VOLUME 51 ISSUE 2 ESTABLISHED IN 1968
THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO WWW.THEUSDVISTA.COM
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Volleyball tears down the walls of Troy
Kevin Nelson / The Vista
Activists speak at Women PeaceMakers Program IPJ hosts series of women advocating for human rights By Jackson Somes NEWS EDITOR
“They know what it’s like to deal with power, they know what it’s like to deal with repression, they know what its like to deal with people with very different viewpoints,” Dean Luck says. Dean Luck, the dean of the Kroc School of Peace Studies, is talking about this year’s women of the annual Women PeaceMaker’s Program. This program, put on by the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, has now been held for 11 years. Each year, the event features four women who have been active in promoting peace through participation, whether at a national or international level. “They [the Women PeaceMakers Program] look for women who have outstanding contributions where they live, in their own countries and those are generally contributions to human rights and to peace and justice,” Luck said. This year the program invited Rutuparna Mohanty of India, Philister Baya Lawiri of South Sudan, Rehana of Bosnia-Herzegovina. These women participate in a discussion panel together and then have an individual conversations located at the IPJ Theater. Mohanty will be speaking on Oct.
1 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. As a lawyer, Mohanty has defended the rights of slum dwellers, fought for sexual harassment cases against powerful politicians and worked to see offenders accused of gang rape jailed. Mohanty has also worked from outside legal domain to assist the women of India. She has also established a shelter called Maa Ghara. This shelter provides aid sexually exploited women. Lawiri, speaking Sept. 26, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., began her interest in human rights campaigns in 1983. During this time she was an internationally displaced person who was inspired to become a human rights monitor after witnessing violations in the refugee camps. As a monitor she worked with women in the camps and taught them violations in court. Currently, Lawiri serves as the chairperson for South Sudan’s Civil Service Commission. Hashmi will be speaking Sept. 24 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. She helps women of domestic violence as well as women and girls who had been forced into fundamentalist, arranged marriages. Additionally, Hashmi has created two national women’s rights networks to aid women and promote their rights. is a psychotherapist and Islamist
NEWS 2-4
Syrian crisis hits USD Discussion panel held in IPJ Theater By Jackson Somes NEWS EDITOR
The Syrian civil war is nearing has resulted in more than two million refugees and, according to a U.N. estimate in July, has reached over 100,000 overall casualties. What began as an internal protest movement has developed into an international crisis. Protests against the government of Bashar al-Assad initially began during the heart of the Arab Spring movement back in 2011. Protesters rallied against government corruption, human rights abuses, while pushing for more personal rights. These protests occurred in several cities. The Assad government quickly met these demonstrations with large scale military action. In response to the military crackdown, protesters and military members who defected formed the armed rebel group, the Free Syrian Army. Since the founding of the FSA, the government military and the FSA have been at constant war. On Sept. 9, the Kroc School of Peace Studies held a discussion panel and what a potential U.S. intervention could mean. About the decision to hold a discussion panel, the dean of the Kroc School of Peace Studies, Edward Luck said, “I think it should be one of the roles of the Kroc School is to be on top of world events, to stimulate the thinking and bring information to the university community.” An additional prompt for hosting the discussion panel stemmed from the discussion on television talk shows largely revolving around the domestic politics of the Syrian crisis. “It [talk show discussion] wasn’t really about
FEATURE 8-9
Where to go when the lights go down in
Photo Courtesy of KIPJ
The Crisis in Syria sparks a need for conversation on USD’s campus.
the larger issues of war and peace and justice, that seem to me, to be the really critical ones,” Dean Luck said. The event started at 6 p.m. in the IPJ Theater and was moderated by Dean Luck. “The future of Syria and U.S. involvement in Syria touches very deeply both on peace and on justice” said Dean Luck as he opened the panel. al-Marashi, an assistant professor at California State University, San into a historical and international perspective. Al-Marashi explained
ARTS AND CULTURE 10-13
Being invaded on campus during your
AMC’s The Walking Dead returns for a fourth season this October PAGE 10
experience and your future PAGE 6
between two groups of people, the state versus the protesters,” al-Marashi said, “takes on a regional involvement.” Nongovernmental agencies such as Al-Qaida and Hezbollah also started to become actively involved in the with the rebel insurgents and Hezbollah backing the Assad regime. Next military superpowers, the U.S., Russia and and China began to
a sectarian nature. “Then began the began developing their own policy. Sunni versus Shia,’ or Alawite in this case,” al-Marashi said. The
SPORTS 14-16
Women PeaceMakers Program features the city Women’s Volleyball team takes down top four activist women set to speak at USD. A look at the best places San Diego’s nightlife ranked Trojans PAGE 4 has to offer. PAGES 8-9 PAGE 14 OPINION 5-7
Sunni Muslim population represents sixty percent of Syria’s population, according to a Washington Post article from 2012. Soon other regional countries began to align in terms of policy with
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The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
NEWS
EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Jackson Somes news@usdvista.com
Brittany Carava news2@usdvista.com
Sex and Scandal
By Jackson Somes
NEWS EDITOR If you have a television, radio, eyes or ears, then the name Anthony Weiner
In 2011, Anthony Weiner suffered
unfamiliar, Weiner, in the throes of a passionate correspondence with a female acquaintance, released a lewd
man either clearly has no idea where the Jackson Somes / The Vista
Panelists Dr. Ibrahim al- Marashi, Dr. Necla Tschirgi, RADM Stephen R. Loeffler and Dean Edward Luck
Smile Olympics,’ I hope he did not feel the pressure to live up to this title. In recent years, there has rarely
Syrian civil war discussion panel
SYRIA, continued from Front Page
In the event Assad does fall, who will rise to the head of Syria. chemical weapons, to deter the future
assistant and supervisor of the School of Peace Studies Anne Birkel said the event was the most popular event they’ve had.
Marashi said. stall
at
the
Minneapolis-St.
Paul
him? It’s an easy mistake to make. After
Idaho senate seat.
After an hour and a half, the event
One of the major focuses was on the use of chemical weapons to attack Syrian civilians. “We now are at a point
he sees no clear answer to the Syrian crisis in Syria and I followed it very resonated this sentiment and added, “I their support for the overthrow of the
discovered that he was a valued customer and loyal patron to the escort service,
and discovered, like I think everyone does, that there are no simple easy
more than 1,100 killed in the nerve of chemical weapons provides these the attack. Back in 2012, President
Breakdown of Religious Sects in Syria On the other hand, Iran, Syria,
speaker of the panel discussion, evidence of a chemical weapon attack. state law enforcement all had no notion
are vehemently opposed to overthrow military strike in Syria may invite, rather than deter, a military response from one of these actors.
Druze 3% ArmenianChristian 4% Kurd-Sunni 9%
Other 3%
Alawite 12%
Greek Orthodox Christian 9%
deter or prevent the use of chemical
Sunni 60%
if the downfall of Assad will unleash ordered militants to attack Americans to spend some more quality time with his mistress.
international norms as a prerequisite for
military action in Syria.
Graphic courtesy of Ivy Guild
Breakdown of various religious sects involved in the crisis in Syria. Statisitics courtesy of The Washington Post
our political system. If history is any
we to know the nature of these scandals?
unsuccessful this time around, I’m sure Jackson Somes / The Vista
The Panel Discussion on the Crisis in Syria overflow crowd.
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
3
NEWS
Bosnian PeaceMaker discusses passionate work for refugee women By Jackson Somes NEWS EDITOR
After war broke out in her home
The Bosnian War lasted from 1992 to 1995 and took place in BosniaHerzegovina. War broke out as a result of the breakup of Yugoslavia and was fought between several entities including the Republic of Bosnia and
also broke many social taboos that became recognized by the government as criminal. Domestic violence was one such taboo. “We did not speak of During her work in the refugee say that his daughter had been raped by her boyfriend and needed help.
to Montenegro to pursue higher
was continuously denied entrance to her home country because she did not a have a passport. Requiring passports for entrance into the country was a new policy established by the Bosnian government after the outbreak of the
bombing of cities and towns were widely used tactics in the Bosnian War.
girl who was eight months pregnant.
that they were no longer safe in their
The daughter revealed that it was her father who had sexually abused
sought refuge in the city of Zenica. It was at the Zenica refugee camp where
helping her cope and developing trust.
worked to see the man prosecuted. The father was sentenced to 16 years
peacebuilder. of the very few trying to enter the country. “Nobody believed me that to return to her family in a bid of desperation by paying a smuggler to get her into Bosnia. were one of the tales shared by her during the discussion with her on
Photo courtesy of Jackson Somes
public case of incest.
Sabiha Hus
many of whom were victims of sexual assault and rape. She would help the traumatized women by having them share their experiences and work to restore their dignity. “Women who survive sexual abuse need to be
started to come to the organization Medica seeking help for their own cases of domestic abuse. As a result of
the importance of understanding and respecting different religions. “I
Her work with these women was soon recognized by the NGO Medica
is
Islamic theologian and interreligious peacebuilder was featured as a part
women and children survivors of war.
series held by the Kroc Institute for
the director of Medica in 2007.
was adopted violence. improving
against
dialogue.
interfaith activity and dialogue were healthy and positive. During the violence by political leaders. With
provided much needed relief to the p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Editorial – 619.260.4584 Business – 619.206.4714 www.theusdvista.com
to
achieve
reconciliation
Taylor Cabalse- Editor in Chief Jordan Ondatje - Finance Director Alex LaClergue - Advertising Manager Katelyn Montero - Associate Editor Ian Rodgers - Managing Editor Ivy Guild - Art Director Jackson Somes- News Editor Brittany Carava- Asst. News Editor Kendall Tich - Opinion Editor Sara Butler- Asst. Opinion Editor Hannah Bucklin - Feature Editor
among
“religion helped me continue in my worked with use religion as a coping mechanism.
domestic To
interfaith
and KIPJ’s Interim Director Dee Aker
help
promote
religious
together women from various communities and utilizes workshops resolution. She also is a co-leader of
for voluntary activism as well as for her professional work with Medica Zenica by the group Volonteurope. On the achievements of her work and
Christian and Muslim women to achieve interreligious appreciation and respect.
Khea Pollard - Arts & Culture Editor Maya Arrieta - Asst. Arts & Culture Editor Davis Jones - Sports Editor Hunter Jameson - Asst. Sports Editor Hannah Holmquist - Copy Editor Kevin Nelson - Photography Editor Shannon Henley - Web Editor Dr. David Sullivan - Faculty Advisor Gina Lew - Student Media Advisor Marie Minnick - Operations Advisor
The Vista publication is written and edited by USD students and funded by revenues generated by advertising and a student fee. Advertising material published is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an commercial venues by the staff or University. The Vista ion in room 403B. All inquiries should be sent to: The Vista 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 all copies thereafter are 25 cents charge. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necesor of its student body. bers and writer’s year must be included in the letter. The Vista reserves the right to edit published letters. Any content sent to the editor will be considered for publication unless otherwise stated.
4
The Vista | Thursday September 19, 2013
NEWS Global women peacebuilders convene at USD WOMEN, continued from Front Page
Women PeaceMakers Program
EVENTS Tuesday, September 24th Conversation with Rehana Hashmi of Pakistan Photo Courtesy of Megan Theriault
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Theatre 12:30 p.m.
Women’s PeaceMaker Program features Rutuparna Mohanty, Rehana Hashmi, Philister Bays Lawiri and Sabiha Husic
Thursday, September 26th Conversation with Philister Lawiri of S. Sudan Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Theatre 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 1st
AS President promotes Torero spirit through passionate leadership By Brittany Carava
Conversation with Rutuparna Mohanty of India Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Theatre 12:30 p.m.
WorldLink Workshop with Women PeaceMakers
ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Room D 4:00 p.m.
All events are free.
Photo Courtesy of Alex Hermann
Hermann delivers his speech outside the UC at the Presidential Candidate Debate.
Ivy Guild/The Vista
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
OPINION
5
Campus reactions to the new Miley Cyrus After Miley Cyrus’ unexpected performance at the 2013 Video Music Awards and her recent, provocative music video, USD students were asked for their reactions. Below are displays of opinions from our campus community.
6
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
OPINION Who posts the most?
By Kendall Tich
OPINION EDITOR What we pretend we did this summer: Travel to every place on Pinterest, hang out with every person we posted “let’s get coffee sometime” to on Facebook, had as much fun as we said we did on Twitter, gotten into every club we posted a picture of on Instagram and partied as much as we said we did on Snapchat. What we really did this summer: pinned about the places we want to go, forgot about posting on peoples’ walls to hang out with them, tweeted everything we dreamed of doing this minutes of a night before we couldn’t get into the 21+ club and Snapchatted about how crazy a party was when we were really just sitting at our kitchen table playing board games with our families. But who will ever know what we really did? The pictures and posts tell an entirely different story. Even though we think we post them because our eyes looked pretty next to the sunset or our hair looked good in that lighting, it is really because social media has made us so competitive with each other that we need to exaggerate and misrepresent the truth to compete with the seemingly awesome pictures all our friends post. It is true that a picture can speak a thousand words, but pictures are only a tiny snapshot of a greater story. Maybe you were having a miserable time, but as soon as you got into that picture, knowing it would be uploaded to Facebook 30 seconds later, you faked a smile and put your hand on your hip so at least everyone who sees it thinks you are having fun. Social media has completely changed the way we think about other people, feel about ourselves and present ourselves to the rest of the world. It has opened the door to a revolutionary universe, but at what cost? It is often those same posts that others feel about you and how you feel about yourself, especially among the younger generations. It is no longer uncommon to hear about people crying over a post they saw on Facebook or yelling at a friend to take down the photo of them that they Instagrammed. With the introduction of all different kinds of social media, people have started to exert a lot of their energy comparing themselves to others. Social media has caused constant competition among the world’s youth and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Don’t get me wrong, I love when the number of likes on my Instagrams switches from appearing as names to appearing as numbers but how does the number of likes say anything about me as a person? So what if you post a photo of yourself gazing at a sunset — yes, I am sure those would both be very neat experiences but does looking at the sun make you better than everyone else? Is a picture of the side of your face staring at something that could make you blind if you look for too long really say anything about you besides the fact that you maybe need some sunglasses? There is such an emphasis on the number of likes, the number of comments and the amount of pictures you are tagged in that people begin to overlook the reasons why things are get on your Instagram may be because you have a lot of friends but it could also be that you just posted a cool picture. Your followers aren’t always your friends and unfortunately, that’s something that people have started to confuse. There is no doubt that social media has changed the way people interact and feel about others. Whether or not those changes are inherently good or bad is still to be decided. If used properly, social media and all of its functions can progress and advance society in a way that 10 years ago, we never would have even imagined. Unfortunately, right now there is such a drive to appear a certain way that people pay more attention to comparing themselves to others and competing with other peoples’ posts instead of using social media for its positive intentions — maintaining old friendships, showing people glimpses of your life and interacting with others on the largest networks of communication in the world.
EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Kendall Tich opinion@usdvista.com
Sara Butler opinion2@usdvista.com
Benefits of getting involved at USD By Sara Butler ASST. OPINION EDITOR
these are two very valuable skills for college and the work force. Further, in their book How
According to our university’s mission statement, USD is “committed to the dignity and fullest development of the whole person.” While many colleges are primarily concerned with a student’s academic performance, USD is devoted to the growth of a student as a whole, focusing on social and spiritual identity as well as the academic initiative. Our university has hundreds of ways to get involved on campus, hosting a variety of clubs, teams, and organizations. If you had a chance to visit the Alcala Bazaar last week, you have an idea of just how many opportunities there are. Although you may know the magnitude of options the university has to offer, you might be wondering why you should get involved in the
Pascarella and Patrick T. Terenzini’s research “indicated extracurricular involvement has a positive impact on attaining a bachelor’s degree and on educational aspirations.” Not only does involvement help a student’s current academic state, but it can also lead to a better chance of achieving the longterm goal of a college degree to secure a job or a spot in graduate school. how her experience has helped guide her through college. “In the past three years I have been involved all over on and off-campus through clubs, academic programs “Getting involved for me was about into leadership positions that I can actively see preparing for life beyond graduation. My most important area of involvement to me has been being a PA
college courses put on us, why add more commitments into the mix? According to US News, this students feel more connected to the school, build a community, discover their passions and strengths, build their résumé, and improve their grades. First, students who take the initiative often will feel more linked to our university. Oftentimes, they are aware of the latest Torero news and are up to date with events going on around campus. Further, participation may create a more comfortable environment in which we can better live and learn. university, you will have a “home” to come back to surrounded by supportive and interesting people. environment,
you
will
discover
made some of my best friends through this and it has helped me to be a better student and a better leader.” Kevin Nelson/TheVista
USD Greek Life students become involved on campus by participating in Greek Week.
what your passions are. While some people assume that these interests stay consistent in the transition from high school to college, you may be surprised by the way they can change. Exploring different groups can expose you to a new hobby you may not have given a chance a few years ago. Joining a variety of clubs or activities can also help shape your résumé. Dipping your feet in a wide array of opportunities will diversify your experience. Not only will this enrich your individual sophistication, but the range of involvements will also be impressive to future employers. While reading this, you may agree
with the validity of my points, but argue that it still does not change the stress and workload of your classes. You may still believe that there is no activities into your schedule. However, according to US News, campus involvements have proved to maintain or improve a student’s grade point average. They claim that having more free time does not mean that students will achieve higher grades in their courses. While it differs from student to student, busier students may do better in both areas. This may require more organization and time management from the individual, but
by the US News, engagement in college activities serves as a wonderful leadership opportunity. These leadership roles can teach you valuable life skills that you cannot learn from a textbook. If you look outside the classroom, you may grow in ways you never though possible. students more than one may assume. academic performance, it helps to foster the development of the whole person that USD is dedicated to supporting. Keeping this in mind, next time you see a table for a club or organization, think twice before walking by. Signing up for something new may be just the thing you and your future are missing.
Seven things I wish I knew Freshman Year By Siena Pugnale CONTRIBUTOR I am a senior this year at USD. So, I think that gives me somewhat of an authority to look back on my time here and realize that there are things I probably should have done differently. For those of you who have just begun tips helpful. And, for those of you who have done similar things or wished entertaining. Either way, these are the seven things I wish I had known upon entering USD my freshman year. First: Find your place to study. lost when it came to studying. I know the typical college student decides that the library is the best place to study: it’s quiet, full of resources and seemingly very conducive to studying. For me though, I found the library to be dull and uninteresting and I felt trapped sitting in the pew-like seats. I also felt that I couldn’t concentrate if I studied in my dorm, since my roommate and I were such close friends. So, I was a new place to study on campus. I often mix it up and spend a couple hours in La Paloma then head over to Aromas if I get distracted. If I am really feeling motivated, I head down to Mission Beach to study at Better Buzz. There, I am focused and can really get a lot of work done. By switching the environment I study in studying, I have been able to perform better on homework, reading, tests and assignments. Second: I’d like to point out how fantastic college food is. No, it may not be your mom’s cooking or your grandma’s famous cake. But, it isn’t half bad for the time being. In fact,
received an “A” ranking for on-campus dining. So what is there to complain about? Even though the SLP can get crowded at times and the food tends to repeat itself, there are other options on campus that are as good as going anywhere off campus: like La Paloma! So before you go spending a ton of money off campus, try exploring all the options offered right at USD! Third: Don’t walk with your head down — you will run into someone else or some kind of building or pole. Since we were ranked as the most socially awkward school, there is no doubt that everyone who walks around on their phones is actually just doing it to avoid social interaction with people they walk by. As tempting as it may be to put on your sunglasses and play a to avoid saying hi to people, you will probably end up walking into a person, a tree or a building and that will create an even more awkward interaction! Fourth: There is actually somewhere to eat behind Mother Rosalie — it is called Bert’s and it took me a year to even realize it existed. This also ties back to my point that college food can be really good. Bert’s now even has a sushi bar and everything else tastes like an off-campus restaurant. If you sit outside, you get a great view of the bay and it makes a beautiful environment for both socializing and studying. Fifth: Parking is absolutely it. As much as anyone complains or drives around, parking will always be terrible. I have often wondered why we don’t just build another parking structure closer to classes, but that’s another discussion entirely. So, in my time at USD I have learned that if you want front row parking, you need to take VERY early classes — like those dreaded 7:45am classes that everyone
Kendall Tich/The Vista
USD Freshmen, some of whom live in Maher Hall, often enter college with different expectations and could use a bit of advice from the seniors.
tries to avoid. If you aren’t a morning person though, another option is to just resort to parking in the west lot. At least you’ll know ahead of time to go there instead of wasting time driving around in search of a spot on campus. very helpful and will assist you with anything and everything. It is not just for seniors looking for jobs or internships after graduating. You can advice on how to pursue your career as a college student. They are very available, helpful and friendly and are hoping to be given the chance to
support you in any way they can. So don’t stress over internships or jobs. Seventh: You will have the best four years of your life here. So, go out when you think you should stay in. Dance when no one else is. Do your homework three days in advance so you can go out with your friends the next day. Sign up for every club in campus so you can be as involved as possible. And have the best time of your life because these are the last 4 years you will have to be as goofy, crazy and irresponsible as possible!
Come vote for the new AS Senate! By Kaitlyn Finegan AS CONTRIBUTOR
Welcome back, Toreros! And for those of you who have just joined the USD community, welcome to the family! On behalf of Associated Students, we hope you have found yourself getafter last week’s Alcala Bazaar. For those of you who are unfa-
miliar with Associated Students, we serve the undergraduates of USD as
In this upcoming election voting will occur for the 15 residential senator
opportunities for growth and expression, address student issues and enrich a diverse, inclusive and engaged community. The Senate will be elected this Thursday, September 26, comprised of thirty senators who represent residential areas (freshmen housing, upperclassmen housing, commuters) as well as the academic colleges of our school
of Arts and Sciences senator positions. Along with addressing the concerns and issues of their respective constituents, senators stand on a committee that focuses on any of the following topics: Academics, Inclusion & Diversity, Student Life or Student Organizations. Each senator will maintain close working relationships with the administration, faculty and staff in order to -
of Business, School of Engineering).
cial to the student population. be representing and advocating for the next academic year, please take the time to participate on Voting Day! The link to the voting page will be available on your MySanDiego Portal from 9 am-9 pm Thursday, September 26. For those of you who will be on campus, there will be voting booths available from 12-2pm in front of La at the voting booths!).
The views expressed in the Opinion section are not necessarily those of The Vista staff, the University of San Diego or its student body.
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
OPINION Fear of missing out on studying abroad
7
By Tatum Hohl
CONTRIBUTOR Peer pressure. That’s why I chose
24/7.
Photo Courtesy of Tatum Hohl
USD study abroad students, including Tatum Hohl, spend a day on a gondola in Italy exploring the canals.
Is college preparing us for the real world? By Kendall Tich OPINION EDITOR
Kevin Nelson/ The Vista
Most of the late nights spent studying in college in order to memorize facts and regurgitate them on a test become irrelevant in the real world.
Letters to the Editor Policy
The Vista strongly encourages letters to the editor from students, faculty, staff, administration and the community.
Correspondence should be sent to editor@ usdvista.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” Letters for the up-coming edition are due Saturday by 6 p.m.
Submissions should be limited to 500 words and must include verifiable contact information. Letter content is subject to editing for clarity and style.
The Vista does not publish anonymous letters, those addressed to a third party or letters in poor taste.
The views expressed in the Opinion section are not necessarily those of The Vista staff, the University of San Diego or its student body.
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The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
FEATURE
EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR
Hannah Bucklin feature@usdvista.com
Ivy Guild iguild@usdvista.com
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
9
FEATURE
SAN DIEGO AFTER DARK
Looking for something to do on the weekends? San Diego has countless things to entertain you!
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is San Diego’s beachfront amusement park and entertainment center. Even though it may seem that Belmont Park is only open in the daytime, it does offer some fun activities at night. A roller coaster, bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl and thunder boats are only a few rides located in Belmont Park. Fun for any age, Belmont Park is a great place to spend your day or your night. Rides aren’t the only things that Belmont Park has to offer. There is a lot of food and shopping. Wave House Beach Club offers the infamous Californian lifestyle, offering people cabanas and hammocks that are surrounded by tikis. Belmont Park also contains many different ice cream and sweet shops to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you are looking for a relaxed, fun environment and comfort food, Belmont Park is the place to go.
The baked bear
The Beachcomber Located in student-populated South Mission Beach, The Beachcomber, most commonly known as Comber is a popular spot for those 21 and older. Comber is a fun bar that offers USD students a place to unwind and socialize with friends. The Comber isn’t your typical bar as it hosts a variety of different events, such as trivia on Tuesdays and karaoke on Wednesdays. Beer or Bust Fridays offer the best beer deal on the beach from 8pm to 10pm. Do you like to listen to live DJs? If so, Comber has that too. Thirsty Thursday’s include a DJ and no cover fee. In fact, Comber never has a cover fee. If you’re a student on a budget looking for a bar that offers the best deals on the beach, then Comber is the place to go. The most appealing aspect about Comber is that for most USD students it is located only a few steps from their front doors.
House of blues
House of Blues is one of the best places for concerts in San Diego. With its chill and low key vibe, The House of Blues is the perfect spot to spend a weeknight. The House of Blues is located downtown and hosts a variety of concerts. The venue offers yummy food and delicious drinks. This is a music spot for those who are under 21-year-olds.
Sometimes the most appealing thing to do on Saturday night is to go to the movies with friends or a significant other. Hillcrest Cinemas is a great place to go to the movies because unlike Fashion Valley it is in an area where there are tons of restaurants. Hillcrest is one of the many little towns within San Diego that offers its own unique restaurants. Be sure to try out one of the amazing restaurants such as Amarin Thai or Ristorante Arrivederci before or after the movie.
FLUXX
Old Town
Sushi Kuchi
Pacific Beach is a hub for trendy bars and restaurants and Sushi Kuchi is no exception. One of the best sushi restaurants in PB, Sushi Kuchi takes sushi to a whole new level. Not only is the food good but so is the experience you get while eating there. If it’s your birthday than that is even better; the servers will turn off all the lights and sing to you in front of the whole restaurant. Sushi can be a whole lot more than just fish, and that is what makes Sushi Kuchi a fun place to go eat.
New to the Pacific Beach area, The Baked Bear is already a major success. It is the perfect place to appease any late night munchies. The Baked Bear is an ice cream shop where you can pair any ice cream flavor, cookie, brownie or waffle to make an ice cream sandwich. One favorite sandwich combo is a red velvet cookie and brownie paired with vanilla ice cream. Definitely check out The Baked Bear when walking around PB.
Hillcrest cinemas
Image by Kevin Wright
Being so close to the Mexican border has made San Diego a city that celebrates Taco Tuesdays and old town is just one of the many places to go to get your discount drinks and tacos. Cafe Coyote, Miguel’s and El Fandango are only a few of the authentic restaurants in Old Town. When you walk around old town you are surrounded by mariachi bands and colorful lights and you truly feel like you are in Mexico. A bonus to Old Town is that is it just down the hill from USD and the tram takes you there and back.
Fluxx has been rated San Diego’s top nightclub three years in a row. Located in Downtown, San Diego Fluxx is known for their music, venue and a star-studded guest list. Fluxx’s venue includes a huge dance floor that is surrounded by VIP tables. The nightclub hosts DJ events and is a popular concert venue for many artists, including rapper A$AP ROCKY, who performed at Fluxx last spring. Fluxx is a place for those who like music and love to dance. It has an atmosphere that will keep you off your feet and keep you coming back for more fun. Images by Ivy Guild/ The Vista
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The Vista | Thursday, Septemper 19, 2013
ARTS & CULTURE Life Changes
EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Khea Pollard arts@usdvista.com
Maya Arrieta arts2@usdvista.com
Feast on a whole bunch of zombies The Walking Dead begins its fourth season this October on AMC By John Barnum CONTRIBUTOR Halloween is fast approaching, but for some it may be hard to get in the be the return of critically acclaimed marauding television screens in October of 2010, this series quickly became what Entertainment Weekly dubbed the “greatest thriller ever produced for
By Khea Pollard ARTS&CULTURE EDITOR We are a people who need people. This has become more clear to me the more life I live. The more life experience I gain I realize that I can’t always be the loner I have been accustomed to in high school. For many of you students just starting out in college, the transition may be tough. There is added stress from new classes drastically different from what you’re with professors you hate. The social like your old one used to. I understand completely and I have a message for you. There are approximately 1200 students in the new freshman class. Chances are, one of your classmates will want to befriend you. So don’t students now so it is fundamental that we get to know ourselves only for ourselves. It is absolutely normal to want friends. It’s a proven fact that humans need physical, emotional and spiritual connection with other human beings. Those feelings of homesickness and even loneliness are absolutely normal. A solution for this is to branch out. My entire freshman year was spent in a single room. The single was lovely and I valued my privacy as a new student. That said, it did impact my socialization skills. There were many wonderful people to get to know in the halls of Missions B. Much of my time was spent off campus with other extracurricular activities or catching up on much needed sleep in my single. This left me only a fraction of time for creating those close connections and having fun doing so. It didn’t help that I am naturally a loner who enjoys solitude. I did not come into college as a very social being. Since then, I’ve come a long
The show was adapted from a comic book series written and created by Robert Kirkman; it stars Andrew Lincoln, Stephen Yeun, Norman Reedus, David Morrissey, Danai Gurira, and Chad Coleman. Executive producers include Scott Gimple, Gale Ann Hurd, David Alpert, Tom Luse, Greg Nicotero, and Robert Kirkman. Reading the comic book series is not a pre-requisite to watch. Those that have read the series may not know every turn with director Greg Nicotero at the wheel, who says that he wants to approach every episode as if he were starting from scratch. By adapting the plot and adding new characters, the writers of The Walking Dead can still surprise even the most religious comic book followers. The show features small town sheriff, Rick Grimes, played by Lincoln, who is put into a coma by a gun -
his family, once there he comes face to face with the largest congregation of hungry freaks since Woodstock. There he meets Glen, played by Yeun, who leads him to his distraught family surviving within a group that Rick then takes leadership of. The show then centers on Rick leading this group through all the trials that a zombie apocalypse can give. Not only but he must deal with challenges to his leadership, preserving what hope there is left, and raising his son in a world where morals and ethics are a thing of the past. Season three introduces notorious characters from the comic book series including a diabolical tyrant known as
Photo courtesy of AMC
and two major allies to Rick and his group, Michonne, played by Gurira, and Tyreese, played by Coleman. With the help of Rick’s right hand man Daryl, played by Reedus, and the rest of his crew, Rick survives into season four. Surprising considering almost half the cast was lost in the season three Season four approaches starting Sunday Oct. 13 9/8c on AMC; this season will include 16 episodes this year base for this show has grown exponentially since it has aired. So large in fact, that a show has been dedicated entirely to talking about each episode. Talk-
friendly people. It’s just important that you know where to look and to keep your eyes, heart and mind open every day.
plenty of that. It has a well-rounded plot and storyline that could capture any audience. Also one should note that the show has received two Emmy awards for outstanding Prosthetic Make-up, a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Television Series- Drama, and two Writers Guild of America Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Derivative New Media among others. Full episodes can be viewed on sites such be read on Wikipedia if one wanted to catch up on the action before jumping in to the current season. Even if walking corpses have never particularly sparked interest, taking a little nibble can’t hurt.
24 hours a day. 24 issues a year.
needing the security of friends and especially family. If I had not allowed myself to be vulnerable with new people I never would have discovered how good it feels to rely on another person. It’s a truly humbling experience to feel attached to someone new. I realized you could have people around you that care for you. For those of you that are like me, sometimes you want to be surrounded by people, sometimes you don’t. All you need is that core group of friends to breathe life back into you when you are in need. What I’ve learned is that it is important to have this group of trustworthy people in my life while remaining open to building new friendships. As a new student here, I made friends through organizations on campus and even during some of my classes. You’d be surprised what a group project or two will do for your social life. If you see someone interesting while you’re in class or just walking around campus talk to them. Seriously, talk to them. You never know if that person could be your new best friend. It is true that it gets harder to build friendships as you age. As you get older each person you meet comes with their own set of baggage packed with life’s lessons. That’s why college is prime time to develop personally as well as build strong interpersonal relationships. With any luck, the people that you meet now will stay connected with you for years to come. I still have friends now that I’ve known from elementary school. I anticipate that some of the amazing people that I’ve met here at USD will be in my life long after graduation. Today I still struggle with feelings of loneliness. Maybe they will never completely disappear. I’m not one to keep a huge circle of friends. Through experience I know now that
ing Dead airs immediately after The Walking Dead and includes questions by fans, celebrity guest stars from the show and celebrity fans who are just as excited as every caller phoning in. The after show special is an hour long, live event, hosted by comedian and professional nerd, Chris Hardwick; the show features behind the scenes facts and footage. Recent shows have had live performances, zombie survival tips, interviews with the cast, and spoilers for the next weeks episode of The Walking Dead. Many may be skeptical about a drama featuring ‘zombies’, however, The Walking Dead is not all Zombie kills, feasts and gore, though there is
KEEP CALM AND
SHOOT ON
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Writers needed!
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The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
11
ARTS & CULTURE
That all-nighter might cost you, but at least your checking won’t.
®
U.S. Bank Student Checking offers: - No monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance1 - Free ATM transactions at 5,000+ U.S. Bank ATMs and 3,000+ branch locations in 25 states
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- 4 free non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions per statement cycle2 - Free Online and Mobile Banking3 - Free email and text alerts to notify of payment reminders, low balance, deposits made3 - Free online statements4 - Free first order of U.S. Bank logo checks
Visit the on-campus U.S. Bank branch located at the Hahn Building to open an account today.
Checking
Savings
Online & Mobile Banking
Financial Education
branch usbank.com/student 800.771.BANK (2265) From MONEY Magazine, October 2012 ©2012 Time Inc. MONEY is a registered trademark of Time Inc. and is used under license. MONEY and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of U.S. Bank. 1. All regular account opening procedures apply. $25 minimum deposit required to open an account. 2. A surcharge fee will be applied by the ATM owner, unless they are participating in the MoneyPass® network. 3. You may be charged access fees by your carrier, dependent upon your personal plan. Web access is needed to use Mobile Banking. Check with your carrier for details on specific fees and charges. 4. Optional paper statements available, for a fee. Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.
San Diego’s displaced are homeless but not helpless Dreams for Change’s Safe Parking Program helps the homeless get back on their feet By Vanessa Zamorano
this program provides are services already available through several San Diego Organizations, such as Legal Aid, but many do not know are available to them. Participants are connected with the resources necessary to help them transition back into housing and employment. Participants are people who were cial crisis. These are people who had meaningful employment, possess college degrees and or were business owners. The Safe Parking Program is a perfect solution because it provides the support required to rebuild and reenter society. A success story published by the program described a couple temporarily homeless and living out of their vehicle because of an income tax lien. Program advocates were able to review past tax returns and found mul-
CONTRIBUTOR As students, it is easy to get caught up in our daily lives and forget about bigger problems and struggles outside of USD. While it is not something done purposely, it occurs because the majority of us live, learn and socialize on campus. The homeless population in San Diego is a more than often overlooked. In 2012, there were 10,000 homeless in San Diego, the third highest number in the nation according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In early 2013 North County Lifeline counted 8,900 homeless in San Diego County with 64.6 percent of them in the city of San Diego. The homeless population in San Diego is not only made up of older single individuals but of children, teenagers, young adults and even entire families. The ongoing unemployment crisis has caused a rise in temporarily unemployed families and individuals. Students on campus are sympathetic to the unfortunate conditions some San Diegans are living and taken steps to help. Juinor Hawi Angassa lives on campus but frequently commutes to attend church off campus, where she often sees homeless. “My heart goes out to the homeless and all people less fortunate. I know that many do not have access to luxuries such as attending USD and I hope to use my education to help the less fortunate one day.” Like Angassa, many students have the desire to assist the less fortunate. Graduate student Nancy Vera worked with Teresa Smith, cofounder of the ment the Safe Parking Program. According to their website, the Safe Parking program strives to create a safe place for temporary homeless by providing them a safe place to stay overnight and provide access to resources to transition them back into housing. This program is intended to build upon the Center for Working Families
lien and payment plan. A different individual was connected to Legal Aid through the program and received tremendous consumer advocacy help with a car lease that ultimately resulted in a full refund and the necessary funds to re-entering housing. There is a great need for organizations like this one because it prevents temporarily homeless individuals and families from falling further
Photos courtesy of USD and The San Diego Reader
a foundation that assists low-income The Safe Parking Program in San Diego is located at New Life Assembly, 766 28th St, San Diego, CA 92012. It operates everyday starting at 6 p.m. There are program volunteers and staff on site every night. There is an application and basic eligibility requirements. Applicants must arrive between spe-
the church parking lot Participants are provided with basic needs such as blankets, canned food, bottle water and toiletries. Participants attend educational goals that focus on goal setting, survival budgets participants to review their individual
plan. Children are provided with a safe place to complete their homework, develop friendships and play. Participants are provided with a community with whom they can share stories, develop friendships and provide each other support. The Safe Parking Program targets individuals and families who are temporarily homeless, that were derailed
The homeless population is San Diego is not a concern we constantly discuss in class or even less, in our own conversations. It is as if the homeless are an invisible population of individuals. We do not see many homeless near campus and thus, is easy to not think of them. However, we should follow in our fellow students’ footsteps and take action to make a difference. The homeless situation in San Diego is only one of the many conditions of life San Diegans are faced with. There are multiple ways to become involved and assist those less fortunate than us. College is a time to better yourself both as a student and a human being, and what better way than to give back to your community.
12
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
ARTS & CULTURE
EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Khea Pollard arts@usdvista.com
Maya Arrieta arts2@usdvista.com
TORERO OPINIONS: What do you think about the new La Paloma?
Victoria Ross Senior
“This is actually ing in. I think it has ”
Junior
Senior
Sophomore
Senior
“It’s so much
The Vista needs writers! - Get your work published - Organize your thoughts - Make new friends in a fun and professional environment - Stay on top of current events email lvujovich@usdvista.com for more information
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
13
ARTS & CULTURE
Fall TV Show Crossword Across
Down
3. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and Kelly Rowland search America for “The ___ _____” ing LL Cool J through Los Angeles 7. Group of high schoolers singing their hearts out 11. New cop comedy featuring Saturday Night Live’s Andy Samberg 13. Fox comedy about a girl and her three male roommates 14. New ABC drama about lottery-playing coworkers
1. Detectives Benson and Munch investigate crime in NYC 2. Main character Ted tells the story of how he met the love of his life 4. Singing competition judged by Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera 6. CW’s spinoff starring Sec and the City’s leading lady 8. Main characters have to apocalypse 9. Drama about the professional and personal lives of doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital 10. Rachel Bilson relocates to Blue Bell, AL in “Hart of ____” 11. The winning contestant has actually lost the most 12. Emily returns to the Hamptons in a quest to avenge her family
Answers to previous crossword
September
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
15th
16th
17th
18th
19th
20th
21st
91X Fest feat. Blink 182, The Atomic Groove Offspring, 30 @ Seconds to Mars
@ Sleep Train Amphitheatre at 3 p.m.
Belly Up Tavern at 5 p.m.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
22nd
23rd
24th
25th
26th
27th
28th
Fall Out Boy
Ben Rector, The Walking In Between Tour
@ Valley View Casino Center at 7:30 p.m.
@ House of Blues San Diego at 7 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Images by Wikimedia Commons Ivy Guild/The Vista
14
The Vista | Thursday, September 26, 2013
SPORTS Blurred (Side) Lines
EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Davis Jones sports@usdvista.com
Hunter Jameson sports2@usdvista.com
Around The Horn: San Diego sports update By Matthew Roberson Contributor
San Diego’s two professional sports teams are currently at opposite ends of their seasons. The lowly Padres last place in the National League West, where they have ended up twice in the last six years. In fact, since superstar Adrian Gonzalez was traded to the Boston Red Sox after the 2010 season,
By Davis Jones
SPORTS EDITOR National Football League referee Bill Leavy added to his season list of botched calls during Sunday’s Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns game. There’s a whole section in the league rule book devoted to the play that’s fortunately many more words than this column allows. All you need to picture is a Cleveland muffed punt return, what appears to be a Vikings touchdown, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Minnesota bench, 63,672 Minnesota-accented cheers turn into 63,672 accented screams and one referee whose scrunched-up face looks like he’s about to be killed by 63,672 Minnesotans with accented screams. Leavy admitted the mistake later that day. This all came a week after he screwed up a call in a game featuring the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers, who won by six points after receiving an extra down in the second quarter. Cleveland won Sunday’s game by four points. Poor referees matter in the way that jury duty matters: the calls are just and proper and protocol only until they happen to you. We decided to predict Leavy’s next few missed calls this season. I’m taking a shot Leavy will keep saying the darndest things, because by ‘darndest’ we mean ‘wrong,’ and by ‘things’ we mean ‘calls that generally upset 250+ lbs athletic males who have muscles even in the tiny canals inside their ear drums,’ all of which would make anyone a little prone to make mistakes. Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans; 1:00 p.m.; CBS; Oct. 5 Score: 45-42 Kansas City timeout late in the fourth quarter with the game tied at 42. He’s furiously searching his pockets for what turns out to be a notepad, and he’s screaming, ‘Where’s Denzel Washington? Where’s a pen for an autograph, he cuts under Titans kicker Rob Bironas’ legs as he’s warming up, sending him crashing to the ground with his torso folded underneath him like an origami crane. Bironas is unable to kick the gameLeavy tries explaining himself by quoting a line from Remember The Titans but tragically quotes one from 2 Guns instead. Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers; 4:25 p.m.; CBS; Oct. 17 Score: 13-20 Steelers Baltimore safety Matt Elam intercepts a pass in the third quarter and runs it in for a touchdown. Leavy waves off the call when Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin challenges the play; he claims that his receiver did not yet have possession of the ball. Leavy motions to the camera the universal referee signal for ‘interception’ but makes the signal for ‘alien abduction’ the stadium and beams up Elam along with the organization’s full supply of concession stand hot dogs. It promptly shoots the hot dogs back down after seeing the $7.00 price tag. The stadium gets layered in cheap pork meat, and Leavy is visibly distraught that he Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints; 1:00 p.m.; FOX; Dec. 8 Score: 63-58 Carolina Both teams score more than 35 points by halftime. It looks more like a basketball score at this point and continues to look so when Leavy makes a call for a traveling violation early in the third quarter. He huddles quarterbacks Cam Newton and Drew Brees together for a jump ball two minutes later. In the fourth quarter, goal post in a touchdown celebration. Leavy gives the quarterback a 9.5 rating plus possession of the ball to see if he could do an alley-oop next time. During timeouts Leavy tries spinning comically. He tells media personnel afterward that it’s much harder to do than people think, you guys.
winning record. It will take a miracle for them to climb above .500 this year. As of September 18 they sit at a mediocre 70-80. For Padres fans, there has not been much to get excited about in recent years. The team is typically out of contention by the All-Star break, leaving Petco Park virtually empty by the time September rolls around. To add a little insult to injury, every other team in the NL West has been to the playoffs at least twice since the Padres’ last appearance in 2006. However, despite the losing seasons there are still reasons to be optimistic. Andrew Cashner, a hard throwing right-handed pitcher, has been a major bright spot in the Padres otherwise dark season. Cashner has posted a 3.18 ERA along with a very impressive 1.14 WHIP. On September 16 he turned in one of the best pitching performances of the year, throwing a complete game shutout and allowing only one hit to the playoffbound Pittsburgh Pirates. Rookie second baseman Jedd Gyorko has also provided hope for the future. He ranks second among all rookies in home runs, RBI and doubles as of September 18, all the while playing tremendous defense up the middle. Don’t forget Chase Headley is only a year removed from leading the National League in RBI, and All-Star shortstop Everth Cabrera will be eligible to play next year after his 50-game suspension stemming from the messy steroid controversy which has plagued Major League Baseball. The Padres are also depleted by injuries, and they look to get productive players such as Yonder Alonso, Carlos Quentin and Clayton Richard healthy in time for the 2014 campaign. As always, next year is a fresh start, and with the current state of Major League Baseball and its Wild Card system- which allows two teams
Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Barker
The outside of Petco Park in downtown San Diego that don’t win their division to make the playoffs- it is not too far-fetched to think that the Padres can turn it around soon. The Chargers on the other hand just opened up their 2013 season and are showing some life. After a heartbreaking loss to open the season on Monday Night Football, the stole a win from the high-powered Philadelphia Eagles, before losing yet another heartbreaker to the Tennessee Titans. Granted, it’s still early, but the them this year under new head coach Mike McCoy. They’ve been in a position to win in all three games, with a couple of disastrous plays leading to their two losses. Regardless of how the season plays out, San Diegans will have the opportunity to put the Padres’ woes behind them and enjoy a fresh sports season. Football is back in San Diego, and it appears the Chargers may be back too. The offense is averaging over 25 points per game thus far, with contributions coming from several different players. Much-maligned quarterback Philip Rivers has played extraordinarily, with eight touchdowns
and only one interception through three games. Rivers even earned the National Football League’s Player of the Week award after his strong performance in Philadelphia. Wide receiver Eddie Royal has been one of the breakout stars of the very young NFL season, touchdowns. The defense, to put it nicely, could be better. Through three games the defensive unit has allowed a staggering 1,412 offensive yards to its opponents, with the secondary getting torched for 1,022 passing yards. For sake of comparison, last year the team had only given up 917 offensive yards and 715 passing yards after three weeks. On top of that, the secondary provided one of the more memorable moments of the season thus far, allowing Titans rookie Justin Hunter to make a 34-yard touchdown catch with 15 seconds left in the game, which cemented the loss for the Chargers. One could make the case that the defensive numbers are so poor because the Chargers have played two teams featuring elite offenses in the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles. While this is true, it is obvious that the defense must improve for the team to have any chance of competing, especially with two games this year
against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos’ potent air attack. Baseball season is slowly winding down, and football season is roaring in. Sports fans all across Southern California will soon forget about the Padres until next April and turn their attention to the Chargers. The most intriguing part of the Bolts’ season is still to come. The Manti Te’o era has yet to begin in San Diego due to the polarizing linebacker’s foot injury. Whenever Te’o does make his debut, count on the San Diego media being all over him and heavily critiquing every Of course last year Te’o was caught up in one of the most bizarre stories of the year when it was revealed that his online girlfriend, who had supposedly died of cancer, was not in fact a real person. One thing is for sure in the ever-changing sports landscape of San Diego: the fans are hungry for a championship. Both the Padres and Chargers are still searching for elusive league championship rings. It is unclear whether that drought will end this year, but if it does, expect USD and the entire city of San Diego to experience a party like they’ve never experienced before.
Crisis hits close to home for one of our own Rom Appel reacts to trouble in Syria
By Davis Jones
SPORTS EDITOR Freshman men’s soccer player Rom Appel remembers the moment Syria. While his hometown of Tel Aviv, Israel was safe, he saw potential for the news to hit far too close to home. I just came out of practice when I saw a message from a friend of mine that is serving in the Israeli army,” said Appel. “He told me that I left Israel [for school] just in the right time and that a lot of our friends got called into their military bases. At the start I didn’t think it was going to be that serious. But after I saw it on Israeli websites for some days in a row, I started to worry that the situation in Syria is really going to slide into Israel.” year freshman from the Middle East lends a unique perspective to those who have watched the violence in Syria unfold only from television screens and including an estimated death count of 100,000 and millions of displaced civilians became real for many students only until news broke on Aug. 21 that the national government carried out a chemical weapons attack on its people. Appel, meanwhile, has watched the country’s civil war grow from its inception over a span of two years once protests for the removal of President Bashar-al-Assad began in March 2011. The escalating tension between then and now has been nothing short of a test of will for a student who must balance both his studies and his Division time, and all from 7,600 miles away. “It’s hard because the last thing you want to hear when you are far from home is that your family and friends are in danger,” said Appel. keeps a daily connection with the rest of his family who remain in Israel. He explained that Tel Aviv is usually protected from attacks, and the updates he receives do much to accurately weigh his concerns against the chaos he sees portrayed by the media. He also tries to stay in contact with many of his friends
from home, though he admits that their experience is a bit more complex. “Most of them are still serving in the [national] army, and some are in special units,” said Appel. “They take the situation more seriously because they have to be ready for a possible attack on Israel. But if there’s anything you can say about Israeli teenagers, as weird as it sounds, is that they are always trying to take the situation as easy as possible.” That situation might take a complicated turn in the coming months as creasingly become more vocal. United States-Israeli ambassador Michael B. Oren said last week that the government had long hoped for the removal of Assad from power, even with the risk of takeover in Israel by rebels and terrorists groups like Al Qaeda. According to Oren, Assad’s alliance with Iran and with the Hezbollah militia group marked an issue too dangerous on which to remain silent. “The greatest danger to Israel is by the strategic arc that extends from Tehran to Damascus to Beirut, and we saw the Assad regime as the keystone in that arc,” Oren said, in an interview with the Jerusalem Post. “That is a position we had well before the outbreak of hostilities in Syria. With the outbreak of hostilities, we continued to want Assad to go.” The continuing division within Israel’s borders as to its stance in the Appel said the mental preparation for that level of uncertainty can only go so far. “I tried to prepare myself for this situation because there was a good chance that, during the four years I’m planning to be here, something like this would happen,” Appel said. “It was hard that it happened so fast after my arrival, but my family and friends made me stronger, and my teammates are also helping out and asking me how I’m doing.” The comfort provided to Appel by his teammates and by soccer itself traces back to his childhood in Israel. Appel’s grandfather, a player on the Israeli national team, would often take
Freshman men’s soccer player Rom Appel him and his older brother to the local parks in Tel Aviv, where their love of the game grew. “Soccer is the main sport in Israel and in the Middle East. That’s why I think it’s a lot different than in the United States. In the Middle East, most kids would dream to become soccer players. In the U.S., there are other sports that attract the attention of young kids,” Appel said. It quickly became clear that Appel’s skills would take him well past the youth level in his home country. It was only until recently, though, that Appel seriously considered playing soccer in the United States. A family member who graduated from the University of Miami suggested the idea to him, citing the once-in-a-lifetime experience of combining elite soccer competition with a valuable university degree. For a player who had only been to the U.S. two times, each within this last year, an
Photo Courtesy of USD Athletics
offer from head coach Seamus McFadden to play for USD really was a dream come true. “When I got the offer from USD, I didn’t hesitate. San Diego is very similar to Tel Aviv in lifestyle,” Appel said. “I knew my transition to another country would be easier on me.” One could say that the Syrian of violence coming to blows in the form of spiritual warfare, authoritarian oppression, nuclear blackmail and a questioning of humanitarian involvement in an era when most countries keep to themselves. Despite witnessing Appel remains hopeful that the bond of sport can unite national borders. “People say that sports leave all great example of that.”
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
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SPORTS
Women’s Volleyball: Sept. 20 @ BYU 7:00 p.m. PT Sept. 26 vs. University of the Pacific Tigers 7:00 p.m. PT Sept. 28 vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels 1:00 p.m. PT Oct. 3 vs. Loyola Marymount University Lions 7:00 p.m. PT Oct. 5 @ Pepperdine University Waves 1:00 p.m. PT Photo Courtesy of Kevin Nelson/The Vista
Torero fans celebrate with the women’s volleyball team the huge win against No. 1 USC Trojans
Q&A with most noted players of match against Trojans Returning players react to their emotions before and after the victory
By Davis Jones
SPORTS EDITOR We caught up with junior Alaysia Brown and seniors C’era Oliveira and Chloe Ferrari after their win against #1-ranked USC last Friday. The Vista: What were your immediate reactions when you won the Alaysia Brown: I was shocked at
sure I was pressing over. And then we had a lot of defensive assignments too. I was supposed to make sure I got in for all the little shots and tips. Middle back making sure they were staying deep were making sure they fronted their had a role to play that was a little bit different as opposed to other teams. CO: I think our biggest concern
just screaming because it was what we’ve been preparing for and training this was an end to a really hard road come full-circle and all of it had paid our coaches said was true – all of our training paid off. C’era Oliveira: My immediate we just beat the #1 team.’ But at the to keep our strengths up top and make sure we come out every single game and not let anyone take a game from us. TV: What did you guys focus
stay positive and to never get down on our teammates. If you see someone focusing on: just one thing at a time. And everything else fell into place after that. CO: I think we’re more mentally strong this year. We do a lot of drills in practice where our starting side
in on their big players. Their whole front row was just huge. But we wanted to pick a couple players to focus on and perfectly. TV: You guys found yourselves in a hole after the beginning of each set
we were about to win. It was just over the top. It was a lot easier to play with how into it our fans were. We loved it. We couldn’t have done it without our fans. They were going crazy every there with their shirts off! They’re our
it back. I feel like going into the USC we were able to control it when the game came. Chloe Ferarri: All week we
that often. But the fourth game around out celebrations were getting more and more elaborate. People were going to the ground and celebrating. You could
we’re supposed to win and we’re going to win and nothing will change that. CF: [Laughs] We do that. I don’t know why we do that. I think it’s just kind of our team M.O. – we just always start off down and then we have to dig
they came to support us. It was really deep to us that all of the sports teams and that the general students were there. It really felt like the university was coming together to support us. you put one in the layout CO: It was from the beginning. I’m pretty sure we were all really
actually going to win this game. Let’s just take it.” DJ: Where do you guys go from
about was to not drop off our level of play. We want to make sure that it doesn’t go to our heads. We’re not really focused on rankings. We’re focused on keeping up that level and never slacking off. Because now we have a target on our backs in we go out there and play every point so we can really have a chance to do well in the tournament. CF: After we play San Diego
something we’re working on in practice every day. That actually happens a lot in our games. But our team’s been really good at not letting it throw us off.
just came with it. I think that’s the
our game as much. Last year and with
know we’re going to take the game anyway. We just have to get back one side out and we’re good.
conference for sure is to go undefeated. I think we should be able to win all our matches in three games – I think we’re good enough to contain all these teams. I think that’s what our goal is for now. We talk about it all the time in practice. It’s not just about winning anymore. It’s about showing that we’re the best team and showing that we’re going to
You just have to go into the game and
that we’ve developed all throughout spring and summer. All of our hard
come back and rally. What were you guys telling yourselves during those
we’ve always felt so stressed out when we’re down. And now we’re just fully
AB: We actually had a sports TV: Was there a moment when weird going into a game playing the
I was going to block the line and make
AB: I felt like at the end when
win this game.’ It just doesn’t happen
Volleyball looks back on the road to victory By Hugo Werstler CONTRIBUTOR
the Jenny Craig Pavilion was ready to a team best record of 17 digs and Jiana and 14 digs to post a double-double. almost impossible to contain within the
simplest way to describe the mentality of our Women’s Volleyball team is
clip. The Toreros never broke stride and in match-up on Saturday against to pull of a small lead at 4-1. The
achieved a record of 3-0 over ranked were starting to go up in smoke. Tied behind in kills was Chloe Ferrari the crowd was waiting for USD to go on the attack. The Toreros were quick
for the prospective season. Breaking team made program history by reaching
of our team’s accomplishments up to this point.” A challenging schedule is putting the Toreros were able to get three different players to put up doublethe team’s offense with 17 kills on 41
Like a scene taken out of Homer’s “Iliad”, the court was stormed by a wave of blue fans, and the walls of Troy fell. with nine digs. The stellar performances have left little doubt to the talent and incredible drive of this season’s team. But they greatest test had yet to come. On
followed by a thunderous roar of their but it could not stop our USD women
head to head with nationally ranked who would come out on top and with a
Photo Courtesy of Kevin Nelson/The Vista
of Troy fell.
The Vista | Thursday, September 19, 2013
16
SPORTS The season that never was
Part II of our look at Dale Lindsey and the U.K. ‘Thin Thirty’ By Davis Jones
SPORTS EDITOR It was the cumulative effect of USD head football coach Dale Lindsey’s treatment at the University of Kentucky that led him to leave the football team in the sping of his freshmen season. Fifty-eight of his teammates in total would also leave the squad, believing head coach Charlie Bradshaw’s teaching philosophy and conditioning regimen to be excessively brutal. Not uncommon were practices featuring hits from coaches, players dropping to the ground in fatigue and psychological manipulation. Lindsey is quick to point out, however, that he harbors no hard feelings. “I’ve seen some of the Thin Thirty guys and some of the coaches who were there when I left. We’re all good friends. Everybody understood the situation. I have no grudges against anyone who coached me there, and certainly not toward any of the boys that stayed. It’s just the way society was at the time. “There’s no way you could do that to guys in this day and age. No way.” as a head coach during an era when blurred lines separate ‘infectious’ coaching from scandal. Video surfaced in April of Rutgers University men’s basketball coach Mike Rice verbally and physically berating his players in practice, including throwing balls at their heads. A month later, The Newark Star-Ledger newspaper broke a story on the reason for Rutgers athletic director Julie Hermann’s resignation 16 years ago as the head women’s volleyball coach for the University of Tennessee: all 15 of her players dismissed her in a team letter, accusing her of abusive behavior. “The mental cruelty that we as a team have suffered is unbearable,” the players wrote. They were reportedly called out by Hermann in practice as “whores, alcoholics, and learning disabled.” Other accounts involved Hermann making fun of players’ weights, forcing them to do push-
ups on the sideline during games and punishing them for losses by refusing them the chance to shower or to eat. “I think the shift has been gradual,” said Lindsey when asked about the recent crackdown on this style of coaching. “Society has changed and we are less accepting of abusive-type tactics. Kids growing up today aren’t willing to accept it either. Our generation, we just did what we were told. We didn’t question authority. Coaches had greater authority. Teachers had greater authority. They told you to do something, you’d do it. In my own observation, somewhere along with the Vietnam War, all that changed. Kids from those generations started questioning the values that were coming down and what they were being told, saying, ‘No, that’s not right. I don’t have to do that.’ In my opinion, that was when the shift started. It became okay to question authority. It wasn’t okay when I was growing up. “I think it gradually came that way,” he said. “And, in all reality, I think for the best.” Many today would agree with Lindsey, as evidenced by the overwhelming response to both the Rutgers case and to the sex abuse allegations against head football coach Joe Paterno’s staff at Penn State. Now more than ever, the sports world is not afraid to bring into question the extreme measures some coaches will use in order to win—even if an ethical line is crossed in the process. Lindsey might have played during an era when these tactics were commonplace, but his refusal to continue the trend. As to how he’d do so, he cites his previous models. “Everything positive I learned about coaching that year, I learned from Blanton Coillard,” he said. “Now, I played for Blanton at Cleveland for six years [in the NFL], and I learned there that you don’t have to yell, scream or curse to get players to play for you. He won a Super Bowl at the time. He was a very low-key gentleman who never cursed or yelled. He never screamed. And he got grown men to do what he wanted to do, who were getting paid.
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They could’ve said, ‘Screw you, I don’t want to do it that way.’ He coached a team [at one point] with basically six Hall of Famers who could be very getting a man-to-man response with him. “And I’m sort of like that around here with these kids. If they want to really try to treat them more like men.” USD Athletic Director Ky Snyder noticed this same quality the last year. It was then Snyder knew he had his head coach. “I think the biggest thing that stood out for me was how he cares about the student athletes as people,” Snyder said. “At one point when we were talking, he said, “Look. We’re here creating the next doctors, attorneys, CEOs and presidents of companies. It doesn’t matter how many games we win. If we aren’t successful in doing that, then we haven’t won anything.’ I thought that stood very clearly with what we’re all about in Torero athletics.” Equally as clear in what Lindsey believes Torero athletics should be about are his responses on what he himself has always been about — standards, and his alone. “I think the image that somehow has been projected of me by the media is not me,” Lindsey said in a January 5 Fox News.com interview. “I’m not (a disciplinarian), a down-the-line, military-type person. I do take football very seriously and it’s something that I approach in life that I don’t want to do perfect because I know you can’t. But I also am very fun-loving, I like to joke, I like for the kids to have fun. This game is hard enough when everything is going right. When it’s not, it’s really hell. And what I want these kids to do is enjoy the process, enjoy the moment and relish in it because these are moments that a lot of ‘em will never have again in their lives, and I want it to be memorable, and not in a negative manner but in a positive manner.” In 1962, the “best defensive prospect” left Kentucky in the spring of his freshman year. He transferred,
Photo Courtesy of USD Athletics
heading west. He made it as far as San Diego. The rest is history. But the “best defensive prospect” didn’t do it. Dale Lindsey did. “You gotta be who you are,” he said. “That’s how I am with the guys around here. Be who you are. Be
genuine. “I’m just trying to be Dale Lindsey, whoever that is. I don’t know if that’s good or bad. But I’m not trying to be anyone else.”