My ironic, spontaneous encounter with Ms. California

4/27/09 12:47 AM

This evening, my friend and I were in Point Loma for an event, and when that was over, she wanted to go to Trader Joe’s to grocery shop a little. To our surprise, when we drove up to the Trader Joe’s, there were hundreds of people flocking toward this huge building nearby. The building was called “The Rock” and after first wondering if it was a gym or a military training academy, we realized it was a huge church. Being the brave, satirical, Nancy Drewesque character that I am, I suggested that it’d be entertaining if her and me – we’re both strict atheists, by the way – would go into the church and listen to a sermon. She agreed. I hadn’t been in a church in yeeeeeears. (I do have... 2 comments

One step for gay rights, a big step for mankind

4/7/09 10:04 PM

I'll never forget that Nov. 4 brought me tears of happiness and then tears of frustration. When I saw that the majority of California voters had voted yes on Prop 8, which would create an amendment to the California Constitution, saying that marriage is legally between one woman and one man, my heart sunk. My head shook. I couldn't stop wondering how and why. Why did so many people feel so dedicated to the selfish, unrational cause that lesbians and gays don't deserve to have the same legal term to coin their undying love and committed relationship. How did this cruel, heartbreaking, demeaning proposition pass? First of all- this amendment definitely violates the state's equal protection clause, as many other states have found that a law so discriminatory as this, is unconstitutional.... 1 comment

Unhealthy spending into helpful lending

3/25/09 9:23 PM

I've noticed a story on the fear of increased "sin taxes" in five different publications in the last 48 hours. These sin taxes would include higher taxes on beer, cigarettes, strip clubs, fast food ... the possibilities in this country are endless. The federal and state governments are desperate for quick, easy money. Americans are desperate to keep all their money. And as state governments impose serious taxes on products and services that aren't what you’d call the healthiest of activities, a lot of people are getting pissed. I guess it's kind of a big deal. These people are feeling singled out. But sin taxes are incredibly necessary. Before you judge me on my opinion, please note that I smoke cigarettes and drink. We don’t need to go into how often, but... 1 comment

Creative ways to get extra cash in the U.S.'s wallet

3/4/09 4:21 PM

It’s no new news to anyone that our country is dire need of money. So I’ve been pondering some unique, half-serious and half-humorous ways our government could get more money to help out the states, banks, social programs and everyone else. Because we all know that to get out of this jam as a stronger, better nation, we've got to be creative with solutions ... and desperate.   -Sell Alaska (with Sarah Palin in it). It’s a huge chunk of land that we only use as a port, as a travel destination and it’s rich with oil. Since we should be trying to find more efficient alternative fuels, this is definitely a state in which we wouldn’t have much to lose but a lot of cash to gain. -Create a new American-made export and advertise it to other... 1 comment

We Won 11 CCMA Awards

3/2/09 3:12 PM

Thirteen members of The Daily Aztec staff went to the ACP/CCMA Convention over the weekend.

We proudly won 11 California College Media Association Awards as follows:


1st Place - Best Breaking News Online - Wendy Fry for the Poet Story

1st Place - Best Sports Photo

1st Place - Best Editorial ("IRA Fee a sham")

1st Place - Best Overall Design

2nd Place - Best Sports Page Design

2nd Place - Best Infographic

3rd Place - Best Arts and Entertainment Story

3rd Place- Best Special Section

3rd Place - Best Back to School/Orientation Issue

3rd Place - Best Feature Page

3rd Place -Best Feature Photo