When addiction strikes! Meet a junkie whose drug of choice was simulated combat
Get in the know with reality shows Plus: Meet one funny lady who makes comedy her “Bitchcraft�
The truth behind the real-life programs controlling the TV
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daily.titan
BUZZ 09.06.07
Read how one guy took his love of the game too far
VIDEO GAME ADDICTION FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH READING BITCHCRAFT
The Buzz Editor: Jennifer Caddick
FIND OUT THE REALITY OF REALITY SHOWS
Executive Editor: Ian Hamilton Director of Advertising: Stephanie Birditt Assistant Director of Advertising: Sarah Oak Production: Jennifer Caddick Account Executives: Nancy Sanchez Juliet Roberts
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The Daily Titan 714.278.3373 The Buzz Editorial 714.278.5426 thebuzz@dailytitan.com Editorial Fax 714.278.4473 The Buzz Advertising 714.278.3373 ads@dailytitan.com Advertising Fax 714.278.2702 The Buzz , a student publication, is a supplemental insert for the Cal State Fullerton Daily Titan. It is printed every Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. Copyright Š2006 Daily Titan
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BUZZ 10.25.07
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Chinatown
Photos by jade lehar
The Central Plaza
By Jade Lehar
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Los Angeles is a city where you can be in one place, drive five miles down the block and find yourself lost in a totally different place. Chinatown is a great example of one of those places because you feel like you’re in another land. As soon as you enter Chinatown, it’s hard not to immerse yourself in the old-world tradition you feel
all around. It’s easy to see why the movie “Rush Hour” was shot here. There’s a huge sign with the words “Chinatown” as soon as you enter, which gives the whole area a carnival-feel effect when it’s lit up at night. You feel as if you have made a wrong turn and ended up in China. There are rows of shops and restaurants people browse for cheap deals, eclectic pieces they can’t find anywhere else or authentic Chinese
Different items for sale along the streets of Chinatown.
food. Carts and tables are set up outside stores selling a variety of items. Most offer plants and exotic flowers appealing to people who may be interested in gardening. Mixed within greenery, food and bamboo sticks, shoppers can also find cute purses (some knock-offs), tops, sunglasses and numerous other items. It’s almost like a cultural WalMart because you can find most things that you are looking for and a lot of random things you didn’t even know existed. “We get a lot of customers from all over the world,” Kim Sun, an
employee at Woo’s Gift Shop, located in the West Plaza, said. “I think they see things here that they’ve never seen before.” The Golden Dragon Restaurant is a great eatery with an upper-class feel to it, where customers can get an authentic meal, soak in the Chinese atmosphere or have a drink in the bar/lounge area. As you enter the huge wooden doors, you are greeted by a big, grinning Buddha-esque golden statue. While you eat your noodles, or udon, you can enjoy the colorful designs and antiques on the walls. Some consider Central Plaza one of the most eclectic places in Chinatown, a location where you almost feel your inner artist come out. Compared to a beautiful waterfall and statues in Chinatown, some stores almost don’t seem to fit. For example, Realm is a modern mix of items for the home with a highclass Urban Outfitters feel to it. “I decorated my whole room from Realm. They have the most unique mix of things you can’t find anywhere else, especially their music book collection, which is awesome,” said Tina Lee, graphic design major at Cal State Fullerton. Lee said as soon as she found Realm, it became her secret store to find off-the-wall things for her home that couldn’t be found anywhere else. “Some things may be a little pricey, but I think it’s worth it. I have stuff in my room that no one else has ever seen before. All of the pieces look really classy and upscale,” Lee said.
Another peculiar store in the Central Plaza is Munky King, which is heaven for those interested in graphics and Japanimation. The store showcases funky customized toys that appear to be modeled after action figures, but have an original feel to them. Fortune tellers and tarot card readers are also sporadically placed in Central Plaza. Even the most straight-laced person might be persuaded to take a seat and have his or her palm read with the old-world surroundings. Underneath the colorful Chinese lanterns in Central Plaza, bazaars seem to sporadically loom. These bazaars are very reminiscent of the movie “Aladdin,” with exotic, random pieces all placed in a room in a bizarre fashion for customers to enjoy. Another cool thing about Chinatown is that it’s located conveniently near the monorail and the subway. You can hop on either one of those and not have to drive in the horrible L.A. traffic to get there. “I like to come to Chinatown when I want to get away from Orange County for awhile,” said Shanea Huth, art history major at CSUF. “I appreciate the beautiful culture there and you can find some great deals on really cute gift ideas. I think it’s easy for people in Orange County to stay stuck in the bubble and not expand our horizons.” When you leave Chinatown, you almost seem to wonder where our sense of culture is nowadays, and if we have lost it completely.
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daily.titan
BUZZ 10.25.07
people are becoming addicted to a new kind of substance – video games
Gamers of all ages play “Counter-Strike” and other computer games at Red Zone in Placentia.
Photos by Damon Casarez By Robert Stroud
Daily Titan Staff Writer
With a finger on the trigger and a team of allies behind his back, a soldier storms through a war-torn city while waiting for the enemy to appear, allowing him the opportunity to make that longawaited kill. The anticipation of the enemy’s attack carries more than just the fear of death. It also carries humiliation as these combatants are looking to rob this soldier of his or her life in more ways than one. The world of an addict is one of pain and denial because he or she uses his or her crutch to escape the harsh reality of life. As society begins to mature, people are realizing addicts are no longer just those who use drugs and alcohol to cope with their existence, but anyone who chooses to use distractions to disassociate themselves from the real world. Now that video games have surpassed the stereotype of being just a toy for children, some people are beginning to realize other people are becoming dependent on games that allow themselves to live an alternate existence. With the recent debate held by the American Medical Association over whether video game addiction should be considered a “formal diagnostic disorder,” many are beginning to rethink the impact gaming has on those with an addictive personality. The Wild Horses Center, a rehabilitation clinic in Amsterdam, has recently introduced a program specifically aimed at curing individuals who have made their
Brian Zielinski plays Halo 3 on his Xbox 360.
social lives take a back seat to gaming. It is the mission of rehab facilities, such as Wild Horses, for gamers to gradually be re-introduced back into reality. According to the Wild Horses Web site, gamers have specific needs that make their addiction unique compared to the needs of other addicts. “In order to replace the fantasy excitement with real excitement, we provide various activities for the gaming clients, some of which are high adrenaline [rushers] and provide the thrill of real-life situations.” As with most addictions, video game addicts use their fix to escape problems they face in their day-today lives. When Brian Hoffman, 24, of Placentia, was forced to deal with the death of two long-time friends, he began distancing himself from many of the people in his life, spending the majority of his time in these alternate realities. After the loss of his friends, Hoffman turned his fascination to the game “Counter-Strike,” a multiplayer first-person shooter, into an obsession. “It went from going a couple times a week, to five times a week, to every day,” Hoffman said. “The place would stay open all night. There were a lot of times I would stay there until they closed.”
Looking back on the impact these games had on his life, Hoffman understands why he saw the games as helpful tools for dealing with his depression. “I didn’t have to deal with emotions over losing friends, I didn’t have to deal with issues over my family life and I didn’t have to get to know anyone,” Hoffman said. “I had no problem with it because I didn’t care. I immersed myself with that world because it was an easy escape.” Like many gaming addicts, Hoffman’s addictions did not end with countless hours spent playing “Counter-Strike.” Along with his dependency on video games, Hoffman began using various drugs to help him distance himself from the problems in his life. “I started doing a lot of [crystal] meth[amphetamine],” Hoffman said. While under the influence, Hoffman found his obsession with video games to be a great way to hide his drug use from his parents. “I had such a close and protective mother because I was raised Mormon, that I couldn’t really get away with being high around my parents,” Hoffman said. “If you’re in your room by yourself, and you have immersed yourself in this world that video games tend to provide, you don’t have to deal with anybody.” Much like people suffering
daily.titan
Nathan Gallegos playing “Time Crisis” at SUPER ARCADE in Walnut.
from drug and alcohol addictions, Hoffman’s hygiene suffered as a result of his problem with gaming. “I got to the point where sometimes I wouldn’t want to move from my spot, I’d literally just pee in a bottle instead of getting up to go to the bathroom,” Hoffman said. For most addicts to admit they have a problem, they have to reach a point in their lives where they are no longer able to remain in denial about the damage their addiction is having on their lives. “Everybody hits the rock bottom,” said Christy Ake, a psychology professor from Cal State Fullerton and drug addiction counselor. “I think that you have to feel some pain … you have to have some consequence for us to change on anything,” Ake said. “As soon as things start breaking down, we all have a level that is rock bottom. Then you have to get to the guilt and the shame, and then you have to climb out.” Just like other recovering addicts, Hoffman was forced to reflect upon his life once he hit his “rock bottom.” “I hit the point where I wanted to commit suicide,” Hoffman said. “I still had all these messed up emotions over losing my friends that I hadn’t dealt with [yet].” After seriously contemplating suicide, Hoffman found the desire to reorganize his priorities in hopes of getting his life back on track. “I stopped doing meth after that point,” Hoffman said. According to the Wild Horses Web site, the majority of people who play video games are able to
BUZZ 10.25.07
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restrain themselves when it comes to their game playing. While 20 percent of people become, in some way, addicted to video games, the bulk of gamers will never have this problem. “There are days where I will go on binges, playing online all night until 7 in the morning, but that’s when I’ve gotten all my work done; I have some free time from school,” longtime gamer Charley Bak said. “It’s all time management really. You really got to get your priorities straight.” Even though he has had multiple battles with addiction, Hoffman has come to admit his problem with gaming and is now focused on getting his life back on track. “I’m starting my life at a latter point. I realize I’m not where I should be with my life. Now I have to deal with the situation I put myself in, move on and make a decent life for myself,” Hoffman said.
BUZZ 10.25.07
Get ready to book it Off-the-wall bookstores offer cheaper, hipper selections that will get almost anyone to rediscover the reading habit
this week’s concerts 10.25 Troubadour- The Good Life
10.26 HOB Anaheim- Blonde Redhead
10.27 Glass House- The Good Life Avalon- Strung Out
10.28 The Wiltern- Pinback
10.29 Troubadour- Saves the Day Wiltern- Avenged Sevenfold Orpheum Theatre- Tegan & Sara HOB Anaheim- Hot Hot Heat
10.30 Glass House- Glassjaw Grove Anaheim- Rooney & Psychedelic Spree
10.31 Grove Anaheim- Regina Spektor HOB Sunset- Cypress Hill
By Sylvia Masuda
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Some may think there isn’t a reason to drive to a bookstore when they can just surf the ‘net for reading material. In fact, there’s no reason to read when there are stacks of textbooks waiting to be cracked open. But today’s bookstores are more offbeat than your average Borders or Barnes & Noble. These reader retreats may not offer music listening stations, Wi-Fi or chai lattes, but after visiting these stores, you’ll realize there’s more out there than supermarket paperbacks. Acres of Books in Long Beach has long been hailed as one of the best used bookstores in Southern California. The place is overwhelming and dizzying. Just looking up at the ceiling-high shelves of books induce vertigo. “I’ve been to many second-hand bookstores and this one is really
big,” said 29-year-old Long Beach resident Oliver Jirad. This is literary hog paradise, and you can easily spend under $20 and walk out with three or four books. “It’s a good alternative to the usual kind of bookstore in the business,” Jirad said. “It’s a very practical way to find books.” If you’re looking for a used and out-of-print bookstore closer to home, head to the Bookman in Orange and the Bookman Too in Huntington Beach. They aren’t as charming as Acres, but still as extensive, with out-of-print gems and ladders for reaching shelftops. Despite the intoxicating scent of musty yellow pages and crumbling binding, Bookman’s high rotation of books guarantees the selection stays fresh. Soap Plant stocks books that are more browse-worthy than buyworthy. These coffee-table books come in handy as last-minute
daily.titan birthday presents for acquaintances. You can find all sorts of oddities here, but the L.A. storefront is a great resource for contemporary art books and graphic novels. While you’re at it, take a look at the toys Soap Plant offers. It’s the ultimate gift store and it’s worth the trip from the O.C. Skylight Books in Los Feliz is always abuzz with bespectacled hipsters. The store is complete with scores of reading events and a temperamental live-in cat that’s popular with regulars. If you want to learn about some esoteric subject, this is the place. “There’s really not too many Eastside bookstores,” Manager Steven Salardino said. “The key is to have stuff that’s new and interesting you don’t see anywhere else. Skylight’s reputation is built on its unique and interesting selection.” Skylight focuses on carrying contemporary literary fiction, the kind that, Salardino said, is written by younger authors. The bookstore also has an extensive political science section. There’s a bonus: the surrounding neighborhood is a goldmine of shops and restaurants worth checking out. Comic buffs can get their fix at
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Come join us if you dare... October 26th, 27th, and 31st Halloween Contest (
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136 W. Wilshire Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832 (714) 447-3399
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Comics Unlimited in Westminster. Back issues of Marvel and DC comics, novel-long graphic novels, role-playing-game sourcebooks and Magic: the Gathering cards – it’s all here. The owner, Nancy McCann, even sells her own jewelry. Nowhere else can you find pendant wizards and dragons on necklace chains It takes a lot of effort to ignore those condescending looks you get when you’re browsing the erotica at Borders. That’s when you head to L.A.’s Babeland. This isn’t any sketchy sex joint. Babeland is clean, classy and friendly. Thumb through the latest lesbian erotica anthology or bondage how-to guide without worrying about prying eyes. “The mission of Babeland has always been to promote sexual vitality,” said Assistant Manager Sarah Tomchesson. “In order to have a sex-positive culture you need to have an educated population. The goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable.” Books are no longer dry or overly-academic. Instead of logging on to TMZ.com or reading “Us Weekly,” pick up a novel the next time you’re at a bookstore. It may be just the thing you need to expand your horizons.
no cover!
harbor
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www.kettlenkeg.com www.myspace.com/kettleandthekeg
Released 10.30 Artist: Avenged Sevenfold Album: Avenged Sevenfold Artist:
Backstreet Boys Album:
Unbreakable Artist: Duran Duran Album:
Red Carpet Massacre Artist:
The Eagles Album:
Long Road Out of Eden Artist: Saves the Day Album: Under the Boards
Artist: Britney Spears Album: Blackout
daily.titan
Photos by richard tinoco Daily Titan Staff Writer
BUZZ 10.25.07 7
Watch the craft of bitch A one-woman show that’s pure comedy By Joy alicia
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Rosie Gonzalez Business/economics major “I was actually gonna go running. I pretty much just throw anything on in the morning.”
Frank Aaron Borunda Counseling major “I like to dress up a little more formally. I do American Apparel ... I do thrift shops ... I don’t really like to show off logos.”
Reyna Banks Dance major “[My style] changes often and goes off my mood. I would define it as on edge, but content.”
What better way to trick-out the spooky month of October than with a wicked treat? What kind of wicked treat? Bitchcraft. October is “Arts Month” in California and to help commemorate it, there’s Actoberfest. The “fest” is put on by Fire Rose Productions at the Secret Rose Garden. Fire Rose is a nonprofit corporation, housed in the NoHo Arts District of North Hollywood. Their mission is to “promote multicultural awareness and education in the performing arts by implementing projects devoted, but not limited to, youth programs.” One month ago, stand-up comedian Marion Douglas purchased the Rose Theatre for a night. Her show titled “Bitchcraft” is an interactive experience. Her onewoman act is different every time because she takes suggestions from the audience. Sunday, Douglas hit the stage with humor and confidence, giving an unforgettable show for the audience nestled in Rose Theatre’s intimate setting. She prepared by staying informed. “I try to stay up on all the current events and sometimes it’ll be topical or political and I try to have my bases covered on everything,” Douglas said. “I was having a little trouble having the time to write and prepare for a show, and I really wanted to do it for my birthday earlier this year. I’ve been in production backto-back ... I don’t know of any other comic out there who’s doing
this [taking suggestions from the audience].” Typically, the audience has fun with her shows. “We’re trying to have people write suggestions down on a paper that I can pull from so that I also have an emergency standby in there and go in a different direction. You can get into that dangerous area of a lull,” Douglas said. Douglas has performed at the Improv, the Comedy Store, the Cabaret and more. And when she’s not on stage, she’s producing films. This year, she’s been a part of four films. She took a break from comedy for a while but is back to impress her audiences. She’s been busy buying nights at different theaters where she can perform. “I’m still toying with the idea of doing another show around the holidays, like a bitch Christmas kind of thing,” Douglas said. “Maybe I’ll think of doing a comedy show, which should be pretty funny. I take songs and I replace them with the word ‘bitch.’ Every song that you can think of; there’s hundreds of songs about the title.”
Photos courtesy of marion douglas
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daily.titan
BUZZ 10.25.07
The reality of reality shows By Amy Robertson
Daily Titan Columnist
The happy days of television sitcoms being watched by full houses of families are a thing of the past. Instead, reality shows dominate the airwaves, giving birth to a new kind of quasi-celebrity and transforming viewers into reality junkies, network executives said. Although the stars and fans of reality shows are ordinary people, they all hold different, personal reasons for their participation and fascination with the television genre. Lauren Conrad used to be an average high school student. Three years ago, however, she became a star on MTV’s “Laguna Beach,” which followed the lives of a group of teenagers. Conrad, 21, now stars in her own reality show on MTV Networks – “The Hills” – which chronicles her life in Los Angeles while she attends school and interns at Teen Vogue magazine. Her father, Jim, encouraged her to do “Laguna Beach.” “I knew she wanted to be in the fashion business, and to get a good start, you have to be visible,” her dad said. Breaking into show business isn’t the only reason people participate in reality shows, John Kroncke, an educational and school psychologist, said. Some are “exhibitionists” who will do anything to be on television, Kroncke said. “They have a chronic, overwhelming need for attention and love,” he said. “They need fulfillment from others to feel OK. They are not content with their own life.” For exhibitionists, the invasion of their privacy is worth it. “[Celebrity] is almost like a drug,” Kroncke said. Part of the allure comes from the media. Celebrities are put on a pedestal and heavily promoted as holding the ultimate lifestyle, Kroncke said. “People want that same level. As long as they’re in the limelight, it’s seen as a positive thing,” Kroncke said. Although it might seem like anyone can have a piece of the stardom drug, Conrad’s dad said it takes a certain type of person to be a reality star. “Some of it is being photogenic, some is being able to be relaxed in
Photo courtesy of blog.who.com
front of the camera and some is just innate,” he said. People not interested in reality fame can choose to live vicariously through the television tubes, Cynthia King, a communications professor at Cal State Fullerton, said. There are many motives for tuning into reality programming, King said. Besides self-comparison, people also watch because of the simplistic nature of reality shows. However, in large part, viewers watch reality television because of compulsion and added suspense, King said. Because the shows are unscripted, there’s a greater chance for spontaneity, Philippe Perebinossoff, a CSUF radio-TV-film professor and former ABC network executive, said. Reality television emphasizes the tragic and unusual, Kroncke said. “Everyone loves a train wreck,” Kroncke said. “There’s a morbid
fascination by others’ troubles.” Reality shows, however, don’t just add unique layers to the average television programming. They take layers away as well. “Make-believe isn’t as satisfying to people. The reality aspect removes one layer of fantasy. People get more invested then,” King said. Despite reality shows drawing in more fans, the debate over how long they will hold control over sitcoms in ratings continues. “People have been saying every year that reality shows are dying,” Perebinossoff said. “I don’t think they are. They’ll have to either get more dangerous, more edgy or a new gimmick.” Kroncke said he does think the shows will die out soon. “TV goes through cycles of programming. [Networks will] milk each genre for all it’s worth because TV is about one thing – making money. But tastes will eventually change,” he said.
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