The Orion - Spring 2013, Issue 12 by The Orion

dynamic duo

DAILY NEWScast

Two Chico State pitchers have helped the Wildcats seal a solid season. See Sports

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

Chico State’s Independent Student News Source since 1975

volume 70 Issue 12

FIRST COPY FREE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

news all week at theorion.com

Missing gym towels cost WREC thousands

additional copies 50¢

Greeks see rush increase

FEATURES

Leanne Patterson

Isabel Charles

Staff Writer

The Chico State Wildcat Recreation Center has started a campaign asking students to bring back lost or stolen towels after it spent more than $10,000 on replacements. In the past three months, the WREC has lost 4,479 towels, said Teresa Clements, assistant director of member services at the gym. The current policy allows students to borrow them freely while spending time at the gym. “Towel theft has been a problem since we opened in 2009, but this spring semester seems to be the worst to date,” she said. The WREC does inventory whenever they see a decrease in the amount of towels and orders more for circulation, Clements said. At any given time, there should be at least 700 towels for use a day, whether they’re in the laundry, ready for “Towel theft has been use or somewhere in the a problem since we facility. opened in 2009, but The gym this spring semester had to seems to be the worst increase its to date.” towel orders because Teresa Clements the norWREC assistant director of mal two to member services three yearly bulk orders weren’t enough. Towel orders are a part of the overall WREC budget, which is funded by student fees. This is one of the reasons the gym staff found it important to make >> please see WREC | A3

This semester, more students signed up for sorority recruitment than ever before. More than 400 women participated in recruitment week, said Connie Huyck, the student life and leadership coordinator. The average in the past has been about 300 students. Potential members spent time visiting each sorority house April 3-8 to learn about the different organizations and the individual goals of each chapter. Recruitment week resulted in an average of 60 new members per sorority, Huyck said. “Only time can truly tell what this increase in recruitment came from,” she said. Since the Greek system was reinstated last month, sororities have been educating new members of the rules and regulations of Greek life. “We are having new member meetings every Sunday before general meetings,” said Vanessa Camera, Alpha Phi president and a junior health science major. At these meetings, new members are taught the values of their sorority, the new campus regulations and how to act as a responsible chapter member, she said. “We don’t want members who just want to go out and act crazy,” Camera said. “We want girls who are dedicated to the sorority, who want to be leaders and want to be a strong presence on campus.” The social aspect is nonexistent for sororities right now, Huyck said. “The new students will be coming in to a new sort of Greek life and hopefully carry that on throughout the years,” she said.

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Logan Missner

Hanging in the balance

Steady now Justin Montgomery and Ben Aguirre, both members of Chico State’s Acrobatics Club, perform the “strong man” pose during a team practice. The club meets three nights a week in Acker Gym to practice poses. To read more about the club, see B5.

The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

Faculty member finished minutes before Boston blasts Quinn Western News Editor

A Chico State faculty member cried as she crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon, had her medal draped around Melissa her neck and then walked Stearns a block before hearing the Health education specialist first explosion. for CNAP Melissa Stearns, a Chico State health education specialist at the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion, finished the race 14 minutes before the blasts on April 15.

26.2 miles Chico State faculty member Melissa Stearns finished the Boston Marathon in three hours and 54 minutes, just 14 minutes before the bombs went off April 15.

The race Stearns had her morning coffee and a sweet potato just like before any other race. She approached the start of the marathon excited, ready and a little bit chilly. The brisk morning soon turned to perfect marathon weather, and Stearns removed the first of her four layers quickly, she said. “You have to qualify to get there, so just being able to get there was amazing,” she said. Stearns usually runs marathons with her earbuds in, but she took them out just to absorb and listen to the cheers, she said. >> please see EXPLOSION | A4

Photo courtesy of ED HUDSON

Professor not convinced by asbestos results doubts the safety of Butte Hall. The university is trying to ignore what they Senior Writer already have acknowledged, he said. After finding asbestos material in the ceilThe state has found no danger of asbestos exposure in Butte Hall, but a faculty mem- ing tiles during the 2010 univeristy lighting project, Luis Caraballo, ber is still questioning director of facilities manwhether the building is “They all see this as a ‘Wizard agement and services, safe. of Oz’ trick they’re trying to pull, notified Gayle HutchinThe inspection was don’t look behind the curtain, son, the dean of College conducted by the Dividon’t look above the ceiling of Behavioral and Social sion of Occupational Sciences in an email. Safety and Health on tiles.” The ceiling space was the seventh floor of Mark Stemen made off-limits several Butte Hall in October, Professor of geography years ago, wrote Caraand the report found no and planning ballo in the email, in violations against the order to keep maintenance workers from peruniversity, according to a Cal-OSHA notice. The asbestos was combined with cement forming work on these components. The inspector had access to everywhere he materials that were applied as fireproofing on the metal pillars when the building was wanted to go, said Joe Wills, director of pubconstructed in the ’70s, said Mark Stemen, lic affairs and publications at Chico State. a professor of geography and planning who The space wasn’t off-limits, but it is accessed Pedro Quintana

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Nick Howell

Asbestos fear Geography professor Mark Stemen’s office door displays a sign warning of asbestos in Butte Hall. He questions the quality of the building’s inspection.

INDEX World News

only when using a contaiment enclosure. Any repair work above the ceiling would require an enclosure, he said. The enclosure uses a high efficiency particulate air vacuum to draw in air from the area being worked on. Last year, faculty members were concerned that environmental conditions in Butte Hall could have been connected to the cancer deaths of sociology professor Andy Dick and staff member Tami Harder Kilpatric, who both worked in the building. There are many faculty members who don’t believe the university anymore, Stemen said. “They all see this as a ‘Wizard of Oz’ trick they’re trying to pull, don’t look behind the curtain, don’t look above the ceiling tiles,” he said. Stemen doesn’t think the investigation was very thorough at showing the growing problem of falling asbestos material on top of >> please see ASBESTOS | A3

INSIDE A2

Sports

Weather

Directory

Police Blotter

Features

Opinion

Sex Column

Sports

Features

Opinion

high

Two self-proclaimed baseball nerds are pitching their way to a winning season.

Are fast food commercials grossly misleading? One columnist thinks so.

low

Story B1

Sex columnist Chantel Richards deals with the hurt and stigmas of living with an STD. Column B7

TODAY

87 51

Column A7

full week A2 >>

Want free concert tickets? Check out A5.

A2 |

WORLD

news all week @ theorion.com

NEWS

WedneSday, APRIL 24, 2013

WEATHER >> Today | sunny

Thursday | sunny

87 51

Manoj Kumar, 24, a suspect in the rape of a five-year-old Indian girl, turned in a second suspect to New Delhi police Monday. Source: The Associated Press

NATION

quinn norton via Flickr

Melissa King, 19, who resigned as Miss Delaware after an online porn video was discovered, was sentenced to a year of probation Monday for underage alcohol possession. Source: The Associated Press

83 53

86 56

Gunfire started in an apartment complex outside of Seattle Sunday night, killing five people. A suspect was killed by an officer arriving at the scene, police said. Source: The Sacramento Bee

CALIFORNIA

Leonardo Pallotta via Flickr

San Francisco park workers and volunteers picked up 10,000 pounds of garbage Sunday after an annual pot-smoking party took place on Hippie Hill, a section of Golden Gate Park.

Saturday | sunny

Sunday | sunny

86 55

Monday | sunny

84 54

Tuesday | partly cloudy

85 54

87 56

New, old AS presidents share insights MORE ON THEORION.com Check out a video of the full Q-and-A session online.

Jaypinderpal Virdee, the outgoing A.S. president, reflects on his time in office. The Orion: What were your goals when you took office? Have they changed during the past year? Virdee: One of my first goals was to strengthen the university relationships. I think in order to be effective within this role and partake in angles you want to achieve you need to have that support and that collaboration with the university. Next was ensuring that we were being a fiscally responsible corporation. For the past couple years, we’ve seen a decrease in sales for the Wildcat Store, and so how are we promoting a positive change where we can downscale that and remain a consistent and strong business. The last thing, and I think it’s common between any leader here at Chico State, is how are we promoting the activism, safety and advocacy for our student population. The Orion: What challenges do you think new officers will face? Virdee: One of the largest ones

Dave Conner via Flickr

Friday | sunny

is the future of the Wildcat Store. As I said, there’s been a huge decline in sales over there. So how are we actively promoting the Wildcat Store, because it’s not a bookstore, I think that’s a misconception that students have. We have for the past three years, and we’ll continue to change it because JAYpinderpal as we all know, the virdee textbook industry is Outgoing A.S. president dying. Another thing you can always go with is higher education, tuition and the budget. That’s always going to be consistently going. That was a huge concern for us this year especially regarding Prop. 30, but we were lucky and for that passing that’s helped us out a lot, but it’s going to be another issue. Lastly, there’s always some curveballs that come around that no one can expect. It’s just how is that future cabinet going to be on their toes and ready to hit some homeruns with those curveballs.

President-elect Taylor Herren outlines her goals for her upcoming office term. The Orion: What are your main goals for the upcoming academic year? Herren: I have two sets of goals. I have some tangible goals as far as the projects and endeavors that I’d like to see supported and propagated, and then I have goals as far as my leadership and the kind of president I’d like to be. In a tangible sense, I’d like to revamp the freshman education AlcoholEdu that we give our freshmen. At the beginning of the year, I think we need to find other ways to get that out, other than just housing. That is my most current endeavor, just because it’s going to be August soon. I want to continue the work done this year with the Call to Action and the Commitment to Action. We need to keep progress with bringing them together. I’d like to see a student wellness committee that is focusing on Labor Day, Halloween, Cesar Chavez Day and the programs that are being implemented.

All of our efforts that we’ve done this year as far as bringing the community together need to be compiled and brought together. The Orion: What are you looking forward to as your training period begins next week? Herren: Getting started. I have things that we need TAYLOR to start now. Herren One of the things A.S. presidentthat is most impor- elect tant to me and that I can bring to the table is that I have program experience. I worked in CAVE for two years, and I worked on a director team. Any position I’ve ever had, it is not an independent position, it’s a position within a team, and I think there is a lot that can be done to really utilize our officer team. That’s what I’m most excited for, working with the officer team and building relationships with the city and UPD. -compiled by Nicholas Carr

Conference gives tips on alcohol, drug prevention Kayla Smith Staff Writer

Educators from across the nation spoke and participated in activities aimed at creating safer universities at a conference on the Chico State campus last week. The theme of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Educational Conference, which took place Thursday and Friday, was “Today decides tomorrow.” Drew Calandrella, the vice president for student affairs, opened the event by thanking the 263 guests for attending. Alcohol and drug use is a health epidemic affecting not only the United States, but Chico State, he said. “We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the culture of binge drinking,” Calandrella said. Shauna Quinn, who founded the Campus Alcohol

and Drug Education Center on campus, introduced Thursday’s keynote speaker, Jason Kilmer, who has done research on alcohol for the past 20 years. Kilmer works in the physical and mental illness department at the University of Washington and is a member of the statewide alcohol and drug committee. “Alcohol and drug use is not just one school’s issue,” he said. “We’re all in this together.” In the past two years, 77.4 percent of college students reported consuming alcohol, he said. Sixty percent reported being drunk in the past year, while 77 percent of those students were under 21 years of age. Throughout the conference, various workshops took place as a way for attendees to collaborate and

discuss prevention strategies that have been implemented at other campuses. Kilmer led a workshop about stopping marijuana use. Victor DeNoble, vice president of Hissho Inc., a scientific and medical communication company, was the keynote speaker for the second day of the conference. DeNoble became the first whistleblower to testify before Congress regarding his research within the tobacco industry, which proved nicotine has addictive properties. His testimony contributed to President Obama signing the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in 2009. DeNoble’s research helped change public policy regarding tobacco use

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Alexandra Archuleta

Alcohol education Heather Henry, a Cal State San Bernardino alumna, presented a lecture on substance abuse last week. and is also the subject of the 2011 documentary “Addiction Incorporated.” Chico State President Paul Zingg said the success of the conference topics comes down to the powerful and vital partnership the campus has with students as the key to

a more sober future. “Sadness visits this campus and tragedy visits this community,” he said. “We have not been a perfect community, but we are a better one now.” The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Association aims to make downtown safer, cleaner Kayla Smith Staff Writer

Casey Konstantín via Flickr

Burbank school officials put a third grade teacher on leave Sunday after a student accused him of giving the class answers on the California STAR tests. Source: The Los Angeles Times

-compiled by Allison Weeks

CORRECTIONS 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

Downtown business owners are coming together for a public outreach program aimed toward improving downtown Chico. A committee comprised of Chico City Council members and store owners has been meeting to address multiple problems since November, said Nicole Romain, membership coordinator for the Downtown Chico Business Association. “We are trying to highlight the positives and don’t want to create negative perceptions about downtown,” she said. The campaign, called “Clean and Safe Chico,” is concentrating on lighting problems, broken or uprooted sidewalks and aggressive behavior and panhandling from transients, Romain said.

Aimee Anderson, the manager at Made in Chico on West Third Street, said the store is losing customers because of the homeless people lingering on downtown streets with their dogs. “Customers are unhappy,” she said. “They tell us they don’t come downtown anymore because of the panhandling they experience.” Chico has always seemed to have a homeless problem, but recently she has noticed that it’s gotten worse, Anderson said. “It’s become a growing issue, and within the past year and a half there has been more transients frequently posting up in the doorways of stores, more aggressive panhandling and basically just more of them,” she said. The homeless are less of a safety concern and are more of an annoyance, Anderson said. “It’s more of an issue for me when I’m walking to my car in the evening,” she said. “It’s a

little intimidating walking past large groups with their dogs, who are clearly smoking marijuana and are under the influence. It is not a pleasant experience.” Despite concerns within the community, Romain said there is no reason not to go downtown. “Chico has a unique downtown that is very walkable, with a great selection of restaurants and merchants, friendly store owners, beautiful trees, outside patios and it’s a lovely place to be overall,” she said. Anderson is happy people are stepping forward to do something about these issues, she said. “We’ve been asking for help for a while, and we are 150 percent behind them,” she said. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

| 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

CONTACT | BUSINESS Phone: 530.898.4237 Email: advertising@theorion.com News Designer Jenna Fujitsubo Opinion Designer Ras Smith Sports Designer Jessica Amaro Features Designer Patrick Sheehan

Online Editor Dan Reidel Copy Editors Kayla Chance Anthony Peters Chantal Richards Nick Sestanovich

Business Manager Mitch Engelking advertising@theorion.com

Advertising Manager Michael Kenny mkenny@theorion.com

Account Executive Rachel Tharp racheletharp@theorion.com

Website

www.theorion.com

Fax

530.898.4799

NEWS

news all week @ theorion.com

| A3

ASBESTOS: Butte Hall safe for students, staff

MAP OF GENDER-NEUTRAL BATHROOMS

“This is a pull quote. It should only be used for interesting quotes, so use wisely.” Scott Ledbetter Art Director

Map courtesy of Chico State

Bathrooms These areas mark the locations of the current gender-neutral bathrooms on campus. Some dots represent multiple bathrooms on different floors. A.S. is considering adding additional bathrooms in the Bell Memorial Union as part of planned renovations for the fall.

AS mulls adding unisex bathrooms

lockable door, he said. Privacy is the most important part of Staff Writer a gender-neutral bathroom, said C.C. Gender-neutral bathrooms may soon Carter, program director for the Crossbe added to the list of proposed renova- Cultural Leadership Center. Kory Acosta, the recently elected tions to the Bell Memorial Union after an Associated Students committee meeting A.S. vice president of facilities and services, campaigned to promote inclusion April 17. through the building of A.S. Executive Direcfacilities like gender-neutor David Buckley “It’s not just changing the tral bathrooms. pointed out two possifacilities, it’s changing the “It’s not just changing ble locations for the new culture.” the facilities, it’s changrestrooms to members of ing the culture,” he said. the Bell Memorial Union Kory Acosta “This is another visiCommittee. Incoming vice president of facilities ble and tangible thing The women’s bathand services to show that we are room on the second floor inclusive.” and either of the facilities Acosta is looking forin the BMU’s basement ward to the officer training sessions would work for the renovations, he said. Depending on the pricing quote A.S. that will start next week so he can begin receives for the proposed renovations, it addressing the issue of gender-neutral may be ideal to try to install gender-neu- bathrooms. “Things are definitely going to start tral restrooms at both locations, Buckley happening,” he said. said. Gender-neutral bathrooms are singular and enclosed, with one of their most Nicholas Carr can be reached at important and defining factors being a ncarr@theorion.com Nicholas Carr

WedneSday, APRIL 24, 2013

continued from A1 Orion. The repairs were not in response to the the ceiling tiles. “The university response is to put duct testing or the results from the testing, he tape around the holes and seal off the said. Results from testing have not found crack between the ceiling to keep every- air quality problems in Butte Hall related one quiet,” he said. “The university hasn’t to asbestos or other airborne particulates done this for 40 years, and now they have or gases. Facilities and manstarted to seal it up agement services staff after people started to “The university response is walked through the complain.” to put duct tape around the building and replaced The university says holes and seal off the crack tiles, sealed cracks with it is safe and wants the between the ceiling to keep metallic foil tape and problem to go away, Steeveryone quiet.” also applied foam insumen said. lation to seal any gaps, He thinks the situation Mark Stemen Wills said. The work was will get back to where it Professor of geography completed last month. was, and that the ceiling and planning The university thinks tiles will soon start to it is safe and so does Cal-OSHA and the crack and the tape will come off, he said. The California Faculty Association has consultants who have tested in the buildconcerns on the lack of maintenance in ing, he said. “We have done repairs and extensive the building if no one is allowed to go testing to ensure that the building is safe above the ceiling tiles, Stemen said. The repairs that were done in Butte Hall to work in and go to class in,” Wills said. were in response to areas in the building where the university recognized work was Pedro Quintana can be reached at needed, Wills wrote in an email to The pquintana@theorion.com

WREC: Staff seeks solutions to avoid missing, stolen towels continued from A1 he said. WREC employees have considered a few students aware of the issue. different ideas to prevent For this school year, towels from being lost or the WREC spent $11,000 stolen. to purchase more than A $1 charge for use of 9,000 towels. “At least once every one towel has been con“We will always replace other day there are no sidered, Clements said. worn towels,” Clements towels available for use, But for now, the current said. “The money would especially during the late policy will stay in place. go a lot further if we were afternoon for the pool “To stop supplying not constantly replacing towels.” towels altogether is not lost or stolen towels.” our first choice,” she The shortage has also Clint Wagner said. caused a lack of availSenior business Students can return able towels for students administration major lost or stolen towels anyduring the day, said Clint time in a bin at the gym Wagner, a senior busientrance. ness administration major. “At least once every other day there are no towels available for use, especially dur- The Orion can be reached at ing the late afternoon for the pool towels,” editorinchief@theorion.com

A4 |

POLICE BLOTTER The police blotter is a selection of information cited directly from Chico Police Department and University Police Department. University Police Friday, 8:41 a.m.: Battery reported at the Student Health Center. “Female student at health center reporting she was jumped last night in front of Riley’s bar.” Friday, 10:31 a.m.: Solicitation reported on campus, prohibited at the Meriam Library breezeway. “Male, college-aged, stopping student and asking them to buy something. Handing out fliers for The Body Bar on West Second Avenue.” Friday, 3:07 p.m.: Disturbance reported at Siskiyou Hall. “Student yelled at professor and said he was going to take her to student affairs after she caught him cheating during an exam. Professor felt threatened by student and is requesting officer respond and escort her from building.” Friday, 5:03 p.m.: Disturbance reported. Subject refusing to leave the men’s soccer field. “Three males who keep jumping fence and trying to be on field. Coach keeps asking them to leave and they keep returning.” Saturday, 7:44 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances reported on Rio Chico Way. “After consuming only one drink, she does not remember much of the night. Believes she was drugged.” Saturday, 9:15 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on West Francis Willard Avenue. “Reporting party reports hearing a loud explosion.” Sunday, 10:58 a.m.: Petty theft reported at the Physical Science Building. “Purse taken about 15 minutes ago. Reporting party advising was standing outside Physical Science Building taking senior photos and noticed male transient walk by and believes he might have taken it. Purse recovered, however, missing $10 cash and debit cards.” Sunday, 12:40 p.m.: Petty theft reported at the University Village laundry room. “Reporting party advising subject is stealing laundry. Described as a white male, adult, freshman age. Reporting party is in main office and female victim, who is missing a load of laundry, standing by.” Sunday, 7:50 p.m.: Medical aid requested, alcohol-related at University Police Department. “Unconscious female, Chico Police Department sending emergency medical services.”

news all week @ theorion.com

NEWS

WedneSday, APRIL 24, 2013

Chico Police Thursday, 10:42 a.m.: Sex fondle and battery reported on Sierra Sunrise Terrace. “Nurse reported to reporting party she witnessed a male certified nursing attendant fondling a female patient’s breasts. Employee has been suspended. This call is part of mandated reporting. Reporting party advised they are still investigating the incident. Reporting party will contact family about prosecution.” Thursday, 7:34 p.m.: Assault and battery reported on the 100 block of Salem Street. “Girl fight. Girls are video taping it. Reporting party was yelling at males causing problem, thinks female victims have run inside Celestino’s.” Friday, 12:28 a.m.: Fight reported on Main Street. “Fifth and Main side, the subjects kicking transient subject that is down on the ground. Appears to be a group of college-aged males and females.” Friday, 11:50 a.m.: Mentally unstable subject reported on the 400 block of East Park Avenue. “Subject keeps coming into the front of the building yelling about the Tea Party, Democrats, Republicans and guns.” Friday, 6:02 p.m.: Property damage reported on the 1300 block of Sheridan Avenue. “Subject stole a rental sign from across the street and then was upset when told the person he was looking for no longer lived there. Subject then knocked the ground lights.” Saturday, 10:37 a.m.: Mentally unstable subject reported on the 800 block of East Avenue. “Male has come into business three times this morning threatening staff that when he comes back he will ‘F-up the bank.’ Upset over transaction not going through. Appeared to have been drinking. Arrived on foot.” Sunday, 12:58 p.m.: Stabbing reported on the 700 block of West First Avenue. “Subjects southbound, Mechoopda from West First Avenue. Victim of apparent assault, not cooperative. Request medics to West First Street and Arcadian Avenue.”

-compiled by Isabel Charles and Risa Johnson

EXPLOSION: Bombings don’t stop marathoner continued from A1

she looked stressed,” Hudson wrote in “I have never run in an event that has an email to The Orion. “We weren’t suphad so much support from the residents, posed to see her where we did, and she blurted out that there had from the crowds, it went been two explosions.” on every inch of the mara“Instinctively, I Hudson, a former marine, thon,” she said. heard a woman talking on Stearns finished the just knew there’s the phone about the two 117th Boston Marathon in something wrong. My bombs and wanted them three hours and 54 minmind kind of went to out of the area. utes, qualifying her for panic. I didn’t have a The group went up to next year’s race. cell phone, I left it in their hotel room, turned “Coming around the corthe hotel.” on the TV and realized the ner on Boylston Street and severity of the situation. seeing the finish line, I Melissa Stearns “It was probably 20 mincried when I got over the Boston Marathon runner utes of watching this,” finish line,” she said. “It Stearns said. “And I didn’t was amazing.” even look at my medal. I hadn’t even The medal, the explosions and the looked at it yet, and I looked down and there it was.” shock After a race, Stearns normally stretches, She started to make her way through talks to her friends about the event and the swarm of people. “I was kind of in a daze. Your brain is shares stories, but this story didn’t end a little mushy after running that far and I when she left the scene of the race. Exactly a week after the event, it fully went up to the next block to get my drop bag, and I was standing at the bus and so hit her. “I looked at the clock and was, ‘Wow, I was about a block away when I heard one week ago I was just starting the the first explosion. “I looked immediately and saw this race,’” Stearns said. The time after the bombings has been huge plume of smoke, and my very first thought was that it’s a cannon. That it’s harder to deal with than she expected. “What kept going through my mind and Patriot’s Day and I looked and thought, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of smoke and that’s I kept saying to my boyfriend was, ‘I was really dangerous,’ and this is all in a split just there, I was just there at that finish line,’” Stearns said. “And second and then I went to to think I had been cramp‘I just went through the ing up and considered finish line, there was no stopping and stretching cannon.’” and maybe walking a little The second blast went bit to give my legs a break. off 10 to 12 second later. The time it took for And so in my mind, if I had “Instinctively, I just Melissa Stearns to done that, I could’ve been knew there’s something complete the 26.2-mile right there.” wrong,” Stearns said. “My race But Stearns isn’t going to mind kind of went to panic. let the bombing scare her I didn’t have a cell phone, I into submission. left it in the hotel.” “It’s not gonna stop me As sirens whined, from going to events,” she Stearns turned around and said. “If I can get in again saw her boyfriend, Ed HudStearns heard the next year, I might just son, and a friend greeting first explosion 14 have to go back and do it her with grins. They hadn’t minutes after she again.” heard the explosions. crossed the finish line “I knew that she had SOURCE • Melissa Stearns finished well and was on Quinn Western can be reached at pace, so I was puzzled why newseditor@theorion.com

3:54 14

Do you trust your tap water? Mt. Shasta SpringWater

The best bottled spring water in Chico!

Pure. Refreshing. Thirst quenching. Call today for immediate delivery! Plus two free bottles if you mention this ad!

1-800-922-6227

Auto-Metrics YOUR factory-trained domestic & import car experts MAZDA HONDA KIA NISSAN SUBARU VW TOYOTA GM FORD ACURA DODGE

www.auto-metrics.com Hybrid Service! Towing Available!

Same Location Since 1982 Free Local Shuttle Service

895-0266

3 Blocks from CSUC 703 Cedar Street (W. 7th at the tracks) Open: M-F 7:30-5:30

NEWS

news all week @ theorion.com

WedneSday, APRIL 24, 2013

| A5

April 27 Senator Theatre

Scan to enter

Get The Orion app and enter to win free tickets

Someone you know counts on Planned Parenthood. Please visit our Health Center at: 3100 Cohasset Road in Chico For an appointment or more info call: 530-342-8367 or visit www.pp-sp.org

Sharpen your mind with undergraduate degrees in Psychology, Management, and Communication & graduate degrees in Teaching, Counseling and Public Administration. LEARN MORE AT AN

Open hOuse Free* breast and cervical cancer screenings, birth control, emergency contraception, STD testing and treatment, and much more. *Call to see if you qualify.

Planned Parenthood Shasta Pacific Full Legal Affiliate Name ............................... Line 1

Full Legal Affiliate Name ............................... Line 2

at the USF SACRAMENTO CAMPUS

April 16, 6pm Learn more or to RSVP call 916.920.0157 visit www.usfca.edu/sacramento or email sacramentocampus@usfca.edu

Bike culture

Check out the opinion section’s podcast online for a discussion on biking. theorion.com

opinions all week at theorion.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Chico State’s Independent Student New Source since 1975

EDITORIAL

WREC needs solution to avoid losing costly towels

A large number of towels continuously get lost or stolen at the Wildcat Recreation Center, and students are paying the price. More and more towels go missing every semester, and this loss results in Associated Students being forced to reach into the pockets of students in order to pay for the losses. This school year alone, the WREC has spent $11,000 on more than 9,000 replacement towels. That is coming out of our pockets, Wildcats. The WREC recently started a campaign asking students to return any towels they may have. Signs are posted around the gym displaying what could have been purchased with the money that is being spent on replacing missing towels. This may bring awareness to the issue,

but a new system may need to be imple- it will also deter them from walking out mented in order to significantly halt the with one every time they leave. Too much money is being spent to replace towels, current towel-swiping spree. When students want a bottle of water especially considering we’re living in a time when costs for their workouts, need to be cut all they have the option of either bringing Too much money is being spent around. A small optional their own or purto replace towels, especially fee sits better with chasing one at a us than $11,000 vending machine in considering we’re living in a taken from student the facility. time when costs need to be cut fees and spent on The WREC towels all around. towels. could be treated the Based on the same way. Students comments on the could be able to either bring their own from home or pay WREC’s Facebook page, students are also a small fee at the front desk to borrow one hoping a new system is put in place to avoid this excessive spending. for the day. In the past three months alone, the This fee could potentially deter some students from using WREC towels, but WREC has lost 4,479 towels, said Theresa

Clements, assistant director of member services. Towel orders are a part of the overall WREC budget, which is funded by student fees. This means that those who haven’t swiped towels, as well as those who don’t even use the WREC, are paying others’ dues. “To stop supplying towels altogether is not our first choice,” Clements said. Even if the WREC would like to continue supplying free towels for students, an ID check-out system may also work well. Any way to hold gym-goers accountable for the towels they use would help improve the situation. Regardless of what the solution is, change needs to be made and action needs to be taken in order to avoid this sort of avoidable spending.

Quick interviews are ineffective Paul Smeltzer Opinion Columnist

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ COFFEE

Don’t blame homeless for downtown sales slump who asks, but if I don’t, they usually thank me and wish me a good day. Nothing about that is harassment. Not only have I shopped downtown, I have worked Dani Anguiano there as well. During my time working for a downOpinion Columnist town business, neither my customers nor I were ever Some downtown businesses don’t like the transient harassed or threatened by any homeless person. The only time I felt uncomfortable in the workplace population. On the local Chico news station and in the Chico was when a seemingly intoxicated Chico State student Enterprise-Record, business owners and workers have and his father harassed me. Unfortunately, alcohol plays a larger role in creating complained that the homeless are negatively affecta negative environment downtown ing their businesses and bothering than some would think. customers. I would often find the trash can The argument stands that the Of course there is the knocked over or vomit and food on homeless aggressively panhandle, the pavement outside on Saturday sleep in doorways, urinate and defeoccasional homeless mornings when I would start work cate outdoors and harm business. person asking if I have for the day. But the homeless shouldn’t be change or food to spare, It was usually thanks to someone blamed for a reduction in the number but I don’t mind. If I have who had too much to drink at one of of shoppers. the bars the night before — not any Being homeless is not illegal, and change, I will happily transients. the downtown area is a public space. give some to anyone who Thanks to surveillance cameras The homeless have just as much as a asks, but if I don’t, they and owners stopping by to check on right to be there as anyone else. their businesses, it i apparent that Based on the experiences I have usually thank me and when bars close, some patrons have had downtown, I wouldn’t say the wish me a good day. a tendency to act irresponsibly. homeless population is responsiIt’s clear there are plenty of things ble for a decrease in the number of that are creating a negative environshoppers. ment downtown. Instead, I see overpriced products, Ultimately, the Downtown Chico Business Associapushy workers and drunken barhoppers scaring people tion needs to rethink its strategy for bringing shoppers away from downtown businesses. At several different clothing stores in Chico, I found back. Lowering prices might not be a viable option for some that not only were items priced too high, but more importantly, employees aggressively pushed me to pur- stores, but it should be considered, and owners should recognize that having a business so close to bars affects chase whatever I tried on. I have avoided some downtown businesses entirely the environment. Either way, the homeless should not be blamed for because of the way I have been treated by owners and any of these problems. employees. There are obvious ways to bring shoppers back downOn the other hand, there are some stores downtown that I frequent weekly, and I have yet to be bothered town. Kicking out the homeless population should not by any of the transients. Of course there is the occa- be one of them. sional homeless person asking if I have change or food to spare, but I don’t mind. Dani Anguiano can be reached at If I have change, I will happily give some to anyone danguiano@theorion.com

Professional hiring managers may as well be interviewing piles of dog poop with neckties. If only that were the case. It seems to me that interviews bare little significance on a person’s ability to perform in a field, because the entire process of hiring employees is constrained by time. To compensate, employers use fast-paced methods of diagnosing a potential employee’s talent, which prevents them from seeing what’s in front of their face. Interviewees are forced to pretty much sum up about four years of research papers, exams taken and professional development in 15-20 minutes. And if you aren’t hired, it was most likely a decision based not on your true ability to perform in the field, but rather due to some disconnect with your interviewer. I recently sat through an interview and demonstrated nothing the company was looking for. Needless to say, I didn’t get the internship. After answering a few interview questions I walked out of the office knowing they wouldn’t call back. When I followed up a week later, I found out they had filled the position. Shoot. I felt low, like when I asked someone to a high school dance and they said no because they didn’t like my curly hair. But then I thought about my resume. It’s packed with articles I’m proud of, words expressing my ambition and experiences qualifying why I should be hired on the spot. So it must be them, not me. Right? Maybe they were blinded by their interviewing technique. Interviewees are forced Most interviews are to pretty much sum conducted with what’s up about four years of called the “first-date” research papers, exams approach, according to Ori and Rom Brafman’s taken and professional book “Sway,” which development in 15-20 explains the pitfalls of minutes. hiring. “Sitting across from a candidate, managers try to form an impression: Does the candidate share my interests? How’s the chemistry between us? Is there a connection?” Ori Brafman said in her book. However, there are plenty of people who go out on first dates, get an impression and continue seeing each other, only to wonder what they were thinking later on. Citing a broad study that compares the regression between first-date interviews and job performance, the Brafmans explain that the results found little positive correlation between the two variables. These false assumptions about good workers are known as type-two errors in statistics — not hiring an employee who actually can do the job well. Such errors are avoided by fixing the sample size or the way data is analyzed. Within the context of my experience, it seems my resume went overlooked. So to reduce the problem, I suggest a different type of interview, one that eliminates false impressions by looking at how an individual preforms in the actual field. For example, news organizations could get better results by asking candidates to complete a mock reporting assignment, allowing perfect demonstration of what that particular employer is looking for. With this, we could eliminate false assumptions and prevent awkward breakups.

Paul Smeltzer can be reached at psmeltzer@theorion.com

| EDITORIAL BOARD | Spring 2013 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

Chewing it over

THUMBS Thumbs up and congratulations to all Associated Students candidates elected for the 2013-2014 school year. We know you’ll do great things for our campus.

Columnists weigh in on fast food

Food styling, the process of making cheap McGreaseballs look like fivestar meals, is fooling innocent eaters.

Thomas Martinez Opinion Columnist

It’s Saturday night. You are home alone watching TV, and a fast food commercial comes over the air. You might say to yourself, “Dang, that burger looks good. I want one right now.” So you decide to head out to Taco Bell, Jack in the Box or some other greasy fast food joint, where you proceed to order the product you saw on TV. But when you get it, it looks nothing like what was in the commercial. That’s because fast food ads use something called food styling, a process that fools innocent citizens every day. You can check out side-by-side photos comparing fast food advertisements to the actual products you receive at the drivethru on the blog Alphaila. The photos illustrate a difference in food appearance, size and even fillings.

Fast food gets a bad rap from naysayers who treat the drive-thru like an everyday indulgence.

Katie Akeson Opinion Columnist

I love fast food so much my car practically drives itself through the drive-thru. I choose to ignore criticisms concerning fat and sugar content, unnatural steroids and frozen mystery meats. It tastes good, it’s convenient and it costs less than the spare change that collects in the cup holder of my car. But why is fast food always viewed as a gross indulgence of grease and sodium or a temporary lapse of judgment to be regretted and repented later? The occasional “burger, fries and a coke” is nothing to fret about. Becoming a master of moderation is the key to eating unhealthy food in a completely reasonable way. Here are three approaches you can use to gain a healthy attitude toward fast food.

Take any Carl’s Jr. commercial and look guarantee she wouldn’t look the same. at the message it sends. There is an attractive woman, usually in a swimsuit, taking Advertisements cannot be unfair a bite of a burger and smiling. Take a look Think about a McDonald’s ad. They tend again at where she takes a bite — because to promote the notion that consumers will she doesn’t. have a huge group of friends and will all Do these fast food companies think we live active, happy lifestyles. In reality, it is are morons? the complete opposite. The fact that a skinny, In the documentary Do these fast food attractive model is staged “Super Size Me,” Morgan next to this burger sugSpurlock eats McDonald’s companies think we gests to viewers they too for breakfast, lunch and are morons? can stay skinny while condinner for 30 days. Viewsuming garbage. ers see his well being After festering in my dwindle when he becomes outrage, I decided to do some research. As depressed and overweight. it turns out, advertising has to conform to False advertising is illegal, yet fast food certain rules to ensure its authenticity, companies are getting away with it every according to the Federal Trade Commission day. Act. These commercials can result in depressing, unfortunate experiences for “Advertising must be truthful and nonconsumers. deceptive” So next time you see a false ad and If the commission says advertising must decide to hit up a fast food joint for a latebe truthful and non-deceptive, then places night craving, remember that what you see like Carl’s Jr. should be sued for suggest- is not what you are going to get. ing their food won’t lead to weight gain. I would like to see that model one year Thomas Martinez can be reached at from now after eating a burger a day. I can tmartinez@theorion.com

Saving the treat for emergencies is one way to curb your desire for the gratifying grub. But be warned: This can be dangerous when your opinion of an “emergency” is conveniently skewed in times of vulnerability. In a real emergency, fast food can act as the last minute solution for a dinner-less house full of guests or when an oven-cooked meal goes terribly wrong. Then there are the extreme moments when your kitchen is burning down or every grocery store in town is closed. Think of Carl’s Jr. as your personal firefighter — you are happy to see him when he’s needed, but you wouldn’t call him if you could put the fire out yourself. 3. The birthday cake theory I advocate regarding fast food the same way you would a birthday cake. That is, eat fast food on special occasions, like for a celebratory meal.

1. Social eating Anyone who has ever attempted to eat healthy knows how impossible it is to say no when your friends are racking up the bill at the drive-thru. Try allowing yourself fast food only when all your pals are in need of a savory snack. Fast food then develops as an association with those blissful times with friends, while acquiring the joviality of a social activity.

Growing up, my family always utilized this approach. Whenever we earned an impressive report card or received important news, we would pile in the car and scavenge for a delicious feast. Waiting for a special event allows you to use fast food as a treat. You embrace the occasion as a scarce one, enjoy it while it lasts and understand it will come again. These methods enable you to refrain from boycotting completely and instead wait for the appropriate situation. Social outings, celebrations and emergencies are frequent enough to release the buildup of cravings but are uncommon enough to release you from any guilt you may feel after chowing down. Like any new technique, these approaches will take getting used to. The worst thing you can do is go cold turkey or — on the other end of the spectrum — take every opportunity to binge. Fast food shouldn’t be disparaged so harshly when there are ways of using moderation. And if you are a fan, take solace in knowing the golden arches will always be there for you with a warm burger. Katie

Akeson

can

Question for Wisecat Dear Wisecat, I no longer have anything in common with a person, and I don’t get along with them anymore. How do you break up with a friend? — Ruby, 21

Dear Ruby, I talk a lot about keeping friendships, but it’s very common to realize sometimes we outgrow even our closest pals. This usually happens when two individuals are at two different places in life. One may be moving forward while the other is staying in the same spot. As we age, we can find our tastes in music, food and friends change as well. Realizing you’re no longer matching up with a friend is normal. “Breaking up” with a friend is never an easy thing to do, but it is sometimes necessary in order to move on to the next stage in your life. Keep in mind there is no easy way to break up with anyone. Spare everyone’s

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

TALKING POINTS

Photo By dan sandoval via flickr

Colleen Winters, one of the founders of Lulu’s, an internationally recognized online clothing retailer, was a keynote speaker at Chico State’s eWeek April 15. The weeklong event involved local entrepreneurs sharing their success stories with students and community members. This event shows our world is getting increasingly online-focused. Getting students to think about their futures in the e-world is smart and resourceful. Our university showed it knows how to educate students about what the real world is looking for in employees.

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY pedro quintana

feelings, and be kind in doing the following:

Advice Columnist

Thumbs down to construction downtown. It’s taking up our bike lanes, and we are sick of pissing off downtown drivers.

kakeson@theorion.com

3 ways to break up a failed friendship

Marty Salgado

Thumbs up to the last week of April. May is sneaking up on us, and we aren’t complaining about it.

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY liz coffee

the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ COFFEE

Thumbs down to the Associated Press Twitter account getting hacked. Reporting a fake attack on the White House is a surefire way to cause panic.

reached at

2. Saved by the Taco Bell All of us have been in a desperate hunger emergency that was remedied by some kind and understanding fast food restaurant.

Wisecat :

| A7

WedneSday, April 24, 2013

1. Distance yourself You need to stay away from friends who are bad influences in your life, but staying away can be hard when there is constant pressure to hang out. Everyone has times when they need to completely distance themselves from everyone else. Perhaps that time is now. Tell yourself it’s OK to be busy with school, family or your own activities and let your friend know that. When you are ready to join the social circle after your personal break, you may find it easier not to contact certain people anymore. 2. Let it disintegrate on its own Because we are so young, sometimes we don’t have to take such drastic measures. Life can be surprising and go where its naturally meant to go. Take on your daily routine. In two months your friend might not even have called you or noticed your disappearance. 3. Clean and honest breakup This decision may take some contemplation on your part. The clean breakup could be used for close friends you care about or acquaintances who consider themselves your friends. When you sit down to talk to your soon-to-be former friend, take some time to consider the following points:

• 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

• Figure out how you feel about the friendship and why. • Think about how the other party feels about the friendship. • Ask your friend to hang out in a quiet place in Bidwell Park or at a restaurant. Explain to them how you feel about the friendship. Have a long chat and be sure about where you want the situation to end. Be firm with your feelings and don’t cave in, because completely cutting someone out is a process. These situations are never comfortable. If this is a close friend you are trying to break up with, it may take time to completely separate yourself. But even if you are no longer friends in the end, always keep them in mind and try to cherish something you shared. There is a possibility you will rekindle the friendship later in life. Remember that the times friends spend together help us become who we are. You can’t help yourself if you need to move on from the friendship, but always be mindful of the feelings of others. — Wisecat Marty Salgado can be reached at wisecat@theorion.com

Editor’s note: You can ask Wisecat for advice @orion_opinion on Twitter or via email at wisecat@theorion.com. This week’s question was asked on campus.

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

Chico City Council members considered the ongoing debate involving the adoption of a plastic bag ban at Tuesday’s meeting but decided to delay voting until the city attorney reviews legal documents from the Save the Plastic Bag Coalition. We hope council members consider the adoption in the interest of bettering our town. Community members would also be able to pay 10 cents per bag for bags from the grocery stores when they don’t bring their own. Ten cents is a small price to pay for a more environmentally friendly economy.

STUDY BREAK

Photo by Peter Bond via Flickr

Movie Review: “42” The number 42 is the only number retired across all Major League Baseball teams. On April 15 every year, every member of every team dons this number in honor of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in the league. The movie “42” chronicles achievement and progress within sports. In the film, Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) faces hardships and a horrid degree of racism during his baseball career. Under the guidance of Branch Rickey, played by a brilliant Harrison Ford, Robinson and his teammates learn to look past the color of their skin to defy segregation and go to the World Series. “42” is one of the best sports films released in years. Whether you have an understanding of baseball will have no bearing on your enjoyment of this film. - Compiled by Trevor Platt

• 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.

• 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.

opinions all week @ theorion.com

Advertisements

Don't Throw Your Cash in the Trash! Recycle with the only non-profit, full service buy-back center in Chico

300+ classes

CRV Aluminum Cans:

$1.85/lb

CRV #1 Plastic:

$1.07/lb

available

Many online classes too!

8 weeks

June 10–August 3

Low cost

just $46 a unit

Transferrable

credit

Apply and register online

FAIR STREET Recycling

Your money stays here and creates jobs for adults with disabilites! 2300 Fair St. Chico 530 343-8641

Work Training Center

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm Sat 8am - 3:30pm

FreePregnancyTests 24-hour hotline (530) 897-6100 Women’s Resource Clinic Walk-Ins Welcome! Address: 115 W. 2nd Ave (2nd & Esplanade) Open: Mon-Thur, 10am-5pm & Fri, 10am-1pm All Services are Free & Confidential

n o i t a r t s i g Re 8 y a M s n i g be ! y a d o t y l p Ap

Chico Muffler Service

Catalytic Converters Mufflers Custom Exhaust Systems

545 Broadway at 6th Street Downtown Chico Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm

343-9999 39 years experience

Rocklin. Roseville. Grass Valley. Truckee. TV. Online.

25 years at this location

MENTION THIS AD FOR $10 OFF

In a nutshell

Music, art, wine tasting and cooking demonstrations shaped the California Nut Festival Saturday. theorion.com/features

The NEBULA B6 FOOD COLUMN B7 SEX COLUMN B7

features all week at theorion.com

Chico State’s Independent Student News Source since 1975

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Logan Missner

Hang on Ben Aguirre and Greg Panero hold two other acrobats aloft in a move called the “half pipe.” Justin Montgomery, the acrobat on top of the large pose, extends his legs straight up and partially rests his weight on Makaela Bogowitz, who is in a back bend. The group has practiced the move many times and can now comfortably hold the position for five to 10 seconds.

Zachary Coyl Staff Writer

Red and gray mats cover most of the hardwood floor in Acker Gym Room 202. The faint smell of sweat hangs in the air as agile bodies stretch, lift and flip. It’s a regular night of practice for the Chico State Acrobatics Club. With more than 80 club members, some meet three days a week to practice. The club was formed in 2010 by head coach Makaela Bogowitz, a Butte College junior, and its first president, Alex Baker, now a Chico State graduate. Almost two and a half years later, the group has grown and its performance team has appeared in shows for the Chico Women’s Club and local fashion company Chikoko. The club is also preparing for its performance with Momentum, a Chico State dance club, next month. The group’s focus is acrobatics, or as its many members like to call it, “acro,” but they also draw inspiration from other sources like cheerleading and yoga.

The club’s members start practice by Rachel Athos, a senior accounting stretching and then go into the basics. major and the group’s vice president, The fundamentals include poses like loves the challenge and body aware“airplane,” “candlestick” and “partner ness that acrobatics brings during cartwheel.” these sessions, she said. All of these routines involve a memThe club is successful because of its ber lying on the floor and lifting a inclusiveness and the community its partner while both members have built pose. together, said Greg In the airplane pose, Panero, the club’s curfor example, the two rent president. “It’s amazing what participants face each “We have Chico you can surprise other while the botState students, we tom partner lies flat have Butte College yourself with.” on his or her back and students and people extends his or her legs from the community makaela bogowitz straight up. The parthere, and they are all Acrobatics head coach ner on top balances welcome to come and in midair on his or her participate,” he said. companion’s legs and extends his or Bogowitz, a former international her arms. acrobatic competitor, is supportive of After the group has warmed up, the people interested in joining the club. members have the rest of the night to “Anybody can do it, I encourage practice. Some perform toe pitches, everybody to come and try it out,” she an exercise that involves one person said. “It’s amazing what you can surpushing up on the bottom of his or her prise yourself with.” partner’s feet to launch them into a back flip. Some acrobatic lifts involve The Orion can be reached at three or more members. zcoyl@theorion.com

Three quick steps to do the partner cartwheel

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Logan Missner

Happy feet Rianne Thomas hooks her foot around the neck of Greg Panero for a counter-balanced stretch.

Meeting Times Mondays 9-10 p.m. Wednesdays 8-10 p.m. Thursdays 8-10 p.m.

1. Person on bottom raises hands and legs vertically. Top person leans over to clasp their hands with the other. The bottom partner elevates top partner with one foot on top partner’s hip.

2. Midway through rotation, the top partner should have both hips evenly resting on their partner’s feet.

Push up Greg Panero holds Rianne Thomas up in the air in one part of a multi-stage movement pose called “the butterfly spin.”

MORE ON THEORION.com/features Watch a video of members of the Chico State Acrobatics Club displaying their flexibility and performing their moves.

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Logan Missner

3. The exit rotation can be executed by holding hands or releasing your partner, which is more advanced. The weight is then distributed on the opposite foot before the top partner touches back down.

B6 |

features all week @ theorion.com

FEATURES

WedneSday, april 24, 2013

Interns gain real-world work experience not found in classrooms Nicole D’Souza Staff Writer

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY nicholas kinoshita

knock on wood Katey Hood, a senior interior design major, presents her furniture design pitch in class. She will use Claro walnut wood to create a side table with a square-spiral design.

Students hammer out furniture ideas Jessica Barber Staff Writer

When Melissa Phillips sat down to design furniture out of scrap wood, she was puzzled. “I took a look at these pieces of wood, and I was stumped,” said Phillips, a senior interior design major. She is one of 18 students constructing pieces of furniture this semester in Professor Rouben Mohiuddin’s “Furniture Design and Fabrication” course. In this class, students must design and build a functional, artistic item with emotional value that re-appropriates a “found” object, such as an old tire or piece of wood, Mohiuddin said. “This assignment deals with culture and the emotional identity we associate with objects,” he said. “We identify with furniture like a favorite seat at the dining table or even grandma’s rocking chair. There’s value and emotion in grandma’s rocking chair, and it’s part of this project to investigate that emotion.” Despite the challenges presented by this assignment, most students in the class have little to no experience creating furniture. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Amanda Kredo, a senior interior design major, “but this class is only offered once every three semesters and it seemed like an interesting and great opportunity.” The students are responsible for gathering their own materials for this project. The completed pieces will be on display from noon to 2 p.m. May 24 in Ayres Hall Room 122. The students recently presented their emotionally inspired designs to the class, displaying numerous sketches, drafts and prototypes. And yes, Phillips eventually found her inspiration. Melissa Phillips Phillips will construct a piece she named the “Keith table” with metal and scaffolding wood from her family’s company, Keith M. Phillips Scaffolding. “The wood is kind of rustic,” she said. “My style is usually very modern, so for this I wanted to play off the wood and design something a little different.” The wood she will use is from the same

pile Brad Pitt’s designer selected to build a dance floor in his home, Phillips’ father said. The letter “K,” representing her grandfather, inspires Phillips’ design. The base of her table is fashioned in the shape of the letter. “The week we were assigned this project also happened to be the week my grandfather died,” she said. “I wanted to do something that was kind of a tribute to him.” Amanda Kredo Kredo will craft a coffee table made of claro walnut and sheet metal. She cut an insulator-shaped pattern reminiscent of her father’s work with telephone wires in the sheet metal. An insulator is a grooved, dome-shaped object that protects the flow of electric currents, she said. Kredo’s father collects them because more and more utility companies now run their wires underground. The combination of Kredo’s insulator pattern and the claro walnut wood invokes the emotional aspect of her piece. “Claro walnut is unique to this area,” she said, “John Bidwell brought it to Chico from Spain. With my table, I wanted to combine my life in Chico with home life and memories from my childhood.” Katey Hood Hood, a senior interior design major, will create a side table using claro walnut wood with a square-spiral design. “I really wanted to make something that captures the essence of the wood,” she said. When Hood presented her design to the class, guest critic Kijeong Jeon, the program coordinator for the interior design department, had nothing but praise for her work. He cut her presentation short to admire Hoo design. “I love it,” Jeon said. “I already get it, you don’t need to talk.” Hood is excited about her piece, and she plans to keep it in her home when it is complete. “I made a small table for a reason,” she said. “I’m proud of it, and I want to keep it and put on display in my apartment.” The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

MORE ON THEORION.com/features Learn more about Rouben Mohiuddin’s “Furniture Design and Fabrication” class as his students build their own “found” pieces of furniture.

THE NEBULA

Crossword Puzzle

Classroom experience isn’t going to cut it in the real world. Students who know that professional experience trumps a letter on a report card often prepare for future jobs by completing internships related to their desired careers. The Orion sat down with three students who shed light on the benefits of getting work experience outside of the classroom. Kylie Birmingham Internships offer a place to explore your chosen career field before Kylie leaving college, which Birmingham helps in deciding exactly Senior anthropolgy what you want to do after and German graduation, said Kylie major Birmingham, a senior anthropology and German major. Birmingham works at Chico State’s Human Identification Laboratory, where she works with human and animal remains. Her duties include removing all the soft tissue on the bodies and cleaning the bones for analysis, she said. “We use a couple methods to clean the bones, and the most common is dermestid beetles, commonly known as flesh-eating beetles,” she said. The beetles eat decaying tissue and leave bones unharmed, Birmingham said. The bones are then analyzed by physical anthropologists who teach at Chico State. The lab works with law enforcement to identify human remains and analyze bone damage. “The actual experience of processing remains, instead of just reading about it, has given me an advantage,” Birmingham said. “It will ease my transition from school into the professional world.” Chris Purkis Chris Purkis, a junior business administration major, interns at Auctiva, an eBay listing software developer. Auctiva was founded Chris Purkis business by Chico State alumnus Junior administration Jeff Schlicht in 1998. major. “I have been doing marketing and salesrelated work,” Purkis said. “For example, becoming familiar with our products, prospecting, finding advertisers for our website and learning Salesforce, which is software for sales and marketing departments.” All Auctiva employees have been invited to go to China on an all-expenses paid trip to visit its parent company, Alibaba, he said. “This is the most amazing opportunity I have ever been given as an intern,” Purkis said. “This goes to show my experience has been rewarding and I feel appreciated for the work I do.” He has participated in many brainstorming sessions for marketing and

video content at the company, he said. He enjoys getting to express his opinion about things others will actually see. Instead of simply reading a marketing textbook about how to identify his target markets, Purkis has actually done it, he said. His first project as an intern was to find advertisers for Auctiva’s bimonthly newsletter. “I had to understand who our potential customers were, who shared similar user bases and who could benefit from advertising with us,” he said. “I had to find ways to grab the interest of decision makers.” Mackenzie McCauley Mackenzie McCauley is a communication design major who will graduate next month. She is a Mackenzie social media intern for McCauley ShowScoop, an appli- Senior cation and website that communication design major allows people to rate and review live performances of bands. “I manage their social media platforms, practicing traffic-driven strategies using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vine,” she said. “Some of my other tasks include collecting social media metrics and using that data to create weekly marketing strategies.” The internship has introduced McCauley to the social media side of business, which is something she will likely turn into a career after graduation, she said. “I’m actively up to date with music on my own terms, so when this internship fell in my lap I knew I would have fun with it,” she said. “I feel lucky to have been able to work with them.” The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

LANDING THE JOB Three students with successful internships gave our readers advice on getting the internships of their dreams.

Sudoku

• Reach out to others. If you want to intern for your dream company, contact them and make it happen. • Be active at Chico State and within your department. Pay attention to the internships of other students in your major. • Ask your professors for internship recommendations and ideas. Ask about the internships they had. • Sign up for the Jobcat job and internship finder provided by the Career Center to polish your resume. • Practice makes perfect. Set up mock interviews and advising meetings with the Career Center staff. • Do not limit your search in any way. Look for both paid and unpaid internships. SOURCEs • Chris Purkis, Kylie Birmingham, Mackenzie McCauley

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

Your business can sponsor the weekly

CROSSWORD & SUDOKU

Call 530-898-4237 or email advertising@theorion.com

FEATURES

features all week @ theorion.com

| B7

WedneSday, APRIL 24, 2013

READERS, DIGEST: Soyrizo with egg whites and sweet potatoes

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 package of Soyrizo 1-2 sweet potatoes, diced 7

eggs

avocado

1/2

lemon

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY Alexandra Archuleta

mexican meal Chorizo with eggs and potatoes is tasty, but the dish comes with a lot of calories. With egg whites, sweet potatoes and Soyrizo, you can make the meal much healthier.

Alexandra Archuleta Food Columnist

Breakfast has always been my favorite meals. Growing up, I’d have the usual oatmeal, French toast, omelets and cereal served to me, but one breakfast stood above them all. Chorizo with eggs and potatoes was something I loved to hate. We were probably the only house on the block that kept it in the fridge regularly, but it was delicious. None of my friends had ever heard of it, and most of them turned up their noses when they heard that’s what I’d eaten for breakfast. They all told me they didn’t eat things they couldn’t spell. Wait — what’s chorizo? Chorizo is a spicy Mexican pork sausage. Ground pork is seasoned with chile peppers and surrounded by a synthetic case. I actually didn’t know this until I came to college last fall when I was surprised I had to order my chorizo “con huevos” at Jack’s Family Restaurant. Up until then, I just thought “chorizo” was the name of the dish, not only the sausage. The only way I had eaten this was the way my mom, and her mom and her mom’s mom have prepared it. Our family serves this sausage with scrambled eggs and diced pan-fried potatoes, wrapped up in a warm, buttered corn tortilla. Although my mother technically isn’t Mexican and doesn’t speak any Spanish, she’s Latina by descent. Her olive skin and

passion for tradition shut down other cooks when she dukes it out in the kitchen. My mother cooks up a mean chorizo breakfast. I dream about waking up Sunday mornings to a pan of it but usually settle on a smoothie and a hard-boiled egg. Chorizo isn’t hard to find. It’s in the ethnic aisle at Safeway and WinCo, and it’s cheaper than other breakfast meats. One day, I decided I’d take a hand at whipping up the traditional breakfast. This time, I was doing it my way. Instead of whole eggs, I used just the whites. In place of the spud, I opted for a sweet potato. The corn tortillas were nixed for whole wheat ones. But here’s the kicker: To reduce the amount of fat, I used Soyrizo. I took the very essence that makes chorizo what it is and cobbled it together with something pretty close to the original with almost half the calories. I’ll warn you: The way I prepare this dish probably makes my ancestors roll over in their graves. The authenticity is a bit off, but my college cooking mostly consists of throwing some food in a pan, trying to make it healthy and hoping it works. It’s not like they had anything to compare it to, but I made this for my roommates one morning and it was a hit. I loved it too. It tastes great, and I don’t miss the extra grease. If you’re looking to switch up the ol’ bacon and eggs, try my Soyrizo with egg whites and sweet potatoes.

HOW TO MAKE IT: • In a small pan, sauté sweet potatoes until soft, and set aside.

• Strain grease from Soyrizo, and place in an oiled skillet on medium-high heat.

• Mash avocado, egg yolks and curry powder in a small bowl. Squeeze in the lemon. • Add salt to taste and spoon into egg whites. • Stir continuously and cook until eggs begin to set. • Mix in sweet potatoes. • Remove from heat and enjoy.

Trash to Treasure: Spring-y egg carton flower lights light up Who says Christmas lights should be confined to the cold month of December? With flowers and an egg carton, they can make a whole new year-round decoration.

Alexandra Archuleta can be reached at foodcolumnist@theorion.com

MORE ON THEORION.com/features Are you bored with your breakfast? Watch Alexandra Archuleta give a tutorial on how to make Soyrizo with sweet potatoes and egg whites.

THE O-FACE: Living with an STD but opening up to my close circle of trustworthy friends made the burden lighter for me. It helped knowing they were there for me when the news sunk in and that they weren’t going Chantal Richards to leave me. Sex Columnist Having someone listen, without giving me advice, was comforting because it meant Lying on the table with my legs spread I could simply let go. I could stop trying to wide, the doctor calmly took a swab that felt compose a smile on my face when I felt my like nails piercing me in my most private sex life was over and my relationships were area. Then he left, after telling me I could get in jeopardy. dressed. The hardest part was breaking the news I waited in the cold room for what seemed to my monogamous partner. The anger I felt like hours, staring at a poster of the female was directed toward him at first because I reproductive system with the minute-hand initially thought he cheated. creeping by. That wasn’t the case. Most people don’t Finally, I heard a knock. The nurse practishow symptoms and don’t even know they tioner came back in. might be a carrier. Many STDs go undetected “You have a sexually transmitted disease,” for months and are asymptomatic, accordhe said. ing to Life123.com. I still don’t know if I was a “Excuse me?” I responded. carrier or which one of my partners were. “Yes, you have an STD,” he repeated. “But The next step I had to take was difficult. don’t worry, we see this all the time.” I scrolled through my phone book and tried All I could think of that Friday afternoon as to track down past partners to notify them. I I sat in the doctor’s office was that it had to be am not keen on revisiting my past, but I took a mistake. I couldn’t have an STD. a step back and recognized if it were But I do, and I am not the other way around, I would alone. want to know. One in four Chico It wasn’t easy, but it had State students have to be done. contracted a sexuEven after much ally transmitted consideration, the disease, said question I still push Diana Flannery, to the back of my a professor of mind is “what if?” health and comWhat if I broke munityservices. up with my partThis statistic ner and wanted to shows that STDs enter into another are common in relationship? How college, despite am I going to cope the resources with telling a new available for detecperson about my tion and treatment. condition? Even though I am It is going to be the sex columnist and tough, but I know that considered a whore, I am if they decide to leave, not promiscuous. life will go on and they I knew every partner I have weren’t worth it to me. been with down to Knowing I was not alone the orion •ILLUSTRATION BY Liz Coffee their last names. We helped and made it easier to were friends long accept my diagnosis of having before I engaged in any form of sexual contact an STD. with them. Most STDs are curable and if not curable, I also knew to be cautious and safe, yet it they are manageable. still happened to me. The best advice I can give is to be cautious To this day, I feel ugly, dirty, lost and hurt and aware. You can be the most educated that I had become a statistic, and angry that person about sex, but even then, it can still someone broke my trust. happen to you. I initially felt secluded to the point that I was afraid to talk about it because I was fearful of the judgment I would have to face. Chantal Richards can be reached at No one likes to admit they have an STD, sexcolumnist@theorion.com

the orion •PHOTOgRAPH BY CIERRA GOLDSTEIN

Cierra Goldstein Upcycling Columnist

Egg cartons are pretty neat. Who would have thought well-designed cardboard could protect something so fragile? But that’s not all they’re good for. With the help of the Internet, I recently discovered a new use: decorative flower light strands. The idea is pretty simple. Cut egg cartons apart, shape into flowers and pop on Christmas lights. This is an easy and great way to use holiday decorations for the other 11 months of the year. I especially love how bright, spring-y

and festive the “flowers” look on multicolored strands. If you prefer a more calming look, I suggest blue hues or white lights. You can also paint your egg carton flowers to your liking, though I prefer the bare cardboard color. You may be surprised how much the flowers adopt the color of the lights. These beautiful decorations can easily be hung at an evening garden party or even a summer wedding. I can imagine strings of them hanging like vines. Try out this easy tutorial and show off links to your project in the comments section online. Search for Trash to Treasure at theorion.com. Cierra Goldstein can be reached at upcyclingcolumnist@theorion.com

MATERIALS: •

Strand of small Christmas lights in desired color

•

nough empty egg cartons to cover all the lights on your strand. E Each egg carton that hold 12 eggs is enough to cover 12 lights.

•

Scissors

•

X-acto knife or box cutter

•

Optional: paint and brush

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Cut apart all of the egg cartons and discard the tops and tabs. Keep the egg cups, cutting all apart from each other. 2. Use the scissors to shape the egg carton cups into rounded or pointed flowers as desired. 3. Optional: Paint the egg carton flowers. 4. Use the knife to cut a small “x” in the center bottom of each egg carton cup. Push each light through this hole. 5. Once all your flowers are in place, all you need to do is plug it in. I suggest using the flower lights while in the same room in case of danger from the lights’ heat within the flowers.

features all week @ theorion.com