10-06-2011

THURSDAY October 6, 2011 Volume 97, Issue 24 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M

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SCAN CODE FOR MOBILE CONTENT

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

INDEX:

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H E A LT H & FITNESS

COURTESY OF STUDENT LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

The finalists have been chosen Tara Millspaugh contributor The San Diego State Homecoming Court 2011 consists of 14 students who collectively represent the entire student body. Student organizations across campus nominated students they felt were impressive leaders who embodied a commitment to academic success, had outstanding involvement on campus and contributed to the SDSU community.

After campus organizations made their nominations, there were 41

nominees who began the interview process. The pool had not been so large since 2001, so the decisionmaking process was even more difficult for the selection committee because each student portrayed extreme talents and abilities.

All 41 students submitted an application and went to a group interview that consisted of interactive activities, allowing each candidate the chance to shine brighter than his or her paper application.

The selection committee, comprised of SDSU faculty and staff, narrowed the diverse group of individuals to 14 homecoming court nomi-

nees. Each candidate participated in a variety of Homecoming Week activities, such as a talent show, campus parade and pep rally.

“It has been an honor to represent SDSU over the last year and show students and the surrounding community how much it has to offer,” 2010 Homecoming Queen Sadie Eisley said.

Homecoming king and queen have not only the honor of being crowned, but also conduct service projects during the spring semester that include the SDSU community.

Last year, the service project the homecoming king and queen par-

THE 2011 SDSU HOMECOMING COURT

ticipated in was the “Deaf and Foster Youth Education and leadership Initiative.” Local students who are deaf or are in foster care were invited to tour SDSU and were exposed to the various opportunities college has to offer. The service project is completely up to the homecoming winners to decide what will better the SDSU community.

This year’s homecoming football game is on Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium against TCU. Students are encouraged to show their Aztec pride during the game and attend the crowning ceremony at halftime.

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

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COURTESY OF STUDENT LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

SPORTS

Lisa Acuna: Nominated by Rotaract. Her involvement on campus involves being a proud SDSU Ambassador and Presidential Scholar, as well as Vice President of Records for Rotaract. She is majoring in chemistry and Spanish.

Ryan Cardinale: Nominated by Mortar Board honor society.

He has conducted and assisted in multiple research projects in relation to autism, age and memory.

Cardinale is majoring in psychology and has a 3.74 GPA.

Julie-Anne Brou: Nominated by the Child and Family Development Student Organization. As president she exemplifies dedication and commitment to children and the SDSU community. Brou is a child and family development major.

Levi Lentz: Nominated by the Honors Council for his dedication to scholarship, SDSU and the community.

He is also an active member in six honor societies. Lentz is majoring in mechanical engineering and has a 3.87 GPA.

Nicole Ganz: Nominated by Associated Students, her drive, commitment and hardworking attitude have led her to be a Compact Scholar and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

She is majoring in communication and political science and has a 3.89 GPA.

Robert O’Keefe: Nominated by Sigma Phi Epsilon for embodying the fraternity’s ideals of virtue, diligence and brotherly love. He is also the current Vice President of Finance for A.S. O’Keefe is a double major in political science and ISCOR, with a minor in business marketing.

Malia Green: Nominated by the Student Veteran Organization for her dedication and involvement within the SDSU veteran community.

She was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps where she served a seven-year term. Green is a child and family development major.

Jeremy Poincenot: Nominated by Rotaract for his unwavering representation of its mission, “Service above self.” He is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and has raised more than $100,000 for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy research.

He is majoring in business management with a minor in French.

Kelsey Lizee: Nominated by SDSU Ambassadors. She is the current president of Kappa Delta Sorority and a member of Rho Lambda Honor Society. Lizee is majoring in psychology with a minor in Religious studies.

Ashton Rosemond: Nominated by the Residence Hall Association. He has also been invited to the Residence Hall Association’s regional and national conferences and is a SDSU Ambassador.

Rosemond is majoring in kinesiology with a minor in psychology.

Katie Martin: Nominated by the ISCOR Student Society. She has served as an intern on Capitol Hill and is a member of five honor societies.

Martin is an ISCOR major with minors in both political science and anthropology, and has a 3.81 GPA.

Martin Sohikish: Nominated by SDSU Ambassadors for his passion and genuine care for others. His involvement on campus stretches from being a member of Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity, Rotaract and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Sohikish is majoring in political science.

Allison Wied: Nominated by Delta Zeta Sorority for her leadership and high academic achievement. She is the current president of Delta Zeta Sorority and is a member of the American Marketing Association. Wied is majoring in marketing and has a 3.67 GPA.

Daniel Walsh: Nominated by the Afrikan Student Union. He is the current president of the Student African American Brotherhood. During his free time, he participates in spoken word. Walsh is majoring in business management with a specialization in entrepreneurship.

Read about how SDSU will approach its game against TCU.

6

The orchids gargled midnight dew, caught stars with open palms. Wade breathed in the scent of wet dirt and smiled.

Back in the house, Cheryl had disappeared.

B A C K PA G E

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W E AT H E R : PARTLY CLOUDY HIGH: 65 LOW: 53 SUNSET: 6:26PM

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D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, October 6, 2011

H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

Hit the pavement with efficient strides Discover whether running or walking is more worthwhile Sofie Casillas staff writer As the holidays quickly approach, curious minds may seek the best way to shed some extra pounds before indulging in their favorite seasonal treats. Some may choose to work out at the gym, while others may prefer to take a stroll around the park.

Everyone is different. However, these options beg the question of which method is more effective: a heartpumping, high-impact run or a brisk, low-impact walk?

It is easy to assume, because of its more obvious level of exertion, that running would be it. After all, popular opinion suggests running a mile burns more calories in less time than walking.

However, this theory is worth a test. In 2004, a group of Syracuse University researchers conducted a study that determined the amount of calories burned by 12 men and 12 women during a run and walk. The study showed that, while walking 1,600 meters (approximately a mile) on a treadmill, men burned an average of 88 calories and women worked off approximately 74 calories. When running, on the other hand, men burned an average of 124 calories while women burned about 105 calories. This data suggested running was, in fact, more effective.

However, there still seemed to be more to the equation than simple calorie counting.

The motion people undergo when walking requires a constant effort to keep legs and posture straight.

However, when running, a person jumps from one foot to the other, keeping their balance and bending their knees. This difference proves to be significant in determining where a fine line can be crossed between running and walking.

THINKSTOCK

“The body has to work extra hard because, instinctively, we tell ourselves to break into a jog or a run when moving that quickly.”

Michael Feigin, nutritionist and creator of “The Fitness Guru”

“This continual rise and fall of our weight requires a tremendous amount of Newtonian force (fighting gravity) on both takeoff and landing,” Runner’s World writer Amby Burfoot wrote.

Recent studies have shown the most effective way to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle is to stay active, eat healthily and exercise.

However, the key to this success is not through sweating on the tread-

W H A T D O Y O U WA N T T O R E A D ?

Have any Features ideas you would like to see covered by The Daily Aztec? Email us at features@thedailyaztec.com. If the idea is fresh, you may just see it in print.

T H E DA I LYA Z T E C .C O M

BEHIND THE NUMBERS FOR RUN VS. WALK 2004 24 1,600

SPONSORED BY Advanced Test Preparation

Year of run vs. walk study conducted by Syracuse University Number of participants (12 men and 12 women) Distance traveled (in meters)

88

Number of calories on average men burned when walking

74

Number of calories on average women burned when walking

124

Number of calories on average men burned when running

105

Number of calories on average women burned when running

100

Percent of women who find it unfair men burned more calories than women

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

mill: Instead, as many nutritionists are beginning to suggest, it’s in the force of a power walk.

Power walking is efficient because a person’s body has to work twice as hard to keep the same momentum throughout the whole exercise. Not only does power walking efficiently burn calories, but it also strengthens the core, the glutes and the legs.

“The body has to work extra hard because, instinctively, we tell ourselves to break into a jog or a run when moving that quickly,” nutritionist and creator of the talk show “The Fitness Guru” Michael Feigin said.

Feigin suggests increasing arm activity when power walking to develop a faster pace. He also sug-

gests by adding incline to a workout, the body will exert itself more quickly and produce better results.

“Increase the amount you work your arms and again the level of exertion, and consequently your heart rate and calorie burn go up as well,” Feigin added.

When beginning a power-walking workout, always warm up to get the blood flowing. Also, remember to stand as tall as possible by lifting the chin and raising the base of the skull to improve posture. Another tip is to use a heart rate monitor to track exertion levels.

The step is simple, keep walking quickly and efficiently, and enjoy the best results one could ask for.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, October 6, 2011

E N T E R TA I N M E N T NEWB PWNING 101

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A L L T H E W O R L D ’ S A S TA G E

‘RIFT’ shines in ‘Doubt’ quality evident lucrative genre David Dixon

staff writer

COURTESY OF TRION WORLDS

Cody Franklin staff writer Will Trion Worlds’ game cause a rift to form in gamers’ wallets any time soon? For those looking for something a bit different from traditional massive multiplayer online roleplaying games, it probably will.

“RIFT” is a fantasy-themed MMORPG set in the world of Telara, a planet created by the gods at the focal point of the five different planes of the universe. All went well for the gods’ creations on this world until Regulos and his dragons attacked the planet thousands of years ago. The people of Telara defeated the dragons and the gods created a barrier to stop Regulos from reentering, but now the dragons and their minions seek to break the barrier once more.

Gamers play as either the Guardians of the Vigil, who are still loyal to the gods, or the Defiant, a group who has abandoned religion and hopes to use science to defeat the dragons once and for all.

The starting zones immediately immerse players in the game’s vivid story. Defiants begin in a future timeline when most of Telara is destroyed; players are sent back in time to warn the earlier Defiants and arm them with new technologies.

Defiant players have the ability to create beings who are a hybrid of different souls, allowing them to become Ascended warriors of great strength. The Guardians also have Ascended, though the gods of the Vigil created these great warriors.

This hybrid-soul system creates a great freedom in “RIFT,” keeping gamers from feeling stuck in a certain type of gameplay. Players first pick an archetype, such as rogue. Then players collect different “souls,” or subclasses, for that archetype. Players can spend their points in any combination of the three souls they want and are granted the ability to save five different combinations that can be swapped out at any time. Playing a rogue and bored with being a sneaky assassin-type? Transform into a skilled archer in a matter of seconds.

THURSDAY Honda Civic Tour feat. Blink 182 and Matt and Kim at Cricket Wireless Amphitheater at 7 p.m.

Group content is where “RIFT” really shines. The game boasts five very different player-vs.-player instances that have attracted many to the game. In player-versus-environment, apart from the usual assortment of dungeons and endgame raids, the game’s namesake comes into play. Different “rifts” in the fabric of the universe open, allowing groups of enemies from the five different planes to pour through. Players must work together to fight back invasion forces and close the rifts. The game will match gamers with other nearby players, allowing groups to tackle this openworld group content and get some nice rewards. Rifts vary in size from small encounters that can be soloed to huge raid-rifts. There are also special PvP rifts, where the two sides must fight each other as well as the non-player characters. Besides rifts and invasions, zone events happen frequently throughout the game that are thrilling and very rewarding, with more introduced every patch.

Trion Worlds is providing patches at a rate most other massively multiplayer games can’t match. In the eight months since release, five major updates have already been introduced. The 1.5 patch, released just days ago, added “Chronicles,” dungeons that can be beaten by one to two people, a new PvP instance, a brand new alternative leveling system, veteran awards and more. The developers are listening carefully to player concerns and developing content and changes directly related to feedback at a very fast rate; other MMO makers would be smart to adopt such a close relationship.

Overall, “RIFT” is an exceptional experience all gamers should give a try. With a lot of content that aims to break away from traditional MMORPG ideas, a huge amount of player freedom and a developer that actually seems to care about the players by providing content and changes at a break-neck speed, it’s hard not to fall in love. This writer doesn’t see a rift forming between him and the game anytime soon.

SUNDAY R o c k s t a r E n e rg y Drink Uproar Festival at C r i c ke t W i re l e s s Amphitheater at 2 p.m.

The term thought-provoking is an understatement when it comes to describing San Diego State’s production of “Doubt: A Parable.” Every moment requires attention, because small clues and lines of dialogue are crucial in trying to solve the ambiguity that affects the main characters created by writer John Patrick Shanley.

Sister Aloysius (Sunny Smith) is the stern principal of St. Nicholas Catholic School. After hearing from a goodhearted young nun, Sister James (Rachel Dexter), that beloved priest Father Flynn (Kevin Koppman-Gue) is taking an interest in a boy, Aloysius becomes convinced that Flynn is making inappropriate advances toward the student. Aloysius decides to take desperate measures to figure out if her disturbing intuitions are correct.

“Doubt” is an outstanding script that requires a simple thing to make the material work: great acting. The players in this show are so gripping that all the actions and dialogue blend seamlessly.

When the intense final scenes come, the only thing that matters is what the cast is saying and how they are reacting. This is primarily because the lead performers are so committed to their roles.

Take for instance Smith’s portrayal of Sister Aloysius. She is given the opportunity to behave like the smartest and most experienced per-

son in the Catholic school, but there are moments of eloquent vulnerability that Smith effectively communicates.

This especially comes into play in some of the interactions between Aloysius and James. Koppman-Gue deliberately plays Flynn in a straightforward way, not really giving the impression that he can be the menacing demon that Aloysius takes him for.

Koppman-Gue is required to show two sides to Flynn. Flynn, the motivational preacher trying to inspire his flock and Flynn, the human being who is trying to reach out to his colleagues

this long segment is finished, she adapts to a shocking display of intensity when her character, James, is required to stand up to Aloysius.

Ivouma Okoro is calculatingly cold as Mrs. Muller, the mother of the child Flynn may be having relations with.

While she only has a few minutes worth of material to work with, she does make it count by thinly hiding some haunting emotions, before suddenly revealing shocking secrets.

Director C.J. Keith wisely uses the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” method for staging “Doubt.” If this was an expan-

(It) is an outstanding script that requires a simple thing to make the material work: great acting.

The players in this show are so gripping that all the actions and dialogue blend seamlessly. and followers. Koppman-Gue cleverly contrasts both parts of Flynn’s persona, which makes the man of the cloth all the more interesting.

Just one scene can be used to emphasize how multitalented Dexter is as an artist. During a major confrontation between Flynn, Aloysius and James, Dexter demonstrates some natural comedic skills from the second her face is visible on the stage. Before

sive version of the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, chances are the impact would be minimized. Luckily, that is not the case. “Doubt” is a stripped down, verbally heavy and exquisitely acted morality saga with a side order of food for thought; a satisfying piece of intelligent theater indeed.

Tickets and Information about “Doubt” can be found at theatre.sdsu.edu.

SNEAK PEEK

Vista hosts great tribute Samantha Hirsch staff writer For those who only need love and are in the mood to twist and shout, “Ticket To Ride: A Tribute to the Beatles” is the perfect place to enjoy

quintessential music from the Fab Four. The tour will take fans through the memorable parts of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr’s careers, beginning in the ‘60s (mop-top haircuts included), and evolving into the glorious hippie years, when there

was certainly more than one psychedelic daytrip to experience. So baby, drive my car (or yours – that would probably be more convenient) on Saturday, Oct. 15 to the Avo Playhouse in Vista and watch a tribute show that audiences from around the globe have come to love.

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AZTEC Thursday, October 6, 2011

SPORTS

MEN’S SOCCER

SDSU looking to extend streak in Corvallis The Aztecs want to improve their national ranking Ryan Schuler contributor The San Diego State men’s soccer team is in an unfamiliar position.

Currently unbeaten in its last seven games and 2-0 in Pacific-12 Conference play thus far, SDSU is ranked No. 24 in the latest College Soccer News poll.

SDSU’s No. 24 rank is its highest since ranking No. 21 on Aug. 28, 2006.

The Aztecs (7-1-2, 2-0 Pac-12) are also ranked No. 28 by Top Drawer Soccer and No. 4 in the latest NSCAA/Continental Tire Far West Region poll, which is tied for the second highest in head coach Lev Kirshner’s 12-year tenure. UCLA is ranked third and is tied with SDSU atop the Pac-12 Conference standings.

On Friday, the Aztecs will take their No. 24 ranking and seven-game unbeaten streak into Corvallis, Ore. to take on the Oregon State Beavers (3-5-1, 1-0).

The Beavers, who are coming off an upset win against No. 22 University of Washington, are 1-3 at home this season. This bodes well for the Aztecs, who are 2-1 on the road.

“At the end of the day, this team plays extremely well on the road,” Kirshner said. “We travel very well.

We expect great efforts from here on out. We want to win a championship.

It doesn’t matter if you’re at home or on the road, if you’re going to win a championship, you have to win.”

The Beavers have struggled on offense so far this season, scoring only 11 goals in nine matches, while giving up 16 goals to opponents.

Oregon State’s leading scorers are sophomore midfielder Alex Eckerson (3 goals), junior forward Emery Welshman (2 goals) and freshman forward / midfielder Mike Reckmeyer (2 goals).

Defensively, redshirt senior goalkeeper Steve Spangler leads the Beavers with 35 saves on the season and two shutouts.

SDSU, on the other hand, has scored 20 goals this season, while only allowing eight goals from opponents. The Aztecs also hold a large advantage in the shot attempts category against opponents, 186-83.

Offensively, SDSU has six players with two or more goals this season.

Redshirt sophomore forward Jordan Ongaro leads the team with four goals.

Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Blake Hylen anchors the defense, with 28 saves on the season and three shutouts.

If the Aztecs continue to play well on the road and are able to brave the potentially wet, cloudy weather expected this weekend, they should be able to stay undefeated in the Pac-12 Conference standings and improve their national ranking.

PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, October 6, 2011

SPORTS

SON OF A PITCH

Aztecs have closure, now move on to TCU Agustin Gonzalez staff writer With the loss to Michigan two weeks ago, the San Diego State football team didn’t get a revenge win against former SDSU head coach Brady Hoke.

SDSU didn’t get a season-defining victory on a national stage against the winningest program in NCAA history, or a 4-0 undefeated record and a possible spot in the national rankings heading into this weekend’s homecoming matchup with TCU. The Aztecs may have fallen short of those things, but they got something better. Something more valuable for the long-term well-being of the team, for the identity and legacy of the 2011 San Diego State Aztecs, for the development of the football program for years to come: closure.

Just like your last breakup, when Hoke said goodbye via text message to his players almost a year ago, there were still loose ends that needed to be tied up, things that still needed to be said, feelings left unresolved.

So, naturally, fans and media alike drummed up the Michigan matchup to be SDSU versus Brady Hoke; a sweet chance for payback at the man who quite figuratively tooted and booted it, who transformed the team from a 2-10 laughingstock to the Poinsettia Bowl Champion, then left out the window for Ann Arbor while the team was on winter break.

The Brady Hoke storyline + a nationally ranked and prestigious opponent = the most hyped game in school history.

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

“The biggest point now is to move on,” head coach Rocky Long said. “I think that game took a life of its own. It was pushed way out of proportion and so the best thing to do is move on and get ready for the next one.”

Although he was gone for quite some time, Montezuma Mesa was still haunted by the ghost of Hoke.

He was no longer around, but the team still had to face countless questions about him week in and week out, still had to watch film and game plan for him, still had to wonder what it would be like to see the man who led them into battle every week on the opposite sideline, wearing the maize and blue.

But with one last game, one last emotional postgame embrace, the Aztecs can now officially end the Brady Hoke Era, and move forward.

AT A GLANCE

vs.

“We didn’t play very well last week and we’re moving on and getting ready for probably a better football team.”

Rocky Long, football head coach About damn time, because the Rocky Long Regime has gotten off to one hell of a start.

Prior to the events in Ann Arbor, SDSU got off to its first 3-0 start since 1981, when Ronald Reagan was in office and the Rolling Stones was still tearing up the charts.

In his first year as head coach, Long was also able to do what Hoke — and the two other head coaches before him, for that matter — couldn’t: beat a

WHO: SDSU vs. TCU WHEN: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Qualcomm Stadium WHY TO WATCH: The Aztecs will try to open conference play with a win and beat the Horned Frogs for the first time in school history.

Follow me @ AntonioCMorales

F O R E C A S T I N G T H E M O U N TA I N Name: Antonio Morales (25-8) Title: Sports Editor Prediction: Boise State, Notre Dame, Nevada, Utah State, TCU Quotable: “I always show up to my press conferences.”

Name: Ryan Schuler (25-8) Title: Contributor Prediction: Boise State, Notre Dame, Nevada, Utah State, SDSU Quotable: “SDSU and the Chargers are both 3-1, great time to be a football fan in San Diego.

P.S. Follow me @Ryan_Schuler.”

Name: Agustin Gonzalez (2310) Title: Staff Writer Prediction: Boise State, Notre Dame, Nevada, Wyoming, TCU Quotable: “The MLB playoffs are pretty lonely without my Giants ...”

Name: Beau Bearden (18-8) Title: Contributor Prediction: Boise State, Notre Dame, Nevada, Utah State, SDSU Quotable: “Homecoming week reminds me of my junior year in high school when I was team captain for the football game, but didn’t play. #HanginthereBeau.”

FRI

S AT

Oct. 7: Boise State at Fresno State

Oct. 8: Air Force at Notre Dame, UNLV at Nevada, Wyoming at Utah State, TCU vs. SDSU

team from a BCS Conference, when the Aztecs demolished Washington State 42-24.

Fans have taken notice of that, too.

The WSU game was watched by a regular-season record 57,286 fans, and the crowds at Qualcomm Stadium gave SDSU its “first real home field advantage” in years, according to Long.

“It’s just really been awesome to see the way we kind have gotten the community to rally around us,” sen-

ior quarterback Ryan Lindley said.

“I’ve been saying it since I was a freshman — people are going to rally around a winner. All we need to focus on is playing well as a team and putting the best team out on the field that we can every week. There’s not a whole lot we can do besides that, but when they’re out there, we love it. Washington State was one of the best atmospheres, probably the best since I’ve been here.”

But the biggest contribution Long has given is his no-nonsense, noexcuses personality, which has been ingrained in the team.

“From day one since I’ve become head coach, the whole process mentally has been that it doesn’t matter what the situation is,” Long said. “It doesn’t matter what the stadium is, it doesn’t matter what the weather is, it doesn’t matter what the travel problems are, it doesn’t make a difference. It doesn’t matter who we play or what conference they’re from, it doesn’t make a difference. You line up and play ball.”

The Aztecs are set to start their quest for a Mountain West Championship when TCU rolls into town in SDSU’s conference opener, in a game that very well might be even more difficult than the last.

“We didn’t play very well last week and we’re moving on and getting ready for probably a better football team,” Long said. “TCU is probably a better football team than Michigan.”

-Agustin Gonzalez is a journalsim senior.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, October 6, 2011

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D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, October 6, 2011

B AC K PAG E

FICTION

HOROSCOPE

Dancing with fireflies he lightbulbs coughed when everything went black.

At first they weren’t sure if it was a blown fuse or a blackout, so Cheryl lifted her heavy body from the couch and balanced the weight of the dark on her shoulders. She coughed into her fist. The electricity in the house downshifted mechanically the way a motor dies.

Wade pressed “power” on the remote for the television. Nothing.

“That’s just as well,” Cheryl said.

“It’s too damn hot for anything, even television.”

Outside their tiny house, the wind from the desert brought in the sounds of armadillos cracking moonlight from their backs. The fragments glowed like salt on the desert floor.

Burrowing owls snapped the wooden piccolos of crickets, causing a sudden, brief hush from the chorus. A school of cicadas, once gathered on the window screens, shattered separately back into the gathering darkness. The couple listened with wide eyes until the hum faded away.

Wade looked at his wife, but in the dampness of night, he could only make out the swollen shape of her silhouette. Cheryl’s sweat almost glowed. He pushed off from his armchair and walked clumsily into the kitchen. Wade opened a familiar drawer and found, with his blind fingertips, a book of matches. He lit one.

Her nearly empty pill bottles flickered in galloping shadows against the countertop. Wade struck matches while walking down the hallway. At a cabinet tucked in a wall he found a flashlight. When he pressed its belly button it woke, sending a hazy beam of light into the house. Wade watched for a moment as motes of dust sank into the stream of light, then fell away.

“What’re you doing?” Cheryl called from the couch, her legs for-

T

Mason Schoen staff columnist eign now as she rubbed them.

“Hurry up,” she said.

Wade came into the room and handed her the light. She took up the heavy baton in her hand but found it difficult to lift, so she turned it off.

“We’ll make do in the dark,” she said, and shut her eyes against the nausea, shut her eyes so when she opened them again she could trick herself into believing everything had stayed in its place, believe the coffee table hadn’t suddenly moved, the books on their shelves hadn’t stacked themselves into steps like Mayan pyramids on the hardwood. She imagined walking up her own pyramid, built by her own tired hands. Not made of pillboxes, but of jade stones, tied together with the sun-painted petals of azalea.

In a way she already had braved the impossibly tall stairways. And if she had the strength to lift her hands above her shoulders, she knew she would poke the soft underbelly of God. But she could not. “Once the strength returns,” she promised herself, “I’m going to stab my fingernails into God’s stomach.” She imagined his overstuffed belly pouring life back into the flatlands, thick, green cataracts.

Cheryl took solace in being able to stand even during her sickness. So she walked to the backdoor and watched the black, empty horizon spit up new stars.

Wade opened the screen door.

Cheryl balanced herself in the doorframe.

Wade walked outside. Fireflies lifted like green streamers from the grass. At the end of the house and above the flowerbeds, Wade opened the fuse box. None needed to be reset. The moon lit tall sunflowers, which slept slumped against the heat. The orchids

gargled midnight dew, caught stars with open palms. Wade breathed in the scent of wet dirt and smiled.

Back in the house, Cheryl had disappeared. He found her in bed, back in their bedroom.

Wade placed his hand on her shoulder. “Cheryl,” he said, “Wake up, Cheryl.”

She opened her eyes weakly.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“I want to dance, Cheryl. Let’s have a slow dance outside, while it’s still dark.” He could still smell the last laughter of summer. “Come on, Cheryl, let’s go right now.”

She didn’t move, only shifted her neck. “Are you crazy? Can’t you see I’m sick? I’m sick, Wade. I ain’t dancing nowhere. Christ,” she said, “Can’t you see I’m sick?” She kept saying.

Back in the backyard, Wade shuffled lonely steps. His arms wrapped around the blackness of memory, green lightning bugs floated in between like paper lanterns down a slow river. The stars above him streamed light. He wondered what it would be like to stand at the canvas of night, if the holes of starlight were the size of knuckles, or if they truly held the mass of lost suns, rolling in the same, tired history.

He wondered if she’d ever get better. He wondered what happened to the souls who died while fighting chemo. Then a firefly landed on his stomach.

“Cheryl?” The tiny green burn of it turned hotter and hotter, brighter and brighter. It burrowed itself deep into his stomach, and he let it. It was hot and chemical like the feeling of certainty. Pretty soon he was covered in fireflies.

Pretty soon he knew he was alone.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (10/6/11) Love plays a big part in the near future, whether it's love of beauty or a romantic relationship. When you feel the urge to create something artistic, go for it. It takes courage and focus. Follow your dreams, and share them with those you most appreciate.

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 9 The stress you've been under is easing now. You can make anything happen through strong (not loud) communication.

Be thoughtful and considerate, and gently repeat if needed.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 5 You may notice increased pressure (especially around finances), but don't worry, you'll think of something. Find support with friends, and let off a little steam.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 6 Too much of a good thing could cause problems ... the solution of which could serve as a platform to invent unprecedented innovations. Set aside notions of "good" or "bad."

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 5 Some of the things you try won't work.

This is how you find out what does. Don't be too hard on yourself (even if you think you deserve it). Take breaks outdoors.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 You're being challenged. There's a tendency to fall into an argument now. It's best to avoid trouble and continue working towards your common goals.

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 Listen to the wisdom of your elders. Their experience can save you trouble. Focus your energy towards productive adventure.

You may find an answer in a dream.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 When things get tough, turn to your friends. Take your time to get it right, and call for reinforcements, if needed. Emotion wins over logic today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 Work quickly (but carefully), so you can focus on family matters today. You're earning brownie points as well as experience and are almost ready to move to the next level.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - If there's a solution to the problem, why worry? If there's not a solution, why worry? Apply insights to a family dilemma.

Double-check your appointments.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Stick to practical morning routines.

Writing or recording projects can be profitable today. Apply your grandmother's wisdom to a problem for smooth results.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Things may not go according to plan, so prepare to shift as needed. Trust the structure that you've built. There's more work coming in. Craft your vision statement.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 You don't always have to say "yes." Give up a fantasy to discover a new reality that's been hiding there all along. It's better than what you thought you wanted. ©2011, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

SUDOKU

Difficulty Level: 3 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

-Mason Schoen is a creative writing graduate student.

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com

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

©2011, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

FREAKIN’ TWEET! CROSSWORD

Liquid luminosity Staff Photographer Katie Fisher captured this serene view of streetlights reflecting off the still surface of an urban pond in downtown San Diego.

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ACROSS 1 Smoldering bit 6 Slip a Mickey 10 It may have all the answers 14 Stiller’s partner 15 High rollers’ destination 16 Half of 10?

17 Speed skater Apolo __ Ohno 18 Health enhancer, so it’s said 20 It “is no problem. You just have to live long enough”: Groucho Marx 22 Pickup facilitator 23 “Friendly skies” co.

24 __ center 27 PC time meas.

29 Performed, in a way 32 Band that performed “Whip It” 33 Bars in stores 34 1965 NCAA tennis champ 35 Aaron’s team for 21 seasons 37 Unexpected twist (and a hint to what’s hidden inside 18-, 20-, 51- and 56Across) 40 Make 41 Gloom mate 42 Rural stretch 43 “... two fives for __?”

44 Skin malady, perhaps 45 What crews use 46 Expression of disappointment 47 Bit of code 49 Hair care purchase 51 “A Moon for the Misbegotten” playwright 56 Longshoremen’s aids

/ THEDailyAztec

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 59 Baggy 60 Net reading 61 “Tiger in your tank” company 62 Ban’s predecessor at the U.N. 63 Bastes, e.g.

64 Attic constructions 65 Bridge seats DOWN 1 Net reading 2 “Writing on the wall” word 3 Michigan’s Cereal City 4 Steamy 5 Arrested 6 Bore 7 Bank takeback, briefly 8 Deprive of juice?

9 Israel’s Meir

10 Pre-Communism leader 11 Thing to stop on 12 Savings for later yrs.

13 When repeated with “oh” in between, “Wow!” 19 Slippery swimmer 21 Mythical beast, to locals 24 Epiphanies 25 Score-tying shot 26 Olympics broadcaster Bob 27 Mideast capital 28 Last lap efforts 30 Spa sounds 31 Indigent 32 Lake creator 34 Interior decorator’s concern 35 Juiced 36 Sleep acronym

38 Cooking utensil 39 Dawn goddess 44 French onion soup topping 45 Numbers after nine, often 47 Sam & Dave, e.g.

48 Nixon’s first veep 50 Union acquisition?

51 Vandalizes, in a way 52 Gov’t. train wreck investigators 53 Those, to Pedro 54 Future atty.’s hurdle 55 Eye part 56 “CSI: NY” airer 57 Microbrewery buy 58 Altercation