10-20-2011

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

THURSDAY October 20, 2011 Volume 97, Issue 32 W W W.T H E D A I LYA Z T E C . C O M

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INDEX:

SPORTS

One more day to ROCK hunger

Read about the Aztecs’ game against cross-town rival USD.

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ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

Hutton Marshall senior staff writer Tomorrow marks the end of San Diego State’s annual food drive that raised more than 18,000 pounds of food for the San Diego Food Bank last year. The food drive is organized by the food bank and encourages colleges around San Diego to compete to collect the largest quantity of food donations relative to the college’s student population.

SDSU has won the food drive every year since the competitive food drive began four years ago. This year, Associated Students Vice President of Finance Rob O’Keefe anticipates SDSU’s “Aztecs Rock Hunger” will garner more than 20,000 pounds worth of food. O’Keefe said SDSU’s success is a result of AS’s method of getting everyone at the school involved and excited about the philanthropic effort.

“We made sure SDSU rocks hunger was not known as an AS event, but rather as a campus-wide event,” O’Keefe said.

This was done by creating competitions between different entities within SDSU. For instance, while AS is competing to raise more donations than Cultural Arts and Special Events, different fraternities and sororities are competing with one another within the Greek system. O’Keefe estimates AS will raise between 6,000 to 9,000 pounds of food by the end of the week.

Another innovative way SDSU has raised money was Two Minute Madness at SDSU’s homecoming football game against TCU. The game’s announcer called out to all those attending the game, asking them to give what they could. A group of SDSU students, from a variety of clubs and organizations, walked up and down the bleachers with collection bins for two minutes. In that short period of

time, enough money to donate 4,000 pounds worth of food was collected.

The San Diego Food Bank assists more than 350,000 San Diegans in need. Beyond feeding the homeless, it gives meals to other demographics such as veterans, single mothers and the elderly.

“If we all give, we can make a big difference in the lives of those in need. It’s more than beating the other universi-

ties, it’s helping people in need,” SDSU President Elliot Hirshman said.

Aztecs Rock Hunger will stop accepting donations tomorrow, but they can be made in several different ways. Visit any Aztec Market to make a direct monetary donation, place nonperishable food in one of the red bins dispersed around campus, or visit sdsu.edu/hunger to make a donation to the virtual food pantry.

T R AV E L & A DV E N T U R E Find out where the haunted houses are in San Diego.

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“If we all give, we can make a big difference in the lives of those in need. It’s more than beating other universities, it’s helping people in need.”

Elliot Hirshman President of San Diego State

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FOOD & DRINK

Student Republicans show US love Bill Crotty news editor The San Diego State College Republicans will host its second We Love America Event on the bridge over College Avenue tomorrow. The event will feature conservative students sharing their beliefs in an environment they say is traditionally hostile to right-wing views.

“The SDSU faculty spreads bias in classes and students get a little offended sometimes,” president of the SDSU College Republicans and co-organizer of the event, Lx Fangonilo, said. “Often they share the one side they believe and don’t give students a chance to share what they think.”

Fangonilo said this happens on both sides, but he believes it is more common to have liberal bias spread in a class than conservative ideals.

“To express one’s feelings about being a Republican or a conservative on a college campus isn’t an easy

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

task to do with a strong liberal background in both faculty and students,” Fangonilo said. “It’s time to show the community and San Diego that the Republican Party is not the old and dying breed it is portrayed as, but rather a strong force of energized and motivated young people ready to fight for what they believe in.”

The SDSU College Republicans is one of the largest student organiza-

tions at San Diego State, with more than 600 active members.

“We don’t get the best eye on campus, but we’re there,” Fangonilo said.

Some of the values the group stands for are limited and responsible government, traditional moral views and love for the United States.

The We Love America Event will take place at noon and will feature students waving American flags and signs

encouraging members of the community to show their support for America, the troops and other values the student group supports.

Also attending the event will be city council member and mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio to help motivate the group’s members to get involved and “take a stand on campus.”

“Carl has been a great supporter of the club,” Fangonilo said. “I’ve been here for three years and he has always been a great supporter of the group.”

During the campaigning period before the primary elections, the SDSU College Republicans group does not support any one candidate, but instead has factions that promote candidates on all levels of government. After the primaries, the group gives full support to one candidate for each position.

Fangonilo said the event is a way to not only make a presence in the community, but also to energize the organization’s members as they prepare for the upcoming year and the exciting political opportunities with the many elections brewing.

ENTERTAINMENT

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“Everyone said my life would change when I turned 21 ... I really had no idea how serious they were.”

B A C K PA G E

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W E AT H E R : PARTLY CLOUDY HIGH: 67 LOW: 54 SUNSET: 6:10 PM

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NEWS

Occupation shifts roots around San Diego

An Occupy San Diego participant, who did not want to give his name, stood patiently answering questions for reporters. One week ago, the San Diego Police Department asked participants camping out in the Civic Center Plaza to remove their tents and property by midnight. By last Friday morning, there were still several tents remaining. Officers arrested two men and used pepper spray as others attempted to remove tents from a circle of protesters. Authorities asked the protesters to pack their belongings because of a World of Dance Tour event planned for Saturday in the plaza and auditorium. Some activists have currently moved to Balboa Park and others started a North County section.

COURTESY OF DIANA CROFTS-PELAYO

COURTESY OF DIANA CROFTS-PELAYO

COURTESY OF DIANA CROFTS-PELAYO

Feel the burn and work up a sweat at this week’s Super Saturday Workout at the Aztec Recreation Center.

The 90-minute class is an overall body workout designed to tone legs, glutes, arms and core muscles.

It is divided into 45 minutes of Precision Pilates, which focuses on developing core muscles, and 45 minutes of Ballet Barre Blast. Barre incorporates components from ballet bar exercises with adaptations

made to improve muscle activity.

The main goal of each class is to create long and lean muscles.

This week’s Super Saturday Workout is free for all ARC members. The class will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets will be issued at the front desk 15 minutes prior to its starting time.

In an effort to change the negative stereotypes associated with the Greek community, San Diego State fraternity and sorority systems are continuing to hold programs to encourage responsible alternatives to drinking and parties.

SDSU’s Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol program had far better attendance this year, which advocates said is an excellent indication of the Greek community’s desire to change the perception some have of the system.

GAMMA is an alcohol peer education program advised by Lori Bednarchik, a

violence prevention and Student Health Services educator at the Calpulli Center and her graduate assistant Stephanie Waits. Their focus was to discuss the problems surrounding excessive consumption of alcohol.

Waits said she has been extremely pleased with the turnout for these meetings.

“Programming like GAMMA is really important for the Greek community because it accomplishes the goals: educating Greeks about alcohol and alcohol-related risks, and simultaneously fighting stereotypes that Greeks only

— Compiled by Managing Editor Beth Elderkin.

A R C B E AT

G R E E K B E AT

Occupy San Diego’s momentum has continued to spread and today at 4 p.m. the movement plans to continue from Midway to Balboa Park. The Facebook event advertising the protest has many SDSU students commenting, with some asking for, and others offering, transportation to the event.

{ } More information about this event can be found by searching within Facebook for “SDSU Trolly to occupy San Diego.” Students may also send information to the group via email at OccupySDSU@groups.facebook.com.

care about partying,” Waits said. “Greeks have so much to offer the community and GAMMA is just one great example.”

Some of the topics discussed with students who visit GAMMA’s tabling events on campus are tips about how to turn a drink down, how to tell others not to drink and what to do in the event of alcohol poisoning or alcohol-related injuries.

GAMMA has also begun exploring involvement in other fields, such as hazing-prevention.

During Hazing Prevention week, a nationwide awareness campaign held at the beginning of

the month, a banner promoting hazing prevention was hung from the front of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and tabling was done to educate students about the definition of hazing and what can be done as an alternative.

At 8 p.m. tonight, GAMMA will host “Rave Responsibility” at the Granada Ballroom to encourage dry social events.

Information about the risks associated with drinking and the alternative options one has at a party will be distributed.

— Compiled Guardian.

by

contributor

Sean

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, October 20, 2011

SPORTS MEN’S GOLF

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WO M E N ’S VO L L E Y B A L L

SDSU finishes USD team outlasts Aztecs third in Fairfax Laura Barrick

contributor

Michael Manbert contributor The No. 23 San Diego State men’s golf team contended for a tournament victory this weekend at the Alister MacKenzie Invitational in Fairfax, but fell short once again.

After rallying to take a share of the lead with only nine holes to play, SDSU was unable to complete a furious comeback.

The Aztecs would eventually fall to the position it started in Tuesday’s final round of the tournament: third place. Despite putting together a solid 9-under final round that ran the Aztecs’ 54-hole score to an impressive 33-under 819, third place was as good as it would get in a tournament that saw many of the nation’s top teams take to the greens, including co-champions No. 2 Oregon and No. 19 California.

COURTESY OF SDSU ATHLETICS

Although the team has been in contention to win in all of its tournaments this year, the Aztecs have yet to be crowned tournament champions this season, much to the dissatisfaction of head coach Ryan Donovan.

“We need to become more disciplined with our course management decisions,” Donovan said.

Eugene Wong of Oregon, who is ranked No. 11 in the nation by golfstat.com, stole the show throughout the course of the tournament, posting a 18-under 195. California also saw two of its players place in the top four in Max Homa and Michael Kim, who shot 13 and 12 under par, respectively.

San Diego State’s Todd Baek continued to play well, notching his second top-five individual finish on the season with an 11-under 202. After having entered the final round in sixth, Baek, who tied for second at the same tournament a year ago, had five birdies against two bogeys throughout the final 18 holes to shoot a 3-under 68 that pushed him into fifth place.

J.J. Spaun and Tom Berry finished 12th and 17th on the individual leaderboard with scores of 7-under and 6-under, as well.

Aztec senior Alex Kang entered Tuesday’s final round in a tie for sixth, but triple bogeyed the par-4 second hole and failed to find his groove for the remainder of the round. After carding four more bogeys, Kang dropped into a tie for 20th place at 5-under 208.

Freshman Wilson Bateman rounded out the SDSU starting five with an unimpressive 4-over 217 that left him in 52nd place.

Donovan said he expects the team to be competitive for the remainder of the season.

The Aztecs won’t compete again until they open their spring campaign from Feb. 13 to 14, by playing host to the San Diego Intercollegiate Classic in Chula Vista.

The San Diego State women’s volleyball team was riding a four game winning streak, which might have been one of many reasons why Tuesday was a tough night for the Aztecs. The team traveled across the Interstate 8 to face the No. 16 University of San Diego Toreros in USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion.

SDSU got off to a rocky start. The first set ended with a team total of only four kills. As a result, the girls lost the first set 25-13.

The second and third sets looked promising for the Aztecs. Junior middle blockAndrea USD 15 er Hannasch and SDSU 4 sophomore middle blocker Emily Harris were able to put some spark back into the game, with a combined total of 14 kills and nine digs.

Sophomore setter Johnna Fouch was a chief contributor to the backto-back set wins, supplying 30 overall assists in the game. SDSU grasped the second set from USD 25-13, and pulled through with another victory in the third set as well, 25-20.

Set number four changed the game. The Aztecs held the lead for a brief amount of time, and appeared to be on their way to another victory.

KATIE FOSTER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Even though SDSU gave its best effort to extend its recent winning streak, the Toreros took the fourth set from SDSU with 12 kills, numerous digs and few defensive errors, by a final score of 25-18.

USD continued its momentum from the previous set into the fifth and final set, grasping the lead right away 7-0. It was difficult for the Aztecs to recover from such a

deficit, so the Toreros took the fifth set and won 15-4.

USD has been unstoppable thus far into the season, its record now 21-1, while SDSU still stands strong at 12-6.

Next up for the Aztecs will be against Mountain West Conference foe UNLV at 6 p.m. tomorrow in Peterson Gym. The game will also be televised live on The Mtn.

W O M E N ’ S V O L L E Y B A L L S TA N D I N G S The Aztecs have seven games left in the regular season.

Here is a look at the Mountain West Conference standings as of yesterday.

13-4 (6-1)

12-6 (5-2)

17-4 (4-3)

14-8 (4-3)

12-10 (3-4)

10-9 (3-4)

10-10 (3-4)

3-17 (0-7)

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Entrepreneur Society aids emerging execs Sandra De La Torre contributor Entrepreneurship is not just about business establishment. It requires brainstorming, planning, networking and determination. San Diego State’s Entrepreneur Society helps students sharpen these skills and provides opportunity for future entrepreneurs.

This organization began when a group of students interested in starting their own businesses banded together to “bring together entrepreneurialminded students in San Diego.”

Through ES, students have the opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills without requirements or fees to join. Students of all majors are welcome and it is not necessary to have a specific idea or plan to start a business.

According to Benjamin Arp, a business management major with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and current president of ES, the organization “wants people to be ready for when they have that great idea.”

One way the organization prepares students is by connecting them to the Entrepreneurial Management Center. This center holds a wealth of information for students regarding business competitions, internships and news about the industry.

“There are a lot of untapped resources that students don’t know about,” Arp said.

ES guides students in the right direction so they can take advantage of these resources.

Meetings usually last about an hour and involve discussions about different start-up companies emerging,

THINKSTOCK

while highlighting current events affecting industry. There are also guest speakers who provide students with insightful information and a chance to network with professionals.

A small intimate setting during speaker presentations gives an opportunity for students to feel more comfortable and ask any lingering questions. It is one aspect that differentiates it from other organizations.

An accountability program will also be implemented during meetings this semester.

“We want to know what everyone’s passion is, what skills they have

and what they need to get to the next level so we can connect them to the right people,” ES vice president Brian Kidwell said.

Every week, students discuss the steps they have taken to achieve specific goals, in addition to deciding upon the steps they will take the following week. This program encourages students to pursue their dreams in a proactive manner.

Along with meetings, there are other opportunities students can gain from this organization.

A business plan competition called the Lavin VentureStart is put

together by ES every semester and is open to all SDSU students. There are three workshops offered throughout the competition, which teach participants about the different requirements of a successful business plan.

“The business competition teaches you how to identify opportunities,” Arp said. “You learn about business plans and how to present to investors and there’s basically no risk.

To be able to do this on campus and without risk is beneficial to students.”

Skills students attain can be utilized when working within other industries as well.

“If you have the drive of an entrepreneur within a corporation, you will get further than most of your coworkers,” Kidwell said. “There is so much to be learned from entrepreneurs that you can apply to your life, whether you want to be an entrepreneur or not.”

Students who are looking to hone their entrepreneurial skills or who would like to start their own businesses may find this organization a perfect fit.

For more information regarding ES, contact Arp at benarp76@gmail.com.

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T R AV E L & A D V E N T U R E

Encounter chills and thrills at local haunts

COURTESY OF MIKE ROLLERSON

Sandra De La Torre contributor The scariest time of the year is finally here. As Halloween nears, it’s time to prepare costumes, eat too much candy and get a little spooked. One way to enjoy the holiday is to check out some of San Diego’s best haunted houses. Thrill seekers have a variety of frightening options within reasonable driving distance.

The longest running attraction in San Diego is the Haunted Hotel, located in the Gaslamp District. This year it was ranked No. 19 by America’s Best Haunted House Directory, and in 2009, it was featured on the Travel Channel show “America Haunts IV.” In this hair-raising hotel, guests are separated into small groups that are then escorted directly into the Hellelevator. In each room, the groups

encounter horrifying themes including a dead nursery, Freddy Krueger’s workshop and a zombie office. All kinds of zombies, dead babies, clowns and multiple Freddy Kruegers await their next victims.

“A tiny clown with a knife went toward my legs and then a zombie girl went behind me saying, ‘I’m following you, I’m following you! I’m right behind you!’” Phylicia Barela, a criminal justice major, said. “I just kept running away,” Those who enjoy the outdoors may prefer the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park.

The trail is a mile long, but frights begin early, as excited screams can be heard while waiting in line.

The Haunted Trail is divided into different sections and themes that change every year. In previous years, it has housed a cemetery with cloaked figures and a haunted school bus visitors must pass through to complete

the trail. This year, the trail offers a new attraction called, “The eXperiment,” an additional 3,500 square foot maze featuring “incarcerated souls (that) will stalk you as you scurry through.”

“The whole thing was really well done,” journalism senior Venice Fahey said. “If you want to be scared, you should definitely go. There’s something about being chased at a park trail in the dark that gives me the heebie jeebies.”

The cost for g e n e r a l admission to the Haunted Hotel and the Haunted Trail is affordable, less than $20 per person on weekends.

Now, if the options described above don’t seem frightening enough, the McKamey Manor might be a better choice. However, be warned this is unlike any other haunted house. It’s described as an “intense, claustrophobic in-your-face experience.” The house is located in a residential area and is open Fridays and Saturdays all month from 6-10 p.m.

“It’s an aggressive experience,” Russ McKamey, one of the producers of the manor, said. “People will live their own little horror movie and will be made to participate.”

The haunted house requires visitors to sign a waiver before entering.

Unlike the Haunted Trail and the Haunted Hotel where no physical contact is allowed, these actors are permitted to touch participants once the waiver is signed.

Another aspect that differentiates this haunted house from others is that there is no charge for admission.

Instead, those who wish to enter must bring two non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Feeding America food bank.

For those who would rather avoid the nightmare-inducing scares of these haunted attractions, Old Town’s Dia De Los Muertos celebration may be a more enticing option.

The two-day event takes place from Nov. 1-2 and is put together by the Save Our Heritage Organization. As it is celebrated in many Latin American countries, this holiday aims to celebrate the unity of life and death.

The event will feature a variety of activities, including skull face painting, workshops, lectures and films for those who wish to learn more about the holiday. There will also be a display of altars created by members of the community.

“It’s a neat way to bring the community together,” Alana Coons, the education and communications director for SOHO, said.

No matter what level of thrill San Diegans may choose to seek this spooky season, this city’s scares will not disappoint.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, October 20, 2011

THROUGH OUR LENS

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Women’s soccer team lines up to take the field.

DUSTIN MICHELSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Cheerleader Krysta Norby keeps fans smiling.

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA , PHOTO EDITOR

With or without instruments, the band knows how to make noise.

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA , PHOTO EDITOR

Women’s volleyball beats Boise 3-0.

KATIE FOSTER , STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Photo Editor Antonio Zaragoza takes a moment to say hi to some friendly alumni.

BETH ELDERKIN, MANAGING EDITOR

Army ROTC cadre enjoy the game field-side.

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA , PHOTO EDITOR

Student Veterans Organization mentor Lt. Col. Tom Richards poses with SVO VP Tess Banko and former SVO pres. Erika Korb at the homecoming tailgate.

SDSU athletics photographer and former photographer for The Daily Aztec Ernie Anderson captures moments at the homecoming game.

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA , PHOTO EDITOR

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA , PHOTO EDITOR

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FOOD & DRINK

Wine lovers wake to Gaslamp Wonderland Kelly Callas features editor Fall down this rabbit hole into a downtown fantasyland of dreamlike proportions. Located on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter, Vin de Syrah springs out of an “Alice in Wonderland”themed fairy tale with an array of fine drinks and fanciful décor enviable to the maddest of hatters.

Perhaps the most notable of this venue’s captivating qualities is its unique design. Patrons must travel

below ground before discovering a wine lover’s wonderland, hidden behind an entrance within the mesh of a ceiling-high shrub. Although mysterious, once inside, Vin de Syrah unveils itself as an alternate universe marked by floating parasols and swaying chair backs. Without a doubt, the view alone is a fresh drink for thirsty eyes.

As suggested by its name, this subterranean space offers patrons an impressive list of domestic and international wines ranging from the familiar reds of Napa Valley to the Tuscan whites of San Gimignano, Italy.

COURTESY OF VIN DE SYRAH

However, cocktail enthusiasts need not fear. The bar also offers a selection of specialty drinks, including the Vice Roy, a crisp sip of Finlandia grapefruit-infused vodka with muddled cucumber and grape, dimmi liqueur, simple syrup and fresh lime.

For those seeking a night of refinement beneath glowing candlelight, Vin de Syrah hosts themed wine tastings at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday for $29 plus tax and gratuity.

Although reservation space is limited, this experience is a worthy try for both the “wine rookie” and the “experienced palate.”

COURTESY OF VIN DE SYRAH

Every Tuesday through Friday this grown-up playground serves happy hour drinks from 4-8 p.m. Patrons can treat themselves, or a significant someone, to $5 glasses of wine, $4 well drinks and $3 drafts.

Although lauded for its style and charm, Vin de Syrah’s fine wines are occasionally served with naughty pairings.

Weekend nights at this enchanting establishment draw raucous crowds, and on Fridays the bar hosts a weekly burlesque show. As a group of corset-wearing women sing and

shimmy across a sultry stage, patrons can’t help but feel the heat this spot has to offer.

Sound enticing? Next Thursday, patrons can don their own titillating getups at Vin de Syrah’s Halloween Carnivale costume party, complete with tarot readings, mystifying illusions and circus roamers.

Vin de Syrah is quickly becoming one of San Diego’s greatest nighttime treasures. Wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike simply cannot miss this wondrous trip. So, why not take the leap? It’s never too late to drop in.

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, October 20, 2011

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

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BOOB TUBE SCOOP

Cowell’s ‘X Factor‘ slightly twists familiar Simon Cowell and crew are back with a new talent show Samantha Tollin contributor Watch out “American Idol,” “The X Factor” is up and running with its first season in the U.S. Originating in the U.K., “The X Factor” is a talent show series that has received an abundance of recognition worldwide.

This year, in the U.S. version, more than 100,000 people auditioned to win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, previous judges on “American Idol,” join Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger and record executive L.A. Reid as judges in the series.

“The X Factor” process includes four stages: auditions, bootcamp, judges’ houses and the live show.

Contestants are under the most pressure during auditions, when they must show off their best talents in front of the four judges. If the majority of the judges approve, contestants move on to the next round.

In bootcamp, contestants are sorted into four categories: men, women, groups and performers older than 30 years old. Each person has to reveal his or her talent through singing, dancing and performing in front of the judges. They are evaluated individually and as a group.

MCT CAMPUS

The live show only includes the best of the best. The judges provide guidance to contestants in their individual categories on what to sing, what to wear and how to stand out in a crowd and ultimately win the competition.

If contestants survive bootcamp, they move on to an even tougher level of the competition: the judges’ houses. In this round, each category of contestants is assigned to perform at one of the judges’ homes.

Each judge selects the best act to move on to the live show.

The live show only includes the best of the best. The judges provide guidance to contestants in their individual categories on what to sing, what to wear and how to stand out in the crowd and ultimately win the competition. Every week, the judges

evaluate the contestants, but in the end it’s up to the audience to decide who has the “X factor.”

The one significant difference between “The X Factor” and “American Idol” is that while “American Idol” is only open to solo artists, “The X Factor” is open to duos and groups. Additionally, the age requirement for “American Idol” is between 15 and 28 years old, while “The X Factor’s” minimum age requirement is only 12 years old.

“The X Factor” airs on Fox on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 8-10 p.m.

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

‘The Thing’ reaches for scares and relevancy Antarctic alien horror provides plenty of unneeded backstory Andrew Younger senior staff writer The prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 creature feature “The Thing” seeks to answer the burning questions that have plagued absolutely nobody in the last 30 years: What causes a hairy Norwegian to shoot a sniper rifle at an Alaskan malamute from a helicopter? Why does Kurt Russell’s character discover a hollowed-out block of ice in a fire-ravaged Antarctic research facility?

Indeed, the prequel, which has all of the meticulous attention to detail

of a fan fiction while lacking any of the original’s message, will finally put these questions (along with a bored audience) to rest.

Although meticulous attention to detail is perhaps an overstatement for professional fan-fictionist and screenwriter Eric Heisserer, whose previous credits include last year’s remake of “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Final Destination 5.”

A helpful opening intertitle tells the audience “The Thing” is set in Antarctica in the winter of 1982.

Despite the fact that there is no sunlight during winter in Antarctica, the film opens with a daytime shot of a snowcat discovering a subterranean alien spacecraft.

The Norwegian team driving the snowcat recruits the doe-eyed American paleontologist Kate Lloyd

(Mary Elizabeth Winstead) to exhume an alien encased in ice before a major snowstorm hits, even though Antarctica is the world’s largest desert and therefore too arid to have massive snowfall.

Kate enlists the help of her American ex-military helicopter pilots to transport the block of ice back to the research station. With the ice containing the first alien lifeform known to man slowly melting away, how do these researchers and former military officials react to being on the precipice of the greatest scientific discovery in history? By getting drunk in the recreation room, naturally.

However, the drunken revelry is short-lived as the alien breaks out of the ice and begins to absorb the researchers. Even worse, the cells of

the alien can spontaneously reproduce and mimic the appearance of any organic material.

The researchers reach a stalemate as each one suspects the others of being aliens and subsequently brings Norwegian-American relations to an all-time low. Once lead scientist Dr. Sander Halvorson (Ulrich Thomsen) declares a radio blackout to keep other scientists from learning of their discovery, despite the mounting death toll, the film stops pretending to care about plot and instead devolves into an orgy of flamethrower-induced pyrotechnics.

The beauty of Carpenter’s 1982 film, itself a remake of the 1951 sci-fi movie “The Thing from Another World,” was how it applied the ‘50s Cold War analogy of alien bodysnatching invaders for Communist

infiltrators and literally set it in the coldest place on earth. Carpenter depicted how mutual distrust between the citizens of two countries will ultimately lead to mutually assured destruction.

Unfortunately, this year’s prequel is incapable of expanding Carpenter’s themes. With the Cold War concluded decades ago, a story too predictable to be scary and a twist ending with no character development, the deepest question “The Thing” asks is: Why does this film exist at all?

Movie: THE THING Directed by: MATTHIJS VAN HEIJNINGEN Release Date: OCT. 14 Grade: D-

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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

Enthusiastic Grohl brings crowd to its feet Connor Cox staff writer On Monday night, Mariachi El Bronx and Cage the Elephant prepped the stage for Foo Fighters at San Diego State’s Viejas Arena. Mariachi El Bronx opened the show, followed by an entire hour of Cage the Elephant.

In the band’s new documentary “Foo Fighters: Back and Forth,” frontman Dave Grohl said: “Honestly, had I taken this career thing seriously I would have named it something else, because it’s the worse f-ing band name in the world.”

To be frank, the group should have simply named themselves “The Dave Grohl Band,” as he’s clearly the main attraction.

The Foo Fighters opened with “Bridge Burning.” Grohl sprinted around the stage, excited to see the fans. There was a section of the audience sitting, and the rock star sternly pointed at the roof, demanding fans to stand for the show. The band continued with “Rope” and “The Pretender” without any breaks in between.

After the lengthy opening, Grohl greeted the crowd by yelling as loud as he could into the microphone.

The crowd responded in kind. This went on for several minutes and once he was satisfied, he gave a more proper greeting.

“So apparently kids these days think it’s OK to sit down at a rock show,” Grohl said. “No, no, no don’t stand up … Justin Bieber will be here shortly.

“Uncle Dave is going to teach you guys a thing or two tonight,” he said.

BROOKE VALLS, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The band’s set consisted primarily of hit singles and material from its newest record, “Wasting Light.”

Overall the show was a solid performance. However, Grohl had the tendency to unnecessarily prolong songs such as “Breakout” and “Stacked Actors” by tacking extensive jam sessions on the ends.

Several times when the audience thought a song was finished, the band would explode back into the chorus. It was exciting for several songs, but near the end of the show, it was more exciting for a song to be done.

The Foo Fighters finished the main show by playing “All My Life” before exiting the dark arena. As fans cheered for an encore, Grohl and

drummer Taylor Hawkins appeared in night vision on the jumbotron, standing backstage. There was no audio but fans could easily lip-read what the two were saying: “We’ll play two more songs.” Fans screamed with joy in response.

“What’s that” Hawkins asked. “You don’t want three?” This went on until they agreed to perform five more songs.

Grohl returned to the stage, acoustic guitar in hand, as he jokingly said, “I better start playing before Taylor promises another 20 more songs.” Grohl began the encore with “Best of You” and “Times Like These” before finally finishing, fittingly, with “Everlong.”

BROOKE VALLS, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

D A I LY A Z T E C Thursday, October 20, 2011

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D A I LY

AZTEC Thursday, October 20, 2011

B AC K PAG E

HUMOR

HOROSCOPE

Can’t remedy the restless f I could give my newly acquired, extremely pumpedup social life a human characteristic it would have to be, without a shadow of doubt, Restless Leg Syndrome.

It’s not very glamorous and the name itself is anything but cute.

However, when considering the clinically proven symptoms of RLS, it seems extremely fitting. When I look on WebMD, it explains RLS as when a person has “uncomfortable sensations in their legs” and “an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations.” For purposes of this incredibly stretched and possibly but not intentionally insensitive metaphor, let’s replace the word “leg” with the words “social life.”

So now I can say that, medically speaking, I need to go out every night in order to cure the insatiable itch that is my social life.

Henceforth, it shall now be called “Restless Social Life Syndrome,” or RSLS for short. Send me my Nobel Prize in the mail.

Everyone said my life would change when I turned 21. And I knew it would be very exciting, but I really had no idea how serious they were. You see, I’ve been 21 for less than a week now and I just can’t seem to scratch the proverbial itch.

A few years ago, if you would have told me that I would love bars and clubs as much I do now, I would have laughed in your face.

I’d gotten exposed to that scene when I was way too young.

Growing up just outside Los Angeles, my best friend and I found a club in Hollywood that didn’t check IDs before 10 p.m. We’d tell

I

Hayley Rafner staff columnist our parents we were going to a movie, sleeping at the other’s house or some other variation of the oldest lie in the history of teenage rebellious lies. We’d then get dressed up and go dance the night away. We were 15 and we thought we were the coolest people alive. It got old quickly though.

Being super sweaty and experiencing the unsolicited grinding of strangers was fun for approximately 45 minutes, then I just felt violated.

We did that multiple times a month until they moved the venue to a place that actually followed the law and checked IDs at the door. It was a completely devastating blow to our social lives and we were thrown right back into the mundane repetition of boring suburban life. You know what there is to do on the weekends when you’re younger than 18 that actually counts as fun? Nothing. And don’t let anyone tell you differently.

If you had said to me, “Hayley, you’re going to go into a really hot room filled with a bunch of people and get really sweaty. You’re going to feel extremely violated by the guys surrounding you and you’re going to be drinking something that is going to make you feel at least six times hotter than you are, and you’re going to have so much fun that you want to cry,” I would have laughed in your face, flipped my hair and walked the other direction.

It sounds like the most unappealing thing ever, right?

Right.

But as it turns out, you would be totally right because it totally rules.

Now let me just clear the air, because I realize if you don’t know me (which I’m willing to bet most of you don’t because you probably just looked at my name to the left and didn’t recognize it), I must sound like some crazy, alcoholic party girl, which I am totally not.

Not only am I not a crazy, alcoholic party girl, I am a very responsible, newly 21 young lady who knows her boundaries, understands limits and took very seriously to heart the letter I got from our very own San Diego State Office of Student Affairs warning me of the dangers and lifethreatening outcomes of such detrimental and life-ruining detriments such as alcohol poisoning and drinking and driving.

Turning 21 was never really about the drinking for me anyway.

We’d all be lying if we said our 21st birthdays were the first time we ever had a sip of alcohol, but for me it was more about just being able to go out and do it. As long as I can remember, I’ve been the baby of my group of friends, but now I don’t feel so bad about it.

It’s like life handed me the key to the city and there’s no stopping me now.

I’m being warned by friends and family alike to slow down, to cool it, to not exhaust myself and to remember the little detail that I am indeed a broke college student and going out costs money, but that itch is coming. It’s like I’ve got a fever, and the only cure is more dancing.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (10/20/11) Your demeanor stands out, and people want to be with you. Go ahead and let yourself get excited. Indulge your curiosity to find new angles, perspectives and strategies. There's plenty of work and you have eager supporters.

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 Your creativity is reaching a new high. Take advantage of this new inspiration to complete those stuck projects that you really want done. Imagine the satisfaction.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 Practice listening, whether it's to the seashore murmur of traffic, birdsong or the hum of the washing machine. It's a tool to focus on the present. Discoveries unfold.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 What you learn now helps you greatly in the future. Don't underestimate the power of focused silence. The attention you bring provides more than speaking.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - There's action in the money department.

You could win big or lose. Consider carefully where to put your eggs ... definitely not all in one basket.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 - Now you're on fire. You're ready to make changes and you have everything you need: resources, partners, backup. Unleash your ingenuity, and profits are a natural outcome.

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

BY NANCY BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES Stop procrastinating (in case you were so tempted). Deadlines heat up the pressure.

Stick to the budget. It takes discipline, but friends and partners ease the workload.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 You can make a wish come true, although it could require extra paperwork. Don't put it off. Ask for help if you need it, and get expert advice. It's worth it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 Don't worry too much about the little stuff, and focus on the big picture. Long-term goals may not earn instant rewards but could reveal a vision that inspires daily action.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Plan an exotic getaway and relax.

Appreciate what you have and what you don't. Many people have it worse. There's a happy surprise. Acceptance is key.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Wheeling and dealing flavor the game today with negotiations that could fill coffers. Keep your wits and your sense of humor. Concentration keeps you in the groove.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - Consult with partners and experts regarding strategy. Their feedback assists with upcoming decisions. New opportunities may require an equipment upgrade.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Harvest time calls for quick, focused action to get it all in. Breathe steady, and put your back into it. An innovation now saves time long ahead. ©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

-Hayley Rafner is a journalism junior.

S DS -V I E W

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

CROSSWORD

EDIBLE OPPORTUNITY Photo Editor Antonio Zaragoza captured this photo of Educational Opportunity Programs counselors Brian Spencer and Trimane Davis posing as expert chefs at Scripps Cottage during the 2nd annual EOP barbecue yesterday.

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PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed in the written works of this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

Letters to the editor can be sent to letters@thedailyaztec.com. Story ideas can be sent to tips@thedailyaztec.com.

ACROSS 1 Composes, as a telegram 8 Render harmless, in a way 14 Warranty contract fig.

15 Hold ’em challenge 16 Sniveled, “But I don’t wanna!”

18 Flagrant felonies 19 Moxie 20 Puffin kin 21 Damon and others 22 Like runts 23 River in a 1957 film title 24 What much may follow 25 Indigo Girls song, e.g.

26 Fetches flies 27 Common starting word 28 Male mallards 29 Treated like royalty 33 Symbolic trees of Lebanon 34 Days in Durango 35 Loosely arrange 36 Like a soufflé 37 Scrapple meat 41 Prefix with byte 42 Pantry lineup 43 Broadcast network 44 Like the Opry?

45 Brand of syrup 46 Beatles nonsense syllables 47 Take care of every last detail 50 Tennis great Goolagong 51 Traces 52 Puts new prices on 53 He voiced curmudgeonly Carl in “Up”

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com DOWN 1 Azadi Tower city 2 Barry Manilow’s longtime label 3 Some Côte-d’Or reds 4 Composer Saint-__ 5 Auto industry pioneer 6 __-ball pens 7 Flooring joint 8 Unsportsmanlike 9 Piccadilly Circus statue 10 Critter to 8Across, perhaps 11 Stare at the ceiling, maybe 12 Eased 13 Sloppy greeting from a puppy 14 Guru

17 Give up the ball 22 Tawny predator 23 Kublai __ 25 A&W competitor 26 Hindu titles 27 __ mortals 28 Time for action 29 TV roving reporter’s opening 30 Words of reluctance 31 County with grapes on its seal 32 Finds cool, man 33 Storage for jewel cases 36 British peer 37 Offer to a bunch of hitchhikers 38 Valencia, for one 39 Not as well-done

40 __ Kringle 42 Makes fun of 43 Picks the locks for, perhaps 45 “__ Fu Panda”: 2008 animated film 46 Greek high point 48 It was Genentech’s stock ticker symbol, aptly 49 20-volume ref.