The Orion - Fall 2012, Issue 16 by The Orion

news all week @ theorion.com

news

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19, 2012 |

DAILY newscast

Get daily Chico State headlines and weather every morning. theorion.com

Chico State’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1975

volume 69 Issue 16

FIRST COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19, 2012

news all week at theorion.com

additional copies 50¢

safety

Chico officials debate sex crime rise One in four women are sexually assaulted during their time in college, Peart said. The Clery Act, a federally mandated security report, requires California State Universities to record all crimes that happen on or around campus. Assaults that happen off campus are not included in the report. The most recent report, from 2011, shows four sexual assaults on campus. In 2005, one assault was reported. “I definitely think the perception is that we have seen a really big shift, but I don’t really trust numbers when we are talking about sexual assaults,” Peart said.

if the change is representative of an increase in sexual assaults or an increase in reported attacks. Experts estimate about 5 percent of sexual assaults are reported, which makes Emily Peart is the director it difficult to accurately of Safe Place, a estimate the number support center of attacks that take for sexual assault survivors. place, said Emily Peart, the director of Safe Place, a support center for sexual assault survivors.

Juniper Rose staff writer

A college-aged woman was walking alone in the south-campus area when an unknown man grabbed her, shoved her into a car and sexually assaulted her. The attack took place in the early morning on Sept. 22 and was the latest of 10 similar attacks reported to Chico police in the past year. More recently, two female students were sexually assaulted on campus the morning of Dec. 6. The number of assaults at Chico State appears to be rising, but police question

It is hard to tell whether sexual assaults are increasing or not, said Chico police Sgt. Scott Franssen, supervisor of the crime detective bureau. Chico police alerted the campus community to the series of assaults throughout the past year. The intention was to encourage community vigilance and prompt people to report similar crimes and any additional information about the assaults. Since the press release was sent out in September, there has not been any additional information or similar attacks reported, Franssen said. >> please see ASSAULTS | A4

Departments ask students to refrain from bar crawls following critical injury Pedro Quintana Staff Writer

The Orion • PHOTOgRAPH BY Frank Rebelo

’Cats on verge of setting new record

Served Wildcat guard Monnie Davidson-Mays drives toward the basket during Saturday’s win against Cal State Stanislaus. The Chico State basketball team has tied the program’s 8-0 season-starting record. See “In case you missed it” on B2.

Seniors in the nursing program cancelled their social event after Chico State student Brandon Fisher was hit by a truck following a bar crawl. Brandon Fisher, a Fisher senior con- A Chico State construction struction management major remains in managecondition ment major, serious after being hit by was trans- a truck Dec. 8. ported to Enloe Medical Center after being hit the morning of Dec. 8 by a Chevrolet truck at Walnut and West First Streets, according to a Chico Police Department press release. He remains in a coma. Chico police are investigating a lead that Fisher was participating in a bar crawl with his fellow peers, Chico police Lt. Linda Dye said. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of negative press lately with many tragedies regarding alcohol, senior nursing major Kendal

hit and last saw him at MadiMendenhall said. “We had T-shirts already son Bear Garden, he said. “He’s progressively getmade, but we are not going to wear them,” he said. “As ting better every day,” said a program that emphasizes Charles Blizinski, Fisher’s health, we want to promote roommate. The construction managethe health of our students.” Bar crawls present an ment group visited bars such image the department didn’t as The Oasis Bar, Joe’s Bar, Riley’s and Madison Bear want to display, he said. Many celebrate gradua- Garden, Yee said. Fisher was in critical contion with a bar crawl, but for the 38 nursing students, dition last week but has caneling it was a way to show improved to serious as of said Christina respect for the university Monday, and students who died this Chavira an Enloe Medical Center spokeswoman. semester, Mendenhall said. The driver, Butte College Carol Huston, the school of nursing director, sent an student Matthew Lambert, was arrested email to gradon suspicion uating seniors of driving reminding “The whole campus under the them to be is trying to address influence professionals the alcohol problem. I in a nearby and to celedon’t want another parking lot, brate safely according during the student to die.” to the press last days of release from school. CAROL HUSTON Chico police. “The whole school of nursing director Lambert, campus is try20, played ing to address the alcohol problem,” Huston baseball for the Butte College said. “I don’t want another Roadrunners as an outfielder, Butte College Athletic Direcstudent to die.” Alex Yee, a senior con- tor Craig Rigsbee said. After last season, Lambert struction management major, participated in the bar crawl decided to take time off from with Fisher the night he was >> please see ACCIDENT | A3

Friends mourn student, remember him through art Pedro Quintana Staff Writer

More than 30 Chico State students drove to Palo Alto High School Sunday to pay their final respects to Thomas “Tommy” Byron Kramer. Kramer, a sophomore art major, took the fall term off to work on a fishing boat in Alaska to earn money for school, said Kinsey Avery, a junior liberal studies major and friend of Kramer. He began attending Chico State in 2009 and planned to return in the coming spring semester. Kramer had worked as a fisherman in Alaska over the past three summers. Avery remembers when he would call her and talk about his experience

working in harsh weather conditions, she said. Kramer was a great artist who would have gone far in his life with his talent, she said. Avery described him as someone who was Thomas like a brother to her, Kramer someone who was honDied Dec. 8 in Palo Alto. He had est and would give her taken time off advice whenever she from Chico State and planned needed it. to return in the “Getting to talk to spring semester. him was special,” she said. Her friend’s death was very sudden, so it was difficult for Avery to realize

INDEX

they wouldn’t be able to have anymore fun experiences, she said. Many friends and family members spoke of their experiences with Kramer at the memorial, and some friends recited Jimmy Hendrix lyrics, because Kramer was a big fan of his music. Students in the Chico State art department made stickers of Kramer’s art and passed them out during the memorial service, she said. The intention was to have his art inspire others who would see the sticker, she said. The flag on the Kendall Hall lawn was lowered Monday in his honor. Pedro Quintana can be reached at pquintana@theorion.com

Photo courtesy of Kara Mandel

San francisco dreaming Stickers of Kramer’s artwork were handed out at his memorial service.

INSIDE

World News

Sports

Weather

Directory

Police Blotter

Features

Opinion

Sex Column

Sports

TODAY

47 39

high low

full week A2 >>

Chico State professional snowboarder lands career and diploma after seven years of college. Story B3

Features Study abroad student shares experience and culture shock visiting America. Story B5

Opinion Orion columnist smokes out reasons why pot smokers are lame Story A6

A2 |

WORLD

news all week @ theorion.com

NEWS

WedneSday, DEC. 19, 2012

WEATHER >> Today | partly cloudy

Thursday | rain/wind

47 39

Friday | showers

45 42

Saturday | showers

46 43

Sunday | showers

Monday | partly cloudy

48 34

48 37

49 41

Tuesday | mostly cloudy

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

45 40

POLITICS

Human rights groups in Egypt protested the first round of votes for the country’s constitutional referendum, claiming that some women and Christians were denied the right to vote. Source: CNN

Students protest suspended enrollment at senate meeting Ben Mullin Managing Editor

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former South African president Nelson Mandela is recovering from gallstone surgery. Mandela was admitted to the hospital Dec. 8 and has a history of lung ailments. Source: The Guardian

Students from the outdoor education program are trying to raise awareness about perceived injustices after enrollment to their program was suspended late last semester. They came before the Academic Senate Dec. 13 to argue against the university’s decision to suspend the program’s enrollment. The senate room in Kendall Hall was crowded with students who stood up on cue and read one-by-one from a prepared statement that accused administrators of denying students “an essential and major component” of their degree plan. “I stand here in front of you today not because I have anything to gain by the decisions made by the administration, but because

2010

Outdoor education begins as an option in the kinesiology major.

NATION

May 2

Enrollment to the outdoor education program is suspended. Thirty-eight students are in the major.

these students have a lot to lose by the senate’s decision,” said Brenden Phillips, a senior outdoor education and environmental science major. Maggie Payne, the dean of the college of communication and education, made the decision to suspend the program’s enrollment in May, along with acting provost Phyllis Fernlund and then-kinesiology chair Rebecca Lytle, said Reid Cross, the former coordinator of the program. Payne said she made the decision to suspend enrollment to the major because it was costing the kinesiology department a lot of money and had comparatively fewer students enrolled. Suspending enrollment to outdoor education allows the university to restructure the >> please see SuspenSION | A3

July 17

The university sends out a memo notifying students that enrollment to the major is suspended.

Students from the outdoor education major appear before the Academic Senate.

Source: The Associated Press

Congressional and White House sources said Sunday that John Boehner and President Barack Obama were close to sealing a deal that could prevent the upcoming fiscal cliff, a series of simultaneous tax hikes and spending decreases. Source: CBS News

The article “Police searching for bicycle groper, looking into earlier sexual assaults” that ran on A1 of last week’s newspaper mistakenly identified Rocky Cruz, assistant executive and program director for Rape Crisis Intervention and Prevention, as male. In fact, Cruz is female. The article “Academic senate gets an earful about outdoor program cuts” that appeared on theorion.com Dec. 13 incorrectly stated that the academic senate suspended enrollment to the outdoor education program. In fact, the program was suspended by Maggie Payne, the dean of the college of communication and education.

The Orion staff strives for accuracy in all it publishes. We recognize that mistakes will sometimes occur, but we treat every error very seriously. If you feel a correction needs to be made, please email the editor-in-chief at editorinchief@theorion.com

Aubrey Crosby Staff Writer

Three Chico State students were involved in a string of 15 alcohol-related arrests in a 48-hour period during the weekend. Of the 15 incidents, five were DUIs, one was a non-injury hit-and-run and 10 were for public drunkenness. One student was arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence, and two more Chico students were arrested for public intoxication, according to a Chico Police Department press release. Two of the arrests were students from colleges outside of Chico. The numbers of arrests is abnormally high for this time of the year, Chico Police Lt. Mike O’Brien said. “We usually see this during Labor Day or Halloween,” O’Brien said. “To have five DUI

arrests within three and a half hours is pretty significant for this time of year.” “I always hate to read when our students are breaking the law and getting arrested,” said Joe Wills, the Chico State director of public affairs and publications. Alcohol-related events that are reported in Chico have a stigma about them, Wills said. “Some people assume or believe that the young people who are arrested are all students but that is certainly not the case,” he said. “They aren’t always from Chico.” Whether these events are related to Chico students or not, they happen too frequently and are upsetting, Wills said. The events can be tied to the party culture in Chico, O’Brien said. “It’s become an alcohol culture to the point where it is abused,” O’Brien said. “Especially this year with several

The number DUI arrests made in a 48-hour period starting Friday.

Allison Weeks

Arrests made on suspicion of public drunkenness in the same 48-hour period.

Staff Writer

up,” she said. “I loved my job. I had a great time while I worked there.” Graduation is the main reason for jobs opening up throughout campus, Melin said. “Obviously, we have less people graduating this semester than in the spring,” said Joe Wills, director of public affairs and publications. Marketplace supervisor Eddie Walcott has worked at the Marketplace for seven years. “It depends on how many students graduate or move on, but normally we have to hire quite a bit every semester,” Walcott said. “There’s probably 10 to 20 positions open, but I’m not sure yet,” Walcott said.

Local businesses will feel the effects when Chico State students bid farewell for winter break. Pita Pit, located in downtown Chico, relies heavily on student revenue because of its close proximity to campus, said Scott Dakof, owner and operator of the restaurant. The store experiences a decrease in sales whenever students have a break from school, he said. However, Pita Pit does have a lot of community support. Retail stores in the area also suffer from the absence of the students. Trucker, a “I always refer to it as downtown the three J’s: January, clothing June, July are always store, experislow.” ences about a 20 percent decrease in LUKE WINTER sales when Owner of Trucker students go on vacation, storeowner Luke Winter said. “I always refer to it as the three J’s: January, June, July are always slow,” Winter said. “Our business pretty much follows the school cycle.” Winter renovates the shop every January because that is when most students are away. Madison Bear Garden’s business is unaffected by students leaving for breaks, manager Aaron Smith said. “We stay relatively busy throughout the whole year, even summertime,” he said. The Bear sees an increase in sales around holidays such Halloween weekend, St. Patrick’s Day and even graduation, which bring more out-of-towners to Chico, he said. A retail market analysis that will look at retail trends for downtown Chico will be conducted early next year, said Katie Simmons, the president and CEO of Chico Chamber of Commerce. “It will be an economic development tool for all of us,” Simmons said.

Laura Hass can be reached at

Allison Weeks can be reached at

lhass@theorion.com

aweeks@theorion.com

SOURCE • Chico PD Press release

alcohol-related deaths. I’m greatly concerned.” “College kids who have bright futures are having that taken away because of some bad judgment and it’s tragic,” he said. The number of students drinking to excess needs to be reduced or eliminated, Wills said. “It’s not just the partying in Chico,” O’Brien said. “It’s not about kids having fun but how they’re having fun.” This is the next level, O’Brien said. “They’re drinking until they pass out or need babysitting, and that’s not good,” he said. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

Campus jobs opening up in spring semester Laura Hass Staff Writer

Spring will not only bring flowers and showers, but campus jobs as well. There will be many positions available at the Marketplace in the Bell Memorial Union. Child development major Diana Ayala has worked at the Marketplace for four years but will graduate at the end of the fall semester. The Marketplace loses a few employees every semester, she said. “I’ve enjoyed working here,” Ayala said. “I thought my boss was really cool.” Kirsten Melin, a child development major, has also worked at the Marketplace for about a year. “There should be many positions opening

Conversations Senior outdoor education and environmental science major Brenden Phillips speaks to the Academic Senate Dec. 13 in favor of continuing the outdoor education program.

End of classes affects winter business sales

Chico police make 15 alcohol arrests

| College of Communication & Education | California State University, Chico | Chico, Ca 95929-0600 CONTACT | EDITORIAL Phone: 530.898.5627 Email: editorinchief@theorion.com Editor-in-Chief Jenna Valdespino Managing Editor Ben Mullin Art Director Scott Ledbetter Chief Copy Editor Leila Rodriguez Video Editor Nicholas Kinoshita

News Editor Quinn Western Opinion Editor Carly Caumiant Sports Editor Trevor Platt Features Editor Katrina Cameron Photo Editor Brett Edwards

Advisers Mark Plenke, Lewis Brockus

| A3

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Alexandra Archuleta

SOURCE • Reid Cross, Chico State faculty member

PARTY CULTURE

Police reported the gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut was carrying hundreds of rounds of ammunition, enough to kill most of the 450 children at the school.

>> please see Jump

Dec. 13

CONTACT | BUSINESS Phone: 530.898.4237 Email: advertising@theorion.com News Designer Jenna Fujitsubo Opinion Designer Lindsay Smith Sports Designer Dariush Azmoudeh Features Designer Ashleigh Speaker

Online Editor Dan Reidel Copy Editors Emlee Lotspeich Chantal Richards Miguel Rocha Leila Rodriguez

Business Manager Mitch Engelking Asst. Business Manager Michael Kenny Account Executive Rachel Tharp

Website

www.theorion.com

Fax

530.898.4799

NEWS

news all week @ theorion.com

Zingg reminds campus of safety after shooting Allison Weeks Staff Writer

People across the nation, shocked by the elementary school shooting in Connecticut, are questioning how to ensure safety in schools. Chico State President Paul Zingg sent an email to students telling them an emergency preparedness plan is in place if an occurrence like the one on the East Coast were to happen in Chico. A gunman killed 27 people Friday, including himself, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Twenty of those shot and killed were elementary school children, according to the Associated Press. Joe Wills, director of public affairs and publications at Chico State, emphasized the importance of people in the community knowing what the university does to prepare for emergency situations, he said.It is essential to reassure

the community processes and plans are in place to try to cope with emergencies. Hailey Maxfield-Kowalski, a freshman communication

“It’s unfortunate a number of these incidences have happened.” Joe Wills director of public affairs and publications

studies major, has a 6-year-old brother. “If it had happened here, I probably would be home right now,” she said. The incident may have taken place in Connecticut, but it still hits close to home, Wills said. “It’s unfortunate a number of these incidences have happened,” he said. Every school has a safety plan for when a situation like this occurs, said Bob Feaster, assistant superintendent for

human resources at the Chico Unified School District. If the principal of a school thinks there is a threat to students, he or she will put the school on lockdown, Feaster said. Police will also call the school and tell them to lock down if they think there is a threat on school grounds. Zingg’s email listed the following emergency procedures: • Notification system via text message and email to students • Updates on the university homepage • Broadcast information on the campus loudspeaker • The Campus Emergency Response Team assists evacuations More information regarding Chico State emergency readiness can be found on the university website on the preparedness page. Allison Weeks can be reached at aweeks@theorion.com

WedneSday, DEC. 19, 2012 MORE ON Outdoor education The Immersion Semester includes a series of outdoor education sections where students spent time hiking, climbing and kayaking SOURCE • Reid Cross

| A3

SUSPENSION: Loss of program cancels Immersion Semester

continued from A2

program in order to make it more sustainable, Payne said. “Hard decisions have to be made in hard times,” she said. Administrators never proved that the program was a burdon on the university, said Reid Cross, the former outdoor education program coordinator. “They said it was too expensive, but they never supplied a budget to go with it,” Cross said. Around the same time, the kinesiology department stripped him of his coordinator-ship of the program, a position that allowed him to advise the department chair on possible instructors for the outdoor education program and offer curriculum advice, Cross said. He also used to procure permits from the Bureau of Land Management so students could camp and hike in national parks. “When they suspended the program, they took away all my authority with it,” Cross said. That suspension of the program resulted in the cancellation of the

Immersion Semester, a months-long course that allowed students to live in the wilderness and lead others through adverse conditions, Phillips said. “Without experience, you can’t make a well-informed decision that’s going to make the safety of the participants or the people you’re responsible for your No. 1 priority,” he said. Students enrolled in the course pay an extra fee of about $3,000, so it is not a financial burden on the kinesiology department, Philips said. The Academic Senate convened to suspend the outdoor education program’s advising pattern, a group of classes that was a remnant of the program itself, said Russ Mills, chair of the Senate. The legislative board voted unanimously to shelve the advising pattern. Chico State President Paul Zingg and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Belle Wei declined to comment on the suspension of the program. Ben Mullin can be reached at managingeditor@theorion.com

ACCIDENT: Family, friends gather to support Fisher continued from A1

baseball to focus on his academics. Rigsbee spoke to Lambert Wednesday about the weekend accident, he said. “He’s really shaken about the situation and emotionally distraught,” he said. “All college students need to be careful on consumption with alcohol and shouldn’t be on the streets.” The Butte College administration talks to its students about alcohol abuse and

Dec. 7

Chico State student Brandon Fisher participated in a construction management department bar crawl.

the school is proactive about it, Rigsbee said. Students feel invincible and think it won’t happen to them, but when it does it turns into a sad situation. Police think Fisher may have walked into the road in front of the vehicle, according to the press release. It’s very unfortunate that it happened, he was a really good guy who finished his major in four years, he said. “He was going to intern during

Dec. 8

Fisher was hit by a Chevrolet pick-up truck in the early morning.

Dec. 12

winter break and already had a job lined up when he graduated in the spring,” Yee said. Fisher received a $5,000 scholarship from the company that hired him to help with his academics, said Rovane Younger, the construction management department chair. The department always discourages events such as bar crawls, Younger said. Chico State’s thoughts and prayers are

Butte College Athletic Director Craig Rigsbee spoke to Matthew Lambert, the driver of the vehicle that hit Fisher, about how he is shaken up over he incident.

Dec. 17

Fisher improved from critical condition to serious condition.

SOURCE • Chico PD press release, Craig Rigsbee and Alex Yee

with Fisher’s family and friends, said Joe Wills, director of public affairs and publications. The administration is concerned about Fisher and hopes he recovers from his injuries. Fisher works at Outback Steakhouse and is expected to graduate in the spring, according to his Facebook page. His family and friends have been here to support him, Blizinski said. Blizinski describes his roommate as an outgoing person who would help and support his friends. Fisher liked working on his street bike and dedicated his time to school. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is encouraged to contact Chico police officer Travis Johnsen at 530-8954911. Pedro Quintana can be reached at pquintana@theorion.com

A4 |

POLICE BLOTTER Information cited directly from Chico Police Department or University Police Department. University Police Tuesday, 12:07 p.m.: Suspicious subject reported on Hazel Street lot. “Reporting party reported white male, green coat, appears homeless, walking around the lot throwing up, sitting between vehicles in middle lot.” Tuesday, 9:47 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle reported at Oak Street warehouse. “White Ford Probe. Unknown occupants. Windows fogged up.” Wednesday, 12:47 p.m.: Suspicious subject reported in Acker Gym men’s locker room. “Male subject, appears homeless, taking a shower, requesting he be moved along.” Friday, 1:16 p.m.: Medical aid reported at Kendall Hall. “Female subject not feeling well. Burst blood vessel in one of her eyes. Very bad headache. Ambulance at scene. Will be transported.” Friday, 6:11 p.m.: Petty theft reported at Student Services Center. “Borrowing roommate’s bike while roommate is out of country.” Saturday, 1:39 a.m.: Medical aid responded to alcohol-related report at Sutter Hall. “Resident adviser requesting alcohol assessment on one male at front desk. Called back and advised subject is getting worse. Medics en route. Transported to Enloe.” Sunday, 6:50 p.m.: Suspicious subject reported in Meriam Library. “White male wearing a hat and a dark trench coat acting hostile and harassing students. Standing outside entrance now. Making contact with one in the breezeway. Cooperative, counseled and moved along.” Sunday, 7:47 p.m.: Narcotics violation reported at Mechoopda Hall. “Smell of marijuana reported.”

“White Ford Probe. Unknown occupants. Windows fogged up.” UNIVERSITY POLICE Tuesday, 9:47 p.m.

news all week @ theorion.com

NEWS

WedneSday, DEC. 19, 2012

Chico Police Thursday, 6:25 a.m.: Vandalism on 300 block of West Second Street. “Transient male in the area near the bus stop, appeared to be trying to break the glass shelter. Subject was punching it and reporting party heard glass breaking. Subject just threw glass into the roadway.” Friday, 12:26 a.m.: Fight on 200 block of the Esplanade. “Knives involved, currently in the front lot. Reporting party states about 20 to 25 people, several with knives.” Friday, 12:35 a.m.: Subject on 700 block of West Fifth Street. “Reporting party advising he caught a subject urinating on reporting party’s vehicle. Suspect ran off reporting party cannot tell where because reporting party’s glasses fell off his face.” Friday, 7:43 a.m.: Drunken-driving on 800 East Avenue. “Female driver in drive-thru slurring words and leaning against window. Still in drive-thru. Staff trying to stall to keep her from driving.” Saturday, 6:47 a.m.: Subject on 400 block of Broadway Street. “Reporting party reporting homeless man yelled at him as they passed each other on the street. Subject yelled Reporting party that if reporting party ever looked at him again, he told reporting party he would, ‘end his life.’” Saturday, 6:55 p.m.: Firearm in public on 1400 block of Neal Dow Avenue. “Male subject walking in the area with a rifle. Just seen carrying it, not pointing it or waving it around. Reporting party did not see the subject, reporting party’s friend saw him.” Saturday, 8:44 p.m.: Influence of drugs on 700 West Fourth Avenue. “Male subject ‘freaking out,’ hitting anyone who walks by. Male subject getting into people’s faces. Had been wandering in the complex, no one knew him. One female is injured, no medics needed. Male is storming and lunging at people. Two males holding the subject down preventing him from hitting other people. Subject detained and transported to Enloe.” -compiled by Maricela Pulido and Laura Hass

ASSAULTS: Incidents go under-reported, police say continued from A1

It’s more than the numbers The number of sexual assaults reported has increased since the University Police Department and other organizations on campus began educational programs, University Police Sgt. Corinne Beck said. She has investigated nearly all the sexual assaults Corinne beck a University poon and around campus since lice sergeant. joining the department in 2005. Safe Start orientation and Safe Place provide support for students and encourage them to notify police. The programs address benefits of reporting assaults and intend to change stigmas, Beck said. An increase in reports could be a reflection of the success of the programs. “Maybe we sway some of that 95 percent,” Beck said. While an increase in numbers makes a campus appear more dangerous, a higher percentage can represent a campus community not afraid of recounting assaults. Just because a university has zero sexual assaults reported on its Clery report, that doesn’t mean the campus has zero assaults, Beck said. A zero coul reflect an environment where students feel uncomfortable coming forth with information. “I don’t believe you are going to have a school with zero assaults,” she said. “I would love to think that you could, because I have a daughter and I would love to send her there.” Reluctance to record a higher number of assaults can make universities less involved in encouraging students to report assaults, she said. “There is a huge financial penalty for hiding numbers, but there is a difference between hiding numbers and not soliciting them,” Beck said.

common in college, students are less likely to report an attack from someone they know, she said. Most are reluctant to come forward because they don’t want to get a “friend” in trouble, she said. Assaults by strangers are easier to recount because they tend to be less psychologically complicated and in some cases victims are less likely to feel at fault. “It’s what we see in the movies. It creates this panic because it is like a worst-case scenario in peoples minds coming true,” Peart said. “An attack that happens from a friend to a friend is just as dramatic, just as terrifying — we just don’t hear about it.”

67%

of victims know their attacker

Acquaintance rape Two-thirds of sexual assault victims know their attacker, Peart said. While acquaintance rapes are much more

Christin Huckabee

director of the Gender and Sexuality Equity Center.

What has been done, what can be tried Christin Huckabee, the director of the Gender and Sexuality Equity Center on campus doesn’t think the university is doing enough to make a change, she said. “If everyone knows what rape is and we can talk about the power that it has, then we can change it,” she said. But first Chico State needs to change the way it educates students about sexual assault, Huckabee said. GSEC works with other programs on campus and hosts events such as Take Back the Night, a biannual march to raise awareness of sexual assault. A lot of people don’t know lack of consent can constitute rape or that acquaintance rape is extremely common,

she said. The campus community needs to strengthen its core values, beliefs and put the blame where it belongs, Huckabee said. “Honestly, I think it is about time we stop teaching women how not to be raped, because that is not working — we need to start teaching men how to not rape,” she said. “Really, what are we doing? What are we doing that is ending the rape culture that we live in?” The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

news all week @ theorion.com

NEWS

WedneSday, DEC. 19, 2012

| A5

opinions all week at theorion.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19, 2012

Chico State’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1975

editorial

Call for input, feedback as we wrap up semester, look toward next We’ve all successfully made it to the last week of the fall semester. We’re almost home-free. Here at The Orion, we’ve spent the last 16 weeks covering major events that have directly affected the Chico State campus and students as individuals. There was: • the two-week search for Brett Olson, the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student who died while visiting Chico for the Labor Day weekend float • the controversy about the suspected life-threatening asbestos in Butte Hall • the string of sexual assaults reported in the

south-campus area Halloween’s effect on the Chico community • the passage of Proposition 30 and its effect on the California State University system • the recent Greek suspension These are only a few of the stories we reported over the course of the semester. And of course, there were also the play reviews, the triumphs and defeats of the sports teams and the ever-popular sex column. Our goal all semester, and over the course of The Orion’s existence, has been to serve the Chico State community by •

providing coverage of the things that matter. We work to inform with complete, accurate and unbiased journalism. With this in mind, we would like to further extend our media platform to reach out to the members of the Chico State community for input and feedback. We want to hear from you, and we want to know what issues you want us to cover. We want to share your story. The story of your ambitious startup business, the story of how you overcame obstacles to graduate and the story of how you’ve been affected by the events that happen at Chico State. News is a conversation, so

please share your insights. We work to be more of a staple in your gathering of knowledge in this town and to be relevant to you as part of the campus community. We are also looking to expand to better reach readers in a way that is convenient for you. The Orion is not only a weekly newspaper, but a daily digital media source as well. Watch our daily newscast at theorion.com for headlines every day. If you’re not near a computer, download our app and get your Chico State news on the go. Follow us on Twitter (@theorion_news) or on Instagram (@

theorion) for up-to-the-minute reporting. Our Facebook page is always available as a way to reach us with questions or concerns, and readers are welcome to write letters to the editor about topics made unclear or issues being glazed over. Don’t let your opinions go unheard, and don’t let any news go unnoticed. We consider your input as a valueable tool in our quest to be a reliable news source, and The Orion exists as an informative resource for you. Join us as we work toward in-depth coverage of the Chico State community.

Women, please don’t lose your natural breasts Ian Scerri-Martin Opinion Columnist

Ian Scerri-Martin can be reached at iscerrimartin@theorion.com

ion

•ILL

US T

R AT

ION

BY L

iz C off

You like to toke up? Have fun burning one with the devil.

t he

I’d like to think most women realize they will never be America’s next top models. However, it seems like some students at Chico State feel they have that potential — that is, if they alter their appearance first. It’s no secret that constant exposure to television, movies and video games has left us with a consistent and sometimes unreasonable image of what a beautiful woman should look like. Young girls are exposed to unrealistic expectations of beauty when they see a model with her skin airbrushed and her appearance digitally edited for a magazine cover. They think that’s the way men want them to look. Of all the ways to confirm that the media’s skin-deep culture is working, look no further than breast implants. They are the culmination of this backwards mentality. I don’t know all the reasons why women decide to augment their breasts, but I can wisely assume many of them believe it will make them more attractive. The ironic thing is that most of the women who get implants were perfectly attractive before they had the surgery. Some guys might like fake boobs, but the majority of them don’t. I would be disappointed and moderately disgusted if my girlfriend got them. To me it’s like getting a really bad tattoo. I have yet to hear a reasonable argument that explains why it would be necessary for any healthy woman to get breast implants. Is your physical appearance so important that it’s worth going under the knife for? There are many serious health risks that coincide with these volunteer surgeries, some of which can be life-threatening. Even after surgery, implants make it more difficult for a mammogram to detect cancer. Breast cancer often goes undiscovered until later stages because the implants disguise it. Also, just because the surgery went well doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Thirty percent of women who receive breast augmentation need some sort of corrective surgery within 10 years after the original surgery, according to an article by Dr. Kristie Leong, a family physician and Yahoo Health contributor, in Northwest Primetime, a lifestyle publication. Not to mention the added difficulties it will bring for breast-feeding. There are a lot of health risks and expenses involved with this kind of “beauty.” In the end, I just don’t see anything productive coming from healthy young women having silicone bags inserted into their chests. I think it demonstrates poor values and is a bad example to set for future generations. Our bodies have evolved for millions of years to function properly, and they have done a terrific job so far. If you are blessed with a healthy body that has been treating you well, don’t tamper with it. There are certain things in life we all have to learn to accept, and our natural image is one of them. Breast implants allow individuals to deny the way their bodies were supposed to be. Our bodies are what they are. Don’t go to such great lengths to be something you’re not.

No repentance for stoners’ groovy habits Kevin Crittenden Opinion Columnist

Marijuana is not just a gateway drug, but a gateway to hell. It is obvious pot smokers are really just half-life citizens, they are part-time students and full-time sinners. People who use pot are, simply, lowlifes. Bob Marley may have been a visionary, but his talents did not extend beyond the rolling of a joint. Even those who maintain the outer appearance of success and happiness are only hanging on to a thread of sanity. I don’t care if you are a doctor, dentist or a shaman — weed is unacceptable. It is the “devil’s lettuce” after all. You like to toke up? Have fun burning one with the devil. When the glass pipe touches the lips of the innocent, a demon is set loose within the lungs of the afflicted. Marijuana users are sub-humans who will melt into your sofa, eat all of your cheese puffs and then raid your freezer for

Hot Pockets — leeches posing as benign buddies. Junk food is a precious commodity, a source of national pride. It is the lifeblood of America’s internationally obese title. Most college students are broke. We don’t need these giggling parasites begging for a spot on the couch every night. St. Peter will surely slam your sticky fingers in the bars of the pearly gates if he detects a waft of dope lingering on your sweater. If someone smokes weed, there is no hope for repentance. If pot were meant to be legal, Jesus would have made a footnote of it. He turned water into wine, so booze is fine, but he never turned palm leaves into marijuana buds. Advocates who argue for the legalization of medicinal cannabis are probably users themselves, the kind of people who get so high they forget to pick grandma up from bingo. Supporters bombard citizens with silly ideas. They talk about pot like it’s some overlooked cure, a one-drug-fits all remedy.

They say it helps ease glaucoma, slow Alzheimer’s, manage arthritis and depression and assist with insomnia. Why not fill those health needs with an appropriate medley of powerful prescriptions? And just because THC, or delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, can be consumed without smoking, doesn’t mean its effects are any less corrupt. The recent legalization of pot in Colorado and Washington will surely soon be stopped by the feds. After all, the federal government is after our best interests, even at the expense of the debt of the drug war. I’m not sure how many billions of taxpayer dollars are being used to keep stoners locked behind bars, but I do know that hot pockets are not getting any cheaper. Perhaps God gives signs only to those who are willing to see them for what they are. Just because it’s green doesn’t mean it’s the signal to salvation. Marijuana: It’s a magnetic beacon onto the road to damnation. Kevin Crittenden can be reached at kcrittenden@theorion.com

| EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Jenna Valdespino Managing Editor Ben Mullin Art Director Scott Ledbetter

News Editor Quinn Western Opinion Editor Carly Caumiant Sports Editor Trevor Platt

Features Editor Katrina Cameron Photo Editor Brett Edwards Video Editor Nicholas Kinoshita

Chief Copy Editor Leila Rodriguez Online Editor Dan Reidel

OPINION

opinions all week @ theorion.com

WedneSday, DEC. 19, 2012

| A7

THUMBS Thumbs up to finals week nearing its end. School’s almost out for winter, folks.

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY Liz Coffee

Thumbs down to the anticipation of awaiting our final grades in January. At least they’ll come after Santa delivers our presents.

Thumbs up to everyone graduating this semester. Sandwich artists, here’s your big chance to make it in the real world.

Misinformation has feminism known for man-hating agenda Dani Anguiano Opinion Columnist

Are you a feminist? Most people don’t claim the title unless asked differently. Do you believe women are equal to men, worth as much economically and deserve to be treated with respect? Any decent person would agree. While these values seem painfully obvious without a label, many aspects of our society are not congruent with such beliefs. There is still misinformation about the so-called “feminist agenda” and what it means to be a feminist. Sometimes

movements are taken over by extremists. Rigid social conservatives like Michelle Bachman represent the Republican party by voicing her silly ideals, leaving more moderate right wing members in the dust. A few extremists don’t define an entire ideology. A common misconception about women’s liberation is that supporters of feminism are militant man-haters. Some people act this way, but I wouldn’t consider them to be feminists. I like men, and if I have a problem with one it’s not because he is a man. The fact that women still have to champion their equality to others shows how much misinformation is out

there. Victim blaming is one issue caused by misinformation. The fact that women are blamed for violent or sexual crimes creates a need for feminism. With numerous sexual assaults in Chico recently, it was not uncommon to hear people question the victim’s choice of clothing or say things like, “Those girls shouldn’t have been out so late by themselves,” or “They shouldn’t have been drinking.” Although such remarks are made to make sense of senseless crimes, such statements are classic examples of victim blaming. Afterall, when someone gets mugged, people never ask, “Why was she wearing

such a short skirt?” The feminist response is one that blames the perpetrator and suggests nothing about mandatory castration. Feminism exists because there are inequalities in our society, whether they are economic, social or political. Today’s feminists are not burning their bras, damning the man, hating on the institutions of marriage and family or joining the socialist party. Feminism is a simple belief that women are of the same value to men and are entitled to equality. So, are you a feminist?

danguiano@theorion.com

Ways to wind down after finals

Tara Miller Opinion Columnist

Finals week is probably the most stressful week students have to go through. For some, that last exam might make or break an overall grade, providing a bit more stress than usual. But once those tests are over, it’s time to chill and take a breather. Since finals week ends sooner for some than others, here’s a list of a few things you can do to wind down after that last exam. Read a book Remember that book you started the day before the start of the semester but never finished? Maybe it’s time to get to it. Or maybe it’s time to pick up your favorite novel you haven’t touched in a while, especially one you won’t be tested on later. Either way, reading a book, and maybe sipping on a cup of tea, will definitely help you wind down after finals are done. It’s even better if you read a book in your pajamas. I absolutely love putting on sweats and a big shirt and crawling into bed with a good book, especially once I arrive home after my last final. Watch mindless movies Watching a movie doesn’t require

rio

US •I L L

TIO TR A

iz YL

f Co

fee

Do some yoga Yoga is a huge relaxer. You can wear comfy clothes, the music is always delightful and it might even put you to sleep at the end. There is nothing more peaceful than reconnecting with your inner Zen. Take an hour out of your day for some relaxing exercise. Not only will you feel amazing, but your muscles and brain will thank you later.

TALKING POINTS

Dani Anguiano can be reached at

WEEKLY TOP FIVE much thought. It gives your brain a chance to digest everything that happened in the last week and allows you to veg out. Watch five movies if you want, unless you become a hermit for a week. Then your parents or friends might drag you away from the TV screen.

Thumbs down to the world “ending” on Friday. Guess finals were a waste of our time.

Take a bath As a college student, taking a bath might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you plan to relax after finals. But it is quite nice, especially with some candles burning, soothing music and maybe even some incense to complete the serene atmosphere. Taking a bath is beneficial to the body and the mind. You can rest your mind, and the hot water releases stressful knots in your back. Just try it once. You might thank me for the tip later. Naps, and lots of them OK, I admit it, naps are the best thing ever, especially as a college student. After numerous all-nighters during finals week, naps are all I think about. I imagine the majority of students would agree. So, if you pulled a few all-nighters, naps may be the best decision for you. Even if you didn’t pull a bunch of sleepless study sessions but still feel like you could use some extra z’s — take them. They’ll make you happy. No matter if it’s a five-minute or a five-hour nap, once you wake up, everything will be a little bit better. Tara Miller can be reached at tmiller@theorion.com

courtesy graphic • Militaryhealth

Police and other campus officials aren’t sure whether the increase in reported sexual assaults around the south-campus area represents an actual increase in assaults or evidence of more frequent reporting. This makes it difficult to if it is safer in town or if campus education programs have a hand in the rise in the number of reported assaults. Story A1

courtesy photo • star5112

People throughout the United States are expressing grief after a gunman broke into an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. and killed 20 students and six adults. In the wake of the shooting, gun advocates and legislators have begun a conversation about whether assault rifles, such as the one used in the shooting, should be banned. The government’s attention should be focused on halting illegal gun distribution rather than reforming gun ownership all together. Visit theorion.com for Chico’s response

STUDY BREAK

Letters to the editor Dear Editor, Chico has created fiscal and social norms that have enabled the overindulgence of drug abuse. Chico has promoted and profited greatly from the university partying image while at the same time, collectively turned a blind eye during decades of students dying from drug abuse. The first action taken after the latest overdose death was the CSUC suspension of activities against the Greek Community. This action has been supported and praised by some for being strategic and overdue. The other issue being discussed is binge drinking, a study has indicated that CSUC has an elevated rate of binge drinking. The Greek community, binge drinking and overdose deaths are only symptoms, not the problem. The real problem is pervasive social acceptance and

The Orion encourages letters to the editor and commentary from students, faculty, staff, administration and community members.

apathy of drug abuse (alcohol) in Chico. Chico State University and the city of Chico have acknowledged dozens of past student drug overdose deaths without implementing a strategic plan to reduce those deaths. The powers to be in Chico have known for years elevated numbers of students were dying from drug overdoses and failed to act accordingly. If Chico was concerned about its image, it has gone about it the wrong way. Lack of action after dozens of students have died or overdosed has created the perfect storm. While you’re looking for magic bullet to fix a symptom, try looking for community leaders to fix Chico’s (drug abuse) party image problem. Chico loves a party; Chico should accept the responsibility that comes with it. -Jim Bettencourt

• Letters and commentaries may be delivered to The Orion, Plumas Hall Room 001. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters are also accepted by e-mail and go directly to the opinion editor at opinioneditor@theorion.com

Dear Editor, I first heard about Chico through my husband’s friends who study at Chico State. After a little research, I became interested in the possibility of attending the University through the American Language and Culture Institute. They call it ALCI, and they recommended the program as a good way to learn English and gain admission to the University, which is respected for its academics and brilliant faculty. ALCI is located on campus and the seven-week sessions were perfect for my schedule. When I arrived in Chico from the Ukraine, I found the ALCI staff to be very helpful and the faculty to be well prepared and educated. I really appreciated how they remembered all the

students’ names and were always ready to help with any assistance the students needed. This made me feel very welcomed. The office and schedule are very well organized. In the Ukraine we would say, “It works like a clock”. The ALCI courses are very demanding and the faculty are good at pulling the best effort out of students. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my instructors and everyone from ALCI because of all the efforts they made on my behalf. Thanks to the ALCI program at Chico State, my English has improved a great deal. I hope to have another opportunity to come back to Chico to continue my studies at my favorite University.

• Commentaries should be limited to 500 to 700 words and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Please include your phone number.

-Vinera Kurtyeva, Ukraine

Courtesy Photo • Lunch box lp’s

Artist: Big Boi Album: “Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors” Big Boi’s newest solo album is a fresh take on the hip-hop style of the early 2000s with strength in variety. The album is well worth the $14.99 download on iTunes and has given given Big Boi the credit he needs to fly solo. He samples earlier OutKast songs, which allows his voice to go in a new direction without neglecting his roots. Big Boi displays a wide variety of genres on this album, as shown in tracks like “She Hates Me,” featuring Kid Cudi, and upbeat tunes such as “In The A,” with T.I. and Ludacris. This album proves that he is no one-trick pony. This is the CD to leave in your car. It will never get old, no matter how many times you listen to it.

• Letters to the editor should be limited to fewer than 300 words, must include writer’s name and phone number (for verification) and are subject to condensation. Please include your year in school and major, or your business title.

-Compiled by Frank Rebelo

• The Orion does not publish anonymous letters, letters that are addressed to a third party or letters that are in poor taste. The opinions expressed by The Orion’s columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Orion or its staff.

A8 |

WedneSday, Dec. WEDNESDAY, DEC.19, 19,2012 2012

ADVERTISEMENTS ADVERTISEMENTS

theorion.com

Twitter

For live game updates, follow The Orion’s sports Twitter @theorion_sports

sports all week at theorion.com

SPORTS Chico State’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1975

WILDCAT OF THE WEEK B2 STAT ’CAT B2 GAMES SCHEDULE B2

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19, 2012

Miller Steps Up 14.3 Miller’s average number of points scored per game this season. This is a 3.6point increase from last season.

31.5 Average number of minutes Miller plays per game. This is a 5.3-minute increase from last year.

5.8 Average number of rebounds Miller has per game, which is an increase of 1.8 from last season.

The orion •PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY Frank Rebelo

SOURCE • ChicoWildcats.com

Wildcat leads team to success with an average of 14.25 points per game. Miller credits her sharp shooting skills to the time she spends working in the gym The Chico State women’s basketball team practicing shot after shot. Shooting was has proven to be a domalso drilled into her routine inant force early in the by her coach at Vanden “I give most of season. High School, who insisted my credit to my The Wildcats are off his players shoot. to a blistering 8-0 start A lot. teammates for and currently hold the coach only wanted looking for me on the us“My best record in the Calito shoot threes, we were court and getting me a layup and shoot threes fornia Collegiate Athletic Association. team,” Miller said. “Basiopen.” To no small degree, cally that is what made me Jazmine Miller junior guard Jazmine Milla good shooter as well.” junior guard er’s scoring has been One of Miller’s teama reason for the team’s mates, senior Monnie strong start. Davidson-Mays, sees the Wildcat athlete on She has gained increased responsibility and off the court. on offense and leads the team in scoring, “Just like a light bulb, I guess, she like Blake Mehigan Staff Writer

brightens up the room,” Davidson-Mays said. Miller, a communication studies major, acts as the team DJ on road trips and enjoys goofing around with her teammates. But she may have never met DavidsonMays or her other teammates because of her unpleasant first impression of Chico. While on a trip for a basketball tournament several years ago, a woman was robbed at the hotel Miller’s team was staying at. This experience left a bitter taste in her mouth, but the flavor was rinsed away on a recruitment visit back to Chico. “It was more just the atmosphere and the people were really nice, and I really did not expect that,” she said. Miller’s main focus since becoming a Wildcat has been her conditioning. Over the team’s offseason, Miller’s

worked to get into better shape for the season, she said. She barely played basketball over the break. “I touched the ball in July, I was just playing open gym with guys,” she said. “I was just running, running, running and doing spin class.” Her conditioning has proven to be fruitful. She currently leads the team in playing time, with an average of 31.5 minutes per game, 5.3 minutes more than her average last year. Miller knows her success hasn’t come without support. “I give most of my credit to my teammates for looking for me on the court and getting me open,” she said. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

B2 |

WILDCAT of the

WEEK

STAFF COMMENTARY

Athletes take oath to rise above pressure Isaac Brambila Staff Writer

James Staniland #22 senior forward

Year Games MPG PPG 2012

RPG

APG

9.1

1.7

0.7

Total 38

8.3

4.5

1.2

0.2

Chico State

James Staniland

I walked onto the soccer field with weak knees and my mouth sticky with foul-tasting saliva. Drinking water made me feel a little sick and didn’t quench my thirst. The women were friendly the night before, and I found myself believing that one more drink wouldn’t affect my accuracy the next day and that one less hour of sleep wouldn’t shake my focus in the game — but I was wrong. And in reality, when the euphoria of an alcohol-fueled night fades away, athletes must realize booze and sports don’t mix well. The Chico State men’s basketball team seems to understand that. This semester, the team members have pledged not to consume alcohol to complete a “dry season,” senior center Jason Conrad said. In a town like Chico, where part of the college experience is blurred with vodka shots, $5 pitchers of beer and disoriented mornings, one has to admire the sacrifice and dedication our athletes are making. But it may be one of the toughest challenges the team faces all season. Let’s face it — athletes are revered in our culture, and many are prone to becoming the life of the party in the haze of their glamorous image. It’s hard to distinguish the line between idolized athlete and rock star. Athletes can easily find themselves believing they can have a double life that allows them to drink the night before a game and still perform their best. But playing beer pong is not the same as practicing free throws, no matter how

convenient it seems. The glamour of the party scene can lure them in like the enchanting voice of a siren seductively laying with a shot of tequila in her bellybutton. But the willpower to keep their dry season alive relies heavily on the whole team. The team is stronger together than the members are as individuals, and players may respect their oath more than their personal athletic careers. The serenading sirens can be drowned out by their collective voice. Athletics, along with other university-affiliated organizations, set an example to the rest of the student body. In a time when our campus and community struggles with many issues derived from alcohol abuse, it is good to see an athletic team take this stance.

W i l d C a ts STAT ’CAT

(women’s basketball) The ’Cats have a perfect 8-0 record for the first time in 39 years.

(men’s basketball) The number of points senior James Staniland scored in Friday’s defeat of Simpson University. He led the team in scoring with 14 points in 14 minutes.

(WOMen’s Basketball) The number of points and boards junior Jazmine Miller had in Saturday’s win over Cal State Stanislaus. This marks her first career double-double.

(MEN’S BASKETBALL) The number of points that came from Chico State’s bench in Friday night’s win. These players scored more than 50 percent of the team’s 80 points.

Having an alcohol-free season is also an allaround investment. It can help provide a clear head, give the team a collective confidence boost and keep the players physically fresh. I failed as an athlete, but I didn’t have a team behind me staying dry and encouraging me to do the same. My ego made me believe I could get drunk one night and score goals the following morning. The members of the basketball team must do a better job of keeping their mouths dry from foultasting saliva mornings than I did. In a college town infused in a drinking culture, their challenge seems to be bigger than mine, but so does their team bond. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY liz coffee

Position: Forward Class: Senior Height: 6 feet, 7 inches

The Ventura native led the Wildcats with 14 points in 14 minutes off of the bench in their Friday night win over the Simpson University Red Hawks. Staniland leads the team in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and overall points with 64.

sports all week @ theorion.com

SPORTS

Wednesday, DEC. 19, 2012

in Case You MIssed it

Wildcat basketball teams crush competition Men’s basketball The men’s basketball team got a much-needed win at home Friday against Simpson University to improve its overall record to 4-3. The win gave the team some momentum heading into the holiday break. The Wildcat bench helped secure the win by scoring 48 of the team’s 80 points. Senior forward James Staniland led the team by scoring 14 points, nine of which came from three-point range. He also added four rebounds and an assist. Junior Amir Carraway scored 12 points, pulled down six rebounds, swiped four steals and topped it off with an assist to aid in the ’Cats’ win. Defensively, Chico State dominated the boards, pulling down 39 rebounds to Simpson’s 27, while 24 of the team’s 80 points came in the paint. Senior center Jason Conrad helped lead the effort in the frontcourt with eight points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Jordan Semple chipped in with six rebounds and five points. The game ended with a Wildcat win of 80-52. The men’s team plays next on the road against Cal State Stanislaus Saturday, Dec. 29.

Jake Martin Staff Writer

Women’s basketball The 20th-ranked Chico State women’s basketball team put its undefeated 6-0 record on the line as the players hit the road Dec. 12 for a game against the University of Notre Dame De Namur. The Argonauts were 1-6 coming into the matchup and struggled early, starting the game down 7-0. Chico State’s Jazmine Miller scored the Wildcats’ first seven points and finished the game with 13 total. Despite bringing only nine players on the road trip, the Wildcats cruised to a 21-point lead at halftime. In the second half, Chico State’s offense maintained a strong balanced attack, with all nine players scoring three or more points. The Wildcats’ defense wasn’t as sharp and allowed 29 points, but the final score did tip 69-46 in favor of the ’Cats. Their record improved to 7-0. The team got the chance to tie the 39-year-old school record of an 8-0 season start, which had not happened since the 1973-1974 season. The Cal State Stanislaus Warriors were winless coming into the matchup, but the contest went on to feature four tied scores and five lead changes. Chico State trailed 34-33 entering halftime, and the team’s 8-0 season appeared to be in jeopardy. The Wildcat bench helped seal the win with 24 points, while Miller shined by scoring 15 points and grabbing 15 boards, marking her first career double-double in the 68-58 win. Miller accumulated 28 points, 22 rebounds, 10 assists, four steals

Jake Martin can be reached at jmartin@theorion.com

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Frank Rebelo

up in the air Senior guard Damario Sims leaps toward the basket while Simpson University defenders look on in Friday night’s home game. The ’Cats went on to win 80-52 and improved to a 4-3 record on the season. and two blocks throughout the two games. Senior Monnie Davidson-Mays tallied 21 points, 17 rebounds, six steals, three assists and two blocks. Annie Ward continued to be a perimeter-shooting ace, scoring 20 points with 15 coming from beyond

STANDINGS

GAME 1 (women’s basketball)

the arc. Courtney Hamilton had a solid all-around week with 11 rebounds, 10 assists, seven points, four blocks and three steals. The ’Cats take their perfect 8-0 record into a short break during the holidays and will resume play 5:30 p.m., Jan. 4 in Acker Gym.

Chico State

Notre Dame De Namur

GAME 2

Chico State

Cal State Stanislaus

GAME 1 (men’s basketball) Chico State

Simpson University

GAMES SCHEDULE

Men’s Basketball CCAA Cal Poly Pomona 4-0 Cal State San Bernardino 3-0 San Francisco State 3-1 Cal State East Bay 2-1 Cal State L.A. 2-2 Cal State Dominguez Hills 2-2 Sonoma State 2-2 Chico State 1-2 Cal State Stanislaus 1-2 Humboldt State 1-2 Cal State Monterey Bay 0-3 UC San Diego 0-3

Overall 8-0 3-1 5-3 3-4 4-3 5-5 3-3 4-3 2-3 4-3 4-6 1-5

woMen’s Basketball CCAA Chico State 4-0 UC San Diego 2-0 Humboldt State 3-1 Cal State Monterey Bay 2-1 Cal State L.A. 2-2 San Francisco State 2-2 Sonoma State 2-2 Cal State San Bernardino 1-1 Cal State East Bay 1-2 Cal Poly Pomona 1-3 Cal State Dominguez Hills 1-3 Cal State Stanislaus 0-4

Overall 8-0 4-5 6-3 5-1 5-3 5-3 3-4 2-3 3-4 2-4 2-6 0-8

*bold indicates CCAA game

men’s basketball

women’s basketball Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 29, 7 p.m.

VS.

Sonoma State

CAL State Stanislaus CCAA 1-2 (2-3 OVERALL)

CCAA 2-2 (3-4 OVERALL)

Jan. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 5, 5:30 p.m.

VS.

San Francisco State

Sonoma State

CCAA 2-2 (5-3 OVERALL)

CCAA 2-2 (3-3 OVERALL) Jan. 5 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 15 Feb. 16

@ @ @ @

San Francisco State UC San Diego Cal State San Bernardino Cal State L.A. Cal State Dominguez Hills Cal State Monterey Bay Cal State East Bay Humboldt State Cal Poly Pomona San Francisco State Sonoma State Cal State San Bernardino UC San Diego

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 15 Feb. 16 Feb. 22

@ @ @ @

UC San Diego Cal State San Bernardino Cal State L.A. Cal State Dominguez Hills Cal State Monterey Bay Cal State East Bay Humboldt State Cal Poly Pomona San Francisco State Sonoma State Cal State San Bernardino UC San Diego Cal State Dominguez Hills

5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

sports @ theorion.com sportsallallweek week @ theorion.com

SPORTS SPORTS

Graduating pro snowboarder heads to Japan Paul Smeltzer Staff Writer

Snowboarding down Alpine Mountain, senior political science major Taylor Carlton bottom-turned up and hit the jump, throwing a bucket of diamond-like snow toward the sun. Once he graduates this month, Carlton will have completed seven years of college while also balancing his personal life, working full-time and snowboarding professionally. Carlton snowboards at least 175 days every season, beginning as early as December and ending as late as July, he said. This requires him to petition for increased course loads of 21 units during his fall semesters at Chico State. Taylor Carlton “It’s a huge accomCarlton will head to Japan for a plishment to have a snowboarding college degree and documentary a snowboarding after graduation career,” Carlton said. the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Paul Smeltzer “Going to school has Grabbing Some Air Senior Taylor Carlton grabs the heel of his snowboard after hitting been a great thing.” Carlton discovered his passion at 11 a jump near Lake Tahoe. Carlton balances a full load at Chico State with time spent snowboarding as he works toward his goal of becoming a professional snowboarder. years old when his father introduced him to the sport while living in MichHe then moved to Northern Califorigan. He gave it a few runs and got Carlton is currently sponsored nia at 18, where he found an ample by multiple organizations, includhooked. “I instantly loved it,” he said. “The amount of snow and conditions that ing Jones Snowboard, Smith Optics, thrill of flying down a mountain is provided plenty to offer an aspiring Totally Board and Air Blaster. athlete. unmatched.” Air Blaster is sending Carlton to Carlton supported himself by Hokkaido, Japan next month to be Michigan’s terrain doesn’t have mountains, but it has plenty of snowy working minimum-wage restaurant filmed in “Japanuary,” a snowboard foothills that were just enough to whet jobs, busing tables and bartending film featuring a wide array of West the young snowboarder’s appetite for at night while making money as a Coast talent, including professional snowboarder. snow. snowboarder Brandon Cocoard. “Getting paid in snowboarding all Carlton’s friends inspired him to “We are flying into Sapporo and depends on how hard then traveling north to find fresh powprogress in the sport, you work,” he said. der,” Carlton said. and he eventually “‘The thrill of flying “If you get a shot in started competing After returning from Japan in early a magazine or land in contests held by February, he plans to spend a large down a mountain is a segment in a well- portion of winter in Idaho and then the United States of unmatched. ” documented video, fly to Alaska for spring. America Snowboard companies are obliAssociation. “My future plans are just to stay Taylor Carlton gated to pay you.” “It was a fun way senior political science major healthy, keep exploring the mountains Winning big com- and have as much fun as possible with to push myself when I was in high school,” Carlton said. “I petitions is a fast way to earn money my friends,” Carlton said. won my region for the USASA and was as a snowboarder, but there is stiff able to compete in a national event competition and other ways to build a Paul Smeltzer can be reached at resume, he said. where I placed in the top 10.” psmeltzer@theorion.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Wednesday, WEDNESDAY,DEC. DEC.19, 19,2012 2012 |

| B3B3

Chico running club provides way for grads to compete Adam Levine Staff Writer

The Chico Track Club has become a popular choice for Chico State graduates who want to continue to compete in distance competitions on the track, road or cross-country after their college careers have ended. The club was founded in 1991 by Chico State alumnus Gary Towne, the university’s current head cross-country coach. “It started out by just ordering some uniforms and attracting guys to run on the team,” Towne said. “The club never had a lot of members, but by the mid-1990s, it really began to pick up steam.” The club eventually fell on hard times in the late 1990s when Towne was no longer able to put in the time, training and management the team needed. The Chico Track Club has made a return thanks to the efforts of Chico State alumnus and current club president Jordan Fairley, who graduated from the university in 2010. Fairley wanted to continue to compete, so he put a lot of energy into re-establishing the club, Towne said. Fairley is a key component to the club, said sponsor director Thomas Whitcomb, who also graduated from Chico State and is an assistant cross-country coach for Towne. “Jordan puts a lot of effort into making the club relevant and just getting the word out,” he said. “He is unbelievable important to the club.” The organization focuses on distance competitions and competes within the Pacific Association, a conference under USA Track and Field. Events are held throughout the Bay Area and Northern California in areas such as San Francisco, Sacramento and Tahoe. Runners compete in road-racing competitions from March to December, cross-country from August to December and track and field all year. The goal is to compete in as many events as possible to gain exposure and increase credibility as an organization, according to the Chico Track Club website. The club is always looking for new members who are motivated to compete at the post-collegiate level. Contact information and applications can be found on its website. Adam Levine can be reached at alevine@theorion.com

Wednesday, DEC. 19, 2012

Visit theorion.com and follow us @theorion_news

Our hunt is now a daily one

BUT I AM NOT ALONE. It takes a team.

I am a hunter of truth,

B4 |

SPORTS sports all week @ theorion.com

SEX COLUMN B6 FOOD COLUMN B7 SAVVY SAVINGS B7

features all week at theorion.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19, 2012

Chico State’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1975

‘Nutcracker’

helps dancer emerge from shell

ON POINT Jenna Large, 16, performs as Clara in Chico Community Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” ballet in Laxson Auditorium on Dec. 12.

THE ORION •PHOTOGRAPHS BY LIAM TURNER

Risa Johnson STAFF WRITER

A 20-foot embellished book rolled onto the Laxson Auditorium stage, but once opened, it was empty. Magician Herr Drosselmeyer, played by Derek Ralston, opened the book three times to let three dancers dressed like dolls emerge, and the magic began. Audience members witnessed this magical transformation Thursday through Sunday as Chico Community Ballet twirled into Clara’s world of ballet. Jenna Large, 16, played Clara, the young girl who was spirited away into a candy kingdom in the ballet. Large’s day-to-day life doesn’t include dancing candy and fighting mice, but rather loads of homework and struggles to feel self-confident. She has practiced ballet for three hours every day since she was 9 years old in order to follow

her passion of dance, she said. Now in high school, balancing time is a challenge for her. Large spends her lunch hours and free time studying for classes to manage balancing schoolwork with ballet, but managing her time can be diﬃcult, she said. She has struggled with herself and hasn’t felt as flawless as she appears under the stage lights. “I used to be scared of performing, and overall I have not been a very confident person,” Large said. But in the past two years she has gained more self-assurance, she said. Her pursuit of the role of Clara was just the push she needed to continue toward her aspirations as a dancer, Large said. “The Nutcracker” has

sparked her interest in dancing professionally. Large hopes to either go on to be a professional ballet dancer in the San Francisco Ballet or attend UC Berkeley to major in chemistry. She has been preparing for her role since September and practicing with some of her friends who have played Clara in “The Nutcracker” in the past. “It’s really about getting myself in the scene and making it real life, not just on the stage,” Large said. Jake Bevens, who played the Nutcracker Prince in the Chico Community Ballet production, accompanied Large onstage. Bevens took a break from SWEPT OFF HER FEET The Nutcracker, played by Jake his job as a Bevens, dances alongside Jenna Large, who plays performer at Clara in Chico Community Ballet’s production of Tokyo Disney“The Nutcracker.” The ballet ran from Dec. 12-16. land and visited

his hometown of Chico for two weeks to prepare and perform for the show, he said. He is grateful to have been able to be a part of “The Nutcracker.” “I loved coming and working with Jenna,” he said. “It was great to be back at home and see friends I grew up with.” Other dancers enjoyed working with Large as well. “Jenna is very easy and enjoyable to dance with,” said Derek Ralston, who played Herr Drosselmeyer. Ralston has worked with Chico Community Ballet for 22 years, but dancing with his sixth Clara was a unique experience. He has been able to watch many dancers grow from 2-year-old performers to leading roles, he said. “Every time you do it with a new cast it’s a different dance,” he said. “That is the magic of community ballet.” Risa Johnson can be reached at rjohnson@theorion.com

Students reflect on, anticipate study abroad experience gained weight while adjusting to the diﬀerent diet, he said. Vieira plans to stay in California through next summer if he can get an internship. If not, he will go back to Brazil after the spring semester.

Nicole Gerspacher STAFF WRITER

The Study Abroad office at Chico State sends more than 300 students all over the world each year, according to its website. Students are able to study in one of 30 countries, and a journey can be as short as a single semester or longer if they would like. The office offers different resources to help both outgoing and incoming students adapt to the new country. From Brazil to Chico Matheus Vieira, junior civil engineering major, came to Chico State from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, in the southeast region of Brazil. Vieira never traveled outside of Brazil prior to studying abroad. He was nervous about the obnoxious American stereotype he had heard of but was relieved to see it wasn’t an issue, he said. “People in Brazil say that people here in the U.S. are very rude,” he said. “When I got here I was afraid that people would start yelling at me or cursing at me.” Taking classes in a language other than Portuguese also caused Vieira stress. “You can’t stand 50 minutes paying attention in a class without falling asleep,” he said. “I don’t know why, it is just very tiring.” In Brazil, a typical semester consists of 24 units, as opposed to the American equivalent of 12 to 15, Vieira said. Apart from the academic side of studying

THE ORION •PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE MAIZE

ACADEMIA ABROAD Matheus Vieira, a junior civil engineering student from Brazil, is attending Chico State while studying abroad. abroad, Vieira is trying to experience different American pastimes. “I went to baseball games, and I didn’t really like it,” he said. “I still want to go to an American football game.” After living in the U.S. for a few months, Vieira has finally gotten used to eggs for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch, he said. His newfound taste for American cuisine has come at a steep cost because he now eats less than he did in Brazil, but he has

From Chico to Australia Christie Landrie, a junior graphic design major, is leaving next semester to go to college in Gold Coast, Australia, where she will take classes to complete her minors in photography and marketing. One of the major challenges Landrie will face while studying in Australia is the currency difference between the two countries, she said. Australia charges twice as much for college, and the exchange rate for U.S. dollars is fairly low. Landrie has also heard that the class structure is different in Australia, so that may be a difficult adjustment for her. “Classes here are a lot of busy work with homework and projects during class,” Landrie said. Although she had 30 countries to choose from to study abroad in, Landrie had many reasons for choosing Australia. “I have friends who live there and who love it, and I like their personalities and I mesh really well with them,” she said. Landrie has traveled to many places including Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada, but she is looking forward to the different adventures she will experience in Australia. “I’m real excited to learn how to surf, because I will be close to the beach,” she

THE ORION •PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE MAIZE

GOLD COAST BOUND Christie Landrie, a junior graphic design student, will leave Chico State to continue her studies in Australia. said. “Also to go sightseeing.” After she graduates, Landrie plans to travel overseas once more before settling down in one place. “I would love to live abroad after I graduate for one or two years,” she said. “I just think it will be a great experience, and there is no time like right when you graduate and you are free.” Nicole Gerspacher can be reached at ngerspacher@theorion.com

B6 |

features all week @ theorion.com

FEATURES

WedneSday, DEC. 19, 2012

Student starts new chapter with Bookbag business brought books. They were phonebooks.

Risa Johnson Staff Writer

Many college students are familiar with spending hours browsing the Web for cheap textbooks every semester. One Chico State student has come up with a solution to the problem that saves time, money and also benefits children in need. Chanel Nalani, a senior business administration major, recently created an application called Bookbag. The app compiles bookselling websites in one function and donates a book to charity for every item sold. Bookbag will be released for smartphones and other devices in mid-January and is scheduled to be online by summer. “Ever since I was a little girl I’ve had an entrepreneur spirit,” Nalani said. The story that sparked an idea Nalani thought of Bookbag last fall when she was buying textbooks. There is an app for everything, but some are incomplete or not up to par, she said. “The idea floated around in my mind for a few months,” Nalani said. “Eventually I locked myself in my room for two days until I finished a prototype.” Her mother, an elementary school teacher, influenced Nalani’s decision to add charities to Bookbag by sharing a story about needy children. Her mother’s colleague began teaching at an impoverished school and asked the children to bring in a book during the first week of class, she said. Of 30 children, only two

Being a college student with a business Chico State has played a huge part in her business, Nalani said. She has received access to grants and advice Chanel nalani from successful people like The senior busiPeter Straus, a business ness administration major created management professor, and the Bookbag app. Randy Hutchison, the chief executive officer of an Internet marketing management company and a Chico State alumnus. As a freshman, Nalani had the best business presentation in her class, and the professor saw her potential, Straus said. “She is a very driven, dedicated young entrepreneur,” he said. Schoolwork is a priority, but Nalani has spent many sleepless nights working on the app, she said. She has trained her body to need as little sleep as possible to get the most work done. She has also put a lot of personal money into the business. About 80 percent of her paychecks from her summer internship at Work Day, a software development company in Pleasanton, have gone toward Bookbag. Why this app is different Bookbag has partnered with donorschoose. org, booksforafrica.org and firstbook.org. The app donates money to these charities, which then provide and distribute books to

children, Nalani said. Bookbag is different from apps like Amazon Kindle because it does not limit readers to books sold on specific websites. “You can get books from Amazon, Ebay, Chegg and more,” Nalani said. “There is also a Craigslist aspect which helps you connect to other students.” Support from coworkers and classmates Dustin Moseley, a Chico State alumnus and social media manager for Bookbag, met Nalani at the first California Jumpstart entrepreneur convention, Moseley said. A few months later she called him with her business proposal. “As a college student it made total sense to me, so I was on board right away,” he said. There’s no reason not to use it when buying books because it’s free, saves time and gives free books to kids, Moseley said. Chelsea Hejny, a social media specialist for Bookbag and a senior marketing major at the University of Nevada, is focusing on Facebook advertising for the business, she said. “Our target audience is people who prefer hardback books, can’t afford e-books or are technologically challenged,” Hejny said. The big plan Nalani plans to devote her career to Bookbag. “I want to grow it big, long term, sustainable and really help out a lot of kids,” she said. Nalani wants to move Bookbag into a different direction than other e-book apps and

graphic courtesY of • Chanel nalani

mobile friendly The Bookbag application helps students discover deals on textbooks and provides books to children in need. work with Chico State, she said. Many bookstores are going out of business because people are using more efficient technology. She would also like to cater to self-publishers and book lovers but hasn’t yet found a way to tackle those markets. The goal is to donate 1 million books by January 2014, Hejny said. Risa Johnson can be reached at rjohnson@theorion.com

O-FACE: Slippery when soaked

Aubrey Crosby Sex Columnist

My boyfriend and I have made it a goal to have sex in as many places as possible, and for the most part, we’ve succeeded. Cars, elevators and movie theaters — I have a pretty excellent list going. Even still, there has always been one place that has tripped me up on this goal, and it’s a common fantasy. Hot, steamy shower sex. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the shower specifically, but really in any body of water. There are some definite problems that occur while trying to get it on in the swimming pool during the middle of summer, so we’ll start with the basics. The most common place people try to have steamy shower sex is, well, the shower. Unless you’re working with one of those amazing showers or bathtubs that seats about six people, the space you’re working with is most likely the smallest and most difficult place to maneuver. When my boyfriend and I tried it, we ended up with tangled limbs and bruised elbows. We decided to move on and try the hot

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY Liz coffee

tub instead. It worked pretty well until we discovered this was a public place. Of course, I didn’t come to this realization until the apartment complex’s management came to my parents’ house with images from their security camera and a polite little note. It didn’t really end so smoothly.

Other than that small consequence, things worked out as well as they could have in the water, since nature decided to get involved. Water is tricky. Our bodies have the tendency to float in water, and this wellknown fact gets ignored in the heat of the moment. One minute you’re on top of your

partner, the next you’re floating away in a mass of swirling bubbles. So holding on for dear life is the easiest way to stay attached. Then there’s the problem that took me a while to manage. Water is the anti-lube. If you don’t know what I mean, go try and have sex in a shower without a condom, and you’ll understand almost instantly. I went into my first attempt at shower sex thinking water would help ease some friction and make it more enjoyable, but I have never been more wrong. When you’re submerged in water, like in a bath, it’s not necessarily a problem. However, most people I’ve talked to end up going the shower route and having serious issues because of this water problem. The only solution I’ve found is using a lubricated condom and keeping it out of the stream of water so the lube doesn’t wash off. Other than that, I have utterly failed each and every time. Sex in the water isn’t as great as everyone makes it out to be. It’s just too difficult and time consuming for my packed daily schedule. Thanks a lot, Mother Nature. Aubrey Crosby can be reached at sexcolumnist@theorion.com

THE NEBULA

and

Sudoku

Call 530-898-427 or email advertising@theorion.com Crossword

Across

Down

ANSWERS FOR THE CROSSWORD AND SUDOKU ARE AVAILABLE ON THEORION.com

features week theorion.com features allallweek @@ theorion.com

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY,DEC. DEC.19, 19,2012 2012 | WedneSday,

B7 | B7

FOOD COLUMN: Give S’more

S’mores Fudge

Annie Paige food columnist

It’s always nice when food is shared, but a personal pint of ice cream is usually purchased instead. The combination of a lack of time and funds is the typical cause for this. But the giving season is the best excuse to give food as a gift. Cookies, gingerbread men and peanut brittle are some delicious possibilities, but I choose s’mores fudge. I’ve always enjoyed receiving festive packages of fudge from friends and neighbors. This recipe is great to make in batches to give away, and it doesn’t cost much to make.

HOW TO MAKE IT

PREP 10 minutes TOTAL 4 to 6 hours SERVING SIZE 48 squares

WHAT YOU NEED 3 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup butter 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup mini marshmallows 2 cups chopped graham crackers

Annie Paige can be reached at

Line a 9-inch pan with foil or lightly greased plastic wrap. Chop chocolate chips and graham crackers into tiny bits. Combine chocolate, condensed milk, vanilla and butter in a double broiler or a large saucepan on medium-high heat. Stir frequently until melted and smooth. Add marshmallows and graham crackers into the melted chocolate mix. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Set fudge out on counter to let firm for 4 to 6 hours. Cut into squares and seal in an airtight container.

foodcolumnist@theorion.com the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY annie paige

SAVVY SAVING: Thrifty travels

Samantha Youngman savings columnist

With five weeks of freedom coming up, we will have a lot of time on our hands. If you aren’t working during the winter break, this is the perfect time to travel. As a young adult who doesn’t care too much about luxurious hotels, you can go anywhere for a steal. Prudent preparations Getting to your location is the most expensive part, but with a bit of research, cheap flights are just a click away. Websites like farecompare.com let you compare rates of seven different websites at once. Kayak.com, expedia.com, and travelocity.com can also help you find great deals. When I go on vacation, I pack everything I could ever possibly need, which is excessive and expensive. Airlines charge for bags heavier than a certain weight, so save your cash and pack lightly. No one wants that extra baggage. Thrifty taverns Many students stay in hostels to save money. They are small and less costly than hotels and are perfect for someone who just wants to catch some shut-eye.

It is suggested that hostels are utilized when traveling alone. A group is often given only one key to the room, so it can be difficult to go somewhere on your own without waiting for the others to let you in when you get back. Once you are in your city of choice, try to stay somewhere centrally located. This allows you to walk to your destinations and minimizes the cost of taxis and buses. Skip the gym on vacation and do some walking. If you are staying somewhere with a kitchen, grocery shopping is a great way to get your food for less. Eating out for every meal gets expensive, no matter how inexpensive the restaurants you visit are. You don’t have to tip when you cook yourself. Save your money and splurge on a few good meals, because you have to try the delicacies in whatever country you visit. Reduced refreshments Talk to locals about where to explore. Touristy places are great, but they can be crowded and overpriced. I once got charged about $10 for a bottle of water in Athens. Vendors knew I would pay any amount after walking to the Parthenon in 110-degree weather. If I would have had a filtered water bottle, I could have saved money. These bottles filter out most of the bad stuff, but be careful because certain cities have water that is unsafe to drink.

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY liz coffee

Do what you desire No matter where you end up, make sure you do what you want. If you are in a group, don’t get pressured to go somewhere you don’t want to. Go alone if you have to. The last thing you want is to travel to amazing places but regret not visiting that one island only 20 minutes away. In 10 years, you’re not going to remember the extra $15 it cost you, you’re just going to

remember the awesome time you had while there. This is the time to do everything you want. Before you know it, you’ll be a college graduate, have a full-time job, getting married, having a kid or two and regretting never going to some exotic place. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

B8 |

WEDNESDAY, DEC.19, 19,2012 2012 WedneSday, DEC.

ADVERTISEMENTS FEATURES

features all week @ theorion.com theorion.com