Chivalry is dead.

Living in America, we are constantly told about the historic importance of graciousness, and the defense of decency. What we often fail to understand, however, is that in many non-American cultures, chivalry cannot be dead, because it never existed in the first place. In many of these cultures, including my own Indian culture, chivalry is virtually nonexistent. Chauvinism runs rampant among the people of these societies.

Listen up, men and women of UCSD -- reading this just may provide you with a different perspective on the way in which you live your life. Perhaps it will make you think twice about any preconceived notions you hold regarding the opposite sex. If not, that's OK too. At least I would have made my point, and hopefully it will lead some of you to look more closely at your own experiences, to see if this applies to you.

Some of you are probably wondering where exactly I am going with this whole spiel. Let me be a little more specific. In our seemingly progressive society, one would assume that both male and female individuals would oppose such a gender-specific typology. Unfortunately, the notion of gender roles still exists today. Forget chivalry, even equality among the sexes is considered nonexistent in many cultures.

This has become a source of argument between myself and a male friend of mine, who is also of Indian descent.

Upon seeing me and my roommate cooking dinner last year, my friend -- who is also a self-proclaimed male chauvinist -- uttered the four words that would make any woman's blood boil. ""That's a woman's job,"" he said.

He then proceeded to tell me his backward, ludicrous notions that a woman's place was in the home, and that a woman's job was to serve her husband.

Rather than abiding by our instincts and beating our friend over the head with a frying pan, my roommate and I instead rolled our eyes and told our friend that he needed to update his prehistoric views if he ever wanted to meet a respectable girl.

He responded by saying that if he was not able to find a woman in America who possessed the willingness to go along with his definition of a ""dutiful"" wife, then he would simply find his future wife in India. I refuted his comment by telling him that what he wanted was a maid/babysitter/ chef, and not a wife.

Later that day, however, I began to think about the statements that my friend had made. I began to wonder if his views were representative of other males my age.

All sorts of thoughts began to surface in my mind. ""Did these men still possess such absurd views?"" ""Where did these views originate?"" ""Was I the only one bothered by his comments?"" and ""God ... I hope that I am not destined to marry someone who possesses ideas as crazy as my friend's.""

After talking with some friends of mine who are also of South-Asian descent, I realized that the typical Indian male mentality is alive and quite prevalent today. Perhaps I had been naive to think that just because in my own family ""gender roles"" did not apply, that these labels did not transcend into other minority households.

Many of my peers have told me that gender roles are an accepted reality in their own families. One friend, whose parents both hold full time jobs, told me that each evening after returning home from work, her mother is expected to cook dinner for. She is also expected to clean up after the rest of the family while her father enjoys leisure time watching TV or reading.

I was shocked to find out that her father had never before washed a single dish or done one load of laundry. While I found this behavior very disturbing, my friend had simply accepted it as a way of life. Her description reminded me more of a business than of a family. Author Lillian Bell put it best when she said, ""It is really asking too much of a woman to expect her to bring up her husband and her children too.""

Although I know of no woman my age who would tolerate this way of life, I also recognize that as long as societies continue to promote and tolerate the idea of gender roles, there will always be men who abide by it, and women who put up with it.

Here I was, thinking that the days in which women were considered subordinate to men were long gone. Little did I know that these ideas are still alive and well among males of my own generation. Only by refusing to conform to or partake in these silly, stereotypical gender roles, can we put a stop to this inane way of thinking.

The problem lies in the fact that the men who possess such silly notions, do so because of the way they were brought up. Most were the typical ""mama's boys"" who were never given any responsibilities, and who, even at a young age, were treated like royalty. Welcome to reality, boys. If the only thing you want is someone to clean your house, hire a maid.

Well, as a sidenote to my poor, foolish friend who feels that he is going to find the ""perfect woman"" who will be willing to cook, clean and abide by her husband's every wish, good luck. Any woman that puts up with such dictatorship is badly in need of a crash course in being independent.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not a vindictive person, and my purpose is not to lash out at all men -- only those who are foolish enough to believe such silly ideas. And to all you males who still think that a woman's place is in the home, you'd might as well see bachelorhood as a permanent way of life, because the only place you are going to get ""service with a smile"" is at your local Burger King.

By now, every UCSD student is aware of the complaints. Upon arrival, most students are almost immediately disappointed to find that our campus is a little different than others. The whole college-town feel that characterizes colleges of myth just does not seem relevant within our cozy locale of La Jolla.

Mike Coggins
Guardian

Meaning ""the jewel"" in Spanish, La Jolla continues to dazzle newcomers and students alike with its natural beauty. It is not uncommon to hear it described as ""the most beautiful place in the world."" UCSD is lucky to have such a delightful place as its backyard.

Unfortunately, while many students are very content with the academic climate of UCSD, they still manage to be considerably discontent with our college's social environment. The complaints about nothing to do on campus are rampant and indeed, unjustifiable. However, the community surrounding UCSD is another issue altogether.

Ask almost any student what they know about the ""city"" they attend school in nine months out of the year, and nearly everyone would give you limited information, at best. Or even worse, many students simply subscribe to the most popular stereotypes about La Jollans. A group of rich, snobby, uncooperative people is probably what your average UCSD student would have to say about them.

But exactly how true is this statement? What are the residents really like and how has it affected the social dynamics of UCSD? Read further to find out ...

A Community of San Diegans

Officially, La Jolla is not even a city, although most students are probably unaware of this. According to Barry Benintende, an editor of The La Jolla Light and unofficial expert on all things La Jollan, La Jolla is actually a township.

""It's a community of San Diegans; very rich San Diegans,"" Benintende said.

Benintende added that La Jolla has representation in the San Diego city council and carries out its civic functions in the form of multiple councils and committees.

The history of UCSD is a good place to start when trying to understand why the campus is set up the way it is. As for the complaints that there are not enough things that cater to college students, the origins of the university are an appropriate avenue to explore, also.

La Jolla was a very well-established community before Roger Revelle first presented to UC regents in 1959, the idea for a university on land that previously belonged to the U.S. military. Residents initially feared the great change that the then proposed UC La Jolla could possibly inflict on their small community. Although over the decades, La Jollans have adapted to the change, and indeed in some cases, residents have embraced the university, some things have never changed.

""There is a comfort level in [La Jollans] lives that they don't want a lot of change,"" Benintende said. ""It's not that the people here are snobbish it's just that they may not reach out to UCSD students as a whole as much as they could.""

For him, however, it could be a two-way street. Students should be just as involved with the community if they have complaints, he said. If the students want to be more involved, he added, they should do more volunteer work and get in touch with the community. According to him, most students might be surprised to find how responsive the La Jolla community would be if they made an effort to reach out.

""Most residents, I would figure, are very receptive to students because most of them have children,"" Benintende said. ""The supposition that La Jolla is anti-college may be true in some cases, but I think most of the residents are reasonable to know that there's something to be gained from embracing the students. I'd say it's a 50-50 mix as far as people that really look at UCSD students as assets and who realize that the university is here to stay.""

The dot-com boom in recent years has caused a surge in the number of young millionaires moving into the area, according to Benintende.

The Residents

""I would venture to say that [newcomers] want to provide for their families,"" Benintende said. ""A lot of La Jollans are family people, while a huge chunk is the senior citizen population. If you factor in the senior citizens and students, that's the high and low end of the age bracket. The more sympathetic crowd toward college students tend to be the small bracket of young adults who might be just out of college.""

La Jolla is no stranger to ""new money"" and newcomers from all over the country continually move into the area because of the allure La Jolla offers, particularly for new families raising children.

The Scarbroughs, who just arrived from Utah less than a year ago with their infant son, described how warm and friendly La Jollans have been to them.

""I think they're pretty friendly, actually; quite outgoing and very laid back,"" said Nicole Scarbrough. ""[They are] very helpful, usually quite thoughtful which is nice.""

Most students have the idea that a typical La Jollan would be almost impossible to approach. The wealth many of these residents possess is almost enough of an intimidation factor to stop even the bravest students from striking up a spontaneous conversation with an average resident.

Out-of-towners like Jared Scarbrough think the situation is not as black and white, however, especially in comparison to other parts of the country.

""I think in Utah it's easier to get to know people and make a connection,"" he said. ""But I think here once you make the connection it's a stronger connection [because] they're more friendly, helpful and more genuine. Once you break down that initial barrier they're very open and kind people but I think on the outside, there's that barrier that you need to break through.""

Ralph Nedelkoff, a resident of La Jolla for only 6 months, originally from New Jersey, has found the community very welcoming.

""It's a wonderful community,"" he said. ""Everybody I've met, whether they're students or not students.""

Newcomers from around the world are also common within the community of La Jolla. Fresh from St. Andrews, Scotland, is young couple Tom and Sharon Henley. According to the two, the social climate of La Jolla is not entirely unique.

""Probably Scotland would be a wee bit more warm and people who moved in next door would have you come around or say hello,"" Tom Henley said. ""I guess it's like any big city really; London would be the same -- you wouldn't know your next-door neighbors.""

Why No College Town?

An all-too-familiar complaint is that we lack a college town or any semblance of a college-town community. The most popular comparisons would have to be universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley and SDSU. True as it may be that each of those colleges might have an edge over ours in terms of more college-friendly establishments surrounding their campuses, some would argue that UCSD and La Jolla needn't change at all.

For instance, Naureen Nayyar, an ex-SDSU student who is now in her second year at Mesa College, is quick to point out the benefits of UCSD being situated in an area like La Jolla. For instance, she points out how she prefers the quiet and peacefulness only La Jolla can provide. In addition, she is more optimistic about UCSD's social milieu.

""I have a lot of friends who go to UCSD, and they have a lot of fun just partying in their dorms and stuff, too,"" she said. ""I mean, you can make any place happen if you want it. College life is what you make of it. It's not just about partying -- there are people who like to just chill.""

Nayyar went on to express how she feels UCSD students should take more time to appreciate what they already have.

""I think a lot of times when people go, 'Oh I want it more like a college town,' they're not thinking, 'Oh I want more places for kids to just hang out after 10,'"" she said. ""They're talking about places to party and stuff, like PB. [In PB], everybody's just drinking everywhere and it's so loud, I mean I live in PB right now and sometimes it's kind of annoying how every day is a party.""

Mandeville Special Collections Library Director Lynda Corey Claassen believes the reason to be mostly circumstantial. The area surrounding UCSD is predominantly residential instead of commercial. It is important to note that UCSD is situated on a hill, conveniently tucked away from the rest of La Jolla.

Unlike places like Westwood for UCLA or Berkeley for Cal, UCSD never developed in a student-friendly area that was contiguous to the campus. On top of that, our university is a far younger school and has not had as much time to develop and mature into a thriving college community, in the traditional sense.

The culture of La Jolla has managed to remain intact, however. According to Claassen, it is a dynamic mix of art, culture, social events and social interaction.

Distance From the Community

Perhaps the biggest culprit, as far as UCSD's distance from the community, is the geography itself.

The relationship between UCSD and La Jolla was and is tentative. As a university, it is primarily concerned with the education of students and maintaining a certain standard of excellence. On the other hand, because of their perpetual concern for geography and land, most La Jollans find little in common with the university. Exceptions most definitely exist, but generally speaking, each entity has its own specific interests, and tends to not understand each other.

Nancy Groves, director of academic advising at Revelle and a resident of the area for 37 years, mentioned that La Jolla has tried to respond to the location difficulties UCSD students may come across. For instance, La Jolla Village Square only became as student friendly as it is today in recent years because the local businesses realized that providing more services to the massive student population was the only way to survive economically.

UCSD Student Perspectives and Making the Most of It

UCSD student Shiloh Talley believes La Jolla's natural splendor to be one of its greatest assets.

""La Jolla is one of the most beautiful places in the United States with the most beautiful people around,"" Talley said.

She, like many others, endorses a more proactive approach to alleviate the common complaint that there is nothing to do on campus.

""I think you have to make your own fun, but as UCSD students we're all capable of doing that. Otherwise we wouldn't have come here,"" she said. ""We came here for the beauty of it and there's so many beautiful things to do that we should be satisfied.""

Some students like Revelle sophomore Ben Mayes are hardly concerned with connecting with La Jollans outside the university . Being a student is of utmost priority for students like him.

""Our problem isn't all that unique, really,"" Mayes said. ""You can't expect the community to be involved with us. I mean there are variations, some colleges will interact more with the community than others but all in all you kind of don't expect it because [students and La Jollans] live such different lifestyles.""

UCSD senior Bobby Potruch works at one of the many booths at UTC. Dealing with all sorts of people every day, Potruch attests to the claim that La Jollans are a very diverse group, despite most stereotypical perceptions of them. Like many other students who deal with La Jollans on a regular basis, he remarked how labeling the entire community as one thing would be inaccurate.

Potruch maintains that La Jolla, like any community near a big city, is a mix of all ages and types of people who surprisingly are a varied mix even from an economic standpoint. In other words, not everyone is filthy rich, although most are.

In response to claims that UCSD or La Jolla lacks a college-town feel, Potruch recites a familiar sentiment shared by many students. According to him, for anyone who's ever been to a college-town, UCSD is ""definitely no college town.""

As examples, Potruch cited how the conservative nature of UCSD neighbors prevents there from being action such as parties on campus which are not almost immediately broken up. Much like students before him, Potruch remains far more optimistic about the opportunities UCSD has to offer socially. He poses the challenge that all students look within themselves to change their attitudes before whining about how UCSD lacks yet another thing.

""If you've ever spoken to mostly anyone, they're always looking for something outside their town,"" Potruch said. ""Their town is boring, their school is boring, there's never anything to do; it's always trying to get out of your local environment. And it seems like the popular thing to say is that there's nothing to do.""

Instead of blaming the lack of parties, Potruch thinks in many cases, it is the students themselves who never really learned how to have fun because of the academic nature of UCSD.

""It's a very competitive school where people spent a great deal of time in their high schools worrying about their grades to get into a prestigious school,"" Potruch said. ""Now that they're in college, they're looking to party and they don't know how to do it. They don't know what it is. They're partying and they still don't know they're partying. They think you have to be at some rager with five kegs where you can't move and that's a party; that's technically a party but also partying is going out with a few of your buddies and hanging out. You don't have to stay out till 3 a.m. to be classified as a cool person who had a good time.""

Potruch agrees.

""You can bring fun to almost any town,"" Potruch said. ""It's not that much to search for, you'll go your whole entire college life searching for it and it was sitting right in front of you the whole time and you never knew it was there.""

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Get an adversary to put in a good word for you to the boss on Monday, but make sure the payback is something you'll be able to afford. Ask for the raise on Tuesday and reimbursement for past favors. Put the final touches on your plan with teammates Wednesday. Thursday's stop and go all day, as you find last-minute problems. Get your priorities into order over the weekend, with love, of course, coming first.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Set a practical theme for your travels on Monday and Tuesday. You can make that excursion tax deductible and still have a fabulous time. You can benefit from changes at the top on Wednesday and Thursday if you play your cards carefully. Remind the boss how trustworthy you are and cause your resources, as well as responsibilities, to increase. Everybody wants into your pockets on Friday and Saturday. Save up, instead, for a worthy cause you'll find on Sunday.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

If you brown bag it on Monday and Tuesday, you can save enough for a nice excursion on Wednesday. Let a fascinating foreigner talk you out of your dull routine. You'll be in the mood to do the same on Thursday and Friday, but there's almost too much confusion. Work interferes with play, but play triumphs, at home. Don't go far on Friday, or Saturday, either. Provide what an older person needs, and you'll be generously rewarded on Sunday.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Your partner's kind of bossy on Monday and Tuesday, but don't put up much of a fuss. You could reap heretofore unimagined benefits. Research a likely investment on Wednesday, so you can move quickly when the time is right on Thursday. If you know what you're doing, you can make a sweet deal. Don't let a gossip ruin your plans on Friday. Trust your intuition instead. Sleep in on Saturday. Traveling early isn't a good idea anyway. Postpone your trip until Sunday, and it'll be much more relaxing.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Friends think you're the best one for the job on Monday and Tuesday, so prove them right. Make plans with your partner on Wednesday, but don't get rigid. There are bound to be surprises on Thursday and Friday, and not all pleasant. Take them one at a time, and don't worry. The overall outcome looks positive if you mind your manners. Save your receipts on Saturday. Odds are good you'll get something you later decide to take back. Sunday you're more likely to get what you really like, but you don't mind going into debt then, either. Better take your analytical friend's advice, instead of following your own whim on that one.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

A romantic connection is worth the trouble to get there, on Monday and/or Tuesday. Sure, the work is piling up, but that's OK. Wednesday and Thursday are about nothing else, anyway. A project you've been anticipating finally starts and stops and starts, in fits and spurts. Schedule a relaxing conversation with your favorite listener for Friday, close to home. Something you thought you had figured out could backfire Saturday, but by Sunday the bugs should all be eradicated.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Love beckons on Monday and Tuesday, but you're not quite ready yet. Finish household chores and decoration, so you can relax on Wednesday. Plans you're making show great promise then, but difficulties are encountered on Thursday and Friday. Keep talking, and you'll figure out how to fix just about everything together. You'll lose patience on Saturday if costs run higher than expected. Keep shopping until Sunday, and you're more likely to find the perfect thing.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

It's back to the books for you on Monday and Tuesday, to fix an annoying problem at home. You may be pleased with your success on Wednesday, but don't gloat. It's too likely you'll find more trouble on Thursday. Ignore a minor disagreement with your mate on Friday. Love triumphs quite nicely that day, much to your mutual delight. Be careful on Saturday to not break something expensive. Make playing with your sweetheart the top priority for Sunday.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Help out a friend and earn a bonus on Monday and Tuesday. Study up on Wednesday for the test that's coming Thursday. And, don't believe everything you hear on Friday. Do your own investigation and get more of what you want. You've got a mess on your hands Saturday. Don't avoid it, just do the best you can, and you'll have a snuggly nest to relax in by Sunday.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A friend thinks you can do it on Monday and Tuesday, so let yourself be convinced. The money looks too easy on Wednesday, and the problems start showing up on Thursday and Friday. You're kept hopping, but you're up to the challenge. Don't bother to run errands on Saturday. Save them for Sunday, and you're more apt to find what you're seeking.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Gather up the resources and information you still need on Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday you should be almost ready to launch. There will be delays, you can count on that. It could be late Thursday or Friday before you actually get going. This is as it should be, so don't push. You might break something. You might also get disappointing news late Friday or early Saturday. An older person is making more demands, but that's also OK. You'll have a better result when you're finally done. Use some of that bounty you've recently acquired to fix up your place on Sunday.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

A close friend and a distant one both have good advice on Monday and Tuesday. Listen to them. Don't completely ignore your inner voices, just don't be intimidated by them. And, don't believe Wednesday's job will be as easy as it looks, either. It gets complicated on Thursday and Friday. Plan carefully and be prepared for just about anything. Complying with an older person's whims is a whole new challenge Saturday, but the tide's in your favor. By this weekend, you can be resting in the lap of luxury.

Birthdays This Week

Jan. 22: The pressure's on, but it's your own decision. Push hard to make a fantasy come true.

Jan. 23: You've got the talent, that's obvious. Now, prove you've also got the common sense. Follow an older person's advice.

Jan. 24: You're creative, confident and powerful this year! Be compassionate, too, and you'll take home all the prizes.

Jan. 25: You're facing a few tough puzzles, but don't even worry. If you didn't have a challenge or two, you'd get bored!

Jan 26: You can win the respect you deserve and the money to go with it. Don't let a setback stop you; come back with the facts.

Jan. 27: Shrewd planning and extensive research are required. Don't take anything for granted, and success can be yours.

Jan. 28: You're blessed with a combination of mental and emotional energy. You'll be both analytical and compassionate if you're wise.

I would like to propose a mild brain teaser for all the semi-awake, loyal readers out there who are waiting with baited breath to flip to the personals section of this newspaper. Our nation, which has tried time and time again to legislate human morality, is amoral. Believe it: Sex, drugs and violence are still ""the American Way.""

The Reverend Jesse Jackson -- Rainbow Coalition posterboy and spiritual advisor to former President Clinton -- has a 20-month-old illegitimate child, and meanwhile, Texas' electric chair is regularly being filled with flesh to deep-fry unpopular members of our own species.

Floridians still think their votes were fairly counted, and we all still have a 50-50 chance of divorcing. Forget the fact that I'm not being inaugurated into anything; this is my inaugural address.

The rampant zipper problem plaguing public officeholders of the male genre has many Americans embittered. Those who know me will also know that I too have been a sucker for a man in power, and thus I offer the following advice to the Monicas of this nation: Run to the media, ladies -- we will embrace your stories of size and style whether you've been sleeping with congressmen, reverends or first ladies. By spilling it all, you may gain a little of the power that was handed to those men just because they were born with penises. My advice comes with one reservation, however -- just don't go to Larry Flynt.

As for the death penalty, I point to the Environmental Protection Agency's Endangered Species Protection Program, which obliges the government to protect species from pesticides. The poison-filled needles that our government has so subtly and endearingly nicknamed ""lethal injections"" certainly qualify as pesticides meant for the pestlike members of the human species. Any analytical thinker can see that through the electric chair, we're letting the D.C. boys break the very laws they've made regarding preservation of species.

Not to mention the fact that, somehow, women and whites are mysteriously avoiding death row in comparison to the number of black men, who are the favorite contestants for execution, that are on death row. I support affirmative action -- does that mean I'm a proponent of opening up a few spots for the women and white men who keep getting excluded from death row while African American men occupy all the slots? Not exactly. I'm not arguing for a diversification of death row; I'm arguing for an elimination of the whole idea in general. I don't care if people want to strap each other down with leather belts as long as it isn't about death.

If all that doesn't convince you, consider this: Government-endorsed and government-enforced murder doesn't seem like a good idea when we've got people like Dubya calling the shots. Wouldn't you be a bit miffed if that moron, who recently told Barbara Walters that he is unsure if Russia is a friend or a threat, ordained your execution? I guess the cocaine and booze must have caused him to miss more of the '80s than we originally thought -- the guy still doesn't realize that the Cold War ended.

Another problem plaguing ""the union"" is sketchy voting procedures. The fact that Florida is filled with nothing but prune juice consumers and people who earn their income by parading around Fantasy Land as mice, chipmunks and princesses should have caught our attention a long time ago. No wonder the butterfly ballot confused them -- they either work at ""The Happiest Place on Earth"" or they haven't had contact with anyone but the Rite Aid pharmacist in over 30 years. Obviously, they're a bit removed from the rest of the country.

Perhaps equally frightening is the trouble I encountered upon trying to vote in Del Mar. Instead of being handed a ballot and a ballot-punching machine in which to insert my ballot, I was given a ballot-punching machine that already had a ballot inserted into it. Excited about voting and late for class, I didn't give the situation much thought, nor did I check the ballot before I began punching away for the leftists.

What I realized once CNN began attacking the Florida situation was that the Gucci-clad, tanning booth-veteran poll worker who grimaced upon seeing my UCSD sweatshirt easily could have punched a few holes through my ballot before sticking it into the machine and handing the contraption to me -- which would have immediately disqualified my ballot. It seems like I'd fit in in Florida more than I would like to think.

The true indicator of our nation's status, however, is the popularity of Fox's ""Temptation Island."" We already know that we only have a 50-50 chance of establishing a lifelong marriage.

We also know that about 40 percent of people cheat on their significant other. Yet FOX seems to think we might not comprehend these facts even after all those ""Jerry Springer"" reruns we've watched, so the network has decided to use ""Temptation Island"" to reiterate that sometimes love really isn't enough, and humans probably are just lustful fiends like every other animal on this planet.

Bonobo female chimpanzees, which constitute our closest relatives by sharing 98 percent of our genetic material, are known to detach male chimps' penises and scrotums if the mood is right. I swear I saw the same thing going on between a human couple on a 1 a.m. ""Jerry Springer"" episode last week, and I would do the same thing if my boyfriend fell victim to a ""Temptation Island"" cutie.

""Temptation Island"" also proves that Americans' voyeuristic tendencies can no longer be denied -- more couch potatoes watched the opening episode of ""Temptation Island"" than any other FOX series in history ... but to see what? Stable relationships crumbling away as primal attraction triumphs over emotional commitment, and men and women admitting to themselves that love will not necessarily find a way is apparently now entertainment.

Meanwhile, here comes President Bush to force Christian concepts of family down our throats (i.e. male-female lifelong marriages). I think I prefer Clinton and Jackson with their zipper problems -- at least their lifestyles reflect pop culture.

Looking around, some would argue that students at UCSD are generally apathetic and a bit disdainful of their undergraduate experiences. After all, we are not a Division I school. We don't even have a football team.

But look a bit deeper, and you will find that student involvement is making UCSD one of the top-ranked schools in California and in the nation. In fact, as a public institution, we place seventh in U.S. News and World Report's 2001 college ranking. UCSD is also the third-ranked college in the UC system and, at 31st, one of the youngest colleges to make the top 50 in the nation.

As a research institution, UCSD is even more impressive. We recently took one of three major $300 million state grants from UC Berkeley, which is perhaps a telltale sign of more to come.

These statistics are made possible in part by the involvement of students, like the members of the UCSD Student Foundation, the donors that support this group and the inspiration of people like Vice Chancellor James Langley, who initially came up with the idea for the group.

Conception

The UCSD Student Foundation is an idea carried over from Georgia Tech by Langley, who, as vice chancellor, is in charge of external relations. It is the first in the UC system and stems from the philosophy that when given the opportunity to become involved and invested in the betterment of their own education, students will rise to the occasion.

The idea took off in early 1999 when UCSD graduates Marc and Patricia Brutten agreed to donate $100,000 to start the foundation. The Bruttens have a history of donating money to UCSD, specifically to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, and saw this as a chance to encourage student participation and to enable students to make a difference for themselves.

The money established a means of ""reaching out to aspiring students with business acumen and offering them a way to connect to the University,"" according to the Foundation's Web site, located at http://www.studentfoundation.ucsd.edu.

The main goal of the UCSD Student Foundation is to build a strong student community that understands the role of philanthropic acts in a society. Written directly into its bylaws is this statement: ""The purpose of the UCSDSF is to promote, facilitate and perpetuate the philanthropic spirit among the UCSD student community.""

Langley has described the Student Foundation as an opportunity for friends and supporters of the university to interact with students, a mechanism for the student body to support fundraising efforts and a way for students to give to each other by way of scholarships.

It isn't that difficult for one student to make a difference, according to Carolyn Muhlstein, a graduate student at the School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, and member of the Student Foundation.

""The founders of the UCSD Student Foundation understood that when individuals begin donating money to philanthropic organizations at a young age, this habit stays with them later in life,"" Muhlstein said. ""The founders also understood that it is important for all members of society to make contributions of any size to philanthropy, regardless of personal wealth. As students, most of us are financially strapped, but by giving a little, and seeing how our resources can be pooled to make a difference, we gain a very real understanding of our ability to positively influence the lives of those less fortunate.""

According to Ping Yeh, an engineering graduate student and the current president of the Student Foundation, the ""philanthropic spirit of UCSD"" means an awareness of how lucky we all are.

""We have more than an opportunity to get an education at UCSD,"" Yeh said. ""Once we realize we have such gifts in life, we have seemingly a moral obligation to take action to improve our university, our communities and our earth. Making daily efforts to strengthen our relationships with others, with UCSD and ourselves, will bring us all closer to the way of life that brings respect and caring for each other and our environment.""

Structure

The Student Foundation is modeled after the UCSD Foundation, a committee of 50 people entrusted to manage the university's endowment fund of over $200 million. Trustees have designed a formal mentoring program to help the members of the student foundation manage their endowment and work more efficiently. It is important for the Student Foundation to be patterned after the foundation in order for the trustees to better advise the student trustees.

""If the organization is committed to the same guiding principles and has the same structure, it's easier to provide counsel and to serve as a model for students to observe,"" Langley said. ""Also, we hope that the student trustees become involved alumni and ultimately aspire to a place on the UC San Diego Foundation.""

The students also appreciate the knowledge that the members of the original Foundation provide.

""As with the creation of any new organization, our learning curve is incredibly steep,"" Muhlstein said. ""Since members of the original foundation have been through many of the same challenges we are experiencing, their expertise is invaluable.""

Currently there are 12 Student Trustees, including several graduate students and one student studying abroad. The full board is a diverse group, representing all five colleges, that meets weekly to discuss current projects and foundation development.

The foundation is organized into three formal committees. Development focuses on ""increasing the Student Foundation's endowment through gifts made by students, faculty, and friends of UCSD,"" according to the Web site.

The Investment Committee provides the main source of growth for the committee by managing the investment portfolio of the group. The Nominations Committee is responsible for helping to select new trustees, publicizing the foundation and interviewing and recommending potential trustees to the Board of Trustees for final approval.

According to Yeh, the group is in the second stage of a four-stage process that began at its 1999 conception.

During the first year, Student Trustees focused on building the infrastructure of the group, including creating a mission statement, establishing bylaws and a Web site.

In the second stage, student trustees are beginning to focus on outreach programs to involve staff, faculty, alumni, the community and especially students in the improvement of UCSD. Yeh feels that the Student Foundation has an advantageous position in this particular stage because the members, as students, know better than staff and administration what works and what doesn't work with students.

The third stage is to work with the students to generate donations for important causes around campus. Here students will have the opportunity to donate both time and money to a cause of their choosing. Yeh hopes that the foundation will serve as a facilitator for philanthropic service among UCSD students.

The fourth stage is to help to change the rhetoric surrounding UCSD student apathy. The hope is that students, upon discovering their own power to instill change in this community, will carry that philosophy throughout their lives and continue to give in their lives to their communities and to UCSD.

""I think the students of UCSD should be proud that we have the only student foundation in the UC system,"" said Yeh. ""We have an organization that is a teacher and facilitator for our own peers. That feels great to all of us.""

Current Projects

Although only in its second year, the Student Foundation is already working to initiate change in the UCSD community. The group is currently focusing its energy on two projects. The first, titled ""Change for Change,"" is designed to help the Preuss School students, and the second will benefit UCSD students directly.

""Change for Change"" pits the five colleges against one other in an effort to see which one can raise the most money by throwing extra change into bins located around campus. Each college is in charge of the strategic location of its own bin.

Although the Preuss School was recently completed, the construction funds fell short of including items such as lunch tables, jungle gyms and other standard middle school equipment. Money from ""Change for Change"" will be used to purchase lunch tables for the students, who currently sit on the ground and on grassy areas during lunch time. The tables will also be used for tutoring, a service that some UCSD students currently provide.

This competition is being sponsored by the UCSD Alumni Association. The Association has agreed to match donations up to $2,000 in an effort to improve the Preuss School. The tables will be inscripted with plaques reading, ""From current college scholars to future college scholars.""

The competition goes until Feb. 2, and the money will be counted at Spirit Night. The college that wins the competition will earn a free movie night at the Price Center Theater, with the discretion to pick the movie and night.

UCSDSF's second project is in conjunction with the University Center Advisory Board to develop a ""Wall of Student Excellence and Philanthropy"" for the Price Center. The UCSDSF is working with Sony to have a flat-screen television donated, which, if garnered, will be hung alongside several awards in the A.S. offices. The television will be used to advertise UCSD activities and projects and to highlight the efforts of UCSD students. The wall will also highlight UCSDSF scholarship recipients.

In addition to raising money for UCSD projects, the Student Foundation has also made financial contributions to UCSD. The most generous would be its $3,000 contribution to the Chancellor's 5K, a run designed to raise money for scholarships. The money donated to the fund is matched by the Chancellor, resulting in six $1,000 scholarships for incoming UCSD students.

The Student Foundation also donated 1,000 bottles of water to the UCSD Un-Olympics during the first week of fall quarter, as an effort to reach out to incoming students.

Getting Involved

Currently students can help by contributing to their colleges' bins to support the Preuss School. In the future, students will be able to go online to donate to a specific cause or to the general pool of investment principal that only goes towards scholarships.

Applications to become a student trustee can be found online. UCSD undergraduate or graduate students of any major who are in good academic standing may apply.

""Applicants should have experience in and/or be motivated to learn about philanthropy, fund raising and investment management,"" states the Web site.

There are few books out there that can bring out a plethora of emotions from a person. ""Colors of the Mountain"" is one of these rarities. Sadness and despair, hopefulness and joy result from the experience of reading this book. There are not enough words to describe the varying range of feelings evoked by this true story of a man's childhood during a time of oppression.

""Colors of the Mountain"" is the autobiography of Da Chen, a Chinese-American who grew up during Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and '70s. Chen focuses on his childhood, from the time he was eight years old until he was in his teens. Growing up in a country that despised his family because his sickly grandfather was successful in business before the Communist takeover in China, Chen and his family were forced to live in poverty. His father was imprisoned and forced to work in labor camps, leaving his mother as the sole breadwinner of the family. This was especially hard for a woman, considering the place and time. As the youngest of the children, there was little Chen could do to help.

This being the case, Chen focused all his energy on school and getting into the University of Beijing. As any Chinese student can tell you, the pressure to perform well academically is immense. The weight on his shoulders came not just from his family, but from himself. Chen's sole desire was to bring his family out of poverty, and he viewed an education at the university as the way to achieve this. Blessed with an amazing mind and adamant will, Chen was successful in dragging himself from the despair that threatened to swallow him.

What is amazing about the book and about Chen is the way the story is conveyed to the reader. The Cultural Revolution in China is one of the worst examples of human depravity and sorrow. Yet Chen retells his coming-of-age not with anger-filled words and a mouth filled with spite, but with humor and humility.

Lisa See, author of ""On Gold Mountain,"" said it best when she praised the book. ""Born with the wretched political birthmark of being a landlord's son, he has looked back at his life without cynicism or self-pity,"" See stated. ""'Colors of the Mountain' is a book of great dignity.""

""Colors of the Mountain"" is not merely a coming-of-age memoir. It gives readers an unadulterated window into not only his past, but into China's past as well. Readers can witness the cruelty of communist China, the mass paranoia of an entire population and the underlying human compassion that is buried beneath it all. It gives us the vantage point of living in poverty and depending on others to survive. And to witness Chen, as a boy, standing above it all and succeeding is quite humbling.

Reading the book was a cathartic experience for me, as I am sure it will be for anyone who picks it up and thumbs through the pages. At the time that I was reading the book, I was in dire straits, one might say. The book proved to be the remedy to my ailment. I found inspiration in the book and in Chen's struggles to support his family and his education. Chen's ability to look back at his past and simply smile is something I find amazing.

I highly recommend this autobiography to anyone, no matter his race, ethnicity or major. Despite our differences, there are some things that connect everyone: the will to succeed and the greatness of human achievement. ""Colors of the Mountains"" epitomizes these characteristics.

Those interested in Chinese history will also find this book of great interest. It provides a window into the recent history of the People's Republic of China and the cultural revolution that shaped the nation. For those with interest in Chinese society, Chen gives a frank look at the traditional Chinese family and the values instilled in it. The importance of education, putting the family first and pride of achievement are all touched on in this moving book.

""Colors of the Mountains"" offers a range of emotions. Like the Pilgrim in Dante's ""Divine Comedy,"" Chen travels, emotionally and physically, from hell to heaven. The reader is likewise put on this roller coaster of feelings. Even the ending is bittersweet. I won't ruin it for you, but I will mention that a friend who also read the book was crying her eyes out by the last page.

We have all been there. It is an awful experience: You need to make an important call and realize that you don't have any change. Then you beg for change, only to wait 20 minutes for a public phone because the person ahead of you can't decide what he wants for dinner. Now that the phone is available, you can't find your friend's number.

Luckily, the icon of the 21st century, the cell phone, is here to save you from that aggravation. You can call your buddy on your cell phone using Pacific Bell's Free Mobile to Mobile. As the name suggests, it's free, you don't have to wait for anyone else to finish, and you can store friends' numbers so that all you need to do is press ""TALK"" to reach them.

These are some of the reasons why, according to a Gallup poll released on April 26, 2000, half of all Americans own a cell phone. Nearly half of all cell phone owners are between the ages of 18 and 29. Not surprisingly, 67 percent of them reported that they use their phones every day or several times per week. According to the numbers, cell phones seem to be dominating our lives.

According to ""Time"" magazine, in the United States, cell phone users spend an average of 150 minutes a month talking on their cell phones.

""This is the most popular product known to man,"" said Ed Snyder, who follows wireless technologies for the Chase H&Q investment firm. ""More cell phones will be sold this year than all the computers, TVs, personal digital assistants and pagers combined.""

What many people do not realize is that wireless phones can affect our lives negatively as well as positively. A cell phone, like the microwave and broadcast antenna, emits radio waves that are a form of nonionizing radiation, which can harm body tissues in high doses. Microwave radio waves are 1,000 times more powerful than those of a cell phone. However, a microwave keeps its waves inside a steel box, whereas cell phones are kept close to people and are pressed to the head for long periods of time.

In another ""Time"" study, it was determined that when mice were exposed to two 30-minute daily doses of cell phone radiation for up to 18 months, the mice developed twice as many brain tumors as the mice that were not exposed. Other findings link the radiation to changes in brain function.

The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health recently reported the findings of a public health scientist, George Carlo. Carlo is one of the most outspoken critics of cell phones and launched a series of studies on their effects.

Carlo found that the risk of acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor of the auditory nerve that is in the range of phone antenna radiation, was 50 percent higher in people who reported that they have been using cell phones for six years and more. The relationship between the amount of cell phone usage and this tumor seems to follow a dose-response curve, which means that the more a person uses a cell phone, the higher the response for a tumor.

Carlo sees a distinct correlation between brain tumors occurring at the right side of the head when the phone was used on the right side of the head.

He also found that the risk of a rare neuroepithelial tumor on the outside of the brain more than doubled in cell phone users. This is, according to Carlo, a statistically significant increase when comparing people that use cell phones to those that do not.

In 1995, Carlo recognized that digital phones were interfering with cardiac pacemakers.

The most troubling of Carlo's findings was that radiation emitted from a cell phone antenna may actually cause functional chromosomal damages and that it follows a dose-response curve as well.

Another researcher, biologist Roger Coghill, also strongly believes that cell phones are harmful to the human body. Coghill observed that mobile phones are linked to headaches and memory loss because radiation affects those part of the brain.

He suggests that the waves generated by cell phones may damage the ability of white blood cells to fight off infection and disease. This is the result of a study in which Coghill took white blood cells from a donor, kept them alive with nutrients and exposed them to different electric fields. After seven-and-a-half hours, he saw that only 13 percent of the cells exposed to cell phone radiation remained intact and able to function.

Coghill also claims that the body's immune system is partially controlled by electromagnetic fields emitted by the body, so cell phone radiation will damage the body's own electromagnetic fields. This will cause the dysfunction of one's immune system.

Of course, some people are still skeptical about the negative effects of cell phone use. Other studies have been less conclusive than those by Carlo and Coghill. Even the World Health Organization has stated that there is no definite answer to the relationship between cell phone usage and adverse health effects. It states that most experiments have only been done on animals, and only short-term effects have been considered.

According to the Gallup Poll, few Americans believe that cell phones pose a serious health risk. A mere 14 percent say that they have heard a great deal about cell phone and health risks, 37 percent say they heard a moderate amount, 30 percent said that they heard a little, and 18 percent report that they have not heard such reports at all.

When the same individuals were asked how serious they felt the risks actually were, only 8 percent answered that risks were serious, 30 percent said somewhat serious, 35 percent said not very serious, and 18 percent said not very serious at all.

Nevertheless, long-term research is underway at the National Cancer Foundation, which will compare risk factors in 800 cell phone users with brain tumors to 800 users without tumors. The study will also take into consideration genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. The results of this study will come out within the year.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will also oversee the safety of cell phones. Cell phone companies have already taken precautions by printing informational pamphlets that detail how much radiation their phones emit.

The amount of radiation is measured in units called ""specific absorption rates,"" so one can compare the 1.49 level SAR in the Ericsson T28 World model to the 0.24 SAR of the Motorola StarTAC 7860. At the same time, cell phone companies are printing a second pamphlet that says that any phone below the Federal Communications Commission SAR ceiling of 1.6 is safe.

Chuck Eger, Motorola's director of strategic and regulatory policy for personal communications products warns customers, ""There's no evidence that any number below the threshold is safer than any other.""

Mikael Westmark, a health and safety spokesman for Ericsson, concurs, ""Numbers without context do not help any consumers.""

No one expects the $50 billion cell phone industry to shrink any time soon. ""Time"" points out that more than 400 million mobile phones are used worldwide and predicts that manufacturers will sell another 400 million units this year.

People should not throw away their cell phones just because of some negative findings, but it is not wise to ignore them. Hands-free extensions and limiting your cell phone calls are advised until more concrete findings are revealed.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

A spokesperson would be a big help on Monday and Tuesday, but don't get your hopes up too high. Even if you've worked up a good story, the boss may not be keen on hearing it. Discretion is more advisable from Tuesday through Thursday. Negotiations are tricky, especially if one of the players isn't playing by the same rules you are. That person's motto is: ""All's fair in love and war."" The pressure on you starts to ease around Friday. That would be a good vacation day, if you can swing it. Saturday's fabulous too -- good for being with creative friends, traveling and even learning something new. Cool it on Sunday when you'll have a less responsive audience.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Be careful if you're involved with a creative project Monday. The seamstress in you is liable to cut two left sleeves. Better to do the planning then and Tuesday, and wait until Thursday or Friday to finish the dress. You and a shrewd partner can block an order you don't like on Wednesday if you work together. Thursday's good for cleaning out closets but don't throw out your partner's favorite old sweater. Start figuring out how much you want to make and what benefits you'd like. You'll get more opportunities for advancement in the next few weeks beginning Friday. You might find a bonus on Saturday, probably due to your common sense. You're so adept at using it, you could teach classes, and maybe you should. Do what you ought to Sunday morning and what you can get away with that afternoon.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Although it seems like you have nothing but green lights on Monday, take care. Don't launch into an expensive project. Wait until you've considered all the possible consequences. That may not happen until Friday or Saturday. If you can wait until then your chances of success are much higher. As for the middle of the week? Research! And on Sunday? Rest and pay bills. Not necessarily in that order.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

You get things fixed up the way you want them at home on Monday, but take care. The odds are good that your roommate or partner may not like what you've done. Be prepared, and have a ""Plan B"" ready on Tuesday. Cookies wouldn't hurt either. Your fantasies could be inhibited on Wednesday. Don't fret. By Thursday you can find what you need. Confer with your partner again on Friday so you can go shopping for a really big item on Saturday. Follow your intuition along with your logic to determine your destination for the weekend. Maybe you're trying out your new purchase on Sunday?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You may be able to delegate everything Monday but is that such a great idea? If the other person goofs up you may catch the flak Tuesday. Home's the best place for you Tuesday night especially if you want some good lovin'. Not a bad idea since your workday on Wednesday looks challenging. You may be wrestling with a problem that night but don't fear. Odds are good you'll have a burst of creativity and fix everything on Thursday. Your assignment for the next few weeks, after Friday, is to share the load. It shouldn't be too hard since somebody else will be demanding to take it. Can you give up the power? Might as well. That gives you more time to play with your sweetheart on Saturday and to rest at home Sunday.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Monday seems like a good time to ask for a raise, but is it really? No. Do the work and look cute, but don't expect more pay for it. It isn't likely anything will clear the bank Tuesday. Don't complain, hit the books. Study like a demon from Tuesday through Thursday even though others may seem stuck. Studying is right for you, and you're able, so go ahead. You should be feeling frisky, if somewhat inhibited Friday. On Saturday however, you've got nearly free rein. Don't get too pushy or you'll alienate a gentle spirit. That could cost you. You'll get along just fine if you do what you're told on Sunday.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You're charming on Monday but don't go too far. Just because you can, isn't a good enough reason to break the rules. If you don't heed this advice you'll certainly pay the consequences Tuesday. Keep a loved one's secret Wednesday, no matter how much you're badgered. Pay the bills Thursday, including cutting a check for yourself. Your sweetheart should be looking better and better as the sun goes into Aquarius on Friday. Look forward to a playful next few weeks, hopefully starting that night. That game could easily last through most of Saturday. By Sunday, however, you probably ought to settle down a little and get practical.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

Don't believe everything you hear Monday. Some of it may turn out to be different than you thought when you hear the rest of the story Tuesday. Choose your words carefully Wednesday and Thursday. If you play your cards right you will emerge the big winner by Thursday, much to everybody else's surprise. If you find a windfall on Friday you can get something you've been wanting for your home on Saturday. Pay attention to a wise teacher Sunday.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

A friend's grand scheme is too risky Monday, as you could learn the hard way Tuesday. You're more apt to make a killing Wednesday or Thursday if, besides knowing how to make the deal, you keep in mind a sense of what you're worth. No matter what, you emerge triumphant Friday. You'll gain incredible insights Saturday without much trouble at all. Do the work and you'll get the benefits on Sunday.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You could get a nice offer on Monday but don't spend the money yet. It could fall apart by mutual consent on Tuesday. Fall in love on Wednesday. Try something daring with new friends on Thursday as long as it's not anything you feel you might regret. You're not good at keeping secrets on Friday or Saturday although you're very good at making money both days. You're especially cute on Sunday, so, rather than work, give your favorite loved one the gift of your time instead.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You're flying high Monday but don't get giddy or somebody in authority might shoot you down Tuesday. Proceed with caution through the middle of the week. You have all the facts but somebody else might outrank you and, as you may already know, that person does not like to be shown to be a fool. You're getting so strong that your position will become obviously right by Friday and even more so Saturday. The point will be moot by Sunday so you can afford to be generous.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You may think you've found the best insider information Monday but don't bet too much. By Tuesday you'll see it wasn't as magnificent as advertised. Most of your suppositions are challenged Tuesday, but that's OK. Happily, love wins over intellectual analysis. Follow your hunches through a maze Wednesday and Thursday. Nobody will be able to keep up with you and you'll win the race. Don't assume you know what authority figures will do Friday. Expect surprises from all of them. You might want to step back and let one of them lead you Saturday. That would make life easier. You can talk about it with your friends as you unwind Sunday.

Birthdays This Week

Jan. 15: An older person needs your help. Make the tough decisions, in return for a generous paycheck.

Jan. 16: Advance in your career so you can make more time for playing. Luckily, you already know how to work hard.

Jan. 17: You and your team are unbeatable. You have superhuman powers. You're the energizer but a friend's the strategist.

Jan. 18: You don't have to do it all. You have some excellent helpers, just waiting for your orders.

Jan. 19: Friends boost you over the top this year. Promise to do something you can't possibly accomplish on your own.

Jan. 20: You could win a lot and lose a lot this year. Whether you make a profit is the variable, but the odds are in your favor.

Jan. 21: Self-discipline's your key to success this year. Luckily, you'll have plenty of it.

The political system of the United States is in shambles and in danger of breaking. A government for the people? Ha. The majority of governmental action is motivated by personal greed or political allegiance. Democracy in the United States has become a farce in recent years, and I am completely sick of it.

What I am saying is not news to many people. Americans are upset about the state of our nation's federal government. The problem is that there are so many smaller problems behind the bigger one that nobody seems to know how to fix it. I don't claim to be a political genius, but I say that if you want to solve problems, you first have to identify those problems. Here's my best stab.

In the wake of one of the most contested political battles in our nation's history, it has recently become stylish to pay lip service to ideals such as bipartisanship. Political talk shows are riddled with leaders from both major political parties discussing how the next four years will be full of prosperity because both parties want to put their differences behind them.

Anyone who believes this gibberish hasn't been watching closely enough. As soon as these politicians finish a sentence about compromise, they start another sentence about how the plans of their political foe are completely off-base and how no form of that plan will be enacted.

I think we have found our first problem: complete and utter party allegiance. This allegiance constantly kills ideas that would be in the best interests of the country.

Finding a solution for this problem is much more complicated than finding the problem itself. I believe the answer lies in a greater political education for the American public. If people knew more about what their representatives do, they would be in a better position to assess if these representatives were acting in their best interests or in the best interest of the party to which they belong.

The second problem with the system is the parties themselves. The Republican and Democratic parties have far too much power when it comes to nominating and electing representatives, including the president.

The Republican primary poignantly showed this problem. John McCain and George W. Bush were locked in a dead heat after the first round of primaries. McCain's face was showing up on the cover of major magazines and his candor and fresh ideas were shaking up the face of the Republican political landscape. Then money was thrown at Bush and the contributors to Bush slandered McCain every chance they got. The result? McCain went quietly into the night and Bush went on to win the presidency.

I am not saying John McCain should have won the election. I will say that the ability of the political system's big shots to choose who will represent the people of the United States solely based on their political power and their deep pockets is wrong.

This practice is one of the forces that is hurting the legitimacy of the governmental system that the founding fathers set up 212 years ago. Solving this problem is tricky because enforcing artificial regulations on groups of people is generally a violation of the Bill of Rights. However, I believe there is a way out.

If the government gave each candidate a block of air time during which he or she could describe what they are about and what they believe, then the power of these political machines may be thwarted. The government would still allow a candidate to purchase more air time if the candidate wanted to, but as long as the free governmental airtime was substantial, buying additional airtime would not necessarily be beneficial.

It may in fact be detrimental to fill the airwaves with the same candidates because people would eventually get sick of hearing from them. With the deep pockets of the political parties such as major lobbies thus neutralized, Americans would be able to choose for themselves who they wanted representing them and not be led like lambs to the slaughter without even knowing it.

The third and final problem is the simple idea of a career politician. Without term limits, politicians vote in a way that allows them to be re-elected the next time they run. This may not seem like a problem because it makes these people do as we want, but it actually is very threatening to the idea of a representative democracy.

We elect people to make choices for us for two reasons. We do it because it would be impossible to get anything done without representatives, but we also do it because normal people may not always know the implications of political decisions. We elect people we hope will understand these implications and will make the best decision even if it isn't popular. In our current system, however, making an unpopular but correct decision is political suicide. A lack of term limits is incentive for representatives to make decisions that we don't actually want them to make.

Nobody knows if doing these things would actually solve the problems our political system is currently facing. What we do know, however, is that the current ""solutions"" aren't working and we need to try something new.

These adjustments seem as good a place as any to start the changes.

Do you have your career and financial future in mind when you register for classes? Do you feel alienated in big lectures? Do you feel a distance between your professors and yourself? Do you spend most of your time at work and have no time to study? If these questions apply to you, you're not surprising your professors.

Four UCSD professors, commenting on the conditions that face today's UCSD undergraduates and the ways in which undergraduates respond to the surrounding conditions, all agree that students' abilities have not changed over the past few decades. The academic atmosphere at UCSD presents students with a world of new challenges that affects their goals and performance.

Goals: Career vs. Academic

Many professors said that over the past few decades students have focused more on career goals at the undergraduate level than ever before.

""It's a career education that makes students competitive and achievement driven,"" said Philip Roeder, a political science professor at UCSD.

As a bachelor's degree has become more a necessary step toward a successful career, students have become more competitive at the undergraduate level. As the college degree has become more vital, students have attempted to attain it more quickly than ever before.

""Students zip through their college years and come out the other end making $80,000 per year,"" said David Crowne, a literature professor at UCSD who has been teaching since 1964. ""Why would they stop and smell the daisies?""

In fact, a survey put out by the Career Services Center in 1999 showed that average income six months out of college was $35,600 with 10 percent of survey participants making $50,000 or more.

Students also feel the pressure of deciding their career goals earlier in their education.

""Education has a broader scope,"" said David Ringrose, a history professor who has been here for 26 years. ""Now students try to fit themselves into fairly narrow slots.""

These new pressures have changed the way students view education.

""Students have a tendency to want to know about grades rather than to get taken up with a problem or a question,"" Ringrose said.

In fact, three of the professors interviewed said that undergraduate students rarely approach them about anything other than test scores and grades.

Biology professor Melvin Green attributed this shift in education and research to the influence of big business on education.

""Students of the sciences have always been grade-driven,"" Green said. ""However, the big change in students is that they seem much more interested in the financial aspects their career has to offer.""

Green agrees that the entire field of science and research is changing and that this has an impact on students of the sciences.

""People who succeed today have to be both good scientists and good businessmen,"" Green said.

With such a competitive job market, it is not difficult to imagine why undergraduates today constantly have their careers in mind.

Our Academic Atmosphere

Competition has always been an essential element of academia. In fact, there is an element of cooperation at UCSD that you might not find in the Ivy League circle.

""One of the nice aspects about students here is that competition doesn't turn into backstabbing,"" Roeder said.

UCSD deals its undergraduates its own set of challenges. All four interviewees agreed that huge lectures are not exactly conducive to in-depth learning. Both Green and Crowne were already teaching at UCSD when undergraduates were introduced in 1964, and they're both nostalgic about the one-on-one relationships they formed with the 180 undergraduates at the time.

It's a two-way street that affects both the student's learning and the professor's teaching.

""Your first or second year, no matter your major, you spend time in classes of 100 to 200 kids,"" Ringrose said.

He said it's understandably difficult for undergraduate students to raise their hands in a lecture of 200, and the only way he can get question-and-answer sessions in class is to structure the class so it cannot function without them.

In accomplishing this, teaching assistants are a crucial component of the learning process. Green said that undergraduate TAs have been ""especially successful in helping students in lower division classes.""

Unfortunately, students must choose to accept the help. Green hopes that something can be done for the students who do poorly on exams.

""The poor students are the ones who never ask for help,"" Green said.

Publish Or Perish

Since the 1960s, the face of research and publishing has changed radically for professors. Publishing constantly and keeping on the cutting edge of research has become crucial for securing tenure. This policy is common at universities around the country and the result is teachers are spending less time on teaching and more time on research.

""Every minute taken from research is a cost to us,"" Roeder said. The result is professors who are disinterested in teaching contributing to a ""devaluation of the profession,"" as Roeder puts it.

Professors also have become less accessible outside of class.

""You either have great researchers and mediocre teachers or mediocre researchers and great teachers,"" Ringrose said.

Another disadvantage is the actual material that is produced by professors' research. Crowne said the research works published are directed toward an author's peers and therefore inaccessible to undergraduates.

In terms of the sciences, Green said, ""Research has always been important to professors. Tangible rewards such as promotions, salary, rank, space and respect came from research.""

Forty years ago, according to Green, one could succeed with a small lab, one assistant, one grant and one really good paper a year. This is not the case anymore. With these pressures on professors, a distance naturally forms between them and the students they teach.

""Everyone has a stake in the situation,"" Roeder said. ""Students want to go to a university ranked among the top research institutions, as do faculty.""

Every university is ""keenly aware"" of what every other one is doing. It's a vicious cycle that has emerged in the past 40 years, with no solution in sight.

Balancing Work And School

The college student questionnaire, administered by Student Research and Information in 1999 found that 58 percent of undergraduates work. Furthermore, the majority of these employed full-time students work over 11 hours per week.

Working on the outside may make time pressures more intense. Roeder, when asked what one thing he would change about students if given the chance, said he would ""give them all scholarships so that they could be full-time students and have more extra-curricular time.""

Not having the time takes away from in-depth learning. Crowne remembers being in college, when he and his friends read books ""like demons"" and soaked up all the information. Something about the academic atmosphere here, he says, makes someone who pores over books for hours seem like a ""nut-cake"" for being too interested in a subject.

Ringrose agrees, seeking the lack of a niche at UCSD where ""weird people who are smart can say things that make you mad and research things that are not prominent.""

Students here are busy. They are no-nonsense. They have a positive attitude but also have a lot on their plates. This appears to be the general view of the professors that were interviewed.

All in all, professors have a positive view of undergraduates. They see room for improvement, but mostly attribute the problems they see to the environment in which UCSD students are educated. When asked how students look from the other side of the classroom, Crowne nodded his head, grinned and said, ""They look fine.""

Everybody wants your attention on Monday and Tuesday. There's no time left for you, but that's OK. You're quick, and if you look sharp to important people, you could get that promotion you're after. Romance beckons on Wednesday and Thursday, but that may be as good as it gets. If making the connection with your sweetheart is difficult, just remember that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Your workload is intense on Friday and Saturday. The good news is that the money could be pouring into your pocket if you're willing and able to produce the results. It may be Sunday before you have time for that conversation you've wanted to have. The good news? It goes very well then.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Do your budget on Monday and Tuesday. Clip coupons and figure out your menus for the week. If you play this game right, you could wind up with a profit. Pay attention to what's going on at your house Wednesday and Thursday. Your partner could decide to make a few changes. Just make sure he or she doesn't throw out your favorite sweater. Don't take a disagreement with your sweetheart too seriously on Friday. If you put in the correction that's being requested, on Saturday you two will be happier than ever. Go through the Sunday papers, with scissors in hand. You could make even more next week.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

There's plenty of money on Monday and Tuesday, but don't spend it all. Pay yourself first by sending a good-sized chunk to your retirement account. A new idea you're trying out at work could fall flat on Wednesday and Thursday. Practice before showing off and use a safety net. A perfectionist, possibly somebody who lives with you, wants to tell you what to do on Friday and Saturday. This is going to be good advice, so take notes. Save Sunday for your sweetie. A long walk or a drive in the country and a meaningful conversation sweep the week's worries right out of your head.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

You're liable to win the argument Monday and Tuesday, with help from your friends. Take care of your teammates, not just yourself, and they'll take care of you. You'd like to do everything for your loved ones on Wednesday and Thursday, but you can't afford it. They'll understand, eventually. Study to keep up with the competition on Friday and Saturday, and you could come out the winner again. A peaceful Sunday at home will be much appreciated. Read a good book.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Follow your hunches on Monday and Tuesday to set priorities. You have too much to do, so put first things first. You're in the spotlight on Wednesday and Thursday. Don't go too far out on a limb, or you could lose your balance. Friday's good for getting more money if you also want a new job. Profit through your own efforts on Saturday and learn a new skill on Sunday.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You're looking good on Monday and Tuesday. If you're looking for love, a friend might want to upgrade then. The pressure's intense on Wednesday and Thursday, partially due to breakdowns. If others can't decide what they want, step in and do it for them. You and your sweetheart may have to take off in two different directions on Friday. That's OK. Saturday's better for making plans for the future, anyway. Go through your old coat pockets on Sunday and look under the couch cushions, too. Odds are good you'll find something of value.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Be polite on Monday and Tuesday, even if it's difficult. A moody older person could turn out to be a good friend, although at first it seems unlikely. Try not to have friends over to your place Thursday or Friday. They'd just complicate matters and interfere with your private time. Finish up old chores on Saturday. That will give you time on Sunday to play with your favorite people. Travel's OK then, but don't stay out late. Leave plenty of time for snuggling.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

Your intuition's excellent on Monday and Tuesday. Use it regarding romance and to make your home more comfortable. Consider taking on more responsibility Wednesday and Thursday, but don't sign anything yet. Find out what the job involves before you say you'll do it. A visit with friends on Friday could go late, interfering with a private engagement. Better call, or you could get left out in the cold. You and your date have a great time Saturday, visiting friends together. But save time for contemplation and planning on Sunday.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Be practical on Monday and Tuesday. You might not have as much money as you thought, after you finish paying bills. You're tempted to play hooky on Wednesday and Thursday, but that would be a big mistake. A co-worker would snitch! You want to be guiltless on Friday, anyway, when negotiating for more money. Launch your garage enterprise on Saturday and make a tidy profit. Gather with close friends and neighbors on Sunday. A potluck would be perfect.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Your partner's in a snit on Monday or Tuesday, but that's OK. You can work out a compromise and not give up what you want. Financial negotiations are full of surprises on Wednesday and Thursday. Be careful shopping then. All of the surprises are not pleasant. Travel might take you away from a loved one on Friday, but you can make up for it Saturday. Go wherever you're going together then. Be respectful to an older person on Sunday, and you'll profit from that interaction, too.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Do the work and make the money on Monday and Tuesday. You may have to figure out which work to do, but that's OK. You can. Hassles with your partner mar Wednesday and Thursday. You won't give an inch and neither will he or she, so let that deal ride for a while. Compromising will be easier later. Shop for the good deals on Friday and Saturday, and you'll find them. This goes for household items and real estate. Travel and romance look lovely for Sunday.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You are so cute on Monday and Tuesday; you'll be irresistible. And, you're so nice, that you're putting others first. You're a big winner, and so are they! The work is complex on Wednesday and Thursday. Don't feel bad if some of it has to be done over; it's probably not your fault. Proceed with caution, just to make sure. A temporary clash with a loved one on Friday is nothing to get upset about. By Saturday it'll be forgotten or seem like a joke. You know all those friends you've been promising lunch? Have them all over on Sunday.

Birthdays This Week

Jan. 8: You're full of good ideas, but your partner ensures your success. Competition energizes you.

Jan. 9: You can't do it all by yourself anymore. Find someone you can trust and share your precious plans.

Jan. 10: Stash away as much as possible, just in case your team needs help. Your needs are simple -- and getting simpler.

Jan. 11: Stick to your budget, and a potential problem becomes a blessing. Search for buried treasure.

Jan. 12: Work takes precedence, but don't complain. If you keep your nose to the grindstone for a while, the vacation of your dreams could finally happen.

Jan. 13: Dreams you'd almost given up on could come true. You're persistent, and that's the key.

Jan. 14: You'll have to follow the rules this year, even the ones you didn't make. An expert leads you.

Well, it's that time of year again. With the new year beginning, every yahoo with a typewriter is cranking out a list of the best and worst of the past year. Since I didn't want to be left out, I figured I'd come up with some awards of my own.

I had originally planned to do these awards while drunk (they probably would have been a hell of a lot funnier), but since I passed out before I could get to a computer last night (that East Coast iced tea went house on my sober ass), I'm now trying to write these with a hangover, so bear with me.

Without further ado, I now present the first-ever (and quite possibly the last-ever) Josh's If-everyone-else-gets-to-make-up-stupid-year-in-review-awards-then-I'm-sure-as-hell-not-going-to-be-left-out Year in Review Awards.

Man of the year:

In my mind, this award can't be given to a single person. I think that a pair of men have earned the right to be called the year's best. That's right, I'm talking about Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel, the co-hosts of ""The Man Show."" In this, their second season, these two men have taken chauvinism to new heights by continuing to bring us juggies and beer. Thank you men, from the bottom of my heart.

Woman of the year:

Despite my desire to thank Carmen Electra for not only coming to UCSD, but also for running half-naked through sprinklers in ""Scary Movie,"" I have to give this award up to Hillary Clinton. No woman has had a better year. Clinton is not only wrapping up her eighth year as president, but she was recently elected senator of New York and she also signed an $8 million book deal. On top of that, she appears to have kept Little Bill in check for the past year, as no new interns have come forward. You go, girl.

Movie of the year:

This award can go to none other than ""Gone in 60 Seconds."" This movie had everything that a person could possibly want in a movie. It had fast cars, explosions and Angelina Jolie's lips. For women, this movie also had a lot of drama. I've never seen so many men cry when Eleanor was crushed by the crane. For those of you that haven't seen the movie, Eleanor is a 1967 Shelby GT 500 Mustang. It is a truly beautiful sight.

Second-best movie of the year:

I wasn't going to give this award, but there was a movie out there that was truly deserving of it. This movie would have easily taken the movie of the year if ""Gone in 60 Seconds"" hadn't been in the running. The picture that I speak of is ""Coyote Ugly."" This movie had alcohol and women dancing on bars. Need I say more?

Biggest loss of the year:

While there have been plenty of significant deaths within the past year, none struck home as much as Joseph Calleja, who passed away at the tender age of 26. While many of you don't recognize that name, you will most certainly recognize the name Joe C, which was his stage name when he performed with the likes of Kid Rock. Joe C's guest raps on ""Devil Without a Cause"" were both hilarious and witty. We will all miss you, Joe.

Biggest mistake of the year:

Yes, I am talking about the election. How in the world did ""Dubya"" become our president? Reminiscent of Marion Barry, Dubya all but admitted to doing hard drugs (in this case, he snorted mass quantities of coke) and was still elected to office. We can only hope that the idiot of all idiots will surround himself with smart people so that we can survive for the next four years. God help us all.

Worst invention of the year:

This is undoubtedly the Chrysler PT Cruiser. This is the ugliest car known to man. It looks like a glorified hearse. What's even more ridiculous about this car is the price that some people are paying for it. While the MSRP on the car is below $20,000, it has been sold for over $30,000. This is scary, considering that the car tested horribly in all aspects of crash testing. Please, stop buying this car. I beg of you.

Please just die:

Saddam Hussein, please just die. We are all tired of you. We thought that we were rid of you when Satan threw you into the depths of hell in the South Park movie. Alas, you have returned. We are ready for you to just die. Thank you.

Best supporting actor:

This promising young actor made a late surge in ""Cast Away."" Wilson the volleyball was one of the most entertaining supporting actors in recent memory. He showed a true range of emotions in the dramatic role as the lone friend of Tom Hanks' character on the deserted island. We can only hope that he will soon be appearing in more roles.

Most disturbing trend:

This award goes to the increased popularity of boy bands in the past year. While the phenomenon has threatened to break through in years past, it has hit the scene in full force this year. Groups like N*SYNC and the Backstreet Boys are more popular than ever. There was even a television special that turned five guys into a boy band on camera. This is a truly disturbing trend that we can only hope dies down in the year to come.

Baby with the most potential to be one of ""People Magazine's"" 50 most beautiful people:

Ryan Philippe and Reese Witherspoon had a baby girl this year. With parents like that, she can't help but turn into a beautiful woman. Congratulations to the new parents. Ryan, try to keep your sanity in 16 years when she starts to date.