Campus Watches Vice Presidential Debate

theSpartanDaily.com

Volume 131, Issue 20 Serving San Jose State University Since 1934 06MONDAYOCTOBER GGettingetting ddownown iinn JJapantownapantown 2008 Theater, dance STUDENT and martial arts CULTURE PAGE 5 showcase ‘Spirit of Japantown’

RIE NAKANISHI Staff Writer San Jose’s Japantown came alive on Saturday as community members got together for the second Spirit of Japan- Metallica successfully town festival, centered at North Fift h and Jackson streets, in preservation of the city’s Japantown and the history of resurrects itself with Japanese-Americans. In spite of its 118-year history, the recognition of Japantown is still not ‘Death Magnetic’ what the community expects, said Kathy Sakamoto, executive director of the Japantown Business Association and the organizer of the festival. OPINION PAGE 7 “Th e idea was to get people to know that there was Japantown (in San Jose). It’s been here for 118 years,” Sakamoto said. “We want this to last another 118 years.” Th e event was hosted by the Japan- town Community Congress of San Jose, a nonprofi t organization working with the city of San Jose on a capital improvement project of Japantown. Despite on-and-off rain throughout WILLIAM COOLEY / Spartan Daily the day, the festival featured various per- Top: Members of San Jose Taiko perform at the formances relating to Japanese culture, Spirit of Japantown Festival on Saturday. such as Kendo, Aikido and Ikebana dem- onstrations, Japanese animation theater MIKE ANDERSON / Spartan Daily It’s only a problem if Above left: Members of the San Francisco Japanese and multi-ethnic cultures such as Hawai- Sword Society give a Kenjutsu demonstration. ian dance and Filipino folk dance. Above right: Guinness World Record holder Michael you lose Junior animation majors Kendrra Pearce, 17, juggles at the Kids Zone Stage. JAPANTOWNpage2 SPORTS PAGE 4 Campus watches vice presidential debate

JOEY AKELEY and ALLIE FIGURES Building B, a crowd of more than 50 Two students who declined to men- cause of her race and gender. No matt er Staff Writers students watched the debate on MSN- tion their names said they wanted to see what, she will always win over Obama Students gathered on campus Th urs- BC. Democratic supporters fi lled the Palin cry. Expectations were higher for — fi rst because she is white, second be- day night to watch the fi rst and only vice room, and the Democratic Caucus of Biden among the crowds of students. cause she is a woman,” she said. presidential debate between Sen. Joe SJSU ran the event. “I feel like Biden had the upper Price said she wondered if Palin’s Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin. Before the debate began, students hand going into the debate because fl irty demeanor would be received well In Dwight Bentel Hall, students openly discussed their low expecta- of his experience in the Senate,” said by the audience and especially by sup- watched the live debate on CNN and tions for Palin. Joshua Cobbley, a senior broadcast porters of Hillary Clinton. participated in an open forum discus- “Being governor is a good step- journalism major. Soon aft er the debate began, many sion. Many students were in media ping stone, but she is not yet ready for Jasmine Price, a senior sociology ma- students in Dwight Bentel Hall reacted majors, while others came out of their something like this,” said Dillon Sap- jor, said she felt Palin’s presence would negatively to a wink Palin gave to the own interest. pingfi eld, a freshman advertising major. always outshine the other candidates. Meanwhile, in Campus Village “She might get overwhelmed.” “I think she has the upper hand be- DEBATEpage2 With the help of some well-known performers, Speaker spreads SJSU volleyball different views 8th annual talent show sells out for ﬁ rst time on Great Pyramid dominates La. Tech MARCOS BLANCO Staff Writer SELMA SKOKIC It was a packed house Th ursday Staff Writer night at the Barrett Ballroom inside For decades, Hollywood has edu- the Student Union as Akbayan, a Fil- cated societies that slaves were respon- ipino-American student organization sible for building the magnifi cent pyra- at SJSU, hosted its eighth annual Ma- mids of Egypt. boohay Talent Showcase in celebra- Th e auditorium in the Engineering tion of Filipino Heritage Month. Building was fi lled on ursdayTh as Dr. HIGH Adrianne Dizon, Akbayan’s cultur- Craig Smith explained that the slaves al chair, said the club sold more than did not built the great pyramids but 600 tickets and estimated that the rather that it was a core group of work- 77 event raised more than $5,000. ers who were paid in beer and bread. “It was the fi rst sold-out show Smith, the author of “How the LOW we’ve ever had,” said John Limpin, Great Pyramid Was Built” and chair- one of the coordinators of the event AKModern, a student Filipino CHRISTIAN GARRUCHO/ Spartan Daily man emeritus of Daniel, Mann, John- along with Dizon. organization, performs hip-hop in the Barrett Ballroom. son, Mendenhall, Holmes and Narver, 57 Limpin said more than $1,000 in a global engineering, architecture and proceeds will go toward Bantay Bata ent popping up in the Bay Area. Th e ones att ending the Maboohay event. construction fi rm, spoke to students as T WTHF 163, a child welfare program of the headliners for the event were the Carlo Francisco, a freshman veter- a part of the Silicon Valley Leadership ABS CBN Foundation that helps musical trio of Gabe Bondoc, Lee Jay inarian technology major at Western Symposium. impoverished children by providing and Jeremy “Passion” Manongdo who Career College, said he heard about He spoke about his book, “Build- shelter, therapy and quality home called themselves “GLP.” the event through friends and was ing the Great Pyramid at Giza: A Case care, according to the event fl ier. “I’m looking forward to a great show also looking forward to seeing Bon- Study of Program Management in Th rongs of people lined up and with Gabe and Passion,” said John doc and Manongdo perform. 2550 B.C.” 79 80 79 81 anxiously waited outside the doors Aganon, a sophomore personal training “I’ve always liked their music,” he Belle Wei, dean of the College of of the ballroom to watch and listen major. “Gabe plays good guitar.” 57 55 53 56 to the latest Filipino-American tal- SJSU students weren’t the only MABOOHAYpage3 SMITHpage2 theSpartanDaily.com 2 MONDAYOCTOBER News 06 2008 JAPANTOWN Mayor Reed: ‘Spirit of Japantown is a SSPARTAPARTAGGUIDEUID celebration of the history of Japantown and great businesses’ EVENTS CALENDAR

Th oms and Kris Wineman, who immigrants — came to Santa “It came a really long way,” Shi- One of the main performanc- were att ending the festival, said Clara Valley in 1890 where an bata said of the Japanese culture, es of the festival was San Jose Tai- 06 07 they were excited to see the mar- agricultural industry was pros- especially of the Japanese arts ko — an ensemble of Japanese TODAY TUESDAY tial arts performances and visit perous at the time. such as Ikebana and Bonsai. drumming — which att racted a the booths. Soon aft erwards, Japantown People’s reaction to Ikebana at lot of festival visitors. Th e team Counseling Student Showcase “It’s fun. Too bad it rained,” was established when the valley’s that time was, “Ikebana? What is played a total of fi ve pieces, in- Services’ Juggling Hour Th oms said. “Food is exciting, Japanese population came to- that? Few fl owers in the contain- cluding traditional Japanese Tai- Roles: School, Job, Chamber music with vocal and and that’s what I want.” gether and started farming in the er?” Shibata said. ko tunes and a fusion of Japanese Family, Friends instrumental music majors. Th ere were also about 130 area. Japantown was “a comfort- However, Americans today are and Cuban tunes. Workshop 12 to 1:15 p.m. in the Music Build- booths, selling food, arts and able place for the Issei to gather more interested in and aware of “Being part of the San Jose Learn ways to balance and enjoy ing Concert Hall. craft s on the street. together to survive in a society Ikebana, Shibata said. community is very important to all the multi-tasks students have Contact Professor Joan Stubbe “Th is Spirit of Japantown is a hostile to their presence,” where “(It) seems like they know San Jose Taiko as well as going going on in their lives. at 924-4649. celebration of the history of Ja- they could also have access to Jap- more than some Japanese people. out on the road to show Taiko to 12:30 p.m. in Clark Hall, room 118. pantown and great businesses,” anese foods and products as well Th is is a good opportunity to be the rest of the country,” said Gary Contact Veronica Mendoza at Free Lunch Every said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. as boarding houses, employment a part of this special event. It’s a Sakaki Wong, a graduate student [email protected]. Tuesday for San “Th is is a very historic communi- agencies and social gatherings, ac- spirit of Ikebana, a spirit of Japa- of SJSU and one of the perform- Jose Students ty with the tremendous contribu- cording to the Web site. nese culture,” she said. ers of San Jose Taiko. Punt, Pass and Kick The San Jose Institute of Religion tion to our city over a long period Kika Shibata, Ikebana shihan Kylie Morioka, a sophomore “It’s just a fun event to feel part Contest Sign-ups sponsored by the Church of Jesus of time. It is one of the few re- — Japanese for fl ower arrange- international business major, said of the Japantown community and Students who want to participate Christ of Latter-day Saints invites maining Japantowns in the entire ment instructor — and one of the it was her second time visiting also the San Jose community as in Campus Recreation’s Punt, Pass students to lunch every Tuesday. country, so we are very proud of event participants, recalled that the festival, and she brought two well,” he added. and Kick Contest need to sign 12 p.m. at 66 S. 7th Street, that and we continue to build it.” the only Japanese culture Ameri- friends who had never experi- up online at as.sjsu.edu/ascr by adjacent to SJSU. According to the Japanese cans encountered was eating sushi enced Japanese culture and food. OOnlinenline SSlideshowlideshow 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 9. Men’s and Contact Brother Bohn at sanjo- Museum of San Jose Web site, and raw fi sh when she fi rst came “I like it,” she said. “I came to For additional photos from the event, women’s leagues will be available. [email protected], 286-3313 or go to www.TheSpartanDaily.com Issei — Japanese fi rst-generation to America 40 years ago. see San Jose Taiko.” The competition will take place www.ldsces.org/sanjose. during ﬂ ag football games Oct. 6 to Oct. 10. International Youth 2 to 5 p.m. at the South Campus Fellowship football ﬁ elds. General meeting and Bible study. DEBATE Student opinions, polls lean toward Biden Contact Robert Patchett of 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Student Campus Recreation at Union, Ohlone Room. 924-6218 or rpatchett@ Contact Ricardo Godinez at camera, as she talked about Sen. Both candidates have sons in- respected their nominees well and Th e debate drew a lot att en- as.sjsu.edu. 509-9549. John McCain’s plans for health volved in the war overseas. kept the focus off themselves,” tion from SJSU students. care reform and an end to corrup- Palin’s closing speech im- Mendez said. “Th ey did the best “We decided to do this Sparta Guide is provided free of charge to students, faculty and staff members. The tion on Wall Street. pressed Roman Garza, a fresh- they could, and I don’t think this because there was a demand deadline for entries is noon, three working days before the desired publication date. Biden counter-argued Palin’s man meteorology major. debate is really about who won. from students to watch the Space restrictions may require editing of submission. Entries are printed in the order proposed plan by calling it the “I thought her end speech It was more about showing their event as a group and then be in which they are received. Submit entries online at thespartandaily.com or in writing at DBH 209. “ultimate bridge to nowhere.” about her being in a diverse fam- support to their nominees.” able to talk about it,” said Bob “He was really reserved and ily and how she is proud to be an Online polls from CNN/ Rucker, a professor of broad- constrained,” Sappingfi eld said, American was a very good clos- Opinion Research Corp. project- cast journalism who helped or- “maybe because he was debat- ing argument,” Garza said. “She ed Biden as the winner of the de- ganize the gathering in Dwight Will you be our friends? ing a woman.” said she was one of us and I really bate but said Palin’s performance Bentel Hall. Go to “Applications,” add Palin surprised students with feel that.” exceeded expectations. Fift y-four At the end of the event, Ruck- Check out the Daily’s fan page! “My Pages,” and search her aggressive approach. Once during the debate, it was percent of those polled said Biden er commended students on their “Spartan Daily” “She was like a sweet teddy Biden who became emotional over did bett er while 36 percent sided participation. bear,” said Juan Luna, a senior the death of his wife and daughter. with Palin. “I am impressed. Never have advertising major, “with a ma- “I thought it was very interest- “I think Joe Biden won primar- I seen a class so att entive to poli- chine gun.” ing when Joe Biden felt emotional ily because there were points in tics,” he said. Students in both locations about losing his daughter who time in the arguments when I feel laughed when the debate mod- died in a car crash in 1972. It was Palin was not honest and avoided erator, Gwen Ifi ll, lightly rebuked interesting for a big, strong man questions, whereas Biden stuck both Biden and Palin for not giving to open up,” Garza said. to the answers, was very informa- a straight answer to the question of But Sappingfi eld, across cam- tive and proved that he is good for their goals as vice president. pus in Dwight Bentel Hall, said he knowledge of politics in the Unit- “I was disappointed when they wondered if Biden’s moment was ed States,” said Zachary Pallin, a both didn’t answer the question sincere or just strategy. senior political science major. “I because the country is looking Matt hew Mendez, a senior think he proved his dedication to forward to hearing what they had political science major, said he the country.” to say,” Sappingfi eld said. thought that each candidate Price said the overall debate Palin and Biden found com- achieved their goal of supporting was eff ective for undecided voters. mon ground on issues concerning their candidate. “I think this debate was more the investment in clean energy, “I think they did what they directed to the knee-jerk reactors the lack of support for gay mar- were supposed to do. I think they and less for those more knowl- riage and support for the troops. represented their nominee; they edgeable,” she said.

SMITH Speaker says core workforce of 5,000 built Great Pyramid in 11 years

Engineering, said Smith tried public works project of stagger- graduate student. “As a graduate to explain the reverse construc- ing dimension,” Smith said. student, what you want to do later tion of the pyramids in Egypt, so He added that the construc- is know how to manage a program. people can have a deeper under- tion demanded great engineer- Th e Great Pyramid is a great exam- standing of them. ing, construction skills and pro- ple of project management,” Smith said the pyramids gram construction skills. Ana Drucker, whose boyfriend evolved as burial sites, where they He said that as he was gett ing is an SJSU student, said she decid- initially started out as a “mas- ready to fi lm a documentary for ed to att end the conference just to taba,” a fl at-roofed building with National Geographic in 2006, he learn about the pyramids. sloped sides, then evolved into was asked to fi nd out how much “I have been to Egypt and a “stepped pyramid” and fi nally it would cost to build one of the seen the pyramids, so I know came to be a “true pyramid.” great pyramids in 2006. what a phenomenal task it must He said it took a core work- He discovered that if pre-cast have been. Th ere is so much force of about 5,000, supple- concrete was used, it would cost mystique and mystery around it,” mented by 20,000 to 30,000 $1 billion. If limestone was used, Drucker said. laborers, 11 years to build the however, it would cost $4 billion. She added that she wanted to Great Pyramid. “Th e topic is tremendously hear it from an engineering point “Th e construction of the Great important today,” said Alexander of view and see how it all was Pyramid of Giza was a complex Murmann, a computer science planned out. theSpartanDaily.com MONDAYOCTOBER 3 06 2008 News Program pushes yoga, Orchestra opens season with ‘Oktoberfest’ meditation to inspire HEATHER NACHT Staff Writer SJSU’s Symphony Orchestra started off nonviolent attitudes the year with an Oktoberfest concert on Fri- day. A crowd of about 515 people fi lled the KAAJAL MORAR practicing the techniques he was Concert Hall in the Music Building Friday Staff Writer taught. It also showed military night, according to Emily Lane, a graduate On Oct. 2, the Dr. Martin Lu- forces in Iraq practicing yoga and student in teaching. ther King Jr. Library hosted SJSU meditation. Th ere were many students in the crowd Students Tread in Unity for a Dif- “Th ere are teachers around the as well as many locals, some of whom ference program “iLead2008: Be U.S. and around the world who brought their families, all of whom came to the Change” campaign, which is travel and teach the programs,” enjoy the music. affi liated with the Art of Living Sengupta said. “For instance, Th e program opened with Felix Men- Foundation. Th e campaign, which there were traveling teachers who delssohn’s “Overture to a Midsummer began on July 26, hopes to instill went to Iraq when the confl ict Night’s Dream” and closed with Nikolai nonviolent att itudes in students there started and stayed on there. Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.” Gradu- by hosting Youth Empowerment Th ere are teachers who travel to ate student Evamarie Barlaan was featured Seminar Plus (YES+) programs South America and teach the pro- as a violin soloist for “Scheherazade.” every semester. grams there.” Dr. Janet Averett , a clarinetist as well as According to the Art of Living Th e Art of Living Founda- the founder the South Bay Clarinet Society, Web site, this semester’s YES+ tion awarded three people at the conducted the performance. In between the program will be held on Oct. 9 event with a Sri Sri Ravi Shankar two composers’ works, Averett thanked the and will fi nish on Oct. 14. It is Award for Uplift ing Human Val- audience for att ending and explained to the open to anyone 18 and older. ues, named aft er the founder of crowd that the program was to celebrate im- Th e YES+ program is based on the organization. portant anniversaries of both Mendelssohn yoga, meditation and breathing Th ese awards are given to peo- and Rimsky-Korsakov. practices, according to the Web ple who have made a diff erence in Christine Swenson, a freshman math- site, and will help students get their community and to encour- ematics major, was impressed with the per- rid of stress and learn leadership, age others to do the same, accord- formance of the symphony orchestra. time management and confl ict ing to the Art of Living Web site. “It was amazing, so soothing,” said Swen- resolution skills. Omar Torres received the son, who used to play viola and was inspired Debanti Sengupta, a teacher of Commitment to Community to play again. “Th e ending got to me; it was the program in the Bay Area, said award. Torres worked to improve really beautiful.” she loved the program. the Washington community in She said she was in awe of the emotion “I used to be one of those Downtown San Jose. the orchestra was able to convey and found people who would bounce off the “I just saw that my neighbor- the event to be relaxing. walls with stress every time there hood was infested with gangs and Swenson said she has att ended other was an exam,” Sengupta said. “Af- drugs and prostitution and it was events on campus, such as football games ter I took the program, the results not a safe community,” Torres and plays, but that this was her favorite event were immediate. I could feel how said. “I saw that our neighbor- so far. She looks forward to att ending many much calmer immediately I felt hood needed a lot of help.” more performances in the future. Carole Bellinger-Kawahara and Karen Thielen STEFAN ARMIJO /Contributing Photographer aft er I took the course.” Aft er years of work in the Some students att ended simply for the play harp with the SJSU Symphony Orchestra during the Oktoberfest Concert. Muktak Maheshwari, vice Guadalupe/Washington Neigh- pleasure of the music, while others att ended president of the S.T.U.D.s pro- borhood Association and the in support of friends. Some students took notes on the pro- “I think it went really well. We have all been gram and an engineering major, Washington United Youth Cen- “I came because my friend played the grams throughout the performance while practicing for a while.” said he also benefi ted from the ter, Torres had successfully made cello tonight,” said Natalie Csider, a junior others sat back and enjoyed the live music. Cavagnaro said the symphony orches- course. He said he would get changes in his neighborhood. nursing major. Julia Cavagnaro, who is one of the French tra had been practicing for this perfor- easily depressed, but aft er tak- “I saw our neighborhood Although she originally att ended for her horn players in the orchestra, was proud of mance since the beginning of the semes- ing the course he was able to fi nd actually improving,” he said. friend, Csider said she enjoyed the concert the performance. ter and thought everyone did beautifully. solutions to his homework. His “When I celebrate awards, it’s and plans to att end more performances later “It was our fi rst (performance) of the She is excited to perform more during friends also noticed the changes not me celebrating — it’s the in the semester. year,” said Cavagnaro, a senior music major. the semester. he made because of the program. community, because we’re do- “My friends have seen that ing something right.” change in me, so some of them got “Everyone is looking for inspired and they wanted to take something in their life,” Sengupta the course,” Maheshwari said. said. “Whatever it is in this work- An introductory video at the shop, for me, has really helped event showed jail inmates prac- me streamline my vision and re- ticing yoga, breathing exercises ally understand. It has given me a and meditation. One inmate was greater sense of purpose beyond shown saying he benefi ted from just my own life.”

MABOOHAY Turnout improves upon ‘half-full’ crowds of last two years said. “It’s great to see Filipino rep- One of the directors of resentation from the Bay Area.” “Tracklist,” Alan Manosca, said Th e doors opened at 6:30 p.m. he felt the Filipino-American with DJ Dose spinning a mix of culture is not exposed and not old-school and new school hip- really well-known. hop songs, giving the event a “Th e reason why we’re doing nightclub-like atmosphere with this is to expose our culture and loud thumping bass reverberat- talent,” Manosca said. ing throughout the ballroom un- “It’s not important just for til it offi cially started at 7 p.m. Filipinos, but for everyone.” People in att endance mingled, Limpin, a senior radio, televi- danced, joked and took pictures sion, fi lm and theatre major, said to pass the time until the hosts and the main signifi cance of the event artists of the show came on stage. was to show off the presence of Besides “GLP,” other Filipino- the Filipino-American commu- American musical artists perform- nity in the Bay Area. ing included popular YouTube “We try to get exposure for singer April aka “Misscarolinex- the community and charities oxo” and her cousin Lex on guitar, and to get other people more San Francisco hip-hop group “In- involved with their own com- fi nity Funk Project,” singer Ann munity and culture on campus,” Lorraine Reginio, soul, jazz and he said. funk group “Philtered Soul” and Dizon, a senior nursing ma- singer Rodel Sajor. jor, said she hoped the audience Other Maboohay highlights at last Th ursday’s event enjoyed included a poem reading by Do- all the performers and that the minican University of California exposure is gett ing out there. student Adrienne Formentos and “I’m glad people are starting a dance number by “Tracklist.” to notice that our culture is rich William Escobar, a “Tracklist” and that we can sing, dance, write member and a mechanical en- and do anything else we can set gineering graduate, said he was our mind to,” she said. surprised by the big crowd turn- “Even if you’re not Filipino, out at the event. you’re still welcome in the com- “Th e last two years, it was only munity. You can celebrate it with half-full,” he said. “Gabe, Lee Jay us,” Dizon said. and Passion are probably one of “It’s like one big party. It’s for the main reasons we sold out.” fun,” Manosca said. theSpartanDaily.com MONDAYOCTOBER

4 Sports 06 2008 WAC Football Report, Week 6: by Mark Powell, sports editor SSWEEPWEEP DREAMSDREAMS Wednesday, October 1 Boise State 38, Louisiana Tech 3 Spartans put away What it means: Boise State looks like the best team in the conference. Boise State Louisiana Tech quarterback Kellen Moore is one of the nation’s top-rated pass- ers — and he’s only a freshman. The Broncos, ranked as high as No. 15 in the AP Top 25 poll, should be unbeaten when they visit in just three sets Spartan Stadium on Oct. 24. Friday, October 3 BYU 34, Utah State 14 What it means: The Utah State Aggies showed promise late in the game, but they couldn’t escape being the same old Aggies — or BYU’s powerful offense. SJSU plays Utah State in this Saturday’s homecom- ing game, and the Spartans hold a 19-10-1 record in the series history. SJSU hasn’t played at home since Sept. 13, so look for the Spartans to play with a lot of emotion and win convincingly against the Aggies. Saturday, October 4 Hawaii 32, Fresno State 29 - OT What it means: Fresno State hit a stumbling block within the WAC yet again. The Bulldogs once had BCS bowl aspirations, but losses to Wisconsin and now conference opponent Hawaii have dropped Fresno State from the Top 25 rankings. Following the upset, Fresno State has time to climb the ladder before coming to Spartan Stadium on Nov. 21, but the fact remains: The Bulldogs start 0-1 in WAC play. New Mexico State 45, Alcorn State 10 What it means: Not much, except maybe New Mexico State could win a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) title. The Aggies, who have yet to play a conference game this season, celebrated a win over lower-division Alcorn State. New Mexico State, however, hasn’t had much success since it joined the WAC in 2005. The Spartans travel to the Aggies’ home on Oct. 18. Nevada 49, Idaho 14 What it means: Nevada hasn’t let losses against Top-10 teams Texas Tech and Missouri get them down. When it’s clicking, the Nevada offense is one of the best in the nation, and quarterback Colin Kaepernick can do as much damage with his feet as he can with his arm. The Spartans defeated Nevada 27-24 at home last season, but the Spartans play the Wolf Pack in Reno this season on Nov. 15. SJSU – Bye What it means: The Spartans get a well-deserved rest following an impressive win over Hawaii two Saturdays ago. SJSU senior outside hitter Kelly Crow spikes the ball during Saturday night’s victory over Louisiana MIKE ANDERSON / Spartan Daily Tech. The Spartans downed the Lady Techsters 25-21, 25-16, 25-22 at Spartan Gym.

PETER HIRONAKA Th e Spartans’ next game is this Th ursday at Boise State, a team that Staff Writer defeated SJSU earlier this season. SJSU’s women’s volleyball team spiked its way to its third win in “We look to continue winning on the road, which is what we’ve fi ve games, as it defeated visiting Louisiana Tech in three straight sets done,” Crespo said. “We want to get that win against Boise that we 25-21, 25-16, 25-22 on Saturday. thought we should have had here.” Following their victory, the Spartans have improved to an overall Th e Spartans are now looking down the road toward the WAC record of 7-10, with a 3-4 record in the Western Athletic Conference. Tournament and improving from their fi nish last year. SJSU converted nearly 34 percent of its hits for the match and re- “We went in with a six seed and fi nished third,” Crespo said. “For corded a team total of 49 kills. Th e team also had a season-best 11 us, it’s just really to keep gett ing bett er every day.” aces for the match, lead by senior middle blocker Colleen Burke who had fi ve. WWACAC VolleyballVolleyball SStandingstandings “I’m prett y pleased with how they were able to stay focused through CONFERENCE OVERALL the match,” SJSU head coach Oscar Crespo said. “We made some Hawaii 5-0 12-2 lineup changes yesterday. With the changes we had, I was pleased New Mexico State 5-1 10-7 with the win.” Idaho 3-2 10-6 Th e fi rst set proved to be a seesaw batt le, as the Spartans would Utah State 3-2 5-11 break away only to see the Lady Techsters come back. San Jose State 3-4 7-10 Freshman Kylie Miraldi said SJSU was impressed by Louisiana Boise State 2-3 5-10 Tech’s performance. Nevada 2-4 6-9 “Th ey came out a lot stronger then we thought they would,” Miral- Fresno State 2-4 5-10 di said. “Th ey served well and that threw off our passing a litt le bit.” Louisiana Tech 0-5 2-10 Th e Spartans broke away in the fi rst set with a 20-14 lead and were able to hold off the Lady Techsters, 25-21. SJSU fell behind in the second set, but soon rallied back with kills from Miraldi, senior outside hitt er Kelly Crow and right side middle blocker Nia Freeman. A solid service game helped as Burke reeled off three consecutive aces to make it a 17-7 lead. From there, the Spartans cruised to a 25-16 second-set win. Th e third and fi nal set proved to be most diffi cult as Louisiana Tech got off to an early 7-2 lead over SJSU. Tech held the lead midway through the set until SJSU rallied back to make it a tie game at 19-19. Kills by Burke, sophomore Brianna Amian and Crow gave the Spar- tans the win, 25-22. Crow, who led the Spartans with 17 kills and 13 digs, recorded her fourth double-double of the season. Crow said she still saw room for improvement. “Hitt ing-wise, I did OK,” she said. “I defi nitely need to improve on passing and digging.” Miraldi and Burke each came in with eight kills. Amian and Free- man each added seven kills in the win. Sophomore Emily Burke contributed with 30 assists and four digs. Senior Britt any Collet came off the bench and recorded nine assists and two digs of her own. theSpartanDaily.com MONDAYOCTOBER 5 06 2008 Student Culture MOVIE REVIEW: ‘IRAN: HOT TEA, COOL CONVERSATION’ DDirectorirector BrendenBrenden HHamiltonamilton ppaintsaints a ddifferentifferent ppictureicture ooff IIranran

RYAN BUCHAN out the diff erences in culture for down the street in the middle of Staff Writer laughs. Instead this fi lm focuses the conversation. Th e movie “Iran: Hot Tea, on the similarities. Th ese shots seem like an at- Cool Conversation,” is a docu- Hamilton starts the movie by tempt to fi ll space and make the mentary focused on seeing Iran taking viewers to his hometown movie longer. through an alternative view of San Francisco and interview- When the movie gets on that the American media do ing the locals on their views of track, it does demonstrate that not display. the foreign society he will travel the people of Iran are friendly to Th e movie had only one to, similar to “Borat.” Hamilton and just want peace. showing in a theater, which was Th e movie follows the “Bo- “I never had a negative inter- at Camera 3. rat” trend, and focuses on Ham- action,” Hamilton said. Aft er the showing, Brenden ilton’s experiences as a foreigner, He expanded by saying that Hamilton, director, narrator exploring Iran in a search to everyone wanted friendship, and and editor of the movie, said he show Americans what the Ira- even police were kind to him. The cover of Metallica’s latest CARLOS A. MORENO / Spartan Daily was tired of seeing the view that nian people and culture are like. He was warned, however, to release, “Death Magnetic.” American media painted of Iran It is not until the end that avoid fi lming the police and mil- and wanted to see for himself Hamilton reveals his message itary before he arrived to avoid CD REVIEW: METALLICA’S ‘DEATH MAGNETIC’ what it was like and bring that or even shows how things in the any negative altercations. experience back home. movie relate to each other. Hamilton visited Tehran MMetallica’setallica’s llatest,atest, ‘‘DeathDeath MMagnetic,’agnetic,’ Th e movie is far diff erent For much of the fi lm, it (Iran’s largest city), Hafez tomb, from more common, popular seems like a home video of Persian rug shops, Persepolis documentaries such as those of his vacation. Th e fi lm shows (an ancient Persian city) and Michael Moore. shots of diff erent tourist spots Behesht Zahra cemetery (where cclearslears bbarar ssetet ssoo llowow oonn ‘‘St.St. AAnger’nger’ Th is movie does not seem at an amateur level. Th e camera many of the casualties of the to force a view down your is oft en shaky, especially during Iran-Iraq war were buried), but JASON LE MIERE Another of the record’s high band, that album marked the end throat the entire time, but in- interviews, causing the audience not until the end of the movie Staff Writer points is “All Nightmare Long,” of Metallica’s golden age. stead gives you a feeling that to feel dizzy. does it make sense of how any- While not exactly herald- a track that features many of Th e record was seen as mark- you are gett ing a genuine view Th ere are many scenes of cars thing relates. ing a return to their glory years, the great elements of Metal- ing the band’s decline into mu- that is not distorted to fulfi ll a driving, but in no way do they At each spot, Hamilton talks “Death Magnetic” sees Metal- lica. Th ere are crunching riff s, a sic produced for the masses, personal agenda. relate to the movie. to a few natives and he tries to lica back on the right track af- heavy, harmonious chorus and, rather than for the true fans. Th is fi lm is more similar to Hamilton would talk to show how everyone is kind. ter the huge disappointment of whisper it quietly, more than one It is unlikely that “Death Mag- the fake documentary “Borat,” someone and next thing you He fi nally brings everything “St. Anger.” guitar solo. netic” will do anything to sway although it is not trying to point know, you see cars driving together at the end by pointing Th e album is a welcome While the solos of Kirk Ham- those particular fans, but taken out that all the people he talked relief aft er a tumultuous past mett helped Metallica defi ne on its own merit, the album is a to were nice. decade for the Bay Area band. their sound during their peak in solid eff ort from start to fi nish, Th e very end of the movie First there was the lawsuit the 1980s, “St. Anger” was notable punctuated by a couple of mem- goes into Michael Moore mode against Napster, followed by for its almost total lack of them. orable excerpts. because Hamilton pushes his the departure of long-term Th eir return here helps give the It is a record that will be en- view that citizens of hostile gov- bassist Jason Newsted and album’s 10 tracks a more cohe- joyed by the more casual Metalli- ernments don’t hate America then lead singer James Het- sive and expressive arrangement. ca fan and generic rock fan alike, and it is the government that fi eld underwent treatment In spite of this, the songs but does litt le to restore Metal- causes the problems. for alcoholism. still have a far more linear, con- lica in their role of pioneers in Movie viewers cheered at In the midst of all that was fi ned structure to them than both the metal and rock genres. Hamilton’s conclusion, prov- the fi lming of the documen- Metallica classics such as “One” ing that he successfully pushed tary, “Some Kind of Monster,” or even “Master of Puppets.” Spartan Daily editorial staff’s his agenda. which portrayed the band as Th e guitar solos are still not fre- favorite Metallica tunes Hamilton suggested that ci- rife with internal tensions. quent enough and all too oft en vilians of all countries should Th e documentary, followed by Hammett ’s excellent solos and Colleen Watson: work together outside of the release of “St. Anger,” led to riff s are overshadowed by the “Don’t Tread on Me.” It always puts a their governments to achieve many loyal fans becoming dis- inescapable sound of Lars Ulrich smile on my face. world peace. illusioned with the band they hammering away on the drums. once worshipped. Th is was a huge problem Despite the hiring of new on “St. Anger,” and it has only David Zugnoni: bassist Robert Trujillo, it ap- gott en marginally bett er here. “To Live is to Die” and “Dyers Eve.” This Courtesy of Golden Gate Cinema *Th is movie is expected to go peared as if the best thing for Th e over-the-top drum sound 15-minute pair of songs goes on a wild One of the spots director Brenden Hamilton visited in Iran. straight to DVD. Metallica to do was to put their adds to the sense that for too journey that set Metallica apart from instruments to rest, rather than da- much of the album, Metallica is the other long-haired thrashers of mage their reputation further. forcibly trying to sound as heavy the time. In “Death Magnetic,” the band as possible. has returned with an album Another problem with “Death John Hornberg: that at least restores faith in Magnetic” is the vocals of Het- the foursome. fi eld, which in large part lack “Master of Puppets,” ‘S & M’ version. A CAMPUSIIMAGMAGEESS “Th at Was Just Your Life” range and depth and aft er a while different and refreshing take on a song opens up the album in rip- begin to sound monotonous. that had been beaten into the ground. roaring fashion, with the One notable exception to this band coming together to de- is on “Th e Unforgiven III,” in Mark Powell: liver a rapid-paced assault on which Hetfi eld displays his ca- “Sad But True.” I love it for its unique the senses that very much pacity to deliver both growling drum beat and unpredictable pacing. echoes 1986’s classic, “Batt ery.” and melodious vocals. And it’s a reﬂ ection of my life. Th e lyrics of the opening track, “Th e Unforgiven III” is the and indeed the album as a latest installment in Metallica’s Angelo Lanham: whole, suggest that litt le seems own “Unforgiven” series, which to have changed inside the began on 1991’s self-titled album, “The Call of Ktulu” because it’s a prime mind of lyricist James Hetfi eld. known as the “Black Album.” example of a good seven-minute guitar On this album, as with To many hardcore fans of the masturbation. “St. Anger,” he delves into his inner demons and de- livers them with venom. Hetfi eld cries during the opening track, “Like a raging river drown- ing when / I only need a drink / Like a poison / Th at I swallow / But I want the world to die.”

DEREK SIJDER / Spartan Daily The “Men’s Fan Dancers” practice their steps outside of Dwight Bentel Hall for the Soka Gakkai International festival at the Morris Dailey Auditorium on Sunday. The SGI is a Buddhist association with 12 million members in 192 countries worldwide. Got story ideas?

Tell us about them at www.theSpartanDaily.com theSpartanDaily.com 6 MONDAYOCTOBER

06 2008 COMMENTS FROM THE WEB The following comments are in refer- I hope we can get an explanation at the ence to the article “Program ﬁ ghts for very least. TThehe bbirdird iiss tthehe wwordord survival” by Kaajal Morar, which ran -M. Rose Barlow ANGELO ing “Th e Sweater Song” on a ukulele. “We’re just gonna have so much on Sept. 16. LANHAM Onstage was Sarah Palin, wearing fun, America. Gosh, I haven’t felt this a wedge of cheese for a hat and also excited since I shot my fi rst moose.” I’m one of the students that fl y in regu- Th is is a tragedy for the United States a giant foam fi nger with the word I jolted awake. Holy mitt ens, what larly to att end the class, and it will be a great fencing community. Th is is the only place YES, I HAVE “God” on it. would the U.S. be under Palin? Th ink tragedy to me if the program goes away. I’m in the country you can get your classi- A POINT She spoke: about that for a second. Hockey would about halfway through the program, and at cal master at arms certifi cate through “Well gosh darn it, if it’s not just become the new national sport, shot- great expense, I travel to San Jose to get the an accredited university. Most clubs are I may make it look easy, but believe the greatest honor to talk to you here guns would be sold in the impulse- training that this program off ers — train- stuck with coaches certifi ed by the USFA it or not, coming up with an idea for today, as your new president. I was buy aisle of supermarkets alongside ing that I can’t get anywhere else. (United States Fencing Association), a a column that runs every seven days just as happy as a clam that us maver- “Archie Digest” and we’d have a nice Graduates of this program are highly title that doesn’t hold a candle to a fenc- can be quite the undertaking. icks managed to make it to the White crusade on our hands. respected by members of the fencing ing master’s degree. Unfortunately, I came down with a House in the fi rst place, but I’m But I don’t want to think about community as being excellent teachers, I inquired of the university about this bad case of writer’s block before writ- just sad as all gosh about the death of that dream, and I’m not really here scholars and fencers. program years ago, and no one in the administration offi ces or anyone who an- ing this column. A topic evaded me, John McCain. to talk to you about that anyway. I’m -David Borland no matt er how much time I spent star- here to talk about drinking birds. swered the phone seemed to know it even ing at the wall and drinking coff ee. Because they are a massive dis- existed on campus. Yet, today I have many My word, I have never friends who go out of their way at great So I decided to leave a giant white traction, and you are going to need a I agree with previous commenters that expense to travel across the country regu- space under my byline in lieu of my heard so much in an means of escape. the Fencing Masters Program brings noth- larly to train at this program. usual 900 words. From what, you ask? Why, the ing but prestige to SJSU (as well as addi- election year about how Th e university apparently spends no Th is was the solution I was set on news, of course. Th e stupid bobbing tional income). Not only is it unique in the administration time on it. .... Th ey didn’t as I went to bed Friday night. Blank of a red, litt le friend with a top hat and country, but graduates of the program have a president might die. know it was even there for the most part. space. Artistic, like the cover of the his unquenchable thirst for the infi - taken the pedagogy they learned in the cer- And it costs them nothing but a room for White Album. “I guess the American public fi - nite contents of a small glass of water tifi cate program and applied it to outside them to use. And it gets the university in- Unfortunately for art, though, nally realized that Obama and Biden, are just the ticket. areas, teaching various types of classes and ternational fame. I ended up having a dream as I drift ed God bless ’em, were just waving a big, If you keep reading about how bad subjects in California and beyond. What are they thinking? off to the soft , static buzz of my AM old, gee golly white fl ag of surrender. Wall Street is and how some moron Th e program maintains a cultural Maybe someone can get the Univer- tube radio that predates not only my- “How was I supposed to know that might run the world, you’re going to heritage with deep and wide roots and sity of Oregon to take over the program! self, but also many buildings in the when I snuck up on Johnny in the go mad, and if you don’t read about it, branches. Th en I can go train there. San Jose area. Oval Offi ce, wearing a Barack Obama you’ll just be an idiot. I too am a student who started the But I’m not here to tell you about Halloween mask and shouting ‘Boo, So let the bird be the idiot for you. program and am now, apparently, unable - Jeff Richardson how I didn’t write a column. I’m here I’m terrorist Obama Bin Laden, don’t When you get the urge to jump to to fi nish. Due to a job, I had to move out to tell you about my crazy dream. cha know?’ that he’d go into cardiac your death from some high object, of state and I was hoping to fl y back for The following comment is in refer- You see, on said radio, a couple of arrest and fall over, just 10 days aft er just glance at the hypnotic rhythms classes and possibly complete a certifi ca- ence to the article “Engineering proj- droners were going on about what if going into offi ce? of the drinking bird, which by the tion in the future. Such an endeavor, as ect is cool as ice” by Adam Murphy, McCain died in offi ce and Palin took “I sure do feel bad, and I’ll miss my way is illegal in the U.S. and can only others have mentioned, is not cheap, and which ran on Sept. 11. over, or if Biden took over if the same fellow maverick. But, I’m the presi- be found on the foreign black market yet I gladly pay all tuition and fl oor fees happened to Obama, and I thought, dent now, and gee golly, I’m not going (eBay), and let your cares ease away for this excellent program. I am very proud of the four engineer- as I fl oated off to dreamland, “My to blink. Because you can’t blink. You with sweet distraction. Now, this long-standing program is in ing students who decided to create such word, I have never heard so much just can’t, darn it. jeopardy. innovation. Th is can be used in Th ird in an election year about how a “I’m excited with my new role as We are professionals, academics, stu- World countries that do not have electric- president might die.” commander in chief, and I just can’t “Yes, I Have a Point” appears dents, taxpayers and fencers of all sorts ity and need food or medicine, which re- And all of a sudden, I wasn’t in wait to lead the Holy War, just as soon every Monday. Angelo Lanham is a who give up our Saturdays for this un- quire refrigeration. my bed. I was in an audience, holding as you-know-who says it’s hunky dory Spartan Daily student culture editor. paralleled opportunity to learn from hands with a giant fi sh that was play- to start. the best. -Judy Vallejo Classiﬁeds

EMPLOYMENT PROPERTY MANAGER OPPOR- STUDENT WORK-GREAT PAY IF TUNITY Resumes are being ac- YOU CAN CUT IT SERVICES ALMADEN VALLEY ATHLETIC cepted for resident manager at *PART-TIME OPENINGS CLUB seeking professional, self- the Dorchester. Responsibilities *$17.70 BASE-appt. FIXLAPTOP.COM BUY SELL motivated and energetic individu- include: coordinating showings of Vector, the compay for students, REPAIR als who demonstrate excellence in apartments, move out procedures, has part-time openings available Laptop & Parts Repair customer service for the following and other duties as assigned. Must for customer sales/ service. The PC Data Recovery Remove Vi- positions: member services desk, have experience in property man- positions offer numerous unique rus Rental Trade Laptop & Parts cafe service, personal trainer, swim agement and customer service. benefits for students: (408)469-5999 teacher, child care provider, tennis Must be knowledgeable in Micro- *HIGH STARTING PAY soft Office Apps. It is imperative that *FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES instructor. Please forward your re- DISCLAIMER sume to Stephanie at smudgett@ candidates have critical thinking *Internships possible The Spartan Daily makes no claim for products or services advertised below nor is avac.us. skills, time management skills, and *All majors may apply exemplary communication skills, *Scholarships awarded annually there any guarantee implied. The classified columns of the Spartan Daily consist of and willing to do minor mainte- *Some conditions apply UNDERCOVER paid advertising and offers are not approved or verified by the newspaper. Certain nance to keep the property looking *No experience needed SHOPPERS good and running smoothly. Back- *Training provided advertisements in these columns may refer the reader to specific telephone numbers Earn up to $70 per day. Undercover ground check and resume required. Earn income and gain experience! or addresses for additional information. Classified readers should be reminded Shoppers needed to judge retail The position will be on-call 24/7 in Watch for us on-campus throughout that, when making these further contacts, they should require complete information and dining establishments. EXP. the event of building emergencies. the semester, or CALL 866-1100 before sending money for goods or services. In addition, readers should carefully Not RE. CALL 800-722-4791 Compensation: free rent plus sal- 9am-5pm. www.workforstudents. ary. Please forward resumes to com/ sjsu investigate all firms offering employment listings or coupons for discount vacations [email protected]. or merchandise. DAYCARE TEACH- AFTER ERS AND AIDES LOS GATOS SWIM & RACQUET Action Day Primary Plus seek- CLUB is currently accepting ap- SCHOOL ing Infant, Toddler, and Preschool plications for the front desk. Appli- Teachers and Aides. F/ T and P/ cants are to be outgoing, able to TEACHERS T positions available. Substitute multi-task and have great customer K-8th private school seeks respon- positions are also available that service skills. Part-time AM shifts sible individuals for extended day- offer flexible hours. ECE units are are available Tues, Thurs, & Fri- care, P/ T in the afternoon (2:30- required for teacher positions but day 5am-1pm. Must be a morning 6pm M-F). No ECE units required. not req. for Aide and Day Care po- person. For more info email chris@ Previous experience with children sitions. Excellent opportunity for lgsrc.com or call (408) 356-2136. a must. Please call 248-2464. Child Development majors. Please (408)244-1968 (408)244-1968 call Shawna for an interview at 247- SJSU CAMPUS MANAGER 6972 or fax resume to 248-7350. WANTED Looking for enthusias- SPERM DONORS NEEDED Earn tic, “campusly connected” student FOR RENT up to $1200/month. California to join MommyMixerÆ. Campus Cryobank is seeking healthy males Manager is responsible for recruit- for its sperm donor program. Apply ing SJSU students interested in SPACIOUS STUDIO SUITES online at www.spermbank.com babysitting. Opportunity to gain From marketing, recruiting and event $ 1095 - 1058 N. 4th St. Secured EARN EXTRA MONEY planning experience. Part time Entry, new paint & carpet, Lg. Eat Students needed ASAP position offers flexible hours to ac- in Kitchen, Tall ceilings, New Win- Earn up to $150 per day being a complish outlined goals. Contact: dows, 3 blocks from lt. rail. For more mystery shopper [email protected] info. contact Zane 408.509.1750 or No Experience Required 408.354-8910 Call 1-800-722-4791 STUDIO SUITES FROM $995 Qui- et complex at 3rd/ Jackson-Japan Town. Walk to 7 Bamboo Lounge & light rail. Lower level, new berber CLASSIFIED AD RATE INFORMATION Each line averages 25 spaces. Each letter, number, punctuation mark, and space is formatted into an ad line. carpet, designer paint, all new ce- The first line will be set in bold type and upper case for no extra charge up to 20 spaces. ramic tile in kitchen/ bath, mirrored A minimum of three lines is required. closet doors. Call 408.509.1750 or Deadline is 10:00 am , 2-weekdays prior to publication. 408.354.8910 www.apts4rent.org MINIMUM THREE LINE CLASSIFIED AD: DAYS: 1 2 3 4 RATE: $10.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00 Need a Roommate? $2.50 EACH ADDITIONAL LINE AFTER THE THIRD LINE. Need a Job? $3.00 EACH ADDITIONAL DAY.

• RATES ARE CONSECUTIVE DAYS ONLY. •ALL ADS ARE PREPAID. Need a Roommate

• NO REFUNDS ON CANCELLED ADS. with a Job?

Classifieds may be placed online at www.thespartandaily.com under “Ad Info”

FREQUENCY DISCOUNT: 40+ consecutive issues: 10% discount SJSU STUDENT RATE: 10% discount. Ads must be placed in person in DBH 209 from 10 AM or 3PM. STUDENT ID REQUIRED. Spartan Daily Rate applies to student’s individual ads only. Not intended for businesses and/or other persons. Frequency discount does not apply. Classiﬁeds www.thespartandaily.com

theSpartanDaily.com MONDAYOCTOBER 7

06 2008 2 to 1 odds Why does Merriam-Webster hella hate? says I’m not CHRIS sounds “hella stupid,” but it’s still here. do people look at you funny? Oh, you don’t use. A lot of these have actually CURRY It has been around at least 20 years — don’t use it? You don’t know what it been added to the dictionary in recent it’s not going anywhere. means? Right. years. “Woot” was the word of the year going to quit Has it fully pervaded society? Is it Granted, it is not nationwide, but in 2007. Let’s see, “phat” and “def” are MATTHEW used everywhere? No doubt. I chal- that hasn’t stopped our Northern Cali- both in. I never use any of those, but KIMEL lenge anyone to spend a day among fornia words before. I must admit, if you they’re all in Merriam-Webster. Even the Bay Area public and not hear this landed in Des Moines, Iowa, and told “crunk” is in there for god’s sake. In the past decade, the Merriam- word. On second thought, I challenge them, “It was a hella long fl ight,” they’re Hella is like that old cat that hangs Webster dictionary has added hella anyone to spend 15 minutes in the likely to wonder where your chopper is. out in your backyard. It’s been around words that originated right here in the But if just a couple years ago you told forever. You’re not sure where it came Some people say it’s a horrible addic- Bay Area. Spyware, dot-commer and those same people your laptop had spy- from, but you still feed it and it’s not I think it sounds “hella tion-like disorder with numerous negative megapixel are all Northern Califor- ware, they would probably be expecting leaving. Give it a name already. Make personal, family and social consequences. nia creations. Yet the one native word stupid,” but it’s still it to turn into a jetpack or shoot lasers. it offi cial. Th ere is a good probability it can be that you hear all the time is being I propose a litt le change that may I’m not arguing that hella should be diagnosed and treated. shunned: hella. here. It has been around make this word a litt le more palatable. used more. I don’t think it needs a pub- Can you guess what it is? I say just add it to the dictionary. In essence, hella is a contraction of “hell licity campaign. I don’t think it needs to at least 20 years — I’d bet the odds are you can’t. Make it offi cial. Spread it around. of a.” For example: “It’s a hella steep be turned into a hip-hop anthem. I just Th ese are claims by the American Let’s break this down. What are it’s not going anywhere. hill,” really means “It’s a hell of a steep think that in comparison with some Psychiatric Association on pathological some of the necessary criteria to make hill,” or “It’s a very steep hill.” Could of the other ridiculous words in there, gambling. this word dictionary-worthy? Student Union and not hear it. On third hell’a with an apostrophe be the change it’s due. Maybe I’ve just had good luck with Is the word just a fl ash in the pan thought, I challenge anyone to spend it needs to get in? the roll of the dice, but my life experienc- as they say? Well, I moved to the Bay fi ve minutes at the mall and not hear it. Like any other word, if you don’t Chris Curry is a Spartan Daily es don’t quite fi t with the association’s Area in 1988, and I remember thinking It’s there, I promise you. like it, you don’t have to use it. Th ere staff writer. descriptions of this “horrible addiction.” how stupid it sounded. Now I think it Is it understood? When you use it, are plenty of words that I hate and I can recall the fi rst time I ever won a bet — I was 7 years old. My father, his friends and I were watching Super Bowl XXV and we had So long WaMu; I hope other banks played a Super Bowl box bet. I was a QUOTE OF THE DAY big Buff alo Bills fan at the time and was hoping Scott Norwood would make his will learn from your many mistakes “This is not a man who sees America last second fi eld goal to defeat the New York Giants. brokered, and the FDIC kept the members of the JOHN as you see it and how I see America. Norwood, of course, missed the board for the bank in the dark. HORNBERG fi eld goal. While it isn’t the fi rst bank to collapse in this We see America as the greatest I was disappointed — that is — un- latest round of fi nancial panic, and it certainly til my father told me I won $90 dollars INSERT WITTY will not be the last, Washington Mutual was the force for good in this world. If we in our box pool. Th e next day we went fi rst tangible casualty of the banking crisis. Its STATEMENT HERE can be that beacon of light and hope to Toys “R” Us and I bought myself branches are everywhere in this area, and a lot of a Gameboy. Putt ing money in a bank these days isn’t sup- people kept money with them. It was the nation’s for others who seek freedom and Nowadays, my friends and I like to bet posed to be a glorifi ed game of Russian roulett e. largest savings and loan operation, according to on anything and everything. Our wagers Th e bank I choose to hold onto my pocket change the New York Times. democracy and can live in a country range from John Madden football video should still be there when I go to sleep and be No one seemed surprised that Washington games with favorites and underdogs to there when I wake up. Mutual met its demise. It had recently fi red its that would allow intolerance in the how many burgers or burritos I can con- But that changed about a week ago. I was CEO, Kerry Killinger, and started hunting for equal rights that again our military sume in one sitt ing, which I never lose greeted one Friday morning with the news that someone that would buy the business. due to my glutt onous eating abilities. my bank, Washington Mutual, no longer existed. Its banking practices were spott y at best. An men and women fi ght for and die for Th e experts at the APA say it’s wrong It was seized by the Federal Deposit Insurance example would be the bank’s eff orts to recruit me to gamble with increasingly larger sums Corp. and sold immediately to JPMorgan Chase for a home loan. Monthly for several years, I re- for all of us. Our opponent though, is of money to get desired results of excite- & Co. for about $2 billion. ceived requests for home loans, which included ment, but I disagree … because other Within the span of a few hours, my money low interest rates for the fi rst few years. Oft en, someone who sees America, it seems, experts always tell me, the less you bet, changed hands from one bank to another. they came in the mail at the same time as my as being so imperfect that he’s palling the more you lose when you win. Instantly, there were questions. Was I supposed overdraft notifi cations. Never have I experienced this so- to run to the nearest branch, withdraw all of my Perhaps it was the bank’s eff orts to make nice around with terrorists who would called “restlessness of irritability” that money and squirrel it away under the matt ress? with one of its friends — aft er all, I gave them is supposed to occur when I try to No. It would be bett er not to react to this like enough money in overdraft and low savings ac- target their own country?” quit gambling, but, then again, I don’t one would have in 1929. Th e government insures count balance fees to support a small bank. think I have ever tried to stop because my savings, so even if my bank doesn’t exist, But the reality was still startling. Washington GOV. SARAH PALIN I rarely lose anything signifi cant that someone will replace the pocket change I kept in Mutual was off ering a 19-year-old community alters my life. it. No need to get off the couch, I guess. college student with a job that paid in pocket Republican vice presidential candidate Speaking of resting less, several of Th en there were questions of whether or not change and bits of thread a home loan. It was said in a Colorado airport hangar on my friends don’t even bother sleeping I should move my money to another bank, since easily an att empt by the bank to set me up for Sunday, regarding Democratic at night anymore because it’s lost time mine technically didn’t exist any more. failure; I was certainly not fi t for a home loan, presidential candidate Barack Obama. they could be playing poker online. Th e new owners, JPMorgan Chase & Co., told which meant many others receiving off ers were Did I mention these friends don’t customers not to worry. Th e most stable bank not qualifi ed either. even have jobs? in the world now backed Washington Mutual’s It should be a lesson to the rest of the bank- Th ey support themselves with their deposits and accounts. Th ey told me everyone’s ing world to be more responsible. While I was a theSpartanDaily.com POLL winnings. accounts would be fi ne, and to continue banking loyal customer, I am not dismayed by the bank’s Apparently it’s a problem to try to like usual. demise. While I lost nothing fi nancially, perhaps Who do you think win back your money aft er losing, but But the situation is anything but usual. Th e Washington Mutual should have spent less time won the vice presidential to me that just sounds like human na- bank that I trusted to care for my money had trying to get me to take a home loan and more ture. If you lose something, naturally ceased to exist, and it was diffi cult for anyone to time trying securing its future. debate? you’re going to want to try get it back in muster either outrage or panic. your possession. I was as blindsided by the bank’s seizure as its Gov. Sarah Palin “Insert Witty Statement Here” appears every Never once have I ever lied to conceal leaders. According to the New York Times, the other Monday. John Hornberg is the Spartan or my gambling activities — I always make bank’s new CEO, Allan Fishman, was on a fl ight Daily managing editor. it publicly known when I win. between New York and Seatt le when the deal was Sen. Joe Biden I also have never had to borrow money from anyone to bail me out on a bet when I’ve been in fi nancial trouble — my friends accept IOU’s. ☑ Th e APA asserts pathological gam- Spartan Daily blers may jeopardize educational op- portunities for gambling — I choose to go to graduate school because of my Dwight Bentel Hall, Room 209 STAFFSTAFF WRWRITERSITERS SENIOR STAFF WRITERS ADVERTISINGADVERTISING STSTAFFAFF OPINION PAGE POLICY interest in horse racing and a desire to OnOnee WashingtonWashington SquareSquare JOEYJOEY AAKELEYKELEY ADAMADAM BBROWNEROWNE VANESSA ALESSI become a reporter for the sport (it will San Jose, CA 95192-0149 MARCOS BLANCO TARA DUFFY CHRIS AMAREL Letters to the editor may be placed in the help give me an insider’s edge). letters to the editor box in the Spartan Dai- News: 408-924-3281 RYAN BUCHAN MICHAEL AU To my knowledge, my family has PHOTOGRAPHERS ly offi ce in Dwight Bentel Hall, Room 209, Advertising: 408-924-3270 YA-AN CHAN MARINA BOBROVICH sent by fax to (408) 924-3282, e-mailed to never experienced any negative conse- MIKE ANDERSON Fax: 408-924-3282 CHRIS CURRY FRANK BOOKER III [email protected] or mailed to quences from gambling either. HANK DREW News e-mail: [email protected] BIANCA deCASTRO NICK BURGGRAFF the Spartan Daily Opinion Editor, School I can recall numerous trips to Las CINTHIA RODRIGUEZ Ad e-mail: [email protected] JOHN ELLIS AMY CHOU of Journalism and Mass Communications, Vegas when my family has congregated DEREK SIJDER San Jose State University, One Washing- DAVID ZUGNONI, Executive Editor KELLY ENOS PHUONG DUONG around the Wheel of Fortune slot ma- ANDREW VILLA ton Square, San Jose, CA 95112-0149. JOHN HORNBERG, Managing Editor ALLIE FIGURES MICHELLE EBNER Letters to the editor must contain the chines, a family favorite pastime. We COLLEEN WATSON, Opinion Editor ANDREA FRAINIER ADVISERS KRISTEN ELVERT author’s name, address, phone number, have made memories that will last a MARK POWELL, Sports Editor ANDREW HERNDON RICHARD CRAIG, News ANNISSA HAN signature and major. Letters become lifetime and fortunes that lasted several TOMMY WRIGHT, Sports Editor PETER HIRONAKA LILIANA HERNANDEZ property of the Spartan Daily and may hours. MACK LUNDSTROM, News be edited for clarity, grammar, libel and ANGELO LANHAM, Student Culture Editor MATTHEW KIMEL JAN SHAW, News ALLISON JONES length. Only letters of 300 words or less So, as you can see, there are many KIMBERLY TSAO, Student Culture Editor JASON LE MIERE MICHAEL CHEERS, Photojournalism SARA LAXSON will be considered for publication. positive personal, family and social pay- DINA BASLAN, Features Editor ELISHA MALDONADO TIM HENDRICK, Advertising T.J. MIMS Published opinions and advertisements outs to pathological gambling. CARLOS A. MORENO, Photo Editor KAAJAL MORAR TIM BURKE, Production Chief THUY NGUYEN do not necessarily refl ect the views of the I would predict you wouldn’t stop, WILLIAM COOLEY, Online Editor ADAM MURPHY TIM MITCHELL, Design MICHELLE VO Spartan Daily, the School of Journalism cut back or control your gambling habits and Mass Communications or SJSU. JESSE KIMBREL, Assistant Editor HEATHER NACHT JOHN SHRADER, Multimedia if you had my luck and never lost any- The Spartan Daily is a public forum. MEGAN HAMILTON, Production Editor RIE NAKANISHI thing that’s too valuable. I’ll even give MATTHEW MOUNTFORD, Production Editor SELMA SKOKIC you 2 to 1 odds on the proposition. CHRIS BAUSINGER, Copy Editor CORINNE SPECKERT SARAH KYO, Copy Editor RICHARD STERN RAMON HERNANDEZ, Advertising Director DANIELLE TORRALBA Matthew Kimel is a Spartan Daily MEGAN ROCKO, Assistant Advertising Director staff writer. DERRICK CHEW, Creative Director JON XAVIER KRISTI RIGGS, Assistant Creative Director EMILY JAMES, Creative Assistant 8 Spartan Daily MONDAYOCTOBER062008