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Aries (March 21-April 19) You’ll have a powerful urge to start your world cruise Monday, leaving the same-old, same-old behind. Unfortunately, if you’re not a pilot or ship’s captain, you could miss a great career opportunity. Marvelous riches could be yours on Wednesday, if you have the skills and do the work. Thursday and Friday you’ll more than double your output with an enthusiastic team. Saturday is for sports action, but as a participant, not a spectator. Save Sunday for prayer, contemplation and the overturning of new leaves. Taurus (April 20-May 20) If you’re a trader, be alert on Monday for excellent deals. Travel is appealing on Tuesday, but will go more smoothly if you wait until Wednesday. A confrontation is brewing on Thursday. If you’re smart, you’ll use it to your advantage. Hold out for what you’re worth on Friday, too. Expect an older person to be dictatorial on Saturday. If you’re thinking of giving money on Sunday, make sure you know how it will be spent. You might have to get involved to make sure the job’s done right. Gemini (May 21-June 21) The other guy’s going to win the argument on Monday. You might learn a lot by listening, though. Talk your sweetheart out of spending the rent on something else on Tuesday or Wednesday. If you don’t, you could find yourself in an awkward situation. On Thursday and Friday, love prevails in an unexpected way. If you’re going out, try a place you’ve never been. An exotic ambiance sparks romance. Cool it on Saturday and Sunday, however. This weekend is not a good time to do anything you don’t want to read about in the Sunday papers. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Manage your workload Monday, or you’ll never get it all done. You’ll have more help on Tuesday, but proceed with caution. It will take a day or so to divvy up the chores in a way that works for all. By Wednesday you should be clicking along in an efficient fashion. You’ll make up for lost time then. Watch your reserves on Thursday and Friday and plug leaks.. On Saturday a done deal could fall apart, so take care. Read all the fine print then, and on Sunday, too. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) An early date on Monday is best. Your workload increases later and gets downright hectic on Tuesday and Wednesday. You love the challenge, but it interferes with your social life. A partnership proves stimulating Thursday and Friday. Let the other person argue your case while you supply necessary information. A difference of opinion about money could mar your weekend — and your romantic relationship — if you’re not careful. Love’s more important, remember? Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Getting to work on time is hard on Monday. You’d rather stay home and take care of something more interesting. Don’t spend too much on romance or a child on Tuesday; you’ll regret it later. A long-distance connection proves quite beneficial on Wednesday. Apply new information and skills to streamline procedures at work Thursday. Ask for your reward on Friday. Don’t wait to cash the check, either. By Saturday conditions for your prosperity aren’t as favorable. Conversations with your mate are predicted for Sunday, but don’t take yourselves too seriously. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Something you discover on Monday could change everything. Don’t just sit there; go digging! Put your personal agenda on hold Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday’s good for entertaining at home. Friendship could turn into romance as the evening progresses. Don’t discuss finances on your date Friday night. Venture farther than usual with your sweetheart and/or the kids on Saturday. You’re in for a pleasant surprise. Stick close to home on Sunday. Relax and make plans. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Watch for bargains and valuables on Monday. That’s a good day to mine for gold. Then, put what you find into savings on Tuesday. Otherwise, it may slip through your fingers. An older woman’s comments could stir you up on Wednesday. Consider the consequences before taking action. Your mate or partner’s got the good advice on Thursday, so listen. Avoid a misunderstanding by being respectful on Friday. Things don’t go quite as planned at your house on Saturday. Focus on love, not money, Sunday, and you’ll wind up with plenty. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You’re so creative Monday, you may surprise even yourself. Put your talent to good use on Tuesday and bring in much appreciated extra income. Turn down friends who have expensive tastes on Wednesday. Take on more work instead and have even more in your pockets by Thursday. A temporary upset sends you back to the drawing board Friday. Do more reading on your own time Saturday and find the answer to the riddle. Hide out at home on Sunday for a private conversation. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Information from private sources could be quite profitable Monday. You can find a bargain you might have missed otherwise. Don’t tell too much to a co-worker Tuesday or the boss on Wednesday. Wait until Thursday to take action, and you’ll scoot past the competition. This could work in love, as well as business. Schedule a shopping trip instead of a date on Friday, and Saturday’s good for earning a bonus. A conversation on Sunday could lead to a change in your perspective. Don’t be convinced of something that just ain’t so. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) A meeting is full of surprises on Monday. Your creativity is much appreciated, as you come up with an idea no one else considered. You’re under pressure Tuesday, from friends as well as family. Everybody wants your attention, and yet you have big deadlines to meet! Postpone a trip on Wednesday so you can get everything done. Don’t plan to go out on Thursday, either. You’ll most likely be exhausted by then. Stand up for yourself on Friday, and you’ll gain the boss’s respect. You’re the one leading the pack on Saturday, with your sparkling wit. Curtail your exuberance on Sunday. Don’t spend more than you have, even for a worthy cause. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Be flexible on Monday. The boss may feel like changing everything. Get together with your group on Tuesday and Wednesday to figure out how to do what is required. You may not come up with a plan until Thursday, but that’s fine. If you wait that long, you’re more likely to succeed. A lot’s going on behind closed doors on Friday. If you wait until Saturday, telling truth from fiction will be easier. Don’t let yourself be pressured on Sunday. If another person’s suggestion doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Birthdays This Week Nov. 27: A keen competitor keeps you on your toes and sharpens your wits. You’ll thank this person later for helping you get your act together. Nov. 28: Shortages inspire your budget. They could inspire creativity and a group effort, as well. Be flexible. Nov. 29: You should do well this year through work, not luck. Clean up your lifestyle, and you’ll be much happier, too. Nov. 30: This year you’re practical and scholarly. You’ll earn more if you spend more on your own education. It’s deductible! Dec. 1: Study technical material and become a whiz. Even if you’ve been all thumbs before, it all starts making sense. Dec. 2: Set long-term goals. Include stuff you don’t know how to do yet. Dec. 3: This year learn to plan and to put in the corrections. And never take “”no”” for an answer. ...

Currently, over 34 million people around the world have HIV or AIDS. Additionally, 8,000 people worldwide die from AIDS every day, according to the World AIDS Day Web site, http://www.worldaidsday.org Sky Frostenson/ Guardian “”Figures like these make it seem like AIDS is winning,”” the site states. “”But all over the world, people like you are making a difference.”” World AIDS Day, one of the most effective events that takes place in hopes of making a difference against AIDS, is held annually on Dec. 1. The day is dedicated to educating people about HIV and AIDS and recognizing those individuals who have either died from the disease or are still living with it. The event continues to be the only coordinated international day of action against HIV and AIDS. The origins of World AIDS Day trace back to January of 1988, when the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention made a request to open channels of communication, strengthen the exchange of experience and information, and forge a spirit of social tolerance. The organization wanted a more honest way of dealing with the newfound AIDS epidemic and has succeeded in this over the last 12 years. The proof is this: Since its inception, World AIDS Day has received the patronage of the United Nations and the World Health Assembly, as well as innumerable other countries, governments and individuals. Themes Throughout the Year World AIDS Day has a particular theme for each year. “”Communication”” was the theme for its first year in 1988. Since then, more specific themes have been developed. In 1999, the theme, “”Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children and Young People,”” stressed the importance of educating young adults on the dangers of AIDS. This year, the theme is “”AIDS: Men Make a Difference.”” According to the World AIDS Day Web site, over 70 percent of HIV infections worldwide occur through sex between men and women, and a further 10 percent through sex between men. Additionally, another 5 percent occur among people who inject drugs, 80 percent of whom are men. The World AIDS Day campaign hopes that by bringing attention to men’s roles in infection, awareness will be increased and, they feel, this may be the surest way to fight the AIDS epidemic. Student Health Advocates World AIDS Day will be observed at UCSD on Thursday. The event is being coordinated by Debbie Pino-Saballett, the outreach coordinator for Student Health Services. “”It’s such an important event and virtually every student knows somebody who has been affected by HIV,”” Pino-Saballett said. “”It’s a way for them to take an hour to show their support for continued HIV research for those who have died as well as for those living with HIV.”” According to UCSD’s Student Health News, Student Health Advocates is a program that provides students with special training as clinic aides and peer educators. One of their many duties on campus is to provide sexual health information to the UCSD community. They accomplish this in various ways, including information sessions and programs on contraception and sexually transmitted disease prevention. Pino-Saballet feels that an event like World AIDS Day is extremely relevant to college students’ lives. “”For one thing, the majority of people affected by HIV are in the college-age population,”” Pino-Saballett said. “”The purpose of World AIDS Day is to acknowledge people who have died of AIDS and to increase awareness of HIV.”” UCSD Events UCSD’s events for World AIDS Day will be held in the Price Center and on Library Walk on Nov. 30. Pino-Saballett said the events will take place a day early because they feared that a later date would bring about a lower turnout. With finals so close, organizers felt that Thursday would be better than Friday to maximize student participation. Activities begin at 9 a.m., starting with the AIDS Quilt on the Price Center lawn. (In case of rain, this event will take place in Galleries A and B.) Students can view the quilt until 3 p.m. From 11 a.m. to noon in the Price Center plaza, there will be a panel of speakers who are infected with HIV. Students will hear testimonials from these speakers and have the opportunity to ask questions about AIDS and HIV. Those in attendance will also receive a free “”condom rose.”” From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be an HIV and AIDS resource fair on Library Walk. Students will be able to view art and poetry by children living with HIV. Temporary tattoos and free condom roses will also be available. Other events will take place throughout the week at the Cross Cultural Center. The art and poetry will be on display in the gallery. In addition, an HIV- and AIDS- related movie will be shown at the Cross Cultural Center on Nov. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. World AIDS Day is co-sponsored by the A.S. Council and is a joint program by the Cross Cultural Center, the Women’s Center, the AIDS Research Institute, Student Health Services and Student Health Advocates. For more information regarding World AIDS Day at UCSD, contact Student Health Services at (858) 534-8089 or go to its Web site, http://www.ucsd.edu/shs/ For more information on World AIDS Day in general, visit it’s Web site at http://www.worldaidsday.org/ ...

There is an old saying that goes something like this: “”A society can be judged on the basis of how it treats its prisoners.”” I happen to think this is true in many respects. However, since I have been at college I have come to my own alternate conclusion regarding criteria for judging our society: e-mail. Before I go on, I feel it is only fair that I mention that I am a copy editor here at the Guardian, and in the media world, copy editors are notorious for being nitpicking, unreasonably anal grammarmongers. That being said, I shall now continue. I am now in my fourth year at UCSD, and I began using e-mail on a regular basis my first year here. Since then, I have become thoroughly disgusted with what I encounter each time I wearily sit down at my computer and reluctantly check my Microsoft Outlook inbox. Now, I’m not one to brag, but I usually have somewhere in the range of 10 to 15 e-mails waiting for me when I check at the end of the day. Aside from the junk mail, there are invariably two or three messages that just make me cringe. For some reason, many young people seem to think that the rules of the English language don’t apply when it comes to electronic mail. I say “”young people,”” because when I get messages from my parents or older relatives, they are usually composed of complete sentences, paragraphs, and even some capital letters appropriately placed here and there. I think I know a couple of people who have yet to touch the shift button on their keyboard while writing me an e-mail. UCSD is supposed to have pretty sharp individuals studying here, but I have gotten some e-mail “”messages”” from these people that should constitute basis for their demotion back to first grade. The next time I get an e-mail along the lines of “”yo bring that cd tomorrow you know the won i lent you this wknd alrite then thanx ;-D.”” I’m going to lose it. There is one notable exception to my wrath: the drunken e-mail. I actually think those are pretty funny. I know what you’re thinking, but I am not a total freak. I am just special and unique — at least that’s what my mom told me. I don’t have any problems with the occasional typo in a quickly written e-mail. I don’t even really have a problem with the fact that not everyone knows the difference between “”accept”” and “”except.”” These can get a little tricky in the middle of the night, which is when a good amount of the e-mail I get is created. What I do have a problem with is “”emoticons.”” Emoticons are those short strings of punctuation made to look like faces. Every time I see one of those little pieces of crap, I get the gag reflex. First of all, every lame punctuation face I have ever seen has to be looked at sideways. Second, they are so disgustingly cutesy, their use should be reserved for schoolgirls of junior-high age and younger. If you cannot express your thoughts and emotions in a typed message without resorting to gross punctuation misuse, you have some serious problems. I also take issue with “”LOL,”” which apparently signifies “”laughing out loud.”” If you actually had to type that, it probably wasn’t that funny. Also … I don’t think any form of writing abuses the elipsis mark more than the e-mail. Now, I do realize that a lot of these bad e-mail habits come from using programs such as Instant Messenger and ICQ. Actually, besides their negative impact on e-mail style and social lives, I have no problem with these programs. Because of the instantaneous nature of this type of chatting, it is fine to try to go as fast as you can, and if you’re a slow typist, using things like “”LOL”” and emoticons can help you get your point across quickly. However, this is not the nature of e-mail. E-mail to me is exactly like a letter, just sent electronically as opposed to via U.S. postal services. It is almost as if “”e-mail”” is short for “”electronic mail.”” Before the Internet, when people actually sent letters to each other through the mail, I doubt they drew little emoticons after every sentence. They actually took some time to make sure their letters were worth reading. What I think many students don’t understand is that their e-mails actually reflect on them. I can say that I have better impressions of people who send me well-written messages. I know not everyone judges others on the basis of their grammar skills like I do, but I’m sure most people, if only subconsciously, actually do consider horrible e-mailers with less esteem. It is hard, at least for me, to take someone seriously who sends me sideways, buck-toothed, winking smiley faces. I seriously doubt they were actually making those faces while they were writing. Then again, I’m also against those “”Visualize Whirled Peas”” bumper stickers. ...

When Muir senior Roshani Patel wakes up every morning, she makes herself a cup of coffee before heading to campus. Patel, like millions of other people, has grown accustomed to daily caffeine consumption. Coffee, soda and caffeine pills have become increasingly popular among students, helping them to stay alert. According to the International Food Information Council, caffeine, which is part of a group of compounds known as methylxanthines, is a substance that is found in the leaves, seeds and fruits of at least 63 plant species throughout the world. Common sources of caffeine include coffee, cocoa beans, kola nuts and tea leaves. Depending on the amount consumed, caffeine can act as a mild stimulant to the central nervous system. According to the American Medical Association, over 80 percent of adults in the United States consume some form of caffeine. The AMA study also states that each day, the average adult ingests approximately 280 milligrams of caffeine, the amount found in about two large cups of coffee. This “”coffee craze”” is common among people of all ages, and Patel is no exception. “”On average, I drink about five to six cups of coffee per day,”” Patel said. “”The caffeine helps me to wake up in the morning, and allows me to function throughout the day without getting tired.”” While overall consumption of caffeinated beverages has increased over the years, studies have shown that the drug, if taken in small amounts, is not harmful. Roland Griffiths of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine confirmed that relatively small doses of caffeine might have positive effects. “”People who take in small amounts of caffeine say that they feel more awake and alert,”” Griffiths said. “”In higher doses, however, caffeine can produce negative effects, such as anxiety and nervousness.”” So, how much caffeine is too much? The Food and Drug Administration suggests that people who consume large amounts of coffee (more than five cups a day) on a regular basis often find that their bodies have adapted to the constant amount of caffeine, thereby increasing their tolerance to the substance. An increase in caffeine intake then becomes necessary in order to create a stimulating effect. Those who are dependent on the consumption of a certain amount of caffeine, and who go without the substance for some time, may suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue and headaches. The physical and psychological dependence on the drug can also lead to irritability. Griffiths warns that the substance can be addictive and can lead to mild side effects. He refers to caffeine as the world’s most widely used “”mind-altering drug.”” Patel has experienced some of the side effects of caffeine consumption. “”I have been drinking coffee since I was 14 years old, and over the years I have increased the amount of caffeine that I am able to consume,”” she said. “”I am so used to having a certain amount of caffeine each day that if I go without it, even for a few hours, I get headaches.”” Regular caffeine consumers often overlook all of these factors. The IFIC states that approximately 110 million Americans drink coffee on a daily basis. A large percentage of this figure includes those who are between the ages of 18 and 24. Although caffeinated drinks are popular among people of all ages, college students have been shown to rely on stimulants such as caffeine pills in order to increase their alertness. One such pill is Vivarin, a FDA-approved, over-the-counter product. Many college students rely on this pill to restore their mental alertness. Several studies have determined that students tend to use caffeine pills to stay up late, especially during midterms and final exams. Students have also been known to use these stimulants to increase their attentiveness during the day. Patel, a self-proclaimed coffee addict, often relies on caffeine pills such as Vivarin to increase her energy. “”Sometimes the caffeine in coffee and soda does not keep me up,”” Patel said. “”Caffeine pills such as Vivarin often succeed in making me more alert, even when drinking caffeinated beverages doesn’t.”” College students contribute a large portion of sales for companies such as Vivarin. Use among students is so widespread that Vivarin claims that over 40 percent of college students have tried a caffeine pill at least once in their lifetime. Vivarin, as well as similar drugs such as No Doz, caters most of its marketing plans toward young adults, since the market for the pills includes mostly college-age people. Like Patel, Revelle junior Tanmai Saxena has used the Vivarin pill several times in order to increase his alertness. “”The amount of caffeine in a Vivarin pill is equivalent to about two cups of coffee,”” Saxena said. “”I have taken Vivarin several times in the past in order to maximize my efficiency in terms of being able to stay up late to study.”” In 1997, The Center for Science in the Public Interest successfully urged the FDA to encourage manufacturers of soft drinks, as well as other products containing caffeine, to properly label their products. The CSPI claimed that consumers have a right to know the amount of caffeine in the products they purchase. Recently, a number of studies on the potential dangers of increased caffeine use have been conducted. In 1999, Consumer Reports on Health conducted a study of these dangers. The study found that an unusual dose of caffeine can raise blood pressure levels temporarily, and if occurring during stressful periods, can be dangerous to people with hypertension. The study also concluded that those who experience irregular heartbeats should eliminate caffeine from their diets. Also, those who suffer from anxiety problems should avoid caffeine use since large doses of the substance can trigger panic attacks. Finally, it was concluded that insomnia and emotional distress were effects of long-term use of the drug. Despite the apparent side effects of excess caffeine consumption, most students feel that the substance increases alertness and decreases drowsiness. Many claim that the increase in energy they experience is worth the few minor consequences of caffeine use. Patel admits to her dependency on caffeine, but insists that if it were not for her daily cups of coffee, she would be unable to function with the same amount of energy. “”Am I addicted? Of course,”” Patel said. “”But old habits are hard to break.”” ...

Aries (March 21-April 19) The workload is heavy on Monday, but the party flag is flying by Tuesday. Your luck has just changed for the better, which should be obvious on Wednesday. Don’t get too rowdy that night, however. The headache you’d have on Thursday morning would be just awful. Watch for bargains and profitable opportunities late Thursday and Friday. Travel is forecast for this weekend. The only problem on Saturday is that you can’t take everybody with you. Your reaction to an unexpected event on Sunday lets you know you’re on the right path. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Get your lovin’ in early on Monday. The work pace picks up, and on Tuesday you’ll be racing at full speed with all the other rats. Avoid an attractive distraction on Wednesday. If you don’t watch where you’re going, you could run into something. Avoid a person who’s all talk and no action on Thursday, to save valuable time. Be flexible on Friday; it’s likely there’ll be a change in your plans. The urge to splurge will be hard to fight this weekend. Get a high-quality item after which you’ve long lusted, and your buyer’s remorse should be minimal. Gemini (May 21-June 21) Detailed work flows on Monday, so push yourself to get it all done. There’s a mess-up regarding a romantic appointment mid-Tuesday, but you’re in for a pleasant surprise later that evening. That would also be a good time for you to pop the question, if you have one to ask. Circumstances beyond your control could interfere with your love life on Wednesday. Just save up your money, and you’ll get a chance to spend it on Thursday. Collaborate closely with a co-worker Friday, and a difficult assignment will be fun. Do what your partner suggests on Saturday. That’s the partner you can trust completely, of course. Visiting friends together on Sunday should prove interesting. You might even want to take notes. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Remember to do the errands you promised on Monday, and you’ll be nicely rewarded. You’d like to sleep in on Tuesday, but your partner and/or your boss have other plans. Something needs to be done at home on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you don’t already know what it is, your roommate will be glad to tell you. By Thursday you’re ready for an outing, but it may be late before you can get away. It’ll be easier to get your chores done Friday, and then you can make a break for it. On Saturday the other person has the first serve, so take care. The more you aim to please on Sunday, the more likely you’ll win the game. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Shop for bargains on household items as much as you can on Monday. You might find the perfect thing at a great price on your lunch hour. If quality and style are more important to you than price, you can wait until Tuesday. If you and your mate can’t agree on Wednesday, stall. Odds are good you’ll find an alternative on Thursday that neither of you had considered. Don’t get depressed if a scheme you try Friday simply doesn’t work. It’s more complicated than that, so do more research and studying over the weekend. Save plenty of time for fun and games, too. Your favorite playmate has a few surprises in store for you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You’re apt to be the one who finds the answer on Monday. Keep digging, your chances are better than anyone else’s. Financial rewards could be yours on Tuesday or Wednesday. The money’s a result of your willingness to get rid of something that’s cluttering up your private space. Something you find on Thursday could change the way you do your work. It might even change where you work, if necessary. Frustrations on Friday could have you checking the want ads. Don’t leave one paycheck before you have another one lined up. If you’re thinking of relocating, this weekend will be perfect. Or, just have a party at your place. Looks like there’s lots of chaos there anyway — might as well enjoy it. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) You could be faced with a load of overdue chores on Monday. Don’t panic, just take them one at a time. Put them in order of importance. Your energy level’s high through Tuesday and Wednesday, and you’re getting smarter. You’ll find that a task that was daunting before is starting to become almost easy. Don’t get cocky, though. Thursday and Friday are fraught with peril. You may even be too tired to go out on Friday night. Schedule your romantic interlude for Saturday instead. Choose a date who’s stimulating intellectually as well as otherwise, and you’ll have a weekend to write home about. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) A friend can help you make an important connection on Monday. Go ahead and ask for the favor. Knowing which button to push helps you find the resources you need on Tuesday and Wednesday. Pushing them takes tact, and perfect timing, both of which you have in abundance. A mess at home could throw you off stride on Thursday — temporarily. Stay alert; you’ll get another opportunity to score. Things are not as they appear to be on Friday. Don’t say much, you could find out later that you were talking to the wrong person. Saturday’s good for losing a wager, or spending too much at the stores. Ixnay on gambling, too. Sunday’s better for fixing up your place, but don’t stay up late. You’ll need your beauty sleep by then. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Don’t snap back at a critical older person on Monday. If you simply say, “”Yes, SIR!”” or ma’am, whichever the case may be, you’ll increase your profits instead of losing your job. Tell the whole story to your friends on Tuesday, and they’ll give you lots of sympathy. Don’t let them solve your problem for you on Wednesday, though. That would be too expensive. Let them inspire you, and maybe teach you how to do it yourself on Thursday. Keep a low profile on Friday. Listen instead of telling what you know, and you’ll discover an error before you make it. The ball’s in your court over the weekend. Partying with neighbors and siblings would be perfect. Don’t spread gossip you’ve recently heard, however. Check it out carefully by asking a friend who would know on Sunday. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Looks like the coast is clear on Monday if you want to try something slightly dangerous. Your friends will be glad to help, so you won’t be alone. If you’ve been keeping a secret, be ready to confess it on Tuesday or Wednesday. It’ll come out around then anyway, so if you mention it first, you’ll look better. Don’t bother to ask for a raise on Thursday or Friday. You’re more likely to get a cut in your pay, or lose a client. Some of the things you learn over the weekend could help you improve your income, though, so don’t worry about it. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) If you have all the facts and figures, you could benefit quite nicely on Monday. Don’t leave anything to chance. Travel’s appealing on Tuesday and Wednesday, but not a good idea. Take care of obligations instead. You’re likely to clash with an older person Wednesday night or Thursday. This person is saying your dreams are unrealistic. Don’t let that stop you. Dreams don’t have to be realistic anyway. Don’t hurt yourself by trying to push a square peg into a round hole on Friday. You’d be wise to play with a team, or bet on one, over the weekend. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Your partner’s got all the angles figured out on Monday, so just go along with the program. A long-distance contact on Tuesday could lead to a better job if you’re interested. If money’s tight on Tuesday, maybe it’s time to go looking. Don’t tell any work-related secrets on Wednesday, especially about the boss. He or she is apt to find out on Thursday or Friday, and would not be amused. Your priorities are constantly shifting this weekend, so stay flexible. An older person wants to take control, but may not have the route figured out quite yet. Give helpful hints. Birthdays This Week: Nov. 20: Priorities are changing. You’re growing from playing in the present to planning for the future. Nov. 21: Join friends in spiritual inquiry and find the balance you’ve sought. You’ll become more outspoken in the process. Nov. 22: Choose your friends carefully this year. They could lead you to great knowledge or into debt! Nov. 23: Old beliefs are challenged this year. Your studies lead to a deeper understanding and a stronger faith. Nov. 24: Can your dreams become reality? How about your fears? Through self-discipline, you’ll be the architect. Nov. 25: You’re awesome this year, but don’t get cocky. Play by the rules, and the world will benefit from your wisdom. Nov. 26: You’re growing so fast your friends hardly recognize you. You were already cheerful and lucky. Now you’re becoming practical, too. ...

Interviews by Malavika Gangolly * Photography by Tyler Huff ...

Tuesday evening started out as every other Tuesday does. I went to my three classes and then stopped by the Guardian to see how everything was looking. Everything after that point, however, was far from ordinary. I am sure by this point everybody has been informed about what transpired on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. What isn’t as well known is the ramifications of the events. When looked at in retrospect, Nov. 7 raised two very poignant questions that will have to be answered before the next presidential election. First of all, there is the question of the media’s erroneous reporting. I have had a few quarters of statistics and econometrics, so I understand how the media use samples to predict the winner in specific states. If the sample is large enough, it is possible to run studies where you can be all but sure about the overall results. This is not what I have a problem with. The problem I have is how they factor in previous results into their prognostication. In a nutshell, what they are doing is using previous results and comparing them to the results that they get from their exit polls, and making a prediction based on those numbers. Theoretically, this would be a good practice, but the problem is that populations in certain areas change drastically between elections. Take Florida, the primary contentious state for this election, for example. Florida’s population is growing at one of the fastest rates of any state in the union. Also, the makeup of the different counties in Florida has been altered greatly of late. This caused the media a great many problems because they assumed that they were polling a representative sample of last election’s voting population in each county of Florida. This turned out to be far from true, and the inaccuracy of their polls caused them to call Florida for Vice President Al Gore way before they should have. This problem only caused confusion among the American population and may have changed the voting patterns of people in states other than Florida. I figured the race was over when Florida was given to Gore, and if I hadn’t already voted I may have decided to stay home rather then waste my time on a hopeless cause. If there were enough people like me in the Western states, this mistake by the media may have altered the results of the election. Even though this mistake seems extraordinarily unprofessional and damaging to the electoral process, the media made another mistake Tuesday night that may have been even more damaging. The media is not allowed to announce their predictions for a particular state before all the polls in that state are closed. Florida was announced for Gore after most of the state’s polls were closed, however there was a section that was still accepting votes. The panhandle of Florida is in the Central time zone, and its polls closed an hour after the majority of Florida’s polls. As a result, prospective voters in Florida’s panhandle region saw that Florida had gone to Gore, and consequently, many of the voters that were going to vote for Bush may have stayed home rather than voting. Therefore, as a result of the media’s wrongful announcements, the legitimacy of Florida’s vote count may have been jeopardized. CNN and NBC had better hope Bush wins, or they may have serious lawsuits on their hands. The other problem that was revealed by the events of election 2000 revolves around the possible discrepancy between the popular vote and the electoral vote counts. Although it isn’t a sure thing yet, it appears as though Bush is going to win the electoral vote and the election, while losing the popular vote to Gore. Although reports that this will cause upheaval throughout the nation and lock the president-elect in endless red tape are erroneous, this discrepancy does beg the question of whether the electoral college is consistent with democratic ideals. How can the will of the people be thwarted in this way? How can the majority of the people vote for one candidate while another one is chosen? The answer to these questions is simple: This is our system. It was originally set up because a national election was not feasible in the 18th and early 19th centuries, so people voted for a delegate and that delegate voted for the president. Many people argue that with the Internet and altogether improved communications networks, a popular vote would be optimum. The 2000 election has affirmed that belief for many people. The problem is that the electoral college now functions to protect the rights of smaller states. Alaska and South Dakota would never receive any concessions in a popular vote because of their relatively small populations. But because they each have three electoral votes, which are actually much more than representative of their population relative to the rest of the country, they are visited by the candidates and given promises if they elect that candidate. When this is considered, a switch to a pure popular vote may not be the best path for the entire country. What should be done? Got me! All I know is that we are now aware of the problem and can no longer consider these problems hypothetical and ignore them. This election has made them all too real and put them in the forefront of our minds. Something must be done about the media and the issue of the electoral college must be addressed before the next election so these problems don’t manifest themselves again. ...

According to recent surveys, the average college student thinks about sex, sexual behavior and sexual issues over 100 times per day. I do not know exactly how this information was gathered, however I do know one thing: UCSD students have always been above average. Back in the 1960s, people who are now the age of our parents thought they had literally reinvented the wheel when they started the sexual revolution. Suddenly, sexual behavior, previously described as illicit, sinful and evidence of moral depravity, became a sign that the participants were enlightened. Whereas before when most premarital sex had gone on between people who at least intended to marry each other (engagement sex), now people were going to bed with whoever they ended up with at the end of the night. This led, unfortunately, to a lot of unsafe sexual practices in the name of “”free love,”” which has consequently left our generation holding the proverbial bag. Because we have the knowledge and information to effectively prevent disease transmission and pregnancy, it is important, now more than ever, that people take precautions. By the time we reach college, most students at some point or another have heard an unhealthy mix of both factual and incorrect information regarding birth control. The truth of the matter is that the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease is to abstain from sex. Studies show, however, that this is not the preferable option for most college students. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control, 86.1 percent of college students nationwide have had sexual intercourse during their lifetime. In fact, more than one-third of college students nationwide have had sexual intercourse with six or more partners. What this shows is that people are having sex. But even if you have already had sexual relations with someone, it is never too late to begin being safe. Birth Control and STD Prevention It is important to note that according to the CDC, 35.1 percent of college students nationwide reported that they had been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant. Assuming that not all of them meant to get pregnant, this means that there are educated, young adults that are still making unsafe or unwise decisions regarding birth control. If you have decided that complete abstention from sexual behavior is not the most desirable option, rest assured. There are other ways to protect yourself. The best protection from sexually transmitted disease and accidental pregnancy begins with accurate and complete information. The decision to be unsafe can be unintentional, however. As we all know, it only takes one encounter to transmit disease or cause a pregnancy. According to the CDC, college students are not being safe. Although 79.8 percent of college students reported using some form of birth control during their last sexual intercourse, these methods included everything from birth control pills and condoms to the withdrawal method (coitus interruptus), which is not a safe form of birth control. “”Only 29.6 percent of students who had sexual intercourse during the 3 months preceding the survey had used a condom at last sexual intercourse, and 34.5 percent had used birth control pills,”” reports the CDC. Before deciding to become sexually active, it is best if you and your partner step back and take a few precautions before jumping into the sack. Both opposite sex and same sex partners need to be aware of sexually transmitted diseases. First, all participants who have engaged in sex previously should be tested for any sexually transmitted diseases. Women who have had their annual exam should not assume that a healthy pap smear means that they are disease-free. STDs such as HIV and AIDS, hepatitis, gonorrhea and others are not always automatically tested for. Doctors often require that patients not only verbally request the test, but that they sign consent forms. These tests can require blood samples, urine samples or swabs from the genitals. Not all STDs have visible symptoms, so it is highly advisable that anyone engaging in sexual activity with a previously sexually active partner request these tests. After all the tests have been taken, the second step for heterosexual partners is appropriate birth control. There are several ways to stop pregnancy, and all have positive and negative side effects. The best plan is to pick a form of birth control that is acceptable to you and your partner. Some people prefer chemical methods like birth control pills or a Depo-provera shot that is effective for three months. The pill is an option, provided the woman does not react negatively to the hormones in the pill, and takes it consistently. A second form of birth control should be used in the event that a woman on the pill fails to take her required dosage more than one time during the month. “”Millions of women use the pill because it is convenient, reliable and safe. It is more than 99 percent effective — depending on how correctly it is used. It is safer than pregnancy and childbirth for nonsmoking women of all ages,”” states the Planned Parenthood Web site. Women who smoke should not take birth control pills. According to Planned Parenthood, women over age 35 who smoke and take the pill are nearly 40 times more likely to have a heart attack than women who do not smoke or take the pill. For women who do smoke, or who have difficulty remembering to take birth control pills every day at the same time, there is another chemical alternative. Depo-provera, or DPMA, is the brand name of a prescription method of reversible birth control. It is a hormone like progesterone, one of the hormones that regulates the menstrual cycle. “”A shot of DMPA in the buttock or arm can prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks. The shot keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs, thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from joining eggs, and is 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy,”” states the Panned Parenthood Web site. The shot is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control. Of every 1,000 women who use it, only three will become pregnant during the first year. Protection is immediate if you get the shot during the first five days of your period. Otherwise, use an additional method of contraception for the first two weeks. Protection will last for approximately 12 weeks. It is a safe form of birth control, but it does not prevent transmission of STDs. The Depo-provera shot and a variety of different birth control pills are available at the student health center. Condoms or diaphragms are also acceptable alternatives. Diaphragms are a safe form of birth control, however they must be inserted two hours before sex, and must stay in place at least eight hours after sex. The advantage of condoms is that they are an excellent way to prevent the transmission of STDs. Other forms of birth control do prevent pregnancy when used correctly, however they do not prevent disease transmission. In all cases, spermicide should be used in addition to condoms and diaphragms. Some people complain that each of these options takes away the spontaneity of sex. However, planning for sex can make the actual act much better. Anticipated, coordinated and deliberate sexual activity forces both participants to take full responsibility for their behavior, but can also ultimately increase the enjoyment. Emergency Contraceptive In the event that your primary form of birth control does fail, there are alternatives. The Student Health center and Planned Parenthood provide an emergency contraceptive. Emergency contraception, or EC, is birth control you take after you have sex, but before pregnancy. It should be used for emergencies only, because it is less effective than regular methods of contraception. EC is used in the event that you have engaged in unprotected sex, if your primary form of birth control failed (like a ripped condom), or in the event of sexual assault. “”Emergency contraceptives are regular birth control pills administered in higher doses over a short period of time. EC works in several different ways. It thickens the mucus at the opening of the womb (the cervix), making it harder for sperm to get through. If it’s taken at certain times in the menstrual cycle, it may prevent ovulation. Or, it may make the lining of the uterus thinner, so an egg does not become implanted,”” states the Planned Parenthood Web site. Be aware that emergency contraception is not the most pleasant experience. Most women who take it experience some nausea. According to Planned Parenthood, it is not as effective as birth control pills or barrier methods. However, nearly 75 percent of pregnancies may be prevented by EC. It is most effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It does not work if someone is already pregnant. Be Safe About Being Safe Accurate information is not always easy to come by in this society where discussion of sexuality is often taboo. Even people with the best of intentions may not be completely informed on the subject of sex, because there is so much false information. Be sure that you check multiple sources, or at least verify your information when seeking out the best possible forms of birth control and STD prevention. Here are a few tips: Be wary of anyone telling you that more is better. Some may think that if one condom is safe, then two is even better. Rubber rubbing against rubber equals a ripped condom. Under no circumstances should couples “”double up,”” and that includes using a female and male condom together. To be safer, consider using two forms of birth control, like the pill and condoms, a Depo-provera shot and condoms, or something to that effect. A barrier method coupled with a chemical inhibitor greatly reduces the harmful effects of human error. Some “”how-to”” guides may inadvertently contradict themselves or provide dangerous tips for sexually active couples. One book prescribed using mineral oil as a lubricant on one page, and cautioned people to use condoms on another. Be aware that any oil-based lubricants compromise the integrity of a latex condom, and virtually ensure breakage or leakage. This includes mineral oils, hand lotions, massage lubricants and whipped cream. Avanti condoms are nonlatex condoms that will not break when partnered with oil-based lubricants. However, they do not provide any protection against STDs. Additionally, introducing oil into the vagina can result in uncomfortable infections. It is best to stick with water-based lubricants, such as KY jelly or others when using lubricants during sexual intercourse. One final warning: Birth control pills become less effective, to the point of being completely ineffective, when taken with any antibiotics. Some doctors fail to realize that their female patients are on birth control pills when they prescribe antibiotics, and this can result in unintended pregnancy. Be sure to let your doctor know that you are on birth control pills when he is giving you a prescription. It is best, if you need to take antibiotics, to use an additional method of birth control while taking the medication. In no way should this be considered a comprehensive treatment of birth control, or of safe sexual behavior. If you are considering becoming sexually active, or are interested in amending your previous forms of birth control, Student Health services on campus has a free clinic to help people choose the right birth control method for them. Additionally, information is available from Planned Parenthood, or from your health care provider. For more information regarding birth control and safe sexual behavior, contact the student health serveces at (858) 534-8089. You can also contact Planned Parenthood at (619) 683-7526, or go to their Web site at http://www.planned.org. If you feel that you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, please call Student Safety Awareness at (858) 534-5793. For more information regarding statistics on college sexual activity, go to the Center for Disease Control’s Web site at http://www.cdc.gov. ...

Aries (March 21-April 19) Let your conscience be your guide on Monday. It’ll be harder on Tuesday because that little voice may tell you something you don’t want to hear. Around Wednesday you start feeling agitated and eager to take action. If you wait until Thursday and plan all the possibilities before making your decision, your chances of success will improve. On Friday you may have to defend your position, especially if money’s involved. Hold off on shopping until Sunday, when you’re more apt to choose things you can live with. Taurus (April 20-May 20) You and a partner can bail out a friend on Monday. Don’t take a financial risk on Tuesday. Wait until it looks like a sure thing. Confer with your partner on Wednesday and then push your plan forward. You’re pushed on Thursday, but that’s OK. Stick up for your rights on Friday. Don’t budge from what’s right on Saturday, and the others might bend your way. Relax on Sunday and give thanks for a valuable gift. Gemini (May 21-June 21) You’re anxious to get going Monday, but don’t jump the gun. Something you learn by Tuesday could change the direction you’re headed. A friend’s in a tizzy Wednesday and Thursday. Advise discretion and guard against gossiping yourself. You’d only make matters worse. Settle in for the long haul Friday and Saturday. It’s OK to be stubborn then. Everybody else is. Your plans start flowing on Sunday. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Monday’s a hassle, but that night could be romantic. Check out a new foreign restaurant. Surprises at work add stress Tuesday. Try not to get rattled; the outcome is positive. You should be prepared for an exam on Wednesday. The boss has a short fuse both then and on Thursday. By Friday the pace slows, not a moment too soon. Plans may change on Saturday, so be flexible. Hide out and read a good book most of Sunday. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) The money’s tied up most of Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday you’re ready, but your partner’s not. More complications surface on Thursday and Friday. Don’t rush, or you’ll have even more messes later. Consult with an older adviser Saturday. Then forget your troubles with friends by playing on Sunday. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Support your mate’s ideas on Monday and Tuesday by adding a measure of good common sense. The money is flowing on Wednesday and Thursday, and quick action’s needed to stop up the leaks. Work messes with travel on Friday and Saturday; just focus on going as soon as you can. A parent’s delighted to see you on Sunday, and then loads you down with goodies and love. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Creativity’s challenged on Monday and Tuesday. It isn’t all easy, but work could pay well. Your partner’s obnoxious on Wednesday and Thursday. Don’t let your own stresses get into the mix. Check over your checkbook to be sure on Friday. Then shop on Saturday as if you were broke. That way, you’ll have plenty for travel on Sunday. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Watch for surprises when bartering Monday. Find out what you’re getting first; then set the price. Wonderful romance could sour on Tuesday. A household project’s expensive on Wednesday. Measure it three times before cutting once. A co-worker’s advice helps you fix it on Thursday. Familiar hassles with your mate on Friday go through Saturday without relief. Agree to disagree by Sunday; then get yourselves a big treat. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Household affairs have you jittery Monday. Keep talking Tuesday, and wisdom prevails. True love emerges from the chaos Wednesday. By late Thursday the bond will be made. Business demands your attention on Friday. Study Saturday to get the best deal. Hand the car keys to your partner on Sunday. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Something you’re learning could explode on Monday, making a mess that takes days to clean up. Exercise caution most of Tuesday. Financial woes are annoying on Wednesday. You can’t buy that great thing you want. Try another store Thursday. Romantic feelings stir on Friday. Don’t spend too much, though, because that’s a turnoff. On Saturday later is better for dating. Finish your paperwork Sunday and read. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Leave your checkbook in a safe place on Monday. If they’re still pestering you for cash on Tuesday, offer your skills as a way to help. You and an older jerk clash on Wednesday. Too bad this person’s the one who signs the checks. Thursday is better, due to a new interest. Friday is slower, but don’t give up hope. Sleep in for most of Saturday. You won’t compromise and neither will they. Sunday’s better for good conversations. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You could have the winning idea on Monday. Something you’re planning starts happening on Wednesday. It’s not quite what you thought, but it’s OK. Ask for the money on Thursday and get it. Study on Friday to upgrade your skills. Postpone your travel for most of Saturday. You can find everything closer to home. Hang out with family and talk on Sunday. Birthdays This Week: Nov. 6: If at first you don’t succeed, try another tactic. Don’t take a risk with your savings, though. Nov. 7: Polish up your act the first half of this year so you can take it on the road. Start by listing all your promises. Nov. 8: Frustrations with work lead to action this year. The results may be better than you thought possible. Nov. 9: Expect lots of action this year. Once you make up your mind, you’ll be unstoppable. Nov. 10: Looks like a good year to clean house. Something’s lost, but more is gained if you do it right. Nov. 11: You’re breaking free, but not wildly, this year. It’s a carefully calculated maneuver. Nov. 12: Experience is a tough teacher this year, but you’ll never forget the lesson. You’ll be a better person for it, too. ...

For many students at UCSD, this will be the first presidential election in which they will be allowed to vote. One would hope that after years of waiting for this chance to assert their political preferences in the voting booth, these eager young voters would have a firm grasp on the election process. However, the sad but true fact of the matter is that many students are still left without a clue as to how the president and vice president are elected. The candidate that receives the most votes does not always win the election. In fact, there have been two instances in the nation’s history in which the person who won the majority of the popular vote failed to win the election. The first instance was in 1824 when nobody received a majority of electoral votes and the House of Representatives narrowly selected John Quincy Adams for president, despite the fact that Andrew Jackson had received the plurality of the popular vote. In 1888, Benjamin Harrison won narrow victories in several big states to win the election over incumbent Grover Cleveland, despite Cleveland getting more than 110,000 more popular votes than Harrison. The fact is, presidents are not elected by the people. They are elected by the Electoral College, a system that has been around since the beginning of the country and has evolved over time to fit the needs of the election. Each state is allocated a number of electors that is equal to its number of U.S. Senators, which is always two, plus the number of its U.S. Representatives, which changes based on the state’s population. Each political party submits a list of individuals to the state’s chief election official. These individuals pledged their vote to the party’s presidential candidate. The number of individuals is equal to the number of electoral votes the state was allocated. When voters vote on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, they vote for the slate of individuals from the party that will in turn vote for their presidential candidate. The party that wins the most popular votes in a state gets to have its slate of electors cast that state’s electoral votes. This is true of every state except Maine and Nebraska, which have two electors chosen statewide, while the other electors are chosen by each congressional district. Each elector is given two votes. One vote is for the president and the other vote is for the vice president. In the event of a tie in electoral votes, the U.S. House of Representatives will determine who becomes president. Some students may ask themselves why such a system would be used if it did not always represent what the majority of the people want. The early United States was made up of 13 states of various sizes that fought hard for states’ rights while remaining suspicious of a central government. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 considered several options for electing the president and vice president before settling on the Electoral College, according to William C. Kimberling, the deputy director of the Federal Election Commission Office of Election Administration, in an essay of his titled, “”The Electoral College.”” One of the first ideas was to have Congress choose the president. This idea was quickly rejected because many people at the Constitutional Convention felt that this would cause too much political bargaining and corruption among candidates and members of Congress. Others thought that it would upset the delicate balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Another proposal was to allow the state legislatures to select the president. This idea was rejected because some feared that candidates may become too loyal to the influential legislatures that they would shift the balance of power from the federal government to the states, undermining the idea of a federation and central government. A third, and more practical option, was simply to have the president elected by a direct popular vote, with the candidate receiving the most votes winning the election. While this might seem to many people today as a viable option, it was rejected by the framers of the Constitution. The early citizens of the United States were very spread out along the East Coast. A national campaign would be very difficult for a presidential candidate. The framers feared that without sufficient knowledge of candidates, some voters might simply vote for those in their home state that they had heard about. This would cause the large states to gain a majority of the power in electing a president and leave the small states with little say in the election. The framers finally decided on the College of Electors. According to Kimberling, the original idea was that the most knowledgeable and informed people from each state would select the president based on merit alone, without any regard for his political party or state of origin. The structure of the Electoral College bares a strong resemblance to the Centurial Assembly system that was used by the Roman Republic. This was no accident, as many of the framers were well-schooled in ancient history. Under the ancient Roman system, adult males were divided into groups of 100, called Centuries. These Centuries each had one vote on proposals submitted by the Roman Senate. In the Electoral College system, the states act as the Centurial groups. The Electoral College has undergone several different phases since its inception in Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution. The initial model of the Electoral College differed in that the initial electors were not chosen by the people on election day, but rather by the individual state legislatures. The electors were each given two votes for president. One vote had to be for someone outside their home state, in order to prevent electors from voting for their home-town candidates. The vice president was not elected as a running mate with the presidential candidate. The vice president was the person who had the second-highest total electoral vote in the presidential race. After the first four presidential elections, the Electoral College was changed. The Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution states that each elector only gets one vote for president, while the other vote would go for the vice president. The amendment also stipulates that if no one receives an absolute majority in the election that the U.S. House of Representatives would select the president from among the top three candidates. Also, if no candidate received a majority in the vice presidential election, then the U.S. Senate would select the vice president between the top two candidates. Through the years, the Electoral College has evolved into what it is today. While the manner of choosing the electors is still left up to the State legislature, all states now have systems where the voters choose the electors. All states except for Maine and Nebraska use direct statewide elections to choose their electors. The Electoral College is not without its criticisms, according to Kimberling. Among the questions raised about the Electoral College is the risk of electing a president who won the electoral vote but lost the popular vote, the risk of “”faithless”” electors who vote for a candidate other than the one that they are pledged to, the possibility of the Electoral College discouraging people from voting and the college’s failure to accurately reflect the national popular will. The current system is not, however, without its merits, according to Kimberling. Some arguments for the Electoral College that he cited are that it requires a distribution of popular support to be elected president, it enhances the status of minority interests and it maintains a federal system of government and representation. That is our system for electing the president in a nutshell. Hopefully you will be a little more informed about the process as you shuffle into the voting booths tomorrow. ...