SDSU VS TEXAS SOUTHERN PG.6
THE NEWSPAPER OF SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1913 VOLUME 99, ISSUE 53
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2012
Filner sworn in as San Diego Mayor local
men’s basketball
The former U.S. congressman touched on plans for his mayorship
Aztecs spear the Tigers
Antonio Zaragoza
Ryan Schuler
Editor in Chief
Thousands of San Diegans crammed into the Balboa Park Club yesterday to see Bob Filner sworn in as San Diego’s 35th mayor by State Controller, John Chiang. Outgoing Mayor Jerry Sanders spoke to the highly energized crowd and applauded Filner on his successful election. “Today begins a new chapter in San Diego and I’m happy for the new beginning. In fact, I believe the two happiest days in a mayor’s life are the day he takes office and the day he leaves,” Sanders said. Filner addressed Sanders’ many contributions to the city and expressed his gratitude for being able to start his term from a positive place. “Its an awesome responsibility to lead the eighth biggest city in
Sports Editor
The Aztecs win their sixth consecutive game, defeating Texas Southern 74-62
antonio zaragoza , editor in chief
Bob Filner being sworn into office as the next San Diego Mayor by State Controller, John Chiang. The Balboa Park Club was full of San Diegans watching the ceremony as Filner accepted ahis seat as the city’s 35th mayor.
the nation. It’s very humbling; it’s very overwhelming,” Filner said. The inauguration’s focus shifted to Filner’s expectations for the upcoming term. “I can start off with not only a
balanced budget but a bond rating, and that means we can talk about moving forward,” Filner said to Sanders. The new mayor also addressed city employees and thanked them
for their valuable contributions to San Diego communities. Filner also discussed the possibilities of expanding city services. FILNER continued on page 2
Aztecs empower immigrant youth New Pres.
causes stir in Mexico
campus
David Hernandez Staff Writer
Members of the Youth Empowerment Program at San Diego State will begin to work as mentors for undocumented children that migrated to the U.S. unaccompanied. Each year, children, mostly from Mexico and Central America, travel to the U.S. without a parent or a guardian. In October 2011 through April, the U.S. Border Patrol apprehended 13,416 unaccompanied minors. “They’re crossing two different borders at times, so they’re faced with a number of traumatic events to get to the U.S.,” SDSU social work graduate student and co-founder of Y.E.P. Leticia Rodriguez said. “Once they are here, they’re deemed undocumented, so that comes with a host of issues.” Within 72 hours of being appre-
Even if it’s a little sense of hope ... that’s what we want. Leticia Rodgriguez Co-founder of Y.E.P.
hended and processed by the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement places the youth in shelters while their legal
international
The San Diego State men’s basketball team came into Monday’s game against Texas Southern University full of confidence. And why not? After defeating the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles in back-to-back games to proclaim itself the top team in the Golden State, SDSU rose to No. 17 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 15 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. Behind junior guard Jamaal Franklin’s 18 points and 15 rebounds, SDSU defeated Texas Southern 74-62 to move to 6-1 on the season. From the initial tip, the Aztecs dominated the game, starting with a 9-0 run fueled by senior MEN’S BASKETBALL continued on page 6
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM PG. 3
Ana Ceballos Assistant News Editor
courtesy elizabeth kennedy
Students draw pictures at a Southwest Keys shelter. SDSU students started the Youth Empowerment Program this semester to mentor undocumented children who live in shelters.
cases are processed. Y.E.P. was founded this semester by Rodriguez and SDSU geography doctorate student Elizabeth Kennedy. Its members will work with two local Southwest Key Program immigrant youth shelters. Through its Unaccompanied Minors Shelter Programs, Southwest Key provides counseling, legal and medical services, and an on-site school for children while their legal cases are resolved, according to Southwest Key’s website. The members of Y.E.P., who will meet with the youth once a week, will produce a monthly newsletter and a resource list for the main cities where children are often placed. The list of resources includes information about food banks, community housing, public libraries, free community clinics, community colleges and transportation, Kennedy said.
The group will also execute an eight-week curriculum meant to complement the on-site education the children receive. The lesson plans will focus on future career and educational goals. “Through the different lesson plans and activities, we are attempting to empower the youth,” Rodriguez said. “Even if it’s a little sense of hope that they are able to be successful in this country or wherever it may be, that’s what we want.” The intended length of stay for children at the shelters is 45 days, while legal decisions are made for children to be reunified with family in the U.S. or their country of origin. It is also possible for a child to be placed in foster care or to “age out” at 18. Rodriguez says it may be difficult to build intimate relationships with the children because of Y.E.P. continued on page 2
As Mexico’s new president, Enrique Peña Nieto, took an oath to restore peace and security to the people of Mexico, thousands of demonstrators presented themselves during the inauguration to oppose the return of the Institutional Revolutionary Party after a 12-year hiatus. According to the Associated Press, during the inauguration last Saturday approximately 100 protestors were injured in clashes against police officers and 103 protestors were detained, including 11 minors. According to CNN México, more than 5,000 officers patrolled the premises during the inauguration as hundreds of demonstrators banged against the steel security barriers around the lower base of Congress. “I fear that our country is slowly becoming grimmer and grimmer thanks to its government,” Andrea, a student and Tijuana resident said without disclosing her last name in fear of retaliation from the government. “The corruption within PRI is not only disgusting, but it is dangerous for (Mexico’s) citizens.” The protests, which began in July amid the results of the presidential elections, were triggered by his challenger, Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s belief that Peña Nieto bought votes and arranged favorable coverMEXICO continued on page 2
WALKING DEAD VIDEO GAME REVIEW PG. 7
2
NEWS
Tuesday December 4, 2012 The Daily Aztec
from FILNER page 1
antonio zaragoza , editor in chief
Former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders watches as Bob Filner is sworn into office. from Y.E.P. page 1
“For the first time in a decade, we can see the possibility of restoring city services, rebuilding our neighborhoods and planning for our future,” Filner said. Reelected City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, returning council members Marti Emerald, Todd Gloria and Sherri Lightner, as well as newly elected council members, Mark Kersey and Scott Sherman, were also sworn in during the event. Filner, who served on the City Council and San Diego Unified School District Board of Education, was also a professor at San Diego State. He spent the remainder of Monday visiting local schools in San Diego as well as the La Jolla Playhouse and the San Ysidro Multi-Cultural Center.
Social work freshman Jasmin Zafra says she was inspired by their stay at the shelter. “This is something we’ve talked the program and is excited to to our members about—estab- work with the children. “We got a tour of the shelter lishing that boundary,” Rodriguez said. “You create a close … and we didn’t get a chance to bond and a mentor relationship talk to them, but you could really with (the children) and then all of see the kids had a lot of heart,” a sudden, they’re not there any- Zafra said. “I can’t wait to get to more. You created all these goals, know them more.” Y.E.P. expects to become a recyou put so much work and you’ve received so much from working ognized student organization by with that person that it really the end of the semester and recruit more volunteers. breaks your heart.” “This is a great opportunity for Rodriguez hopes the program will not only make an impact at all students to get involved with,” the shelters, but on campus as Rodriguez said. “It’s why I decided to get a masters in social work. well. “I think a lot of people don’t It shaped my career path.” Anyone interested in joining know what happens to the kids that come to the U.S. unaccompa- Y.E.P. may contact Kennedy at nied,” Rodriguez said. “They’re egailk56@gmail.com. an invisible population.”
from MEXICO page 1
age from one of the biggest TV networks in Mexico, Televisa. Andrea, who is also a member of Yo Soy 132, a new international student movement group and vanguard of the protests, said fellow protestors have been brutally beaten by police officers and sometimes even kidnapped from hospitals. She also said the abductions are likely to be a message to protestors from corrupt government officials. “I joined this group because I disapprove of having my rights cheated on,” Andrea said. “Mexico’s democracy is being flushed down the toilet and it is all because of our corrupt government officials that continuously try to oppress the people.” As manifestations escalate at a national level, hundreds of demonstrators unite to have their voices heard practicing their democratic rights. As planned, Peña Nieto took the presidential office on Saturday, focusing on the projects he promised and also expressed concern about the current demonstrations against him. “I will respect every voice,” Peña Nieto said during his inauguration speech. “I will run an open government that speaks with honesty, seeks opinion, listens to its citizens … I will be a president who is close to the people.”
mct campus
Campus extends hours for finals
campus
dustin michelson , senior staff photographer
A student studies diligently on his computer in Love Library. The library, East Commons and Starbucks will have extended hours starting Friday.
Stacey Oparnica Staff Writer
Students in need of a study getaway during finals week can find it at Love Library. Beginning this Friday at 7 p.m., the entire dome area will remain open 24 hours a day until midnight on Thursday, Dec. 13 in an effort to accommodate the “finals rush.” For safety purposes, students will need to show their RedIDs to enter after the main library closes. On Monday, Dec. 10, students can take a few hours to recuperate at the Midnight Study Break. The event, which is free and open to all students, will be held at 9 p.m. at East Commons and will provide a free breakfast, door
prizes and study tips. Biology junior Nicole Conner said the Midnight Study Break can be extremely beneficial. Conner attended the event last semester with a study group and used the time to prepare for upcoming finals. “We were all teaching each other and we all learned the material a lot better,” Conner said. “I felt way more prepared for the exam.” San Diego State’s “Top Ten Tips for Success at SDSU” outlines general advice which may come in handy during this time of the semester. Students are advised to seek out quiet study locations—such as the library, study halls or empty classrooms—and avoid cramming or procrastinating by managing time wisely.
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features
Tuesday December 4, 2012 the daily aztec
3
Children’s museum houses youthful nostalgia
travel
& adventure
Bridget Chapman Staff Writer
Upon entering the New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego, laughs and excited voices filled the air. These giddy sounds would be expected from kids, thus filling the expectations of a children’s museum. However, on this particular night this is not the case. The laughter comes from a group of young adults climbing through tunnels, racing down slides and crawling around a maze releasing pure exuberance. This is the beauty of the New Children’s Museum: It is a place for people of all ages to enjoy themselves while gaining a new perspective on the world. Visitors who scan the three-story building upon entrance will notice a lack of isolated space because of the copious amount of art and activities. Unlike other museums, this is not an area to silently gaze at portraits and sculptures. Despite the industrial and abstract environment, the art and activities crave interaction. Visitors are encouraged to express themselves by touching and recreating their surroundings. With its current “TRASH” exhibit, eco-friendly based artwork and design are the focus for exploration. Pieces from artist Vik Muniz can be admired on the second
floor and feature interactive stations for guests. Muniz’s pieces depict people who pick recyclables from trash landfills for a living. He creates these images using trash itself. It’s a fascinating process where all museumgoers can learn and experiment on their own. Museum director of education and exhibitions Tomoko Kuta prides the museum on its uniqueness in comparison to others. It is a place dedicated to fun and unusual experiences for the community. “We are a catalyst for young learners,” Kuta said. Kuta and her team rotate the themes of the museum on 18-to24-month cycles. The vision for the themes comes from intricate exploration of the arts and the current practices of education presented in San Diego’s school systems. The team knows what is of interest to people and after doing further research, everything came together. Kuta explained that “TRASH” is a combination of 12 different artists who work with recycled materials and think about the environmental impact of their artwork. The Rain House featured in this exhibit personally enthralls her. Ernest Silva created “La Casa de Lluvia,” a large colorful house with images of birds, birdhouses and both English and Spanish writing on the sides. Through a spigot shooting water, the sound of rain pitter-pat-
tering on the ceiling and trickling down the walls can be heard inside the house. This structure was designed for San Diegans to feel and hear the effects of a rainstorm because it is a rare weather pattern in this city. A San Diego State design class had the opportunity to contribute pieces to the “TRASH” exhibit. The students worked in five teams of four or five people to create structures built from cardboard. These structures fill the lounge area, where both children and adults can utilize them. Results of the class’ project include a slide, rocking chair, tunnels and lounge chairs. The 3-D designs are a huge hit and Kuta noted it is one of the best projects she has worked with. The unusual materials and interesting designs make up the core of this exhibit and are also the heart of the museum. Kuta encourages students with a passion for art to explore the New Children’s Museum. “We’re not a gallery. Your art work is going to be loved, it’s going to be crawled on, it’s going to be touched, it’s going to be bitten,” Kuta said. SDSU art and design lecturer David Fobes is the educator behind the cardboard project. Kuta once took a furniture design class with Fobes. She trusted him to direct his students down the right path for this exhibit. Although the project has been
courtesy of david forbes
a lot of work, Fobes thoroughly enjoyed it. The cardboard idea stemmed from his classes because he enjoys using recyclable materials. Forbes said he was completely blown away by his students’ various creations and couldn’t be more proud. “If you assign a project and people complete it successfully and there’s a wide variety of ideas, then that’s a good project,” Fobes said. Multimedia art junior Andrew Jones never thought such creative projects could come out of cardboard. He thinks the image of art
is expanded when it doesn’t purely consist of painting or drawing. “The trash art incorporates a lot of elements that we definitely would not have realized were art or could’ve used for art. It’s very innovative,” Jones said. Jones also said the museum is a spot everyone should visit. He was amazed by all the informative and interactive pieces. The rock-climbing wall made out of cardboard was his personal favorite station. “I think our group has had more fun than the kids down here,” Jones said.
4
features
Tuesday December 4, 2012 The Daily Aztec
Undocumented Aztec journeys to citizenship
spotlight
Christian Benevides Staff Writer
San Diego State biology sophomore Teresa Camarillo was 6 years old when her mother and 4-year-old brother illegally crossed the Mexican border to America in 1998. With the shadows of their past behind them and the sun warming their hearts with hope, they embarked into the unknown. The family fled its small pueblo in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Bearing scars as a display of survival, Camarillo’s mother braved the journey as a recently separated parent. Only two days before their departure, her husband held a gun to her head while Camarillo and her brother Francisco hid in a nearby bush. “When we saw he was about to shoot her, we ran out towards him and told him not to do it and he just hit us,” Camarillo said. “He slapped me really hard.” The road to America was complicated. The Mexican natives had no choice but to cross the border illegally. The process began in Tijuana, Mexico. Camarillo said at the time, she was both scared and hopeful. For two days, she moved with her younger brother from house to house in Tijuana—inhabited by strangers offering promises like Christmas gifts. These people told her to wait and soon she would reach the U.S. Camarillo never questioned, trusting her mother, who had left to cross the scorching desert and the river that divided the open land between Mexico and the U.S. Many people die crossing this forbidden land, but Camarillo’s mother reassured her nothing would keep them apart for too long. Camarillo held onto her mother’s promise and stayed calm while adapting to the role of temporary caretaker for her brother. When the time came, the children were supposed to cross the border with fake papers and new identities. But things didn’t go as planned. Camarillo and her brother had to cross separately and find each other after they crossed. When it was Camarillo’s turn, those helping her cross, also known as coyotes, gave her a new name. They told her if she kept quiet and pretended to sleep, she would be home in a short time. When they met the border agent, she closed her eyes as hard as possible and forced herself to freeze up. But as she did this, a thought filled her mind: What was home? She did not know anymore. Everything ran smoothly and Camarillo found herself in the U.S. The arrangements continued and she was soon reunited with her brother at their aunt’s house. After two weeks, Camarillo’s mom made it across the border. Although she was exhausted and malnourished, the whole family rejoiced in their reunion. The next
obstacle was to build a new home in a foreign land. Once settled, Camarillo and her family faced new struggles. Camarillo remembered how she and her brother had trouble eating American food. “At first, I thought it was horrible,” Camarillo said. “I couldn’t eat the food here without throwing up. My brother had to go to the doctor to get pills so he could eat.” Furthermore, Camarillo said San Diego couldn’t be more different than her family’s pueblo in Mexico. There, the roads were dirt paths, restrooms were outhouses and the glassless windows of their small brick house only had bars covering them. “It was way different,” Camarillo said. “One thing I clearly remember from living in Mexico is going with my mom to the river to wash our clothes.” Their new lives were just as hard to digest as the new food. Camarillo’s mom worked two jobs to sustain the family. The only time she would come home was to cook food for her children. “We were practically living in the apartment by ourselves,” Camarillo said. “My mom even taught us really early how to use public transportation.” The absence of her mother made the integration into American schools difficult. The first school she attended was Franklin Elementary School. Camarillo could not speak English, so she was moved around a lot in grade school. “I would cry because I didn’t understand anything,” Camarillo said. “My mom would tell me to
courtesy of teresa camarillo
to prove her wrong. It pushed me even more.” Camarillo didn’t spend much time pondering her shortcomings. Instead, she thought about the future—college. For many undocumented students, college is another unknown territory they must cross. Many of them are first-generation college students. “Your parents don’t understand how college is,” Camarillo said. “My mom only got to eighth grade, so I never knew who to go to for help.” But growing up, Camarillo knew she had to go to college. “The reason that we came over here was to get a better life ... I
during the few breaks she had between classes and work. In her second semester, Camarillo faced academic probation. “There are times when I am really motivated and times when I just feel like giving up,” Camarillo said. “It is so hard not being able to get help and manage everything.” Teresa is like a boxer though. At every round in her life, she blocks some hits and others get her straight in the face, but she always gets back up. Her drive stems from her goal to improve her family’s life; it’s pain now but a sweet healing later. “It is difficult, but why not keep
going and working for a better future?” she asked. Camarillo’s struggle with rejection, frustration, fear, lack of help and constant wounding of her spirit have made her life difficult, but she continues to move forward. She recently received her visa and in three years, she can apply for residency. “Things are looking good and we can be here safely without having to worry all of the time,” Camarillo said. Camarillo looks toward the future she has fought for every single day since she crossed the border at the age of six.
My ... teacher used to tell me how I was a doing great job ... but then in the parent/teacher conference meetings, she told my mom she wasn’t sure I was going to pass ... It pushed me even more. Teresa Camarillo Biology sophomore
stick it out and I would learn.” As she attended different schools for about two years, Camarillo was tutored before school, during lunch, after school and sometimes on weekends. Camarillo was backtracked an entire school year. The challenges of her education tested Camarillo’s strength. As soon as she learned to speak English fluently, she pushed herself constantly to do her best in school, but was met with complications. “My fourth-grade teacher used to tell me how I was doing a great job and praise me, but then in the parent/teacher conference meetings, she told my mom she wasn’t sure I was going to pass the fourth grade or even make it to middle school,” Camarillo said. “That crushed me. I wanted
As soon as (Camarillo) learned to speak English fluently, she pushed herself constantly to do her best in school, but was met with complications.
always wanted to make my mom proud for taking the huge risk she took to come over here,” Camarillo said. “Anything could have happened while she crossed the desert.” In her last three years at Mira Mesa High School, Camarillo joined the Advancement Via Individual Determination program, an elective offered to prepare students for college. It wasn’t until her senior year that AVID gave Camarillo the key to opening up the door for college. Camarillo didn’t think she could attend college as an undocumented student, but she learned from AVID she could sign up to be an AB 540 student, which would allow her to pay resident tuition instead of the non-resident tuition. Despite the decrease in tuition, Camarillo still needed extra help paying for college. During her first year at SDSU, Camarillo worked at a restaurant on weekdays from 4 p.m. - 1 a.m., sometimes picking up double shifts on the weekends. Working long hours made juggling her classes difficult. Camarillo struggled to finish her homework
courtesy of teresa camarillo
features
Tuesday December 4, 2012 the daily aztec
5
OB Noodle House features eclectic ambiance
food
& drink
Eric Dobko Staff Writer
Overhead, two floating pink elephants soar through the celestial skies with their long, fleshy trunks extended toward one another in passion. To my left, Samurais swiftly unsheathe gleaming, handcrafted katanas as dusk dims the light enveloping their masterful dance of death. To my right, Kobe Bryant imperiously approaches the free throw line clutching an orange leather ball between his hands that controls an entire nation’s fate. In front of me, tofu lettuce wraps fervently stare me down, their green onions, water chestnuts, mushrooms and garlic spiraling into an amalgamation of culinary bliss. Meanwhile, speakers fill the room with the sound of Mick Jagger’s insatiable dissatisfaction. Needless to say, OB Noodle House has ambience. “My approach to designing this restaurant was really just based around a single question: ‘what would I want from a restaurant if I were the customer?’” OB Noodle House owner Steve Yeng said. Like a young Californian Confucius of restaurant management, Yeng gives me his philosophy of running the popular Ocean Beach restaurant. “You just need to know where to put the money that you’ll inevitably have to use. The money that most companies spend on their advertising is money that could be given right back to the customer, which is really what should come first,” Yeng said. If the food and atmosphere are enjoyable, it seems, then the clientele will promote the busines. (That, of course, and fledgling writers looking for a free meal.) Despite an early departure from his college education, Yeng nonetheless went on to use the combination of his real estate prowess and street smarts to purchase the empty building that, within just a few years, evolved into one of Ocean Beach’s most successful restaurants. Every night, OB Noodle House hosts a gregarious crowd with its casual, yet avant-garde theme situated somewhere between the East and the West, between pho and beer, between kung fu movies and classic rock and between Voltaire Street and Muir Street. Through the wonderful perks of reviewing restaurants, Yeng hands me a blank check and I immediately set out to work. A few Beatles songs and sake shots later, entrées find their way to my table, consisting of a bowl of pho, a plate of assorted veggie stir-fried egg noodles and those tofu lettuce wraps I hyperbolized earlier. Salivating with excitement, I take a savory lettuce wrap with my eager hands and prepare my foodhole for entry. Upon contact of the oriental medley with my wild, writhing tongue, time suddenly comes to a standstill and the stars align. With a fiery passion, my taste buds erupt like solar flares arching off the surface of the sun. My pupils dilate with such intensity that my eyes transfigure into two lunar eclipses of dietary passion. My mind overflows with such incredible bliss that, for just a moment, I lose all regrets, all worries, all pain. It tastes good.
Really good. I wash down the bite with a shot of melon sake. The drink cascades down my esophagus, filling my stomach with warm pleasure and my liver with the fear of more abuse from its master. Using the venerable “pasta-forkroll” technique we have all come to know and love, I take some of the veggie noodle stir-fry and introduce it to my teeth. My palette gives its approval once again, so I proceed to finish it off with a gulp of some fresh hot pho, bringing me back to that tasty, familiar comfort that a bowl of pho should. Countless sake shots and solar flares later, I realize that I’m not Adam Richman from Man v. Food and decide to hold onto my life for another day. I ask the waiter for a “to go” bucket for the pho or for, as he later corrects me, a “phucket.” Looking back on the memory, I’m quite glad that the rice liquor didn’t erase it. The food was flat out delicious—it alone would keep me coming back even if the restaurant was just one of those hole-in-the-wall takeout joints. By the way, there is also an ample selection on the menu for all of you carnivores. I apologize that I don’t
courtesy of ob noodle house
Leppard can do it, so can I. The drink selection was also impressive; the restaurant had everything on tap from Belgian Delirium Tremens ale to locally brewed Stone IPAs, along with a wide variety of high-end but reasonably priced liquors. But the real thing that set OB Noodle House apart from other eateries was its atmosphere. The
My approach to designing this resturant was really just based around a single question: ‘What would I want from a restaurant if I were the customer?’ Steve Yeng OB Noodle House Owner
exactly have the ideal diet for a writer in this profession—hiring a vegetarian food critic is like bringing a one-armed drummer into your band. But hey, if Def
informal and outgoing approach of the staff mixed with the boisterousness of the customers made for an enjoyable night. Ocean Beach has always been a
town that defies convention, and Yeng has effectively applied the town’s unreserved style to the restaurant experience. As if OB Noodle House’s daily $1 beer happy hour wasn’t already too good to be true, this holiday season the owner has scheduled some liver-festering festivities for the restaurant’s customers. “This Christmas, we’ll be doing a big thank you to all of our customers and be throwing a 25 cent beer day,” Yeng said. “We regularly play a good amount of Bob Dylan, Credence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, The Doors and all that. So to complement the music, we’ll be bringing the beer price down to what it cost back in the ‘60s. We’ll also be throwing the first annual Ocean Beach snowball fight!” Having dodged a severely gluttonous check, I get up, throw on my jacket and express gratitude to Yeng on behalf of my swollen stomach and sake-inundated conscious. As I’m about to make my way for the door, I pause to
take in my surroundings once more through a newly satisfied mindset. The Samurais in the film to my left now lay dead in an empty field, their swords stained with the blood of their rivals. To my right, Kobe Bryant pouts alongside millions of middle-aged American men as the Lakers lose to the Spurs, 84-82. The tofu lettuce wraps on my plate have been completely decimated; their lingering fragrance on my mustache is all that remains. Even The Rolling Stones have long been surpassed on the playlist, replaced by the supersonic electric guitar orgasms of Jimi Hendrix. Looking up, however, my glazed eyes widen to find the ceiling mural of floating pink elephants exactly how I had left it. With trunks outstretched toward one another in acceptance, their angelic pinkness has remained suspended in those heavenly clouds all this time, never to falter, never to fall. Without judgment or fear, I realize the extent to which their warm elephant love knows no bounds.
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6
sports
Tuesday December 4, 2012 The Daily Aztec
from MEN’S BASKETBALL page 1
guard Chase Tapley, who scored five of the nine points. Eventually, SDSU built a 13-1 lead less than seven minutes into the game because of the six consecutive points scored by senior forward DeShawn Stephens. The Tigers found momentum and made it 27-16, but a 3-pointer by Franklin and a jumper by Stephens increased the lead to 3216. SDSU finished the first half in the lead 34-16. Texas Southern came out as the aggressor in the second half, going on a 13-4 run to cut the lead to 3829. The teams continued to trade baskets, but the Aztecs held onto a double-digit lead. The Tigers were able to pull within eight points of the Aztecs with more than 10 minutes to go in the game, but SDSU went on a 14-4 run of its own to make it an 18-point game.
Four Aztecs scored in doublefigures, including sophomore forward Dwayne Polee, who had 10 points, his most as an Aztec. Tapley had 16 points, while Stephens set a season-high with 13 points.
Turning point
Stephens and freshman forward Winston Shepard put the Aztecs on a 7-0 run, giving SDSU a 3416 halftime lead and momentum going into the second half.
It was over when… With just more than seven
The Tigers found momentum and made it 2716, but a 3-pointer by Franklin and a jumper by Stephens increased the lead to 32-16. SDSU finished the first half in the lead 34-16.
gave the Aztecs a 15-point lead late in the game.
Play of the game
In the final minute of the game and with the shot clock winding down, Tapley threw an alley-oop from the top of the key to Franklin, who finished the play with a reverse dunk to send what was left of the crowd into a frenzy.
Stat of the game After not attempting a free throw in the first half, the Aztecs made 15 of the 17 free throws they attempted in the second half, good enough for an 88.2 percent mark.
Player of the game With a little more than three minutes left in the first half, the Tigers cut the deficit to 27-16, but a trey by Franklin and baskets by
minutes left in the game, Franklin pulled down a defensive rebound and threw a cross-court pass to Tapley for the layup. The basket
all photos by antonio zaragoza , editor in chief
Franklin recorded his fourth double-double of the season and has now scored in double-figures in 28 consecutive games.
Notebook • The Aztecs have won 19 consecutive games in the month of December. • Tapley returned to the starting lineup after sitting out the USC game because of a knee injury. He came off the bench against UCLA. • Texas Southern did not hit its first field goal until 9:28 into the game. • SDSU is now 5-0 all-time against members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. • The Tigers shot 18.5 percent (5for-27) from the field in the first half. • This is SDSU’s first of a fourgame homestand. The Aztecs’ next three opponents are the University of California, Santa Barbara, the University of San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene. • The Aztecs are riding a six-game winning streak.
ENTERTAINMENT
7
Tuesday December 4, 2012 the daily aztec
‘Walking Dead’ game brings the zombie apocalypse
aztec gaming
Cedric Lansangan Contributor
Sometimes, life seems too shiny; shiny in the sense that all of the niceties and posturing that have become part of modern everyday life are merely masks all people are taught from birth to wear; a mask people use to cover up their true human nature. What, you ask, is the true nature of man? If you’ve taken a philosophy class at San Diego State, you’ll know true human nature rears its ugly head almost everywhere you look, from politics to war to thirdworld countries and low-income communities. Yet, flaws and all, what humans have today is paradise compared to the desperate, melancholy and zombie-ridden world developer Telltale Games has masterfully created in its latest and best episodic game series. Based on the wildly popular transmedia universe, “The Walking Dead” began as a humble comic book series and has now become a three-word legend on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, you name it. Like its past games, Telltale’s “The Walking Dead” is basically a point-and-click adventure spanning five episodes. You may be aware Telltale’s past movieto-game adaptations, such as “Back to the Future,” received predominantly negative reviews with a common consensus that the gameplay mechanics killed the otherwise-solid story, animation and voice acting. Rest assured, however, Telltale didn’t make the same mistakes again with “The Walking Dead.” Before getting into the game, a little background is needed to understand what’s going on (don’t worry, relatively no spoilers here, but if you want everything fresh and new, you should skip this paragraph). The player controls Lee, a convicted murderer who is literally thrust into the zombie apocalypse (hopefully, you’ll understand the
reference when you play). Lee, in a fateful moment of serendipity, soon comes across an 8-year-old girl named Clementine in her backyard while searching for help. He quickly adopts her in an attempt to make amends for his crimes, a decision which drives the game’s events and choicebased story line, especially in the last few episodes. Telltale’s choice to make “The Walking Dead” a decision-based game was an excellent one. Not only does it add replay value, but it also culminates nicely into one of the most nerve-racking, but poignantly human conversations in the last episode. All five episodes present the player with difficult choices which determine whether characters live or die. However, the first three episodes are the most powerful and emotionally taxing. Similar to the TV show, “The Walking Dead” video game never lets up on the dark and twisted themes central to the comic books that inspired its creation. No spoilers here, but some of the choices you’re faced with are downright disturbing. When it comes down to life or death, selfpreservation becomes paramount
Telltale’s version of “The Walking Dead” is an absolute must-play and a probable Game of the Year winner. and attracting zombies to you by making a sound to save someone else will probably not be on the top of a survivalist’s to-do list. When you get bit, there’s no cureall shot, antidote or medicine to heal you. Instead, you die slowly and painfully, then “reanimate” as one of them. This, to me, is a very powerful theme many other games overlook without
telltale games
Telltale Games adapts “The Walking Dead” into a terrifying point-and-click adventure. The decision-driven game design poises itself as a potential Game of the Year winner.
attempting to leverage the emotional turmoil of putting down a loved one who is bitten to save them from “turning” invariably produces. One of the themes that made “The Walking Dead” comic book series so popular is its almostflawless portrayal of the human race in its darkest hour. Again, no spoilers here, but when the game reveals the key antagonist’s motivation for harassing Lee after his death, I almost felt remorse for the decisions which led to the character’s demise. He clearly broke the insanityborder a long time ago, and yet, killing him gave no real solace to Lee or myself. Once you get to the end of episode 5, hopefully you’ll feel the same way. Because of the overwhelmingly positive fan and media reaction, Telltale has already officially announced a “second season” of “The Walking Dead” game. To add to the pomp and circumstance, the game’s first season has also been
nominated for Game of the Year by several media outlets, most notably Spike’s 2012 Video Game Awards. During my time playing and replaying, “The Walking Dead’s” gameplay remains pretty solid. Apart from a few confusing and laggy animations during fastpaced events throughout the five episodes, the point-and-click controls work well on PC, but fit comfortably on any console. In terms of environmental exploration and interaction, Telltale did a very good job with consistency, fluidity and environmental boundaries, although I don’t appreciate how Lee walks into an invisible wall when the player tries to go past a boundary. Much of what takes up game time is dialogue alone, but that was more of a pro than a con. The dialogue brought the characters to life, which made them human. Unlike “Call of Duty,” “Dead Rising” or “Resident Evil,” “The Walking
Dead’s” characters aren’t indestructible juggernauts with infinite ammo and extra lives (although you can die and have to replay the specific part you failed). Not that those things aren’t fun and all, but “The Walking Dead” does so much more without those constraints common among post-apocalyptic video games and movies. Overall, Telltale’s version of “The Walking Dead” is an absolute must-play and a probable Game of the Year winner. Out of a score of five, despite some flaws and a hard-hitting ending worthy of the comic books that spawned it, Telltale’s “The Walking Dead” earns a solid five out of five.
REVIEW Game: the walking dead developer: telltale games RATING:
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Tuesday December 4, 2012 The Daily Aztec
Sorry that I’m not sorry
humor
Hayley Rafner
T
Senior Staff Writer
his just in: My sarcasm doesn’t translate, in full, to all people of the world. Wait, what? You mean to tell me people don’t always understand how that I say, “I’m dead” after seeing a fabulous pair of studded loafers, I’m not actually dead? Or when I say, “I want to kill myself” 17 times a day when I’m annoyed that I’m not actually contemplating suicide? Who would have thought that not everyone has the exact same sense of humor? You like Honey Boo Boo, I want to throw her off a bridge. I’m obsessed with drag queens, you may be a rightwing gun-loving Republican.
of speech and expression. It allows me the beauty to believe what I want to believe and tell everyone—or no one— exactly how I feel about what I feel like talking about. And you know what the cherry on top of it is? No one, anywhere, can tell me I can’t. That being said, I’m fully aware that sometimes, my “crass sass and sarcasm” comes off as rude if you don’t know me. And it should be said, to all of you Aztecs, what I say is never meant to harm and offend, and is always in good fun, but I get it. Not everyone thinks the dramatics and sense of
We live in a world where a bunch of old ladies and dudes fought really hard to make freedom happen and it would be a great disservice ... not to stand on our soapboxes and spew our naïveté. But you know what? That’s the beauty of America. The brilliance of our country allows me to post whatever I want on my Facebook page, whether it’s sassy commentary on Lindsay Lohan’s latest arrest or my hatred for Chris Brown. It allows me the freedom to say whatever I want about the Kardashians, Christina Aguilera, eggnog and people who think a little too highly of themselves. It allows me freedom
over-the-top hullabaloo I put onto ordinary, run-of-the-mill events are entertaining and that’s OK. I also know putting myself out there and making people laugh is all I could ever hope to do with my life. I also understand, most importantly, putting myself out there and loudly—very loudly if you know me personally— expressing my opinion opens me up to waves of criticism. I
realize—much like my spirit animals in the celebrity world—being in the public eye (no matter how large or small the public may be; from readers of The Daily Aztec to consumers of TMZ) opens the floodgates to a plethora of critiques and praises. I take them all to heart with an immense amount of gratitude. So thanks for reading and telling me how great I am, but also, thanks for reading and telling me how annoying, young and naive I am, too. One of the most important things I’ve ever learned is to stand up for what I believe in and not apologize for it. Whether it’s fighting for equal rights, standing up for my best friend who’s being wronged or defending my right to sarcastically comment on all areas of life in a college newspaper, do what you have to do and don’t apologize. Take no prisoners. Speak your mind. Express yourself in whatever way you deem necessary. Prepare yourself for backlash, take criticism and keep your head held high. We live in a world where a bunch of old ladies and dudes fought really hard to make freedom happen and it would be a great disservice to our ancestors and heritage not to stand on our soapboxes and spew our naïveté, no matter how many nameless, faceless bloggers say we’re wrong.
HOROSCOPE
by Nancy Black, Tribune Media Services
Today’s Birthday (12/4/12) - Drink in time alone this year with a journal, your thoughts and a cup of tea. Plan for what you want and aim high. Treat yourself well. Care for one who needs it. Family comes first, and home is where your heart is. 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 - Be respectful, and listen to another’s cries. Provide information. Passion requires commitment. Maintain objectivity. Let them know you appreciate the feedback. Say how you feel later. Postpone travel. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 9 - Conditions begin to improve, with compromise achieved. A female sets the tone and pace. Don’t ask many questions. Take coaching from an expert, and practice. It works out. Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 - Misunderstandings are likely. Nonetheless, commit to your passions. Consult with a co-worker on a priority. Bring in more wealth. Postpone a shopping trip. Enjoy what you have. Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Contentment reigns at home. On the spot creativity is required, and it’s fun and random. Help others generate necessary funds from available resources. Speak from your heart. Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 - Intuition enters the picture. Don’t push too hard. Hammer out the details. New information dispels old fears. Test it before sealing up everything. A lovely moment is possible. Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 5
- Your suggestions may not be immediately accepted. Don’t get intimidated. Keep planning. There could be a communications breakdown, with temporary confusion. Postpone a celebration or financial discussion. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 - Invest in your infrastructure. Obtain the necessary materials. Don’t celebrate by spending more. Make financial talk fun. Meticulous planning pays off. Positive numbers appear on the balance sheet. Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - Take care not to step on toes, and connect with the group for public success. It’s not a good time to question authority, unless hiring an expert. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Use the energy others generate. Don’t gossip about work. Postpone travel and expansion. It could get tense, so relax. Keep your head down. Get money for improvements now. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 6 - Follow through on your plan. Arguing just makes it take longer. Minimize financial risks and watch for hidden dangers. Work interferes with travel. Provide information. Enjoy local cuisine. Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - Soak up information, and let your partner do the talking. Visualize perfection. Act on profitable ideas. Expect a visitor you haven’t seen for some time. Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 - You can get whatever you need, and easily avoid a mistake. You’ve earned some rest. Others are drawn to you today. Bask in the glow. Postpone an outing. ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.
SUDOKU
by The Mepham Group, Tribune Media Services
Difficulty Level: 2 out of 4 Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.
looking through our lens
Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com ©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.
FREAKIN’ TWEET! CROSSWORD
paige nelson , photo editor
Bon Voyage
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Across 1 Ho-hum time 5 Ship’s command post 9 Zip preceder 14 Really-really 15 Verdi’s “Celeste Aida,” e.g. 16 Hypothesize 17 Quits worrying 19 Oohed and __ 20 “Luncheon on the Grass” painter 21 Law firm bigwigs 23 Group with many golden agers 26 Failed firecracker 27 Like 56 minutes of each hour of The Masters telecast 34 Federal Web address ending 35 Office betting groups 36 Curaçao neighbor 37 TV’s talking horse 39 Drum kit drum 41 “Want the light __ off?” 42 “Stick Up for Yourself” nasal spray 44 Glittery topper 46 Molecule with a + charge, e.g. 47 “Get off my back!” 50 Mischief-maker 51 Hose fillers? 52 Wide-awake 57 Wanted poster word 61 Longish skirts 62 Unfinished business, or, in a way, what 17-, 27- and 47Across have in common 65 Temporarily unavailable 66 Sask. neighbor 67 Macro or micro subj. 68 Help desk staffers, usually 69 Hornet’s home 70 Tebow throw, say Down 1 Quarter of a quad, perhaps 2 Perlman of “Cheers” 3 Part of YMCA: Abbr. 4 Pep rally cry
/ THEDailyAztec by Rich Norris & Joyce Lewis, Tribune Media Services
Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 5 Possess, in the Hebrides 6 Christian __ 7 Speech impediment 8 Honduras native 9 Patty turner 10 How a pendulum swings 11 Tennis great Arthur 12 Row at Wrigley 13 LAX guesstimates 18 Email doesn’t require one 22 Nutritional abbr. 24 1920s-’30s Flying Clouds, e.g. 25 Chop-chop 27 Greek vacation isle 28 For all to see 29 Insurance case 30 Knesset country 31 Written in mystical letters 32 Kindle download
33 Deservedly get 34 Former car-financing org. 38 Dwindle 40 Hebrides tongue 43 Archrivals 45 Aquarium accumulation 48 One seeking intelligence 49 In dreamland 52 Leave out 53 “Ponderosa” tree 54 PTA’s focus 55 Lust for life 56 Charitable distribution 58 Machu Picchu resident 59 Fusses 60 Federal IDs 63 Extra NHL periods 64 Did nothing