TUESDAYJanuary 24, 2012Volume 97, Issue 61

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6O P I N I O N

3S P O R T SHead coach SteveFisher’s team has surprised everyone butitself this season.

W E AT H E R :

PARTLY CLOUDYHIGH: 67LOW: 47SUNSET: 5PM

S D S U ’ SI N D E P E N D E N T

S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R

S I N C E 1 9 1 3

Read a synopsis ofthe manybreweries inSan Diego.

F O O D & D R I N K

B AC K PAG E

“But when I didbelieve in soulmates, I couldn tbuy the idea thatsome peoplenever met theirsoul mate becauseof distance ...” 8

2

‘Teach or Preach’ list released

In an attempt to assist students reg-istering for the 2012 spring semester,the San Diego State CollegeRepublicans organization released a“Teach or Preach” list. The list cate-gorizes 72 SDSU professors whoeither strictly teach his or her sub-ject or preach personal opinions andpolitical biases in the classroom. Lx Fangonilo, president of the SDSUchapter of the College Republicans,said the club would like to make stu-dents more aware of certain teach-ers before they decide to take theprofessor’s class.

“When teachers are preachingpolitical biases in the classroom, weare not getting the education wepaid for,” Fangonilo said.

Active members of the CollegeRepublicans, SDSU alumni and cur-rent SDSU students were involved inthe creation of the list. According toFangonilo, SDSU is the first school inthe nation to put together this kindof list and the College Republicansclub plans to continue to make anew list each semester.

Dr. Dipak Gupta, listed “preacher”and professor in the Department ofPolitical Science, said in some cases,

there is no way to avoid addingone’s own opinions. Overall, he isnot bothered by the list and opensthe opportunity for students whodisagree with him to do so publiclyin class.

“I teach an undergraduate coursecalled ‘Political Violence.’ While talk-ing about social conflict, it is oftennot possible to suppress your ownideological orientation. Although inthis case, the difference between aliberal and a conservative position isnot always very obvious,” Gupta said.“In any case, having a clear socialperspective is not an offense, eitherfor a student or for an instructor.”

In comparison, Dr. Kurt Lindemannwas listed as a “teacher” on the list,yet feels strongly about teachersdescribing their personal beliefs andlife experiences in the classroom.

“It’s what makes classroom experi-ence such an invigorating and valu-able component in the learningprocess,” Lindemann said. “I don’tthink we can expect teachers or stu-dents to leave those beliefs andexperiences outside the classroomdoor. I think teaching students toapproach subjects, topics, events etc.with a healthy skepticism that con-siders different points of view is partof the critical thinking process.”

As far as publicizing the list,Lindemann accepts the CollegeRepublicans’ right to do so. Althoughhe, as well as other faculty members,continue to question how scientifi-cally sound the list really is.

SStteepphhaanniiee SSaacccceenntteestaff writer

Domestic disturbancesThe San Diego State Police Departmentdispatched officers twice during the week-end to Albert’s College Apartments to set-tle domestic disputes.

Thursday evening, a caller claimed shewas attempting to retrieve her propertyfrom her ex-boyfriend’s apartment, and hewas not being compliant. The suspect wasreportedly an active military member andhad no history of violence. Police arrived atthe scene and assisted the caller.

On Sunday morning, SDSUPD was noti-fied of a domestic assault. The reportingcaller’s boyfriend allegedly hit her and wasscreaming obscenities. No weapons werereported at the scene. The San DiegoPolice Department and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department responded.

TheftsSeveral items were stolen from areas onand around campus last weekend.

On Thursday, a beach cruiser wasreported stolen from the University Towersbicycle rack around 11:30 a.m. The bikewas described as a Firmstrong Urban light-yellow single speed.

Another bike was reported stolen laterThursday from the Aztec Corner apart-ments. The bike was reportedly locked, andwas described as a black road bike valuedat $400 with an RVCA sticker.

On Sunday, the burglary alarm was setoff for the Bank of America ATM at EastCommons. Police responded, but nothingwas found at the scene. The cause of thealarm is unknown.

Drunk and disorderlyOn Friday evening, a fight broke out atTrujillo’s Taco Shop on College Avenue.The fight was between five males whowere reported to be extremely intoxicat-ed. Police arrived at the scene andarrested one SDSU student with a publicintoxication charge.

If you have any information regardingthese incidents, please contact the SDSUPolice Department at 619-594-1991, orat police@mail.sdsu.edu.

–Compiled by Assistant News Editor

Kevin Smead

CRIME BEAT

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

COURTESY OF COLLEGE REPUBLICANS

College Republicans’list categorizes SDSUprofessors by bias

D A I L Y A Z T E CTuesday,

January 24, 2012 F O O D & D R I N K2

Advanced Test Preparation

BEHINDTHE NUMBERS

SPONSOREDBY

Advanced Test PreparationScore Higher, Aztecs!

36

14

1,927

11

31

10

Number of gallons in a barrel of beer

Approximate number of beer barrels craft brewers sold in 2010 (in millions)

Growth of the craft brewing industry in 2010 (percent)

Number of breweries operating during some or all of last year

Number of breweries in San Diego

San Diego’s ranking in an NYT “Places to Go” list because of its brew culture

5 Increase in imported beer sales in 2010 (percent)

15 Craft brewer dollar sales increase in first half of 2011 (percent)

BEER FACTS

Beer. It can be the remedy to along stressful day or the perfectaddition to any meal. Regardlessof what individuals decide topair it with, the abundance ofbeer in San Diego is vast andthis can only be attributed to themultitude of breweries that callSan Diego home.

The city was ranked No. 14 inThe New York Times’ “The 45Places to Go to in 2012” list, specif-ically because of its many brew-eries that pour a diverse range ofcraft beers every day.

According to the San DiegoBrewer’s Guild, a nonprofit organi-zation that seeks to “promoteawareness and increase the visibil-ity of fresh, locally brewed beerthrough education and participa-tion in community events,” thereare 36 breweries throughout SanDiego County. Though thesebreweries work toward a similargoal, the services offered varyfrom place to place. Some servefood and are family friendly, whileothers are exclusive to individualswho are 21 and older. Some loca-tions even fill growlers.

The San Diego BrewingCompany is the closest brewery toSan Diego State. The original

opened in 1896 but was removedby the Navy in 1942. However,when Scott Stamp and LeeDoxtader opened Callahan’s Pub &Brewery in Mira Mesa in 1989, theyfelt an itch for expansion. That waswhen they decided to open abrewery in the name of the once-lost San Diego Brewing Company.

This brewery was the first multi-tap brewhouse in San Diego,meaning it was the first to offerboth house and guest beers.

“The biggest change has beenexperimenting and brewing newkinds of beer,” The San DiegoBrewing Company’s general man-ager Karen Bernauer said.

Dean Rouleau, the company’sbrewmaster, serves fizzy concoc-tions to taste with a variety of piz-zas, burgers and sandwiches. TheSan Diego Brewing Company isalso an ideal place for sports fansas it boasts 21 TV screens andhappy hour specials.

The Blind Lady Ale House /Automatic Brewing Company is

located on Adams Avenue and isan excellent option for studentswho don’t want to drive far orwould like to take public trans-portation. The alehouse is familyfriendly and serves food includ-ing thoughtfully crafted pizzasand salads. Some meals can bemade vegetarian or vegan andmuch of the produce used isorganic and comes from localmarkets and farms.

The Blind Lady Ale House alsotakes extra steps to make surecustomers receive the most andthe best beer available.According to its website, it is thefirst certified Honest Pint estab-lishment in Southern Californiaand all glasses used have a pourline. Serving sizes are on displayfor customers to see.

Hess Brewing is unique, as it isknown for being San Diego’s firstlicensed nano-brewery. Eventhough it has only been in busi-ness since 2010, its popularity is

growing among beer enthusiastsand it was mentioned in The NewYork Times’ list.

While this brewery does notsell food or have a bar, it doesprovide a tasting room for beerlovers, which is openWednesdays and Thursdaysfrom 2-7 p.m., Fridays from 2-8p.m. and Saturdays from 1-5 p.m.Walk-ins are welcome duringthese times, however, specifictasting appointments can bescheduled outside the giventime frame.

At Hess Brewing, beer enthusi-asts can also request special beersbe brewed to suit specific tastes.Orders must be placed at least sixweeks in advance.

Whether individuals are lookingto go out with family or friends, tofind food to pair with their brewsor to taste different craft beers, SanDiego has the brewery for everyoccasion.

For a map and complete list ofall the breweries in San Diego, visitthe San Diego Brewer’s Guild web-site at sandiegobrewersguild.org.

SSaannddrraa DDee LLaa TToorrrreestaff writer

The city was ranked No. 14 inThe New York Times’ “The 45Places to Go to in 2012” list,specifically because of its manybreweries that pour a diverserange of craft beers every day.

Pour a glass and‘hop’ with delight atthese SD breweries

San Diego bubbles over with local brews

DUSTIN MICHELSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

DUSTIN MICHELSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

D A I L Y A Z T E CTuesday, January 24, 2012S P O R T S 3

GO ONLINE NOWTO CAST YOUR VOTE

FOR SAN DIEGO’S BEST!

Tell us what you thinkof each nomineeand you could be

featured inThe Daily Aztec!

www.thedailyaztec.com/best-of-state-poll-2012

Who’s the best?Who’s the best?

MEN ’S BASKETBALL

Every Monday morning the top-25polls are released. The San DiegoState men’s basketball team was afixture in those polls last season.

Nobody expected the team tobe highly ranked this season, butonce the polls were released yes-terday, SDSU was ranked 13th inthe Associated Press Top-25 and12th in the ESPN/USA Todaycoaches poll.

Let the reality of that soak infor a moment.

It’s been said a thousand times,but this team isn’t supposed tobe where it is right now. It lostfour starters from last season’steam and was picked to finishthird in the Mountain WestConference behind UNLV andNew Mexico, and just defeatedboth in the last 10 days.

The names and faces may havechanged, but head coach SteveFisher and the Aztecs keep pro-ducing the same result: wins.

This team truly believes it willwin every game and has a greatamount of belief in itself.

“The coaching staff gives us agood amount of confidence,”sophomore point guard XavierThames said. “My teammateshave a lot of confidence in them-selves as well.”

The assurance isn’t limited tothe stars of the team, either.There was an air of confidenceon the bench last week when

three subs came into the gameand helped SDSU dig itself out ofa 10-point deficit.

The competition betweenmembers of the team helps pro-mote the atmosphere of belief.

“We’re all our own (biggest)competitors,” junior guard ChaseTapley said. “We all push eachother, so we all just give eachother confidence to the fullest.”

And why wouldn’t the teamhave confidence? Its combined

record since the beginning of lastseason is 51-5.

Even though many people did-n’t expect the Aztecs to be in thespot they are in, Tapley said it’s nosurprise to the team.

“We expected to be in this posi-tion,” he said. “We kind of exceed-ed other people’s expectations,but we’re comfortable with wherewe’re at now. We just need tokeep working hard and focusingon San Diego State.”

Even though SDSU has talliedimpressive win after impressivewin, it is still looking for more.

Until the win at New Mexico, theteam was somewhat slighted bythe national media.

After that game, the team finallybegan to get some recognition.

Tapley and sophomore guardJamaal Franklin don’t worryabout the lack of respect, butknow if the team wins, thepraise will come.

“We cannot worry about thedoubters,” Tapley said. “We haveto win and everything will takecare of itself. This year our goalwas to keep moving up in therankings and that is what we willkeep striving for.”

“I think teams out there arestarting to respect us,” Franklinsaid. “A lot of teams and peopleout there still do not respect you,but we cannot worry about that.We just have to win becausewhen you win, everything plays apart and is right.”

The Aztecs will look to gainmore respect tonight, when theytake on the 16-3 WyomingCowboys in Laramie, Wyo.

The Cowboys are tied for sec-ond place in the MW and sport a12-1 home record.

AAnnttoonniioo MMoorraalleesssports editor

SDSU climbs the rankings, looks for respect

vs.

AT A GLANCE

WHEN: Tonight, 5 p.m.WHERE: Laramie, Wyo.WHY TO WATCH: TheAztecs will attempt toextend their winning streakto 11 games, while winningat Wyoming for the secondstraight season.

FFoollllooww mmee ::@@ AAnnttoonniiooCCMMoorraalleess

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

D A I L Y A Z T E CTuesday,

January 24, 2012 P H OTO S4

PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

D A I L Y A Z T E CTuesday, January 24, 2012P H OTO S 5

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR

ANTONIO ZARAGOZA, PHOTO EDITOR PETER KLUCH, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

D A I L Y A Z T E CTuesday,

January 24, 2012 O P I N I O N6

hen I started col-lege and began todiscover who I wasand what I wantedto do with my life, I

realized how overwhelming it is toaccept growing up and entering the“real world.” Soon I started wonderingif I was really doing all right or if I justfelt like I was. Should I be trying hard-er? Do my professors know who I amand am I participating enough? Mymajor requires a 3.0 GPA and I have a3.6. Should it be higher? Is my familyreally proud of me or are they justtelling me that? Do I fit in here? Will Ifit in when I get out of here? Will I geta job? Can I maintain my current job?

Do I need more sleep or is school lit-erally driving me crazy?

The answer is yes, it is. Slow downand take a breath. Stress rates areamong the highest in young adultsand college students, causing sleep-ing issues, changes in eating patterns,headaches, irritability, increasedanger and recurring illness, alongwith an array of other symptoms thatwill ultimately affect your ability tosucceed in school. While stress isnormal and — let’s face it — extreme-ly common, the level of stress andthe effect it has on one’s body candiffer greatly and cause social prob-

lems, affect school and workperformance and even

lead to mental illness.According to a sur-

vey by college television stationmtvU, four out of 10 college studentsreport feeling stressed often, one outof five say they feel stressed most ofthe time, one out of four experiencestress daily, and one in every 10 col-lege students is so stressed he or shehas suicidal thoughts.

The important thing is to do some-thing about it. After all, we’re in col-lege and unless you’re a final-semes-ter senior with a kickass GPA, you’renot going anywhere for a while. Solet’s try to enjoy these years and notspend every waking moment stuck ina book with coffee or energy drinks,thinking about whether or not we’llbe begging for extra credit because allthose units didn’t sound “that bad”during registration. Take a break oncein a while, seek someone to talk to ifyou need it and stop to smell theroses — if even for a moment.

As if stress isn’t detrimental enough,another extremely predominate issuefaced by college students is depres-sion. Sometimes caused by stress butoften found to be hereditary orcaused by chemical imbalances ordrug use, depression may go undiag-nosed or misdiagnosed, leading the

sufferer to self-medicate or the illnessto worsen. Depression often ariseswith similar symptoms as stress, withthe addition of sadness or thoughts ofhopelessness. The most obvious signsof depression are persistent sadness,anxiety, irritability, feelings of empti-ness, difficulty falling asleep or exces-sive sleeping, fatigue, mental restless-ness, withdrawing from those closestto you and occasional thoughts ofdeath or suicide. Depression canworsen quickly if untreated, but canbe stabilized with medication.Substance abuse and heavy drinking,common among college students,can also cause depression or symp-toms of depression.

The last thing any of us want is tofeel hopeless and alone in the middleof a university of 35,000-plus students.Soon we’re comparing ourselves toeveryone (as if we weren’t already)and wishing we stood out more, orfeeling as if we might never make itout. Depression has been described asfeeling like “being eaten alive from theinside out” — and I’m pretty sure col-lege already feels that way.

Mental illness is more prevalentthan a lot of people think, and the

longer it goes untreated — no matterhow insignificant the illness seems —the worse it can get. According to theCenters for Disease Control andPrevention, 25 percent of adults in theU.S. have a mental illness; and it isspeculated that as many as 50 per-cent of Americans will develop someform of a mental illness in their life-time. Therese Borchard of PsychCentral reports on her blog, “World ofPsychology,” that more than two-thirds of young people do not seekhelp for their mental health problems,and suicide is the second leadingcause of death in college studentsages 20 to 24 years old.

Whether you’re a little stressedfrom that sociology class that sound-ed easy on ratemyprofessor.com, youthink you might have some depres-sion issues or you have been diag-nosed, the point is to seek help. SanDiego State has a free facility availablefor all psychiatric services, as well as ahelpful website deserving of morepublicity around campus called ulife-line.org. Take 10 minutes from yourstudies to complete the questionnaireto see if you might be suffering frommore than just your average collegestress, and utilize the help available ifyou need it. Nothing is so bad youshould resort to taking your own life.Talk to someone, take a break, go fora walk, write in a journal or findsomething else that releases the men-tal buildup. Even the slightest stresscan be unhealthy — do somethingabout it now before it gets worse.

HHeeaatthheerr MMaatthhiissstaff columnist

Reducing stress is paramount for students

HHEEAATTHHEERR MMAATTHHIISS IS A

JOURNALISM JUNIOR

W

TAN DOAN, PRODUCTION DESIGNER

Slow down and take a breath. Stress rates are among the highest in ... college students(and) ... suicide is the secondleading cause of death in ... (those) ages 20 to 24 years old.

D A I L Y A Z T E CTuesday, January 24, 2012C L A S S I F I E D S 7

THE DAILY AZTEC DOES NOTENDORSE OR SUPPORT ANDHAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THEPRODUCTS OR SERVICESOFFERED IN THE CLASSIFIEDSSECTION.

SERVICES

ARRESTED? DUI? THEFT? Call Attorney Bradley Corbett for all Misdemeanors and Felonies. (619) 800-4449. Student Discount.

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D A I L Y A Z T E CTuesday,

January 24, 2012 B AC K PAG E8

Difficulty Level: 1 out of 4

Instructions: Complete the gridso each row, column and 3-by-3box (in bold borders) containsevery digit 1 to 9. For strategieson how to solve Sudoku, visitwww.sudokudragon.com

Solutions available online atwww.thedailyaztec.com

©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

AACCRROOSSSS1 __ facto5 Cut in stone9 Carell of “The

Office”14 Tex-Mex snack15 “That’s not

enough!”16 Reason for a

skull-and-cross-bones warning

17 *Artsy-soundingmicrobrew

19 Spoke (up)20 Sci-fi computer21 Crumpled into a

ball23 Unhappy times24 Newspaper big

shot26 “Fantastic!”28 Honeybunch29 *Brains, infor-

mally34 High-pitched

winds36 “La __”: Puccini

opera37 Muslim pilgrim40 Spot for a facial42 Like pulp maga-

zine details43 It’s held under-

water45 __ salts47 *Officially

restricted yetwidely knowninformation

49 Gave the go-ahead

53 Sonnet feature54 Basic chalet

style56 Cookie used in

milkshakes58 Security request,

briefly61 DVR button62 Pitcher Martinez64 *When night

owls thrive, orwhere the lastwords of thestarred answerscan go

66 Humiliate67 Sound from

Simba68 Play to __: draw69 “See ya!”70 Taxpayer IDs71 Mix

DDOOWWNN1 Bugged, as a

bug bite2 Event with

floats3 Justice Antonin4 Gut-punch

response5 Ban on trade6 See 18-Down7 Believability, to

homeys8 Joan of Arc’s

crime9 Sponsor at

some NHRAevents

10 *Many “SouthPark” jokes

11 Overseas trader12 Hillside house

asset13 Finales18 With 6-Down,

kind of sloth22 Not bright at all25 *Classic Greek

ruse27 Renaissance

painterVeronese

30 High-__ monitor31 “__ your instruc-

tions ...”32 Brit. record label33 Lobster color35 Itsy-__37 “The Wire” airer38 Dadaist Jean39 Derided41 Orangutan or

chimp

44 Prefix withsphere

46 Rubberneckers48 Trees used for

shingles50 Discipline with

kicks51 “Kick it up a

notch!” chef52 Floored with a

haymaker55 Depression era

pres.56 Down Under

gem57 McEntire sitcom59 Corp. cash

mgrs.60 __ earlier time63 Opposite of

’neath65 River blocker

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (1/24/12) Teamwork isthe bottom line. Do more than your share,and call for reinforcements when you needthem. There's profitability in partnership,and working together grows thecommunity. Stick up for each other. Yourfriendships pay it forward this year.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating:10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 -Focus on home and family warms thehearth. It's good medicine ... take as muchas you can, with tea and company. Renewyour spirit to go back out into the worldagain.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 -Changes could seem abrupt to others.Why not think it over? Handle the basics,do the routines and then take a walk to getlost in thought. No need for decisions.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 -You have this tendency to say yes whenpeople ask, and then the tasks pile up.Keep checking stuff off the list, and earnsome time for yourself.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8- Your self-discipline is impressive, but youdon't have to go it alone, you know. Youhave plenty of friends. Everyone wants tocontribute. You would do the same.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 6 - Anarrogant mood could take over, if youallow it to. Grand statements from the pastcould echo back. Own up to them if thathappens. Laugh at yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 -Practical efforts are favored, with Marsretrograde in your sign. There could bechanges. Consult with experts andpartners. Rules simplify.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 -Concentrate on great service, and theorders flood in. The workload is gettingintense. Consider the previouslyimpossible, and listen to your partner.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 -You don't need "no more trouble." The loveof your family is available, as long as you'rewilling to harvest it. Fixing a leaky faucetcan save money.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today isan 8 - It's easier to express your thoughtsor to start a new writing project. Find ananswer in meditation. Others depend onyou. Share your peace of mind.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a9 - Figure out new ways to bring inincome, without sacrificing your corevalues. Bring the money in before yousend it back out. Be proud of yourcontribution.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 9- You're the top dog, and you know it.You're back in control, but don't let it makeyou lazy. Continue growing. Change isgood now. Play with it.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 5 -There's no time for procrastination now.Complete a project in private. Listen onlyto the positive voice in your head. Hotchocolate could be nice.

©2012, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

BY NANCY BLACK,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICESHOROSCOPE

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICESSUDOKU

BY RICH NORRIS & JOYCE LEWIS,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICESCROSSWORD

/ DailyAztecvideo/ DailyAztecvideo

PLEASE NOTE:The views expressed in the written works of this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.Letters to the editor can be sent to letters@thedailyaztec.com. Story ideas can be sent to tips@thedailyaztec.com.

C O N TAC T :GENERAL INFORMATION

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Photo Editor Antonio Zaragoza captured members of the Hemet and Pechanga Inter Tribal Sports Teams that

got a chance to play in the big leagues during halftime at last week’s basketball game against Air Force.

SO MUCH FOR SHOWING OFF

SDS-VIEW

y mother called meabout a week ago. Icould hear her rins-ing out a stainlesssteel pot from the

other side. The way the watersounded in the basin reminded meof rice raining onto the ground. Itmade me think of my sister’supcoming wedding, at least until sheshut off the water and said, “Yourfather and I have separated.”

I once believed in soul mates. It’san easy thing to believe in. Peopleindoctrinate you into it. All the lovestories in movies and television makeyou hold out hope that the one per-fect guy or girl is out there waitingfor you. Then the older you get themore you start to understand there’sno such thing as soul mates. Soonenough another five years slip byand you get older and it’s not theimpossibility that scares you. Whatreally terrifies you is the chance itmight be real. It keeps me up somenights. If the whole soul mate thingis real, what if we only get one per-son to be our true, exact soul mate?Just one person in so many billions.How can we find that person?

Now sure, some people will liveon to find each other, and that’sgreat. But when I did believe in soulmates, I couldn’t buy the idea thatsome people never meet their soulmate because of distance, or time orother restrictions, because, well, ifsomeone was truly your soul mate,you’d find each other. That’s how itworks. You get one chance to meetthem. But then, what if my soul matepassed away as a boy? What if he’salready gone?

That’s the thing about the cosmos— about everything, really. We’re

ruled by symmetry. Balance. With mysister, it was easy for her to find herone true love. So naturally, with me,it has to be hard.

My sister and I talked about ourparents’ divorce yesterday. We metup at the beach — she even broughther fiancé, Eric. The swell was thebiggest I can remember in recentyears. I’d never seen waves so tall.And one dark cloud hovered flatlyover the horizon, perfect as a creditcard’s magnetic strip.

About a half-mile down the beachmy sister finally brings it up. “I won-der what finally split them up. Weshould talk to them, make surethey’re OK.”

“Mom didn’t seem upset. I thinkonce you hit a certain age youaccept the fact that anything canhappen. Better to just expect pain.Let’s face it. It’s hard to keep thingsgoing, especially after we moved outand they retired. Too much time toevaluate what they had.”

“Do you think they stayed togeth-er for us? Do you think they wantedto end it years ago?”

I didn’t know how to answer. Eric called to us. “Someone’s

having fun!” He used a stick to pullout a pair of pink, frilly pantiesfrom the tide. Then he touchedthem and yelped.

That’s when my sister and I sawthem. Large jellyfish in the shapesof black mushroom clouds, drapedwith pink ruffles. I’d never seen somany. They were being pushed intoshore by the current. We watchedas they stretched into the apex of awave and were smashed apart asthe wave broke.

There was nothing they could doto struggle against it. They wereserene among the waves. Theyseemed unfazed by being torn apartin the shallows. When the next waverises, I see our reflections in its face.There’s someone I’ve never seenbefore standing next to me. I know ifI turn to him he won’t be there. Hewaves at me as the wave crashes. Ifind myself waving back.

—Mason Schoen is a creative writinggraduate student.

FICT ION

MMaassoonn SScchhooeennfiction writer

I once believed in soul mates.It’s an easy thing to believe in... Then the older you getthe more you start to understand there’s no suchthing as soul mates.

What split them up

M