University Times
Oct. 13, 2014
BarkBuddy:
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The new and improved Tinder
Swiping right means more than a new fling on BarkBuddy Christine Tran
Contributor According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), “It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States; [the] estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.” The fact that there is already an estimate of 70 million stray cats in one country alone shows the importance of adopting and spaying/neutering your pets. Although spaying or neutering your pet is common knowledge, the hardest part is trying to find the ‘ideal pet’ for you and your family. With that being said, have no fear! The BarkBuddy app is here! Bark & Co is a company started by three individuals, Matt Meeker, Henrik Werdelin, and Carly Strife who were brought together by their love of dogs their first project together BarkBox, a popular monthly box that will spoil a parent’s four-legged child with unique toys and all natural treats. Bark & Co released another project this year with the name BarkBuddy. Exactly like the title of this article, this new app is like the popular dating app Tinder but instead of finding other humans in your area; you find adorable dogs that are available to be adopted. Millions of homeless dogs are looking for a forever home all over the
country and with a tech savvy generation, BarkBuddy is the perfect combination of the two. BarkBuddy runs exactly how Tinder runs opening the app with “finding fluffy singles in your area.” For those who are not aware of how Tinder or BarkBuddy works, your cellphone uses your location to find people (and pooches) in your area. BarkBuddy also has settings for people to use in order to search for their perfect furry companion. One can decided what age range they would want their dog to be, gender, location the dog currently resides, and the max search distance. While working with local shelters both private and city owned, this new application is an easy way to help you find your future dog. Not to mention you can spend a good amount of time just looking at these adorable dogs. From personal experience, it is extremely rewarding when you adopt a dog from a shelter. Dogs immediately understand that they are having a new home and you can tell the difference in their attitude once they jump inside your car. Help end the problem of pet overpopulation and use BarkBuddy to find your perfect edition to your family.
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University Times
Oct. 13, 2014
Razones porque el regreso a clases no ha sido de mi agrado en CSULA: GERMAN ARTEAGA Estudiante de Criminología “Ahora que ya no tenemos a Dolccinis (antigua cafetería), nuestras opciones para comer en la Universidad son muy pocas”. URIEL SERRANO Estudiante de Sociología “La falta de clases y apoyo para estudiantes que empiezan su primer trimestre en CSULA es inmensa”. RIGO LOPEZ Estudiante de Historia “¿No entiendo por qué los estudiantes de LACHSA no se quedan en su propio edificio?” TATIANA LANVARDE Estudiante de Sociología “No me gusta la construcción que están haciendo en frente del USU. Esta construcción ha interrumpido una cantidad de actividades que les dan la bienvenida a los estudiantes que por primera vez empiezan en CSULA”. EMMANUEL GUTIERREZ Estudiante de Periodismo “El Wi-Fi esta súper lento, no hay una orientación para los estudiantes nuevos y los libros están súper caros. Eso es sin contar las largas líneas que uno debe hacer para comprar solo un libro”. AMANDA VILLEGAS Estudiante de Español “El conflicto de horarios en las clases de español para el programa de la maestría es algo que no me cae nada bien. Son clases que solo se dan cada año y para colmo ponen algunas en el mismo día y a la misma hora, eso no es justo para los estudiantes de dicho programa”.
Foto tomada de Brittany Maynard Fund.org
El derecho a la muerte NOTICIAS Alicia Soto Brittany Maynard es una joven de veintinueve años. Todo marchaba bien en la vida de Maynard hasta el día que, en enero del 2014, fue diagnosticada con cáncer cerebral. El saber que le quedaba poco tiempo de vida, motivó a Maynard a viajar por el mundo con su madre y su mejor amiga. Ahora que el cáncer de Maynard ha avanzado y se
Siete semanas hasta el final del trimestre…
encuentra más delicada, ella le pidió a las autoridades terminar con su propia vida. Lamentablemente en California no existe una ley o el derecho a la muerte propia con dignidad. El caso de Maynard ha dado mucho que hablar ya que ella decidió mudarse al estado de Oregón donde el derecho a la muerte propia sí es legal. Maynard dice que la pastilla que acabará con su vida, la guarda en un espacio secreto de su casa donde espera poco a poco y sin dolor tomársela para morir. Eso ocurrirá el 1 de Noviembre.
Maynard explica cómo ella no quiere llegar a sufrir y por esa razón desea llamar a todos sus familiares cuando decida no sufrir mas. Ha explicado en un video hecho por ella misma que el escoger cuándo y cómo quiere morir le da mucha paz. Maynard incluso ha lanzado una campaña para pelear por el derecho a la muerte propia. Para conocer mas del caso de Maynard visiten su pagina oficial en: http://www. thebrittanyfund.org
The University Café Now Open in SALAZAR HALL Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-2:00PM Sandwiches, Salads, Coffee, Burritos, and More!
Estudiante David Barrera
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Oct. 13, 2014
University Times
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The Realities of Online Shopping FASHION
Roxana Hernandez
Columnist When students are using multiple credit cards, piling up personal information on social media, and gaining debt, how is it that they don’t feel online shopping is safe? It poses a question. Recently Target, Neiman Marcus and Home Depot dealt with a data breach where millions of customers suffered from this hack and straight into their credit and debit cards. This type of privacy issues brings awareness to not only in store shopping, but marks a question about online shopping as well. According to Statista.com, 196.6 million people shop online and predicts that the number of people will increase about 3% in the coming years. What does this mean? The digital world and the retail world will combine beautifully.
A comparison between CSULA students and national statistics were conducted in a survey. The results portrayed the online shopping habits of CSULA students and the nation varies, but a few things seem clear. A popular answer to the question, “What online retailers do you typically use?” was Amazon. This was a matching answer from statistics to CSULA students. Students agree that Amazon is a safe place to shop, and prefer better than any other e-commerce site. Amazon. com Inc. comes first as the leading retailer in the U.S. with a striking $67.86 billion, leaving top two slots to Apple Inc. with $18.3 billion, and Staples Inc. with $10.4 billion. What do these students buy on Amazon, anyway? According to the collected statistics, students tend to buy electronics, books, apparel, home goods, and a variety of goods. The preferred
means of payment by students is debit card, leading slightly above credit cards. However, when it came to security online, most students confessed their fear over online shopping. They do not feel safe paying online because they might have to deal with identity theft.
crowded places, anyway. ” The season festivities are coming up, with the number of people purchasing online on the rise. Truth is, swiping your card at the store is the same as inputting your credit card number online. So for those who have
lots to buy this season, broaden your options and enjoy shopping from the comfort of your own home.
Most students have serious hesitation about security issues through their preferred payment or the fit of the garment once it arrives, while some hold more confidence in their security and service online. Student Marina Josiff, prefers online shopping over in-store shopping mainly because of the convenience she can get in her own home. “I don’t have to drive all the way to the mall, or waste gas doing so. I don’t have time to spend hours walking around trying to find what I’m looking for. Let’s not even mention that parking is always crowded, which means the lines are going to be long. I’m not very fond of Submit your questions @advice.universitytimes@gmail.com
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University Times
A Living Dream in the Eternal City
Photo Courtesy | Marrian Zhou
FEATURE
Marrian Zhou
Blogger Exactly a year ago, I started preparing documents and applications to study abroad. I remember I frequently visited the International Office and because of all the documents I had to submit and the visa applications, it was a little overwhelming. It’s crazy how time flies and even though I’ve been in Italy for three weeks now, I still can’t believe that I am studying abroad this year. I live with six roommates in a very spacious apartment in Monti area in Roma and about a 10-minute walk to the Colosseum. Waking up in the morning as I open the vintage wooden windows, I could feel the cool breeze of early autumn on my barely woken face. Look down at the small alley, a few people speed walk down the stairs and enter the main street. I look up at the azure sky and the sun gently shines. I whisper to myself, “Bongiorno, Roma.” On my way to the Rome Study Center of Richmond, there are many uphill roads, which are quite a workout for me since I’ve always been driving in Los Angeles. Walking down the streets, the smell of coffee and cornetto (Italian Croissant) keeps lingering in the air. People stop on the side of the road on their scooters one after another, either for colazione (breakfast) or to open their shops. The streets are mostly made of cobblestones, with tiny green plants blooming in between. The ivy runs wild on the ancient brick walls of Roma, coloring the city with its distinctive shades. As I wander about, this road takes me straight to Piazza
Venezia, where you can see Il Vittoriano, Il Foro Traiano, part of the Roma ruins, and experience the busy morning of Roma. However, there is a tiny garden-like place inserted right in the middle of all the traffic. You can relax there, have a cigarette, or take picture of the monument while the world is going crazy around you. There are also many other monuments hiding in the city. Romans live among them or even in them sometimes. People hangout casually in front of the Pantheon, beside the fountains of Piazza Navona, or even in the roman ruins underground. While I’m still trying to take it all in, the eternal city is growing on me just a pinky more everyday. Studying abroad is the best decision I’ve ever made. It gives me the opportunity to take a break from all familiarity, to gain a whole new perspective in a different culture, to recover my passion, and to discover what I truly want in life. So far I’ve been to London, Florence, Venice, Amalfi Coast, and I just come back from Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The journey continues, I shall keep you updated about the abroad experience, and I truly hope you will take the chance and see how amazing other parts of this world can be. Marrian Zhou is a junior majoring in Public Relations and Instrumental Performance. She is studying abroad in Rome, Italy for the fall semester through AIFS. Her blog about studying abroad can be seen online at csulauniversitytimes.com.
Oct. 13, 2014
University Times
Oct. 13, 2014
Too Ghoul for School OPINION
Andrea Romero
Contributor After months of scorching summer sun, countless trips to the beach, and many sweaty, restless nights, Southern California has never been more eager for fall season. After all, what’s not to be excited about? Ladies everywhere are swapping their short shorts for cute coats, and it’s that time of year where the fellas grow out their facial scruff and pull out their beanies. Pumpkin patches sprout up from the ground over night in almost every city and a beautiful palette of autumn colored leaves dangle from tree branches, eventually falling in spirals of soft yellows, oranges, and browns. Even the return of Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte has been heralded in with much enthusiasm. But perhaps more exciting than all of these things put together is the coming of everyone’s favorite holiday: Halloween. Okay, maybe not everyone’s favorite holiday, but there is no denying that it is a strong contender. Although this year October has obnoxiously announced its presence with hundred-degree weather, the heat has not drained people’s excitement for the horrific holiday that is approach-
ing. Many stores have been displaying an excess of Halloween paraphernalia since late August and advertisement for certain spooky events. Examples include Knott’s Scary Farm, Universal Studios Horror Nights, and the Haunted Hay Ride. One thing that has proved to be controversial, however, is whether or not it’s appropriate to express this Halloween excitement at school by wearing a costume to class. As a junior at Cal State LA, I remember very few instances in which I have seen classmates or other students dressed up in previous years. According to Forbes, adult costumes alone are expected to rack up $1.22 billion dollars in revenue. So clearly people are dressing up as much as they ever have. But why have Halloween costumes become a taboo to most students at Cal State LA? In order to unravel this tricky maze, I ventured across campus and asked a few Golden Eagles what they thought about costumes in an environment of higher education. Some of the questions included: Is it appropriate to wear a costume to a college campus? Does it reflect confidence or is it tacky? Is it distracting or does it express creativity? And here’s what their answers were.
“Do as you please,” says freshman student and Kinesiology major, Mia Majano. Although she admits she will not dress up to school this year. Majano argues, “People’s opinions should not matter. It shows confidence.” Joanna Morales, transfer student pursuing a degree in Math, feels the same. Morales will not be dressing up to school but feels neutral on the subject. “Unless it’s distracting in class, it wouldn’t be an issue,” she says. When asked what specifically would make a costume distracting in class, Morales replied, “It would be distracting if girls are revealing too much. Masks, props, and wigs would be distracting too.” It seemed that the majority of students at this point were not vehemently against costumes at school --- they just appeared to be apprehensive about contributing to the Halloween campus culture. I asked Pedro Cervantes, Political Science major in his first year, why he thought students were apprehensive. “It’s a little inappropriate. We’re all adults here. I understand if people dress up in grade school but it’s not for a university environment. A university has high standards and people running around in costumes is immature.” Freshman Sociology major, Faith Agbe will also not be participating in the Halloween festivities, but her response provided great insight. “I do not celebrate Halloween. I was raised to be conservative, but I’m very open-minded. People have their own ideologies and perspectives. It doesn’t fit my personality. I don’t like scary movies. It is disturbing to me when people start adding fake blood and gruesome props, or when costumes are too provocative.” Agbe acknowledges however, the positive impact that costumes could have on our campus environment. “It could be good for creating memories with friends. It might give people something to talk about.” In regards to costumes in class, Agbe even admitted that it could positively contribute to the class. “I like classes where everyone’s having fun and learning at the
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same time.” Whether or not costumes would impact a class in a positive or negative way depends on the instructor, Ryan Wong argues. “You have to be considerate about your teachers. If the teacher is okay with it, then it will provide a fun social environment.” Wong is a Computer Science major in his third year, also raises an important factor. “The campus is a commuter campus. A lot of people aren’t here for a social environment, they’re here to get their degree and leave.” He agrees with Agbe in that a collective participation in dressing up could drastically improve campus culture. “It adds social opportunities. You might want to ask about someone’s costume.” After hearing many, many No’s I was still determined to find a Yes! in support of costume participation. Finally, Jack Escalante, sophomore and Psychology major affirmed that costumes were not a bad idea after all. “It’s nice that they’re bringing Halloween to the school,” he said. “This school doesn’t seem too Halloween friendly. Usually when you go to college you have way less friends, and no one wants to do it alone.” For those of you who were planning to dress up, do not be discouraged, Golden Eagles. Just know that behind the many curious stares, many people will be applauding you for your confidence and may be even be working up the courage to comment on your costume. And for those Golden Eagles that are still a little timid about breaking out of their shells, keep in mind all the social connections you might benefit from. Perhaps you zombie enthusiasts could start a zombie club, which could result in networking and lifelong friendships (and maybe a zombie apocalypse). One thing that’s for certain is that our campus culture would certainly benefit from a collective participation across all students, and with Halloween just around the corner; it is the perfect opportunity to put everything out there and get a little scared.
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University Times
Oct. 13, 2014
EVENT Calendar Week Two OCT.
13 -18 th
MONDAY
13th
th
TUESDAY
10AM
14th
Study Abroad Fair Main Walkway
3:15PM Stars: Writing Grad School Statements
Alhambra Room, 2nd Floor U-SU
6:15PM Independent Visions: Linsanity
U-SU Theatre
WEDNESDAY
10AM Graduate and Professional Schools Information Day Main Walkway
3:15pm Cup of Culture:Americus: An Afternoon with Michael Datcher Alhambra Room, 3nd Floor U-SU
11:00PM TACOS and Treats for Teachers
3:20PM
King Hall C3098
THURSDAY
10AM
16th
facebook.com/CsulaUT
Study Abroad Fair Main Walkway
Stars: Writing Grad School Statements Alhambra Room, 2nd Floor U-SU
6:15PM
FRIDAY
17th
SATURDAY
12:30PM
3:15PM
CsulaUniversityTimes
CSI Unplugged Desert Lounge, 2nd Floor U-SU
3:30pm
Csula_UT
Outside of the Gym, behind Library South.
Fundamentals of Interviewing Career Center
3:30PM University Times Volunteer Meeting
15th
Independent Visions: Linsanity U-SU Theatre
6PM
The Clothesline Project: Reclaiming the Self Workshop Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, 2nd Floor U-SU We Play: Laser Tag Sign-up deadline Wednesday October 15th
5:30PM
Boeing Day & ECST Open House Enginering and Technology Building
8PM
4:30PM Women's Soccer
7PM
Vs Sonoma State, Eagles Nest Gym
Men's Soccer Vs Sonoma State, Eagles
18th
ODC/Dance Luckman Theatre