11-05-2012

Reasons not to buy the iPad mini P7

THE NEWSPAPER OF SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1913 VOLUME 99, ISSUE 40

MONDAY, NOVERMBER 5, 2012

Aztecs tame Broncos in nail-biter football

Hilal Haider Staff Writer

Upset alert! Last Saturday, San Diego State continued its hot winning streak in Boise, Idaho against the equally sweltering 7-1 Broncos for one of the most important games of the season. The Aztecs are now 5-1 in Mountain West Conference play, while the Broncos are now 4-1. Interestingly enough, both teams will be moving on to the Big East conference next season, so this could evolve into a heated rivalry in the coming years.

The significance of Saturday’s game was evident as the Broncos came into action riding a sevengame winning streak and possibly looking ahead to a Bowl Championship Series game. However, the fighting Aztecs stood in Boise’s way, with their potent running game and sophomore rookie quarterback Adam Dingwell.

The game launched with a thrilling opening kickoff return for a touchdown. Junior wide receiver Colin Lockett returned his second kickoff for a touchdown this year, which gave the Aztecs an instant 7-0 lead to play with.

On an ensuing drive for the Broncos, they converted against the Aztec defense on a crucial fourth down. They later punched it into the end zone behind redshirt senior running back D.J. Harper and failed on the two-point conversion to make the score 7-6 in favor of the Aztecs.

photo editor paige nelson

Sophomore quaterback Adam Dingwell prepares to launch the ball to an SDSU reciever.

SDSU has now won five consecutive games after it defeated Boise State on Saturday.

The game proceeded and the Aztecs continued to fight. Dingwell showed great poise in the pocket, as he converted on multiple third downs to keep the SDSU drives alive. With the Broncos front seven penetrating most of the SDSU running plays, the Aztecs were forced to rely on Dingwell.

The Aztecs defense played strong throughout, but were tricked by a fake reverse touchdown run by Harper to put the Broncos on top. Heading into the half, SDSU trailed 13-7, but remained in striking distance of the Broncos.

“First half we were moving the ball well. We were getting

some yards whether it was on the ground or through the air, and we just kept shooting ourselves in the foot whether with penalties or myself making a bad read or something,” Dingwell said.

Boise State received the ball first in the second half and on the first offensive play redshirt junior quarterback Joe Southwick was forced into a bad throw that was picked off by safety and leading tackler, junior defensive back Nat Berhe. SDSU, however, could not capitalize, as senior kicker Chance Marden did not connect on a chip-shot field goal.

On the next possession, the SDSU defense held the Broncos to

three-and-out and then blocked the fourth-down punt. The offense set up beautifully and proceeded to punch it in for six behind sophomore running back Adam Muema. The Aztecs regained the lead 14-13.

After a back and forth third quarter, the Aztecs found themselves driving down the blue turf with a surge. With the help of a trademark Muema run and a pass interference penalty against Boise, SDSU got first and goal from the seven-yard line. On a fourth and goal, SDSU head coach Rocky Long told the offense to stay on the field, and they converted with a 1-yard touchdown run, by senior running back Walter Kazee.

The Bronco offense marched right back down the field and crossed the goal line to cut the lead to 21-19. Boise State attempted the two-point conversion for the tie, but did not succeed yet again, as Southwick’s pass was intercepted by junior defensive back Rene Siluano to deny the conversion. The score remained 21-19 in favor of the visiting Aztecs, with approximately five minutes remaining in the game.

The Aztecs received the ball with one goal in mind: To run the clock out and convert a couple of first downs to ice the game. They followed their running backs, Muema and Kazee and converted on a crucial fourth down to ice the game and snag a rare victory in Boise.

“The second half, we just said the first half is behind us and

Heather Rushall Senior Staff Columnist

P

DEBATE continued on page 2

SDSU-IV continued on page 2

PROP 33 continued on page 3

Michele Pluss Staff Writer

antonio zaragoza , editor in chief

Representatives of Aztecs for Obama (left) and representatives of College Republicans engage in a debate about the upcoming election. The representatives brought up issues that will affect students to get the young voters informed before they vote.

As part of the “Rock the Vote” event series sponsored by Associated Students, San Diego State student activists held a debate on campus Wednesday afternoon to inform students about relevant issues affecting the student population as well as the country as a whole. Representatives from the SDSU debate team, Aztecs for Obama and College Republi-

election

Gerad, stood by the Obama campaign and challenged the Republicans to show why their candidate was a better contender.

“We’re supporting greater choice, greater accountability, greater ability for you as consumers, as students and as people who actually have the services and have access and control over these things.

Ultimately you can look to the records of governors like Mitch Daniels in Indiana and other people

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cans debated about health care, the debt crisis and education.

“We as young people are being valued. Our dreams are not to be deferred and the country and the President of the United States, President Barack Obama, has sought to it to make sure our dreams are truly invested in and are heard too,” Aztecs for Obama representative Ronnie Landfair said about education in the U.S. Landfair and fellow Aztecs for Obama representative Jenoy

Prop 33: insurance deception

Tensions between faculty and administration continue to run high at the San Diego State-Imperial Valley campus following a no-confidence vote issued early last month against Dean David Pearson.

Senate Chair Bill Eadie was part of the team exploring the faculty’s concerns.

“Usually (a vote of no confidence) is a last resort measure that is used when you tried to work out problems with administrators and it’s proven to be uncooperative,” Eaddie said.

Issued on Oct. 3, the no-confidence vote was submitted along with a statement endorsed by SDSU-IV faculty, which raised allegations of intimidation and retribution against the dean.

“Our primary concern is that we do not appear to have the leadership in place to enable SDSU-IV to emerge from this turmoil (of the cur-

FOOTBALL continued on page 4

arise at SDSU-IV

campus

Staff Writer

Our nation loves binaries ... Save for this presidentail election, choice isn’t usually black or white.

roposition 33 is a ballot initiative asking California voters to approve a new discount for drivers who have maintained consistent auto insurance coverage for at least five years. The so-called persistency discount would be given on a proportional basis, meaning the longer the driver has been insured, the higher the discount.

In 1988, Proposition 103 was passed requiring auto insurance companies to determine the cost of insurance policies based on the driver’s safety record, the annual number of miles driven and the amount of years the driver has been driving, in that order. The law also prohibits insurers from offering discounts to customers who switch from one company to another.

Proposition 33 offers persistency discounts to drivers regardless of which company they’ve insured with, allowing customers to maintain the discount even if they switch companies. With current regulations, drivers forfeit any discounts they were receiving from the previous insurer when they switch companies.

On the flip side, drivers who have never been insured, who have let an insurance policy lapse for more than 90 days or drivers who were not insured for more than 18 months in the last five years because of job loss (resulting from lay off or furlough) will have to pay higher insurance rates.

This includes college students who have never driven or owned a car and drivers who have been unable to drive because of illness or injury. It does not include children living with a parent who are on a parent’s insurance policy or active military on deployment.

The anticipated fiscal impact of the proposition isn’t expected to be significant. Although auto insurance agencies pay a premium tax to the state, the discounts

Aztecs rock election debate Concerns

Stephanie Saccente

BACKPAGE STORY

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NEWS

Monday November 5, 2012 The Daily Aztec

from SDSU-IV page 1

rent recession) as a strong, effective provider of higher education in the Imperial Valley,” the statement read.

In the statement, the faculty alleged the dean’s lack of leadership inhibited “genuine discussion of campus policies and planning and detracted from the cooperation among all campus constituencies that had once been the hallmark of SDSU-IV campus community.”

On Oct. 24, representatives from SDSU’s Academic Senate visited SDSU-IV to investigate the issue.

“We went out there to speak to anyone, to listen to anyone who wanted to speak with us and we spent an entire day listening to people,” Eadie said.

In the coming weeks, the academic senate will issue a report highlight-

ing the themes of the faculty’s grievances, which will be available on the senate website.

Pearson said he hopes the report will contain positive recommendations.

“Change is difficult … and frequently unwelcome; as we try to move forward, some tensions are inevitable,” Pearson said. “[The representatives] spent a very lengthy period of time speaking with faculty and staff and that is a very positive step.”

The vote was carried by a majority of the faculty, but there are those staff members who still support Pearson and question the majority vote.

Professor Glen Allegranza is one of Pearson’s supporters, saying the no-confidence vote is part of a “smear campaign” led by a rela-

tively small group of tenure/tenuretrack faculty.

“We don’t know how many of the 17 tenure/tenure-track faculty voted,” Allegranza said, adding that the voting numbers are not being released. “There is no transparency on this. In fairness to Dean Pearson, who has worked very hard to accomplish amazing things at the campus and who is a very decent person … and in fairness to the Imperial Valley, a region who needs competent, forward-looking administrators like Dean Pearson, there ought to be transparency.”

Pearson said one of his most important changes is to “work with (his) faculty as harmoniously as possible.” He looks forward with “considerable hope and anticipation to finding ways to build bridges” in the near future.

from DEBATE page 1

who have done great reforms on these measures and you can contrast that with the record of this administration,” College Republicans representative Eric Hughes said in support of Mitt Romney.

More than 31,000 students have registered to vote this year in the California State University system.

SDSU has had the biggest voter registration turnout through the Rock the Vote campaign, register-

ing 4,413 students in September and October, according to A.S. A.S. Vice President of External Affairs Tom Rivera encourages students to become more informed so they can vote and change their future for the better.

“It’s very important for students to know what’s going on so they know what issues affect them.

If they know what affects them, they’re actually more likely to vote for things that are going to benefit their future,” Rivera said.

Women take time to appreciate their body

campus

Blind orchestra livens SDSU campus

Tiffany Lindemann Contributor

The Korean Traditional Music Orchestra of the Blind performed Oct. 30 at San Diego State’s Smith Recital Hall.

The orchestra was created by Siloam Center for the Blind to revive a Korean tradition dating back to the 15th century. Kim Sejong, who ruled Korea from 1418-1450, founded the Orchestra for the Blind. Sejong believed the visually impaired might have a gift with music, so he had blind musicians perform for various ceremonies and rituals. Now, the orchestra is again spreading the music of traditional Korean culture to “overcome the prejudice of the blind,” as stated in the introduction film preceding the orchestra’s recital.

The 11-member orchestra took the spotlight, performing a total of seven pieces throughout the night. The performances included instrumental songs and a traditional solo dance. However, the end performance of the show seemed to be the crowd pleaser of the night. The men of the orchestra took to the stage with an

courtesy of k aia los huertos

Women and men walking around the informational booths at Womyn’s Outreach Association’s annual Love Your Body Day. The event was intended to promote the beauty of diversity.

Andrea Ciardiello Staff Writer

monica linzmeier , staff phtographer

The Korean Traditional Music Orchestra of the Blind performs on stage at SDSU’s Smith Recital Hall. Many of the performers are blind but perform traditionally beautiful music.

intense drum performance, and added a contemporary likeness to their traditional show, shouting out, “Gangnam Style” at one point in their drum piece.

With Smith Hall’s seats filled from start to finish, SDSU students seemed to enjoy the show.

Freshman Luke Dzierzanowski said he enjoyed the performance.

“It gave me insight to a culture I’ve never explored,” Dzierzanowski said.

For junior Junwoo Kim, who introduced the orchestra members, the concert had a more personal

STAFF MEMBERS 2012

meaning. Kim, born and raised in Korea, attended these orchestras every year with his mom.

“It was neat seeing something here that I went to growing up back home. I have never seen the drums before. That was neat …

I think the crowd enjoyed it,” Kim said.

The Korean Traditional Music Orchestra of the Blind is on its first U.S. tour. Following its performance at SDSU, the orchestra will perform at University of California, Los Angeles and UC, San Diego.

The Daily Aztec is an independent, student-run newspaper published regularly Monday through Thursday, when classes are in session, and distributed on the campus of San Diego State.

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Last Thursday, the San Diego State chapter’s of Andrea O’Donnell Womyn’s Outreach Association San Diego State chapter hosted its annual Love Your Body Day at Scripps Cottage.

WOA, an explicitly “anti-racist/ anit-classist/anti-homophobic/antisiziest/anti-ablist/multiracial” (sic) feminist group, focuses specifically on issues of “inequality and oppression that affect marginalized communities such as womyn, people of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.”

WOA Vice President Kaia Los Huertos said the organization is dedicated to abolishing sexism, racism and other serious issues affecting women through activism and education of its members.

Los Huertos said Love Your Body Day is only a small example of the organization’s work.

“Love Your Body Day is about celebrating the beauty of diversity …

It’s about making your own choices and not letting others decide for you,” Los Huertos said.

WOA President Lily Khuu introduced the event stating WOA’s campaign is meant to provide a response to the media’s representation of unhealthy beauty ideals.

“Love Your Body Day encourages to talk back to media; to demand images that reflect the full spectrum of womanhood in all its many sizes, colors, ages, ethnicities, abilities and gender presentations,” Khuu said.

The event started with a Zumba class to promote healthy body image and exercise. There were also tables featuring important women’s health-related topics, such as sexual education, self-identity and breast cancer awareness. WOA also presented several event speakers, including SDSU Student Health Advisory Board representative Tracy Daly, Soul Revision founder Kim Moore and SDSU student Teighlor Brown who offered advice and discussed healthy lifestyles.

Prop 32 determines paycheck protection state

Donna P. Crilly Staff Writer

Tomorrow, Calif. voters will decide on the outcome of their paychecks by voting “yes” or “no” on Proposition 32.

Dubbed by supporters as the “paycheck protection” initiative, Proposition 32 would prohibit unions from using money deducted from workers’ paychecks for political purposes.

Voting “yes” on Proposition 32 would ban corporations and unions from direct contributions to politicians and their committees, according to the California Official Voter Information Guide.

A “no” vote would mean unions and corporations would have to abide by existing campaign finance laws.

Supporters of Proposition 32 say the initiative would prevent special interest groups from controlling politics.

Opponents say Proposition 32 is not what it appears to be. Organizations such as the League of Women Voters of California and the California Democratic Party claim super political action committeesbillionaires, Wall Street investors and radical conservatives are “behind the scenes,” pushing to get the proposition passed.

Even though the law would limit big campaign spending by corporations, it would “restrict everyday Californians from coming together to have a voice in the elections while creating massive special exemptions for the same groups funding the campaign,” according to votenoon32.org.

ELECTION

Monday November 5, 2012 the daily aztec

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from PROP 33 page 1

could potentially influence more people to buy insurance, resulting in more tax revenue.

Opinion Proposition 33 is largely funded

by Mercury Insurance’s Founder and Chairman, George Joseph.

Joseph has contributed $16 million to fund the initiative and gave the same amount to an almost-identical proposition in 2010. California voters rejected it.

If Proposition 33 passes, new and student drivers, as well as drivers who have let their insurance lapse, are at risk of paying dramatically higher insurance rates. According to the Official Voter Information Guide, states that have passed a surcharge, such as Proposition 33, have paid extremely high premiums, including a 61 percent increase in Texas, a 79 percent increase in Nevada and a 103 percent increase in Florida.

Drivers’ inability to pay the higher rates may result in more uninsured motorists on California roads, therefore increasing the cost of uninsured motorist coverage for those who do have insurance.

Insurance broker Briana Toia doesn’t think the number of uninsured motorists will increase, but also believes drivers should be responsible enough to have insurance if they’re going to own a car.

“If you can afford to buy a car, put gas in it and go from point A to Z and back, then you should be able to purchase liability insurance to protect yourself and the people around you,” Toia said.

Although I would also like to have that sort of faith in the drivers around me, I don’t. Increasing the cost of anything in an economy such as this is dangerous. I myself have missed an insurance payment and let a policy lapse because I couldn’t pay the bill. I can’t just stop driving because I can’t afford the insurance.

Proposition 33 has been rejected by voters before and it should be rejected again. Now is not the time to increase premiums for anything, let alone something meant to protect the safety of California drivers.

Prop 36: Three strikes to bankruptcy election

I

n the 2002 cinematic masterpiece “Minority Report,” Tom Cruise portrays a police officer tasked with stopping precrime. With the help of triplets capable of seeing the future, Chief John Anderton (Cruise) and company fly about in jetpacks stopping murders before they happen. The technology in the movie—which involved freshly carved wooden balls with the name of the victim etched on them— might be straight out of a science fiction novel, but stopping crime before it happens is a real-life goal for the California judicial system.

In 1994, California voters reeling from a series of gruesome murders approved a three-strikes law toughening punishment for repeat criminals. The law was intended to prevent crime before it happened by imprisoning felons tagged as likely repeat offenders for much longer sentences. In theory, individuals who had already committed a crime in the past would likely commit more in the future, so keeping them behind bars indefinitely would stop crime before it happened. Now, Proposition 36 is asking voters to roll back the most extensive provision of the three-strikes law.

With the three-strikes law, an individual convicted of a felony faces double the mandated prison sentence if he or she has ever committed a violent or serious felony, regardless of whether the new crime is serious or violent. If someone has two serious or violent felonies on his or her record, the third “strike” has a mandatory 25to-life sentence, even if the third offense isn’t serious or violent. Socalled strikers are not eligible for

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parole. They can also only reduce their sentences for “good time” (through good behavior, work and education programs) by onefifth, as opposed to the normal one-half reduction avilable for non-striker convicts.

Proposition 36 would limit the stricter third-strike penalty to repeat offenders whose third felony is serious or violent. Individuals already in prison whose third strike is not violent or serious would be eligible for resentencing if a judge determines their release doesn’t pose a threat to society.

Conservative estimates place initial state savings at $70 million annually, with the potential of up to $90 million saved per year during the next few decades.

Opinion Today, a quarter of all prisoners in California incarcerateds for a second or third-strike offense, about half of those for nonviolent and nonserious repeat felonies. This means one out of every eight prisoners in the state will serve significantly longer prison sentences than their crime calls for. Despite massive restructuring, California’s grossly overcrowded prisons are currently operating at 155 percent capacity.

That means a lot of convicts could be out of jail without serving any less time than they should.

Because strikers are sentenced to much longer prison stays, they are older than the average prisoner.

These elderly inmates cost two-tothree times more to house according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office. Because no prisoner sentenced under the third

strike law will be eligible for release until 2019, the cost of imprisoning strikers will only continue to rise. By 2009, the longer prison sentences created by the law had cost the state a total of $19.2 billion, of which $7.5 billion was for criminals convicted of nonviolent and nonserious felonies, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Clearly, California’s government can save hundreds of millions by rolling back the most punitive measures of the three-strikes law. This is money that can help prevent cuts to the California State University and University of California systems, as well as many services aimed at helping the poor and elderly.

Still, a law designed for public safety shouldn’t be judged exclusively by its cost, but also by how much safer it has made California’s citizens. In the years since voters approved the three-strikes law, California has experienced an unprecedented drop in the crime rate. It’s undeniable people in the state are safer today than in 1994. However, it’s not clear the three-strikes law had anything to do with this. The decline in the crime rate began before 1994 and was experienced throughout the U.S. A report done more than a decade after the start of the threestrikes law, from the LAO, tried to determine the impact of the law on public safety. Prosecutors have some leeway in charging suspects using three-strikes, so the LAO compared the four counties most likely to use three strikes (including San Diego), with the four counties least likely to use it. All eight counties had approximately 37 percent decreases

in crime, suggesting the threestrikes law was not a factor. From 1994 through 2003, the violent crime rate in counties least likely to use three-strikes fell by an average of 45 percent, compared with an average decline of 44 percent in the counties most likely to use it.

Essentially, the analysis showed three-strikes had cost the state unsustainable amounts of money, without any evidence showing it had made the state safer.

In the end, the goal of the California justice system should be to impose sentences that fit the crime. Sentencing someone to 25to-life for a minor felony, which would otherwise carry a two or three-year sentence, makes no sense and is inherently unfair. Prison time should punish specific crimes, not perceived criminal patterns. If public safety advocates are worried about criminal recidivism, the state should allocate some of the money it’ll save thanks to Proposition 36 toward drug rehabilitation, therapy and job training for newly released convicts.

In “Minority Report,” the pre-crime program is shut down when it becomes apparent there is a small chance innocent individuals are being imprisoned for crimes they would have never committed. California is currently sentencing people to a lifetime in jail because of some unproven notion their previous actions indicated an inevitable criminal pattern. Proposition 36 ensures the punishment is proportional to the crime, murderers and rapists remain behind bars and minor offenders are given a second chance before they are condemned to rot in prison.

sports from FOOTBALL page 1

there’s 30 minutes in front of us stopping us from reaching our goals this season,” Dingwell said.

“Everybody believed and nobody ever had a doubt, and we came out here and got a good win.”

With that victory, the Aztecs moved into a first place tie with Fresno State atop the Mountain West Conference.

Dingwell finished Saturday’s action efficiently, going 12 for 18 with 105 passing yards and one interception. Muema had yet another successful outing in the backfield, with 127 yards and one rushing touchdown.

The Aztec defense remained strong throughout and played an essential role in the upset victory. The Aztecs return home next week to welcome Air Force, as they seek their sixth straight victory.

“It feels amazing, you know, coming in as the underdogs and being able to compete and finish out with a win was great,” senior defensive back Leon Mcfadden said. “We came in with a chip on our shoulders and in the result we won.”

Monday November 5, 2012 the daily aztec

Aztecs defeat Lobos for MW title

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women’s soccer

all photos credited to peter kluch , assistant photo editor

Tanner Kouba Staff Writer

Beautiful weather and the sunsoaked San Diego State Sports Deck helped set the stage for yesterday’s Mountain West Conference women’s soccer championship game against the University of New Mexico. In what was one of the most physical games of the year, the lady Aztecs were able to route the Lobos 20 and claim the tournament title for the first time since the 200910 season.

A focused Aztec team pushed the tempo early in the game and was able to force play into New Mexico’s half of the field.

Sophomore forward Kelsey Booth was in the mix early and had a near miss on a header in the ninth minute.

In the 23rd minute she was able to redeem her miss and gave the Aztecs the lead when a corner kick by freshman midfielder Victoria Barba was jumbled around in the box long enough for Booth to run over and head it in. Senior midfielder Carli Johnson was

credited with the assist.

In the second half the Lobos put together a strong offensive attack led by senior midfielder Rachel Montoya. However, the aggressive play left the Lobos vulnerable and in the 73rd minute the Aztecs capitalized. After a blocked shot by senior forward Megan Jurado, senior forward Sarah Halverson was quick to get the rebound and fired it into the corner of the net for her fifth goal of the year. Jurado was credited with the assist.

The Lobos continued to

push the pace, but their efforts went unrewarded and the game finished 2-0, giving the Aztecs the tournament championship.

SDSU outshot New Mexico 73 in the first period and 9-3 in the second. Defensively, redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Rachel Boaz had two saves.

This game gives the Aztecs a record of 19-1-1 in the season and drops the Lobos to 11-72 overall. San Diego State will look to improve its stellar record when heading to nationals later this month.

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opinion

Monday November 05, 2012 The Daily Aztec

Share your lunch and politics on Facebook

politics

S

crolling through social network newsfeeds can be a mundane activity filled with dull statuses and pictures of every irrelevant thing your friends have ever done. Or it could be a thought-provoking experience, full of controversial statements regarding political ideals. I think the latter sounds much more interesting, but not everyone feels the same way.

With the election wrapping up, it’s common to see peoples’ latest political insights on social networking sites. However, with these political posts comes a backlash of angry users, swooping in to condemn shared political ideas online.

Although these statuses can be understandably frustrating and not always well thought-out, it’s the right of all users to post whatever they wish.

Social networking sites are open forums, which cannot and should not be censored for every potential nuisance.

The overabundance of cryptic song lyrics to symbolize some melodramatic crisis in an online friend’s life is quite frustrating to me, but it doesn’t mean I don’t respect his or her right to share it. The same should apply to politically minded posts. But, rather than simply overlooking the unwanted statuses, online etiquette advocates go out of their way to complain. There is

Madison Hopkins Staff Columnist

even a Facebook group dedicated to ending political statuses on the site. The time and energy wasted complaining could be better used engaging in an open discussion regarding the issues.

If this is too contradictory to the Facebook group’s cause, the other option is to simply ignore the political posts and leave those who are actually interested alone.

Many people who strongly oppose political status updates believe politics don’t have a place in the social setting, but belong in private, mutually consenting conversations.

“If they want to discuss the matters with people, then they should do so in person with individuals that they know will be OK with it, rather than assuming their entire Facebook population is interested,” marketing sophomore Anna Stevens said.

While face-to-face political discussions do offer a more private environment, online discourse has its advantages. We shouldn’t assume every single user posts each status hoping to catch someone’s eye. Maybe this person was previously disinterested in politics, but uses Facebook as an opportunity to get involved in the debate.

The U.S is built on the ability to share contradicting ideas in

public without the fear of being silenced. Anything that gets more people actively thinking about politics will only aid in creating a more educated society.

The obvious problem with Facebook political discussions is many people who post these statuses don’t always have their facts straight. While it’s true not all statuses are created equal, they still offer the same opportunity. Those who actually know what they’re talking about create the opportunity for friends to present opposing or supporting comments. Those not as well-informed present the chance for others to educate them in the error of their ways.

Both instances allow those who are interested to say something and those who aren’t to just leave it alone. If a status is actually offensive with no intellectual basis, other users always reserve the right to report it to Facebook. Ultimately, people have the right to spew out any half-baked remark, the same way other users have the right to openly respond in any way they see fit.

If the constant flood of politics online is truly too much to handle, there is an obvious solution. Social networking sites allow users to end virtual friendships with the simple click of a button. According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life

mct campus

Project, almost one fifth of social networking users “decided to block, unfriend, or hide someone because of their politics or posting activities.”

Social media networks are an increasingly large part of the average person’s life. It’s only natural those who feel strongly about politics want to use the opportunity for mass communication to put their ideas out there. Candidate fan

pages and political memes have replaced the campaign bumper stickers and lawn signs of the past. With this new era of social network campaigning, we have the chance to reach more people than ever and let individual voices be heard. Those who take advantage of this opportunity have the right to share their opinions and if others disagree, the “unfriend” button is always just a click away.

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features

Monday November 5, 2012 The Daily Aztec

Love Guru solves relationship conundrums ”I recently just ended a casual fling with this guy. The problem is that now I’m starting to have feelings for one of his best friends and he’s shared that they are most definitely mutual. I really like this guy but I don’t want to create more drama. What do I do?”

The Love Guru Staff Columnist

Love Guru: It’s generally an unspoken rule that when you break up with someone, you should steer clear of that person’s close friends when seeking out future dating prospects. While I’d normally say to ditch this notion and follow your heart to true love, we have to look at the

Chances are this guy still likes you and the worst thing you can do to him is flaunt your desire to date his friend.

situation first. If you were the one to cut your tryst with this other guy short and it wasn’t the happiest of endings for the two of you to go your separate ways, consider his feelings before you make a beeline to his best friend.

Chances are this guy still likes you and the worst thing you can do to him is flaunt your desire to date his friend. On the flip side, maybe he was the one to sever ties with you, causing you to feel you have no obligation to get his permission. In either case, woman up and have a conversation with this guy and encourage his friend to do the same. While the two of you may

want to jump right onto the track to Relationship Land, the least you can do is be honest with the first guy so he doesn’t feel left in the dark. It’s called being respectful. Once you’ve done that, you should have no problem moving on to create your own happily ever after.

Frustrated Friend: During the summer, I met this really wonderful guy who I actually ended up liking at some point. The issue was that I had just gotten out of a longterm relationship and he was really good friends with some of my family members. I felt like I wasn’t ready to be in a relationship and I didn’t want to make it awkward in the future if things didn’t work out. We hang out a lot and I really enjoy his company, but I don’t want to be anything more than friends. How do I break it off with him while trying to maintain the same type of relationship we have now?

Love Guru: First of all, the “just don’t want a relationship” cliché might just seem like an excuse to him. I would say stop hanging out with this guy one-on-one and avoid prolonged talking and texting conversations so he doesn’t feel like you’re leading him on. Instead, maintain the friendship by including him in group hangouts. Unfortunately, your relationship already changed because he developed romantic feelings. He just needs time to

move on before things can return to how they used to be and feel less awkward.

On the Rebound: I just started talking to this guy that is recently out of a long-term relationship.

We’ve been flirty for a while now, and he’s finally single, we’ve started hanging out more. But he’s moving really quickly with the relationship and it seems like I’m his automatic new girlfriend.

Is this because I’m the first girl he’s dated since his breakup?

I really like this guy and don’t want to just be a rebound. Help!

Love Guru: It’s important to keep in mind ending a relationship takes longer than the time people were in one. While he may show you attention now, it’s hard to shake feelings from a past relationship no matter how ugly the breakup was. Part of the reason he’s moving so fast may be to create a distraction

It’s important to keep in mind ending a relationship takes longer than the time people were in one.

from old feelings. If you want a serious relationship, you need to give him time to cope with any leftover baggage. Even if he swears up and down there’s nothing left, take things slow.

This will save you a lot of heartache if he decides to give his past relationship another chance.

Be sure he understands what you want and don’t be afraid of losing him. If the connection between you two is real and not a rebound attempt, things will work out.

She says ”he’s just a friend”: My girlfriend hangs out a lot with her male best friend, more than she does with me. It’s

frustrating because it seems her friendship with him is more important than our relationship.

How should I approach this situation?

Love Guru: Confidence is always key. Understand there’s a reason the two of them are just friends. If she wanted to be in a relationship with him, they would already be in one. She chose you for a reason. As long as you exude confidence in the relationship, she’ll pick up on it and find this quality attractive.

If you haven’t met her friend already, you should. It’s important to show him your secure in your relationship as well. Any hint of weakness or jealousy could give him a window of opportunity if he’s interested in your girlfriend.

It’s also important to respect the fact your girlfriend had friendships before you two started dating.

Imposing rules about whom she can hang out with will only cause her to push you away.

Sit down with her and open up about how the friendship makes you feel. If her relationship with her friend is innocent, she wont feel defensive once approached.

She should appreciate your honesty.

he’s online!

Have a question for the Love Guru?

Message him on Facebook or email www.features@thedailyaztec.com All submission are anonymous.

Follow him on Twitter @SdsuLoveGuru

like him on Facebook facebook.com/SdsuLoveGuru (619) 594-3315 | features@thedailyaztec.com

features

Monday November 5, 2012 the daily aztec

Reasons not to buy the new iPad Mini science

& technology

7

much of the hardware the same, but the software is as well. It uses the same operating system, iCloud and apps as other Apple products.

Ethan Bailey Assistant Features Editor

4

In typical Apple fashion, the company released a newer version of an already new product. The iPad mini is everything Apple fans crave. It’s thin and light, the screen is bright and it looks great on any hipster’s utility belt.

But is there any real reason to storm to your local electronics store to buy it? One thing is for sure: There are plenty of reasons not to. If you’re looking for something totally new and exciting, this miniature tablet is not for you.

Lightning connector — Apple’s new connector cord left some consumers scratching their heads. It is literally the same as the older 30-pin cord wrapped in a sleeker package. When the iPhone 5 came out, users were left with no choice but to buy an adapter to use their current connector cord just to find out it wouldn’t fit if their iPhone had a case. Ouch. The iPad mini makes use of the new Lightning connector and an adapter, which will set you back $30. Double ouch.

1

It’s too pricey — Apple products are like a hot date.

They’re gorgeous from head to toe, but they’ll break your bank in the blink of an extended eyelash. At a starting price of $329 — $70 less than the regularsized model the iPad mini isn’t worth its price tag. One of the only major selling points differing from existing models is its smaller size, a move made directly to compete with Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Speaking of the Kindle, its price hovers around $160 and it will do most of what is capable on the iPad mini.

2

No Retina display — For the money, the iPad mini should come with Retina technology.

Seeing as the Retina display is one of Apple’s biggest selling points, it’s perplexing it isn’t included in

5

mct campus

the iPad mini. By doubling the pixel count, the iPad mini’s smaller screen could have been maximized and to make the entire device seem larger. What’s even more surprising about the display: It’s manufactured by Samsung, one of Apple’s fiercest mobile technology competitors. This was revealed after a breakdown of the iPad mini by iFixit, where a Samsung display driver chip was found, according to a Huffington Post report.

3

Same old iPad — The iPad mini isn’t any different than the iPad 2. It runs the same A5 processor as the iPad 2 ,which is slower than the Kindle Fire processor (1 GHz vs. 1.2). Although the iPad mini features a 5-megapixel iSight camera that can capture full 1080 pixel high-definition video, it isn’t new technology. The iPad with Retina display has the same camera system. Not only is

No 3G- The iPad mini comes with Wi-Fi capabilities, but if you want to browse the Web outside of Starbucks, you’ll need a wireless service plan through a major cell phone carrier. A 3G option would make sense because it would give the iPad mini a one up on direct competitors.

Overall, the iPad mini comes across as an incredibly mediocre addition to the Apple family.

While at first glance the iPad mini seems to be something completely new, in reality it just applies much of Apple’s existing technology to a smaller frame.

For the price, there are certainly better options out there. Save your money and wait for the next “real” iPad.

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Monday November 5, 2012 The Daily Aztec

Whatever floats your vote

viewpoint

I

f hate is the great unifier and fear the great controller, ignorance must remain as the great discourager—especially for the upcoming election. Look, I realize most of us grew up around the time P. Diddy launched his 2004 “Vote or Die!” campaign, a laughable attempt to get young people motivated to go out and vote, especially when considering the source was a man so fluid in his decision-making he can’t even settle on a pseudonym. Diddy’s threatening hyperbole missed the mark of what’s required of citizens during an election season. So please, don’t vote just to vote—chances are you won’t die if you abstain. Yes, the sticker from those old folks after you slip your ballot into the box is quite appealing, but it’s incredibly irresponsible to vote without studying potential office holders, propositions and measures.

Our nation loves binaries when deciding where we stand on the big issues. Gay or straight? Life or choice? Liberal or conservative?

But, save for this presidential election, choice isn’t usually black or white. There’s an entire spectrum of gray areas—those mottled, in-between beliefs and opinions that aren’t readily given because they are inherently difficult to define. Think of all the times a friend has been called out for their political beliefs. More likely than not, no matter how socialist or traditionalist they are, they’ll say, “Actually I’m somewhere in between right or left. I don’t like having to choose a side. I’m moderate.”

We live in a country where reality isn’t easily accepted. Take sports, for instance, the great indicator of delusional thinking.

meme monday

O_

Mason Schoen Staff Writer

As an Oakland Raiders fan, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wandered around public places with my Raiders cap on during the off-season and had strangers introduce themselves with a hearty, “This year’s gonna be our year!” I can’t help but wonder what team they’ve been watching since 2002, because it sure isn’t the same terrible team I’ve been watching. If we have a good season by the end of the decade, I’ll die of shock. But that’s my point: there’s too much personal bias in our beliefs, which skew rationality so much “reason” becomes unrecognizable.

What’s more shocking to me when discussing politics with other millennials (a generation characterized by coming-of-age during the explosion of the Internet) is how they view the whole election process. They’re either terrifyingly apathetic or irritatingly eager to wax on about the dangers of certain agendas, which unsurprisingly don’t match up with their own. It’s either, “Please don’t vote for that guy” or “I’m disgusted the Lakers are winless so far” Everyone’s got an answer to everyone else’s problems, but never an answer for their own.

One of the main signifiers for our generation is narcissism. We believe we are worthy of the highest positions in everything we do, not because of our qualifications, but because we’ve been told since childhood how special we are.

We’re a force to be reckoned with now that we’re reaching an age to vote. We didn’t always have

the power we do now. Therefore, it is time we start paying attention to what our communities need and who we put in office. It’s time to educate ourselves on what we’re voting for. It’s time to stand for something and believe in it not because of “faith” or because our parents, pastors or religions tell us to, but because we’ve teased out the logic behind our convictions so carefully we can debate one another based on rationality. Just because you feel like something’s wrong or right doesn’t necessarily make it so.

I’m sure we’re all tired of the same old nonsensical debates.

And really, when you think about it, do you actually believe in 50 years gay marriage, stemcell research and marijuana won’t be legal? How detrimental are these things anyway? Why delay the future?

Surely there are more important issues to get upset about everyone can agree on—for instance, toddler beauty pageants.

Undoubtedly children dressed up in creepily revealing adult outfits are worse for public psychological health than gay marriage. How can we allow something so obviously damaging to be shown on television, let alone exist, but not allow a couple of the same gender to make it official? The absolute worst thing that might happen if we allow gay couples to marry is higher adoption rates, cleaner city streets, and lower health care costs to the taxpayers.

So this election, don’t vote unless you’ve educated yourself on the potential outcomes and understand the reasons why you’re voting the way you are. In my opinion, this is another easy decision. But don’t take my word for it. Decide for yourself.

HOROSCOPE

by Nancy Black, Tribune Media Services

Today’s Birthday (11/5/12) - What is your ideal destination and travel partner?

Healing and spiritual growth come with the winter solstice, and eclipses this year put you in the spotlight. Focus on career and finances until summer, when a learning opportunity develops.

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 7 - Continue to repay obligations. Take time out for recreation today and tomorrow. Romance is a growing possibility. You’re gaining support. Celebrate with a home-cooked meal and coziness.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 6 Make household decisions the next few days, and focus on home and family. Improvements to shared living spaces benefit everyone. It’s amazing what a little paint can do.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 5 - The next two days are excellent for studying.

You’ll learn quickly with laser focus. Research the situation and any new developments.

Catch up on the reading. Back up hard drives.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 - That money could show up any time now.

You’re entering a two-day phase of financial planning and practical effort. A spending spree could tempt; contemplate costs first.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 5 - For the next few days, innovation and personal assessment rule. You’re back in control for the most part. Assertiveness works well now.

Decide who you’re growing up to be.

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

6 - Watch out for surprises. Clarify your direction with friends, and keep an eye on the competition. Review your plans. Finish your work in private.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 You’re entering a cooperative cycle today and tomorrow. Your friends are happy to give you a boost. Make sure what you build is solid.

Guard against being impetuous.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - Plan for the spotlight, and focus on your career. There’s still a way to win, although conflict could be possible. Don’t let anybody push you around.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 5 - Wash everything in sight. Take time for long-term planning. Travel compels, but it could get complex. Mercury goes retrograde tomorrow for the next three weeks. Book tickets for later.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 6 - Handle financial matters today and tomorrow. Work out a compromise. Put away provisions for the future. Pay the bills, and reward yourself with relaxation and peace of mind.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 5 Spend more time with your mate the next few days. Partnership is at the forefront. The focus is on peacemaking and compromise. Listen to suggestions, and negotiate a win-win.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 - You’re entering an intense work phase. Sort through feelings as they arise. A co-worker demands your time. Chores need attention.

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Across 1 Chinese temple instrument 5 Nestling noises 10 Leave at the altar 14 Diva’s showpiece 15 Group of experts 16 Pierre’s possessive 17 Return on one’s investment, in slang 20 Replay technique, briefly 21 Relaxing time in the chalet 22 “There oughta be __” 25 Hi-fi spinners 26 Plain dessert 30 Playing decks 35 Diplomatic bldg.

36 Juanita’s aunt 37 Yukon’s country 38 Prada imitation, perhaps 42 More greasy 43 Extended family 44 “Bon voyage!”

45 Fruity-smelling compound 46 Jay-Z, for one 49 L.A. bus-and-rail org.

51 Speak indistinctly 52 Begin 57 Gate-hanging hardware 61 Announce one’s arrival gently ... as opposed to words that start 17-, 26-, 38- and 46-Across 64 Voting no 65 In an unusual way 66 Student’s stressor 67 Very familiar note recipient?

68 “Fetch my smelling salts!”

69 Avg. levels Down 1 Goes on and on 2 Unwritten 3 Barcelona boy 4 Joke writer 5 HMO alternative 6 Musical sensitivity 7 One-named Irish folk singer 8 Magazine with a Stylewatch spinoff

/ THEDailyAztec

by Rich Norris & Joyce Lewis, Tribune Media Services

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 9 Eat noisily, as soup 10 Elbows rudely 11 “In the morning” radio host 12 Security device 13 __ torch: patio light 18 Finish the laundry 19 Perform another MRI on 23 Oldman or Newman 24 Ragamuffin 26 Orange __ tea 27 Old Dodge autos 28 Horseshoe-shaped fastener 29 “The Trial” writer Franz 31 Furthermore 32 Synagogue scholar 33 Times to send in the troops 34 “Full House” co-star Bob 37 Panama crosser

39 Co. in Paris 40 “Sesame Street News Flash” reporter 41 Hula swivelers 46 Family-friendly, filmwise 47 German coal valley 48 Native American groups 50 Sierra Nevada resort 52 Tax-sheltered accts.

53 Store opening time 54 The “I” in IHOP: Abbr.

55 End-of-the-week letters 56 Scandinavian literary collection 58 Bakery call 59 Happy 60 Spreading trees 62 Ancient 63 Yiddish cries of dismay