09-07-2011

Alumna vies for council seat

WEDNESDAY September 7, 2011 Volume 97, Issue 7 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M

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SANDY CORONILLA, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

New boundaries place SDSU in district nine Sandy Coronilla assistant news editor With the approval of a new map for city council districts by the San Diego Redistricting Commission late last month, San Diego State finds itself planted squarely in the newly created District 9, which stretches from College Area southwest through the communities of City Heights, Kensington and Talmadge to Southcrest.

Last Thursday, Araceli Martinez, an attorney and SDSU alumna filed paperwork with the city clerk’s office to run for District 9 council member and in doing so represent the thousands of students who live within it.

Background on the districts: The new District 9 is comprised of neighborhoods that were once mainly part of Districts 3 and 7. The shift in district boundary lines has Council member Todd Gloria packing up for a move into the new District 3 and Council member Marti Emerald concentrating on a run for the new District 9 seat.

Martinez and Katherine Eaton, a member of the City Heights Redevelopment Committee plan to challenge her.

The Daily Aztec sat down with Martinez at Kensington Café to discuss issues pertinent to students and residents of District 9, and allow readers to get to know her.

She was born in Los Angeles and lived there for nine years before moving to Imperial County. After high school, she moved to the College Area to attend SDSU. Martinez graduated in 2003 with bachelor’s degrees in political sci-

Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, which advises San Diego Unified School District on the needs of its students with disabilities. Her interest in special education stems from experiences as the parent of a child with autism.

Martinez believes hope for the future is the focus of most District 9 residents.

“I think they care about their job security. They care about their family, their children’s future, health, opportunity,” she said. “For a lot of people here it’s about hope. It’s about ‘I work hard so my child has a little bit of a better chance.’ It’s all those basic human needs and the pursuit of happiness. That’s what it is for me too.”

Creating a sense of neighborhood pride is at the top of Martinez’s priority list.

“The thing about this district that I do see there’s a need for is unity, that personal responsibility to take pride in your neighborhood and want to get up and do something more than what Araceli Martinez, is required of you,” she said. of the comcandidate for district 9 council member Beautification munity with art projects could help with that, Martinez said. attorney specializing in family and right place, you don’t need $400,000 Martinez v. Emerald? to do it. You don’t need to accumueducation law and civil litigation.

She currently sits on the board for late more wealth, but the students Asked what the difference is the lawyers division of the San do need to be educated.” between herself and the city counMartinez acknowledges the fiscal cil incumbent also running for Diego County Bar Association and is involved in Consumer Attorneys of sacrifices needed within the state District 9, Martinez replied her indebut she said it is not fair to make San Diego. pendence is what separates her Martinez said she made the final them on the backs of students. from Emerald.

“In the short run people think decision to run for District 9 city “Well, I don’t owe anything to anythey’re saving money but in the long council representative after seeing body,” Martinez said. “I saw some artirun, you’re just axing our future the newly formed boundaries. cles that said I was labor-backed but I “I’ve lived all over the newly creat- workforce.” like to listen to everybody. I’m not sold ed district, San Diego State, City On the communities of District 9: on one or the other before I even get Heights, Talmadge and now Martinez said the reason she wants into office. That’s one big difference.”

(Kensington),” she said. “I know this “I haven’t committed any ethics to represent District 9 is a combinaplace. We shop here; we go to the tion of living and volunteering with- violations,” Martinez said, referring to Vietnamese market down on Menlo in the district.

(Avenue). I thought it was perfect.” campaign violations Emerald admit“I’m part of this community. I’ve ted to last year. Also, she said she is lived here for 14 years,” she said. “I’m humble, approachable and will listen On state budget cuts to higher always signing up to help people in to the concerns of those in District 9. education: Martinez, who said she was depend- one way or another. I have the energy.” see District 9 on page 2 She has served on the ent on financial aid throughout her ence and psychology, as well as a minor in French. While at SDSU, she served as president of the Children’s Center Board.

“I love my school,” she said. “Even now, 10 years later, I try to find any excuse to go up there and just take a walk, enjoy the beauty of it.”

In 2003 she also married Graciel Rivas. They have a daughter, Dorian, and are expecting another in January.

Martinez later studied at California Western School of Law where she was president of La Raza Law Students Association. She is now a practicing

studies at SDSU, spoke out against the recent CSU Board decision to raise tuition 12 percent while simultaneously approving President Elliot Hirshman’s salary of $100,000 more than his predecessor’s, calling it ridiculous.

Echoing the argument Gov. Jerry Brown made in a letter to the CSU, Martinez questioned the presidential selection process. “Didn’t they bring (Hirshman) from out of state? I think there’s plenty of talent here in California that they could’ve made an effort to look locally to begin with,” she said. “If your heart is in the

“If your heart is in the right place, you don’t need $400,000 ... You don t need to accumulate more wealth, but the students do need to be educated.”

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OPINION

T R AV E L & A DV E N T U R E Sin City festival shows Vegas caters to lovers of music and yoga too.

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Finding love on the web is an adventure.

Check out the backpage today for the tour de force known as online dating.

B A C K PA G E

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W E AT H E R : SUNNY HIGH: 87 LOW: 65 SUNSET: 7:05PM

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D A I LY

AZTEC Wednesday, September 7, 2011

NEWS

District 9: Local attorney and SDSU alumna challenges incumbent council member continued from page 1 On labor: Some of the initial news reports on Martinez associated her with the Middle Class Taxpayers Association, a nonprofit organization created in part to be an alternative voice to the sometimes anti-labor sentiment of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.

MCTA focuses on issues such as healthcare, education and the economy and does not endorse candidates for any political office.

While Martinez did serve as MCTA’s interim president last year, she is almost as quick to disassociate herself from the group as they have been to dismiss her on Twitter.

“Araceli Martinez is not currently affiliated with the Middle Class Taxpayers Association, nor have we endorsed any candidates,” MCTA tweeted on Sept. 1.

Martinez said her husband is an ironworker (“Local 229,” she added) and that is how she became involved with the labor movement in San Diego.

In addition to it being a big time commitment during a period when she needed to focus more on providing for her family, Martinez said that she resigned from MCTA because of a concern about the organization’s ability to make decisions independent of the San Diego Labor Council.

“I think that the group has a lot of potential if they can act truly independently,” Martinez said. “Since they’re new and a lot of us that started that organization came from a labor background or some con-

nection with it, I think it’s hard for labor to let them act independently.

That’s hard to say.”

She reiterated that everyone involved in MCTA had great ideas but some people may have felt that they owed something to the leadership in the labor council and are afraid to cross it.

“I was always of the mentality that if it’s not in the favor of the taxpayers who we’re representing then we should take a position contrary. Other people were a little more hesitant.”

Dr. Murtaza Baxamusa, MCTA’s board of directors secretary and treasurer, said that Martinez must be referring to him.

“Everyone is acting extremely independently,” he said. “This is strongly reflected in the bylaws of our organization.”

Baxamusa said Martinez was not around during the formation of the bylaws so she may not be aware. “I’ve been trying to get as much help from as many people as I can,” Baxamusa said. “I can’t totally disassociate myself from labor. But everyone on the board brings in different resources.”

Martinez talked about the vilification of unions by corporations too. “I don’t see them as bad per se,” she said. “Obviously when you get together with another group of people to fight for your interests, you have a better chance of being heard than if you try to go do it on your own. So I think they have a very important role to play. It’s just a matter of finding some common ground. I think everybody has to compromise, has to put a little bit on the table.”

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D A I LY A Z T E C Wednesday, September 7 2011

OPINION

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Expanded bike lane smart move by A.S.

S

tudents were greeted by a few changes to the highways and byways throughout campus upon returning for the new semester. The beautifully repainted permanent bike lane on Campanile Walkway is a long-awaited triumph. And the new perpendicular route, running from 55th Street, across Campanile Drive and west to the San Diego State trolley station is also a nice surprise.

Incoming freshmen and transfer students plying the walkways of campus for the first time should appreciate this shift away from SDSU’s historic “no wheels” policy.

Making our school more bicycleaccessible is an important coup d’état. Encouraging biking to school reduces traffic and parking congestion. I’m sure many of you are still recovering from the nightmare that is parking on the first week of classes.

Biking also allows students to save whatever precious little cash remains after textbook costs by avoiding parking permit and gas fees. Most importantly, it promotes a cleaner campus environment and more sustainable lifestyle. Not to mention it makes life a heck of a lot easier for students traveling sans cars.

This isn’t to say there aren’t a few kinks still to be worked out. While the benefits far outweigh the risks, I can understand the administration’s initial hesitance stemming from walkway congestion and safety concerns.

Pedestrians tend to stroll obliviously down the bike lane, ignorant of their perils. I’m sure this is purely an issue of new students and unfamiliarity with the bike lane. Time, and perhaps a few painful incidents, will teach everyone to steer clear. In the meantime, it would seem prudent to provide a few more signs to caution students and keep collisions to a minimum. And the large concrete obstacles periodically blocking half the bike path are an accident waiting to happen.

It’s easy to imagine a cyclist dis-

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

Randy Wilde

Above all, I am proud that students were able to achieve positive change by popular demand. This is exactly what the student government system is in place for.

staff columnist tracted by dodging pedestrians ending up with a scar or two. I hope SDSU would be quick to remove such a liability. Another issue still to be worked out with the new bike system is the shortage of conveniently located bike racks. A few more racks strategically placed between bike paths and classrooms would be an easy fix.

Despite these unresolved issues, the addition to campus is a huge step in the right direction and an

affirmation of student agency at SDSU. Change did not come out of the blue. It was the result of a hardfought campaign. A series of critical mass-like bike rallies protested the

strict “no wheels” policy on campus until Associated Students and university administration took notice. I would like to express my gratitude to all student activists, A.S. officials and

SDSU administrators who made the bike lane possible. To continue the spirit of engagement and activism on campus, we should ensure the bike system is maintained and possibly even expanded if all goes well.

Above all, I am proud that students were able to achieve positive change by popular demand. This is exactly what the student government system is in place for. It’s easy to slip into a subordinate role as a student, forgetting that the university is here to serve us and that it’s our privilege and responsibility to take the reins of our college experience.

—Randy Wilde is an ISCOR senior.

News to know from around the world International In the throes of a budget crisis, the government in Italy has sought austerity measures as a solution, much to the dismay of many residents in the country. Air traffic and public transportation in Italy grinded to a halt yesterday as thousands protested the government’s plans to increase sales tax and a proposed “solidarity tax” of 3 percent on those earning more than 500,000 euros per year.

National According to a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, President Barack Obama has seen his ratings drop to record lows within his presidency. More than 60 percent of those surveyed disagreed with the manner in which the president is dealing with the economy; perhaps the most contentious and important issue currently on the minds of Americans.

Only 43 percent of people surveyed approved of the job he was doing, with 53 percent disapproving.

Among Republican candidates running for the presidency, Gov. Rick Perry has a commanding lead with 38 percent of GOP voters backing him.

MCT CAMPUS

Local It seems as if the decade-long debate of whether or not to relocate the Chargers to Los Angeles has yet to conclude. There are no current plans to renovate Qualcomm Stadium and proposals to build a new stadium akin to the Padres’ Petco Park seem unlikely at best. San Diego has found itself less of a welcoming home than at the beginning of the debate; millions of dollars given to the Chargers from city funds have soured many local taxpayers and, some say, contributed to San Diego’s ailing budgetary crisis.

MCT CAMPUS

- Compiled by Chris Pocock, Opinion Editor

D A I LY A Z T E C Wednesday, September 7, 2011

F E AT U R E S

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Wanderlust festival entices yogis to Sin City Swanky yoga event offers alternative to Vegas vice

The festival, which fuses together health, wellness and music, has quickly expanded across the nation ...

Stephanie Schauer contributor Peace and tranquility are not usually associated with Las Vegas’ image.

More commonly the city is identified as a party destination where inhibitions are abandoned among bright lights and a vibrant nightlife.

However, that reputation is about to change.

Wanderlust, the largest multi-day yoga event in the world, is making its first trip to Sin City this weekend. The festival, which fuses together health, wellness and music, has quickly expanded across the nation since its debut in 2009.

In partnership with Velour Music Group, C3 Presents and Starr Hill Presents, Wanderlust has been working hard during the past two years to grow and plan unique events that differentiate each tour stop from the next. No two festivals are identical, helping to promote the company’s goal of creating “experiences in amazing settings that are simultaneously fun and inspiring,” according to Wanderlust cofounder Jeff Krasno.

“Las Vegas provides a lot of opportunity for fun and excitement,” he said.

Fun and excitement, in addition to relaxation, are exactly what guests will experience.

Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan, with its own casino and spa, will host this

This weekend, yoga and music lovers will flock to Las Vegas for flawless flows and cool vibes.

two-day extravaganza. Lisa Marchese, chief marketing officer for the Cosmopolitan, is positive this event will help support the hotel’s commitment to its guests by providing art, music and great events.

“Partnering with Wanderlust is an extension of this commitment and we are excited to bring our guests yet another mash-up this time through the music … and the art of yoga,” Marchese said.

Because of the venue’s limited size, only 300 guests can be accommo-

dated. However, that fact has not affected the spirit of the festival, considering Wanderlust’s full list of activities. As the primary focus of the event, guests are scheduled to take part in three premium yoga sessions taught by master instructors John Friend, a renowned health expert and fo u n d e r o f A n u s a ra Yo g a , a n d Schuyler Grant, second cofounder of Wanderlust and director of New York City’s Kula Yoga Project.

Las Vegas and yoga seem to be an odd pairing, but Friend is confident

| COURTESY OF WANDERLUSTFESTIVAL.COM

his yoga teachings can be practiced at any time and in any place.

“There is an element of yoga that focuses on retreating, on solitude and on deep peace. However, in Tantric philosophy yoga can be defined as a state of deep connection to one’s heart in the midst of any activity,” Friend said.

In addition to the Tantric yoga sessions, there will be a concert featuring DJ music group Thievery Corporation, a pre-concert party where guests who are 21 and older receive

complimentary cocktails and a Beauty Bar to sample new beauty products and receive mini-makeovers. It will also include free refreshments provided by sponsors Luna Bar and SmartWater and a complimentary VIP bag filled with goodies, including a Gaiam yoga mat.

Persons must have a ticket in order to attend this novel event. To partake in these fabulous perks, including yoga and the concert, attendees must purchase tickets for $148.

The Cosmopolitan is also offering ticket packages that include room amenities for those attending Wanderlust. Those looking to live the high life during this musical yoga retreat can reserve two-night stays in their lavish rooms starting at $676 per person.

To purchase tickets or to find out additional event information, check out cosmopolitan.wanderlustfestival.com.

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D A I LY

AZTEC Wednesday, September 7, 2011

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

L I V E A N D DA N G E R O U S

L I V E A N D DA N G E R O U S

Two nights of Thievery Twin shows style Groovy trip-hop artists make a San Diego stop on tour Courtney Rogin contributor Style-blending trip-hop veteran Thievery Corporation returns to San Diego this week for two nights of shows at The House of Blues. The band is touring this fall in support of its new album, “Culture of Fear,” released in June. Formed in 1995 by

Hilton and Garza released their first LP in 1997, titled, “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi.” Since then, the band’s musical career spans multiple studio albums and numerous compilation albums. Thievery Corporation’s notable fourth album, “The Cosmic Game,” included vocals from musicians such as The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne and Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell.

Thievery Corporation not only has a new album this year, but is also on the heels of releasing its first live DVD “Live at the 9:30 Club.” Filmed throughout five consecutive sold-out nights at The 9:30 Club in the group’s hometown in the district, the DVD takes a unique

While predominantly featuring electronic melodies, there are (other) elements ... that speak to a wide variety of music lovers.

Washington D.C. natives Eric Hilton and Rob Garza, the band represents the two founders’ love of different music styles including jazz and chill.

filming approach by using vintage anamorphic lenses, bringing a subtle, innovative brilliance to concert footage.

The new album, “Culture of Fear,”

beautifully showcases everything Thievery Corporation has become known for. The opening track, “Web of Deception” begins a 13-track, groovy, intergalactic star trip that weaves its way through jazz, dub and chill-wave musical styles. “Overstand” is a standout track that melds influences of reggae and free-flowing waves of melodic electronica.

The album has a transcendental feel, making it difficult to place in a specific genre. While predominantly featuring electronic melodies, there are elements of hip-hop reggae, bossanova and jazz that speak to a wide variety of music lovers. The incredible range of styles is part of what has made Thievery Corporation a highly respected band for more than 15 years.

Thievery Corporation’s live shows are notable for the whimsical inventiveness involved in bringing along 15 other assorted vocalists and musicians to perform alongside the core group.

The band plays a two-night jaunt with AM & Sean Lee at House of Blues for an all-ages audience tonight at 7:30 p.m. and for those 21 and older tomorrow at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 advance and $55 day of show.

To win a pair of free tickets, take a picture on campus holding a handmade “I love Thievery Corporation” sign and post it to The Daily Aztec’s Facebook page.

Tell friends to “like” the photo, and the two pictures with the most “likes” by 3 p.m. today win two free tickets to tonight’s show.

L I V E A N D DA N G E R O U S

Explosions dazzles SOMA

Andrea Estella is endearingly awkward in Twin Sister set | ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

Antonio Zaragoza photo editor Opening for Explosions in the Sky last Friday was an exciting new band from Long Island called Twin Sister.

The voice of lead vocalist, Andrea Estella, coupled with the ardent blend of music from bandmates Bryan Ujueta, Eric Cardona, Gabel D’Amico and Udbhav Gupta did much to captivate the audience with

The Texan quartet blasts a withering and speechless set Andrew Younger staff writer

Munaf Rayani weaves complex instrumental textures into Explosions’ sound on his 31st birthday | ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

As the lilting, melodramatic theme from “Twin Peaks” faded from the PA system, members of the post-rock instrumental quartet Explosions in the Sky emerged onto SOMA’s main stage last Friday. Against an austere black backdrop, guitarist Munaf Rayani — whose Texas state flag draped over his Fender half stack provided the only visual adornment — addressed the audience. He said, “Hello, we are Explosions in the Sky and we’re from Texas,” before launching into a nonstop 90-minute set.

The stark stage presentation and nonexistent audience banter thematically contrasted with the ornate orchestration of Explosions in the Sky’s three guitarists plus touring bassist/keyboardist/tambourine shaker as they compiled a set encompassing their careers, from crowd favorite “Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die” to their latest opus “Take Care, Take Care, Take Care.” Kicking off its minisymphony with “Last Known Surroundings,” Explosions in the Sky created a seamless set through the use of interstitial guitar loops that continued to ratchet up the emotional response of the audience between songs.

As the looping guitar work and overdriven fuzz created a wall of white noise, the delicate, arpeggiated fingerpicking of guitarist Michael James slowly chiseled its way out of the dissonance and the next move-

a collection of smooth eclectic sounds. Estella’s voice rang gracefully like the distant sound of church bells chiming on a lazy summer night, as the music brought to mind the sounds of 80s group Cocteau Twins and 90s band Broadcast. The band played to a welcoming crowd, which seemed to understand the full potential of this up-and-coming ensemble. With a new full-length album on the way, expect great things from this fresh new sound.

ment in the set would slowly come into focus. These loops also gave Explosions in the Sky total control of the dynamic qualities of its music as it denied the audience a brief respite between songs and, subsequently, made the pauses included after the sweeping crescendos all the more effective.

Another interesting dynamic was the interplay between James’ fingerpicked melodies and guitarist Mark Smith’s drone notes that provided the movement for the band’s music.

Woven in with James and Smith is Rayani’s effects-driven textures that allowed the band to accurately recreate the lush production of its later albums: All the while, the anonymous touring bassist provided a heavier rock feel compared to record and added a new dimension to the band’s sound.

This convergence of melody came together particularly well during “The Only Moment We Were Alone,” as Rayani lifted his guitar into the air during the thunderous bass notes and house lights flooded the audience to rapturous applause.

Also noteworthy was the energetic “...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead”-esque “Trembling Hands” in which drummer Chris Hrasky punished his snare drum throughout. However, the high point of Explosions in the Sky’s set came during its penultimate song “Let Me Back In” as a sea of entranced music fans softly nodded their heads to the jazz-inspired riffing before an instrumental breakdown that was poignant to the point of absolute silence in the 2400 person venue.

As the level of rapt attention demonstrated, Explosions in the Sky expanded the boundaries of expression capable with a traditional lineup of guitar, bass and drums, all without saying a word.

D A I LY A Z T E C Wednesday, September 7, 2011

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Bargain prices on furniture, electronics, household items, linens, sporting goods, clothing and more. Take I-8 to I-15 north, exit Clairemont Mesa Blvd. east 2 miles to Tierrasanta Lutheran Church, 11240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

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INTERNSHIPS Xponential Growth Solutions: Marketing / Financial Services Company. Come visit us at the September 22nd Internship Fair.

For early consideration please send resume and cover letter to bwilley@xgrowthsolutions.com

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D A I LY

AZTEC Wednesday, September 7, 2011

B AC K PAG E

HUMOR

HOROSCOPE

Tru luv @ mismatch.com

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (9/7/11) A slow morning is nice. Fill your space with beauty, music and food for the spirit. There's money available. Pay any bills first. Go for perfection, even if it sparks controversy.

Craft a romantic moment.

s online dating still taboo? Not so much. In this day and age, it has turned into a norm. But still, it’s hard not to flinch when you ask people where they met their fiancée and they reply, all too bubbly, “Online!”

When presented with the idea of online dating, if your mind immediately goes to a fat, middle-aged bald man with nine cats and a collection of Star Wars memorabilia (still in its original packaging), you’re not alone.

And you’re probably not wrong.

There’s a stigma attached to online dating: Those who cannot do it in real life, do so online.

Maybe your social skills are a little out of tune. Maybe you don’t really know how to be super awesome in real life, but you really shine behind a keyboard with your favorite feline in your lap. Boy, are you in the market for a good online dating site.

However, it’s not always the case. I know there’s nothing wrong with me.

I’m not socially inept and I can carry on one hell of a conversation. So my intent when signing up for one of these sites was not to find a man because I couldn’t go out into the real world and find one myself, it was because I didn’t know anyone, I couldn’t get in anywhere because of my underage-ness and because I just wanted to give it a run. I always say I’ll try anything once.

When I first moved down to San Diego three years ago, I was low on friends and even lower on any romantic interests. Sure, there was a guy in my English class who was pretty cute and he just loved the smell of my Suave coconut shampoo, but was he really boyfriend material? Our constant conversations about ex-girlfriends with sugary-sweet names constantly trying

I

Hayley Rafner contributor to talk to him told me he wasn’t so much what I was looking for.

When a friend told me about a free online dating site, I thought to myself, “Why not?”

I signed up. However, what followed were a slew of bad dates, guys begging

I thought to myself, Why not? ... However, what followed were a slew of bad dates, guys begging to hook up and tons ... of bad grammar. to hook up and tons, and I mean literally tons, of bad grammar.

I’d sign on every now and then to messages from guys named “DatBoi619” or “DatGuy69,” at the same time. I would give almost everyone a try, attempt at conversation and try to get it to go somewhere other than “Whats up.” (period, not a question mark) or “Do u text? Whatz ur #?”

More often than not, it would eventually fade away and nothing would come of it.

Every now and then, I’d meet with a guy. Most of the time it was an awkward sit-outside-Coffee-Bean-andnot-drink-coffee-but-instead-justhave-a-meaningless-conversation kind of date. I was always adamant about meeting in public. Maybe its just because I’m a 20-year-old girl living alone in San Diego, but I was never

into simply inviting someone to my place right off the bat.

That, apparently, is not something most guys think about. They’d laugh, scoff, even write me off completely when they weren’t automatically invited to my apartment after emailing back and forth for two hours. When they asked me why and promised they weren’t going to take advantage of me, my response would always be, “Well, I’m sorry, but I just have to make sure you’re not a rapist first.” And I meant it.

Three years later, I still haven’t had any real luck. I’ve maybe gone on two enjoyable dates. But every single guy I’ve talked to has turned out to be a creep, totally weird or just interested in hooking up.

What will it take for me to just delete my account? Apparently not some a—hole pretending to be two different people in order to see which character I’ll go for.

I’m an eternal optimist. I always believe I’m one guy away from finding Mr. Right.

As my 21st birthday approaches, maybe its time to hang up the fins and stop swimming for guppies. Maybe its time to be a big girl and go meet people for real. At a bar. Or a restaurant. Or a club. Will the venue really change the type of guy I meet?

And as I sit here and wonder about the reputation that goes along with online daters, I wonder if it exists for a reason. Maybe all of these guys I meet are online for a reason. Hell, maybe I’m online for a reason.

But I don’t plan on deactivating anything. After all, interacting with these douche bags has almost become my favorite and most preferred form of entertainment.

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

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 It doesn't take much to restore harmony. A balanced checkbook is only part of it.

Express your deepest passions this morning, and then take it easy later.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - Choose the path you really want, even if it seems more challenging. Get expert advice, and follow the rules exactly. Stay cautious and focused, and go for it.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 9 Cash flow improves, and you feel more in balance. Don't dip into savings, though.

Resist temptation with love or money.

There's plenty of time to let things develop.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Prizes come to those who can hold their tongues while the rest complain. Disregard critics. Move quickly to take advantage of a sudden opportunity.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 Finish tasks at work without a fuss (there's no time for that). Tell fears you'll get back to them later ... afraid you're too busy now.

Love lights the path. Focus, and follow the shine.

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

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES The more you get to know a friend, the better you'll like her. New partnerships bring new opportunities. Pay down debts and finish old projects before diving in.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 Take your time and stay calm. Your home is your palace. Neatness counts, so meditate by doing the dishes and sweeping. You're in demand and earning positive attention.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - Now's a good time to study, learn and discover. The best way to learn is by playing. Work quickly but carefully to avoid costly errors. You're in practice. Just go.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Artist Jaume Plensa makes enormous sculptures. He says that accepting his limitations is what made him grow the most. You may want to apply that today.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 9 - Keep listening. It makes you interesting.

You want to make a difference, and others notice. Listen for inspiration, and others get motivated to action.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 5 - You may feel particularly shy today, and that's okay. Collaboration's key: Partner up with someone who's pleased to provide a public face. Stay flexible.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 Study the situation with a friend, but don't expect romance. Make sure that you listen well to avoid misunderstandings. Thinking is more powerful than speaking. ©2011, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

SUDOKU

Difficulty Level: 2 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

- Hayley Rafner is a journalism senior

LO O K I N G T H R O U G H O U R L E N S

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com ©2011, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

FREAKIN’ TWEET! CROSSWORD

GAME FACE Photo Editor Antonio Zaragoza captured this shot as SDSU fans welcomed one of two new Aztec Warriors, Oscar Deleon, at the first football game of the season.

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ACROSS 1 Outlook 6 Previewed, as a joint 11 Attempt 14 Part of a squirrel’s stash 15 Abundant 16 Little hopper 17 Bills and catalogues?

19 “The Simpsons” character who graduated first in his class of seven million at the Calcutta Institute of Technology 20 Advanced deg.

21 Quick look 23 Remnant in a tray 26 Bygone 28 Tentative assent 29 Monk’s unusual appendage?

33 Canaanite deity 34 Source of light meat 35 Nev. neighbor 38 Ohio hometown of LeBron James 40 It ended Nov. 11, 1918 41 The blahs 43 Vietnamese holiday 44 Sci-fi invaders 47 Iowa State home 48 Where a kid’s shovel may be found?

51 Take in 53 Yanks’ rival 54 Binghamton-toUtica dir.

55 Show-off’s shout 58 Lyon king 60 “Disgusting!”

61 Traditional December spin around the harbor?

66 Top pitcher 67 Bert’s pal

/ THEDailyAztec

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 68 Michelob __: light beer brand 69 Anderson Cooper, to Gloria Vanderbilt 70 “__ Hope”: ’70s’80s soap 71 Dinner course DOWN 1 Large container 2 Dangerous, as a winter road 3 Bribe 4 You might do it over your own feet 5 News show VIP 6 Oriole great Ripken 7 BBs, for example 8 Cross 9 Brings out 10 Convention representative

11 1961 Ricky Nelson charttopper 12 Boxing ring borders 13 Letter sign-off 18 Go off-script 22 French affirmative 23 Plate appearance 24 Tremble 25 Like one just jilted 27 “On the Origin of Species” author 30 Rapper __ Rida 31 Walked down the 37-Down again 32 2010 Super Bowl champs 36 Scheduled to arrive 37 Bridal path

39 Pessimist 42 Brief sleep 45 Fundraising game 46 Newly wool-less 49 Rodent-induced cry 50 Genesis follower 51 Rap sheet name, maybe 52 Golfer Mediate 56 “Every __ Tiger”: Clancy book about Operation Desert Storm 57 “__ go bragh!”

59 One of las Canarias 62 Some MIT grads 63 World’s busiest airport: Abbr.

64 Nest egg letters 65 Youngster