01-24-2011

NO STRINGS

LIGHT THE FIRES

TECH ADDICTION

Portman and Kutcher shine in racy “No Strings Attached.”

Find out where to eat and drink next to a fire.

Dependency on tech has caused social decay.

dailyaztec the

Monday, January 24, 2011

w w w. T h e D a i l y A z t e c . c o m

Vol. 96, Issue 60

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913

INDEX:

Instructor dies in murder-suicide Nichelle Nelson found strangled, voicemail points to husband SANDY CORONILLA S TA F F W R I T E R

The bodies of a San Diego State instructor and her husband were found on Dec. 24 in their Temecula home, more than a week after an apparent murder-suicide.

Nichelle Nelson, 43, was a lecturer and clinical supervisor in the Early Childhood Socio-Emotional Behavior Regulation Intervention Specialist certificate program within the SDSU Department of Child and Family Development.

On Dec. 14, Nelson’s husband John Arthur Reyes, 49, left an expletive-laced voice mail message for his brother saying he had killed Nelson, according to The Press-Enterprise.

However, the brother did not receive the message until several days later.

Reyes’ brother then drove to the couple’s home and found Reyes’ body hanged in the master bedroom. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was called and deputies discovered Nelson’s body in the study. She had been strangled.

During Winter Break, news of Nelson’s death shocked the ECSEBRIS program. Nelson guided a small group of 16 students through reflective supervision and field experience during the fall semester.

Shane Padamada, in the graduate certificate program, was one of the students who found out about Nelson’s death from a news article a classmate sent through the ECSEBRIS e-mail list.

“I was speechless. I thought, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this. There’s no way.’ I had to read (the article) multiple times for it to register,” Padamada said.

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The murder method haunted Padamada and others in the program.

Denise Arneson, also in the graduate certificate program, said Nelson came to class on Nov. 9 and told them she had been choked. Unknown to the students, Reyes was arrested on Nov. 7 on suspicion of assault, domestic violence and possession of methamphetamine.

“She came into class on a Tuesday and apologized for her throat being hoarse,” Arneson said. “I thought maybe she had a cold, but then she told us she had been attacked. That was not the response we were expecting to get. It took a little while to process but then another student asked her what happened and if she was all right. She said ‘Yes,’ … but she didn’t want to talk about it.”

The students were flabbergasted but Nelson continued to lecture for the remainder of class time. As the students trekked across campus to their next class, they discussed what they had heard.

“We were very concerned for her and also concerned because myself, Denise and another student were considering going to her house on Thursday, the Veteran’s Day holiday that we had off, to complete some hours that we needed,” Padamada said.

Padamada and Arneson said the students decided to ask for advice from their next lecturer, Dr. Sascha Mitchell, who advised them to tell the department chair, Dr. Shulamit Ritblatt. “(Nelson) did confirm that her husband was the one who choked her, that she reported him to the police and he was in custody of the police,” Ritblatt said. After Ritblatt made sure Nelson was safe, she referred her to a mental health specialist. Nelson agreed to contact the clinical psychologist and also said she planned to divorce Reyes.

Read the rest of the story online at thedailyaztec.com.

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TODAY @ STATE Open Auditions, 9:30am — 4:30pm, Theater building First day to pick up tickets for basketball game on Sat., Jan. 29

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opinion ... 4

sports ... 6

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backpage ... 8

SDS-VIEW

THE DAILY AZTEC LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE The new semester brought with it The Daily Aztec’s redesigned website. Students can visit www.thedailyaztec.com for the latest campus news, including many stories not published in the print edition.

CRIME BEAT Mugging on College Ave.

Antonio Zaragoza / Photo Editor

Last Wednesday, one female student had her first day of the spring semester interrupted by a team of four muggers.

Two men approached the victim as she was walking alone on College Avenue at 2:30 p.m. When the victim refused to give the two her purse, the suspects snatched it from her, ran across College Avenue and jumped into a Ford Focus with two other men inside. The car was last seen heading southbound on Cresita Avenue.

Child and family development junior Kristen Caldwell was the victim of a very similar crime in November. She was approached

from behind at approximately 8:15 p.m. by a man carrying a gun as she walked behind University Towers and had her schoolbag taken from her. Moments later, she saw another man with the suspect as he fled, getting into a white Toyota with two other men inside.

While it is unknown whether the two incidents are related, Capt.

Lamine Secka of the SDSU Police Department said the connection “is certainly something the SDPD will be examining.”

Campanile Drive assault Early Friday morning, a female student was walking home when a

male pursued her, grabbed her arm and punched her in the eye. The victim evaded the suspect and contacted the police. The victim said she didn’t have anything the suspect could have taken besides her phone, which was in her pocket.

According to the Campus Community Crime Alert issued for the incident, the suspect is a white male, approximately 5-foot-10-inches to 6-feet tall weighing 160 to 180 pounds with light blond hair. The suspect was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans, with no facial hair.

Anyone with information relating to these incidents can call Crime Stoppers at 619-235-8477.

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The Daily Aztec

ENTERTAINMENT

Monday, January 24, 2011

PASS THE POPCORN

Portman and Kutcher shine in racy comedy SARAH GRIECO S TA F F W R I T E R

Now that it’s past the date for Oscar submissions, Hollywood can start having some fun and dole out the less serious films. “No Strings Attached,” one of the first truly good romantic comedies to hit the silver screen this year, stars A-listers Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher.

The plotline isn’t the typical boy-meetsgirl scenario. In this case, Adam (Kutcher) and Emma (Portman) decide after years of embarrassing encounters, it’s time to elevate their relationship into something more unorthodox: friends with benefits. Adam makes the easy decision to become Emma’s boy toy after a 45-second drunken romp. It seems to be all fun and games for a while, until Adam develops feelings for Emma.

That’s when the complexities begin, and the movie seems to carry an interesting question within the subtext: Can people check their feelings at the door when having casual sex?

The few awkward moments of the movie involve the character’s parents and crass nude scenes, but those can be easily overlooked in favor of the incredible supporting cast. Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) and newcomer Greta Gerwig execute the role of funny roommates perfectly, and the surprisingly hilarious Ludacris and adorably funny Jake Johnson play Adam’s pals. Be warned, the underbelly of female relationships is on full display, which may make the men in the audience a bit queasy.

Portman seems to have a really good time with a lighter role, which is a stark contrast from her dark, twisted character in “Black

Swan.” For the women in the audience, it won’t be hard to envy pretty Portman as she plays every man’s fantasy. She’s a beautiful, petite doctor who wolfs down pancakes and chugs milkshakes all while sexing it up with hunky Adam.

Kutcher, on the other hand, is slightly typecast as a partying frat boy living in Los Angeles, but he pulls it off with his boyish good looks and swagger. For most of the movie, Kutcher’s character is simply going along for the ride, which strikes an eerie resemblance to his acting career. He has yet to surprise anyone with the roles he plays and seems to be riding the tide in his latest film.

In an interesting twist, “No Strings Attached” reverses the roles of typical romcoms. Instead of the girl pining for the guy, this movie displays a young, professional woman unwilling to commit to her hot friend with benefits. It’s nice to see a rated R film capture the complications of this type of relationship without being too crass or overgeneralized. The outcome is interesting, and worth watching simply to find out if relationships can remain platonic when sex is involved.

It’s often difficult to enjoy a movie where the main characters get together in the beginning, but “No Strings Attached” shows viewers the comical side of having a friend with benefits. There are plenty of laughs for all, but this one may be best left to the ladies for girl’s night out.

Movie: No Strings Attached Directed by: Ivan Reitman Release Date: Jan. 21 Grade: B+

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher challenge the idea of friends with benefits in “No Strings Attached.”

Monday, January 24, 2011

FOOD & DRINK

The Daily Aztec

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Dine and drink fireside at these hot spots KELLY CALLAS S TA F F W R I T E R

It’s common knowledge: San Diego has great weather. While fellow Americans are busy zipping up their parkas and maneuvering through a flurry of frozen roads during the icy winter months, San Diegans are taking it easy in flip-flops under clear skies. However, there is one inconvenient truth about San Diego’s superior climate: Sometimes, it gets cold. This is by no means true for San Diego transplants from the Midwest or East Coast, but for locals, anything below 70 degrees is downright frigid. Luckily, San Diego offers a perfect remedy for the occasional cool night: fireside drinking and dining.

For the 21 and older crowd, the Gaslamp Quarter is an ideal place to stop and savor San Diego’s most intoxicating hotspots.

Located at 275 Fifth Ave. upstairs from The Old Spaghetti Factory, Dussini Loft Bar boasts an impressive 10-foot-long fireplace surrounded by comfortable seats and cocktail tables. A perfect location to warm up with one of the bar’s signature cocktails, patrons willing to venture away from this heated alcove may also find Dussini’s expansive billiards room to be a playful alternative to the typical downtown diversion.

Those seeking more classic comforts on their night out may want to explore The

Tipsy Crow, located at 770 Fifth Ave. This bar occupies a building more than 130 years old and features three distinct levels that cater to three distinct tastes. Though all levels are worth acknowledgment, guests looking to warm up on a cold night may find themselves drawn to the bar’s top floor, known as The Nest. This lavishly decorated lounge lays claim to two fireplaces, a rich law library, hardwood floors and heavily upholstered furniture fit for many heated evenings of fun and indulgence.

San Diegans unable to legally imbibe need not feel left out. Located at 4445 Lamont St. in Pacific Beach, Lamont Street Grill is an excellent option for couples seeking an accessible, romantic night out. The restaurant offers both indoor and heated outdoor seating, and by planning ahead couples can snag one of the few tables located in close proximity to the patio’s welcoming fireplace. Enjoy a warm meal by the crackling fire and top off the evening with one of the restaurant’s complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries or seasonal fruits.

Looking for a more casual place to warm up with friends? Ortega’s, a Mexican Bistro, provides an invitingly contemporary atmosphere with a cozy bar-side fireplace fit for sipping signature pomegranate margaritas before heading into the main restaurant for Baja-style lobster and homemade tortillas.

Ortega’s Cantina has open seating for all ages, and is located at 141 University Ave.

San Diegans swoon for Cottage cooking

Antonio Zaragoza / Photo Editor

Finally, every good student knows studying is sometimes best done away from the distractions of noisy neighbors or rowdy roommates. Cutters Point, located at 6011 El Cajon Blvd. in the College Area, is a convenient and cozy alternative to residence hall or library-based study sessions. The best part: This shop has an easily operated fireplace

Authentic Asian cuisine on Convoy St surprises KELLY CALLAS S TA F F W R I T E R

Courtesy of The Cottage

MIRANDA ADLER S TA F F W R I T E R

The crowd congregating around The Cottage in La Jolla on the corner of Fay Avenue and Kline Street is constant. Young couples hold hands, students and elderly folks are common customers, all more than willing to wait their turn for a seat beneath a cozy heat lamp outside. Locals, or anyone who has recently purchased a guidebook, know where to come for tasty Southern California cuisine and prime people watching.

The Cottage, renovated from a home that was built in 1915, offers generous portions of usual breakfast favorites for around $10, including omelettes, eggs and goods (both baked and battered). Manager Jackie Beoris gushed about one of the more popular orders, stuffed French toast, described as country-style French toast stuffed with strawberry compote and mascarpone cheese. Breakfast is served until 11:30 a.m. on weekdays, noon on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays.

The lunch menu features soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches averaging $12. The veggie sandwich, complete with double vegetable patties, melted cheddar and grilled onions on sourdough parmesan cheese toast, is a standout. As dishes are served sur-

prisingly quickly, diners’ “oohs” and “aahs” are audible from the sidewalk.

Beoris said the restaurant is constantly busy, no matter the time of year.

“We’re definitely busiest on the weekends,” Beoris said. “The wait can get to be around 30 to 40 minutes.”

Free coffee and snacks are served to those who brave the wait on weekends.

After salivating over other customer’s dining choices, it’s easy to see why this restaurant is a popular choice.

One couple visiting from the U.K., Lois and Colin Nicholas, heard about The Cottage and its pristine reputation from a visitor’s guide.

“It’s so packed in here,” Colin Nicholas said between bites of a crumbling pastry.

“That’s always a good sign.”

The abundance of staff makes customers forget about how packed the place is, constantly refilling drinks and making small talk. The handicap lift, installed after a renovation in 2009, makes the restaurant easily accessible to the frequenting older demographic.

Owners John and Laura Wolfe currently manage the original Cottage in Wellesley, Mass. Beoris said there are plans to open another on the East Coast in April, which will reflect the same casual, Southern California feel of the other two locations.

The Cottage is more than the average La Jolla eatery and sure to please a variety of diners.

available to all guests. So, make sure to pick a seat close to the fire and enjoy a hot cup of coffee while cracking the books.

Don’t give in to the chill. With all the fireside dining San Diego has to offer, warm nights are never too far out of reach. Go ahead and grab a bite, grab a drink and enjoy the heat.

At first glance, Convoy Street seems entirely forgettable. Located in Kearny Mesa between Aero Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, the densely populated stretch of this concrete artery appears little more than a common string of strip malls and car dealerships. But take another look.

Posted signs are written in Asian characters with English subtitles. As loyal veteran diners may already know, tucked behind those signs are some of the city’s most authentic Korean, Japanese and Thai restaurants — to name a few. This is not just any other street; Convoy is unexpected, alive and bringing Asian flavor to San Diego.

Convoy Tofu House, located at 4229 Convoy St. in Convoy Center, is no exception to the block’s subtle intrigue. Don’t go in expecting five-star ambience. The menus are plastic and the radio music is crackling with static. The food, however, is just the kind of thing that makes this street memorable. This restaurant offers distinctive Korean dishes such as bibimbap, a hot bowl of crispy rice, vegetables, meat and egg; bulgogi, marinated meat cooked over an open flame; and a variety of tofu stews at prices ranging from $9 to $17. These costs may be atypical for the general area, but when looking for a taste of Korean cuisine, Convoy Tofu House is food from the Seoul.

Diners looking to spice things up may want to check out Chilies Thai Gourmet.

Located in the same parking lot as The Original Pancake House at 3904 Convoy St., this restaurant wins notable reviews as Convoy’s tiny Thai secret. With spice levels ranging from 1 to 10, even seasoned flame swallowers are urged to think twice before ordering high on the scale. The restaurant’s pink walls and plastic cushions may challenge the “gourmet” concept of its title, but Chilies Thai Gourmet doesn’t fail to serve a foodie’s choice of dishes at a reasonable price. Both lunch and dinner menus offer traditional Pad Thai, pan-fried rice noodles with hot sweet sauce, peanuts and bean sprouts; special vegetarian plates and a variety of Thai curries at prices around $7 for lunch and $10 for dinner.

Looking for a new date night restaurant?

Wa Dining Okan can inject spice into any relationship or palate. Located next to Nijiya, a bona fide Asian market, Wa Dining Okan breaks away from the typical American expression of Japanese food as merely sushi or tempura. It serves tapas style platters such as Nagasaki-style braised pork and gobo salad (stacked high with fried gobo root) with prices ranging from $5 to $13 every night. This restaurant is a stylish Japanese eatery without going over the top, and because of its small size and popularity, reservations are recommended.

For those who have not yet journeyed to Kearny Mesa’s little Asia, a culinary adventure awaits. These three restaurants are only a taste of what Convoy Street has to offer, and whatever one’s tastes may be, something new is waiting to be discovered..

File Photo

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OPINION

The Daily Aztec

Monday, January 24, 2011

Technology is becoming our worst addiction

I

’m deleting your friends on Facebook, tearing down the walls of your house on Second Life, digging up your crops on FarmVille and seizing your precious iPhone, TV and MacBook. If I had just accomplished this miraculous mission, how would you feel? Would you feel free, relieved even? Or would you be overwhelmed with a feeling of helplessness?

Considering most of us cannot even imagine going a single day without using one of our electronic devices, I think it’s safe to say our dependence on technology has finally reached a dire and detrimental breaking point.

The invasion of these gadgets has completely taken control of our lives, morphing us into pixelcrazed zombies while simultaneously fueling an obsessive global fixation on the virtual world. For the skeptics who refuse to acknowledge the extent and gravity of our technological obsession, consider the results of a recent survey conducted by Nielsen, which revealed half of all Americans have a social networking profile and spend about 23 percent of their time on social networking websites.

The invasion of these gadgets has completely taken over our lives, morphing us into pixel-crazed zombies while simultaneously fueling an obsessive global fixation on the virtual world.

The staggering figures aren’t difficult to believe when considering Facebook has roughly 500 million active members around the world who collectively spend more than 700 billion minutes a month perusing the site.

I could hack away forever at the countless studies about media use, hoping they could dispense the dosage of reality we so desperately need, but it is our own individual scrutiny of technology’s negative effects on our culture that

STACEY OPARNICA S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

will allow us to truly comprehend the extent of our addiction.

Simply take a minute to observe what a typical social gathering with friends and family has disintegrated into, seemingly overnight. Instead of engaging in a continuous and attentive conversation, many tune out mid-sentence to text, e-mail or check their Facebook or Twitter, consequently instigating others to do the same.

The clicking of QWERTY keypads quickly replaces laughter and conversation; illuminated by the light of their cell phone screens, friends are suddenly too busy tweeting about how much fun they’re having to actually enjoy their company.

Sadly enough, we may spend more time chatting about our lives than actually living them. A study conducted last year by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed “… 8 to18 year-olds devote an average of seven hours and 38 minutes … to using entertainment media across a typical day, which is more than 53 hours a week. And because they spend so much of that time ‘media multitasking’ — using more than one medium at a time — they actually manage to pack a total of 10 hours and 45 minutes … worth of media content into those seven and a half hours.”

You’d think with the amount of time and energy people invest into their virtual worlds, they would need a break every so often — not so. Apparently, about two-thirds of young people say the TV is usually on during meals, and just under half say the TV is left on “most of the time” in their home, even if no one is watching.

What this tells me is that we’re afraid of being out of the loop, afraid of being disconnected. Like brainwashed fanatics, our minds are working around the clock, subconsciously searching for the next fix, the next notification, the next vibration to alert us from the other side. This begs the question of whether or not, during the course of a day, we are ever completely detached from technology.

Even more curious is how we would be affected if, for an extensive period of time, we were not granted access to our gizmos and gadgets of choice.

To put a spin on this, take a look at the recent poll by The New York Times / CBS News, which revealed the countless layoffs caused by the recession actually

Artwork courtesy of staff artist Rob Piper

gave way to men and women spending more time with their families, consequently resulting in a 23.5 percent increase in sales of board games in 2008. Now imagine for a second that all forms of technology suddenly ceased to function; having a conversation with someone would mean speaking instead of typing, and people would spend time with each other

for the enjoyment, not to douse the event in limelight for all of Facebook to see.

Instead of staring at a TV screen with a headset on and controller in hand, people would play games with each other. The virtual life, which we so often value more than the life around us, would cease to exist. We would no longer watch the world from our

bedroom windows, but would step outside to live it.

—Stacey Oparnica is a journalism sophomore.

—The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

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OPINION

The Daily Aztec

Monday, January 24, 2011

Noise violation fines in College Area are unjust

I

f you drive down College Avenue on a Friday night, you’re bound to witness a few spectacles: You’ll see at least one gaggle of freshly liquored underage girls, ambling home from a fraternity party in tiny, open-toed heels and tiny, exposing miniskirts.

If you drive down farther, you’ll undoubtedly also see a sulking group of tenants talking to a multitude of cops after their house party was broken up. You can probably guess who’s having the better night.

There’s good reason for the glumness.

Often accompanied by the visit from our friendly neighborhood cops is a $1,000-pertenant noise violation, which was instituted as part of a pilot program against “mini-dorms” in the College Area.

The program, specifically the “administrative citations” aspect, was a desperate move in an area known for contention between college students and growing families. “Mini-dorms,” are broadly defined as “single dwelling units occupied by multiple adults, which … adversely (affects) local single dwelling unit neighborhoods,” which have three or more living agreements. These tightly packed homes had been causing problems with fellow neighborhood families. After several community discussions, the $1,000-per-tenant ticket was found to be an appropriate response to the growing mini-dorm problem.

CHRIS POCOCK S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

Three years later, it has become woefully clear how much the program has failed. The community has a valid right to address the mini-dorms issue, but the draconian response — often unceremoniously given by police before even giving a warning — is entirely manipulative of the student community living near San Diego State.

In a report given by the City of San Diego, an estimated $272,000 in funding per year would be generated from the program.

What’s odd to me is that officers are expected to use their own discretion when giving the fine, though they work for the very institution the money goes toward. Considering the status of the city’s budget and the unpopularity of students in the surrounding area, it’s all too clear the damage this “solution” can hold, especially to a group already reeling from increasing fees.

But even further, there’s a surprising lack of conditions in the program. There doesn’t have to be any drinking — even underage drinking — for a fine to be given. Nor is there any defined number of guests to warrant the fine. Even if you’re asleep or not participating in the transpiring event and the police show up to bust, you’ll be on the hook for the fine as well.

Conceivably, any raucous poker night or sports-watching event among students could end with a $1,000-per-tenant fine — provided the tenants make enough noise to be heard 50 feet away from the house.

I’m not going to pretend the majority of these fines don’t take place at overinflated house parties, nor will I defend some overzealous idea about a student’s right to party. Enough of that has been done by The Beastie Boys.

...community service is a far more appropriate punishment for noise violations.

What I would like to point out, however, is the glaring absence of fraternities from the list of offenders. While the fraternities are certainly eligible for the fine, they’re not targeted the same way the “mini-dorms” around SDSU are. A $1,000 fine — coupled with a potential (and astronomical) court fee that can exceed the fine itself, if the person facing the charge wishes to get the fine reduced — can bankrupt a student and effectively end their education at SDSU, especially considering they must pay the $1,000 within 10 days of the offense.

Fraternities, however, must pay a $3 fine

for each of its members after a noise violation, and another fee ranging from $25 to $50 depending on the time of the violation. Even then, each fraternity is doled out a specific number of noise permits per semester, which allows them to break the noise violation until 11:30 p.m. that night, leaving them to be as loud as they choose with little or no intervention by police.

I’d like to call into question the idea of giving fraternities a free pass to party, regardless of the rules they have governing that set amount of time. These same institutions host underage drinking and a slew of other illegal activities, but somehow escape the scrutiny of house parties with not even a tenth of the number of partygoers.

As for the draconian fines, community service is a far more appropriate punishment for noise violations. Charging students an outrageous amount of money does nothing but further separate students from the community. Students should be able to work to improve the community instead of being bled dry — and risking an end to their educations.

—Chris Pocock is a journalism junior.

—The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

Public shaming is an effective alternative to prison

Y

ou open Facebook and your eyes dart to the top of your news feed. An old high school friend’s DUI mugshot glares back. Shame on you, Trey Parker Blitzin.

I don’t know this guy anymore. Click. De-friend.

Public shaming is making a comeback, and the Huntington Beach Police Department is considering this “scarlet letter” approach to punishment to help curb the rampant drunk driving going on in its city. While tarring and feathering isn’t so common any more, judges all across the U.S. are leaping at alternatives to traditional prison sentences.

This shift away from heavyhanded prison sentencing toward more creative forms of exacting justice represents a major improvement in how we deal with crime.

As a country, we love throwing people in prison: The U.S. has the most prisoners per-capita of any country in the world. Our prisons are woefully overcrowded, sparking loud protests from human rights advocacy groups. Recidivism is also atrociously common: More than 67 percent of released offenders are re-arrested within three years.

Alternative punishment takes an enormous amount of strain off the beleaguered U.S. prison system by keeping petty criminals out of prison, and allowing hem to pay their debt to society in other ways. Some form of community service often accompanies public shaming as a punishment, meaning our convicts are out bettering the world instead of cutting deals in the exercise yard to avoid getting shanked.

Keeping people out of prison prevents them falling into the criminal culture pervasive in the Big H ouse. Prison fosters an atmosphere of fear and criminal camaraderie more than one of rehabilitation, which is one reason we see staggering gang affiliation figures in prisons.

The genius of alternative punishment lies in its ability to produce guilt, which is essential to the rehabilitation process.

Removing people from their comfort zone

JOHN ANDERSON CONTRIBUTOR

and forcing them to interact with those they have harmed creates an atmosphere that inspires contrition. People who have committed crimes need to feel genuine remorse for what they have done if they are ever going to change and be successfully reintroduced to society.

Did your parents ever catch you stealing a candy bar from the checkout line at a grocery store when you were a kid? What was worse, getting grounded or being sent back in to

So far we’ve focused on crime resolution, but alternative punishment has huge potential to prevent crime as well. The jury is still out in regard to the effect of the controversial Megan’s Law, which requires convicted sex offenders to register into a database accessible to the public.

However, rape and sexual assaults by adults decreased more than 56 percent from 1993 to 2004. A study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy “found a 70 percent reduction in felony sex recidivism” following their implementation of sex offender registry. While the point of the registry is to inform the public about potential dangers in the community, shame is certainly an effective deterrent. That shame clearly corresponds with an encouraging decline in violent sexual crimes.

Can law enforcement and the justice system replicate the success of Megan’s Law with DUI offenses? Shame and embarrassment are incredibly powerful emotions, and are only amplified by the amount and intensity of the relationships they affect.

Consider the following directly from Facebook’s statistics page. There are more than 500 million active Facebook users. The average user has 130 friends and is connected to 80 groups, communities, and events. Groups and communities include Artwork courtesy of contributor Tammi Kendrick schools, employers, religious organizations, clubs, relatives explain what you’d done to the manager?

Obviously, with incarceration numbers as and local neighborhood organizations. Now high as they are, we can’t have everyone who imagine your mugshot appearing in millions of news feeds. All those people would know steals a candy bar proclaiming his or her that you endangered lives in your communiguilt from a street corner. What we can do is ty, potentially even their own. shift our punishment system toward inspirBeyond making that cameo on the head of ing reconciliation between the offender and the Facebook news feed, I’d hope anyone the offended. We can force thieves to return would have the sense to just take the cab ride. stolen property, facilitate meetings between the robbed and the robber and force the --John Anderson is an International Security guilty to confront the reality that they are and Conflict Resolution Senior. harming other human beings. We can make criminals feel bad for what they’ve done, --This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. change perspectives and alter behavior.

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SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

Monday, January 24, 2011

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Last tickets available on a first-come basis

Antonio Zaragoza / Photo Editor

Time Game Game Night Pick Up Date Pick Up Starting

Wyoming

Sat., 1/29/11

Mon., 1/24/11

7:30 a.m.

TCU

Sat., 2/5/11

Mon., 1/31/11

7:30 a.m.

Utah

Tue., 2/8/11

Mon., 1/31/11

7:30 a.m.

New Mexico

Wed., 2/16/11

Wed., 2/29/11

7:30 a.m.

Brigham Young

Sat., 2/26/11

Mon., 2/21/11

7:30 a.m.

Colorado State

Sat., 3/5/11

Mon., 2/28/11

7:30 a.m.

Last October, before the 2010-11 season officially began, the San Diego State men’s basketball team had played in front of just eight sold-out crowds in the nearly 14-year history of Viejas Arena.

By March, SDSU will have played in front of 13 sold-out crowds this season alone. The Aztecs are undefeated (20-0, 5-0 Mountain West

Apply to be a Managing Editor of The Daily Aztec Applications for paid Spring 2011 position now open!

Applicants must have: • Knowledge of newspaper operations, journalism ethics and media law • One year of collegiate newspaper experience • 60 or more units of completed coursework; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 • Must be enrolled in at least six units at SDSU Duties include: • Work 18 hours a week; must be available Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays • Reads copy and edits stories for content • Arranges supervisor meetings and prepares performance evaluations • Assists editor in chief in day-to-day management Interested persons should request an application from Ruthie Kelly, editor in chief of The Daily Aztec, via email to ruthie@ruthiekelly.com. Completed applications will be accepted immediately; interviews will begin to be conducted on Monday, Jan. 24.

Position will be filled by Jan. 31.

Conference) and at press time were ranked No. 6 in the country in both the AP Top 25 and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll.

The school announced last week that all general public tickets had been sold for the team’s final six home games. The only tickets remaining are allotted for students. With a valid Red ID, students can pick up their tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at these times.

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20

Wins for SDSU this season

0

Losses for the Aztecs

6

SDSU’s current ranking in the polls

8

Times Viejas Arena sold out before this year

13

Viejas Arena sellouts this season

15.7

Points per game by leading scorer Kawhi Leonard

2

Undefeated teams left this year (SDSU and Ohio State)

6

Home games remaining for SDSU

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Monday, January 24, 2011

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR

Spring break Qatar 2022

T

he 2022 World Cup will be hosted by a country smaller than the state of Connecticut.

I’m sure you’re not familiar with Qatar unless you’ve been staring at your globe with a microscope in your spare time.

It’s a little peninsula of land extended into the Persian Gulf that FIFA believed would be best suited to host the World Cup. Last year, 3.18 million people attended the World Cup in South Africa. Qatar’s population is approximately 1.6 million. How could such a small country beat out the United States as a “better” country to host the World Cup? Oh yeah, I forgot, Qatar reportedly has 14 percent of the world’s natural gas and the second highest GDP per capita. It has too much money and not enough people: every economist’s dream. Prior to the discovery of oil, Qatar’s economy relied on fishing and pearl hunting.

Overall, it’s not a bad turn around. The average high temper-

MATT POWERS S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

ature in July is 115 degrees Fahrenheit. I hope coach doesn’t forget the Gatorade at customs.

While most of this is bad news because the United States won’t host the World Cup for at least 10 years, I think this Qatar place could end up being the new spot.

Think about it: All the Arab nations are loaded from selling oil, but they know they cannot rely on this natural resource forever. The obvious thing for any country to do with billions of extra dollars is to turn itself into the craziest, most insane party location in the world.

Neighboring Arab country, Dubai, is doing the same thing.

It’s building islands in the ocean.

It’s dumping sand into the sea to create money from the sale of that sand. I’m pretty sure that was my idea in like fourth grade. It’s accomplishing feats of architecture the world never knew possible,

and all in the spirit of making its country a desirable place to visit.

Qatar has 10 years to make its little country look like Las Vegas, or what Las Vegas would look like if it were sitting on 14 percent of the world’s natural gas.

All I’m saying is start saving up now, because you don’t want to be the one left out of all the crazy stories and cool inside jokes when your best friends get back from S.W.A.T’s “Spring Break Qatar 2022.” That’s a regret no man wants to live with.

I think the Arab nations finally get it. They might not have the same “party” image as, say, Amsterdam, but they finally understand the best thing to do with money is have a good time. It’s the Arab nations’ way of saying, “Hey, I know it’s hot as hell over here, but we’re ready to party.”

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (01/24/11) Find a spark that lights up the love for learning you once had as a little kid.Your experience, combined with a refurbished curiosity, provides for an exciting year of discoveries. Remember to balance your time indoors with plenty of time under the sun (or the stars).

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 6 There may be bumps along the romance road. Focus on your work, where you'll succeed easily.Things will open up in your love life later.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - To get everyone on the same page, reveal your reasoning. Otherwise, they miss the point.Take extra time to develop deeper understanding.Then actions flow.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 You want it all to be effortless, but more work is required than you imagined. Still, you get where you need to go. Persistence pays off.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 7 At home or away, your thoughts focus on responsibility. Act independently, but don't lose sight of career goals. Make notes to follow up on later.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 Contact a distant resource for new information. Original thinking emerges from the conversation. Partner up with someone to put those ideas into action.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 6 You've been saving up for a special treat, and today's the day.You know where to get it, so enjoy the process. Don't worry about what others might think.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 6 Consider your next moves carefully. Put aside the wilder ideas, and follow a steady path.You can go it alone if you want.

Gather later to share stories.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 - Everyone loves your suggestions for final touches that improve a project. Make any changes in a logical order to preserve work already done.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Take creative inspiration from something in your home - something old and full of memories.Tell its story to someone who doesn't know it yet.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Remain true to personal convictions as you share your desires with others.

Logic only goes so far. Express strongly held values, which may be unreasonable.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Conversations and communications abound.The news is mixed: some sadness and some joy.Take a walk in nature to think about it a bit and refocus.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Consider developing a new habit, independent of what you were taught in the past. Old rules give way to new possibilities. Opportunities arise. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

-Matt Powers is a marketing junior.

-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

SDS-VIEW

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

1 2

3 4

Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com © 2011 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

CROSSWORD

Zuma the Jaguar likes riding the pole to success Photo Editor Antonio Zaragoza captured Zuma gently ambling onto the court. He may look sweet now, but he’s biding his time until he rips the UNLV Rebels apart limb from limb.

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ACROSS 1 Where many knots are tied 6 Tabula __: blank slate 10 Elmer’s product 14 Ballerina’s rail 15 In __: stuck 16 Bear with toohot porridge 17 Twisty-horned antelope 18 Powerful wind 19 Tiny army marchers 20 Comfortable situation to live in, with “the” 23 Anonymous Jane 24 Research facility 25 Songwriter Neil 27 A deuce used as an ace, say 32 Store, as a hose 33 “Much __ About Nothing” 34 Beethoven’s Third 36 Li’l Abner’s creator Al 39 Went to the polls 41 Cyberchuckle, and a hint to this puzzle’s four longest answers 42 Cake maker 43 “Born Free” lioness 44 “Romeo and Juliet” city 46 Before, to Shakespeare 47 “Free Willy” critter 49 Turns on, as an engine 51 What mirrors do 54 Golfer’s support 55 Dot-com’s address 56 Low-paying but rewarding project

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 62 Very dry, as Champagne 64 Musical quality 65 __ but wiser 66 Nuts 67 Ending for exist 68 Leaves out 69 Actress Sommer 70 Nut, e.g.

71 Past or present DOWN 1 Adam’s second son 2 Refrain syllables 3 Mouse catcher 4 Golfer Palmer 5 Showing shame 6 Brand over spaghetti 7 Brand under the sink 8 Spanish toast

9 Part of USA 10 4.0, for one: Abbr.

11 Minnesota-based dairy cooperative 12 Pulitzer author Sinclair 13 Relaxed 21 Angle iron 22 NBA’s __ Ming 26 Glittery mineral 27 Breaker at the shore 28 People magazine focus 29 “Like that’s going to work!”

30 Romeo or Juliet, e.g.

31 Christian’s dresses?

35 Coagulate, as blood 37 Lima’s country

38 Get ready, briefly 40 British peer 42 Like a stroller at the shore, shoewise 44 Moves out 45 Peacekeeping gp. since 1949 48 Animation collectible 50 “Out with it!”

51 Moscow money 52 Filmdom’s Flynn 53 Steakhouse steak 57 Grimm beginning 58 Oboe or bassoon 59 Chief Norse god 60 Docs for doggies and dogies 61 Gaelic language 63 Stubbed digit