San Diegans Join Debate Over Disputed Toll Road

UNVEILING OBAMA’S ELOQUENCE ▶ OPINION, PAGE 4

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

www.ucsdguardian.org Thursday, February 21, 2008 The Student Voice Since 1967 SAN DIEGANS Undergrad TA Contract: Teaching the Wrong Lesson? Following UC, union JOIN DEBATE contract ratification, UCSD undergraduate TAs OVER DISPUTED remain excluded from key fee-remission provision. By Matthew McArdle TOLL ROAD Senior Staff Writer LOCAL NEWS For the past two years, Revelle College senior Jonathan Kommemi has By Peter Feytser diligently served as an undergraduate Senior Staff Writer teaching assistant for the mathematics department, working alongside gradu- Orange County’s toll road agency ate students, leading discussions, hold- announced last week that it was asking ing office hours and grading exams. the U.S. Department of Commerce So after the University of California to reconsider a Feb. 6 decision by the and the United Auto Workers — the California Coastal Commission that union representing TAs systemwide decisively halted construction plans — agreed to contract provisions outlin- for a toll road through San Onofre ing quarterly fee remissions for under- State Park. graduate TAs last October, Kommemi Heading north, the proposed eagerly approached his boss with a sim- toll road would begin south of San ple question: When would he be eligible WILL PARSON/GUARDIAN Clemente, about 40 miles north of La to receive his fee abatement? Undergraduate teaching assistants such as Jonathan Kommemi remain excluded from contractually bound fee remissions because UCSD labels them tutors. Jolla, and run 16 miles to cut across the Kommemi was told that the con- San Diego/Orange County line. tract did not apply to him because he receive remission — UCSD employs through codes 2311 or 2310, but Scott all qualified undergraduate TAs simply The commission made its final 8- did not, in fact, serve as a TA. Rather, he them under a tutor code, 2860, which is Rollans, the undergraduate program because of “tradition,” and that he feels 2 decision at the end of a 12-hour was hired as a tutor, so he would not be not granted a fee exemption. officer for the mathematics department, his work should be recognized as equal meeting attended by nearly 3,500 offered a remission of educational and “It’s tradition at UCSD to hire said that as recently as Fall Quarter 2007 to that of graduate students’, who receive Southern Californians at the Del Mar registration fees, which amount to more undergraduate teaching assistants he noticed several undergraduates had fee remission and are paid about four fairgrounds. San Diegans have paid than $2,200 per quarter this year. under [2860],” Trofemuk said. “I don’t been grouped under 2310, mostly by times as much for doing the same type particular attention to the roadway Kommemi’s case is not unique. know why.” the biology department. of work he does. because San Onofre is a common vaca- According to UCSD Labor Relations The contract, hailed by UAW as “I was surprised that there appeared Currently, Kommemi teaches two tion destination and the nation’s fifth Director Lori J. Trofemuk, the contract “nationally precedent-setting” for to be some hired under that category,” MATH 10C sections, and three gradu- most visited state park. does not apply to undergraduate TAs at undergraduate TAs, came after months he said. ate students split the remaining eight Many panelists sided with UCSD because of a simple discrepancy of negotiations. But currently, accord- Mark Whelan, a student affairs offi- sections. In the past, Kommemi has Chairman Pat Kruer of Rancho Santa regarding job codes drawn by the UC ing to UCSD spokeswoman Dolores cer in the biology department in charge led four sections to a graduate student Fe in finding the toll road inconsistent Office of the President under which Davies, only UC Davis and UC Berkeley of hiring teaching assistants, refused TA’s two. with California state laws regulating TAs on this campus are hired. employ undergraduate TAs under the to comment, and instead referred all “To call their behavior shady would development along the coastline. Rather than hiring undergraduate codes specified for remission. inquiries to Trofemuk. be an understatement,” Kommemi said. UCSD’s A.S. Council passed a reso- TAs under codes 2311 or 2310 — titles Both Davies and Trofemuk said Kommemi said he is outraged that lution last year voicing opposition to that are contractually mandated to that UCSD never hires undergraduates UCSD has refused to offer fee relief for See CONTRACT, page 3 the project, which was submitted by then-Eleanor Roosevelt College Junior Senator Kerry Kassam. “I think it’s important to preserve what’s left of our natural beauty in Bill Puts Immigrant Aid on Chopping Block Campus Web San Diego,” Kassam said. “San Onofre, especially Trestles Beach, is one of the New legislation could more than any guard in the nation — most gorgeous places that students can they fight fires, floods, earthquakes RETHINKING PRIORITIES visit to camp, swim, surf and indulge in provide free college and wars abroad. It’s due time that we Team Battles a little bit of calm.” properly compensate them for their AB 1758 QUICK POINTS John Muir College senior Kenna tuition for National service.” Crouch attended the meeting in Del Guardsmen, cut earmarks DeVore’s bill, titled AB 1758, seeks • Repeals AB 540, which Technical Issues Mar, and said she agreed with Kassam’s to repeal AB 540, legislation passed in grants in-state tuition to concerns. for illegal immigrants. 2001 that granted illegal immigrants eligible illegal immigrants. “I think that Southern California eligibility for in-state tuition if they is already an urban jungle,” Crouch By Deepak Seeni graduated from a California high for New Features • Waives tuition at state said. “There are so many people Contributing Writer school and agreed to legalize their By Sarah de Crescenzo with a special connection to [the resident status if given the oppor- colleges and universities Senior Staff Writer park]. It would be morally wrong to In the wake of the state’s $14.5- tunity. for National Guardsmen. destroy it so that people can drive billion deficit, a state assembly- The Legislative Analyst’s Office As UCSD’s new Web site continues faster.” ALIFORNIA TATE SSEMBLY man recently proposed legislation estimated the cost of in-state resi- SOURCE: C S A its metamorphosis, users will witness The state park holds several that would provide members of the dency waivers, granted primarily to developments in coming months that endangered species and an untaint- California National Guard with free illegal immigrants, to be $117 million who is to say these people are going include a feature allowing students ed stretch of San Mateo Creek. In tuition at state colleges and universi- in 2005-06. to stay here?” to change their major online, more addition, it houses the San Mateo ties while simultaneously repealing Flanigan said that the annual Flanigan explained that tying the department-specific pages and general Campground and several archaeo- legislation that would allow some $3-million cost of covering national National Guardsmen issue to the costs alterations that hope to accommodate logical sites, including the Juaneño illegal immigrants to qualify for in- guardsmen is a wiser allocation of of funding education for illegal immi- the results of usability surveys. American Indian village of Panhe. state tuition. resources, compared to the $117 mil- grants would put economic issues into Web sites linked to the campus’ Opponents of the $875-million, six- Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R- lion spent on in-state residency waiv- better perspective for taxpayers and the main site will eventually boast fea- lane project say it would destroy natu- Irvine) estimated that the cost of cov- ers for illegal immigrants, especially Democrat-controlled state Legislature. tures and graphics similar to the main ral habitats, wetlands and public rec- ering tuitions for all persons serving when considering the state’s budget “The state chooses to reward peo- TritonLink page. reation areas, including the renowned in the California National Guard to deficit. ple who are here illegally with $117 “We’re actively developing a mini- surfing spot at Trestles. Surfers claim be about $3 million. “When we are in a budget deficit million, yet is unable to cover guard Web site that will provide campus enti- the road would block the sediment “We are the only state in the and we are cutting vital services like members when it only costs $3 mil- ties with everything they need to adopt deposits that create the waves there. nation that doesn’t cover our national Medicare among other things, why lion a year,” he said. “Taxpayers need the new UC San Diego web brand,” Encinitas resident Troy Brajkovich guardsmen,” said Robert Flanigan, a aren’t we cutting this?” Flanigan said. to ask themselves, ‘Is this a wise allo- Brian E.C. Schottlaender, Audrey senior consultant for DeVore. “These “This should be the first to go, and as See ONOFRE, page 7 men and women are called upon far as investing in our state’s future, See BILL, page 7 See WEB, page 12

HIATUS SPORTS INSIDE WEATHER No Cigar Currents ...... 2 Hollywood Bash Poorly Drawn Lines ...... 2 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Hiatus lets loose the Academy’s ugly stepchild Softball dominates to make it to championship game, New Business ...... 3 H 59 L 49 H 58 L 47 with the sixth annual Anti-Oscars. but ends up with second place in Phoenix tourney. Letter to the Editor ...... 5 page 8 page 16 Classifieds ...... 15 Feb. 23 Feb. 24 Sudoku ...... 15 H 61 L 48 H 60 L 46 2 NEWS THE UCSD GUARDIAN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008

POORLY DRAWN LINES BY REZA FARAZMAND

Charles Nguyen Editor in Chief Matthew McArdle Managing Editors Hadley Mendoza Serena Renner Nicole Teixeira Copy Editors Teresa Wu Matthew L’Heureux News Editor Jesse Alm Associate News Editors Kimberly Cheng Reza Farazmand Hadley Mendoza Opinion Editor Vincent Andrews Associate Opinion Editor Rael Enteen Sports Editor Danai Leininger Associate Sports Editor Alyssa Bereznak Focus Editor CURRENTS Katie Corotto Associate Focus Editors Serena Renner Chris Kokiousis Associate Hiatus Editors have supported the work of out- Chris Mertan Preuss School Team Wins standing young researchers early in Sonia Minden Regional Science Bowl their academic careers. Thirty-five GUARDIAN ONLINE Will Parson Photo Editor recipients have gone on to claim Erik Jepsen Associate Photo Editor the Nobel Prize in their fields and 14 A team of five Preuss School Richard Choi Design Editor have received the Fields Medal, the students won the U.S. Department Wendy Shieu Associate Design Editor top honor in mathematics. of Energy’s National Science Bowl www.ucsdguardian.org Christina Aushana Art Editor for high school students in the San Page Layout Diego regional championship last Emily Ku, Sonia Minden, Kent Ngo, New Web Site Offers Michael Wu, Kathleen Yip week, beating 11 other teams from Copy Readers San Diego County high schools. Professor, Course Ratings Allie Cuerdo, Rochelle Emert, Christine Ma, Najwa Mayer, OCUS IATUS Elizabeth Reynders, Anita Vergis In May, the team will compete F H A new Web site launched against 66 others in the National Slideshow: How Things Work Blog: The Mixtape General Manager Saturday gives California college Anna Gandolfi Science Bowl finals. Sponsored by Mike Martinez Advertising Manager students the opportunity to view Professor Doug Smith and Hot tracks reviewed weekly. the National Organization for the James Durbin Advertising Art Director grade distributions and professor Network Administrator Professional Advancement of Black his research assistant Dorian This week: R&B cuts from Michael Neill evaluations before they enroll in Chemists & Chemical Engineers, the Raymer explain the ins-and- Trey Songz, J. Holiday and Advertising Representatives courses. Julia Peterson, Ching Young competition tests students’ knowl- The Web site, Campus Buddy outs of their internationally the Wyclef Jean. Business Assistants edge of biology, chemistry, earth sci- Charissa Ginn, Maggie Leung (www.thecampusbuddy.com), features famed knot research. ence, physics and math in a fast- Advertising Design and Layout graphs of grade percentages as well Nick Alesi, Jennifer Chan, George Chen paced, game-show-style format. Blog: The Tube Distributors as statistics regarding how many Charissa Ginn, Jason Gubatayao, We start our coverage of Scott Havrisik, Danai Leininger courses were included in the analy- OPINION HBO with looks at “The Marketing and Promotion UC Receives Top Number sis. All professors in each department Web Poll: How often do you Dara Bu, Priya Kanayson, Kathleen Ngo, are listed, and Web site members are eat at the Grove Caffe? Wire” and “The Sopranos.” Jennifer Snow, Lisa Tat, Jennifer Wu of Sloan Fellowships able to rate professors and provide a The UCSD Guardian is published Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year by UCSD students and for the written explanation of their rating. UCSD community. Reproduction of this newspaper in any form, whether in whole or in part, without permission Seventeen UC researchers Similar services already exist, is strictly prohibited. © 2008, all rights reserved. The UCSD Guardian is not responsible for the return of unso- received Alfred P. Sloan Research such as the professor ratings from licited manuscripts or art. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the opinions of the UCSD Fellowships last week, marking a C.A.P.E. evaluations on UCSD’s Guardian, the University of California or Associated higher number of awards than at any TritonLink Web site, but in a recent Students. The UCSD Guardian is funded solely by advertising. I just bleated the entire national anthem. other university. At UCSD, neurosci- interview with the Daily Bruin at General Editorial: 858-534-6580 ence researcher Adam R. Aron and UCLA, Campus Buddy co-designer All Available on [email protected] physics researcher Congjun Wu were Mike Moradi said the new platform News: 858-534-5226, [email protected] Focus: 858-534-5226, [email protected] awarded the grants. enables students to see the most Hiatus: 858-534-6583, [email protected] Overall, the Sloan Foundation’s objective analysis of professors Guardian Web! Opinion: 858-534-6582, [email protected] Sports: 858-534-6582, [email protected] $5.9 million in fellowships went to before choosing. Photo: 858-534-6582, [email protected] faculty members at 64 colleges and He said the Web site includes  Classifieds Advertising: 858-534-3467 universities in the U.S. and Canada. over eight million grades from 32 [email protected] Fax: 858-534-7691 Recipients were honored for their campuses, and that all data came  Story Comments research in physics, chemistry, directly from school officials. He molecular biology, computer sci- added that since grades greatly influ-  Archives ence, economics, mathematics and ence job prospects, Campus Buddy The UCSD Guardian neuroscience. Fellows may use their will ultimately benefit students. 9500 Gilman Drive, 0316 two-year $50,000 awards for the “As students, you don’t get La Jolla, CA 92093-0316 lines of inquiry of their choice. Since paid,” Moradi said. “Your salary’s 1995, Sloan Research Fellowships your grade.” UCSDGUARDIAN.ORG

Thurs March 13 Spring Break Issue THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 THE UCSD GUARDIAN NEWS 3 Fee-Focused Meeting Touts Labor Director: �� Tuition Freezes, Grove’s Growth Union to Blame �� former gubernatorial candi- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recently for Contract Flaws date dropped in at last night’s proposed state budget cuts. brief A.S. Council meeting to Watts endorsed the efforts of the ▶ CONTRACT, from page 1 Aprovide his own two cents about finan- student group Tuition Relief Now “Not only do I feel cheated out of the �� cial difficulties facing students. to put an initiative on the ballot in spirit of the contract, but every UCSD PRICE CENTER Earl Warren College alumnus November that would cap tuition from BLOCK undergraduate TA should as well.” BUSTERS Daniel Watts took the floor during rising faster than inflation. According to UCSD’s policies that public input to speak about the Grove Vice President of External Affairs govern the hiring of academic student Caffe’s monetary woes. Watts suggested Dorothy Young kept the cause of ris- employees, TAs are responsible for Beowulf that the council dig into its mandated ing tuition afloat by introducing the “conducting discussion or laboratory reserves — an “emergency fund” for council to the “budget postcard cam- sections that supplement faculty lec- Thu. 2/21 & Sat. 2/23 A.S. enterprises-in-need that he said paign,” which aims to bombard state tures and by grading assignments” in was holding a tidy $800,000 — to buy legislators with signed postcards from addition to holding office hours and Price Center Theatre out the eatery’s $66,000 debt. concerned students. During ques- proctoring exams. Tutors, however, are There wasn’t a tion time, Earl charged with providing assistance to 6pm & 9pm • $3 discernible con- Warren College individual or small groups of under- sensus among Senator Peter graduate students who require extra Friday, 2/22 councilmembers New Benesch asked help to understand course materials. about the sugges- Business Vice President of Kommemi said he clearly performs Round Table tion, although the Student Life Donna the duties of a TA rather than a tutor. un Price Center thought of spend- Michael Bowlus Bean about how “I can provide the same quality edu- •food•f ing $66,000 on a [email protected] the planning pro- cation as any graduate student, and if music 1:30pm - 4:30pm • FREE coffee shop may cess for next quar- the department truly doesn’t believe so, universitycenters.ucsd.edu • 858.822.2068 have shocked any uninitiated Starbucks ter’s Sun God festival was progressing. maybe the department shouldn’t be in customers in attendance. Benesch raised the question in light of the business of hiring undergraduate Associate Vice President of a controversial report regarding the TAs,” he said. Enterprise Operations Chelsea handling of the annual event. Trofemuk refused to comment on Maxwell elaborated on the cafe’s Bean was pleased to report that why UCSD could not simply switch financial health, saying that necessary the Sun God advisory committee the codes through which it currently improvements and equipment pur- had surprisingly reached a consensus employs undergraduate TAs, instead chases were to blame for the growth of between its administrators and student saying that UAW representatives should its original $24,000 debt at the begin- representatives. She also reported that have addressed the issue before the con- ning of the school year. the logistics for the event had been tract was ratified. Vice President of Finance and reworked but teased the council by “They never came back and request- Resources Sarah Chang also chimed saying that she couldn’t release any ed any other language,” she said. “We in, saying that the Grove is now either more information, including the head- knew that this would not have any effect breaking even or turning a profit on liner act, for a few more weeks. at UCSD.” a monthly basis, and implied that the Near the end of the meeting, UAW Vice President Christine Petit, cafe would be able to work off its own Associate Vice President of Athletic a graduate student at UC Riverside, said debt. Buyer beware: That $66,000 may Relations Stephanie Chang reminded the union would keep fighting to force WE PROVIDE be coming to a croissant near you. councilmembers about their upcom- the UC system to standardize its under- Watts, who graduated in 2006, also ing participation in the Row for the graduate TA coding practices. Airport Transportation took the opportunity to tout his unsuc- Cure fundraising and boat racing event “They need to recognize our work as cessful campaign for California gov- this weekend and caught some of the equal and not make differentials about LA CLASS TRANSPORTATIONNight on the town ernor during the 2003 recall election. students off guard by asking them to the work that we do based on specific (619) 520 - 5637 His gubernatorial ambitions focused sign some last-minute paperwork. campuses,” Petit said. Group events solely on the issue of rising college “You just need to sign a form that www.laclasslimo.com tuition costs, which has come into the says if you drown it’s not our fault,” Readers can contact Matthew McArdle [email protected] Parties mainstream news once again in light of she said. at [email protected].

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�� THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 THE UCSD GUARDIAN NEWS 7 Opponents: Bill Would Unfairly Limit Illegals’ Higher Ed Options

▶ BILL, from page 1 immigrants. cation of our resources? Is this how I “The truth is that by separating the want my money to be spent?’” ‘illegal immigrants’ from the ‘taxpayers’ Eleanor Roosevelt College junior of our society, we create a dualism and Grecia Lima, a member of the Migrant division that is easy for people to buy Rights Awareness group at UCSD, into; the illegal versus the legal, the expressed her concerns regarding good versus the bad,” Lima said. “I am DeVore’s proposed legislation. tired of having to explain that the ‘ille- “The repealing of AB 540 is not the gal immigrant’ community is human worst part of this law,” she said. “It’s the beings. Not until our society is able to crafting, execution, attention and mes- embrace that idea will we be able to sage that it sends to the general public.” have open dialogue about the downfalls Lima said that passing the bill and solutions of immigration.” would send the Lima said that wrong message to AB 540 primar- California and the ily impacted the rest of the nation I am tired of having to community col- regarding the state’s lege system, and stance on illegal explain that the ‘illegal even with the immigration. immigrant’ community benefits provided “It questions the by the bill, high- fundamental right is human beings.” tier universities to education for a like UCSD are not community that is — Grecia Lima, member, within the reach already disenfran- UCSD Migrant Rights Awareness of many first-gen- chised, it adds divi-“ eration college sion to the already students. divided American “I am sure that public and it reinforces the dualism of the Assemblyman Chuck DeVore has ‘us’ vs. ‘them,’” Lima said. not realized the very low fiscal impact Lima said that illegal immigrants that these students actually have since pay sales tax and oftentimes contribute waivers of in-state tuition are not only to Social Security funds, benefits that provided for illegal immigrants but also they may never be able to reclaim. In for other students,” she said. fact, recent years have seen an increase AB 1758 is scheduled to be heard in Individual Taxpayer Identification March 4 in the Assembly Higher Numbers — issued to individuals Education Committee. obliged to pay taxes but who cannot obtain a Social Security number Readers can contact Deepak Seeni at — many of which belong to illegal [email protected]. Public Forum Sees Overflow of Community Speakers Toll-Road Rage

UCSD’s A.S. Council passes resolution in FEB. 2007 opposition of proposed San Onofre toll road.

California Coastal Commission rules 8-2 to FEB. 2008 halt toll road project.

U.S. Department of Commerce is expected FEB. 2009 to make a decision regarding the CCC ruling.

▶ ONOFRE, from page 1 expand Interstate 5 would result in the said the ruling was a huge win for elimination of hundreds of homes and surfers. businesses next to the freeway while “Basically the best spot for pro- unsuccessfully confronting problem- fessional surfing in California was atic traffic delays. going to be ruined to a certain extent,” About a dozen elected officials Brajkovich said. from San Diego County attended It was estimated that 320 of the the Del Mar meeting. Those from park’s 2,100 acres would have been Carlsbad and Oceanside supported taken by the project, according the construction, while those from to the California State Park and coastal cities farther south protested Recreation Commission. it. Transportation Corridor Agencies, Crouch said the atmosphere of the the company that operates Orange public forum at the Del Mar meeting County’s toll road system, argued that was encouraging. the toll road is necessary to maintain “Generally everyone was being the economy, environment and quality respectful,” she said. “People were say- of life in Southern California, estimat- ing that they want to save Trestles for ing a 60-percent increase in traffic at their grandkids.” the Orange/San Diego County border Several hundred union workers by 2025. wearing bright orange shirts showed “We are very disappointed that up to support the project, shouting the Coastal Commission failed to “We need the work.” recognize the years of study that have The road’s opponents, wearing gone into this roadway’s planning blue T-shirts that read, “Save the and design to protect the environ- Park, Stop the Toll Road,” booed the ment and valuable state park and proponents. coastal resources,” Lance MacLean, Hundreds of people wishing to chairman of the Foothill/Eastern speak submitted requests to be heard Transportation Agency, said in a at the meeting. statement. However, Kruer closed public TCA also cited independent sci- comment at 8:30 p.m., saying that if entific studies as evidence that the everyone were allowed to speak, the roadway will have “negligible impact” meeting could have lasted up to 38 on San Onofre State Park and Trestles hours. Beach. Construction on the project can- More than 40 elected officials from not commence without the approval Southern California, the majority of a coastal development permit, but of whom represent cities in Orange the secretary of the Department of County, spoke at the meeting to sup- Commerce has the right to over- port the roadway. ride the Coastal Commission, a deci- They said the project is environ- sion not expected for approximately mentally friendly because it would a year. reduce pollution from cars sitting in traffic. They also claimed that a coun- Readers can contact Peter Feytser at terproposal by environmentalists to [email protected]. Props to Chancellor Marye Anne Fox for holding a town hall meeting on Feb. 4 20 to talk with students about campus issues like parking and free speech. CONTACT THE EDITOR Hadley Mendoza Flops to Assemblyman Chuck DeVore for [email protected] proposing a bill that arbitrarily prohibits grant eligibility for illegal immigrants while OPINION waiving tuiton for National Guardsmen. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 EDITORIALS Hey Obama, Shady UCSD ‘Tradition’ Shafts Hardworking TAs Let’s Hear hen the University of codes in the agreement are read- California and the United ily in place at every campus, nothing Auto Workers — the more than a technicality is preventing unionW representing TAs across the extremely qualified UCSD TAs from More Prose, 10-campus system — agreed to a receiving remissions they rightfully new contract last October, one of deserve. TAs at UC Berkeley and UC the document’s most groundbreaking Davis are already benefiting from Less Poetry! provisions centered on the issue of fee the contract’s provisions, so what’s remissions for undergraduate TAs. stopping UCSD from catching up? efore you read any further, Under the agreement, quali- Clearly, the answer is greed. Though keep in mind that I did, in fied undergraduate TAs systemwide Trofemuk would be the last person to fact, vote for Sen. Barack BObama (D-Ill.) in the primary elec- employed under certain codes devel- admit that. oped and regulated by the UC Office Her answer about why UCSD tions. of the President would be eligible for employs its hardworking undergrad- Early in the election season I quarterly abatements of educational uate TAs under a code inappropriate was a very skeptical Obama sup- and registration fees. For the average for them was, get this: “I don’t know.” porter, mostly because voting for TA, the remission would equate to And that’s verbatim. It’s a shame cam- him represented supporting a roughly $2,200, a hefty sum for most pus officials have become so accus- Democratic Party that I have lost college students. tomed to sucking money away from faith in. However, as the prima- Naturally, the union hailed the students that they don’t even realize receive fee abatements and make ries crept closer and closer I found contract as nationally precedent-set- they’re doing it anymore. about four times as much as their myself gravitating more and more to ting. And just as naturally, the univer- It’s obvious that TAs are vast- undergraduate counterparts. And in the man who passionately spoke of sity has dodged the contact’s intent, ly different from tutors — even some instances, lesser-compensated change and hope. I was impressed by leaving undergraduate TAs at UCSD UCSD understands this simple fact. undergraduate TAs have even taught EDITORIAL BOARD how Obama could motivate crowds without remissions and wondering According to campus policies govern- more sections than graduate students, of people, getting them to chant his Charles Nguyen name one minute and laugh their why the contract was even enacted in ing the hiring of academic employees, a clear instance of inequality at the EDITOR IN CHIEF the first place. TAs are responsible for grading and workplace. heads off the next. I decided to Matthew McArdle The codes outlined in the agree- proctoring assignments and exams, It’s time for UCSD to stand up throw my original cautions to the Hadley Mendoza ment — 2310 and 2311 — are not hosting office hours and conduct- and do the right thing by honoring wind, and on Feb. 5 I contentedly MANAGING EDITORS even used at UCSD, according to ing discussions or laboratory sections the contract’s provisions. There’s no filled in the little ballot circle beside Labor Relations Director Lori J. to supplement faculty instruction. reason why UCSD TAs should miss Matthew L’Heureux Obama’s name. Trofemuk. Instead, nothing more Tutors, however, are responsible for out on contractually mandated ben- NEWS EDITOR than campus “tradition” has dictated providing assistance to small groups efits granted to TAs at other UC cam- The UCSD Guardian is published twice a week at the University that TAs be hired under a different of undergraduates who need extra puses who perform the same duties. of California at San Diego. Contents © 2007. Views expressed Seasoned herein represent the majority vote of the editorial board and are code: 2860, a label reserved specifi- help understanding course materials. Tradition is not a strong enough rea- not necessarily those of the UC Board of Regents, the ASUCSD cally for tutors. Undergraduate TAs work along- son for our campus’ TAs to remain or the members of the Guardian staff. to Taste There’s just one problem: If the side graduate students, who already marginalized. Jake Blanc [email protected]

Since Super Tuesday, the junior senator from Illinois has overcome Recent Report Further Highlights Need for Administrative Overhaul the delegate gap between himself t looks like the University of finally start taking seriously. and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), California just can’t get its When are students finally going making an Obama win seem within act together, and the Western to see their administrators held reach. With the election victories AssociationI of Schools and Colleges accountable for rampant incompe- piling up in his favor, I have started recently added its name to the long tence? to pay more attention to exactly list of UC critics in a report that The sorest travesty is the extent what he so eloquently says on stage carped at bungling university higher to which our schools’ top adminis- after each subsequent primary win. ups. trators admit their own confusion. Hearing him speak makes me feel After years of pay scandals, gov- Simple job descriptions are being happy and secure, but after watching erning fumbles and zero executive formed at the regents’ level, and enough of these speeches over the transparency, it’s no surprise that one the UC Office of the President is last two weeks I have come to realize of the main accreditors of California an entangled ball of yarn. The UC- that he says the same things every schools finally said something. commissioned working group that time, and that in the end he hasn’t By now, WASC’s take on the UC is outlining regents’ responsibilities really said anything at all. may be one spook story too many glossed over the inherent troubles, He boasts of bringing change and (how does infrastructure really choosing instead to formulate a giving Americans hope to make the effect the common student?), but the broadly weak six-part plan. country better from the bottom up, but never did I once hear him spe- scandal’s magnitude has undeniably The workgroup is even catch- ILLUSTRATIONS BY MICHAEL CAPPARELLI/GUARDIAN and irrevocably altered the college ing flak from its own subjects, with cifically outline how, as president, he would work to eradicate our nation’s system’s reputation and repute. regents claiming that the plan ignored departure of UC President Robert C. cessor that is both cognizant of the abundant problems. It is easy enough Though the system’s status addressing the bureaucratic overlaps Dynes will either allow the university university’s problems and capable of to point out what is wrong with the clearly isn’t threatened — no matter that pain regents to this day. to completely reshape its infrastruc- handling them. United States, but to present a plan how out of hand the UC Board of The university’s head doesn’t ture or plunge the prestigious system Hopefully Dynes’ departure will for bringing about change is what Regents gets there’s no way some of know what its hands are doing, at into disarray. Even if the regents mean a reality check for the messy actually matters. the nation’s top public universities a time when it is set to swap out have no idea what they’re doing now, university administration, marking After my idealistic Obama bubble are going to lose their accreditation its leadership — the combination they need to shape up quick: Within a significant bureaucratic overhaul burst I took it upon myself to find — this is a critic the regents should will prove to be make or break. The a year they will have to tap a suc- — and fast. out his stance on many important issues. This search made me realize that while his projected persona and ability to motivate Americans sets Delay for On-Campus Psychological Help Too Long to Ignore him apart from other candidates, some of his beliefs and plans directly seem fit, a student can hope that a al gap that forces students to wait, problems for the already tight-bud- counter his speeches’ flowery rheto- New initiatives to UCSD faculty member will notice the All-Campus Senator Meaghan Clair geted P&CS. ric. improve assistance for student in distress and confront him proposed to Rue that a walk-in psy- The school would be paying top He lambasts President George W. or her about it, chologist for the dollar for a psychologist that wouldn’t Bush and the war in Iraq, yet he overwhelmed students then make an campus be hired. necessarily be doing much work. But has openly supported continuing the are encouraging, but appointment for Though the vice with weeklong waits for such impor- War on Terror with a willingness the student to see chancellor consid- tant care, a walk-in service is clearly to attack Iran and Pakistan. He has there’s more to be done. a psychologist. The student would ered this option, a worthy investment. What is more called for the slow phasing out of By Silhan Jin Clearly, the she brought up a important than mental health? certain troops from the Middle East, Staff Writer best solution for have to wait a few legitimate con- Certainly not cushioning already- yet has simultaneously proposed the the stressed-out cern: Would the massive administrative salaries, though deployment of an additional 65,000 STUDENT CENTERS AND student here is weeks before being psychologist’s university officials are happy to pump Army troops and 27,000 Marines. HEALTH — Feeling distressed, to just make an able to speak with a value be maxi- tons of funding in that direction. Even the mainstream, conservative- students? If so, then you can call appointment at mized? According to a survey conduct- leaning voices at ABC News have Psychological and Counseling Services P&CS. But, even professional — a time Worthy con- ed by the American College Health said that Obama has “a geopoliti- to make an appointment — and wait a this option has its cern, but it seems Association in 2006, approximately cal posture that is more aggressive few weeks to get professional help flaws; the student “that may be crucial.” that having an 92 percent of university students felt than that of President Bush.” Obama — or, according to the mental health would have to on-hand psychol- overwhelmed at one time or another. claims to stand for change, but how plan proposed by Vice Chancellor of wait a few weeks ogist may serve Out of the 92 percent, 44 percent, is threatening Iran and Pakistan with Student Affairs Penny Rue, students before being able best for students’ or about half the students, indicated nuclear carnage a change from the can call an academic adviser, then wait to speak with a professional — a time mental health for many reasons. they had once felt extremely depressed past eight years of Bush’s foreign a few weeks to get un-professional help that may be crucial to the student’s It’s true that a lack of students — enough for them to have trouble policy? before calling to make an appointment mental health. seeking regular help from the walk-in at P&CS. If the latter option doesn’t In order to close this incubation- psychologist would create efficiency See HEALTH, page 6 See TASTE, page 6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 THE UCSD GUARDIAN OPINION 5 Med School Ambitions Squash Dining Gem LETTER TO THE EDITOR

By Jake Blanc university officials have decided that halls with a specific theme: healthy RSO Report a Good Idea, I find it thoroughly dishearten- Senior Staff Writer the cafe does not produce enough eating. All of its dishes are made fresh ing to read another article panning revenue to warrant its survival. daily and consist of healthy ingredi- Deserves a Chance these kinds of programs. ON CAMPUS — Nestled in a quaint Club Med is a simple one-story ents low in fat and high in yummy Binge drinking is a major cause corner of UCSD Medical School is building that consists of a handful of goodness. The prices are always low, Dear Editor, of death for Americans between a little-known culinary haven called outdoor tables surrounding a space with the most expensive meal — an The article “RSOs Designed to the ages of 15 and 24, contributing Club Med. Located between the no larger than Canyonview Pool. entree, salad and drink special — Regulate, Not Congregate, With to over 45 percent of all deaths (L. Biomedical Library and the Cedar Considering that towering science coming in at just over six bucks. For Students” printed in the Feb. 11 Blumenthal, M.D., MUSC Student Clinical Research building, this cafe buildings surrounding it dwarf Club penny-pinching college students, a edition of the Guardian was utterly Health Services). and dining hall represents all that is Med, UCSD has decided that a build- cheap, revitalizing meal is the perfect misguided. The writer, Jake Blanc, As an Australian exchange stu- good and pure in the gastronomic ing so small and insignificant should cure for a Monday morning hangover criticized the proposal for increased dent, I am well aware of the prob- world. Open only on weekdays dur- be bulldozed to make room for new or an all-night study session. interaction between residential lems of youth binge drinking since ing the morning and afternoon, Club science buildings. Never mind that Since Club Med — as it name security officers and students in an it is a similarly major health issue in Med offers a wide array of food that Club Med offers phenomenal street implies — is situated on the Medical attempt to curb the chronic binge Australia. Blanc would be better off is tastier, healthier and cheaper than tacos for $1.25 or a salad bar that rou- School campus, many research scien- drinking that no doubt occurs on doing more research into successful anything else found on campus. If tinely boasts fresh mango, jicama and tists mix with students while enjoying campus. mitigation of binge drinking. that weren’t enough to attract UCSD bell peppers — all that UCSD sees is a quality meal. This presents an envi- In fact, he suggested that “it students, the fact that Club Med a new high-rise pumping out award- ronment in which undergraduates would be a complete waste to — Jehan Kanga accepts dining dollars is. winning scientific breakthroughs. can intermingle with professionals in spend time and money on further Australian EAP Reciprocity, It seems as though Club Med is a friendly, nonacademic setting. reports in an effort to bridge the Revelle College the paragon of campus eateries, yet The average student might have gap between students and RSOs” for as much as it contributes to the difficulties approaching a professor and that “[former Vice Chancellor ▶ The Guardian welcomes letters school, the university powers that Club Med is one of the or administrator to ask a science- of Student Affairs Joseph W.] from its readers. All letters must be be have decided its services are no related question, but a piping-hot Watson’s original hypothesis that no longer than 500 words, typed, longer required and thus it will be few dining halls with a bowl of minestrone or a Brooklyn- greater amity between the student double-spaced and signed with a destroyed. style grilled Reuben can unite all body and campus security would name and applicable title. Letters According to the Dining Services specific theme: healthy walks of life. cut down on illegal drinking [was] must also contain a phone number. Coordinator Ralph Dauphin, the Club Med’s destruction will elimi- ridiculous.” We reserve the right to edit for length school has decided that the space eating. All of its dishes nate a beneficial outlet for science In fact, it has been shown both and clarity. Letters may be dropped that Club Med occupies could be majors, and add to the tensions and in Great Britain and Australia off at the Guardian office on the are made fresh daily.” second floor of the Student Center or better used for the construction of stresses felt by those pursuing a career that increased positive interaction e-mailed. Send all letters to: another medical building or research “ in the medical field. between police and youth has not institute. UCSD has informed the It would be one thing if no land While understandably disappoint- only dramatically decreased youth The UCSD Guardian dining facility that it will be shut were available on the Medical School ed with UCSD’s decision to close violence and binge drinking, but it Opinion Editor down sometime before the end of the campus, forcing the university to Club Med, Dauphin was content to has also slowed the spread of sexu- 9500 Gilman Dr. 0316 2008 academic year. The building will choose between maintaining the know that the bureaucracy respon- ally transmitted infections through La Jolla, CA 92093-0316 be leveled in preparation for the new small cafe and its proposed science sible for deciding its fate is inherently education programs regarding safe e-mail: medical blueprints. building, but spread out directly in very slow moving; previous deadlines drug use and safe sex. [email protected] The fact that the majority of front of the zone in question is a set by the school regarding past din- UCSD students immediately connect huge, open entrance lawn. It would ing-hall closures were usually never the name Club Med to a rich tropi- seem simple enough, if the school met on time. cal resort is indicative of the lack of truly wanted to displace Club Med Hopefully Dauphin’s prediction Visit our Web site to read stories, attention that the cafe has been given in favor of a new medical building, holds true and Club Med will be able over its decade of existence. Club to simply relocate the dining facility to stay open as long as possible, mak- leave story comments for our writers Med has produced a very loyal, albeit to another open area or move it into ing sure to dish up a few more Indian or apply for a job. small, group of followers who show an already vacant spot on campus. curry rice bowls and antipasti salads up every day at lunchtime to enjoy UCSD has considered none of these before falling victim to the bulldozers one of its exquisite salads, sandwich- alternatives, choosing to ignore the of bad taste buds. www.ucsdguardian.org es, burritos or burgers. Although the significance that Club Med has for Club Med faithfuls frequent the estab- the school as a whole. Readers can contact Jake Blanc at The Guardian Online lishment with passionate consistency, Club Med is one of the few dining [email protected]. 6 OPINION THE UCSD GUARDIAN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 Obamarama, Though Enticing, Stressed Students, Swamped Staff Need Walk-In Doc

May Not Live Up to the Hype ▶ HEALTH, from page 4 Beyond discussion of a walk-in students is certainly ideal. But even functioning — 9.3 percent had seri- service, Rue expressed her own plans with these improvements students will ▶ TASTE, from page 4 of Israel essentially quarantined the ously considered suicide and about 1.3 to better the mental health system to still need — and have to wait far too Another one of Obama’s cam- Gaza Strip and its Arab inhabitants, percent had actually attempted it. the council. She said UCSD students long for — professional help. paign slogans is “Yes We Can,” a Obama openly sympathized with the Apply these statistics to UCSD’s have a 3.5-percent higher likelihood After all, if a student is distressed statement intended to show his quasi-apartheid actions of Israel. In a undergraduate population and about of being diagnosed with anxiety dis- enough to actually seek help or be belief in the collective action of all letter to the Palestinian ambassador 9,000 students could use help, 2,000 orders than students nationwide. Rue noticed by a faculty member, chances Americans and their crucial role in regarding Israel’s denial of food and should definitely seek help and 300 wants to combat anxiety by promot- are the student is sincerely in need bringing about change. What most medicine to 1.5 million people and are in desperate need of fast help. ing the wellness center — a P&CS of professional help. Talking regular- people don’t realize is that “Yes We the cutting off the electricity to the Additionally, according to Rue, 8 per- resource that encourages physical and ly with friendly student adviser and Can” is not Obama’s invention, but entire Gaza Strip, Obama claimed, cent — about 1,800 enrolled students spending time at wellness centers are is actually borrowed from the age- “We have to understand why Israel — have used P&CS. good preventative measures, but they old chant of the Latino commu- is forced to do this.” Purposefully Looks like a walk-in psychologist cannot help students who have never nity: ¡Si Se Puede! The irony of his starving displaced peoples and refus- would have droves of students to work It is ridiculous that had time or the confidence to actu- slogan’s roots mirrors his proposed ing to grant one in seven Palestinians with. ally take these steps. If someone needs treatment of la raza Latina. Obama access to urgent medical treatment is Unfortunately, it’s likely that not all distressed students immediate professional help, then is willing to offer driver licenses to not self defense, as Obama said — it’s these students will seek the help they wellness centers or counseling will not undocumented immigrants already a crime. may need. But a walk-in psychologist have to wait weeks, be able to do much. living in the states, but supports So while I count myself one of the would help soothe the already over- if not months, to get Rue has great ideas, and she’s taking constructing a wall along the U.S.- many Americans enchanted by the whelmed professionals here at UCSD, a vital step forward to bring students a Mexico border to keep out unwanted language and abilities of the young, who are swamped with more patients professional attention.” higher quality of psychological help, Latinos. Apparently Obama is will- inspiring senator, I have also realized than they can handle. If students don’t but UCSD needs to stop sugarcoating ing to plagiarize an entire culture that it is necessary to look beyond use the walk-in service for immedi- “ the problem. Students need more effi- but does not want to grant residency his poignant words and promises. ate counseling the new psychologist emotional well-being and provides cient help, and the university should to the community that originally If Obama becomes our next presi- can take some appointments that have groups, workshops, outreach and help invest in the campus’ well-being and penned the phrase on which his dent and succeeds in bringing about been promised at a later date. In this with relaxation and stress-manage- hire professionals to give immediate campaign is based. serious change in America and the way a walk-in psychologist can surely ment techniques. attention to students in need. Obama claims to be a champion world, I will tip my proverbial cap be most efficiently used. Additionally, Rue is planning to It is ridiculous that distressed of civil rights and the only candi- to him and rescind these critiques. It’s no wonder that P&CS is over- train student advisers and faculty students have to wait weeks, if not date that can take America in the But if he arrives in the Oval Office whelmed; 1,600 students is a lot for members to recognize and address months, to get professional attention. right direction to bring about racial and his once-captivating ideals fail a handful of professionals to handle. distress from students early on, which Yes, implementing a walk-in psychol- equality. Yet when the issue of racial to fulfill their potential, Obama will Appointments would be necessary to will allow psychologists to handle ogist may be costly, but the expense is subjugation takes place outside have betrayed the American public manage the influx of students need- more extreme cases. surely worth it. of American borders, the senator in an unparalleled fashion that will ing help. But forcing students to wait These ideas are all valid; the well- doesn’t seem to hesitate in embold- surely kill any remaining faith in our weeks before seeing a counselor does ness center in an excellent resource and Readers can contact Silhan Jin at ening racial divides. After the state nation and its governing body. them more harm then good. a staff trained to help overwhelmed [email protected]. THE BEST SONGS IN HIATUS 8 boss THIS WEEK CONTACT THE EDITORS ditties Chris Kokiousis, Chris Mertan Sonia Minden Hairspray Atlas Sound • “Big, Blonde, and Beautiful” • “Quarantined” hi at us@u csdgu ardi an.or g hiatus “Ladies’ Choice” (with Zac Efron) �� • • “Ativan” THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008

Hiatus honors th the year’s most ANTI deserving flicks, aa nn nn uu aa ll dumping the OSCARSdeplorable & the 6 f all-too daft. COURTESY OF THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY WORST FILM dEATH p by autumn schuster ROOF senior staff writer

ey Quentin Tarantino, shut the fuck up. H Instead of the awesome headliner to an amazing collection of schlocky gore and nostalgic exploitation, “Death Proof” proved to be this year’s biggest Debbie Downer, and the worst blow is the unexpectedness of Tarantino’s utter failure. He’s like the steadfast boyfriend who always opens your door and pays the bills, but then tells you he knocked up your mom. After the mischievous bloodshed of “Planet Terror” and the outra- geous melee of mock trailers, the atmosphere seems primed for Tarantino’s notorious violence. But instead of delivering the intensity of “Kill Bill,” Tarantino punishes us with the drudgery of a DMV instructional video. The film itself is a masturbatory stroll through the overrun garden of dialogue permeating Tarantino’s brain. It can be broken down into a film about chicks discussing random girlie shit at bars and diners, encounter a weirdo stuntman (Kurt Russell) and try to survive his murderous efforts to kill them with his fancy stunt car. Shampoo, rinse and repeat. The only shocking element to the story is the disproportionate amount of time dedicated to utterly meaningless banter. What is the point of hearing about Arlene’s woes if she’s only going MOST UNDERRATED to be burned alive in a car wreck 10 minutes later? Anyone? Anyone? If this film teaches us anything, it’s that Tarantino is one creepy dude. In his oddly lecherous tracking shots, it becomes apparent that he not only enjoys lingering over his actress’ nubile bodies, but he also has a little bit of a foot fetish going on. His focused attention on Sydney Poitier’s dainty zODIAC piggies or Vanessa Ferlito’s ankles as she leans back in her chair is more than a little bit awkward. What could have been a classy murder romp featuring an aging stud by edwin gonzalez staff writer and a buffet of fly honeys became a tedious end to an otherwise entertaining feature. It’s too bad Tarantino got sidetracked booty trolling instead of oroscopes, crossword puzzles and investigative journalism writing a movie that’s, you know, watchable. are typical components of any American newspaper. H One Bay Area serial killer’s fetish for this triad mixes in with as many as 37 self-confessed murders. In David Fincher’s (“Fight Club,” “Se7en”) enigmatic true-crime tragedy, the landscape of past films shift from the chiaroscuro of New York to the sunny climate, yellow taxicabs and sulfur lamps of San Francisco. ICTURES “Zodiac” is the decade-spanning study of a P MOST OVERRATED few mens’ obsessive toil; Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and ARMOUNT Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) are three San P

OF Franciscans mesmerized by the murders and driven to solve the crimes. Yet, the persever- jUNO ance of the trio’s undertaking becomes a liabil- OURTESY ity as it wears down to blunt torment. The murder’s C taunting sport consumes them. In an era when things are accomplished through the ambition of the American will, by willy staley staff writer the need to solve the puzzle poisons their lives. It isn’t until each uno was a good movie, sure, but the Oscar nod got a lot amputates their manic search that they can begin to rebuild the lives of people upset, and understandably so. It’s been pointed they left behind. J out before — the film’s first 15 minutes are unforgivable. The film’s color palette bewitchingly defines both its period and I figured I was in for an hour and a half of forced, seemingly “hip” sinister atmosphere. Interior mustards and manilas meld with tones of wordplay. “Honest to blog”? That fucking hamburger phone? disabled vibrancy throughout. Although the murders take place in the Fortunately, the movie is less cringe-inducing after those initial Golden State, Fincher’s California is cynically portrayed as anemic dur- bumps. But its forced, intellectual eccentricity rears its head again and ing the day and saturated in ink at night. again, perhaps most notably with its soundtrack — made up of songs A remarkable addition to the film is also its labyrinthine composi- with lyrics so corny and in-your-face quirky, it initially seems like a tion. Scenes are loaded with a minutia of imagery, from coded messages joke. It isn’t. inscribed along glass windows (“Be Careful, Safety First”) to countless Wait, isn’t one of the lead character’s really cool qualities that she has motifs (maps, numbers, flags) that resemble a Jasper Johns exhibition. good taste in music? How did she let this happen? A transitory figure of the dada and pop art movements, Johns’ art Juno does prove to be a charming and original character, one worthy of resonates fittingly with the meaningless and media-crazed hype of the our sympathy, despite having a voice and attitude all too reminiscent of my Zodiac murders and his decade. ex-girlfriend’s. However, Michael Cera’s character — if you can even call Fincher’s dark encapsulation of the late ’60s and ’70s is a film both it that at this point — is bascially a rehash of his character in “Superbad,” unappreciated and exacting. A masterful rendition of American crime, which is a knock-off of his character in “Arrested Development.” “Zodiac” captures and challenges its audience just as well as any murder- The point is this — how quirky and original can you be if you get ous puzzle on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle. caught trying way too hard? Trust me, not very. COURTESY OF F OX S EARCHLIGHT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 THE UCSD GUARDIAN HIATUS 9 SEXIEST DRAG WORST HAIR jOHN tRAVOLTA jAVIER bARDEM by autumn schuster senior staff writer by josephine nguyen staff writer t’s not often that a middle-aged man in 300- hat do Anna Wintour, Willy Wonka, the Little Lad in the Starburst Berries & Creme com- pound drag does it for a girl, but when you mercial and Javier Bardem have in common? Besides being creepy I take the icon that is John Travolta and give him W as hell, they all sport that ridiculous pageboy haircut. After all, breasts, it’s kind of hard not to notice the sexy. As what can be more fearsome than a maniac brandishing a cattle-killing Edna Turnblad, a role made famous by legendary pressurized weapon sporting locks taht would make He-Man jealous?

In “No Country for Old Men,” Bardem haunts Josh Brolin as a sinister, ANTAGE drag queen Ms. Divine, Travolta hams it up playing a INEMA V

housewife in racially turbulent 1960s Baltimore. C psychopathic killer, yet one can’t help but imagine Bardem running

Like the sexy shim-beasts before him, (“Tootsie,” INE in place, decked out in a Victorian-era schoolboy outfit, clapping his “Mrs. Doubtfire”) Travolta proves that there’s some- L hands like an idiot while singing, “Berries & Creme, Berries & Creme, EW

thing kind of magical about a leading man wearing I’m a little lad who loves Berries & Creme!” in alternating octaves. ARAMOUNT N P

a dress and looking exactly like a dude … wear- OF Pegged to win the Oscar for supporting actor, Bardem doesn’t have to

OF ing a dress. Without a whisker in sight, there’s still act the haircut — the haircut acts itself. something that just isn’t quite right about this lady. Hair? Makeup? Oh wait, no — it’s the penis bulging OURTESY OURTESY C

through her skirt. C But mad props are in order for a man who donned WORST ENDING 30 pounds of prosthetics day after day to realize John Waters’ dream. So what if his plastic boobs are no more believable then Zac Efron’s man tan? At least his nurturing bosom is a welcome respite from the musical bastardization of the director’s cult classic. So lay on nATIONAL tREASURE 2 the Maybelline, baby, and then lay on me. WORST by jeff wang staff writer i tch Wilkinso n (Ed Harris) had everything to live fo r, FILM WORST 2 HR. COMMERCIAL and, had he survived the flooded chamber undernea th M Mo un t Rushmo r e, he wo uld ha ve beco me the fo under o f the Ci ty o f Lost Gold and wo uld ha ve successfully smear ed dEATH dirt o ver Tho mas Ga tes’ (Nicolas Cage) family name. tRANSFORMERS Mi tch was in a classic villain’s demise scenario: in an p COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES I ndiana Jo nes-esque chamber o f dea th wher e wa ter is flooding in and the o nly esca pe r o u te had to be o pened b y two peo ple, RO by edwin gonzalez staff writer the gr ea t grandso n o f John Wilkes Boo th had a blade o n OF f I recall , th e la s t tim e I open ed th e door t o a u sed piece-of- b loc kbu s t er s, Bay’s b len d of CGI a n d expen si v e s tudio sets m ak es Tho mas’ lo ve in ter est’s thr oa t. I nstead o f o r dering two o f the s hit Ch evy, it didn’t turn int o Puff th e m a gic ro bot — at lea s t audien ce m ember s f ee l lik e th ey’re wat c hin g a hipper v er sion of five hel pless histo ry ner ds to p ry o pen the ga tes and getting I n ot wh en I wa sn’t high on PCP. B ut f or som e rea son, th e “Pow er Ra n g er s.” himself o u t, he fr eed Ab igail, o pened the ga tes and told his tra n sf orm er of th e 21s t century seem s t o lik e A m erica n con s um- Th e film, a n d m a ny lik e it, ta r g ets th e sa m e group of m ovie newly fo und best friend Tho mas to run fo r i t. This is a Disney erism — er, ca r s — a n d decides t o bra n d a Ch evy badg e a s it sav es g oer s wh o ca n’t seem t o fin d a nythin g m ore s timulatin g th a n mo vie, b u t co me o n, even Cruella can do better. th e w or ld on e corporat e s pon sor at a tim e . th eir c hildh ood fa nta sies — a s if th eir m ental capacity t o enjoy F r o m the Mi tch bandi ts’ mer ciless shoo ting a ttem p ts and In M ic h ae l Bay’s f eature-len gth comm ercial , “Tra n sf orm er s,” film peak ed in f ourth grade . the car chases to try to get cl ues fr o m the tr easur e h un ter, product p lacem ent domin at es th e screen while aut o bots a n d Ov er l y re lia nt on exp losion s a n d PG-13 hum or, “Tra n sf orm er s” i t’s no t terrible to imagine an al terna te, and possibly m uch decepticon s reen act th e scen es y ou’d al ways im a gin ed a s a kid , n ev er cea ses t o comm ercialize . It’s a m azin g wh at credits ca n sweeter ending, in which Mi tch lea ves Tho mas behind to c len c hin g Optimu s P rim e in on e h a n d a n d Megatron in th e do t o m ak e y ou f or g et y ou’v e ju s t sat through 144 minut es of dr o wn and ma ybe kills o ff the r est o f his family to co ver u p

oth er. Th e cin em atic descen da nt of St ev en Spie l ber g’s big-budg et Ch evro let’s lat es t m a r k etin g ca mpa ign. his insane crimes.

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MOST OVERRATED

MANDELL WEISS FORUM THEATRE Preview Thur, Feb 14 at 7pm Fri, Feb 15, Sat, Feb 16, Thur, Feb 21, Fri, Feb 22, Sat, Feb 23 at 8pm and Feb 16 at 2pm $15 General Admission$12 UCSD Affiliate $10 Student

Box Office: 858.534.4 574 http://theatre. ucsd.edu /Onstage •• 10 HIATUS THE UCSD GUARDIAN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008

HIATUS PICKS THE BEST HEAD druthers THE WEEK’S BEST BETS “Four Months, Three Weeks, and Two Days” KEN CINEMA / OPENS FRIDAY mATT dAMON It won the Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes her roommate, Gabita. “Four Months” is deeply Film Festival, appeared in the number-one slot in rooted in its time period, ironically known as the he Bourne Ultimatum,” the final install- he held in attracting anyone and everyone to his most top 10 lists, and yet, when Oscar nominations “Golden Age of Romania,” using the omnipresent ment in the Jason Bourne series, was films. What is it about Matt Damon’s head that rolled around, Cristian Mungiu’s gripping, bleak governmental oppression to backlight the political T nothing short of a critical and commer- makes it so special, so irresistible? Perhaps drama set during a brutal dictatorship in 1980s and moral state, and undercurrent, of a culture in cial success. However, despite the franchise’s it’s the unique geometric design — neither a Romania was curiously left without an nod. “Juno” silent turmoil. history of incredible action sequences and rectangle nor an oval, yet something subtly in this ain’t, as Mungiu weaves together the tale of Stick it to the Academy this weekend with this engaging storylines, and despite the fact that it between. Or maybe it’s that the unique geom- college student Otilia who, over the course of 24 shunned piece of art, playing for one week only at crafted possibly one of the most satisfying con- etry constantly teases the existence of a beauti- hours, races to procure an illegal abortion for the Ken Cinema. (CM) clusions in any recent movie trilogy, it would ful yet forbidden organic shape that only Matt be awfully misleading to acknowledge the film’s Damon could ever acquire. blockbuster status without paying tribute to Not even People magazine could deny the the true cause of its success: Matt Damon’s cultural impact of his cranium, naming the THIS WEEK’S immaculate head. Oscar-winner “Sexiest Man Alive.” So congratu- exit strategy ON-CAMPUS EVENTS Remember the first time you feasted your lations, Matt Damon, you indeed had the best eyes on the teaser poster — the back of Matt head of 2007. Damon’s head beautifully centered upon the — Philip Rhie “BEOWULF” CUARTETO CASALS ROMA NIGHTS: skyline of New York City, glowing in your eyes Staff Writer Price Center Theater Mandeville Auditorium MELISSA VAUGHN like the Arc of the Covenant. It wasn’t until the Feb. 21, 6 & 9 p.m. Feb. 22, 8 p.m. Espresso Roma moment you had set your gaze upon Damon’s $3 $18 Feb. 25, 8 p.m. majestic dome that you realized the true power FREE DOWN TO NOTHING & MORE RED PONY CLOCK & MORE SOUL CONTROL & MORE Che Cafe Che Cafe Che Cafe Feb. 22, 7 p.m. Feb. 25, 8 p.m. Feb. 27, 7 p.m. $8 $5 $8 MICHAEL CERA AWARD FILM or PORNO? mICHAEL cERA There Will Be Blood Mr. Woodcock Daddy’s Little Girls Into the Wild ichael Cera is just hands down, bar There was a dude just like this at my high school. No End in Sight Breach none the absolute fucking best at I recall that I wanted so badly to throttle him and M playing Michael Cera. No one can ask him precisely what the fuck his problem was; The Savages Grindhouse stutter and make otherwise-normal situa- conversation isn’t that difficult. I would probably Knocked Up Hot Fuzz tions awkward like he can, except for Ben do the same to Cera, but he has started to show that Stiller a few years back when he was doing he is capable of doing better. In the online shorts Lars and the Real Girl Lions for Lambs the same thing. Whether he’s George Michael “Michael Cera Gets Fired from Knocked Up” and Starting Out in the Evening Awake Bluth, Paulie Bleeker or Evan (his “Superbad” “Impossible is the Opposite of Possible,” Cera shows character — there’s no way anyone would that he can play an arrogant prick, and do a great Walk Hard Black Snake Moan remember that), Cera is a socially inept mess job of it. Let’s hope that screenwriters know how to After the Wedding Shooter who is somehow lovable despite hardly being use the Internet. Lust, Caution Hot Rod able to carry on a conversation like a normal — Willy Staley human being. Staff Writer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 THE UCSD GUARDIAN HIATUS 11

BEST HEAD BEST CAMEO ® jUDD aPATOW’S pENIS

n case you haven’t noticed, Judd Apatow cock cameo in “Walk Hard,” during which has a penis fetish. Like Tarantino with feet John C. Reilly’s Dewey Cox (again, cocks) I and Woody Allen with children, Apatow takes a hungover phone call in a hotel room always makes sure a wiener pops out at some with a flaccid wang behind him. point during his films, literally or in spirit. That penis, ladies and gentlemen, is owned, With Jonah Hill’s elaborate childhood draw- operated and maintained by none other than ings in “Superbad” and the accompanying Mr. Apatow himself. It takes a lot of balls SCOTTY DON’T penis montage in the credits, 2007 was the to show your member on 30-feet Cineplex MYSTIC ROOTS BAND year dicks made a comedy comeback. But screens all across the country; a lot of balls JUPITER RISING DAGO BRAVES Apatow truly erected his stature with and a lot of heart. an infamous — Chris Kokiousis FEBRUARY 23 FEBRUARY 24 Associate Hiatus Editor

ZACH BRAFF AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN DOUCHEBAGGERY The Bled dANE cOOK FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 29 ��

omewhere between midnight screenings of a technician. He knows what people want to hear “300” and the inevitable post-party circle — what annoying sounds, drunken asides and S jerk, Dane Cook crept in as every beer- obtuse kicking rile up an audience that has already swindling bro, junior yacht jockey and hanger-on’s pregamed itself out of rational coherence. Cook is favorite funnyman. Sure, he’s been around for a a master, finely tuning each vocal chord to please good majority of the decade, with plenty of album the inebriated. There aren’t any nuggets of humor- MATT paperweights and HBO specials to skip, but last ous truth or logical absurdity, the kind instilled year marked the great surge of Dane Cook satura- in people we deem to be the greatest comedians NATHANSON tion in our fragile media, with three — count ’em, of all time (Carlin, Pryor, Seinfeld, Cross). No, it’s three — feature films. The first two, “Dan In Real just stupidity. Not because it’s funny, but because Life” and “Mr. Brooks,” shouldn’t really count, it plays well with people who can’t think in the MARCH 8 given Cook’s supporting status (not that it aided first place. MARCH 7,8 & 9 either of the snoozers). But it’s his magnum opus, Need proof? Just go to any party touting mul- “Good Luck Chuck,” reeking of his loudmouth tiple kegs, whisper a quick remark about working humor and aloof presence, which proves the at the “BK Lounge,” and watch how fast the event most odious, obnoxious and downright offensive. descends into manic, liquored, arm-flapping chaos Granted, had the film been rewritten, recast and with all the intensity of caged wild animals, like a reshot, you could’ve potentially had a decent hear- sick sociology experiment chronicling the collapse kening back to old-fashioned screwball comedies. of western civilization. It’s a brutal sight, but given What people fail to realize about Cook a youth culture that counts a hangover as success, is that he’s not a comedian it’s not too surprising. at all. He’s — Chris Mertan Associate Hiatus Editor sea wolf MARCH 18 MARCH 30

COURTESY OF L IONSGATE

BEST RECEDING HAIRLINE �� nICHOLAS cAGE APRIL 4 hen was the last time a sheepish hair- Harris, can handle the fierceness of Cage’s coif. line made you blush? This award was That’s why he dies, well that and maybe the fact W a long time coming for Nicolas Cage’s that he sacrificed himself at the end. 4/5 BIG HEAD TODD current state of follicle glory, and we can finally Whatever the case for the sexual reduction 3/20 CANDLEBOX AND THE MONSTERS thank “National Treasure 2” for capturing its of tuft, it will take more then one insipid sequel 3/29 THE BLACK KEYS 4/7 MINISTRY styled essence in full. Broiling in a plot about the to make Cage pull a Bruce Willis on us and 3/31 CITIZEN COPE 4/11 YELLOWCARD Lincoln assassination, some mysterious myster- hacksaw his wispy man-mane. Don’t you quit 4/1 BAD MANNERS 4/13 SAY ANYTHING ies and maybe Aztec gold or whatever, Cage’s on us, hair; we need you to prove that we can hair is finally center stage and in it to win it. get through the bad times, like the unavoidable 4/2 LES CLAYPOOL 5/1 THE SLACKERS The movie features Cage’s best man extensions, third installment to the “National Treasure” HOB DELTA ROOM receding hairline shine and thinning fluff to series which is probably on its way to the week- date, even after equally stellar romps earlier in end box office right now. the year, with “Next” and “Ghost Rider.” Not — Autumn Schuster even the movie’s two-dimensional baddie, Ed Senior Staff Writer Bob Saget For Immature Audiences Only! FEBRUARY 23 MARCH 7

ARENA BOX OFFICE CHARGE BY PHONE: 619.220.TIXS All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without prior notice. Subject to applicable service charges. 12 HIATUS THE UCSD GUARDIAN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 recordings Atlas Sound ■ Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel KRANKY

radford Cox, the lovesick Marfan Syndrome sufferer somewhat worn and predictable. from drone-pop band Deerhunter, wants to share all Cox focuses almost none of his creative energy on the B of his secrets. As a product of the blog generation, he vocal melodies, which makes for a few forgettable tracks candidly explains deeply personal issues in interviews and with shoddy one-line choruses. “Cold As Ice,” for example, posts about his debut solo album under the Atlas Sound is just a repetition of the song title in a dry, unfeeling mono- moniker, the mouthful Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can tone, ostensibly recorded in one quick take. Gripes aside, he See but Cannot Feel. proves he can write hook-heavy tunes with the traditional Taking the opportunity to experiment with tones not ’60s lounger “Ativan.” It blends a detached pop sensibility within Deerhunter’s more traditional spectrum, Cox envel- with cool reverb all over the mix, evoking teenage cruises ops us in a hazy swirl of ambient samples and techno con- after dark. In many ways, Atlas Sound is to Deerhunter ventions. In “Quarantined,” he repeats the same two lonely as Thom Yorke’s solo work is to Radiohead — more beat phrases until the blasted arena drums drop in and bring the oriented, less structurally complex and with minimized song to a drugged climax. It’s a transcendent experience to quality control. It’s an intriguing and revealing diversion, hear Cox’s vulnerable voice ricochet off the mellow world but these eccentric artists create better work with other of echoing keys and percussive flourishes. Unfortunately, musicians keeping them in check. after a few songs with the same format of breathy vocals — Chris Kokiousis foreshadowing an instrumental crescendo, it becomes Associate Hiatus Editor Visit www.ucsdguardian.org for Web Exclusive content! THIS WEEK’S PIPING HOT SPECIAL: FILM REVIEW: Michel Gondry’s “Be Kind Rewind” Committee Chair: Site Still a Work in Progress your ADVENTURE ▶ WEB, from page 1 to be available on the new site,” former fully sign off of TritonLink if they are your Geisel university librarian and Campus ACT Security Engineer D.J. Capelis using public labs before we can fully BIRTHRIGHT Web Site Executive Committee chair, said. “The navigation needed to be activate the My TritonLink feature,” said in an e-mail. “This will include built around the content they had to Schottlaender said. “This is to protect our all of the code, graphics, templates and present, not who they were present- student privacy.” GIFT documentation needed to quickly and ing it to.” Another issue confronting admin- easily build Web sites that integrate Capelis said the site’s weaknesses istrators is the lack of a sign-off option seamlessly with the new UC San Diego stem from the content management when students are using the tools home page.” system used to develop it, called listed on the TritonLink homepage. Visitors can expect to see the addi- Vignette, which requires specific While the sign-off link is available on tion of departments and new content knowledge to operate it. The system the tools themselves, it is missing from within the next six to 12 months. minimizes the chances of rapid alter- pages that students access through the Schottlaender said that feedback ations, or changes made by depart- tool they are currently using, making on the redesigned site has been mostly ments without members that have it difficult to sign out of the entire positive. received the training necessary to site. “We’re seeing a bell curve of operate it. Providing useful content on the responses, strong positive feedback “Vignette simply allows the organi- TritonLink home page to all the dif- along with some confusion, but overall zation with the content to communi- ferent possible viewers that access indications show us that students like it cate it with an audience, not the actual the Web site has proved a difficult your* photo better than the old site,” he said. person who is in the best position to task to accomplish without cluttering here? Additions that students have create it,” Capelis said. the homepage with extraneous links, labeled helpful include more informa- Sections of the Web site that have Schottlaender said. tion about on-campus events and the not yet been developed as planned “We have a diverse base of constitu- addition of the athletics schedule to the include the “My TritonLink” page, a ents and users — all different people TritonLink home page. student profile page that will display who visit the UC San Diego Web site However, some students and staff money owed, a current class schedule for different reasons,” he said. “Trying members involved in producing the and any holds on a student’s account. to provide adequate tools and informa- site have criticized it for having notice- While the page has been advertised for tion to satisfy as many of those visitors able flaws, saying it fails to address weeks as launching at the beginning as possible while still maintaining a content concerns in order to please of Winter Quarter, it is instead now clean, clear and usable site was and Taglit-Birthright Israel provides free, ten-day trips to Israel for users. expected to appear sometime before remains a difficult endeavor.” Jewish young adults ages 18 to 26. Register now at “I think the committee really need- the close of the term. WWW.BIRTHRIGHTISRAEL.COM ed to spend a lot of time looking at “There is additional testing required Readers can contact Sarah de what information was actually going to make sure students can success- Crescenzo at [email protected]. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 THE UCSD GUARDIAN HIATUS 13

WEB EXCLUSIVE: “Be Kind Rewind” By Edwin Gonzalez Staff Writer

Revival and renaissance lie at the heart of “Be Kind Rewind,” the newest film from the traditionally surrealist director of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” Michel Gondry. Although the film performs on a much less formalistic level, its ardor for the small town marginalized by the corrupted city is both apparent and inspiring.

Mike (Mos Def), best friend Jerry (Jack Black) and girl-next-door Alma (Melonie Diaz) form the trio that propel the film’s curious premise. After being magnetized as a result of a whacky stunt, Jerry unknowingly erases all of the footage in the Be Kind Rewind VHS rental store. In order to convince proprietor Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover) not to give up hope in the face of commercial urbanization, the two best friends take a chance on an outlandish idea that eventually brings more customers to the store than anything else they’ve ever done: donning various homemade costumes, they re-film each movie.

The group’s renditions of countless movies are capricious, comic and creatively entertaining. Imagining and rearticulating new meaning and significance to the community’s love of film, the twenty-minute remakes become an outlet for the town’s personal sense of collective identity. Outside of these scenes, however, the plot-generating narrative comes off as campy and something like the themed episode of an ’80s sitcom where the main character tries to save the school’s oldest tree.

Set against the theoretical backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, “Be Kind Rewind” extols the virtues of a community’s collective effort to define itself through its art. The movie remakes may start out with just Mike, Jerry and Alma, but they quickly progress into comedic adventures starring many of the store’s best customers. And unlike the original movies their films are based on, the remakes are imbued with post-modern personality. The films create a modern story of one small, forgettable town’s spontaneous rebirth which eventually culminates in a Capraesque ending.

Passaic, the quaint and retrograde town in New Jersey, is where it all takes place; a small town where, pleasantly, all its citizens are unaestheticized by celebrities and Hollywood glamour, where small side characters look like the lady you passed by in the theater lobby or a friend’s uncle you met once at a family gathering. Notably the county where William Carlos Williams’ Paterson resides — the location of his epic poem of the same name, celebrating his own American small-town home — Passaic also has its own minor claim to fame in the story of legendary musician Fats Waller.

Although it has the same narrative themes as “Barbershop,” Gondry’s wit and spirited originality help redeem the film’s tired sincerity (and some of Mos Def’s acting). Glorifying films made with heart and for the creators’ personal viewing pleasure (as opposed to the commercialization of mainstream studio pictures), he explores the democratic versatility of the video camera.

“Be Kind Rewind” is neither Gondry’s best work nor the most powerful movie experience, but it should at least be appreciated for its innovative and unique approach to small-town dilem- mas. Encouraging a renaissance of creative energy in every American community, it implores future films to be personable and personal again — and turn the credits into a list of everyone who attended your birthday last year. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 THE UCSD GUARDIAN CLASSIFIEDS 13

Guardian Classifieds are placed online and are FREE for UCSD. Low cost classified placements are for online and/or print are also available to the public. www.guardianads.com

day). Rates/times negotiable. Contact Must have references and be willing [email protected] to have a background check. Please EVENTS (2/25) email [email protected] if interested. (2/21) UC San Diego Dancesport presents Immediate openings for sales and the 12th annual “Dance by the Shores” stock positions for Geppetto’s Toy Part-time help needed with our 6 Collegiate Dancesport competition Store in downtown La Jolla. Come month old and after school help with on March 1st, 2008 in the UCSD Main join our growing team selling whole- 5 and 6 year old. Preferred shifts M/F Gym. Special Performances by World some, classic children’s toys. Must be from 9-6. 619-804-6381 SHANNON Rhythm Champions and Dancing enthusiastic, mature, and show lots (2/28) with the Stars’ Tony Dovolani and of initiative. Retail or child-related Elena Grinenko. Tickets are $5 stu- experience strongly preferred. Part- dents/$10 general admission before time, flexible hours including days, FOR RENT Feb. 20th. $5 increase after Feb. 20th. weekends and some evenings until 8 To purchase tickets or for further pm. Apply in person or cal 858-456- Master bedroom/bath for rent, information, contact marmstro@ucsd. 4441 and ask Jeanna Geppetto’s 7850 Scripps Ranch townhouse, furnished edu (2/28) Girard Ave. La Jolla, CA 92037. (2/25) or unfurnished, internet and cable included, no pets, no smoking, female Undercover Shoppers. Earn up to only, $650 month, $500 deposit, need EMPLOYMENT $150 per day. Under Cover Shoppers references, 619-933-3848. (2/25) needed to judge retail and dining Spanish tutors needed for a ninth establishments. Call (800)722-4791 Beautiful 6-bedroom, 4-bath fully grader. 5 hours a week. $12 an hour. (6/5) furnished home in quiet Clairemont 10 minutes from UCSD in car. Contact neighborhood. Nicely decorated 619-804-1990. (2/21) TUTORS WANTED - All subjects, interior; mature landscaped exte- Statistics, Math, and History preferred. rior. Easy access to I-5 and I-52. Camp Wayne for Girls - Have the Located in Del Mar/Carmel Valley. Send $3500/month. 858-775-5918; summer of your life in Northeast resume to highbluffacademy@gmail. [email protected] (4/3) Pennsylvania! If you love children com. (3/6) and want a caring, fun, environment, we need counselors, program direc- WANTED tors, and other staff from June 21 to Earn $800-$3200 a month to drive brand new cars with ads placed on August 17, 2008. Interviews on UCSD Egg donors needed! Healthy females them. www.AdCarClub.com (3/13) Campus February 21st at the Career ages 18-30. Donate to infertile couples Services Center. Call 1.215.944.3069 some of the many eggs your body or apply online at www.campwayne- SUMMER DAY CAMPS-L.A. AREA: disposes monthly. COMPENSATION: girls.com (2/21) Swimming, horses, sports, arts and $5000-8000. Call Reproductive crafts, beaches, ropes courses, and Solutions now (818)832-1494 (6/5) Salon Sales Representative: part time, much more www.daycampjobs.com (5/5) energetic, self-motivated individual Exceptional Egg Donors Needed to represent a fast growing hair care $8000-$15000 for qualified, respon- product to salons & spas in San Diego Good driver? Here’s the PERFECT sible applicants. All Ethnicities wel- county. Salary + commission. Must PART-TIME JOB! Earn @12.85/hour, come. Special need for Jewish, Asian have own transportation and be paid training, learn marketable skills, & East Indian donors. Close personal available to work Wed, Thurs, & Fri. work on campus. We fit your sched- support by experienced donor. Send resume to [email protected] ule! No cubicles! Apply now. Visit Contact Dawn @ 951-696-7466 or or Fax 310-375-9398. H.R. 310-375- shuttledrivers.ucsd.edu. www.fertilityalternatives.com/ egg- 0558 (2/21) donors (6/5)

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Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold) contains every digit, 1 �� to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk �� Find SUDOKU solutions on �� ©2008 Michael Mepham. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved. next Mondays Calendar Section �� 14 SPORTS THE UCSD GUARDIAN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 Men’s Tennis 5-1 to Start Winter Season ▶ TENNIS, from page 16 senior Alex Whitmore falling to Brett things like getting your first serve in Proctor 6-0, 6-1. and keeping the ball away from the net UCSD next took on Hawaii-Hilo on man on the return are important,” he Feb. 17. The Tritons set the tone early, said. “Most of the time, the team that winning all three doubles contests in can keep their head together during routine fashion, putting them in control the most crucial moments wins those of the match. Rubens and Meister beat close matches. I’m just proud me and their opponents’ top doubles duo 8-4. Placek were able to score a huge win In No. 2 doubles, Placek and Becker on our team.” took out the Hawaii-Hilo duo of Luiz Having seized the momentum with Gonzaga and Mangal Sriram 8-3. In the the crucial win at No. 3 doubles, the final doubles match, freshmen Armaun Tritons used the lift to carry them Emami and Alex Edstrom continued through an exciting and extremely their emergence as a doubles team to competitive singles portion. Four of be reckoned with, scoring an impres- the six matches went the distance and sive 8-5 win. UCSD won half of the contests to Moallemi held down the top singles secure the victory. spot, taking down Laurent Colombo 6- Steidlmayer was quick to compli- 3, 6-4. Rubens, who has been battling ment his team on the important win. foot injuries recently, didn’t show any “I’ve really tried to challenge my lingering effects during a 6-3, 7-6 win. team in the past few weeks, and that Negishi was able to pull out another hard work finally showed up in our nail-biter at the third spot, coming match against Abilene Christian,” he from behind for a 3-6, 6-3, (11-9) win. said. “The way our No. 3 doubles Meister had the quickest match of the team fought to win that tiebreaker was day in singles, getting by Sriram 6-3, a huge pick-me-up, heading into the 6-0 at the fourth spot. Once again, singles. We needed every ounce of UCSD dropped the five and six singles energy for the singles. Winning 3-set- matches, but it didn’t affect the out- ters in the way we did really speaks to come of the match. how well this team can play when their Although Steidlmayer was proud backs are against the wall.” of his team’s effort in Arizona, he was At No. 1 singles, Moallemi quick to point out that there is still a rebounded from a tough first-set loss long way to go, and that the Tritons to post a 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 victory over have a lot of improving to do. Nunez. Number two singles was “Obviously, going undefeated when just as thrilling with Rubens pull- you travel out-of state is something to ing through over Hudson 6-4, 4-6, be proud of,” he said. “Most of all, I’m 7-6. Negishi outlasted Hawk in a proud of the way our guys fought hard three-hour thriller at No. 3, taking to win the tough ones. Wins like that the match 6-7, 6-2, 7-5. Meister was are a sign of growth, and we will be able able to keep the team rolling at No. to use the lessons learned from these 4 singles, defeating Joey Farias, 7-6, taxing matches down the road.” 6-2. Abilene Christian was able to The Tritons had their home match win the final two singles matches at on Wednesday against Concordia the fifth and sixth spots, but it was rained out, but will return to the courts not enough. Joiner was able to take today when they travel to face Division- out sophomore Vince Nguyen in yet I opponent Loyola Marymount. ERIK JEPSEN/GUARDIAN FILE another three-set match at the five After two of the games on their Arizona road trip spot, 5-7, 6-2, 6-3. Number six singles Readers can contact Neil Joshi at were postponed, the Tritons had their homecoming wasn’t much of a contest, with UCSD [email protected]. match against Concordia rained out on Feb. 20. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 THE UCSD GUARDIAN SPORTS 15 UCSD Gets UCSD No-Hit in Finals of Schutt Sports Leadoff Classic Break From MPSF Next

▶ VOLLEYBALL, from page 16 getting on runs where the team can get four to six sideouts in row will make a huge difference. The development continues this week when the Tritons face 2003 National Champion Lewis University Feb. 22 and No. 11 Loyola-Chicago University on Feb. 23. Although UCSD is 0-4 all-time against Lewis, Ring believes that this year’s squad offers a good opportunity to change that. “We’re going through the [scouting reports] right now,” he said. “Lewis has been playing some top opponents close but isn’t comparable to the upper teams in the [MPSF].” Last season, the Flyers outlasted the Tritons in five games at RIMAC Arena. Lewis has faced two MPSF teams this year, losing both matches. The Tritons then travel to face Loyola-Chicago, a team that they have not seen since 2005, when the Ramblers trampled UCSD in a three-game sweep. ERIK JEPSEN/GUARDIAN FILE UCSD’s lone victory against Loyola- Junior first-baseman Jenni Habib has started all 14 games for the Tritons and leads the team in batting average and RBIs, hitting.412 and driving in 11 as UCSD is off to a fantastic 11-3 overall start. Chicago came back in 1996. The Ramblers are off to a solid ▶ SOFTBALL, from page 16 again gave Ward the nod and the Young handcuffed the Tritons to there is even more offense in this start in the Midwest Intercollegiate and sailed the ball down the right veteran team leader responded with win the tournament championship. team that is ready to bust out in the Volleyball Association and three of field line, allowing Maze to try third her first career no-hitter. “It was good to play well but it’s future,” Lukk said. “All we have to do their losses have come in five games. base on the initial error. The right The Tritons used Lukk’s fourth unfortunate that we couldn’t take is stay relaxed, stay confident, and Ring noted how competitive Loyola- fielder picked up the loose ball and inning homer and Ward’s six strike- the whole thing,” Gerckens said. play like we have nothing to lose.” Chicago has been against good teams fired it across the field to get the out no-no to beat “Our bats kind The Tritons took on Division-I and doesn’t want to treat the contest lead runner out, but once again the Dixie College of cooled down cross-town rival University of San any different than a normal conference throw sailed wide, this time allow- State 1-0, send- toward the end of Diego in a doubleheader on Feb. 20. match. ing Lukk to advance from first to ing them to the I’ve gotten close a the tournament. UCSD lost the first game 1-4 but “It doesn’t matter whether it’s con- second. Against all odds, the oppos- championship [Young] was a responded and came back from a ference or nonconference, our goal is ing fielder tried to nail Lukk at game versus Barry couple of times so good pitcher, four-run first inning hole to beat the to win both matches,” he said. “We had second and, sticking with tradition, University. but we just need Toreros 6-5 in the nightcap. More an open weekend in our schedule and overthrew the bag, allowing Maze “[The no-hit- it felt great to get a to learn how to details were unavailable at press filled it with two competitive teams.” to easily trot home from third as the ter was] exciting,” no-hitter in before I make adjust- time. The Tritons will travel away from winning run. Ward said. “I’ve ments quicker.” Next, the Tritons will host Cal California for only the second time this “Once the throwing errors gotten close a cou- graduate.” A second- State Dominguez Hills in a four- season and while Ring said traveling began, I really wasn’t thinking, but ple of times so it place finish in game series over the weekend before takes its toll, he expects the team to instead just running on instinct and felt great to get a“ — Melissa Ward, a tough tourna- hitting the road for another four- perform well. The trip to Romeoville, adrenaline,” Lukk said. “Of course, no-hitter in before sophomore pitcher ment is nothing game series against Cal State San Ill. will be UCSD’s last away game as the once I realized Maze had made it I graduate.” to scoff at, but Bernardino as they hit the heart of Tritons will return home for a stretch of home I was stoked. We had played a In a cruel twist the Tritons are their California Collegiate Athletic nine games at RIMAC Arena. great game and it was good to get a of irony, UCSD witnessed the sec- aware that a more balanced attack Association schedule. great team win.” ond no-hitter of the day, but this will bring them first-place success. Readers can contact Matt Croskey at In the semifinal game on the time from the losing end. Just hours “We were able to have a great Readers can contact Jake Blanc at [email protected]. morning of Feb. 16, Gerckens once after Ward’s gem, Barry’s Megan weekend with a few clutch hits, but [email protected].

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�� HOT CORNER 16 Tim Mort Baseball CONTACT THE EDITOR The junior outfielder had two hits, a Rael Enteen stolen base and two runs, including the [email protected] SPORTS game-winning score in No. 14 UCSD’s victory over Barry University on Feb. 17. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 Softball Stifles Field in Phoenix Tourney weekend versus Chico State, UCSD Tritons open with five matched that total in one game in a Triton Softball and straight wins behind shutout victory. Senior pitcher Melissa Ward Melissa Ward at Schutt Ward’s stellar pitching threw her second complete game Sports Leadoff Classic but get no-hit in the title shutout of the year while allowing game to finish in second. only five runners to reach base. Game Date Result Pacing UCSD’s offense was sopho- 1 ...... 2/14 ...... W 6-0 By Jake Blanc more catcher Nicole Saari who hit Ward: 7 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 SO Senior Staff Writer her first collegiate homerun, a solo shot in the second inning. 2 ...... 2/14 ...... W 7-4 SOFTBALL — After a disappoint- UCSD picked up a second win Ward: 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 SO ing weekend split against confer- later that evening with a clutch 7-4 ence rival Chico State, the UCSD win over Missouri Western State. 3 ...... 2/15 ...... W 5-0 softball team used a week of qual- After squandering a four-run lead Ward: DID NOT PITCH ity practices to regroup and refo- in the fifth inning, the Tritons got cus. The Tritons’ back-to-basics back-to-back hits from Saari and 4 ...... 2/15 ...... W 1-0 approach paid off as they placed sophomore shortstop Amanda Ward: 7 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 10 SO second at the Schutt Sports Leadoff Eliades with the bases loaded to 5 ...... 2/16 ...... W 1-0 Classic in Phoenix. seal the win. UCSD stormed through the UCSD finished off the last round Ward: 7 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 6 SO pool and bracket play with a per- of pool play with another shutout, 6 ...... 2/16 ...... L 0-6 fect 5-0 record before falling to this time thanks to the right arm Ward: 3.2 IP, 6 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 4 SO Barry University in the champion- of junior starter Lauren Chastain, ship game. The successful week- as she took a no-hitter into the end puts the Tritons’ overall season seventh inning against New Mexico record at 11-3, but even with such Highlands. sible by a bizarre play that would a commanding win-loss record, the Habib picked up three RBIs have left even Abbot and Costello Tritons feel like they have yet to while going 3-3 at the plate in the confounded. play to their full potential and are team’s 5-0 win, guaranteeing them Leading off the bottom of the expecting to continually improve. a top seeding for the next round of seventh in a scoreless game, senior “We still think that we didn’t bracket play. third-baseman Jenny Maze singled have our strongest weekend again The Tritons entered their Feb. to right. Employing the small-ball [in Arizona],” junior first-baseman 15 game needing to go undefeated strategy, head coach Patti Gerckens Jenni Habib said. “But it was good in bracket play to make it to the called for the sacrifice bunt to move for us to know that we can get the championship. the winning run into scoring posi- runs when we need them and back The southpaw Ward again took tion. up the pitchers and give them the the mound, this time against Eastern Senior second-baseman Danielle support that they deserve.” New Mexico University, and again Lukk placed a perfect bunt down The tourney’s opening game threw a complete game shutout. the first base line but the crashing pitted the Tritons against Grand Whereas her earlier shutout was first-baseman overthrew the bag Canyon University. After scoring given plenty of offensive breathing ERIK JEPSEN/GUARDIAN FILE only six runs the entire previous room, this victory was made pos- See SOFTBALL, page 15 Senior southpaw Melissa Ward led UCSD to the title game but couldn’t muster enough to win it all. UCSD Swept Away By Waves Triton Tennis Takes Two By Matt Croskey California and No. 7 Pepperdine Division-I school. Senior Staff Writer University were no help as UCSD was Head Coach Kevin Ring felt the swept 36-34, 30-23, 30-20 and 30-22, teams battled hard, but the Trojans From Wildcats, Vulcans VOLLEYBALL — After suffering 30-20, 30-24, respectively. played just a little better. another pair of losses over the three- In their match at USC on Feb. 13, “I thought we played well for day weekend, two nonconference the Tritons battled hard in game one, stretches,” he said. “We sided out, pre- games may be just the antidote for the siding out nine consecutive times to venting the game from ending about UCSD men’s volleyball team. push late into the game before the nine times, and we battled hard.” The Tritons were victorious in only Trojans closed it with an ace. In games The Pepperdine match proved little one of their last six and are in dire need two and three, the Tritons could not different from the one the night before. of a momentum change. Last week’s bounce back, and once again witnessed The Tritons didn’t match up as well as matches at No. 9 University of Southern a sweep at the hands of a powerhouse they did in their first contest against the Waves this season, when the Waves’ All-American was missing. “We could’ve done some things better on our side,” Ring said. “We totaled five and a half blocks but they all came in the third game. Our hitters didn’t always take care of their swings and that was the difference.” Ring also felt that there were stretches where the team played well, but couldn’t put together a complete match. “We’re getting one or one-and-a- half games, but we’re not playing a full match of what I call good volleyball,” he ERIK JEPSEN/GUARDIAN FILE said. “We’re trying to get a little better Senior guard Clint Allard led the team with 14 points on Senior Night but UCSD lost 61-46 on Feb. 16. blocking and strengthen our sideout game to allow us to go on runs. You By Neil Joshi against a nationally ranked opponent. have to slow down the other side and Staff Writer In doubles, UCSD took two out of three we just haven’t been able to do that.” matches to gain the edge before singles The two losses drop UCSD to 4- The UCSD men’s tennis team hit play began. Seniors Eric Rubens and 10 on the season with a single victory the road and traveled to Arizona over Blake Meister improved to 4-1 at the top in conference play. Despite the dismal the weekend, going undefeated in two doubles spot with an 8-4 win over Juan numbers, Ring continues to reiterate matches to improve to 5-1 on the sea- Nunez and Ryan Hudson. At the No. that this year’s team is still young and son. Originally scheduled to play four 2 doubles position, Abilene Christian is still developing the finer aspects of matches, the Tritons settled for only two evened the match at one apiece when the game. wins against No. 15 Abilene Christian Luke Hawk and Hutton Jones beat “One aspect of our game that can and No. 36 Hawaii-Hilo in Phoenix. the UCSD duo of junior Kaz Negishi make a big difference right now is Inclement weather and a cancellation and sophomore Bijan Moallemi 8-5. In blocking,” he said. “A block has a big- caused matches against Brigham Young the all-important third doubles match, ger effect than just that one point. University and Midwestern State to be sophomores Alex Placek and Chad Opposing hitters get pressed and it dropped from the program. Becker won a thriller over Brian Joiner forces errors. Our middle blockers are Head coach Eric Steidlmayer asked and Brett Proctor by a score of 9-8. young and it’s a skill that takes a while for more from his players, and the Becker explained that the key to to become proficient at.” Tritons responded with 6-3 and 7-2 winning tense matches like that is all Another area that Ring pointed to victories. Against Abilene Christian on about keeping things simple. SANH LUONG/GUARDIAN FILE was the sideout game. He believes that Feb. 16, the Tritons came out firing, “When you’re in a dogfight, basic Freshman middle blocker Tyler Kern and the young Tritons will look to end a three-game losing streak understanding the importance of put- when they hit the road to take on two nonconference opponents in Romeoville, Ill. on Feb. 22 and 23. See VOLLEYBALL, page 15 ting together an impressive showing See TENNIS, page 14