University of California, Santa Barbara || Volume XIII, Issue I || Oct. 3, 2018 || BottomLineUCSB.com
NEWS
FEATURES
OPINIONS
ART AND ENTERTAINMENT
WELCOME HOME, GAUCHOS.
Hot Spots in UCSB Are you wondering whether you should try out popular chains like Freebirds and Starbucks or opt for some lesser-known sensations? This article explores the best-of-the-best in and around UCSB for snacking and studying.
OPINIONS Page 10
Getting involved in Research at UCSB Learn how to get involved with student research with UCSB professors through our university’s directory, FRAP.
NEWS
Page 3
SCIENCE AND TECH
MEET THE STAFF 2018-2019
News Editor Arturo Samaniego
Editor-in-Chief Alex Yam
Managing Editor Mable Truong
Executive Content Editor Lauren Marnel Shores
News Editor Anette Ding
Features Editor Veronica Penate
Arts & Entertainment Editor Addison Morris
Senior Copy Editor Spencer wu
Science & Tech Editor Hannah Maerowitz
Opinions Editor Jessica Gang
Video Editor Fabiola Esqueda
Campus Beat Reporter Minh Hua
Isla Vista Beat Reporter Alondra Sierra
Digital Photo Editor Dominick Ojeda
Print Photo Editor Juan Gonzalez
Marketing Director Erica Kaplan
Advertising Director Tanya Gosselin
Web Editor Docean Park
Layout Editor Natalie Dye
Layout Editor Chrissy Cho
Layout Editor Vivianna Shields
Copy Editor Mckinsey Fidellow
Copy Editor Sheila Tran
TBL | Oct. 3, 2017
3 | NEWS
FRAP is a directory which provides information about faculty currently involved in research and the prerequisites needed to participate in the projects.
Photo by Juan Gonzalez | Print Photo Editor
Getting Involved in Research at UCSB FRAP and the UCRA Lead the Change for Undergraduate Research
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s a major research university, UC Santa Barbara offers a wide selection of collaborative research programs, such as the Faculty Research Assistance Program (FRAP). Additionally, students interested in independent research can also find support from programs such as the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) Grant and McNair Scholars Program. Students who are interested in faculty research can consult the FRAP, a directory which provides information about faculty currently involved in research and the prerequisites needed to participate in the projects. Getting involved through FRAP can be as easy as sending in an inquiry email, and students need not be overly restricted by their major in choosing a research program. For example, the English Broadside Ballad Archive (EBBA) is one of the many research initiatives listed on FRAP. According to Kristen McCants, the program’s assistant director, undergraduates interested in working for the archive can expect to do most of the
same tasks as graduate students. The URCA grant provides Undergraduates who are “It is not difficult at all to undergraduate students conduct- interested in going farther with get involved with EBBA. We wel- ing independent research projects their education can also check out come undergrads from all majors, or creative activities with a maxi- the McNair Scholars Program, not just humanities majors,” said mum award of $750 dollars per which prepares undergraduates McCants. project. Undergraduates apply- for entrance to a Ph.D program Additionally, undergradu- ing to the grant must be in good in all fields of study. ates who find themselves en- academic standing, be currently Xochitl Briseno, a third grossed by their professors’ lec- engaged in research or planning year political science major, told tures and research can approach to start one, and identify a faculty The Bottom Line, “[The prothem directly. member who is willing to super- gram] connected me with a facHaley ulty mentor and my Nieh, who research centers on graduated last high impact education, year as a double which are forms of The program connected me with major in politiextracurriculars or exa faculty mentor and my research cal science and periences that develop environmental the students in and out centers on high impact education studies, told The of the classroom.” Bottom Line, “I In order to be was a research eligible for the McNair assistant at the Bren School un- vise their project. Scholars Program, an applicant der Professor Mark Buntaine. I As a conclusion to their must have been enrolled at UCSB approached him during office work, URCA grant recipients are for a quarter with a cumulative hours after setting up a meeting expected to present their work at GPA of 3.0 or higher, completed via email. He was super kind and the Undergraduate Research Col- at least 60 units, be a U.S. citizen lots of professors are this way if loquium during the spring quar- or permanent resident, intend to you show you’ve done your due ter of the proposed year. pursue a Ph.D. after graduation, diligence on their research.” The Undergraduate Re- and be a low income and a first On the other hand, the search Colloquium is an annual generation college student. university has programs in place exhibition of UCSB undergradu“Stick with it. Do not to support students who have ate research or creative activity. give up on getting involved and specific research ideas in mind Any individual or group can sub- research under mentors/profesand would like to pursue their mit an entry to participate in the sors. They’re busy too, so it takes a own independent research. colloquium. great deal of persistence, commu-
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MINH HUA Campus Beat Reporter
nication, and hard work in not only getting involved in research, but [also] producing great work,” encouraged Neih. Participating in research as an undergraduate can be daunting due to the perception that professors are hard to approach. However, having research experience can be a valuable asset for undergraduates who are seeking careers or planning on attending graduate school. According to Jeremy Levine, a fourth year economics major and research assistant at the Economics Forecast Project, “Researching with [the Economics Forecast Project] has been extremely beneficial in teaching me applied economics and helping me decide the career path I want to pursue. Most importantly, both types of work I’ve done with EFP showed me how economics can be practically used to answer questions people care about.” Students interested in doing research at UCSB can check out http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/ research for a complete list of available opportunities.
4 | FEATURES
Mojo TeaHouse: a slice of home Photo by Juan Gonzalez | Print Photo Editor
DANA DELA CRUZ Staff Writer Mojo Teahouse opened on Trigo Road in late August, promising high-quality, authentic tea and Asian fusion snacks. As someone who grew up around plenty of boba shops and teahouses, I was excited but skeptical—so I visited Mojo several times to determine whether it was my new boba-away-fromhome or another disappointment. The first thing I noticed was how inviting the space— formerly occupied by 805 Kabob—felt. Mojo has repainted the storefront to a brighter white and blue, and the wooden deck railing now serves as a dining counter lined with matching blue chairs. The employees were welcoming and friendly, gladly answering any questions and offering their recommendations. The drink menu is fairly standard, with a variety of black, jasmine, and roasted oolong teas.
So far, I’ve tried the honey roasted oolong milk tea, Thai tea, and kumquat lemon tea. I enjoyed all three, but roasted oolong is my regular order for its earthy, malt-like flavor. But in all three drinks I’ve ordered, the tea flavor truly shone. Mojo’s drinks have an excellent flavor complexity, showcasing the slight bitterness and floral quality of good tea, rather than masking it with overly sweet syrups or powders. The teas pair well with Mojo’s Asian fusion snacks. I have tried the popcorn chicken, kimchi fries, spicy Korean chicken wings, and beef gyudon rice bowl—and Mojo nailed them all. Both the popcorn chicken and the wings were perfectly fried: juicy and tender with a satisfying crunch. The kimchi fries were addictive and packed with flavor. For the spice-averse, don’t fear: the kimchi fries and the spicy wings gave only a mild, pleasant heat. (Mojo also has plenty of Sriracha and chili powder for the spice-lovers as well.)
My favorite item was the beef gyudon bowl, which featured tender beef, onions, and fluffy white rice. It also came with a side of seaweed salad, adding some needed freshness to the rich dish. The flavors were so comforting and familiar I was convinced for a second that my mom was hiding in the kitchen. Despite impressive quality all around, Mojo’s prices are on par with other boba joints, both in I.V. and elsewhere. Most drinks and snacks are around five dollars each; the rice bowls and the ten-piece wings cost ten dollars. Keep in mind that snacks are typically meant for sharing, and the rice bowls are easily large enough for a full meal. But even more than the delicious food and drinks, friendly employees, and reasonable prices, there is something else about Mojo Teahouse that keeps me coming back: it is a little sliver of home. Having grown up in an Asian ethnoburb studded with boba shops on every block, I can
say that for many Asian American students, boba shops are more than a place for food and drink. Almost every day in high school, my friends and I would spend hours at our local boba shop, mouths half full with popcorn chicken, groaning about calculus or gossipping about prom dates. Sitting at the neighboring tables were other Asian Americans kids, doing the same thing. For all of us, stabbing straws through the plastic sealing became like a ritual, the transition into good times to be had with friends. When I spoke with Boxi Wang, Mojo’s general manager, he shared a similar sentiment. “You go [to boba shops] even though you’re not feeling you want boba,” Wang said. “But you still go with your friends after dinner and just talk about life and stuff.” In high school, Wang worked at Quickly, a mega-popular boba chain, from which he drew some
inspiration for Mojo’s menu. He then went to UCSB, where he said he was “disappointed” by the Asian food options. Wang’s longing for quality Asian food, assisted by the economics degree he acquired in 2015, led to the inception of Mojo Teahouse. “I do really thank UCSB [for] giving me this opportunity,” Wang said, pointing to the Storke Tower illustration on my boba cup. “I came here, I studied here, and I found there’s a demand for this … Hopefully it’ll represent Gauchos.” Wang’s love for Asian food and boba is evident in every bite and sip, something bobalovers and newcomers alike can appreciate. I anticipate that Mojo Teahouse will become for Gauchos what boba shops have always been for me: a gathering place for friends, where life slows down just a little for a good snack and some good laughs.
5 | Oct. 3, 2018
HOW ACCURATE IS R AT E M Y P R O F E S S O R S ? TBL Asked Fellow Students How Effective RMP is in Determining the Overall Educational Quality of a Course CARMIYA BASKIN Staff Writer Each quarter, college students face the daunting task of choosing their classes. Whether they are searching for courses to fill general education requirements or major prerequisites, how do students decide which classes to take? First launched in May 1999, RateMyProfessors.com (RMP) seems to be the answer for many. The site is used by more than four million college students every month, and has gained popularity since its initial launch by software engineer John Swapceinski. The site, built for and by college students, is also available as an app on IOS and Android devices. Both the app and the website provide the same information and process for searching for professors and universities. Users simply type in the name of a college or a professor and are presented with information like overall quality of the professor’s teaching, the level of difficulty, and the chance student would take a course from the professor again. A professor’s page generally displays student comments for specific classes the professor has taught. Also included are also details on whether a textbook was used, whether attendance was mandatory, and what grade the commenter received.
Jordan Yutan, a fourth year global studies and sociology double major, said that she heard about RMP through her orientation leaders. In an interview with The Bottom Line, she said, “I actually ended up going to the site while I picked out what classes I wanted my first quarter at UCSB. I’ve used the site as a reference ever since.” Tommy Vo, a third year political science major, told The Bottom Line that he first learned about RMP from other students during his freshman year in the dorms, and now, he always uses the site to research professors before signing up for classes. When asked about its effectiveness as a tool for picking out classes and professors, Vo said “it definitely plays a factor in whether or not I choose a course on GOLD. Even in classes related to my major, I prefer to take classes in which the professor has a decent rating.” Yutan agreed saying that, while the ratings are generally accurate, “RMP should always be taken with a grain of salt. She continued. “I’d never use it as a deciding factor for whether or not I’ll stay in a class. However, it will always have bearing.” Both interviewees agreed that the site remains the most popular and helpful resource of its kind, especially due to a scarcity of alternatives. According to the RateMyProfessors website, RMP “is
the largest online destination for professor ratings.” With over 1.7 million professors, 7,500 schools, and 19 million ratings, this is the highest trafficked site for researching and rating professors. Speaking on potential alternatives, Yutan said, “I also go out and ask other people if they’ve heard of or recommend a certain professor for a specific class.” Likewise, Vo added, “besides talking to friends who have taken a course with a certain professor, there aren’t many resources we have to see how a professor might teach.” “I would love to see more options in being able to evaluate a professor before we take a class,” said Vo. Furthermore, each year, RateMyProfessors.com compiles Top Lists of the Highest Rated Professors and Top Schools in the United States based on student ratings. Vo affirmed that RMP is a very useful resource as professors are “one of the most important aspects of our education.” He said, “we should know more about their teaching before we commit to these courses.” Overall, RMP’s effectiveness as a student resource seems to depend on judicious use. While the site’s ratings may be of mixed credibility, student comments will contain personal, often-impassioned testimonials from fellow students--making it just what many Gauchos are looking for.
OVERALL QUALITY
4.0 LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
80% WOULD TAKE AGAIN
3.5
6 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS & LECTURES PREVIEW JESSICA GANG Opinions Editor
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n 2019, UCSB’s famed Arts and & Lectures organization, which showcases some of the most interesting contemporary performances and lectures in Southern California, will commemorate its 60th anniversary. To celebrate the 20182019 season, the university has released a stunning lineup of events, with returning guests that include Yo-Yo Ma, David Sedaris, and the Joffrey Ballet, as well as performance debuts of newcomers like Jeff Goldblum. Arts & Lectures, founded at UCSB in 1969, is an organization dedicated to bringing artists, authors, leaders, and other notable figures to UCSB. The organization allows them to share knowledge, advice, and expertise with the public. Hailed as the “the largest and most influential arts and lectures organization between Los Ange-
les and San Francisco,” Arts and Lectures opens each of its events to the public, but offers discounted tickets to UCSB students every year. In the past, single tickets available to the public have sold for upwards of $75-$100, while tickets for the same events have been available to students for $15-$20 each. Each year, Arts & Lectures presents more than a hundred events, which include everything from critically-acclaimed concerts to conversations with pioneering authors and politicians. This year, the season kicks off on September 29 with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performing Wynton Marsalis’ Spaces, a 10part jazz suite described as a “jazz Carnival of the Animals.” Other highlights of the season include Jurassic Park actor Jeff Goldblum, performing with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on November 3, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on January 22, the world-famous Joffrey
Ballet on March 5 and 6, cellist Yo-Yo Ma on April 27, and Stardust and Coraline author Neil Gaiman on May 11. Tickets for Arts & Lectures events tend to sell out quickly, especially amongst students. Events are usually held in three main venues: on-campus in UCSB’s largest auditorium, Campbell Hall, or in one of two downtown theaters, The Arlington or The Granada. Students are almost always guaranteed discounted tickets, but are rarely guaranteed seating at every event. Instead, they are typically offered seats in the back half the venue, and in the upper tier of large theatres like The Arlington Theater or The Granada Theater. The best way to ensure that you get tickets for your favorite events is to buy them as soon as they become available. When you select an event, an interactive seating chart is displayed. Available seats (shown in yellow) contain an additional signifier denoting whether or not the
Photo by Juan Gonzalez | Print Photo Editor
seat is available to a UCSB student or is reserved for a member of the general public. Occasionally, interest in Arts & Lectures events has been so high that the organization has been unable to meet the demand. During the 2017-2018 school year, the Arts & Lectures program announced that they would be hosting An Evening with Joe Biden at the Arlington Theatre, which resulted in a record-breaking number of tickets sold. Because public demand for the tickets was at an all-time high, only a few students were able to make it into the Arlington Theatre, mainly through the help of a lottery that raffled off tickets to a select number of students. Those unable to get tickets were treated to a free live screening of the event in Campbell Hall. In addition to events offered during the regular season, Arts & Lectures also sponsors various charitable events, with the intent of giving back to the community.
As part of their performing arts outreach initiative, Arts & Lectures provides free educational activities to around 30,000 students a year, from elementary school students to college students. Calling the outreach initiative “engaging, educating, and inspiring,” Mary Khan, principal of the Isla Vista School, stated that her “students connect on many levels” to various performances. The same can be said for UCSB students. Arts & Lectures is a wonderful resource for the Santa Barbara community, but especially for UCSB scholars, who have world-class entertainment and knowledge delivered to their door, at a discounted price. Support your community today by buying a ticket to see one of your favorite artists. To find out more about the Arts & Lectures program at UCSB or view the entire list of events, visit https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu/ or call (805) 893-3535.
7 | Oct 3, 2018
UCSB’s welcome back concert Addison Morris Arts & Entertainment Editor
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ulminating UCSB’s Week of Welcome festivities, Southern California’s own Cuco headlined Saturday’s Welcome Back Concert at Storke Plaza. Cuco’s DJ warmed up the crowd of new and returning students, who had assembled outside the fences long before the scheduled 9 p.m. showtime. AS Program Board hosted this annual event, but this year, it may have been a bit anticlimactic. Cuco (real name: Omar Banos) is a 20-year-old singer, songwriter, musician, and producer whose songs combine Latin influences, Spanish lyricism, and hip millennialism. While still in high school, Cuco got his first taste of fame when a Twitter clip of him playing Santo & Johnny’s “Sleepwalk” on the slide guitar went viral. He followed up that brief Internet stardom with bona fide hits, releasing songs such as “Lo Que Siento” and “Amore de Siempre” on Spotify, where he now has over 1.5 million monthly listeners. The artist’s young age, combined with his rise through social media, makes him a relatable, down-to-earth artist. His background makes him more approachable than other celebrities who are born into fame or make their way into the limelight via connections. His achievement may be the American Dream of everyday millennials wishing to find fame as singers, dancers, actors, and comedians by becoming social media stars. Due to the artist’s likability, turnout was high. Lengthy lines at all four corners of Storke Plaza took students half an hour to go through before entering the venue. For his actual performance on Saturday night, Cuco chose a DJ set combining some of the world’s most popular hip-hop, Latin, and
reggae songs. Unfortunately, he did not play any of his own songs and he did not sing or play any instrument for the crowd. Consequently, the show was a bit of a letdown. High atop his stage, far behind his mixing board, Cuco barely acknowledged the crowd or showed his face. Even worse, both he and a member of his crew, when taking the mic to address the audience, faltered and messed up our acronym, UCSB. Cuco also appeared on stage 20 minutes late, indicating his lack of regard for this gig. Aside from the obvious disappointments, Cuco’s selection of popular songs also displeased. Revelers seemed to find it hard to dance to his odd mixes of new and old known-but-not-well-liked tunes. He quite enjoyed ceasing all music and turning off all lights for dramatic effect, but his suspensions landed at uncomfortable parts of songs, often where beats were supposed to drop, making the music very awkward to dance to. I heard one concert-goer ask when leaving, “If Cuco just DJed the whole show, what was the point of having his DJ open for him?” It’s a fair question; Cuco’s hype man didn’t add anything special to the show—or vice versa, Cuco didn’t add anything new after his DJ’s performance. They both showcased the same talent: mixing other artists’ songs. And unfortunately, neither of them did it that well. While the Welcome Back Concert this year was a bit of a letdown—especially after a considerable amount of hype—AS Program Board has much more fun to offer throughout the year still. Enthusiastic UCSB students will be sure to check out their Free Tuesday Films this quarter at IV Theater, weekly showings at 7 and 10 p.m, and will not want to miss IV First Friday on October 5 at 8 p.m. in the People’s Park. Photo by Juan Gonzalez | Print Photo Editor
8 | SCIENCE & TECH
ENVIRONMENTALISM Photo by Juan Gonzalez | Print Photo Editor
ANAIS TOURNIER Staff Writer
Situated near the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Santa Barbara Channel, UCSB is located in one of the most beautiful regions of California. Given the university’s proximity to nature, it is no surprise that UCSB has a reputable environmental studies program and was home to the first Earth Day. Less commonly known is that the genesis of UCSB’s commitment to maintaining a healthy planet was the result of an oil spill that happened just 5.8 miles away from Santa Barbara’s coast. On January 28, 1969, Union Oil Platform A, an oil rig in the Santa Barbara Channel, experienced a pipe failure. As a result, three million gallons of crude oil were released into the ocean, engulfing over 35 miles of beach property from Goleta to Ventura. The aftermath of this oil spill devastated the Santa Barbara region. Boats and beachfront property were destroyed by oil. The spill killed 3,700 birds, as well as many other marine animals. The Santa Barbara community responded to this devastation with civic activism and organized
at UC Santa Barbara
protests. At the forefront of these efforts was Marc McGinnes, a corporate lawyer at the time, who was asked by Congressman McCloskey to help Santa Barbara during the oil skill, launching McGinnes’ environmental career. With the help of other environmentalists (including Paul Ehrlich, Garrett Hardin, and Rod Nash), McGinnes hosted the first Environmental Rights Day exactly one year after the oil spill. Environmental Rights Day was the beginning of a new environmental movement. After Santa Barbara hosted the first Environmental Rights Day, where The Declaration of Environmental Rights was read for the first time, hundreds of other cities were inspired to celebrate Earth Day for the first time. However, McGinnes states that the environmental movement would not have gained so much momentum in Santa Barbara if not for an existing spirit of activism in the community. The Vietnam War had previously sparked protests at UCSB in the 1970s, fueling a desire to fight for change that strongly influenced the popularity of environmentalism. “Students wanted to live differently than their parents. They
were looking for different ways of thinking. So the environmental movement was exactly the kind of change that the students were looking for,” said McGuiness in an interview with The Bottom Line. With student support, the movement expanded exponentially. The environmental movement was different from other movements because it was not politically or economically motivated. “Spiritualism was at the core of the movement,” said McGinnes, who first became interested in the environment when he looked at the first image taken of the Earth from space. Many others felt the same type of awe for nature, which spurred the environmental movement onward. Fifty years after UCSB defined itself as a campus characterized by environmental advocacy, students and faculty continue to find new ways to help the environment. For instance, McGinnes founded both the Community Environmental Council and Environmental Defense Center to protect nature and educate the public about ecology. McGinnes also partnered with Rod Nash to create the first environmental studies program in the nation at UCSB. McGinnes attributes the
success of the environmental studies program to amazing lecturers and students’ continual desire to fix environmental issues. UCSB’s environmental alumni includes the President of Sunpower and Vice President of Sustainability at Quicksilver. Environmental advocacy has also grown outside of the environmental science program, with over 40 environment-related clubs currently active on campus. The Environmental Affairs Board (EAB), one of UCSB’s most prominent environmental organizations, has been addressing local and national environmental issues since 1992. Recently, the club has focused on three specific issues: zero waste, renewable energy, and sustainability. To support a zero waste mentality, EAB has quarterly Pop-Up Thrift Shops, which educates students about the environmental benefits of shopping at secondhand stores.
EAB has also pushed a renewable energy campaign. EAB plans to replace all of the lightbulbs in the bookstore with LED light bulbs, which will be funded by a grant from the Green Initiative Fund. Through these projects, EAB has continued building the university’s environmental legacy. Over 40 years after the first Environmental Rights Day, the spirit of environmentalism still deeply influences Santa Barbara and the rest of the world. Earth Day is celebrated in over 160 countries and cultivates environment-based thinking in people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. At a time where climate change and other human-caused environmental problems threaten the environment and the foundations of our society, the desire to innovate and collaborate in the face of these problems is more important than ever—for Santa Barbara and beyond.
“UCSB has a reputable Environmental Studies Program and was home to the first Earth Day.”
9 | Oct. 3, 2018
MATT SHAMSHOIAN Python. C++. C. R. This blur of programming languages can get a little confusing, even for the most seasoned of computer scientists. The confusion stems from the fact that easy to use languages like Python, which weren’t designed to process large amounts of information quickly, need to be written in harder to use languages like C for data heavy tasks. This costs programmers valuable time and effort, forcing them to translate back and forth between languages and therefore increasing the chances for mistakes. Dissatisfied and eager for something better, UCSB alumni Viral Shah and Stefan Karpinski set out to solve this problem by designing a programming language that is both fast and easy to use. Their solution is Julia. “You’re led to believe that it’s an immutable law of nature that you can either have a programming language that’s easy to use, or fast,” said Shah in an interview with The Bottom Line. “We don’t agree with that.” Julia, which launched version 1.0 in August, was designed to bridge the gap between languages by allowing programmers to write in Julia instead of switching back and forth between languages. Although Julia is the most recent attempt to solve the twolanguage problem, it is not the first. According to Karpinski, past attempts failed due to a combi-
nation of proprietary software behind a paywall and “unusual syntax” that made the languages difficult to use. Julia avoids those pitfalls by cultivating an open source community of collaborators, and using syntax that is easy enough for programmers who are not computer scientists to understand. Putting Julia behind a paywall “was never even a question,” said Shah. This enables the kind of interdisciplinary collaboration that makes Julia unique. “Some of our best contributors are economists, neuroscientists, ecologists, and people from psychology,” said Shah. “I think that’s what makes Julia what it is … in the end, we all designed it because we wanted to use it ourselves.” Interdisciplinary contribution has been key to Julia’s success from the beginning. The collaboration between Shah, an applied scientist, and Karpinski, a data scientist, set the stage for the communication across disciplines that characterizes Julia’s community. The team expanded when Shah brought co-creator Jeff Bezanson on board for his computer science perspective. Bezanson then introduced the team to cocreator Alan Edelman, a mathematician who eventually funded Julia and established MIT as a home base for Julia research. Once just an idea, Julia is now used by 250,000 to 500,000 people. The language also has 2,000
collaboratively built packages, which expand functionality for field-specific applications. Julia’s rapid growth had led to its adoption in many data-heavy applications across the world. Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer, uses the language for calculating complex risk models, while the Boston Public School District used Julia to optimize school bus routes, saving over $5 million in tax funds, according to Shah. Julia proved its power again when NASA ran it on one of the top five supercomputers in the world, cataloging every visible astronomical light source in the observable universe for the first time in a mere 15 minutes. The code was written by a statistician who would have never otherwise been able to write a high performance program on this scale, said Shah. Though Julia is flying high now, its beginnings were humble. Born at UCSB’s recreation center fields over tossed frisbees and conversations about shared programming frustrations, Julia started small. Originally starting with Karpinski and Shah, the Julia team expanded to include Bezanson and Edelman, and the language slowly started taking form. “Google had hundreds of engineers,” said Shah. “It was just the three of us trying to play around with something new.” However, that was no obstacle for the team with no shortage of time or passion. In fact, it helped them solidify their vision for the
language. “If it didn’t succeed, that was fine,” said Shah. “We were not constrained by someone’s requirements of what it had to achieve, because all it had to achieve was what we wanted it to achieve — nothing more or less.” The team built the language of their dreams over email, sending about 29,000 emails in total — all while Shah was in India, Karpinski in New York, and Bezanson and Edelman in Boston. Karpinski and Shah hope to see Julia expand significantly outside of its current use in technical computing, to a point where it’s taught in schools, implemented in rockets, smartphones, selfdriving cars, and virtually any internet connected device. But it is hard to predict where Julia’s path might lead. “I think it would be best not to pretend to have an idea where it’s going to go, and let the users take it in directions we can’t imagine,” said Shah. Though Julia aims to solve the two-language problem once and for all, there will likely never be one ultimate programming language immune to the advancement of newer, better languages. “I would consider us to have truly succeeded if 20 years from now there’s a new programming language, and its whole mission is to try to replace this old Julia thing that people are using that is no longer the best you could possibly do,” said Karpinski. “That would be true success.”
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia
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You’re led to believe that it’s an immutable law of nature that you can either have a programming language that’s easy to use, or fast... We don’t agree with that.
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A Solution to the Two-Language Programming Problem
10 10 | OPINIONS
Top Places to Visit This Year at UCSB
Have you been looking for some good study spots or great food at UCSB? Are you wondering whether you should try out popular chains like Freebirds and Starbucks or opt for some lesser-known sensations? This article explores the best-of-the-best in and around UCSB for snacking and studying. ADDISON MORRIS Arts & Entertainment Editor
10.
The Lib: Got a Date with Davidson?
This location barely makes the cut because it’s often overcrowded—just visit the popular fourth floor to see what I mean. However, certain corners inside UCSB’s Davidson Library are perfect study spots. If you’re actually looking to study and not socialize, then the Quiet Floors on the uppermost levels are generally sparsely populated. If you’re looking for a place to study with a few friends, I would recommend a group study or special collection room. The Ethnic and Gender Studies Collection, located on the second floor of Ocean Side, for example, provides a secluded repose.
9.
Caje: I Won’t Be Cajey About this Secret
Located near the entrance of I.V., Caje is the perfect Insta-worthy cafe, because the food is just as aesthetic as the atmosphere. Caje has a soothing, earthy vibe which helps if you’re studying for stressful exams or writing frustrating papers. It has tables both outdoors and indoors—not to mention free wifi—which makes it a great spot for group studying.
8.
Habit: An Unbreakable Habit
Located just past Pardall Tunnel, The Habit Burger Grill is on nearly every I.V. resident’s commute home. Habit is a popular chain, but now that Silvergreens went and took burgers off the menu, it is about the only decent burger place in I.V.
7.
Santorini Island Grill: The Only Greek Restaurant at UCSB
Sure, you’ll grab Panda or Jamba at the UCEN sometimes, but Santorini Island Grill is about the only Greek food you can find in and around UCSB. I’d recommend the Gyros Pita Meal, the Falafel Pita Meal, or the California Pita Meal. However, both vegetarians and meat-eaters can’t go wrong. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great spot to eat while you do some reading.
6.
The Arbor: The Arbor Has its Day, but Where are the Trees?
Located just across from the Library, The Arbor is the largest convenience store on campus, with Subway, Woodstock’s, and its own coffee window. It’s often hard to find a seat, but you can always sit on the lawn outside the library. Almost every UCSB student has bought something they’ve loved from The Arbor while hanging out in between classes.
5.
The Courtyard Cafe: For Engineering Students (or Those Adventurous Explorers)
The Courtyard Cafe is really the only food option in the far northeast corner of campus. It has hot meals and onthe-go snacks, as well as a yummy restaurant: Yoshinoya. If you’re a sweet-tooth, don’t miss out on the crepes and baked goods. It’s like The Arbor, but it’s also more of a restaurant/ cafe than convenience store, qualifying as a “hidden gem” on campus.
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IV Drip: Infusions of Ice Cream
Be prepared to gain the freshman fifteen—or maybe senior seventeen—off IV Drip alone. Don’t go all the way downtown to get your McConnell’s, because they sell it right here on Embarcadero del Norte. They also sell so much more: frozen yogurt, cookies, and coffee. Plus, IV Drip is open until midnight--making it the perfect reward after a grueling night of studying. With a clever name, this heaven-on-earth steals spot #3.
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The SRB: Try it once, and you’ll BRB
The Student Resource Building may be the most neglected student resource on campus. Even though it houses The Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity, the Student Mental Health Coordination Services, and the Women, Gender, and Sexual Equity (WGSE) among other great programs, it’s generally overlooked by passersbys. I encourage all students to take advantage of their free (or tuition-sponsored) events, like study jams with snacks, confidential HIV testing, and yoga classes. A little-known college hack is that you don’t ever actually have to buy scantrons; you just have to stop by a sponsored event to pick them up.
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The Great Outdoors: Enough Said
UCSB’s proximity to the beach is one of its enduring draws. We’re one of the few campuses located right on the water so visit Sands at the end of I.V. to study there. Hang out at one of the many beach-side parks in I.V., like Pelican Park or Sea Lookout Park. Sit on one of the lawns or in a quad on campus—we’ve got dozens of hidden, beautiful ones! Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a returning senior, take the time to enjoy the stunning nature that surrounds us dburing your time here.
Fire and Ice: Hot Sesame Balls and Cold Boba
Often overlooked, Fire and Ice takes fourth place for its amazing mochi balls and boba. Fire and Ice is the perfect restaurant to check out because it’s located on many students’ route home (after a long night at the lib.) I personally love the sesame balls and the peanut-butter chocolate shake with boba, but anything on the menu is delicious. I’d definitely recommend this place for a late-night study snack. Illustration by Mable Truong | Managing Editor
11 | Oct. 3, 2018
Letter to a New UCSB Student MINH HUA Campus Beat Reporter
dear freshman student, If you are reading this letter, then there is a high chance that you are quivering in fear of your daunting future at UCSB. However, I will try to offer some words of advice to you as a seasoned veteran of college life. If you choose to heed my words, then you might just make it out alive. Getting involved is the name of the game. Playing an active role in the community not only fosters your professional development, but can also be fun and rewarding. Check out the club fair and the Office of Student Life (OSL) website to discover volunteering opportunities and social events to immerse yourself in. You can also find your niche by meeting the clubs tabling in front of the Arbor and around campus. Additionally, as a researchoriented institution, UCSB offers a diverse selection of opportunities for undergraduates to engage in independent and collaborative research. Getting involved with research is as easy as emailing professors about projects that you find interesting, going to their office hours, or even asking professors directly after lectures. Most professors are eager to connect with students who come to their office hours and welcome students that show interest in their research. As a quick tip, check out the Faculty Research Assistance Program directory, which provides information about current research projects, the faculty con-
ducting the research, and their contact information. I didn’t get involved my freshman year because I considered it a chore and didn’t feel like I fit in. My first year at UCSB consisted of me attending class and retreating to my dorm room to watch Netflix once class was over. In hindsight, maybe I shouldn’t have watched “Friends” for the seventh time because the irony was that by the end of my first year, I had no friends. I simply didn’t try hard enough to find a place where I felt comfortable. As a result, when second year rolled around, I bid farewell to my Netflix account and I embarked on a path towards my true destiny. A year later, I’ve found a home at The Bottom Line as the Campus Beat Reporter and as a member of the Data Science at UCSB club. Try your best to find an involvement that is right for you. Cast a wider net by going to general meetings for several different clubs and then narrowing it down to one or two that really speak to your interests. It is at these organizations where you will be able to make friends and expand your social network. College is a great place to cultivate your social network, and a bigger network equals more professional and personal opportunities. If you thrive off social interaction, make the effort to talk to your fellow Gauchos at parties, or stay a few minutes after class to chat with your professor or TA.
If you’re on the shyer side, there are still plenty of ways to forge close bonds. It can be as easy as attending floor events hosted by your RA, dropping into a club meeting, or even saying a quick hello to the person sitting next to you in class. Meeting colorful and diverse people will not only enrich your experience at UCSB but also open up new and exciting doors. Before I end, I would like to detail some miscellaneous tips, as a Gaucho-style reference guide: • Our rival is Cal Poly SLO. • Our mascot is a Gaucho but our spirit animal is a raccoon. • Our drunk food of choice is buffalo chicken cheese fries. • We’ve survived fires, floods, earthquakes, and more. • Our Lord and savior is Chancellor Yang. • We are beer die (and Gaucho Ball) champions. • Couch burning is considered arson. I know that it may seem cliché to say that your time at college will pass in the blink of an eye, but I say it as someone who regrets losing that time. These are the last few years of real freedom that any of us will experience before we lose ourselves to the shackles of adult life. So take the time to make time! I’ve said all that I can, the rest is in your hands. Good luck, fresh meat!
Sincerely,
A Helpful Gaucho
Photo Courtesy of Minh Hua
Minh Hua is currently a fourth year attending UCSB.
TBL | Oct 3, 2018
12 | PHOTO
Cuco Show Welcome Back Concert
Cuco gets the audience ready with an original DJ mix. Photos by Juan Gonzalez | Photo Editor
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Cuco kicks off his performance with an original song “CR-V”.
Cuco comes to the front stage to deliver a fast verse from “Summertime Hightime.”
Behind a purple haze, Cuco gets intimate with the audience.
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The DJ opener gets the audience ready for Cuco’s arrival.