University of California, Santa Barbara || Volume XIII, Issue X || Jan. 23, 2019 || BottomLineUCSB.com
NEWS
FEATURES
OPINIONS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SCIENCE & TECH
SPORTS
VIDEO
HA IR
T h e M u s i ca l A&E
Page 6
Photo by Juan Gonzalez | Photo Editor
Kavli Brain Showcase Feature Neurons fired fast as the inaugural Kavli BRAIN Showcase provided an opportunity for interdisciplinary brain research
OPINIONS
Page 6
California Tacos & Taproom Food Review Isla Vista welcomes California Tacos & Taproom, the college town’s newest Mexican option.
FEATURES
Page 4
TBL | Jan. 23, 2019
2 | NEWS
UC AND ELSEVIER NEGOTIATIONS: A PUSH FOR OPEN ACCESS 2014 2015 2016 2017
$9,505,109.42 $9,742,737.43 $9,986,305.91 $10,260,928.63
2018 $10,568,756.54 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $6,000,000 $8,000,000 $10,000,000 Data Courtesy of UC Regents. Elaine Chen | The Bottom Line
MINH HUA Campus Beat Reporter Negotiations between the University of California (UC) and scholarly journal publisher Elsevier for a new contract are approaching its termination, as the UC fights to move away from previous modes of academic publishing towards more affordable and reader-friendly open access publishing. The two parties’ five-year contract expired on Dec. 31, 2018, with renegotiations moving past the original deadline into January. According to the University of California Office of Scholarly Communication, the UC and Elsevier are continuing discussions in a good-faith effort to conclude negotiations by Jan. 31. As a show of cooperation, UC and Elsevier have agreed that access to journals will be extended to the UC during this time, allowing one more month to conclude discussions. Last year, UC paid almost 11 million dollars to Elsevier in journal subscription fees alone, and final versions of research produced by the institution are
only available to the public after a period of time. Under the current model, UC libraries are paying full-price subscriptions while Elsevier also collects article-processing fees from authors, including UC scholars. This allows Elsevier to makes double the money by charging authors who want to make their work open access while simultaneously keeping subscription costs at a constant. Often referred to as “doubledipping”, this form of publishing ensures that Elsevier retains some of the highest profit margins in the market. Stephen Buranyi of The Guardian reported that Elsevier had a more than 40 percent profit margin on their revenues in 2012 and 2013, rivaling and exceeding that of Apple, Google, or Amazon those years. The UC system wants to fundamentally change this model, pushing for a “read-andpublish” deal, which would grant the public immediate and free access to final versions of UC research papers and eliminate additional article-processing fees, said Lindsay McKenzie of Inside Higher Ed.
TBL 2018-2019 STAFF
In other words, the institution wants a single payment that bundles both the university’s subscription costs and open access publishing into an annual fee. The push towards open access scholarship has been maturing for quite some time. Last year, a collection of universities and research institutions in Sweden chose not to renew their contracts with Elsevier because the publisher did not meet their “demands for a sustainable transition to open access,” reported Ashley Yeager of The Scientist. In a similar vein, the UC is laying down all its bargaining chips into pressuring Elsevier, and the research institution has a lot of negotiating power. “Few [institutions] have enough negotiating leverage to really push it in the way that UC can,” said Rick Anderson, associate dean for Colleges and Scholarly Communications at the University of Utah, in McKenzie’s article. According to the UC 2018 Accountability Report, the UC accounts for roughly 10 percent of the world’s research output. Additionally, the University
of California, Los Angeles’s provost urged the faculty to consider declining offers to review articles for Elsevier and not publish in Elsevier journals until negotiations are finalized. Numerous faculty town halls have also proposed alternative access to scholarly articles. The main drive behind the open access movement is the idea that new knowledge builds on previous work, and so accessibility to scholarship is crucial in producing new ideas. However, under the current status quo, only those who can pay exorbitant subscription prices can access these important sources of knowledge. “Solving hard global problems like climate change and continuous warfare is going to require mass intelligence,” said Christopher Newfield, an English Professor at UCSB, “and by that I mean the creativity of all sorts of people who aren’t anywhere near universities or libraries. They need the information just as much as we do.” When Dr. Eileen A. Joy left her position as an associate professor at the University of Illinois to run her open access
press Punctum Books in Goleta, her access to scholarly journals was completely cutoff. A dedicated scholar, Joy says that it is impossible to do research when publishers are charging her 30 to 50 dollars to access one article. Despite the high fees, the publishing industry’s cost of operations is very small. According to Micheal Hiltzik of the LA Times, most of the publishers’ overhead is carried by scholars, peer reviewers, and taxpayers. The research behind the published papers often is wholly or partially funded by taxpayers who must pay again to read the results. The UC website reports that the system received more than 9.8 billion dollars in total federal support last year. “How are you supposed to do good research if you can’t access other people’s research? All research builds, no one just sits down and says ‘I’m gonna pull this knowledge out of my ass,’” said Joy, “The public should have access to the research they fund. This is knowledge that is specifically beneficial to the world.”
Opinions expressed in TBL do not necessarily represent those of the staff or UCSB. All submissions, questions or comments may be directed to editors@bottomlineucsb.com
Editor-in-Chief | Alex Yam
Features Editor | Victoria Penate
Multimedia Beat | Dominick Ojeda
Web Editor | Docean Park
Managing Editor | Mable Truong
Arts & Entertainment Editor | Addison Morris
Photo Editor | Juan Gonzalez
Layout Editor | Elaine Chen
Executive Content Editor| Lauren Marnel
Science & Tech Editor | Hannah Maerowitz
Campus Beat Reporter | Minh Hua
PAGES: 4, 5, 6
Shores
Opinions Editor | Jessica Gang
Isla Vista Beat Reporter | Alondra Sierra
Layout Editor | Chrissy Cho
Senior Layout Editor | Mikaela Pham
Video Editor | Fabiola Esqueda
National Beat Reporter | Jacob Wong
PAGES: 7,8,9
Senior Copy Editor | Spencer Wu
Advertising Director | Tanya Gosselin
Copy Editor | Sheila Tran
Layout Editor | Vivianna Shields
Co-News Editor | Arturo Samaniego
Marketing Director | Erica Kaplan
Copy Editor | McKinsey FIdellow
PAGES: 10,11,12
Co-News Editor | Annette Ding
TBL | Jan. 23, 2019
3 | NEWS
STUDENT ORGANIZERS DEMAND RESPONSE
FROM UC BOARD OF REGENTS Student organizers in support of fair contracts for UC workers gathered at the UC Board of Regents meeting on Wednesday to address the Regent’s inaction towards a list of demands presented in the fall that call for, among other issues, livable wages and stable benefits for all UC workers. On the second day of the regents meeting held at UCSF Mission Bay, students from all nine undergraduate UC campuses spoke during the extended public comment session, urging Regents for more student involvement in addition to having all the demands met. The demands, led by UCWide Student Coalition for Campus Labor Justice (USLAC), were presented back in November, which sought to provide fair and equal opportunities for UC workers and students
from historically marginalized communities. The contract-specific demands request pay increases to keep up with the cost of living in California in addition to protecting healthcare benefits for workers. Other non-laborfocused demands include restricting police force presence during student and worker actions and divesting from contracts with partners involved with pro-deportation matters. In December, University of California Office of the President (UCOP) released an initial response to the demands. In it, Vice President of Systemwide Human Resources Dwaine Duckett calls American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) reports of pay inequities “not valid,” adding that there is “no difference” between the salaries of women of color and white males. More detailed responses would be released later.
But students and workers are not satisfied with the regents’ passivity as thirteen different speakers urged action on the demands. In a response to the policing issues expressed in the demands, Senior Vice President Alexander Bustamante promised to hold two town hall meetings at UCI and UCSB in January to meet with students in person and address their concerns. As of yet, organizers have not been given a date for the town halls. Meanwhile, as the bargaining process continues, students are expressing their concerns toward the lack of student-regent contact, and their inaccessibility for students to engage with. Aiden Arasasingham, secondyear UCLA student who traveled 400 miles to speak at the Regents meeting, called attention to the great lengths students must make to speak with those who govern their universities. “For the vast majority of
students and workers, this is wildly inaccessible,” Arasasingham said. “We as students want to meet with you, we want to engage with you, and to be quite honest, we want a face to put to the name of the checks that we write every quarter for tuition and services.” Regents meetings take place on weekdays, commonly at UCSF Mission Bay. Often this means that a student who wishes to voice their concerns before the regents must miss an entire day of classes or work for travel. AFSCME student intern Erick Ceballos-Vazquez wants more student involvement and transparency in the regents’ process of handling the list of demands. “The regents are inaccessible and they’re these very rich, mysterious figures that a lot of student don’t know,” Ceballos said. “In democratic traditions, they should want to hear us out.”
“
ALONDRA SIERRA Isla Vista Beat Reporter
We as students want to meet with you, we want to engage with you, and to be quite honest, we want a face to put to the name of the - Aiden Arasasingham, second-year UCLA student
“ UC Regents: Photos courtesy of Ana Fabian | United Student Labor Action Coalition
4 | FEATURES
TBL | Jan. 23 2019
CALIFORNIA TACOS AND TAPROOM
CURRENT YELP RATING
Photo by Juan Gonzalez | Photo Editor
A simple, yet delicious serving of carnitas tacos with chopped white onion, cilantro, and homemade salsa verde. VICTORIA PENATE Features Editor The latest addition to Isla Vista’s ever-changing selection of restaurants, California Tacos & Taproom, has opened for business, occupying the spot formerly inhabited by The Grilled Cheese Truck. Though the restaurant offers takeout, it is apparent upon entering that it’s designed to be a comfortable place to spend time — whether you’d like to take a seat and dig into your freshlymade Mexican food immediately or share a drink with friends. The glowing heat lamps that line the outdoor section make it comfortable to eat outdoors even during chilly nights. The welcoming environment is further bolstered by the eclectic mix of seating arrangements,
offering the option of sitting around indoor or outdoor tables, as well as along a bar-style counter for television viewing. Comfort continues to stand out as a strength at this restaurant through the classic nature of the menu. Featuring tacos, burritos, and a modest breakfast section, California Tacos & Taproom provides variety in available meats and toppings, but keeps it simple by wrapping their selections up in recognizable tortilla-based homes. The menu here also features an “A La Carta” section, which features more unique items such as the jalapeño-laden Nachos Supreme as well as meat-free options such as a vegan rice bowl and Chile Relleno, a stuffed pepper served with tomato sauce and cheese. Given the restaurant’s name, it seemed essential to try their
tacos, a decision I would repeat and recommend. During my visit, I tried two classic tacos — carne asada and carnitas — as well as the Cali Fish Taco. Both classic tacos came loaded with a generous helping of meat under a flavorful mound of mixed onion, cilantro, and sauce. Betraying my Los Angeles upbringing, I ended up reaching for a fork as the structural integrity of the tacos faltered. The soft, warm tortillas did their best, but couldn’t hold up against the volume of their contents. I’m glad to report, however, that the quality of those contents was well worth having the tacos fall apart. The crispy pieces of carne asada provided enjoyable bursts of flavor, providing the perfect base for their time-tested pairing with refreshing cilantro and the kick
of chopped onions. The carnitas taco was satisfying in its own characteristic way. The savory meat was so tender it seemed to melt mid-bite, complemented outstandingly by its green salsa. The Cali Fish Taco offered a completely different flavor profile, pairing tilapia with tartar sauce and toppings like fresh cabbage, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese. The addition of cheese on this taco elevated its status to prime comfort food, while the pico de gallo was light and refreshing. Still, the well-cooked tilapia itself stood out among its fellow ingredients and shone as the star of each bite. Rounding out this visit, I decided to try out a quesadilla found on the “A La Carta” section of the menu, choosing not to add any meat — this is an available option, however, featuring the
same wide variety of meat options as the taco selection. While the components of a quesadilla seem simple, there are still many ways that one can go wrong, and this quesadilla successfully avoided them all. The quesadilla was stuffed with a mix of shredded cheese, amounting to a substantial thickness which made the center of each bite soft and chewy while the surrounding tortilla provided a crispy contrast. This dish came with lots of fresh cabbage and pico de gallo for topping the main attraction, and makes a filling meal on its own. Expanding out of their original Solvang and Buellton locations, California Tacos & Taproom’s recent arrival in Isla Vista brings a fresh new taste of classic and comforting Mexican food to the area.
5 | FEATURES
TBL | Jan. 23 2019
A GUIDE TO BOBA IN ISLA VISTA When looking at Isla Vista, just a square mile in area, one fortunate, beautiful thing that stands out about this town is just how many different options there are when buying boba tea. Below is a guide to the strengths and personalities of five different spots to visit for boba in I.V. — perhaps one for each weekday that you’ll be tempted to buy delicious milk tea.
ICE MILK COMPANY
HANA KITCHEN
Known as Fire & Ice to most, Ice Milk Company offers one of the most unique, versatile I.V. eating experiences on this list. The hot, freshly-cooked food on the menu — where the Fire portion of the name comes from — ranges from the lightness and share-ability of potstickers to filling rice bowls featuring different styles of chicken.
Hana Kitchen’s distinctive extra-wide cups are instantly recognizable to many Isla Vistans. If you have been on the fence about trying out the Asian fusion spot, it is worth noting that, in addition to boba teas, this place offers a variety of meal options for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. Most are a clean and simple combination with vegetables and rice, making it a top-tier place to meet with friends and have all be satisfied.
However, our focus is the Ice. The drinks at Ice Milk Company come in one relatively large size, a disincentive for those who prefer their tea in smaller quantities, but I have found that the flavor and texture of these drinks — made with fresh, strong tea — is so enjoyable that many are finished with their large cup before they have even realized it.
The simplicity of this spot’s characteristic rice bowls creates a delicious pairing with any of their milk teas, or for those seeking an even sweeter treat, any of a variety of fruit-flavored slush drinks.
With two full sides of glass walls, another feature of Ice Milk Company is how well suited it is for watching the hustle and bustle of I.V., or a nice day, pass by. Though it has only been here for four years, this has become a quintessentially Isla Vistan gathering place, absorbing its surrounding atmosphere to create a spot for all types of visits.
WAKE CUP As college students, a majority of I.V. residents can relate to needing exactly two things sometimes: caffeine and somewhere to sit down with a laptop. Of all the places in I.V. where boba tea is sold, Wake Cup delivers most effectively in this respect. Equipped with plentiful small tables, Wake Cup provides a cozy space for settling in and getting work done in a relatively quiet ambiance. This makes it the perfect spot for those who enjoy a coffee house feel to their study space, but prefer a good milk tea or slush over a latte. Wake Cup’s food menu is consistent with its other strengths as a study spot, featuring various snack foods from popcorn chicken to squid balls, suited well to complement a drink or satisfy a light craving rather than constitute a full meal.
PHO BISTRO Among a menu which features just as extensive a variety of filling food–from noodle dishes, to soups and rice, all in large quantities — Pho Bistro goes on to offer a drink menu that stands out as one of the most extensive around, with a list of flavor options fit to overwhelm any. Although Pho Bistro offers takeout, and therefore sells boba tea to-go at the counter as well, this stands out as an establishment primarily intended as a sitdown restaurant. After all, whether you’ll be walking or biking home, big bowls of steaming hot soup do not travel well.
NAAN STOP Boba teas are a prominent part of the overall menu at Naan Stop, doing justice to the neon “Boba” sign which illuminates their front window. The milk tea served at Naan Stop has a distinctive flavor, blending a creamy texture with extra sweetness to make a true dessert out of the drink. Due to the richness of this tea, it holds up well as a snack on its own, or as a great milky counterpart to any spicy item on the restaurant’s menu of Indian food.
6 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
TBL | Jan. 23 2019
Review: UCSB Performance of “Hair” Was a Political and Artistic Triumph
Photo by Juan Gonzalez | Photo Editor
JESSICA GANG Opinions Editor Last Friday, Campbell Hall was transformed into a hotbed of ‘70s counterculture and anti-war protest as it hosted the opening night of “HAIR,” the UCSB Shrunken Heads Production Company’s fresh new take on the classic rock-and-roll musical. Shrunken Heads is the only completely student-run, independent musical theater society here on campus Because productions done by Shrunken Heads are organized, directed, staged, choreographed, and acted completely by students, some of whom have little to no experience with musical theater, it’s easy to fear that the production might turn out amateurish. Luckily, I can say for certain that “HAIR”’s opening night was a polished, passionate celebration of free thought and love, mixed with modern themes of anti-war protest and both cultural and sexual diversity. “HAIR” originally debuted on Broadway in 1968, and the
musical’s themes of heavy drug use, sex positivity, and antigovernment sentiment made it an extremely radical piece at the time. In a note included in the program of the play, Billie Stouter, the director of the Shrunken Heads production, says that she had little idea “how timely the show would be when [she] got the chance to direct it.” Stouter points out that even though “HAIR” celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, many of the same issues that plagued America at the time the musical was written are still relevant today. “HAIR” centers on Claude Hooper Bukowski and his colorful cast of friends - notably Berger and Sheila. The three and their large “tribe” of friends are East Village hippies, and at the height of the anti-Vietnam war sentiment in the United States, Claude is drafted. What follows is Claude’s harrowing emotional journey as he struggles between burning his draft card (risking prison), as his friends have done, and obeying the wishes of his strict, conservative parents by fighting in a war that he does not
believe in. One of the most striking aspects of the Shrunken Heads performance was how fluid and comfortable the cast seemed, not only with each other but also with the audience. The cast made excellent use of the space available to them (actors often entered through the back doors and side exits of Campbell Hall, interacting directly with the audience) and spoke so comfortably onstage that, for a moment, it was easy to believe that you were eavesdropping in the East Village, listening to a group of friends gossip about their lives. In an interview with The Bottom Line, cast member Shreya Acharya explained that this natural rapport is the result of consistent practice. According to Acharya, a first-year biology major, much of practice (which often ran up to four hours a day) consisted of “getting to know each other.” To Acharya, knowing that not everyone in Shrunken Heads is a theatre major made things more comfortable because “there’s not this pressure with. . .
competition, everyone just wants to have fun.” “HAIR” certainly succeeds when it comes to showing audience members a good time. However, the moments that truly elicited strong emotion from the audience were the somber reminders that, at its core, “HAIR” is a musical about the instability and emotional uncertainty that characterized the youth of America during the ‘70s, something that resonates both then and now. Overt references to twentyfirst century activism loom large throughout the musical characters raised signs that call for gun control, reproductive rights, and environmentalism, and at certain points, cast members repeatedly broke the fourth wall. At the end of the performance, a slideshow that began by featuring images from anti-Vietnam demonstrations in Washington effortlessly transitioned into images from the recent March for Our Lives demonstration in Washington, where protesters trod the same ground as their ‘60s and ‘70s counterparts.
According to Stouter, these references are completely intentional. UCSB’s production of “HAIR” “aims to create or continue a dialogue about the work that still must be done in the name of equality.” Through the deliberate use of modern-day references, Shrunken Heads manages to put a beautifully modern twist on a timeless classic, and the fall of the curtain at the end of the night was met with tears from the audience, alongside a standing ovation and thunderous applause. Shrunken Heads Production Company invites eager students of all grade levels, majors, and interests to join the company in acting, directing, choreography, and behind-thescenes roles. Students interested in becoming involved with Shrunken Heads Production Company should visit them at http://ucsbosl.orgsync.com/ org/shrunkenheads. Auditions for their next show, Spring Awakening, will be held on January 24-27th! More information can be found on their Facebook page.
7 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
TBL | Jan. 23 2019
Album Review: Atlanta rapper 21 Savage parades his triumphs and maturation in his aptly titled sophomore album “i am > i was.” In it, he delves into introspective ideas and themes, like family matters and the pitfalls of wealth and fame. This hour-long project showcases a hearty cast of features, including J. Cole, Childish Gambino, Post Malone, Schoolboy Q, and even Travis Scott in the deluxe version. Savage broke into the mainstream in 2016 with his hits “Bank Account,” “No Heart,” and “X” featuring Future. With these songs, he has developed the southern trap scene by popularizing his unique flow and laid-back delivery. He has also collaborated with some of the biggest influencers, artists, and DJs in the rap game, including Metro Boomin, Drake, Mike Will Made It, YG, Rich Chigga, and NAV. “i am > i was” starts off with “a lot,” a catchy tune that details Savage’s rich history with money, violence, and women. Although these themes seem like common tropes in the modern trap rap era of music, it sets up the “I Was” portion of the album. He acknowledges that these blessings and curses in his life have shaped him into the man he is now. “I been through the storm and it turned me to a G / But the other side was sunny, I get paid to rap on beats,” he admits. For the third verse, J. Cole makes an appearance where he discusses his role in the rap game as he takes on a mentor-mentee relationship with the new school of the industry. Cole shouts out 6ix9ine for his turbulent rise and warns against the pitfalls of fame. He also name-drops Philadelphia 76er-injured-rookie Markelle Fultz and fellow Fayetteville baller, Dennis Smith Jr. Another notable track is “all
my friends,” in which 21 relinks with Post Malone. The two previously made “rockstar,” which is now 7x platinum in the United States, racking up over 7,000,000 units sold. In this song, the two artists recount how money and fame have negatively affected their past friendships. Malone harmonizes on the chorus, “I lost all my friends countin’ bands in the Bentley coupe … I don’t need no friends if you really wanna know the truth,” while 21 echoes the same theme in his verse: “Lost a couple friends, I ain’t even really mad though. Hard to tell the real from fake because nowadays, they got masks on. Who gon’ be around when the fame and the cash gone? I don’t need no friends, what’s a friend if it ain’t no trust?” “asmr” is another unique and fast paced song that showcases Savage’s signature hushed rhyming. His quiet bars are play hand in hand with the video trend that leaves the listener with a tingling sensation. Produced by Metro Boomin, it is reminiscent of tracks off his latest works like “Without Warning” and “NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES.” However, this song attracted controversy with a racially insensitive line: “We been gettin’ that Jewish money, everything is Kosher (On God).” Savage has since issued an apology in a tweet, reaffirming that he “love[s] all people.” Even the likes of LeBron James, a global icon who tends to jam out to songs on his Instagram stories and videos, reposted the lyrics and got flak for it. Overall, this project showcases 21 Savage’s versatility into a more mainstream role. His collaborations with major artists extend beyond his features on others’ tracks. His newest album is a more extensive and lyrically sophisticated work than his previous two albums, which sound like one continuous trap track.
21 Savage
SPENCER WU Senior Copy Editor
through the storm and it turned me to “ a GI been / But the other side was sunny, I get paid to - 21 Savage
“
rap on beats...
TBL | Jan. 23 2019
8 | SCIENCE & TECH
UCSB Hosts First Kavli BRAIN Showcase JESSICA GANG Opinions Editor Uc santa barbara hosted its first kavli brain showcase from 12 p.M. To 6 p.M. On jan. 18 At the loma pelona center. The showcase was organized to connect brain researchers across various disciplines and highlighted the wide range of brain-related research already being conducted across departments. The event was co-sponsored by the ucsb brain initiative, the sage center for the study of the mind, the neuroscience research institute, and the kavli foundation, and was organized by the sage junior fellows. It featured a series of short “flashtalks” by graduate students, faculty, and postdocs, followed by a special sage center lecture given by professor charles spence and chef joseph youssef. After the lecture, there was a reception that allowed members of the brain science community to connect with each other and discuss their thoughts on the research findings that were presented. According to the showcase’s organizers, the reception was designed to be a genesis for potential collaborations. Despite the plethora of engaging research that was presented, the talk that commanded the most attention was “the gastrophysics chef ’s table,” a sage center lecture
delivered by dr. Charles spence, fellow of somerville college at the university of oxford, and chef jozef youssef, co-founder of kitchen theory. Kitchen theory is a project founded by youssef that works in collaboration with spence and his team of researchers, operating as a gastronomy experience design lab where experimental projects such as creating ambiance during seafood meals by playing the sound of the sea in the background are explored. Gastrophysics refers to the idea that eating experiences can be fully understood and enhanced by applying knowledge from chemistry and physics. As explained in their talk at the showcase, spence and youssef were inspired to use psychology in order to amplify the eating experiences of their customers. At the lecture, spence, who is an experimental psychologist, claimed that indulging all of one’s senses is an essential part of fully enjoying one’s meal. “Flavor is a construct of our minds,” said spence during his lecture, emphasizing the importance of engaging all of the senses in dining experiences. The lecure was fascinating in its own right, but was anchored by the rapport between youssef and spence. Their creative and professional relationship has spanned a decade and has contributed to an engaging camaraderie between them.
In addition to the talk given by spence and youssef, graduate students and postdocs presented short, three-minute “flashtalks” on their research. These short presentations allowed researchers to share their work with colleagues, professors, and other experts in brain science related fields who might be able to provide new insights on their work from their diverse disciplines. One such presentation was given by durafshan syed, a neuroscience postdoc working in the simpson lab, who presented on the role of inhibition in action selection. Syed’s research focuses on how different types of neurons affect behavior. “This event is a very good platform [for collaboration],” said syed in an interview with the bottom line. “Instead of interacting only with the neuroscience community, i get to talk to people from other disciplines, which gives me a new perspective and opens up new pathways for collaboration.” The interdisciplinary nature of the showcase was one of its biggest strengths. As demonstrated by “the gastrophysics chef ’s table” and the flashtalks, the kavli institute is exploring the future of brainrelated research as a collaboration between many different fields, ideas, and people.
Illustration by Shiloh Kluding | Staff Illustrator
9 | SCIENCE & TECH
TBL | Jan. 23 2019
App of The Week ANNIE HUANG Staff Writer Many people have recently made (and perhaps already broken) New Year’s resolutions with the intention of improving themselves, with one of the most common resolutions being to read more. Reading offers the opportunity to learn, grow, and expand your perspective, which is why many successful people, including Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey cite what they’ve read as one of their most important influences. Libby, a reading application that’s compatible with both Android and Apple devices, makes reading easier for those who download it. Created by Rakuten OverDrive, Inc., an American distributor of e-books, audiobooks, and videos, Libby allows users to use their library cards to access a library’s reading material through their device—for free. Libby acts to serve those who resolve to reading more during 2019, but can easily lose motivation in the face of having to pay to either buy their own books in order to read at their own pace, or accumulating library fines they may pile up from forgetting to renew their reading material. There are tens of thousands of
titles available on Libby, many of which are bestsellers. Certain titles also come with an audiobook in case a user wants to pick up where they left off while driving or just doesn’t want to stare at a screen after a long day. All of the titles are available to download for offline use, making it simple to read or listen to a chapter whenever and finish books at a customizable pace. Although Libby is a useful application, its capabilities are not limitless. Books that are in high demand often have long waiting lists, making it challenging to access popular titles. However, users can reserve high demand books and read something slightly less mainstream while they’re waiting. Ultimately, the wait time for popular books is inconvenient, but it can also act as a buffer, so that users won’t be overwhelmed by having too many books in their library. Because the Santa Barbara Public Library uses OverDrive’s services, any UCSB student or Santa Barbara resident can access their local public library at their fingertips. Although Libby does have some drawbacks, it is free, convenient, and useful for anyone who wants to get a little bit more reading done in 2019.
Illustration by Mable Truong | Managing Editor
10 | OPINIONS
TBL | Jan. 23 2019
^Winter in IV
Illustration by Anette Ding | News Editor
ADDISON MORRIS Arts & Entertainment Editor Imagine all the primo parking you could ever want; imagine the streets of I.V. doubled in size without any cars; imagine a noiseless frat row and D.P.; imagine driving carefree along the streets without fear that a spontaneous biker, skater, or pedestrian will pop up out of nowhere. This seemingly impossible fantasy was a reality during UCSB’s winter break, but it turned out not to be as dreamy as it initially seemed. You might not even recognize the ghost town that is I.V./UCSB during the weeks of Dec. 16 to Jan. 6. With most college stu-
dents gone home to celebrate the holidays, I.V. retains very few of its 27,179 residents. For the dedicated student and non-partier, this description may sound idyllic — no loud music, no post-party litter, no police or fire truck sirens, no trouble finding any parking (even on a Friday night!) I can’t help but admit that for a few days of the quarter (namely, during midterms and finals), I would greatly appreciate an empty and quiet I.V.. Coming off finals, I was happy for a while with this dream come true. I parked right in front of my door instead of in my back-lot because the space in front of my house was completely vacant, and
didn’t even require parallel parking. I walked the clean and spacious streets of I.V. without fear of crazy drivers, skaters, scooters, or bikers. I even saw Birds and Limes meticulously arranged in neat rows — not a single one thrown into the bushes or knocked over on the streets! “Pinch me; this must be a dream,” I thought to myself. I wasn’t pinched, of course, but smacked in the face by a closed Subway door. I was jarred out of my stupor when I realized that, because of the lack of business over the holidays, many restaurants closed down, including Subway, Blenders, Fire & Ice, and, of course, the UCSB dining halls and
the UCen’s collection of eateries. After that jolt — and feeling pretty sad and hungry without my sandwich — I started to notice all of the other things I missed about I.V. and UCSB during the crowded school year: always finding games of sand volleyball or spikeball at the parks and beaches, meeting up with friends at the lib, seeing and petting everyone’s dogs as they walked past, saying hi to and annoying my friends at work, walking through the always-bustling food joints, and party-hopping and hanging out in general with friends and strangers who are always so fun and welcoming. The paradisal, relaxing, and quiet illusion of I.V. soon faded
and I saw the real, grim, and lonely college town without my pals rendered even more desolate by the fact that I was also apart from my family and friends back home during the holidays. The fact that I had to work also didn’t do much to liven my mood. While I might wish for a few relaxing days like those of winter break over the course of the quarter, I would never want this “winter wonderland” to stay. All in all, UCSB and I.V. are not the places I fell in love with when they are devoid of their people, and I found that out pretty quickly after having to stay here for part of this break.
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11 | OPINIONS
TBL | Jan. 23 2019
Ranking of the Dining Commons
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JESSICA GANG Opinions Editor It is a well-known fact that campus dining is an integral part of college life. For some, the quality of food in the dining commons can even make or break your experience living on-campus. If you don’t believe me, just ask my Lyft driver from the other night, an ‘05 graduate of UCSB who spent most of our car ride regaling me with tales of the horrors of Ortega dining during his time at school. In honor of the upcoming housing selection process, I’ve decided to put together a brief ranking of what I personally find to be the best and worst dining commons on campus. Photo by Docean Park | Web Editor
1
De la guerra Pros: When it comes to location, DLG is sitting on prime real estate. Centrally located between three or four different dorms, DLG is steps away from the ocean and a short walk from the UCen and the library. DLG is just as spatially satisfying on the inside as it is on the outside. The interior is roomy enough that you don’t feel too close to the table next to you, but not overly spacious to the point where getting up to get food is burdensome. (See #2 on this list). There is also a good amount of variety in food at DLG. I especially like the pozole and the cilantro and lime rice! Even though each section is clearly divided into different cuisines, there are enough options that you can always try something new. Cons: DLG is often pretty crowded, which makes it hard to find a good seat. Also, no arugula!
2
3
4
Portola
carrillo
ortega
Pros: Portola tends to get a lot of hype because it is the newest dining common, and I will say that this hype is in large part well-deserved. In my experience, most dining halls tend to serve “staple foods” and I think Portola tends to stray the most from the straight and narrow in this respect. Everyone who works here is really kind! I also like their fettuccine very much.
Pros: As someone living in Manzanita Village for the second year in a row, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Carrillo. On the one hand, I feel as comfortable eating at Carrillo as I would riding my bike or walking along the beach. The back room at Carrillo features blue booths that offer one of most intimate dining experiences of any dining hall. I’ve eaten in these booths many times with friends and I have good memories associated with that room. The frozen yogurt dispenser also has some incredible flavors (e.g., milk tea, Yerba Mate, pumpkin spice latte) that rotate on an almost weekly basis. Carrillo brunches are also my favorite. Finally, this is the only dining hall that serves arugula.
Pros: The build your own sandwich bar. Everything comes out fresh, warm, and crisp. There are certain dishes that I really like at Ortega, like the macaroni salad and the taco bar, as well as the ice cream.
Their sushi is also the best sushi of any of the dining commons (until you remember that only two dining commons serve sushi). If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend eating at Portola as the sun sets because you will see a really spectacular view, especially if you sit outside. The light and the colors beautifully reflect off of the glass panes. Cons: This dining hall is the farthest away from campus, which makes it difficult to enjoy regularly if you’re not a Santa Catalina/San Joaquin resident. But my biggest bone to pick with Portola is that everything, from the food stations to the tables, is way too spaced out. I’m not a very fast walker, which means that each round at Portola takes me what feels like eons. No arugula either.
Cons: On the other hand, it is nearly impossible to ignore how bland the food can be at Carrillo once you’ve eaten it as frequently as I have over the past year and a half. Carrillo is structured in such a way that every night they have the same staple foods — pasta with sauce, some kind of protein dish, Asian food, the salad bar, and soup. Sometimes a surprising treat will be thrown into the mix, but in large part I know what to expect when I go to Carrillo, and because variety is the spice of my life, I always worry about finding myself a little underwhelmed.
Cons: The true tragedy of any list is that someone always has to come in last. In large part though, the dishes that I like at Ortega show up far too inconsistently for me to brave the smaller number of options at Ortega, especially when DLG is so close by. I get the feeling that a significant number of students, when asked to choose between Ortega and DLG, would choose DLG just because of the wider variety of options that DLG offers.
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12 | SPORTS
GAUCHOS KICKED OFF THE SEASON WITH A 4-1 RECORD
The No. 17-ranked UCSB women’s water polo team kicked off the 2019 regular season at this year’s UCSB Winter Invitational. The Gauchos dominated with victories over California Baptist (14-4), Fresno State (15-5), Indiana(15-5), and Wagner(9-4). Attacker Amanda Legaspi (Fr.) had a collegiate debut to remember, scoring 9 goals through her first three games, and 10 for the weekend overall.
BATTLE OF THE
BEACHES The Lady Gauchos (414) scored their first win in conference play this weekend with a decisive 60-54 victory over Long Beach State (5-11). The offense was led by center Natalia Bruening (Jr.), who scored 16 points on 7-8 shooting, and featured strong performances from guards Danae Miller and Coco Miller who each dropped in 15 points.
VICTORY OVER LONG BEACH WITH A SCORE OF 60-54
Photos by Juan Gonzalez | Photo Editor