SPARTAN DAILY Fi Rst Poetry Reading 5 • ‘The American’ Is Good, Prospects but Not in the Way You’D Expect 5

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INSIDE Serving San José State University since 1934 NEWS • Professor’s love of nature Thursday, September 9, 2010 spartandaily.com Volume 135, Issue 6 fuels her passion for studying the starry unknown 2 • King Library revamps website 2 • Associated Students Budget cuts Play it again, San José! inducts new members 3 • High school test designed to give students an impede edge 3

• Students favor late morn- PHOTO: ing classes 4 A&E transfer • Mosaic hosts semester’s KEVIN HUME | SPARTAN DAILY fi rst poetry reading 5 • ‘The American’ is good, prospects but not in the way you’d expect 5

SPORTS KELSEY HILARIO • New talent boosts 49ers Staff Writer chances 6 • Campbell brings hope to Budget cuts and impacted majors are making Raiders in 2010 6 it tough for students trying to transfer to SJSU, according to the university website. OPINION Admission to SJSU from another college is • NFL players should man based on several factors — GPA, choice of ma- up 7 jor, units taken and the location of the college • Content with the student is transferring from, according to awkwardness 7 the SJSU website, and the majority of majors re- • Facebook got me fi red quire an average of a 2.6 cumulative GPA based 7 on all transferable courses taken at the time of FEATURE application. Ricardo Jimenez, a senior justice studies ma- • Ivory keys invite passers-by 8 jor, said he was able to transfer to SJSU from to play the College of San Mateo after only two years. He credits this to only taking courses that were ONLINE transferable to SJSU. “It was actually kind of easy,” he said. “I al- AUDIO ways went to my counselors meeting and stuff and my advisers meeting so they actually point- SLIDESHOW ed me in the right direction.” • Pianos off er outlets for Because of budget constraints, SJSU is cur- students’ creativity news.sjsu.edu rently accepting only upper-division students for Fall 2011, according to the website. SOCIAL Thesis students must have 60 transferable MMEDIAEDIA semester units or 90 quarter units, 30 semester Become a fan units of general education or 45 quarter units, on Facebook good standing with their last college and com- facebook.com/ pletion of four basic skills courses by Spring spartandaily 2011, according to the website. FollowF our Senior photo major Stephanie Adams said tweetsttw on she transferred from Diablo Valley College, and TwitterT had to submit her request for a transfer three JUAN FLORES, A SENIOR HEALTH SCIENCE MAJOR, PLAYS A PIANO ON SEPT. 8 IN @spartandaily@ times, since SJSU lost her first two requests. FRONT OF THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. LIBRARY. THE PIANO IS ONE OF 20 “Make copies of everything,” she said. “Don’t THAT DECORATE DOWNTOWN AS PART OF THE SAN JOSE 2010 BIENNIAL PROJECT. OUTSIDE See TRANSFERS Page 4 See PAGE 8 for the full story Students supplied with assorted snacks

High: 71° in store ‘Just Below’ MacQuarrie Hall Low: 53° KENNY MARTIN according to its hours of operation. Good’ chips sell a lot,” she stated. Staff Writer Nolyda Tep, a senior computer en- “People buy chips for a snack or PHOTO: gineering major, said she hasn’t been alongside their sandwiches, so those A new store opened on campus a frequent customer of Just Below, brands and products go the fastest.” this past June to fi ll the gap created but has a favorable opinion of it. Yehlen Corpuz, a junior business HUSAIN SUMRA | SPARTAN DAILY when restaurants closed as a result of “It’s great,” Tep said. “I wish it management major, said she spent construction on the Student Union, were closer to the Engineering build- a lot more time at the old Spartan said the senior director of retail ser- ing. I’d be broke, though.” Shops location in the Student Union, vices for Spartan Shops. Senior engineering major Arnold although that was partly because she While there is no longer a Burger Bajet said he also wishes the shops worked there during her freshman King, Market Pizza or Market Cafe, were in a more central location. year. students can now visit Just Below, “I don’t go [to Just Below] oft en “I liked the other one because it found on the fi rst fl oor of MacQuar- because my classes aren’t near Mac- had more food choices,” she said. rie Hall, Jeff Pauley said. Quarrie Hall,” he said. “It looks im- Pauley said most of the people Th ere they will fi nd a Peet’s Cof- pressive, though. It’s more authen- who worked at Spartan Shops’ previ- fee, a Jamba Juice, a sandwich shop tic.” ous location are now employed at the and a breakfast station, which pri- Pauley said the reason MacQuar- food court inside the Student Union. marily off ers bagels. rie Hall was chosen as the site of the Kushal Vora, a graduate student In addition, there are shelves of new eatery was because of simplicity. in science computer engineering, food items for sale, representing a “Th ere was space on the fi rst fl oor,” said he has walked past Just Below a selection similar to what is found in he said. “Spartan Shops needed to re- couple of times while exploring the the Village Market in Campus Village locate. It was an easier project than campus. Building B, such as juices and bags building from scratch on open land.” “It looked very busy, and that is of chips and an assortment of other Melissa Newman, who works as what gained my att ention,” he said. “I snacks. a student lead for both the deli and defi nitely plan to go there.” Just Below is open Monday Peet’s Coff ee at Just Below, stated in Th e name “Just Below” doesn’t JUNIOR HOSPITALITY MAJOR LAUREN WELCH POINTS OUT A through Th ursday from 7 a.m. to 10 an e-mail that more than 1,000 peo- have any special meaning, said Pau- BEVERAGE TO HER FRIEND AT “JUST BELOW” ON SEPT. 8. p.m., and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 ple visit Just Below on a daily basis. ley, other than that the store is located p.m, but are closed on the weekends, “Kett le chips or ‘Food Should be on the fi rst fl oor of MacQuarrie Hall. 2 NEWS Thursday, September 9, 2010 Professor’s love of nature fuels her passion for studying the starry unknown

AIMEE MCLENDON PHOTO COURTESY OF: NATALIE BATALHA Staff Writer istics they are looking for, such as water “It’s an hour-and-a-half that I don’t in liquid form, which is required for life have to think about anything except on Earth. for what my body is doing,” she said. When Natalie Batalha heads out for While the mother of four works 14- “Th ere’s no room for anything else be- a jog, the sky twilight blue, she drinks hour days analyzing data from the satel- sides thinking about the precision of in the aroma of apple blossoms as she lite telescope orbiting the sun, she said my body and its movements.” runs toward the river. she is torn about not having enough Th at outlet provides a small respite And as she looks up at the expanse time to teach at SJSU this semester. from the demands of the NASA mis- of stars and the crescent moon she is in Although her blood, sweat and tears sion, which recently released new dis- awe. are now thrott led into the Kepler Mis- coveries on the Kepler website, based Th at is where the physics and as- sion full time, Batalha said her heart re- on the fi rst 43 days of the mission. tronomy professor from SJSU said she mains at SJSU. According to Batalha and the Kepler- began her journey to the stars, which “It’s not uncommon to walk in NASA website, the discoveries include led her all the way to NASA. her offi ce and see fi ve or six students 706 stars with candidate exoplanets As the deputy science team leader around her desk working a problem,” and six confi rmed planetary systems, for NASA’s Kepler Mission, Batalha said Michael Kaufman, an astronomy one of which has two transiting planets said her love and intense reverence for and physics professor at SJSU. orbiting the same star. nature is the wellspring from which she “Th is is very intense,” said Steve draws inspiration for her work. Bryson, a scientist and colleague on “I think scientists are similar to art- the Kepler Mission. “We are all deeply ists in creativity,” she said. “Th ey draw in this project and spend as much time from the same source.” as possible on it, but she is very much Her love for nature coupled with her To know you at the forefront and she is very careful passion for space exploration served as about her research.” a catalyst for her work on the Kepler are“ here on Bryson said Batalha works just as Mission — which she said is a search this earth to hard to prove there aren’t exoplanets as for the frequency of Earth-sized plan- she does to prove there are. ets in and near the habitable zone, she do something He said it’s important to the scien- said. that impacts tifi c mission that she does both, and he Th e habitable zone is the “sweet commends her integrity. spot” where a planet is not too close or people who Th e possibility of life on other far away from the sun, Batalha said. are still planets is something SJSU Professor

Th e core mission of Kepler, which discovering Kaufman said everyone wonders about. was launched in March 2009, is to dis- “Just given the vast number of stars cover how common Earth-sized exo- themselves in the sky, I’d be surprised if we are planets are, she said. — that’s really unique,” he said. “My hunch is that

Exoplanets are planets outside the Earth-sized planets the right distance solar system, Batalha said. something. from the sun are probably common.” Th e search for Earth-sized planets is Kaufman said that answering the intriguing, said Luke Lajoy, a graduate fundamental questions of the Kepler student in math. NATALIE BATALHA“ Mission is the fi rst step scientists must “I’m not an expert, but my guess is SJSU Physics & take before moving on to answer the we will fi nd other Earth-sized planets,” Astronomy Professor bigger question, if life exists on other said Lajoy, who is currently taking a planets. course in astrophysics. “I would have to Th e work Batalha said is crucial now, say the universe is so big it seems inevi- is analyzing the data to verify whether NATALIE BATALHA, AN SJSU PHYSICS AND table that there is life out there — yet the hundreds of planet candidates Ke- ASTRONOMY PROFESSOR IS CURRENTLY intelligent life may be hard to fi nd.” pler discovered truly are exoplanets. WORKING ON NASA’S KEPLER MISSION. Although the science involved in the She said there would certainly be Kepler Mission is complex and exten- Kaufman, who has been working in some candidates that will be ruled out sive, Batalha explained that it’s a matt er the same offi ce as Batalha since 2003, since there are signals in nature that of taking methodical steps. said Batalha is passionate about her mimic planet transits. “It all begins with the question, ‘Are students. Th e Kepler Mission is scheduled to we alone?’,” Batalha said. “Is there life “She’s so enthusiastic about the mis- last three-and-a-half years and Batalha, out there?” sion and teaching, she really does care a perfectionist by nature, said she is in She said that is where research, such deeply about her students,” he said. it for the long haul. as looking for Earth-sized planets that It is with the same spirit of discovery Beside her love for nature, explora- may have life, begins. and passion that Batalha said she ap- tion and teaching, Batalha said the dis- Aft er that, Batalha said, it’s a matt er proaches her own life. coveries made so far energize her com- of laying out a plan. “I think you have to keep discover- mitment to the mission. “We study life on Earth,” she said. ing yourself, I was 40 when I began to “Discovering stuff no human being “Where does it exist? Where doesn’t it take up ballet,” she said. “And it has has ever seen before — that’s exhilarat- exist? Where do we expect to fi nd plan- been life-changing for me.” ing,” she said. “To know you are here ets like Earth?” Hidden away from the rigors of the on this earth to do something that im- From there, Batalha said scientists mission, Batalha said ballet provides pacts people who are still discovering form a model to defi ne what character- some downtime for her mind. themselves — that’s really something.” King Library revamps website

AMARIS DOMINGUEZ Staff Writer website because she can easily navigate to what she is looking for more quickly. Th e University website within King Library launched a “It’s so much more interactive than it was before,” she new gateway for students and faculty members to access said. “I think a lot of research must have gone into this.” academic resources, according to an SJSU news release. Wenzler said a lot of research went into the redesign, as Aft er having an unchanged website for fi ve years, the the library put together the Joint Website Redesign Task- library decided it was a time for an update and has been force that included employees from SJSU and from the San working on the redesign since last year, according to repre- Jose Public Library system. sentatives from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library. “Th e taskforce worked with a usability consultant to “Th e website is a litt le busy for me, but I’m sure the li- determine how to make the website user friendly,” he said. brary felt like they needed a change and I think it’s a change “We did testing with 47 diff erent library users including for the good,” sophomore sociology major Anna Flores faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, dis- said. abled users, teens, children and adults.” Th e main goal in redesigning the library’s website was to Wenzler also explained that the library’s website is still try to understand what information was most important to undergoing transformation with plans to merge the SJSU users and to fi gure out how to make that information easily library website with the San Jose Public Library website, accessible, according to John Wenzler, project manager for which will describe the resources and services available the website’s redesign. to all San Jose residents at all 19 branches, and the Joint “Th e library has approximately 300 online databases Library Portal, which will provide information about the where you can search for journal and newspaper articles,” partnership between SJSU and the San Jose Public library said Wenzler, associate dean for digital futures, information system at King Library. technology and technical services. “We subscribe to over “I don’t really care for the new website because I feel like 70,000 journals and we have over one million books and there is so much going on that I don’t know where to start,” I think that students face information overload when they junior engineering major Mike Tran said. “I like to be able come into the library to use our website.” to fi nd things quick and easy and not have to search around He explained that with the new website, the library is do- for days looking for something.” ing its best to present all of its material in a way that makes Wenzler said the library is happy to get feedback about sense to students. the website from anyone at SJSU and that there is a form on “We are always happy to get feedback about what works the website where people can submit comments. for students and what doesn’t work so that we can make the “Generally, the feedback has been very good, but there website bett er,” Wenzler said. “We do not see the current have been some suggestions for improvements that we are website as a completed project but as an evolving resource considering,” he said. “During the semester, a usability that will continue to develop to meet students’ changing class in the School of Library and Information Science will needs.” be analyzing the site, and I believe that I will get some good Kim Bui, a senior nursing major, said she likes the new feedback from them.” Thursday, September 9, 2010 NEWS 3 Associated Students High school test designed inducts new members to give students an edge JAIMIE COLLINS Staff Writer prepare students in the pur- KELSEY LYNNE LESTER-PERRY classes.” should at least come and sit through board suit of equal access to higher By taking the test during Staff Writer meetings. A record number of education. their junior year, Fallis stat- Knight said any amount of involvement in eleventh-grade high school “The CSU has strongly ed that students can receive the government is bett er than none. students in California are advocated for more state re- their grades early and use Eight new members were appointed to the “I would like them to know that there are participating in the Early sources in order to provide their senior year to improve Associated Student government and a repre- a lot of opportunities that go unclaimed,” he Assessment Program test, greater access to higher edu- their skills in these subjects. sentative from the United States Census Bu- said. “Th e A.S. is a way to bolster your resume, according to the California cation,” he stated. “If you know what classes reau presented an award during a board meet- and get practical skills by being part of a lead- State University system web- However, with the cur- you need extra time in, you ing yesterday aft ernoon in the Student Union. ership endeavor. Th at’s something you don’t site. rent budget crisis facing the can plan out your schedule,” Transfer student and marketing major necessarily learn in just a classroom.” This voluntary test mea- CSU system and stricter ad- Snyder said. Karsten Konopath was the fi rst to be ap- Knight said that he happened to know a few sures students’ proficiency mittance requirements, Fal- With additional high pointed, as the director of business aff airs by a people on the Student Senate who thought he in English and math to assess lis stated that an increase in school graduates being pre- unanimous vote. would be a good candidate for the position. their preparation for college- proficiency does not neces- pared for college level cours- A.S. President Tomasz Kolodziejak said “In the long run it was my decision,” he said. level courses, Erik Fallis, sarily mean an increase in es, Fallis stated that enroll- that Konopath is a very organized and outspo- “But I’m glad I did it.” media relations specialist for enrollment. ment in remedial sections ken person who would be a good match in the Junior biology major Dougherty said she the CSU system, stated in an Thomas Snyder, a senior for English and math will be government’s team eff orts. didn’t know a lot of people on campus until e-mail. graphic design major, said reduced while enrollment in Kolodziejak said Konopath was also the she joined a sorority, from there she said de- “It’s great that students are he believes SJSU can’t afford college-level courses will in- vice president of fi nance for the honors soci- cided to join student government. preparing themselves,” said an increase in student enroll- crease. ety at Marin Community College, managing a She said she didn’t know what her student junior nursing major Eliza- ment since the university is “I think it is great that budget of $200,000. rights were and she wanted to be able to ad- beth Caselli. “Knowing what already impacted. they are testing juniors,” Ca- As director of business aff airs Konopath vocate bett er for her friends and students on to expect will make the tran- “Just because more stu- selli said. “It gives them more said that he will be serving on fi nancial com- campus. sition to college smoother.” dents are proficient doesn’t time to figure out what they mitt ees. “It was more formal and out of my ele- The website reported a mean that the university will need to do before their fresh- Konopath said he wants to help all the stu- ment,” she said about her appointment onto total of 378,870 students admit them,” he said. man year.” dents around the budget crisis to fi gure out the senate. “It’s a diff erent change of pace, but I completed the assessment A particular major or cam- Fallis stated that being how they can allocate the funds in A.S. more liked the change.” test in English and 178,667 pus is impacted when the proficient will also enable effi ciently, in order to promote bett er student Jagdeep Deol, John Sepassi, Schehrbano completed the math portion amount of applications filed students to graduate sooner, life on campus. Khan, and Leroy Madarang were appointed to this year. exceeds the number of en- reducing the student enroll- “Being a transfer student I didn’t really student-at-large positions in the A.S. fi nance The website also stated rollment spaces available, ac- ment rate and increasing the get to be that involved in campus, and now committ ee. that 84 percent of test takers cording to the CSU website. amount of graduates looking through A.S. I can get more involved, get to Th ese members will be working closely demonstrated proficiency The focus of the assess- for employment. know more people, and defi nitely help pro- with the A.S. Controller Ramon Vizcarra, in English and 57 percent in ment test is proficiency, not “Public higher education mote our school,” he said. “I hope we have a Madarang said. math, indicating a five per- admittance, and while the is a primary driver of qual- great year as Associated Students and I hope “I’m prett y excited that I’m coming back for cent increase, the highest in a increase may result in addi- ity jobs and a vibrant state we can start gett ing more enrollment.” a second year,” said Madarang, who served on single year since the test was tional freshman applications, economy,” he stated. Madison Jones, Riley Knight, and Amanda the fi nance committ ee last year. “I’m hoping to implemented in 2006. it will most likely not affect While the test is volun- Dougherty were all appointed as students-at- bring experience I had last year to improve the Junior kinesiology major enrollment severely, Fallis tary, Fallis stated that the large on the Lobby Corp committ ee. fi nancial climate.” Kayla Richardson took the stated. CSU system urges high Knight, a senior political science major, said Doris Tse, a partnership specialist for the assessment test for math and “Students prepared for school students to partici- his major and lobbying for people’s rights were U.S. Census Bureau gave a presentation to the English before she started college are able to take col- pate. two things that att racted him to the position. members of the senate. her first year of college. lege-level courses that count “The CSU certainly en- “Student rights are near and dear to me,” he “You have involved all of the students and “It was a great way for me towards their degree starting courages high school stu- said. “I recognize that a lot of people are intim- used all of your resources,” she said. “You will to find out where I stood aca- in their first semester,” he dents to take the exam,” he idated by talking to public policy makers, but continue to see the results of this census.” demically in two of the most stated. “This is an advantage stated. “Ideally, it will mean regardless of your major you should be a part Tse also presented the University Repre- important subjects,” she said. of speeding their progress that more students will make of the senate.” sentative Cathy Busalacchi with a plaque, and Fallis stated that the as- towards earning a degree choices in their senior year He said that students who don’t want to the rest of the senate members with collapsible sessment test is one way that and having the skills neces- that will increase their col- be directly involved in student government census bureau lunchboxes. the CSU system is helping to sary to be successful in their lege readiness.” CAMPUS IMAGE PHOTO: BRIAN O’MALLEY BRIAN | CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

JOE TRAN, A SENIOR SOCIOLOGY MAJOR, PICKS UP CIGARETTE BUTTS ON CAMPUS WITH THE SAN JOSE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB ON SEPT. 8. CLUB PRESIDENT ERICA SCHROEDER SAID THEY PICKED UP ABOUT 2,000 BUTTS, NEARLY 2.5 POUNDS IN A ONE AND A HALF HOUR TIME PERIOD. 4 NEWS Thursday, September 9, 2010 Students favor late THIS DAY morning classes IN HISTORY CALLI PEREZ “I drive from Morgan is optimum.” Staff Writer Hill,” she said. “Th ere is not Steven Hernandez, associ- a whole lot of traffi c before a ate director of analytic stud- 10:30 class and it is not too ies, said students can always Classes held at 10:30 a.m. early in the day for me.” refer to SJSU’s website, un- on Tuesdays and Th ursdays For other students, the der the Offi ce of Institutional have always been prime time 10:30 a.m. class time is not Research tab, for the current for the most popular att end- by choice said Annalese term enrollment report. ed classes among both stu- Manno, a senior hospitality, Th e enrollment report al- dents and teachers, said the recreation and tourism man- lows public access to class associate vice president for agement major. listings alongside the num- undergraduate studies. “I chose this time because ber of seats and enrolled stu- Besides this 10:30 a.m. it was the only time I could dents which will remain pre- time slot, there is no actual take this class,” said Manno. liminary until the end of the way of telling which specifi c Students are not the only add period, he said. courses have the highest at- people who benefi t from According to the website, tendance among students, 10:30 classes, English Pro- the enrollment management Dennis Jahene said. fessor Cynthia Baer said of committ ees across campus However, Jaehne said her current fall semester could use the information to SJSU can always expect that schedule. exert more control over the courses that are required for “Th e reason why I like size and characteristics of the all students, such as English 10:30 courses is because this student body and to manage 1A, will always reach full ca- is a very sedentary job and both att racting and retaining pacity. you can get out of touch with students that SJSU is com- “I like 10:30 classes be- your own body and so work- mitt ed to serve cause I commute to school ing out is really important,” Th e SJSU Offi ce of Insti- and it is not too early, but I Baer said. “I happen to be a tutional Research website still get school out of the way morning workout person so also provides access to sta- prett y fast, allowing me to if I don’t have a class until tistical information regard- have a full day,” said Kevin 10:30 I can actually get to ing enrollment at SJSU and Tjhoi, a sophomore business campus, do a workout, have the other 23 California State marketing major. an offi ce hour and then go to University system campuses Th e 10:30 a.m. class time class. along with the description slot is a popular selection for “So it’s kind of perfect for of new students, geo-demo- students commuting to cam- me because I get my blood graphics, class load and de- pus, said Kaleigh Mallett e, a moving, then put my head to grees awarded, Hernandez junior child and adolescent work, then I deliver the lec- said. development major. ture. Th erefore, 10:30 for me ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1976 THE SPARTAN DAILY REPORTED THAT ...

Captain Kevin Duggan prepared for an escape from a riveted, padlocked milk can filled with 100 gallons of water during the world’s smallest circus, which visited TRANSFERS SJSU on Sept. 8. • The Society of Women Engineers was expected to become an official campus From Page 1 club in the fall semester by reaching the required 15 members after two years of waiting.

just turn it in and expect it to be there, make years to transfer from Southern California. • A fire destroyed three student-owned cars in a carport the night of Sept. 7, a copy of it. If you go in and talk to some- Presutto said it took a year to figure out next to the Chi Pi Sigma fraternity house. one, record who you talked to and what you what he wanted to do and once he decided talked about.” it only took two years to actually get up here. Transfers are classified into two groups, No matter where one transfers from, according to the website — local applicants whether it be local or non-local, SJSU re- and non-local applicants. quires students to maintain their eligibility, Local applicants, who are people who attend the mandatory orientation meeting earned the majority of their transferable and take the Writing Skills Test, according units from Santa Clara County and Santa to the website. Cruz County, are guaranteed admission as There are special admissions programs long as they meet the minimum require- on campus geared to help people make the ments and apply by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 30. transition successfully, the Hardship Peti- Non-local applicants — people who tions, Educational Opportunity Program, earned the majority of their transferable pre-admission advising and Students with units outside of Santa Clara County and Disabilities, according to the website. Santa Cruz County — are offered admission Jimenez and Presutto said they both agree based on the capacity of their individual ma- that the most important part of the transfer jors and how full the overall campus is. process is to meet with counselors and ad- Anthony Presutto, a junior animation visers as often as possible. and illustration major said it took him three Thursday, September 9, 2010 A&E 5 Mosaic hosts semester’s ﬁ rst poetry reading

JEN NOWELL to showcase their talents. Lindsay Leong, a senior social science major, ping and dancing,” she said. Staff Writer “A lot of people have talent, but are too who read a poem she wrote. This event has been held for a couple of afraid to come out,” she said. “But many have “Th is is the fi rst time anyone has heard this years, Mendez said, and a wide range of per- Th e school year started off with a collabo- had the opportunity to build their repertoire poem, so I hope you all enjoy,” she said. formers have taken part. ration of words as the Mosaic Cross Cultural through this.” Leong said it was her fi rst time performing “We have had poets, pianists, guitarists Center hosted its fi rst open mic night of the Mendez, who spearheaded the event, said at the open mic at SJSU, but this was not her and one semester, the performers from ‘The semester on Sept. 2. she can’t write poetry, so instead she read a fi rst time performing in front of a crowd. Vagina Monologues’ came to perform,” she Mosaic is a resource center that off ers stu- piece of writing by another artist that person- As for returning to perform again, Leong said. dent run programs under the direction of ally spoke to her. said she defi nitely would. To get the word out about the open mic Hyon Chu Yi-Baker and Assistant Director When asked about the turnout for the eve- “Now that I have Mosaic’s schedule of night, Mendez said she talked to music Sadika Sulaiman Hara, a senior psychology ning, Mendez, a diversity advocate intern at events, I would like to att end more of them,” professors on campus about offering extra major Denisse Mendez said. Mosaic said, “Honestly, it’s low, but I think she said. “Th ere are a lot of cool people here, credit to students of theirs who come out to Th e event was held in the Student Union people are just confused by the change in lo- who are defi nitely supportive.” participate. between Weaver’s and Subway and will be held cation.” Freshman nursing major Pakeeza Ali, who “Each student intern picks something there on the fi rst ursdayTh of each month. She said in previous years the open mic came for a class assignment, said the event near and dear to their heart that they feel a Lukogho Kasomo, a senior political sci- was always held at Market Café, which is now was cool because everyone was really sup- personal connection to,” she said in regards ence major and in her second year with Mo- gone because of construction. portive. to Mosaic. saic, said it’s a cool litt le spot for local artists One of the performers of the evening was “Even people just walking by were clap- ‘The American’ is good, but not in the way you’d expect

3/5 ward — it varies depending on who the movie: the cinematography. which gives the sensation of watching not without its fl aws. Th e biggest fl aw his character is speaking with — is a From the fi rst to fi nal shot, the mov- a series of portraits that just happen to is the lack of action could leave a litt le gunsmith for hire who builds weapons ie is fi lled with scenes with amazing be linked together to make a coherent to be desired if you bought a ticket for international assassins and has been light work, leading lines in and out of movie. expecting a typical summer action contracted to build one more rifl e for a the frame and fantastic composition, As great as “Th e American” is, it’s movie. pending murder. It’s understandable when someone DONOVAN FARNHAM Th rough the course of the fi lm, watches the trailer for the fi lm which, I Online & Tech Editor Clooney’s character grows from PHOTO COURTESY: ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM would argue, has all of the action from a cold, slightly paranoid recluse the 105 minutes of the fi lm packed into If there is a spectrum for movies who won’t hesitate to kill some- less than 90 seconds. It’s accompanied with director Michael “More Explo- one if he suspects him or her of by a more energetic soundtrack than sions” Bay on one side with giant talk- doing him harm. the rest of the fi lm — not to mention ing cars and over-the-top gunfi ghts, Th e fi lm ends with Clooney the roughly seven people that are killed then “Th e American,” starring George becoming a redeemed and slight- through the course of the fi lm, about Clooney, would be at the opposite ly warmer human being through half of whom are killed in the trailer. pole. conversations with an elderly Ro- I’m guessing the trailer was cut in Th e trailer for “Th e American” man Catholic priest, played by this way because if they portrayed portrays it as an atypical action mov- Paolo Bonacelli, and the compan- “Th e American” accurately, no one ie fi lled with clichéd car chases and ionship and eventual romance would go to see this fi lm — I know I witt y, super-spy one liners shot at a with a prostitute played by Irina wouldn’t have. poorly accented villain. Bjorklund. If you’re looking for a fi lm done in But that’s not the case at all. What makes this fi lm great the vein of minimalist storytelling, Audiences are instead treated to a is that it gives the audience just then you may love “Th e American.” character-drama where litt le happens enough to get the story and noth- But if you are caught by the trailer’s in terms of action, something which ing more. Everything in this fi lm, proverbial sleight-of-hand and the the fi lm makes up for with a well-de- the dialogue, the action and the CLOONEY’S CHARACTER JACK/EDWARD TESTS THE RIFLE HE WAS fi lm’s marketing ploys, then you’ll veloped plot and character develop- music, is kept to a bare minimum HIRED TO BUILD FOR AN ASSASSINATION. probably get halfway through, walk ment and fantastic camera work. which allowed me to focus on out and ask the movie theater’s man- Clooney’s character, Jack or Ed- what I think was the best part of ager for a refund. 6 SPORTS SpartaN Daily Thursday, September 9, 2010 New talent boosts 49ers chances

COMMENTARY ter the fi rst game, aft er the fi rst FFortunatelyortunately for Smith, this "I thought if he could help DespiteDespite the improvedimprov of- season, and in such a weak divi- few games,mes, I will know whether will be his fi rst season in which mymy team getget bett er and help us fense,fense, it is the Niners' defensed sion, it should have litt le prob- ALEX SPICER it’s an eemphaticmphatic yes." he willwill be in the samesame off eensivensive gog to anotheranother llevel,evel, I'm fi ne withwith thatthat is expectedexpected to carrycar the lem completing that task. Staff Writer Perhapshaps the biggestbiggest question system as the previousprevvious year.year. it,"it," GoreGore saidsaid inin an interviewinterview teamteam into the playoffplayoff s.s. Th e National Football Con- mark foror the Niners this season SmitSmithh fi ninishedshed lastlast season withwith the AssociatedAssociated Press.Press.s "He's"HeH 's All-ProAll-Pro linebacker Patrick ference West includes the St. For the fi rst time since its is at qquarterback,uarterback, wwhichhich ffea-ea- wiwithth anan 8181.5.5 passerpasser raratingting aandnd beenbeen a ggreatreat bbackack in tthishis leagueleaguee Willis,Willis, whowho ledled thethe NFLN in Louis Rams and Seatt le Sea- last playoff appearance in 2002, tures AAlexlex Smith, the 2005 No. 118 touchdowntouchdown passes,passes, bothboth ththee forfor a longlong time.time. I alreadyalready startedstarted tacklestackles last season, will head a hawks, who won a combined the San Francisco 49ers are 1 overallall draft ppick.ick. hihighestghest of hhisis career.career. askingasking him questions,questions, but I feelfeel defensedefense that alloweallowedd the fourth-f six games last season, plus a de- considered favorites to win the Smithth hhasas hadhad a troubledtroubledd ca-ca- FForor thethe Niners toto bebe success-success- hehe cancan hhelpelp me ggetet bbettett er." leastleast amountammouo nt ooff points perpe game pleted Arizona Cardinals team National Football Conference's reer, andnd for the most ppart,art, hhasas fufull duringduring the 2010-112010-11 camcam-- StarStar tighttight end Vernon DaDa-- lastlast season.seasonn. that has question marks and West division. never llivedived upup to the expecta-exppecta- papaign,ign, both Smith andand the rest visvis hashas blossomedblossomed ununderder heheadad OnOn specialspecial teams, the Niners holes at key positions. But to get there, the Niners tions off hishis fansfans anandd cocoaches.acchhes. of tthehe ooffff ense are ggoingoing to hhaveave coachcoach Singletary,Singletary, anandd is expexpect-ect- areare stillstill lookingloooking forfor a puntpu re- However, Singletary is not will need to play up to their full It wasn'tasn't until last seaseasonsoon that ttoo be consistent. ed toto continuecontinue to improve.improve. turner,turner, anandd had several players paying much att ention to the potential while also taking ad- Smith rerecordedcorded hhisis fi rrststt 3 300-00- EEvenven soso,, the NNinersiners should A youngyoung but talentedtalented receiv-receiv- auditionaudition forfor thethe role,role, butb had "playoff s or bust" title that has vantage of a weak division. plus yardard passinpassingg ggame,ame, whwhichich bbee inin bettbett er sshapehape ooffff ensiveensivelyly inging corpscorps featuringfeaturing MichaelMichael no clearclear standoutsttandout fforor thethe job. been att ached to this team since Head coach Mike Singletary came wwithith the team's loslosss at tthanhan they have been in several CrabtreeCrabtree andand JoshJosh Morgan, OnOn thethhe other end of theth spe- the end of last season. said in a preseason press confer- Qwest Field agagainstainst the Seatt llee yyears.ears. combinedcombined with Davis,Davis, will pro-pro- cialcial teamsteeams sspectrum,pectrum, ProPro Bowl "You know what, the only ence that his biggest concern Seahawks,wks, tthehe same team hhee TwTwo-timeo-time ProPro BBowlowl rurun-n- videvide SmithSmith withwith many targets.targets. punterpunnter AndyAndy Lee andand former thing I’m thinking about right going into the regular season will facee this Sunday.Sunday. nninging backback FranFrankk Gore willwill lead WithWith tthehe aadditionddition of fi rst-rst- SanSan JoseJose State kicker JoeJo Ned- now is Seatt le," he said. "Any- was whether his team would Yet if last season is ananyy inin-- tthehe babackck fi eeldld oonn off eensense ononcece roundround draftdraft pickspicks AnthonyAnthony Da-DDa- ney will be returningreturning toto main- thing beyond that, we don’t play up to their talent level. dicationn ofof AlexAlex Smith’sSmith’s abili-abili- agagain,ain, anandd tthehe ssurpriseurprise reretire-tire- visvis andand MiMikeke IIupatiupati to tthehe oof-f- taintain a sosolidlid kickingkicking duo.duo. even need to talk about." "I believe the answer is yes," ties sincece regainingregaining thethe startingstarting ment ooff Gore's bbackupackup GlGlenen fensiveffensive lliline,ne, SmitSmithh shouldshould fi ndnd It wouldwould bebe consideredconsid a Th e 49ers open their 2010- Singletary said in response to quarterbackrback pposition,osition, he mmayay Coff ee was nullifi ed with the himselfhimself with more time to looklook disappointmentdisappointment to fansfan and 11 season on the road against whether the team could play to be justt thtthee mmanan to guguideide SaSann additionaddition of BrianBrian WestbrookWestbrook to downfidownfi eld thanthan he has in past the teamteam ifif thisthis 49er49er team were the Seatt le Seahawks on Sun- the level they are capable of. "Af- Francisco back to the playoff s. fi ll that void. seasons. to not reach the playoff s this day, Sept. 12 at Qwest Field. Campbell brings hope to Raiders in 2010 his teammatesmmates were aware of that fact. MMcClain,cClain, a 6'3", 255-pound255-pound linebacker,linebacke was an game last season, the second worst in the NFL. COMMENTARY "Hee didn't progress as we wanted him ttoo or AlAll-Americanl-l American and team cacaptainptain for ththee national Along with the addition of Campbell, new of- neededd him to," Nnamdi AsomughaAsomughg a sasaidid wwhilehile chcchampionsampions University ofof Alabama.Alabama. fensive coordinator Hue Jackson gives the Raid- MATTHEW SANTOLLAA appearingring on EESPN'sSPN'Ns JiJimm RoRomeme isis Burning.Burningg. "Th"Th e In ttheheh ooffff -s-seasoneason ththee RaRaidersiders ttrtradedaded for line- ers off ense a fi ghting chance to improve. Copy Editor mentall ppartaart of tthehe ggame,ame, I ddon'ton't tthink,hink, caught on backers QuQQuentinenntin GrGrovesoves aandnd KKamerionama errion Wimb- Second-year receivers Louis Murphy and Dar- for himm aas qquicklyuuickly aass we nneededeee ded it tto."o.o" leley.yy. rius Heyward-Bey, along with the oft en-injured With the 2010 NFL season about to begin, Headad ccoachoaach TomTomm CableCablee isis enteringeenteering hhisis secondsecoond WiWimbley,mbleey, GGrovesrooves anandd McMMcClainClaiin aararee expected Chaz Schilens, have shown in the preseason they defensive upgrades and the off -season addition full seasonasoon wwiwithth the RRaiders.aiiders. tto bbee ththehe startersstarrtet rss aandnnd mmakeaake an iimmediatemmme im- have been working hard to improve. of quarterback Jason Campbell have given the "I thinkhinnk wewe are a much smarter team than we pactpact.. If the Raiders' wide receivers can prove they Raider Nation reasonable hope for a winning were a yearyeear aagago,"o," Cable ssasaidid iinn a press coconferenceonferencce To iimprovemprove tthehhe ddefensiveefensive lline,inne, tthehe Raiders are a threat, it will allow the running backs to be season. duringg summersuummmer traitrainingning camp.cammp.p "And we shouldshouuld sisignedgned PProro BBowlowl tatacklecklel John Henderson,HHendders pro- more successful. Campbell is a player who has commanded be ablee to displaydispplay thathat."tt." motemotedd sesecond-yearecond-yyear pplplayerayyer TreTrevorvoor ScScottcott to defen- Running backs Michael Bush and Darren Mc- respect from his teammates and is not afraid to Onee off thethee mostmost signifisignififi ccantant weweaknessesaknnesses of ththee sive enendd aandnd ddraftraft ed LLamarramarr HoustonHoouston oout of the Fadden will share time in the backfi eld in 2010. speak his mind about the Raiders. Raiders'rs' lastlasst seseasoneason wwasas tthehe team'steeamm's rurun-defense.n-defensee. UniversiUniversitytyy ooff TeTexas.xass. A major key to the success of 2010 Raiders "We're a confi dent team and we won't lose Lastt seaseason,sson,, tthehe Raider defensdefensee alallowedlowew d 15155.55.5 AsAsomughaomugghha hheadlineseadlines tthehe ddefensiveefeensive second- will be the performance of the off ensive line. that confi dence," Campbell said to CBSsports. yards rushrushinginng — only fi ve teams aalallowedlowed momore.re. arary,y, wwhichhich iincludesncludes Chris JohnsonJoohhnson aandn Tyvon Th e play of left -tackle Mario Henderson, com. "We feel like we can turn the corner." To addreaddresssss ttheheh problem, ththee RaRaidersaiders cocom-omm- BrBranch.anchh. rookie center Jared Veldheer and left guard Rob- Th e decision to release former No. 1 overall pletelyy replacreplacedeed iitsts starting linebalinebackers.ckerrs. Th e kekeyy tto success for tthehe OOaklandakkland defensede will ert Gallery will spearhead a unit that has under- draft pick quarterback JaMarcus Russell gives the Lastt year's teteamamm leader in tackltackles,ess, KirkKirkr Morri-Morri- be its aabilitybiliitty to stop opposingopposing rurunningnning backs.b performed in recent years. Raiders a chance to be competitive. son, wasas tradetradedd tot tthehhe Jacksonville Jaguars.Jaguaars. Offff eensively,nnsively, Oakland hhasas oonlynly rooroomm for im- Th e change at quarterback and upgrades on Russell admitt ed in an interview with ESPN Morrison'srrison's replacementrepplal ceemem nt is RolandoRolanddo MMcMcClain,Claia n, prprovement.ovement. the defense will give the Raiders a serious chance he did not work as hard as he could have and that 2009's 8th overall draftdrar ft ppick.ick. Th e RaRaiderider off enensese aaveragedveraged 266.266.11 yards a to have their fi rst winning season since 2002. PHOTOS: SF49ERS.COM, RAIDERS.COM Thursday, September 9, 2010 OPINION 7 NFL players should man up Facebook got Th ere’s an iconic black and taken, and no more harpooning Major League Baseball also white photo taken in 1964 of receivers running across the mid- switched its schedule from 154 Hall of Fame NFL quarterback dle with helmets to the sternum. to 162 games in the early 1960s, me ﬁ red Y.A. Titt le kneeling, hands in his And come now, football is still and life pertaining to records lap, head bowed, blood dripping mild compared to, say, rugby. An went on. down his face. His uniform is average rugby season is also lon- As for the change interfering stained with mud and grass. His ger than 16 games. with the start of college football? For four years, I worked helmet lies behind him. England’s top rugby league, Simple. in the cosmetics department He’d just been laid out by one the Aviva Premiership, plays a 22- Start the NFL season later and of a popular department of the Pitt sburgh Steelers, his game regular-season schedule. end it later. What would happen store. I’ve helped some re- errant pass intercepted and re- Tell me that game isn’t at least as then? Football might interfere ally interesting customers turned for a touchdown. ISAIAH GUZMAN rough as the NFL. Players in the with spring training? during my time there and Titt le suff ered a concussion premiership don’t even wear shin always had funny or inter- Staff Writer Th e change will be good for and cracked sternum on the play, guards as they smash each other the people who really matt er — esting stories to share over but he fi nished the season. into the turf. Th ey wear foam the fans, the ones who put the coffee with friends. Football is and always has Th ey sound more worried headgear that looks similar to the millions in the players’ and own- After I told my brother a been a violent game. It is a batt le. about the possibility that the leather helmets football players ers’ pockets. crazy story about this lady Guys who enter the game know schedule will take too much wore 90 years ago. More games mean more Sun- who always came to the AMARIS DOMINGUEZ that. of a toll on their bodies, which Bleacher Report columnist days on the couch, more Mon- counter and used the testers Staff Writer All this talk of NFL players are already taxed by a 16-game Nathaniel Uy says the switch day nights at a sports pub with to apply her makeup every saying that an extended schedule schedule. would also be bad for player pro- friends and more chances to get Saturday night, he suggested would be hard on them has me Th at argument is about as off gression and roster evaluation. to a game. And for those of us that I visit this website called Wrong. asking: Where have all the Y.A. as a Jay Cutler pass. (He threw 26 Uy says the preseason games who have the misfortune of lov- Peopleof Walmart.com. I was then informed Titt le’s gone? interceptions with the Chicago where fringe players try to make ing bad teams, adding two games After spending hours that this was only brought Th e prospective new sched- Bears last season, the most in the an impression and veterans iron would mean that one or two key scrolling through camera to their attention because ule, a brainchild of the owners, NFL.) out the wrinkles would be lost. losses wouldn’t be so detrimental phones photos of people someone who had access would lengthen the season to 18 Th e overall schedule — pre- Maybe, but the cream would rise to our playoff chances. wearing crazy outfits or do- to my private Facebook ac- games from the current 16. Th e season and regular season includ- to the top, regardless, and the vet- Who knows, maybe with ing revolting things in the count had given manage- idea would have to be accepted ed — would not lengthen a bit. It erans could fi ne tune during the more games, even mean own- store, I thought it would ment access to my “On The by the players’ union, according would remain at 20 games. Th e fi rst couple games of the regular ers will drop the price of tickets be funny to document the Job” album. to an Aug. 26 Associated Press ar- preseason would just be short- season. (though I doubt it). things I saw at work, using I was already feeling up- ticle. If all were in agreement, the ened from four games to two. True, season records from 16- None of the arguments the camera on my phone. set that a “friend” of mine change would take eff ect in 2012. Even if the two additional game seasons would be eclipsed against the change, least of all the I started taking pictures had outed me, when they ex- So far, players are resistant to regular-season games were hard- by 18-game season records. But talk of players being worn down, of things like two kids in a plained that the procedure the idea. ‘You want more games?’ er on players, football has toned records from the two diff erent should hold the 18-game sched- one-kid stroller, a confes- of such a violation called for they say. ‘We want more money.’ down over the years. Develop- eras could just be put in separate ule back. sion of love written in lip- suspension. Of course. ments in equipment technology categories. Yes, the game is dangerous stick across a new display I argued that the suspen- Can we count on the owners and new rules on tackling have Th e NFL has already switched and yes, it’s hard on the body, but case, and multiple people sion was unfair because I resisting having to pay more? Of made the NFL a safer place — its schedule from 12 games in the it’s not the war it once was. Don’t wearing outfits that really hadn’t received any notice course. no more two-bar facemasks like 1940s and ‘50s, to 14 games in think so? When was the last time should have stayed in their of any updated policies, but But cash doesn’t sound like the one Titt le had knocked off the 1960s and 1970s, to the cur- you saw a busted-up image like closets. it didn’t matter. some of the players’ main qualm. the day that famous photo was rent 16 games. Titt le’s? Housed within my little Pending further investi- phone were days worth of gation, and unaware of what shared stories with friends. that even meant, I spent the One friend urged that I begin next two days going through Content with awkwardness a photo album documenting different waves of emotion a day in the life of a beauty while my job lay in limbo. My whole life I have been In high school, I had the same respect and cour- adviser, on Facebook. I had read magazine ar- conflicted with the same two friends that I walked to tesy as others. Since Facebook is the ticles about people’s em- issue — being out of place. school with every day betray People may question my ultimate social networking ployment being jeopardized I had friends in elemen- me and tell other people they intelligence because of my portal for sharing things, by Facebooking and always tary school but they weren’t didn’t like me and made fun weird and awkward person- such as funny pictures, I be- thought it would never hap- loyal. How sad is that? They of me to everyone. ality, but that doesn’t mean I gan the ‘On The Job’ album pen to me. never wanted to play with It even got to the point to lack any intelligence or matu- and received tons of com- Wrong, again. me as much as they wanted where one night I received a rity. I act immature at times, ments from friends. Ultimately, the whole or- to play with some of the oth- hateful IM from an anony- but who doesn’t? I even shared some laughs deal ended with my resigna- er kids and I always felt left mous person, whose identity Yet people still question with a few co-workers who tion — all because of social out. was later discovered. whether I’m trustworthy, commented about pictures networking. In middle school, my I sometimes envy the peo- I had posted, saying my pic- I’m not going to lie, I did ASHLEY FINDEN smart, att ractive or prett y group of friends decided to ple who know how converse enough. tures made them laugh and hate my job and complained cast me out of the group. Senior Staff Writer with anyone and to advance At the end of the day, this made their day. about it often, but by no They were cruel to me, mak- it from just small talk, those is all I have to say to those Little did I know that the means was I ready to just ing fun of me behind my Some days I feel the way I smooth talkers who can eas- people: Bite me. album would come with a up and quit with no backup back. did in high school. It doesn’t ily build trust and respect We are all diff erent, so huge lesson. plan. Freshman year of high hurt as bad because people among others, two things I if you want to be in a small I was attending a work I can see how I was in vio- school, some of my friends aren’t as callous as preteens, don’t seem to get from many clique with your “buddies,” training session back in lation of the social network- made the same decision, but yet I still feel like the odd girl people. then go for it. I have a select July and mid-training, I was ing policy and how it put the thankfully I had three loyal out. Truthfully, it is hard for few friends who I am lucky called into the human re- store in a bad light, but I am buddies to back me up and I have become more sarcas- me to know what to say in a to have and that are more fun sources office and asked if still angry how everything support me. tic and outgoing in my post- conversation at times. Th at than any of the judgmental I knew the store’s policy on played out and how human But that is all in the past high school years, so that may feeling of loss leads me to people out there that made social networking. resources wouldn’t even tell now and I have moved on. throw people off . In all hon- make a joke or remain a quiet me feel like crap for so many The policy stated that me who the gossiper was When I think back on all esty, I don’t always know how bystander. years. employees could not take “for fear of retaliation.” that, it does hurt that people to act around people. I am told that my sense of Oddly enough, some of pictures inside of the store, Although it was fun while were so mean to me when I My life has been fi lled with humor throws people off , I the people that screwed me let alone share them on any it lasted, the brighter side of did absolutely nothing ex- painful things done to me by can’t change that about my- over in the past have actually social networking website. this story is: I now work for cept be nice to them, but all people I thought were close self though. It’s fun to joke become good acquaintances I said no and figured I a company where I still get that is done and it helped to friends, so maybe I have be- around and not always be of mine. would have to sign off on to interact with people on a make me the person I am to- come paranoid when it comes so uptight every day, but it I hurt like any other per- the new policy and be on my daily basis and I no longer day. to relationship building. doesn’t mean I don’t deserve son, but I heal like no other. merry way back to training. dread going to work.

STAFF WRITERS SENIOR STAFF WRITERS OPINION PAGE POLICY San Jose State University Sonia V. Ayala Joey Akeley San Jose, CA 95192-0149 Jaime Collins Ashley Finden Phone: (408) 924-3281 Letters to the editor may be placed Tyler Peter Do Leonard Lai in the letters to the editor box in the Amaris Dominguez Husain Sumra Spartan Daily office in Dwight Bentel Michiko Fuller SPARTAN DAILY STAFF Hall, Room 209, sent by fax to (408) Lidia Gonzalez 924-3282, e-mailed to spartandaily@ Eric Van Susteren, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Executive Editor Isaiah Guzman casa.sjsu.edu or mailed to the Spar- Kristen Pearson, Kelsey Hilario Managing Editor Rebecca Henderson tan Daily Opinion Editor, San Jose, CA Justin Albert, Eric Mitchell Multimedia & Tech Editor Kelsey Hilario 95192-0149. Kevin Hume, Multimedia Editor Jordan Liffengren Alex Nazarov Donovan Farnham, Tim O’Brien Online & Tech Kelsey Lynne Lester-Perry Letters to the editor must contain Stan Olszewski Editor Kenny Martin the author’s name, address, phone Marlon Maloney, Opinion Editor Aimee McLendon number, signature and major. Letters Jennifer Hadley, Features Editor Jen Nowell DISTRIBUTION become property of the Spartan Daily Daniel Herberholz, Sports Editor Calli Perez Stephen Cheong and may be edited for clarity, gram- Melissa Sabile, Sports Editor Alexandra Ruiz-Huidobro Ron Sim mar, libel and length. Only letters of Jenn Elias, A&E Editor Alex Spicer 300 words or less will be considered Salman Haqqi, A&E Editor for publication. Ryan Fernandez, Copy Editor ADVISERS Amber Simons, ADVERTISING STAFF Copy Editor Richard Craig, News Published opinions and advertise- Clifford Grodin, Dan Bergholdt Andrew Pau Photo Editor Mack Lundstrom, News ments do not necessarily reflect the Matt Santolla, Arielle Cohen Sarah Smith Assistant Photo Editor Jan Shaw, News views of the Spartan Daily, the School Hannah Keirns, Courtney Criswell Erik Estrada Production Editor Kim Komenich, Photojournalism of Journalism and Mass Communica- Rachel Peterson, Micah Dela Cruz Production Editor Tim Hendrick, Advertising tion or SJSU. The Spartan Daily is a Vanessa Alessi, Nathan Dixon Advertising Director Tim Burke, Production Chief public forum. Tanya Flores, Sarah Dominguez Creative Director Tim Mitchell, Design Daniel Tesfay, Ashley Ereso Assistant Advertising Pat Wallraven, Business Manager Director Ryan Genzoli Davagy de León, Assistant Creative Jennifer Giles Director Leo Munoz 8 FEATURE Thursday, September 9, 2010 Ivory keys invite passers-by to play

MICHIKO FULLER "I got a first hand look at Staff Writer

PHOTO: how the pianos were decorated," he said. Th e strains of a melody The piano outside the Stu- fl oating across the pavement dent Union is brightly colored HUSAIN SUMRA | SPARTAN DAILY sounds like a rock song from and airbrushed, while another the radio, but you can't identify at the Circle of Palms outside the source until you are fi nally the Museum of Art in down- close enough to see it. town San Jose is white with a Th ere it is, just a second- black skeleton of a tree on its hand, upright piano trussed back and falling leaves cascad- to a cinder block and the clos- ing across its front. The goblin est tree. Th e player is anony- head on the piano at the Paseo mous and a cup of coff ee sits de San Antonio has teeth made on the piano bench next to his of piano keys. backpack. When he fi nishes The piano at the San Jose his song, bystanders clap and McEnery Convention Center someone else takes a turn at has a wooden rainbow screwed the keys. to the top of its leafy green col- Pianos appeared outside the ored base. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Li- "They stand out and con- brary and the Student Union trast to the environment," said as part of the San Jose 2010 Bi- Erick Lui, a freshman comput- ennial project, according to the er engineering major. web address on each piano. ONE OF 20 PIANOS THAT DECORATE DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE AS PART OF THE SAN JOSE 2010 BIENNIAL Erik Siverson, a piano tech- Walking out of the library, PROJECT. THE PIANO ABOVE IS LOCATED AT PASEO DE SAN ANTONIO. nician for the music depart- junior chemistry major Daniel ment, said the pianos add to Coxon said he saw the white the ambiance. piano, with each part labeled in black paint, From the laundromat to crisis, "Play Me, Some pianos have been vandalized and "It may not be what you like to hear, but and sat down to play a Pink Floyd song. I'm Yours" was born out of a failed att empt to labeled as "not art." When the pianos were it's different than a boombox," he said. "It's "Th e funny thing is, I haven't had access to play instruments from hot air balloons. Wind brought to New York City they were left un- live." a piano in like six months," he said. conditions got the bett er of Jerram's "Sky Or- marked, according to Norris. The official biennial lasts four days, be- One passer-by lingered chestra" and he was However, artist Jerram said the pianos are ginning Sept. 16 with a variety of events around the piano question- forced to rework his now the people's to do with as they please. from plays and performances to exhibitions ing where it came from and project, according to Junior nursing major Trixie Ascuncion and public art, such as Jerram's pianos. to whom it belonged. Th e Music is an expression the piano website. voiced her agreement. While the large majority of events take biggest source of confusion and graffi “ ti is expression Offi cially premier- "Music is an expression and graffi ti is ex- place in San Jose, the biennial celebrations was why the pianos were in too. It’s part of it and ing in Birmingham, pression too," she said. "It's part of it and can't branch out as far as San Francisco and Berke- San Jose and on campus. can’t be taken away. United Kingdom, in be taken away." ley, according to the website. "So you just found a “ 2007, it is estimated Norris encourages the people of San Jose The pianos will be held over until Sept. piano and started play- TRIXIE ASCUNCION that 140,000 people to take advantage of the pianos while they 22, leaving more time to explore San Jose in ing?" said Calvin Worsnup, Junior nursing major played the pianos are here because they will be donated to lo- pursuit of all 20 and to enjoy the impromptu a junior computer science within three weeks. cal schools and community groups aft er the street performances they enable. major. Over the next three biennial ends. Walking downtown and listening to music Outside Philz Coff ee on years, the piano proj- David Kim, a senior digital art major and doesn't have to mean plugging in your iPod Paseo de San Antonio, stu- ect went across the media intern at Zer01, is working to capture to tune out the traffic, when someone is pro- dents took advantage of Wi-Fi to investigate globe to Barcelona, Sydney, London and Bra- all the events of the biennial on video to share viding a mini concert for those lucky enough the web address on the pianos and discuss the zil, according to the website. via the Internet. to pass by at the right time. mystery behind the pianos' arrival. However, they have not been treated very Working behind the scenes, Kim said he Biennials only come around every two Th e piano website is also a forum to ap- well in San Jose, according to Wendy Norris, had the privilege of seeing the pianos before years, so now is the time to stop and listen to preciate the instruments by uploading pho- owner of Norris Communications. they hit the streets. the piano, painted like roses. tos, sharing experiences and creating events for any of the piano locations. Senior English major Na- than Garavaglia sat down to play a dark brown piano that imitated a tree trunk outside Philz. "I haven't had any training," he said. "It's not much fun when you don't know how to play piano." Th ere are 20 uniquely decorated pianos scatt ered around San Jose's parks and plazas for the enjoyment of the public as part of a travel- ing art exhibition by British artist Luke Jerram, according to the piano's website. Jerram wrote on his website that the idea for these pianos came from a visit to his local laundromat, where the same people met every week without speaking to each other. "I suddenly realized that within a city, there must be hundreds of these invis- ible communities, regularly spending time with one another in silence," he wrote. "I hoped that by placing a piano into the space acts as a catalyst for conversation."