Cody Simpson performs in Bakersfield’s Kelly Lounge. Page 4
Gravity is an extraterrestrial thriller. Page 4
‘Grapes of Wrath’ comes to CSUB. Page 3
Vol. 39, No. 4
‘Pretty Brown Eyes’:
Drifting in space:
Retelling the tale:
therunneronline.com
Oct. 16, 2013
Retelling the tale
California State University, Bakersfield FREE
d Bakersfiel goes
One copy per person of each edition is free. Additional copies 50 cents each.
‘Grapes of Wrath’ comes to Bakersfield
Mudpits
By Elizabeth Cortez Staff Writer
Photos by Brian N. Willhite/The Runner
Above: Runners look over one of the final hills as they eye the finish line of the Volkslauf Oct. 12. Left: The course’s pits challenge competitors in a test of strength and skill, leaving all involved covered in mud. Below: Competitors look out for one another as racers and course assistants help to keep runners going.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, the California State University, Bakersfield School of Arts and Humanities hosted ONWARD, an event in which three artists delivered a live oral history celebrating the 75th anniversary of the publication of “The Grapes of Wrath,” John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel, in the Dezember Reading Room. As part of the event, playwright Octavio Solis, visual artist Patricia Wakida, and veteran filmmaker and producer P.J. Palmer completed the epic drive the fictional Joad family took along Route 66 through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona toward California to escape the horrors of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The journey was organized by the National Steinbeck Center. “Growing up in Fresno, I know that there are not that many places in literature and in film that talk about people from the valley — We’re just not there that much, and if we [are], it’s just this tiny little thing where they are making fun of us,” said Wakida. “I feel that it’s a combination of regional understanding of place, and that also there is fight—it’s not just a story, a happy story, it’s a story about the politics of unionizing and fighting back against the large corporations who are manipulating people for greed.” [See GRAPES, Page 3]
Doctor speaks at Kegley lecture By Bailey Torres Staff Writer
Dr. Otis Brawley, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society, lectured to a packed audience at California State University, Bakersfield on Oct 9. His lecture was hosted by CSUB’s Kegley Institute of Ethics. As Dr. Soraya Coley, provost and vice president of academic affairs at CSUB stated, attendees left with more questions than answers in regards to health care in the United States. There could not be a better time to have Brawley here to discuss health care, said Dr. Christopher Meyers, director of the Kegley Institute at CSUB. Brawley brought to light many salient points about health care practices and consumption in the United States. He emphasized, as Americans, we must “transform” the way we use health care. One point Brawley made was that many Americans “over-consume” health care in this country. He cited America as spending $2.6 trillion on health care in 2010. That is more than any other country, yet the United States is listed 49th in life expectancy. [See KEGLEY, Page 3]
CSUB’s water use exceeds a million gallons a day
By Myra Maldonado Staff Writer
How much water do we use as a campus on a daily basis? According to Pat Jacobs, assistant vice president of Facilities Management, the amount of water used on campus on a daily basis varies from season to season. In Bakersfield, there are basically two seasons: summer and winter. During the summer months the use of water is very high, but that is because the weather is much warmer here in the valley than in most places. Jacobs said that on average during the summer, 139,000 cubic feet of water is used per day. There are about 7 gallons in a cubic foot, making the water
Making a name
use on campus during the summer slightly more than one million gallons per day. There are a couple reasons why it is so high during this season. One is because facilities irrigates the entire campus. Imagine every plant and shrub on campus has to be watered regularly. Another reason is that it takes water to run the air conditioning units on campus. Without the water flow, there is no air conditioning. The average water bill during the summer season is $40,000 and in the winter $6,000. During the winter months, water use is significantly less. On average, the usage is about 20,000 cubic feet of water or about 150,000 gallons. Throughout the winter season,
Page 3
CSUB senior Caity Stone publishes her first essay. NEWS
Plucking strings
air conditioning uses less water and the irrigation almost stops completely on the entire campus during the winter months. According to Jacobs, starting in the beginning of December, there is no irrigation, except for the baseball, softball and soccer fields due to the watering of the winter rye grass. Jacobs said because of the size of the campus, the watering system is set up to water all day. On average, it runs 20 hours per day for seven days a week. The irrigation system is set on electric timers that are run by a computer. For example, the lowest water pressure is from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. so not having a lot of water pressure makes irrigation difficult. [See WATER, Page 3]
Page 4
Guitar Arts Concert Series resumes this week. ENTERTAINMENT
Rebecca Grant/The Runner
Runoff water from CSUB’s sprinkler system is shown near the Walter Stiern Library.
Horrors and haunts
Page 5
Talladega Frights provides local thrills. ENTERTAINMENT
Coming up clutch
Page 6
Women’s soccer beats the Aggies in double overtime. SPORTS
2
Opinion
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
THE RUNNER The Runner California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 Telephone 661.654.2165 Fax 661.654.6905 E-mail runner@csub.edu therunneronline.com
editorialstaff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robin Gracia Robin.gracia88@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Steven Barker SBarker220@gmail.com NEWS EDITOR Michael Wafford OPINION EDITOR Cache Cantrell FEATURES EDITOR Athena Skapinakis SPORTS EDITOR Nathan Sanchez PHOTO EDITOR Lexi Philippi ADVERTISING MANAGER Daysi Meza BUSINESS MANAGERS Brandon Mann, Kassie Mullican, Brian Willhite, Casey Webb ADVISER Jennifer Burger jburger1@csub.edu
newsroomstaff COPY CHIEF Melissa Taylor
WRITERS Monica Martinez, Selene Sorto, Ryan Barrera, Jacquelyn Russo, Myra Maldonado, Andrew Rivera, Selene Sorto, Shelby Parker, Jessica Martinez, Alexander Ripepi, David Aliaga, Josh Bennett, Sandy Ornelas, Bailey Torres, Elizabeth Cortez, Esteban Lopez, Josh Lofy PHOTOGRAPHERS Elyse Rivas, Rebecca Grant, Tara Baraceros, Abi Khan, Juana Martinez
ABOUT The Runner is a laboratory newspaper published weekly, in conjunction with the Department of Communications at California State University, Bakersfield. The Runner believes all advertising to be correct but cannot guarantee its accuracy or be responsible for its outcome. ADVERTISING For information about placing an ad in The Runner, go to therunneronline.com/category/advertising/. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send letters to the editor to runner@csub.edu. All letters must be signed and verified for publication and should be no more than 300 words in length. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
Lies about womenʼs rights run rampant By Josh Lofy Staff Writer
Hyde Amendment. Students for Life claim the opposite. They also incorrectly contend that federal funds do go to abortions. The other information that Students for Life was handing out talked about breast cancer screening – particularly how since 2009, “Planned Parenthood contraceptive services have dropped by 12 percent, and their cancer screening and services have prevention dropped by 29 percent.” According to the New York
This is how you take away the rights of mothers today, and daughters tomorrow. By banMore than 900 pink crosses ning access to true and honest sat between the jumbled tables education, and replacing it left over from the career fair on instead with lies and insults, Oct. 3. They were placed there these institutions continue to by a group called Students for keep women from the truth to Life of America, an antimake their own decisions about women’s rights nonprofit locattheir own bodies, about what ed in Washington, D.C. The pink pregnancies they want to have, crosses represented the number when they want to have them, of abortions done by Planned and how they want to have them. Parenthood divided by the numThat is not a government’s ber 365. Casey Tesauro, a prechoice. That is not an organizasenter from the nontion’s choice. That is not profit, said that their Planned Parenthood’s data and information “There are no abortions done choice. This is a woman’s were from Planned at the Bakersfield facility, but choice. We have Planned Parenthood’s 2011this doesnʼt stop our city Parenthood in Kern 2012 Annual Report, but this is not com- council from trying to force County as well. Seventy pletely true. its small government views percent of all patients who go to Planned Parenthood First, the number of Bakersfield are below the pink crosses made into womenʼs vaginas.” poverty line, according to abortion seem like it’s being done on a large scale Times editorial, “A Painful Julia Gonzalez, who has volunby many women every day. If Betrayal,” the Susan G. Komen teered for and worked with this were to be represented as a Foundation for the Cure as of Planned Parenthood through percentage of women in the January 2012 said that it would Club Gender Equality Now United States, the number of cut their funding to Planned (GEN) and is a senior religious abortions done by Planned Parenthood by almost $700,000 studies major with a minor in Parenthood in 2011 (333,964), because this group decided to women, gender and sexuality. according to the Planned become pro-life. Most women who use these Parenthood annual report from This meant Planned facilities are coming to Planned 2011-2012, divided by the num- Parenthood lost one of its Parenthood for wellness visits. ber of women in the U.S. in biggest backers that supported This is an annual cancer screen2010, (159,003,948), according cancer screenings, the service ing exam that includes free or to Wikipedia, you would get 0.2 most people use them for. There reduced-cost breast exams. percent. One fifth of one per- were several attempts to make There are no abortions done at centage point of all women in this money up by people such as the Bakersfield facility, but this the U.S. would have had an New York City Mayor Michael doesn’t stop our city council abortion procedure with Planned Bloomberg, but this would only from trying to force its small Parenthood in 2011, and that’s if make up for one year’s funding, government views into women’s every abortion is a different and did not fully recuperate vaginas. woman every single time. That those lost funds. According to Gonzalez, the number seems more real once it After looking through most of Bakersfield City Council will is put into perspective. their information, I went to take up the issue at its meeting at Students for Life also claim Students for Life of America’s 5 p.m. today at South City Hall that 92 percent of Planned Facebook page and found that at the corner of Eye Street and Parenthood’s pregnancy services within the past four hours they Truxtun Avenue. This vote will were abortion. I tried to make had made a post titled, “Don’t be be to applaud Crisis Pregnancy that number work using the a pansy.” With it came a photo Centers that give out similarly Planned Parenthood website, but of a flower. As the intro to the misleading information to there just isn’t a way. Using the post said, “It’s simple: Preborn women about their own health Planned Parenthood numbers for babies don’t need pansies fight- and wellness. programs that go directly to ing for them. They need strong, This is after our city council pregnancy services (i.e. contra- willful individuals to be a voice attempted to vote to ban all abortions in Bakersfield, but stopped ception, pregnancy tests, abor- for them.” That’s right, if you are soft or only after finding out that they tion, family practice services) you cannot find a way to get that caring, you are not a willful indi- may be sued for banning aborabortion percentage to 92 per- vidual. You are just a pansy. tion. cent. The actual amount of work Feminizing insults that make fun This is a last-minute call to Planned Parenthood does with of you for acting “like a girl” action. Show your support for abortion is 3 percent. from a group that lies to women women and civil liberties. Block None of these abortions are about what abortion is and its the constant legal assaults that federally funded. There is a law availability is something a pro- Bakersfield women have to put that ensures that, known as the woman group does not do. up with from our city council.
Image from blogging4jobs.com
Many humorous memes have surfaced since the government shutdown began.
By Alex Ripepi Senior Staff Writer
With the partial government shutdown underway, although talks are in order to end it, the misguided priorities of the federal government have been brought to light. Much of the issue with the government shutdown has been the lack of information disseminated about it. The public has had only the filtered and carefully worded stories by news networks that can’t possibly cover every aspect of the halt of the budget and its effects. Unless the average person were to watch CSPAN, which is a daunting task even for those interested in politics, a cut and dry explanation (sans bias) of the shutdown is hard to find. Certain areas of the government that were deemed “unnecessary” seem pretty vital, though. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were put on hold in “a vast majority” of its operations just before flu season. The change in funding didn’t mean that a vaccine was unobtainable, but for those in particularly sensitive groups, (pregnant women, the elderly, etc.) a new vaccine could not be developed. The issue of public health being put to the wayside doesn’t end here, though. The CDC did release a statement urging the public to still get what vaccines are available. The Food and Drug Administration had funding cut so severely that meat is the only product being checked and approved at this time. The extent of the cut appeared to have affected the process though; the Los Angeles Times reported that three Foster Farms poultry plants in California have distributed salmonella-contaminated chicken around the nation, sickening more than 200. According to a report by the CDC, the outbreak resulted in more than 42 percent of the affected being hospitalized. Hopefully, in the future, these occurrences will be recalled when budget talks are on the line. Financial aid has been impacted in multiple areas. For those receiving federal aid under the GI Bill, until the shutdown is over, the coffers won’t be filled. In addition, other college students won’t be able to have any grants or loans awarded or approved until the shutdown is over. Directly impacting the next workforce generation (who will have the burden of paying the resulting costs of this shutdown in addition to normal taxes) in a way that could prevent them from getting jobs was part of the package when the shutdown went into effect. However, the prioritization isn’t all about odd choices of what was deemed unnecessary. For one, the Congressional gym, which supplies a membership for each senator and house representative, will remain open. According to a statement by a House aide, the gym is rather lavish, featuring a sauna, steam rooms, a swimming pool, and flat screen TVs. So if you’ve felt particularly affected by the shutdown, just remember that it isn’t really about you, and that Congress members still have their gym, if it’s any consolation.
Is she out of control or is she just being Miley? By Jessica Martinez Staff Writer
Miley Cyrus has been no stranger to the public eye since she skyrocketed to fame by starring on the Disney Channel’s hit television show, “Hannah Montana.” Lately, Cyrus is hardly recognizable as that same girl. Once “Hannah Montana” wrapped up, Cyrus laid low for a while before her big comeback this past summer. It all began with her now infamous short, blonde ‘do,
DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions expressed in the Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff or the Department of Communications. Each quarter’s student staff determines content/advertising choices, with advice only from the adviser. Content creation and selection are all made by student editors. The staff of the Runner reserves the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which many be considered libelous, irresponsible or tasteless. The Runner does not accept tobacco-related advertising. COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Department of Communications at California State University, Bakersfield.
Go back to work, government Oct. 16, 2013
Image from globalgrind.com
Miley Cyrus shows us she is no longer the Hannah Montana we grew up with.
which was only the beginning of a total makeover for the star. It seems as if not a day has gone by that Cyrus’ name hasn’t been mentioned in the headlines since her shocking MTV Video Music Awards performance in August. Cyrus made even more headlines when she released the music video for her single, “Wrecking Ball,” in which she appears completely nude. A few days later, Cyrus broke off her engagement to Liam Hemsworth. Recently, she’s appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, performed at the iHeartRadio music festival and hosted “Saturday Night Live.” Hate her or love her, Cyrus has proven she’s here to stay. First off, I’ve been a fan of Cyrus since day one. I think she is extremely talented, more so than people would like to admit. Cyrus has so much charisma and energy, for me, it’s practically palpable through the television. She’s one of the last great performers that Disney launched to superstardom. It’s obvious she has always been eager to shed the squeaky-clean image that Disney wanted her to have, and I think that fans who have remained loyal to her continue to do so because she’s real. It’s hard enough being a teenager, but imagine trying to grow up while the world criticizes your every mistake. I feel that she’s always tried to be open about who she really is, and I commend her for that. Bill Werde, editorial director at Billboard, said in an interview with USA Today, “People really underestimate the depth, breadth and legitimacy of the connection Miley has with her fans. Most of them have grown up with her.” There have been times when I thought to myself, “Okay, Miley, we get it. You’re not Hannah Montana anymore. You are an adult. You don’t have to keep trying so hard to prove it anymore.” Now, I realize that this is who she is really is. Her behavior isn’t much different from other people her age. The only difference is that she is being broadcast all over the media. She’s young, rich and beautiful; she’s just taking advantage of the life she’s been given. Tom Corson, the president of Cyrus’ label, RCA
For a review of Miley Cyrusʼ new album, “Bangerz,” see page 5.
Records, said to USA Today, “This is someone who is of-the-moment, living her lifestyle and sharing it in a world defined by Twitter and Facebook. She’s very connected to her fan base, and that’s a huge marketing driver in this day and age. When you put great star power behind it, great things can happen.” Cyrus’ parents, Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, have always openly spoken about supporting their daughter in anything she does. In an interview with ET’s Nancy O’Dell on Oct. 7, Billy Ray said, “All I know for sure is I heard my daughter say today she’s the happiest she’s ever been in her life. . . Somewhere along the stress and strain of different things, I didn’t see her smiling as often for a little while and, all of a sudden, she’s like the sun and when she smiles it’s light… Everything happens for a reason and the main thing for me, as Miley’s daddy, is she’s happy.” Because she grew up in a loving and supporting home, I think everything Cyrus has done up to this point is simply because she is a performer, not a train wreck. Whatever she’s doing, it’s working, because we keep watching, and we keep talking about it. I’m sure she’s a hell of a lot smarter than she lets on. In her recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Cyrus said, “Times are changing. I think there’s a generation or two left, and then it’s gonna be a whole new world.” I think society will continue to watch every move Cyrus makes simply because we all really want to know where she’s going to end up. Will she ruin her life with drugs and alcohol and become another child-stargone-wrong joke, or will people eventually take her seriously as a grown-up artist? Only time will tell. I’m eager to see what the future brings for Cyrus. Her new album, “Bangerz,” released on Oct. 8, and I hope this new chapter in her life brings nothing but good things for Cyrus.
3 CSUB student publishes in literary journal News
Oct. 16, 2013
By Steven Barker Managing Editor
After months of reading, writing and waiting, CSUB senior and English major Caity Stone is finally getting her essay published. Writing about James Baldwin’s famous short story, “Sonny’s Blues,” the essay will be published online by “The Explicator” on Nov. 21 and in print on Dec. 10. For Stone, the greatest difficulties she faced were her perfectionism and waiting for a response. “Initially, my own perfection-
ism was what made finishing it hard,” Stone said. “When I first composed it, I slaved a week over my paper, rewriting and revising it every day until I felt that it was good enough. “Sonny’s Blues” is a story about art and suffering, and I truly felt that the process I went through while writing this paper reflected that theme.” “I also had to wait a long while for progress of any kind. Originally I submitted my paper in October of last year. It wasn’t until this July that I learned it had been accepted, so that many months went by in which I did-
n’t hear anything.” Dr. Solomon Iyasere, a professor of English at CSUB – and the teacher under whose instruction Stone first formed her idea – is impressed by the quality of Stone’s writing. To him, the objective process of publishing a work – of having anonymous readers unknown to the author – and having the work accepted is indicative of Stone’s quality. “You are sending your publication to people who don’t know you,” Iyasere said. “They have never met you, and all they know is what you published.” A media contact from “The
[GRAPES, Page 1] The celebration of Bakersfield’s cultural history drew the attention of a large audience. A group of high school teenagers attended the event that was recommended to them by their t e a c h e r because they are reading the novel for class. Indeed, the
Dezember Reading Room was so packed with people that at least fifty persons had to stand in order to hear the oral stories. Cheryl Scott, a of mother one of the high school kids said, “I’m excited Cheryl Scott a b o u t Steinbeck’s 75th anniversary of the publica-
tion of The Grapes of Wrath because I think it’s an important part of Kern County’s history, and I think it’s something that deserves to be celebrated.” “My family came shortly after the Dust Bowl, so it’s interesting for me to look at the pictures and it is hard for me to imagine that that was how it was like,” Scott added. The Grapes of Wrath has not always been celebrated and embraced by Bakersfield residents. Phillip Saldana, museum store and guest services manager at the National Steinbeck Center said, “I remember when
the book was released, and a decade after the book was released there was book banning, there was book burnings of The Grapes of Wrath because of how poorly the people felt that they were portrayed.” Today, thanks to the novel, readers are aware of the migrant community. Elizabeth Weldon-Smith, curator of education and public programs put together the program. Weldon-Smith said, “I think the thing that is really poignant and important about The Grapes of Wrath is that it spurred the national dialogue.”
[WATER, Page 1] So at this time, only certain areas are watered. Most watering must be done during the day, and Jacobs said it’s not by choice, but due to the size of campus in order to water all grassy areas. Regarding water waste, the irrigation has what is called, a transpo evaporation rate. This
rate will detect whether more or less water is needed in an area where plant roots may be dry due to the hot climate. It depends on the weather. For example, these weather stations measure the temperature and adjust the amount of water and time the sprinklers run, according to the transpo evaporation
rate. Jacobs said the system is not perfect and has malfunctioned. Being that the campus is so large, he said that it takes 36 clocks, each has 15 to 18 stations, which equals to thousands of sprinkler heads. Each sprinkler has been placed differently according to the shape of
the area it is watering. Jacobs said that if any student on campus sees a broken sprinkler, an overflow of water, or has any concern about the water irrigation on campus, they can call his office with the location and time of the malfunctioning sprinkler, etc. at (661) 6542211.
Caity Stone
Explicator” did not respond to The Runner’s request for comment. “There is no bias, actually. In a sense, you are sending it as other people are sending their
ʻGrapes of Wrathʼ draws on Bakersfield culture “Itʼs interesting for me to look at the pictures and it is hard for me to imagine that that was how it was like.”
CSUBʼs water bill costs thousands monthly
works in. The work must have some quality before they selected it, or else they would not. So this is a great accomplishment.” Iyasere also mentioned that Stone is his third student to have their work published. One former student, Sol Neely, an associate professor of English at the University of Alaska Southeast, has published three books on different topics. Titled “Lost and Found: The Fall of Grace in Sonny’s Blues,” Stone’s essay examines the significance of Grace, the daughter of the narrator in the short story. In it, she asserts “that the literal
falling down of Grace—a pivotal event in the tale—has symbolic significance in showing the state of the fractured relationship between the story’s two brothers.” In addition to this essay, Stone is also publishing an essay on “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” a 14th century poem, in the literary journal, “Calliope.” No specific publication date was given. Stone is also working on three other works. One is a fantasy short story, and the other two are fantasy and science fiction novels.
[KEGLEY, Page 1] Brawley hardly mentioned the highly controversial Affordable Care Act; instead, he focused on urging Americans to use “wisdom” in regards to their healthcare. He stated that many health care companies have “business plans” that affect how they treat patients. He advised a g a i n s t unnecessary medical radiation, and hyssaid terectomies and cesarean sections are among the most overused procedures in health care in the United States. Brawley closed his lecture with the sobering point that poor nutrition “obesity, (excessive calories), and inac-
tivity is causing a tsunami of chronic disease” in the United States. He added, poor nutrition, obesity, and inactivity are the cause of 12 cancers and will pass tobacco in the next decade if something is not done. While in line for the book signing, Michelle a Kinder, local nurse, said she “enjoyed the lecture” and that Brawley confirmed “the importance of nurse practitioners and physicians assistants in the future of our healthcare system.” Attendee, Anthony Cortez said, “I found the lecture to be eye-opening and very educational.”
Brawley talks ethics at lecture Poor nutrition, obesity, and inactivity are the cause of 12 cancers and will pass tobacco in the next decade if something is not done.
4
The sci-fi ʻGravityʼ excites and thrills Entertainment
Oct. 16, 2013
By Shelby Parker Staff Writer
helmet, as if you were role-playing for a few minutes. What I found interesting is that most movies tend to rely on “Gravity,” the new thriller starmusic playing in the background ring Sandra Bullock and George to build the climax or to make a Clooney, has been the talk of scene more dramatic. However, Hollywood, social media and this movie opted for moments of fans since its box office opening silence to build the suspense, on Oct. 4. It raked in $55.6 miland it worked. There is only one lion its opening weekend, with song used in a couple scenes of 80 percent of that coming from the movie, and that is Hank the 3D audience, according to Williams Jr.’s, “Angels Are Hard NBC News. It doesn't look like to Find,” in the more silent ticket sales will be slowing scenes, where not much is going down anytime soon. on. I’m normally one who sticks to Clooney’s character, Kowalski, romantic comedies, but Sandra is like the human version of Bullock is my favorite actress, Buzz Lightyear in the film, so I wanted to go a bit out of my adding a bit of humor and trying comfort zone and give this one a Image from collider.com to lighten the mood for Stone, shot. I didn’t see the film in Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star as astronauts who partake in a routine-turned-perilous mission. which I enjoyed. But, the true IMAX or 3D, because I wasn’t star of the film is Bullock, who sure that I would be able to hanpulls a Tom Hanks in “Castaway” for most of the film, and truly dle the intensity or pieces of debris and the spaceship that seem to than Space Mountain at Disneyland. The plot centers around medical engineer Ryan Stone (Sandra embodies this character. It amazes me that she can go from playing be flying straight toward you. However, it was still just as much of an experience. The equipment and techniques they used to shoot Bullock), who is on her first trip to space, alongside Matt Kowalski silly characters in movies like “Miss Congeniality” and “The the movie allowed the audience to feel as though they really were (George Clooney), a professional astronaut who has made several Heat,” to something with depth and a real back story that you get floating in space, not knowing from minute to minute what was trips to space prior to this expedition. Not long into the movie, they to see unfold as the movie plays out. The film’s director, Alfonso Cuaron, was also amazed by going to happen next. I never really felt like I was watching a get a notice from Houston that a Russian satellite has exploded, and pretty soon, debris is flying right toward them, causing them to lose Bullock’s acting abilities, saying, “I always knew the amazing movie, I felt like I was part of the journey. At first glance from the previews, the movie might not seem all their ship. The two of them are then stranded, trying to survive and truthfulness she brings to a performance, but I was not prepared for that thrilling due to the fact that there are only two people shown make it out alive. There is never a dull moment from the time the her amazing discipline and precision,” according to Daily Mail UK. floating around in space. I mean, what kind of story line can they characters fade in to the time the end credits roll. Though the camera angles made me a bit dizzy at times, with While there is plenty of action and many scenes that will have you possibly build around that? If you aren’t into astronomy, you might not think this is a movie for you. But, thanks to the brilliance of the Clooney and Bullock constantly spinning and turning about, it was holding your breath, wondering just how the movie is going to play directing, acting and visual effects, it will have you on the edge of one of the features that made it extremely realistic. It was also an out, I enjoyed the larger-than-life themes the most. It’s about secyour seat the entire time. Think of it as a 91-minute roller coaster interesting perspective when they’d switch from third person, ond chances at really living your life and that no matter what the ride in the world of outer space, though it’s a little more intense viewing from the outside to seeing what Ryan sees from inside her outcome of your circumstance is, just enjoy the ride.
New club geared toward children and families By Jacquie Russo Staff Writer
Cody Simpson promotes his new album at Kelly Lounge
Photos by Elyse Riva/The Runners
Cody Simpson performed at F.Y.E. for his devoted fans Oct. 13.
By Sandy Ornelas Staff Writer
On Sunday, Oct. 13, Cody Simpson stopped by F.Y.E. (For Your Entertainment) in Bakersfield to promote his third studio album presented by the KLLY 95.3 Kelly Lounge. Simpson is touring all over the United States with F.Y.E. to promote his new album, “Surfers Paradise.” He is a 16-year-old pop singer from Australia who was discovered on YouTube. The crowd, consisting of mostly girls, had been lined up since 2 a.m. to see Simpson. Bailey Banducci, 11, had been waiting since 11 a.m. to see Simpson. “My favorite song is Pretty Brown Eyes,” said Banducci. Before Simpson came out to perform, the crowd started chanting “Cody. Cody.” Simpson performed four songs from his new album: “La Da Dee,” “All Day,” “Sinkin’ In” and his current hit “Pretty Brown Eyes.” Simpson interacted with the audience and made the girls go
wild. Girls were screaming and yelling, “I love you.” He said he has an acoustic album coming out in the near future that will contain acoustic songs off “Surfers Paradise.”
“My favorite song is ʻPretty Brown Eyes.ʼ”
Bailey Banducci
After his performance, Simpson signed CDs for his fans. One girl after his performance said, “I can die happily now.” This is Simpson’s second time performing in Bakersfield. Simpson first came to the Kelly Lounge on Sept. 11 of this year. Another recent celebrity to come to the Kelly Lounge is Emblem 3 at the Padre Hotel. On air talent “Snacks” asked listeners what artist they want to see next in the Kelly Lounge. “Listeners want Austin Mahone to come to the Kelly Lounge,” said Snacks. The next artist to come to the Kelly Lounge is THE NEIGHBOURHOOD; they sing the song sweater weather.
A new student organization on campus called CAFS Club, (child, adolescent and family studies) is focused on helping the children of families in need. These families frequently struggle with finances for everyday items such as clothes and school supplies, or are experiencing other hardships where they need extra help and encouragement. CAFS club held its first meeting Oct. 8. During the meeting, club members discussed ways they want to help out the community. Some suggestions included volunteering at the Bakersfield Homeless Center, Valley Achievement Center and the Boys and Girls Club. Through volunteering and fundraising efforts, CAFS’ goal is to serve these families. CAFS President Amanda Saldivar-Ramsey, a senior and psychology major, said the club is “for people in the major who want to reach out.” For CAFS majors, the club will hopefully help members get involved in the community and help out with the very people that their major focuses on. However, CAFS is not just for those who are majoring in child, adolescent and family studies. Anyone wanting to help out the Bakersfield community is welcome to join. Yoselin Serrano, a sophomore business major, said she would join even though it’s not her major. Serrano thinks the club is beneficial to the campus because “it would make CSUB look good even if [students] are not involved [on-campus] they are involved somewhere else.” On Oct. 26 the Bakersfield Homeless Center is hosting a Halloween event for the families of the center and CAFS plans to set up a cake walk booth. Also, the club is talking about doing a food drive in November. As a new club, CAFS has a lot of planning to do and many ideas. CAFS is off to a great start with a 12-person turnout at their first meeting and they hope to further grow in membership. Senior Rosa Gomez, whose major is child, adolescent and family studies and is also a club member, said, “I hope it [CAFS club] stays.” If you are interested in joining CAFS, attend the next meeting on Oct. 22 at 12:15 p.m. in the Education Building, room 125. The group meets every other Tuesday. For more information, add the organization on Twitter @CSUBCAFSClub and or on Facebook at CSUB CAFS Club.
Guitar Arts Concert Series promises a delightful musical experience By Ryan Barrera Senior Staff Writer
California State University, Bakersfield Guitar Arts Concert Series kicks off its fourth year with featured guitarist Isaac Bustos on Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. According to a press release, Bustos will present a dynamic program of music by Albéniz, Piazzolla, Scarlatti, Rodrigo, Giuliani and more. The Guitar Arts Concert Series is now in its fourth season, and has featured more than 20 artists. The CSUB Music Department, the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center and KGET TV-17 sponsor the concert series. According to CSUB lecturer Jim Scully, a com-
poser and the coordinator for this event, the concert series is designed to bring together students with what they love, music and playing the guitar. “The CSUB Guitar Arts Series produces four events a year featuring guitarists from around the world. One event each year, Guitar Day, is an outreach event where we invite 100-plus student guitarists from the region to our campus for a day of performances, rehearsals and discussion on the guitar,” said Scully. Bustos is just one of the upcoming guitarists the concert series will feature. He is an educator and performer who has a bachelor’s of music and has won numerous awards for his music. Bustos currently teaches at Texas A&M University. Bustos’ performance can be seen in the Music Building,
room 127 at 7:30 p.m. Another performer CSUB students can expect to see in coming months is LeChic Duo; this duo is made up of Iren Arutyunyan and Sofia Gleeson and specializes in classical music. They met at the Thornton School of Music of the University of Southern California, studying guitar in 2009 and in 2010 formed LeChic Duo. Their performance can be seen on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. in the Doré Theatre. A month later, the concert series will feature Paul Bowman, a guitarist who is paving the way for modern music with the guitar and 50 modern composers have written works for him. Bowman has earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree of music in classical guitar performance from the
Manhattan School of Music in New York and a degree in contemporary performance from the University of California, San Diego. His performance will take place on Feb. 21, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Building, room 127. “Students will hear music played at a high level by world-renowned artists. They will be amazed at the versatility of the guitar. Classical guitar music asks a lot of the performer. It’s at times athletic and at times lyric and restful, but it is never boring,” said Scully. Tickets are on sale now and are $5 for students, $10 for seniors and $15 for general admission. They can be bought online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com.
Oct. 16, 2013
Miley Cyrus releases ʻBangerzʼ
Image from celebuzz.com
Miley Cyrus dons a sassy black coat dress on the cover of her fourth album “Bangerz.”
By Sandy Ornelas Staff Writer
Miley Cyrus released her fourth studio album last week titled “Bangerz.” The 20-year-old’s album includes her No. 1 hit single on the Hot 100 Billboard charts, “Wrecking Ball,” and No. 2 hit single “We Can’t Stop.” According to a poll taken by HuffingtonPost.com, 62 percent are pleased with Cyrus’ new album. Unlike other pop albums, this album does not have the same song over and over. Each track on this album has a different rhythm. Cyrus’ songs center around three themes: love, heartbreak and having fun. Cyrus has been causing a controversy with her performance at the 2013 Video Music Awards and her risqué music videos that people forget that “Music is what I she is talented. Although Billboard.com breathe, what I rated “Bangerz” 70 out of love to do. It 100, this album will catch keeps me alive.” your attention. “Never mind the ‘z’ at the Miley Cyrus end of the album title, because one thing Miley Cyrus' ‘Bangerz’ won't do is put you to sleep,” said Billboard.com. The album ranges from hip-hop to dance-pop songs. The songs featured on Cyrus’ new album include: “Adore You,” “We Can’t Stop,” “SMS (BANGERZ),” “4x4,” “My Darlin,” “Wrecking Ball,” “Love Money Party,” “#GETITRIGHT,” “Drive,” “FU,” “Do My Thang,” “Maybe You’re Right” and “Someone Else.” This album includes collaborations with Nelly, Future, Big Sean, French Montana, and Britney Spears. The deluxe edition includes three extra songs: “Rooting for My Baby,” “On my Own” and “Hands in the Air,” featuring Ludacris. Cyrus shows her rapping skills in several of her songs on the album and embraces her Nashville roots in the song “4x4,” featuring Nelly. Several of her songs are about her love and heartbreak over her ex-fiancé Liam Hemsworth. She starts off saying in the song “Someone Else,” “If you’re looking for love, know that love don’t live here anymore. He left with my heart; they both walked through that door without me.” Cyrus did not have to twerk for attention to promote her new album.
Sandy’s Top Tracks:
1. Adore you 2. 4X4
3. My Thang
4. #GETITRIGHT.
Entertainment
5
Talladega Frights: spooky and fun
Image by Rob Thornburg/The Bakersfield Californian
Actors dress up in scarily gruesome costumes at Talladega Frights, terrifying visitors.
By Selene Sorto Staff Writer
With Halloween just around the corner, many of us are looking for a little fright; if not, some family-friendly Halloween fun. As Bakersfield residents, we’re lucky to have some Halloween entertainment right here in town. Mike Wilbur brings back Talladega Frights this year for its sixth year in a row and for its first year at the Pioneer Village, a Bakersfield landmark believed to be haunted. What began as a home-scare attraction in 2005 has become a popular yearly community attraction. Talladega Frights includes two mazes, Zombie X (an interactive ride) and Halloween Town, a perfect feature for the younger crowd. Talladega Frights consists of two different mazes, Green River Asylum and Hillbilly Hell. Both have interesting back stories to them which make the visit horrifically
thrilling. The Green River Asylum is an asylum that survived after a tornado destroyed the rest of the town. The staff and patients were the only survivors, and while they were busy planning an escape that would lead the patients to their death, Owen, the most functioning patient, planned to turn the asylum against them. He successfully accomplishes this with the other patients’ help by drugging the staff and experimenting on them. As for the Hillbilly Hell maze, it consists of a hillbilly family’s home, rumored to have trapped people below. One girl managed an escape after eight years and she drew images of the nightmarish experiences that fell upon her during that time. The images portrayed hanging heads and skinless bodies. What a fright to walk into. So it should definitely be a horrifyingly exciting experience. Zombie X is another of the terrifying attractions available. Now, we all know
how popular zombies have been lately in the cinema world so I expect this attraction to be a popular one. It’s a more interactive attraction where you get to “kill” zombies with a special serum that was scientifically created. Lastly, new this year, is Halloween Town. This one should be more popular among the younger crowd and families. It consists of pumpkin cannons, pedal karts, gem mining, a sledding hill, a pumpkin patch, rock climbing wall, a bounce house, a hayride and a carnival-style midway with food and vendors. The price is $10. It’s perfect for all ages and it’s a fun way to start or end your night if you go to it before or after the haunted attractions. Don’t wait any longer, and go enjoy a little scare this year at Talladega Frights. It’s the only way of making the Halloween experience complete. For hours of operation and more information, visit http://talladegafrights.com.
The Korean Wave: Culture spreads across the world By Andrew Rivera Staff Writer
Annyeonghaseyo, Hello! You may be hearing this word on campus a lot lately, since there is a major boom at California State University, Bakersfield in listening to or watching Korean entertainment. The Korean Wave is something that has become influential since Korean culture is rising in popularity around the world. People are now listening to Korean pop, watching Korean dramas and watching Korean variety shows. The Korean Wave began with the popularity of Korean pop music. It started around 2007 with BoA becoming a hit and took off last year when PSY’s “Gangnam Style” became a world phenomenon. PSY’s big hit brought the world’s attention to Korea's brand of entertainment. “Watching and listening to Korean entertainment has now become my favorite type of entertainment to watch and listen to,” said Kristin Vong, a chemistry student at CSUB. The most popular form of entertainment that came from the
Korean Wave is Kpop. Kpop is the name people have given to their genre of music. Most of the more popular Kpop idols are Girls Generation, BigBang, EXO, Super Junior and 2NE1. Students are fascinated by the different styles Kpop has to offer compared to other music. “EXO is currently my favorite Kpop group,” said Lay Ann Adoc, 23, a biology major. The other type of entertainment that has become popular among students are the various Korean dramas and variety shows. “‘Running Man’ is one of the best shows that I watch,” said student Alex Baldoz, 21. One of the more popular shows is “Running Man,” a Korean variety show. It has become an international hit with people from all over the world. Some people watch the show from the website Kshownow.net. The website offers the show with English subtitles. The Korean Wave has become a phenomenon everywhere. If you haven’t listened to a Kpop song or watched a Korean variety or drama you are missing out on some very fun entertainment. Annyeong, goodbye.
6
Women win in double overtime against New Mexico State Aggies Sports
By Josh Bennett Staff Writer
The CSUB women’s soccer team (3-9-1, 2-3-1 WAC) survived a double overtime thriller on Friday against the New Mexico State Aggies with a final score of 2-1. Freshman forward Hedda Regefalk added to an earlier assist, as she scored the game winner with 1:56 remaining in the second overtime via an assist from senior midfielder Erica Shelton. The game-winning goal came at a crucial, yet surprising, point in
Abi Khan/The Runner Taylor Jordan dribbles the ball up the field on Oct. 11.
Scrimmage showcases CSUB talent By David Aliaga Staff Writer
The CSUB men’s basketball team gave fans a preview of the upcoming season as they hosted the Blue and Gold Scrimmage presented by Hall Ambulance at the Icardo Center on Oct. 12. The event was held to promote the ’Runners season as fans look forward to what could be CSUB’s most successful and exciting year. The function was welcoming to the public as fans were greeted with complimentary food, parking, and admission. CSUB attracted a large crowd filled with excited fans as they were given a sneak peak to the school’s new era of basketball. The night began with the men’s basketball team being divided into two separate squads, the blue team and the gold team. Both teams went head to head in a full basketball scrimmage. The teams showed their will to win while demonstrating competitiveness. Issiah Grayson, senior point guard and captain, said, “I feel like these guys really want to win. We all have the same mindset, and everyone wants to win.” With the team sharing the same common goal and determination, the season looks promising for the ’Runners. When asked about the team’s chemistry on and off the court, Grayson said, “We’re like brothers. We do everything together. We go to the mall together. We eat together. It’s a brotherhood, man.”
Following the scrimmage, the team entertained the crowd with a dunk contest as the ferocious dunkers brought the fans to their feet with excitement. After the dunk contest, the fans were able to meet the team while they autographed posters. The night concluded with a team picture as the ’Runners smiled widely with high hopes for the season. “This year, we have more of a team. We have the depth that we need, and we also have players coming back from injury. It gives us a better chance in winning,” said Coach Rod Barnes. With Grayson back from injury, and him being a key part of the offense, his presence on the court changes things for the ’Runners as his leadership and court awareness was one of the major troubles that the team faced last year. “He’s a guy with a lot of experience and he understands what we need to do to win, and the guys respect him as a leader,” Barnes said about Grayson. “I really like this year’s team. Our chemistry is coming along. Having Issiah back brings back the chemistry,” added sophomore forward Erik Kinney. Grayson’s feel for the game as a true point guard will be a key factor in bringing the ’Runners to a winning season once again. As mentioned by teammates and Barnes, the ’Runners are looking forward to the return of their starting point guard. Barnes was pleased with the outcome. He thanked fans for their support as they headed for the exit.
Oct. 16, 2013
the game, as both teams were slugging it out with each other for the final minutes of the second half and both overtime periods. After a first half goal from junior forward Emily Noethe, that was assisted by Regefalk and junior defender Taylor French in the first half, the ’Runners had complete control of the game, which was evident by their 8-3 shot advantage in the first half. “I saw Erica [Shelton] out wide, and I ran towards the goal in hopes that she could play me. I haven’t scored in a long time, so it felt really good, and I chose the right moment to score,” said Regefalk on her game-winning goal. “I think it was absolute heart and will that they got that goal in the second overtime. They kept pushing, they kept trying to play our style of play that makes us successful and I commend them for that,” said Head Coach Abi Khan/The Runner Hedda Regefalk breaks past an Aggie defender during the womenʼs soccer game Oct. 11. Melissa Phillips. The Aggies came out fighting in the second Phillips to hand the reigns over to freshman goalkeeper Megan half, aggressively taking control of the game. Closing the shot gap, Vina for the overtime periods. the Aggies evened things out with a goal of their own at the beginThis proved to be a key substitution for the ’Runners, as Vina ning of the second half. Things continued to go downhill for the made a key save early in the first overtime. An Aggies shot was ’Runners, who missed out on key scoring opportunities, after cool- deflected by Vina, which allowed the ’Runners to stay alive in ing off the Aggies. order to tally the game winner in the next overtime period. “We just made it a little bit too difficult on ourselves. We had a “I’m glad I got the chance, because I know that I can come up with lapse in focus in the first five minutes of the second half, but for a the big save, and I just wanted to prove myself to CSUB,” said large majority of the game, we were the better team,” said Phillips. Vina. “Luckily, we were able to weather their momentum.” “We’re very confident in our backup goalkeeper. She’s a freshThe ’Runners’ hopes were nearly crushed late in the second half, man, but she’s proven herself time and time again when she goes in when an Aggie shot ricocheted off the top crossbar. But the ball was to play, and has done a fantastic job,” said Phillips eventually cleared, leaving the window open for the ’Runners. The ’Runners outshot the Aggies 19-17, but also had 19 fouls in However, with less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation, the game. However, the ’Runners had eight saves as a team, many Regefalk scored the potential game winner. But the goal was of which were late key saves which kept the game alive. The waived off due to a CSUB foul. ’Runners will travel to Idaho on Oct. 18 and then will head to Despite great goalkeeping from redshirt sophomore goalie Tori Seattle on Oct. 20. Ornela, she sprained her elbow in the second half, which caused
Above: Player Brent Wrapp attempts to dribble past a blue shirt defender on Oct. 12.
Left: Issiah Grayson looks to make a play during the Blue and Gold Scrimmage.
Bottom Left: Abdul Ahmed shakes the hand of a young CSUB basketball fan during a meet and greet after the game. Abi Khan/The Runner