Volume 7 Issue 4

TBL

THE

Associated Students, UC Santa Barbara Volume 7, Issue 4 | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30, 2012

BOTTOM LINE

Surfer Killed by Shark in Lompoc Stranger Danger on Cervantes Road

by KELSEY GRIPENSTRAW Executive Content Editor A 39-year-old man was fatally attacked by a shark while surfing at Surf Beach in Lompoc Tuesday morning, making national headlines by the end of the day.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff Department has confirmed the man’s identity as Francisco Solorio Jr. from Orcutt, CA. A friend of the victim performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Solorio after rescuing him from the waters off of Surf Beach, while another called 911 at 10:58 a.m.

Bite marks were visible on both the victim’s upper torso and his surfboard, said a spokesperson for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff ’s Santa Maria substation.

The Vandenberg Fire Department took over CPR after arriving, according to a statement from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, followed by assistance from respondents from Santa Barbara County.

Soon after, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff ’s Coroner pronounced the man dead-on-scene.

Three other surfers were in the water at the time. Details about the type and size of shark are not yet available.

Surf Beach access is closed indefinitely. Vandenberg Air Force Base Officials request that the public avoid the area, according to a statement from the base.

A Similar Attack: This is the second death by shark attack at Surf Beach in two years. Lucas Ransom, a 19-year-old UCSB chemical engineering major, died bodyboarding after a great white shark appeared out of nowhere and ripped his leg off at the pelvis, according to the Los Angeles Times. UCSB’s $4,000 Lucas Ransom Scholarship is offered to economically disadvantaged students pursuing degrees in chemical sciences. This year’s scholarship was awarded to two UCSB chemistry majors set to graduate in 2013.

and Pedestrian Collision on Pardall

by THOMAS ALEXANDER Isla Vista Beat Reporter

Two UCSB students were assaulted this past Saturday, Oct. 20, in Isla Vista.

One student was struck by a vehicle on Pardall Road early Saturday morning, while another was assaulted and nearly pulled into a cluster of bushes as she walked down Cervantes Road early Saturday evening.

Santa Barbara Sheriff ’s deputies and officers responded to reports of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident at the intersection of Pardall Road and Embarcadero Del Norte at approximately 12:20 a.m. on Saturday morning. The victim was knocked unconscious after he was struck by a white Chevrolet Sports Utility Vehicle. The driver, who was described as a thin white male with black hair, promptly fled the scene in his vehicle and had not been apprehended by police as of Tuesday afternoon.

At approximately 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening, a woman was walking alone around the 6580 block of Cervantes Road when a man grabbed her and attempted to pull her into a nearby thicket.

She was able to get away from the stranger without suffering harm and immediately reported the incident to the police. The attacker, who has not yet been identified, was described as a white male, about 20 years old, and 6 feet 5 inches tall with

buzzed hair. He was wearing a black hoodie and dark-hued pants.

The Cervantes Road incident, police say, was the fourth reported assault against female students in the Isla Vista area since the fall quarter began in late September. Three of these attacks were overtly sexual in nature.

Police have urged anyone with any information regarding these incidents or any other crime to contact the UCSB Police Department at (805) 893-3446 or the Santa Barbara County Sheriff ’s Tip Line at the following link: www.sbsheriff.org/ anonymoustips.html. Those with information can also contact Crime Stoppers of Santa Barbara County at: www.santabarbaraca.gov/Government/Departments/Police/Crime_stoppers_of_ santa_barbara_county. Crime Stoppers provides monetary rewards to people who provide information that leads to arrests—rewards vary from $500 to $1000 depending on the crime solved and the nature of the tip provided.

Recent UCSB Alert Messages 10/20/12, 8:55 p.m.

Assault in Isla Vista 10/20/12, 1:46 a.m.

Vehicle v. Pedestrian Accident

University of California Santa Barbara Students Break Previous 2008 Voter Registration Record

Photo by Ayeyi Aboagye | The Bottom Line The EVPSA Office planted signs around campus to educate students on the election.

by ANNALISE DOMENIGHINI Executive Managing Editor Over 11,000 voters were registered at University of California Santa Barbara since midAugust, breaking UCSB’s previous record of 10,800 registered voters in 2008.

“I made a campaign promise that if I was elected we would get 11,000 people registered to vote,” said External Vice President of Statewide Affairs Nadim Houssain, a fourth-year religious and global studies double major. “When I saw 11,000 I thought that would be a good goal, but I was shooting high. I remember mapping it out

mathematically from the first day of school— it would have had to be 250 registered voters a day—and I was like ‘wow that’s a lot’ and I wasn’t sure if we were going to be able to sustain that.”

Students from the Residence Halls Association, Associate Students, Campus Democrats and the office of the External Vice President of Statewide Affairs have been working since mid-August to register 11,000 students to vote across the campus, in Isla Vista and at Week of Welcome events during the week leading up to the beginning of the school year.

“There was a huge push to get the biggest freshman class registered,” said RHA President and third-year political science major Jonathan Abboud, who helped with the voter registration drive and was instrumental in getting students living in the residence halls registered through door-to-door registration. “This was probably the most important year. There are a lot of issues on the ballot that do directly affect education, especially for the freshmen—a lot of issues on the ballot are going to affect them for the next four years.”

Presly Mellor, a second-year global studies major and voter registration coordinator for the EVPSA office as well as AS voter registra-

tion liaison, is confident that this record could not have been broken without the help of online voter registration.

“I feel like that really helped us push it over to where we could break our record,” said Mellor.

“I’m happy we kept our promises; I know people thought our goal was too high or we were thinking too big, and now we have proven that we can keep promises, we can do what we say we’re going to.”

“I want to emphasize how important it is that everyone who got involved really made this happen,” said David Washington, a third-year political science major. “We’ve done better than anybody has ever done as far as voter registration is concerned on our campus. I’m pretty satisfied.”

One issue that students who were a part of the voter registration drive still face is getting students to the polls on Nov. 6. Houssain reassures the campus about this issue, maintaining that his office will now focus on educating students about what would happen should propositions pass or fail in the November election to make sure students get out and vote. One of the first places the EVPSA office is targeting for voter education is the bike paths, and they have already begun putting up plywood signs informing students what will happen should Proposition 30 fail.

Isla Vista Community Collaborates to Save the Co-op

by AYEYI ABOAGYE Photography Editor For nearly 40 years the Isla Vista Food Co-op has served Isla Vista residents, providing sustainable alternatives for the more environmentally conscious eater and promoting health and wellness throughout the community. Yet in just 30 short days, if it fails to raise $200,000, this little co-op by the sea could very well be replaced by a larger commercial grocery chain as early as Dec. 2013.

The Isla Vista Food Co-op has only been present in its current location for the past 32 years. Earlier this year, the Co-op was notified of the encroaching end of its lease term and the impending sale of the property. Rather than face the risk of losing the property to another buyer altogether, the Co-op decided to take advantage of its first option to buy.

With the building appraised at nearly $1.2 million face value, this essentially means that the Co-op will have to procure a sizable down payment rather quickly as a proof of funds to the landlord to secure its current location for the future. The remaining capital it currently needs to make this down payment and complete the purchase totals to roughly $200,000. Over the past two weeks, community meetings have been held to collaborate on methods to raise these funds over the next month.

Many residents proposed various fundraising methods to raise the money and save their Co-op. General Manager Melissa Cohen showed support of the ideas put forth at the meetings, saying, “I’m in favor of any idea that anyone wants to execute that they are very passionate about. If it’s a community driven idea that doesn’t affect our business operations, I’m really in favor of all those ideas.”

As of now, the Co-op is depending on what is known as crowdfunding to collect the remaining funds. This refers to the use of the networking of individuals to pool together their resources much like the Co-op is doing now through what it has named “Project We Own It.” Over the years, the Co-op has become a pillar of environmental sustainability within the community, promoting activism and awareness. Several University of California Santa Barbara student groups have partnered with the Co-op in the past and many UCSB students regularly shop there for groceries.

Now, in this time of great need, the Co-op is looking to these same individuals for support. The Environmental Affairs Board has taken action to demonstrate its support for the Co-op dedicating its

Associated Students Discusses Honoraria see page 3

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time and resources to the project.

Forest McMillin, a second-year environmental studies major and active member of EAB, stated that “EAB is basically adopting this project with working groups dedicated to this project.”

“The Environmental Affairs Board buys 90 percent of our food from the Co-op,” said Tessa Balboni, EAB Co-Chair. “This is the time the students must return the support. In order to preserve the Co-op, we must provide this support by spreading awareness. The Co-op is a hub for community activism. The Co-op is a place for the student, local and environmentally aware communities to all come together.”

The Food Co-op has also reached out to other groups in the community including the Student Collective, Isla Vista Tenants Union and Isla Vista Community Relations Committee. Project We Own It Community Organizer Abby Wolff has taken on the responsibility of outreach within the community, planning weekly meetings at the Co-op to further discuss a plan of action. The project has divided itself into three committees: Social Media, Events Planning and Grassroots Activation.

The Social Media committee is focusing on networking through platforms like Twitter and Facebook, and has already launched a website at www.projectweownit.org. The Events Planning committee has collaborated with local groups including Junipero, Rainbow Girls and the Givers and Takers, all of whom have committed to host benefit concerts in Isla Vista to collect donations and raise awareness.

The Grassroots Activation committee is making an effort to reach out on campus, going into classrooms and meeting with various organizations. Additionally, the Co-op has reached out to other local businesses in Isla Vista and has received an overwhelmingly positive response with upcoming fundraisers with Caje, IV Drip and Precious Slut, who may be holding a tattoo fundraiser in the coming weeks.

“That’s the key to crowd-source funding and making sure our generation keeps this place alive,” said Wolff.

While donations may be the most prominent source of funds for this project, there are several other ways students can contribute to Project We Own It. Fees from joining the Co-op will be used to fund this project so advocating for membership is another strategy the committees have been employing.

“There’s no place in this country where students have more voice with your dollars as consumers than in Isla Vista,” said Cohen.

“You guys can give us $10 but that can ripple out and make waves throughout the country.”

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Photos by William Renteria | The Bottom Line Food Co-op supporters rally in front of the historic store.

5 Questions with Mama Ortega

Can Kony 2012 Make a Comeback?

Santa Barbara Beer Festival

see page 4

see page 4

see page 6

Questions You are Too Afraid to Ask Your Doctor see page 7

The Bottom Line | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30

page 2 | News

Campus News

Zero Waste Weekend AS Students Discuss Honoraria In to Help UCSB Men’s the Face of Severe Budget Cuts Soccer Go Greener

by CHEYENNE JOHNSON AS Beat Reporter

by JASMINE BROWN Staff Writer While many students are preparing for the Halloween weekend, the University of California Santa Barbara Zero Waste Committee is gearing up for the first Zero Waste Weekend to be held during the mens’ soccer games Oct. 26 through 28 at Harder Stadium.

For the first Zero Waste Weekend, committee members plan on continuing UCSB’s efforts in sustainable measures by educating and involving soccer game attendees. Those who plan on attending the weekend games will have an active role in discarding any recyclable or compostable materials in the bins that will be placed in the stadium.

“In order for us to reach the goal to have zero waste by the year 2020, we have to turn our attention to big events like soccer games where much waste is generated,” said Clayton Beaver, Zero Waste Weekend volunteer organizer and fourth-year accounting major.

Other on-campus groups, Associated Students Recycling and the Plastic Pollution Coalition are partnering up with the Zero Waste Committee for this on-site composting and recycling project during Friday and Sunday games.

Ce Ce Osborn, third-year psychology major and Environmental Affairs Board Liaison provides a microscopic lens behind the purpose and importance of sustainable projects, and its target to operate suitable waste supervision procedures

on campus.

“Sustainability focuses on the implementation of lasting systems that leaves little impact on the environment,” said Osborn. “We [Zero Waste Committee] are a small dedicated working group focused on reaching the UC System wide goal of zero waste by 2020.”

The Zero Waste Committee is one of UCSB’s many student-generated groups that commits to implementing projects and programs, in hopes of expanding and maintaining a sustainable waste management operated campus.

By teaming up with the UCSB men’s soccer team for the first Zero Waste Weekend, UCSB can possibly divert an enormous amount of compostable materials that will be eventually used in local industrial markets.

The first Zero Waste Weekend sporting event is a small portion of a campus-wide sustainability project. Cheyenne Smith, a second-year economics and accounting major, shared her thoughts on UCSB “going green.”

“I love the presence of sustainability on this campus,” Smith said.

“I learned that in some vending machines the lights automatically turn off when they are not being used.”

These sustainable projects on campus are on a micro-scale of what is being done globally. Those interested in becoming a part of the zero waste movement at UCSB are welcome to join the Zero Waste Committee at their weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the Student Resource Building room 1103.

Interested in Sustainability?

Zero Waste Committee meets Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Student Resource Building, room 1103

TBL 2012-2013 Staff

Associated Students Senate debated the future of awarding honoraria after establishment of the yearly AS budget during their meeting on Oct. 17.

With the entire UC system facing cuts and severely decreased budgets, AS Senate deliberated on whether or not the Boards, Committees and Commissions that it oversees may come to both the Senate and Finance Board to ask for money for honoraria.

Honoraria is a quarterly stipend given to officers and those in lead positions in BCCs. In light of the budget shortfalls, BCCs have all taken some sort of funding cut, whether it be through decreased honoraria or decreased money for activities and programs. Since then, BCCs have come forward asking for more money for honoraria. Heightened necessity to discuss the ability of Finance Board to award honoraria stemmed from a recent request to Finance Board from members of the editorial board of The Bottom Line.

TBL’s request for honoraria was granted by Finance Board, but required AS Senate approval before going into effect. AS Senate dis-

cussed the matter for several hours, voicing very different opinions about the importance of honoraria and the situations where it is appropriate to award it.

“We’re going to handle cases like this on a case by case basis,” said Angela Lau, Off-Campus Senator who operates as the Finance Board Liaison.

Lau said that while Finance Board approved TBL’s honoraria request, she worried that this approval might encourage other BCCs to seek out more honoraria.

“We didn’t want to set a precedent,” said Lau. “I personally will vote no every time for honoraria.”

Finance Board member Alessandra Cianna served as a proxy for AS Senator Tejas Patel said TBL was a special case for Finance Board as TBL had no money allocated for honoraria. Cianna said other BCCs shouldn’t expect requests for increased honoraria funding to pass the Board.

“We don’t plan on funding honoraria in the future to organizations that already have honoraria,” said Cianna.

Internal Vice President Mayra Segovia agreed with the Board’s deci-

sion to handle each case individually rather than setting a precedent for how issues of honoraria will be addressed.

“They’re dealing with it now on a case by case basis,” said Segovia, “in the sense that they’re expecting the other BCCs will be like ‘Oh, I don’t feel well about my honoraria. Let me come and ask for it.’”

Other senators disagreed and said that a precedent for handling honoraria has already been established.

“For me personally, I feel that Finance Board shouldn’t use BCC money to help with honoraria,” said Off-Campus Senator Alexandria Choate, “especially given the fact that [for] previous allocations, they have denied that, so in a way I feel like they kind of set the precedent.”

A Senate Ad Hoc Committee was established to discuss TBL’s individual honoraria issue, but the discussion extended beyond just the newspaper and will affect BCCs seeking honoraria funding throughout the year.

“I think that it should be an understanding for the most part you’re going to go into it wanting to deny honoraria,” said Off-Campus Senator Taryn Sanders. “You should try your hardest to not allocate it.”

[ ][ ] the TERMS

BCCs: There are 47 Boards, Committees and Commissions on campus. They are organizations (like Costal Fund and Human Rights Board) that receive funding from Associated Students.

Honoraria: This term refers to the sum of money that AS Senate can vote to award students who hold officer positions in BCCs as compensation for their work.

the PERSPECTIVES

“I feel that Finance Board shouldn’t use BCC money to help with honoraria, especially given the fact that [for] previous allocations, they have denied that, so in a way I feel like they kind of set the precedent.”

Executive Managing Editor | Annalise Domenighini Executive Content Editor | Kelsey Gripenstraw Copy Editor | Parisa Mirzadegan News Editor | Isabel Atkinson Features Editor | Alec Killoran Opinions Editor | Camila Martinez-Granata Arts & Entertainment Editor | Elysia Cook Health & Lifestyles Editor | Karolina Zydziak Photography Editor | Ayeyi Aboagye Senior Layout Editor | Madeleine Kirsch Layout Editor | Magali Gauthier Layout Editor | Haley Paul Multimedia Editor | Tori Yonker AS Beat Reporter | Cheyenne Johnson Isla Vista Beat Reporter | Thomas Alexander Distribution Manager | Brenda Ramirez Advertising Manager | Brandon Pineira Promotions Manager | Audrey Ronningen Web Editor | Ashley Golden Staff Adviser | Monica Lopez Writers: this issue

Tommy Alexander, Cheyenne Johnson, Deanna Kim, Matt Mersel, Nathalie Vera, Annalise Domenighini, Kevin Simms, Danielle Dankner, Courtney Hampton, Kelsey Gripenstraw, Elizabeth Aguilar, Ayeyi Aboagye, Margarita Baliyan, Jasmine Brown, Morey Spellman, Andrew Haney, Nicholas Hong, Cole Yamada, Sin Yuen, Itzy Canales, Karolina Zydziak

Photographers: this issue

Morey Spellman, Deanna Kim, Ayeyi Aboagye, William Renteria, Kelsey Gripenstraw, Alyssa Wall The Bottom Line is sponsored by the Associated Students of the University of California, Santa Barbara. All opinions expressed in TBL do not necessarily represent those of the staff, of A.S. or of UCSB. Published with support from Campus Progress/Center for American Progress (CampusProgress.org). All submissions, questions or comments may be directed to bottomlineucsb@gmail.com.

The Bottom Line is an alternative voice on campus....

We provide a printed and online space for student investigative journalism, culturally and socially aware commentary and engaging reporting that addresses the diverse concerns of our readership and community. This is your community to build, share ideas and publicize your issues and publicize events. We welcome your questions, comments or concerns at bottomlineucsb@gmail.com or call our office phone at 805-893-2440.

- Alexandria Choate, Off-Campus Senator

“They’re dealing with it now on a case by case basis in the sense that they’re expecting the other BCCs will be like ‘Oh, I don’t feel well about my honoraria. Let me come and ask for it.’”

- Mayra Segovia, Internal Vice President

State News

Discussion Panel Urges Students To Take Action in Upcoming Election

by MARGARITA BALIYAN “I do think we can save UC and I think the most concrete of actions is to pass Proposition 30,” said local State Assemblyman Das Williams at a discussion panel examining how the upcoming November election could affect the UC system last Wednesday. The panel, titled “Can this election save UC?” discussed the ways faculty, campus organizations and students can sway the election in their favor.

Tania Israel, an associate professor at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, emphasized the importance of reaching out to our community and advocating the value of higher education. She urged students and faculty alike to talk to their friends, family, peers and colleagues to help them understand the issues at hand—issues such as Proposition 30.

In an interview with a UC Davis correspondent, Gov. Jerry Brown explained the predicted consequences if Proposition 30 fails to pass.

“The UCs will lose $250 million...The Cal State universities will also lose $250 million and the community colleges will lose about half a billion, and the K-12 will lose about $4.5 billion,” he said at the interview on Oct. 18.

The possible cuts will put even more strain on the thin-stretched UC system—meaning tuition hikes as high as $2,400 may be in place next year.

“I think it’s really important that people understand that Prop. 30 has a direct bearing on their future; It is important for students to understand that it’s already been decided— there is a $250 million dollar cut [to UCs] if we lose,” says Assemblyman Williams.

If passed, Proposition 30 would implement a four-year, quarter of a cent increase

in California’s sales tax as well as a seven-year hike in income tax rates for those who make over $250,000, creating revenue estimated at over $6.8 billion. This revenue would then stop “trigger cuts,” state budget cuts already in the works and set to “go off ” next year.

“If passed, there won’t be new money for education but there will be no new cut,” said Professor Christopher Newfield of the UCSB English Department.

Williams says that students can make all the difference in this election.

“I think that organizing has so much to do with it—[We can make] 2,000 votes turn into 15,000,” said Williams. “The level of participation in this campus can make a true difference.”

Israel agreed, strongly encouraging both students and faculty to advocate for themselves.

“We need to communicate—get out into the community and talk to the public about the value of our work.” She urged UCSB students and staff to get the word out about Proposition 30.

“Students need to know that if Prop. 30 doesn’t pass, tuitions will go up—in our immediate future,” said EVPSA representative Carly Chianese, a second-year psychology and communications major who may be forced to transfer to her home state if her already steep out-of-state tuition increases further. “We need to act now, as a student body, to protect our education.”

This election season, students have the opportunity to help themselves and their wallets.

University of California Santa Barbara’s Executive Vice Chancellor, Gene Lucas puts it quite succinctly: “Two things: register to vote—and then vote appropriately.”

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The Bottom Line | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30

page 3 | Features

One University, Three Colleges United we stand, divided we thrive: UCSB colleges offer diverse opportunities

by COURTNEY HAMPTON Staff Writer

The University of California Santa Barbara has the trifecta of college success: brawn, brains and beach. Within the “brains” sector, UCSB has three divisions of academics: the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering and the College of Creative Studies. These unique colleges provide a variety of studies for students to pursue, making UCSB an academically diverse campus.

The College of Letters and Science is the largest college, with 17,000 undergraduates and 2000 graduate students studying 78 majors and 39 minors. According to the College of Letters and Science website, one of the university’s greatest strengths is in interdisciplinary studies.

“The thing about our college is it is typically not that difficult to double major,” says Kristen Wieser, fourth-year Spanish and psychology major and Peer Advisor for the College of Letters and Science. “I think there are so many different majors available that a lot of students combine majors or a major and a minor that seem unrelated, but relate to

what they are interested in or what they want to do in the future.”

Majors such as black studies and film and media studies specifically focus on interdisciplinary studies, drawing from history, literature, media and other fields. The college encourages its students to study abroad and also has an Honors Program for highachieving students.

According to the college website, the College of Letters and Sciences is a “comprehensive liberal arts college within a great public research university.” By completing general education requirements, students graduate with a well-rounded education and are prepared for diverse careers.

Alternatively, the College of Engineering and the College of Creative Studies have in-depth and direct studies that make students extraordinarily knowledgeable in their fields. These colleges may fall short of the College of Letters and Science in numbers, but certainly not in achievements.

The College of Engineering houses about 1,300 undergraduates and 750 graduate students in

seven majors: chemical engineering, electrical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science and materials.

Their state-of-the-art laboratories, excellence in research and Nobel prize-

are smaller class sizes and there is more interaction,” said Coleman.

The interaction between students and faculty leads to research projects that are often highlighted in “Convergence,” the magazine for engineering at the sciences at UCSB. Glenn Beltz, the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, wrote on the college website that engineering students clearly pursue their passions; some graduates have appeared on Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters while others have become Disney Imagineers.

“That’s the fun part: seeing students graduate, go off and be successful,” said Coleman.

The College of Creative Studies also houses students passionate and ambitious in their studies. Described as “a graduate school for undergraduates,” the 400 students in the college delve deeply into eight majors: art, biology, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, literature, mathematics, music composition and physics.

Rather than simply studying a field of knowledge, students are encouraged to contribute creative work and research projects. Part of the

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5

Questions

with Mama Ortega

These unique colleges provide a variety of studies for students to pursue, making UCSB an academically diverse campus.

winning faculty make the UCSB College of Engineering thirty-fifth in the nation, according to the college website.

Terri Ryan Coleman, Assistant Dean for Student Services, said that the engineering students have such different degree requirements that it is necessary to have a separate college for engineering. This division keeps student to faculty ratio low.

“I think that we have more of a sense of community amongst our students and faculty because there

mission statement of the college is to transition the students “from consumers of knowledge to colleagues in the act of human creativity in the arts and sciences.”

The tight-knit community encourages collaboration rather than competition. Bailey Loverin, firstyear literature major, said that the small class size allows the students to get to know each other and the faculty better. Also, Loverin commented that CCS encourages students to understand all facets of the field and promotes outside study by having more flexible general education requirements.

“There is a higher level of scholarliness that you won’t see in other places,” said Loverin. “The program is tailored to you.”

The intensive nature of the College of Creative Studies makes it so all students graduate with an original body of work, from paintings to poetry or reports of scientific research.

The three colleges at UCSB provide different modes of study for different students. Whether a student’s call is in interdisciplinary study or focus on one field, there is a college with personalized teaching for everyone.

The First Rule of Dinner Club:

If It’s Your First Night, You Have to Eat.

by MOREY SPELLMAN

Students gather to sample Lucas Ryden’s cuisine.

by ANDREW HANEY

Photo Courtesy of | Mama Ortega

Ortega Dining Hall’s Friendliest Person Q: When did you first start your dining career here at UCSB? A: Sept. 23, 1981 Q: What is your favorite part about working at the dinning commons?

A: Every day I learn something new from the students. They help to make every day special, unique and enjoyable.

Q: What is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had working here?

A: When the students decided to vote for me for various awards. I was very honored and humbled.

Q: Are there any famous people or celebrities you’ve met through your work?

A: There are almost too many to recall. The most notable I can recall have included Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.

Q: Have you always worked at the Ortega dining commons or did you ever work at other dining commons around campus?

A: My first position was actually at Carrillo and then I got moved to Ortega. In summer I move around between DLG and Portola.

For many University of California Santa Barbara students, Saturday nights are the same. Eat, pre-game, go to Del Playa, game some more and pray you won’t wake up on the sidewalk the next morning. It’s the circle of life on Del Playa and is generally true for the entire street, except for the 6800 block.

This last block has a reputation only for being low key and constituting the farthest border of Isla Vista society.

But the stereotypical Isla Vista house party is about to get an upgrade.

A new kind of party is being held in the 6800 block. It’s a house party, supper club and charity group combined under one roof. This is what Lucas Ryden, a fourth-year global studies major, has created. Every other Saturday night at 7 p.m. Ryden prepares a three-course meal for up to 40 friends at a time, with his friends helping out as servers and bartenders, all for a charitable cause.

Ryden has worked in restaurants since he was 16, where he says he sustained a passing interest in cooking.

It was not until he studied in Spain, where he met a renowned local chef, that his interest blossomed.

“I took a cooking class with him and really got to learn about cooking.

That’s when I became serious about it, when it became more of a passion,” he said.

When he returned to UCSB, Ryden became inspired to put his culinary savvy to use after seeing first hand how Spaniards thought about food.

“Everywhere in Europe everyone is proud of their national and even local cuisines, and it’s a big part of their identity. I am from San Diego and when I came back home I began to notice that Southern California really doesn’t have that. I wanted to create that sense of a Southern California cuisine.”

Photo by William Renteria | The Bottom Line

This year Ryden founded Sabor, a culinary project devoted to developing regional California cuisines.

Through Sabor, Ryden also linked another of his interests, charity work.

At Sabor events, guests pay $10 ($20 if they drink from the bar) and whatever money is left over after food costs is given to The Hunger Project, a nonprofit devoted to, “end[ing] hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies,” according to the group’s mission statement.

For Ryden, The Hunger Project was an obvious choice.

“My parents met while working for The Hunger Project in the 1980s so I have a close relationship with the organization. It’s a very unique organization because they spend a lot of time getting actual resources to the people who need it,” Ryden said.

When guests go to the parties, everyone knows Ryden, but marginally. One partygoer has a roommate who knew the prior tenant of the house Ryden now lives in and was somehow invited. Everybody knows him yet he is nowhere to be seen, the Tyler Durden of Del Playa. You can find him though in the downstairs kitchen

where he and his friends work to get the dinner plates out to the guests.

The food is served simply and without pretension. Two people carry a long wooden plank with plates of food into the living room and make a lap around the room, guests picking their serving as the plank passes by. That and the makeshift bar of tree stumps and particle board reminds partygoers they are still in IV.

But a glance at the food tells a different story. The first course of the night was a mixed green salad with roasted squash, beets and onions with a spicy cilantro dressing and pumpkin seeds. The next two courses were tacos, the first a bacon taco topped with tomato salsa, an avocado cream sauce, sweet jalapenos and queso fresco, and the second an ahi tuna taco with another avocado salsa and coconut cole slaw.

Ryden hopes to expand Sabor into an on-campus community organization so that he can serve even more people. But for now, Ryden has taken the average IV house party and made it into an entirely unique experience. For more information about the parties and Ryden’s recipes, check out www.sabor-kitchen.com

The Bottom Line | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30

page 4 | Opinions

Resurrection of Kony 2012? Not a Chance Release of second YouTube video cannot restore Invisible Children’s reputation

by COLE YAMADA The non-profit group Invisible Children has made recent efforts to resurrect its “Kony 2012” campaign that flourished greatly in early March.

These efforts quickly crumbled as people discovered the impracticality of the plan, how donations were actually being used and, of course, the public naked breakdown of the film’s mastermind, Jason Russell. On Oct. 17, the organization released another video on YouTube entitled “Move” in an attempt to salvage its reputation and message. This attempt at resurfacing the campaign, however, is and will prove to be unsuccessful in regaining large support.

There are no doubts that the first video released by Invisible Children was insanely successful—in initially garnering donations and spreading awareness of Joseph Kony’s war crimes across Africa. When the video was first released, many people naively gave their support and donated feverishly to Invisible Children. Currently the video has over 94

million views.

But as people did their research on Invisible Children, their unappealing findings began to deter supporters. These findings among a wide range of other negative reactions proved to be incredibly detrimental to the organization’s image. Not even Invisible Children’s new feelgood video, “Move,” can bring back the support that the Kony 2012 movement once possessed.

Here’s why: According to research on the Invisible Children from charity watchdog group charitywatch.org shows that only about 37 percent of its funds directly aid the Africans they say they are helping, while the rest is allocated to filming expenses and employee compensation. This didn’t bode well with supporters who bought the infamous “Kony Kits,” comprising merely of some stickers, buttons, a t-shirt and posters with “KONY” labeled on it. These “action kits” cost $30 and many people posted on Yahoo! forums saying that they never received them.

Though Invisible Children has not released the exact breakdown of where this $30 goes, much of it probably pays for outstandingly pricey 30-

Will the Real Conspirators Please Stand Up? Examining 9/11 pretrials in this election year

by ANDREW HANEY It has been 11 years since Sept. 11, 2001, and it is still perplexing to find an emotion other than utter loathing for the individuals responsible for killing almost 3,000 people.

Our government’s actions to extract justice for 9/11 have been nothing short of the bloodlust of America for the entire decade.

Osama bin Laden and all the high-level masterminds who crafted 9/11 have met their ends, and the hijackers went down with the Towers. But currently there are still five men that have yet to be caught in America’s judicial crosshairs. Of the five, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is the only known surviving architect of the attacks, and the rest middlemen doing the bidding of al Qaeda. Their pre-trial hearings began just last week after years of legal loopholes and work-arounds. The fact that it took this long for the trial to begin, let alone through a military commission rather than a tribunal, should be the talking points, yet all anyone wants to discuss is what Mohammed and his attorney wore at his hearing. The trial can tell us a lot about the state of Guantanamo, our choices as voters, and just how far our government has gone to bring us justice.

Since 2003, when Mohammed was arrested and detained along with the other four conspirators, officials knew the men would be tried by military commission. That’s different from a military tribunal, the majority of cases before military courts. Tribunals are like a court you might face if you committed a capital crime, but in a tribunal you are presumed guilty until proven innocent. Being a defendant in a tribunal is like ballroom dancing with your feet tied together. Being a defendant in a military commission is the same thing except someone is shooting a gun at your feet while you dance. In military commissions, defendants are guilty until proven innocent and do not have the right to a speedy trial, to face their accuser, represent oneself in court, due process or Miranda rights. The odds of not being convicted in a military com-

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mission are only slightly higher than the odds of Pennsylvania State making it to the Rose Bowl this year—it won’t happen.

Since Guantanamo detainees can only be tried by military commission, people got angry, specifically those who wanted the trial for the 9/11 conspirators to take place in a federal court in New York, where the actual crimes took place. The whole debate between citizens who wanted trial by jury and military officials who wanted a military commission boils down to nothing more than both saying, “I want to execute them more than you do.”

In 2009, the case almost got transferred to a federal court but got so much flak that President Obama shifted it back to a military commission in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012, the official budget for the Department of Defense this year. A stipulation was included that says the Pentagon cannot spend money on sending Guantanamo detainees anywhere outside of Guantanamo Bay. In effect, they can only be detained at Guantanamo. Combined with the Military Commissions Act of 2006, this means that Guantanamo detainees cannot be tried in any way other than by military commission. And here’s the weird part. All of this means that until all the detainees in Guantanamo have been tried and sentenced, the facility cannot be shut down thanks to the president who campaigned on closing Guantanamo. In this so important of election years, no one has mentioned it.

This is the America we live in now. The verdict in this trial is clear, but the system in which we’ve decided to prosecute it is not.

And it’s far from being over, with actual testimony scheduled for next May. What does all of this do for us still smarting from the wounds of 9/11? Do we even care anymore?

In “Kill Bill, Vol. One” Hattori Hanso says, “Revenge is never a straight line. It’s a forest, and like a forest it’s easy to lose your way, to get lost, to forget where you came in.”

In America, this is what a forest looks like.

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This is the America we live in now.

The verdict in this trial is clear, but the system in which we’ve decided to prosecute it is not.

minute YouTube videos and well-paid salaries for Invisible Children employees.

When the Kony 2012 video found its way to Uganda, it sparked outrage. Malcolm Webb, Uganda-based correspondent for news source Al Jazeera, caught a screening in Northern Uganda where villagers were so offended by the video that a riot broke out and rocks were thrown at the video screen. The video was seen as inaccurate and it even provoked Ugandan Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi to create a YouTube video refuting the film, saying that the situation is much more complex than the Invisible Children depicts it.

To add insult to injury, Jason Russell was found in San Diego in a state of psychosis, running around naked and interfering with traffic. He apparently was suffering from stress, dehydration and exhaustion. Displaying the spillover effect, some now associate the Kony 2012 campaign with the video coverage of Russell’s naked rampage, further discrediting Invisible Children.

The demise of the Kony 2012 movement was exemplified when Invisible Children’s “Cov-

er The Night” activity received very little support. This event, advertised in the first video, encouraged supporters to “cover” towns with Kony posters to spread awareness. The meek gathering of the few left followers was a direct result of the skeptical response caused by the destructive events previously described.

Using emotional cinematic effects (as usual), the new video “Move,” tries to explain Russell’s breakdown and reinforces the Kony ideology. Despite these new efforts, the video is wildly unpopular compared to the first one (“Move” currently has about 153,000 views), a product of the damage caused by the first films aftermath. “Move” promotes another “call to action” event, pleading for all supporters to go to Washington D.C. on Nov. 17 to protest the government.

It looks very unlikely that the organization will effectively woo back their once huge support group. The predicted small turnout for Nov. 17 will probably further show the effects of the irreversible damage done to harm Invisible Children’s reputation to the point of no return.

Dumpster Diving for the Truth in Presidential Debates Modern Technology is Changing How We Analyze Presidential Candidates

by ELIZABETH AGUILAR Staff Writer On Oct. 16, 2012, for the second time in two weeks, presidential election candidates Gov. Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama met to debate public issues and highlight their different policies. A look back at the first televised presidential debates between Richard Nixon and John Kennedy in 1960 demonstrates how drastically our ways of processing information have changed since then.

The Internet has allowed for limitless information to be shared instantly and, yet, in spite of this—or perhaps because of it—it remains difficult to come away from the debates with a clear sense of the issues discussed.

In order to better comprehend the impact of the recent debates, it is necessary to consider their traditional as well as newly emerging public aspects.

The televised aspect of the KennedyNixon debates caused the nation to give serious consideration, for the first time, to the influence of a candidate’s public image on voter opinion. The second presidential debate maintained the long tradition since then of a microscopic scrutiny of candidates’ wording, disposition and overall confidence.

Both Romney and Obama were the customary images of calm readiness and control. There was a marked difference, however, in Obama’s uncharacteristically dampened demeanor during the first debate and the restored vigor with which he argued two weeks later. Romney also answered questions without passion, as he did in the first debate, stressing especially his five point plan, but appeared frustrated with Obama’s newfound aggression and frequent interruptions. The significance of these subtle interactions and exchanges of power is that they are highly influential to wavering voters and could potentially decide an election, as they have arguably done in the past.

The notion that a presidential election could be decided by mere performance on the public stage is jarring but simultaneously understandable. Countries need leaders who are capable of interacting with other governments with utmost tact. The ability to function under the scorching heat of the public spotlight

is an essential characteristic the public must be assured of before selecting one of the most powerful leaders in the current free world.

While members of the pre-Internet generation selected their leaders primarily on the basis of public performance, many first-time voters this year will also use different sources to make their decisions. Online fact checking, in particular, has become a useful new tool to younger generations trying to make an informed decision.

Following the first two presidential debates, online concerns about the lacking specifics of Romney’s 5-point plan emerged.

Macroeconomic advisers refuted Romney’s promise to create 12 million jobs by stating that 11.8 million jobs will be added to the economy from 2012 to 2016 regardless of who is elected to office. Romney’s assurances that he will not raise taxes on the middle class may also prove to be as unsubstantiated as his promise to create jobs since the Tax Policy Center reports that Romney’s plan to cut marginal taxes by 20 percent would grant the wealthy billions of dollars in tax breaks. Romney’s plan to limit household tax credits such as the adoption credit and first time homebuyers credit in an effort to recover revenue would still leave the budget in an $86 billion deficit.

Romney wasn’t the only one who made questionable claims, however. Obama reported during the second debate that Romney’s energy plan would not provide funding for renewable resources when, in fact, it does provide for these programs. Federal funding would be lower than the current administration, however, which has actually increased the manufacture of traditional and renewable energy since the Bush administration.

With so many sources of information on so many issues, it can be exceptionally difficult for voters discern all the claims made in debates and these can still prove to be false anyway. Nearly an hour into the debate President Obama said, “the choice in this election is going to be whose promises are going to be more likely to help you in your life.”

The beauty of this election is that that’s not the only choice voters have. We have the choice to check the statements, to be alert to false promises and finally to make a decision that is informed by the facts.

Thrift Shops Supply More Style for Your Dollar

by NICHOLAS HONG

To buy or not to buy—that is the question. As a college student, it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends and designer clothes if all of your money is going toward tuition and school materials; you’ll be lucky enough to have some pocket change left over. Let’s face it: being a college student is the only time when it’s socially acceptable to be a borderline bum. Why not put some weight off your shoulders and give thrift shopping a try?

Although people might stray away from places that sell second-hand clothes, I prefer to check out thrift stores first before I decide to go anywhere else. Nowadays thrift stores have grown very popular due to their affordability and stylish clothes, as they carry clothes with the “vintage look” that most people seek when they walk into a thrift store. I have been going to thrift shops for well over two years, and every time, I have found at least one article of clothing that I have wanted to purchase by the time I walked out.

Most thrift stores sell both men and women’s clothing, so it’s a great place to bring friends who want to try something new. Thrifting is also a great way to sell your unwanted clothes.

Maybe they no longer fit you, or you’ve just grown tired of them; thrift stores will take your clothes in return for a decent amount of cash back into your wallet. Being a compulsive buyer, I, for one, enjoy these perks, especially when I have a mountain

of unwanted clothes.

There is an exception, though; some thrift stores look for a particular type of trend, and might not accept your clothes based off of their criteria. But don’t despair, because there are several thrift stores in different locations that will gladly take what you have. “The Closet,” located downtown, is specifically for women. However, “Crossroads,” also on State Street, is open to both men and women. There is also the “Alpha Thrift Store” in Goleta.

Now if you’re new to thrifting but still want to give it a try, there are a couple of things you need to know before you grab all your unwanted clothes and start your car. Make sure your clothes are clean before you try to sell them; no one wants to buy a pair of jeans that smell putrid. It’s also good to start friendly conversations with the employees, get to know them and they can give you advice on when certain clothes are on high demand. When you look through your wardrobe, try to predict what articles of clothing would sell more depending on the upcoming seasons.

My best word of advice is to be patient. Don’t expect to find something you’re searching for when you first walk in; it’s all about trial and error. Have fun with it. Try on clothes you never thought you could pull off. Make plans with your friends photo by Alyssa Wall | The Bottom Line to go thrifting, so if you end up not finding anything you still Crossroads Trading Co. is a buy, sell and trade for fashionable, have the rest of the day to enjoy. In end you’ll realize how much gently used clothing and accessories. of a bang for your buck, and that is pure satisfaction.

The Bottom Line | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30

page 5 | Arts & Entertainment

Photo by Eduardo Villatoro | The Bottom Line Santa Barbara residents enjoy local brew at the fifth annual Santa Barbara Beer Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20.

Santa Barbara Beer Festival Draws Beer, High Number of Attendees

by COURTNEY HAMPTON

It is not often that one sees lederhosen and pretzel necklaces in Santa Barbara, but these costumes contributed to the merriment at the fifth annual Santa Barbara Beer Festival on Saturday.

Not even an overcast day could stop over 2,000 beer lovers from flocking to Elings Park for the festival from 12 to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the event went to Elings Park and the Santa Barbara Rugby Association while over 27 local and West Coast breweries showcased their brews.

Bonnie Keinath, a volunteer at the festival and a Santa Barbara native, commented that this was the first time the festival officially sold out.

“The first year we didn’t realize the success it would be and we had to turn people away,” said Keinath. “We had only planned on a thousand, and this year we are selling 2000 [tickets].”

Spirits were high and beer foam was already flowing by noon as live artists performed bluesy jazz and rock music. Apart from the lederhosen, attendees dressed casually as they mingled in large groups.

Charlie Essers from Heretic Brewing Company in Pittsburg, California attended the Santa Barbara Beer Festival for the first time.

“Great crowd and awesome atmosphere,” said Essers of his impression of the festival. “There are a lot of really nice people having fun and open-minded folks who want to try something new. I love seeing that.”

With fun names of the brews like “Evil Cousin” and “Evil Twin,” Essers said that he hoped to make people sampling the beers into fans, or “heretics,” of the brewing company.

Essers described Heretic beers as “not to style,” meaning that the beers break from classical brewing traditions to produce beers like nothing else on the market.

“The irony of that is that the owner wrote the book on brewing classic styles,” said Essers.

Since the company has only been established for two years, Essers said that many people had not heard of Heretic Brewing Company before and the festival was a great way to promote the brand.

Morgan Ross-Smith, Northeastern regional sales manager for Anchor Brewing Compan y in San Francisco, agreed that the festival was a great platform to promote their brews and have people sample them.

“This festival in particular seems to have a sophisticated crowd,” said Ross-Smith. “People seem to care about the beer and want to know about it.”

Ross-Smith said that Anchor Brewing Company is consid-

ered the oldest craft beer in America. The company showcased their “Anchor Steam Beer,” named after the steam that floated over the factory from the fermenting process on cool San Francisco nights.

Ross-Smith described the brewing company’s beers as “Californian common, amber lager.” According to the Anchor Brewing Company website, the beers date back to traditions from the California Gold Rush and utilize water, barley and hops from California.

Woodstock’s Pizza, Judge’s Sausages and Cabot Cheese provided food for the guests to munch on between their gulps of beer. Each attendee received a small beer glass to sample the various brews.

The event was limited to patrons 21 years old and up, and encouraged attendees to drink and drive responsibility. Bill’s Bus transported guests from downtown Santa Barbara to Elings Park and back for free. Additionally, volunteers posted an information board with the phone numbers of local taxi companies to transport attendees home. Designated drivers purchased discounted tickets of $12 and received water and a free meal from Judge’s Sausages.

The regular price ticket was $45.

Bonnie Keinath has high hopes for the festival in future years.

“I think it’s got a good buzz to it. Just being around town the week before the event, I heard people talking about the beer festival,” she said. “It makes me really happy that other people are excited about it.”

The Bottom Line | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30

page 6 | Arts & Entertainment

Warhol’s ‘Kiss’ and ‘Blow Job’ Bring Experimental Avant-Garde to UCSB

by DEANNA KIM Staff Writer

Rebel, philosopher and experimenter— three personas I would never have considered Andy Warhol to adopt until I delved into his films “Kiss” and “Blow Job,” which constituted the second part of Pollock Theater’s Andy Warhol film series.

Warhol’s films have been criticized as being mere recordings or clips, even pranks, that were thrown together. However, after Warhol’s reels of films were retrieved and accumulated, it became apparent that they were artistically and carefully lit and edited.

“Kiss” is a silent black-and-white film that features thirteen couples kissing for three and a half minutes each. Like a typical 1950s romantic kiss scene, Warhol angled the camera to frame only the two faces engaging in osculation. The clips ranged from the passionate, awkward, gentle and romantic kissing of men with women, men with men and women with women.

“Kiss” is allegedly an experiment conducted by Warhol to test the tolerance of the viewer.

Even during the showing at Pollock Theater, many people got up and left during the film. By the end of the film, the theater seemed empty.

“I think Warhol hypothesized that people would leave,” said second-year film and media studies major Moe Derek. “He liked watching people—just how tolerant they are. He knew people would get bored by the repetitiveness of his work.”

“Blow Job,” another silent black-andwhite film, shows only the face of a man, the collars of his leather jacket, and the brick wall behind him. His facial expressions of ecstasy and the title of the film are the only inferences that he is receiving fellatio. Never does Warhol reveal who the mystery man, woman or people are during the duration of the 35-minute film.

The film was shot at 24 flips but is slowed down and projected at 16 flips, a specification from Warhol himself.

“By reversing the importance between onscreen and of-screen space, Warhol—who loved pornography—shows that the power of sex does not reside in the physical act, but in the imagination,” Constance Penley, a professor of film and media studies, stated in a handout distributed at the showing.

These two films can easily be brushed aside as abstract sexual acts, but I believe Kiss and Blow Job are films that show Warhol’s cultural resistance. Both films were debuted in 1963-64, a time that was much more hostile and resistant to homosexuality, sexuality and racial differences. It was a time right after the 1950s, which was a decade marked by mass consumerism, material culture, uniformity and war.

During Kiss, Warhol filmed many homosexual couples and one interracial couple. Interracial marriage was not even fully legal in the United States until 1967. The hippie counterculture and youth movement of the sexual revolution and ideology of the Beat Generation also did not fully erupt until 1967.

His films Kiss and Blow Job were the first of their kinds, where Warhol tested the culture, ideology and people of his time through things that could be distributed and seen everywhere, such as print, painting, films and photographs.

Warhol was not simply testing the viewer’s tolerance for extreme duration, but also their tolerance for acts that were taboo during the time.

To speak on Warhol’s behalf, according to a friend of mine, would be immature because we cannot say with total confidence what he meant or believed. But after watching Kiss and Blow Job, I cannot help but think Warhol, with his rebellious and experimental disposition, wanted to show more than kissing and a man receiving oral sex. Warhol wanted to test humanity, and to prove that the culture and ideology of his time was immature, restricting, and silent.

A Safe Haven: ‘An Evening of Spoken Word with Sean Hill’ Encourages Sharing, Honesty

upon for exhibiting his emotional side, complete with a hilariously spoton reenactment of the precise sentiment he experienced at that point.

What I particularly appreciated about this first open mic event It was a hodgepodge of dazzlingly disparate topics, ranging from was its emphasis on sharing and dialogue; Sean Hill interspersed his home-cooked food and zombies to poo and the essence of true love. But pieces with other equally outstanding performances by audience memfor two hours at Isla Vista’s Biko Garage on Oct. 18, it all came together bers, and many of these honest confessions inspired short discussions in a magical confluence of raw honesty and vulnerability during “An or commentary during the transitions as well. The sign-up list for perEvening of Spoken Word with Sean Hill,” the first of a series of poetry formances was initially short, but began to fill up fast throughout the open mic events organized by Univernight, buoyed by the supportive and encoursity California Santa Barbara’s Mulaging environment. ticultural Center. Los Angeles-based Also helpful were Sean Hill’s tips for actor and spoken word artist Hill was “For one night, I felt that I first-timers who have nerves about speaking in town to headline the event, and or performing in front of an audience. was part of a safe space of he did not fail to light up the stage “Being nervous is probably the most artists and thinkers, people with his gregarious personality that selfish thing you could ever do for the audiwho create and inspire.” complemented his signature afro hairence,” he said. “You have so much inside you style. that you can give to them.”

- Kristen Minasian, The setting was appropriately “For one night, I felt that I was part of a fourth-year English major cozy and intimate for a night of sharsafe space of artists and thinkers, people who ing that promised to be a “safe space create and inspire,” said Kristin Minasian, a for edutainment,” and the sense of fourth-year English major who shared her heady anticipation that filled the written work for the first time at the event. crowded room right before the readings began was encouraged by the “Sharing my work was liberating. It felt like people were understanding presence of a DJ and host who later also helped to seamlessly weave the and encouraging something that has been a part of me for so long.” different acts together.

At the end of the night, Sean Hill summed the event up as a “safe Hill’s rhythmic ruminations on life, love and other assorted mis- haven where people can speak their minds, an oasis.” cellany were light-hearted and accompanied by self-deprecating jokes I couldn’t agree more, for as much as there was such great diversity and up-tempo beat boxing. However, they still struck a deep chord with in the opinions shared that evening, and among the people who turned audience members who laughed and snapped their fingers along in em- up that night, we were united in our vulnerabilities, in our understandpathy when he touched on a childhood anecdote about being frowned ing and baring of our inner worlds.

by YUEN SIN Staff Writer

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Photo Courtesy of | N8Of TheMill

STRFKR Gives Astronomical Show at SoHo

by ITZY CANALES

How do you turn the hipster-heavy SoHo Restaurant and Lounge into a crowd-swaying sauna? The answer is written in the stars—spelled STRFKR, to be exact.

You’ve got to get past the name. “It’s improper,” you may say. Understood. But as soon as you see how incredibly talented Starfucker (often abbreviated STRFKR) is, you will see past it. Your love will only increase after seeing them live, and will increase ten-fold if you (like me) see them twice, the second time on Oct. 15.

I was fortunate enough to see their sold-out show last year at the University of California Santa Barbara’s Hub, and was immediately awestruck. Regardless of the Hub’s much more uncomfortable and crowded setting, they put on an enjoyable set. But luckily, SoHo was a significantly more plush venue, giving me the opportunity to pay attention solely to the band. To say the least, the Portland band, which consists of members Joshua Hodges, Shawn Glassford and Keil Corcoran, is aesthetically delightful.

The great thing about STRFKR is that their first impressions are pleasantly deceiving. They’re innocent skinny white boys, dressed with button up flannels and oversized sweaters with floppy hair; they seem completely harmless and mild-mannered. They’re boys who you would take home to Mom, until the moment they turn on their instruments.

They put on one hell of a show. Their set was strikingly danceable, both musically and visually—with visuals were both blinding and captivating. The tracks forced what seemed like the entire room—including the band—into never-ending movement that accompanied the transforming art in the background.

Visuals aside, the flow of the show was well-coordinated. The band played with a great swiftness and a superbly formatted set list, leaving little time between songs, so as to ensure that our hips kept rocking and our knees kept bopping. I suspected it would turn from a concert into a dance party; that is what happens whenever I listen to STRFKR. The boys overwhelmed the venue. At any given moment, you could find yourself lost in a bass triumph, a driving symphony line, some complex beats or obscure vocals.

“No matter how many times I see them, STRFKR never fails to make their shows so amazingly fun and fresh,” said Steven Bautista, a second-year political science major.

Temperatures rose and clothes dampened as the night went on, the crowd growing only rowdier and more ecstatic as the band, along with the crowd, roared through the songs “Bury Us Alive” and “Millions” before indulging in fan favorites “Boy Toy,” “Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second and German Love.” They also introduced the fans to many of their newer tracks. The feel-good songs worked themselves into me and gave me even more of an urge to yell along with the band.

There was no chatting, no break between songs, only a brief but cherished acknowledgement to the crowd: “Thanks for coming out on a Monday night!” No, thank you, STRFKR. “STFKR never disappoints. After this performance, I’m stoked for their new album,” said Cory Wellington, a Goleta resident who attended the show.

Walking out of the dim venue, one of the attendees claimed that the show at marked his sixth time seeing STRFKR. After their performance, I can’t say that I was too surprised.

Whose Live? Has Audiences Crying From Laughter at Granada Theatre

by CHEYENNE JOHNSON AS Beat Reporter If you’ve ever been in an argument—even a playful one— with some of your friends, you’ve undoubtedly had the moment, hours later, when you think of the perfect response to a comment that, at the time, left you mumbling a “Yo’ Mama” joke. The French, in their infinite need for elegant words to describe everything, call this “esprit d’escalier.” Directly translated, it means “staircase wit,” because it’s the comeback you think of while you’re on your way down the stairs and out. For those suffering from espirit d’escalier, I recommend a healthy dose of “Whose Live Anyway?,” the entirely improvised comedy show featuring regulars from the 90s television classic “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The event was part of University of California Santa Barbara’s Arts & Lectures Event series.

The group, composed of Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff Davis and Joel Murray, performed to a packed concert hall at the Granada Theatre Oct.16 and proved that though 14 years have passed since the show last aired in 1998, they haven’t lost their flair for quick comebacks. For those unfamiliar with the show or the live performance, Stiles, Proops, Davis and Murray

perform skits, sing songs and play games all with audience input and suggestion.

“Audience participation is key to the show,” Bob Derkach, musical director and keyboardist, said in the program, “so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage.”

The audience input can lead, and often does lead, to hilarious and odd situations. One game transitioned from vacuuming to fighting with lightsabers to a conclusion involving the performers milking cows. Another game required a setting suggestion from audience and the loudest voice declared the Spanish Inquisition. The performers took the suggestion in stride, one saying how that was unexpected.

“No one expects the Spanish Inquisition,” Davis stated.

The improvised aspect of the show does run its risks. Davis found himself on the ground during one game and another brought the show close to getting a PG-13 rating for sexual content. Adding to the challenges, the audience didn’t always speak clearly and Proops took the opportunity to ensure they would speak up through the rest of the show.

“I couldn’t understand you,” said Proops after one particularly incoherent yell. “You have to use vowels and consonants.”

The performers are no strangers to the Santa Barbara area, particularly Stiles and Proops who live in Los Angeles, and they made sure to include local knowledge in their performance. After singing a song to a woman from Solvang whose gift shop includes many items from China, the relationship between Solvang and China became a running joke throughout the show.

“Solvang is Chinese for ‘we’re not Dutch,’” joked Stiles.

With the fervor surrounding elections and the presidential debate that occurred the same night, Whose Live? couldn’t resist commenting on the political climate. Stiles and Davis played a game involving them randomly reading audience-created sentences from pieces of paper and politics quickly entered the discussion. Stiles, reading from a slip of paper, asked Davis why he, as the governor, thought he “could be President anyway.” Davis, to his credit, didn’t shy away from taking a position.

“Because,” Davis said, “I’m an out-of-touch, rich asshole; that’s why.”

Even when handling serious and important topics, the show never drifted far from its comedic roots and both Whose Live? and the audience had an unsurprisingly hilarious night.

“We had fun,” said Stiles after the performance. “It was a great show.”

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The Bottom Line | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30

page 7 | Health & Lifestyles

Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask Your Doctor Answered

by DANIELLE DANKNER Staff Writer

If stripping down and replacing your outfit with a paper robe isn’t uncomfortable enough, how about proceeding to ask a doctor personal questions that are bound to turn your cheeks bright pink?

When it is sore, irritated, bleeding or just doesn’t seem to be right, it is always best to consult with a professional. While we’ve all felt our face flush as we hand that cup full of pee to a nurse, some questions are better answered then kept a secret or ignored.

Regardless of the question, doctors have most likely heard and seen it all. But for those with a more shy and soft-spoken demeanor, we have asked Dr. Mary Ferris, Director of University of California Santa Barbara Student Health Center, to answer some of the more blush-inducing questions.

Q:

Is pain during sex normal?

No way! Discomfort means something’s not right, and you should stop if it hurts! Possible causes might be lack of lubrication, tenderness inside from swellings or infections, a position that strains internal structures or maybe you’re uncomfortable and not ready mentally or physically to go further. Take some time to make sex pleasurable, and make a Student Health visit if you’d like a more thorough evaluation.

Q:

Can a male contract a yeast infection and if so, can he transfer it?

Only rarely do males get yeast infections, because yeast live in a moist, warm environment like the mouth or women’s vaginas. In the mouth it can usually be seen as white patches that don’t rub off, or as skin rashes on the penis or anus. Direct contact from one moist surface to another can transfer the infection, which is easily treatable with medications. In cases of women with vaginal yeast infections that keep recurring despite treatment, doctors will sometimes also treat the partner to ensure that all sources are eliminated, but yeast infections are not considered sexuallytransmitted diseases.

Q:

What is the most common sexually transmitted disease at UCSB? Is it fact or a myth that our school is notorious for having the most STDs?

A: Whoever said UCSB was high in STDs doesn’t

know the facts! Chlamydia is the most common, which is true nationwide. The positive rate for Chlamydia tests at Student Health last year was 3.31 percent, compared to the estimated national average published by the Centers for Disease Control of 6.8 percent among sexually active females aged 14–19 years. The next most common STD is gonorrhea with a positive test rate of 0.53 percent at UCSB. We hope our low rate means students are using condoms and getting treatment at the first sign of symptoms (urinary burning or discharge for men, abdominal pain or vaginal discharge in women). Testing for STDs is available at Student Health without appointments, and is covered by UC SHIP insurance without any additional charges.

balding? What is happening?

Q:

Q:

What causes gassiness and how can it be prevented?

A: Lots of things can cause gas to be expelled through the mouth or anus, from the simple case of gulping food or drink too rapidly, or from digestion troubles that cause gas buildup in the intestines. Most people are not even aware they are sucking in air when they are rushed or anxious. Gas in the intestines is produced by normal bacteria and may increase with food intolerances like milk products and some foods that are hard to break down, and the whole digestive process is influenced by stress and rarely other diseases.

A good preventive approach would be to slow down while eating and change the content of your meals; if that doesn’t work, go see your doctor to look for any other reason why your digestion might be off and producing too much gas.

Q:

How much sex should couples have?

A: If your reason for having sex is pleasure, couples “should” have as much sex as they are comfortable with, and that doesn’t interfere with the other obligations in their lives. The amount that’s right for you is going to be different for everyone, and is a personal choice that doesn’t have any arbitrary standard to strive for.

Q:

Why do some women have breasts that are noticeable different in size?

A: This is how nature made us, and it’s completely normal to have two breasts be non-identical. So please love your body, and relish the uniqueness of us all.

Q:

My hair falls out in huge clumps every time I take a shower, is that normal? Am I

A: Hair growth is very sensitive to your general health condition, and excess loss can occur from illness or major stress. It’s normal to lose 100125 hairs every day. Becoming bald is a progressive hair loss, but not usually occurring in large clumps. The normal cycle for a new hair is two to three months, so when you lose a lot you need to look back and remember what happened in the past that might have affected new growth. Stress especially can cause a slowing and delay of new hair growth. There are also infections and diseases that can cause excess hair loss, especially in patches, so a doctor’s visit may be needed if you are concerned.

Sometimes I have to pee almost every thirty minutes, is something wrong?

A: Urinating this frequently is usually a sign of something wrong, like a bladder infection or an irritation at the opening of the urethra where the urine comes out. Sometimes after vigorous sex there can be a short-term frequency that goes away with drinking fluids. Anxiety and stimulants like caffeine can also increase the urge to urinate, but if this continues for any significant time it should be checked out with a medical evaluation.

Q:

Can women be allergic to semen?

A: Only very rarely does a true allergy develop to semen; limited research suggests less than 1 percent occurrence. It’s much more likely that irritation or burning feelings after exposure to semen are caused by other skin conditions or even vaginal infections. This is something that definitely needs a medical visit to evaluate.

Q:

How effective is the pull out method?

A: 22 percent of women who use this “withdrawal” method before the man ejaculates will experience unintended pregnancy within a year, and probably even more since it’s difficult to time it exactly right to avoid millions of sperm wiggling their way inside. This compares to 85 percent [of ] pregnancies [that result] if no birth control is used. The pull out method will not protect you from sexually-transmitted diseases. You can reduce your risk of pregnancy to 0.3 percent with perfect use of hormonal birth control like pills or NuvaRing.” (Source: Hatcher RA, et.al. Contraceptive Technology. 20 edition. Atlanta, GA: Ardent Media, Inc., 2011)

UCSB Welcomes AwardWinning Dr. Sanjay Gupta to Speak

by KAROLINA ZYDZIAK Health & Lifestyles Editor From performing lifesaving neurosurgeries to reporting in some of the most exotic regions in the world, it can be safe to say that Sanjay Gupta has some intriguing stories to tell.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist and renowned surgeon delivered a lecture about medicine and the benefits of both a healthy diet and lifestyle on Sunday, Oct. 21, at University of California Santa Barbara’s Campbell Hall.

Invited by the Arts and Lectures program, Gupta talked about events ranging from his personal family life to his experiences abroad in the Middle East.

“The major take away from his talk is that there is lots of health information out there. It is what we, the public, choose to do with that information to change our lifestyle,” said Arts and Lectures Associate Director Roman Baratiak.

Gupta proceeded to talk much about diets as well, emphasizing sugar as a major culprit in unhealthy diets. The benefits of preventative medicine were also focused on.

“Any doctor is trained to deal with illness,” said Baratiak. “Gupta [spoke about how] it’s better to prevent illness rather than deal with it.”

Aside from speaking about the aforementioned topics, Gupta remained for about a half hour afterwards to answer audience questions.

“He is a very impressive individual,” said executive director at the Santa Barbara County Medical Society, Lisa Reich. “He is a compassionate physician, he is a dedicated journalist and he is a very entertaining speaker.”

Gupta was identified and invited as a guest speaker as part of the “Speaking of Health” lecture series at UCSB. According to Baratiak, he was chosen based on his impact on people as well as his recognition for being asked to be the Surgeon General by President Barack Obama.

The Santa Barbara County Medical Society and Cottage Valley Hospital sponsored Gupta’s stay in Santa Barbara.

His lecture is the first of the series this year; the next one will feature Barbara Natterson-Horowitz speaking about Zoobiquity, and will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Campbell Hall.

Bowes Gifts University 5 Million for Research in Biology, Engineering

by BEN FAN If you had $5 million, what would you do with it?

Bill Bowes, founder of Amgen, donated $5 million to support the work of University of California Santa Barbara’s Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering. With the money going toward stem cell therapy for ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, Bowes is supporting the research team at UCSB, which looks to push regenerative bioengineering onto the clinic scene.

This is not the first time that Bowes has provided aid to the program here at UCSB; he made an earlier donation to found the Garland Initiative, which was named in honor of Bowes’s mother. The Garland Initiative was formed to delve deeper into curing vision impairment that comes with old age as well as diabetic retinopathy.

With the Engineering, Medicine, Biology, Discovery Innovation (EMBODI) program initiated by his latest contribution, groundbreaking research is conducted on major illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s, to name a few. The program also functions as a way of uniting the various biomedical forces at UCSB to display the strides made in medical advances and research.

Bowes’s company, Amgen, is a biopharmaceutical company. The donation is mainly to support CIRM (California Initiative for Regenerative Medicine), which primarily focuses on stem cell research.

As for the practical effects of his donation, they span from regenerative bioengineering to critical research in up and coming fields of medical science. A recent interview with Dean Pierre Wiltzius revealed that Mr. Bowes’s contribution is that of $5 million over a span of five years to attract faculty and form start-up packages. The EMBODI initiative has collected groups such as the Doyle Group, the Center for Nanomedicine and the Transitional Medicine Research Laboratory to work together in the furtherance of

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His donation is also encouraging current students “I think that trusting our school’s at UCSB. “It’s pretty cool, in faculty and students with his my opinion. I think that money towards research goals trusting our school’s facis awesome. It shows a lot about ulty and students with his money towards research the strength of UCSB’s research goals is awesome. It shows capability.” a lot about the strength of UCSB’s research capabil- Ryan Lovelace, ity,” said first-year economfirst-year economics major ics major Ryan Lovelace.

Believing that the program at UCSB is growing, medical research and cures. Each program Mr. Bowes ranks UCSB among the prohas a unique focus and view on biomedical grams that he respects and works with; the research, and what Bowes’s donation has list includes schools such as Caltech, Stanformed is a program that combines them all ford and Harvard. Wiltzius also believes that into a unified front to lead the way in pro- UCSB’s connections with other schools such gressive science. as the medical program at USC, the UniverADVERTISEMENT Paid for by Office of EVPSA

sity of Wisconsin and the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute will make it a unique program for Bowes to work with.

Wiltzius says the combination of UCSB’s strong programs in chemistry and engineering allow it to focus on the department of biology and medical research, creating a unique position for the work being done at UCSB. He says that “the collaboration between sciences” is a key point to why Bill Bowes has chosen to support UCSB’s research program. Mr. Bowes also has a personal tie to the general area of Santa Barbara because his mother resided in the area for a while, working with Dr. Sansum, who was an early administrator of insulin for the treatment of diabetes. With the current trend of pioneers in medical research, Bill Bowes’s support of the program may very well produce the next big pioneer in the medical field here at UCSB.

The Bottom Line | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30

page 8 | Technology

Zipcar App:

A New Excuse to Explore Santa Barbara

by NATHALIE VERA Staff Writer Ran two blocks down El Colegio in your flip-flops trying to catch the 24x, again? Dry cereal it is, because you won’t make it to Albertson’s and back before your next lecture, again?

Don’t worry, there’s an app for that.

For most students at University of California Santa Barbara, riding a bicycle excels as the cheapest and simplest way to go about cam-

pus and Isla Vista. But carrying a week’s worth of groceries in a bike basket seems almost impossible, and carrying them on the bus is just as insane—it was already an odyssey from your mom’s car to the fridge in one trip, and using public transportation is an entirely different story.

However, ever since Zipcar, the international car-sharing service came in the scene, students have been provided with an easier alternative transportation. With their app and its

improvements, it’s even more convenient.

“I can easily reserve a car using my phone’s app,” says Eugene Ho, third-year economics major and Zipcar user for two years. “I mainly use Zipcar to get groceries with my housemates and we then share the rental cost. You just have to return the car on time, or you could potentially be fined $50 per hour and up to $150 per day.”

The app is completely free, and is available for Android smart phones and Apple iOS. The

Photo by Ayeyi Aboagye | The Bottom Line Zipcar stations are conveniently located around campus and in Isla Vista for easy access for members.

Earth-Sized Planet Found in Nearby Alpha Centauri

by MATT MERSEL Scientists have made a monumental discovery: a planet with roughly the same mass as Earth has been found in Alpha Centauri B, part of the closest star system to our own. It has been designated as Alpha Centauri Bb, and it lies 4.23 light years away from us. It is by far the closest extrasolar planet ever detected; the next closest, by comparison, is Gliese 876d, which lies 15 light years away.

Alpha Centauri Bb is within spitting distance of Earth. This immediately raises the notions that we’ve either found a candidate planet for possible colonization, or we could be on the threshold of an alien-inhabited world.

Unfortunately, neither of these things is possible.

Alpha Centauri Bb is not within the “habitable zone” of its solar system. As John Timmer of Ars Technica reports, “With a 3.3 day orbit, the planet is only 0.04 Astronomical Units (1 AU is the typical distance from the Earth to the Sun). That makes this planet blazingly hot, at about 1,500 Kelvin.” That’s equivalent to over 1200 degrees Celsius and over 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface of the planet is not likely to be solid, but rather molten lava. It is unsuitable for human life, and no variety of organisms that we know of that could exist in those conditions.

Alpha Centauri Bb is not the perfect planet that scientists were hoping for. Though it is unsuitable for use, scientists have still found importance in the discovery.

The first notable aspect of this discovery is the technique used to find the planet. A team of scientists at the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland used a tool called HARPS, or the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher. This tool essentially finds planets by tracking their gravitational pull on the host star during its orbit.

“After four years and 450 observations, they found that in the case of Alpha Centauri B, that

tug imparts a velocity of about 20 inches a second, a leisurely walking speed,” reported Dennis Overbye of The New York Times.

“That is the smallest wobble the Swiss team has ever observed.”

Years ago, a minute detection like this would not have even been possible. Many star systems have already been surveyed for planets, and the possibility exists now that we may have missed something. There could be other exoplanets lying in wait all around us, and available technology is getting more and more effective.

However, perhaps the most significant facet of this discovery is simply the fact that Alpha Centauri Bb exists at all. According to a report by Elizabeth Landau of CNN, the discovery shows hope for life in the area. Small-mass planets like the one orbiting Alpha Centauri B are usually not alone with their sun, Xavier Dumusque of the Geneva Observatory told CNN. It’s true; the rate of discovery for other planets in systems with a detected small planet is around 70 percent, according to Timmer. These are phenomenal odds for possibly finding a “twin” for Earth, one capable of housing human life (or already hosting alien life). In fact, Timmer explains that Dumesque and his team estimate that “based on Centauri B’s habitable zone (which is roughly centered on distance that’s equivalent to Venus’ orbit) they should be able to spot a Super-Earth (having five to 10 times Earth’s mass) in the habitable zone.”

Alpha Centauri Bb is not the perfect planet, and will most likely never house any kind of life.

However, its proximity to our own solar system, the improvements in planet detecting technology, and the mere existence of a planet in Alpha Centauri solidify this discovery as one of the most significant in decades.

Humanity may still be centuries away from extrasolar activities, but if this breakthrough is any indication, there are many reasons to be hopeful in the future.

app allows its users to easily look for cars and book them within minutes, making the service even more accessible to those on the go. The feature also allows one to lock, unlock and even honk the car to locate it in a crowded parking lot (or just to show your annoyance at the guy cutting you off on the freeway). The app has been re-released this month with all the new features and updates mentioned above. It virtually transforms a user’s smart phone into a set of keys.

The procedure to sign up with Zipcar is straightforward: the student signs up online, the company runs a driving record check and once the individual is approved, they will immediately be able to start browsing for cars.

After reserving a vehicle, the user scans their Zipcard or phone into the card reader in the windshield to unlock the door (the keys never actually leave the car) and voilá, they are ready for travel.

The innovative service also includes gas and insurance. Students can join for $35 and drive for $8 per hour on weekdays, and $9 per hour on weekends. In addition, the company has six different cars in the UCSB area: one by the Office of the Registrar, two parked by the Pita Pit in IV and two more stationed on Pardall Road in front of South Coast Deli.

“I feel like Zipcar would be great for emergencies,” says third-year electrical engineering major Gabriela Castro. “Ever since my car stopped working, I’ve had to go back to the bus…which only takes you so far. Zipcar seems like the great new excuse to go on little road trips with your friends and split the cost. And the app makes it even more enticing!”

Sure enough, Zipcar and its new app bring just another excuse for students to explore more of Santa Barbara beyond the boundaries of the 24x (and without two sweaty blocks of catching up to it when you miss it).

Popular Porn Site’s Donations to Breast Cancer Foundation Denied Regardless of where the money is coming from, it would undoubtedly be a significant help to any founCompanies from industries dation that receives it. Only 10 across the board have pledged to days into the campaign, the website help women who suffer from breast had already counted more than 25 cancer. Sun Chips, Jell-O, Morton million views, meaning it was on Salt and plenty of other products track to raise around $25,000. proudly display pink ribbons to Nevertheless, the Susan G. show their support for the cause Komen Foundation is not in a poand now, porn is no exception. sition to make risky political deciPornhub.com, a popular porsions after its controversial threats nography website, has pledged to to revoke donate some funds from of its OctoPlanned Parber revenue enthood reto the nation“It doesn’t matter if you’re into ittysulted in a sigal breast cannificant drop bitty-titties, the perfect handful, jumbo cer awareness in participafun-bags or low-swinging flapjacks, cause. tion for many S t u what matters most is that your kind and of its Run dents on the for the Cure selfless gesture will go a long way toUn i v e r s i t y events. wards helping our sisters find a cure.” of California Pornhub.com Santa Bar- Pornhub.com is not making bara campus it easy to take statement announcing their are well aware their support support in the G. Komen Foundation that October of Breast Canis National cer Awareness Breast Canmonth serious“Susan G. Komen for the Cure is not a cer Awareness ly. The camMonth. With partner of pornhub.com. We will not acpaign’s launch pink ribbons page seemed cept donations from this organization adorning evto make light and have asked them to stop using our erything from of this issue, cereal boxes name.” which has had to the field in extremely devG. Komen Foundation spokesperson, Harder Staastating effects in response to Pornhub.com announcing dium, it isn’t on the lives of their support a difficult so many. message to “While you’re receive, but enjoying the now students our Boobs Bus” tour, which fea- boobs, you’ll also be helping to have the option to help donate tured porn star and Charlie Sheen’s Save the Boobs!” the page said. to the breast cancer cause simply ex-girlfriend, Bree Olson, and of- “Together we can give fundraising by watching certain boob-related fered free breast exams from a our ‘breast’ shot!” pornographic videos on Pornhub. board-certified plastic surgeon.

While I’m sure the foundacom.

Nevertheless, the Susan G. tion could certainly find a use for The website released a state- Komen foundation will not risk Pornhub.com’s donation, it may be ment in early October announcing aligning itself with Pornhub.com a publicity disaster that the organiits plans to donate one cent for ev- and has refused to accept the web- zation simply can’t afford so soon ery 30 views of videos in their “big- site’s pledge. after its previous missteps, espetit” and “small-tit” categories to the “Susan G. Komen for the Cure cially considering the immaturity Susan G. Komen Foundation. is not a partner of pornhub.com. of the website’s campaign.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re We will not accept donations from Regardless, Pornhub.com is into itty-bitty-titties, the perfect this organization and have asked still promising to donate all of the handful, jumbo fun-bags or low- them to stop using our name,” the money once they find another orswinging flapjacks, what matters foundation’s spokesperson said in ganization willing to step up. In the most is that your kind and selfless an email to The Huffington Post. meantime, UCSB students and evgesture will go a long way towards Some people think that the eryone else looking for a new way helping our sisters to find a cure,” foundation should accept the to rub out breast cancer can watch the statement said. money, citing old idioms involving boob-related pornographic videos So is Pornhub.com making a gift horses’ mouths and what not. to their heart’s double delight.

by KEVIN SIMMS

genuine effort to help the victims of breast cancer or are they guilty of “pinkwashing,” a term coined to address the exploitation of Breast Cancer Awareness month that several companies have been accused of in recent years?

It is difficult to say, as this is not the first time the website has made efforts to help the breast cancer cause. In April of this year, Pornhub.com sponsored a “Save

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