TAP the Lines by Union Weekly

Intro

Issue 75.2 Kanye West, Rap Artist and Producer

LBUnion.com Molly Shannon, Editor-in-Chief editorinchief@lbunion.com Alfred Pallarca, Managing Editor alfredp.union@gmail.com Connor O’Brien, Art Director connor.union@gmail.com Trevor Desrosiers, Advertisting Executive advertising@lbunion.com Eduardo Vargas, Distribution Manager distribution@lbunion.com ART & DESIGN Sam Winchester, Photo Editor samw.union@gmail.com Rose Feduk, Illustration Editor rosef.union@gmail.com Abdallah Seoud, Assistant Art Director abdallah.seoud@gmail.com Michael Tewasart, Assistant Art Director tewasartm@live.com Truc Nguyen, Web Manager web@lbunion.com

EDITORIAL Matt Winans, Opinions Editor opinions@lbunion.com Veronica Craft, Community Editor community@lbunion.com Joey Estrada, Athletics Editor athletics@lbunion.com Renee Schmiedeberg, Arts Editor arts@lbunion.com Katie Cortez, Entertainment Editor entertainment@lbunion.com Fernando Bogarin, Music Editor music@lbunion.com Camille Hove, Lifestyle Editor lifestyle@lbunion.com

Makin’ Moll Talk

By Molly Shannon Illustration by Rose Feduk

I don’t know about you but, at least for me, this week has been nothing short of a roller coaster. The line for the bookstore extended out to the Peterson Halls, classes seemed to last for 27 years, and, oh yeah, our office door was shattered by an unknown culprit, and two computers were stolen. Yep. So... how was your first week? In all seriousness, yes—if you have not yet heard, we were victims of a theft over the last weekend. Without giving too much away, the ordeal was definitely a setback— we can’t deny that—but nevertheless, we will unite and push through it. We are not a group to be trifled with, as the Union has a reputation of being stuck in the middle of various controversial topics over the years. Despite these mishaps, we have always persevered and made the best of situations through the support of our staff and school. The only official response we made regarding the break-in was posting a simple picture of the door on our Facebook page. However, we unexpectedly received an overwhelming amount of reactions to the event, not only witty puns like “you guys shattered our

For a confused and scared-to-death little freshman like I once was, the trip from CSULB to Retro Row can feel like a perilousa 1000-foot journey. I think eventually I ended up remaining in my seat for the entire route to 4th Street, and I mean ENTIRE route. ALL of the stops. I don’t know which route it was exactly, but it was the entire. Fucking. Route. More or less, one or two hours, tops, and ultimately, I think I got to hang out with my friend for about 10 minutes until he had to leave, and then I ended up crying in my dorm. But I digress. Utilizing public transit is no easy feat. I understand that a great deal of planning and effort goes into this task. But in my opinion, taking the bus every once in a while, or at least attempting to take it, is worth risking its inevitable flaws. I mean, part of your tuition goes toward that “free” U-Pass, so you may as well get the bang for your buck, right?

expectations” (ha ha), but actual, sincere support, from past editors, staffers, and readers. This campus community has never ceased to surprise me, and for that, I thank all of you. You honestly do not know how reassuring it is to hear that you all have our backs no matter what happens. Honestly. That being said, we at the Union wanted to return the favor by giving back to you through this issue. In this feature, a group of the commuting editors and I dared to venture into the heart of the city without the aid of our precious automobiles, in order to test just how difficult it was to travel by bus. If your primary way of getting to school is via bus access, I congratulate you. I know this is not an easy task because I’ve probably taken the bus two or three times in all of my life, and I remember every time was pretty much a nightmare. The first time I ever had to take the bus by myself, I was meeting a friend at Retro Row. Now, if you’re familiar with Long Beach locale, you’ll think to yourself, “Oh yeah! 4th Street! That’s not too far! I can get there in ‘X amount of ’ minutes!” WRONG, Sir! WRONG!

Mahalo, Molls

Chrissy Bastian, Literature Editor literature@lbunion.com Bea Villa, Food Editor food@lbunion.com Alex Berman, Travel Editor travel@lbunion.com Gumby, Grunion Editor grunion@lbunion.com Michael Wood, Senior Editor mwood.union@gmail.com ASSISTANT & COPY EDITORS Jonathan Gutierrez, Rebecca Komathy, Jacky Linares, Elizabeth Nguyen, Heather Sandburg STAFFERS & CONTRIBUTORS Alison Ernst, Laura Elaine, Josie Mandala, Shannon Cho CONTACT US Long Beach, CA 90815 E-mail: info@lbunion.com

Disclaimer and Publication Information: The Union Weekly is published using ad money and partial funding provided by the Associated Students, Inc. All Editorials are the opinions of their individual authors, not the Union Weekly, ASI or CSULB. All students are welcome and encouraged to be a part of the Union Weekly staff. All letters to the editor will be considered for publication. However, CSULB students will have precedence. Please include name and major for all submissions. They are subject to editing and will not be returned. Letters may or may not be edited for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and length. The Union Weekly will publish anonymous letters, articles, editorials, and illustration, but must have your name and information attached for our records. Letters to the editor should be no longer than 500 words. The Union Weekly assumes no responsibility, nor is it liable, for claims of its advertisers. Grievance procedures are

Opinions

Growing Acceptance

By Anonymous

Noteable progression for the LGBT+ community at CSULB Dear Queer: Welcome to Long Beach! Moving to a new place can be scary. There are a million unknowns associated with picking up your life and starting over, and so when people start to pack up their worldly belongings, those of us with parts of their identity that could be dangerous to reveal upon arrival have to make a decision as to whether or not to pack part of ourselves up too. When I moved here, I was nervous about my sexuality. I didn’t know what kind of people I would interact with, who I would get close to, and most importantly, how they would react if I ever decided to come out to them. CSULB itself only had a score of 2.5 out of 5.0 on the National Pride Index—would I be attending a school that wouldn’t accept me once I revealed more of who I was? I chose to go here anyway, knowing that in all other areas CSULB thrived. I’m glad I

did. Other than the clubs that I had seen at more welcoming to queer students than even being involved in the Gay Straight Alliance (the now Queers and Allies), and attending Delta Lambda Phi, the gay/bisexual/ progressive men’s fraternity events. But over the last couple years there are battles our campus has taken on for our queer students that the general student public may not even be aware of at all. CSULB has reawakened the Safe Zone Ally program full force, training anyone from student leaders to professors to the full CSULB police service. Safe Zone is a group of their time to make our campus a safer, more educated place when it comes to queer vocabulary and issues. Every person trained

by Safe Zone, makes a pledge to create a safe space between themselves and anyone on campus who needs it due because of an issue they are having with sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. Some of the members of the Safe Zone team are also on the Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Campus Climate, which is a group that meets once a month to make certain that our campus is constantly answering the needs of our queer populous. The group is

resource center representatives and the Associated Students Incorporated LGBTIQ this group has handled issues like changing the campus climate score on the Pride Index from the 2.5 that I observed upon my arrival

It’s A Car Eat Car World

to the 4.0 out of 5.0 it currently holds. The spreads group access and education about gender neutral bathrooms on campus and, supports housing in its decision to advertise its gender neutral housing (which is being implemented full-force this semester). On a more personal note, I have spoken with people and representatives of this campus who I assumed wouldn’t care about my wants and needs as a queer individual. I was proven wrong, when they not only cared, but they were excited to see a more queer friendly campus as I was. New students, welcome to Long Beach. You made the right choice. People at CSULB recognize that we, who were once afraid and apprehensive about coming here, need a space to feel comfortable and are working to make the entire campus that space. We are queer, are here, and will not disappear!

By Matt Winans Illustration by Rose Feduk I’m sure many of you have noticed, but parking can be somewhat of a pain in the ass around here. Students far outnumber the available parking spaces, and this is a major problem for the campus. If you get here at that magical time in the morning before on campus unless you have a four leaf clover, or a lucky horseshoe on you. You could slowly follow people back to their cars. Hell, to my car by the truly desperate. While it’s stranger, at least you understand where they are coming from. Almost all of us on campus share in this plight. We, as a commuter school, are very dependent on our cars to get to and fro. Why the campus allows for more students then available parking spaces is beyond me. And booking a journey to class, invoking feeling like Bilbo Baggins before you ever reach your legal parking. Ideally it would be great if we

could build a new parking structure, but I don’t think ASI has any plans for that in the near future. However, everything is not as dire as it may appear. Solutions are available for the crafty transit to CSULB students. So for those of you who live nearby, you may want to leave your cars in the driveway, and take the bus. We’re lucky enough to have buses from both L.A. and Orange counties that accommodate us by stopping right on 7th street. But if the bus isn’t your style you can always make arrangements with people from your local area and carpool to campus. Not only will this help you save on gas, but it almost guarantees you a parking space, which I might add will be very close to your classes. Just sign up for a carpool permit, and you can park as close as Brotman Hall. It’s also a great chance to make some new friends and be environmentally smart. Or you can keep circling up and down the aisles of the parking lots. Up to you.

Opinions

Hands Up, Don’t Shoot

By Michael Wood Michael Brown’s last words were simple by all eyewitness accounts: “Don’t shoot!” It’s a sad last statement for a man to make but

infamous last words. The story remains unclear surrounding his death but this much is apparent. Michael

since the community of Ferguson rallied together against the injustice of Michael Brown’s brutal murder. It has become clear to all who are paying attention that in this case: the police are the

Ferguson when he was attacked by a police

from righteous criticism and in a sad attempt

Brown was a suspect in a case of petty theft in another part of town but during the

paint the people of Ferguson as lawless and

Brown meet untimely demises for nothing more than their skin color. The people of

reports back up that conclusion. The show to the nation the deep racial problems

“Don’t shoot!” He was then promptly shot by twice in the head and four times in his arms. Six shots from a standard issue police chaos. While some rocks may get thrown and to say.

to protect the community on the part of the

become about more than Michael Brown. It

of police aggression.

committing one of the worst acts imaginable: taking someone’s life.

people who are there supposedly to protect

nation had a true wake-up call to the things childhood. We can see now that the popular idea of the post-racial society is merely a

stemming the worst aspects of policing

Challenging the Ice Bucket Challenge

the

unexplainable

amount

people

heads. First time I saw someone do the Ice

came to this conclusion myself. To those who are participating and to those who are trying

ice bucket challenge came up on T.V. At that point I knew it was something that would be

count me out of the free-for-all that is doing My greatest hope is that maybe this can

the Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Association technique as simple as getting people to

thing you know people will be eating ghost chilies for breast cancer awareness. Two things strike me about the ice

until then I’ll continue to question anything that becomes popular by national standards.

the California drought factor and the sudden

mass dedication towards passing on the challenge without really knowing what for

greater. Don’t look at me though; I’m just the

By Fernando Bogarin

Community

We Stay Up Late

By Josie Mandala

New 24-Hour Study Center comes to the USU

Photo by Sam Winchester and Michael Tewasart

The students have spoken and we have answered. This semester, ASI is introducing the After Hours Study Center located in the USU Room 201 in the West Wing. Many of the students here at CSULB commute and have schedules that require them to stay on campus pretty late at night. The After Hours Study program gives these students a place to study after class when all of the other study lounges have closed. Between the hours of 11PM and 7AM the study center will be open to CSULB students and provide a place for late night cramming on exams, group work and meeting space for study sessions. Most students are generally very busy

and sometimes the only time to get work done is late at night or very early in the morning. The center gives students a place to go where they can concentrate, utilize the USU’s free WiFi, and get some good hours of studying in. The West Wing

room will be located in USU 201. However, starting at 11PM and continuing to 7AM, the entire West Wing of the USU will be open to students for studying hours. Student ID cards will be checked upon entrance to the Study Center and no sleeping or loud music is allowed. To avoid receiving a parking citation, study center users are instructed to park in Lot 4 where

“...a place to study after class when all the other study lounges have closed. ”

student organizations space for meetings and events during the day and the study

they will be able to park overnight. Peak seasons for the Study Center are but students are encouraged to use the center frequently throughout the year for any studying, individual work or group projects that they may have. The pending success of the center will eventually lead to a permanent location on campus exclusively designated for the After Hours Study Program.

By Beatriz Villa and Heather Sandburg

Get to the Beach Cool things going on in the community this weekend theme this month is Folk Festival. Special musical guests such as Ponderosa Aces, Bearcoon, Carol Martin, Black Lab and the Banjo, Lipstick Lumberjack, Honey Whiskey Trio, Jester McCool, and When Pigs Fly will be performing throughout the night until 10PM. There will also be a pie eating contest, a free class on how to roll sushi, saki tasting, a mustache contest, and a farmers market. Stick around after businesses close for more late night drinks, food, and music! Visit June’s First Fridays event in Biby Knolls The NAAAP Convention Bringing together Asian American’s and employers seeking to recruit Asian American professionals, The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) will be hosting a convention in Anaheim on September 4th, 5th, and 6th. This convention “is the largest meeting for Asian professionals for career development, leadership training, and professional networking.” Some of the speakers that will be in attendance include Ambassador Gary Locke, executives from Macy’s, Buick, Northrup Grumman, The Home Depot, and the CIA. The weekend’s

events will be held at the Hilton in Anaheim and the House of Blues in Downtown Disney, and will consist of an Employees Resource Group Summit on Thursday, leadership workshops and a party on Friday, and the Gala dinner banquet on Saturday.” If interested, more information can be found at www.naaapconvention.org. First Fridays which means Bixby Knolls will be celebrating another business block party on Atlantic, between San Antonio and 37th Street. The

25th Annual Belmont Shore Car Show Visit the Belmont Shore Car Show Sunday, September 7th. The event hosts over 50,000 people from all over California on a fourteen block stretch. The Belmont Shore Car Show is a unique car show because it displays about 700 classic cars on the beautiful and

other attractions, because along with the beautiful cars, there are also many shops and restaurants throughout 2nd street to discover. Visit lb.com for more details.

The Original Long Beach Lobster Fest Have you recently found a unsuspecting love for lobster? If so, you are in luck because Long Beach is hosting a Lobster Festival at the Rainbow Lagoon from Friday September 5th to Sunday September 7th. The festival will combine good tunes and amazing lobster prepared in the World’s Largest Cooker. So make it down to the Rainbow Lagoon this weekend and have a Lobster and coleslaw feast among music and beautiful Shoreline Village shops. Visit originallobsterfesitval. com for more details. Buskerfest Buskerfest marks the end of summer and brings local and regional bands together in the Long Beach area to perform one last blown out concert. It takes place on September 6, 2014 from 5-11PM at E. Village Arts District in Long Beach, CA. Come and witness performaces by local emerging artists, and experience the last “all-star right. For more information on the bands and artists that will performing, visit www. summerandmusic.com/event/buskerfest.

Community

State of the Beach

By Veronica Craft

Photo by Sam Winchester

Peace Corps VIP Event

Smorgasport

What’s going down at CSULB this week Week of Welcome

10% off —any order for— CSULB students

4750 E. Los Coyotes Diagonal Long Beach, CA 90815

562.498.3663

Athletics

New Coach on Deck Assistant coach Megan Smith joins CSULB Rowing Team By Camille Hove The women’s team rows all eight in a race last Spring Megan “Smitty” Smith loves cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream, is 6’1”, and has a Boxer named Maggie. She is also trained to be in the London Olympics, is an alumnus of UC Berkeley and loves rowing, so much in fact that she is Cal State Long Beach’s Women’s Rowing Team’s new assistant coach. Smith is the newest addition to the large force at Pete Archer Rowing Center. She trained at Princeton for the Nationals, and hoped to gain a spot on the London Olympic team. When her dreams for gold didn’t work out, she turned her inspiring nature toward coaching. She helped out other rowers in Princeton. “I hated to see them struggle. So, I gave them tricks and advice I had learned

through my own struggle. And they were always very positive when they received this information. So I began to think I should do this in an environment where that was possible.” She began to truly enjoy coaching and

moved to Long Beach. There, she joined the “SoCal Scullers Club.” There, she met the head coach Ian Simpson. He asked her to be the new assistant coach for the women, because the previous coach had left to live in Holland. When talking about her past rowing experiences, she laughs and admits got soaked) during a race at Princeton. “I wouldn’t say that I had a reputation

the race. But the teamwork involved is astounding; to move as one in a boat with eight other people in perfect unison sounds impossible. But once it is achieved, there is no better feeling. “The most rewarding is, especially when you’re in a team, feeling everyone move together. It’s just a feeling unlike anything else. It’s unlike any other sport. Winning is always fun, but it’s in sync with all of your teammates.” CSULB Rowing practices are held at

back to shore.” Rowing is one of the most challenging sports you can try. Early practices, intense Smith sculling on the canal View of Prague from Strelecky Ostrov

recruiters don’t mention) are all part of

if you’re interested in coming to see what it’s like to be a part of the most challenging and rewarding sport on campus.

FEATURE

TAP the Lines Intro by Alfred Pallarca Photo by Sam Winchester

It is a sad fact that this campus is very well known for its commuter culture. Every year, several students attend this university and do not actually get to know the beauty choose not to dorm or live in the area typically go in and out of their classes and return back home or to their jobs. I, for one, am a commuter, and have been commuting for the four years I have been attending this university. I am ashamed to say that I do not know my way around Long Beach, nor do I know the cool spots to “hang out.” Well, I do know some good places to get drunk, like the local 7-11 market, but that’s probably not good enough. With that in mind, a couple of the editors and I decided to seize the night after all our classes ended Considering our professors have only given us the typical 100 pages of reading, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to take a bus and see where life takes us (bus access is free, for those who were not aware). Currently, you can simply swipe your

any direction your heart desires, and possibly meet either your future one-night-stand or that creepy dude that sits next to you in your Russian Mythology class. However, after

other more as we actually conversed with one another. Travelling by bus allows for more free conversation that you would not receive when one person needs to concentrate while carpooling. I also got called Miley be required to get a TAP card, which Cyrus by some drunken sea lion, that wasn’t in the bus, but I just thought I’d mention. at the Brotman Hall, Room 148 or Anyway, I encourage everybody to leave your cars in the parking Editor’s note: When entering the bus lot, get out of your dormitories, stop watching the marathon of the make sure the person in front of you is done paying, because if you swipe this free service this university has your card while he’s looking for that got for you. This is probably one last quarter, shit might go down. of the last freebies you will receive We started our trip at the bus stop near the H20 fountain, and gave you finish your undergrad. Grab ourselves three hours to complete some friends, ride any bus you see the task of seeing as much as we could from the nearest bus stop, pick a have. Though we didn’t manage destination, and enjoy the ride. to explore as many landmarks we If you’re planning on riding solo, wanted, the trip was surprisingly then grab these pages and read our refreshing and exciting. We met adventures as you relax in those a couple of friends; one of which comfy seats that the Long Beach was Chrissy Bastian, our Literature public transportation has to offer. Editor, whom we ambushed and trip, we managed to get to know each

FEATURE

TAP the Lines Urban adventures via Long Beach Transit Words by Union Staff

As stated before, we began our trip near the H2 of the trip because she had never frequented we boarded the wrong bus, which went the

street—is the perfect one—stop destination to more wrong.

the times those buses were supposed to arrive.

wanted gum or water, but she was worried the

—his words not ours— addiction— “throw it out the car window.”

the best and hopped on the 121.

cute,—

for the bus to arrive.

FEATURE

After arriving on Ocean Boulevard and Long Beach Boulevard, our crew made their way down to the pike, which was a few blocks from the bus stop. On our way to the Pike they passed the Long Beach Convention Center, where local skaters were getting their grind on by the steps. Across from the skaters a Dueling Piano café was in full swing shouting out to the audience for responses. We found an abundance of nightlife happening down at the Pike, before making it to the Ferris wheel. We decided to all go on the Ferris wheel. while the rest of the crew began to question what kind of activities might be occurring in the gondolas next to us. Beatriz, being a local of Long Beach, threw the idea that, “high school kids were probably making out, right then.” Everyone else laughed and speculated before getting to the top of Ferris wheel where everyone was speechless. Fernando asked, “For do you think?” Fernando has also grown up in Long Beach like Beatrice, but the sight of Long Beach at night never got tiring for him. For everyone else it was a unanimous, “Amazing!” all around. After taking in the sights of Long Beach a few times around on the Ferris wheel, the crew made their way back to the main bus station to begin their trip back. They all walked away from the Pike, bright eyed over city lights, they were ready to come back for more. the Pike, we caught the 90 at 11:05 PM, which would bring us back to good ol’ CSULB. The ride couldn’t have been more than 10 minutes— not long at all. While the rest of the passengers was still very much awake. We passed the time by deliriously quizzing Alfred on all the capitals of the world. What’s the capital of Ireland? “Dublin.” How about Zimbabwe? “Harare.” And of the ride home. And before we knew it, we’d arrived at school, collected our belongings, and were heading home. Our “transit trial” had abruptly come to an end.

So what did we learn from this tiresome yet entertaining escapade? From the perspective of a commuter via automobile, the public transit option doesn’t seem halfbad. Getting a free ride means freeing up your hands—you can text away on your cell, scarf down a burrito the size of You save gas money, as well as contribute to a lower level of carbon-emission (because the bus is essential one mass carpool, yeah?). Ideally, the option of transit should appear to be the only way to go, but it should be Sometimes the bus runs late, other times it’s packed, or maybe the bus driver has some kind of personal vendetta against you and continues to drive past you even though madly in the air! The point is that, though the system isn’t perfect, the option of transit is certainly doable, it just requires a little bit of planning. If you’re tech-savvy, use Long Beach Transit’s “space-age” technology to your advantage. When you’re in a pinch and need to know when your bus is going to arrive ASAP, keep calm and dial (562)591-2301. Just follow the prompt to enter the 4-digit bus stop ID number (on the bottom right side of the bus stop sign), and voila! You’ll get the precise time of when the bus will stop. Aside from this, there are also a multitude of smartphone apps you can download such as Google Maps (has a “bus” option) “Transit,” or you can always resort to the old-fashioned map. Remember “maps?” Those folding paper booklets that show you where things are? Learn how to use one. In fact, we CHALLENGE you to set out on a night on the town utilizing the power of public transit! Go to 2nd Street, the Pike, Signal Hill, whatever. Live a little. Please take advantage of that TAP card—make the most of your education while you can!

Entertainment

Five Visually-Stunning Films to Watch By Amanda Domingues-Chio

Metropolis (1927)

The Fall (2006)

Directed by Fritz Lang, this German

Metropolis

Metropolis inspired

Symphony in A Major, Op. 92 II Allegretto The Fall (2006)

Blade Runner (1982)

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sleep?, Blade Runner

Blade Runner (1982)

Hero (2002)

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Hero,

Gravity

2001; A Space Odyssey

Blue Danube Waltz 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Music

By Fernando Bogarin

A festival for the rest of us FYF, the last call of summer “fests” and big concerts for CSULB students, had its 11th go around August 29th and 30th and it wasn’t without some growing pains. What started as a small gathering of bands by FYF founder Sean Carlson back in 2004’ has grown into one of LA’s fasting selling music experiences, with popularity not unlike Coachella. FYF relocated from the LA Historic Park to the LA Sports Arena and exposition Park allowing for greater capacity. However, unlike Coachella, day one of FYF proved that bigger doesn’t always mean better if you can’t get everyone in on time. For a venue that is used on a regular basis for huge sporting events, organization was a glaring problem as thousands, including myself, were stuck for several hours before getting into the festival. With headliners like The

Illustration by Rose Feduk

Strokes, Phoenix, and Interpol at this year’s FYF there was plenty to be excited for at the end of the night. However if you wanted to catch an act that started anytime from 2:30pm-5pm, you probably missed it unless you got there early. Once inside though, the music, the setting, and all those good vibes took the pain away. I go to as many concerts and shows as my budget and time can allow, but there’s something ethereal about experiencing your favorite artists at an open air festival, kicking up dust with no roof to hold down your spirits. This is what I felt during Against Me!’s set, as people of all walks of life grabbed each other, and swung side by side in a punk rock unison that would make Joey Ramone smile. This trend continued on through the night as I bounced around from set to set, hearing music of all genres and

bands I never thought I’d see. There’s always something for someone, and even if it’s not your cup of tea, at least you know what’s out there. I’d call my day one experience the exploration day, a chance to feel everything out and learn for day two. My heart went out to all the day one pass holders who only experienced just about everything that went wrong at FYF. Day two made day one seem like a bad dream, because it was smooth sailing right out the gate. More access points, free water, and more security check points lead to quicker entry and a better fest experience. I spent most of my day at the stage known as the Trees with back to back acts from Balance and Composure, La Dispute and the anticipated Blood Brothers at the end of the night. I got to be front and center for most of the acts, and it felt great to be in the thick

Inside of Outside Lands

of things. Allowing me to witness Jordan Dreyer of La Dispute smack himself with the microphone and watch as he continued his set with blood dripping down from his chin at a festival because unlike a concert, the show must go on. The transformation from day to night over both days at FYF was one out of teenage dreams: lights, sounds and people began to blend into the LA city night. The Strokes picturesque summer concert. Playing all of the great sing-alongs and danceable hits, the main stage was a sea of moving bodies and singing hearts. For me, FYF was the end of the line for my summer, and even after an unexpected day one, I am genuinely interested in how next year is going to go.

By Alison Ernst

A look at San Francisco’s biggest music and arts fest During Lykke Li’s act, I watched a man get carried away on a stretcher. What began as a good performance quickly become tainted with the image of a man who was desperately confused, and beyond high. Despite this unnerving and slightly traumatizing experience, I loved Outside Lands. Over the course of three days, I saw the sets of Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Jenny Lewis, Tegan & Sara, The Kooks, and more. I could walk around with a beer in my hand and people wouldn’t look twice, even at noon. During the time between the artists I wanted to see, I could pull out a blanket from my backpack and lay

album. The Killers played all of their big hits and more, including my favorites “Runaways,” and “Shot at the Night.” Arctic Monkeys also played a great mix of songs from their various albums (but I still have yet to see them play “Mardy Bum!”). My sister and I spent most of the

my texts and Facebook. My favorite performances of OL (in order) would have to be The Kooks, The Killers, and Arctic Monkeys. I was thrilled to watch Luke Pritchard dance around the stage while singing songs from their upcoming

practically any food you wanted. The Beer Lands had so

the sprawling grounds. So many were available that

folks to see artists closer than they would

at OL even better. First, rent a locker in

I’ve only attended OL and Coachella, but

for use the entire weekend. You won’t have to lug around your sweatshirt or blanket all day. Second, bring a blanket. It’s nearly

between the two. Unlike the weather in Coachella, the weather in OL is a little chilly and the festival ends a little early (before 10 pm). The atmosphere is more relaxed from the San Fran vibe. At Coachella, beer and alcohol consumption is limited to gated areas away from the stages. If you decide to go next year, I have a few recommendations to make your time

“For me, music festivals provide a way for folks to see artists closer than they would

out a pineapple beer that was perfection. For me, music festivals provide a way for

can whip out a blanket on which to sit down. Third, make a game plan in advance once

see if it’s even logistically possible. If not, make cuts to ensure you get a good spot for Outside Lands Facebook page for updates! Chvrches had to cancel last minute, and I only found out through Facebook. Knowing a little in advance, I could have made a Plan B. If you’re considering going to a music festival, just do it. The experience is great, but be careful not to get too caught up. You wouldn’t want to end up like the guy during the Lykke Li set.

Literature

Revisiting Old Tales with Older Eyes Introduction by Chrissy Bastian

Illustration by Sam Winchester

Take a moment to go back in time. Think to when you were little and just learning to read. Maybe you read books like The Giving Tree or Curious George. Do you remember how exciting the pictures were? Did you sneak into your little fort and pile all your favorite toys and books inside? Now that we’re older we have a new perspective on life, so we view books differently. Do your favorite characters still hold a spot in your heart, or do they seem flat? This week we’re re-living our childhood books and seeing how they’ve changed in our eyes.

Holding on to friendship By Elizabeth Nguyen

Rhymin’ with pickles By Lara Elaine

I remember reading a lot as a kid - The Boxcar Children, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Cinderella, and the list could really go on. Looking back on some of them, I couldn’t help but look back at one I remember reading often because of how short and simple it was. It’s a children’s book called Owen written by Kevin Henkes. Basically, the story is about a mouse named Owen who loves his blanket called Fuzzy. They’re best friends (although Fuzzy is a blanket after all), and Owen adores his blanket. He says that Fuzzy likes what he likes and does what he does. So it seems like all is

On an atypical Saturday morning, consisting of attempting to sleep in while being asked to make breakfast by my family, I sat at the kitchen table waiting for food to cook. My brother came into the kitchen after searching through the detritus that was our garage at the time screaming “DO YOU REMEMBER hardcover I hadn’t seen for at least 16 years. Despite the time between when I had last read the book, my siblings and I could almost recite all the lines of the children’s book. While such a rhyming scheme is typically indicative of shoddy writing, in this book, it is welcomed as a reminder of simpler times and things of green and warty nature. The depiction of various pickle objects is humor that is nearly as accessible as fart jokes. There is no plot, but that fact is quickly lost when laughing at the various franken-objects suggested by the Pickle Man himself. The art a book that’s older than the freshman on

dread: school. Owen is about to start school, and he cannot have Fuzzy come with him. His parents are unable to convince him, even under the advisement of their neighbor Mrs. Tweezers. There is a sequence of methods in hopes of persuading Owen to let go of Fuzzy. They try to convince him that the blanket fairy will take Fuzzy away and leave behind a great gift. They try to soak Fuzzy in vinegar to lead Owen into thinking Fuzzy smelled badly and could not be used anymore. They even try saying no, which led to a lot of tears. After

campus, but it has charm (read as older style, cutesy drawings). One would expect that given the amount of time between when I last read Pickle about it. That is not the case. Like comfort food, a baby blanky that you swear you don’t have anymore, or good strong vodka, it warms you from the inside and (should) bring up memories of times with those who matter; the book and the alcohol may bring

I, Pickle Things reminded us of days in our youth and how our humor has changed, but

Read the book. If it doesn’t remind you of your childhood, you’ve done something wrong, but hopefully, this can make up for it. If it still doesn’t, eat a pickle and laugh at all the other things it could be. (Insert necessary phallic joke here).

all of this, the mother thinks of the perfect solution. She turns Fuzzy the blanket into a set of handkerchiefs. This is so Owen can carry them around while still having Fuzzy with him. Thinking back on it, Owen does contain a lesson worth keeping in mind for your whole life. However, at the same time, it is a bit manipulative and possibly carries some issues in regards to the little mouse boy. To point out the obvious, Owen carries around a blanket. Fuzzy is his imaginary friend in reality. That tells me that he either doesn’t have friends or doesn’t get that much attention at home. He has Fuzzy like whatever he likes and do whatever he does. It’s as though Owen doesn’t have anyone to connect and share he’s interests with. There is also the involvement of Mrs. Tweezers. I didn’t really like her, even as a kid. She is nosy and tries to put her opinions onto the parents in order to get rid of Fuzzy. To me, she represents society enforcing ideas onto people who cannot think for themselves. For a children’s book, it is kind of dark, but the ending of the book makes the story more light-hearted. There is compromise that makes everyone happy. It teaches children that problems can be worked out that satisfy both parties without having to take extreme measures.

Arts

(Left) A troubled bronze statue lays on a rock amidst a fountain in the Getty Villa; (center) a stone sarcophagus for a child is (right) a view of the Getty Villa’s Parisstyle Garden.

Getting to the Greek

In the summer I went to the Getty Villa, Despite the name, the Villa was more than

What amazed me was how detailed these antiquities, so there was a lot to see when

Appreciating ancient art at the Getty Villa Outside Peristyle Garden, Inner Peristyle

Words and Photos by Elizabeth Nguyen

main attraction within these locations would

Fine Art from Long Beach, for Long Beach

Words and Photo by Jacky Linares

The LBMA guest stars exhibits for a limited time

(Above) A favorite piece of the Concepts of Beauty exhibition, the LBMA showcases Ellie Ng’s “Beyond the Façade.” One witnesses the past reanimated,

Lifestyle

One Hit Wonders I have always wondered why Daniel Powter only had one great hit throughout his whole career. But then, I realized just like lightning striking, some things are just not meant to happen more than once. Just like Powter, one night stands happen because your relationship with that person is just not meant to blossom into anything more. Here are some

Hawaii Five-OHH By Slutty Surfer

Penis Pointing By Mr. Mclovin

Beauty is Skin Deep By Shallow Hal Illustration by Rose Feduk

Lifestyle

New Country, New Meat By Virgin Harry I was half a virgin when I first studied abroad. I was absolutely nervous with what my new home country had in store for me. I was very naive when it came sex, then. To calm my nerves, my friend whom was going with me told me, “Just drop all your morals and values once you enter the airport. You can pick it back up along with your luggage upon your return. Whatever happens, happens.” Those words stuck to me throughout my exchange. At first, it was hard to decipher the gay ones in the group of international s t u d e n t s . However, when the opportunity came up and I met a good-looking guy in one of the clubs we would go to, I decided to act upon on my desires and have a good time. It was my first one night stand experience. I was absolutely terrified, yet at the same time I was more than thrilled. After a few minutes of driving towards his apartment, we finally arrived. We started kissing very gently in the elevator until we arrived to his room. As we entered, a stench of nasty old fries or whatever the fuck he was eating for lunch greeted me. I ignored it as we continued to his bed. We kissed for a while until he told me I was doing it too hard. Apparently, I was being too rough on him. In all sincerity,

I was not the most experienced at the time, but the guy was just way too soft. I was not kissing him too hard or grabbing on his arms in a rough way. After a few minutes of what appeared to be sex for him, I was absolutely bored and could not help but think of buying fresh French fries to satisfy my drunk munchies. I told him I don’t think I can finish since I did a lot of finishing by myself two hours ago, which didn’t make sense since I was at the club two hours ago. I don’t really know if he believed it or not, but I didn’t gave a damn at that point. I told him I was going home because it was too late. He offered to drive me home, but I was just horrified with the experience so I insisted on walking home. However, I realized that it was a mistake walking considering it was three in the morning, it was my first few weeks in the country, and had no idea how to get home. I got lost a few times, talked to some homeless woman, prayed to a few deities, and probably saw a coyote along the way. Just like Dorothy, I eventually found my way back home amidst the tornado and craziness. To be honest, I can’t really think of a good lesson for this story, except for the fact that it happened. So there’s that.

“After a few minutes of what appeared to be sex for him, I was absolutely bored and could not help but think of buying fresh French fries. ”

Illustration by Rose Feduk

Scooby Dooby Do You By “Great” Dane He grabbed my neck seductively as he rocked me from behind, gliding in and out with his moderately sized penis and super jumbo ball-sack slapping against me in a staccato rhythm. “Ouch!” I shouted. This was my

my throat with his bony “ohh, I work for the military” hand while I looked back at him mid-doggie-style. Then he had me on my

neck. Christian Grey wannabe motherfucker,

even know his real name until later, but my mouth forever curses her intruder, the man with the Great Dane balls.

part of my throat guts into another part of

his Great Dane balls slapping against my

Illustration by Michael Tewasart

Travel

Blame It on the Altitude You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need alcohol in the Andes to have a good time

Launching from London Overcoming the learning curve of travel Graphics by Michael Tewasart

By Alex Berman

By Alfred Pallarca

Food

Good Food, Good Brew An authentic Thai dinner with a refereshing beer

If your looking for a delicious Thai meal on a student budget, then Thai Sky is your destination. Since I discovered this place, I have frequented Thai Sky religiously and have never been disappointed with the delicious food at incredible, student friendly prices. Mind you, this restaurant is a not a fancy place for a special, rose petal, red thong night, but a great place to sit back with a ice and unwind. Cody, my boyfriend, because he only lives a couple blocks down. We were both extremely returned to eat there many times, and have

By Beatriz Villa Photos by Sam Winchester

when I was driving to Cody’s new house in west-side Long Beach. It is a good thing there is a towering sign labeled, ‘Thai Sky’ above the restaurant because without the sign the restaurant would be unnoticeable. We decided Thai Sky was converted from house into a restaurant; It looks somewhat odd and misplaced, yet charming. The entry

way consists of a traditional, white door and a brass doorknob. As soon as you step in, you are greeted by a variety of green leafy plants

Pad Kee Mao. We waited for about another half a beer until our food began to come out

smiling host seats you promptly. Every time I have gone to Thai Sky, the place is nearly empty; usually only three

with carrots, onions, broccoli, basil, and garlic. Next, came out the traditional Pad Thai, which was mixed with bean sprouts, peanuts, tofu, chicken, and beef. The curry was the last plate; it had potatoes, chicken, and delicious taste of spicy coconut. After all, the food was brought out we looked at each other is disbelief. “Why are we the only ones in here!?” The bill came out to about $32, but we ordered three entrées and drank a couple beers each. Our server packed up our left overs and we left very full, partially drunk, and happy. On our walk home we decided to tell everyone we knew about this place. I have returned to this place so many times that the unconventional restaurant door no longer feels misplaced. Walking through the door now feels as if I am going into a life-long friends’ house for a delicious, home cooked Thai meal. Thai Sky (562) 426-4192

ate there, my boyfriend and I were the only customers the entire time. Because of the lack of clientele, I was really freaked out the place was infested or the food was going to be awful. I quickly looked on Yelp and, to my relief found great reviews. What surprised me about the Yelp reviews was that hardly any of them mentioned the great prices of the beer. They charge $2.50 for domestic beer and $3.50 for imports. A bottle of Heineken is $3.50 all day. They brought the beer out with a frozen glass, so my beer was ice cold. My boyfriend and I were so excited about the beer that we kept saying, “I can’t believe we are the only two in here,” with wide eyes and astonished faces. After having a beer we decided on ordering the Pad Thai, Yellow Curry, and

Tasty, Tangy Teriyaki

Sweet, Sinful Sugar

Stop by Rascals on your lunch break

Taste delicious cinnamon rolls on 2nd

By Veronica Craft

By Jonathan Gutierrez

With a sauce that has the perfect balance of salty and sweetness and a nice thick consistency, not like that whack watered down crap you get at some places, Rascals Grill has become my go to teriyaki spot. Just down the street from school it’s a convenient place to grab some grub in between classes, and as a plus they’re pretty pile onto your plate. While their teriyaki bowls are a creation of pure genius their menu’s pretty extensive with a little something for everyone from a bomb teriyaki avocado burger to a slightly spicy Japanese curry. If that’s not your thing, I recommend their Chinese chicken salad. I am not really a salad person, but their Chinese chicken salad has made me a converter, and I would be lying if I said I had never thought

about downing their dressing straight out of the container. jonesing for some oh-so salty, sweet, and delicious food, hit up Rascals, but I warn you Rascal’s teriyaki addiction is a real thing. Rascals Teriyaki (562) 431-7777

Among the little shops located next to Seal Beach is the hidden gem, Sweet Jill’s Bakery.

minutes away from the CSULB campus. As soon as you enter the store, the sweet smell of freshly baked goods will take you to heaven. The store sells delectable cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and the holy grail: cinnamon rolls. The cinnamon rolls are big other (although, once you’ve had a bite, you’ll on until you order the cinnamon roll, so you can be assured the taste is fresh. Just thinking about the icing being drizzle onto the warm pastry is enough to make your mouth water. The small store only takes cash, but there are banks and ATMs close by.

Unfortunately, the store also has a limited quantity of cinnamon rolls because they are made fresh daily. The location allows you to take advantage of the air by taking a walk to the pier, or even the beach. The worker’s are friendly, and the service is amazing. Be parking because there are other little stores and restaurants in the vicinity. I’d recommend going at night (around then, and it leaves you time to grab a quick pastry and relax after a day’s work. Be sure to check the place out. Sweet Jill’s Bakery (562)438-4945

Volume 75 Issue 2

Monday, September 2, 2014

LBUNION.COM

DISCLAIMER: What Up Earthlings! Camel Toe here to send you love from the Guardians of the Galaxy. Rocket and Groot are here for the week to meet you beautiful ladies. Twerk, shake that thang, and show off that bass! Star Lord would like a bit of action as well if you want to board his ship, because he all about that bass. Let him know at: 1212 Bellflower Blvd Suite 116, Long Beach, CA 90815. This page is satire/parody and does not represent ASI nor the CSULB campus. Submit it via email to grunion@lbunion.com.

Grooty Tooty Pop That Booty by Gamora

“I am Groot.” “Dude, you can’t pick up chicks like that.” “I am Groot.” “I know but they won’t know what you mean. Come on, let’s go to class.” Rocket leads Groot, one of the last trees in

at CSULB. Human Sexuality is packed in the Hall of Science, and people stare as they walk past. Groot’s branches smack a guy with a skateboard under his arm on the head. “Brah, watch out!” The skater rubs his head and glares. Rocket sneers at him from Groot’s tall shoulder. Rocket steers Groot into a seat at the back of the lecture hall. They pull out notebooks with My Little Pony coloring the covers. “Fuckin’ Star Lord. I told him plain black notebooks.” “I am Groot.” “Good idea.” Rocket tears the cover off both books. The class begins when the professor “Welcome to Human Sexuality. You will not

fuck in this class.” Rocket shouts in anger. “What! Why the hell are we here then?” Groot nods and stands up. Together, they leave the room. Once outside, Rocket spies a leggy blonde clutching her books. They say ‘recycled paper’ on the covers. “She likes trees. Let’s try her.” “I am Groot.” “Well I don’t see any brunettes. Shut up and focus. And don’t wave your arms around too much.” The girl watches them approach. “Hi. Are you new here?” Her teeth are the color of stars, and her skin is tinted in blood. “Why is your skin bloody?” Rocket says from Groot’s shoulder. “What? Oh. It’s called a sunburn. You’re not from around here, are you?” “Nah. We’re Guardians of the Galaxy, but our friend thought we needed to get laid, so he dropped us off here.” “Uh…I have to go to class. Nice meeting you though.” She walked away before Rocket could say anything else.

“I am Groot.” “I guess that came out wrong. You’re right.

whole being. Rocket scratches his head and mutters to himself, “Star Lord did say something about

They walk toward the library, hoping to catch some golden skinned babes on the grass. A dark haired girl with glasses looks up at them and smiles. Rocket calls to her, “Hello! Can you He whispers to Groot, “Asking for directions gets their guard down.” “Hi. You have to head the other way. Uh, are you a raccoon?” preferred title. What’s yours?” “I am Groot.” She looked at Groot. “Wow. You look strong. I like your branches.” Groot smiles. Rocket quickly interjects, “He’s the last of his kind. Could you show us where the bookstore is?” “Sure.” She walks next to Groot and smiles up at him. He holds out his hand and produces him and lets her hand linger in his, feeling the different branches weave together to form one

Blue on Yonce on His Mouth Like Liquor separate oneself from nepotism in this business, especially when your mother is venerated as a God among the masses. My nickname among my Mother’s Clique is “Jesus.” I do not wish to be declared as blasphemous, by Blue Ivy for this is simply the reality of my life. And although, I did tell her “Good job Mama” in a childlike manner, I’d like to express that I was obligated to, it is what the people want. We owe the people my lifegivers’ rise to power, so one, born in the light of their gained privilege, has to play the part. But alas, I have an “unpopular opinion” of my Mother’s

performance at the VMAs – she was mediocre. As every other performer, my Mother continues to follow the trend to be surrounded by scantily clad twirlers, complimenting her, but never overshadowing her, which I am sure, is deliberately done. “Yonce” continues to wail her ballad about being “Haunted” and such, but then changes the pace to some other provocative, extended noise. I sincerely hope to God (not my Mother) that the phrase “Kiss. Bite. Foreplay,” is not about the night I was conceived, although the odds, I fear, are probably against me. “Queen Bey’s” following comes from the people’s rapturous obsession with her established perfection, which any rational mind even my Mother defecates. Mom continues

to entice the public with the trembling of her favorite, Drunk in Love. I’d also like to verify that my Mother can be tad untruthful. Her and Father are not “… be all night” as she claims, for I make sure to tire the both of the out. I am the only light of their life, and I’d like to keep it so for the time being. I guess that is where my narcissism comes from, from Mother. As you can recall if the camera was not focused on her, there was always an image of her in the background throughout the performance. I’d like to continue on her performance, but I dread the reader will grow exasperated, just as I have with it. I do not wish to be redundant, for I have already exhausted the matter with North (West, of

course). I suppose that the reader sees my general feelings toward my mother. “She ‘ight.” *Kanye Shrug*

INSIDE

BILL CLINTON TO DESIGN HILLARY’S 2016 CAMPAIGN T-SHIRTS

ROWER CATCHES A CRAB (IN HER VAGINA)

LOCAL BANANA CAUGHT SLUTSHAMING LOCAL PEACH

CREATORS OF POKEMON CASH IN ON PRE-TEEN “EVOLUTION”