One Big Save by Union Weekly

UNION WEEKLY’S THIRD ANNUAL SONG WRITING CONTEST

*prizes to be announced CONTESTANTS WILL PERFORM AT OUR LOVELY JAMS CONCERT AT THE NUGGET ON FEBRUARY 12TH 6-8PM

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS You must submit your song by Saturday at noon, February 7th

Intro

Issue 76.2

Molly Shannon, Editor-in-Chief editorinchief@lbunion.com

By Molly Shannon

Illustration by Rose Feduk

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

Fuck. I’m sitting here in the Union up with something decent to talk about which I can subtley intertwine with our thrift-shop

I call that getting swindled and pimped (shit) I call that getting tricked by a business That shirt’s hella dough And having the same one as six other people in this club is a hella don’t

people that pay excessive amounts of moola

Rose Feduk, Illustration Editor rosef.union@gmail.com

who basically do what everyone else does.

Truc Nguyen, Web Manager web@lbunion.com EDITORIAL

Union and value that lies in choosing to shop at a thrift

blank. All I can think about is that fucking Macklemore song—you know the one. It’s

ART & DESIGN

Michael Tewasart, Assistant to Art Director tewasartm@live.com

hearing but I wasn’t tasting

(less production and waste).

creepy as hell to think about. But as Imaginary

Hanna Suarez (see: Opinions section). In all

help but think that he does bring up some good points in the song. Not only does he unapologetically express his love for thrift shop

is—that’s why I’m very excited to share this week’s feature

Jacky Linares, Opinions Editor opinions@lbunion.com

bullshit. Take a look back at this verse:

Veronica Craft, Community Editor community@lbunion.com

I hit the party and they stop in that motherfucker They be like, “Oh, that Gucci—that’s hella tight.”

Joel Martinez, Athletics Editor athletics@lbunion.com

Limited edition, let’s do some simple addition

Renee Schmiedeberg, Arts Editor arts@lbunion.com

ignorant bitch (shit)

in the world of the thrift shops. The only time I remember actively seeking out a thrift shop is when I put together a Butch Cassidy costume for Halloween using vintage pieces from Out on school and work and life just long enough to admire all the wonders which Retro Row

y’all. I’m encouraging all my fellow Long Bitches out there to try this lifestyle on for

for you; you’re seeing. You’re hearing. You’re

Molls

seeing. I was

Katie Cortez, Entertainment Editor entertainment@lbunion.com Sam Winchester, Music Editor music@lbunion.com Zach Phelps, Lifestyle Editor lifestyle@lbunion.com Elizabeth Nguyen, Literature Editor literature@lbunion.com Alfred Pallarca, Travel Editor alfredp.union@gmail.com Beatriz Villa, Food Editor food@lbunion.com Gumby, Grunion Editor grunion@lbunion.com

COPY & ASSISTANT EDITORS Kaila-Marie Hardaway, Elliott Gatica, Eric Reid Hamilton ADVERTISING INTERN Jacqueline Simon STAFFERS & CONTRIBUTORS Hanna Suarez, Vanessa Moore, Danube Ramirez Hermosillo, Ana Maria RamierezHenao, Christian Bordeau, Bailey Mount, John Calhoun, Kenny Nguyen, Alexis Hamilton, Mario Lopez

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 nor 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

Opinions

Hasta La Vista, Fuckboys White kids need to take a seat and check their privilege A new meme has recently gained popularity in the social network sphere, the Straight White Boy. Girls, people of color, and other web-surfers with marginalized identities are at the front of this amazing trend, making the Straight White Boy’s crimes and characteristics ever visible. They are taking screenshots of their OkCupid and Tinder conversations, crafting pastel colored illustrations of babes drinking out of mugs adorned, “Male Tears”—humiliating the White Boy and his ridiculous practices. This meme has produced a negative reaction amongst White Boys across the internet, claiming that they are victims of racism, proclaiming “NOT ALL MEN,” in unison. At the same time, there are women of color revealing the racist comments and language that white boys and men leave behind, doxing them with the information

appreciation from appropriation? When nonblack people listen to rap and hip-hop and R&B, when they adopt black peoples’ style— consciously coined “Urban” style—there is an appreciation for the aesthetic. What many fans may not understand is that art and culture do not exist in a vacuum. The rap and hip-hop movements, art and fashion, and changes in language and discourse are direct results of racist institutions, labor exploitation, and

kicked out of school for their racist crimes. The fact is that this is less of a meme and more so evidence of the microaggressions that straight white males commit. Evidence of the sexual harassment that women face on a daily basis, and of the racism that people of color still face. There is a counter-trend on Twitter called #meninists, AKA grown-men who are complaining about feminists who reveal their sexist behavior. “Meninists” are similar to those “Men’s Right’s Activists” who do nothing for their fellow men of color or transmen. Then there are white people literally around the world who appropriate black culture, i.e. Yung Lean, Iggy Azalea, the list goes on. I want to know what causes white boys to behave this way? What is “white culture?”

grandparents—they are committing cultural appropriation. And they are perpetuating the kind of insulting, appropriating work that the likes of Macklemore, Iggy Azalea, and Banksy commit, and are awarded for. This being said, we cannot ignore the sexism that plagues the music industry. There is a great deal to say about the misogynoir (antiblack misogyny) in music and entertainment industry that perpetuates violence against

Colonialism? Imperialism? Slave trade? I would say all of the above. The relationship between black people and white people has always been: black people make, white people take. And this has been true for Native American peoples, Latino and Latina peoples, Asian peoples, once again, the list goes on. So in this modern day, when there are no clear signs of exploitation (to the ignorant masses), how does the white boy distinguish

hip-hop we hear the glamor and success, but do we understand the struggle beneath it? Because those of us with privilege—be it white privilege, class privilege, or otherwise— When white people consciously listen to rap music, when they use black people’s subjectivity as a reference point for their own cultural decisions, when they use slurs that

women. We all know the “sassy black woman” trope too well. We’ve heard black women be ridiculed, and mocked sometimes it isn’t even conscious. So while we are making progress by rooting out the racism and sexism that straight white males are guilty of, anti-blackness is not exclusive to them. The same way that sexism is not exclusively perpetuated by men. I think the greater agenda demands that everyone check their privilege, as well as make the conscious decision to extract problematic language and behavior from our own lifestyles. Call out every slur, don’t tolerate casual sexism, point out every micro-aggression— about solidarity, this is for the people who are victims of systematic oppression.

By Hanna Suarez

Opinions

Editor’s Note: For information on the USU Referendum, visit asicsulb.org/usureferendum

Your Vote, Your Choice The fate of the USU Referendum is ultimately up to YOU By Beatriz Villa

It bothers me how ASI is posting up propaganda for their project but is not giving all the information. ASI says it is proven that we need more space for students, and that students enrolled now won’t have to pay for the proposed fees, but future students will. But where is ASI getting its facts? During a presentation by ASI representatives, presenters told my class they had research to back up the need for an improved USU. They said something along the lines, “The referendum will keep students on campus, and as a result, it will yield better grades.” How is this true? When asked if they had research to prove that statement, the representative said we don’t have the research at this time. Why not? Seems a little odd to me.

Also, do you all remember the poll that was given out about improving the USU? Questions asked ‘If tuition is only increased improved USU?’ Nowhere on the poll did it ask, “Would you like to improve the USU?” But somehow, 65 percent of students want to improve the USU. I feel the whole project is a one-sided campaign that is being shoved down our throats. Don’t vote “yes” just because ASI propaganda is telling you to do so. Vote because you know all of the facts, and vote because you want what is best for CSULB community as a whole, not just those who comfy chairs.

“Teaching is what keeps me from getting cranky and sitting by the rocking chair...”

Community

Kindness Matters CSULB Chemistry professor in for the long haul By Danube Ramirez Hermosillo

“Though this may sound quite ‘sick,’ here’s the scientific-type ‘trick.’ To tell ‘junk food’ from ‘nutritious,’ you see you must look carefully at the crap’s density! Since the crap floats, you most surely can tell: its density is less than water’s—one gram per mL!” The above lyric from “An ‘Ode to Crap” pertains to only one of many creative chemistry songs, poems, and rhymes that CSULB professor Thomas Gufrey has used to teach chemistry classes since 1968. “I’ve been involved in many freeway traffic jams and one of the results of that is mental confusion, just kidding!” he says with a laugh. I have a short attention span and I know how easily I get bored, so I’m sure students are the same way.” As an educator for more than 45 years, Gufrey has taught at CSULB for the last 41 years teaching one course: Chemistry 100. “If instructors even do what they ought to do by virtue of being instructors, which is treat students decently, try to help them, hours and not say, ‘Yeah yeah, what do you want?’” Gufrey says. “You’re considered so great when really you’re doing what integrity would mandate you ought to do if you have this job. There are many devoted teachers; every one is different and has their own way of teaching. I try to make it fun and if you work hard and have integrity as a student, you can do well. After all, it is a general ed course.” “It’s good to see a passionate professor who takes the time to get to know his students and really see how they’re doing in class,” says senior fashion merchandising major, Madeline Chavez. “For non-chem majors, he makes chemistry interesting and manageable. Especially fashion majors,” she says with a laugh. Science classes are usually subjects that students dread, and Gufrey’s class is no exception. “The people who come in, no fault of their own, are afraid of chemistry or hate it often due to bad high school experiences or just because ‘Oh God Chemistry,’ but when they leave at least see how important chemistry is in everyday life.” Gufrey says that a huge part of his job is selling students (in an honest way) how valuable chemistry is in every day life, so that they’re at least an informed voter when it comes to nuclear energy, global warming, and toxins in the environment. “You wont be a chem expert, but at least you wont fall prey to panic or hype which the news media thrives on,” he says. Humor is a key component of Gufrey’s approach when it comes to helping students open their hearts to chemistry. “At two in the afternoon, prime nap time in that lecture hall down there (PH-2 141) for a 75-minute class, getting people to laugh is

a good thing.” Any Chemistry 100 student can confirm Gufrey’s renowned status as a “chemistry and explosion obsessed goofball,” as well as the “Santa Claus” of bonus points. “His favorite thing is explosions since a lot of people enjoy demos involving fire,” says fifth year sociology major and TA, Yessica De Leon. “He’s cool, you forget about his age, you think he’s like the same age as you.” Engaging his students, interacting, bonus points for good comments, according to Gufrey, “Are all critical.” “And with the enough,” says Gufrey. He compares teaching to parenting, “You want to be kind and sweet, but not a push over.” Gufrey adamantly dislikes the fact that big bureaucracy is impersonal and stifling, including in the school system. “In defense of CSULB, compared to many places, there are many good people here. This is a darn good place and I’m blessed to have been able to teach young folks, being a 70-yearold geezer,” says Gufrey. “Teaching is what keeps me from getting cranky and sitting by the rocking chair and saying ‘By God, when I was your age we had respect ... ’ I don’t want to fall into that.” His creative and energy-filled teaching style has proved to be not only entertaining but highly effective as well. Gufrey was honored as one of the nation’s top professors in the 2012 guidebook, “The Best 300 Professors”. Gufrey thinks there are many people more deserving than him yet he humbly acknowledges that it is still “a very nice honor to receive.” Gufrey has no plans to quit in the near future. He says that decision will depend on how long his health holds up, and his passion for teaching is still there. “The day I wake up and say “Oh another semester of Chem 100,” that’s a sign to quit. I don’t see it happening soon if ever, but health is probably the main factor.” Knowing he’s tried to instill his mantra, “kindness matters,” into his own life by treating people kindly and the immense gratitude that the overwhelming majority of his students have shown, has been a real excellent positive feedback mechanism that Gufrey says pushes him to do even more in the classroom. “It makes me feel like I made at least a small difference,” he says.” That’s been rewarding and has instilled a great attitude in me being able to come to this job to work, blow stuff up, and hopefully model the fact that the number one thing is ‘kindness matters’ and to appreciate this great country. To paraphrase Mother Teresa, most of us can’t do hugely great things, but we can do many little things with great love.”

Community

State of the Beach Events happening around CSULB Whale Watching On January 31, 2015, everyone has an opportunity to take part in the gray whale migration. Harbor Breeze Cruises invites everyone to board a two and a half hour journey into the Pacific Ocean to search for and witness beautiful gray whales in their natural habitat. Chances are you will see an abundance of marine life, including sea lions and dolphins. The beauty of this cruise is more than the opportunity to see these amazing sea animals, but it is a chance to see them up close. The cruise will be from 12pm to 3pm at 100 Aquarium Way, here in Long Beach. The most wonderful thing of all is that if you miss the whale,

dolphin, and sea life cruise, don’t worry, because Harbor Breeze Cruises offers the very same opportunity yearround with the possibility of seeing a variety of whales and other marine life. So, if you miss this one, other trips will be available to suit your convenience. To purchase tickets or learn more about Harbor Breeze Cruises, visit www.tickets.harbor-cruises.com. Coin Expo If you are a big fan of expos and a mighty collector of rare stamps and coins, then your dream weekend is just around the corner. From January 29 through January 31, Long Beach will host the Long Beach

By Vanessa Moore Coin, Currency, Stamp and Sports Collectible Expo. It is an exciting expo that invites 400 valuable dealers from all over the world to showcase their sports cards, coins, stamps, and currency. This expo opens up an opportunity for anyone is interested in selling, buying, and trading those very collectibles. There will be many chances to improve upon your collection, but also opportunities to meet many collectors like yourself. With a multitude of activities, from a treasure hunt to a new coin collection release, and for all collectors, from youths to adults, this event takes your best interests as a collector into account, but also sets out to make sure you have a great time. The expo hours are 10am to 7pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. This three-day event will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center, located at 100 South Pine Ave Long Beach, CA 90802. General admission is 8 dollars. For more information on how to go about navigating the expo as a collector, visit www.longbeachexpo.com. Any questions regarding fees, passes, hotel stays, attractions, parking, and dealer tables can be answered there! The Scottish International Military Tattoo: The Scottish Music Parade On Saturday January 31, 2015 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, located at 6200 East Atherton St. Long Beach, CA, will host a musical celebration produced by

The Scottish International Military Tattoo. Musicians, dancers, and other performers from Edinburgh, Scotland will be joining The Scottish International Military Tattoo in a grand and vibrant Scottish performance full of songs and dances. There is nothing more magical than having the beautiful essence of Scotland being brought to you! Admission is 45 dollars. For more information, contact (562) 985- 7000. Bo-beau’s Super Sunday Rooftop Tailgate in Long Beach If you do not have any Super Bowl plans, then we have one for you that is sure to kick

Pine Avenue in Long Beach, there will be a rooftop Super Bowl Sunday celebration beginning at 12pm. Bo-beau is a perfect place to celebrate Super Sunday, simply because of their seven-dollar bite specials and beer bucket specials. The atmosphere is nothing but enjoyable and quaint. Get there early in order to grab fantastic seating, view the big game, and root for your team. Don’t establishment. For more information, give Bo-beau a call at (562) 983-0056.

Athletics

Dance ’til You’re Dead By Joel Martinez

Jumping Jack Flash By Kenny Nguyen

Assassin’s Creed

FEATURE

One Big Save Thrifting helps the Earth, the community, and your wallet Intro by Renee Schmiedeberg

EarthEasy, a blog devoted to providing simple solutions for sustainable living, tells us that approximately 12 million tons of textile waste are produced each year in North America alone—keep in mind North America makes up only 16.5 percent of the earth. Though recycling companies have been able to reclaim 93 percent of textile waste, that is only 15 percent of North America’s total textile waste. This means 85 percent of textiles out there don’t reach recycling companies and instead are loaded off to the landfills, which in turn release harmful emissions that pollute our air and water. When we imagine what a landfill might look like, we conjure up an image consisting of bottles, soda cans, and lumpy black trash bags—this is typical. But do you ever think about the not-so-typical things that end up in landfills? Artificial Christmas wreaths, old garland, holey tablecloths, clothing—we know to recycle plastic bottles and plastic bags, but what about that other stuff ? What most people do not know is that over 90 percent of textiles are in fact recyclable and even in demand, being used in upholstery, or insulation as reprocessed fibers, or even transformed into cloth wipes. However, the largest percent of reclaimed textiles are sent in the form of used clothing to thrift shops. In an effort to participate in this aspect of eco-friendship, a few of us boogied down to Long Beach’s “Retro Row,” where myriad second-hand and swanky shops reside. We devised a challenge for ourselves: find an “entree outfit” (covers the torso and legs) for no more than 20 dollars at any of the thrift shops available.

FEATURE

Zach Phelps Fueled by youthful naiveté and ambition, as well as endless handfuls of stale veggie chips, we boldly ventured toward the yuppie frontiers of 4th Street. As we drove toward our destination, we formulated a couple parameters for our challenge. First, we decided the end goal was to create a complete outfit that fit our individual styles, constructed solely from the purchases at the thrift stores we were about to patron. Second, it was agreed that due to the thrifty nature of this challenge, our purchases could not exceed a total of 20 dollars. While these rules were relatively sound, they also created a few obstacles for me to contend with. Foremost was one of personal identity—what the hell was my style? Most days, I can’t decide if I want to be a punk, a hippie, or just a plain scumbag (or the combination of all three). How was I supposed to pick just one for an entire afternoon? More so, the more I pondered what I want to identify as for this challenge, the more I began asking why I needed to classify myself as a member of a particular scene or trend. Fortunately, I was able to reign in my doubts—while retaining this thread of soul-searching for a future article—and continue on the quest for recycled fashion.

The actual process of shopping was rather uneventful, at least for myself. While the discussions about Sir Isaac Newton and menopause proved entertaining, as did the pseudo-Apache chant we created along the way, the clothing selection for males at most of these stores were relatively small. In the end, I came out with an undersized women’s baseball t-shirt and a pair of

shoes. I spent a mere six dollars, but I also failed to find a pair of suitable pants, both in the men’s or women’s sections. Honestly, though, I think I’m going to try this pants-less style for a while. It’s just too freeing to pass up.

stroll down the beach. I was happy with my choices, and I would love to go back in the future to try different styles and experiment with new outfit ideas.

Renee Schmiedeberg I walked into The Feed Store looking for a jumpsuit. My roommate who came shopping with me was devilishly good at looking for them and found me three, all of which I tried on for size in the shop’s homey dressing room. After settling on a black velvet jumpsuit intricately bedazzled with tiny sparkles, I checked out some of the furnishings. I noticed a metal plate engraved with some phrase about the day and bread and God, specifically because I’d seen it there a year ago. Then I picked up an antique butter knife and wondered who had owned it before it ended up in the shop. Perhaps the person was dead, or ugly, or both and maybe the knife carried some bad juju with it—but then I remembered to stop being superstitious and went back to shopping. Mystery surrounds the second-hand objects in thrift shops, but I don’t think that has to be a negative thing. The former owner Sam Winchester could have been my fifth grade teacher, From looking outside The Feed or one of my friend’s grandmas, or a Store, one might get a rustic vibe based mattress salesman… on the display window, which shows off antique figurines and vintage clothing. The store itself looks old, but cozy. As we made our way into the store, the person attending clients greeted us with a smile. The inside reminded me of Alice in Wonderland meets Peter Pan, or something similar. There were very peculiar types of clothing, and I took my time looking for the perfect outfit. I decided to go for a more hippie or bohemian look by pairing a long skirt with a paisley pattern in maroon and similar colors. For the torso, I decided to go with a brown denim vest, since I was wearing a black tank top. I finished the outfit by adding some earrings as accessories. I felt like I haven’t dressed like that in a while, but I enjoyed the A lovely woman with honey-bronzed look after trying it on in the dressing room. Overall, the complete outfit register, away from the racks of clothing cost 19 dollars. This look can be a beach near the store’s entrance. While she look or a casual look, depending on the shoes you wear. I decided to wear the about where the items from the shop outfit with black slip-on shoes, but if came from. She excitedly informed I wear sandals or wedges, the look can me that all the items are donated from easily become the perfect outfit for a the Grateful Hearts Storehouse, and

FEATURE

handed me a pamphlet about it. I learned that the Grateful Hearts Storehouse is a Christian organization based in Los Alamitos that gives free and immediate relief to those in crisis. Their relief comes in the form of practicality, giving food, clothing, and hygienic items as well as encouraging volunteers to work with them. Grateful Hearts helps our own Long Beach communities, while also supporting practical relief to places like Uganda, the Philippines, and Mexico, just to name a few.

Molly Shannon I have never been much of a thrift shopper. In fact, I’ve never been much of a shopper in general, but our little venture to 4th Street was more than enough to convert me. Sifting through all the sparkly dresses, funky sweaters, and embellished pants in the three shops we visited, I was amazed to find just how cheap the majority of the items were. I expected to maybe snag a five-dollar boot (singular) if I was lucky, but this was definitely not the case—I picked up a velvety knit cardigan from Feed Store, a longsleeve shirt from Aids Assistance, and knock-off Ray Bans and a frilly blouse from Assistance League, all for 15 buckaroos. Later, I was able to use that spare five to tip the waitress at Yummy Garden (shopping makes me hungry). I was also surprised there were styles for virtually any clothing taste. Ann of Assistance League Thrift Shop Long Beach shared that she likes Retro Row’s uniqueness, and I have to agree; each store seems to have its own personality. Whether you are a minimal

modernist, retro romantic, or an eclectic eccentric, chances are there is a place even the pickiest of picky will discover their own hidden gem. Conclusion What we ultimately found from our visit to 4th Street is that thrifting isn’t just about finding a good bargain now and again; this act puts less stress on the environment by reusing what the world has already created rather than demanding that it use new resources to create more. Additionally, the demands for the resources that are used in the production of those items— energy, packaging material, labor—are diminished. Not to mention that many thrift stores originate from charitable organizations, so buying various items, which are sold at these places, can help those in our local communities that are in need. The Feed Store receives their products from the Grateful Hearts Storehouse, an organization in Los Alamitos that gives food, clothing and other necessities to provide immediate relief to those in a time of crisis. Next door to The Feed Store is the non-profit AIDS Assistance Thrift Store, which directly helps those living with HIV/ AIDS in and around Long Beach. And of course, Assistance League of Long Beach has been serving the community through philanthropic groups since 1940. Furthermore, these second-hand items are often unique and affordable. Though our efforts at sustainability may seem miniscule in the face of the

monstrous effects pollution has had on the earth, we cannot let it discourage or intimidate us. While bargain deals and steals can feel like sunshine and rainbows, our favorite aspect of 4th Street thrift shops was the way each gave back to the community. AIDS Assistance Thrift Store has worked to raise funds for Long Beach groups like C.A.R.E., AIDS Food Store, The Department of Health and Human Services, Project New Hope, Substance Abuse Foundation, and The Serra Project; these organizations give direct services to those who have been League’s volunteers have served the community through their philanthropic programs, including Operation School Bell, ALa Carte, CAMEO Professional Auxiliary, Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation Orthodontic Center, and The Kids on the Block. They also provide scholarships and mentoring programs to LBCC and CSULB students! Basically, you are essentially donating to several charitable organizations when you shop at these locations. So, what do you say? Will you substitute your Target Tuesday for a Thrifty Thursday?

Music

LED There Be Lights A breakdown of the OMFG! NYE 2014 rave in San Diego Love and friendship was at its peak, spirits were soaring, and the stadium was bumping with vibrations to make your EDM heart melt. The fans were performers in and of themselves dressed in over-thetop costumes and flesh-revealing outfits; droves of festival-goers were covered with nothing more than pasties, fur boots, lingerie, and some were dedicated enough to get down in animal inspired onesies. This year LED Presents rang in the New Year with a show to remember in one of the most eclectic cities in the world: San Diego, California. The three-day experience took fans through an emotional and epic display of top notch acts wrapped into a stunning

venue. OMFG NYE brought back its annual festival with a massive main stage and a new, more intimate warehouse-esque stage called “The Zoo.” The main stage was located inside the huge arena of the Valley View Casino Center and gave DJs and fans alike a colossal indoor sound feast. The party roared on for three days, starting at 9pm and simmered down at 4am the next morning. Quality newcomers consisted of trance, house, and trap names including: Tiesto, Dzeko & Torres, Hoodboi & Falcons, Nadus, Snakehips, Trippy Turtle, Wiwek, and an array of awe-inspiring electro musicians.

Day 1

Day 2

After much anticipation and arousal, the main headliner Hardwell jumped onto the scene and delivered his best. For the third year in a row, the festival brought back one of the most massive purveyors of progressive house and electro under its limelight. The 26-year-old Dutch DJ, Robbert Van Corput held the stage for a solid hour and a half set. Corput threw a mixup of Armin Van Buren’s “Ping Pong” through the airwaves and had the whole stadium playing a game of Simon Says as he commanded hand movements. Arms and LED lights dashed from left to right by the hundreds and it was a sight to behold. Other songs by the big time DJ included originals “Apollo,” “Call Me a Spaceman,”

Day two hailed as a trap extravaganza with the likes of Bro Safari and a group that runs by the moniker “HDYNATION”. The two groups had an uncanny way of engaging the crowds with constant audience involvement.

Timmy Trumpet & Savage’s “Freaks” and a twist of Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be.” Hardwell did not disappoint a crowd hungry for big room house.

Words and Photos By Christian Bordeau

Day 3 Night 3 dropped acts to transition into 2015 from Bixel Boys, Alex Metric, OOKAY, GTA, Gareth Emery, and Henry Fong amongst others. GTA held the stage for the ball drop. As the clock got closer to that magic hour, GTA pumped up the spirits to ring in a new year before dropping “CoCo” by O.T. Genasis. Confetti was falling, balloons and booties dropped at the stadium, and lovers kissed as the hand ticked into the New Year.

The people were restless and endearing, the sound was an otherworldly euphoria, and the nights seemed to last a millennia. LED Presents delivered a priceless, jaw-dropping experience. We look forward to enjoying another OMFG NYE next year!

Music

Thanks for the Memories Fall Out Boy returns with brand new music in 2015 By Bailey Mount Listening to an album on the day of its release is akin to waking up without an alarm on a lazy Sunday morning—you feel peaceful and unrushed. Listening to Fall Out Boy’s new album, however, is more like falling out of bed Monday morning and realizing that you should have been in class 10 minutes ago—your heart is racing and you probably feel as if you ingested

Alright.” A poignant note laces the track

That being said, Fall Out Boy’s American Beauty, American Psycho—often abbreviated AB/AP—was one of the most anticipated

horn blare, but ultimately is a slow beginning

quick three weeks at the end of 2014, and was Being the band’s seventh album and second since their hiatus, the big question upon its release was: Will it deliver all the clever lyrics and instrumentals expected of a FOB song? The answer was both yes and no. While the album as a whole invokes an entirely new, modern sound uncharacteristic of Fall Out Boy, the overall lyrical poetry and a few of the songs ring with the nostalgia many of the band’s fans have come to enjoy. “Centuries” echoes the familiar rebel crowd chant of Fall Out Boy tradition with its’ powerful beat. The album’s eponymous track “American Beauty, American Psycho” is as cleverly paced and worded as anything from Under The Cork Tree. “Uma Thurman” samples a charming surfer rock theme from The Munsters shows and provides a set of lyrics worthy of the Kill Bill star, so much so that she allowed her name to be used after hearing the song in prerecording. Providing a slow strumming ballad to the hectic sound is the quiet “The Kids Aren’t

balance to the otherwise almost exhaustingly wistful romance. These tracks add a beautiful contrast to the speed of their sister songs. are perhaps the only places where AB/AP falls

unmemorable track that I forgot it existed. The rest of the album is a demonstration of the band’s ability to adapt and modernize itself. With various sampling from the element can certainly be felt in AB/AP. In the end, Fall Out Boy has shown that they will evolve with the times as both as a sound and as a band. The modernity of the music does little to diminish the quality of the album as a whole. American Beauty, American Psycho is the perfect album to listen do in this hectic spring semester. After all, like Patrick Stump’s belting baritone with a

Album Rating: 4/5 Pete Wentz heads

Arts

Normal Is Boring A sharp dresser recounts his journey to self-expression Interview and Photos by Renee Schmiedeberg While we sit in our dark bedrooms with the blinds drawn eating bagels and drinking Snapple, the people we walk by everyday on campus are creating wonderful things. Sometimes we forget the immense creativity we are surrounded by right here at the Beach. In the spirit of celebrating local creativity, I interviewed a student with an interesting fashion sense who goes by the name Alexander Albatross. He is a senior Creative Writing major who often engages in modeling and cosplay.

Union Weekly: You have an interesting fashion sense. What do you think about when getting dressed in the morning? What colors drawn to? Alexander Albatross: I love black, obviously, and vintage pieces. I usually try way one dresses is like how an artist expresses himself through paintings or illustrations. UW: style? AA: A lot of things—music styles like punk

I’m still unsure if the character expresses me or if I express that character. I love writing and poetry, particularly Post-Romanticism

think I express myself better. up with everything around me. I couldn’t growing up in a suburb and attending a high school that was right beside a country club. UW: Growing up, did you ever receive any

AA: Yes, I remember being told, “You’d be attractive if you were normal.” I used to get much more negative comments than I do friends help me overcome whatever fears I might have. UW: How has your style and tastes evolved since it began? AA:

all of these things into my creative outlets. UW: your own “style voice?” AA: It started in high school and was less

UW: How do you deal with any negative reactions towards your unique style? AA: I try not to pay attention to their reactions. I’ll get compliments from friends, who also lead me to meeting photographers and other models, which is how I got into modeling. UW: Do you have any words of wisdom for those struggling with self-expression? AA: anxiety, second-guessing. I understand not wanting to express yourself. I understand those things, but don’t worry about what the world values. Don’t worry about what other people think, don’t have anxiety about your own ideas. Strive for what you feel you experiencing because people are brought

then I’ve developed my own personal style,

Alexander Albatross expresses himself in an all-black ensemble during an overcast day on uppercampus (top); Albatross uses his pointed, striped umbrella to stylishly shield himself from ultraviolet rays (right)

Entertainment

Hello, Hella Feels By Georgia Canareé Goodbye, First Love isn’t a story about boy meets girl. It’s a story about boy leaves girl, and girl needs to get over boy. Spoiler alert: a Band-Aid, slowly, on the hairy part of your is just going to hurt a lot for a second, and get it still hurts, but it leaves no mark behind. This story is realistic in the way foreign of the “Happily Ever After” that American audiences are so accustomed to at the end of sure enough, you’ll have the one student that says, “If they aren’t happy in the end, then what was the point?” The point would be to stick to the truth, because art should imitate life, and life can be sad sometimes. Sad, like,

he “loves” Camille. I do believe he loves after not seeing them for almost a decade. Most of us have felt the occasional wave of nostalgia for that one person, who made us feel something, even for a moment, even if it happened in your sixth grade science class. This is Camille’s path, the hero of the story. After the love of her life leaves for a 10-month trip to South America, she’s left alone trying to pass the time until his return. He didn’t keep his promise of starting up again when he came back from the soulseraching trip. It’s hard to hate the fuckboy though. Both Camille, and the boy, Sullivan, represent natural and familiar parts of youth—the wanderlust, the yearning of adventure, and the great capacity to feel Sullivan just wants to see the world, though

“she’ll never know why.” away, Camille builds herself through her study of architecture. This was perhaps my

, or even Like Crazy. Goodbye carries with it a truth that would save many of us a lot of pain if we were told this from an early age, the same way we were told about a “Happily Ever After” being the not going to be the rosy picture with the cool

as a physical metaphor for love. Camille studies it, builds and fails, and admires old buildings for their endurance. Like all great characters, our hero has faults, but they are human ones, so in fact that it’s hard to blame her for the choices she I’m being vague on purpose, as I don’t want to give too much away. Goodbye, First Love is a fresh take on the melancholies of youth but not in the way you might think of when seeing, for example, The

as sweet and valuable, a blessed if hazardous dares to suggest that beyond a certain point, it can represent a tragedy.” It’s worth seeing over dinner and some wine, on a cozy evening.

Lifestyle

“...the words ‘Hide all of your sharp objects’ came out of his mouth. ”

A First Week Like No Other Helping save a girl from herself By Alexis Hamilton

Entering college as a freshman, I have come to really enjoy many of the experiences I had living in the dorms. However, I never would have take responsibility of watching over someone else’s life. become friendly with a girl who lived on my

remained blissfully unaware of them. While I was quite aware that not everyone grew up as fortunate as myself, it wasn’t until I left home to attend Cal State Long Beach last fall that I really began to

down the cop that was conveniently passing by, leading to the girl being detained for 24 hours in a hospital pysch-ward. When she returned to school later that week, she confronted me about how angry she was that I had gotten the authorities involved. Backed up by a handful of her friends, she complained about how she thought I had over reacted, and stepped beyond my boundaries. However, I stood by my actions, and I continue to. I was not going to sit by as I watched someone destroy her life because of a boy, or anything else for that matter.

in my doorway. Everything began to move quickly, partly because I was still half asleep. I remember her rushing into my room, slamming the door behind her, and stepping into my closet, pulling the curtains in front of her. Seconds later, another loud knock came,

trying to keep her away from anything sharp

By Zach Phelps

was also very reassuring. Even if there ever

with a pair of scissors and a bare wrist. Her boyfriend was able to talk her down and coax seemed to calm down a bit, before reentering into her panicked state.

Welcome to a New Reality

very comfortable. My parents were both college educated, with stable jobs, and enough disposable income to support the extracurricular pursuits my sister and I enjoyed. I grew up in a quiet middle-class neighborhood in a nice two-story house in San Diego. Sure, it sounds pretty boring and

taking it out of her mouth, and stubbing it out on her arm. At this point, I decided that things had gone too far. To me, self-harm cannot be glamorized or down sized—it’s something that needs immediate help. So I

visit, my roommates and I soon witnessed their relationship fall apart in a matter of days. Early one morning, I was awoken by a loud knock on my door, and I opened it

He was standing there, skateboard in hand, demanding to know where she was.

I think that it’s safe to say that most former— as well as current—college students would agree that much of what you learn in school doesn’t come from your professors’ lectures or workbook activities. Personally speaking, the overwhelming majority of lessons and insights I have gained while away at school have stemmed from the interactions I’ve had with people outside of the classroom. By no means would I call my family monetarily wealthy, however, I would be

Unaware of the current situation, I lied and said I didn’t know. However, the words “Hide all of your sharp objects” came out of his mouth. Almost immediately, I felt myself become entirely alert. I quickly let him inside,

understand just how many privileges I had in my life. It was quite a shock, going from living in a spacious house with my own room, to sharing a cramped two-bedroom apartment with four other roommates. Overnight, I had gone from living in the same comfortable setting for 20 years, to living with four strangers I had met over Craigslist a mere month before. While I’m glad to be able to call each of them a friend initial shock factor living with people who didn’t necessarily have the same interests as me. As I got to know my roommates, the began to strike me. One of the main subjects to help pay rent. Almost immediately, they out applications and trying to get interviews. On the other hand, my parents had my energy into school. I had not given much thought to it before, but having the ability to focus solely on school is really a privilege I am still developing an appreciation of.

spread about what was going on in my room.

who had personally witnessed the turn of events, I felt that no one else was really aware of how serious the situation was. Everyone began to feel that things were getting under control, until someone

Literature

The Comics Are Coming By Mario Lopez

Lately, I have found myself reading less comics coming from the two comic giants, Marvel and DC, because, arguably, Image Comics is where the real action is right now in the comic book world. The great thing about Image is they have the rights to keep to their characters. Many people, when they hear the word “comics,” think it’s all superheroes and kid stuff. That couldn’r be futher from the truth—there are comics out there for several unique audiences (but there is always room for more diversity). You

Image Comics’ website is a good spot to check for upcoming solicitations.

Saga

Sex Criminals

I am always ready for the next issue of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ comic, Saga.

Sex Criminals, Volume 2, is set to release this February. This comic was surprisingly good, considering I picked it up just because of the name Matt Fraction, the writer who also wrote for Hawkeye down at Marvel. Chip Zdarsky’s fun art style also caught my eye

worlds, one from the planet, Landfall, and the other from its moon, Wreath, struggle to keep their family whole, as they are being hunted through space during a war between their races. What makes this comic so great is the diverse characters who feel new and fun; there is a robot prince with a Television for a head, a little seal with overalls, a ghost babysitter, and many other dynamic characters. When Vaughan was asked, during an interview on comic book resources website, what he is most looking forward to in the upcoming arc, he replied, “New characters designed by Fiona, strange new worlds, and Lying Cat and friends embarking on an epic quest for dragon sperm.” That pretty much sums up the nature of this comic, and I am ready for the adventure to continue.

(TP). If you want to have a good time and have a good laugh reading a comic, rather full of danger peering from every corner, this is the book for you! After all, sex sells; am I right? All I will say about this story is that it involves two characters, both who thought they were the only ones who could stop time when they orgasm. They decide that they can use this power to rob a bank. Fun ensues. I’m comes in to my local comic shop.

Chew

Rat Queens, Vol. 2

Chew, by John Layman and Rob Guillory, is one of my favorite ongoing comics. Tony Chu, a cibopath federal agent who has a psychic ability to see where his food, including humans, has been and what its done, is coming out with his next arc its Volume 9 TP and issue #46. This comic is full of food and powers based on food, with plenty of moments to make you laugh and keep you interested. The art style is unique, and there are always these funny handwritten messages in the background—on book covers, billboards, signs, etc.—that are fun to spot while reading.

Rat Queens, Vol 2: The Far ReachingTentacles Of N’Rygoth TP, by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch, is another fairly new ongoing series. Set in a fantasy world, Hannah, Violet, Dee, and Betty are a group of girls who love getting themselves into trouble. The group consists of an Elf mage, a Dwarven The Writer, Wiebe, has been quoted to call this story as “Lord Of The Rings meets Bridesmaids.” I couldn’t agree more. This is a fun ride with great art. Admit it; Bridesmaids was pretty cool. If you like fantasy and bridesmaids, this is surely a comic you should pick up and call precious.

Travel

Up, Up and Away Experiences of a Colombian girl living in California

By Ana MarĂa Ramirez-Henao

After living in California for four years, Ana has made sure to visit several beautiful attractions throughout the state, inlcuding Catalina Islands

I was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia,where I attended high school. I moved to Sacramento, California right after high school. I decided to move to the United States in 2009 because the opportunity to go to college here was presented to me. I attended a community college for two years then I transferred to CSULB to be a part of the Industrial Design program. Leaving my home country and moving

me. The only relative I had here was my

sister. My parents, other relatives, and all my friends were back at home. Starting a new and independent life at the age of 17 was a challenge, especially because I had to learn a new language, culture, and system: everything here was new to me. This journey has had its ups and downs, but I have always been motivated to learn new things and meet new people. Upon arriving in California, I realized I liked the multicultural apsect the most. I the opportunity of meeting people from all over the world and learning their cultures.

In Colombia I did not get to meet or see a lot of people from other countries. I think this gives California a very unique value, and I am I get asked quite often whether or not I want to go back to Colombia after I graduate, or if I like it better here than in Colombia. for me to answer because I have to compare

love my country, and I am proud to say I am Colombian. However, up to this point, I do not know the answer to those questions yet.

I am not sure if I would like to go back to live there. At the same time, as much as I enjoy living in California, I am not sure if I want to stay in the US for the rest of my life. the opportunity I have had to study abroad in Italy for three months, and my travels to other European countries have led me to realize that there are so many other incredible countries and places in the world I need to visit. I really enjoy living in California, and I want to stay here after I graduate, but I would also like to eventually see and maybe live in other parts of the world.

Food

Love In the Time of Pizza By Katie Cortez Illustration by John Calhoun Whether hot or cold, pizza reigns as the number one food group at the top of a college student’s food pyramid. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and without question you will enjoy it every time. Some people have very strong opinions about cheaper it is, the better it is. In my many collegiate moons, I have tasted many pizzas. Dominos, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, Dominicos on 2nd Street, Deli News, Costco—all are prime pizza spots according to CSULB students. But which ones are the best? For me, Little Caesar’s reigns supreme. dollar pizza should taste like garbage, but it doesn’t. Caesar’s has the perfect mix of sauce, cheese, toppings, grease, and crust—and it tastes great cold or microwaved. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re everywhere, making it easy to get a hold of some cheaply delicious pizza. My second favorite pizza comes from Deli News is a family-owned Italian restaurant that’s famous for its delicious cookies,

freshly baked on a daily basis, its wide variety of pasta dishes, and of course, its delicious pizza. Hand-made thin crust and baked to perfection, Deli News pizza is made with care and has the perfect ratio of sauce, cheese, and it in the microwave the next day, because it makes for great day-after pizza. I’ve heard a lot of talk about how Costco is the best pizza around, but I’ve never really understood why people say that. For just 10 dollars you can buy an extra large pizza slathered in grease and cheese, but the if you try to eat it cold next day it tastes like shit. Even if you throw it in the microwave the next day, it still tastes like cardboard. Costco pizza comes at a good price, but I find its consistency closer to greased rubber over quality pizza for my buck. I don’t know about you guys, but all this talk about pizza has made me really hungry. So, if you’re reading this, go enjoy a slice—if you choose the right one, you can save some for tomorrow and eat leftovers like a good college student would.

Getting Crafty with Food By Veronica Craft Despite having the last name “Craft,” I am not a very crafty person. But this past Christmas, I really wanted to try and make something cool for all the awesome people at the Union Weekly. Unfortunately, since I am a college student, I am very broke and very cheap, so buying that many presents would be ridiculous. Instead, I gave craftiness a try and made put together some cute hot chocolate ornaments. Hot chocolate ornaments are a great gift to give because they’re cheap to make, they double as both a decoration and a drink, and they look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. For all my fellow non-crafty people out there—if I am able to make them, you are too.

When making hot chocolate ornaments, you can mess around with ingredients. You can make ones that are dark, milk, or white chocolate, but I chose to make mine with peppermint hot chocolate. To make these ornaments you will need: • • • • • •

Hot Chocolate Mix Clear Plastic Ornaments Candy Canes (smashed to bits) Miniature Marshmallows Funnel Ribbon

1. Hold the clear plastic ornament upright. Make sure it is secured. 2. Using the funnel, slowly pour

the hot chocolate mix into the clear plastic one-third. 3. Next, pour in the smashed candy cane bits using the funnel again, creating a nice even layer over the hot chocolate mix. 4. The last bits that go into the ornament are the miniature marshmallows— pour them in using the funnel until the 5.

Once the ornament is completely

cheap and adorable hot chocolate ornament to give to your friends.

Volume 76 Issue 2

Monday, January 26, 2015

LBUNION.COM

DISCLAIMER: Here is your $20 nose bleed! WHERE IS YOUR BOY TONIGHT, I HOPE HE’S A GENTLEMAN. MAYBE HE WON’T FIND OUT WHAT I KNOW. The Grunion was the last good thing about this part of tooowwwnn. This page is satire/parody and does not represent ASI nor the CSULB campus. Submit your frosted tips to grunion@lbunion.com.

Listen to Me, I’m White Dorm Life, #The Struggle Howdy.

I live in building F. For FUCK THIS SHIT.

by Dakota Pepperton

by CollegeGrrl1996

INSIDE

CONSTRUCTION WORKER DEMOTED FOR DRILLING WRONG HOLES

STUDENT RECEIVES DETENTION POPPING MORE THAN COLLARS

FOR

LOCAL DELIVERY GUY RECIEVES BIG TIP FOR DELIVERING BIG PACKAGE

FRUIT GUSHERS COMMERCIAL REUNITES WITH STUNT DOUBLE

ACTOR