FoCo considers rent control as Colorado mulls reversing 1981 ban
NEWS: CSU students, professionals impacted by Adderall shortage PAGE 6
LIFE: Healthy, happy hair: Local salons’ impact on curly hair PAGE 8
CANNABIS: Make sure you have the basics for your smoke spots PAGE 10
International Programs Run for Relief 5K at The Oval 9 a.m. March 25
Fort Collins Authors & Artists Exhibition at Old Firehouse Books 6-8 p.m. March 25
NoCo Film & Visual Arts Meetup at The Lyric 8-10 p.m. March 27
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Seriously: Lying about college in a pandemic is the natural thing to do PAGE 16
SPORTS: CSU basketball guard John Tonje enters transfer portal PAGE 19
ARTS: Intro to punk rock: 5 bands to start with PAGE 21
PHOTO: Mask artist Adam Schultz
PAGES 14 & 15
Genevieve Smith, certified herbalist and kitchen production worker at Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary in Fort Collins, mixes together an immune chai tea blend March 20. “I love having the ability to take my health into my own hands, as well as having these tools accessible to help my family and friends,” Smith said when asked why she enjoys being an herbalist. Smith also recounted that part of what she loves about herbalism and holistic medicine is that it is not a “one-size-fits-all” mentality.
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Jason Gorbett, owner of Songbyrd Records, smiles while holding David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane,” one of his favorite artist’s albums March 18. “When I was a teenager, I had some pretty rough times, and music really saved my life,” Gorbett said. “Local record stores were places that I could go that were safe, where I could learn about things, where I could meet other weirdos like me and discover the world.” Gorbett sees great importance in continuing to keep vinyl and record stores alive in our society because “they transcend time and space and culture. … They are the universal ambassadors of joy,” Gorbett said.
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e Colorado Senate is currently considering a bill that would allow local Colorado governments to implement rent control measures for the first time since 1981. e bill’s potential passage could have big impacts in Fort Collins, where renters and legislators are searching for ways to stem increasing rent prices.
Rent control has become a controversial method to combat the nationwide trend of rising rent. While supporters argue letting cities cap rent could help stabilize Fort Collins’ housing market and save students money, opponents say rent control is a temporary fix with long-term consequences.
e cost of living has risen sharply in recent years across the Front Range, with one Colorado State University study observing that rent in Fort Collins increased 50% from 2010-20. Fort Collins City Councilmember Kelly Ohlson, who represents most of Colorado State’s Fort Collins campus, said the causes of rising rents are complicated, but giving localities the option to enact their own policies could alleviate the issue.
“It’s a good move that our local reps are trying to get it so that localities can do that if they so desire,” Ohlson said. “It would be a very big issue with lots of outreach — and very controversial on all sides of the issue — but that doesn’t mean local communities shouldn’t have that choice.”
bill were to pass, Ohlson said, the city would be more than willing to consider adopting rent control as a part of its overarching Housing Strategic Plan.
While HB23-1115 passed through the Colorado House of Representatives with the support of Fort Collins legislators, it faces fierce opposition in the Senate from Fort Collins business interests.
e Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce and other Northern Colorado business groups have come out in vocal opposition to the bill. Joe Rowan, housing policy consultant for the Chamber, said rent control could cost cities more than it’s worth, resulting in higher taxes and slower development.
“While it may appear helpful reining in rapidly escalating rents, it must be adopted and administered by local jurisdictions without benefit of a funding source,” Rowan said. “So the attending cost of administration is borne by all taxpayers — i.e. higher taxes.”
Rowan and the bill’s opponents said rent control wouldn’t just raise taxes, it would also keep developers from building new housing in Colorado.
“Rent control policies also disincentivize new
housing development and maintenance of existing inventory, which constrains the most effective method for balancing the market: increasing supply to meet demand,” Rowan said.
Lawmakers amended the bill to address those concerns before it passed the House. Under the tweaked bill, developments less than 15 years old are exempt from rent control measures, and rent increases would have a calculated “floor,” allowing rent to increase by at least 3% more than the rate of inflation.
e amended bill is supported by Fort Collins Representatives Cathy Kipp and Andrew Boesenecker, both of whom signed on as sponsors.
Boesenecker, who was one of the bill’s first sponsors, said rent control isn’t a cure for expensive rent. While opponents say that Colorado needs more housing — not capped rents — Boesenecker explained over a phone interview that he views ending the prohibition on rent control as only a piece in Colorado’s housing puzzle.
“We need to build more affordable housing, but that’s not what rent control is,” Boesenecker said. “It’s not a production tool; it’s a stabilizing tool that keeps people housed. You can build more housing, and you can also
enact more fair and responsible limitations on the amount that rent can be increased.”
e bill faces a steep challenge in the Senate, where Republicans, moderate Democrats and business interests across the state have unified in a bipartisan showing to oppose rent control efforts. Even Gov. Jared Polis has come out against the bill, threatening a potential veto if it passes the Senate.
“Polis is skeptical that rent control will help with our biggest challenge, which is the lack of available housing stock,” said Conor Cahill, spokesperson for Polis. “Locations with these policies often have the unintended consequences of higher rent.”
While the long-term effects of rent control in Colorado are still up for study and debate, the bill’s supporters were clear that they aren’t necessarily in favor of rent control, but they support empowering communities to make decisions for themselves.
“Maybe Fort Collins discusses it in the future and doesn’t do it, but maybe other communities discuss it and do it,” Ohlson said. “ at’s why I’m in support. It shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.”
Reach Dylan Tusinski at news @collegian.com.
“We need to build more affordable housing, but that’s not what rent control is. It’s not a production tool; it’s a stabilizing tool that keeps people housed.”
ANDREW BOESENECKER COLORADO GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVE
Many Colorado State University students choose to live in an apartment when it is time to move off campus. ere are numerous options close to campus and within walking distance, making it a practical choice for students.
As the spring semester began, some residents’ off-campus apartments experienced issues and incidents regarding safety and livability, and students say the buildings in which they are housed do not seem to be taking accountability.
Sophie Orsund, a junior at CSU, currently lives at e District at Campus West, located on Plum Street, and recently had the key to her apartment given to a stranger who walked into her apartment in the evening.
“ ey gave my key to a new resident and told him it was his apartment, and he walked right in,” Orsund said. “It is three women living in our apartment, and it was honestly super scary having some random guy come in.”
Orsund, who was never contacted about the mistake, decided to take
matters into her own hands. She talked to the manager; however, she said he seemed to blame it on the employee who was working at the time. Orsund and her roommates never received compensation or an apology for the incident.
resident of e Standard with three other roommates.
After winter break and prior to returning to her apartment, Spiekerman was notified that she would need to temporarily relocate due to water damage in her apartment.
e apartment above hers had a pipe burst that leaked into her apartment and caused flooding. “ ey emailed us a couple of days before moving back in letting us know we had to find a new place to stay,” Spiekerman said. “We got no phone call or anything.”
“We are planning on fighting (the complex’s response to issues) because we should not have to pay for an apartment we are not currently living in,” Spiekerman said. Spiekerman and her roommates have already re-signed to live at e Standard for the 2023-24 school year. However, she said this situation made her wish she had not.
a lease. Student Legal Services also offers a free lease review to help students understand their contract before signing. Reach Katherine Borsting at news @collegian.com.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY AVA KERZIC THE COLLEGIANAnother apartment complex near campus is e Standard at Fort Collins, located on Lake Street near Canvas Stadium. CSU junior Addison Spiekerman is a
e apartment complex offered to put her and her roommates in a hotel and provide a weekly allowance for food or a $1,500 gift card to find somewhere else to stay. With either of these options, they would still have to pay for the apartment they were removed from. e minimum monthly rent at e Standard is around $900 a month, not including utilities or a parking spot. e Standard told Spiekerman the relocation would be six to eight weeks, and she will hit the 10th week March 24 and has yet to receive any compensation for the month of March.
Unpredictable scenarios are a real possibility when signing a lease. Many times, a lease is a binding agreement, and no matter the scenario, renters may still have to pay rent even when the apartment presents problems for the renter.
CSU’s Center for Off-Campus Life offers guides on tenant/landlord relations, leasing questions, renting and subleasing and avoiding potential scams in
“We are planning on fighting (the complex’s response to issues) because we should not have to pay for an apartment we are not currently living in.”
ADDISON SPIEKERMAN RESIDENT AT THE STANDARD AT FORT COLLINS
Colorado State University graduate, father of a CSU graduate and Fort Collins local Anthony Sundermeier has a storied career mastering roles in supply chain logistics, human resources, sales and marketing. He retired in 2018.
While working at Intel, Sundermeier ended up in charge of Intel’s global warehousing and was given one of the 2008 Olympic torches for growing Intel’s Lenovo account from $500 million to $1.5 billion in only three years.
A successful career in the private sector was not always Sundermeier’s goal. He started his career wanting to do humanitarian aid work. He recently came out of retirement to do just that, creating the most successful aid distribution warehouse on the UkrainianRomanian border and organizing the distribution of thousands of tons of aid to Ukraine.
Sundermeier was sitting on his couch watching the news coverage of the war in Ukraine in late February 2022, getting angrier and angrier, when a chance phone call with an old friend created an opportunity for him to get involved.
Sundermeier’s friend had just landed in Romania and asked Sundermeier to come out and help him turn an old manufacturing facility into an aid warehouse.
“ at was on a Tuesday,” Sundermeier said. “Wednesday I booked my flight, ursday I was on my way to Romania (and) I showed up Friday.”
e first week, they completely renovated the warehouse, making upwards of 300 changes to get the space operational and running, Sundermeier said.
“I was only supposed to be there for about a week, actually,” Sundermeier said. “(My friend) thought three or four days, but I
booked two weeks. ( en) another nongovernmental organization came in and said, ‘We want you to be the director of the warehouse,’ and I said, ‘Well, OK, until you find somebody,’ and that was almost a year ago.”
e NGO that brought him on as the director of the warehouse was the Romulus T. Weatherman Foundation. e organization coruns the warehouse with IsraAID, a separate NGO based out of Israel.
Sundermeier is proud of the work the warehouse has been able to accomplish in the year it has been up and running.
e warehouse, based out of Tulcea, Romania, boasts a virtually perfect delivery rate, having lost only nine pallets out of a total of about 12,000, Sundermier said.
“ e number 99.9% delivered into a warzone would be fantastic if I was working for Intel or Apple in delivery,” Sundermeier said. “So the fact that we are doing it in the warzone (as a small NGO) is amazing.”
e warehouse has shipped aid of all shapes and sizes, such as generators used to help hospitals like the Odesa Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital during the power outages, a water treatment truck bound for Mykolaiv, Ukraine, truckloads of medicine and even thousands upon thousands of pounds of onions the warehouse once received.
“We’ll ship anything,” Sundermeier said. “ ere hasn’t been a single thing they wanted (to be) shipped through here that we haven’t shipped, but it’s a different thing every day. ere’s not a routine to it, and you just don’t know what’s going to happen next, and I really enjoy that aspect of it. e motto of our hub is, ‘We’ll figure it out.’”
At the peak of the hub’s operation, it was turning out 10 truckloads a day of aid to Ukraine and at one point even sent several barges of aid up the Danube River bound for Odesa, Ukraine.
e operation would not be possible without the incredible people working, Sundermeier said. e team working at the hub includes lawyers, engineers, logisticians and ex-special forces members, all coming together from around the world, speaking a smorgasbord of languages and using Google Translate and broken translations to run the most successful aid hub in Romania.
e team includes people like the affectionately nicknamed “Charlie’s Angels” — three Ukrainian women who were forced to evacuate their home during the first Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014, only to relocate to Kyiv, Ukraine, where their home was again damaged in the bombing and missile strikes of the most recent invasion last February. ey now work at the warehouse with Sundermeier.
Sundermeier’s wife, Natalie Sundermeier, also worked at the hub for roughly two months and helped set up the communication system used to direct and keep in touch with the ex-special forces team delivering the aid once it had left the hub.
Each member of the team at the hub has a superhero nickname, Sundermeier said. He is Tony Stark-Iron Man, but the Hulk, Captain Marvel, Starlord and many others are represented by members of the team doing aid work on the border.
Reach Grant Coursey at news @collegian.com.
“ We’ll ship anything. There hasn’t been a single thing they wanted shipped through here that we haven’t shipped, but it’s a different thing every day. There’s not a routine to it, and you just don’t know what’s going to happen next, and I really enjoy that aspect of it. The motto of our hub is, ‘We’ll figure it out.’”
ANTHONY SUNDERMEIER AID WORKER
As Adderall shortages persist, students at Colorado State University must continue to navigate life without their medication.
Adderall is the brand name for amphetamine-mixed salts and is a common medication for ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and narcolepsy. An announcement of the shortage was released in October of last year by the Food and Drug Administration, and since then, the Drug Enforcement Agency has declined approval for an increase in the production of amphetamine.
Some students have spoken about having to ration their medication for midterms or finals, said Annie Cunningham, an accommodation specialist with the Student Disability Center. Cunningham identifies as having ADHD and has struggled with the shortages herself.
“It is hard because we don’t really have an end date of when things should be fixed,” Cunningham said. “So that can also kind of bring a bit of anxiety, at least for myself. Like, ‘OK, I’m low on medication. Am I going to have access to it in the next month?’”
On top of struggling to navigate day-to-day life without Adderall, individuals are experiencing withdrawal and rebound symptoms as well as issues with readjusting to taking the medication.
As an accommodation specialist, Cunningham has helped students deal with the shortage by figuring out ways to navigate school without their normal medication. Cunningham said she feels empathy for the students that are struggling, mentioning she feels lucky that she has been able to find an alternate medication that works for her for the time being.
“I had to do some work myself of that rationing and figuring out (if) I could do my day-today job without this medication. And (I) learned pretty quickly that that was not going to be successful for me. I’m very fortunate I work in a very supportive and inclusive office, so I (was) able to kind of share what was going on (and) work with my team figuring out some better solutions for me while I was in that loop. But it definitely wasn’t easy.”
ANNIE CUNNINGHAM SDC ACCOMMODATION SPECIALIST“I had to do some work myself of that rationing and figuring out (if) I could do my day-to-day job without this medication,” Cunningham said. “And (I) learned pretty quickly that that was not going to be successful for me. I’m very fortunate I work in a very supportive and inclusive office, so I (was) able to kind of share what was going on (and) work with my team figuring out some better solutions for me while I was in that loop. But it definitely wasn’t easy.”
Krissy Gilbert, another accommodation specialist, emphasized the importance of self-care while working through the shortage as well as reaching out to the different resources on campus like the Student Disability Center.
“Your education is important, but you as a person (are) more important,” Gilbert said. “Even students that may not have disabilities or (have) other struggles or maybe they were able to cope with their medication alone and didn’t have to use our center, it’s important to reach out for any resources. Even if it’s not necessarily something they think they need with us for accommodations, we’re happy to always provide resources — same with other offices.”
Cunningham gave similar advice, recommending that students reach out to the Assistive Technology Resource Center.
“A lot of it (is) just kind of figuring out what works for you, setting shortterm goals and also having grace with yourself,” Cunningham said. “At least for myself, I can get pretty frustrated, like, ‘Why can’t I do this?’ But recognizing that I have found things that work for me — that helped me be successful — and one of those things is medication, and when I don’t have access, that’s OK. (I) just give myself a little bit more grace. But a lot of it is just kind of figuring out what works for you, which can sometimes be easy and sometimes not.”
Reach Barnaby Atwood at news @collegian.com.
Beauty can change the way someone views themself and the world. ree salons in Northern Colorado have made it their mission to create beauty and instill love within the Black community.
Citrus Salon, owned and run by Angela McKee, focuses on the healing of hair.
“Being able to hear the things people are going through and giving them the hair they feel comfortable in allows them to be happier,” McKee said. “I want them to feel beautiful.”
Maria Yusuf, owner and operator of Maria’s Braiding, has a similar goal to McKee.
“ e smiles I put on people’s faces, … it’s my reward,” Yusuf said. “Braiding your hair changes you, and it brings out something you want to see.”
It is a common theme for Black salons in the area to bring the Black community together through hair.
It’s the entire reason James Holland and his business, XAAK’S Barbershop, moved to Loveland, Colorado, from Houston.
back in the day, and I transferred (to CSU) in spring of ‘97,” Holland said. “ ere is no barbershop here that knew how to cut black hair. I left the Fort Collins area in 2009, came back October of 2022, and apparently, that box still hasn’t been checked. ere was still a need for someone that knew how to do Black hair, at least in the way that most of us like our hair to be done.”
Yusuf, another former CSU student, also began her salon out of a need.
“I had two daughters when I came to school at CSU, and they had ethnic hair,” Yusuf said. “I helped them braid their hair. I had questions about how to braid hair, and I thought it was a service I could provide.”
Many Black-owned salons not only focus on the Black community but also the healing of many people of color.
“I have a lot of adopted kids because I’m adopted,” McKee said.
a great life. About 80% of my clientele are people who have thick or curly hair.”
is seems to be a trend for salons specializing in curly hair in the area, as they are aware of the possibility of being turned down for their race. McKee said she experienced a lot of jealousy in other salons and was told multiple times that she could only do curly hair.
“ is business makes me feel at home with people of color,” Yusuf said. “I can answer their questions without judgment. We have a very large Hispanic population. ere’s always a question of white people asking if they can braid their hair. It’s a question of color and race and not knowing of the culture. I like to help people of all races.”
It’s been an ongoing controversy of whether or not braiding is cultural appropriation and where to draw the line. However, McKee has some insight into this critical issue.
are swimming or something that is easier for your lifestyle, I think I can understand that. However, when you’re trying to be something you’re not, it’s on the line.”
McKee said it’s unfair that white people wear styles without consequence that Black people have worn for centuries, especially considering those styles have gotten Black people judged and legally persecuted.
“I think it’s important for all cultures to understand the history and understand the culture and importance,” McKee said. “I think we need to listen to each other and listen to the why and listen to the story. I don’t think everything is just one way or another way. I think most things in life are gray. I think if most people understand each other, we are able to raise the vibration of love.”
In these three salons, love is the foundation.
“ e reason why I wanted to turn it into a barbershop is because I went to (Colorado State University)
“I love to help adopted kids with their parents and allowing them to see someone who has developed
“As far as cultural appropriation, I am torn about it,” McKee said. “I think it depends on the intention of the person. If you have curly hair and
“I want people to grow into their best selves,” McKee said.
Reach Alexander Wilson at life @collegian.com.
“I had two daughters when I came to school at CSU, and they had ethnic hair. I helped them braid their hair. I had questions about how to braid hair, and I thought it was a service I could provide.”
MARIA YUSUF MARIA’S BRAIDING OWNERGRAPHIC
Several Colorado State University student organizations are coming together to host their second annual Ramadan iftar dinner, a celebration and an opportunity to promote campus unity. e event will be 6:30-11 p.m. March 24 in the Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center at CSU, and it will celebrate the breaking of the fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Reham Abdunabi, the Southwest Asian and North African student organization’s president, said the event and the organization were inspired by
a lack of Muslim and SWANA representation on campus.
“We are attempting to raise awareness and advocate for our community,” Abdunabi said. “We want to show to people who are not a part of the community what we do during Ramadan.”
For Nora Aslan, the SWANA community liaison, Ramadan iftar is a time to come together in the community.
“Typically during Ramadan, many mosques will hold iftar to allow the community to come together,” Aslan said. “We hope to create this sense of community around the iftar event.”
e Ramadan iftar dinner will not only be a celebration of the breaking of the fast, but it will also provide students with an opportunity to learn more about Muslim culture and traditions.
Attendees will be able to ask questions and engage in discussions with SWANA members, promoting better understanding and acceptance of different cultures and religions on campus. e event will include a
prayer and a presentation about the importance of Ramadan, as well as tables by other student organizations and a photo booth.
One of the most important aspects of the event will be the variety in the halal food, Abdunabi said.
“We are trying to represent cultures from many different places,” she said. “ ere will be Indian food but also sweets like baklava, which represents a different region in SWANA.
ere will also be dates and milk served right when you check in, which is a big part of the tradition.”
Abduladeem Tabib, SWANA financial officer, said they are expecting over 350 attendees, with over 200 from the SWANA community. Attendees should RSVP through a QR code found on posters for the dinner.
“We are expecting a large crowd,” Tabib said.
To ensure the event is inclusive and welcoming to all students, the organization has heavily advertised it throughout
campus, including residence halls and departments.
“We have been telling everyone to come to learn a little more about the culture,” Tabib said.
e SWANA student organization has planned several other events for the semester, including the Chai to Understand the Hijab event, a henna night and a dining hall night featuring traditional recipes.
Abdunabi emphasized the significance of such events in raising cultural awareness and understanding.
“It is beneficial for students to have a diverse experience on campus,” Adunabi said. “ at is not always the case in classrooms. I believe it is important for them to attend these types of events in order for them to become more culturally aware of different identities because it is valuable for them to know about different cultures, even after they graduate.”
Reach Hania Nini at life @collegian.com.
Once students move off campus, the convenience of the Colorado State University Recreation Center dwindles. At some point, the crowded gym just isn’t worth the hourly fee for parking — at least not for all students.
Luckily, Fort Collins isn’t restricted to this one gym, and students have found several alternatives that work well with their budgets, lifestyles and commutes. If you’re looking for a new gym, here are a few places that cater to a variety of workout needs.
Raintree Athletic Club and Alive by Raintree are gyms for most levels. With a people-friendly workout space and great staff and equipment, both gyms offer a fun workout experience. For students looking for a higher-end gym experience with smaller crowds, this is a great option. Some passes even allow you to bring a buddy if your roommate ever wants to tag along for a quick lifting session.
Prodigy Gym & Fitness is a great fit for aspiring bodybuilders. With advanced exercise equipment and a “get it done” vibe, this gym doesn’t mess around with muscle. Students looking for a more targeted workout experience will likely prefer this setting to that of gyms like Crunch Fitness and Alive by Raintree.
Big fan of the cycling classes at e Rec but always signing up too late? While it is a more pricey option, CycleBar Fort Collins is a high-energy location to really focus on the stationary bike grind. While this membership does limit the types of exercise you will be participating in, it will also give you access to a high-energy atmosphere where you can push your cycling skills. You can try your first cycle free if you’re hesitant about committing to purchasing rides.
4. CrossFit DNR is gym is a great fit for the competitive people who want to work with full-body exercise at all levels. With access to coaches and a variety of training opportunities, CrossFit DNR is a good environment for the enthusiastic
athlete. Working with a tightknit community that pushes each other to improve, this gym caters to all levels of CrossFit athletes and provides a space to grow and improve with other members.
5. Crunch FitnessFort Collins
If all of the intensity feels too overwhelming, Crunch is an open and welcoming gym for beginners.
ere’s space to feel effortlessly comfortable when starting out. It is a gym with a strong gym influencer culture and community, which can be intimidating if you struggle with comparing yourselves to others; however, that doesn’t diminish the comfort of this workout space.
Working out can be a fun and encouraging experience that strengthens your body and mind, but if you’re not in the right space
for yourself, it can be stressful and discouraging. While the CSU Rec is a great place to get started, it isn’t the best option for every student.
Allow yourself the time to find the space that best fits your fitness goals and personal workout style, whether that’s cycling, CrossFit, bodybuilding or combination workouts you love.
Reach Ivy Secrest at life @collegian.com.
WEED TO KNOW
Each person may have their own ideal smoke spot, but there are some elements that generally will take your spot from good to great if you can manage to include them.
It is possible to enjoy your experience with cannabis in most conditions regardless of the things included on this list; however, these things will almost always enhance your experience or at least help to prevent negative ones. ink of each of these tips as independently useful, and know that different situations will have different requirements.
First, it is important to consider your environment and, more specifically, the location of the smoke session. While smoking inside is available to some, many others may have to do their cannabis consumption outside among the elements. is is when you may have to use your creativity and consider what you need for the situation.
Start with places to sit, think about your group and figure a way for everyone to be able to smoke comfortably. Standing and smoking may be nice at first, but if you want to have a true session, you will need time and the ability to relax.
Another important feature is having a kind of weather barrier. is could be a built structure like a shed or gazebo, near the side of a building, or something natural like a cliff, tree or just a big rock. Having this barrier can help to keep the heat or cold away, but it will really be useful against the wind when it’s time to spark up.
To that point, it never hurts to have an extra fire source or two. Whether it’s a spare lighter or a matchbook, be sure to keep a backup because it’s a sad day when you get all comfortable and end up with nothing to light your flower with, and it’s only a matter of time until your main lighter finds itself missing.
It’s important for you to be safe and comfortable, and the same is true for your cannabis and smokerelated devices. at’s why I always try to establish a safe surface, which is a dedicated space that’s somewhat flat, secure and away from where other things are happening. is safe surface should just be used for materials relating to cannabis so that nothing unexpected causes you to lose product or break equipment.
A go-bag will also be very useful in preventing the loss or destruction of any of your cannabis or devices. is could be as simple as a small or medium-sized bag dedicated to containing things like cannabis containers, pipes, rolling papers, grinders or whatever else you’re packing.
While the location and features of your smoke spot are vital factors, there are other things to consider as well.
One such thing is supplying yourself with food and drinks to accommodate for the classic effects of cannabis, like getting the munchies or cotton mouth. You will always benefit from stopping at a grocery or convenience store before embarking on a trip to a smoke spot.
While weed goes great with fullscale meals, a full smoke session is not the time for this. e smoke session is best accompanied by small snacks and some kind of drink. is snack could be anything from your
favorite candy, bag of chips or cereal to the humble orange; it is truly hard to go wrong.
For the beverage, I’ll always recommend having water because it is healthy,easy to drink and very soothing for the roughest hits. However, we all know that water doesn’t always hit the spot, so why not bring your favorite soda or juice as well?
One last thing to consider is what to bring for entertainment. Cannabis and friends are often entertainment enough, so I won’t overstate this one.
Sometimes the best parts of smoking are the spontaneous avenues for fun that open up. However, I fail to see how it’s a bad idea to bring a Bluetooth speaker
for music and have a phone or tablet accessible for pulling up random YouTube videos. While you might have a preference for what you’re smoking at the session, you can’t go wrong with any of these smoke spot essentials. Reach Miles Buchan at cannabis @collegian.com.
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“The smoke session is best accompanied by small snacks and some kind of drink. This snack could be anything from your favorite candy, bag of chips or cereal to the humble orange; it is truly hard to go wrong.”GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN
On March 29-31 after about a two-hour drive down south to Colorado Springs, Colorado, you can attend the ninth annual NoCo Hemp Expo, also known as NoCo9, hosted at e Broadmoor hotel.
e We Are For Better Alternatives organization is presenting the three-day event to help bring the industrial communities of the hemp industry together in an effort to create environmentally and economically friendly plans for the future health of the affected populations, according to their website.
e three days at the historic century-old hotel will be filled with speakers presenting topics around hemp policies, agriculture, human resources, investments, global opportunities, medical advocacy and so much more.
e spread of options to attend is hosted across several stages and conference rooms around e Broadmoor campus. A commonly populated spot will be the main stage, where you can learn about advocacy and policy within the industry from WAFBA cofounder and President Morris Beegle March 29.
e main stage will also be presenting experts like Lorenza Romanese, managing director at the European Industrial Hemp Association; Jon Coyles, vice president of Drug, Health and Safety Programs for the MLB; and Marco Fugazza, an economist at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. While these specialists are the tip
of the bud that NoCo9 is offering on just day one, there is even more to learn through days two and three.
ere’s a wide range of topics available to gain more knowledge on, but you’ll have to be a little picky. For example, at 11:20 a.m. on day two, you have a few options, like attending “A Linthead’s Perspective — Textile and Apparel Grade Hemp Fiber. What It Is — What It Isn’t — What It Will Be,” where Guy Carpenter, the co-founder of Bear Fiber, will dive into his experience and knowledge about harvesting textile-grade American hemp fiber and its development around the world. Or you can hear from Bridget Williams, author and CEO of Green Harvest Health, and learn about the benefits medical cannabis and CBD bring to the medical industry.
Knowledge of the hemp and cannabis industry isn’t all that NoCo9 has to offer, as you can start your day off by joining in NoCo Yoga before you spend the rest of your day checking out all the vendors. To close out the whole conference, you can purchase a $25 ticket to the NoCo9 After Party with performances from Erica Brown and DJ JazzyTones March 31.
So if you’re looking for something to do in a prime Colorado location at the end of the month, the NoCo Hemp Expo at e Broadmoor may be your way to get out of town. You can purchase day tickets for either March 30 or March 31 for $79 and can find other ticket options and see all the event has to offer on their website.
Reach Taylor Paumen at cannabis @collegian.com.
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1. Guests at the Museum of Art Fort Collins peruse the exhibit during the opening night of the 19th Annual Eye Center of Northern Colorado Masks Fundraiser and Exhibition March 3. The annual exhibition has raised more than $1.9 million for the museum, according to the museum’s website.
2. Adam Schultz paints shimmery green and blue scales interchangeably on his fish mask piece coated in a solid black acrylic coat at the studio he and his wife, Lorri Acott, own in Loveland, Colorado, Nov. 22, 2022.
3. Adam Schultz begins molding the clay to fit onto the mask he received from the Museum of Art Fort Collins Nov. 11, 2022. “I just feel like I’m playing most of the time,” Schultz said while he placed the clay onto his mask.
4. Adam Schultz, a sculptor based in Loveland, Colorado, sketches preliminary ideas for the mask he plans on making for the Fort Collins Museum of Art at his studio, Dream Big Sculpture, in Loveland, Colorado, Nov. 11, 2022.
5. Adam Schultz squeezes more acrylic paint onto his paper plate palette as he finishes painting the mask he is creating for the Museum of Art Fort Collins mask project Nov. 23, 2022. As Schultz finished the project, he said the key to making art is, “You have to be free with it.”
6. Adam Schultz’s finished mask, created for the mask project for the Fort Collins Museum of Art Nov. 29, 2022. “It’s really nice to have my art speak for me,” Schultz said after finishing the piece. “I can look into someone’s eyes and see if there’s a connection.”
7. Adam Schultz signs his name on his finished mask project that he will later ship off to the Museum of Art Fort Collins, Nov. 29, 2022. Schultz finished his piece in his studio in Loveland, Colorado, where he and his wife finish larger pieces that are ready to be sent off to be casted.
8. Adam Schultz laughs and talks with his wife, Lorri Acott, as they both work on their mask projects for the Museum of Art Fort Collins Nov. 22, 2022. “Art is foundational,” Schultz said as he painted his piece. “It reminds us that we are doing okay, that we can listen to this song, that we can dance, that we have time.”
9. After molding the clay onto his mask, Adam Schultz begins sculpting the woman that will sit on top of the fish he is creating for the mask project hosted by the Museum of Art Fort Collins Nov. 14, 2022. “I just liked the idea that you could ride abundance since fish means abundance to me,” Schultz said.
hypothetical future children of my brother, I was not just home misting my plants and mumbling to myself. at would be weird.
If you feel like you missed out on some important college experiences you were promised and the only college parties you were ever exposed to were packed with stinky, beer-and-body-odor boys and not Zac Efron or a mysterious woman who smells like lilac, you’re entitled to compensation. Clearly, this is not going to come out of the university’s pockets as there’s a no-refund policy, so until we can pressure the admins to get a plan together, lying is your best bet.
By Bella Eckburg @yaycolorEditor’s Note: is is a satire piece from e Collegian’s opinion section. Real names and the events surrounding them may be used in fictitious/semi-fictitious ways. ose who do not read the editor’s notes are subject to being offended.
As a senior counting down the weeks to graduation and repeating the dreary steps of my day-to-day schedule, I’ve thought a lot about the stories I’ll tell about my time here. I live as a functional recluse most of the time, but like you normies, I have the ability to lie.
To be honest, college amid a pandemic was not giving the same energy as the crazy campus life you’ve undoubtedly seen in movies, but that’s why lying is such an important skill to develop.
Did you spend your entire spring break sleeping and in the foggy waking moments, eating hot fries and bingeing “Bling Empire?” No, of course not, because that would be sad.
I did not do those things. Instead, I went to Bali with my huge group of friends, and we drank strawberry daiquiris and did not get heat stroke or sunburns because the sun recognizes the “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” code. Slay.
The NCAA transfer portal.
Post-spring break sleepies.
I’m bound to become someone’s cool aunt someday, and I can’t just tell these hypothetical children gloomy stories about ye olden days. My spring break was one for the record books. It was so fun, and all the money I spent just went back into my account in an infinite loop. Flights were free, and I had legroom.
e sun was shining every single day; I was in a jungle, but I was not choking on a mosquito storm. No,
You don’t have to become the scary older person who reminisces on the days of masked people fighting over toilet paper or sitting in class, fogging up your glasses while maskne — mask-induced acne — flourishes beneath the cloth. ere is hope for us. Fake it until you make it. Lying will take you all the way home.
It’s important that you don’t minimize the effects of the pandemic or act like you were one of those people who didn’t give a shit about social distancing and partied regardless; that’s cringe and ages poorly immediately. e lies have to be intricate, but honestly, they don’t have to be that believable as long as you don’t sound like an asshole.
You have time to create these memories by mentally conditioning yourself to believe your own delusions. By the time I become the cool aunt I’m meant to be, I’ll practically believe my spring break really was the shit, and lying will come so easy.
My college experience may be coming to a close, but the lies I will tell about how many ragers I’ve attended will live on forever. Cheers to my fellow homebodies!
Reach Bella Eckburg at letters @collegian.com.
The Eras Tour.
New tattoos.
Pop-Tarts.
Apple’s default alarm sound. Pesto.
Being sick on vacation.
When it looks warm outside but it’s cold.
When it looks cold outside but it’s warm.
“You don’t have to become the scary older person who reminisces on the days of masked people fighting over toilet paper or sitting in class, fogging up your glasses while maskne — mask-induced acne — flourishes beneath the cloth. There is hope for us. Fake it until you make it. Lying will take you all the way home.”GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLIE COHEN THE COLLEGIAN
Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by e Collegian or its editorial board.
When the clocks jumped forward an hour in November, I heard talk that Colorado voted for daylight saving time to no longer plague the state. Despite the bill passed for Colorado to have year-round daylight savings, the chances of it being enacted soon decrease since it is more challenging than originally perceived. What would a time-changeless state actually look like?
ere are only two states in the United States that do not rotate daylight saving times: most of Arizona and all of Hawaii.
As I continue to think about daylight saving time and how it affects our sleep schedules, the amount of time we actually spend studying on campus trying to get home before dark and even our mental health, I begin to think that not having a constant change to the clock would be a great idea.
With the semiannual clock change, the number one result that challenges our ability to survive is our sleep schedule.
In the first few weeks of the time change, you never fully know what time it is because your body’s internal clock doesn’t want to let you go to bed at your normal time. It affects the time you wake up as well as the amount of sleep you feel you need in order to keep pursuing the day.
A life without the semiannual hassle of having to change the clocks would make this struggle nonexistent.
When it comes to mental health issues, getting the right amount of sleep and even a daily dose of sunshine is important for everyone. is is why having that bit of sunset when you get home from work or school is so important. It also encourages people to spend time outside and go out a bit more.
For those who are afraid to walk around in the dark, a permanent daylight saving time could offer more safety for people who get home from work and school around 5 or 6 p.m.
Having the constant reassurance that the sun will be out by the time you decide to leave your study pod is important, especially to me as a woman. Knowing I could spend more time at the library studying or even that I could eat out for dinner before the sun sets would make me feel so much safer and less nervous to leave the house.
I am not the only one who has the desire to leave the house after a long day of school or work to get groceries when it is bright outside. People are more inclined get out and do things rather than go home and curl up in a blanket because they think they have to go to bed soon.
Daylight saving time is an interesting concept that affects Americans in what some may consider an unimportant way. e constant changing of the clocks challenges almost every single thing we do on a daily basis, starting with sleep.
A 14er is a mountain that exceeds 14,000 feet of elevation. There are 96 fourteeners total in the United States with Colorado having the most at 56.
These two peaks are in the Top 5 14ers for beginners; Grays (Class 1) and Torreys Peak (Class 2) which are right next to each other, making it easy to do both in one day!
This out & back trail is 8 miles long on a solid, well traveled trail with a bit of rock scrambling.
Capital Peak is a notourios Class 5 14er that is considered EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
This out & back trail is 17 miles long with the most technical and dangerous part towards the end with the “Knife Edge” section. A fall in this area will likely be fatal.
Light and comfy on your back, the REI CO-OP Trail 25 pack holds plenty of gear and keeps it well organized for day hikes, commuting and carry-on travel.
Altitude sickness is caused by ascending too rapidly, which doesn't allow the body enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, insomnia and reduced performance and coordination.
The Stoke Project features exciting outdoor activities, knowledge and a buyers guide to all the best gear.
Reach Dominique Lopez at letters @collegian.com.
“I am not the only one who has the desire to leave the house after a long day of school or work to get groceries when it is bright outside. People are more inclined to get out and do things rather than go home and curl up in a blanket because they think they have to go to bed soon.”
By Bella Eckburg @yaycolor
Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by e Collegian or its editorial board.
Fort Collins is home to many mom-and-pop shops for you to peruse, especially in Old Town. If your family comes up to visit, Old Town is the first place you want to show off aside from campus.
e plethora of goodies to be found in these shops comes from all over, but it is so special to find something that speaks to you and then learn that it comes from a local artist or craftsperson.
Horsetooth Stem and Roots is a local houseplant boutique in Old Town, located at 516 S. College Ave. ere, among the glorious foliage, you can find locally made ceramics, rugs, art prints and more.
e boutique partners with many different artists and constantly has a new array of handmade items coming up for sale through these artist partnerships.
Local artists are everywhere; you just need to know where to look. On campus, if you enter one of the multiple galleries and see something you like, odds are you can find that artist on Instagram and get a print. Local artists want to be seen the same way you want to see them.
Sarah Blackwell, a local mixedmedia embroidery artist, has had lots of her work featured at Kansas
City Kitty, located at 136 N. College Ave.
“ e first time I stepped foot in Kansas City Kitty was about a year ago,” Blackwell said. “I’m sure it was a combination of the fantastic music and beautiful golden hour light because I instantly fell in love with the space. … Kansas City Kitty is actually the first physical retail store to sell my artwork. Before them, I was exclusively selling my work through my website. I’m super grateful to have the opportunity to share such a gorgeous space with so many other awesome artists.”
Local Fort Collins art comes in many forms — from leather crafting and glasswork to pottery and illustration.
“I would describe my work as a highly unique, handmade craft,” Blackwell said. “I specialize in curating custom decor and functional art for your home and lifestyle by integrating mixed media elements of painting, illustration and fiber art to create eye-catching and conversation-starting displays.”
Instagram is a great space for local artists to showcase their work due to the visual nature of the application, and you can often find their personal shops linked in their profiles. If you like what you see sold in local stores, there is more to see when you connect personally with the artists.
“Kansas City Kitty is amazing because they give me total creative freedom when it comes to choosing which of my products I display there,” Blackwell said. “I really love to cater my work to their specific audience, but
I also use the space to display some of my best sellers.”
If you’re wanting something specific, a lot of artists take commissions where you can pay them to create something personal for you in their style.
“I absolutely love working with people,” Blackwell said. “I started out just taking commissions. It’s now grown into so much more. But my favorite work is commission work. I think it’s so much fun chatting with people who love my work the same way I do, and being
able to bring their ideas to life is such an incredible feeling.”
ere’s something special about shopping locally, and art is a common language. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from — you can connect with creativity and the desire to share something you love with others in the community.
If you’re interested in connecting with local artists, searching through the feeds of local stores featuring unique art is a great place to start. Once you’re following along, you’re sure to get many
more great recommendations as the artists post and celebrate themselves and the artists around them.
“It’s so easy to support artists even if you don’t have any money to spend,” Blackwell said. “You will be so deeply appreciated by the artist just by showing up to art shows and events, dropping by their booths at markets or even just simply giving them a follow on Instagram.”
Reach Bella Eckburg at letters @collegian.com.
their opponents for an unforgettable spring break.
Starting off early in the week, the women’s basketball team made it to the Mountain West Tournament semifinals against the University of Wyoming Cowgirls March 7 in Las Vegas at the omas & Mack Center. After a hard-fought week, the Rams fell short 65-56 but weren’t done yet.
ey hit the road and took a trip to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to compete in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament March
16. Challenging the University of Northern Iowa Panthers, the Rams battled until the final moment. Ultimately, they were shorthanded at the basket, losing 88-76.
Overall, the women’s basketball team closed out a successful 2012 season, fourth in the Mountain West Conference with a handful of conference awards.
beating ACU 7-0 and GCU 4-3. On day two, the Rams left the Wildcats in the dust, winning 12-5 early on in the day. Alas, this luck ran short as the Antelopes served the Rams their first loss of the weekend 8-3.
Closing out the weekend on a high note, Colorado State defeated Abilene University with a close 8-7 win before heading home.
Returning from the successful road trip, the Rams welcomed home their Fort Collins fans with a three-day battle against San Diego State University.
Starting off strong, Colorado State outran San Diego 10-5, stealing the opening win. On day two, the Aztecs left no room for the Rams to dig deep and recover, scoring 7 runs in the first inning, resulting in a Rams loss of 15-5. Lastly, in Aggie Day orange, the Rams served a close 3-2 win, closing out a 2-1 weekend welcome.
game win streak before beginning conference play.
Mountain West games will begin in Fresno, California, where CSU will play California State University, Fresno March 24 and then immediately prepare to play the University of Wyoming March 25.
Last but not least, the Rams celebrate the return of three Colorado State NCAA track and field stars for their accomplishments in the recent tournament.
By Karsyn Lane @karsynlane1While Colorado State University students were relaxing for spring break this previous
week, the Colorado State Rams were working hard and bringing home some outstanding athletic achievements.
From basketball to track and field, CSU’s women athletes dominated
Meanwhile, the softball team was in Phoenix battling in the Grand Canyon University Invitational against Abilene Christian University and GCU March 10-12.
It would have been a complete sweep weekend as the Rams defeated both opponents on the first day,
Over at the Fort Collins Country Club, the women’s tennis team served up a 5-1 win against Creighton University March 19. is win pushed the Rams to an 11-2 overall season and 4-0 home record, and they continued pushing their four-
Sarah Carter, Gabi McDonald and Lexie Keller performed highly, securing three spots on the All-American second team. Carter placed ninth in the 5,000-meter with a time of 16 minutes, 31 seconds, while Keller also had a strong performance, placing 10th in the pentathlon with 4,217 points. McDonald closed out with a strong shot put mark of 16.20 meters to finish in 12th place.
With the spring semester in full swing, the Colorado State Rams will continue to take over the Mountain West on the field, court and track.
Reach Karsyn Lane at sports @collegian.com.
John Tonje, a guard who has made a big name out of himself over the past four years playing basketball at Colorado State University, entered the transfer portal Tuesday.
e news was first broken by Verbal Commits on Twitter and later confirmed by a CSU spokesperson. Tonje, who is finishing up his senior year at CSU, has an extra year of eligibility from COVID-19 still available to use.
Tonje had to work from the ground up to make a career at Colorado State. He joined the program in 2019 with the same class as other Ram greats like current Memphis Grizzlies forward David Roddy and current AllMountain West Conference First Team member Isaiah Stevens.
Tonje was not a starter in his first year and only averaged 8 1/2 minutes per game to go along with just under 4 points per game. He didn’t get his first start until about the midpoint of his
sophomore season but grew into a solid bench option with over 20 minutes and just under 7 points per game.
He began his junior year in November 2021 with a scoring explosion against Oral Roberts University. He scored 31 points, which is still his career high, and would fight his way into a nightly starting job later in the season. is season, he started all 33 games he played and averaged 15 points, five rebounds and an assist.
major upset in the Mountain West Conference quarterfinals against San Diego State University. He led all scorers in that game with 17 points, including 11 of the Rams’ first 15 points.
e recruiting class of Tonje and Stevens was head coach Niko Medved’s second recruiting class of his tenure at CSU but ended up being arguably his best. After Tonje’s departure, the only players left on the roster from that recruiting class that still have eligibility are Stevens and James Moors.
ough Tonje is the only Ram to enter the portal so far this offseason, he’s likely just the first domino to fall. It’s unclear who else will enter the portal and when, but it’s likely that more will join Tonje in the portal in the weeks and months to come.
In what was likely Tonje’s last game at Colorado State, he was a major piece in what was nearly a
e big question mark that still remains is what Stevens will decide to do with his extra year of eligibility. With his extensive list of accolades, he has plenty of choices on what to do next. He can use his eligibility — with CSU or elsewhere — or he can
forego his fifth year and test professional waters in the NBA or overseas.
For now, Medved and his staff can only focus on the things they can control — recruitment. e team has had two commitments so far for this upcoming year in Kyan Evans and Rashaan Mbemba.
Evans is coming from Staley High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He recently won the 202223 Class 6 State Championship and was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Missouri. Mbemba currently plays for SKN St. Pölten in Austria.
Reach Braidon Nourse at sports @collegian.com.
“It’s unclear who else will enter the portal and when, but it’s likely that more will join Tonje in the portal in the weeks and months to come.”
best director and more. However, what films are actually worth the watch?
Many people tune in annually to watch their favorite films compete at the Academy Awards.
e glamorous evening is a hub for favored actors and is held in the filmmaking capital of the United States: Hollywood.
e 95th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, were held March 12. e event was started in 1929 when the Hollywood film industry began to take off e ceremony awards people and movies released in the year prior with a golden statue of a knight. Highly esteemed films, actors, actresses and production members were acknowledged for best picture,
Best picture is one of the most, if not the most, prestigious awards at the Oscars, and “Everything Everywhere All at Once” took the prize home this year. e film was up against some of the biggest movies of the year, such as “Avatar: e Way of Water” and “Top Gun: Maverick.” is science fiction film has a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and tells the story of a ChineseAmerican immigrant traveling through the multiverse to prevent a powerful being from destroying it. is film highlights the theme of an underdog coming to the rescue, accompanied by lots of action and comedy.
Michelle Yeoh stars in the film as Evelyn Wang and was the first Asian woman to win the best lead actress at the Oscars. e film also took home the winning title for a total of seven awards at the ceremony.
is film is the sequel to the 2009 film “Avatar,” which is the highest-grossing film of all time, making just under $3 billion.
“Avatar” films are known for their high-quality cinematography and effects. is year, “Avatar: e Way of Water” won best visual effects at the Oscars.
e film highlights the two main characters traveling the land known as Pandora and preparing to fight a war against humans.
With a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film continues the story from its prequel. Starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, this film is filled with action, science fiction and a love story all packed into three hours and 12 minutes.
3. “The Whale”
“ e Whale” is a drama that depicts an overweight English teacher living alone in Idaho trying his best to reconnect with his teenage daughter. roughout
his hardships, the father desperately gives everything he has in order to mend the strained relationship. is year, the film earned awards for best makeup and hairstyling, best supporting actress and best actor. e movie highlights the difficult relationships many children and parents experience. Starring Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink, this film pulls the heartstrings of viewers with its dramatic cinematography and subtle comedic aspects. Despite its 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many viewers cherished the film for its unique yet relatable plot. e art of filmmaking is beloved by so many individuals, and the Oscars highlight the hard work and creativity of actors, directors and so many others in the industry. If you find yourself with some free time, these three movies are sure to live up to the nominations and awards granted to them.
Reach Katherine Borsting at entertainment@collegian.com.School. e musical follows this it-girl as she takes on stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in the name of love.
e cast worked hard on their performances, not only in the days leading up to their opening night but every week. ey spent countless hours learning the songs and choreography and even watching previous shows on and off Broadway to prepare for the tour.
Ashley Morton, who plays Paulette, ‘Bend and Snap,’” said Taylor Lloyd, who plays Serena McGuire. “It’s so classic to the film and so much fun. It’s such a moment of ownership of body and sexuality. Teaching Paulette the ways of wooing the UPS guy, Kyle, is so empowering. It’s just such a good time for us and the audience.”
It’s fabulous, heartwarming and relatable, all while taking on serious topics like misogyny and consent. “Legally Blonde the Musical” is an absolute must-see.
“ e show was beyond brilliant, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to see it,” said Sophia Valdez, an audience member.
By Sophia Masia @sophie_masiaBroadway’s legendary musical “Legally Blonde” made a stop in Fort Collins for three nights at e Lincoln Center.
Many are familiar with the beloved 2001 movie “Legally Blonde” starring Reese Witherspoon; however, “Legally Blonde the Musical” brings a modern, whimsical take on the feminist blockbuster.
“I absolutely love being in the show,” said Carly Caviglia, who
plays the judge, store manager, prison guard and ensemble on the tour. “It’s such a fun time, and it’s my first ever national tour, which has been such a good experience and amazing growth for me and my career.”
For those who haven’t seen the iconic film, the story follows Elle Woods, the Delta Nu president at California University, Los Angeles, who has a seemingly perfect life until she is suddenly dumped by her boyfriend for not being serious enough for him.
To prove her love and seriousness, Elle decides to attend Harvard Law
“We’ve been doing the show for about six months, so we’re all settled into it now,” Caviglia said. “We rehearsed for about two weeks beforehand in September. An audience member can expect to have a ton of fun and be laughing from (the) top of the show to the end.”
e newest member of the show is the Emmett Richmond understudy, Gill Vaughn-Spencer.
“It’s been a challenge learning this show so quickly and on the road, but it’s a well-enjoyed challenge,”VaughnSpencer said. “ e cast is absolutely incredible, and the show is a blast to perform. It’s well-loved by the audiences. I’m ecstatic for this show.”
And well-loved by the audience it was. e show received a standing ovation at e Lincoln Center.
“I may be biased, but my favorite number is my song with the lovely
e musical follows Elle’s journey in realizing her potential and love for being a lawyer. e modern, sassy musical is packed with humor, catchy songs and explosive choreography.
If you didn’t catch “Legally Blonde the Musical” March 9-11 at e Lincoln Center, check out their website to see where they’re going next.
Reach Sophia Masia at entertainment@collegian.com.
Want to get into a new genre of music? Try out punk rock.
e genre is deeply rooted in individuality, social commentary and self-expression. Punk bands take small topics like taking a beach trip as the basis of a song while tackling bigger topics like police brutality and government corruption.
Regardless of what you’re looking for in punk rock, here is a comprehensive list of five bands that cover the wide spectrum of this genre.
Arguably one of the most recognizable bands off of this list, the Ramones have numerous classics under their belt. Sporting matching leather jackets and the same styled haircuts, their look is almost as iconic as their sound.
What not many people know, however, is the level of depth in their discography. Don’t be mistaken — the Ramones were undoubtedly punk, but the pop undertones of their music are very apparent, which gives their songs plenty of replayability. With catchy instrumentals and lyrics involving love, death and violence, the Ramones are a great starting point for getting into punk rock.
Recommended tracks: “Rockaway Beach,” “Chain Saw,” “Loudmouth,” “Havana Affair,” “Let’s Dance”
Fugazi is a phenomenal blend of experimental instrumentation with the same bite as punk rock. eir use of hardcore punk with a twist of math and indie works
together just as well as bread and butter.
Ian MacKaye, who was initially in a punk band called Minor reat, brought his roots of hardcore punk to the table and gave Fugazi a much sharper and more brutal sound. eir social commentary, unique sound and overall message have cemented themselves in punk rock history.
Recommended tracks: “Waiting Room,” “Blueprint,” “Bad Mouth,” “Glue Man,” “Shut the Door”
In terms of importance to the punk rock genre, Dead Kennedys are easily near the top. eir push for social commentary in their tracks is very apparent and even lines up with the current political climate.
For example, the song “Police Truck” dives into the topic of police brutality against people who are unable to fight for themselves. Even with such potent messages, they still manage to create fantastic punk rock songs that stick with you. To put the cherry on top, Jello Biafra, the lead singer, has one of the most unique and iconic voices in Punk Rock.
Recommended tracks: “Police Truck,” “Insight,” “Holiday in Cambodia”
Black Flag has had numerous stints with different singers, but their most notable and popular has to be the Henry Rollins era.
e anger in Rollins’ voice is hard to ignore and only gives his lyrics more of a punch in each of their songs.
Not only do they perform at a breakneck speed accompanied
by plenty of anger, but they also have songs grounded in spoken word as well. ese characteristics give their songs plenty of depth and dynamic, which is refreshing when listening to one of their albums to completion.
Recommended tracks: “My War,” “Police Story,” “Rise Above,” “TV Party,” “Six Pack”
5. Bad Brains
e best way to describe Bad
Brains’ music is if you gave a lot of caffeine and instruments to hyperactive cheetahs.
If you are looking for a band that operates and plays faster than a fighter jet, look no further. Bad Brains is a true cornerstone of punk rock, and surprisingly, they also combine elements of reggae in their records. ey bring a level of energy and speed to punk that is rarely seen.
e lead singer, Paul “H.R.”
Hudson, has a very recognizable and distinguished voice in punk rock. His screams bleed right through the heavily distorted instruments accompanied by pounding drums, giving Bad Brains its iconic sound.
Recommended tracks: “Attitude,” “Sailin’ On,” “Big Take Over”
Reach Christian Arndt at entertainment@collegian.com.
By Abby Flores
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (03/23/23)
ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)
Happy birthday! You are the first sign of the zodiac, which is symbolic of new beginnings. You have probably been dealing with boredom in the last couple weeks, but this is finally coming to a close. Your
“His captions are cringey.”
”
“Well, his face is not.”
energy will increase by leaps and bounds, so get ready to embrace the fresh season.
TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)
You can be stubborn sometimes, which can give people the idea that you don’t want to express your emotions. You probably had to deal with some challenges in the past, so your exterior self is different. The upcoming new moon is going to connect you with yourself so you can heal.
GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)
Aries energy is allowing you to enjoy spending time with friends and reunite with family again. You will have good laughs and spontaneous adventures together. Your aura will be shining bright, attracting the people to you at the right times.
CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)
You make life sweet, and people love the way you bring good
energy to every room you walk into. This Aries season is all about spreading positivity. You will notice a good shift in your own happiness.
LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)
You are embracing the fire energy coming in this week, and everyone can see it. You are looking amazing and are working on developing selfcare habits that will help your manifestations come through.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22) People are getting their karma after using up your energy with bitter intent. You deserve relationships that are fulfilling and abundant with love. The universe is on your side this week, and you will see that your social life will be blessed.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22) You tend to attach yourself to people because you have a genuine love for everyone you
“Are you smoking what I’m selling?”
Have you overheard something funny on campus? Put your eavesdropping to good use. Tweet us @CSUCollegian and your submissions could be featured in our next paper!
meet. The universe is pushing you to learn about boundaries because you deserve to give yourself just as much love.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21) Spring always seems to be a period of huge transformation for you. Check your phone because you will receive happy news about something you have not thought about in weeks.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) Aries season is always an exciting time for you. The fire element is pushing you toward enjoying newfound adventures, and it also makes you reflect on your idea of home. It seems it’s located wherever you go, and certain people appreciate how you can bring home to them as well.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19) You are the type of sign that enjoys fall and winter more
than spring. As much as people are outside and enjoying the weather, you may actually just feel sleepy. Sunbathing and reading books will make you feel more rejuvenated.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) You have a handful of friends surrounding you at this time, and you may be thinking about taking a trip with them somewhere. Even if it’s a small one, you will find deeper connections with them.
PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20) Aries energy can be hard on you sometimes because you prefer serene and calm atmospheres. The best way to deal with this is by checking up on yourself and staying indoors. You may get into watching some new shows and films because of this, which definitely counts as a form of self-care.
“If shit falls through the fan — hmm, I don’t think that’s right.”
“I don’t understand how that’s internalized misogyny. As long as you say it jokingly, it’s fine.”
