10-12-2011 by The Daily Aztec

Awards given on student day

WEDNESDAY October 12, 2011 Volume 97, Issue 27 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M

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SPOTLIGHT

Kambra Potter shines light on achievement of grad student Ali Artan.

COURTESY OF DIANA CROFTS-PELAYO

Diana Crofts-Pelayo staff writer Almost 100 students gathered at the first National Student Day at San Diego State, which honored their dedication to community service and social responsibility. The event was a collaborative effort between Associated Students, Aztec Shops and Student Life and Leadership, but Todd Summer, campus stores director for Aztec Shops, said students were instrumental in planning National Student Day. Summer said the idea for the event was first presented to him at the National Association of College Stores. His first instinct was to go to A.S. with the idea. He said A.S. Vice President of University Affairs Mina Azim and A.S. Events Commissioner Jasmin Jakobsen were key in bringing National Student Day to SDSU. “Really the genesis of the idea for the program came from them,” Summer said. On Thursday, students were awarded based on their participation in community service activities during the month of September. Individual SDSU student and recognized student organizations were able to enter the National Student Day competition throughout the month. “I thought it was a great concept to honor students who are giving back to the community,” Jakobsen said. “When we came up with the idea to create a competition, we wanted to make sure students were

still volunteering for the right reasons and I was very excited to see that was still the case.” There were three categories of prizes: individual awards for stories, individual awards for service and recognized student organization awards for service.

“I thought it was a great concept to honor students who are giving back to the community.” Jasmin Jakobsen, A.S. events commissioner Individual awards for stories and service prizes included free textbooks for one semester, $100 in MAC Cosmetics or $100 in Alta Gracia apparel. Three students also received an honorable mention award of TOMS prize packs. Student Life and Leadership, the SDSU Bookstore and A.S. were all judges for the essay competition. Leanne Wendelborn, a business management sophomore, was the first-place winner of free textbooks for one semester by writing and submitting a story to the National Student

San Diego-based companies Jack in the Box (JACK) and Sony (SNE) were trading down 10 cents at 20.45 and up 38 cents at 19.38, respectively.

F I N A N C E N E WS

Stocks were down slightly as of yesterday morning as investors anticipate a key vote in Europe to expand the euro zone rescue fund. This comes after the indexes made

Day. Wendelborn wrote about helping a little boy who was struggling in first grade. She said he was fairly behind the rest of the students and was challenged by numbers. “I sat down with him for less than an hour and worked on a few exercises and he got it super easy,” Wendelborn said. “Just a few minutes of dedicated attention and he totally got it.” She said his eyes were glowing. She even got butterflies from his excitement and the fact he passed the test with the rest of the class. Wendelborn is considering switching her major to liberal studies, partly because she has always had teaching in the back of her mind, but also because this experience opened her eyes to the ways she can positively impact others. Wendelborn said giving back is always beneficial. She also plans to buy all of her expensive books next semester with her prize money, because this semester she spent almost $600 on textbooks. The recognized student organization awards for service were $1,000 and $250 SDSU Bookstore gift cards, as well as an honorable mention which went to three winning groups of TOMS prize packs. Small and large groups were equally represented in regards to determining the winner of the service hours, Rob O’Keefe, A.S. vice president of finance and chair of the community service board, said. After the homecoming parade, students were invited to the SDSU Bookstore, where there was food, drinks and music hosted by KCR Radio.

Jakobsen said they were not sure what to expect, but many students asked how they could participate and showed genuine interest in the event. “We learn from our mistakes, from our success,” O’Keefe said. “If we can get some more exposure, I think in future years it can be a very successful and touted event on campus.” Students who registered for the event through Student Life and Leadership were given a tote bag and a green wristband with access to discounts throughout the store. “I can’t wait for it to grow and grow over the next few years,” Jakobsen said. Summer said the prizes were socially relevant products. TOMS donated merchandise and the bookstore provided the rest. Alta Gracia Apparel and MAC Cosmetics donated time and effort, including complimentary lipgloss applications.

H E A LT H & FITNESS

Individual awards for service: 1st place: Nicole Mayer 2nd place: Michael Garcia 3rd place: Amanda Willis, Amanda Spendlove, David Rozul, Stephanie Fryar, Scott Frame, Deanna Pouthavone Group awards for service: 1st place: Sigma Phi Epsilon 2nd place: Circle K 3rd place: Alpha Phi Omega Individual awards for stories: 1st place: Leanne Wendelborn 2nd place: Kevin Andrew Won 3rd place: Samantha Morcos, Michelle Lassigne-Vargas

huge gains on Monday, including a Gold is backing off slightly after 330 point increase on the Dow a sizeable gain on Monday. It is Jones Industrial Average after currently trading around $1,662 per ounce. German and French leaders agreed to help ailing banks. Bond yields were also slightly higher at 2.15 percent. The DJI was down 37 points at 11,395, the NASDAQ is off by almost two points at 2,564 and the — Compiled using Monday’s close S&P 500 is down by four points and Tuesday’s open by contribuat 1,190. tor Chet Galloway.

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

New content via the 2.0 patch adds to ‘The Witcher 2’ experience.

W E AT H E R : REALLY HOT HIGH: 93 LOW: 64 SUNSET: 6:19PM

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S P OT L I G H T

Student honored for work with refugees Somali refugee Ali Artan inspires youth advancement Kambra Potter contributor It is no secret San Diego is often considered a paradise. However, for thousands of Somali refugees, San Diego is literally a paradisiacal escape. This city is the second largest Somali and East African refugee community in the nation. Nearly 30,000 Somalis and East Africans seeking asylum call San Diego home since the collapse of the Somali government in 1991. Their transition into a foreign culture is often difficult as refugees face countless barriers. In 2000, the Somali Family Service of San Diego was founded to help refugee Somalis acclimate to their new lives. Next Wednesday, the organization will celebrate the

community’s triumphs at the First Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration, at Jacobs Center in Market Creek Plaza. The ceremony will recognize six honorees for their contributions to the organization and the Somali community. Among the honorees is San Diego State graduate student Ali Artan. Artan, 37, has lived a truly inspirational life and is a phenomenal role model for young Somalis. Seeking asylum himself, Artan first arrived in the U.S. in 2002. Artan fled from Somalia in 1992, after civil unrest broke out with the government collapse. After leaving Somalia, he resided in Sweden and Finland for approximately eight years before making San Diego his home. In December 2007, Artan graduated from SDSU with a bachelor’s degree in information systems with a minor in international security and conflict resolutions. He is currently pursuing his MBA in project management at SDSU, while simultaneously enriching the lives of those around him through a myriad

of community activities. Artan currently works with data collection and information technology support at Advancement Via Individual Determination, an organization with a mission to “close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.” Artan also works as an IT manager at the Fred Finch Youth Center, a nonprofit organization that helps abused, neglected and abandoned children. When speaking with Artan, it becomes clear his heart is drawn to the advancement of others with a strong desire to make a difference. He even said the most rewarding aspect of his jobs is knowing his work contributes to a better society. Though he jokingly said, “I am getting paid for it.” “I was mostly number-oriented growing up, but as I got older I started to appreciate literature and social sciences,” Artan said. He was always fascinated by public speaking as a child, and it has become

one of his hobbies as an adult. Although his occupations are primarily technology based, he admits, “interacting with humans is much better than with computers.” Perhaps this philosophy is partially a source of Artan’s unbelievable success in the Somali community of San Diego. Aside from his crucial role in youth empowerment with SFS, in 2006 Artan cofounded Taxan, the only bilingual Somali newsletter in Southern California. He currently serves as editor-in-chief and designer for Taxan, which features community events, announcements and cultural information. Artan served as vice president of the Somali Student Council at SDSU from 2007 to 2008. In 2008, he was named one of SDSU’s Outstanding Student Contributors. During his free time, Artan is a volunteer translator. Although it is difficult to tell upon first introduction, Artan admits to being nervous before speaking in public.

“After I talk for two or three minutes, I get comfortable. I don’t care if Obama comes in at that point,” he said. His charisma and wit are enchanting, and although he says it is difficult to publicly speak in another language, it is easy to understand, after speaking with Artan, why he is such an influential leader among young Somalis. “Life is a learning process, that’s what makes it more interesting,” he said. To improve at something, whether speaking another language or learning a new task, he said: “Socially interact with those who are better than you so that you learn from them.” Artan said Somali refugees must excel above their American peers to advance in society and become more marketable. He has thrived and continues to excel in the San Diego community and his efforts will be rewarded when he receives recognition at the OceanLeaf Awards Celebration next Wednesday.

When speaking with Artan, it becomes clear his heart is drawn to the advancement of others with a strong desire to make a difference.

KATIE FOSTER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

SPONSORED BY

Somali Civil War and its refugees 1991

Advanced Test Preparation

Year of Somali government collapse

350,000 Number of Somalis estimated dead of disease, starvation or civil war in 1992 3.5

Number (in millions) of Somalis suffering from war and famine in 2008

30,000 Approximate number of Somalis seeking refuge in San Diego 2001

Year United Nations pulled international aide workers from Somalia

2002

Year Artan arrived in San Diego

2006

Year Artan cofounded Taxan

2008

Year Artan was named one of SDSU’s Outstanding Student Contributors

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

D A I LY A Z T E C Wednesday, October 12, 2011

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Site folds gaming into scientific discovery Baker said in a 2009 interview with Wired magazine. Dr. Tom Huxford, an associate professor of the department of chemistry and biology at San Diego State, offered his expertise about the subject. “David Baker is the poster child and rock star for protein engineering, but what is happening here with Foldit isn’t scientifically revolutionary,” Huxford said. “Baker is putting

D image of a protein by grabbing, bending, wiggling and attaching the chain of amino acids to the sides in order to help stabilize the protein. Players receive points based on the stability of the protein fold. Users of Foldit are able to form teams and work collectively to solve a protein puzzle. “The possibilities to fold a protein are astronomical,” SDSU biochemistry professor Dr. John Love said.

“Foldit is less groundbreaking for structural biology than it is for psychology ...” Dr. Tom Huxford, associate professor of the department of chemistry and biology

COURTESY OF FOLDIT

Ani Araya contributor There is a game in cyberspace that has been causing quite a stir among gamers and scientists. Foldit is a worldwide online community that enables users to take part in the biological puzzle-solving problem of protein folding. The point of the game is to determine the best possible protein structure scientists can use in developing cures for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and AIDS.

In 2008, David Baker, a biochemistry professor at the University of Washington, was searching for the next best thing in computation. His existing software, Rosetta@home, was incapable of completing the protein-folding puzzles. Baker believed humans could do it in a fraction of the time. Baker collaborated with a group of biochemistry and computer science professors at UW to launch Foldit, a computer game that puts people at the center of protein folding with all the advantages of video game entertainment.

Foldit generated hype earlier this year when a group of players decoded the crystal structure of MasonPfizer Monkey Virus retroviral protease that had been causing AIDS in rhesus monkeys. Scientists had been unable to decipher the correct protein for 15 years. It took 10 days for the Foldit players to concoct the accurate model. The Foldit website described this discovery as the first time online gamers had solved a long-standing scientific problem. “I hoped Foldit would help me find protein-folding prodigies and it’s fantastic to see it come true.”

the couch potatoes to do the work that one single computer could do in isolation.” According to the Foldit website, determining possible protein structures consumes a lot of money and time for scientists. The video game has turned what Huxford described as boring work into an exhilarating competition to fold the best proteins. Many Foldit users do not have a background in biochemistry or any experience with protein folding. A 13-year-old boy by the username of “Cheese” was one of the top Foldit players to discover the correct fold of the M-PMV retroviral protease. With a click of the mouse, Cheese and his Foldit competitors altered a 3-

“I’m sure the players do not completely understand the mathematical terms of the game, but maybe one day Cheese will be the next genius to write computer software for science.” Baker and his team continue to expand the game by adding features such as symmetry and the option to design new proteins. However, neither Love nor Huxford are confident scientific video games will be the future of curing diseases. “Foldit is less groundbreaking for structural biology than it is for psychology,” Huxford said. “It is very interesting what has happened, but I don’t believe this is the way we will study diseases in the future.”

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

Know the substance of dietary supplements Marie McCarty staff writer From Emergen-C drink mix to diet pills, the colossal ambiguity of supplements makes it difficult to distinguish between the advantages and dangers of their usage. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines a dietary supplement as “a product taken by mouth that contains a ‘dietary ingredient’ intended to supplement the diet. The ‘dietary ingredients’ in these products may include: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars and metabolites.” In 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act was signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton. DSHEA established new regulatory framework for the safety and labeling of dietary supplements. Previously, dietary supplements were subject to the same requirements as food products. With DSHEA, manufacturers must register to the terms of the Bioterrorism Act before producing or selling their products. Also, a firm outside of the FDA is responsible for determining the safety of dietary supplements. It must ensure any representations or claims made about supplements are substantiated with adequate evidence. However, anyone who has seen an advertisement about a diet pill knows how misleading claims tend to be. According to these laws, dietary supplements do not need FDA approval before they are marketed, except in the case of a new dietary ingredient that must undergo a premarket review. However, if this firm proposes a safe dietary supplement and it is not, “The FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market,” explains the FDA’s dietary supplement webpage. “FDA’s other responsibilities include product information, such as labeling, claims, package inserts and accompanying literature. The Federal Trade Commission regulates dietary supplement advertising.”

So why, if the FDA is responsible for unsafe dietary supplements that are available to the public, should it not be the organization that determines their legitimacy before possible misconduct? The problem lies in the FDA’s lack of resources. A vast array of supplements and lack of assets create a roadblock for the agency. The mere attempt to remove unsafe products from the market is expensive and time-consuming. “In that (the) FDA has limited resources to analyze the composition of food products, including dietary supplements, it focuses these resources first on public health emergencies and products that may have caused injury or illness,” the FDA website divulges. While the FDA lacks the resources necessary to ensure 100 percent safety of all supplements, the U.S. Council for Responsible Nutrition lays out general tips to follow while shopping for supplements. The CRN recommends consumers manage expectations of supplements and not look for quick fixes, because if it sounds too good to be true it most likely is. Be sure to only buy legal products from trusted resources and take notice of quality seals. Also check each company’s legitimacy by visiting its website, looking at ingredient lists, inquiring about the business’s longevity and being weary of any company that regularly undergo name changes. When used correctly, supplements are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and glyconutrients are all examples of vital supplements utilized to maintain or build a strong immune system, replace and repair dying and damaged cells and remove toxins. Those interested in beginning a supplement regime may want to start simply with a daily A-Z multivitamin. From there, cautiously explore specific products suitable for individual needs and lifestyles.

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MAURA OCHOA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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

U N PA U S E D

B E T W E E N T H E COV E R S

2.0 strengthens ‘Witcher’ The TOMS ideal Cody Franklin staff writer In a world full of monsters, spirits and the twisted ambitions of mankind, who can the innocent turn to for protection? Why, a group of half-man, half-mutant warrior-alchemists devoted to the slaughter of evil, of course. Yes, slaughter is definitely one of “The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings” strong points, along with a fantastic story, incredible player freedom and punishing difficulty. The recent release of the game’s 2.0 patch is providing gamers with even more reasons to pick up the title. The sequel to the critically acclaimed “The Witcher” continues where the last game left off. Someone is running around lopping off the heads of noblemen throughout the world, someone who shares “witcherness” with the main character, Geralt of Rivia. Geralt must discover the identity of the assassin, fighting multitudes of monsters and mad men along the way. Players, however, will quickly realize everything is not as it seems. Combat in “Witcher 2” is brilliantly designed. Few games can even come close to matching the fluidity and fun of the swordplay in this game. When coupled with a plethora of alchemical potions that grant players powers ranging from increased damage to night vision, it becomes a thing of

beauty. Add a host of different craftable traps, bombs and throwing weapons and things get interesting. Finally, throwing in five different types of magical abilities, from shields to fireballs, takes players into a realm of perfection. Don’t be fooled into thinking all these different tools will make the game easy. “Witcher 2” can at times be one of the most difficult games out there. The opening sequence proved to be almost impossibly difficult when the game came out, and that was just the beginning. Graphically, “Witcher 2” is awesome. When first entering the forests of Act 1, take note of the fog that floats realistically across the forest floor. The game’s lighting is a frontrunner for best in the industry. Characters are incredibly well-textured, so much so that they almost bypass the “uncanny valley” of computer graphics completely. Gamers will be hard-pressed to find a better looking game, even in upcoming releases. The game’s story is brilliantly crafted, made only stronger by the incredible freedom of choice gamers are given as to how they should proceed. Act 2 takes place in two entirely different areas, depending upon the player’s choices in Act 1. This leads the way to two entirely distinct “main” story lines, with a plethora of different nuances that can change depending on the player’s decisions. The game also has 16 possible endings. How’s that for choice?

However, the story does have one major issue which has driven down rating scores across the Internet: The ending arrives with almost no warning, at a point when it feels like players should be playing for several more hours. Whether this was because of a rush for release or simply to leave material for the third game remains to be seen, but the jarring effect has left many gamers angered and confused. The game was patched into the new “2.0” version in late September. Following the footsteps of the previous Witcher game, 2.0 brought in many new elements. Most notably a new Arena mode where players take on waves of increasingly difficult adversaries in order to win gold and powerful items as well as personal glory. Scores are posted on the Internet for all to see. For players who enjoy the combat of “Witcher 2,” the Arena has proven to be a fantastic addition. Likewise, a new “Dark” difficulty was introduced, further increasing the already incredible difficulty, while awarding players with new gear stronger than anything previously unlockable. For fans looking for an exceptional role-playing experience, punishing yet exciting combat and more player freedom than ever before, “The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings” is worth every penny gamers can throw at it. That is, if players can handle everything it will throw back.

Take control of Geralt of Rivia, battle hordes of enemies and chase a regicidal witcher in this sweeping role-playing game. | MCT CAMPUS

Blake Mycoskie shares his experience creating a socially conscious business. | MCT CAMPUS

Courtney Rogin staff writer

& Isabella Place staff writer TOMS shoes are nearly as common as a pair of Converse for today’s college students. Blake Mycoskie’s book, “Start Something That Matters,” is a great guide for learning about the story behind TOMS and for gaining insight and advice from the man behind the “One for One” campaign. The story itself reads more like a business guide than a chronology of Mycoskie’s life. Readers will quickly find any of the chapters can be taken out and read separately. Every chapter provides valuable tips and insight for those looking to start their own company. Each section outlines a principle that Mycoskie finds pivotal, such as “find your story.” Mycoskie also draws on anecdotal examples from other companies that have had similar success stories, so it’s not just the TOMS story being told. The first half of the fairly quick read introduces Mycoskie and TOMS to the reader. It begins by telling the tale of the company and its rise to success. Though important to Mycoskie’s overall narrative, the story plays a small role in the usefulness of the book. The other few chapters deal with the beginning of an idea, how to create it and how to harness it. The second half of Mycoskie’s book further encourages the importance of starting something immediately, by

emphasizing that a lack of resources is no excuse to postpone or pass on an opportunity. He further argues that, contrary to hampering success, a limited supply of resources is the reason TOMS succeeded. Mycoskie states, “Many people think they can’t give anything away when they start a business because they have nothing to give. Nor, they fear, can they afford to share a percentage of profits, because they don’t have any profits yet. But that’s the very reason you should do it.” To find the several great pieces of valuable advice given, read chapter four: “Be Resourceful Without Resources.” Chapter five explains the importance of keeping it simple, as it reads like a sequel to the advice given in chapter four, highly recommended for any business or marketing majors. Chapter six delves into the principles behind building trust. Mycoskie depicts real scenarios from well-known companies, so readers can identify with the rules of business. An honest voice resonates throughout Mycoskie’s work. He places special emphasis on the importance of giving and why it equals good business. Giving not only extends to a monetary notion, it also includes the donation of skills, be it time or expertise. As things are catalytically wrapped up in chapter eight, Mycoskie drives home another principle. He tells readers throughout the book to start now. Whether it’s starting something new or changing something old, start with a goal and acknowledge that it can and probably will change. The book is now available at the SDSU Bookstore.

D A I LY A Z T E C Wednesday, October 12, 2011

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The Boys and Girls Clubs of East County is currently hiring recreational aids working directly with youth in our community. For more information visit us at www.bgcec.org or e-mail your resume to sal@bgcec.org. Salary $8.50-$10.50 per hour.

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B AC K PAG E

HUMOR

HOROSCOPE

Hitting the wall in stride

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (10/12/11) Your deepest satisfaction comes from providing useful service to others, now and for the whole year. Your patient compassion guides your community through transitions, and their gratitude feeds your spirit. What comes around goes around. Share the love.

adies and gentlemen, I have hit the wall. And no, I am not talking about Pink Floyd or the result of my incessant texting behind the wheel. Usually, I don’t mind walls. I brightened up my apartment by painting it Tiffany blue; they keep my feelings inside and weirdos out. But this wall? It’s deadly. It’s crippling. It’s absolutely life-ruining. I’m talking about the school-related “I do not care anymore, at all, whatsoever, not even a little bit” wall I hit every semester. Ideally, this wall would materialize closer to the end of the semester. Hell, I’d even take it toward the middle of the semester. Unfortunately for me, this one comes just as timely as bad hair on picture day or technical malfunctions on my TiVo. But here I am, mere weeks into the semester and I’m completely checked out. I wake up in the morning and my first thought isn’t anything about seizing the day or looking outside and singing along with the obnoxious chirping going on outside my balcony door. Instead it is, “Oh my god, I can’t wait to go back to sleep tonight.” Then I go through the laundry list of things I have to get done before I can curl back up into my bed like the nocturnal creature I am. The first day of school, I was up half an hour before my alarm went off, but now I’m out of bed five minutes after I’ve hit the snooze button for the fourth time and I am, literally, dragging my body to make myself somewhat presentable. And that’s another thing. The first few weeks of school I was all about looking like my fabulous self. Walking onto campus, I wanted everyone to

Hayley Rafner staff columnist see how cute and obnoxiously sparkly my wardrobe was. Now? I couldn’t care less if my hair is done, if I’m wearing makeup or if I’m even dressed appropriately for the weather And just for the record, flip-flops are acceptable for any season. We live in Southern California, deal with it. My shabby appearance isn’t even the half of it. My procrastination is out of control. Completing assignments any length of time more than 12 hours before they are due has become a total anomaly. I ditch classes when I don’t feel like going and I’ve already gone from a level three to a level 12 Facebook stalker, which is not surprising considering the fact Facebook stalking is all I do during class now. Why can’t professors institute some sort of seventh inning stretch for the semester? I know the seventh inning stretch doesn’t come until what is pretty much the end of the game, but seriously, I can’t be the only one who feels this way. How about some sort of mid-semester, just-because break? You know, just to get the juices flowing. Sitting here complaining isn’t going to make it move any faster. I realize the situation I’m currently in is going to seem completely ideal once midterms come along. But how am I supposed to last until then if my wick is already burnt almost all the way down? How can I cope? How can I deal? I’ve begun compiling a list of ways to get around this wall. Number one: Stop staying up so late. Going to bed at 1 a.m. could explain, perhaps, 98

percent of why you always have lids the weight of Acme anvils during your first two classes. Number two: Eat breakfast. I’ve been hearing this is the most important meal of the day for years, but there really is some truth to it. Grab a Jamba Juice or go through Starbucks and get one of those deliciously overpriced breakfast sandwiches (there are approximately 100 Starbucks locations on campus, you have no excuse). Having a little nosh in the morning is a great way to help remove those heavy lids. Number three: Take out that clock radio you have buried deep in the underbelly of your junk-filled closet and tune it so your favorite station wakes you up. You might get an Ovation Hair therapy commercial, but your chances of catching a good song are worth the risk. Have you ever had Brandon Boyd’s sexy voice serenade you awake with “Wish You Were Here”? It’s impossible to have a bad day after that. And finally, number four: Brush your damn hair, put on some makeup, throw on some cute shoes and strut out the door because when you look good, you feel even better. Soon enough, you’ll really be in the middle of the semester. You’ll be drowning in midterms and laughing uncontrollably at yourself for being burnt out five weeks into the semester. I should take my own advice and really use this time to be proactive. I know where I stand in my academic career at this point, I know I’m done with it and instead of succumbing to it I should get on it and tackle everything due later this week. That way it will be done and out of the way. But a new episode of “Jersey Shore” just came on TV and that is at least 30 times more interesting.

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 Life's good, but a spiral of self-doubt could shake things up. Draw or write down your worries and fears, and burn them to release their hold on you. Cast a new intention into the fire. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 Rethink your roles at home and at work, and try something new. Use your experience to avoid a costly mistake. Don't spend your check before you get it. Patience pays. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 A dream may inspire a romance. Your friends are there to help. Most great innovation is sparked by an accident. Consider this when confronted by one. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - It may take something to sort fact from fiction. Stick to what you know to be so. Your standards and perceptions are challenged (which could be a good thing). LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 6 - Now you're on a roller coaster. Will you laugh and scream and enjoy the ride, or cry the whole way, waiting to get off? You may go through both sensations before the day's out. It's temporary.

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6 Find satisfaction in little things. It's okay to want to hide now and be private. There's time for social life later. Read the small print. Go over picky details. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 - If you want to understand their point of view, put yourself in your partner's shoes. If things don't work the way you want, try again tomorrow. Look at it philosophically. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - Not everything that glitters is gold. You can make barriers disappear (especially the ones that exist only in your head). Gain self-respect through a job well done. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Your imagination plays to your advantage now. Aim higher than usual to gain some ground, even if you miss the mark. Stash away winnings. Note the options that worked. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Devote time for artistic creation today. Express something abstract, symbolic and dreamy. Go for clear communications tomorrow. Read the instructions carefully. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - There's a fork in the road ahead. A message from your dreams can point you in the right direction. The line between fact and fantasy may blur, so double-check the data. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Don't forget to call if you'll be late for dinner. Don't get lost in nebulous daydreams without keeping an eye on the clock. You could make great progress in private. ©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 junior.

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SDSU’s “99 percent” Photo Editor Antonio Zaragoza captured this photo as members of San Diego State participated in the Occupy San Diego movement in downtown San Diego last Friday.

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ACROSS 1 Skips, as stones 5 __ jure: by the law itself 9 Ancient Briton 13 Catchall survey opción 14 Like a prof. emeritus: Abbr. 15 Raw fish dish 16 *Itching for a fight 18 From years past 19 Elephant in stories 20 Prints a new edition of 22 Suffix in taxonomy 23 *Steady guy or gal 26 Gathered together 27 Objective 28 “Cats” poet’s monogram 29 Up to, casually 30 Author Harte 32 “Let’s not” 34 Like law school courts 36 *Third base, in baseball lingo 40 Gumbo thickener 42 Quite small 43 “Oedipus Tex” composer P.D.Q. __ 47 “There’s no __ team” 48 Cat’s pajamas? 51 Man of the house 53 However, briefly 54 *Shower convenience 57 Suffix for velvet 58 Batman, for Bruce Wayne 59 Surprise hit, maybe 61 Threw verbal tomatoes 62 Football linemen, or an apt

/ Daily Aztec BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com description of the last words of the answers to starred clues 65 Black hues, in poetry 66 Spread in a tub 67 Pierre’s South Dakota? 68 A whole bunch 69 Tiny fraction of a min. 70 One of the Gilmore girls DOWN 1 Internet failure, punnily 2 ’80s Republican strategist Lee 3 Court concerned with wills 4 Crash site? 5 E-file org.

6 Apple of one’s eye 7 Not easily amused 8 Most likely to raise eyebrows 9 Vital sign 10 Happens because of 11 Cracker with a hole in the middle 12 Holiday glitter 15 “What are you gonna do about it?!” 17 “__ la Douce” 21 Mensa stats 24 Grammar class no-no 25 13-year-old Apple 31 TGIF eve? 33 Question of method

35 Ball 37 Laced dress shoes 38 Start from scratch 39 Tide table term 40 1970 John Wayne western 41 Painting the town red 44 Eroded, as profits 45 11-Down flavor 46 Lincoln forte 47 Writer Allende 49 French 101 article 50 Convertible, in slang 52 Balance due, e.g. 55 Hammer parts 56 Churns up 60 Reader of signs 63 “Go figure” 64 Ad __ committee