08-22-2011

T H E

DA I LY

A Z T E C

New student statistics

MONDAY August 22, 2011 Volume 97, Issue 1 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M

facebook.com/dailyaztec twitter: thedailyaztec

SCAN CODE FOR MOBILE CONTENT

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

INDEX:

NEWS

Find out who’s who on campus

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SPORTS Tickets for Aztec sports coming soon to a ticket office near you.

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

“In the good old days ...

Chris Pocock talks Nickelodeon, Pogs and San Diego storms.”

B A C K PA G E

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W E AT H E R : PARTLY CLOUDY HIGH: 73 o LOW: 64 o SUNSET: 7:26PM

WELCOME WEEK

D A I LY A Z T E C Monday, August 22, 2011

Expectations with abbreviations We asked our crack team of editors and online readers to post their expectations for the incoming leaders of Associated Students and President Elliot Hirshman in three lines or less. Published are their responses; some positive, some negative, but most hopeful of a greater future for students and the campus. Post your expectation at www.facebook.com/dailyaztec or send a tweet to @TheDailyAztec.

About @TheDailyAztec:

founded @joemyoung: Web Editor Hoping Hirshman and A.S. do more to reach out to the average student on campus who might not keep up with school politics. I think the only way they’ll be truly successful is if they engage a bigger part of the campus. @thewinorhino: Managing Editor Always keep your door open. A great president is welcoming, available and open. @sandy_sdsu: Investigative Team Editor I expect the signage of Senate Bill 8 (UC, CSU Transparency Act), A.S. and Pres.

Hirshman will welcome and help facilitate a new era of open records and accountability at SDSU. Bill Crotty: News Editor Regrowth in different colleges and majors is essential. I have seen students transfer to other schools b/c of cuts, and this is not OK. If Hirshman and AS want to prove themselves, they must restore the prestige of departments. @ChrPocock: Opinion Editor Transparency. Accountability. And an unceasing passion to improve everything about this campus. Take every criticism in stride. And less parking tickets would be nice, but I won’t push my luck. @deecaffeinated: Art Director

1913 distributes

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issues daily 100% student

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Trending topics: On campus

#Aztecsfight #SDSUfootball

I'd like a leader who cares about our opinions and better translates our tuition into resources, especially for the arts. #DesignIsExpensive

#ParkingPermits #MontyMontezuma

@alliemeister: Editor in Chief I want a president who’s prouder to be an Aztec than we are. Front row, black and red face paint, shouting with the rest of us, fighting for the Aztecs ‘til the end.

#HirshmanSalary #NewStarbucks #IBelieveThatWeWillWin

@Chipmeister42: Photo Editor

#PJsToClass

Veteran programs at SDSU were a high priority for the last administration. We have one of the most comprehensive veterans programs. I hope Hirshman continues to carry the torch for our student veterans and families. @AntonioCMorales: Sports Editor Provide hope for those students who might be doubting the CSU system because of budget cuts.

Kelly Callas: Features Editor I would like to see Hirshman and AS work as advocates for the student body as they continue to be crippled by increasing fees.

STUDENT FEEDBACK: Suzanne Larsen: Make keeping cost of attending SDSU as affordable as is humanly possible. Get the CSU Board politics out of the scenario. You got a competitive salary to come to SDSU so show us your negotiating skills, please.

Matt Bishop: MWC football championship. .

Heather Rushall: Make the 12% increase worth our while. As a NEW student to the college who got the “You paid, but now pay us more” email, I am holding my expectations very high for the amount I’m paying to be here!

Will Stegeman: Take a paycut.

MOBILE CONTENT Five questions with President Hirshman

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D A I LY

AZTEC Monday, August 22, 2011

WELCOME

A summer in photos Check out the cool sights and locations you mighthave missed this summer, all submitted by Aztecs enjoying their time off from class.

COURTESY OF JUL IE AELITS

EASTERN SIERRA S

RS TIE SANDE SY OF KA COURTE

ONG K G N O H

COURTESY OF EVELYN OEHMKE

SAN DIEGO

O PEREZ COURTESY OF EDMUND

PETER KLUTCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

SAN DIEGO

CHICHEN ITZA

D A I LY A Z T E C Monday, August 22, 2011

WEEK

COURTESY OF ALLIE DAUGHERTY

WARPED TOUR

PIRAT E FES TIVAL

ANTO NIO Z ARAG OZA, PHOT O ED ITOR

PHER PHOTOGRA ON, STAFF PAIGE NELS

ATE T S O G E I D SAN

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D A I LY

AZTEC Monday, August 22, 2011

WELCOME WEEK

A grand opening at The Granada complex PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Hutton Marshall senior staff writer Last year, space was cleared on Hardy Avenue to begin construction on the newest project of Peak Campus Companies, LLC. Describing itself on its website as “one of the largest multifamily housing developers in the nation,” PCC specializes in opening high-end, on-campus apartments for college students. Its new creation, The Granada, will allow the company to tap into San Diego State’s housing market.

The Granada on Hardy adds appeal by presenting itself as a luxurious living option within walking distance of SDSU. The monthly rent

ranges from $550-$1,250 per person. Most options are at the higher end of that spectrum, although this hasn’t deterred students from becoming residents at The Granada.

According to Michelle Swenson, a property manager of the building, there are 185 residents currently living in the complex, and they’ve almost reached their maximum capacity of 216.

“Our residents are excited to have an apartment where accessibility to campus means just a walk across the street and more than an apartment but a home with quality details incomparable to any alike,” Swenson said.

Unlike its local competitors, The Granada has the advantage of being backed by a nationwide housing

company. PCC manages more than 30 locations across the country. All are located within close proximity to a university.

One resident, Jennifer Alestri, a

criminal justice senior, describes her appreciation of all the amenities the apartment complex has to offer.

“The Granada apartments are fabulous. I’m so much closer to campus

than I was at my last apartment. The outdoor sitting area, the barbecues and the community living room are all things I’ve never had at an apartment complex before.” Alestri said.

“I’m so much closer to campus ... the outdoor sitting area, the barbecue and the community living room are all things I’ve never had before.”

Jennifer Alestri, criminal justice senior PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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D A I LY

AZTEC Monday, August 22, 2011

WELCOME

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

WEEK

C O DY B A R B O

ROB O’KEEFE

Student don’t have many opportunities to sit down with their student body president, but during an all-American meal at Buddies Burgers, Cody Barbo told enough to give every Aztec a view into what makes him tick.

Rob O’Keefe met The Daily Aztec at the College Square Starbucks and chatted while drinking a latte about how he likes to get the most out of life.

Sports Coming into college he played basketball and volleyball, but only hockey continued to stick.

“Hockey is my sport,” Barbo said.

“They have this restaurant across the street from The Pond — well I still call it The Pond — and all the players used to go there after the games, so I would go to get autographs and meet the players.”

“My mom asked if I could get rid of my old hockey gear because ‘I haven’t used it in years,’ but I told her no, the skates still fit, the pads probably don’t because I have put on 40 pounds, but do not get rid of any of it.”

Position: A.S. President Contact: as.president@sdsu.edu Major: Communication Minor: Business Management Fraternity: Phi Kappa Theta Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA

D A I LY A Z T E C Monday, August 22, 2011

Critics on the job “There are critics, but those are the people I want to talk to the most,” Barbo said. “I want to be very open with sharing information, and do better things for students on campus.”Despite running on different tickets, Barbo said that he and the

other A.S. executives have all become pretty close and complement each other well. “There was a mutual respect, a friendly competition in running for office,” he said.

Going out in the world “When I moved into the community, when I was a sophomore, I didn’t know my nextdoor neighbor was a professor here at SDSU. The best thing is just reaching out as a student, introduce yourself and establish a working relationship (with your neighbors in the community).”

Right now, Barbo is helping to put together a video for students who may move out later in the semester, which they hope will educate students heading out into the community for the first time.

Switching majors Although Barbo started as a business management major, after taking a few communication classes he couldn’t help but switch majors.

Hometown O’Keefe was very involved in high school, especially in sports and drama. He played basketball for four years (varsity for three) and performed in many plays. He has two younger siblings, Kate and Chris.

The geek within He said most people don’t pick him out for it, but reading technology blogs and magazines, and keeping up with everything social-media related, is part of his daily life.

“I love technology and I wish I had more time to play video games,” Barbo said. “I went to Gen Con, which is like Comic-Con but for board and role-playing games – there were hundreds of people dressed up for the event.”

Future of Aztec sports Barbo had a few interesting comments about a recent MWC leadership seminar where the student body from many universities got together.

“The Commissioner talked about Boise State coming in, and TCU,” Barbo said. “We talked about the BCS being a possibility in the future, but we talked about that playoff slot. Personally, I really want that playoff spot.”

He’ll be the one in crutches.

Last semester, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing basketball. O’Keefe’s currently going through physical therapy and is sporting some crutches.

“It was right in the middle of campaigning. I thought, ‘Of course this is happening to me,’” O’Keefe said.

“My parents were joking around with me. They said, ‘Well, Rob, you ran unopposed so maybe this is the world’s way of telling you, OK, we’re going to let you win but we’re going to tear your ACL first.’ I was like, ‘OK, thanks Mom.’”

Position: A.S. Vice President of Finance Contact: as.vp.fin@sdsu.edu Major: Political science Minor: Business marketing Fraternity: Sigma Phi Epsilon Hometown: Lafayette, CA

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

On his bookcase O’Keefe’s favorite books are “SuperFreakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner; “The

WHO’S WHO @ SDSU MINA AZIM It was a summer afternoon when Mina Azim met with The Daily Aztec outdoors at Scripps Cottage, so feeling the chills would have been an out-of-the-ordinary sensation. However, hearing Azim recall her harrowing experience of survival evoked such a response.

Hometown “I love this school and this job but sometimes it’s nice to just be able to go home and be home,” Azim said.

She has an older sister who is studying family law on the East Coast.

Passion Azim cares about Environmental sustainability.

“Growing up, my mom always supported sustainability,” Azim said.

“But it wasn’t until I came to State that I could really see the impact that you can have on others.”

Position: A.S. Vice President of University Affairs Major: Business Management Minor: Leadership Development Contact: as.vp.univ@sdsu.edu Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

The accidents She was leaving a Blink-182 and No Doubt concert with a friend. Azim, 15, was in the front passenger seat when out of the blue she felt like she needed to lie down. She adjusted the seat to recline. Her friend was making a left turn on a yellow light when a car full of intoxicated teens coming from the opposite direction didn’t stop at their red light. They

t-boned Azim directly at 70 mph.

The impact caused the car to flip and end up on top of her.

“I remember waking up and seeing the car and the loud noise of the jaws trying to pull the car off of me,” Azim said. “They told me the fact that I was laying down saved my life. If I was up, I would’ve been done.”

She was in and out of consciousness immediately after but Azim eventually awoke in the hospital and couldn’t walk. The impact had fractured her sacrum and her lungs were impacted. She had to train her body to be strong enough to walk again. She was in a wheelchair for six months, then crutches while undergoing intense physical therapy.

“As scary as it was, I would do it all over again because it completely changed me as a person,” she said.A second accident happened when she was driving in the rain and a distracted driver behind her collided with her car so hard it spun out of control.

“We end up in the sixth lane facing the wrong way on the freeway,” she said. A car facing the correct direction hit her at 80 mph and her car flew back hitting the center divider.

Amazingly, she survived with only a sprained neck.

Life philosophy “I just want to experience life to the fullest because you never know when it can be taken from you,” Azim said. “I grew up with some resentment and negativity in life, just thinking, ‘Oh life isn’t that great.’ I didn’t really take life for what it was and I didn’t enjoy it.

The accident was a wake-up call.”

What the future holds for the V.P. “I’m not exactly sure,” she said. “I think I want to do something in the environmental advocacy sector. Getting more involved in A.S., I’ve become more interested in government and politics, when I used to avoid it. The government, that’s really where you make a difference.”

Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell; “Four-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki.

Obsession O’Keefe loves to-do lists. He said they prevent him from getting sidetracked and also help him reach his lofty reading goals.

“I make a to-do list every single day,” O’Keefe said. “Somewhere around brushing my teeth and making my bed is to read 10 pages a day.” This summer, his to-do list included reading memoirs of successful people.

Greek His loyalty lies with Sigma Phi Epsilon.

“Our frat won most outstanding student organization on campus,” he said. “And community service hours – nobody touches us.”

His happy place Camping with his family in Yosemite during the summer is one of his favorite things.

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“If I could go anywhere in the world I’d do that,” O’Keefe said about his seven-day backpacking trip. He said the scenery in the wilderness made him ponder how it all came to be.

“This is God’s masterpiece,” he said.

Life philosophy “When life comes at you, take it with ease,” O’Keefe said. “I don’t stress. I just try to figure it out. If cards don’t all fall in the right spot, I gave it my best shot. Things happen for a reason.”

What the future holds for the V.P. After he graduates from San Diego State, he wants to take a year off to travel. He’d like to teach English abroad and learn to speak Spanish fluently.

“I want to do something off-thewall a little bit,” O’Keefe said. “Like being a European bike tour guide. I figure that would be awesome, give tours of ancient medieval Europe and point out different things to people.”

Bill Crotty

Sandy Coronilla

news editor

assistant news editor

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D A I LY

AZTEC Monday, August 22, 2011

WELCOME WEEK

Seeking out some of SDSU’s secret spots

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

Amy DeVito staff writer San Diego State spans ever-reaching boundaries. However, it would be safe to assume such a colossal campus is not just filled with classrooms.

There is much to behold among the brush. So, instead of rotating through the food courts during those prolonged periods of wasted time between classes, opt to hunt for the hidden hot spots of these sprawling school grounds.

This campus has a multitude of secret hangouts and quirky spots that most students may not be aware of. However, beginning explorers may want to check out the turtle pond — a main campus attraction students gravitate to for a lounge on the hill to enjoy the tranquil scenery.

“You can always catch me laying out by the pond and relaxing after class,” economics senior Matt Evans said.

Scripps Cottage, near the turtle pond, is not just for research — it can also serve as the ideal setting to take your mind off of school-day stresses.

SDSU is home to some magnificent pathways, overflowing with displays of flora and fauna that offer a breath of fresh air to students bustling to and from classes. These many colorful aesthetics include the Mediterranean Garden, located near the Life Science buildings, which cultivates a variety of plants

around the world adapted to climates similar to San Diego.

The fern garden hosts a few more eccentric species of plants, providing a great space for creative thought.

The engineering plaza also has a plantain grove nested between the buildings where bananas grow.

Straying away from the scenic spots on campus, there are other hideaways to take advantage of during one of those beautiful sunny San Diego days. At the tip of campus by the Extended Studies Center on the side closest to Calpulli Center, there is a designated area for seating that

The Art building is ... one place that is often overlooked, but it deserves a second glance with its large spiral staircase and access to the rooftop.

As more intermediate explorers may already know, there is a green house nestled between L i fe S c i e n c e’s N o r th a n d South buildings. It boasts six rooms, which cultivate orchards including cacao and vanilla plants. Students are welcome to visit between 9 and 11 a.m. on weekdays. Similarly, the SDSU Herbarium is a depository of more than 19,000 pressed and mounted plant specimens used for research and teaching.

h o s t s i t s o w n c o f fe e s h o p . I n between the Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, Theatre Arts and Music buildings are some shady spots with exotic plants and seating areas, with a Peabody’s Organic Coffee just around the corner.

Those looking to be in the center of action may want to reroute themselves to the front and back patios of West Commons, which are convenient spots to catch up on homework while recharging with midday snacks.

The courtyards between Little Theatre and Hepner Hall are inspiringly beautiful their with cloister-style walkways and tree-lined benches, perfect for cracking open a new book .

With several Peabody’s on campus, it’s easy to walk past Betty’s Hotdogger located near Student Services.

However, it’s known to cook up some mean beef.

The Art building is also one place that is often overlooked, but it deserves a second glance with its large spiral staircases and access to the rooftop where art students display their work for the public to see.

Additionally, there is a Blick Art Materials store within the building that may offer some great tools for those looking to work on a project.

“I’ve been here for three years now and had no idea about the building and all of its hidden wonders,” journalism and media studies junior Erin Thompson said. “I definitely want to check it out next time I’m on campus.

It sounds like a great place for inspiration and a chance to interact with the productions of the student body.”

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

D A I LY A Z T E C Monday, August 22, 2011

WELCOME WEEK

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Fresh and familiar coaches guiding SDSU New and tenured coaches are leading the Aztecs this year Antonio Morales sports editor While incoming students at San Diego State are excited to begin their journey in college, they are not the only ones who are in a brand new position this year.

Students who follow Aztec football will note there is a different man at the helm for SDSU this season.

Rocky Long, who spent the last two seasons as the Aztecs’ defensive coordinator and much of the last decade patrolling the sidelines as New Mexico’s head coach, is taking on head coaching duties from former coach Brady Hoke.

Long is anxious to start his second stint as a head coach in the Mountain West Conference.

“I’m excited to be getting out there,” Long said. “I’m not nervous whatsoever, because I’ve done it before and I know what to expect. But I do have butterflies in my stomach today that I did not have yesterday,” Long said to the media at a press conference at SDSU Media Day. Another new coach on campus is Leslie Spalding. She was named head women’s golf coach on Aug. 1.

Spalding, like Long, is eager for her shot as a head coach on Montezuma Mesa.

“This is a dream opportunity for me to be named head women’s golf coach at San Diego State,” Spalding said. “I’m looking forward to helping the team improve and to reach their true potential.”

Steve Fisher is back to help men’s basketball build off of last season’s Sweet-16 run, while SDSU football is in year one of the Rocky Long era. |

“I’m excited to be getting out there. I’m not nervous whatsoever, because I’ve done it before and I know ...”

Rocky Long, head football coach

Although there are new coaches at school, incoming students should become familiar with some staples of the SDSU coaching community.

Men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher is leading a hoops renaissance as he has turned the Aztecs program into a Mountain West power since he arrived on campus in 1999.

New students will recognize right away that Fisher is the most beloved coach at SDSU. Another coach who has guided her team to an enormous success is softball head coach Kathy Van Wyk.

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

Van Wyk has helped the Aztecs earn four consecutive NCAA tournament bids and earned the 500th victory of her coaching career this past April.

Softball is one of the more stable athletic programs on campus and that is mostly thanks to Van Wyk. New students should also be familiar with head baseball coach and Baseball Hall-of-Famer Tony Gwynn.

Gwynn, who became head coach in 2002, signed a three-year contract extension last week, which ensures Gwynn will have a shot at helping the Aztecs rebound from a disappointing 2011 season.

Ticket policies new students need to know Ryan Schuler contributor In the beginning of his tenure at San Diego State, head basketball coach Steve Fisher walked through campus with his pockets full of basketball tickets. He was looking for somebody – anybody – to take the free tickets and watch his team play.

“When I started, I was the ticket man,” Fisher said in a past interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune.

“I had tickets in every pocket. I was going all over campus, just trying to give them away.”

That was more

than a decade ago. Times have changed.

This past season, SDSU men’s basketball was the hottest ticket in town.

Instead of crowds of 3,000 seen in recent years, the Aztecs were selling out games at Viejas Arena.

Because of the team’s success and a high demand for tickets, the distribution process and ticket policies faced a complete overhaul.

“The only way to get tickets to basketball games was to camp out for a few nights since so many people wanted them,” accounting senior and avid basketball fan Jimmy Siemann said. “It was all worth it to sit in the student section during games.”

For men’s basketball, tickets are

distributed one week prior to each game at the Viejas Arena Ticket Office.

SDSU students can receive one ticket to each home game.

Students must have a valid Red ID card and be registered for classes.Students may also purchase one guest ticket for $10 at the time of pick-up.

Basketball fans are encouraged to get tickets as early as possible. Long lines and a high demand for tickets are expected as everyone anticipates another quality season.

Football tickets are also expected to be in high demand this season.

Coming off a season that ended with a 9-4 record

and a Poinsettia Bowl win, anticipation is building for Aztec fans.

There are 6,400 student tickets available for each Aztec home game at Qualcomm Stadium. Tickets are distributed on a game-by-game basis at the Viejas Arena Ticket Office or on game day at Qualcomm Stadium at Windows B, F and H. Like the policy for basketball, students must have a valid Red ID and be registered for classes. For football games, students may buy up to two guest tickets for $10 each.

Tickets are available on game day at Qualcomm Stadium, Viejas Arena Ticket Office, Tony Gwynn Stadium and

Aztec Softball Field. For entry to men’s soccer, women’s soccer, track and field, water polo and volleyball games, simply present your Red ID card at the gate.

SDSU students are admitted free to all Aztec athletic events with a current Red ID card. It is recommended that students pick up tickets to all games in advance at the Viejas Arena Ticket Office in case issues arise with your Red ID card.

The Viejas Arena Ticket Office will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fall and spring semester.

COURTESY OF SDSU MEDIA RELATIONS

No news is BAD news. Read The Daily Aztec.

D A I LY A Z T E C Monday, August 22, 2011

WELCOME WEEK PA S S T H E P O P C O R N

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PA S S T H E P O P C O R N

COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES PUBLICITY

‘Conan’ flick doesn’t thrill ‘30 Minutes’ is endless fun “Conan the Barbarian,” the latest epic in the summer of action movies, leaves fans disappointed. | COURTESY OF GUY ROLAND AND LIONSGATE

David Dixon

staff writer If audiences enter the theater 10 minutes late and decide to leave 10 minutes before the end of the new adaptation of “Conan the Barbarian,” they might be satisfied with what they see on screen. However, for those who watch the entire picture, the overall reaction will be mixed at best.

The opening scenes feature the most ridiculous and overly complicated exposition since “Green Lantern.”

The dialogue is difficult to follow and so much needless information is given that fans may need to watch the introductory sequences more than once in order to understand the narration. Just as annoying is the presentation’s peculiar and downright confusing conclusion.

Another issue is that the mighty warrior Conan (Jason Momoa) is inconsistent in his decision making, for his choices don’t always follow the logic of preceding events. The ending is also anticlimactic, with hints of a sequel that could be made some time in the near future. Unfortunately, there is not much at stake for the audience to be concerned with in the final few moments.

Yet, for all the critical comments that can be said about these 20 minutes of screen time, many positive qualities are displayed in the remaining 90-plus minutes. The action is gleefully brutal, particularly in the first half. There are buckets of blood and gore for the men and women who enjoy hardcore action. No matter how ugly the adventure gets, there is

a surprising amount of entertainment in seeing Conan battle the evil characters who are responsible for the slaughter of his people.

Momoa makes for a compelling hero who consistently fights bad guys while maintaining his wit with the help of Momoa’s captivating portrayal.

When the big action climax arrives,

sorcery epics, on the other hand, might enjoy themselves if they are looking for escapism on a hot summer day. Everyone else would be better off reading previous “Conan” journeys or checking out the Emmy nominated HBO series “Game of Thrones,” which features Momoa.

A final piece of advice: Watch the

No matter how ugly the adventure gets, there is a surprising amount of entertainment in seeing Conan battle the evil characters who are responsible for the slaughter of his people. audience members will likely root for Conan to succeed and complete his lifelong mission for revenge.

Yes, “Conan” is never boring and does have more than its share of engaging material, but it is surprising how much credibility is lost in the sequences that should matter most. A movie does not always have to open and end with a bang, but it should have some kind of immediate hook and conclude with a satisfying finale, even if it is an existential and openended one.

There is a good chance die-hard fans of the original Robert E. Howard stories will be disengaged from this flick. Casual devotees of sword and

original Arnold Schwarzenegger film and then check out “Conan the Barbarian: The Musical” on YouTube.

The Internet short is not only hilarious and catchy, but is also a perfect way to cure irritated and conflicting emotions that are sure to be stirred up from the new big screen saga.

Information about “Conan the Barbarian” can be found on conanthebarbarianin3d.com.

Movie: CONAN THE BARBARIAN Directed by: MARCUS NISPEL Release Date: AUG. 19 Grade: C

Eisenberg and Ansari make a great comedic team Allie Daugherty editor in chief Sony’s latest movie “30 Minutes or Less” is a flick that doesn’t quite fit a genre. It’s an action movie, but the action is dull compared to others such as “Die Hard.” It’s a bank-robbing movie, but the bank robbery is such a short part of the film that it isn’t as defining. It’s a comedy, but audiences aren’t rolling in the aisles. Still, whatever it is, it works.

The film follows Nick (Jesse Eisenberg), a pizza delivery boy who guarantees food in fewer than 30 minutes. But when amateur criminals Dwayne (Danny McBride) and Travis (Nick Swardson) decide they need someone to rob a bank for them, the pizza boy becomes the perfect hostage and Nick becomes wrapped up in a foolish plan.

What keeps Nick involved in this scheme is the fact he has a bomb strapped to his chest, which can be remotely activated if he decides not to do what the criminals tell him.

Fortunately, he has his best friend Chet (Aziz Ansari) to help him.

The movie’s simple plot keeps audiences easily engaged while lit-

tle twists and quips from the characters provide pleasant surprises throughout the 83-minute runtime.

The storyline flows smoothly, providing the right balance of action and dialogue while never leaving audiences tired or bored.

Ansari gives a fantastic performance, stealing many scenes and providing the majority of the laughs. Eisenberg, portraying a character very different from his role in “The Social Network,” also shines with the genuine performance of a regular guy trying to save his own life. His easygoing personality translates well on-screen, providing viewers with an instantly loveable character who is easily relatable.

Accepting the fact that it is a lighthearted film, “30 Minutes or Less” doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Director Ruben Fleischer, who also directed “Zombieland,” sticks to the basics and makes no attempt to give the movie more soul than the script asks for. This results in a fun and enjoyable movie that continues to entertain throughout. It is perfect for anyone looking for an amusing way to spend the summer, whether on a date, with friends or otherwise.

Movie: 30 MINUTES OR LESS Directed by: RUBEN FLEISCHER Release Date: AUG. 12 Grade: A-

AZTEC Monday, August 22, 2011

WELCOME WEEK SDSU A z t e c N i g h t s

-Compiled by News Editor Bill Crotty

SUN

Screen on the Green 9 p.m. to midnight Free popcorn and a screening of “Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides.”

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SAT

Red and Black Welcome Back Dance 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Get your dance on and enjoy music by DJ J.A.M., henna tattoos, free food and more.

27 Aztec Bash noon. to 2 p.m.

Vice President of Student Affairs James R. Kitchen hosts his annual barbecue.

WED

FRI TUE

Templo del Sol 9 p.m. to midnight An opportunity to get to know fellow Aztecs and learn the SDSU fight song.

26 First Day of Classes Don’t be late!

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MON 29

healthy behaviors,” Director of Student Life and Leadership Randy Timm said during a previous Aztec Night. “Freshmen, especially, may be away from home for the first time and testing the boundaries of their newly found freedom.”

Aztec Nights provides students with safer, really fun social alternatives.”

FILE PHOTO

All-University Convocation 9 a.m.

SDSU President Elliot Hirshman shares his first convocation with the students of San Diego State.

Refreshments will be provided.

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THU

CHECK IT OUT

Aztec Nights is here again, starting this Friday, to give students a few days of free nighttime excitement.

The program started in fall 2008 and has continued to be a welcoming event at the beginning of each semester.

This semester, the event will take place throughout five weeks and includes a big-name concert, a campus carnival, a local block party and many more activities.

The first event is the staple Templo del Sol outside of Hepner Hall at 9 p.m. this Friday where students can meet fellow classmates, learn the fight song and participate in traditions at San Diego State.

This event is one where students every year meet new people, find new friends and learn more about SDSU. “The first few weeks of each new semester are important times to build campus culture and teach

31

14

D A I LY

Associated Students Day Check out everything that Associated Students has to offer.

The day will include games, prizes, fun and information on how can "join the team" and be an active part of A.S.!

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT news@TheDailyAztec.com

D A I LY A Z T E C Monday, August 22, 2011

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

INTERNSHIPS

UCSD female cancer survivor studies.

Compensation for participation. For more information call (858) 822-0768 or email ayastudy.ucsd@gmail.com

Film Student Intern wanted. Director of Photography looking for a business minded film student to partner with in freelance ventures. Contact ebeary2011@gmail.com

HOUSES FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

Walking distance to SDSU. 5 bed 2 bath. Pool washer/dryer. $3,250 a month.Call 714-308-9611.

East San Diego/ College Area. Furnished studios. Well appointed with fully furnished LR/BR and kitchen. Quiet cul de sac location.

No SDGE. Deposit or hookup fee required. $695/month. Low $150 deposit.

619-281-9451.

AD SPACE FOR SALE! CALL FOR MORE INFO. on

THE DAILY AZTEC 619-594-4199

15

THE DAILY AZTEC DOES NOT ENDORSE OR SUPPORT AND HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OFFERED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS SECTION.

ROOMS FOR RENT Furnished Jack & Jill bedroom located near all. Off of the 54 freeway Briarwood exit. $500/mo. Email travelinman1979@cox.net

Furnished w/private bath, $600/month includes utilities. Need car. 15 minutes from SDSU. Have 2 dogs/3 cats. LGBT friendly.

Walk to SDSU. Large house w/ other students. $500/month. Water, gardener, dishwasher, washer, dryer incl. Available Sept. 1.

Cynthia 760-741-2543.

please recycle your paper.

I found EVERYTHING I need by reading...

16

D A I LY

AZTEC Monday, August 22, 2011

B AC K PAG E

HUMOR

HOROSCOPE

A midlife crisis in reverse

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (08/22/11) You're ready to break new ground professionally. Begin by being completely satisfied with where you are. Then, have the courage to express your goals and dreams, and put in the structures necessary. Be willing to help, and find all the support you need.

ecently I’ve realized I’m deep in the folds of a midlife crisis. I’ve avoided the traditional aspects of growing old — the day I find my first gray hair is the day I spend my entire life’s savings on a swaggy convertible twice my age and a backseat crammed full of Just For Men. No, my college midlife crisis is in full swing, and I’ve got no one to blame but you, the lovely entrants to this fine university.

Don’t take it too hard — it was bound to happen eventually. I’m 21 now, and not as young and spritely as I was a few years ago. I no longer frequent house parties after I caught myself describing the “good old days” — the early ‘90s — back when Nickelodeon slimed semicelebrities and pogs were traded like cold sores at a frat party.

Girls too are far less impressed with the knowledge that, back in my day, I had to walk two miles to campus through harsh sleet-filled

R

Chris Pocock opinion editor San Diego winters just to make it to campus. And I’m not even going to bring up the time I revealed NPR as one of my favorite radio presets.

In my defense, nothing gets a Saturday night going like “This American Life.”

So, if you would, allow this old man a chance to stroke his flowing, nonexistent beard and dispense his sage wisdom. First things first: Don’t do drugs. Let’s be honest, the first few seasons of “Jersey Shore” are far less expensive, and generally have the same disorienting and hallucinatory effect.

Secondly, try and refrain from bringing your iPad to class.

Everyone — myself, at the very least — will be jealous of your $700 game of Angry Birds. I’ll grant exceptions to anyone who uses theirs to challenge me in a game of

Scrabble. I’ve used “muzhicks” before, and I’m not afraid to pull it out of my verbal holster again.

Thirdly, and this comes from years of all-nighters for term papers and studying for finals: There is no love in the Love Library. It is a place of utmost frustration and sleeping students, where dreams of passing chemistry classes and graduating early go to die. Try the turtle pond instead — it may not have an electrical outlet, but try being angry around the small, gushing waterfall and swirling koi fish. Seriously, try it. It’s impossible.

Finally, I’ll leave you with this: Ladies, date an editor of The Daily Aztec. What we lack in staggering athletic prowess (and cold sores), we make up for with dashing looks, fiery wit and dapper Scrabble scores. Just don’t touch the radio presets.

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

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 Learn and explore today. Take it easy, and let your ideas come together. Don't make the final decision yet. There's more to be revealed first. Listen for change.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 Finances are in the foreground today. For best profitability, pay close attention to the numbers. Changes could seem abrupt to others. Listen to your intuition.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 You feel lucky; you look good; and the spotlight's on. Surprise your peers by trying something new. Express yourself, even as you manage another, more profitable, job.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Consider your plans carefully. Work through the details, and you discover new directions. No flirting yet. Imagine a trip you want to make. Ignore naysayers.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 Schedule meetings and social events, which surprise with profitable ventures.

Postpone travel and romance. Write down intuitions and inspirations. Weave them into a blueprint.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 -

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES Venus entered your sign yesterday, and the sun gets there tonight. It's a time of testing and being held accountable. Stay true to your heart.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 Your wanderlust has been getting to you.

You want to expand, to ramble, to study something completely new. An older dream sparks again. Be flexible. You might have to get dirty.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 5 You may run into one of those days in which nothing seems to be working, and the puzzle pieces don't fit. Relax control and go in the direction of least resistance.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Today's all about partnerships and relationships. If you're willing to take risks, love may drop a surprise on your lap (positive or negative). What's the worstcase scenario?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - This Monday may be busier than usual. Brace yourself for a day full of surprises and action. Travel's still not recommended. Let your heart guide you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Love's in the air, so inhale deeply.

Follow your gut. Don't let the small stuff get in the way of your real commitments.

And don't forget to let people know how you feel.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 You don't need to travel far to love the one you're with. Focus on your home and family for the next couple of days. Attract luck by following a hunch. ©2011, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

- Chris Pocock is a journalism senior. Email him at chrrpocock@gmail.com. Ladies.

C O N TA C T : GENERAL INFORMATION

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FOR ALL OTHER CONTACTS, PLEASE VISIT

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.

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

SUDOKU

Difficulty Level: 1 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 Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com ©2011, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

LIKE SDSU news?

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Sound from a tree 6 Range between soprano and tenor 10 Cpls.’ underlings 14 Flamboyant evangelist __ Semple McPherson 15 Boston Bruins or Chicago Bears, e.g.

16 Inter __: among others 17 Baseball’s Nolan and actress Meg 18 Bath towel word 19 Natasha’s no 20 *Resolve once and for all 22 Many an October baby, astrologically 23 A __ alfa 24 Nairobi native 25 Satirical Mort 28 Arrive after a tough trip 31 Schoolroom group 33 Travelers’ lodgings 34 Hypotheticals 37 PC key 38 *Savings for later in life 41 Miracle-__: garden brand 42 B’way setting 43 Slender woodwind 44 Reacted to fireworks 46 The Beatles’ George 50 Salt Lake City college team, aptly 51 “Happy I can oblige” 53 Cop’s route 55 Lassos 56 Lyric in a Porter song that ends “Let’s fall in love,” and a hint

/ Daily Aztec

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com to the starts of the starred answers (and 1Across) 61 “__ well that ends ...”

62 Rani’s garment 63 Cease-fire 64 Coagulate, as blood 65 Treater’s words 66 Levels, as a building 67 Italian noble family 68 Fava or lima 69 Illegally off-base GIs DOWN 1 Poet Sandburg 2 Breezy greeting 3 “__ be wrong, but ...”

4 Avis offerings 5 Cuban cash

6 Zeus’ daughter 7 Popular jeans 8 Small fruit pie 9 Mantric syllables 10 Italian sandwich 11 *Like unreliable short-term businesses 12 Olds Cutlass model 13 The devil 21 Canyon edge 22 “Come on, we’re late” 24 Goal in checkers 25 Read, as a bar code 26 Treaty partner 27 *Do some scheming 29 Flying toys 30 U-turn from WSW 32 Stable sounds 35 Available for a date

36 Puts in a lawn the fast way 39 River of Spain 40 “... or __ thought” 45 Beat in a Western showdown 47 “__ Fideles”: carol 48 Conan of “Conan” 49 Simpsons neighbor Flanders 51 Pre-meal blessing 52 Lounges around 54 Stars, in Latin 56 Undoing 57 Cookbook writer Rombauer 58 Greek liqueur 59 Its cap. is Reykjavik 60 Tracy’s Trueheart 62 Cry out loud