WEDNESAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012

THE NEWSPAPER OF SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1913VOLUME 99, ISSUE 18

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Go to page 3 for analysis of today’s open forum and more election coverage.

San Diego State students, staff and community members gathered at noon yesterday in front of Hepner Hall to watch a public forum host-ing local candidates running for the California State Legislature.

Rather than killing the proverbial cat, Curiosity has shifted its focus to other activities—namely, exploring and photographing Martian terrain.

Nearly two months after touching down on Bradbury Landing, the Mars rover Curiosity continues its exploration of the Red Planet with excellent feedback. The rover reached its first landmark Monday, when it was able to reach out and touch, Jake Matijevic, a pyramid-shaped stone. This was the first contact with a Martian rock since its arrival.

Among the team of scientists and engineers are six San Diego State alumni: Joey Brown, Jordan P. Evans, Brandon Florow, Dave Herman, Mark Ryne and Bonnie

Theberge.

Since the beginning of the semester, the San Diego State Bookstore has en-countered shoplifting situations where students have repeatedly attempted to steal textbooks. The SDSU Bookstore continues to implement various secu-rity strategies to prevent shoplifting.

The loss prevention system applied within the bookstore features security cameras located in several areas inside the bookstore.

State Senate 39th District candi-dates Marty Block (D) and George Plescia (R), as well as 79th District State Assembly candidate Shirley Weber (D) addressed current issues, such as higher education, Proposi-tion 30 and the high-speed rail. Weber’s opponent Mary England (R) was not present.

Throughout the forum, which was part of Associated Students Rock the Vote campaign, each of the candidates answered questions from the event’s moderators, as well as inquiring audience mem-bers, who were encouraged to sub-mit questions.

Despite disagreements on issues

Public forum prioritizes education

Amanda GuerreroStaff Writer

George Plescia and Marty Block both running for the 39th State Senate and Dr. Shirley Weber running for 79th State Assembly gathered in front of Hephner Hall to give San Diego State students an open forum. This public forum focused on higher education i ssues.

antonio zaragoza, editor in chief

such as Proposition 30, all three candidates stressed the importance of job creation.

Plescia opened the forum, call-ing for an end to what he called the “war on jobs.” He said doing so means stimulating job growth spe-

PUBLIC FORUM continued on page 2

Book theft increases at SDSU Bookstore

Alicia ChavezContributor

Customer services Sales Lead Kath-erine Milljour said the security soft-ware is very up-to-date and catches all.

In addition, the bookstore has a secret loss prevention team ready to respond to any criminal activity. Secu-rity crew members do not wear staff shirts in order to conceal their identi-ties, Milljour said.

“They’re the big guys. They don’t wear shirts that say ‘bookstore secu-

BOOKSTORE THEFT continued on page 2

Students looking at the items being sold at the book sale outside of San Diego State’s Book-store. The Bookstore recently incorporated more security strategies to prevent thefts.

paige nelson, photo editor

Regarding the alumni’s participation in the monumental scientific project, aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics professor Joseph Katz said, “The alumni are doing more than just their job … they’re creating enthusiasm for the field.”

Katz said the team’s ultimate goal is “finding new minerals and such, but I think it’s more (proving) that humankind can get there. You can do a lot more with cheaper projects; you don’t have to send a human up there.”

After handling and photographing Jake Matijevic, Curiosity embarked on a 138-foot drive—its longest one-day trek—toward its next checkpoint, Glenelg. Comprised of three different types of terrain, Glenelg is an ideal location for the rover to test out its drilling capabilities.

The rover’s final destination is Mount Sharp, a 3.5-mile high mountain composed of hundreds of layers of rock and possible evidence

leading to liquid water exposure on its foothills.

Michele PlussContributor

Martian terrain explored

mct campus

California native Shirley Weber is running for State Assembly this November to represent California’s 79th district. Weber, who currently serves as the Africana Studies department chair, has served 40 years as an advocate for education. Weber was also selected to serve on the National Alliance for Restructuring Schools as the national Vice Chairperson, a multimillion dollar initiative intended to reform schools in Arkansas. She graduated from UCLA, completing her BA, MA and PhD, by the age of 26. Weber says her main motivation to run was to provide Sacramento with a clear voice of what higher education needs.

Daily Aztec: How do you think your experience as a professor will contribute to the state assembly if elected?Shirley Weber: I think the thing that is important is that people care about education. And it is one thing to care and try to create laws for issues that are sensitive. But, unless you have been there or have done that, you really don’t

See page 6 for the review of La Jolla Playhouse’s ‘Glengarry Glen Ross.’

Q&A with Dr. Shirley

WeberAna CeballosAssistant News Editor

Continue reading on page 3 for more Q&A on the state legislator candidates

WEBER Q&A continued on page 3

Dr. Shirley Weber, answers questions explaining her goals for 79th District State Assembly

2 NEWSWednesdaySeptember 26, 2012The Daily azTec

cifically in the private sector and preventing tax increases.

“We can’t afford to chase any more jobs,” Plescia said in his opening statement.

Block said promoting higher education is the key to sustaine-ing and increasing the job market in California because it will cre-ate more educational opportuni-ties for students.

Weber voiced a similar opinion to Block’s, saying college creates a pathway to successful careers. She said job creation not only depends on the ability to bring or keep businesses in the area, but also having enough qualified people to fill openings.

“We all feel the pain and pinch of the economy,” Weber said.

The topic moved past job cre-ation and involvement in higher education to each candidate’s po-sition on Proposition 30, which would increase income taxes by 1-3 percent for seven years on those earning more than $250,000 in order to fund schools, as well as a 1/4 cent sales tax increase throughout the state.

Citing his previously stated op-position to tax increases, Plescia

said he would support Proposi-tion 30 if it included pension re-form and a spending cap.

“What we need is a steady tax system,” Plescia said.

Weber voiced support for the measure, saying although “no one likes taxes,” the revenue gen-erated from Proposition 30 would benefit schools. Block agreed with Weber, saying tax increases could be appropriate if “people could afford taxes.”

Approximately 50 people watched the event, including stu-dents hoping to get more infor-mation about the candidates. Af-ricana studies senior Tyler Ware watched the forum with her col-lege career in mind.

“My education is on the line,” Ware said. “I want candidates who offer solutions.”

However, not all students were pleased with the event. Business management sophomore Jacob Williams said the forum was “more mudslinging than plan-ning.”

Anthropology junior Al-lie Hillis agreed, saying rather than finding an ideal candidate, attending only helped to choose “the lesser of two evils.”

from PUBLIC FORUM page 1

from BOOKSTORE THEFT page 1

rity’ on them,” Milljour added.The security crew blends in with

ordinary students shopping at the SDSU Bookstore.

The security crew will monitor the bookstore searching for any suspicious activity that reads ques-tionable, or perhaps looks suspi-cious, according to Milljour.

As for the textbooks, there is a team of employees, which that completes book inventory at the be-ginning of each semester. Once the distribution of books begins, in-formation pertaining to each book is transferred to the bookstore’s computer system. This allows every book to be accounted for.

Sergio Gutierrez, a management information system senior at SDSU, judged the possibility of a theft oc-curring at the bookstore on a scale of one to 10, with one as incredibly

Laura NguyenContributor

Space shuttle tours the sky

mct campus

A momentous day for NASA’s Endeavour occurred on Sept. 21, as the shuttle embarked on its last crowning journey: a flyover tour across California.

Endeavour, which first blazed into space on May 7, 1992, returned to the planet on which it was created. The space shuttle’s main engines, heat shields and “fly-by-wire” technology were developed and produced in California.

The now-retired shuttle nestled atop a Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft for its final flight.

Accompanied by two jets, Endeavour took off from Edwards Air Force Base Friday morning enroute to Sacramento, after which it soared above the Bay Area on the way to its final landing at the Los Angeles International Airport. Endeavour flew 1,500 feet over some of the

state’s most popular landmarks, such as the Sacramento Capitol building, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Hollywood sign and even Disneyland.

This was the first time a space shuttle flew over California. Thousands of Californians gathered throughout the state to

catch a glimpse of Endeavour’s feat. NASA provided a live video feed for online viewers of Endeavour’s flight and even invited spectators to tag #SpotTheShuttle on Twitter to share tweets and pictures.

Although its airborne days are

complete, Endeavour is scheduled to cruise the streets in October to one last stop: the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

“I think when folks see it at the museum here, they will get that same feeling of how magnificent it is that we can build something like this that can go to space. It’s very inspiring,” astronaut

Gregory Chamitoff said to the Los Angeles Times.

Endeavour spent 299 days in space, totaling roughly 123 million miles of travel in its lifetime. Friday’s farewell flight marks the shuttle’s 26th and final Endeavour.

Crime Beat

All around the world, the month of September has been reserved to honor those living with the impact of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. World Alzheimer’s Month activists hope to raise awareness for those battling dementia by hosting events and fairs that will fundraise money for research. Last Friday marked the anniversary of Alzheimer’s Action Day, a day preserved to influence activists to take action and contribute toward the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

President and Chief executive officer of the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter, Mary Ball believes young people need to become more knowledgeable about this impactful ailment.

“Awareness is really important … Alzheimer’s is known as the quiet epidemic … But 60,000 people in San Diego County are

Battery at Albert College Apart-mentslast Thursday night, an incident of battery was reported at the al-bert’s college apartments in the Palm building on 55th Street. The victim reported a male assaulted her and her boyfriend, punching both of them when he was asked to stop harassing them.

Series of Strong Arm Robberies Near Campusat about 5:40 p.m. last Thursday, an african american male in his early 20s approached the victim from behind on the 5700 block of Montezuma Rd., less than half a mile from campus. The suspect forcibly took the victim’s iPhone, ran and got into a gold 2007 hyundai elantra driven by anoth-er suspect. The first suspect was described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, approximately 200 pounds, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and tan shorts. The second suspect was described as an african american male in his early 20s, of thick build, with a buzzed or shaved head. Police are currently following up and acting

on several leads. at about 11 p.m. last Friday, on

the 4900 block of college ave., the suspect attempted to take the victim’s backpack by force. The victim was not injured and the suspect fled on foot toward Greek circle. The suspect is described as an african american male in his 30s or 40s, about 6 feet 1 inch tall, heavy set with a goatee, black doo rag, green shirt and black cargo shorts. Police are investi-gating the incident.

Theft at Sigma Nu Fraternitylast Thursday night, a purse was stolen from the Sigma Nu Fraternity house on aztec Walk. The reporting person said she hid her purse under a pillow on a bed at a party and that it was gone by 9 a.m. the next morning. The reporting person is trying to acquire the names of people who had access to the room in hopes of recovering the purse, which contained her Burberry reading glasses, three credit cards, her iD and prescription medication.

likely and 10 as impossible for a crime to occur.

“Based on a scale of one to 10, I would say an eight,” Gutierrez said. “It would be hard to steal a book, but possible.”

Meanwhile, sales associate Neva Holmes compares stealing a text-book with less expensive items.

“I wouldn’t steal a pencil,” Hol-mes said.

She also said the security office contains several surveillance feeds from the security cameras.

“Students are that desperate to steal books, but don’t realize to look up at the ceiling and see all the cameras,” Holmes said.

Gutierrez believes students are experiencing financial troubles, which is why they have resorted to stealing textbooks. Holmes believes crimes have occurred because stu-dents are desperate.

Alzheimer’s Month brings awareness to San Diego

Andrea CiardielloStaff Writer

living with this disease,” Ball said. Ball continued to provide

shocking statistics declaring Alzheimer’s disease as the third leading cause of death in San Diego County. She wants to raise awareness and promote San Diego

State student participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which takes place every weekend in October, to get more young people involved.

Director of Communications spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association Patty Guinto believes

young adults need to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease saying “5.4 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s … And college-aged students are becoming caretakers for a parent struggling with Alzheimer’s.”

As research shows, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will increase in the years to come, that is why organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association are doing the best they can to help increase awareness.

although its airborne days are over, endeavour is scheduled to cruise the streets in October to one last stop: the california Science center in los angeles.

alzheimer’s is known as the quiet epi-demic ... But 60,000 people in San Diego county are living with this disease.

Mary BallPresident and CEO for the Imperial Valley and

San Diego Chapter for the Alzheimer’s Association

—Compiled by Staff Writer Allie Bidwell

election 3WednesdaySeptember 26, 2012

the daily aztec

Democrat Marty Block is running for 39th State Senate and is currently representing the 78th State Assembly. Block, who retired after 26 years as a professor, dean and director at San Diego State has been known as a big supporter of Proposition 30. He is also known for prioritizing the creation of jobs and economic development.

Daily Aztec: During the debate, you mentioned a book bill that will benefit students. Can you explain this bill?

Marty Block: The book bill has been passed. I don’t think it has been signed by the governor yet. It was a bill by Darrell Steinberg. It said that the 50 most used textbooks should be avail-able to students online. A faculty committee is going to get together and decide which are the most impor-tant books. Some publishers may not permit it, but the state is working to

Arturo GarciaStaff Writer

Republican George Plescia is a can-didate for the State Senate to rep-resent California’s 39th District. In 2002, he was elected to the Cali-fornia State Assembly to represent the 75th Assembly District. Plescia graduated from Cal State Sacremen-to. He has helped legislation repair and widen interstates 5, 805 and 15, as well as Highway 56. His plat-form focuses are to rebuild schools and put people back to work.

Daily Aztec: There is a student per-ception, whether true or not, that if Proposition 30 does not pass, stu-dents should be worried. Since you are against Proposition 30, how do you handle that?

George Plescia: Well, politicians have been threatening you—didn’t they come out last week saying they will increase tuition by $150? The

Tara Millspaughnews editor

understand that sometimes you have to tweak it a little bit better to make it applicable to the situation that you are in. I think I bring that experience by having been a faculty member and by having been chair of the Africana Studies department. Fortunately for me, I have the experience and it helps me understand what it takes to bring reform that is not as simple as people say it will be.

DA: If elected, what will your first move be?SW: When I am elected to the state assembly, I want to carefully look at what we can do to stop the constant increase in fees. There must be options where we can stop the fee increases and begin to expand options for young people. I also want to look into what we can do for the K - 12 …

from WEBER Q&A page 1

get them to let their books go online. That will save students hundreds of dollars each semester.

DA: As a professor at SDSU, were you already accommodating your classes to decrease book expenses?MB: The class I mostly taught, I had one paperback textbook which costs, as I recall, about $25-39 and all the other material, we would duplicate at the copy center and students would buy it very inexpensively. So, that has been something I’ve been crusading on for years and years and years.

DA: What do you think about the Cal-ifornia State University-wide decision to increase the number of out-of-state students to increase the university’s revenue?MB: I would only support taking more out-of-state students if they used the revenue to open up more classes and more space for in-state students. If the out-of-state are taking the place of in-state students, I am dead-set against it.

More from your CA Legislature candidates

bottom line is the state priorities are all out of whack. This shouldn’t be the case. They needed to cut else-where in the budget and only fund education and public safety. They are playing a political game with people’s education because the vot-ers won’t pass tax increases. I know the legislature’s job is to revaluate the budget and re-prioritize. Educa-tion and public safety is the top pri-ority and we will fund everything else down the road.

DA: Many students are worried about graduating. How will you help increase jobs in California? GP: One, we need a steady tax en-vironment. More importantly, we need to look at our regulations. Legislation needs to sit back and do cross-benefit analysis of all the reg-ulations we have on the books and see which ones work. Many of the regulations are not worth the cost.

We know that everyone wants to get into the university, because that is the only way to get a job. But that is not true. We need to start early to get them interested in what they want to do. I want them to understand the choices that they have and guide them through the career paths starting in K - 12 so that they know what they want to do and what they need to get there.

Q&A with Marty Block

Q&A with George Plescia

Democratic candidate Marty Block answers questions explaining his goals for the State Senate’s 39th district.

if the out-of-state are taking the place of in-state students, i am dead set against it.

Marty BlockState Senate candidate for

the 39th District

We need to start early to get (stu-dents) interested in what they want to do. Shirley Weber

State Assembly candidate for the 79th District

Republican candidate George Plescia answers questions explaining his goals for the State Senate’s 39th district.

the bottom line is the state priorities are all out of whack.

George PlesciaState Senate candidate for

the 39th District

paige nelson, photo editor

paige nelson, photo editor

paige nelson, photo editor

Block and Plescia exchange blows

4 electionWednesdaySeptember 26, 2012The Daily azTec

San Diego State held a public forum yesterday featuring three prominent community leaders running for office in the state legislature, followed by a question-and-answer period where students had the opportunity to question the potential legislators on the issues. We at The Daily Aztec are proud to present a recap of the event for those who missed the public forum because of classes, homework or working your tail off trying to pay for school. Here’s how the candidates performed:

Dr. Shirley Weber: Weber performed very well in the public forum, but was often overshadowed by the dialogue between state senate candidates Marty Block and George Plescia. Weber cited her 40 years of higher education experience and rallied the assembled students, saying, “I believe in you,” as she promised to perform as an “advocate on behalf of (our) generation.” On the subject of education, Weber was indisputably the most confident and qualified candidate. She even reminded the audience of the location of her office in SDSU’s College of Arts and Letters. When questioned on what she would do if elected, Weber pledged to promote equal opportunity programs and to make every effort possible to repair the struggling K-12 education system in order to adequately prepare students for the rigors of higher education.

Marty Block: The former SDSU faculty member (1979-2005) directly engaged Plescia on several points (some of which weren’t even being discussed in the public forum), and campaigned on the promise

of lowering the financial burden currently supported by California State University students. On issues unrelated to education, including Obamacare and a proposed California high-speed rail system, Block asserted progressive liberal stances. In response to allegations from Plescia labeling Block as “anti-Catholic,” Block replied, “I have respect for my opponent’s personal beliefs. We differ on women’s rights issues, though. When it comes to a woman’s right to choose, I agree with Bill Clinton when he said abortion should be safe, legal and rare. George Plescia doesn’t agree with this. He wants

American women to have to go across the border to Tijuana for medical services.” Block argued in favor of Proposition 30, saying it’s an opportunity for California citizens to invest in the future of the state.

George Plescia: In a post-forum interview, Plescia said the largest obstacles California faces currently stem from an “unsteady” tax environment and regulations inhibiting businesses and business owners. Plescia joined the other candidates in pledging to create jobs, but was the only candidate who repeatedly decried tax increases on “job creators,” though he never identified who the job creators are. Plescia also condemned Proposition 30, claiming the “survivors” of the tax increase, including students, would have to pay a heavy price. Instead of raising taxes, Plescia favors a combination of solutions, including a two-year moratorium on new regulations and the analysis of detailed-cost/benefit analyses of current state-funded programs. Toward the end of the public forum, Plescia defended his Catholic faith, prompting this columnist to ask him about the relationship between his faith and his status as a politician. Plescia responded, “My personal religious views are just that: personal. My faith rarely gets brought up except on certain policy questions and I want to be very clear that I am in favor of respectful dialogue between people of all faiths.”

The real winner at the public forum was the student body here at SDSU. It is often difficult for many students to devote much time to studying politics, but this public forum placed a highly relevant discussion among serious political contenders literally in the heart of our campus. Students are notorious for failing to show up on Election Day, and Block says this has led to a misconception: “Students are often viewed as subpar citizens, and this just isn’t fair. Students are the only group forced to re-register to vote over and over again because they’re constantly moving. Young people shouldn’t be penalized for their housing situation. They should be empowered.”

Plescia reached out to students by promising to work to create jobs for them to step into after graduation and to ease their tax burdens.

Weber referred to our student body as the “richness of San Diego” as she stood before Hepner Hall. All candidates agreed on the paramount importance of academia in the future of the Golden State. Unfortunately, as candidates played their verbal cards along typical partisan boundaries, it seems the polarity of modern American political discourse isn’t going away anytime soon.

Kenneth LeonardSenior Staff columnist

COVERAGEELECTION

(Plescia) wants american women to have to go across the border to Tijuana for medical services.

Marty Block State Senate candidate

antonio zaragoza, editor in chief

Students watch candidates debate in front of Hepner Hall. Marty Block, George Plescia and Shirley Weber discussed issues relevant to SDSU students during the hour-long open forum.

antonio zaragoza, editor in chief

News Editor Tara Millspaugh interviews state Senate candidate George Plescia. Candidates were interviewed by The Daily Aztec staff after the forum.

antonio zaragoza, editor in chief

Opinion Editor Leonardo Castaneda (left) and Managing Editor Hutton Marshall look on as candidates answer questions. The forum was hosted by As-sociated Students but moderated by The Daily Aztec.

antonio zaragoza, editor in chief

State Senate candidate George Plescia (left), Assembly candidate Dr. Shirley Weber (middle) and state Senate candidate Marty Block address students during the open forum. Candidates fielded questions prepared by The Daily Aztec moderators and from attending students.

antonio zaragoza, editor in chief antonio zaragoza, editor in chief

OPINION 5WednesdaySeptember 26, 2012

the daily aztec

I hear Tony Stark is great at parties. He has it all: money, girls and of course, a super-

hero identity complete with a flying power suit. I’m sure many fanboys would give just about anything to be him. Luckily for them, a recent study by the Uni-versity at Buffalo concluded that simply looking up to a superhu-man figure can create a greater sense of body image and self-es-teem in young people.

Higher levels of physical and emotional self-esteem were found in student subjects who estab-lished a strong parasocial or one-sided bond with a fictional superhero character. Study author

Ariana Young told CNN, “The thing I find most interesting … is the idea that these media figures have real psychological effects on the self.”

While it may not help fans become playboy billionaires, it can still be beneficial to have a superhero role model.

It’s difficult for young adults to know where to look for inspiring figures in today’s society. Political mudslinging and the woes of A-list celebrities mar the front pages of news publications. No longer do we see as many positive influ-

ences in the media as there once were. We need someone positive to look to amid all the chaos. Why not turn to superheroes?

For years, comic book fans have understood and embraced the morality and life lessons behind the capes. Masked crusaders are not fighting crime simply for fun. Deep connotations about our society as a whole can be found among the pages of graphic novels. Even the blockbuster adaptations of these comics have underlying psychological and sociological meanings.

“The Dark Knight” is a personal favorite of mine and not just because I love Christian

Bale’s Batman voice. The struggle between Batman and the Joker goes far beyond a simple conflict between good and evil. When explaining the madman’s motives, Alfred described it best when he said “some men aren’t looking for anything logical … Some men just want to watch the world burn.” This concept has always resonated with me. Sometimes there is no meaning for the things that hap-pen. Even so, we can still follow the lead of the heroes we admire and try to change things for the better.

Developing a sense of moral justice can extend beyond the silver screen—such media is no

Superhero role models unmask self-esteem

Should I study at the same school for three or four years or leave for a while to live in a different

country with a unique culture? This is a question many students ask them-selves when beginning their studies at a university. It’s important to ask this question early, because students who want to study abroad need a strong academic record and know the re-quirements for studying abroad, which takes time and effort.

After many conversations with American students, I realized most want to study abroad, but believe they don’t have the means to do so. I always thought the U.S. offered ex-tensive academic support for its stu-dents. Many students are members of sports teams or student asso-ciations. Therefore, I thought American students with a good academic record wouldn’t have a problem traveling abroad if they wanted to. Apparently, I was wrong. It seems even though the country of-fers an extensive amount of exchange programs, most students still find these are out of their reach.

Chelsie Nestler, a transfer student from a community college, said she’d like to travel abroad in Ireland or

Australia. However, even though her major requires her to study abroad, she is afraid doing so will cause her to fall behind academically. She is also c o n c e r e n e d about the

cost of s t u d y i n g

abroad. Another transfer student, Brandie Rodriguez, is also concerned about money. She would like to study abroad some-where in Europe. When I asked her about scholarships, she replied, “If

you don’t fall into a certain category, you can’t apply. Middle class families aren’t able to get that much support.” It should be the U.S.’s priority to help young adults extend their horizons and experience the world across the ocean.

One more thing that surprised me: the fear of falling behind or not

having a semester available in which to go abroad.

Of course, the applica-tion process takes time. I have done it, so I speak from experience. In the U.S., once a student chooses a major, he or she must take the classes assigned with lit-tle freedom to explore differ-ent classes. A clear path is set for students from registration to graduation. Is it possible all

the rules make the students unprepared for the time when

they have to come up with their own decisions? I worry individuals are scared of failure or of pressure and thus decide not to try at all.

The challenges U.S. students face when preparing to study abroad must be dealt with. Obviously, individu-als can’t easily resolve the problem if they can’t afford the experience.

longer considered mind-numb-ing entertainment. Inspiration stemming from observed acts of heroism can have an impact on our own society. Take, for example, Mr. Xtreme, based right here in San Diego. By day, he is a security guard. As night falls, he becomes his alter ego: a real-life crime fighter who is passionate about protecting the innocent from violence and suffering.

He is a part of The Real Life Super Hero Project, a move-ment geared toward changing our communities for the better. Comprised of volunteers, this group participates in selfless acts ranging from feeding the hun-gry to taking on gangs. These sometimes-costumed crusaders are largely inspired by their super-hero role models and are actively making positive changes in their hometowns. The group’s website encourages followers to “become more active, more involved, more committed, and perhaps, a little super in the process.”

In an interview with GQ magazine, Mr. Xtreme was quoted as having “a strong belief in the power of the individual,” meaning even average people can have power in any situation. Of course, it goes without saying that we need to remember our limits. We can’t fly and we don’t have X-ray vision. This doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference in our lives and the lives of others in our neighborhood.

For many years, the love of comics and superheroes has been hindered by the negative ste-reotype that such interests are unhealthy and even detrimental to society. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. We can finally shed our daytime clothes, embrace our spandex-clad alter ego and be a positive influence in the world. It just takes a bit of willpower and faith in our ability to follow in the footsteps of our heroes, fictional or not. Now, if Iron Man could lend us one of his power suits, we’d all be good to go.

Caitlin Johnson Staff Columnist

courtesy warner bros. entertainment inc

Study abroad offers valuable life experience Denisa Caldova Contributor

I urge San Diego State students to visit the International Student Cen-ter website. In the section “Educa-tion Abroad—Scholarships,” there is a long list of financial aid offered. Additionally, I would advise schools to reconsider the way they prepare students for life in the real world. Not only does studying in a different

country help students with personal development, it provides the oppor-tunity to experience new cultures and meet new people. Students also learn to be independent, which is vi-tal in order to succeed in the future. There will always be obstacles in our lives. We just need to learn how to overcome them.

thinkstock

6 ENTERTAINMENTWednesdaySeptember 26, 2012The Daily azTec

‘Glengarry’ is relevant as everAndrew Younger Assistant Entertainment Editor

Existential philosopher Jean-Paul Sar-tre famously declared “hell is other people” in his one-act play “No Exit,” but Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet would probably amend the statement to “Hell is other people’s money.” Much like the inferno-bound inhabitants of “No Exit,” the four real estate agents in “Glengarry Glen Ross” are trapped in the recession-bound hell of 1980s Chicago. Human achieve-ment is reduced to a monthly sales lea-derboard where the promise of a brand new Cadillac dangles in front of the top sales staff while the threat of unem-ployment awaits those at the bottom.

Against a backdrop of duct-taped restaurant booths, rusted file cabinets and boarded-up windows, La Jolla

all the world’s a stage

album: cenTipeDe hz

artist: animal collecTive

release Date: sept. 4

ratiNG:

reVieW

Playhouse’s production of “Glengarry Glen Ross” captures the desparation of four men trying to claw their way up the leaderboard to avoid the chopping block. When agent Dave Moss (James Sutorius) hatches a plan with his co-workers to steal coveted premium real estate leads and sell them to a competi-tor, the plot becomes less about a heist and more about a stinging indictment of a system rigged against people who hit a string of bad luck and find themselves low on the leaderboard. Sutorius im-bues the role with a righteous amount of indignation while aging Shelly “The Machine” Levene (Peter Maloney) cap-tures the fleeting pride of a former top salesman turned humiliated groveler on the verge of getting fired.

In addition to economic degrada-tion, “Glengarry Glen Ross” explores the breakdown of communication when listening becomes a legal liabil-ity and talking becomes a series of es-

calating interruptions. The La Jolla Playhouse emphasizes this aspect of Mamet’s work in a humorous way as characters alternately shout at each other and parrot lines in agreement. The taut 90-minute play moves too fast for intermissions in a reflection of the rapid-fire repartee punctuated by vulgarity, affectionately known as “Mamet-speak.”

As California lurches its way out of a great recession, La Jolla Playhouse’s production of “Glengarry Glen Ross” is a great show many can relate to. The play runs from Sept. 18 to Oct. 21. Tickets are available at lajollaplay-house.org.

Brooke Schlyer Staff Writer

Animal Collective released “Cen-tipede Hz” on Sept. 4. This is the band’s latest album since “Merri-weather Post Pavilion” came out in early 2009, which led to an ex-plosion in popularity for its bub-bly synths, offbeat electro and a chance for many to finally dance to the band that had weirded them out for so long.

With “Centipede Hz,” the band seems to realize its harsh jump be-tween Merriweather and its earlier work. It appears some course cor-rection was done with its latest. It also marks the return of long-lost member: Deakin.

Animal Collective’s ninth al-bum is far from the jarring and ambient sounds of its earlier days, but it’s certainly backpedaled to the off-centered spontaneity that marks its music. The songwriting, this time done collectively back in their hometown of Baltimore, has finally matured. While in its last album Animal Collective seemed to have to minimalize its usually lush music to enhance its melo-dies and chord changes, the band does it more gracefully this time

‘Hz’ is less weirdaround. The backing percussion absent from Merriweather returns in full force and it seems the band evolved from the philosophy that to make it memorable you have to strip a song down.

But my favorite thing about this album is its lack of unnecessary weirdness. This is a good sign to me, because it shows shock value in music is no longer a priority for Animal Collective, which always struck me as a cheap way to gain popularity. I’m not saying these guys are now comparable to Ali-cia Keys or anything (I don’t know why Alicia Keys popped into my head there), but they’ve minimal-ized the avant-garde quality down just enough to accomplish their desired theme—no more, no less.

“Centipede Hz” won’t explode in popularity the way Merri-weather did, and it shouldn’t. It’s apparent Animal Collective didn’t try to write any songs, such as the popular hit, “My Girls,” and that’s commendable. Animal Collective’s music isn’t exclusive or elitist, but when these guys are making the music they want to make, it’s pret-ty far out there, which means it’s never going to grab the attention of as broad a fan base as most oth-er acts. Anyway, I’m glad Animal Collective returned to outer space where it belongs.

J. Hutton Marshall Managing Editor

Hollywood Happenings

Couple alerts:Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar and husband Freddy Prinze Jr. welcomed a baby boy last week, the couple’s rep confirmed to US Weekly. The couple, who has been married for 10 years, also has a three-year-old daughter named Charlotte Grace. Congratula-tions to the happy couple!

Underwear model Justin Gas-ton, aka Miley Cyrus’ ex-boy-friend, got married in Atlanta on Saturday to actress Melissa Ord-way. Ordway ironically played in the 2010 movie “The Last Song” opposite Cyrus.

A new Hollywood couple may be in the works. Funny guy Seth MacFarlane, known for his TV show “Family Guy,” was seen get-ting cozy with “Game of Thrones” actress Emilia Clarke at an HBO after-party. E! Online reports that the duo sat alone at a candlelit table for most of the night and couldn’t stop laughing. It seems these two really enjoy each other’s company. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this potential couple.

sightings:Multitalented Justin Timber-

lake made his way from Las Ve-gas to Cabo San Lucas for his bachelor party this past week-end. The boys took time out of their golf game to moon pesky photographers keeping tabs on the party during their stay. We wonder when the big day is for him and Jessica Biel? It must be getting close.

“Twilight” heartthrob Robert Pattinson was spotted around Hollywood this past weekend. Pattinson attended the premiere of Benjamin Millepied’s ballet “Moving Parts” at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Pattinson arrived at the start of the party and re-portedly drank beer and mingled until the party ended. The next evening, he made an appearance at Jimmy Kimmel’s Emmy after party at Soho House.

birthdays:Will Smith, born in Philadel-

phia on Sept. 25, 1968, has en-joyed success in television, film and music. He has come a long way since his days as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His children, Jaden and Willow, are following in his footsteps with acting and singing.

Animal Collective’s newest offering, “Centipede Hz,” is a slight depature from their previous efforts. The album’s sound is more accessable, as they tone down the weird.

courtesy of domino record co.

Gwyneth Paltrow finally made it over the hill and hit 40. The ac-tress/singer, born in Los Angeles on Sept. 27, 1972, is well known for her many films including “Shakespeare in Love,” “Shal-low Hal,” and “Country Strong.” Paltrow is currently the face of American fashion brand Coach.

Hilary Duff was born on Sept. 28, 1987 in Houston. The actress/singer who was once known and loved as Disney Channel’s “Lizzie McGuire” has explored various interests such as fashion, writing novels and contributing to vari-ous humanitarian causes.

upcoming Work:Taylor Swift’s fourth studio

album is scheduled for release on Oct. 22. The album, “Red” will consist of 16 tracks, includ-ing possible bonus material. Throughout the years, it seems Swift has diverted from her coun-try roots and now produces mu-sic appealing to indie/pop genre lovers.

There is much talk about the popular “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy being made into movie, specifically what actors will be cast for the film. Kellan Lutz is the latest celebrity to comment on the possibility of being in the adap-tion, according to buzzsugar.com.

From left to right: Peter Maloney, Manu Narayan, Johnny Wu and Ray Anthony Thomas star in La Jolla Playhouse’s production of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” written by David Mamet and directed by Christopher Ashley in the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre.

courtesy of craig schwartz

turn it up

Tori Haynes Staff Writer

plaY: GlenGaRRy Glen RoSS DireCtOr: chRiSTopheR aShleyruNs: sept. 18 tO OCt. 21

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eNTeRTaiNMeNT 7Wednesdayseptember 26, 2012

the daily aztec

Whatever your college major is at the moment, don’t disregard this film simply because of the title. In “Liberal Arts,” 35-year old Jesse (who is also screenwriter/director Josh Radnor) is invited to make a trip back to his alma mater, where he revels in the bliss of being a col-lege undergrad. He meets a mature-for-her-age coed known as Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen), who becomes his exceptional conversational counter-part, although she is 16 years young-er. Thus, the dilemma begins.

This film depicts what could hap-pen when postgraduates and under-graduates collide. The outcome isn’t exactly hazardous or unsuccessful, but some conversations or topics can certainly make or break the potential of their seemingly “going-somewhere” relationship. Age may be nothing but a number to most, but Jesse teaches the audience that once the math is done, it matters. Although the chemistry is there, a strong dose of R-E-S-P-E-C-T shields

this otherwise stationary liaison. Speaking of stationery, pen and

paper play a major role in the way the two protagonists communicate. Be prepared to observe outdated techniques of communication that would otherwise be known as im-practical; but for this movie, they somehow work. In an age of tex-ting and email, it’s surprising to find some people (i.e. seemingly hope-less romantic college sophomores) actually want to have pen pals, but Radnor lessens the anxiety of this antiquated ritual by taking viewers through an almost-beautiful mon-tage of the old-fashioned method.

One humorous scene in the film illustrates Jesse jotting down on a piece of paper the “when I was 19 years old, she was…” until the screen verifies when he was in col-lege, Zibby was only three years old, causing the majority of the audience to laugh at the reality of this implied societal ridiculousness. Moreover, A-plus to Allison Janney for play-ing Jesse’s favorite professor, Judith Fairfield, in a role with a mighty domineering take on her perceptions about romance writers and her per-

Heartfelt ‘Arts’ offers honest human interaction

sistent claim that Jesse is destined for romantic doom. Jesse has profes-sor Peter Hoberg, played by Richard Jenkins, as a mentor to give him ad-vice about the facts of life.

On the other hand, Nat (Zac Efron) appears in a couple of cam-eos as the modern flower child of the film and brings to the beer pong table some resonating words every-one needs to hear periodically. His heathen mannerisms really enlighten

the main character and, through his amusing sense, may even enlighten the viewer.

“Liberal Arts” has minimal el-ements of the so-called “college life” (i.e. the underage drinking, the roommate code of conduct, the coffeehouse used for social asylum) but more so, this film has honest to goodness truth. The ending, al-though it seems to move rather fast in an effort to wrap things up, gets

in an age of texting and email, it’s surpris-ing to find some people (i.e. seemingly hopeless romantic college sophomores) actually want to have pen pals.

a high satisfactory grade. After all, whatever you came to college to “study,” liberal arts is what we are all really majoring in, n’est-ce pas?

Elizabeth Olsen and Josh Radnor star in “Liberal Arts.” Radnor (right) also wrote and directed the film, which is about a college postgraduate returning to his alma mater and meeting a much younger sophomore, Zibby (Olsen).

courtesy strategic motion ventures

Isabella Place staff Writer

moviE: liberal art DirEcTor: Josh radnorrELEAsE DATE: sept. 14, 2012rATiNG:

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Today’s BirThday (9/26/12) - Where would you love to be in five years? Take small steps toward an inspiring possibility. Use tools like a budget. Adapt to changes with a positive attitude. An income raise could occur after October for a November purchase.

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 - Check through the archives, meditate, consider all possibilities and then begin a project. Work on it like you really mean it. Opposites attract. Be careful.Taurus (april 20 - May 20) - Today is a 5 - It’s difficult to choose between work and attending a social event. Favor work or do both. You discover underlying truth. Friends help you make the connection.GeMini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 5 - Progress at work could be a bit bumpy. Take it as it comes to find the opportunities. Stick to your budget. There could be a conflict of interests or snags in the schedule. Accident alert: watch out!CanCer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 5 - Haste makes waste (and nicked fingers). Keep track of finances; you’ll know how much to spend. There’s good news from far away. Keep learning, even if it’s hard.Leo (July 23 - aug. 22) - Today is a 5 - Gaining security could mean giving up something. There are even more costs to cut that you didn’t see before. Clear up confusion before proceeding.VirGo (aug. 23 - sept. 22) - Today is a

5 - Family matters vie with work for your attention. Work smartly so that you have time for both. Avoid obvious and not-so-obvious distractions. Pay a bill before buying treats.LiBra (sept. 23 - oct. 22) - Today is a 6 - Show you have what it takes, use your wits and increase profit, even in the face of a possible conflict of interests. A social event sparks passion. Opposites attract.sCorpio (oct. 23 - nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - Learn a lot from a child. Others may disagree on details, but it’s not worth the fight. Dress for success. Love blossoms over the next few days. An older person shows you how.saGiTTarius (nov. 22 - dec. 21) - Today is a 6 - Today is a 5 - Good news comes from far away. It’s even better from a perspective bigger than your own. Cleaning house reveals a treasure in your home. Count your blessings.CapriCorn (dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 5 - Let your partner do the talking to clear up a temporary setback. Friends have lots of great plans. Study them carefully and add your talents to those that call to you the most.aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 6 - Focus on details to increase financial productivity. Work out bugs in a new idea. Use gains to pay off an old debt, not to gamble. A conflict in romance could arise.pisCes (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 5 - Try not to get impatient ... there’s still time. Conditions will be better tomorrow anyway. Work on something that will last. Enjoy a new level of awareness.©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

HOROSCOPE by Nancy Black,Tribune Media Services

SUDOKU by The Mepham Group,Tribune Media Services

difficulty Level: 3 out of 4

instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

Solutions available online atwww.thedailyaztec.com

©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

CROSSWORD by Rich Norris & Joyce Lewis,Tribune Media Services

Across1 Stir-fry additive4 [frog lands in pond]8 Remote control battery14 Baba of folklore15 Bindle carrier16 “Zip your lip!”17 Diarist Anaïs18 “Gotta hit the hay”20 Future snakes, perhaps22 Regards highly23 Elementary school fundamentals25 Cut from the same cloth29 Lemon and lime30 Swift means of attack?32 Put into words33 Poe’s “ungainly fowl”36 D.C. athlete37 Mom’s behavior warning41 __ of Good Feelings42 Gives the heave-ho43 Rap’s __ Wayne44 With-the-grain woodworking technique46 Theater sections48 Canadian pump sign49 Marks to brag about54 “Why bother?”56 Color property57 Canned pasta brand61 “Characters welcome” network62 Receive, as a radio signal63 South American country at 0 degrees lat.64 Looney Tunes collectible65 Structural threat for many a house66 Gels67 Towel lettering

Down1 “The Balcony” painter2 Insult3 Cookies with a bite4 Chi preceder

5 Solitary sorts6 Beyond zaftig7 Baudelaire, par exemple8 Evaluates9 Quark’s locale10 Global networking pioneer11 Girl in a pasture12 Gossipy Smith13 OCS grads, usually19 “__ Rosenkavalier”21 Bed or home ending24 “Over here!”26 Reader with a sensitive screen27 Modern site of Mesopotamia28 Keeps after taxes31 Like Big Ben33 Big chunk of Eur.

34 Framed work35 No. twos37 Nothing more than38 Eye part39 Surpassed in extravagance40 Elie Wiesel work45 Large eel46 Took it on the lam47 Grandchild of Japanese immigrants50 Little one51 Traditional doings52 “That has __ ring to it”53 Elite Navy group55 Kent State’s home57 Norm: Abbr.58 Water filter brand59 Whichever60 Airline to Oslo

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8 BackpaGeWednesdaySeptember 26, 2012The Daily azTec

Myparents’jobvengeanceGrowing up, my parents always acted with patience towards my sister and I when we acted out. They rarely struck us or raised their voices; a type of self-restraint I’d eventually come to figure out was a well thought-out front. When I turned fifteen the bluff ended, and I realized my parents were actually terrible sadists who played the long-game. They’d been biding their time to punish me for all the regrettable things I’d done, and now, as I turned an employable age, they were putting their vindictive plan in action: I was to get a part-time, after-school job.

My father’s idea of a good time involved working during the daylight hours. He never spent one moment of his weekends on the couch, watching golf and getting fat like other dads. In fact, he rarely sat down for break-fast or lunch, choosing instead to eat while pacing around. If he finished his work in the yard and garage, he’d take his mountain bike on an all-afternoon trek through the foothills, coming home just in time for dinner dirty and bloodied from a few falls, and drenched in sweat.

My sister and I preferred to spend our weekends lounging, occasionally doing a few chores here and there — mowing the lawn, washing the cars, walking the dogs, etc. Now I knew these “chores” were actually manipulations of my character. With-out my knowledge of it, my father had crafted me into an employable young man, and boy, was I bitter about it. I’d been conned. Every night before bed, I’d lie awake and picture my parents drinking champagne and laughing at their successful dupe.

The next few months, my week-ends involved filling out applications and interviewing for bottom-rung positions at dead-end jobs, fast food joints and gas stations. At first, I thought I’d be able to outsmart my

Mason SchoenStaff Writer

parents — completing the applica-tions and leaving them around the house for them to see. On the week-ends, I’d pretend to return them at their respective places when instead I would throw them away at a nearby friend’s house and spend the next few hours playing video games and talking about crushes. I’d come home saying, “The manager said he’d call and set-up an interview later. That tip about a firm hand-shake and looking him in the eye? Great advice, Dad.”

This rouse was quickly thwarted, however, when my mom volunteered to drive me around, expediting the process, and allowing me to cover more area. To make matters worse, when I asked her to stay in the car and wait for me, she insisted against it. Now my only hope to avoiding this excruciating embarrassment was to embrace the hunt and hope to get hired somewhere, anywhere, as soon as possible. With all my accolades, I knew I’d be hired soon enough, but who would be the lucky employer?

No one ever called me back. I understood rejection in the roman-tic sense — I owned no car and no driver’s license, my bank account contained no more than $60, I didn’t play any sports and I was now known as the kid who went every-where with his mother. Usually I’d show up to school with oil-stained hands and busted knuckles from working on classic car restorations the night before in my father’s garage. I’d rush from class to class, terrified that people might recognize me as the kid who tripped walking down the bleachers during Freshman Orienta-tion, my weak, skinny limbs flailing about as I tried to turn my clumsiness into a graceful somersault, looking like a baby bird doing gymnastics.

In my mind I saw my peers openly pointing and laughing as I fled down the hallways. But rejection from employment? That I couldn’t under-stand.

Soon enough I was desperate for work, and started begging friends who were employed to get me a job, anywhere. One friend worked for T.J. Maxx, and after charming my way through three interviews, I landed the job. At this point, I was 17 and a senior in high school. I worked 30 hours a week after school and on weekends and had little time for a social life. My coworkers began to force themselves as confidantes. In the break-room, a group of middle-aged Persian women would interview me in English, then switch back to Farsi and laugh at my sad life, as though the foreign language veil were thick enough to hide their obvious mirth. Because I went to school with their sons and daughters, I imagined them returning home after our shifts and gossiping about me, holding their laughter back just long enough to say, “Your friend Mason said he was leaning back in his chair in history class and fell backwards, and every-one laughed at him!”

Undoubtedly their children, my classmates, would respond with, “Mom, I’ve told you a hundred times — he’s not my friend, just some weirdo.”

What I learned from that job was essentially what my classmates also taught me, although it took me quite a few years to realize it. Every shift I’d hang up clothes people were too lazy or rude to hang up themselves. Nobody was paying attention to my blunders. Instead, like me, they were so engulfed in their own actions that they never noticed me tripping down the bleachers, bringing my mom around with me, and worst of all, working at T.J. Maxx.

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Senior Staff photographer Dustin Michelson captured the schoolhouse and church where alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” was filmed in Bodega.

Bird’s-Eye View