featuring Kyle McDonald, “Ruined” and “Undercover Lover” featuring guitarist Gonzo.

The “Representing” spring tour will bring Tribal Seeds along with Tribal Theory and Collie Buddz to San Diego State’s Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre this Friday. Come out and support all the Southern California talent and show some San Diego pride with Tribal Seeds.

Present coupon & receive 3 FREE small boxes.

Reggae band Tribal Seeds formed in San Diego in 2005. COURTESY OF GRAFX PHOTOGRAPHY

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SPORTS

MAY 1 - 4, 2014 • THE AZTEC

#AZTECBASEBALL

11

Aztecs set for MWC showdown RYAN POSNER

STAFF WRITER

Pitching: There may not be a pitcher in the country that means more to his team than junior closer Michael Cederoth means to San Diego State. Just this past Friday he proved his worth when he pitched multiple innings as he’s has done all year, and helped secure an Aztec victory in extra innings against San Jose State University.

Cederoth has 16 saves on the year, which is second in the country, and continues to provide stability in the back end of the bullpen. New Mexico University’s Saturday starter junior Colton Thomson has been inconsistent throughout the year. Thomson is 5-5 and has a 4.24 ERA. Matched up against SDSU ace sophomore starting pitcher Bubba Derby, the Aztecs definitely have the advantage, which will provide momentum in the series.

It’s clear that New Mexico doesn’t win its games through pitching with a team ERA of 4.29. If Derby and sophomore starting pitcher Mark Seyler (7-3, 3.34 ERA) are able to provide quality starts and hand it over to Cederoth to close, SDSU will win the series.

The Mountain West Conference has a new home run leader and he goes by the name of Brad Haynal, the junior catcher for the Aztecs. Haynal launched two homers over the weekend, giving him nine on the year and putting him on top of the MWC. While Haynal’s home runs will be a factor, it’s New Mexico’s offense that will play a large role in this series and the reason the Lobos have been so successful this year.

What they don’t have in pitching they make up for with their bats, and the key cog to their lineup is senior outfielder Chase Harris.

He is batting .369 with six home runs, and has 53 RBIs, leading

Edge: Lobos

Prediction: New Mexico takes two out of three

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the MWC. Haynal is 2nd in the MWC in RBIs with 41, showing the kind of season Harris is having. Considering Derby has not been sharp in his last couple of starts, and junior starting pitcher Mike Robards has been lackluster this year, the Aztecs could find themselves in the hole early in games. However, if Haynal continues his production while sophomore third baseman Ty France and senior second baseman Tim Zier continue their stellar seasons, SDSU match the Lobos in runs.

SDSU (31-14, 12-9 MWC) is on a hot streak winning six out of its last nine games, while New Mexico (31-14, 14-7 MWC) was just swept by UNLV. The Lobos don’t possess a lot of quality pitching with a team ERA over four, but their offense is explosive, batting .312 as a team. SDSU is fairly balanced, but its real talent comes in the back end of the bullpen. If the starters are able to go seven innings and get Cederoth in the game with a lead the Aztecs will be in good position. Unfortunately, New Mexico’s offense is too potent, and seeing how SDSU is on the road, where they are 9-10 on the season, you can expect the Lobos to tack on plenty of runs and keep Cederoth from being a factor.

Brad Haynal

Edge: Aztecs

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12 THE BACK PAGE

THE AZTEC • MAY 1 - 4, 2014

#GRADUATION

More than a balloon arch POOL

De-Stress Fest

A

s graduation approaches, I think about the brave souls who will pass under the arc of balloons with their friends and families watching them.

One foot following the other, you’ll try to remember how to walk for this precious moment your parents prepared you for.

“Go to college,” they said. “It’s good for your future,” they said. Now, here you are. Graduation is staring you in the face as your cap and gown hang out in your room watching you finish the semester.

Congratulations on a job well done.

You’ve successfully spent four, maybe five or six years chugging down ventisized Starbucks beverages, trudging the steps of Hepner Hall, napping in the Love Library and clutching your computer’s screen begging Google to magically whisper the answers of tomorrow’s exam.

Now you’re at the end of your stay at San Diego State. You’ll take your last walk through Hardy Tower and the barely finished Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union that you helped fund for future generations to enjoy, whether monetarily or in tolerating the construction.

You’re not only graduating, but you’ve also witnessed the four-year transformation of the Union from a hole in the ground to a magnificent threestory building. Congrats on seeing the making of history, you lucky Aztec.

If you’re really lucky, maybe Oggi’s

MICHELLE MONROY

that you now have to pay back.

But growing and graduating doesn’t come without compensation. You’re will open before you leave so you can handed a blank canvas from a young clink your glass with that shiny degree. age. Your parents and other adults paint With that degree in hand, your future this world with straight lines and solid seems brighter, or maybe that’s just the colors—everything has direction and blinding lights making you sweat as you structure. walk across the stage with thousands “Don’t paint off the canvas,” they said. watching. Now what? It took you years “Don’t dirty your clothes with paint,” to get a 15-second sprint across that they said. But when you get to this platform. You did what they said, right? point, you realize the world is round Now as the lights fade and the wave of and not the square-textured canvas they applause becomes another echo in your gave you. Your canvas may be triangular, memories, the ugly question looms in, circular or rectangular. It may have pouncing to destroy your graduation doodles and squiggles galore, or it may celebration—what are you going to do have so many stripes it’ll make a zebra now? jealous.

Until this point, you’ve been sheltered Sometimes it’s colored outside of the by a fort built of books and FAFSA lines. Sometimes the colors are matte, applications, waiting for the day you metallic or a mystery. grow up. You probably thought the What we need to realize as we pass early-20s version of through the holy yourself would be threshold of much cooler than balloons is we you are now. paint our own Now as the lights But now the canvas. We create fade and the wave of education shield our own pictures. applause becomes is inching away.

We go to school Undergrad to get brushes and another echo in your students, I colors to paint memories, the ugly recommend you with. Throw away question looms in, hide under the the stencil and pouncing to destroy shell for a little ruler they gave while longer you. The best your graduation through grad things you have celebration—what school so you can to offer the world are you going to do hang in the cocoon are the things you now? of safety for a little create yourself. longer.

As you make Grad students, the switch from God bless each and backpack to every one of you. I commend you brave briefcase and from jeans to slacks, souls for pursuing knowledge to the end remember: The world is your canvas— and I salute you for racking up the loans now stain it with your color.

STAFF WRITER

words

ACROSS 1 Cabbage side 5 Airplane maneuver 10 Cookbook amts.

14 Go it alone 15 Wild West movie 16 Peter Fonda’s beekeeper 17 Nursery school adhesive 18 Generic product 20 Southern Florida “trail” that’s a portmanteau of the two cities it connects 22 Generating, as interest on an account 23 Move covertly 25 Bert’s buddy 26 Xbox One, for one 30 Indiana hoopster 31 Aegean island 32 Computer input

68 Family chart 69 Group in pews 70 Old-timey “not”

36 Hold the title to 37 Referee’s call 41 Young fellow 42 Barely makes, with “out” 44 Toyota __4: SUV model 45 Desert stopover 47 Image on many tie-dyed shirts 51 Woodland deity 54 Singer Lisa et al.

55 Readying a field, say 58 Fortified position 62 Angler’s “I don’t have to throw this one back,” and hint to the first word of 18-, 26-, 37and 47-Across 64 Rooney of “60 Minutes” 65 Sly look 66 Packed like sardines 67 Subject of adoration

DOWN 1 NCO rank 2 Kinks girl who “walks like a woman and talks like a man” 3 University grad 4 Cry of distress 5 Like some rays and dust 6 Spanglish speaker, often 7 “Who am __ argue?”

8 Little more than 9 La __ Tar Pits 10 Show embarrassment 11 Done in, as a dragon 12 Old Finnish cent 13 Marsh plant 19 Belgian composer Jacques 21 Make aware 24 Evel on a bike 26 Stare unsubtly 27 Pimply condition 28 U.S./Canada’s __ Canals 29 Sch. whose mascot is Brutus Buckeye 30 “The Raven” poet 33 Furthermore 34 Wagger on the dog 35 Promos 38 401(k) kin, briefly 39 Apple product 40 Burial places 43 Surreptitious data-collecting computer program 46 Choose not to vote 48 Estrada of “CHiPs” 49 “Amen!”

50 Every September, say 51 Like milk on the floor 52 Modify 53 “We’re off __ the wizard ...”

56 Playwright Simon 57 Rowlands of “Gloria” 59 Ancient Andean 60 Fragrance 61 Part of a Broadway address 63 Hawaiian dish

numbers

HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

2/4

ALL SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.THEDAILYAZTEC.COM CROSSWORDS, SUDOKU, AND HOROSCOPES COURTESY OF TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC., ©2014.

disclaimer

The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Aztec.

Express your concerns by emailing letters@thedailyaztec.com

PARTY

Aztec Aquaplex Thursday, May 1 12pm-3pm Free for SDSU students and Aztec Recreation members.

No outside beverages.

619-594-7529 | arc.sdsu.edu

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

thefuture

YOUR BIRTHDAY (5/1/14) - Study your passion this year. Strengthen partnerships by dedicating exclusive time together. Discuss what you’re learning.

Communication, education and travel flow through mid-July. After that, domestic and other arts engage. Creative, musical and dramatic talents thrive. Introspection in Oct. leads to budding romance.

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

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 - Plans need revision. Pay household bills and get organized. Stash away any surplus.

Don’t get goofed up on the deadlines. A conflict about money could waste valuable time. Follow through on what you said you’d do. Keep your sense of humor.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 6 - Avoid someone who’s all talk. A lucky break propels your actions farther. Let your imagination run wild. Dress up; you never know whom you’ll run into. Make plans with friends. Motivate them about a dream you share, and figure out who does what.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 - You’re energized. Cultivate inner peace.

Imagine your future. Make a commitment you’ve been considering, to take advantage of an opportunity. Provide information with a marketing spin. A public meeting holds a surprise. Take critics seriously.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Don’t spend your savings on a whim.

Choose priorities carefully, and review details, especially at work. Ask probing questions to get the full picture. A friend connects you with the perfect person.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 Listen to your conscience before committing to a fantasy. Only buy what you need. A surprise announcement could catch you off guard. Reassure a skeptic. Emotions could flare in the romance department. Talk to your friends. You’re gaining confidence.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 - Nebulous dreams could tempt you to distraction, but required chores interfere.

Get everyone in on the action... many hands make light work. Invest in efficiency.

Demand explanations. Start imagining life outside your rut.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 - Don’t buy toys or goof off today. Do what you promised before indulging in treats.

Make plans, confirm reservations and pay bills. Upgrade work technology. You get a bright idea, but don’t over-extend. Schedule it for action later, as surprises today could distract.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 - Controversy arises. Don’t fall for a trick. Explain your secret weapon to your team. Others help out, in an amazing development. There’s no need to rush.

Expect a response, and prepare for differing scenarios. Clean up any mess.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Today is a 7 - You spot an antique you want.

Give up something you don’t need. Collect any money you’re owed. In some cases, study is required. Share information, and review what you’re learning with a partner.

New skills are put to the test.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Be careful about spending money you don’t have yet. Let a big decision sit overnight. Talk it over, and consider your health and work commitments. Don’t get singed. Money comes in from an unexpected source. Costs vary widely.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - Envision sharing fun with family and friends, and getting something done at the same time. Generate the funds. Choose a new paint color. Listen to your intuition. Get the family to help. Imagine fantastic results.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Power past old fears. Use your secret resource to upgrade your home. You’re gaining skills... reveal what you’ve learned. It could get confusing. If so, wait and try later.

You’re admired for your clever imagination.

Don’t press a controversial point, though.