2013
Open up to discover Three ways to avoid being crushed under your spring workload Up-and-coming musicians to watch this semester Five things every senior must do before graduation
Spring boasts beats from new artists Katrina Cameron Fe atures Editor
Music is constantly evolving. Emerging artists must be inventive and original to stand out among the unlimited number of new bands, DJs, rappers and producers. In no particular order, the following artists are some of the up-and-coming talent to watch out for this spring. Katrina Cameron can be reached at featureseditor@theorion.com
Frank Ocean If this New Orleans native’s smooth vocals over a soft R&B beat in his tracks like “Thinkin Bout You” and “Monks” haven’t already caught your attention, they’re about to. Frank Ocean, a previous member of Odd Future, is nominated for six Grammy’s this year and collaborated with major hip-hop artists Kanye West and Jay-Z before even getting signed.
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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis This Seattle-based rapper and producer duo may have been circling the scene for years, but their upbeat and catchy single “Thrift Shop” helped them surface to a mainstream audience. Their debut album The Heist topped U.S. iTunes download and Billboard 200 charts last year. Macklemore’s quick and witty rapping along with Ryan Lewis’ innovative production makes for an undefinable, yet enjoyable, sound.
Carnage The Guatemalan producer and DJ began his career with hip-hop but moved on to electronic dance music. Carnage has mastered festival trap music, which is essentially the surprising combination of massive hip-hop beats with the energy of big house music. His remixes of “Spaceman” by Hardwell, “Cannonball” by Showtek and Justin Prime will definitely be played at big dance music events this year.
TJR This Southern Californian producer and DJ has released some of the most danceable, funky house beats recently. His original classic jazz/funk influenced track “Funky Vodka” topped the Beatport DJ Chart for weeks last year. The appealing beat from “Funky Vodka” was featured in Pitbull’s latest top 40 song, “Don’t Stop the Party.”
Zedd Russian-German electronic dance music producer Zedd may have caught your attention last year with singles like “Spectrum” or “Clarity,” but that’s only a small sample of what this boy wonder has to offer. His music features a steady house beat and a heavy synth melody. Along with several remixes, Zedd has also worked with big-name pop artists like Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.
Robert DeLong This singer-songwriter has captured listeners with his multidimensional brand of dance music. Robert DeLong infuses synth, jazz, pop, dubstep and moombahton with his indie vocals for a rhythmic colocation. In his single “Global Concepts,” the multitasking artist plays the drums, keyboards and drumpads all while singing over the catchy innovative beat.
Dillon Francis After catching the attention of Diplo, Los Angeles DJ and producer, Dillon Francis has developed one of the most signature sounds in dance music today. He has pioneered the highly danceable moombahton, which is a subgenre of dance music that combines Reggaeton and house music.
W&W In a time where dance music artists seem to be popping up everywhere, notable artists like W&W stand out for their authentic sound. The Dutch DJ duo produces trance music with a tech-house flair. Their singles “Lift Off!” and “Invasion” have been massive dance event anthems for the past year, and they’re sure to reveal more bangers for 2013.
Delta Spirit Southern Californian indie rock band Delta Spirit is known for their congregational song writing and dynamic rhythms. Last year they were interviewed on National Public Radio and attracted even more listeners after a powerful live performance on Conan. Their single “California,” which was named the best song of 2012 by Amazon, features a euphoric vibe that makes listeners crave a visit to the beach.
Moving Mountains New York-based indie rock and post-hardcore band Moving Mountains has an intricate sound. Their single “Alleviate” presents an energetic and precise flow alongside powerful vocals. The band announced last July that they began writing and demoing their next album, so new music is on its way.
SPRING PLANNER
Contents
Contributors
How to beat spring overload
3
Breaking out of the winter slump
4
Baseball looks ahead to season
5
The Orion movie awards
6
Chico senior bucket list
8-9
Artists to listen to this semester 10-11
Ben Mullin
Ben is a junior English and journalism major with a passion for teaching and storytelling. He believes in keeping students informed in every way possible — through in-depth print articles, multimedia presentations and rapid-fire tweets. His goal for the spring 2013 semester is to lead The Orion’s exemplary reporters and editors forward as they produce high-quality daily digital news for Chico State students and faculty.
Trevor Platt
After starting at Chico State as a nursing major in fall 2008, Trevor found that his real passion was writing. With a love for sports and writing, he is entering his second semester at The Orion and is the current sports editor. In his spare time Trevor enjoy long walks on the beach and imagining he lives in a Wes Anderson movie. After his time in Chico, Trevor plans to move to Berkeley to begin a career of writing about either sports or music.
Quinn Western
Quinn is a sophomore journalism major and a member of the Chico State women's golf team. She spends her free time burying her nose in her Nook, painting and writing. Quinn strives to deliver the news to the student community through social media, in addition to The Orion's weekly publication. Her goals this semester are simple: cover Chico State's campus like a plague, be the first to report the news that is important to students and embrace The Orion as the students' newspaper.
Carly Caumiant the orion •COVER ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ COFFEE
“But if you take anything away from this column, remember that I can — and have — succeeded in the very highest echelons of academic disaster.’’
Katrina Cameron
Katrina is a junior journalism major from San Diego studying both news and public relations. She spends her spare time discovering new music, taking road trips to attend music festivals and laying down for the occasional nap. As Features Editor this semester, Katrina’s goal is to deliver high-quality human interest and arts stories to Chico State’s community.
Ben Mullin Managing Editor
The Orion encourages letters to the editor and commentary from students, faculty, staff, administration and community members.
• 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
Carly is a senior psychology major with a minor in creative writing. She has a passion for writing and an intrigue for the human mind, which she weaves together through storytelling and journalistic craftsmanship. Carly is the editor of The Orion’s Opinion section. She graduates in May and plans to move back down south where she looks forward to starting a career in writing.
• Commentaries should be limited to 500 to 700 words and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Please include your phone number.
• 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.
Buried: 3 tips to avoid getting crushed by your spring workload Ben Mullin Managing Editor
Having failed three classes during my higher education career, I can say with confidence that no one knows more about screwing up than me. I’m familiar with all of those proverbs about failure being some kind of cosmic blessing, because I repeat them to myself every time I’m forced to take a peek at my transcript. All of my failed classes came after I realized I was in way over my head at the beginning of the semester but did nothing to prevent the oncoming tide of missed assignments, pleas for extensions and shame-faced explanations to my parents. You may be asking yourself, “Why am I taking advice from this man? His grades are trashed, so he must be a horrible student. Plus, his photo above makes him look like Ryan Gosling’s genetically unfortunate kid brother.” True and true. But if you take anything away from this column, remember that I can — and have — succeeded in the very highest echelons of academic disaster. No one wants to be stuck with a report card that looks like it’s arranged in reverse alphabetical order, so please read on and learn from my hard-won experience. Identify the problem early Stop me if this sounds familiar. You’re a typical over-achiever type, so you sign up for 21 units in three different departments and start pressing your frontal lobes against the academic grindstone. When the professor warns everyone that the combined weight of the reading material is enough to crush a bull elephant, you scoff and begin ticking off the days until graduation. There’s no homework in the first week, and the second week usually features those vague, interpretive “get to know you” assignments. Then week three hits, and you’re buried up to your eyeballs in homework for every class. Please take my advice and avoid this problem by swallowing your pride and biting off a little less than you can chew. Taking 15 units won’t get you to graduation faster, but it might just help you learn more from your classes. And if you realize one of your classes is going to be too difficult to handle with your schedule, don’t be afraid to revisit it. An “A” is better than
a “C” and infinitely better than an “F.” Play to your strengths When I came to Chico State, I wanted to be a doctor. As you can see, that ambition didn’t last long. I bounced around between history and biology until I settled comfortably between two majors, English and journalism. I enjoy them both, but I sometimes wish I’d chosen one major rather than attempting two: I would have had more time to work on the assignments and my grades would probably have improved. Regardless, the lesson I learned from my major shuffle is this: Becoming a well-rounded scholar is important, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your grade point average. Pick something you’re good at, because you’re more likely to succeed in class and enjoy your studies. Go to class This last point should be self-evident. I’ve known professors who will lower your grade by a full letter for every unexcused absence beyond four. I flunked one class not from turning in subpar coursework, but for failing to fill a seat two times every week. There are some people who say you can’t get a complete education without sitting in a classroom and investing time in your own education. Unfortunately, those same people decide which grade you will receive. Go to class, or your professor will have no mercy when he or she sits down to tally your final grade. If you’re having trouble succeeding in your studies, I hope those tips help you during the course of your college career. If you’re still struggling, my only advice is to attend your professor’s office hours to get help. If they know how difficult the course is for you, they’re more likely to make small allowances and tailor their teaching to help you learn. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go. I’m late for class again. Ben Mullin can be reached at managingeditor@theorion.com
the orion •COVER ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ COFFEE
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Wins
Spring sports teams, fans swing for winning seasons Trevor Platt Sports Editor
As I walk alongside the diamond, I feel an early morning wind rush past my ears, bringing a welcoming chill. My lungs are engulfed with its icy touch. I embrace the familiar smell of freshly cut grass framing the edge of a diamond, a diamond that is kept in the most pristine of conditions. Spring brings many things to mind: a fresh beginning to the new semester, the return of friends and new social endeavors, but most importantly, it brings more sports. For those looking to escape grinding hard
in the books — or whatever it is all of us Chico State students do now in our spare time — spring sports allow for a great deal of entertainment, passion and school spirit all in one glorious outing. Students can find sanctuary on the court as the Chico State women’s basketball team continues to push forward with its best start since 1974. The Wildcats have endured and fought to reach an incredible 14-2 record. But students like me who are sick of sports played on a rectangle have nothing to fear, because the baseball and softball teams are about to return to the field in early February. The baseball team is coming back after a
strong 2012 season that showed appearances in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II college world series and a season record of 40-19. The softball team is also aiming to return to the NCAA Championship West Regional after a season that was marked by ups and downs. Whether you are in the stands to see sprinters, vaulters or the men and women’s track and field team continue a successful history of clawing their way to the NCAA Championships, the spring semester is ideal for sports fans. It is a semester that should result in championship runs for the Wildcats, who
go out each week and put everything they have on the line to represent the cardinal and white that they wear so proudly. So students, I propose a challenge. Spend more time in the bleachers, on the courts and by the fields, and support your Wildcats. Get out there and show people that Chico State is the best school in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. This spring, show our champion athletes that we are champion fans. Trevor Platt can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com
The Orion Movie Awards 2013 features several cinema standouts
Quinn Western Ne ws Editor
There’s only one more month until the red carpet is rolled out for the Academy Awards and 2012’s movie A-list will once again be on our lips. Until the Academy reveals the best of the best of last year’s flicks, I’m rolling out my own, less glamorous carpet. I spent most of my winter break sucking popcorn out of my teeth and enjoying the wondrous escape that is the movie theater with family and friends. Unlike my dad, who pays $20 to take a nap, I like to pick movies apart and enjoy the adventure. So before I ramble some more, here are my nominees for best picture: “Django Unchained” “Les Miserables” “Moonrise Kingdom” “Silver Linings Playbook” “Pitch Perfect” “Argo”
“Skyfall” “Lincoln” “Beasts of the Southern Wild” I know, I know, “Pitch Perfect?” Most people would concur comedies don’t win Academy Awards, but this isn’t the Academy Awards. It’s a hilarious story where the simple girl ends up with the cute boy at the end and everyone is happy, but why shouldn’t that be in the running? It’s funny, has aesthetically pleasing people and good music. I won’t go into detail about each movie, but I will touch on a few. “Silver Linings Playbook” wasn’t a typical love story. It was heartfelt, frustrating with comic relief and had those obscure scenes that made you say, "What?” The audience was on a rollercoaster ride at Bradley Cooper’s theme park of ups and downs. The vocals in “Les Miserables” were filmed without voiceovers, and Anne Hathaway sang, “I Dreamed a Dream” in one take. Enough said. As for “Lincoln,” the ending was
predictable, but Daniel Day-Lewis’ capture of Abraham Lincoln was exceptional, which brings me to the next category. My nominees for best actor are: Hugh Jackman in “Les Miserables” Denzel Washington in “Flight” Daniel Day-Lewis in “Lincoln” Bradley Cooper in “Silver Linings Playbook” Hugh Jackman stole my heart in this film and made me want to hug my father. I was going to, but he was still sleeping. I never saw “Flight,” but come on, it’s Denzel. Between Day-Lewis and Cooper’s exquisite performances I’m split. I adored them both. Jackman was a perfect foil for Russell Crowe, Day-Lewis had his hands full with his nutty wife Sally Field, and Cooper had an aggressive dance partner. Now onto the silver-screen women. My nominees for best actress are: Sally Field in “Lincoln”
Jennifer Lawrence in “Silver Linings Playbook” Jessica Chastain in “Zero Dark Thirty” Quvenzhané Wallis in “Beasts of the Southern Wild” I really wanted to nominate Lawrence just for her performance in “The Hunger Games," but in “Silver Linings Playbook,” she proved she’s more than just a bow and arrow. OK, well, both roles were pretty bad ass. Wallis holds a lot of talent for such a young woman. Who knows? Maybe she’ll be in a movie with Brad Pitt next. After many kernels chewed and sodas spilled, I have chosen my overall winners. Best Picture: “Les Miserables” and “Moonrise Kingdom” (I couldn’t decide) Best Actor: Bradley Cooper Best Actress: Sally Field
Quinn Western can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com
“Chico is a beautiful place full of nature, smiles and unique fun, and I would hate to leave without indulging in the following outings.” Carly Caumiant Opinion Editor
the orion •COVER ILLUSTRATION BY LIZ COFFEE
5 things you must do before graduation Carly Caumiant Opinion Editor
I have made it to my final semester at Chico State. I graduate in May, heading back to my hometown and starting a new life. But until then I would like to give Chico a decent and proper farewell, so I have created a bucket list not only for myself, but also for fellow seniors alike who have yet to do the things I’m about to embark upon. Chico is a beautiful place full of nature, smiles and unique fun, and I would hate to leave without indulging in the following outings. Run five miles at Bidwell Park's Five Mile I have walked this route in the past but have yet to jog my way through the treefilled pathways of Bidwell Park's Five Mile. The shaded running trail is a perfectly serene way to spend a Saturday morning or to pick up a mid-afternoon jog after class on a Tuesday. Five Mile is a popular destination
for most joggers, which helps lend a healthy smile of encouragement while your muscles flex through the wind. Drink wine with monks at New Clairvaux Vineyards Thirty minutes out of Chico in Vina is a winery located off the beaten path run by Chico locals as well as a full staff of monks. Yes, monks drink and make wine. Believe it or not, monks have a rich history in the process of winemaking, and as a current resident of Chico and lover of fine wine, I was ecstatic to learn monks were crushing grapes just outside of my college town. Watch a movie at Pageant Theatre One of Chico’s few movie theaters, The Pageant, offers discounted movie prices at $7.50 with the option of lounging in comfy couches in the front row of the theater. I have yet to venture to this great little spot, but I plan on making my way downtown to
Five Mile Location Distance from campus Price Hours of operation
New Clairvaux Vineyards
Upper Bidwell
26240 Seventh St.
Park
Vina, Calif.
enjoy myself in the homey atmosphere. On Mondays there are “cheap skate,” $3 tickets, appealing to the poor college student for inexpensive date nights, leaving extra cash left for dinner and drinks. Tour Sierra Nevada Brewery I will admit, I have been on this tour about five or six times since living in Chico, but it is just such a worthwhile time I will need to go back at least two more times before I graduate. Not only are the tours of the brewery free, but a complimentary tasting of about seven beers is presented after the walk-through. It’s enough to get a free buzz on before hitting the restaurant bar that sits alongside the fine dining experience of Sierra Nevada. The local Chico brewery is, by far, my favorite bar in Chico due to its laid back aura and eclectic regulars. I will probably visit the bar about 20 more times before fleeing my college town, but the tour itself will
Pageant Theatre 351 E. Sixth St.
need a good two more rounds as well. Buy jewelry at the Chico Farmers Market I have become a regular at the weekly Chico Farmers Market downtown on Saturdays since living here. I always come home with two weeks worth of veggies without spending more than $10 of my monthly budget. But as much as I love the local produce and handmade soaps, my favorite booths to drool over are in the jewelry section at the outer area of the market. Local artists’ handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and hair and body accessories are my favorite purchases of the weekend. The jewelry ranges from $5 to $80. I have made my share of $5 purchases, but before leaving Chico I would love to indulge in a lasting, pricier piece to symbolize my college experience. Carly Caumiant can be reached at opinioneditor@theorion.com
Sierra Nevada Brewery
Saturday Market
1075 E. 20th St.
Parking lot at East Second and Wall streets
One mile
Free
20 miles $5 for tasting, $20 for a bottle
Open all day,
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
every day
daily
Under a mile
Two miles
Under a mile
$7.50 a ticket
Free tours
$5 to $80 for jewelry
Monday to Sunday, depeding on showings
11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays