Revamped Sun God Planning in Full Swing

FIREWORKS! FOUNTAINS! DEBAUCHERY! YOU! ▶ OPINION, PAGE 4

www.ucsdguardian.org Thursday, January 22, 2009 The Student Voice Since 1967 Workers Press on in Wage Battle SUN GOD 2009 Revamped Sun God Planning in Full Swing

By Reza Farazmand goals were all about security, because News Editor we really wanted to revamp the festival in order to be able to con- Preparation for the 2009 Sun God tinue to have it,” Berg said, referring Festival began earlier this month with to threats by campus administra- the release of the A.S. programming tors in 2007 to dramatically curtail department’s comprehensive fes- the event if security concerns were tival-planning report. The 23-page not addressed. “This year, it’s much document outlines plans for a festival more about having this new format identical in format to the event’s safe- and deciding how to make it better ty-oriented 2008 incarnation, though for the students.” programming officials have indicated John Muir College senior Daniel the possibility of decreased securi- Dadon — who, after last year’s festi- ty, a new Internet-based wristband val, started a Facebook group encour- retrieval system and unrestricted re- aging students to voice their concerns entry. over the new format — said that he Throughout preliminary plan- was most discouraged by the lack of PHOTOS BY ERIK JEPSEN/GUARDIAN ning stages for this year’s festival, mobility and absence of independent- A.S. Associate Vice President of ly administered attractions through- Programming and chief Sun God out campus at Sun God last year. organizer Garrett Berg has stressed “I really didn’t like how they cor- the goal of reinventing the event ralled the students and didn’t let us It’s not about what within its new, safer format. Berg’s have our whole-campus Sun God like department faced widespread criti- we used to,” Dadon said. “We weren’t we want; it’s about cism after last year’s festival, which able to be on Library Walk. We weren’t many students claimed violated the able to be in Price Center. The festival what we need.” traditional Sun God spirit by restrict- just wasn’t happening there.” ing the day’s events to an enclosed Although this year’s main attrac- — Jorge Olvera, RIMAC Field and eliminating the tions will still be staged entirely on UCSD groundskeeper no-boundaries, campuswide format RIMAC Field, Berg hinted at plans “ that had characterized the festival for to expand the event into other areas the previous 10 years. UCSD service workers and their supporters rallied on Library Walk Jan. 21 as part of a systemwide wage-increase movement that began in October 2007. “In the 2008 planning report, our See SUN GOD, page 3 REGENTS MAY Campus Welcomes Obama into Presidency Students express INCREASE renewed pride in country, excitement over OUT-OF-STATE historical significance of 2008 election. ADMISSIONS By Jesse Alm Associate News Editor By Kimberly Cheng Associate News Editor UCSD erupted in applause, screams and tears Tuesday morning as In anticipation of further cuts in a fresh generation of political partici- state funding, University of California pants gathered with faculty and staff to officials are debating the possibility of observe the nation’s 44th presidential increasing out-of-state and interna- inauguration. tional student enrollment to help fill Screening events at the Loft, the gap in revenue. International House and the Sixth Less than 10 percent of the College Commuter Lounge offered 220,000 undergraduates and gradu- coffee, pancakes and hors d’oeuvres JOSEPH HO/GUARDIAN ates currently enrolled in the UC sys- to hundreds of viewers eager to Members of the campus community gathered at the Loft on the morning of Jan. 20 to witness a live broadcast of President Barack Obama’s inauguration tem are from out of state. However, watch President Barack H. Obama’s ceremony. Similar viewing parties took place across campus, and the Stuart Collection’s “Trees” exhibit streamed live audio from the ceremony to passersby. according to the U.S. Department resounding call for a new approach to you voted for, it seems like everyone is Hall, emphasized the day’s historical D.C., as part of the national University of Education, roughly 16 percent of American politics. coming together now.” significance for black citizens. Presidential Inauguration Conference. students enrolled in public four-year By 8:30 a.m., a crowd of over She said she has confidence in “What affected me the most wasn’t She said this year’s presidential cam- colleges and universities nationwide 200 — including reporters from San Obama’s ability to redefine the United only how inspirational Obama is as a paign marks the first time in her life are from other states and countries. Diego’s Channel 6 and Channel 8 news States’ reputation abroad and inspire person, but a realization that we have that she has been excited about poli- Tuition for in-state students at UC networks — had pushed the Loft well greater solidarity among citizens at an African-American family in the tics. campuses falls at an estimated $8,100 above capacity to witness the swearing- home. White House,” she said. “In my mind, “When [Obama] was speaking, I felt per student, while out-of-state stu- in ceremony and presidential speech. “For most of my politically aware this is the prevailing of good over evil. like he was speaking to me as a student dents pay more than $28,000. Only Eleanor Roosevelt College senior life, Bush has been president,” she said. Our country suffered with slavery for a and as a citizen,” Buck said. “I came out about half the extra $20,000 is used Kari McNickle, who helped organize “[Tuesday], you could really feel proud long time, and this is a sign of deliver- of the experience feeling hopeful and to cover the university’s costs, UC the Loft’s event, said she was impressed to be an American, and it’s been hard ance.” inspired to do what I can in my own officials said in a statement. by the amount of excitement, attentive- to feel that way for a long time.” While fellow UCSD students way, which is what struck me the most “It might generate some revenue,” ness and unity. Revelle College sophomore Wafa crowded around monitors campus- about the campaign in general — the “Everyone was really unified in that Ben Hassine, who celebrated the inau- wide, Sixth College junior Angela Buck See REGENTS, page 3 moment,” she said. “No matter who guration at International House’s Great attended the ceremony in Washington, See INAUGURATION, page 2

HIATUS Hugging SPORTS Pre-Spirit INSIDE ONLINE WEATHER Currents ...... 2 New Guardian Web site coming Big Apple Trees Night Showcase Steve and Lucky ...... 2 soon. Jan. 22 Jan. 23 The Loft kicks cans with Students met and interacted New Business ...... 3 H 65 L 52 H 63 L 47 Norcal shoegazers the with the UCSD basketball teams State of Disunion ...... 4 Letter to the Editor ...... 5 Morning Benders and Berkeley at the Triton Jam in RIMAC Jan. 24 Jan. 25 Classifieds ...... 10 Visit www.ucsdguardian.org. treasures the Honorary Title. PAGE 7 Arena on Jan. 20. PAGE 12 H 64 L 47 H 63 L 48 2 NEWS THE UCSD GUARDIAN THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009

ANIMAL STYLE BY CHRISTINA AUSHANA

Matthew McArdle Editor in Chief Hadley Mendoza Managing Editors Nicole Teixeira Simone Wilson

Smruti Aravind Copy Editors Allie Cuerdo

Reza Farazmand News Editor Jesse Alm Associate News Editors Yelena Akopian Kimberly Cheng

Alyssa Bereznak Opinion Editor Janani Sridharan Sports Editor Neil Joshi Associate Sports Editor David Harvey Focus Editor Joanna Cardenas Associate Focus Editors Stephanie Tsank

Sonia Minden Hiatus Editor Edwin Gonzalez Associate Hiatus Editor Erik Jepsen Photo Editor Emily Ku Design Editor Christina Aushana Art Editor Patrick Stammerjohn Web Designer Page Layout William Chuong, Regina Ip, Emily Ku, Sonia Minden, Kent Ngo, Jonathan Shan, Naomi Shiffman

Copy Readers Amy Guzdar, Anita Vergis, Danielle Warren

Monica Bachmeier General Manager Mike Martinez Advertising Manager Dara Bu Student Advertising/ CURRENTS Graduating Seniors: Difficult Julia Peterson Promotion Managers Michael Neill Network Administrator said. “We can provide the tools and Campus Places Second in Business Assistants knowledge, but we’ll need a total Times Still Ahead for Nation Salvador Gallegos, Charissa Ginn, Tiffany Han, Maggie Leung, Frank Pak Recycling Among UCs recycling mindset throughout the Advertising Design and Layout university.” ▶ INAUGURATION, from page 1 ailing economy and mend its broken George Chen, Brandon Chu, Kim Cooper, Jenny Ting Wang Distributors UCSD surpassed the campus- According to assistant superin- motto of enacting change through not health-care system. Alaric Bermudez, Charissa Ginn, wide recycling goal for 2008 — set tendent for Landscape Services and only what [Obama] can do, but what “Health care makes all the dif- Scott Havrisik, Josh Ottoson by the UC Board of Regents at 50 Refuse and Recycling in Facilities we all can do in our own way.” ference,” she said. “It’s such a basic Marketing and Promotion Reps Dara Bu, Tracy Hua, Maggie Leung, percent — by diverting 67 percent of Management Alonso Noble, the uni- Despite their human need, and Kathleen Ngo, Lisa Tat versity was able to recycle a sig- trash, construction debris and solid overwhelmingly having it solves so The UCSD Guardian is published Mondays and waste from landfills. nificant portion of the 19,000 tons of Thursdays during the academic year by UCSD students optimistic atti- many other prob- and for the UCSD community. Reproduction of this “We’re very proud of breaking solid waste produced this year, put- tudes about the We peacefully lems.” newspaper in any form, whether in whole or in part, without permission is strictly prohibited. © 2008, all through to 67 percent,” Campus ting to practice aggressive recycling next presidential A.S. All-Campus rights reserved. The UCSD Guardian is not responsible turned everything for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. The views Sustainability Coordinator Maggie efforts in the area of construction term, students Senator Garron expressed herein do not necessarily represent the opin- Souder said. “It shows how serious and debris. ions of the UCSD Guardian, the University of California acknowledged around. We were Engstrom added or Associated Students. The UCSD Guardian is funded our students, faculty and staff are “At three major construction the sobering list that the economy in solely by advertising. Sugar cookie sleigh ride. about sustainability solutions.” projects — Price Center expansion, of challenges that particular cannot be General Editorial: 858-534-6580 discussing how cool [email protected] UCSD came in second behind Prebys Music Center and North the country’s new revived overnight. News: 858-534-5226, [email protected] UC Davis, which reached a 69 per- Campus Housing — we achieved leader will face. it is that we can do However, he said he Focus: 858-534-5226, [email protected] Hiatus: 858-534-6583, [email protected] cent diversion. about an 80 percent diversion rate The current eco- remains in awe of the Opinion: 858-534-6582, [email protected] The achievement marks signifi- through working with our construc- nomic recession “that in the U.S.” American democrat- Sports: 858-534-6582, [email protected] cant progress toward future cam- tion partners,” Noble said. “Those Photo: 858-534-6582, [email protected] has led to the — Garron Engstrom, ic process. Advertising: 858-534-3467 pus recycling goals of 75 percent are very big numbers.” highest national A.S. All-Campus Senator “We peacefully [email protected] by 2012 and 100 percent by 2020, Materials ranging from scrap unemployment turned everything Fax: 858-534-7691 which would require a considerable wood to concrete and asphalt are rate in 16 years, around,” he said. “We increase in dedication to recycling either recycled or reused, and con- and prospects for post-graduate jobs were discussing how cool it is that we and sustainability by the entire cam- tractors are required to track and are limited. can do that in the U.S.” pus community. record exactly how much is diverted. John Muir College senior Additional reporting by Yelena The UCSD Guardian “To get to the point where we’re The housing, dining and hospi- Amanda Ripley, who plans to pursue Akopian, Associate News Editor. 9500 Gilman Drive, 0316 sending zero waste to landfills in tality department has also signifi- a career in writing after graduation, La Jolla, CA 92093-0316 11 years, though, every person on cantly increased recycling initiatives said she hopes Obama will imme- Readers can contact Jesse Alm at UCSDGUARDIAN.ORG campus will have to help,” Souder in recent years. diately begin to address the nation’s [email protected].

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can win you a Valentine’s Day date! Questions? Come to Library Walk today and tomorrow @ NOON Contact Recruiter Find a kiss with a special sticker. Diana Gomez: 1 [email protected] or 858.534.1336 Submit your most charming, cute, romantic, 2 whatever...photo*by January 30.) If your photo receives the most votes, you’ll receive a 3 complimentary limo ride and romantic dinner for two on peacecorps.gov Friday, February 13th. Runner-ups will have the opportunity to win Belly Up Tavern V-day Ball Tickets, and many more Valentine’s themed packages. *Photo must be appropriate. THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009 THE UCSD GUARDIAN NEWS 3 Council Rejects Gaza Resolution Festival to Feature Unrestricted Re-Entry After Five-Hour Discussion ▶ SUN GOD, from page 1 and exit the venue freely. though he said he is unsure in such of campus. Though precise security logis- early stages of planning as to what he A.S. Council was under the healing process begin for both “We feel there are ways to make tics for the 2009 festival remain sort of security levels may be present pressure last night to come to Palestinians and Israelis.” it feel like Sun God across campus,” undetermined, Berg said he hopes at this year’s event. a conclusion on the hotly con- Those opposed to the resolution, Berg said. “Last year it definitely that the success of last year’s dra- “I think last year’s festival was Ttested Gaza resolution, with hundreds however, described the document didn’t feel like Sun God. We realize matically increased safety measures certainly an improvement over pre- of students filing into the meeting to as an attack on Israelis and many that. Even if every single student had in deterring arrests will convince vious years,” King said. “The event offer pro- and anti-resolution state- requested the council to remain neu- gone to the festival, it still wouldn’t campus administrators to consider was well-organized, and we had ments. A week after being instructed tral in the Gaza situation to elimi- have felt like Sun God. So what we’re looser security for this year’s event. fewer problems as a result of the way to draft a joint resolution by the A.S. nate the inevitable alienation of one looking into are ways we can cre- The insistence of campus admin- the event was set up. But we really Council, students from both sides group. ate the Sun God atmosphere across istrators on heightened security in don’t know where the event is going of the debate gathered at last night’s “I am asking you to remain neutral campus.” 2008 resulted in a $35,000 police or how the event is being planned. meeting to voice support and con- on this issue to avoid an extreme hit Berg described preliminary sug- bill for the programming depart- We really need to see what the plan cerns over the newly-amended docu- to the feelings of value and belong- gestions for achieving this goal, ment — an increase of $20,000 from is before we can make [a plan for ment. ing of the pro-Israel members of our including holding individual Sun 2007. Accordingly, last year’s festival security].” Due to the Monday’s ceasefire in community,” former A.S. member God kickoff events within each yielded 55 percent fewer arrests than Berg said his department has Gaza, the sched- Adi Singer said. of the six colleges and staging a were reported at the 2007 event. already confirmed two of the fes- uled meeting “A.S. Council, student-organization fair on the day “Ideally I would love to see tival’s headlining acts, and while to draft a joint New please respect our of the festival. that [price of security] go back to verifying that the primary headliner resolution was desire to work on Changes to the festival’s primary $15,000,” Berg said. “I think that, will be a hip-hop act, Berg plans cancelled, but Business negotiating inner- events will include the elimination for me, the most difficult thing is to withhold the names of all acts the Students for Joyce Yeh community peace of the north stage, which last year that we moved to an undeniably until Spring Quarter. Though work- Justice in Palestine before tackling hosted a number of local music acts, safer festival, so why we’re spending ing with a budget similar to that of [email protected] remained confi- international con- and will be replaced by an enormous $20,000 more is my question. At the 2008, Berg said that Sun God 2009’s dent that the amended resolution was flict.” tent featuring continuous deejay sets end of the day, we spent $15,000 at musical selections will dramatically fair, citing supporters among UCSD The public input portion ended throughout the day. what was a very problematic festival, improve upon last year’s. student groups and faculty. abruptly despite a long line before Berg also discussed the adoption so why are we spending $35,000 at “Our headliners for this year so “This is a resolution sponsored the podium. Revelle College Senator of a new wristband retrieval system what was unanimously decided to be far, both of them, are so much better by a coalition of students and the Katie Hall motioned to allow mem- that will require students to register a successful festival?” than our headliner last year,” Berg ethnic studies department at UCSD,” bers of the public to be placed on the online for entrance to the event. UCSD Police Chief Orville King said. Arab Student Union President Rena speaker’s list and the council agreed. Wristbands will then be distributed said he believes the 2008 festival was Zuabi said. “It is your responsibility Councilmembers expressed grief upon entry into RIMAC Field, and a relative success when compared Readers can contact Reza Farazmand as educated members of society to call over the situation in Gaza, but were attendees will be allowed to enter to the event’s prior incarnations, at [email protected]. upon your government to address the divided over the council’s authority grievances of a people. I implore you to take a stance, hesitant to make any to stand for this diverse community, hasty decisions. to stand alongside your fellow UC “I still don’t agree that this is what Proposal Would Yield Increased Funding for UC schools.” A.S. does,” Associate Vice President UCLA student Randa Wahbe and of Academic Affairs Lana Blank said. ▶ REGENTS, from page 1 are based on state funding. He added graduate and graduate programs, and co-author of UCLA’s own resolution “We’re here to talk about two commu- UC spokesman Ricardo Vazquez that the university has no established although the university will come on the matter, which was recently nities that don’t agree and we’re not said. “But I wouldn’t call it profit, and quotas regarding out-of-state and close to meeting its goal this year, it approved, spoke on behalf of a UC- going to be the group that says you’re I don’t know the amount.” international student acceptance rates. has fallen short of that target by over wide coalition of various humanitar- right, we’re wrong. If this is what A.S. Though boosting out-of-state UC Regent Judith Hopkinson 1,000 students for the past four years, ian student groups in support of pass- does, I don’t want to be a part of it.” and international admission rates recently asked the university’s gov- according to Vazquez. ing the resolution at UCSD, calling After nearly four hours of discus- may help the public university sys- erning board to consider increasing Additionally, out-of-state applicants the situation in Gaza a “humanitar- sion, the council voted not to pass the tem cushion funding cuts, officials out-of-state and international enroll- are held to higher admission standards, ian crisis, not a political issue.” She resolution. Vice President of Student opposed to the idea argue that it ment, citing not only its financial such as greater GPA and SAT score continued by reading an open letter Life Darryl Nousom motioned to cre- could filter out qualified local appli- benefits but also the social advantag- requirements, which can help raise the written by Michael Provence, UCSD ate a special committee instructed to cants. es of creating a more geographically university’s national rankings. associate professor of history, in sup- draft a new resolution to be presented “When we start chasing that diverse student body. “Our main mission has always port of the resolution. to the council Feb. 4. The committee money as a substitute for state money, Hopkinson said enrolling between been serving California high school “I write to endorse the statement will consist of Associate Vice President that’s bad public policy,” UC Regent 15 percent to 20 percent of nonresi- graduates,” Vazquez said. “We have of the undergraduate students of the of Diversity Ricsie Hernandez and and Lt. Gov. John Garamendi said in dent undergraduates will benefit the a guarantee for California residents ASUCSD who have called for an end Revelle College Council Chair John a statement. university financially in the long run. that we don’t have for out-of-state to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” Lintern as moderators, two other Vazquez said California-resident The UC system has a revenue students.” Provence wrote. “As the resolution councilmembers and four members enrollment is unaffected by out-of- target equivalent to about 17,800 stu- eloquently concludes, only by end- each from both the pro- and anti- state admissions because enrollment dents — including those from out of Readers can contact Kimberly Cheng ing the humanitarian blockade can resolution constituencies. targets and local-applicant admission state and country — for both under- at [email protected].

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CONTACT THE EDITOR Alyssa Bereznak Flops to “Koala TV” for a mediocre [email protected] comeback premiere, which was filled with unattractive nudity OPINION and tired humor. THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009 EDITORIALS We All Must The Best Sun God Ever, With Our Powers Combined Clean Up Our t doesn’t matter how many bouncey houses and over- priced grease-stands they pack Acts to Fix ontoI RIMAC Field — that doesn’t make getting penned in for five hours of Coheed and Cambria and This Mess the “Beautiful Girls” dude any less painful. Especially when washed in nless you were severely memories of the glorious Sun God intoxicated for the past cou- Festival past, that annual cross-cam- ple days, you are surely aware pus Judgment Day on which even the Uthat our great nation inaugurated a most respectable biology major was new president on Tuesday — one reduced to a poster child for com- Barack Hussein Obama. As expect- plete and total debauchery. When ed, the event brought out masses of the day stages were nixed and the fes- cheering people who watched him tivities quarantined to discourage all become the official leader of the free unregulated pre-RIMAC celebration world. Unfortunately, the nanosec- (seeming to account for the main ond immediately after Obama spoke chunk of arrests and near deaths), it the words “so help me God,” the end- did seem that the heart of Sun God less list of problems that are currently had finally ceased to beat. BEN HOLM/GUARDIAN plaguing the United States were not The details of this year’s festival magically fixed. Apparently, Obama are still being kneaded out, but the every student at UCSD to wake up out whatever portions of that pirate verdict is clear: We’re sticking to the and know it’s Sun God. And honestly costume you can find lying around new format. The infamous Sun God — paired with newly lifted regula- and parading through campus like EDITORIAL BOARD on which we’ve so long thrived — tions on re-entry to RIMAC Field, you own the place. The University State of technically the only reason half of us which will allow us to roll in and Events Office has rented out Sun Matthew McArdle haven’t yet dropped out — has been out as we please — that could solve God lawn to deter any shenanigans, EDITOR IN CHIEF Disunion structurally curbed to officially ruin everything. but that didn’t stop the Koala staff Hadley Mendoza Brent Westcott the one day a year that makes up for Because in the end, the students from borrowing the water key and Simone Wilson [email protected] all the miserable others. are the ones responsible for making setting up their legendary slip ‘n’ MANAGING EDITORS But things aren’t as bad as they Sun God awesome. Think about it: slide last year, and it shouldn’t stop is not the supernatural political deity Reza Farazmand that we all hoped he was. He may well seem. A.S. Associate Vice President The daytime booths, underattended the rest of us from getting creative NEWS EDITOR of Programming Garrett Berg, Price Center stage (easily replaced this time around. follow through on many of the prom- Alyssa Bereznak ises he has made, but it is unwise to though forced to comply with the by a boom box) and random stu- All we have to do is remember OPINION EDITOR administration’s updated security dent-org activities have always that what happens at Sun God stays think that simply electing him will regulations and other evils that served as placeholders anyway; any- at Sun God, wake up at the crack of The UCSD Guardian is published twice a week at fix this country. In fact, if you listen the University of California at San Diego. Contents © closely, the change that Obama has largely prevent us from holding a one who lived the festival’s glory dawn for a head-clearing refresh- 2007. Views expressed herein represent the majority soap fight in the Price Center foun- days knows that it’s all about slath- ment and do our part in bringing vote of the editorial board and are not necessarily preached since he began his presi- those of the UC Board of Regents, the ASUCSD or tain, has expressed his desire for ering on the war paint, breaking back the glory. the members of the Guardian staff. dential campaign has very little to do with him. In his inauguration speech, he continued to underline this point — if we, as a nation, want to improve our quality of life and solve our prob- Reliance on Out-of-State Pocketbooks Compromises UC Mission lems, we shouldn’t kick up our shoes and expect a super-politician to do n the surface, a recent they’re forgetting: According to crammed classrooms and utilizing pressure to find quick-fix finan- all the dirty work. Rather, we should proposal by University university statistics, our system has scant student resources. After all, cial solutions, what’s not to stop bear the responsibilities of change. of California officials to already enrolled 11,000 students too no matter where a student’s tuition them from increasing the current 6 At this point you may be asking increaseO the number of out-of-state many. To make matters worse, the money comes from, one more lecture percent of nonresident undergradu- the following: “Brent, I hear what you applicants seems like a quick and Board of Regents plans to increase hall seat for an out-of-stater is one ates to something like University of are saying and I really want to help, harmless method for raising revenue. resident tuition fees and cut next fewer for a California resident. Michigan’s 30 percent nonresident but how can I fix the economy, clean Not only would half of each student’s year’s number of admitted freshmen Even disregarding the limited population? Why not lose the pub- the environment and rehabilitate our average $28,000 annual tuition be by 6 percent. access this decision might cause for lic-access facade all together and image abroad?” Simply put, nobody used as profit for the system, but If the university is actively limit- state residents, looking for private charge a couple thousand dollars — not even Barack the Great — campuses, according UC Regent ing California residents’ access to financial support contradicts the more in tuition? If university offi- can weather this poop storm alone. Judith Hopkinson, would also benefit their own public education, how can university’s commitment to stand cials don’t keep California residents’ But we can personally embrace the from more “geographically diverse” it justify a proposal to offer more idependently as a public institution. best interests in mind, the univer- change our Chosen One has been student bodies. spots to out-of-state-applicants? According to UC system spokes- sity’s goal to provide higher educa- talking about this entire time. But as cash-strapped officials Even if the state isn’t technically sub- man Ricardo Vazquez, there are tion to all of the state’s qualified Take the economy for example. consider recruiting well-off students sidizing their tuition, that doesn’t no official requirements regarding applicants will be at the mercy of a I think it’s safe to assume that no to solve the university’s financial change the fact that, once admitted, out-of-state enrollee percentages. collection of geographically diverse students at UCSD were the heads woes, there’s just one tiny detail these students will be filling already- So as officials face more and more private pocketbooks. of banks and mortgage companies who decided to make irresponsible loans to unqualified applicants. Nor were any Tritons involved in global- sized Ponzi schemes that subsequent- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ly bankrupted innocent investors. of the essential amino acids can be contract. During their visit, the that worker actions such as these Although we must now deal with Vegetarian Lifestyle found in such combinations as rice workers asked to meet and/or talk must stop. the reality of these corrupt decisions, Supports Sustainability and beans, a peanut butter sand- with Regent Blum in person or This clearly shows that once they can teach us an important lesson wich and many additional alterna- by telephone. When Regent Blum again the current leadership of the of fiscal responsibility and hopefully Dear Editor, tives to meat, making a conscious denied their request, 20 of these UC system only cares about those change the way we operate when it With threats of global warming decision to protect our environment low-wage service workers sat down few individuals at the top and that comes to the bankroll. and environmental degradation, it becomes less threatening to the con- and refused to leave. they continue to turn their backs But it’s not just the head honchos is important to consider the effects venience of a meat-eating lifestyle. Currently, 96 percent of the on the real pressing needs of 8,500 who are contributing to the problem. of our eating habits on the environ- In order to live in a sustainable university’s 8,500 service workers of their employees who they pay a For many of us, the credit card is our ment. To produce a single pound manner, we must consider how our receive such low wages that they poverty wage. best friend. We see something we like of beef requires 5,214 gallons of actions impact the environment. A qualify for at least one form of pub- In answer to this misguided let- and before we can say “foreclosure,” water; compare this to 23 gallons significant part of such sustainabil- lic assistance. Service workers felt ter, AFSCME Local 3299 President we swipe it without realizing that per pound of lettuce and 25 gallons ity includes adopting a vegetarian that after over a year and a half of Lakesha Harrison has responded we are spending money we probably per pound of wheat. The National lifestyle. little action at the bargaining table today to President Yudof. don’t have. This much is clear: unless Institute of Livestock and Grassland — Jennifer Hull by the leadership of the UC system, — William Schlitz you are earning an annual six-fig- Science found that the produc- Thurgood Marshall College freshman it was necessary to deal directly with Political & Communications ure salary, you probably don’t need tion of 2.2 pounds of beef gener- the leadership themselves. Director, AFSCME Local 3299 a Louis Vuitton bag or sweet new ates more carbon dioxide than an Unfortunately, UC President rims for your Honda Civic. Growing average car does after traveling 160 UC Pres. Ignores Workers’ Mark G. Yudof’s response to the up as a Southern California native, ▶ The Guardian welcomes letters from its readers. miles. Though a good start, with Request for Contract Talks plight of these workers was business All letters must be no longer than 500 words, I have witnessed obscene sums of sources of water dwindling and the as usual. Instead of moving to imme- typed, double-spaced and signed with a name and money that young people spend on applicable title. Letters must also contain a phone designer sunglasses and clothing, and greenhouse effect of carbon diox- Dear Editor, diately solve this contract and meet number. We reserve the right to edit for length and ide, we must try to do more than Last Friday, 60 of the University the university’s moral responsibility clarity. Letters may be dropped off at the Guardian I will readily admit that I have been buy fuel-efficient cars and reusable of California’s lowest-wage workers to provide workers a wage that will office on the second floor of the Student Center or guilty of this myself. But this lat- grocery bags. When we consider went to the San Francisco office not keep them and their families in e-mailed. Send all letters to: est financial collapse has certainly the amount of resources used to of UC Regent Richard Blum. The poverty, President Yudof wrote a let- The UCSD Guardian opened my eyes to Obama’s message Opinion Editor produce meat compared with that purpose of their visit was to talk ter to AFSCME Local 3299’s presi- 9500 Gilman Dr. 0316 of fruits and vegetables, and that all with him directly regarding their dent expressing his strong feelings La Jolla, CA 92093-0316 See DISUNION, page 5

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the opinions of the UCSD Guardian, the University of California or Associated Students. THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009 THE UCSD GUARDIAN OPINION 5

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN By Niven Wilson Unprecedented Costs Call for an Admission–Standards Adjustment By Gabriella Capisani such as these are necessary to give Staff Writer hard-working high school students an break. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA It may be frustrating for current — Most undergraduates reminisce college students to watch changes about applying to college — back that will ease the process. Those when the whole admissions process admitted in 2006 saw another fat was a laborious, painful practice brick added to the blockade before of laying brick upon brick, until them, being the first to deal with a thick wall of varied SAT scores an additional SAT essay and the and extracurricular regrets stood test’s new 2,400 point value; those tall between you and your lifelong who applied this past fall experi- dreams — but those days are long enced possibly the most difficult gone. economic year, and may largely be As the recent economic crisis forced to settle with lower-standard uproots the foundations of so many safety schools. middle-class students, their con- These undergrads might feel that cerns shift from meeting admission changes discount their own admis- requirements to simply making ends sion, as less-rigorous demands meet. According to Collegewise. could result in less qualified future com, a professional college-admis- students. But this is hardly the case. sions blog, high school seniors will University of California officials be applying to fewer schools to have proposed a 6 percent cut to avoid excessive application fees, and freshman enrollment due to insuf- private schools will see a significant ficient state funding — now more decrease in applications as their than ever admissions officers will tuition is just not affordable. be selecting only the most talented Meanwhile, students will select applicants. However, the leniencies safety schools based on financial being discussed for 2009 appli- Credit, Natural Resources Not Unlimited security, rather than ease of admis- cants will help lighten the unnec- sion, which is traditionally the essary burdens within the process ▶ DISUNION, from page 4 is important for everyone to hear. we are supposed to be leaders. case. and make college more attainable of self-responsibility. Our president We don’t all have to become smelly Throughout history, a politician As families struggle to factor despite the times. Amid a dying can surround himself with all the hippies to be more environmentally who comes to power based on a academia into their tight budgets, economy, the cost of merely tak- Ivy League economists he wants, but friendly. And although Obama pro- platform of change can prove to be universities are, for a change, exam- ing the SAT may be prohibitively if we as a population don’t take the poses the creation of an entire new dangerous. There is no doubt that ining ways to make the process high for middle-class students, and time to save and spend our money green industry that will focus on Obama’s words have inspired a large less taxing. Along with indepen- affording test preparation is unre- wisely, these problems are not going energy innovation and provide thou- portion of our population to expect dent help and information that alistic. to disappear. I prefer to learn about sands of new American jobs, if indi- more from its government. However, applicants can procure from sites College students’ concerns about the Great Depression in history class, vidual citizens don’t start doing basic we must not fall into the trap that has like Collegewise, the UC Board easing the process are petty when not witness it firsthand. things like conserving electricity and been set for us. We must not let our- of Regents is considering a major set against the financial struggles The way we treat the environment water, it may all be for naught. If we selves be quietly lulled into believing change in testing requirements by applicants and their families are and handle our natural resources is all took the time to recycle our post- a shiny new president will instantly possibly eliminating the SAT II. facing. In this time of hardship, the another trouble area that government rager beer bottles and open windows solve our problems. Remember what And because high school seniors University of California is right to policy alone will not solve. I, for one, rather than run the air conditioning, our iconic, 35th President John F. can expect fewer acceptance letters ameliorate the weighty admission am certainly tired of being berated that would be a solid start. I know Kennedy said at his inaugural address: now that schools like those in the requirements. by tree huggers who want me to fixing the environment is something “Ask not what your country can do UC system are dramatically scal- wear compostable underpants, but a that necessitates a global undertak- for you — ask what you can do for ing down their admissions to deal Readers can contact Gabriella Capisani toned-down version of their message ing, but this is America dammit, and your country.” with the fiscal downturn, changes at [email protected].

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*Some restrictions apply, call (858) 534-3400 extension.ucsd.edu THE BEST SONGS IN HIATUS 7 boss THIS WEEK CONTACT THE EDITOR ditties Sonia Minden Antony and the Johnsons Cranes [email protected] hiatus • “Her Eyes Are • “Worlds” �� Underneath the Ground” • “Wonderful Things” THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009 FEEL-GOOD CITY KIDS & CAL GOLD CRASH THE LOFT Ca mpus Venue Unplugs for Squeaky-Clean Boy Wonders The Honorary Title The Morning Benders

he Honorary Title are a bit of an oddity in the college music scene. here’s the Golden State, the Golden Poppy, and of course, the Gold Rush; Wailing adolescent love songs over undistorted guitar chords, the ever since the first screams of “Eureka!” trembled down the Sacramento T Brooklyn-based musicians’ flippant hair cuts and good-boy looks T Valley back in 1848, California’s legacy has been defined by its relationship only further the impression that they belong on your 14-year-old sister’s to that little nugget of truth found up in the nether reaches of NorCal. Likewise, iPod. The thrift-store chic of guitarist/vocalist Josh Gorbel and drum- ever since the Morning Benders released their debut album Talking Through Tin mer/vocalist Adam Boyd suit them better for a guest appearance on “One Cans — whether you take advice from the guy behind the desk at Lou’s Records Tree Hill” than they do than at the Loft — full sleeves with an indie-Ken in Encinitas or the critics over at iTunes — all ends of the spectrum seem to agree: aesthetic. The Morning Benders have struck gold. COURTESY OF D But to superficially dismiss the duo is a disservice to their musi- Their liberation-rock revolt voraciously bobs its sea of grinning heads to a OGHOUSE cal acuity. It’s not quite arena rock — no soaring refrains, nothing RECORDS hand-clappable procession of steel wheels, churning out bohemian fantasy as if that’ll make you scream nonsensical lyrics along with your speakers — but beneath an open-air freight, cruising across the Pacific countryside. Berkeley vir- Gorbel’s range, complemented by unshakable sincerity, is compelling enough to command tuosos play an acoustic-guitar laden, piano-pounding drive to wrap us in an earthen Price Center East for a few short sweet ones. There are moments on their sophomore album, core of redwood — the exact aural remedy for stress- Scream and Light Up the Sky, that recall the Killers, but despite Gorbel’s strained and stately cries COURTESY OF P LUS ONE M USIC ridden muscles and dramatic winter tussles. about suburbia and teenage love, the Title never quite reach the grandeur or production value And how could one snag their ears a piece of such demanded by an egomaniac like Brandon Flowers. There are even a few riffs that seem, unex- fantastically golden musical sensation? Well, like any pectedly, inspired by Johnny Cash — if Cash penned empty threats about breaking up with his chunk of precious metal, we’ve simply had to wait unresponsive girlfriend (“If you don’t pick up the phone/ You will regret it/ I’ve said it before/ But for the goods to sift through the silt and make their this time I mean it”) instead of, well, shooting men in Reno just to watch them die. way down south. The morning contortionists will be The band’s youth lends an eager anticipation to their music, an upbeat optimism that you kicking off their tour from a perch within the glitter- might have been missing since your Spice Girls days. Flushed with hope and idealism, lost in a ing glass walls of UCSD’s newest performance space:. music scene constantly pushing electro-experimentalism, it’s a welcome (if unexpected) reminder the Loft. of feel-good guitar pop’s many virtues. The Honorary Title aren’t edgy or trendy, and they cer- Accompanied by the new-age folk duo of Los tainly won’t be showing up on the pages of Pitchfork or the Hype Machine anytime soon. But Angeles duo the Submarines — more often than not caught in the cathartic blades of a what they do attempt — unashamed indie rock guided by achingly earnest vocals — they clearly genre blender — the Morning Benders will bring your ears to their toes, your toes into achieve, with the simple acoustic strings of a songwriter undistracted by the world-weary postur- rhythmical throes and your face to a state that would make any mirror exclaim, “Wow, ing of outside music buffs. If nothing else, their honesty is worth a detour from Burger King. it glows!” The Honorary Title will play at the Loft on Saturday, Jan. 24. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Morning Benders will play at the Loft on Thursday, Jan. 29. Doors open at 8 p.m. BY MICHAEL BARRUS CONTRIBUTING WRITER BY WILLIAM RENAULD CONTRIBUTING WRITER Two Tired Thumbs DUST OFF YOUR BOOKSHELVES: THIS YEAR’S Down for the Loss of FANTASY IS BETTER LEFT ON THE PAGE EGM, Gaming Great ike an inferno cutting through forest bristles, the news that Hearst Corporation had acquired L the popular site 1UP.com set the gaming community ablaze two weeks ago. No one could believe it — or, more aptly put, no one wanted to. If the feat had been a simple baton pass from one owner to the next, there probably wouldn’t have been anything to worry about, but the repercussions have been far-reaching. Inkheart

Starring Eliza Bennet, Brendan Fraser & Helen Mirren Directed by Ian Softley Critical Hit! Rated PG PHILIP RHIE [email protected] By Amanda Martinek another copy of “Inkheart,” hoping to read the fictional characters back Staff Writer ++++++ into the pages and summon his wife in the process. During their library-crawling quest, the father and daughter meet ost recent in a long line of fantasy paperbacks turned sprawl- a fictional fire juggler — sporting a surfer’s shag and hip five o’clock The Jan. 6 transaction revealed that not only ing epic blockbusters, “Inkheart” doesn’t do the genre — or its shadow — seeking to reunite with his book-lorn family. But Mo had 1Up and its various sister sites fallen under M literary counterpart — much justice. Then again, it’s fitting that refuses to help him, and Dustfinger (Paul Bethany) turns them over to Hearst and its UGO.com brand, but that Ziff Davis a movie extolling the imaginative powers of literature degrade the pages Capricorn (played by a bald, Dr. Evil-looking Andy Serkis), a fictional, Media had effectively shut down Electronic Gaming from which it sprung. freshly animated villain living lavishly in our world. Though Mo tries to Monthly — arguably the most popular, respected, Reading the tale “Inkheart” as a bedtime story to his young keep Meggie out of the fairytale drama — leaving her in the care of crazy and longest-running gaming publication in the daughter, Mo Folchart (Brendan Fraser) accidentally frees the novel’s bibliophile Aunt Elinor (Helen Mirren) — they all end up at Capricorn’s nation — abruptly firing the vast majority of its edi- characters from their parchments and — with his undiscovered gift castle, where the real journey of saving Resa and restoring reality (sans torial staff a month before its 20th anniversary. of “Silvertongue” — gives them life. But, as Folchart soon realizes, his literary incarnations) begins. I suppose all good things must come to an end; gift comes with a price: As part of the bargain, someone from the real Not only have books coming to life become a worn trope in recent however, I didn’t think I, or anyone else, could’ve world must be taken into the book. After accidentally sending his wife years, but “Inkheart” follows closely on the heels of “Bedtime Stories,” anticipated just how much the end actually seethes. Resa (Sienna Guillory) deep into the ink, Folchart is then forced to raise a just-released film boasting similar plot lines (and that wasn’t Truthfully, the acquisition shouldn’t have come his daughter Meggie (Eliza Bennett) as a single parent for a long and as much of a surprise, especially since Ziff Davis had lonely nine years. He spends all his spare time desperately searching for See INK, page 9 filed for Chapter 11 last summer. I’m sure we were all shocked. But surprised? Not likely. COURTESY OF NEW LINE CINEMA Ever since key staff members started disappear- ing, subtle hints of the company’s mismanagement were obvious. Well-known personalities like Luke Smith, Bryan Intahar and Kathleen Sanders may have gone on to bigger and better things, but when influential figures like Mark MacDonald and then EGM Editor in Chief Dan Hsu became freelance writers, it stopped making any sense. Having lost a majority of the site’s leading names,

See EGM, page 9 8 HIATUS THE UCSD GUARDIAN THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009 recordings Crying Light Noble Beast ■ Antony and the Johnsons ■ Andrew Bird SECRETLY CANADIAN FAT POSSUM

We all know the world is crying. But it’s never been at DFA, those unashamed CocoRosie lez-dolls — has f 2007’s Armchair Apocrypha was thundering storm. But just in time, Bird quite so clear as when caught in the throat of the weepy, helped to shed years of scar tissue. On the revelatory Andrew Bird’s attempt to flock masses expertly reigns in the waves of tension towering Antony Hegarty, burdened at English-Irish Crying Light, Hegarty rolls around in the sheets of both I with lip-smacking pop appeal, Noble without catharsis for a full five minutes, birth with the androgynous hugeness of Mother Nature’s deathbed and cradle, mother and father, love and soli- Beast is clearly the stuff that keeps them never letting us tip too far over the edge. own voice, now heaving that entire pain in each moment tude, accepting life in all its awkwardness and no longer coming back, filled to the teary brim with Besides, “Anonanimal” is phenomenal for of song: No matter where you splice it, it’s as if someone bleeding for change. Meek, swishy lounge drums and an classic Bird tenderness. His overlay of its multisyllabic wordplay: “See a sea anem- had, all at once, sounded every rung in a grand, falling understated score of organic keys and strings (and the hand-clapping on an impressively whistled one the enemy will see the sea anemone/ forest of organ pipes. occasional reed) by composer Nico Muhly leave no cur- melody recalls a spray of wildflowers, each And that will be the enemy,” Bird effort- “Mama in the afterglow/ When the grass is green with tain to hide behind, and still, Hegarty doesn’t overcom- puposeful beat barely traceable from the lessly rattles atop a heavily crashing string grow/ And my tears have turned to snow,” hollows the pensate for the added spotlight to his one-woman show. melodic swarm but always merging seem- quartet. Here, the internal rhythm of lan- wheezy-beautiful she-man into album climax “Kiss My Choruses are never more than monologous refrains, and lessly with the next, threading a carefully guage overwhelms its dribbling meaning. Name,” finally finding enough peace in his own natural- themes are lolled out with such impeccable cool as to woven sonic plush. There are no obvious hits on Beast, ness to step back and realize — too late, it would appear feign improvisation. Beast charts an idyllic springtime land- which would suffer if not for the sheer — that he and we, the rest of humanity, have officially Without Hegarty’s hermit shell, the voice that always scape, where barely a quiet pessimism dexterity and wisdom of Bird, more than failed the nature that composed us. stole our breath is now almost blinding. “I’m gonna miss dares to linger. “Squint your eyes/ And enough to keep us patient. The album is a Gone are the queeny, art-folk contributors and self- the sea/ I’m gonna miss the snow,” he spreads across the no one dies,” croons our generation’s Pied masterpiece of subtle complexity — emo- conscious operahouse theatrics that beautified 2005’s “Another World” piano with impossible softness, fully Piper in “Oh No.” tional, not sentimental; smart, not smarmy. sophomore I Am a Bird Now, on which its headmaster exposed to the harsh air outside his inner turmoil but But “Anonanimal” shakes the Bambi Andrew Bird will perform live at SOMA grasped at the day when all would fall into place, when finally ready to bear that greater weight. pleasantries with anxious violin pizzicatos on Feb. 15. he could finally osmosis out the woman inside. But the and harplike swells. At any moment, in poise and fearlessness Hegarty has found in so many — Simone Wilson these waves of moody string surges, it — Hannah Kang artistic partners — the combative Bjork, the defiant disco Senior Staff Writer seems as though all might give way to Staff Writer

HIATUS PICKS THIS WEEK’S THE WEEK’S ON-CAMPUS BEST BETS “Burn After Reading” EVENTS druthers PRICE CENTER THEATER / JAN. 20 & 26 / 9 P.M. / $3 exit strategy Battered in a distinct “As I Lay Dying” sense of dark idiocy, eccentric characters profiled by nuanced actors are the Tapes ‘n Tapes hallmark of any Coen comedy. Once again mixing oft-casted TEEN ANGST THE JUMP OFF “HAPPY GO LUCKY” KARAOKE CASBAH / JAN. 25 / 8:30 P.M. / $15 actors (George Clooney, Frances McDormand) with new hires The Loft Round Table Patio Price Center Theater WEDNESDAY The ear-muffed, plaid-claid boys of Tapes ’n Tapes have (Brad Pitt, John Malkovich) in “Burn After Reading,” Joel and Jan. 22, 8 p.m. Jan. 23, 1 p.m. Jan. 27, 6 p.m. Porter’s Pub moved from the log-cabin creaks of their earliest endeavors to Ethan look to repeat the formula of their comedic schema FREE FREE $3 Jan. 28, 8 p.m. the more refined charm of latest album, Walk It Off. Funny — it with another misanthropic spin on a marginal genre. FREE seems like they don’t have much to walk off, with highbrow It might not look like a spy thriller — “Miller’s Crossing” Pitchfork praise and a legion of indie blogophants skipping in doesn’t resemble a jidaigeki and “The Big Lebowski” is CAMPUS RAIL TOUR ROB LO SPILLJOY ENSEMBLE COLLEGE BOWL their wake. Still, the Tapes have managed to retain their dorky certainly not film noir — but the tale of scheming, cartoonish humility, singing sugary blues with polka-kicked urgency to rival opportunists in “Burn After Reading” takes many a cue Matthew’s Quad Espresso Roma The Loft The Loft the Pixies. Sure, they’re just four pretty little fish in a big indie from CIA capers, exaggerating and embellishing moronic Jan. 23, 12 p.m. Jan. 26, 8 p.m. Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Jan. 28, 6 p.m. pond — but it suits ‘em just fine. (SM) plotlines wherever it sees fit. (EG) FREE FREE FREE FREE

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Cranes ■ Cranes DADAPHONIC

omparing Cranes’ lead singer Alison Shaw with the infa- “Worlds” serves as the album’s radio-worthy single, mous Dadaist rocker Don Van Vliet — better known to opening with those familiar pulsating strings and accompa- C most fans as Captain Beefheart — may seem a relatively nied by a genial electro-blip, but waxing catchy one-third of strange proposition. Although both musicians possess voices the way in as the Cranes slyly segue into a friendly, upbeat of the sui generis variety (which, in this age of manufactured promenade that demands instant replay. carbon copies, already makes them both cool) their pitches The remaining tracks sparkle with the same thorough will nonetheless draw inevitable repulsion from many a contemplation, allowing a band that’s more than been listener. Shaw’s childlike vocals recall a mythical siren, around the block to reach a young, tangible beauty and emerging from an infinitely placid lake at the center of some evoke a richly sensual universe often lost on tired vets to the nebulous forest, goading and drawing the weary traveler business. Unfortunately, nothing about Cranes transcends through an impenetrable haze — exactly the sort of thing pretty to grapple with the unexpected. All that the band that (understandably) pisses off a lot of people. attempts to do, the Cocteau Twins and Slowdive could do The Cranes’ sound has done some heavy evolving over just a little better (and already have). The track list also tends nine studio albums, emerging from a more riff-heavy shoe- to slip into a sort of repetition, causing us to unwillingly gaze to a subtler, softer and more ethereal place. Over 20 enter a struggle with relatively sustained bouts of boredom years after their debut, Shaw’s stark vocals are still in com- — something that could never happen while experiencing plete command, met halfway with the ubiquitous acoustic superior dreampop like Slowdive’s Pygmalion. stylings of brother and bandmate Jim and a comforting set Of course, this should not relegate Cranes to the used bin of electronic blips and pulses, all backed by a quiet thump- — far from it. The music therein is so reflectively unpreten- ing. tious that it completely flies about the new set of mediocre “Wonderful Things” is the self-titled album’s standout shoegazers; in fact, there’s a good chance that — seeing how 2008-2009 GUARDIAN GREEN CARD PARTNER track, showcasing not only marvelously seductive, insidious well time has treated them thus far — we’ll see these birds guitar work, but some of she-Shaw’s most powerful vocals take flight. But for now, we’re happy to let them preen. — proving that, despite her breathiness, she is still a capable of a good belt — and poetic lyrics possess a genuine tender- — Steven Ren ness and mystery to the saga. Contributing Writer UNBIASED GAMER PUBLICATION HUMANIZED $6 OFF WRITERS, SET STANDARDS FOR HONEST CRITIQUE ▶ EGM, from page 7 it’s only because EGM blazed fron- sive community for gamers from the many questions have been raised tiers. And while the most obvious toil of the older gamer generations. HAIRCUT regarding 1Up’s future. What’ll benefits of the magazine’s objectivity EGM’s editorial staff became our happen to all the talented editors, were the honest previews and reviews voice, expressing our opinions and 7728 REGENTS RD. writers and producers who were of both upcoming and existing games, asking our questions to those in and let go? What’ll be made of popular EGM’s greatest success spawned from outside of the industry. They became IN THE VONS CENTER podcasts “The 1Up Show” and “1Up its ability to take its readers seriously. as much a part of us as we became Yours”? And what’ll become of the As both video games and gamers of them. (858) 202-1776 community that 1Up helped foster became more sophisticated over the It’s with great sadness that we for an entire decade? But of all the years, so did the magazine. say farewell to a legendary publica- When you present this coupon or Guardian Green Card. questions to ask, I think the most Remaining true to its impartiality, tion and the imagined community Expires 08/31/09. important has yet to be approached: EGM began addressing the percep- we once called home. Though there’ll Why is it that we care? Companies tion of gaming within the general never be a magazine that could pos- fold. People get fired. So what makes public with topics ranging from video sibly fill the void that EGM has left the departure of EGM and its staff so violence and narrative structures to (and 1Up.com will inevitably con- painful? video games as fine art. And once tinue to exist), we all know it’ll never At a time when most gaming EGM combined with 1Up’s online be quite the same. publications acted as vehicles for publication, its writers themselves But even still, EGM’s story does commercial hype, purporting the became household names — well, have a silicon lining. The talented popularity of a given console (read: maybe not in every neighborhood. individuals who made the 1Up pod- Nintendo Power), EGM’s coverage Due in large part to the bril- casts such a resounding success have was admittedly a big fucking deal. liant success of the site’s numerous recently gone on to make podcasts of Upon its inception, the publication podcasts, 1Up did what EGM never their own — one of which, Rebel FM, made a point of staying unbiased and could: destroy the unconscious bar- currently sits pretty in the No. 2 slot covering almost any significant game rier between writers and readers. on iTunes. So while it’s a sad time for for every available system, anywhere Podcasts gave the staff real human gamers everywhere, at least we can in the world. qualities, experts could finally relate. know that the ghost of a great will The impartiality of gaming jour- In conjunction with editor blogs and continue to make its well-deserved nalism may be a standard today, but message boards, 1Up built an expan- presence known.

COURTESY OF NEW LINE CINEMA PRETTY FIREWORKS AND PRETEEN WONDER DON’T COMPENSATE FOR A FLAT FRASER ▶ INK, from page 7 seems above something of this sort) sion and keen cinematography that very good to begin with). But at least anchors the film, providing confec- recalls a luscious vista in the European Adam Sandler has personality; what tionary comic relief and a reason for countryside, spiced up by moderately has Fraser done in recent memory to anyone over 50 to watch the movie. applied pyrotechnics and over-the-top make us crave a copycat? Surprisingly, the only character to special effects. Though audiences might be spark a flicker of emotional response Kids that have grown up on Grand expecting a goofy, warm-hearted is Dustfinger, who provides an expres- Theft Auto and Reese’s Pieces for break- “George of the Jungle,” what they get sive range that effectively drives the fast know a thing or two about what’s instead is a somber, know-it-all father rather wimpy plotline. Despite playing exciting and what’s lame. Fortunately, figure that comes off as two-dimen- a fictional character, Bethany exudes “Inkheart” falls further into the lat- sional, boring and somewhat whiny. more selfish sincerity and complexity ter category — its flashy 106 minutes Though the young Bennett’s acting than anyone else on cast. barely merit a $3 Blockbuster fee — but prowess comes as a pleasant surprise, To its credit, “Inkheart” is still if you’re looking for somewhere to her character is written as a tad too decently crafted at the peripheries: deposit your grandparents while on mature for a prepubescent 12-year- It boasts a superb score that cap- babysitting duty, they’ll be thrilled for old. Fortunately, Helen Mirren (who tures climate and mood with preci- the in-theater nap. Guardian Classifieds are placed online and are FREE for UCSD. Low cost classified placements are for online and/or print are also available to the public. www.guardianads.com

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(1/22) FOR UCSD STAFF AND FREE STUDENTS ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS IN THE GUARDIAN Add your classified in PRINT: $5 for 30 words per issue THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009 THE UCSD GUARDIAN SPORTS 11 Tritons Can’t Hold Lead, Fall in Fifth Set UCSD Hosts ON DECK ▶ VOLLEYBALL, from page 12 CCAA Games After losing its first set 30-28, the men’s volleyball team bounced Men’s Volleyball back against Cal Baptist. Throwing This Weekend at UCLA down five aces, UCSD dominated Jan. 23 the second set 30-27. With a lead as ▶ JAM, from page 12 After dropping two con- big as 24-18 in the third set, UCSD to come out to games, the foremost secutive matches, the Tritons only saw the lead close gaps as the being the Tritons’ current undefeated will be searching for their first Lancers came back to win it 32-30. record in the California Collegiate win in Mountain Pacific Sports The highlight of the match for the Athletic Association. Riding an eight- Federation play as they trav- Tritons came in the fourth set, where game winning streak, the women’s el to face the eighth-ranked UCSD appeared defeated and chased team returns home to face Cal State Bruins (2-3, 1-1 MPSF), who a five-point deficit. Thanks to three Stanislaus on Jan. 23 and Chico State have struggled to meet their errors by Cal Baptist and Sprangler’s University on Jan. 24, two teams that lofty preseason expectations. three kills, the Tritons grinded to tie have seen slow starts to their seasons This showdown will mark the it up at 26, eventually rallying ahead thus far. third straight game against a to win the fourth set 30-27. Cal State Stanislaus comes into top-10 team for the Tritons, In the decisive fifth set, UCSD its game against UCSD tied for sev- searching for a statement win came out strong, scoring the first enth place with a 3-5 conference early on. One season ago, five points. The Tritons were led record, and last year’s CCAA cham- UCSD recorded its first win by Spangler and sophomore outside pion Wildcats currently stand at 4-4 in 34 tries against UCLA, win- hitter Joel Davidson who recorded in the conference, good for fourth ning a five-set epic at RIMAC kills early on. In a tug-of-war set, place. The Tritons are currently in Arena. Cal Baptist sealed up its victory and first place and on a quest to become ended on top with a fifth match the first team in conference history point. to post an undefeated CCAA record “We need to maintain overall for a full season. Swimming & Diving consistency in order to be success- “We don’t want to get compla- at UC Irvine, Cal Baptist ful,” Leserman said. “I thought we cent,” Martin said. “We’re taking it Jan. 24 played well throughout the game, one game at a time and continue to but a couple of mistakes cost us a progress and get better as a team.” After taking down cross- win.” On the men’s side, UCSD cur- town rival San Diego for the Junior outside hitter Jason rently owns a 5-3 CCAA record and eighth consecutive year, the Spangler led the Triton attack with has won its last two games. The Triton women hope to keep 21 kills on .327 hitting, while junior Tritons, defending CCAA champi- the momentum going as they opposite Frank Fritsch added 15 ons, will host the conference’s cellar prepare for a dual meet this kills. Guthals added 14 kills on .458 dwellers in Cal State Stanislaus and weekend. Both the men’s and hitting, while sophomore setter Phil Chico State. UCSD won its last two women’s swimming and div- Bannan had 56 assists. Leserman games after losing three games in a ing teams will hit the pool as also had a strong match for the row — a rough stretch that accounts UCSD travels north for its meet Tritons, recording 11 digs. for all of the team’s conference losses. with UC Irvine and Cal Baptist. The Tritons also faced No. 5 UC The Triton men will try to stay on Since coming together for the Irvine on the road on Jan. 21, but the winning track at its home games winter season at the start of this scores were not available at press this weekend. month, the Tritons have won all time. UCSD will face another top-10 “Hopefully more people will three of their meets. UCSD will team — No. 8 UCLA — on the road come out to support us and help us compete in one more meet on Jan. 23. win more games,” Stuckey said. during the last week of January before the postseason. WILL PARSON/GUARDIAN FILE Readers can contact Cameron Tillisch Junior outside hitter Jason Spangler recorded two digs during a five-set loss to Cal Baptist on Jan. 13. Readers can contact Janani Sridharan at [email protected]. Spangler is fourth on the team with 26 kills, despite only playing in seven of the team’s 11 games. at [email protected].

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20% off with reservations. Exp. 6/30/09 �� 858-454-1010 Please present this coupon or Guardian Green Card. HOT CORNER 12 Jason Spangler Men’s Volleyball CONTACT THE EDITOR Janani Sridharan The junior outside hitter led the Tritons [email protected] with 21 kills during a five-set loss to SPORTS California Baptist on Jan. 13. THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009 TRITON JAM TIPS OFF HOMESTAND Tritons By Janani Sridharan The men’s team did more than Suffer Dual Sports Editor just talk about themselves: Senior guard Shane Poppen performed a Nearly 1,500 students piled into daring jig upon introduction and RIMAC Arena on Jan. 20 ready to freshman guard Kirby Ruiz showed Losses on meet the UCSD basketball teams at off his air saxophone skills, earn- the eighth annual Triton Jam. With ing considerable applause from the free food, contests and prizes, the mainly student audience. the Road Triton Jam served as a precursor to “It’s fun to see other people on Spirit Night, UCSD’s annual show- campus,” redshirt senior forward By Cameron Tillisch case of school spirit that takes place Brett Stuckey said. “Most of the time, Contributing Writer this year on Feb. 20. I just see people walking to class, so “The Triton Jam is roughly pat- it’s nice to get a chance to meet and MEN’S VOLLEYBALL—The Tritons terned after Midnight Madness, but talk to them.” were outdueled twice last week in instead of doing it in the fall before While the Triton Jam was a good tough road losses at Cal Baptist the first day of practice, we do it opportunity for students to interact University and Long Beach State. before the first home game after the with UCSD’s basketball squads, the UCSD was handed its first loss on holiday break to reintroduce the bas- Tritons hope that the fans will come Jan. 13 at Cal Baptist in a classic ketball teams who haven’t played at out in larger numbers to the games back-and-forth grudge match, ulti- home in a while,” Senior Associate this season. On average, 899 specta- mately falling in five sets — 28-30, Athletic Director Ken Grosse said. tors attended men’s basketball games 30-27, 30-32, 30-27 and 20-22. The spirit rally consisted of shoot- and 438 attended women’s games at On Jan. 16, UCSD walked into ing contests for students — as well as RIMAC last season. a difficult matchup with No. 7 a few professors — and included priz- Women’s head coach Charity Long Beach State University at the es ranging from free Spring Quarter Elliott and men’s head coach Chris Walter Pyramid in Long Beach. The textbooks to a new iPod Touch. Carlson also addressed the crowd, Tritons were unable to stay com- Despite the enticing prizes, the emphasizing the importance of stu- petitive in what was the Mountain real highlight of the event was the dent support. Carlson spoke in par- Pacific Sports Federation opener for introduction of the Triton basket- ticular about a group of 18 students both squads, falling to the 49ers in ball teams. Members of each team that supported both teams through- three sets — 26-30, 26-30 and 30-32. introduced their fellow teammates, out their 2007-08 campaigns. The 49ers were tough to block from revealing personal and sometimes “Eighteen doesn’t sound like a lot, beginning to end, living up to their embarrassing quirks and character- but it matters,” said Carlson in his top-10 ranking. istics. address. “This weekend I hope to see The Tritons were led by red- “It’s pretty funny when we get to not 18, but 1,800 students.” shirt sophomore outside hitter Will talk about each other,” junior guard The No. 21 women’s basketball Ehrman, who had 18 kills on the Leilani Martin said. “It lets the stu- team has given fans plenty of reasons game on .333 hitting. Junior oppo- dent body know that we have a per- site Frank Fritsch added eight kills, DANIEL CADDELL/GUARDIAN sonality.” See JAM, page 11 while sophomore middle blocker Calvin Ross and sophomore outside hitter Joel Davidson added seven kills each. Senior libero Eric Leserman also recorded eight digs for the Tritons, while redshirt sophomore Adrian Guthals managed a team-high six blocks to balance out his five kills. Bannan recorded 37 assists overall for the Tritons. The loss drops UCSD to 1-2, 0-1 MPSF while the 49ers improve to 2- 2, 1-0 MPSF. “I thought we competed well with Long Beach State,” Leserman said. “There was nothing in particular we did wrong, one of their players just had an amazing game, and he made the difference. We have been playing well, and if we just play together, we will find success. So far, we’ve looked strong up and down. Our coach has just preached to play our game and maintain confidence throughout the JIMMY KAN/GUARDIAN season.” Top: Members of the crowd cheered on their fellow students in various competitions including knockout, free-throw shooting and 30-second shooting contests at the Triton Jam in RIMAC Arena on Jan. 20. Above: Junior guard Tyler Acevedo introduced his teammate to mostly student onlookers. Both the men’s and women’s teams will host Cal State Stanislaus and Chico State University this weekend. See VOLLEYBALL, page 11 UCSD Fencers Battle International Foes at North American Cup By Neil Joshi The men’s epee hosted a total of 245 any event. Runyan was impressed with Associate Sports Editor competitors, making it the biggest event Fong’s solid freshman campaign, calling of the weekend. Jon Normile of Metro him “a real talent” who has “legs like FENCING — The UCSD fencing team New York was the champion, and four springs.” She added that Fong is “a big spent the extra-long weekend taking of his teammates joining him in the top reason why foil has become our stron- part in the biggest competition of the 10 overall. Junior Nick McGuinness gest event as a team.” Gerek Meinhardt year: the North American Cup, a four- was the top Triton finisher in the event, finished first overall, beating out his day tournament in Louisville, Ky. The filling the 154th spot. Fellow junior Jed teammate David Willette in the finals. prestigious international spectacle fea- Bassein also took part, finishing 190th. Triton freshman Armin Chan was also tured the most talented group of fencers Freshman Casey Gillcrist was the only part of the 188-man field, and finished that the Tritons will face this season, Triton to take part in the women’s epee 79th. In the women’s foil, Doris Willette including some of the best fencers from which featured a field of 112. She stum- of Penn State University took home the around the United States as well partici- bled into a 107th-place finish, while title, beating out 103 other competitors, pants from Canada, Bulgaria, Ireland, Courtney Hurley of Texas took home including two Triton fencers. Senior Sweden, Israel and Ukraine. the title. Zitin Kachru ended the tournament Head coach Heidi Runyan said she Two UCSD fencers battled in the with a 76th-place finish, while freshman believes the North American Cup was men’s sabre among 145 participants. Pilar Alicea finished in 84th. an important stepping stone in prepar- Luther Clement of Metro New York Its biggest hurdle completed, the ing the Tritons for the stretch run. took home another championship for fencing team can now look ahead to “Our team really got acquainted his school as senior Bryan Kim led the an upcoming team competition against with some higher caliber fencers over way for the Tritons with a 77th-place UC Irvine and Cal Tech, which will take in Louisville, and it will help us in some finish. Triton junior Karl Chodakiewitz place at Main Gym on Jan. 31. That future competitions, especially the one ended the competition in 134th place. match will mark the final home date for in Notre Dame,” Runyan said. “Our Monica Aksamit from New Jersey won UCSD, after which it will hit the road team is much better prepared for the the women’s sabre, a competition in for two meets in February before the rest of the season, thanks to this experi- which no UCSD women took part. NCAA West Regional commences on ence.” The Tritons did their best work in March 7. All told, the competition consisted the men’s foil, with freshman Michael JOHN HANACEK/GUARDIAN of six events, a men’s and women’s tour- Fong placing 44th in the event, the Readers can contact Neil Joshi at The Tritons faced some of the world’s best fencers at the North American Cup in Louisville, Ky. on nament for the sabre, epee and foil. highest ranking of any UCSD fencer in [email protected] Jan. 16-19, including several fencers that were part of the Beijing Olympic Ganes last summer.