UP IN FLAMES: Firefighters respond to a fire in the Humanities Building, the first of four on campus this semester. According to campus police, these fires are the work of arson. Photo by Sam Battles
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HAUNTED HALLS SPOOK STUDENTS BY CHARLOTTE BOUDESTEIJN | cboudest@mail.sfsu.edu
STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER PROUDLY SERVING THE SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY SINCE 1927.
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OT MANY THINK OF SF State as the perfect setting for a horror movie or a true ghost story. Eric Michael Jones and Catherine Anne Copeland were found dead in Copeland’s room on the third floor of Mary Ward Hall in 1994. Jones and Copeland had dated briefly, but had broken up. According to an LA Times article, Jones shot Copeland and then turned the gun on himself. Eighteen years later, their ghosts are said to haunt the third floor. “The first week people were telling me it’s haunted, but I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary. I feel normal in there,” said Alejandro Adame, 18, who lives in the infamous dorm room. The rumors of the supernatural seem unreasonable to Adame, who is double majoring in international relations
New Gator faces final rebound BY GERARDO RECINOS | grecinos@mail.sfsu.edu
A HITTING THREES: Decensae White takes a shot against Cal State Monterey Bay Dec. 1. White has scored 79 points in the season so far. Photo by John Ornelas
GAINST ALL ODDS, Decensae White was determined to pave his own way. After three years of Division I basketball, he found his place as a Gator. White, 24, has gone down the road less traveled on his way to SF State. A former blue chip college recruit, the Pacifica native was raised to be a basketball player. White started attending basketball camps as early as second grade, including his first camp, hosted by SF State alumnus Paul Clay, a former collegiate All-American. From there, White moved on to playing Amateur Athletic Union basketball with the most talented young competition in the nation. In eighth grade, White had his mind set to attend and play basketball for Archbishop Riordan High School. However, after watching a game between the the school’s Crusaders and the Junipero Serra High School Padres, he had a change of heart. “I met with coach Chuck Rapp (who still coaches SEE REKINDLING ON PAGE 10
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VOLUME LXXXXV ISSUE 14
and French. The murder-suicide that occurred in his room doesn’t bother him, but sometimes his guests become unnerved after hearing the tale. “People are like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so scared being in here. What if something happens?’” Adame said. English major Steven Tindle lives across the hall from Adame. “I know a boyfriend shot his girlfriend there and killed himself after,” Tindle said, referring to the 1994 incident. “It sounded like there were people in our room once around 3 or 4 a.m., but when I opened the door there was nothing. I also heard knocking on the inside once or twice.” San Francisco is the ninth most haunted city of America, according to the Huffington Post, and SF State has its fair share of stories. SEE STUDENTS ON PAGE 3
SF’s District 7 victor named BY ELLIE LOARCA | emloarca@mail.sfsu.edu
Counting ballots took longer than usual in the race for District 7 supervisor, but Norman Yee, president of the San Francisco Board of Education, snagged the open seat left by Supervisor Sean Elsbernd. Yee is a product of the public school system and earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UC Berkeley, then his master’s degree in education from SF State. “Having chosen District 7 as the place to raise my family 25 years ago, I am pleased that San Francisco State is located in my community. It’s great to see the energy and vitality that San Francisco State students bring to the nearby merchant corridors,” Yee said. While the race was close between FX Crowley and Yee, it took officials more than a week to SEE WINNER ON PAGE 11
2 CAMPUS SF STATE SPEAKS OUT WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED FROM ENERGY DRINKS; GOOD OR BAD?
JIMMY BONNER, 22 ENGLISH MAJOR
They have helped me stay awake for studying and focused, but it makes me jittery.
ANDREA TERMAN, 18 UNDECLARED MAJOR
I’ve tried Monster and Red Bull, but I didn’t feel super energized. I don’t feel like I need extra energy.
12.05.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
Campus and charity end holiday humbugs BY MICHELE BIRD | mbird@mail.sfsu.edu
‘T
IS THE SEASON FOR finals and tuition payments as the holiday season begins and the end of the year draws near. As students, faculty and staff prepare to close the semester, holiday spirit is emerging all over SF State. The Children’s Campus is getting in the spirit of the season and recently teamed up with Toys For Tots and the San Francisco Fire Department to collect toys for kids this year. The “We think the toy drive is importChildren’s ant as it embodies what we feel is the Campus true spirit of the holiday season, which is giving to others,” Kelly Dotson, recently collaborated program manager for the Children’s Campus, said. “As a high quality with Toys child care center, we like to provide for Tots opportunities for the children, families and the San and staff to connect with the greater community in a positive way.” Francisco This is the first year that the Fire Children’s Campus has put on the Department drive. The center hosted a two-week book sale in 2010 and 2011. In order to collect promote the spirit of giving, it gifts for kids to decided to host the toy drive instead, this holiday according to Dotson. “After receiving some pertinent season family feedback (about the book sale) we decided the spirit we wanted to embody was giving not ‘getting,’ and having a store in the lobby for two weeks wasn’t ideal particularly at this time of year,” Dotson said. Also in the spirit of the season, University President Leslie E. Wong and his wife will host a holiday reception Dec. 13. The festivities are scheduled to take place at the Seven Hills Conference Center. “Mrs. Wong and I are pleased to continue the SF State tradition of getting together with faculty and staff during the holiday season,” Wong said. “It’s a good time to get to
know one another better, and for the president’s office to thank employees for their work throughout the year.” The Children’s Center toy drive has received donations such as a toddler matching game and board game as of Nov. 27, according to Dotson. “Yes, the spirit of the holiday season isn’t just about opening presents, but who doesn’t remember that amazing feeling when you walk into the room and see shiny wrapped gifts just waiting to be opened?” Dotson said. “We encourage the campus community to help make someone’s holiday that much more special by remembering the child inside of them.” Leann Armbrust is a senior civil engineering major and previously participated in Toys For Tots drives in her local community of Antioch. “It’s the season for giving,” Armbrust, 23, said. “It makes me feel good giving to others.” The Children’s Campus is looking to make the drive an annual holiday campus event, but it depends on the turnout. “I hope we make this an annual event,” Dotson said. “If participation meets our expectations, you can expect to see it again next year and for many years after.” The center will accept donations and unwrapped toys through Dec. 14.
Shooting instructor Walter Biondi aims to keep San Francisco’s lone gun club open. For Xclusive video
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SANDY QUINTERO, 21 MUSIC MAJOR
I just drink them for the taste. A negative effect is that they make me anxious and my heart beat fast.
CRIME BLOTTER Comedic interpretations of criminal events at or near SF State
11.28 thourgh 12.04 Let’s Go To The Mall...Today!
CHRIS SULLIVAN, 21 BUSINESS MAJOR
I have used Red Bull and mixed them with vodka. It’s positive to be pumped up but my teeth started to hurt. Photos by: Andy Sweet Reporting by: Michele Bird
There was a group of subjects that vandalized the Stonestown Galleria Dec. 1. When officers responded, the subjects were detained and told that the Stonestown security would hold them until the San Francisco Police Department could respond. While vandalism is something that shouldn’t be endorsed, come on, how can you really allow mall cops to keep you detained? They wear bicycle helmets and have to ride Segways to keep up with the heavy traffic of would-be goths and punkers going to Hot Topic. Would you really take orders from Paul Blart?
Stuck On You Two locks were glued shut at the department of plant operations Nov. 30 and officers took a report Dec. 1. While gluing the doors shut may seem like a good way to get your class cancelled, pranks are better when they can’t be easily reversed with a crowbar and a little elbow grease. Dear not-so-merry pranksters: Next time perhaps you could make better use of your time studying for that exam rather than trying to seal the building where it’s taking place.
What seems to be the officer, problem? A 6-feet-2-inches tall male was observed banging on walls and vomiting around Buckingham Way Nov. 29. When officers responded and approached the individual, they determined that he was drunk in public. When Plato said, “he was a wise man who invented beer,” he did not mean to get into a verbal spat with a wall. You know you’re too drunk when you start losing arguments with inanimate objects. Reporting by Brad Wilson
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CAMPUS 3
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Students turn to the supernatural CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
During the summer before moving into Mary Park Hall, Melissa Covert read about the hauntings on Facebook. Since she was already interested in the supernatural, this post caught her attention. “My friends had Ouija boards that we’d always mess around with,” Covert, 18, said. “I started reading more into supernatural things and bought my own (Ouija board) in my freshman year of high school. I really want to go to the third floor of Mary Ward because I heard it’s haunted.” The board game used to contact spirits has come under scrutiny due to its alleged demonic ties. Covert and a couple friends eventually gathered enough courage to take their Ouija board to the third floor of Mary Ward Hall. Even though Covert didn’t have any luck, she still believes it’s possible to get in touch with a ghost. “Einstein stated that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another. So when people die, their energy has to go somewhere, right?” Covert said. University student Grace Bigler is trying to assemble an occult group on campus focused on the teachings of Aleister Crowley. Crowley was a British occultist in the 1900s. He was the founder of a reli-
PARANORMAL: After being asked to leave the third floor of Mary Ward Hall for “scaring the residents,” student Melissa Covert took her Ouija board to a friend’s dorm room in another building on campus. Covert and her friends were seeking further answers about the Copeland murder-suicide case that allegedly left room 335 of Mary Ward Hall haunted. Photo by Tearsa Joy Hammock
gious philosophy of occultism called Thelema, which Bigler practices. “What I do is not supernatural,” Bigler, an English major, said. “Crowley’s idea of magic does not have to do with angels, demons and ghosts and things like that. I don’t really personally describe objective reality to supernatural phenomenon. I think that it is depending on the circumstance. I’ve definitely heard stories about ghosts haunting dorm rooms and I’ve thought like, there could be something there, but I don’t know it and I don’t have the faculties to know whether or not it’s there.” For Bigler, the religion is a way to pause and
become more like her true self. “I talk to people about it openly because it’s part of who I am. But if it’s a Jehovah’s Witness on my doorstep, I’m not gonna really go explain what it is because they have an agenda and don’t want me to be doing what I’m doing,” Bigler said. Not all students view the supernatural in a serious fashion. “I think it’s silly, but cool at the same time — my room’s popular! It makes it feel special,” Adame said. Matt Saincome contributed to this report.
4 CITY BY NOEMY MENA | mena@mail.sfsu.edu
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12.05.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
Energy drinks may face a Monster problem
OME SAY THEY’LL GIVE YOU wings, others claim they’ll unleash the beast, but certain city officials claim they’re downright dangerous. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera is challenging claims that Monster Energy Drink has safe levels of caffeine for its customers. Herrera is requesting that Monster provide evidence that the product is as safe as the company claims. “This is a proactive approach,” Jack Song, spokesman for Herrera, said. “The company imposed risk factors to its consumers.” Herrera claims that hospitalizations from consuming the beverages have skyrocketed since the energy drink craze took hold over the last decade with at least five deaths linked to Monster beverages. He also claims the company uses extreme sports and music to specifically draw teenagers and young adults to its products. “We’re trying to make sure consumers are empowered and informed,” Song said. The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition released a report Nov. 16 that 145 serious health issues related to energy drinks were reported between Jan. 1, 2004 and Oct. 23, 2012. Twelve of the cases were fatal, and five were related to Monster. The company claims Herrera is singling it out due to “a lot of media attention this year,” according to Monster spokeswoman Judy Lin. Monster is in the midst of a lawsuit with the family of a 14-year-old who died in December 2011 from cardiac arrhythmia after consuming two 24-ounce Monster drinks within 24 hours. Mark Lewis, a broadcast and electronic communication arts major, drinks an energy beverage as a boost when studying or writing a paper. Although he finds the products effective, he admits to cutting down after he had some issues sleeping. “It helps, but I don’t like the way my heart is reacting
when the rest of my body is exhausted,” Lewis, 24, said. the FDA because they are relatively new products to the He has been drinking energy drinks, including Monster, market, as long as the ingredients have been previously since age 16. proven safe. If a product is deemed as dangerous, howevAccording to the FDA, 80 percent of Americans coner, the administration removes the product off the market. sume caffeine daily, whether it’s coffee, soda or energy “If someone is thinking about taking one of these proddrinks. The average person should not consume more ucts, they should consult with their health care provider to than 100-200 milligrams of caffeine per day. About two ensure that there are no underlying or undiagnosed medical or four cups of brewed coffee equals 200-300 milligrams, conditions that could worsen as a result of using them,” according to Mayo Clinic. Shelly Burgess, spokeswoman for the FDA, said. Teresa Leu, a registered dietician at the SF State’s Leu said students should think twice before buying Student Health Services, doesn’t recommend energy an energy drink because there are healthier alternatives. drinks and said individuals should avoid having more She recommends snacks high in protein and fiber such as than 250 milligrams of caffeine per day. Individuals who Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. are sensitive or have lower tolerance to caffeine may “The caffeine in energy drinks gives a temporary show signs of an overdose if they are experiencing heart sensation of energy because caffeine is a central nervous palpitations, irritability and anxiousness at a lower dose. system stimulant,” Leu said. “The ideal source of energy Monster beverages offer 10 milligrams of caffeine per are in foods because they contain calories as well as ounce, and a variety of flavors and sizes from 8, 16 or 24 vitamins and minerals needed to release the energy from ounces. the foods we eat.” According to Herrera, who is working with other state attorneys and the Attorney General on the case, Monsters’ higher dosages of caffeine may result in serious health risks, such as increased heart rate, seizures and cardiac arrest, contrary to its advertisement. Though the company declined to comment on the recent lawsuit, Monster CEO Rodney Sacks released a statement Nov. 7 defending Monster Energy Drinks and saying that the drinks are legally within FDA guidelines and are safe when consumed responsibly. Sacks also argued other caffeinated products, such as a Starbucks coffee, contain similar amounts of caffeine, if not more than Monster products. “The amount of caffeine per ounce in other major energy drinks on the market is comparable to or higher than Monster,” Sacks said. “We fully comply to all laws in the United States and 70 countries where they are sold.” BOOST IT: Monster is under fire after the energy drink was accused of Energy drinks like Monster classify the products having dangerously high caffeine levels. Photo by Jessica Worthington as dietary supplements so they are given leeway by
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CITY 5
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BY DANIELLE STEFFENHAGEN | drsteff@mail.sfsu.edu
Big price for small apartments
They say good things come in small packages, but perhaps not for housing. San Francisco’s limited housing market will soon include micro-apartments in an effort to provide more affordable options to technology workers and students. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has approved building micro-units, shrinking the minimum size for apartments to a mere 220 square feet. Even at this size, these apartments would not be the smallest in the country. There is a 78-square-foot apartment and a 90-square-foot apartment in Manhattan, N.Y. At a Board of Supervisors meeting Nov. 20, District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener said he believed the units would be beneficial for those who can’t afford one-bedroom or studio apartments. The unit prices are likely to range from $1,300 to $1,500 a month.
There will be one more hearing Dec. 4 to finalize the approval of the micro-units. “This legislation is by no means a complete solution, but it is one piece of the puzzle,” Wiener said. “We have a housing affordability crisis in San Francisco. One-bedroom apartments are going for $2,500 or even $3,000 a month.” Some SF State students liked the idea of the micro-apartments, but said the decision to move was dependent on when and where they would be built. For students living on campus, the residence halls are 180 square feet and cost roughly $1,200 a month with a meal plan, according to the SF State Housing website. In comparison, the micro-apartments would have a kitchen, bathroom and closet area, which would leave approximately 150 square feet of living space. “We’ve had a housing affordability problem in San
THINK SMALLER: San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener met with fellow board members Dec. 4 at City Hall to discuss the finalization of building micro-units downtown in an effort to provide more affordable housing. Photo by Jessica Worthington
Francisco for many years and it’s even worse than it normally is,” Wiener said. “We need flexibility in our housing policy to make sure we are producing enough housing and various types of housing to meet our diverse housing views in San Francisco.” Jeff Cretan, legislative aide to Wiener, expanded on his reasoning behind the proposition for these micro-units. “The reason the supervisor introduced this legislation was due to the continuing housing shortage and rising rental costs in San Francisco,” Cretan said. “While we have government-sponsored affordable housing programs, we also need to find ways to make market rate options more affordable.” According to Wiener, these units would allow students who live in cramped apartments to live alone and pay less rent. Ben Esteves, an SF State freshman, lives in the dorms and said the micro-units would mean an alternative to being crammed in with bunch of roommates. “If I’m thinking of going off campus, I think that’d be fine. I wouldn’t have to worry about (the room) being too full,” Esteves said. “I don’t think I could handle seven roommates.” Supervisor David Campos voted in favor of the new micro-units, but was concerned with proposed prices. “I have to say that this, for me, has not been a clear cut issue,” Campos said. “I agree with Supervisor Wiener that we need to provide different alternatives and different types of housing. But you’re still talking about very small units being very expensive. As we’re building these micro-units, are we, in a way, creating or exacerbating the problem by setting a pretty high bar in terms of how expensive housing is?” SF State sophomore Michelle Jones agreed with Campos regarding the price. She said she would consider living in the units depending on when they were built. “If they’re built in the next year, maybe, because it would be like living in the dorms” Jones said. “I think my only issue is the price, but otherwise it sounds like a good idea.” However, Cretan said nothing has been set in stone. “As to the where and when they are being built, that’s up to real estate development process,” Cretan said. “They can go where the zoning allows and where they developers decide they should go.” There will be a maximum of 375 of these units built in San Francisco, according to Cretan.
6 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Fashion Blueprint Fashion connoisseur Bryan Vo outlines ways to avoid the fashion walk of shame. It’s true, you are what you wear and for him, every day is a runway.
BY BRYAN VO | bryanvo@mail.sfsu.edu
Ladies hit holidays with ‘wow’ factor fashion
W
e want to look our best during the holidays — especially single ladies. So get into the mindset of looking sharp. The hunt is on for that perfect holiday dress. “This holiday season, I think women are looking for the ‘wow’ factor look,” Kristen Silva, personal stylist for Nordstrom, said. “The holiday season is the perfect time for women to play dress up and enjoy being more bold and daring than usual.” According to “Women’s Wear Daily,” the color-blocking trend continues for the holidays as designers work with contrasting hues on everything from tops to cocktail dresses. This fashion trend combines bold, eccentric colors with their opposites. Strategically placed contrasting and complementing imaginative, bright colors create a unique look. Start with neutrals like blue, black, white, grey and camel, and use them to block the vivid colors. “Some dresses I recommend this season would include a ruched-stretch satin sheath dress that’s very flattering for many body types and I love the daring plunging neckline,” Silva said. “Since peplum is huge right now, another dress is an illusion yoke peplum dress and this little black dress would look great paired with red lips and some killer red heels.” When in doubt wear the little black dress. While everything outside is frosty and iced this edgy trend is perfect for winter. “The little black dress should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe and this holiday season is no exception,” Silva said. “Besides the fact that black is an all-around flattering color on any body shape, it’s very easy to add pops of color or extravagant jewelry.” From strapless frocks to black sequined minis, stand out this holiday season and be the life of the party.
BY KIRSTIE HARUTA
kharuta@mail.sfsu.edu
12.05.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
Band of ‘Bears!’ lays tracks
A
FTER AN ARDUOUS RECORDING process, the band Bears! Bears! Bears! is finally ready to deliver its new album full of danceable doom and gloom. Self-described as “the Bay Area’s most depressing party band,” Bears! Bears! Bears! fell naturally into music that moves crowds emotionally through lyrics and physically through sound. The first full-length album, “All Dressed Up With Nowhere to Go,” has been a long time coming. Lack of money and time caused several setbacks in the recording process. “It was only maybe a week and a half altogether, but spread out over, like, two years,” drummer Evan Leal said. “We just have the worst luck as a band. That’s where the title comes from, in part. We’re always ready to do big things, but things never quite work out.” The album was recorded, produced and mixed by Scott McDowell at Tiny Telephone and Hyde Street Studio C. The band regards McDowell’s work highly, singer and guitarist Phil Cala going so far as to call him a “magician” and “a perfect human being.” “Scott knows us really well,” bassist Ricky Rios said. “(Recording the album) was one of the funner times I’ve had being in a band.” Despite the somberness of their music, Bears! Bears! Bears! is something of a riot to work with. Regarding the band’s time in the studio, McDowell immediately launched into the story of an inside joke about Papa John Creach of Jefferson Airplane, which resulted in the band giving him a Papa John Creach T-shirt. “They’re some of the funniest, most clever people I’ve worked with,” McDowell said. “They’re super creative, clever, witty dudes.” Once the band was able to get into the studio, not a moment was taken for granted. Keys were added to the album, which Cala played on a Rhodes keyboard left at the studio by fellow San Francisco band Train. “Being in the studio is hands down my favorite thing in the entire world,” Leal said. “Just a lot of, ‘Did Robyn Hitchcock ever drink out of this coffee cup?’ Getting to record our stupid songs in a place with that kind of history was amazing.” There is quite a bit of good natured self-deprecation that happens within Bears! Bears! Bears!, but the members have no qualms about being downers. “We write really depressing music, at least lyrically,” Cala said. “But we also like playing house parties and we like people, as much as we hate ourselves. People seem to like dancing to our ‘I hate myself’ kind of music.” Self-criticism aside, the band knows it has come a long way from covering Joy Division in Rios’ garage in 2008. Where the band goes next is just a matter finding time between busy work and school schedules. But even Cala’s graduate studies in physics at SF State has helped him make connections in the local music scene. Through the
science department, he met Devin Nelson of The Y Axes. Nelson and bandmate Alexi Belchere both contributed guest vocals to “All Dressed Up With Nowhere to Go.” The two bands have built a strong friendship. “It’s cool because the stigma is that your friends’ bands aren’t very good,” Nelson said. “It’s exciting to have friends in bands that I like.” The Y Axes have already been asked to play at the band’s release party, though the date and venue have yet to be determined. Currently, the first two tracks can be streamed on the Bears! Bears! Bears! Bandcamp page. Belchere said that even on the slower songs, every second is exciting. “I would describe their sound as an actual bear — you want to cuddle it, but it’s wild and would sooner maul you than love you,” she said. The tentative release date for “All Dressed Up With Nowhere to Go” is January 2013. Check out the Bears! Bears! Bears! Facebook page for updates.
MUSICAL BEARS: Above: Phil Cala, frontman of Bears! Bears! Bears! plays at The Depot April 5. Photo by Adrian Rodriguez. Below: The band is planning its first full-length CD release show. Photo by Anna Larina / Special to Xpress
A RTS A N D EN T ERTA I N M EN T CALENDAR
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8 OPINION
12.05.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG STAFF EDITORIAL
KALE WILLIAMS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF kale@mail.sfsu.edu
ANGELA RAIFORD
PRINT MANAGING EDITOR araiford@mail.sfsu.edu
MATT MAXION
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ARTIFICIAL ENERGY OUTWEIGHS HEALTH
T
HE END OF THE SEMESter has left our campus full of sleep-deprived zombies. The final push toward winter break has left so many baggy-eyed students wandering around that some have turned to stimulants to power through those all-night cram sessions as we all look for that extra boost to catapult us into the job of our dreams. Sometimes it can seem like there isn’t enough time in the day. As college students, it’s easy to make school a top priority. In fact, we’re encouraged to do so. But there are negative repercussions for this course of action. College students often deprioritize health and overconsumption of caffeine is a prime example of this. City Attorney Dennis Herrera recently raised eyebrows by accusing the energy drink Monster of being responsible for a recent spike in hospitalizations. The need to use these outside stimulants comes partly from the busy nature of college life, but also from the overwhelming pressure to succeed. While it may seem that caffeinating yourself into a jittery daze is the easiest way to power through the end of the semester, stressed out students would be better served by finding ways to relax rather than finding new ways to hop themselves up. A study published in the April/May 2011 issue of the “Journal of American College Health” showed a positive correlation between perceived stress and energy drink consumption among college males, especially among upperclassmen. The study, “Perceived Stress, Energy Drink Consumption, and Academic Performance Among College Students,” found that students who were more stressed out were more likely to have consumed at least one energy drink within the last 30 days. Researchers of the study supposed that the results show that as students become increasingly involved in their major courses, they are more susceptible to stress
and therefore more likely to engage in unhealthy coping methods, including substance abuse in the form of alcohol, drugs, tobacco and caffeine. But the worst part is that it doesn’t even help. Authors of the study reported that as energy drink consumption increased, academic performance decreased. The pattern of behavior that this represents is that students are often looking for the quick fix for problems that require a long term solution. While that instant jolt from that can of noxious energy drink can get you through the term paper you’re working on, it won’t get you any closer to achieving your ultimate goals. It begs the question, what is it about our society that makes us so hungry for success that we’re willing to ingest these potentially dangerous beverages to keep ourselves from falling behind? Part of this ceaseless drive to succeed might come from the depressed job market and the fact that we’ve had drilled into our heads the idea that only the best and brightest will get jobs after graduation. With these doomsday proclamations fresh in our minds, it’s no wonder that many of us are willing to go to extreme lengths to gain that extra edge. What we need to do as a society is encourage healthy habits and find ways to relax, not focus on finding coping methods. Exercise, meditation and quick breaks are all healthy alternatives to shotgunning Monsters.
CAITLIN BYRNE
ART BY ANGELA RAIFORD
SPORTS EDITOR cmbyrne@mail.sfsu.edu
JESSICA SCHIMM
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Leave ‘Boy Meets World’ alone
I
T’S BOY MEETS WORLD, yeah it’s Boy Meets Worlds. I bet you read that to the tune of the iconic intro theme song of the ‘90s sitcom that defined a generation, didn’t you? I know I did. The coming-of-age-story of Corey and Eric Matthews, Shawn Hunter and Topanga Lawrence played out on our TV screen for seven years. In 2000, the show ended with a final scene showing the gang coming back to Mr. Feeny’s sixth grade class and taking turns explaining how important he has been in their lives. After they leave, Mr. Feeny breaks his often touted student-teacher relationship role and says, “I love you all. Class dismissed.” It was a touching ending that showed the progression of the characters we watched endure the trials and tribulations we all encountered during the first quarter of our lives. And with that, the story ended — or at least so we thought. It’s been announced “Boy Meets World” creator Michael Jacobs is working on a new spin off called “Girl
Meets World.” The story centers around Corey and Topanga (still married) raising their two kids. There is Riley, their 13-yearold daughter who is often bossed around by her 14-year-old brother, Elliot, and her best friend Maya. Corey has taken on the role of his mentor, Mr. Feeny, and is now a seventh grade science teacher who mentors Maya. I’m excited to see Corey and Topanga’s return to the TV screen. But I know it’s just that nostalgic feeling that fades once the reality of a “Boy Meets World” spinoff show comes on the air. Remember when Conan got pulled off the air? That’s when I loved him most. At least, that’s when I thought the most highly of him. Then he comes back on TBS, trying not to cry about what Jay Leno did to him every night and not being nearly as funny. OK, OK, maybe he is just as funny. I wouldn’t know — I don’t watch the show. Do you get my point? There is always buzz when these things come back to life, but in reality no one cares once they are here. Do you remember that one episode of “Rugrats All Grown Up”? No! Of course you don’t, because no one cared when the
Rugrats grew up! No one! That’s not to say I didn’t like “Boy Meets World” — I loved it. The sitcom’s goofiness was often interlaced with life lessons (usually delivered by the teacher the group just never quite managed to get away from, Mr. Feeny). But what really made the show so great is that we could all find a character to relate to. I had a friend who was always getting into trouble like Shawn Hunter. I had a long-term girlfriend like Topanga. I even had a teacher I really looked up to and always went to for advice. But you know what? I’m no longer friends with Shawn, Topanga and I don’t speak anymore, and — while I always mean to go and visit Mr. Feeny — I haven’t got around to it lately. Do you know why? It’s because just like a Rugrat; I’m all grown up. Sure, we can be nostalgic and try to rehash things from the past, but they are never as good as we remembered them to be. That’s why TV shows are just like life — sometimes it’s better to just get a new cast of characters and create a new storyline for yourself.
cassbeck@mail.sfsu.edu
ABOUT XPRESS The Golden Gate Xpress is a student-produced publication of the journalism department at San Francisco State University. For more information or comments, please contact Kale Williams at: kale@mail.sfsu.edu
CORRECTIONS FOR XPRESS PRINT EDITION 11.28.12
In the “Israel abroad program reopens” story on the front page, we incorrectly identified Jewish studies department chair Fred Astren as Fred Astern. On page 3, the same story refers to the University of Haifa as the University of Haifi.
In the photo accompanying “Hookups dwindling among freshmen,” we incorrectly identified Matthew McGrath as Matthew Grath.
We regret the errors.
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THE INS & OUTS A WEEKLY SEX COLUMN BY CASSIE BECKER cassbeck@mail.sfsu.edu
Banging basics: Finding the right vibrator
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couples use vibrators. IFT GIVING But don’t scramble to buy one just yet. can be miserable. Finding the perfect gift The choices and features are staggering, and must be carefully considered. Levels of for a partner — even vibration and noise, shape of the vibrator, and a longstanding one material are all very important when finding — can be even more the right vibrator for you or your partner. difficult. Choosing a It’s serious business, and can be a hefty sweater or a necklace investment — but the payoff can be incredible. has become the solution for holiday gifting to Consider these questions: Where on the a significant other, but big retailers are way body would it be used? Should it stimulate off the mark. multiple zones at once? Will it be inserted, or Everyone needs a vibrator. for external use only? Where will it be used? Just hear me out. Every single person on Does it need to be waterproof? What kind this planet — regardless of age, sexual orienof batteries should it run on, or should it be tation or gender — can benefit from a vibrator, plugged in? Should you or your partner be in even if they already have one. Even you. Studies from Indiana University published control of the vibrations? Bigger vibrators allow for insertion, while in the June 2009 issue of the “Journal of Sexbullet vibrators can be used anywhere and ual Medicine” have shown that vibrators can easily concealed. More speeds or different greatly help with sexual health, and their use patterns of vibrations let you find the peris common. fect vibration for you. Waterproof vibrators “The study about women’s vibrator use allow for easy cleanup and can be used in the affirms what many doctors and therapists shower or bath instead of just in bed. Vibrahave known for decades — that vibrator use is common, it’s linked to positive sexual func- tors that come with a remote control allow one partner to take control while leaving the tion such as desire and ease of orgasm, and other to sit back and enjoy. Other vibrators are it’s rarely associated with any side effects,” specifically tailored for vaginal, anal, clitoral Debby Herbenick, associate director of the or used in combination. Hard plastic vibrators Center for Sexual Health Promotion, said in are easy to clean but don’t feel as real, and an Indiana University press release. silicone vibrators feel more real, but require According to the studies, vibrator use more cleaning and can only be used with with helped aid sexual function in women, includwater-based lube. Be sure to look at care and ing desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm. cleaning guidelines. Women who used vibrators were also more The amazing thing about a vibrator is that likely to feel sexually confident. Vibrators are also great for men. The study it’s incredibly versatile. It can be used pretty reported that 44.8 percent of men incorporated much anywhere on the body, for both men and women. If you get something that doesn’t vibrators into sexual activities, either on their own or with a partner. These men experienced suit your needs, you can always find something else to do with it. For example, if your increased erectile function, intercourse satisgenitals are too sensitive, try using it on your faction, orgasmic function and sexual desire. nipples, ears, fingertips or anywhere where a “The study about male vibrator use is light touch turns you on. additionally important because it shows that No matter what your budget, you’ll be vibrator use is also common among men, able to find something perfect. But don’t go something that has not been documented before,” Michael Reece, director of the Center big on a vibrator that you aren’t sure is going for Sexual Health Promotion, said in the press to be “the one.” Beginners should purchase something that fits their needs for under $30 release. “Also, both studies help us to furor so, and then upgrade from there. ther understand the way in which American Many online retailers offer special deals consumers are turning to the marketplace for online around the holidays, but shopping in products that promote their sexual health, and person gives you a better idea of what you’re that has important economic implications.” actually getting in to. So get out there and Not wild about using a vibrator on your shop away for the perfect gift for that special own? A 2004 Berman Center study titled someone or to “Health Benefits spoil yourself, and of Sexual Aids and find out what all Devices” found Since breaking up with her inner prude, the buzz is about. that 30 percent of Cassie Becker has done it all. Her interest in sexual exploration has led her to write several blogs and break even more beds. She’s extensively researched and written about it — all with a sexy smile.
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10 S P O R T S
12.05.12 | GOLDENGATEXPRESS.ORG
PLAYER
FARRAH SHOKOOR
WEEK
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
of the
Sophomore Farrah Shokoor has been chosen as the Xpress Player of the Week. Shokoor tallied 15 points and four steals in a victory over Cal State Monterey Bay Dec. 1.
PHOTO BY TYLER DENISTON/SF STATE SPORTS
Rekindling the love of the game
SP OR T S SCHEDUL E WEDNESDAY (12.05) MEN’S VOLLEYBALL SF STATE VS. SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY 7:30 P.M. (ROHNERT PARK, CALIF.)
SATURDAY (12.08) WRESTLING SF STATE VS. SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY 4 P.M. (SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.)
SUNDAY (12.09) WRESTLING SF STATE VS. CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD 2 P.M. (BAKERSFIELD, CALIF.)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
the Padres) and that is definitely why I went to Serra, because I knew that I was going to get great coaching,” White said. White excelled on the Padres, helping them get to the California Interscholastic Federation Division I Championship game in his junior year, which they ultimately lost to De La Salle in Concord. “He was a beast here. He was a dominant player. He was one of the most high-profile guys to come out of our program,” Rapp said. “One of the best players I’ve ever coached. In fact, for the WCAL (West Catholic Athletic League) he averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds, which is unheard of around here.” White is Serra’s second all-time leading scorer and was the 2006 West Catholic Athletic League Player of the Year, 2006 San Mateo County Player of the Year, San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro First Team and High School Sports Focus Player of the Year. With these accolades came decisions. White was torn between multiple schools that were making offers. Among those schools was Division I Texas Tech, which at the time was coached by the legendary Bobby Knight. “Coach Knight called and I just thought it was the best thing since sliced bread for him,” White’s father, David White, said. “I thought it would be a good decision for Decensae to go to (Texas Tech) and get good publicity and be on TV.” White’s father observed the structure the coach had along with his reputation as a disciplinarian and believed it was a great path for his son to take, though he does admit that White should have been allowed more of a voice in the decision he made. As the only freshman on the Texas Tech basketball team in fall of 2006, White was driven to
become one of the team’s key players. His time there could be defined as a struggle, but he saw it as a jumping off point for his career. He was surrounded by other athletes with almost instant success, sharing a room with San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree. “I just saw how quickly he was going through things, winning the Biletnikoff Award his freshman year. I kind of wanted to get that recognition,” White said. In his two seasons there, White averaged 4.5 and 6.5 points respectively, a disappointing total. He left two games into the sophomore season, transferring to Santa Clara University. “I guess I just wanted to be more of a factor offensively, the way that I wanted to play,” White said. “The style of basketball I wanted to play wasn’t really what we were doing.” The decision to transfer was aided by White’s relationship with Lamont Smith, former assistant coach for the Santa Clara Broncos. White wanted to play basketball back home in the Bay Area, but make a name for himself somewhere he wouldn’t be surrounded by players he already knew. White had to forgo playing for Santa Clara for the rest of the 2007-08 season because he had previously played two games with Texas Tech for his sophomore season. He was instead regulated to help during practice. As a junior the next season, he was able to get more playing time with the Broncos. Again White looked ready to make an instant impact, but fell short. The Broncos struggled in the 2008-09 season under a new coaching staff, with Smith leaving for a job at Arizona State University. The coaching staff looked to develop some of the talented underclassmen on the team, but White’s role was phased out. “Me and the coaches never really saw eye-
to-eye,” White said. “I wasn’t really on the team. I was just there kind of following along.” White took a 3-year hiatus from both the game and university. “He kind of fell out of love with basketball,” White’s father said. “These last couple of years gave him a chance to clear his head.” Now the father of a 1-year-old son, White’s focus has shifted to finishing his communications degree at SF State. “My dad went to school here and I live just down the road a little bit,” White said. “When I decided to go to school here I found out I still had one year of eligibility here so I decided to play basketball here last minute.” As a former SF State football player under Vic Rowen, White’s father says that he is forever grateful to the University, not just for the help for his son now in his senior year, but for his own past. “Vic Rowen is the key to all of it. He was patient with me, being a kid from the ghetto, and believe me, I had a lot of ghetto in me,” he said. Head coach Paul Trevor invited White to come try out for the team during the first week of the Fall 2012 semester and White committed himself to playing hard. He told Trevor he would work the hardest out of anyone he had on his team. As a member of the Gators, White’s love for the game has been rejuvenated — and it shows. His father has noticed that White has been working harder on defense, something he wasn’t ever keen on earlier in his career. “He is one of the hardest working players this program has had. He has grown up, he is a role model basketball player, the kind of guy you want in front of your team,” Trevor said. “It’s not even his talent that is most valuable to us, it’s his ability to lead. He is what you want out of a basketball player.”
FAST BREAK: Decensae White returns to competitive basketball at the collegiate level as a Gator after playing for Division I teams. White hopes to succeed both in the classroom as a communications major and on the court. Photo by John Ornelas
TUESDAY (12.11) MEN’S VOLLEYBALL SF STATE VS. DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY 6 P.M. (SAN RAFAEL, CALIF.)
For same-day coverage, go to
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S C O R E
SCORES FROM THE LAST WEEK OF GATOR SPORTS
B O A R D
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
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SF STATE VS. GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY 2-3
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
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WRESTLING CLIFF KEEN LAS VEGAS INVITATIONAL 29TH OUT OF 32
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SF STATE VS. CAL STATE EAST BAY 38-46
SF STATE VS. CAL STATE MONTEREY BAY 49-38
MEN’S BASKETBALL
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W
SF STATE VS. CAL STATE EAST BAY 76-80
SF STATE VS. CAL STATE MONTEREY BAY 60-55
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Students support District 7 winner CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
sort out the election, working through Veteran’s Day. Yee won the race by 132 votes. “What happened this year that was different than others, there were a far more number of absentee ballots passed to polling places. There were almost double the amount dropped off from the previous election,” Esther Lee, fulltime volunteer and advocate for the Yee campaign, said. “It probably had to do with the fact it was a presidential election and people wanted to hand in their ballots rather than dropping it in the mail.” According to the San Francisco Department of Elections, 73 percent of people voted in San Francisco and 50 percent of those votes were absentee ballots. Because of the influx of dropped off ballots, counting took a total of 15 days. “I was there every day, watching the counting and, God, it was so boring. I could have fallen asleep standing up,” Lee said. While supporters of Crowley demanded a recount, the cost would be well in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. When the announcement came that the cost was too high, supporters retracted their request. “The Department of Elections should be commended for their work for prioritizing this race. Everyone has a right to request (a) recount, but I mean, who wants to pay $5,000 a day to recount the ballots?” Lee said. “Honestly, I have no doubt that if there was a recount the results would be the same.” SF State political science major and College Democrats member Naeemah Charles interned for Yee’s campaign. “I think what won so many people over is how sincere he is. When one speaks to Norman it becomes pretty evident that he deeply cares about District 7,” Charles, 18, said. “It is easy to see that for him this is not just a position, but an opportunity to truly help the community.” She described her experience as nothing short of amazing and that working with Yee showed her the passionate side of politics. Charles explained that while working for
the campaign she was inspired by the volunteers and interns who made the work environment a place she wanted to be. “It was a lot of work and required a lot of commitment, but I liked the grassroots environment. Every day I learned something new about what went into a political race at the local level,” Charles said. Paul Murre, political science major and president of the College Democrats, supported Yee and believes he has earned his seat on the Board of Supervisors. “He has a lot of experience in working toward schools and I think it’s a powerful thing because he’s really dedicated and cares about the kids and creating a future for us all,” Murre said. “I think it’s really interesting the race was so close. This was the first election I think what won where young people voted overwhelmingly and it really so many people shows how important it is to over is how reach out to students.” sincere he is. According to Murre, When one speaks Yee pulled forward because to Norman it of student voters and his becomes pretty support of SF State. In late evident that he September, the University deeply cares hosted the District 7 debate. about District 7 Crowley was not present at the debate, but his wife was Naeemah Charles, there to show support. Political science major Yee was endorsed by several supervisors, including Supervisor David Chiu. Yee will take the seat of termed-out Elsbernd and will be sworn in at City Hall Jan. 8. Alex Emslie contributed to this report.
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A close call in a tense race
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12,505 Votes won by Norman Yee
12,373 Votes won by FX Crowley
$5,000 Daily cost of a ballot recount According to the San Francisco Department of Elections
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