G O

S P HOMECOMING A R T A N Cheer on the Spartans using the special banner spread S in Thursdayʼs edition of the SpartanSpartan Daily.

INSIDE Serving San José State University since 1934

NEWS Wednesday, September 29, 2010 spartandaily.com Volume 135, Issue 17 • SJSU staff honored in awards ceremony 2 • July law mandates textbook publisher Boarders do the LocoMotion transparency 2 • Alert-SJSU transmits emergency messages to students in times of PHOTO COURTESY OF: crisis 2 • Longboarders unite in offi cial student club 3 A&E • ’s ‘Play On’ tour electrifi es San Jose audience 4 LOCOMOTION LONGBOARDING CLUB OPINION • Nothing like the real thing 5 • Come and join me in the 21st century 5 • U.S. politics desperately need campaign fi nance reform 5 SPORTS • Frosh dynamo sparks women’s volleyball team 6

ONLINE Members of SJSU’s longboarding club, LocoMotion, ride down a parking structure. LONGBOARDING VIDEO See full story on Page 3

• Longboarders take surfi ng to the streets spartandaily.com

SOCIAL Counselor teaches

MEDIA PHOTO: Become a fan students to relax on Facebook facebook.com/

spartandaily JACK BARNWELL | CONTRIBUTER KELSEY HILARIO FollowF our Th ere are two types of stress Mendoza said, tweetsttw on Staff Writer positive stress and negative stress, positive stress TwitterT helps students make deadlines and perform dur- @spartandaily@ An SJSU educational counselor said in a work- ing exams while negative stress can be debilitating. shop Tuesday that in addition to the short-term Mendoza said the eff ects of negative stress in- eff ects of stress there are serious consequences as clude increased heart rate, problems with appetite OUTSIDE well, including — ulcers, hypertension and heart and sleep, increased use of alcohol and drugs, in- disease. ability to concentrate, crying outbursts, head- Veronica Mendoza hosted a stress manage- aches and backaches. ment workshop for approximately 30 students in Freshman psychology major Lena Pham said Clark Hall. she had recognized some of the symptoms that Mendoza said the majority of students request Mendoza described. education counseling for help with time manage- “My favorite part of the presentation was now ment, low grades or to change majors. that I know the symptoms that I have are real and Students received stress “mood cards” that not just based on research,” Pham said. “It seemed SJSU counselor Veronica Mendoza explains the mimicked a mood ring and whatever color their like it was actually really accurate.” purpose of a stress “mood card” during a stress High: 86° card turned determined the amount of stress they management workshop held in Clark Hall on Low: 57° were dealing with. See STRESS Page 3 Tuesday, Sept. 28. Compassion needed to beat suicide, says psychologist

AIMEE MCLENDON ‘OK, if just one person smiles at warning signs, it just takes some do something wrong to push that “Ultimately, you can’t control ing people fi nd other options.” Staff Writer me I’m not going to do it’,” said extra concern to notice them. person over the edge.” someone’s life, but in dark times Richard Foreman, a freshman Le, who is taking prerequisite One student who att ended In 2008 there was a suicide we can be compassionate,” he mechanical engineering major, Suicide is the 11th leading classes for medical school. “But the workshop said he was inter- at a fraternity house near cam- said. “People reaching out a help- said he thought it would be good cause of death nationwide, but no one did smile at the man and ested because he heard of a recent pus, said Detective Sgt. Manuel ing hand is like giving the suicidal to know more about how to help it is the second leading cause of he jumped.” suicide by an Air Force Academy Aguayo, of the University Police person another option and that others. death among college students, Although he survived, the cadet and he didn’t realize how Department. could change a mind.” “I have had friends who are said David Emmert of Counsel- point is that people just need the oft en suicide occurred. Before that there were two sui- While some may not under- depressed and I’ve experienced ing Services. smallest gesture of compassion “It’s sad to hear about, it’s such cides in the decade leading up to stand the dynamic of suicide it myself,” Foreman said. “It took In a 2008 survey nine percent which could change everything, a dark place for someone to be 2008 that involved people who Emmert, who works with many some work to begin to tell people of SJSU students said they had he said. in,” said freshman kinesiology were not students, Aguayo said. students said that people have a about it — I think you get afraid seriously considered suicide in People don’t always want to major Hector Lopez-Garcia. Since 2008, there have been lot more to off er than they think. to talk about depression because the past 12 months said Emmert, talk about suicide because it’s a He said he once tried to help no suicides on campus, he said. “Most students I’ve talked you don’t know how people will a clinical psychologist. touchy subject, Le said. a friend who was depressed by About 93 percent of people with don’t want to die, but they react.” To help students bett er un- “But being suicidal is not a hanging out with her, but he who have att empted suicide but need relief from their pain and He said he thinks in some derstand those who are going chronic disease like cancer,” Le didn’t exactly know how to talk survived are grateful to be alive, they can’t see any other options,” ways he is able to recognize through dark times, a suicide said. “It can be overcome and it’s about it. Le said. Emmert said. depression in others because of prevention workshop was held completely changeable.” But aft er att ending the work- He said that asking someone He said a lack of hope that his own experience and that he in the Student Health Center on When dealing with someone shop, he said he felt more confi - about how they are feeling or if things will ever change in the would defi nitely try to help if he Tuesday. who is very depressed or suicidal, dent that he’d be able to recognize they are considering suicide does future only increases suicidal knew someone was feeling sui- Phi Le, who led the workshop, Le said to look out for warning suicidal behavior in a friend and not cause them to commit sui- thoughts and urges. cidal. recalled a story about a man who signs such as anxiety, hopeless- now he knows how to get them cide. “Most people who are con- In one study, Emmert said, 90 tried to commit suicide by jump- ness, isolation, increased sub- help. “Th at is actually a myth,” he sidering suicide are ambivalent percent of college students said ing off the Golden Gate Bridge stance abuse and decreased job “I’m not sure that people want said. “Most people really want to about it – part of the person they knew a peer with suicidal but survived. performance. to ignore suicidal people,” Lopez- know that someone cares, so use wants to die and part wants to “On his way to jump off the He said that a majority of sui- Garcia said. “I think they are empathy but ask them if they plan live,” he said. “Suicide prevention SUICIDE bridge the guy said to himself, cidal people do give some kind of more scared that they may say or on hurting themselves,” Le said. is about building hope and help- See Page 3 2 NEWS Wednesday, September 29, 2010 SJSU staff honored July law mandates in award ceremony textbook publisher

CALLI PEREZ Honoree Jerri Carmo, of the SJSU Founda- tion said she remembers her fi rst day on the job, Staff Writer transparency how she parked where the Cesar Chavez Memo- rial Arch is now. Th e 43rd annual Staff and Management Lun- Sophomore, Engineering student Karchict Sa- KENNY MARTIN factor in students’ deci- Williamson stated in an cheon and Service Awards Ceremony was held rinivachru said that he feels the faculty has been Staff Writer sions. e-mail that he sees some Tuesday to recognize staff and management em- helpful throughout his time at SJSU. She said that if there is possible problems with ployees for their years of service at SJSU. “I think it is a mixed bag, sometimes I get re- a specific teacher or class it. Th e Barrett Ballroom in the Student Union ally good professors that really help me and they Part of the Higher that a student wants to “This might lead to was fi lled with at least 350 SJSU staff , faculty and really care, but every once in a while I get a few Education Opportunity take, then prices general- some awkward con- family members. professors that seem like they like making fun of Act states that all feder- ly won’t dissuade him or sequences,” he stated. Maria Elena De Guevara, the associate vice the students or they are just really busy with their ally funded college cam- her unless there is a huge “For one, administration president of human resources, said she would lives,” Joesph Papaya said. “Th e rest of the staff puses need to not only disparity in prices. would have to get each start the ceremony by welcoming the audience has been really courteous and nice.” provide the names of all Another rule that this department to submit and thanking the staff for years of service. Th e eight staff members celebrating their 30 the books each course law establishes is that, lists of books for courses, “It is one of my favorite events at the Univer- years of service at SJSU were introduced by Fred requires, but also the in order for an author to but courses are not de- sity and it is always so much fun because of the Najjar, the vice president for university advance- prices, said the associate publish a new edition of cided until a little prior staff does so much work,” Interim President Don ment and were asked what their fondest memory vice president of under- a textbook, he or she has to midterm.” Kassing said. “To have them all together to rec- at SJSU was. graduate studies. to outline to the college This law is also tak- ognize and express appreciation to them is some- Margie Soto, a 30-year honoree who works at “The goal is to help exactly what has changed ing more influence away thing we need to do and it is a wonderful oppor- the offi ce of the president said her fondest mem- students have more con- from the last edition to from professors, a trend tunity to do that. So it is a great event. I love it.” ory would be fi nding the love of her life. trol over costs,” Dennis the new edition. Williamson stated has Th e event was broken up into segments to Rosemary Soto Garcia, her sister and fellow Jaehne said. “Students According to the law, been increasingly com- honor the employees celebrating their 15-, 20-, honoree, said she wasn’t married when I began are making a price deci- a publisher who is re- mon with the rise of 25-, 30-, and 35-year anniversaries of service. her career and she remembers her friends and co- sion as well as a class de- ceiving federal financial technology. Each segment held a slideshow to commemo- workers throwing me a bridal shower. cision.” assistance “must include, “An unintended con- rate the year and the events that took place when “Th e Sotos kind of run this place,” Najjar said. With the law going with any such informa- sequence of this sort of they started working at SJSU. Th ree honorees were recognized for 35 years into effect July 1, he said tion and in writing the law makes it that much “I like my teachers,” senior biology major Ary- of service at SJSU. SJSU students can find following ... a descrip- easier for administration lan Pasea said of the faculty at SJSU. “Th ey are Th e honorees — Colleen Brown of enroll- the textbook informa- tion of the substantial to control the depart- really helpful especially when it comes to mid- ment services, Katie Hill of administrative ap- tion in a link that is lo- content revisions made ment and the profes- terms. I have always been able to go to their offi ce plications and Lorraine Lance of the Dr. Martin cated next to the class between the current edi- sors,” he stated. “This hours and they have been informative.” Luther King Jr. Library — were introduced by information displayed by tion of the college text- might seem pretty slight Guevara introduced the 19 honorees who Jason Laker, the vice president for student aff airs. searching for a class. book or supplemental by itself, but add that to started working at SJSU in 1995-1996 and had When they started working in 1975-1976 the Kevin Wagner, a soph- material and the previ- other technologies such them stand up for a round of applause. SJSU football team ranked in national polls for omore mechanical en- ous edition, if any.” as assessment and the Rose L. Lee, the vice president for adminis- the fi rst time and Rod Stewart and Faces, as well gineering major, said he In addition, the new like and you get a slow tration and fi nance, introduced the 16 honorees as Peter Frampton performed at SJSU at a Hot noticed the textbook in- law mandates that “a erosion of the author- who were being recognized for 20 years of ser- Fun in the Sun Concert. formation when he was publisher that sells a ity of departments and vice. Lance said her career at SJSU started in Octo- online, and said he was college textbook and professors over their “Th is event is also my favorite event, it is a very ber 1974 in the old Wahlquist North Library. glad it was there. any supplemental mate- own professional choices fun event,” Lee said. “It is great to see the slide- Lance said it was very exciting as well as a lot “It’s a good law to have rial accompanying such and control of the class- show and remember what it was like then and for of work to move to the new Clark Library in 1982 because some people college textbook as a room.” me, to be young.” where she was trained to transition from the don’t have a lot of mon- single bundle shall also Vandan Mehta, a Th e 10 honorees celebrating 25 years at SJSU physical hard copy catalog to the online version. ey,” he said. “They can make available the col- graduate student in soft- were recognized by Gerry Selter, the provost and Lance said that in 2003 she moved again to the compare prices between lege textbook and each ware engineering, said vice president for university advancement. new King Library, which she said continually in- classes that fulfill the supplemental material as he thinks it is a good law, “It is my honor to introduce our staff and man- corporates innovation and technology, creating a same requirement.” separate and unbundled but that it could do more. agers who have hit the 25-year milestone,” Selter technology without walls. Junior kinesiology items, each separately “It should list the said. “It is quite an achievement and we are grate- “I have a number of close friends that were major Jenna Doyle said priced.” cheapest price,” he said. ful for their 25 years of service.” recognized today, that I worked with when I fi rst she does not think that While this new leg- “It should also provide Th e 1985-1986 slideshow recognized that came here in 1993,” Kassing said. “I think that is knowing the textbook islation appears to be what the changes be- Fourth Street garage was opened, Halley’s Comet what makes it so much fun and personal. To have prices before registering only beneficial, SJSU tween the editions are lit up the sky, and California’s Governor Arnold long standing relationships with the people that is going to be a major philosophy lecturer Dan (on the website).” Schwarzenegger was acting in the movie “Com- we know over the years who have done things to mando,” which made its debut that school year. make this a bett er place.” Alert-SJSU transmits emergency messages to students in times of crisis KENNY MARTIN ings have an intercom system trical engineering major, heard health science major, said she Staff Writer that can act as a speaker sys- about the Alert-SJSU system, had not heard of Alert-SJSU, tem, he said. but said he does not feel the but said it seems like a good Alert-SJSU is a messaging Hayley Pickett , a gradu- incentive to sign up. idea to sign up. system designed for the Uni- ate student in sociology who “I feel safe on campus,” he “It sounds prett y helpful versity Police to quickly ad- works in Housing Services said. “I have not encountered and it gives us tips,” she said. dress the campus in the event at SJSU, said she believes the anything and there are police Belcastro said he wanted to of a major emergency, such as alert system is great to have. on campus.” stress the importance of not a natural disaster or an active “At housing, we encourage Freshman pre-nursing ma- only registering, but signing shooter, said a public informa- students to sign up for Alert- jor Kaileigh Komas said she up for all three methods of tion offi cer for the University SJSU,” she said. “If there is also does not feel too con- receiving the message — by e- Police Department. an active shooter, it is a good cerned about signing up for mail, phone and text. Students can sign up for way to get the word out across the service. He also said a text mes- Alert-SJSU through their “I think it is a good service sage can only contain so many MySJSU accounts and choose — it just is not something I characters, so the information to receive the messages via ei- would need,” she said. “I feel and instructions would not be ther phone or e-mail, said Sgt. It sounds that if something is going on, as complete as a voice message Manuel Aguayo. I would hear about it because or an e-mail, and there could A person can register up to pretty I am on campus.” be a time delay in the delivery

one cell phone number, three helpful“ and Crystal Urbano, a freshman of the message. personal phone numbers and two e-mail addresses, he said. it gives us Th is means that a student tips. “ can sign up to receive these no- “ tifi cations, and register family CRYSTAL URBANO members, when an emergency Freshman health situation occurs, Aguayo said. “I highly recommend sign- science major ing up with the cell phone you carry around with you all of the time, as well as the e-mail account you use the most,” he said. campus. People do not always In addition to these person- check MySJSU messages.” al forms of contacting individ- Sophomore aviation major uals, Aguayo said the indoor Kent Soliday signed up for the and outdoor speakers around Alert-SJSU system when he campus will sound off with noticed the link for the mes- the message the police are try- saging system registration. ing to get out. “Just reading the descrip- Lt. Frank Belcastro of Uni- tion, it seemed really helpful,” versity Police said all of the he said. “For safety, it is good. education buildings on cam- It is convenient because I am pus are equipped with a speak- always checking my text mes- erphone system. sages.” Th e Campus Village build- Haider Rizvi, a junior elec- Wednesday, September 29, 2010 NEWS 3 Longboarders unite in CAMPUS IMAGE offi cial student club

JAIMIE COLLINS cers nobody really got it done,” hosting a skill clinic tonight at 9 Staff Writer Scott said. “Th is semester I went p.m. during which they will teach through all the paperwork and people basic longboarding skills. Th is semester, SJSU is wel- applications and now it’s an of- “We are just going to try to coming the LocoMotion Long- fi cial organization.” bring all the beginners out and boarding Club to the list of stu- Senior nursing major Jillian teach them the style,” she said.

dent organizations, according to Moore said having more clubs Hoping to get involved is PHOTO: the president of the club. helps students to have a bett er freshman business major Mar- “We’ve always been doing it,” college experience. tin Schroeden, who said a club said Priscilla Scott , a junior busi- “Student clubs and organiza- like this is a great way to make ness management major. “Th is tions are what makes our cam- friends. DONOVAN FARNHAM | SPARTAN DAILY semester, I really wanted to get pus unique,” Moore said. “By “If you can fi nd a way to con- our funding going so we can do providing ways for students to nect with people who like the more events and bring out more express their interests, the cam- same things as you, it will make people.” pus becomes more diverse.” college more enjoyable,” Schro- Matt Chavez, the club’s cre- While size doesn’t matt er, eden said. “It’s a fun way to con- ator and former president, said Chavez said the number of at- nect with your peers and expe- LocoMotion was created in tendees ranges anywhere from rience downtown San Jose in a Fall 2008 to get as many people eight skaters to over 60. diff erent way.” as possible excited about long- Although weekly att endance Scott said one of the reasons boarding. was never mandated, Chavez the club is important to SJSU is “Th ere was a small group of said that the same people con- because longboards are becom- my friends that went out on a tinued to come, bringing along ing increasingly popular on cam- regular basis and longboarded friends. pus. for fun in diff erent areas on and “We had more and more new “A lot of (students) are com- around campus,” said Chavez, longboarders who heard through muters and we all have our way a senior design studies major. “I word of mouth, many of which of transportation,” Scott said, wanted to create an environment came back on a regular basis,” he “but especially this year, there are that supported new longboard- said. “Everyone that I know, that more and more longboards.” A squirrel stops for a drink at the Cesar Chavez Memorial Arch on Tuesday, Sept. ers as well as advance the skills of has gone out and rode with the Junior chemistry major Jen- 28., a day when temperatures reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit. experienced ones.” club, loves it as much as I do.” nifer Trumle said she oft en sees Sophomore sociology major Scott said the group is a people longboarding on her way Joey Huong said he has been combination of people and that to class. longboarding since high school longboarding is the passion they “It has become a huge trend and thinks the club is a great way share. for college students,” Trumle SUICIDE compassion to show concern and that is what for skaters to come together and “We are all diff erent,” she said. “Whether skating in a could change the course of someone’s life. enjoy themselves. said. “I think it’s cool that we group or solo, there are long- From Page 1 Emmert echoed that sentiment and said he “It’s a hobby that a lot of peo- can all come together through boarders everywhere nowadays.” and Wei-Chien Lee, have come up with a pro- ple are into and having a group is one common interest and get to Chavez said that even though behavior and that most would not inform a stu- gram called “A Th ousand Stars,” which is a suicide a great way to have fun,” Huong know more people.” it is a student organization, Loco- dent, parent or counselor. prevention program that launches on Oct. 8. said. “Th e number of skaters on Chavez said LocoMotion Motion is not necessarily impor- He said that more than 32,000 Americans Th e program is a peer training program for campus is growing every day and meets every Wednesday at tant to the school but to the peo- complete suicide each year, which is equal to SJSU students that will help create a safety net for we need a place to come together 10 p.m. in the Plaza de Cesar ple who contribute their time about 85 per day and one every 18 minutes. students in distress, Emmert said. and hang out.” Chavez partaking in a range of and energy to the club instead. Th e best qualities to emanate while helping “We all need some support in our lives at one Th e current president, Scott , longboarding activities, from go- “It’s important because it’s an someone with suicidal thoughts are empathy, point,” Emmert said. “Th ose considering suicide said this is the fi rst semester Lo- ing on a simple ride to sett ing out environment where people can genuineness, respect, warmth and non-judgmen- -- it’s like an index of their pain. It is a measure of coMotion has been an offi cial on a photo scavenger hunt. just show up and have a great tal listening, Emmert said. their hopelessness about their future. Even if you club on campus. “If someone doesn’t have a time,” he said. “It’s as important Le concluded the workshop by saying all it don’t feel it right now, you are not alone and your Although it has been active board or hasn’t ridden a long- as you want it to be and for the takes is a campus full of people who have enough life is important.” on campus for a couple of years, board before, there are plenty of people who really believe in it Scott said the necessary steps for people who will show anyone and who are dedicated to what the club to be recognized had how to ride and let them borrow it has come to be, it’s simply the never been taken. a board,” he said. most amazing club someone “Because of a change of offi - Scott said the club will be could be a part of.”

as much as possible. STRESS Both Pham and Lomibao said the time man- agement tips and exercises will defi nitely help From Page 1 them in the future. Freshman nursing major Gaby Sauzedo said Mendoza suggested students eat three bal- she is ahead of the game when it comes to keeping anced meals every day, exercise regularly and get track of her schedule. six to eight hours of sleep every night. “I already do time management,” Sauzedo Planning weekly and monthly events to look said. “I plan out my whole week hour-to-hour, forward to can help students improve their mood what time I sleep and what time I am supposed and stay calm during the semester she said to study.” Leo Lomibao, a sophomore political science In addition to the stress management work- major, said he was ready to use several of the tips shop, Mendoza said she hosts a class every other in reducing stress. week for fi rst generation students that helps them “I am going to take a lot more rest,” he said. “I with fi nancial aid, scholarships, time management am defi nitely going to start on my assignments and how to talk to their parents about college. earlier.” Th e counseling offi ce is located in the adminis- Mendoza said time management is one of the tration building and Mendoza encourages anyone biggest factors that causes students to become who is struggling with school or emotional stress stressed. to stop by. She said they must practice responsibility “Come to counseling services if you are feel- when it comes to school, make a list of priorities ing stressed or you are not sure what to do, or you and stick to them, say no to plans if it cuts into don’t know who to talk to, because everyone there time dedicated to school and limit procrastination is really helpful and welcoming,” she said. 4 A&E Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Carrie Underwood’s ‘Play On’ tour electrifi es San Jose audience

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ON TOUR WEBSITE that helped catapult her fi rst 4/5 album, “,” to the position of prominence it still holds to this day. Th e album has gone platinum seven times, KENNY MARTIN according to the Recording In- Staff Writer dustry Association of America. Th e only other complaint I have about the show was that Carrie Underwood delivered the last half didn’t have nearly a powerful and phenomenal per- as many big-name songs as the formance at the HP Pavilion on fi rst half did. ereTh are several Monday night as part of her “Play songs that Underwood could On” tour. have added to the second half Th e show opened up with to make it truly memorable, a band called “Sons of Sylvia,” including “Independence Day,” comprised of three brothers. “Inside Your Heaven,” “Look at Th ey were prett y good, and their Me” and “Don’t Forget to Re- fi ve or so songs got the crowd member Me.” roused up and ready to move to Don’t get me wrong, I still some music. enjoyed the performances. Un- Aft er a brief intermission, derwood was able to give songs Sons of Sylvia was followed by that didn’t do anything for me Billy Currington, who rocked on the CD something special the audience with intense guitar that allowed me to hear and see playing. Aft er listening to Cur- them in a new light; her singing rington, the audience was jazzed Carrie Underwood sang out of the bed of a truck as it soared over the audience in a stunt during a perfor- them live added an extra dimen- and really hyped for Under- mance. sion to them. wood. Th ere were also a couple Th e audience fi nally got what of well-received curveballs they were waiting for when Un- she threw at the crowd, such as derwood appeared from underneath the stage in a car through the air and had screens that A prominent example was when Under- bringing , a country music legend, singing one of her newest hits, “Cowboy Casa- displayed images, which changed gradually to wood was soaring above the audience in a car. to the Pavilion via the screens on the stage. Th e nova,” to open the show. refl ect the diff erent verses of the songs. Right before this stunt, the screens on stage two sang a duet called “I Told You So.” From then on, Underwood took the enthusi- Th roughout the show, Carrie went through a showed Underwood walking through a town in Th e second twist came right aft er Under- astic audience on a , mixing up the cornucopia of outfi ts that kept the performance Oklahoma. I was sure I knew what song was wood concluded her song “Change.” Under- performance in unexpected and fantastic ways. fl ashy, lively and fresh. coming up. wood announced that 36 cents from each ticket Not only did Carrie sing songs from her new- Underwood encouraged the audience to In fact, I was so sure she was about to sing “I sold would be going to help charities. Upon est album “Play On,” but she also treated the dance, clap its hands and sing along. At some Ain’t in Checotah Anymore” that I had started hearing this, the audience gave a rousing and audience with many of her past hits, including points in the show, she stopped singing and let singing the lyrics to the song; “Where 69 meets approving cheer. “Wasted,” “Some Hearts,” “” the audience fi nish the song in unison. 40, there’s a single stoplight town.” Instead, While the concert wasn’t perfect, it was still and “Jesus Take the Wheel.” While Underwood’s performance in the however, Underwood chose to sing “Country a beautiful and energizing performance. Th e Underwood also used props to wonderful fi rst half of the show was breathtaking, energiz- Roads” by John Denver. music was great, her charisma was electrifying, eff ect. ing and nothing short of legendary, there were Even though it was refreshing to hear Carrie and the entire performance was more than the She was animated with the microphone, some points where she missed wonderful op- singing this country classic, I would have loved sum of its parts. It rarely gets any bett er than swung on a swing during one song, rode along portunities. to hear her sing one of her own masterpieces this. Wednesday, September 29, 2010 OPINION 5 Opposing Views: Are eBooks the future? Nothing like the real thing Come and join me in times a day, but I just can’t give for a word might be convenient, into the eBook craze. but what ever happened to try- Not only is it impractical to ing to fi gure out the meaning the 21st century take an eBook to a sandy beach from the context the word is Imagine a world where you and not being put to good use for example, but there are small in? Maybe we just don’t want to could carry your whole library of when I can store them digitally on things that a paperback book overwork our brains anymore. books in your pocket. a small device? gives me that an eBook cannot. One of the most common Th at world is possible, and EBooks grant the reader other As nerdy as it may sound, it argument in favor of eBooks only because of eBooks. convenient abilities as well. is exciting when the pages in my is that they are “greener” than EBooks have gott en extreme- Have you ever seen a word in left hand grow and the ones in print books. Th is is likely true, ly popular lately with the re- a book that you didn’t know and my right hand shrink. but an eBook simply cannot leases of devices such as Apple’s needed to look it up? JENNIFER HADLEY Physically being able to feel replace a book that I received iPad and Amazon’s Kindle, and EBook applications tend to Jennerally Speaking the progress I’ve made when from my grandmother who rightfully so. have built in dictionaries. All I’m reading a book is a reward- passed away. Apple’s iBooks application it takes is a simple tap of the A hot bath and a good old ing feeling. I don’t get that feel- An eBook cannot replace my and Amazon’s Kindle applica- HUSAIN SUMRA screen. paperback book is my favorite ing when I’m reading an eBook book series from middle school tion are two of the most popular Senior Staff Writer Don’t worry about messing down-time combination. that lacks texture. that has worn-out, old-looking eBook applications out there, up the paper when you want to Over the weekend I wanted On Amazon.com, eBooks paper meant to mimic diaries and they make the hobby of highlight or take notes either, to unwind for a bit, so I started for Kindles seem to be about from diff erent points in history. reading more enjoyable and just plain easier because those functionalities are easy on eBook reading Jodi Picoult’s book, $1-$2 cheaper than the hard- Sure eBook readers can store to do. readers. “Handle with Care.” back or paperback version of books in one device instead of Th ese applications allow you to take your It’s extremely easy to fi nd things in an eBook My relaxation time would most books. taking up a few bookshelves book library in your pocket. as well, because you can search through the entire come to a grinding halt if all of I would love to save a few dol- in your home, but we all know You can read your eBook on your iPad and book. a sudden the batt eries died lars on books, but if I’m reading Kindles and iPads will be out Kindle any time you want, but say you’re wasting Looking for a certain quote you enjoyed or while I was reading, which in the bath, I would rather ac- of style in two years just like time in between classes and don’t have your iPad need to answer a question for a book report? Stop would be possible if I was read- cidentally drop my $15 book in cell phones evolve every six or Kindle. Th en what? fl ipping through pages and risking paper cuts. ing an eBook. the water than my $100 Kindle. months. Well, you can pull out your smart phone and Search for it. Th ere is no denying that Some argue that it is easier As soon as everyone gets read on that too. It just oozes convenience. Don’t forget that the world is changing, eBooks are growing in popu- to read eBooks because you can comfortable with their maxed- Convenience is not only for people on the go eBooks are a part of this change. larity. According to PCWorld. adjust the brightness and font out libraries on their Kindles who want to be able to read anywhere without Th e way we consume media is changing com, eBook sales of Kindles size, but for me it isn’t easier to and iPads, the technology will carrying books with them, but for people who rapidly, this is just another step. Th e old forms have increased three times since hold a heavy eBook reader if I likely change, and they will have can’t see well. will slowly give way to newer and more fl exible last year. am lying down to read. Pages to change with it. EBook applications allow the reader to change forms. Many of my friends have are fl exible while iPads and Kin- Meanwhile I will still have the font size to their liking, and even change the Like reading news in a newspaper or renting a changed with the times and dles are heavy blocks. my traditional paperback book brightness on the device as well. movie from a video store, reading a normal paper now buy their textbooks and Sometimes eBooks contain in my purse. Th e Kindle is a litt le bett er on the eyes because book holds a certain emotional appeal over us. leisure reading material on their hyperlinks and I know that it it uses E-Ink technology, which makes the screen It’s the way we’ve done things for a long time and Kindles and iPads. would become distracting for “Jennerally Speaking” is a look eerily similar to a piece of paper. we’re used to doing things that way. I wouldn’t say I’m old fash- me as I’m trying to enjoy a novel column appearing sporadically Speaking of paper, eBooks are a great way to But like reading the news for free on the Inter- ioned — I have a Facebook or study a textbook. throughout the semester. go green. net or renting movies from services such as Netf- account, a smart phone and I will admit that instantly Jennifer Hadley is the Spar- Why would I want to have more than 100 lix, reading an eBook is more convenient and will I check my e-mail close to six being able to get the defi nition tan Daily Features Editor. books laying around the house taking up space eventually overtake the old forms of media. U.S. politics desperately need campaign fi nance reform Th e monstrous tentacles of predictor of elections and also Th irty-four years later, in the case of Citizens Th us, as her argument goes, making her less Meg Whitman’s election cam- of policy. You can prett y well United v. Federal Election Commission, the beholden to any special interests that hijack the paign seem to have no bounds. predict policies by looking Supreme Court went a step further by ruling that legislative agendas of many candidates during the She’s everywhere. She’s on bill- at where the funding comes the government may not ban corporations from electoral process. boards, she’s on the radio, she’s on from.” spending on elections. As of right now, just over a month away from TV and she’s on the Internet. According to Opensecrets. It is a decision that profoundly aff ects govern- the election, polls show that Whitman is in a At a $120 million (and tick- org, a website operated by the ment policy, both domestic and international. statistical tie with Democratic candidate Jerry ing), the former eBay CEO- nonpartisan Center for Respon- Chomsky called it a “dark day in the history of Brown, who’s working at a substantial fi nancial turned-Republican candidate for sive Politics, in each of the last American democracy, and its decline.” disadvantage. the California gubernatorial race three presidential elections, the Th e decision heralds an even further corpo- Perhaps this is a sign of her unabashed spend- recently broke the record for a winning candidate has outspent rate takeover of the U.S. political system as Th e ing rubbing the voters the wrong way, especially self-fi nanced campaign. SALMAN HAQQI the competition by millions of New York Times wrote that the ruling “strikes given the recession we are going through? She’s gone so far to as to claim On The Contrary dollars. at the heart of democracy” by having “paved the But Whitman aside, true campaign fi nance re- to be willing to spend up to $150 Taking the 2008 election be- way for corporations to use their vast treasuries to form has the potential to solve a slew of problems million in order to have the unenviable job to suc- tween Barack Obama and John McCain as an overwhelm elections and intimidate elected offi - Americans are facing on a national scale — from ceed Arnold Schwarzenegger as the governor of example, the disparity in spending was in the cials into doing their bidding.” health care to education, to our outrageous mili- California. hundreds of millions, with the Obama cam- As a result of this ruling, corporate managers tary spending. What is required is an overhaul of Campaign fi nance is the black hole of Ameri- paign spending $730 million, while the McCain can now, in eff ect, buy elections directly, bypass- how we conduct our elections. can politics. It’s an issue that’s rarely talked about campaign spent just over $330 million. ing more complex indirect means. Elections should be about a war of ideas, not or debated with any sincerity, even though Our campaign fi nance law is based on the pri- It is well known that corporate contributions, of bank accounts. it’s possibly the single most important issue mary assumption that money is speech and thus sometimes packaged in complex ways, can tip If we are going to proclaim our supposed de- concerning our democracy. protected by the First Amendment. the balance in elections, hence driving policy and mocracy to be a shining example for the world, But is it truly a democracy when candidates In 1976 the Supreme Court concluded that handing much more power to a small sector of we must fi rst actually have one. can blanket the airwaves with negative adver- money spent in campaigns is the equivalent of the population that dominates the economy. Right now our elections are on sale to the tising and marketing techniques, thereby es- speech. It is hard to overstate the ramifi cations of Which brings me back to the curious case of highest bidder and eff ectually nothing more than sentially taking control of political discourse by this decision. Meg Whitman. an expensive game of charades. sheer virtue of their ability to outspend their Th e court found that because money is speech, Unlike the usual political candidate who ac- Meg Whitman may be able to aff ord that, but competition? the government cannot limit a candidate’s ability quires his or her fi nancing through a mix of con- we as citizens surely cannot. Noam Chomsky, a noted critic of Ameri- to use his or her own funds in a campaign. Th e tributions from individuals, political action com- can politics and one of the most important court concluded that such a restriction would im- mitt ees or other interest groups, Whitman’s vast “On Th e Contrary” is a biweekly column ap- intellectuals of the last half century has said, permissibly muzzle the speech of a self-fi nanced war chest is largely a product of her own personal pearing on Wednesdays. “Campaign funding is a remarkably good candidate. wealth. Salman Haqqi is a Spartan Daily A&E Editor.

STAFF WRITERS SENIOR STAFF WRITERS OPINION PAGE POLICY San Jose State University Sonia V. Ayala Joey Akeley San Jose, CA 95192-0149 Jaime Collins Jasmine Duarte Phone: (408) 924-3281 Letters to the editor may be placed Advertising Phone: (408) 924-3270 Tyler Peter Do Ashley Finden in the letters to the editor box in the Amaris Dominguez Leonard Lai Spartan Daily office in Dwight Bentel Michiko Fuller Husain Sumra SPARTAN DAILY STAFF Hall, Room 209, sent by fax to (408) Lidia Gonzalez Kyle Szymanski 924-3282, e-mailed to spartandaily@ Eric Van Susteren, Executive Editor Isaiah Guzman casa.sjsu.edu or mailed to the Spar- Kristen Pearson, Managing Editor Rebecca Henderson tan Daily Opinion Editor, San Jose, CA Justin Albert, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Multimedia & Tech Editor Kelsey Hilario 95192-0149. Kevin Hume, Multimedia Editor Jordan Liffengren Kelsey Hilario Donovan Farnham, Eric Mitchell Online & Tech Kelsey Lynne Lester-Perry Letters to the editor must contain Alex Nazarov Editor Kenny Martin the author’s name, address, phone Marlon Maloney, Tim O’Brien Opinion Editor Aimee McLendon number, signature and major. Letters Jennifer Hadley, Stan Olszewski Features Editor Jen Nowell become property of the Spartan Daily Daniel Herberholz, Sports Editor Calli Perez and may be edited for clarity, gram- Melissa Sabile, Sports Editor Alexandra Ruiz-Huidobro DISTRIBUTION mar, libel and length. Only letters of Jenn Elias, A&E Editor Alex Spicer Stephen Cheong 300 words or less will be considered Salman Haqqi, A&E Editor Shiva Zahirfar Ron Sim for publication. Ryan Fernandez, Copy Editor Amber Simons, Copy Editor Published opinions and advertise- Clifford Grodin, Photo Editor ADVERTISING STAFF ADVISERS Dan Bergholdt Leo Munoz ments do not necessarily reflect the Matt Santolla, Assistant Photo Editor Arielle Cohen Andrew Pau Richard Craig, News views of the Spartan Daily, the School Hannah Keirns, Production Editor Courtney Criswell Sarah Smith Mack Lundstrom, News of Journalism and Mass Communica- Rachel Peterson, Production Editor Micah Dela Cruz Erik Estrada Jan Shaw, News tion or SJSU. The Spartan Daily is a Vanessa Alessi, Advertising Director Nathan Dixon Kim Komenich, Photojournalism public forum. Tanya Flores, Creative Director Sarah Dominguez Tim Hendrick, Advertising Daniel Tesfay, Assistant Advertising Ashley Ereso Tim Burke, Production Chief Director Ryan Genzoli Tim Mitchell, Design Davagy de León, Assistant Creative Jennifer Giles Pat Wallraven, Business Manager Director 6 SPORTS Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Frosh dynamo SPARTAN SPORTS SPOTLIGHT sparks women’s volleyball team

ALEXANDRA to drive our team to win.” RUIZ-HUIDOBRO Blume said the support Staff Writer of her teammates has made adjusting to the change of Leading the team with pace easier. 144 kills this season and av- “My teammates ... help me eraging 3.01 points per set as a lot with my schoolwork and of Sept. 25, left-sider Hanah they talk to me a lot and help Blume said she loves to play me stay focused,” she said. volleyball. Her junior and sophomore Third on her team with teammates remember many 114 digs, Blume is a fresh- of the courses she is currently man adjusting to college life. taking and off er help when “(The transition) was she needs it, she said. actually really difficult,” Th e team really helps each she said. “It has been really other stay on track so “we FROM THE SPARTAN DAILY ARCHIVES, OCT. 1, 1990 tough because don’t feel alone REPORTING: STAFF WRITERS STEVE HELMER AND MARK SMITH,

I’ve been tired going into PHOTOS: KEVIN SQUIRES (ABOVE) AND ANN NELSON (BELOW) after practice school or and I have to games,” Blume Th e Spartan football team defeated Stanford, 29- “He knew where we were today,” said touchdown- SJSU has since beat Stanford four times in 20 tries, go home and She always said. “We’re 23, on Sept. 29, 1990 at Stanford Stadium — their grabbing wide receiver Walter Brooks Jr. most recently in 2006.

do homework dances in our a really close second straight victory in the series. Running back Sheldon Canley (above, right; below, Head coach Terry Shea called Martini a hero. until 12 and locker“ room. team.” In the game, quarterback Ralph Martini (above, No. 20) rushed for 47 yards against the Cardinal. “Th ere is a sense to this game that adds if we have a Blume said left ; below, No 9) took to the air for SJSU, racking up “It showed today that we have the power and electricity and we feel it,” Shea said. “We played game then it’s She brings a she sees the 361 yards and four touchdowns. talent to play with these guys,” he said. from the heart.” “ even harder,” lot of smiles.“ team progress but she said every day. it has been CAITLIN ANDRADE “I think worth all the Sophomore setter that since hard work. we’ve been As a senior improving at Sonora High we’re having School, Blume high spir- was a three-time lett er win- its going into this season,” ner and the 2009 Co-Most she said. “We’re going to Valuable Player of the Valley be really successful because Oak League. of it.” Her senior team made Blume said she wants it to the semifinals of the fellow Spartans to attend CIF Sac-Joaquin Section the games because they are Championships — Blume going to be exciting. had 363 kills and 76 blocks “We’re always prepar- that year. ing for the best team in the Oscar Crespo, the head league,” she said. “Univer- coach for the past four sity of Hawaii, we’re coming years, said Blume has a after them.” solid work ethic and has Th e Spartans take on many strengths. Hawaii Oct. 15 and will host and nice person to be around. “She is an extremely the Warriors Nov. 13. “She always dances in our competitive individual,” he Off the fi eld, Andrade said locker room,” Andrade said. said. “She is taking charge Blume is a happy-go-lucky, fun “She brings a lot of smiles.” of her future re- After college, ally, on the court ... Blume said she would by being assertive, like to play volleyball aggressive and an PHOTO: overseas. intense player.” But for now, she Sophomore set- said she is going

ter Caitlin Andrade CLIFFORD GRODIN to start with beach said she agreed with volleyball when she Crespo. has time, and hopes “She has the drive taking up the sport and the will to win will get her some- and she’ll just lay it where. all out on the court,” “I’ve never played Andrade said. beach before,” Blume Blume will do | SPARTAN DAILY said. “But we’ll see anything to help the where it takes me.” team, she said. Crespo said Blume “I think she is is a coachable athlete learning a lot who always asks ques- every day and I think tions and is constantly she wants to learn working on improv- a lot every day,” Hanah Blume is one of three freshmen ing. Andrade said. “We on the SJSU women’s volleyball team. “She has a very high need people like that future,” he said.