09-06-2012

Mariachi class opens to students campus

THE NEWSPAPER OF SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1913

Ana Ceballos

VOLUME 99, ISSUE 8

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

SDSU earns award in sustainability

campus

Certain parking lots at San Diego State have solar panels that captures sunlight and creates renewable energy for the rest of campus.

Stephanie Saccente Staff Writer

San Diego State University was awarded a Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

With hopes of making the campus a better place, SDSU is promoting sustainability. With efforts including solar panels, residence hall recycling programs and a green waste composting system, SDSU continues to main-

Data shows first-time voter trends

tain an eco-friendly focus and is working toward decreasing the school’s carbon footprint. For nearly three years, SDSU has been working to complete The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. As one of many participating institutions, SDSU’s Center for Regional Sustainability and the Senate Sustainability Committee worked with staff and faculty to review SDSU’s comprehensive sustainability efforts.

STARS, a relatively new project, awarded SDSU as well as other institutions across the country

monica linzmeier , staff photographer

STAR ratings. SDSU Sustainability Coordinator, Mariah Hudson, is hopeful SDSU will score high enough to win a gold award in the future with the new student union and other future sustainability projects. Hudson was one of the SDSU staff members who worked on the STARS sustainability assessment.

“We earned the silver rating through pretty clear calculation and we came in with 51 points total. To get a silver award you need 45 and to get a gold you need 65 points or above,” Hudson said.

“The silver award is based on our calculations of our points and our pretty wide sustainability efforts on campus.”

Dr. Geoffrey Chase, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of the Center for Regional Sustainability, believes this award will create a sense of community engagement for sustainability on campus that will motivate the faculty, students and staff to take the next step.

Both, Hudson and Chase owe the great success of campus sustainability to students.

“The students here have exhibited so much passion and commitment to leadership around sustainability over an extended period of time. Without them, we would not be where we are.

We really owe them a great deal,” Chase said.

Sophomore accounting student, Kaitlyn Harrison, is proud to attend a school recognized for its efforts. Harrison tries to recycle regularly and take other sustainability steps in her daily life. She is looking forward to all of the future sustainability projects SDSU has planned.

“I think it is great SDSU is making such a positive step toward becoming a more sustainable school,” Harrison said. “With the way our world is today, I think it’s important to take a stand and make a difference in whatever way we can. It’s great to attend a school that is doing just that and getting recognized for it.”

Democrats appeal to Americans

national

Assistant News Editor

A new San Diego State Mariachi Ensemble class starting this fall will allow students to enjoy the cylindrical beauty of the trumpets and folk music reminiscent of Western Mexico.

Lou Murillo, SDSU Director of Compact for Success and Collaborative Programs, proposed a mariachi ensemble to the Collaborative Programs Board members and was given enough funds to run the program for the year.

In an attempt to preserve world music at SDSU, a team made up of the SDSU School of Music and Dance Director Donna Conaty, Associate Professor of Music and Ethnomusicology Kevin Miguel Delgado and Director of Mariachi Chula Vista Mark Fogelquist, held auditions at the beginning of August and began planning the new addition to SDSU’s music department.

Currently there are 11 students enrolled in the course, which will take place in Music 020. The class, which lasts one hour and 50 minutes, is offered to both undergraduate and graduate students to take as a one-unit course.

“World music is important to the program,” Delgado said. “And since we were designated with budget cuts the amount of world music classes have diminished.”

Delgado said, SDSU is an ideal campus to hold this class because of its institutionalized group, which enables students to learn and practice with a strong Latin culture.

If the program does flourish, the professors are counting on a performance in Spring 2013.

SoCal music festival falls short of fun entertainment

J. Hutton Marshall

national

Managing Editor

Donna P. Crilly

“My grandmother never owned a house. She cleaned other people’s houses so she could afford to rent her own,” Castro said. “But she saw her daughter become the first in her family to graduate from college. And my mother fought hard for civil rights so that

Last Saturday, members of our fine society were brutally violated in San Diego’s East Village. I’m referring of course to the SoCal Music Festival.

“Southern California’s lifestyle is synonymous with sunshine, music, art, parties, beautiful people and outdoor activities,” the festival’s website reads. I would like to add that a phrase can definitely be synonymous with six unrelated ideas, and these people definitely know how synonyms work and I definitely hate sarcasm. Also, I’m shocked that “art” came before “parties” and “beautiful people” in their list of non-synonyms. I’m surprised because I went to this festival.

From the moment I walked in, I could tell this festival wasn’t going to be my cup of tea, but I suppressed my snobby tendencies and tried to keep an open mind. I strolled past the scantily clad gogo dancers twisting and dropping it low in front of a giant, futuristiclooking Red Bull can that seemed to have been morphed into a turntable, from which four white guys blared dubstep.

DEMOCRATS continued on page 2

SOCAL MUSIC FEST continued on page 5

Staff Writer

A recent poll by The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a research organization, found fewer first-time voters support President Barak Obama compared to their 22 to 29-year-old millennial counterparts.

According to the poll, 32.1 percent of 18 to 21 year olds support Obama compared to an average of 42 percent among 22 to 29 year olds.

Though first-time voters are still overall trending liberal, “compared to older youth, a larger percentage of 18 to 21 year olds are conservative in their candidate and issue support,” CIRCLE Senior Researcher, Felicia Sullivan, said in an email.

However, the data also finds more than one-third of first-time voters are still undecided about which presidential candidate to vote for.

Sullivan says 18 to 21 year olds may not be as informed as older voters, which could be a factor in the trend.

San Diego State political science professor, John Mercurio said one reason for the trend may be young voters’ TRENDS continued on page 2

Michelle Obama spoke at the Democratic National Convention held in North Carolina in front of a large audience.

Jenna De Stefano Staff Writer

President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign gained momentum on Monday, Sept. 3 in Charlotte, N.C. during the Democratic National Convention.

Democrats gathered at Time Warner Cable Arena for the

DNC’s first day of speeches; with speakers including first lady Michelle Obama and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who became the first Latino keynote speaker at a Democratic National Convention. Both speakers focused on how their lower and middle-class upbringings connect them to Americans.

mct campus

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News

Thursday September 6, 2012 The Daily Aztec

from TRENDS page 1

lack of experience with politics.

“I know when I was registering to vote for the first time, I didn’t know anything,” Mercurio said. “I just deferred to my parents and they were both Republican. So, now I’ve gotten over that.”

The approximate 30 percent of undecided youth voters can still be swayed either way because the next two months before the election are crucial, Sullivan said.

“It’s really about the campaign strategy,” Sullivan said.

The data from the poll, which was conducted before Paul Ryan was selected as the Republican vice

presidential candidate, could change the overall data because of Ryan’s youthful appeal.

Emily Bartan, an economics major at the University of California, Santa Cruz said although she is socially liberal and fiscally conservative, she isn’t enthusiastic about either party.

“I’m not really a huge fan of Romney, but I’m still probably going to vote for Obama. It’s the lesser of two evils,” Bartan said.

Sullivan said, CIRCLE will conduct more polls before and after the election to offer more explanatory information about the trend.

Crime Beat Attempted Robbery in Love Library At 3:30 p.m. Aug. 28, two suspects attempted to rob a San Diego State student in the men’s restroom on the second floor of the Love Library. The suspects allegedly approached the victim from behind and began punching him on the back of his head.

The suspects then demanded the victim’s cell phone, but the student was able to flee the area and only sustained minor injuries.

Domestic Violence Last Thursday, a case of domestic violence was reported near Parking Structure 4.

According to police, a male

and female were arguing and the male may have been attempting to pull the female out of a vehicle. The subject is described as a Hispanic man in his early 20s, about 5 feet 11 inches tall, wearing a long-sleeved checkered shirt.

Aztec Bookstore Petty Theft At about 4:15 p.m. last Friday, a SDSU student was arrested for petty theft at the campus bookstore. The student was arrested, cited and released for the theft of a shirt and a binder.

Compiled by Allie Bidwell, staff writer

Cultural Orgs First Meeting organization

time

location

Afrikan Student Union

Thursday, September 6, 3:30p

Fowlers Athleteic Center Auditorium

Association of Chicana

Thursday, September 6, 3:30p

Aztec Mesa 101

Nikkei Student Union

Thursday, September 6, 4:00p

Aztec Mesa 113

Lesbian Gay Bisexual

Thursday, September 6, 6:00p

Aztec Mesa 104

Thursday, September 6, 4:00p

Azteca Mesa 103

Tuesday, September 11, 2:00p

Scripps Cottage

Tuesday, September 11, 3:30p

The Tula

Friday, September 14, 12:00p

Scripps Cottage

Activists

Transgender Student Union Japanese Student Association Asian-Pacific Student Alliance Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MECHA) Andres Bonafacio Samahan

from DEMOCRATS page 1

instead of a mop, I could hold this microphone.”

Similar to Castro, Michelle Obama spoke of the struggles her and her husband’s families went through in order to achieve the American dream.

“Barack knows the American

dream because he’s lived it,” she said. “And he wants everyone in this country to have that same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we’re from, or what we look like, or who we love.”

The first lady focused on the middle class throughout her speech and said her husband knows their struggle both person-

ally and through letters sent by citizens. She said Obama told her, “We’ve got to keep working to fix this. We’ve got so much more to do.”

Today is the last day of the DNC, when Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will accept the Democratic nominations for president and vice president.

FEATURES

Thursday September 6, 2012 the daily aztec

Meal plans leave money left over April Stefanik Staff Writer

Many freshmen living away from home for the first time are left to salvage for their own food in this new arena of college life.

In accordance with this new arrangement they have with San Diego State Dining Services, aka the meal plan, freshmen come to SDSU prepared to spend and budget their money.

This year, SDSU Dining Services is offering all residence hall students four meal plan options: Meals Plus Plan, 10 Meal Plan, Flex 7 Plan and Flex 5 Plan.

The Meals Plus Plan is the most plentiful plan for freshmen. With a $1,200 declining balance and 80 meals at Cuicacalli Suites Dining Room, students have an abundance of food options.

Business marketing junior Trevor Wells reflects on the bountiful amount of food provided by his Meals Plus Plan. “I had the fat-kid plan and it honestly gave you the most absurd amount of food; more food than anyone could ever need,” Wells said.

The fact that this meal option is known as the fat-kid plan is slowly becoming its downfall.

Although some students originally considered such an enormous amount of food an advantage, as the year progressed, they soon realize their money was being wasted.

“I didn’t even end up using most of my Cuic meals. In the long run, I wasted a lot of money,” Wells said.

“But, the good thing about this plan is that there is no way that you could ever run out of food.”

So what should students do with all the extra money? Wells believes sharing the wealth is the best approach, “Buy food for your friends. It is the only way you could ever use that much money.”

While the Meals Plus Plan is a bit of an overload, the meal plan with undoubtedly the most restrictions is the 10 Meal Plan. Guaranteeing 10 meals a week, this plan attempts to structure student spending by enforcing time and place restrictions.

Many students have come to complain that the most difficult aspect of this plan is attempting to spend all the money in one place.

However, unlike the rigid 10 Meal Plan, the Flex Plans let students decide when and where to spend their money throughout the day.

With the Flex 7 Plan, students are allotted $18.20 on the weekdays and $12.50 on the weekends.

“I enjoyed Flex 7, except I felt like I was wasting money,” said Environmental studies junior Kayle Aposporos The concern of wasting money is a common issue among students, who, looking back on their freshmen year meal plan, do not feel satisfied.

“I didn’t always need the $18.75, and then the money would just

Many SDSU students bite off more than they can chew when purchasing meal plans. Much of the money is left unspent.

go to waste,” Aposporos said. “A better idea would be for the money to carry over to the next day, or to receive the money back at the end of the year.”

Regardless of whether or not the meal plan technicalities change, there are always ways students can relieve these irritations. Aposporos suggests to, “Spend your money before 10 p.m. or else the line is going to be really long at the market.”

The Flex 5 Plan, similar to the Flex 7, gives students flexibility to eat throughout the day. However, it gives students $19.75 on weekdays

and receive no weekend spending money.

Business marketing sophomore Brandi Beutler saw this as a blessing.

“I thought this meal plan would work out really well, because I thought it would give me the opportunity to eat out on the weekends and experience San Diego.”

Although this did allow for weekend excursions, Aposporos says money still seemed to go unspent.

“I did not like it in the long run,” Beutler said. “I didn’t use the full amount of money and it didn’t carry over to the next day,”

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jordan owen, staff photographer

Numerous student concers allude to one key question: Is the meal plan is yet another way for the educational system to profit off students? “State shouldn’t do that. Your educational system shouldn’t do that. The school should not be making profit off your meal plan,” Beutler said.

While the concern of wasting money is a paramount issue for students, many will agree that spending wisely and stocking up on food are two core ways to balance the meal plan budget.

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FEATURES

Thursday September 6, 2012 The Daily Aztec

First-generation college student begins legacy

freshman spotlight

Christian Benavides Staff Writer

We all remember the first day of college. It was the first day we stepped into our future, the day we became independent.

Now, there are new batches of freshmen experiencing these same milestones at San Diego State.

Gilbert Sarabia, a freshman and an Fernando Valley native, made a big transition moving to San Diego.

“It was a chance for me to get away from being at home in a pretty bad area back in Los Angeles,” Sarabia said.

Some of us can relate. He is the first member of his family to go to college, a very noticeable challenge and almost scary venture. Many parents of first-generation students tend to have a hard time relating to their children’s college experiences and can’t provide much advice or aid. Thankfully, Sarabia was

It was a chance for me to get away from being at home in a pretty bad area in Los Angeles.

Gilbert Sarabia SDSU Freshman

able to get into the Educational Opportunity Program. EOP helps

Gilbert Sarabia will be the first member of his family to attend college. With support from back home and the resources available at SDSU, Sarabia is determined to open the door for others in is family.

low-income college students by providing tutoring, academic counseling, and a chance to get a $1,000 grant per year.

Sarabia’s journey to college began at San Fernando High School. “It wasn’t up until my second year in high school that I learned what college was. I didn’t know you had to apply, I didn’t even know what majors were,” Sarabia said. “So, as soon as I found that out, it was something to look forward to.”

The realization of a future and a

new goal didn’t come easy. With no support system back home, there was a need to find an extra push.

Another great program called Project Grad inspired Sarabia as well as guide him through the right direction toward college.

There wasn’t much debate about where Sarabia was going to attend. SDSU was his first choice.

“I chose San Diego State because it is a good environment, has the perfect weather and when I came to visit I just felt like I was at home,” he said.

paige nelson, photo editor

Before coming to SDSU, Sarabia, like every freshman anticipated move-in day, and experienced an array of emotions. Move-in day was on a hot Saturday morning, where heavily packed, long lines added to the nervous atmosphere of the day. As everyone settled in and met their roommates, a calming mood spread throughout the floors. Sarabia expected the worse moving in to Chapultepec Hall but said it was better than he expected.

Sarabia was set on his major

from the very beginning. He plans on studying kinesiology with an emphasis in athletic training because he has always been involved in sports and athletic training. Sarabia is also interested in kinesiology because he is fascinated with the body and its muscular system.

Adapting to college can be a difficult process at times.

Currently, Sarabia is taking four classes. His first college class was Introduction to Exercise and Nutritional Sciences and the transition was difficult at first. But once he got settled in, he loved it.

One of the things about his classes he most enjoys is the friendliness of the professors. He is still trying to get used to the extra time he has compared to high school. It is very easy to get distracted but he is working on organizing his time and staying on task.

Aside from academics, he hopes to check out a couple of organizations soon, including Future Athletic Trainers Society, MEChA, and the Martial Arts Club. Sarabia is also confident that he will make friends quickly since he is open to making friends.

The first week breezed by and Sarabia hopes to do well in his classes, but also wants to have fun and enjoy his time at SDSU. He endures homesickness once in a while and the worry of failing is ever-present, but he is glad he’s begun to build a great future for himself while his dream of becoming an athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Lakers gets closer.

Future leader is posied to make an impact freshman spotlight

Edward Henderson Features Editor

In the aftermath of conquering the SAT’s, compiling recommendations from professors and writing personal statements that presented the best possible versions of ourselves, it was time to open the email that would decide our collegiate fate.

We all remember the anticipation.

Immediately following the jubilation of being accepted into San Diego State, however, many incoming freshmen realized the uncharted territory awaited them on the hills of Montezuma.

For psychology freshman Keaujahn’e Polk, setting foot on SDSU’s campus for the first time was a reminder that the college environment was much different from her hometown of Long Beach.

“I had a little bit of a culture shock,” Polk said. “I knew I would I would miss my friends and some of those bonds would be broken.”

Despite her initial reservations, Polk’s efforts to make it to SDSU contributed to her excitement for the new journey ahead of her. With encouragement and support from her parents, three siblings and a small boost from SDSU’s outreach programs, Polk worked hard to put herself in a position for college.

“I really didn’t think I got in, but I was offered a presidential scholarship. Although I didn’t get it, it really pushed me to come,” said Polk. “Then I came to Harambee Weekend, and that really helped. It was cool to see people reaching out to minorities.”

Every year, SDSU’s Cross-Cultural Center hosts Harambee Weekend.

The overnight event provides an opportunity for admitted students to interact with other minority students and faculty. Attendees participate in panels, talent shows and get a chance to sleep in the resident halls before Explore SDSU activities begin the following day.

Common obstacles freshmen encounter during their first year at SDSU are issues with roommates.

Polk, however, utilized her resources and contacted her roommate in University Towers well before the year began.

“When I met (my roommate) it was perfect. I had already gotten her number off the website so I’d been talking to her and I felt like I knew her already,” Polk said.

“I was really excited to meet new people, to live in the dorm and be on my own.”

Polk’s preparation didn’t stop there. Another mistake freshmen commonly make is overscheduling classes. With the allure of San Diego’s beaches and the distractions associated with never-ending parties presenting themselves, it is easy to get off to a slow start.

“I had 17 units, but someone told me that was a little too much, so I dropped a few classes. I have a tendency to bite off more than I can chew,” Polk said She also took the time to familiarize herself with the campus.

“I walked around the school to see where my classes were and I retraced my steps to get a good memory,” Polk said. After the second day I was pretty good, I even

Keaujahn’e Polk came to SDSU prepared to make the most out of her experience. With a balanced schedule and the drive to get involved, Polk plans to leave her mark on SDSU by the time she graduates.

found a couple of shortcuts to get to my dorm.”

With a lighter course load and a better understanding of campus, Polk could focus on school and her other passion: getting involved.

In high school, Polk was president of the African Student Union and volunteered with a suicide prevention organization. Naturally, when SDSU hosted its organization fair, Polk jumped at the opportunity to continue her love for involvement.

“I really liked the Afrikan Student Union and the Student African American Sisterhood,” Polk said.

“Those are the only two I want to focus on now, because I really want to be committed.”

It’s clear that Polk came to SDSU prepared to handle her business, but that does not mean she’s afraid of letting loose and having a good time. Polk has taken full advantage of the Aztec Nights events to start off the school year.

paige nelson, photo editor

“I‘ve meet some new people and the events are really fun,” Polk said. “The best was the carnival.

I wasn’t expecting anything but to have a good time. Even though I had to be a ‘designated walker’ at times, it was fun.”

Polk is just getting started at SDSU, but her knack for planning ahead, passion for involvement and a winning smile make her poised and ready to make an impact within the fabric of SDSU’s student leadership.

ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday September 6, 2012 the daily aztec

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from SOCAL MUSIC FEST on page 1

“Keep your snob levels low, Hutton,” I tryingly told myself between deep breaths. “You can’t hate this after being here for only five minutes.”

But resistance was futile. My friends and I continued walking to avoid the terrible onslaught to our ears, only to be blindsided by another tasteless attack. We arrived in the center of the festival: a four-way intersection with different elements of the festival in each direction. We heard what music was coming from our right, and immediately decided to go left to avoid being subjected to a Linkin Park-esque rap-rock group covering “Pumped Up Kicks.”

To our left, we discovered the art that was promised to share a nice secluded area with numerous PortaPotties. Here, we found about six booths, most catering to the vividly colored, visually shocking, “trippy” art that bros love to put around their bro pads. It was Salvador Dali but with more swirls and rust colors. There was a big fan made of surfboards and skateboards. It was kind of cool in an “I might buy this if there ever exists a place to put this” sort of way.

We then returned to the fourway intersection. We saw, and

Attendees of the SoCal music festival gathered in San Diego’s East Village Saturday evening.

The festival featured many local electronica acts and featured Cold War Kids as the headliners.

unfortunately heard, the same raprock group later identified as Vokab Kompany was still jamming on, so we decided to go down the only other unexplored direction.

Here, we found a thin walkway with drink stands, a half-pipe and one of those flying saucer rides that spins around and pushes you up against its inner wall. I saw

j. hutton marshall , managing editor

two people on the ride. There were some people on the half-pipe who were either paid to be there or just happened to bring a skateboard to a downtown music festival.

We then walked back just as Vokab Kompany finished its set. We moved to the front because Too $hort was next, and we wanted to hear him play, “Blow the Whistle.” Too $hort has a very liberal stance on using the word “bitch.” For example, at one point he said something along the lines of “If you ain’t shakin’ your ass, then you’re a bitch.” My female friend, who wasn’t shaking her ass, was not amused. Though, with song titles such as, “Shake That Monkey” and “Porno Bitch,” I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by Too $hort’s derogatory comments toward women.

We left the festival midway through his set, only a little more than an hour after arriving. I don’t write negative reviews often and don’t enjoy doing so, especially when it comes to something that takes as much work to produce as a festival, but this event unfortunately warrants a negative review. The festival doesn’t pay tribute to music, art or Southern California. It uncreatively and thoroughly exploits the shallowest parts of these three entities to turn a profit. If Southern California was anything like the region this festival claimed to embody, I’d be driving fast to the Arizona border rather than writing this article.

‘Breaking Bad’ and others bolster Netflix catalogue and disparity of being a Hollywood screenwriter in this painfully selfaware film. It also stars Nicholas Cage, Jonze’s apparent star of choice, so there’s that. To capture the inner workings of a screenwriter in action, the plot divides itself between the nervous, introverted life of Charlie Kaufman. He is a struggling, balding Hollywood writer who is losing his hair trying to turn Susan Orlean’s nonfiction book, “The Orchid Theif,” of which he is a subject, into a movie. Kaufman named the main character after himself, which should indicate just how deeply personal this movie strives to be.

Leprechaun In the Hood

Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston return in season four of AMC’s “Breaking Bad,”now available on Netflix.

J. Hutton Marshall Managing Editor

With school starting again, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with homework, classes and extracurricular activities.

For those who choose to skirt their responsibilities in favor of alternative activities (such as watching hours upon hours of Netflix), we salute you. Managing Editor of The Daily Aztec J. Hutton Marshall has shared his current picks for some of the best new additions to the streaming giant’s catalogue that you may (or may not) have heard about.

Breaking Bad I feel guilty for putting this on the list, because of what it may do to you.

This show has consumed my life.

In social situations, I’m powerless against my ability to stop rambling about how great this show is. It’s too late for me now; I’ve caught the bug and there’s no getting rid of it. Don’t let this happen to you.

From the first five minutes of the pilot

courtesy of amc

to its current fifth season, “Breaking Bad” is dangerously gripping. The show’s protagonist, high school chemistry teacher-gone-meth-cook Walter White, is a darkly intense character with so much depth, you wonder at times if you’re cheering for the show’s bad guy.

Also, for a show set mostly in meth labs, gang fights and Albuquerque, N.M., it is beautifully shot. It must take an enormous amount of effort to make such a bleak setting, devoid of any humanity, so visually mesmerizing; but the show continually does so with apparent ease and creativity. Now available on Netflix, check out the fourth season today and re-watch the series from the start during its year long hiatus, before the final season next summer.

Adaptation.

Building off of what was possibly the most “meta” movie ever made, “Being John Malovich,” Spike Jonze directs writer Charlie Kaufman’s screenplay depicting the neurosis

I’m a little disappointed in Netflix as I’m writing this. There are six films in the Leprechaun franchise, yet only one of them “Leprechaun In the Hood” is available to watch instantly. This will not … Nay, this must not stand. The original “Leprechaun” (1993) was Jennifer Aniston’s first movie, for Christ’s sake! These movies are some of the great pillars on which our modernday society is built.

OK, maybe I got a little carried away there. Still, these movies are hilarious. One little leprechaun causing massively violent damage in whatever situation he’s in: It’s a cinematic no-brainer. If you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend checking out “Leprechaun 4: In Space.” It’s my favorite of the bunch.

Small Soldiers I was eight years old when this movie came out. When I saw it on Netflix last week, somewhere in the part of my brain that’s been inactive since the turn of the millennium awakened, and a little, knobby-kneed elementary schooler’s voice cracked with giddiness.

First of all, it’s got David Cross (yep, he was already bald). Besides that, it was one of the more violent—sorry, I mean action-oriented—movies I was allowed to see, and for some reason, this still factors into my adult self liking this movie.

While it may seem like a poorly animated ‘90s movie full of butt cuts, cassette players and Kirsten

Dunst, this movie hits on some pretty heavy themes. From going after corporate imperialism and global warming to challenging our hero-villain stereotypes, this movie gets deeper than the Gorgonite philosophy.

The Big Lebowski Any true Lebowski fan worth their salt in White Russians should live in a house with a hardcopy of this movie, but just in case some carpetpissers come in and steal your copy of the movie, it’s on Netflix.

FYF is a super awesome time Festival is a good entry point for first-time fest goers Brooke Schlyer Staff Writer

This year’s FYF Fest promised the “best weekend of the summer” and it didn’t disappoint its young audience.

The music festival, which took place at Los Angeles Historic Park Labor Day weekend, was my first festival and I had no idea what to expect. I was invited by my can’t-admit-she’s-hipster best friend, who described the event as “Coachella before it went mainstream.” Considering I had never heard of a single band on the festival’s line up, I decided this was a great opportunity to experience new music.

The first act to really get my attention was James Blake, a 22year-old British DJ whose sound stemmed from the new electronica phenomena called post-dubstep.

Blake’s rhythm and blues vocals combined with a slow dubstep bass drop hypnotized the audience, as it swayed back and forth to the beat. One of this up-and-coming musician’s most popular songs is a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Case of You.” Covers are rarely as good as the original, but I believe Blake’s version is just as impressive with its soulful tone.

The big closure for the first night was the French band, M83, led by singer Anthony Gonzalez.

As my friends and I waited patiently for the band’s song “Midnight City,” I couldn’t help but think it sounded like another famous band, U2. Is M83, with

its use of reverb effects and emotional lyrics combined with guitar and drum instrumentals, our generation’s U2? Hipster fans flocked to the stage as if it was some sort of mecca.

Although the band maintained the audience’s attention, it still seemed highly overrated.

Day 2 of the festival was considered the “band day”, as the previous day was filled with electronic music. As the sun went down, Nebraska Indie rock band Desaparecidos came onto the Main St. Stage.

Named after the 1970s practice of South American governments kidnapping dissidents and tossing them out of airplanes into the ocean, the band talked to the crowd in between songs about social injustice among whites and Latinos.

The night ended with a crowded dance party to the ‘80s sounding indie/ dance punk band The Faint. The band, around since 1998, played countless favorites including “The Geeks Were Right,” “Worked Up So Sexual,” “Desperate Guys” and “Take Me To The Hospital”, which left the audience singing along and pumped up for more. The band closed with a promise to be back in LA before the end of the year for another show.

FYF Fest is the perfect event for an introduction to festivals. The crowd was young and easygoing, the price was reasonable and the wide variety of music offered something for everyone. One of the only complaints among FYF goers was they couldn’t be in two places at once to hear all the bands they wanted.

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SPORTS

Thursday September 6, 2012 The Daily Aztec

Five storylines to watch for against Army

football

Ryan Schuler Sports Editor

The San Diego State football team started off the season 0-1 after a controversial loss to the University of Washington in Seattle last Saturday night. The Aztecs will look to rebound as they start a three-game homestand against Army, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at Qualcomm Stadium. Here are five storylines for Aztec fans to watch for against Army.

Can the Aztecs stop senior quarterback Trent Steelman and Army’s rushing attack?

Steelman is back for his fourth season as Army’s starting quarterback.

The Aztecs have experience against Steelman and the option offense, after defeating the Black Knights last season 23-20 on a late field goal.

Steelman, meanwhile, ran for 157 yards and three touchdowns.

SDSU’s defense only allowed 106 yards rushing against the Huskies last week, which is good news. The bad news is that Army led the nation in rushing in 2011, averaging 346.5 yards per game.

Because Army’s offense is runheavy, if the Aztecs can stop the ground attack, SDSU should come out of Qualcomm Stadium with the win.

Can SDSU stop Army on fourth down?

SDSU football head coach Rocky Long knows the Black Knights like to go for it on fourth down.

“In their minds, they only have to average two and a half yards per play because they will go for it every single time it’s fourth-down-andone,” Long said. “I shouldn’t say every single on; 90 percent of the time they are going for it on fourth-

and-one, and fourth-and-two.”

The Black Knights converted 3-of-5 fourth-down possessions last season, which allowed Army to get 25 first downs in the game.

Washington did not attempt a fourth down against the Aztecs last week, so we’ll have to wait and see how SDSU handles the pressure.

Will the Aztecs be able to control the ball?

Against the Huskies, the Aztecs narrowly lost the possession battle 31:03 to 28:57. Against the Black Knights last season, SDSU lost the possession battle 42:11 to 17:49.

That is a big difference.

In order to give the offense a chance to score points, the SDSU defense will have to keep its penalty yardage down and win the turnover battle. The Aztecs forced three turnovers against Army last season, the main reason SDSU was victorious.

Look for the Aztecs to make the most of their opportunities on offense.

Will SDSU finally use its field goal kickers?

Long has a plan. Actually, to be more specific, he has a chart.

Against the Huskies, Long chose not to kick extra points after touchdowns or go for a short field goal in the fourth quarter, which would have made it a six-point game.

Why? Because it was not part of the game plan.

“That’s the plan we had going into the game,” Long said. “That’s the way we thought we had the best chance to win the game, and you never apologize for trying to win. We didn’t win, not because of those decisions; we lost the game because Washington played better than we did.”

Junior Wes Feer and freshman Seamus McMorrow continue to battle for the starting placekicker job.

Can SDSU get off to a fast start for once?

It’s been a problem for the Aztecs dating back to last season. SDSU has been notorious for getting off to slow starts and that didn’t change against the Huskies. After one quarter, SDSU trailed 14-0 against Washington.

“You know, that trend started last year and we are definitely trying to stop that trend so we don’t start off slow this year,” sophomore linebacker Jake Fely said. “We definitely need to work on that. Even though we started this game like that, we are going to try to work on it this year so we eliminate that.”

Look for the Aztecs to get an early lead in this game.

Playing Army after Washington is trouble

football

Ryan Schuler Sports Editor

San Diego State football head coach Rocky Long knows playing the University of Washington, followed by Army, will be tough.

Actually more than tough.

“It’s impossible,” Long said. “I don’t think you can stop it. On a chalkboard, you cannot stop a triple option. It’s the only offense in the world on the chalkboard you cannot stop.”

The Huskies and Black Knights offer extremely differing offensive and defensive formations from each other. Army runs a triple option offense and a very unorthodox defense. It is an offense the Aztecs see only two or three times a year at the most.

“If you look at our recent games

against triple option teams, we haven’t slowed them down,” Long said. “We have just kept the score down enough so that we could outscore them. If you look at their stats, we have not slowed them down. So our offense better score a lot of points this week and not very many plays.”

SDSU’s preparations

secondary

Last season against SDSU, Army quarterback Trent Steelman attempted four passes, connecting on two for 43 yards. Conversely, he rushed 21 times for 157 yards and three touchdowns.

What the secondary will need to do against Army is something it struggled with against Washington: tackling.

“We just have to be prepared to make a lot of tackles going into this game and that’s basically

it,” senior defensive back Leon possession of the ball. trouble,” Long said. Army turned McFadden said. “We really have “We were decent at running the ball over three times, leading to key in, though, because they the ball last year,” Johnson said. to a close win for the Aztecs. will run the ball and lull you to “We landed a couple passes early sleep and then they will try to do last year that got us a lead. But News and notes a big play. So we really have to we really stalled offensively. We •This is the second time SDSU and pay attention to details.” have to get the run game going to Army are meeting in football. The this week.”

Aztecs won last season’s meeting, Offensive improving, but 23-20. still a concern Aztecs have success •The Black Knights are playing on Senior center Alec Johnson was against the service the West Coast for the first time one of two starters returning academies since playing at Washington on to the offensive line this season. Since the beginning of the 2010 Sept. 23, 1995.

Long and Johnson knew there season, SDSU is 4-0 against the •Army’s last win in California was would be growing pains, which were apparent during the Washington game.

“We were all right,” Johnson said. “We were shaky at times. If you look at our recent games against triple (There was) way too much options teams, we haven’t slowed them down, pressure and four sacks is not we have just kept the score down enough so acceptable. But there were times where our protection was pretty that we could outscore them. good and that’s something to Rocky Long build on and something to learn SDSU football head coach from in the film and work on for next week.” service academies, including two a 17-13 victory against Stanford J o h n s o n regular-season wins against Air in Palo Alto on Sept. 22, 1979. knows the Force, last season’s victory against •The Black Knights outgained the offensive line, Army and the win in the 2010 Aztecs 446 yards to 292 in last which features Pointsettia Bowl against Navy. season’s matchup. three new Long is not convinced the Aztecs •As a high school senior, Long starters, will dominate the service academies. was recruited to play basketball need to step “Last year, if you remember the at Army by head basketball coach up to give game, they were running up and Bob Knight. Long instead chose the Aztecs a down the field, and if they don’t to play football at the University chance to keep fumble a bunch, we are in deep of New Mexico.

SPORTS

Thursday September 6, 2012 the daily aztec

forecasting the mountain

Hurst named MW Defensive Player of the Week

San Diego State redshirt senior defender/midfielder Tiffany Hurst was honored as the Mountain West Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week. This is Hurst’s second time receiving the award.

Hurst’s defense helped lead the Aztecs (5-0) to a 1-0 victory against No. 5/13 Pepperdine at the SDSU Sports Deck in the first game played under the lights in program history. Hurst, who played all 90 minutes, helped limit Pepperdine’s offense to only three shots, with one on goal.

The women’s soccer team also moved up in the rankings of two national polls. SDSU now ranks No. 20 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll and No. 21 in the Soccer America Rankings. The Aztecs are the only team from the Mountain West ranked in both polls.

Men’s soccer to play first game under the lights

The SDSU men’s soccer team will play its first game in program history under the

newly installed Sports Deck lights at 7 p.m. on Friday when they host Houston Baptist.

“Light the Night” is part of the Alumni, Family and Friends Weekend for the men’s soccer team. At halftime during tomorrow’s game, the team will honor the 25-year anniversary of the 1987 team, which played in the NCAA championship game.

“I wish I could actually articulate the excitement that is going on within the program and as much as our kids are very excited to play underneath the lights and in front of a huge crowd here in San Diego,” SDSU men’s soccer head coach Lev Kirshner said. “As I mentioned earlier, it’s been 15 years of me discussing that lights were very important to our program.”

On Saturday, the 2012 team, along with the 1987 team and other men’s soccer alumni, will compete in the annual alumni game, which is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. on the SDSU Sports Deck.

The Aztecs finish the weekend against soccer powerhouse Ohio State at 1 p.m. on Sunday as part of the Courtyard Marriott San Diego

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Central Soccer Tournament.

The Buckeyes have made the NCAA Tournament eight times since 2000.

Ex-Aztec Strasburg will be shut down Sept. 12

It’s official. Former SDSU and current Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg will only make two more starts this season before being shut down. The San Diego native will pitch Friday at home against the Miami Marlins and on Sept. 12 on the road against the New York Mets.

The Nationals made the decision to limit Strasburg’s innings this season before Opening Day after the 2009 No. 1 overall pick underwent Tommy John surgery in late 2010.

As of Tuesday, Strasburg, who currently sits at 156.3 innings, leads the National League with 195 strikeouts and is 15-6 with a 2.94 earned run average.

Despite Washington leading the National League East and destined for a spot in the playoffs, the Nationals feel it is best for franchise, even if Strasburg does not agree.

Saturday, Sept. 8 Air Force at Michigan, South Florida at Nevada, Fresno State at Oregon, Army at SDSU, North Dakota State at Colorado State, New Mexico at Texas, Northern Arizona at UNLV, Toledo at Wyoming Name: Ryan Schuler (8-2) Title: Sports Editor Prediction: Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, SDSU, Colorado State, Texas, UNLV, Toledo Quotable: “Dear Raider haters, you are all my friends.

Sincerely, the Black Hole sucks.”

Name: Christopher Stone (9-1) Title: Contributor Prediction: Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, SDSU, Colorado State, Texas, UNLV, Wyoming Quotable: “Shibby!”

Name: Hilal Haider (7-3) Title: Staff Writer Prediction: Michigan, South Florida, Oregon, SDSU, Colorado State, Texas, UNLV, Wyoming Quotable: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.”

Name: Tanner Kouba (6-4) Title: Contributor Prediction: Michigan, South Florida, Oregon, SDSU, Colorado State, Texas, UNLV, Wyoming Quotable: “Got some ham, cup a noodle, some raw veggies.

Baby, I got a stew going.”

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Thursday September 6, 2012 The Daily Aztec

Diary of a mad young man

humor

Y

Christian Benavides ou know what grinds my W hile younger girls like us for Staff Writer gears? When girls date or being “mature,” having a job want to date older guys. I and being “responsible” (A re have no idea why anyone would favorite movies, “Scott Pilgrim we really that responsible?). think that would be a good vs. the World.” The first line of Older women think it’s cool idea. First of all, why? What do the movie goes “Not so long ago when we sit around and play older guys have that I don’t? Or in the strange land of Toronto, Xbox for a couple hours. We what is it about younger girls? I Canada, Scott Pilgrim was dating can go out and have a drink really don’t see what’s missing a high schooler.” The start of the with them too. Last but not or what kind of things people movie is based on how Scott is least, they know good stuff. are into nowadays, but I’m not dating a 17-year-old girl and his If you can find yourself a 35into them. Granted, I’m only 20 decision to dump her when he year-old divorcée, you’re in years old, but the youngest girl finds someone closer to his age. luck because she will rock your I would date would be 18. That, I realize that you might really world. in my opinion, isn’t as bad as be into this girl now, but what As for the girls reading this a 20-year-old girl dating a 26- happens if and when you meet article; I can’t really tell you year-old man. I know there’s an someone more mature, whom you what to do. I’ve never been in argument floating around that connect on an entirely different your shoes, nor will I ever be. I goes “Well, my dad is 10 years level? You’re going to break your guess I could advise you not to older than my date older guys, mom, so I think but I know you that it’s OK.” won’t listen to But how did I’ve tried We’ve grown up idolizing older women. I mean, me. that work out? asking girls I’m gonna what happened with Stifler’s mom or Stacy’s what they see give some mom? We always joke about our friends moms, in older guys advice to the I usually get young men out but we do nothing ... its time we change that. the following there. The way responses: I see it, there “They have really isn’t a their life good reason to date a younger girlfriend’s heart. I’ve seen it together,” “They’re more girl. Chances are her parents happen to girls my age. mature,” or even “They make won’t approve and they won’t So I’ve proposed a solution for good money.” I can’t really say like you. Regardless of what us, men. We date older instead anything about the last one, but you say, it’s a complication and of younger women. I know as far as being more mature, complications are what ruin how it sounds, but think about every guy in the world, from relationships. She can’t even go it… are you thinking about it? regardless of age, makes the same out to bars, so if you do, she Good. We’ve grown up idolizing jokes and laughs about the same might get worried and jealous, older women. I mean, what things. Regardless, I don’t see thus causing problems for you. happened with Stif ler’s mom or why you girls like to date older I haven’t dated someone much Stacy’s mom? (She’s got it going guys, but you shouldn’t overlook younger than me so I’m not on.) We always joke with our guys your age. There are nice aware of the perks, but the friends about their moms, but guys out there. So you should at complications are clear. In a we do nothing. I think it’s time least give them a chance. way, it’s also mean. I’d like to we change that. Older women make a reference to one of my appreciate our youthfulness.

HOROSCOPE

by Nancy Black, Tribune Media Services

Today’s Birthday (9/6/12) - This year is great for your career. Get clear about what you want and ask for it. Let go of stuff you don’t need. Family and friends keep you grounded. An autumn discovery tempts you to a course of study.

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 5 For about five weeks, you’re even luckier than usual, and your artistic creativity increases.

Keep concentrating on your studies. Make a romantic promise that you’ll enjoy fulfilling.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - You should be able to see clearly what needs to be done ... no need to be overwhelmed.

Now is a good time for making money, so brainstorm ideas. Maintain objectivity, if possible.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 5 Conditions are excellent for expansion now in a loving context. For about four weeks, your curiosity will be more insatiable than usual.

Trust your heart to lead you.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 - Gather up the harvest as quickly as possible, with some help. It’ll be easier to make money for the next few weeks, but don’t buy toys yet. It’s not a good time to travel.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 6 Romance awaits, and you’re especially goodlooking during this period. Answer the call of the wild. You have willing helpers nearby; rely on them. Listen for feedback.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6

- You’ll have sweeter dreams for the next few weeks. Fantasies abound and are achievable.

Don’t reveal your secrets all at once. There’s beauty in anticipation. Get into action.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 5 You’re very popular, but your social life could cause a problem at home. Your career could benefit from the new contacts you make.

Balance.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - New opportunities arise over the next three weeks. Take a few days to store away provisions, as many as you can. Then go rejuvenate an old bond.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 5 - For the next month, it’s easier to get away. All is not as it appears, however.

Negotiate a trade. New possibilities develop while this lasts.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Take on more work, and make no expensive promises. It’s easier to save now.

Get family to help. You have more together than you do apart.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - For the next five weeks, delegate as much as possible. Investigate long-term partnerships.

Don’t fall for a trick; look beyond attractive results. Instead, seek balance. Compassion increases.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 Work is more fun and gets easier for the next few weeks. You’re very attractive now. You don’t have to know everything yet. Your past work speaks well for you. ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

SUDOKU

by The Mepham Group, Tribune Media Services

Difficulty Level: 4 out of 4 Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

looking through our lens

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

FREAKIN’ TWEET! CROSSWORD

Mason Schoen, staff writer, captured thousands of tourists gathered along one of the greatest wonders of the world duing his visit to Beijing.

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Across 1 Cask stopper 5 Conquest for Caesar 9 Serbs, e.g.

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2 Natural Bridges locale 3 Second helping, to a dieter

/ THEDailyAztec

by Rich Norris & Joyce Lewis, Tribune Media Services

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 4 Twist 5 Long shot, say 6 Baseball’s Moises 7 It has a campus near the JFK Library 8 Turning tool 9 Ancient Athens rival 10 Nitwit 11 Ouzo flavoring 12 Watch 13 Barely sufficient 21 Slangy “Don’t worry about it” 25 “High Voltage” rockers 26 Ex-GIs’ org.

27 Bern’s river 28 1982 sci-fi film 30 Superficially fluent 33 Grumpy friend?

35 Exist

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