MONDAY, JUNE 23 - SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2014 • VOLUME 100 • ISSUE 65 Sports • P4
Entertainment • P7
How Leonard’s MVP impacts the future of Aztec basketball
Musical Dog and Pony opens at the Old Globe
REMEMBERING
‘MR. PADRE’ TONY GWYNN 1960-2014
PRINT EDITION
“withYouwhispers whisper,
SNEAKPEEK
What is there to say about a man whose legacy speaks for itself? Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre, Hall of Famer, head coach of San Diego State’s baseball team, class-act human being and Aztec legend has sadly passed away at the age of 54. Gwynn had been battling cancer of his salivary gland since 2010 and unfortunately lost his fight early morning on June 16 in Poway. This loss was particularly hard for
the city of San Diego. Losing Gwynn almost seems unbearable. I could go on and on with stats upon stats that validate Gwynn as one of the best hitters of all-time, and the best of his generation. He was an eight-time batting champion, 15-time All-Star, fivetime Gold Glover and was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. But for as amazing of a ball player Gwynn was, he will be remembered most as an inspiring human being. As a kid growing up a San Diego Padres fan, Gwynn was my favorite player. How could he not be? He was the best player on the team and had a personality that
P3 Reasons to avoid Warped Tour JAY L. CLENDENIN / LOS ANGELES TIMES / MCT
made you instantly root for him. When I was younger, my family and I came across Gwynn at a Rubio’s in Poway. I immediately declared to my mom that I needed an autograph. My mom said that it wasn’t polite to come up to someone like that, but I was able to convince her to finally approach him. Mr. Gwynn, what I called him, almost seemed happy to see me. He shook my hand and beamed at me with that charismatic smile, making me think my presence made his day, just like his made mine. Please see GWYNN, P4
P5 Healthy snacks for summertime THINKSTOCK
WHAT’S INSIDE? News........................................P2 Opinion...................................P3 Sports..................................... P4 Features.................................P5 Entertainment..................P6-7
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RYAN POSNER STAFF WRITER _________________________________
MONICA LINZMEIER, EDITOR IN CHIEF
that turn into the words you carry until you put them to rest inside a paperstrewn home...” Poetry • P8
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2 NEWS
JUNE 23 - JULY 6, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: CAMILLE LOZANO • ASSISTANTNEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
#SDSUPD
Police combat mental illness CAMILLE LOZANO ASST. NEWS EDITOR ___________________________________ On June 10, San Diego State University Police Department officers underwent mental health training as part of a California State University system-wide initiative to promote understanding of mental illness and a supportive campus environment. Approximately 22 law enforcement officers were trained at SDSU in the fourhour period, Public Information Officer Captain Josh Mays, said. Along with SDSUPD, Carlsbad, City Schools, Los Angeles and San Diego County police departments attended the training. According to a public affairs article by the CSU, the training aims to “create a safe and supportive campus environment by increasing access to mental health services and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.” Funded mainly by the California Mental Health Services Authority, more than $6 million was allocated for the Cal State system. The funds were used for training, and mental health and suicide prevention programs and services said Ana Aguayo-Bryant, CSU assistant director for health and wellness services. California Proposition 63 funds were also used for the training. The proposition
San Diego State has received a $26,000 grant to develop online training for Adult Protective Services workers. The funds come at a time when the senior population in San Diego County is projected to triple during the next 15 years while APS remains underfunded. The grant was awarded in May through the Huguette Clark Family Fund for the Protection of Elders. It will allow SDSU researchers to develop new online instructional material for APS workers. The instructional material will cover some of the ways elderly citizens are exploited. The e-learning program will include training on identity theft, power of attorney abuse, foreclosure rescue schemes, undue influence, living trust scams and reverse mortgage abuse. Lori Delagrammatikas, the program manager for SDSU’s Multidisciplinary
MANAGING EDITOR Madison Hopkins
ASST. NEWS EDITOR Camille Lozano SPORTS EDITOR Kristian Ibarra ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Terence Chin OPINION EDITOR Sara Tiano
Patrol vehicles park behind the gate at the police office which is located on the west side of campus. FILE PHOTO
“emphasizes transformation of the mental health system with the intention of expanding services while improving the quality of life for Californians living with or at risk of serious mental illness,” according to the proposition website. The training was conducted using an interactive simulator with audio and video that responded to commands officers gave based on the situation. The simulator projected life-size computer generated images for the officers to interact with. Mays said the virtual, yet real-time training better helps the SDSUPD officers to assist in situations involving mental illness. “The simulation was very intuitive and interactive,” Mays said. “We are trying to train police how to interact successfully
with those who are mentally ill.” With the training, officers will be able to recognize the signs of mental illness, reduce conflict and provide on- and off-campus referrals for mental health services according to the CSU website. Liz Chapin is the public affairs assistant for the CSU Affairs Office. “The system has always been committed to increasing awareness and resources regarding mental illness, and understood the critical need for first responders are trained to respond appropriately when dealing with someone who may have a mental illness, especially in a crisis situation,” Chapin said. Training for the CSU system began in June and will continue until July, ending with San Jose State University.
SDSU receives $26,000 grant QUINN OWEN STAFF WRITER __________________________________
EDITOR IN CHIEF Monica Linzmeier
NEWS EDITOR David Hernandez
#RESEARCH
Funds will be used to train elderly care workers
Who’sWho?
Adult Services Training for Evaluation and Results program, said the abuse of undue influence was comparable to domestic violence. In these instances, relatives or even close family will provide care for the senior but then threaten to stop providing the care. In some cases, caregivers will threaten the senior with the possibility of unfairly subjecting them to a senior care center for the remainder of their
...ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION AT SDSU HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED ON A NATIONAL LEVEL. lives. SDSU received the grant for the work researchers have done to prevent issues like these. In an interview on KPBS Evening Edition, Paul Greenwood, deputy district attorney for the Elder Abuse Protection Unit, described elder abuse as “covering a variety of conduct from physical to mental abuse to financial exploitation.” Greenwood said individuals who are
in an unstable physical and mental state are especially vulnerable to abuse. In her speech earlier this year Supervisor Dianne Jacob said “by 2030 the number of people who are at least 75 years old is expected to triple, rapidly outpacing the growth of the rest of the population.” Delagrammatikas said APS is “woefully underfunded,” receiving only four cents to the dollar in federal and state funding compared to Child Protective Services. With more funds, the team at SDSU could afford to hire software engineers that could improve the quality of the training programs. Delagrammatikas said the work done for elder abuse prevention at SDSU has been recognized on a national level. Several states including Georgia, Oklahoma, Hawaii, and Alaska have all used the training programs. According to a report by SDSU NewsCenter, “San Diego State University is a leader in the fight to recognize, prevent and rectify elder abuse in the United States.” Currently, the e-learning programs remain in the development stage and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2014.
ASST. OPINION EDITOR Elpin Keshishzadeh ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Nick Knott ASST. ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Ryo Miyauchi FEATURES EDITOR Kelly Hillock ASST. FEATURES EDITOR Chelsea Baer PHOTO EDITOR Jenna Mackey VIDEO EDITOR Wesley Beights DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Kelly Gardner PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Mark Anthony Santos Kate Leonard VOLUNTEER WRITERS Quinn Owen Luke Henning Olivia Litsey Josselyn Molina David Dixon Ryan Posner Matthew Bain Mike Heral Patrick Carr __________________________________
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tony Disarufino SALES MANAGER Adam Zabel ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Radbeh Rabaz ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Michael Bratt Kim Le __________________________________
GENERAL MANAGER Jay Harn GRAPHICS SPECIALIST Chris Blakemore __________________________________
What’sWhat? ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies twice a week on Monday & Thursday during the school year, and 3,000 copies every other Monday during the summer. WEB Our website, thedailyaztec.com, publishes daily content & breaking news. MOBILE Our mobile app, The Aztec App, is available for the iPhone and Android. __________________________________ The Daily Aztec has been San Diego State’s independent student newspaper since 1913.
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OPINION 3
JUNE 23 - JULY 6, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: SARA TIANO • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
#WARPEDTOUR Vans Warped Tour has drawn huge crowds for years. Some say this is part of what detracts from the festival’s overall quality. JAY L. CLENDENIN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Five reasons Warped Tour is lame KC STANFIELD STAFF COLUMNIST ____________________________________
hear it at Warped Tour.
4. Scheduling conFLicts
A
s far as admission prices are concerned, Vans Warped Tour is one of the better musical festivals to attend. One ticket costs a little more than $40, compared to other festivals that cost upwards of $400. However, on top of being rather niche and designed for a younger audience, several other problems haunt Warped Tour. With more than 100 artists (or 91 if you’re unluckily attending the Chula Vista leg of the tour) and multiple stages, here are the top five reasons why Warped Tour isn’t worth your time.
1. Lame crowd
The audience’s attitude can be the difference between a good concert and one so great it will still be remembered during the late stages of Alzheimer’s. Large audiences aren’t always a problem, but the overall popularity of Warped Tour makes for an oversized, under-excited crowd. Since Warped Tour attracts thousands of viewers who come to see one particular artist, many of the fans don’t know or even care about the dozens of other bands performing. With so many unenthused people at a concert, the overall mood will be significantly less fun than it would be at a smaller concert.
2. The view Unless you’re the hippest of hipsters,
or you stake out a spot and wait through all of the opening bands, you will be much farther from the stage than usual when the band you like finally comes on. Many people have the mentality of the closer the better. The influx of punk-rock teens elbowing their way to the front of the crowd inevitably pushes everyone else farther back. Whether you like to be near the mosh pit or comfortable with some personal space, the thousands of people packed like sardines create an uncomfortably distant concert experience (yes, this could’ve been
combined with the last point, but let’s be honest—”Top 5” sounds much better than “Top 4”).
3. Short set lists
Despite that there’s approximately 10 stages, most artists—especially the older ones—are held to a strict time limit. Don’t even bother uttering the word “encore” because even if they’re the last band of the day, encores don’t exist at Warped Tour. Unfortunately, the sheer quantity of artists means staying on schedule is more important than fan experience. And chances are, if you like that one really obscure song, you won’t
With so many artists playing different stages, there isn’t enough time to see every individual show. Unless you’re only planning on seeing a few artists, which probably wouldn’t justify the admission price, you’ll have to make tough decisions when multiple artists you like are playing at the same time. Regardless of genre, two artists you came to see are almost guaranteed to play at the same time. To make matters worse, there’s also a chance of no one remotely decent playing for hours at a time. In all honesty, this wouldn’t be so high on the list if Warped Tour released the schedule in advance, but no—schedules aren’t set until the day of the event. Basically, there’s not guarantee you’ll get to enjoy every show you’ve been so excited to see. In fact, it’s practically guaranteed that you won’t.
5. Sound quality
Call me old fashioned, but the music comes first and foremost at any concert, as a live performance can make or break a person’s opinion on an artist. Whether it’s caused by being outdoors, being so far away or exhaustion from excessive touring, artists at Warped Tour don’t sound as good as they should. There are exceptions, obviously, but knowing many won’t perform at their best, you might as well just wait until they return to San Diego on their own.
4 SPORTS
JUNE 23 - JULY 6, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KRISTIAN IBARRA • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Gwynn: An amazing player, better person Continued from P1
That was Gwynn’s personality. His ego was as small as his strikeout percentage throughout his career, and always had great admiration for his fans. He was never too busy for an autograph, never too tired to shake a hand, and never too big-time to make an appearance – Gwynn was everybody’s favorite player. A lot of people can tell you where they were when they saw the Miracle on Ice, or when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, but if you’re a Padres fan, you know the exact place you were when you heard or saw Gwynn notch his 3,000th hit. I get chills to this day thinking about how he was able to do it on his mom’s birthday, and remembering Coleman’s iconic “Oh, doctor!” call. For a city that has never won a Superbowl, World Series, Stanley Cup or NBA Championship, it’s surprising that a player of Gwynn’s caliber decided to never leave San Diego. From his time at San Diego State, where he starred in basketball and baseball, setting the schools assist record, to the 20 years he spent with the San Diego Padres, Gwynn knew how to let his loyalty shine. He had plenty of chances to leave for money, but Gwynn’s heart was always here. Just like San Diego loved him, he loved San Diego. Even after Gwynn concluded his playing career, he opted to remain in
San Diego. Instead of taking a gig in the MLB, he became the head coach of Aztec baseball in 2002. Covering the baseball team this season I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interview Coach Gwynn. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I was probably more nervous than someone giving a speech in Communications 103, but five minutes into the interview, Gwynn made me feel as if I was talking baseball with an old friend. He even gave me his phone number so that I could call him whenever I needed to talk. I wanted to tell Coach Gwynn that I was with The Aztec and not ESPN, but it didn’t matter, he didn’t pick favorites. This may be one of the toughest losses that this city has ever had to deal with. If you don’t believe me, go to Petco Park and look at his statue. You couldn’t grow that many flowers in a garden. Gwynn was a role model for children, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who put family before everything. He was one of the best players of all time, but had such a love and respect for the game, becoming the first player to study countless hours of game tape. We will remember his thousands of accolades that punched his first-ballot ticket to the Hall of Fame, but we will miss the smile, the booming laugh and irreplaceable presence. Rest in paradise Tony, us Aztecs will miss you dearly.
Former Aztec Kawhi Leonard plays against LeBron James of the Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals. MICHAEL LAUGHLIN / SUN SENTINEL / MCT
#AZTECBASKETBALL
Leonard’s MVP provides hope MATTHEW BAIN SENIOR STAFF WRITER ___________________________________ Kawhi Leonard’s been a household name in San Diego since his days of leading the 2010-11 San Diego State basketball team to a program-best 34-3 record and the school’s first Sweet 16 appearance. Now, after his 2014 NBA Finals MVP performance, he’s become a household name across the basketball-loving country. Fans outside San Diego are asking, “Where did this guy come from?” Aztec faithful are proudly screaming across all social media spheres, “Hey! This guy came from SDSU!” He forced the national media to take notice and write headlines such as CBS Sports’ “Ready or not, the Kawhi Leonard Era is underway in San Antonio.” The Dr. J Era for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bird Era for the Boston Celtics. Showtime in Los Angeles. Miami’s Big Three. It’s difficult to tell if it’s too soon to call this the Kawhi Era— but it’s definitely coming. In terms of two-way NBA players, Leonard is near the top. So let’s bring this back home to SDSU. Leonard’s NBA success up to this point has already helped with SDSU basketball recruiting. It’s no coincidence that the Aztecs recruited their best-ever class in 2014 following Leonard’s stellar defense in the 2013 NBA Finals. I mean, every time Marv Albert said “the young forward from San Diego State,” Coach Steve Fisher’s program received free publicity. But few things will help recruiting more than telling a high school athlete, “We at SDSU make NBA Finals MVPs.
Just look at Kawhi.” Due to Leonard’s success, I won’t be at all surprised if SDSU basketball recruits its new bestever class in 2015. It already got a great start with Damien High School shooting guard Jeremy Hemsley. Most modern big high school recruits think of college simply as a one- or twoyear bridge to the NBA—the dreaded “one-and-done” craze. Fisher and company usually don’t pursue those types of recruits because SDSU has built its success on a program, not on a series of different individual teams. But even those top recruits who will commit to a college program want to be NBA stars. Now SDSU has one to boast about. Successful recruiting following an alumnus’ emergence in the NBA definitely has precedence. Harvard picked up 6-foot-8, 200-pound power forward Agunwa Okolie, whom ESPN.com gave a 90 out of 100, after Harvard University’s very own Jeremy Lin exploded onto the NBA scene in 2012 with the New York Knicks. James Harden’s alma mater Arizona State University picked up two 90-plus rated recruits the same year that he won NBA Sixth Man of the Year as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Washington State University recruited three threestar recruits after recording a 15-16 regular season record the same year that former-Cougar Klay Thompson earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Put SDSU basketball’s recent national success together with the increased impact Leonard will have on the minds of top high school players, and we may very well see some special things happen with SDSU recruiting this year. Stay tuned.
JUNE 23 - JULY 6, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KELLY HILLOCK • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
FEATURES 5
#SUMMERSNACKS
Healthy snacks for summertime OLIVIA LITSEY SENIOR STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ Summertime is a time for happiness. It’s a time to remember how much fun life can be and a time to be surrounded by good things—food included. Thankfully, there are ways to maintain that bangin’ beach bod during these hot months without staying away from all things delicious. Jell-o Jell-o is life. And it doesn’t have to be a fat life. Opt for a more natural jiggly experience with some fruit, fruit juice and unflavored gelatin instead of the normal cherry flavor that resides in the majority of all American pantries. Trail mix Sometime there is nothing better in the world than sitting back, relaxing and munching on whatever is closest. Instead of reaching for the Takis or the Pirates Booty, consider other, more nutritious options. Some good old trail mix, minus the chocolate for good measure, can supply the carbs, proteins and fats bodies need via nuts and dried fruit. Lettuce wraps When the need for some greens is powerful but the willpower to concoct any sort of dish is not, lettuce wraps are a go-to. Wrap some iceberg, romaine, red or green leaf around whichever sounds most appealing: quinoa, grilled chicken and onions, leftover tuna, egg salad, grilled chicken and onions and more. Throw in some ham and pineapple for Hawaiian flare or some tomatoes, feta cheese, and whatever else is available for a fresh, handheld version of the salad that is usually made out of
those refrigerator regulars. Popsicles Popsicles are sometimes a necessity for those days when the heat outside is too much to handle. Avoid taking in extra sugar by making popsicles with ingredients, such as coconut water (with natural sugar and electrolytes), honey, fruit juice and greek yogurt. Ice cream trucks probably shouldn’t catch the attention of college students anymore in the first place. Smoothies Instead of the sugary goodness plopped into the styrofoam cups of many smoothie shops, blending up smoothies at home can lead to creative and more healthy alternatives. Throw in ingredients, such as kale, spinach, milk, yogurt, avocadoes, bananas and any berries that cross the mind. Heck, it can even be frozen into another popsicle if the action of drinking is too much of a hassle. Next step: tell The Food Network to watch out because there’s a new smoothie chef on the horizon. Anything with hummus Anything healthy, that is. Hummus is made up of chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice and salt, and is a good source of protein in addition to being a delicious dip for a variety of things. Veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers are a great option, as well as the popular choice of pita bread. There is also a great number of flavors to keep life spicy, such as jalapeño, garlic or roasted vegetable. So the next time snack time is beckoning this summer, take a moment to consider these suggestions. Most importantly, keep in mind that it actually is possible to indulge in the joy of eating while still eating well.
THINKSTOCK
#LONGDISTANCEFRIENDS
How to stay in touch with friends abroad CHELSEA BAER ASST. FEATURES EDITOR _____________________________________ Miles of land and sea don’t have to get in the way of your friendships any longer! With a wide range of apps and social media, today it’s easy to keep in touch with your amigos studying in a foreign land. Because San Diego State is a top school for studying abroad, Aztecs are often faced with separation anxiety when our other halves fly halfway around the world. Distance isn’t an issue when you use Viber or WhatsApp. Viber and WhatsApp are mobile apps that enable you to communicate through text and phone call for free with another friend who has the app. It’s free because it uses Wi-Fi or 3G connections. This is the perfect solution to wanting to chat with a friend without running up a high phone bill. They both serve essentially the same purpose: connecting friends. “WhatsApp is all I use to talk to my friends in Germany and France, besides Facetime,” senior Carleigh Roman said. The two apps work on iPhone, Android, Windows and Blackberry devices. Viber even recently added an online option, connecting friends who both have Viber downloaded on their desktop. “WhatsApp is what I use to talk to my
family in Istanbul,” sophomore Koray Kayhan said. “It is very convenient.” Facebook Messenger is also rapidly becoming more popular. Downloading it is as simple as clicking on the installation option in the chat window. It’s a free and easy way to keep in touch with friends and family no matter the location. Also, the familiarity of Facebook’s simple format makes it user-friendly.
WE ARE FACED WITH SEPARATION ANXIETY WHEN OUR OTHER HALVES FLY HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD. If you’re more of the “seeing is believing” type, then Facetime and Skype are oldies but goodies when it comes to long distance communication. They have been around for years, but with these video chat apps your friendship will be as strong as your Wi-Fi connection. Make a quick trip to your app store and add each other before you part ways and avoid the dramatic farewell. Remember, it’s not goodbye, it’s until we Skype again.
THINKSTOCK
6 ENTERTAINMENT
JUNE 23 - JULY 6, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: NICK KNOTT • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
#AKEDA
Matisyahu starts fresh with album JOSSELYN MOLINA STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ It’s been nine years since Matisyahu released “Live at Stubbs,” the album that popularized him among the reggae and alternative hip-hop communities. Since then, Matisyahu has stepped down from the spotlight and developed a more subtle appearance for his newfound self. His recently released album, “Akeda,” can be seen as a representation of his life journey into the understanding of his own human consciousness. In comparison to Matisyahu’s previous album, “Spark Seeker,” which consists of a strong pop sound and multiple featured artists within tracks, “Akeda” embodies the more rootsy, organic feel and brings music back to its bare essentials. “This record has more of a dark feel, dark space to it, a lot less ear candy, less synthesizers, less layering.” Matisyahu said. “I got into this really creative phase, both musically and emotionally in my life.” “Akeda” is also a more personal record. For its creative direction, Matisyahu covers his new awakening in the music. “During the time, I had a lot of changes in my life,” Matisyahu said. “I went through finding myself again after many years of being embedded in a religious ideology. I began to think for myself. I shaved, I changed the way my appearance looked, I got a lot of
Matisyahu recently released his new album “Akeda.” This record is a significant change from his usual work. COURTESY OF MARK SQUIRES
backlash from people. I went through a divorce, I had issues with addiction, I had a lot more serious things going on in my life I had to deal with.” Speaking about his outlook on the outcome of “Akeda,” Matisyahu holds high hopes for the first album he can really call his own. Not being signed with a major record company has helped him produce some of the most personal and pure sounds of music, not only by himself but also with another big name
#PITYSEX
in the reggae industry—Collie Buddz. “At this point in my career I only work with people that I respect and that I’m friends with,” Matisyahu said. “So, Collie Buddz was the obvious fit I saw there. He has that real rootsy reggae flavor, and I love his style so I brought him on in the record.” After working on “Akeda” for so many years, Matisyahu is proud to embark on a summer of touring around the world. From Russia to Portugal, the small island
of Guam, and even San Diego’s very own county fair, he will be performing some of his most heartfelt music across the world. Matisyahu comes to the San Diego County Fair’s Summer Concert Series on July 3. Start Fourth of July early by exploring the places Matisyahu can lead you to. “Music should transport people, it should bring people somewhere.” Matisyahu said. “That’s the kind of music I’m interested in making.”
#OBVIOUSCHILD
Still-standing Che Obvious is hilarious Cafe hosts Pity Sex NICK KNOTT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ____________________________________
RYO MIYAUCHI ASST. ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ____________________________________ Released in a year full of stunning records, the debut album, “Feast of Love,” by Pity Sex stands as an indie rock highlight from 2013. A full year has passed since the Michigan band put out the album, but its fuzzball pop-punk still sounds as fresh as it did then. On Friday, June 27, Pity Sex takes the stage at the Che Cafe to play its jubilant songs from the solid debut. Before the official full-length song, Pity Sex released the “Dark World” EP in 2012. The six songs on the record were refinements from a demo recorded a year prior by three of the four members: guitarist and singer Brennan Greaves, drummer Sean St. Charles and bassist Brandan Pierce. When the other guitarist and vocalist Brittany Drake joined during the writing of “Dark World,” she proved to be the missing piece to the group. While Greaves is featured as more of the lead singer on the EP, Drake’s vocal parts provided a mellow side to balance the band’s overall voice. The exciting vocal dynamics between Greaves and Drake is shown more on “Feast of Love.” The two continue to share vocal duties, such as the standout opener “Wind-Up”, but Drake also sings lead on about half the record. She especially shines through with her breezy vocals in the sparkling slow jam “Hollow Body.” Devoid of the usual
buzz covering the music, Pity Sex peels back a more tender side to its music. Pity Sex also polishes off some of the blown out feedback that roughed up its tuneful guitar pop on its previous release. Other highlights such as “Honey Pot” and “Drown Me Out”
DEVIOD OF THE USUAL BUZZ COVERING THE MUSIC, PITY SEX PEELS BACK A MORE TENDER SIDE TO ITS MUSIC. tease out more of the band’s strong ear for melody without compromising its heavy vibration. The production on the record nails a satisfying middle of slick pop-punk and low fidelity posthardcore, hitting the best aspects of both styles. The noise-fueled music by Pity Sex sounds more fit for a live setting. The distortion buzzes great on record, and imagine how much better it would sound amplified and delivered on real, booming speakers. But it’s not all a showmanship of how loud the fourpiece can get. No matter how slathered in fuzz, Pity Sex includes a sweet, inviting groove underneath the great wall of noise.
There’s something to be said about a movie being able to captivate a room full of random people. And “Obvious Child,” directed by Gillian Robespierre, does just that. The first three minutes of this somewhat-dark comedy will have you in stitches. The film follows the life of young comedienne Donna (Jenny Slate). She tours the local comedy scene in Brooklyn and works in a mom-and-pop style bookstore, a routine she’s repeated throughout so many years it has left her complacent in life. For her whole life, Donna has put off making any real-world decisions or even thinking about growing up to do “adult” things. But all that changes when a whirlwind of life-altering events make her look at life differently. Here’s the gist: Donna becomes single, unemployed and pregnant all in the matter of a few days, thus causing her to take the plunge into adulthood and deal with her newfound problems. Jenny Slate does a fantastic job playing the foul-mouthed Donna. Her comedy background from stints on shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Parks and Recreation,” as well as her career as a stand-up comedian only help her step into the role of a young, wise-cracking and overall funny gal. Gaby Hoffman and Gabe Liedman join Slate on the big screen as her freespirited, pseudo-advisor roommate and her comedian best friend. The dialogue between the trio is quick witted and
IN THEATERS...
OBVIOUS CHILD DIRECTED BY GILLIAN ROBESPIERRE STARRING JENNY SLATE EDITOR’S RATING
«««« full of graphic depictions of bodily functions, sex and topics not for the faint of heart. Robespierre, who also co-wrote the script, teamed up with Chris Teague for the cinematography. The visuals are simple but not boring. No camera tricks or special effects were needed for a film like this. Most scenes are up-close and intimate with the actors, causing the audience to feel as if they are actually in the comedy club or in Donna’s apartment. The humor is relatable as Donna draws her material from her personal life and adventures. It’s almost like the comedy of Louis C.K., raw and real while showing no restrictions or censorship. “Obvious Child” is hands down a must-see film. This coming-of-age comedy takes some problems that 20-somethings could potentially be going through, and puts a funny spin on it. So if you’re looking for laughs, this flick is an obvious choice.
ENTERTAINMENT 7
JUNE 23 - JULY 6, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: NICK KNOTT • ENTERTAINMENT@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
#DOGANDPONY
Witty musical opens at Old Globe DAVID DIXON STAFF WRITER ____________________________________ The world premiere musical comedy playing at The Old Globe, “Dog and Pony,” is the exact opposite of a dog and pony show. Instead of being a satire of bombastic events, the story is a rather intimate one that is appropriate for the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre. Andy (Jon Patrick Walker) and Mags (Nicole Parker), a screenwriting team, are best friends that care deeply about each other. While they seem like a perfect match, Andy has a child with his gun-loving wife, Jane (Heidi Blickenstaff ). The tale goes back and forth in time to show how Andy and Mags’ bond was destroyed. This new production features big names behind the scenes. Rick Elice penned the book to “Dog and Pony” and he is known for co-writing both the stage and film version of “Jersey Boys” with Marshall Brickman. He includes a balance of witty and lowbrow situations with jokes ranging from lampooning Hollywood to poop humor. Theater fans might know Michael Patrick Walker for co-writing the music and lyrics to “Altar Boyz” with Gary Adler. Walker’s songs are rarely simple melodies. His compositions are insightful and frequently funny tunes that help the audience learn more about the characters. All numbers are exquisitely played by the orchestra and conducted by keyboardist, Adam
ON STAGE... DOG & PONY DIRECTED BY ROGER REES STARRING JOHN PATRICK WALKER & NICOLE PARKER EDITOR’S RATING
««««« Watcher. Director Roger Rees is equally respected as a thespian and artist. Some might be familiar with him for directing “Peter and the Starcatchers” while others might recognize him for his performances in “The West Wing” and “Cheers.” He can be labeled an actor’s director because of the enjoyable performances he gets out of his cast. Walker’s dialogue early on makes Andy come across as a pompous narcissist, but the character grows in an extended sequence set in The Ketchum Komedy Honors, a fictitious awards ceremony. With his Alan Alda-like charisma, Walker becomes more likeable during his extended conversations with Parker. As good as Walker is, the women steal “Dog and Pony.” Parker delicately delivers one-liners with the confidence
CROSSWORDS
ACROSS 1 Home of Iowa State 5 Glasgow native 9 Back-to-school mo. 13 First name in denim 14 Part of a.k.a. 15 Butterlike spreads 17 *Totally, as sober 19 “Help” signal fired from a gun 20 Vivacity 21 *Interior decorator’s asset 23 Maury of tabloid talk 25 Gal sib 26 Sharing word 27 Mined find 28 “Damn Yankees” vamp 31 Safe and sound 33 Cato’s “to be” 35 The Big Easy acronym
37 Ran easily 38 *Facetious treatment suggestion to a bundle of nerves 41 Youngest Obama 44 Glasgow gal 45 1998 Sarah McLachlan song 49 Busy in a cubicle 51 Something to keep under your hat? 53 Mischievous kid 54 ‘70s radical org. 55 SSE or NNW 57 “Pucker up!” 59 *Somewhat deceptive statement 63 Florist’s container 64 China’s Zhou __ 65 Finale to fight to, and what
Nicole Parkers stars as Mags in “Dog and Pony.” The musical is playing at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre. COURTESY OF JIM COX
of an A-list Hollywood megastar. She also displays neurosis and furious anger wonderfully in tunes such as “What the Hell am I Doing” and “Mags Takes Flight.” Beth Leavel and Blickestaff get some of the biggest laughs portraying several people who stand in the way of Andy
and Mags becoming a couple. A scene with them towards the climax is a highlight of “Dog and Pony.” “Dog and Pony” turns out to be a fresh look at human relationships. This is just another example of why Rees is such an accomplished and skillful entertainer.
CLASSIFIEDS
17-, 21-, 38- and 59-Across each literally has 68 Thunder-andlightning event 69 Gaga over 70 Part of NIH: Abbr. 71 __ bit: slightly 72 Scruff of the neck 73 Canonized mlles. DOWN 1 Capp and Gore 2 Shooting stars 3 Develops over time 4 Egypt’s __ Peninsula, which borders Israel 5 Anatomical pouch 6 Bathtub trouble 7 Capital NNW of Copenhagen 8 Hubbubs 9 Subtle marketing
technique 10 “Enchanted” title girl in a 2004 film 11 Dense fog metaphor 12 Agony 16 Get hot under the collar 18 Something besides the letter: Abbr. 22 Bad-mouth 23 American master of the macabre 24 Hägar and Helga’s daughter 29 Kick back 30 Islamic deity 32 Coca-__ 34 Cave feedback 36 Vaulted church area 39 Period in the pen, to a con 40 “Out of Africa” novelist Dinesen 41 Girl Scout accessories 42 Home of Georgia Tech 43 One of the birds that “come back to Capistrano,” in song 46 Voice an objection 47 Bigger than big 48 Chest-beating beast 50 White wine apéritif 52 Plunge 56 Apply during a massage 58 Bollywood wraps 60 Bus rider’s payment 61 Fey of “30 Rock” 62 Internet address letters 66 From head to __ 67 Rehab woe
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8 THE BACK PAGE
JUNE 23 - JULY 6, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KELLY HILLOCK • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
#POETRY
Between sheets and sleep BY KELLY HILLOCK FEATURES EDITOR ____________________________________
t
he words become dust in my eyes, showing you what I carry with you, as you pry the heaving feeling from your chest how can I tell you, with only sheets between us in this bed how do you feel something much less than the heavy sleep that fills this home. please say you won’t go. this is how we go you whisper, with whispers that turn into the words you carry until you put them to rest inside a paper-strewn home. the words that remain inside your chest a phrase you will only say to me in your sleep but still I know who we are in this bed.
the ink of your pen spills onto the linen of our bed and its unkempt quilts, declaring you won’t go now I feel heavy (not with sleep) yours brimming over into mine, now I carry your words, your eyes inside my chest inkstains cannot replace a home. the crevices of your body have become my home but when the sheets stretch for miles in this bed I will end up back inside my chest tumbling, twisting for a place to go instead, I find the places I carry, the maps and memories that grow heavy as I sleep with your bones pressed to mine while we sleep
#DASNAPSHOTS
and I’m dreaming of words we can use to build this home maybe the words aren’t yours, maybe you don’t carry articulated pens with you to this kind of bed, but now you’re scribbling “this isn’t how I go” carving it into my chest. I dreamt you spoke directly into my chest with half-closed eyes, halfasleep I know you speak in realities that will not go I want to hear your voice outside of our sheet-covered home your eyes betray your sleepsecrets in this bed, only to discover we always carry our homes inside our chests our chests with our home we are together now, I know you won’t go.
SUDOKU
HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9. DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
1/4
CROSSWORDS, SUDOKU, AND HOROSCOPES COURTESY OF TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC., ©2014. GAME SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT THEDAILYAZTEC.COM
Video Editor Wesley Beights uses long-exposure to demonstrate dramatic flow of the water.
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SWIRLING SUMMER SEA
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HOROSCOPE HAPPY BIRTHDAY (6/23/14) - Venus in Gemini blesses this year with extra ability to express love. Take action for freedom, beauty and balance. Practical efforts transform a hobby into business, raising family fortunes. Store your harvest well, avoiding risk. Slow and steady wins the race. Pursue educational and spiritual growth through studies and travel. Play a game you love and thrive. HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad. ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 - It's easy to get into a spiritual or philosophical frame of mind. Postpone tasks, and find words of love and visions of beauty. Read poetry, play music, and appreciate art made by others. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 6 - Take extra care of yourself today and tomorrow. Pamper yourself with rest and healthy food. Think and talk about love. The words come easily, with Venus entering Gemini today. Surround yourself with kindness. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 - Make plans today for profits tomorrow. There's plenty of work, and organization today helps when things get chaotic. File papers, catch up on correspondence, and return calls. With Venus in Gemini, you find the right words. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Let your loved ones know how much you adore them. You know just what to say, with Venus in Gemini. Today and tomorrow your communication skills are in rare form. Express what you feel. LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 Share your heart out at home with Venus in Gemini. Your attention and energy are wanted and needed there. Today and tomorrow are good for home repairs and renovations. Restore love with small kindnesses. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 - The Taurus Moon invites fun and play with friends and family over the next two days. Take some time off. Work's not going anywhere. Express love, with Venus in Gemini. Share precious time together. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 - Breakdowns at work could get frustrating. Step back and review the situation. Take a deep breath, and look to get to the heart of the matter. You're brilliant at expressing love, with Venus in Gemini. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 - You and a partner may disagree on priorities. Be willing to compromise. Sit down and make an action plan. Don't let small potatoes become big problems. Love is the most important thing. Share it. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Handle financial and family matters today and tomorrow. Tie up loose ends and update the records. Love is the bottom line... make sure your dear ones know how you feel. Speak from your heart. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Study, research, and embark on an educational journey today and tomorrow. It's easier to share your passions, with Venus in Gemini. Let others know what you love. Take it slow and easy. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - A rise in career status could be possible over the next two days. Focus on what you love, and on having more of that. Talk about how awesome it would be. Get specific. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 - Friends help you surmount obstacles and blockages today. Things may not go as planned, but your team's behind you. Let them know how much you love and appreciate their talents and efforts.