05-03-2012

THURSDAY, May 3, 2012 Volume 97, Issue 114

News-2 Sports-4 Opinion-6 Features-8 Housing-11 Entertainment-18 Photo-20 Classifieds-23 Backpage-24

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AZTEC Thursday, May 3, 2012

NEWS

CSU faculty union approves potential strike Tara Millspaugh staff writer

Hutton Marshall news editor It was announced yesterday that 95 percent of California Faculty Association members who voted on all 23 California State University campuses have approved to authorize a strike, if a bargain is not reached with the CSU Chancellor’s Office.

CSU faculty members have approved a rolling two-day strike if CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed refuses to settle a fair contract and imposes his demands. This verdict was announced at a conference at CSU Long Beach.

According to Erik Fallis, CSU media relations manager, the CFA members — the faculty members whose votes determined the outcome of the strike decision — account for roughly 50 percent of all faculty members. Out of this percentage, only 70 percent of CFA members voted on whether or

not to strike. Because of this, approximately one-third of faculty members voted positively to strike.

Furthermore, the opinions of the CFA and CSU regarding the bargaining process differ greatly thus far.

“As chair of the CFA Bargaining Team, I can tell you that negotiating with the representatives of the CSU and Chancellor Charles Reed has been a difficult and disappointing process,” Andy Merrifield, chair of CFA’s Bargaining Team, said during the news conference.

He said the administration and executives of the CSU system are not fully conscious of the difficulties that occur within the classroom.

On the other hand, Fallis said the collective bargaining process is the main priority for the chancellor’s office, and those involved in the bargaining on the CFA side have been very constructive.

“The bargaining team has agreed to come back to the table with us, and will actually be sitting down with us tomorrow,” Fallis said. “We think there are only a limited number of issues we haven’t come to an agreement on with the Faculty Union bargaining team.”

Fallis said the vote will have no influence on the bargaining process.

He then described this threat of striking as “typical pressure tactics.”

“It’s not really relevant to what’s happening on the bargaining table,” Fallis said. “At this point, striking is illegal. So they couldn’t, even if they wanted to.”

CFA president Lillian Taiz, a history professor at CSU Los Angeles, expressed how the current quality of the CSU system not only affects the faculty, but also the students.

“During the past few weeks, we have been showing our students that there are times when you simply must stand up for the things you believe in,” Taiz said.

Taiz delved into the fact that students are accumulating more debt because of fee increases. She claimed they are taking longer to graduate because they are unable to enroll in the classes they need to complete their programs in time. Taiz said the professors are not only fighting this battle for themselves, but to better the education of the students.

Potential CFA strike announced at CSU Long Beach. | HALEY LIDDELL, DAILY 49ER PHOTOGRAPHER

The contract would cost the CSU system $504.1 million throughout three years.

“Where does the faculty union leadership think (this money) is going to come from, if not from loss of services

and educational access?” Fallis said.

If a bargain is not reached in the next process, the strike could potentially affect the approximately 400,000 students expected to enroll in the CSU system next semester.

Obama, Romney reach out for college vote Jenna De Stefano contributor As Republican candidate Mitt Romney gets closer to clinching the GOP nominee bid for November’s election, campaigning for the White House has officially begun for the conservative candidate and President Barack Obama.

Among the first issues being contested by the nominees is the potential increase in student loan rates.

The federal Direct Stafford Loan interest rate is at 3.4 percent.

Student loan debt surpassed credit card debt in 2010, and the loan rate will double to 6.8 percent July 1 unless Congress intervenes.

Obama went after the youth vote aggressively last week, stopping at college campuses in North Carolina, Colorado and Iowa, as well as appearing on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” stating the government should intervene to stop the interest rate from doubling. “(Doubling the rate) means some hardworking students will be paying about $1,000 extra just to get their education,” Obama said during his

appearance on Fallon’s show. “So I’ve called on Congress to prevent this from happening. What we said is simple. Now is not the time to make school more expensive for our young people.”

Obama also touted his plan for lowering student loans with personal touches that further separate his position from Romney’s.

“This is personal for me because Michelle and I, we financed basically our entire college and law school educations with loans and debt, and for the first 10 years of our marriage, we were still paying stuff off,”

Obama said to Fallon. “We didn’t finish paying off all of our student loans until about eight years ago.”

Romney, although unable to identify with the common cash-strapped student, appealed to students in a different manner. Last week, Romney visited Otterbein University in Ohio, where he encouraged students to pursue education, despite the struggling economy, by borrowing money from their parents. Romney reportedly relied on his family’s wealth during college by selling stock his father gave him.

“We’ve always encouraged young people: take a shot, go for it, take a risk,

get the education, borrow money if you have to from your parents, start a business,” Romney said.

Despite the personal appeals from both candidates, Romney urged college voters at Otterbein to focus on the facts, not the stories.

“Words are easily malleable, but facts, they’re stubborn,” Romney said. “And so I suggest that in the campaign ahead and in the campaigns of various officers running for various positions ahead, that you consider not just the brilliance of their words, but also the facts of their record and what they’ve done.”

Controversial privacy law passes in house Kevin Smead assistant news editor Opposition to the controversial Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act heated up this past week after the legislation was rushed through the House of Representatives last Thursday.

According to popular technology blog Techdirt, the bill was originally scheduled to be voted on last Friday, but was moved forward to last Thursday afternoon. Though

this move to quickly pass the highly debated legislation caused concern among much of the Internet community, many more called attention to the amendments included in the form of the bill that passed. The amendments essentially narrow down what the government can use data for, from any cybersecurity purpose to a specific list of five, including protection of children from exploitation.

While many are divided on the bill as a whole, there are those who clearly define their stance.

Companies such as Facebook,

Microsoft, Verizon and IBM all placed their official support behind the bill.

In a statement to magazine PC World, U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Michigan) cited the cyber threats coming from China and Russia as the motivation behind the bill.

“America will be a little safer and our economy better protected from foreign cyber predators with this legislation,” Rogers said.

Opposition includes Mozilla, creators of the Web browser Firefox.

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“The bill infringes on our privacy, includes vague definitions of cybersecurity and grants immunities to companies and government that are too broad around information misuse” Mozilla said in a statement released yesterday President Barack Obama, who also denounced the bill, said it “fails to provide authorities to ensure that the nation’s core critical infrastructure is protected while repealing important provisions of electronic surveillance law without instituting corresponding privacy, confidentiality and civil liberties safeguards.”

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

SPONSORED BY

CSU Faculty Strike 95 $504 23 400 2

The American Civil Liberties Union also mounted a letter-writing campaign against the bill, explaining how the “broad legislation would give the government, including military spy agencies, unprecedented powers to snoop through people’s personal information — medical records, private emails, financial information — all without a warrant, proper oversight or limits.”

CISPA still must pass through the Senate, and eventually land on Obama’s desk, where he has threatened to veto the bill.

Advanced Test Preparation

Amount of CFA members who voted in favor of strike, in percentage Cost of CFA bargaining contract, in millions Number of CSU campuses involved in bargaining process Number of CSU students estimated to be affected by potential strike, in thousands Days proposed rolling strike would last

50

Amount of faculty belonging to CFA, in percentage

70

Amount of CFA members voting whether to strike, in percentage

3

Number of years the bargaining contract will financially affect the CSU system

ww w. th e d a ilya z tec .c om | Li ke us on Fac eboo k | Fo llow u s o n Twit t e r Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

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AZTEC Thursday, May 3, 2012

SPORTS

SOFTBALL

BASEBALL

SDSU looks to clinch title

Aztecs chewed up by Anteaters Michael Manbert staff writer

SDSU wants to win the Mountain West Conference title to clinch a berth in the NCAA tournament. | PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Aztecs host the Broncos in a threegame series Danielle Gaut staff writer The San Diego State softball team is looking to continue its winning streak as it begins a three-game weekend series head-to-head against Boise State at 6 p.m. on Friday at the SDSU Softball Stadium.

Although the two teams have never played each other before, winning the series could mean earning the Mountain West Conference title the Aztecs have been striving for all season.

This past week, SDSU (26-19, 6-0 Mountain West) has been meticulously preparing for what could be one of the most important series that it will play in this season.

“Practices have been going very smoothly,” head coach Kathy Van Wyk said.

If the Aztecs win two of their three games against Boise State (32-16, 6-3

MW), the worst they can do is tie for first in the MW with Colorado State.

In the tiebreaker, the title will automatically go to SDSU because it swept its series against Colorado State. Claiming the title will give the Aztecs an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

When asked about what her team’s main focus is in securing these victories, Van Wyk responded she believes her team’s performance will be far better served by taking the game as it unfolds.

“It’s important that we look at one pitch at a time. We can’t lose focus on what we need to be doing,” Van Wyk said.

Because it will be the first time in school history these two teams will face each other, SDSU will be exposed to new pitchers and an unfamiliar offensive lineup. Luckily for the Aztecs, they do have some advantages.

“We had one advantage of seeing them play against UNLV. We have video of the game, so we will be reviewing that,” Van Wyk said. “But ultimately, we just have to play the same game we’ve been playing.”

Boise State, which is currently in second place behind SDSU, will be

one of the Aztecs’ toughest matchups this season.

“Offensively, we are pretty even at the plate. We are very similar clubs and going head-to-head will tell us everything,” Van Wyk said.

Van Wyk said her team will be focused on preparing for the threegame weekend showcase against Boise State.

UC Irvine put runs on the board early in a Tuesday evening contest at Tony Gwynn Stadium, and the San Diego State baseball team was never able to recover.

In an unconventional pitching matchup, two left-handed pitchers who had previously only been used as relievers made their first starts of the season, with freshman Brandon Thomas taking the hill for his first start at SDSU. It wouldn’t go as planned, though, as the Anteaters wasted little time and started quickly with three first-inning runs by way of two walks and three singles.

The game would remain scoreless into the third inning, when Irvine struck again, putting up two runs against junior pitcher Travis Pitcher, who came on in relief of Thomas. It was 5-0 in favor of the Anteaters.

SDSU answered back in its half of the third. Freshman catcher Seby Zavala and junior first baseman John Spirk led the inning with con-

secutive singles and were subsequently advanced to second and third on a sacrifice bunt by freshman infielder Matt Munoz.

Freshman outfielder Spencer Thornton would then ground out to shortstop and drive Zavala in.

Thornton has driven in at least one run in four consecutive games.

The score remained 5-1 into the seventh, when UC Irvine padded its lead with an RBI single off sophomore right-handed reliever TJ Kendzora. The Aztecs responded with a single run of their own after senior Jomel Torres walked, advanced to second on a Zavala single and was driven in by a single to right field from Spirk.

It was 6-2 after seven innings, and that would be the final score as SDSU was held to six hits: two apiece for Zavala, Spirk and sophomore second baseman Tim Zier, who extended his current hitting streak to an impressive 17 games.

With the loss, the Aztecs fell to 20-26 on the season. The team will resume play at 6 p.m. tomorrow to take on UNLV at Tony Gwynn Stadium.

AT A GLANCE vs.

WHEN: 6 p.m. tonight WHERE: SDSU Softball Stadium WHY TO WATCH: This weekend series may determine whether SDSU will clinch MW conference title.

Follow me @ AntonioCMorales

SDSU fell to 20-26 this season with a loss to UC I. | DUSTIN MICHELSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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AZTEC Thursday, May 3, 2012

OPINION

UCSD student should sue negligent DEA

L

ike many of you, I have an issue with the Drug Enforcement Agency. I’m no jaded, conspiracy-perpetuating stoner with an ax to grind, nor am I crazy about white powder — unless it’s being stirred into my morning coffee. But I’ve always been an appreciator of irony, especially when it centers around a government agency pledging to both protect and prosecute the people it arrests.

Nothing solidifies that opinion more than what happened to UC San Diego student Daniel Chong, who was arrested during a DEA bust on April 20 — a holiday marijuana smokers often celebrate with a copy

Chris Pocock opinion editor to cycling through his own urine to survive. He had no access to a bathroom and no lights to see through the darkness. He hallucinated and tore at the walls for water, all with his hands handcuffed behind his back. Fearing death, he allegedly broke his glasses and attempted to carve “sorry mom” into his own skin.

Chong was nearly dead when the cell door was opened, his kidneys failing from dehydration.

So, justice served, right?

I’ll admit, there’s no way this was

He had no access to a bathroom and no light to see through the darkness ... Fearing death, he allegedly broke his glasses and tried to carve “sorry mom” into his own skin. of “Dazed and Confused” and carloads of Taco Bell chalupas. Chong, who had been celebrating the day with friends, was arrested and thrown into a cell no larger than your average bathroom.

Five days later, someone finally remembered to check on him.

By then, Chong was in a wretched state. He had lived without food or water for five days, having to resort

intentional. As PR moves go, this ranks up there with Invisible Children co-founder Jason Russell’s naked frolicking in the streets of Pacific Beach. In all likelihood, Chong was a victim of the forgetfulness of a few agents; agents who are now, I’m sure, busily perusing Craigslist for employment opportunities.

It’s events like these that further solidify the need for a system that

MCT CAMPUS

treats drug users, not imprisons them. The DEA is on a fool’s errand, spending millions of taxpayers’ dollars hunting stoners with apple bongs and wayward bath salt companies, of which products can be laboriously synthesized into artificial marijuana. But let’s get real here: Imprisonment is not prevention. It is not treatment. If Chong was guilty of smoking marijuana, requiring therapy or mandated trash pickup on the side of Interstate 8 would have been far more effective.

Had I survived the same kind of hellish circumstances as Chong, I

can tell you I would not take pity on the DEA. I’d like to see the DEA sued for every penny it’s worth. I’d like to see dramatic, extended courtroom battles with sharp-tongued lawyers in sharp suits. And most of all, I’d like to see the entirety of it represented in a Lifetime movie.

The DEA’s treatment of Chong may have been unintentional, but it doesn’t change the fact that the DEA’s carelessness is a symptom of a much larger problem. If one believes smokers to be criminals, one will treat them as such. And though the DEA has launched an internal investi-

gation into its abuse of Chong, I’d be staggered if DEA agents shed a tear for the lives it’s ruined simply for being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.”

To put it simply, smoking marijuana is a victimless crime; the DEA’s handling of Chong was not. Chong, sue the DEA for everything it’s worth.

I’ll be sitting ready with my remote.

CHRIS POCOCK IS A POLITICAL SCIENCE SENIOR.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, May 3, 2012

OPINION

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US Senate must kill CISPA, SOPA 2.0

THINKSTOCK

O

nce upon a time in America, there was a bill called the Stop Online Piracy Act. The bill was seen as so evil and vile that common men and women rallied against it alongside massive companies such as Google and Facebook. Terrified by the fierce backlash, Congress locked away the hated bill, thus saving Internet privacy forever.

Or so we thought. Last Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act. This law, known as CISPA, is a frightening miscarriage of privacy law that makes SOPA seem benevolent in comparison. You’re forgiven if you haven’t heard of CISPA. After all ,there have not been massive online protests seen like last time around. There have been no Wikipedia blackouts, no protest Doodles from Google. The lack of outrage is simple;:the potential victims of this new attack on privacy aren’t websites.

The victims are American citizens who use the Internet.

SOPA, along with Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act and the international treaty Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, aimed to shut down

Leonardo Castaneda senior staff columnist websites hosting copyrighted content. CISPA, on the other hand, aims to protect cybersecurity by allowing corporations to record their users’ data. The data can then be shared with other companies that might be at risk of similar cyber attacks, as well as with the National Security Agency.

Basically, any website you use can record all of your private data, such as personal messages, pictures, contact information, anything. It can then take said data and do whatever it wants with it. The company can store it for a rainy day. It can share the data with other companies with the auspice of sharing information for protection from cyber attacks.

And companies can give information to the federal government.

Think of it as a wiretap. If the FBI suspects you’re up to no good, it can ask a judge for a warrant to wiretap your phone by presenting probable cause. The FBI can then eavesdrop on your phone conversations. Now, imagine a new law that allows your phone company to automatically record all of your conversations, no warrants or probable cause needed. Then the FBI

CISPA works by allowing companies to record whatever they want. There is no risk to them ... The federal government, specifically the NSA, can then ask for ... that information. can simply ask for those recordings, effectively circumventing any concept of due process, privacy or individual rights.

CISPA works by allowing companies to record whatever they want.

There is no risk to them if they track personally identifiable information that has nothing to do with cybersecurity. The federal government, specifically the NSA, can then ask for a copy of that information. The key here is that the NSA can’t force companies to give the information, and some companies such as Facebook have pledged not to do so.

And maybe you think all the companies’ websites you visit, as well your Internet provider, have your best interests at heart and will

defy the federal government to protect your personal privacy. In that case, you have nothing to worry about. But maybe you don’t trust those multibillion dollar corporations to really protect you. Maybe, as CNET pointed out, you remember how in 2006 AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth voluntarily gave the NSA phone call records of tens of millions of Americans. Or you may remember when in 2007, Verizon admitted to releasing phone records to federal agencies without asking for a court order as required by law.

As many critics have argued, the act is written in language so vague it is hard to know what exactly would happen if it were to become law. The likeliest outcome seems to be that private companies would

begin to gather customers’ personal data regardless of whether they plan to share it. Once they have this private information it’s hard to imagine they would deny the federal government access to it. After all, they want to seem patriotic and keep up the perception they are doing this for the greater good. It also seems unlikely that corporations such as Facebook, which thrive on personal data, would sit idly by on this treasure trove of information about its users it could never have legally acquired before.

Whatever the real outcome, this act cannot be allowed to become law. Today it sits in the Senate awaiting vote, despite President Barack Obama’s veto threat. Token amendments have been proposed to make this intolerable breach of personal privacy more palatable.

But the core concept of allowing private companies to spy on American citizens for the federal government is one we cannot allow to happen. Whatever threats to cybersecurity this bill claims to prevent, the threats to freedom and justice are far greater.

LEONARDO CASTANEDA IS A JOURNALISM SOPHOMORE.

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AZTEC Thursday, May 3, 2012

FOOD & DRINK

SD supper clubs stimulate social palates “The trend started in food-centric cities like San Francisco, but in the last year, groups have been popping up across the country.”

Jenn Garbee, author of “Secret Suppers”

San Diego is home to a variety of supper clubs, such as Le Dîner á San Diego, which will host its first event May 25. | COURTESY OF KAI NORWOOD

Sandra De La Torre staff writer Some resemble scavenger hunts or flash mobs. Others have top-secret rendezvous, exclusivity and a whole lot of mystery. However, anyone looking for an opportunity to enhance their dining experiences may find underground supper clubs to be the perfect fit.

What occurs within each supper club varies, depending on the host‘s vision, but the main idea is to hold a secret dinner or event. Some locations may be revealed mere hours before the event via email or through social media websites such as Facebook or Twitter.

This trend is taking place globally, from the UK to San Diego.

“The trend started in food-centric cities like San Francisco, but in the last year, groups have been popping up across the country,” “Secret Suppers” author Jenn Garbee said in an interview with CNN. These events are exclusive because participants and chefs often host dinners in their own kitchens without a license. This offers a more relaxed atmosphere where chefs can show their work to a smaller audience. Some events are fully booked within a matter of hours.

San Diego offers a number of underground supper clubs and groups, each with a special focus.

Le Dîner á San Diego will be hosting its first event May 25. According to cofounder Nicole Benjamin, it aims to “celebrate the pleasure of dining elegantly and grandly.”

Le Dîner’s website describes the event as a spontaneous, elegant “popup picnic” dinner feast inspired by other “flash mob” dinner parties that have taken place in Europe and Canada. While Le Dîner held a San Francisco event last year, this is its first time to land in Southern California.

The event’s location is usually unknown and revealed to guests only two hours before. What is known is that it’s held outside and guests are asked to dress in all white. Participants must plan their outfits, as well as bring

their own meals and chairs. Only tables and trash bags are provided, as this is considered a “no trace left behind event.”

“People go out, it’s incredible,” Benjamin said.

The event allows participants to use their imaginations. According to Benjamin, in the past, each member of a group focuses on one aspect of the dinner. One will focus on the food, while others put together the table settings and outfits.

Tickets for Le Dîner á San Diego are $100 for a table, which seats four people.

The San Diego Burger Mob is another option for burger lovers looking for a more relaxed setting. Joining the mob is simple. According to its constitution, all participants have to do is join the Google group, go to the assigned location every month and vote for the burgers they liked the most.

All restaurants must be in San Diego County, and burgers can’t cost more than $14. Some restaurants assigned earlier in the year including LeRoy’s and Banging Burger. Next month’s location will be Rocky’s Crown Pub. Participants can go any time during

the month and can even use Twitter to communicate with other mob members by following @SDBurgerMob or using the hashtag #sdburgermob.

Thirsty locals with a penchant for all things eco-friendly may want to try Green Drinks.

This is a group for those who work with environmental causes, but everyone is welcome and encouraged to join. The group’s only request is that participants mingle and meet new people at every meeting. Events are usually held once a month and there is no specific agenda. It’s simply a place to “share insights and provoke and exasperate and inspire and delight each other.”

Green Drink groups exist on a national and international level. For the month of April, the Green Drink group in San Diego met at Home Brews and Gardens. The theme of the night was to discuss truth, food justice and craft beer for all mankind.

Whether locals are looking to be fancy and spontaneous or solely want to try delicious meals and meet people in a creative way, underground supper clubs and events are worth exploring.

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AZTEC Thursday, May 3, 2012

HOUSING ISSUE

Contest awards praise-worthy mates Sandra De La Torre staff writer The saying, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince” doesn’t only apply to love. Sometimes you have to live with a few frogs to find the perfect roommate.

Despite the millions of potential roommates this world has to offer, it can be a struggle to find someone who shares common interests and a

similar lifestyle. For this reason, apartments.com is hosting its fourth annual “Roommate of the Year” contest to celebrate the select few who have earned the title of greatness.

The contest’s main purpose is to demonstrate the importance of finding a compatible roommate.

Entries can be submitted until May 21, then the selected winner will receive a year of free rent and $10,000 in cash.

“This contest gives people a fun and creative outlet to showcase those roommate qualities they believe to be the most important,” apartments.com spokesperson Tammy Kotula said.

According to a survey conducted by the website, “More than 63 percent of renters either currently live with a roommate … or plan to move in with one when their current lease expires.”

In order to participate, contestants must film a video no longer than two minutes, showcasing the qualities that make him / her a great roommate. There are four different categories participants can choose to compete in, including the Loveable Compulsive, the Purr-fect Pet Owner, the Environmentalist and the All-Star Roomie, which is a distinction meant for those who fit multiple categories or for those who are so unique they don’t fit any.

According to apartments.com, the Loveable Compulsive roommate makes sure the household stays in order, whether cleaning common areas or making sure bills are paid on time. On the other hand, the Purr-fect Pet Owner shows how he / she is the best “roommate” for their furry friends, while the Environmentalist displays how he / she lives the “greenest” lifestyle at home.

“I’m the Loveable Compulsive because I’m a control freak and I take care of my roommates,” journalism senior Chardonnay Ray said.

This year, apartments.com will hold an additional contest called “Roommate Video Shorts.” This contest is meant to recognize and award roommates’ small actions or special talents. It will offer the opportunity for greater participation, with winners pocketing prizes of $250. Contestants need only submit a 30-second video highlighting their roommate’s

THINKSTOCK

specific talents or contributions.

Videos for the “Roommate of the Year” contest will be judged on three factors: originality, persuasion and production style.

Once videos are submitted, 15 finalists will be chosen. Then the public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite contestants. A combination of public votes and a judging panel will make the final decision.

Videos for the “Roommate Video Shorts” contest will be judged by a panel, and winners

will be announced on a weekly basis.

Roommates can play a significant role in the quality of one’s life, especially during college.

While nightmare roommates may offer valuable learning experiences, memorable and positive encounters should be celebrated as an example of how shared living should be.

For more information regarding the contest visit roommateoftheyear.com.

Savvy tenants skirt landlord squabbles

Landlords respect tenants who pay on time.| CHELSEA MASSEY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Avoid landlord strains by knowing tenant rights Brittany Fasano staff writer First-year college students often look forward to living independently and finally breaking free from their parents’ restrictions.

However, once they move out of the residence halls and into a home or apartment of their choice, landlords often take the place of the parental pressures they thought they’d so recently escaped. For this reason, renters

must learn the many tips and tricks they can use to manage living with difficult landlords.

“The tenant is very protected by the tenant laws more than the landlord these days, but landlords can take advantage by (requiring) a larger deposit than necessary,” realtor Emily Piemonte said. “The tenant has the right to an attorney or to contact the fair housing department to help them understand the laws.”

Before signing a lease agreement, renters should read through the document carefully and make sure they fully understand every aspect of what they are authorizing.

“Wear and tear on carpets, painting, bathrooms, etc. needs to be specified in the agreement,” Piemonte said.

“Whoever pays utilities and any costs per month above rent agreement should be inserted.

When a landlord wants to look at a unit, he or she must specify notice time to enter in writing, excluding emergency entering.

The prospective tenant should know when rent increases, the cap on amount per specified time and how many times per year this occurs. Repairs and reimbursements are all defined in the agreement. The tenant can add or deduct clauses in the agreement upon speaking with the landlord before signing.”

Even when sufficient time and diligence have been put into the rental process, difficult landlords may still show their true colors later in the game.

“Maria is the Piedra del Sol landlord and she has been difficult,” integrated marketing communications junior Andrew Robinson said. “The Jacuzzi has been broken all year and her excuse is that it’s too expensive to buy a new part. The elevators are broken every weekend and they never get fixed. There is vomit in the stairs that never gets cleaned up by the cleaning crew that only cleans the courtyard.

We get written notifications for wet suits on our balcony, music complaints and she even has written us up for parking our

bikes outside our apartment.”

When asked how he has dealt with these issues he said, “My three other roommates and I reread the lease.”

In a situation like this, creating a positive relationship with the landlord and adhering to every written notification could prove helpful. In an event that the landlord becomes unyielding, remember the aforementioned laws that have been set to protect the tenant. Further actions can be taken in severe circumstances. However, a little calm and professional communication with an unresponsive landlord can sometimes go a long way.

“Overall, our landlord has been very flexible with us about rent, but there have been some issues with the house that we have had to deal with, like no screens on the windows and little stuff like that,” kinesiology sophomore Max Monroe said. “At first, he ignored our complaints, but then our landlord took us more seriously when we wrote out a list of what needed to be fixed and we calmly talked to him.”

Negotiation and positive communication is key to a successful tenant-landlord relationship. What landlords want

most from their tenants is rent that is paid on time. Above all, being a respectful tenant is equally as important as being a respectable landlord.

Renters should know the parameters of their lease, be considerate of their neighbors and be responsible for their guests.

They should keep the apartment or house they live in presentable and avoid being overly demanding. If there is a problem that can be fixed without the aid of maintenance or contacting the landlord, it should be repaired by the tenant.

When deciding on a rental unit, knowing and approving of the landlord is just as important as accommodations. However, when landlord troubles cannot be avoided, following these steps should help ease the woes many tenants face.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, May 3, 2012

HOUSING ISSUE

11

Some monsters live above the bed Edward Henderson senior staff writer Few people can claim they haven’t seen Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video at some point in their lives. Those who have seen it instantly envision a seemingly innocent Jackson as he escorts a date home after watching a scary movie. As he playfully teases her about being afraid of the film, the two are pursued by decrepit zombies lurking in the dark. The ghouls close in on their victims as Jackson’s date turns and realizes her only ally has morphed into a zombie as well.

Terrifying transformations like these are all too familiar when San Diego State students reminisce about horrible roommate experiences. At first glance, roommates often appear to be friendly, responsible and considerate individuals.

However, for those less fortunate, when the full moon rises and roommates reveal their true colors, nightmares often become a reality.

Recently, SDSU students gathered around an imaginary campfire to share their own roommate horror tales.

Not a fan of scary stories?

Don’t worry, SDSU senior and resident adviser Daniel “Mick” Walsh offered his tips to avoid similar situations in the future.

The boyfriend Love is always in the air during the beginning of a new school year. Beautiful weather and fresh faces serve as a perfect backdrop for hookups and young romances. SDSU student Temple Robinson shared her story of the stress and discomfort she experienced when faced with limited space and the constant presence of her roommate’s new boyfriend in her freshmen residence hall: “My roommate was a nice girl: smart, funny and very friendly. She always had people in and out of

Some roommates have a penchant for building trash towers where they’re least appreciated. | KATIE FOSTER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

our room, mostly boys. It didn’t really bother me that much, until she got a boyfriend. It’s hard enough sharing a small, cramped room with a complete stranger. Sharing it with a complete stranger and her boyfriend only made it worse.

He was a great guy and a mutual friend of ours before they started dating, so I was OK with him being over all the time at first. But then, they started acting like they had to spend every waking moment of their lives together. I woke up one morning without my contacts on and stripped down to get ready for my shower. I went back into the room after my shower, put my contacts on and noticed that he was in the bed with her the whole time. Although I’m pretty sure he was asleep the entire time I was changing, the fact that he could have possibly seen me naked was horrifying. I finally explained to her that I was uncomfortable with him always being over, but that just made things awkward between us. We could not see eye to eye, and she became very rude and catty, so I arranged to move to a different room with a new roommate. It’s funny though, in the end, I would much have preferred having him as a roommate instead of her” Walsh said the best way to prevent situations like this is to have conversations with the roommate at the beginning to set up ground rules for visi-

tors. “I would say have lunch with your roommate away from their significant other and set up a schedule or weekends when they can come over. You have to be assertive and voice your concerns in the beginning,” Walsh said.

Trash towers One of the most common issues roommates struggle with involves cleanliness. SDSU freshman EJ Walls shared his story of how communicating the problem with his roommate got lost in the clutter: “In the beginning of the school year I noticed that my roommate had a lot more stuff than I did, but I thought we could manage it. As time passed, his things started to slowly trickle over to my side of the room, especially his trash. He was the type of person who would let a mess grow in the room for two weeks then dedicate a day to clean it all up.

After he mysteriously lost his trash can, we had to share one closer to my side under a full length mirror. The trash began to form a tower that was starting to cover some of the mirror. Since a majority of the trash came from him, I felt it was his responsibility. I decided to leave him a note on the mirror that said ‘This is not OK: Foulness’ with an arrow pointing down at the trash.

When I came back later that day, the note was in the trash with more trash piled on top of it. His mom probably picked up after him a lot at home.”

Walsh said the type of indirect communication Walls used is not an effective way to get a point across. “Never leave a note. It’s always best to talk face-to-face. If you’re not the type of person who likes confrontation, try and bring it up in a friendly way, almost like it’s a joke. This can make the conversation a lot easier.”

The hamster SDSU student Adrianne Baskin shared her story of how she still loses sleep because of an unin-

vited houseguest, courtesy of one freshman roommate: “I shared a suite with seven other girls. I walked out of my room one day and saw a rodent scurry across the room. It freaked me out. I went back into my room and put a towel under my door to make sure it wouldn’t get in. I spent the next week and a half complaining to the front desk and housing director that we had rodents, but they didn’t do anything about it. I decided to take matters in my own hands and set up mousetraps in the house. I later passed the door of one of my roommates and saw a hamster ball and cage. I couldn’t believe that she let it run around the house by itself. We had a verbal altercation, and I didn’t trust her after that. I never saw the hamster again.”

In order to prevent explosive confrontations with a roommate, Walsh said a simple word can make a big difference. “Always use ‘I’ statements. Saying ‘I don’t feel comfortable with your hamster’ versus ‘This hamster is a problem’ is less offensive,” Walsh added.

Communication is clearly key when it comes to dealing with roommates. Selecting words wisely can create a happy ending from any nightmarish roommate scenario.

“I decided to leave him a note on the mirror that said ‘This is not OK: Foulness’ with an arrow pointing down at the trash.”

EJ Walls, SDSU freshman

Beware rooms with boyfriend infestations. | KATIE FOSTER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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HOUSING ISSUE

Home dwellers, be wary before renting you’ll be perfect roommates, right? Wrong.

Sometimes the closest friends can become mortal enemies when they move in together. While you may have a great time with your friend when the two of you go out on Saturday night, they might not be the person you want to be around when you’re trying to study on Monday morning.

While cleanliness, noisiness and sleeping habits are all qualities to pay attention to when you choose your housemates, they can be worked out. The friends you want to live with are those you can still enjoy being around without having to do something fun and exciting.

Homes open spaces for multiple rooommates.| ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

he end of the semester is near.

After spending a year living in a room the size of a microwave or in an apartment surrounded by neighbors throwing dance parties every Monday night, it’s no mystery why many students seek the autonomy of off-campus housing. However, while living in a house with your closest friends can be a hoot and a holler, the quest for that house is no cakewalk. Here are a few tips

T

Hutton Marshall news editor from someone who’s seen what works and what doesn’t.

To quote Peter Parker when he was looking for a house with his friends in his college years, “With great housing comes great responsibility.”

The housemates You and your friend get along great. You hang out on weekends, have fun at parties together and, for this reason,

The location Skipping class is more enticing when it’s a 20-minute drive away instead of a five-minute walk. Houses generally get less expensive the farther away you get from campus, but take into account the $135 parking permit. From someone who’s lived in Pacific Beach and in on-campus housing, you’ll probably have more fun in PB. But it will most likely be at the expense of your GPA. Also keep in mind, living anywhere west of 54th Street on Montezuma Road will require you to climb a hill more daunting than Mount Doom.

The landlord and neighbors Aside from roommates, your landlord and neighbors are two major externalities you should concern yourself with, as far as people go. They’ll determine how clean you must keep the house, how loud you can be on the weekends or how quickly your toilet will get fixed after unexpectedly erupting in fury.

Having a friendly relationship with both is key. I know a group of close friends who once got a free trip to Big Bear because they had a good relationship with their landlord.

Introduce yourself to your neighbors and be wary of overbearing landlords. One way to identify the latter is to pay attention to the behavior of the current tenants. Speak to the people living in the prospective house, preferably without the landlord present. They could have had the option to live there again, but instead they’re dying to escape.

Finally, be proactive. The early bird gets the house with the hot tub. You don’t want to neglect looking until it’s too late, because then you’ll be stuck in the residence halls for another year.

— Hutton Marshall is an interdisciplinary studies junior.

Students share skinny on local housing

The College Area is chock-full of apartments and students willing to share dirty details.| DUSTIN MICHELSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Laurela Balangue contributor As the school year comes to an end, so will many students’ apartment leases. While some aspiring leaseholders may be thrilled to move out of the residence halls or leave their parents’ nest, they have a few pros and cons to consider before signing above the dotted line.

Many find living close to campus ideal. They don’t want to worry about traffic, wake up

unnecessarily early or hassle with parking, wondering if they’ll be lucky enough to find a spot in Parking Structure 4.

Luckily for them, College Area is filled with options offering just that. The question is, how do students find the apartment that’s right for them?

Aztec Corner is only steps away from campus, with floor plan options including 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom and 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom that range in price from $629 to $659 per month per person. It includes utilities such as cable TV,

Internet, water, sewer and trash.

Aztec Corner offers furnishings including full-sized beds and a dining table with chairs. This gated complex also holds community events, offers a courtesy patrol, has helpful on-site management and provides the services of an after-hours, on-call staff.

Students new to the renting game may also be interested in College Campanile Apartments across the street from Aztec Corner. They can choose between one, two or three-bedroom floor plans that range from

650 to 1,700 square feet. College Campanile offers barbecue areas and an Olympic-sized pool as its main amenities.

However, despite its beautiful landscaping and large floor plans, it isn’t entirely perfect.

“The quality is like any average apartment. Kind of on the older side … there are some bug problems. We had an exterminator three times,” journalism and media studies sophomore Lauren Yap, who recently renewed her lease, said.

Although College Campanile offers on-site laundry, management and maintenance, it does not offer furnishings. Students who do not own furniture or have a way of transporting it may want to choose another location.

Hardy Avenue is another option students may consider when looking to roll out of bed and onto campus in the same motion. It offers a single floor plan consisting of three bedrooms and two bathrooms, which is ideal for small groups. Its amenities are basic, including a dishwasher, electric stove and garbage disposal. Hardy Avenue’s stand-out feature is a 24-hour emergency service and staff.

“The woman who ran the apartment complex was really nice, along with the maintenance staff. They were usually available to cater to our needs when necessary,” psychology junior Kristin Morse said.

However, she added, living with four other girls did leave her feeling cramped at times.

Sterling Alvarado, a similar building to Sterling Collwood, is another option located mere minutes from campus. It offers studio apartments as well as two, three and four-bedroom floor plans, some of which are furnished.

Rates vary from $625 to $1025 per person. Sterling strives to be environmentally friendly and provides notable amenities, including an athletic center, private study rooms and two pools. Each apartment comes with a 42” flat screen television, a washing machine, a dryer and a patio.

Though its amenities are impressive, some residents have found issues with the complex.

“The complex was not quite walking distance, which made it harder to get to school on time.

The shuttle was small, crowded and unreliable,” liberal studies junior Katelynn Abbott said.

Aztec Corner and Sterling Alvarado offer more amenities than College Campanile and Hardy Avenue, which may make them more appealing to future renters. However, each of the students interviewed complained about the noise level that is inevitable when living so close to San Diego State. Students who came to SDSU to study free from distraction may want to keep this in mind before jumping on the College Area bandwagon.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, May 3, 2012

HOUSING ISSUE

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SDSU housing holds history in its walls Ana Ceballos staff writer Imagine living in the 1960s.

Now imagine experiencing college during the ‘60s while living in the first on-campus dormitory, Zura Hall.

When San Diego State first opened its residence halls, student life was tightly controlled.

Though weekends were slightly more flexible, women living on campus had a curfew of 10:30 p.m. on weeknights, offering a stark contrast to the non-existent curfew and bed checks of the residence halls today.

The school also utilized innovative elevators designed to stop at every other floor to keep males and females from bumping into each other in their gender-separated halls.

During the ‘70s every residence hall had this service.

Aside from being separated by sex, additional regulations

included a strict dress codes reminding men that “T-shirts and bare feet are never considered suitable attire” while women were not allowed to wear bathrobes in public rooms.

Although SDSU was founded in 1897, its first step toward the residence halls students occupy today was taken forty years later in 1937, when the school’s first off-campus residence hall opened. Quetzal Hall accommodated 40 female students who were automatically given representation on the Associated Women Students council.

However, by the late ‘70s, enrollment had reached 30,000 and a lack of housing became problematic. This led to the building of Tenochca Hall in 1981, which opened an additional 2,000 rooms for student housing.

Because of a lack space in the ‘80s, SDSU established a lottery system that divvied remaining housing among students who had already com-

The school also utilized ... elevators designed to stop at every other floor to keep males and females from bumping into each other in their gender-separated halls.

With a history dating back to the 1960s, SDSU housing hasn’t always been what it is today. | ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

pleted their freshman year.

This system continued until 1990, leading the university to establish a housing referral center that ran public announcements with local press outlets, pointing out the school’s desperate need for student housing.

Public announcements inspired the community and gave the university an opportunity to expand by collaborating with privately run facilities that worked to arrange future housing for students.

More luxurious options have been developed in the past several years, starting with Cuicacalli Suites in 2001. Now, spacious living arrangements include amenities such as a membership to the Aztec Recreation Center, cable and Internet connections, maintenance and laundry facilities.

The Dining Room at Cuicacalli Suites, which also opened in 2001, is considered another major upgrade in SDSU housing history, offering

SDSU students more on-campus meal options.

Current total residence hall costs for the 2012-13 school year range from $12,209 to $13,377 for a single-occupancy room and $10,249 to $11,417 for a double or small single-occupancy room.

According to the Campus Master Plan, which was last updated in 2007, there are no future plans for campus housing. There are also no proposed plans to upgrading existing residence hall structures.

Does living on-campus make students smarter?

Information from SDSU News Center

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, May 3, 2012

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Google prototype has ‘eyes’ on new device “Project Glass” tries to mitigate need for handheld devices Brittany Fasano staff writer An amplified experience of reality is no longer a futuristic concept with Google’s most recent creation: “Project Glass.” This is the company’s first step toward the production of computerized glasses, which are not currently for sale but are being publicly tested by Google employees.

These glasses allow wearers to use voice commands to send and receive messages. There is also a built-in camera to record videos and take pictures, offering all the expediency of smartphone technology in a hands-free device.

“We think technology should work for you — to be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don’t,” Project Glass stated in a post on Google Plus. “A group of us from Google started Project Glass to build this kind of technology, one that helps you explore and share your world, putting you back in the moment.”

Those with prescription glasses do not need to fear being left out.

Project Glass plans on being compatible with corrective lenses. Recently, tiny contact lenses have been researched, breaking boundaries between technology and biology.

On April 4, Google publicized a video on YouTube titled “One day ...,”offering viewers a firsthand look

COURTESY OF GOOGLE

COURTESY OF GOOGLE

into the life of a potential Google glass user. In the video, the user executes tasks any smartphone or iPhone could accomplish, without the touch of a single key. He schedules meetings, searches directions, checks the weather and texts friends entirely through vocal commands, while maps and confirmations enter his line of sight. In the end, the user is able to share a rooftop view with a friend by turning on the glasses’ “view share” option, offering his

direct field of vision while she sits in the comfort of her own home.

Google’s glasses have a sleek appearance, with a solid metal band that runs around the base of the forehead and a display mounted on the right side.

On Google Plus, the company has posted pictures and videos of what the technology might be able to do.

In February, The New York Times reported Google was preparing to release the glasses at the end of the year.

The New York Times conducted interviews with users who have tested this Google prototype.

“They let technology get out of your way,” one product tester said. “If I want to take a picture I don’t have to reach into my pocket and take out my phone; I just press a button at the top of the glasses and that’s it.”

Project Glass is one of various projects currently being developed in a secret laboratory called Google X in

Mountain View. Google X is responsible for the innovation of ultra-modern ideas, such as space elevators, robots and self-driving cars.

Despite skepticism that these glasses may intervene with daily life, be hard to use, limit social interaction or be scattered with ads, Project Glass’ technology remains unique to the times. Soon, augmented reality will no longer be a Star Trek fantasy: It will be a project model come to life.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, May 3, 2012

T R AV E L & A D V E N T U R E

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Stop at Flower Fields and smell the roses Colorful blooms blanket Carlsbad until Mother’s Day Brittany Fasano staff writer Tis the season for flower lovers at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad as the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus is currently in full bloom, covering acres of land with a canvas of color.

Carlsbad’s flowers have been blooming for nearly 100 years on a rolling hillside overlooking the Pacific Coast. In the early 1920s, grower Luther Gage began a process of floral cultivation by growing Ranunculus seeds in fields near Frank Frazee’s vegetable farm, which is the same area the fields populate today.

The father of The Flower Fields and a flower-industry icon, Edwin Frazee expanded the fields after working with the flowers and seeds for many years. When Frazee decided to retire, Paul Ecke Jr. teamed up with Mellano & Company to focus on growing scenic flowers for the whole world to enjoy.

Without Gage’s vision, Frazee’s creativity and Ecke’s charity, the flowers would not have thrived so successfully. They will endure for future generations to come thanks to these contributions.

“The Flower Fields decided to change the pattern this year to make it more visually appealing and surprise visitors with a new, more beautiful experience,” spokeswoman

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are teeming with Ranunculus blooms and will be open to the public until May 13. | BRITTANY FASANO, STAFF WRITER

Cambria McConnell said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

According to the LA Times, the fields’ “new motif will include rows of red, orange, gold, yellow, white, rose, pink, merlot, salmon, café, flame and mixed colors.” All are aligned in picturesque rows expanding across 50 acres.

“The flowers have a life of about four to six weeks,” supervisor Phil Okun said. “The season lasts from March 1 until Mother’s Day.”

“For only $10, you can enjoy a nice afternoon in the sun browsing ... these beautiful flowers. It’s a spectacular sight.”

April Stefanik,, SDSU history sophomore

In addition to the Ranunculus, or Persian Buttercups, the flower fields offer visitors many attractions, including a sweet pea maze, a cymbidium orchid greenhouse, an award-winning rose garden, a kids’ play area, an antique tractor wagon ride, sluice mining, picnic areas, a poinsettia display, fresh strawberries and the Armstrong Garden Center.

Another attraction that draws swarms of visitors is the patriotic American Flag of Flowers, which serves as a memorial for Sept. 11.

“The best place to take a picture of (this garden) is the Costco parking lot,” Okun said.

Along with a plethora of additional features, The Flower Fields also hosts special events throughout the season, including a special Mother’s Day Celebration on May 13.

“Agro-tourism is a big thing,” Okun said. “Visitors from over seventy countries come to the flower fields every year. We get about 2,500 visitors a day during midseason.”

Freshly cut flowers are available for purchase along with an assortment of other potted plants, bulbs and items at the Armstrong Garden Center.

The Flower Fields are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through May 13.

“If you are looking for something different to do on your weekend, I would suggest going to The Flower Fields,” San Diego State history sophomore April Stefanik said. “For only $10, you can enjoy a nice afternoon in the sun browsing through these beautiful flowers. It’s a spectacular sight.”

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

BOOB TUBE SCOOP

‘Girls’ relates to graduates

Lead actress and creator Lena Dunham doesn’t shy from controversial topics. | MCT CAMPUS

HBO’s new show touches close to home for grads Courtney Rogin staff writer After the commencement ceremonies have died down and the last celebratory parties are finished, reality of being a 20-something college graduate will set in. This is where the new HBO show “Girls” comes in: right after the first thousand anxiety attacks caused by being financially independent from parents and no longer being defined by a class schedule. The show, which premiered April 15, is a

refreshingly frank account of being a girl in her 20s living in New York City, though the subject matter transcends the subway lines.

The show was created by, and also stars, independent filmmaker Lena Dunham, and totes Judd Apatow (“Superbad,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) as its executive producer.

The cast of the show is centered around four main female leads sharing two apartments in New York.

Dunham plays the protagonist Hannah Horvath, who is trying to cope and overcome the loss of her parents’ financial good graces with no current job prospects and an on-andoff, kinky male suitor. Allison Williams — NBC News anchor Brian Williams’ daughter — plays Marnie Michaels, Hannah’s sweet roommate / best

friend and is a professional art gallery assistant. Marnie is in a rut with her long-term boyfriend and questions the longevity of the relationship.

Jemima Kirke and Zosia Mamet also star as the other main leads.

The first three episodes aired have yielded a steady audience of just below an average of one million viewers. The subject matter of the show is what separates it from other shows targeting the 18 to 49-yearold viewing range, both in a positive and negative way. It is certainly not for conservatives; the series has covered the topics of opium tea, abortion, STDs and sexual orientation in an honest and scathingly realistic fashion. Even those who consider themselves open-minded might find their cheeks a little blushed from embarrassment when the topic of Hannah’s sex life with her male friend is up for discussion.

“Girls” is a comforting look into the beginnings of adulthood in a nouveauAmerican way full of comedic quips and sarcasm and realistic interjections.

This makes the viewer feel as if the show was written about his or her life in some slight way — if not from emotional rage tweets on Twitter then because of the numerous failed job interviews to get a step in the door of a salaried career. It’s a chronicle of the wonderful ups and despairingly hopeless downs of growing up.

The show airs Sunday nights on HBO and has already been renewed for second season.

R E L E A S I N G F R I DAY

Captain America and Thor team up with other heroes. | COURTESY OF ZADE ROSENTHAL

Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) assembles S.H.I.E.L.D., recruiting superheroes from around the world to combat a threat to humanity. Joss Whedon directs an all-star cast as the five previous Marvel superhero movies culminate in one action-packed adventure.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, May 3, 2012

E N T E R TA I N M E N T AZTEC GAMING

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SNEAK PEEK

‘Diablo’ waxes nostalgic Morrison to play at Humphrey’s Shane Carpenter

staff blogger

This is definitely a “Diablo” game at its very core. Blizzard has done what it does best: churn out an updated, smoother-running, more simplistic yet equally difficult to master version of the genre-defining “Diablo II.” It’s fair to mention this year has been full of action role-playing games (“Path of Exiles,” “Torchlight II”) all vying for gamers’ attention, but “Diablo III” already sits at the top. Throughout the past few months, gamers have had the pleasure of helping test the game’s beta, and this is just a small preview of what one can expect when the gates of hell open on May 15.

Upon opening the game, the new battle.net login screen meets gamers.

This is a feature much derided by some, but one that is nonetheless common among modern Blizzard games. Once logged in and online, users have access to the character creation screen. Entering the world of Sanctuary as a Barbarian will feel like home for those experienced with previous “Diablo” iterations, but with a fresh, new paint job. Almost immediately gamers will run into their first enemy, but the moment players left click with that “bash” ability, the enemy goes flying out of sight.

This encounter might cause the Barbarian to lose a bit of health; a drink from a health potion elicits the same health-potion sound that ended up ringing in gamers’ ears for days after playing “Diablo II” for too long. The same thing happens again with the drop of coins. This is definitely the “Diablo” gamers remember and loved as kids.

However, there are some differences. As with any addition in a series, things must change somewhere in order to justify an entirely new game.

The graphics have been boosted — admittedly not to the standards some people may want — but they are decent and still draw users into the world, which is sometimes darker in these initial areas than “Diablo II.” No rainbows here, folks.

The gore is definitely intact. As gamers fight their way through enemies, they will see them explode, be decapitated and suffer any number of other gruesome deaths.

A new skill system has been implemented that no longer requires long, arduous amounts of time plotting out where to place every skill point gained with each level. Instead, users simply gain a predetermined amount of stats, get a new ability or rune and can be on their way.

The interaction between skills and runes is fun enough in the beta, giv-

Latest in the genre-defining series delights, thus far. |

COURTESY OF BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT

A new skill system has been implemented that no longer requires long, arduous amounts of time plotting out ... every skill point gained with each level. ing users a few choices regarding how they want to face their enemies.

For example, the Barbarian has a “cleave” ability, which normally includes attacking multiple enemies.

Once gamers get their first rune, it does its normal attack, along with the bonus of causing enemies who die via cleaving to explode. And there are four other runes still to unlock as progression is made toward level 60.

There’s a massive amount of unique abilities to harness as gamers level

higher up. Crafting is part of the game, and it feels like it will serve well at lower levels, but past that it is questionable how well it’ll hold up.

This game has definitely been designed for the long haul, with many things leading to the eventual endgame to create what will likely be one of the best gaming experiences of the year. Fans of the series should be confident that when they jump into the game on May 15, it’ll be like the summer of 2000 all over again.

James Morrison will bring smooth grooves to San Diego. |

Courtney Rogin staff writer The smooth, sultry, contemporary song stylings of James Morrison will be echoing through Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay this Saturday night. The British singer-songwriter recently released his third album, “The Awakening,” following his two previous well-received albums. Morrison had his start in 2006 with the hit single, “You Give Me Something” and “Wonderful World” on his debut album, “Undiscovered.” His is soulful music and warms listeners’ hearts.

For those unfamiliar with Morrison,

COURTESY OF STUNT COMPANY

think a subtler version of Gavin DeGraw, perfect for a classy summer dinner party on the patio. “The Awakening” is an honest testament to that, taking a page out of John Legend’s book for musical formation.

“I Won’t Let You Go” and “Slave To The Music” shine on the album as magical jam songs, prompting serene Sunday mornings or sultry Saturday nights.

James Morrison plays this Saturday, May 5, at Humphrey’s By The Bay with honeyhoney supporting. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $28 for a regular ticket and increase in price for the dinner show and Lexus-sponsored premium seats, which can run upward of $200. The show is all ages.

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P H OTO S : G R E E N F E S T

A circus performer hangs on giant ribbons, supported only by the way she wraps her body around them. | PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The SDSU students responsible for making GreenFest happen wave from onstage during the festival. |PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Headliner T-Pain raps at GreenFest. Editor’s note: This photo has been edited to remove the explitive originally printed on T-Pain’s shirt. | PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

P H OTO S : G R E E N F E S T

Men’s basketball star Tim Shelton warms up the crowd. | PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, May 3, 2012

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Performers Marc and Allister Blackham, aka the EC Twins, get GreenFest concert-goers excited. |PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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P H OTO S : S O F T B A L L

PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, May 3, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

SERVICES

2005 Red Mini Cooper, excellent condition, first owner, sunroof. 53,000 mi. Automatic, cruise control, leather seats. $9800 schoi@mail.sdsu.edu

HELP WANTED Mission Bay Sport Center is now accepting applications for positions. Positions available are the following: dock attendant, youth camp instructors, ski boat drivers and front desk help.

(858) 488-1004 www.missionbaysportcenter.com

Mission Valley office, Part-time-$10-12/hr +BONUSES.Great resume experience-include major. Call 619-822-2428 and/or email resume to justine@amgbanking.com

please recycle your paper.

SERVICES ARRESTED? DUI? THEFT? Call Attorney Bradley Corbett for all Misdemeanors and Felonies. (619) 800-4449. Student Discount.

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SMOG CHECK AND RETEST

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Our entire purpose is to prepare and perform a “perfect” final exam-review, whereby our students get the highest grades in the class. PERIOD.

We dumb down the material and spoon feed it to you.

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Discover for yourself why our lead instructor has taught more SDSU students than anyone in the history of SDSU. Join us and be happy.

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24

D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, May 3, 2012

B AC K PAG E

FICTION

HOROSCOPE

Fires during the flood

I

n October 1998, the Central Texas Flood swept through, claiming more than $750 million in damages, as well as 31 lives. Thousands were uprooted. Everyone had a story. This here’s the story of Bart McCarther: his life and death during the Flood.

Now, Bart made his money doing jobs most considered dirty. No task was too dirty for Bart. Running guns, blowing up cars (not his concern if anyone was in them), setting fire to a local gang’s bikes only to be hired by that same gang to blow up the house of the man that hired him to burn the bikes (funny story that one) — he did it all without blinking. It’s not that Bart didn’t have morals. Money was just renting them for the time being.

But, like his momma told him before she died, this line of work would eventually lead him to an ugly death.

Bart was a God-fearing man, but he wasn’t a particular fan of predetermined fate and all that. That was for his momma to believe in her old age. After she passed, he filled out the paperwork and started walking past the various units when he saw the rain beginning. No big deal, it rained all the time in Austin. The news was blaring with reports about flash floods and warnings. Poor saps, he thought, there’s a lot more that can kill you than water.

Like a 9 mm pistol, Benelli shotgun and a Colt .44. Much like those carried by the three men standing in the doorway of the hospital. Yup, that stuff can kill you a lot easier than a flood. The lead man, Benelli, pointed his gun up and pulled the trigger. The blast echoed throughout the hospital.

“Everyone whose name ain’t Bart McCarther should leave now.”

Max Saucedo staff writer Panicked people ran past the trio, splashing water everywhere. Thunder rolled and lightning flashed. Rain must be picking up, Bart thought. No time to think about that though. Benelli was aiming for him.

Bart dove behind a reception desk as round after round began to decimate it. Screw this, he thought. Time to go on the attack. Bart grabbed a fallen fire extinguisher and threw it hard over the desk. A small explosion confirmed his hope: They’d bought the misdirection and blew it up with gunfire, leaving themselves blinded.

Bart slid out from his spot and dashed for the elevators. Water splashed at his feet. There must be a leak somewhere, he thought. He went to the third floor: Children’s Burn Unit. As he exited he pressed the fire escape button. That should take some time. He blocked the stairwell door anyway to stall.

The place seemed deserted. An open window nearby had been left open. Water and mud had been tracked in. The gale winds were blowing the curtains and rain poured in. He rushed into the nearest empty room. Or so he thought.

He crouched against the doorway, eyes trained on the stairwell door. A tiny voice from behind startled him.

“Who are you Mister?” It was a girl, burned on the face and hands. “Burn unit,” Bart muttered, “right.”

“Look don’t mind me little lady, you just get under that bed there and keep your head down.” He turned around as he heard steps coming from the stairs. The girl ignored him

and came over next to his side. She whispered, “Are bad men coming for me again?” Bart twisted his head toward her. Jeez this girl doesn’t give up. “What do you mean, ‘again’?” he asked. She whispered, “I was playing in my house and there was a boom, and then the house was on fire and my daddy wasn’t there. He was always busy hanging out with his friends I think … Mommy tried to pull me out, but not before this happened,” she said, pointing to her face.

Bart was stunned. In his profession, men weren’t stunned easily.

But there she stood before him. The evidence was damning: Could this be the daughter of the biker whose house he set fire to? His thought was interrupted by another gunshot.

Benelli kicked the door in, screaming, “Come out McCarther! I’ll shoot every damn kid in here until you do!” Wind and rain beat against the walls. Water soaked everything.

Bart stared at the girl. She had run under her bed, scared. He couldn’t change what had happened. …

Well friends, I wish I could say that Bart drew his gun and shot it out with those three men; that he walked out of that hospital wounded but alive.

But he didn’t. I don’t know what went on in his head those last few seconds.

Maybe he thought about God and why he’d been put in this position.

Maybe he thought about his mother’s last words. Or maybe he thought about the little girl he had maimed.

But he didn’t.

He walked into the hallway, unarmed, and died a man. Little more can be said about the life and death of Bart McCarther.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (5/3/12) - Leverage your contribution by getting involved in group activities that benefit others. You can be a motivational force of nature.

What adventures await this year? Avoid summer or fall travel, or get into an online educational journey instead. Cultural exchange intrigues. Explore.

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

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 A quiet morning suits you. Take it slowly and carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

Engage in a romantic activity later. Dust off an old poetry book. Get sucked into a good movie.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 9 Leave your money in the bank. A setback inspires you to try harder. Your quick wit's appreciated. You have inside information that could bring a nice bonus.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Keep your head down, and you're quite productive. Finish a project for a carefree evening. The conversation is just getting interesting, with art, music and beauty.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 Don't bet on a far-fetched scheme. Take on more work, even if it makes life more complicated. Disruptions at home could cause chaos, too. Accept offers of help.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - No gambling (except in love). Defer gratification for later. Make connections with friends. A change of scenery together could lead to unforgettable moments.

Catch a nice view.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 9 -

619.594.4199

©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

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. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudokudragon.com

— Max Saucedo is a criminal justice freshman.

FOR ALL OTHER CONTACTS, PLEASE VISIT

thedailyaztec.com

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com

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

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

Carefully evaluate your economic situation. Don't jump to conclusions without looking at all the facts. In the end, you may have more wealth than you thought.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 You're especially keen at discovering errors. Figuring things out is part of the fun, and it's also a great learning experience. Others speak well of you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 You pull through despite unexpected events. Your confidence is enviable (and contagious). Remember, you're not the center of the universe. Contribute, and accept contributions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Invent new boundaries beyond the usual. Discover something when you clean up a mess. Love and be loved. Avoid going down the jealousy tunnel. No cheese there.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - You may have to take a detour on your route to a perfect career but not without reward. Go beyond sightseeing to immerse yourself in the experience. Earn new skills.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Not everything will transpire as expected today, but that's not a problem since you're ready for adventure. Learn more about love in the process. This could be enjoyable.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 You're inclined to challenge authority. You gain points for being respectful as well as for being positive and supportive. Let them have a say in the matter.

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

SUDOKU

C O N TA C T : GENERAL INFORMATION

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

FREAKIN’ TWEET! CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 River movement 5 You can count on them 10 Braff of “Scrubs” 14 Cleanse 15 Does a scrapbooking task 16 Away from the wind 17 Tension-easing activity 19 Breathing organ 20 In accordance with 21 Road trip respite 22 Triangular architectural feature 23 Music to a collector’s ears 28 Pursue quietly 30 IRS business designation 31 Partner of ciencias 32 Perfect 36 Warsaw __ 37 Drink suggested by the starts of 17-, 23-, 47- and 58-Across 39 Ancient gathering place 41 Fried, filled tortilla 43 All-out 44 Be gaga over 46 Keystone State team, familiarly 47 New Orleans tourist spot 52 Patron saint of girls 53 Campaigned 54 www address 57 Men’s clothing cut 58 Starlet’s benefactor, perhaps 62 Alien-seeking org.

63 Circle 64 Thunder sound 65 African antelope 66 Mixer that com-

/ THEDailyAztec

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com pletes 37-Across 67 Start of North Carolina’s motto DOWN 1 Turn on a griddle 2 Doily material 3 Outclass 4 “Charlotte’s __” 5 Cut taker 6 White-wine cooking liquids 7 Diving bird 8 Hook shape 9 Leb. neighbor 10 Big name in restaurant surveys 11 Out 12 Yo-Yo Ma’s instrument 13 Abductee of Paris

18 Skating venues 22 George who famously asked Knute Rockne to “win just one” for him 24 Ellington’s “__ Song Go Out of My Heart” 25 Eyepieces 26 Thing to pass in class 27 Word with gum or rain 28 Gullible sort 29 Gillette’s __ II 33 “Tender __ Night” 34 Rebellious dispositions 35 Wassailer’s song 37 Olympic sport in which belts are worn

38 Second word of many fairy tales 40 They’re rolled in Spain 42 Chocolate critters 43 Turn over 45 Company with a spokesbaby 47 __ profundo: low voice 48 Obvious flirt 49 Kwanzaa principle 50 Alternate song recording 51 Less grilled, say 55 Nutritional figs.

56 Singer Lovett 58 Hem, say 59 Sch. founded by Jefferson 60 Heater 61 King Kong, e.g.