Six Seconds to Stardom by Union Weekly

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Intro

Issue 76.6

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

By Molly Shannon

Alfred Pallarca, Managing Editor alfredp.union@gmail.com

I’m going to pose a question that I really hope you know the answer to: did you know that this Wednesday and Thursday, our student body will be voting to decide whether or not to pass ASI’s proposed USU referendum?

Connor O’Brien, Art Director connor.union@gmail.com Trevor Desrosiers, Advertisting Executive advertising@lbunion.com Eduardo Vargas, Distribution Manager distribution@lbunion.com

issue around campus recently. Here at the Union, we’ve published several articles—both positive and negative—on the matter, dating

ART & DESIGN

I haven’t publicly stated my personal opinion on the referendum, and I don’t plan on doing so because it would be unfair for me to use my Moll charm to sway you one way or another. But, I will say this: “It Starts With YOU” could not hold any truer. YOU have the power to decide whether the referendum ultimately passes or

John Calhoun, Illustration Editor johnc.union@gmail.com Michael Tewasart, Assistant to Art Director tewasartm@live.com Truc Nguyen, Web Manager web@lbunion.com

Illustration by Rose Feduk fails. You also have the tools to educate yourself all about this business. If anything, I would advise against basing your decision solely on an article you read either here or in another campus publication. Please do yourself a favor before you vote this week and partake in at least a little a bit of research; decide for yourself. Also, please don’t pretend to know more than you do when it comes to the referendum, or just life in general. Ask as many questions as you want, and you’ll get the answers you’re looking for. I promise no one will be angry with you. Kthxbye. Just kidding, I’m still here. And I’ve got this devilish grin on my face because all this “do it yourself” talk discreetly ties in with this week’s feature; in a nutshell, the story focuses

on the way social media can serve as an easily accessible resource which can also propel aspect of “accessiblility” because, I think often we take for granted the seemingly “little” things in our life like technological advances, social media being an example. While some people mainly use their smartphones to share vacation photos and play Trivia Crack (not judging at all, by the way), there are people like Nick and Wahlid and Zach thinking outside the bun and using these tools to their advantage. Kudos, y’all. You did it. And you did it yourself. I love and I like you, Molls

EDITORIAL Jacky Linares, Opinions Editor opinions@lbunion.com Veronica Craft, Community Editor community@lbunion.com Joel Martinez, Athletics Editor athletics@lbunion.com Renee Schmiedeberg, Arts Editor arts@lbunion.com 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 Elliott Gatica, Eric Reid Hamilton, Kaila-Marie Hardaway, Christopher Orozco ADVERTISING INTERNS Joel Kuehn, Jacqueline Simon STAFFERS & CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Linde, Dale Lendrum, Vanessa Mendoza, Chris Fagan, Bronson Farr, Elizabeth Rahmani, Armando Rodriguez, Marisol Samayoa, Mario Lopez, Lilly Nguyen, Ashley Ruelas-Ruiz, Mayra Hernandez, Claire DeWilde, Leather Tramp, CSULB eSports Association

Above: “These Are Some Grape Viners” 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 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

It Starts with a Vote Students react to the upcoming USU Referendum vote Leaving a legacy for the future CSULB generation “Why do I have to pay for this fee?” On February 25 and 26 students will be voting on a referendum to renovate and expand the University Student Union. The USU referendum calls for a fee increase; however, students will not have to pay until they are able to use the renovated facility. The construction is expected to last about four legacy for future students as students did when they voted for the Student Recreation and Wellness Center in 2007. The reason students are required to pay is because the USU is not a state-funded building, meaning that our funds must come from student fees. own and operate the USU and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Since it is a It is not about leaving future students a bill. In the past we had students looking out for the current students and their ability to succeed in school through the improvements

of these services. It is now our turn to look out for the future generation. The current students are being protected by not implementing the fee on a building that they will never utilize. As for the future student, this will allow them to have the opportunity to use all the services the USU

By Vanessa Mendoza

consistent. This means that these problems are not going away. This includes more lounge space, student organization space, meeting and study rooms, food service seating, outlets, improved Wi-Fi, and improved Beach Auditorium. It would also

“If repairs are not made to the building, future students will not have the services we provide today.”

are not made to the building, future students will not have the services we provide today. The referendum addresses the needs that students have highlighted through the years of surveys, interviews and focus groups. After four years of compiling data, we found that the issues students are pointing out have been

the ADA, mechanical, electrical and p l u m b i n g challenges of the building. If the referendum passes, student groups will be formed that will be providing input on what exactly they want to see in the new USU. Since students will be heavily involved with making these

that our student government has in fact taken a stance on this fee increase—and to pay for their campaign. The actual fee, if voted in, will be increase of 165 dollars, though what ASI

have a student fee of 179 dollars. If the new fee is voted in, that will land students at a total of paying 688 dollars per year in USU fees. The money will go towards USU reparations as well as expanding the USU

with new rooms, outlets, etc. Despite the fact that we, as students, will not have to pay for this fee if it is voted in— what about the students who will have to pay? How can the current student body have any say in voting in taxes for future generations?

By Miranda Yasmine

come after us?

“But if California is the eighth largest economy in the world, why can’t

for the end of free higher education. The

burden to be added onto the already hefty

it onto future generations without a second glance. We are

a student. Na t u r a l l y, ASI makes the claim that the USU needs reparations desperately. But if California is the eighth largest economy in the world,

what the boomers broke. Do we really want to continue this trend of sabotaging those who

Students have been the most vulnerable point for tax increases since Reagan called

baby boomers messing with the economy, only to

We will also not be able to meet any of the current and future needs of the students due to all our funds going towards keeping the building safe to utilize.

the money is going where it should. There

Leaving a burden for the future CSULB generation One of the biggest flaws in the “It Starts With You” campaign is the utter vagueness that accompanies the campaign in itself. Despite the fact that ASI claims to have no stance of the proposed USU fee increase,

will be complete transparency throughout the design and construction process to guarantee that what the students want is what the students are going to get. If this referendum does not pass, programs will have to be cut due to the immediate infrastructure challenges of the USU facility. We currently have millions of dollars in repairs to the building in many areas such as electrical, heating and air, plumbing, and the escalators that everyone loves. We do not have enough funds available to make these repairs. We have examined and continue to investigate any possible alternative funds, such as, corporate sponsorships, reserves, and working with the university on fundraising opportunities to

elsewhere?”

new—but making it worse is setting future generations up for destruction. The fact of the matter is, if the fee is passed, future students will be paying more for less. In the last year, 414 classes were cut from CSULB. The vague campaign that has been serving as ASI propaganda, as they goad students with “free” coffee and cups (but where are they getting that money? From student fees? The plot thickens!), does nothing to educate students. If this fee is passed, it will just be another burden to place upon the shoulders of our little brothers and sisters. We will only be making the door to higher education smaller, rather than broadening it for everyone.

Opinions

A response to the Daily 49er’s “The decision to increase the USU fee is not ours to make” The decision to increase the USU fee is not only our decision to make; it is our responsibility to take as well. It was entrusted upon us by every student that came before us, those who were willing to pay the price the USU we have today. We, the Associated Students of California State University, Long Beach, have inherited the USU for as long as we are here. As such, we have inherited the responsibility for its future also. From the original USU (Soroptomist House) to the opening of our current USU in 1972 and the additions and enclosures that followed in 1995, students have been voting and future students for decades to come. My hope is that we, as a student body, make an informed decision and not one based upon half-truths and emotion. A decision that looks at costs versus rewards, while also taking responsibility into consideration. Many have questioned whether or not this can be our decision to ethically make. I would answer, yes it is. There is precedent as I have already shared. Concerning the USU, students have to come” for four decades now. In exchange the students promised and delivered a world class student union. In addition to precedent, percentage of current students whom will

project as they are completed. The average amount of time it currently takes a student That means that there is a good chance that our current freshmen class may see all three phases of the project completed. Additionally our sophomore and junior classes could see one to two of these phases completed and of the process have been deemed just and legal by the State of California. The opinion piece entitled “The decision to increase the USU fee is not ours to make” a former news editor to the Golden West College Western Sun, I am embarrassed that the Daily 49er would place such an inaccurate piece on its front page. Allow me to set the record straight. First, the USU campaign is not funded by ASI. It is funded by the USU. Second, the USU campaign team has emphasized exhaustedly that the project would be completed in phases and that the increases would be imposed in phases and not at the end of completion as the opinion piece states. Third, “the core principle of the democratic process” is that we allow the people the people to vote of their own freewill. Fourth, the claim that “the USU Board of Trustees has failed to ensure a voting process

that is just” is completely false and quite defamatory in my opinion. The University’s Student Fee Advisory Committee, of which I am a member, is overseeing the online referendum vote and I can assure everyone that a fair and just process is in place. Fifth, student fees have NOT risen by 318 percent as cited in the opinion piece. The CSU statistics cited in the opinion piece are based upon unprecedented tuition increases and increases in campus based fees. The fact is that campus-based fees have only increased by roughly 100 percent since 200607. That is due in large part by the increase in the Student Excellence Fee in years past. Sixth, there was NO increase in the Student Excellence Fee in the spring of 2014 as the opinion piece claims, nor is it within the power of the ASI to do so. Seventh, the opinion piece consistently confuses the ASI with the USU Board of Trustees, which leads me to believe that the provided opinion was scarcely researched for accuracy. I will not argue the ambitiousness of this project. However, ambition and forward thinking are what we here at “The Beach” are known for. This university, and that which it encompasses, is continuously and consistently being recognized nationally and around the globe for staying “ahead of the curve” if you will and providing our students with the best programs and services

ASI is trying to buy out the students’ vote On February 25 and 26, the student body will be given the chance to vote on a referendum to increase student fees in order to fund renovations to the University Student Union building. ASI has used a great number of resources to fund high-tech videos, with “complimentary” cups and stationary sets, all so that you will vote to approve an increase to the USU fee that would total to 344 dollars per semester. They may have told you that since the rise in fees will not go into the current generation of 49ers will not be impacted by the increase. This begs an as-of-yet unaddressed question: why are we the ones voting on the fee increase? The core principle of the democratic process is that before an institution enacts a policy it must derive its power to act from the consent of those who

the present USU referendum the USU Board of Trustees has failed to ensure a voting process that is just. Given that the students who will be most impacted by the vote are currently in eighth grade, ASI’s promise to ensure that students are involved in the USU renovations is utterly meaningless. How can the students who will be impacted by the fees participate in the process if they have not even graduated from high school yet? We are opposed to additional increases in student fees on top of those we have already faced in the years. If we were to approve an increase, it would only be reasonable for us to make the decision toward our own fees and not those of the uninformed and voiceless future 49ers. If we decide that these renovations are necessary enough to justify a referendum, it would make sense to enact a temporary fee increase on ourselves. This way, we could at least pursue the renovations

opportunity of a CSULB education to future students who may struggle to pay for it. But why we are not presented with this choice? Why are we being asked to defer the consequences of our decision to the future? Because ASI has done the math, and it doesn’t add up in their favor. According to their own Spring 2014 primary surveys, 80 percent of students stands, with only six percent of respondents reporting dissatisfaction. Considering that student fees have risen 283 percent since 2002 along with the increase to the Student Excellency fee that was passed Spring 2014, they know that current CSULB students don’t want to see any more fees for a building Instead, they are distracting you with the proposed renovations and spending your money on videos, displays, and goodies to

By Dale Lendrum possible. We are an institution built upon pride and tradition and we have inherited the responsibility for carrying and building upon that tradition. I will not argue that the timing for the referendum is not the best for the student. But, it is the state of the rapidly deteriorating infrastructure that has made this issue a timely matter. The longer we delay, the more it will ultimately cost students in the future, we currently provide to students. Today, we are currently paying for an on a daily basis from the decisions that were made by those whom came before us. I have yet to hear anyone against the referendum raise that point. In closing, I would like to say that our students deserve to know the truth regarding both sides of the argument so that they can make an informed decision. I am not asking you to vote one way or the other. I am only asking that you vote and that your vote be based upon what you think is in the best interests of our current and future students and that your decision is based upon the facts. My hope is that when I open up a copy of the Daily 49er next Monday my opinion, based upon facts, will grace the front page in the interest of fairness and equity.

By Chris Fagan divert you from thinking about the greater implications of nearly doubling the USU fee for future students. In fact, their entire “It Starts with YOU” campaign individualizes what should be a community issue. It claims we are giving future generations a gift when what we are really giving them is a bill. They think you are so short-term in thought and easily persuadable that you would fall for their distractions and make a decision for future students that ethically should be theirs to make. So yes, we will stop by their tables, pick up the “free” cups and stationary because they were ultimately funded by our student fees. But if they think they can buy my vote with ad campaigns and “complimentary” gifts that we all already paid for, they have another thing coming. Show ASI they are underestimating the CSULB student body. Vote NO on the USU Referendum!

Community

Supporting Students

With a mission dedicated to helping undocumented students seek higher education, the new CSULB Dreamers Success Center will soon be opening for those in need of assistance. guidance on major and career selection, help

Dreamers Success Center set for March 9 grand opening

will also house the Dreamers Success

created after asking undocumented students,

not returning to school. She points out that helped start the center also created a support group, known as the Dream Resource Center Coalition, to help other schools start their Dream centers. Zambrano also added that this center came about because of student action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea of a Dreamers Success Center happened because undocumented students did not

that need to be addressed in regards to Success Center is the space where it can get an important role in reminding students

feels that this is a step in the right direction. asked campus organizations for support, Success Center on campus because not

By Bronson Farr

Undocumented students, but it will also

The grand opening of the Dreamers success for undocumented students, keeping it on campus is another thing. The Dreamers Success Center is funded Students can also contact the Dreamer Success Coordinator, Edgar Romo, at edgar.

State campuses that has a resource center for undocumented students; CSU Fullerton was and CSU Los Angeles followed not long after. The Dreamers Success Center was

Living Mentally Well Kevin Hines speaks out about mental illness

at fuel chairs@gmail.com or like FUEL on

can make a great deal of people feel

he was plummeting towards the water, he

talk about mental health until there is no longer a stigma attached to the subject. As a result, more people can be comfortable

the decision to attempt suicide. disorder and was filled with self-loathing, he pretended to be fine. When he began to

surrounding mental illness. speaker but also the author of Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt

own life and jumped off the Golden Gate

By Elizabeth Rahmani

to inspire others with his message of resilience and mental wellness. people are struggling with their mental

told us how much of a difference it could

he jumped and let go of the railing, he is contemplating suicide, then ask them if

Athletics

The Game Manager

Words and Photos by Joel Martinez

Alumnus instructor keeps the love of football alive and well To many people, the idea of a college football team on CSULB is but a relic of the school’s history, and even the biggest fans of the sport have largely accepted that this is a campus without it. However, there is one person keeping the spirit of football alive on campus, and he does it by teaching a class on Flag Football. Christopher Tsangaris was on CSULB’s last football team. In fact, not only was he the captain of CSULB’s last team, but he was also the last football MVP. He came to CSULB and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, followed by his Master’s in Sports Management. Less than a year later, he took over as the director of CSULB’s sports management program. Chris has been teaching since 1997 and currently teaches three classes: Weight training (KIN 151), Racquetball (KIN 112), and Flag Football (KIN 165).

The one that rings true to him, though, is at a very distant level to football. It’s a class where the focus is on exercising for fun. “My goal is to have as many students playing as possible,” Chris told me last Wednesday, sitting in the bleachers keeping time as the “It’s about football strategies, with some game time thrown in every class. The course is co-ed and meant to be an enjoyable activity class, and anyone is more than welcome to watch football.”

Editor’s Note: Chris extends an invitation to our readers to come out Mondays and Wednesdays at

Chris poses in front of his students as they prepare for another down (above); The linesmen anticipate the quarterback’s call of “hike!” before blitzing into their play (bottom left); Players cycle out, and taking a break on the sideline allows for a view of the game while taking a breather (bottom, center); A running back sprints past players from the opposing team (bottom right)

Love Is More Than a Game Campus gaming club hosts charity competition By Armando Rodriguez

Photos by CSULB eSports Association

Friday the 13th usually brings fear of bad luck, but despite this, CSULB gamers gathered in competitive spirit “For the Love of Games.” This event, put together by the CSULB eSports Association, the CSULB Anime Club, Beachcon, and the Gamers Guild, took place last Friday in the USU ballrooms from noon to 11pm. Plenty of sponsors showed up to help the event including Red Bull, Neuro, Microsoft, Hyper X, Kind, EVGA, Thermaltake, and Jinx apparel. Tournaments spanned a healthy variety including Ultra Street Fighter 4, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, League of Legends,

Hearthstone, Marvel versus Capcom 3, and multiple other gaming titles.

event was all streamed live online through Twitch.tv for all to see. Plenty of other opportunities were provided for winning cool things such as t-shirts or a 300-dollar the end of the night. The event itself was full of energy thanks to the passionate gamers that came out making it a successful event to raise money for a good cause. This was the

The event raised money for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and the

together by the CSULB eSports Association. Beach gamers out there should keep an eye out because they are looking to have more events like this one in the future.

Armando (second from the left) works with other promoters to advertise the event, showing off their gaming swag (left); Competitors of the Super Smash Bros. 4 tournament focus on their gameplay. Victors would take home valuable prizes, serving to kindle competitiveness between participants

Music

A Symphonic Passage Knocking down the barriers of sound with Indie rock and orchestra Interview by Sam Winchester

Photos by Leather Tramp

Last week, the Union staff had a chance to meet with Leather Tramp, a 12-piece “folkestra” from the Los Angeles area. Since most of their band members are CSULB students, we had an opportunity to chat with Jake Abernathie and Lawrence Pi to learn a little bit more about the story behind their band.

Union Weekly: Hey guys! Glad to have you today. Why don’t you introduce yourselves as well as what is your role in Leather Tramp?

and I was really excited to keep it going, after seeing their reaction. So, we ended up with a band pretty close to what we are now.

Jake Abernathie: Hi, we are Leather Tramp. My name is Jake; I’m the lead singer. I play acoustic guitar, and I am also the writer for the band.

LP: I’ve been with the band since they kind of started, but not as a member. I was originally their sound guy. But somewhere down the road, Jake asked me if I would be willing to play and I accepted. So now, I am one of the newer members, but I’ve been with them for awhile.

Lawrence Pi: My name is Lawrence, I’m the woodwind doubler for the orchestra. I’m also the media consultant and organize the rehearsals for the orchestra.

JA: I am the songwriter, and the composer. This band is so big that it almost needs a governmental system to make it run. We want to let everyone know that each member is as important as everyone else, so we’re a big family. As far as the writing goes, I do all of it. I start with some sketches of the lyrics,

UW: What type of music does Leather Tramp

I orchestrate it, collaboratively with the rest of the musicians.

your ensemble?

UW: The majority of the band members go

section separately. School doesn’t make this any easier. LP: We are trying to coordinate with everyone’s schedules, and not everyone has that much free time. But we are trying to semester ends. We would like to focus on playing during the summer. We have been pretty successful considering we are a pretty new band, so that really is motivating for us to get everything done.

UW: What’s the history of Leather Tramp? JA: It started as a project of mine back in high school with our drummer Flynn. It was an acoustic guitar and drum set duo. That went on for a couple of years, and then we added some people, a mandolin player and a bassist. We were called The Pendleton Project, which didn’t last more than a few years. Then we all went our separate ways. It wasn’t until about two years ago that I had the idea to take the tunes of The have them sound the way I wanted them to. I decided to put together a band for a one-time show in my hometown as a summer project and recruited several musicians from SoCal including Flynn, Sydney in the vocals, and Lucas in electric guitar. Their interest was such that they asked if we would play again

JA: We used to call ourselves an indie folkrock band. We had also this little term to call ourselves, “folkestra,” because we are half a rock band and half orchestra. There’s six rock band instruments such as drums, guitars and keyboards; then the other six players are orchestra instruments like violin, cello, We were more folk-y with our original music but now we have gone more straight into rock, sorta like Arcade Fire. LP: We still have little hints of folk. It’s like the indie/rock is the cake, and the folk part is just the icing on top. UW: What is the process of composing for such a large band?

LP: It’s more than half. Nine out of twelve of us are CSULB students. Lucas is in cosmetology school and he plays guitar. Sydney is at Cal is at Crafton studying English. But everyone else met here in the Music department. However, some people have dropped their music major but still are just as passionate about this project as before. UW: Lastly, what can we expect from Leather Tramp in the future? JA: It has been slow lately since we are focusing on getting our album done. The album has also been kinda slow. We have spent full eight-hour sessions trying to record the songs, and we have to do each

Sydney passionately sings (top left), as Cole concocts a musical piece on his cello (bottom left); all 12 Leather Tramp members smile for the camera. Back row: Marc Encabo (bass), Gary Soland (trombone), Cole Syverson (cello), Lawrence Pi (woodwinds), Elizabeth Chavez (violin). Front row: Chandler Riley trumpet, Lucas Cathey (electric guitar), Sydney Funderburk (vocals/percussion), Jake Abernathie (vocals/acoustic guitar), Flint Lidar (drums), John-Michael O’Brien (keyboards). Ground: Miko Shudo (violin) (right)

Music

Sheppard band members: Jason Bovino, Dean Gordon, Emma, George and Amy Sheppard, and Michael Butler (top left); Sheppard shaking off the crowd at the KROQ Soundstage (bottom left); Amy devotedly singing to the audience. (Bottom right) George and Amy Sheppard signing autographs after the show (right)

Red Bull Gave Me Feelings By Joel Martinez

A new musical perspective from the KROQ Soundstage On Thursday, February 19, I had the chance to go to a concert venue I had never been to before, the KROQ Soundstage. Thanks to the people at Red Bull, I accompanied KBeach Radio representative Diego Romero and went to go check out Sheppard, the band with the major hit “Geronimo.” When the Red Bull SUV roared into the lot, it became very obvious that this was not your average setup. It was a mancave on wheels—built-in cooler, padded seating, tablet holders up front, a TV, an Xbox, and, of course, booming speakers. The Red Bull

representatives were chill but genuine, being extremely sociable yet never forcing conversation. As soon as we all climbed into concert. We stopped en route to grab a bite in Culver City at Rush Street, where we met up with UCLA student media representatives was while we were there I also got to try Red Afterwards, we got back in the SUV and went over to KROQ, where we were among the

Photos by Gabe Olsen was almost second nature. Though I have usually been skeptical of pop-rock bands,

the instruments and lights set up on a slightly raised platform. Vintage speakers lined the

me of Paramore (except without as much focus on female vocals and with stronger

the sidewall (including Serj Tankian, Alt+J, Sheppard came in, the crowd was eager, and Sheppard knew exactly how to channel that energy. They put more and more of themselves into the performance as the set progressed, and it served to pump up the audience more and more until singing along

Leaving that show, I came back to CSULB with a greater appreciation for the band, and I recommend the Red Bull experience to anyone who wants to be part of something

FEATURE

Six Seconds to Stardom Three Viners speak on success in social media By Molly Shannon

Cover & Illustrations by Jay Jenkins

It is an undoubtedly dynamic experience to be a millennial in today’s society. In the blink of an ever encouraged to think outside the box when it balancing two minimum wage jobs with school, or for racial and gender equality. Apparently older honestly, we’re just misunderstood. We’re infamous for retaining an individualistic-oriented mentality. However, focusing on exploring and crafting our own identities should not necessarily be considered a bad thing. Being individualistic shows how we’re very

can do is to take advantage of our assets and strive for uniquity. One asset in particular which younger audiences have smartly latched onto is social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—each may or may not have contributed to a slow decline in face-to-face interaction, but it’s user-driven sites like YouTube and Vine that just might lead to a pivitol shift within the entertainment industry. With the power of platforms such as these at their disposal, virtually anyone has the opportunity to write, act, edit, direct, and produce content—and get noticed for it. To gain a bit of insight, we reached out to three of Vine’s

want something that seems out of reach, we simply create a new method to obtain it. Millennials know that the path to success isn’t as straight and narrow as it once was. Entry into the workforce fresh out of college appears nearly impossible for a new graduate to achieve. With a in Southern California: Nick Colletti, a musician shortage of available positions, bills and debts to pay, and wide-open futures, this only increases pressure on undergrads to prepare for what is to come. In Mohammad, a social media savant who currently the meantime, current job-seekers are forced to studies Communications at Saddleback College. take more creative approaches in order to stand out amongst the competition. The once-beloved swipe right to read more American Dream is now dated and must be adjusted

FEATURE

time, I still think that even in that realm, there’s still that thinking

accounts more because we’re the underdogs ... but the huge people,

Behind the Screens either, but content has to be good. “Some of the funnier Viners are Up until this point, it’s the decade-old veterans like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube that have led the charge in the battle for our attention. However, there still seems to be room for other platforms in the social media game. Instagram, Snapchat, and Do What You Like, Like What You Do Whenever a free app such as Vine builds a substantial amount of of thousands to millions, have begun to collaborate with paid hashtag or creating an original Vine in order to promote a

Wahlid Mohammed explained that it was his comedic background that had an impact on his approach to Vine. “I used

it comes to Viners participating in advertisements, while others

When it comes to who and what is popular on Vine and social

In addition to being creative, all three Viners stress that being

Colletti compared the beginnings of Vine and social media to want to have a good name with it ... we might as well go all out with media platforms have been around for a while with more users now it. Mohammed noted, “It’s something I want to be proud about, so

FEATURE

I just like to make it look nice … You’re going to get backlash from whatever you do, in general, so do an ad, and if you do an ad and people aren’t happy with it, that’s okay. But there are some people who are genuinely like, ‘That’s really good. I’m proud of you. I’m really happy for you.’” One downside to having such a large audience is that the more popular a person is on social media, the more criticism they tend to receive from followers and other Vine users alike. The pressure of creating content can build up, especially when the Vine comments section can be particularly vicious. However, Colletti, Piona, and Mohammad have found that the best method in dealing with “haters” is learning to ignore them. “I’m a big crowd-pleaser,” admitted Piona, “I like making people laugh, and when I couldn’t, or if people hated [one of my Vines], it really bothered me. But then I kind of had a turnaround I guess; now I just don’t read the comments. I see them, and I kind of laugh at it. I don’t really care anymore.” Colletti thinks of his followers as loyal. “There are people who have stuck around through all my changes … I’m so indecisive, and I’m constantly evolving, so the people who stick through that are the ones I really appreciate. Then there are the people who are like, ‘You’re not funny anymore.’ There are people who say shit, but

trades” in the entertainment industry. “When it comes to acting or For now, all three plan to take advantage of their social media presences while they can, expressing uncertainty toward which platforms are here to stay versus those that are more of a fad. “The thing about internet fame is, you’re only going to have it for so long,” remarked Mohammad, “You’ve got to take advantage the best way possible. Some people just want to be famous to be famous, and [Zach and I] are both against that.” Piona also added, a new generation, maybe like some new Viner or new YouTuber. It’s so easy for someone to be the next big thing … A lot of other social media users are just going for the money and will drop out. But we’re trying to get our bachelor’s , so if we do fall out, we have something to fall back on.” Looking at things from a business perspective, Mohammed noted, “I can use Vine on my resume because it shows I have a reach and it shows I like doing social utilized as a great resource to help build connections, as well as provide networking opportunities.

Following the Future All three seem to agree that no matter what the future of social media holds, it’s important for to pursue other passions and stay focused. For Colletti, music is his priority. He has played piano since an early age and started dabbling with recording music in high school. Just last year, he released a rap album under the name Conclusion his musical endeavors. “It’s easier to promote myself. I mean, I’m Over the past several years, social media has certainly become going to use that to my advantage. I came out with the Yung & Mad a gateway for seemingly average individuals to leave their mark album ... it got like 10,000 downloads on MediaFire, which was huge for me. I wasn’t expecting that at all. Tweeting and Vining wanted to learn how to cook, style your hair, or play an instrument? about it [helped].” Despite the overwhelming response, Colletti Chances are there’s a YouTube tutorial for that. Want to organize said Yung & Mad was the last album he would be making as “Yung your projects in one place and “establish” yourself? Build your own Turd.” Currently, his aspirations lie in jazz music. “That’s what I website! Major news networks aren’t reporting about an important love, it’s my passion,” he explained, “So I’m going to try and set up issue? Tweet about it! Create a trending hashtag, It’s that simple! at least two or three shows because I’m working on an album right Now more than ever, you can trust social media and the Internet in general to have your back when it comes to anything. And, if but I’d say my forte is the piano.” it yourself. If you’re not seeing what you’d like to see in the world, create it yourself, because the tools for creating your own content are now more accessible than ever. What I’m trying to convey is that, if millennials can take anything out of this strange society, it’s achieve success, are constantly evolving. Thanks to social media, the entertainment industry is practically at an arm’s reach. Music hopefuls, you don’t need a record contract to get your voices heard. All you need is a laptop and a Soundcloud account. Producers, you no longer have to pitch your ideas from company to company in hopes of seeing your ideas come to life. Furthermore, Colletti, Mohammad, and Piona each indicated Execute those creative endeavors yourself, via the aid of sites interest in comedic pursuits, including standup comedy and acting, like YouTube and Vine. Actors, don’t get discouraged if you’re in addition to giving YouTube a try. “I would love to do YouTube not getting the parts you desire. With the extensive growth of video-based social media, you have virtually unlimited access with that, I can do it because I’ve always thought it was too timeconsuming, and I didn’t have the attention span. But I think I can do your dreams. We may think of these as merely “apps,” but on the it!” Since Piona dipped his toes into this facet of the entertainment contrary, social media can act as powerful platforms in regards industry, he’s been inspired to look into acting. “The Vine thing to their ability to launch careers. Not to mention, each uniquely only happened my junior year of college,” said Piona. “I’m a senior now ... but with all this happening, right now my cloud nine with others. Put simply, the value of social media as a resource is acting. If that were to fall in my lap, I’d be really thankful.” He is highly underestimated. It brings a whole new meaning to the and Mohammed also expressed a desire to possibly experiment in television, business, and other media. Mohammed currently works in digital advertising for Def Jam, but aspires to be the “jack of all

Arts

Curated Couture Louis Vuitton LA exhibition grants a new perspective on the renowned fashion house Just in case your New York Fashion Week invitation got lost in the mail, you can catch shows in the heart of Los Angeles. The twoweek long “Louis Vuitton Series 2—Past, Present and Future” exhibition artistically interprets a runway show. Every bit as luxurious as the brand itself, the exhibition showcases Louis Vuitton’s early beginnings to a backstage look of its runway shows. The exhibit welcomes visitors with a black velvet rope that snakes around the entrance of the warehouse space in Hollywood’s media district. This self-guided tour lets visitors see for themselves the level of craft and artistry that has gone into the famous Louis Vuitton label since its founding in 1854. Each room in this eight-part exhibit, curated by the brand’s artistic director, Nicolas Ghesquière, is unique with its 3-D mirrors, hologram projections, photo collages, and videos that bring the brand to life. In multiple panels of light, the Louis Vuitton logo glows brightly in a pitch-dark room, introducing the visitor to “Abstract Title,” the beginning of the exhibit. The Louis Vuitton logo has long been used as a stamp by the founder, Louis Vuitton, who originally went into business as a trunk maker. Next is “Talking Faces,” an animation of full moons and talking avatars used in the Louis Vuitton Women’s Spring 2015 Fashion Show. Part two “Magic Trunk” is a nod to the powerhouse creator’s humble origins as a trunk maker. When opened, the trunk unfolds the past and present through a series of holograms displaying LV’s stylistic evolution. The room named “Savoir-Faire,” or artisanal know-how, reveals the secrets of craftsmanship in real time with videos projected on all four walls of an actual artisan carefully threading beads onto a dress while another craftsman shines the

Words and Photos By Marisol Samayoa black leather of the “Petite-Malle” bag with a new red and black LV monogram. In the “Accessories Gallery” visitors see the video’s

exhibit’s large, all-white space. Properly dubbed the “Poster Room,” the next room features various advertisements with Vuitton’s muses and cover girls enveloping every inch. However, it is the visitor’s attention—a spectacular 360 degree view of the 48 pieces worn on the runway for the Louis Vuitton 2015 Women’s Ready-toWear collection projected onto 16 mirrors. prepping space used in fashion shows, complete with clothing racks and audio overhead directing imaginary models and With this exhibit, Ghesquière truly makes you feel like you’ve been given an exclusive invitation to experience the legendary name through an artistic lens. From observing craftsmen creating couture pieces and watching a fashion show in a 360 degree gains a new appreciation for the work that goes into this luxurious brand. Ghesquière’s avant-garde exhibit appeals to brand and art enthusiasts alike and rebrands Louis Vuitton as a contemporary work of art, not just a label.

The exhibition ran from February 6-22 at 1135 North Highland Avenue, with free admission to the public from 10am to 6pm.

mirrors to showcase a 360 degree view of pieces from the Louis Vuitton 2015 women’s ready-to-wear collection (top left); a revamped Louis Vuitton monogram glows red like a neon diner sign (middle left); another installation gives visitors a glimpse into the backstage of a Louis Vuitton fashion show (middle); projections of full moons and talking avatars bombard exhibit visitors (right bottom)

Entertainment

OSCAR FEVER By Andrew Linde

The Apartment (1960)

American Beauty (1999)

Billy Wilder’s comedy won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing (Original Screenplay), Best Editing, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Black and White) at the 33rd annual Academy Awards and was

House of Cards, why not check out Sam Mendes’ Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenplay (Original), and Best Cinematography winner? The unusually told story of a suburban neighborhood uses

the few Best Picture winners to be shot in The Apartment tells how Jack Lemmon’s “Bud” tries to woo Shirley

The Great Gatsby (1964)

Skyfall (2012)

The Great Gatsby from last year, consider checking

Skyfall was the fourth time that a James Bond

with Leonardo DiCaprio in terms of wistful

For Your Eyes Only in 1981, a theme from one of

Dern’s performance as Tom Buchanan, Shirley Bassey’s Academy Awards for both Best Music and won Best Costume Design at the Academy

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) Who Censored Roger Rabbit? won Best Sound

classic noir story told with cartoon characters

and animated characters be captured in a Die Hard

Skyfall also

Lifestyle

Got a question you’re just dying for a stranger with no qualifying credentials to answer? Send them to Read ’em and Weep! E-mail lifestyle@lbunion.com with your inquiries.

Read ’em and Weep My mom is insane, but I don’t want to bite the hand that feeds me. What should I do? Concerned, Parental Guidance I empathize with your plight more than you could ever know. You ever considered feeding yourself? I know it isn’t the easiest solution, but with enough determination, you can do it! Better yet, try developing a closer relationship with your father. Considering just how well opposites attract, chances are that your dad is ramrod steady, straight, and sane. Plus, likelihood is that he’s the one writing the checks as it is. So what do you have to lose? Life is all about calling in favors and playing favorites. Start now while your’re young, and you’ll be prepared for the rest of your life.

Is there ever an inappropriate time to eat cereal?

What should I make for dinner tonight?

I have a TSwift addiction; help me?

Disrespectfully, Caked and Crusty

Respectfully, Starvin’ Marvin

From, Full of Fear

Like most things in life, it all depends on circumstances. More so, it depends on what

Once again, it depends on those dirty little circumstances. This is the time in your life when you need to start cultivating your selfimage, and political preferences play a huge

So let me get this straight, you’re addicted to The Shit We Ignore From Toddlerhood? Let’s not get hasty now; there’s nothing wrong

are always good, unless you are diabetic. Then you might want to keep yourself in check. However, when it comes to the holistic spectrum of cereal consumption, there is a couple more stipulations you’re going to want to follow. I mean, you’re a freaking college student. What college student eats Grapenuts and FiberOne? That’s just weird, man. Should I listen to Drake? Sincerely, Thank Me Never No. You’re welcome.

clown you plan on encompassing. For all you proud, archetypal Republicans, you just can’t go wrong with an undercooked steak, especially if you couple it with an overcooked potato. Similarly, for you archetypal Libertarians, a hearty plate of fat-encrusted bacon, discolored sausage and some fried eggs swimming in grease would show that while you are just rebellious enough to have breakfastfor-dinner (you rascal you), you still love the hell out of ‘merica. As for those of you who have enough free-time and disposable income to consider yourself Anarcho-Marxists, I suggest you skip dinner tonight. No one ever took a fat revolutionary seriously.

matter, at least on occasion. However, if you really feel like you have an uncontrollable obsession with crude and uncultured humor, all I can say is, “Congratulations.” Welcome to the California State University system! My friends are assholes! All My Love, Stink Finger Easy there, cowboy. I mean, I like ass-play as much as the next guy, but the whole point is to not make friends with the bastards. The pain is where most of the fun comes from anyway. You know what, that’s not even a question. Why am I even responding to this? Next, please…

Home Grown The laments of a commuter student closer to school or actually dorm, I am one of the several who is labeled as a commuter and gives meaning to the name—I mean, this school is considered a commuter school. Sometimes, I will admit that being a commuter has its benefits, such as not having as many obligations to do everything revolving my school, not necessarily having to live on a budget and having better priorities than those who actually have the luxury of living here. I mean, I am on somewhat of a budget when it comes to time, since I have to eventually go home and get some rest for the next day. I will also admit that I am greatly jealous

of those who actually have that luxury— either from rich parents, a high paying job, or tons of scholarships—of living in school or apartments residing very close to it. You people seriously make me reevaluate my life in terms of the decisions I had made when I was in high school. I mean, I could have those opportunities, but I’d probably have to pull out what most college students dread hearing,: loans. I know there are those unfortunate souls who still have to pull loans out regardless if they are a commuter or not, but damn, I would be able to discover all of the secrets that lay here in this city and this university.

By Elliott Gatica

Illustration by Sam Winchester

Literature

Revenge of the Myth

Intro by Elizabeth Nguyen

Illustration by Claire DeWilde

Myths have been prevalent in society for centuries, dating back to the BCEs. They had their own impact and were used to explain phenomenon that could not be fathomed. As time moved forward, as well as the advancements in science, these explanations of life became myths, stories to entertain people and to understand culture. They are still studied to this day as forms of literature and have become symbols and allegories to popular works, such as Cerberus appearing in Harry Potter or Smaug the dragon in The Hobbit. The Union Weekly has asked some of its contributors to incorporate myths into their writings.

Just A Sip

By Mario Lopez

Téng

By Lilly Nguyen

She

she had, she She She She She had seen her die, though her words her she She

her

strides that accentuated his well-muscled legs,

She does not look ‘Pleasure and action make the hours seem She she she shouted and the way her

She

would she her The Rat feels wetness against her own

she had cursed Téng Yet, here she

Téng. how

Foresight

By Ashley Ruelas-Ruiz watch her waste away on stark white sheets

His thanks always felt sincere, his smile There was a comforting familiarity in She cursed the deities for needlessly

“The gods do not choose the Pythia lightly,

She felt no honor now, looking at the man

Travel

Passport without a Purpose A journey to an unfamiliar home for personal enlightenment By Christopher Orozco Illustration by John Calhoun

In four months, I may be taking an educational leave from the United States for fun, for escape, or for good. A genuine friend of mine advised me to set my priorities I have no general plan to pursue besides my impulsive desires and needs that may or may

study abroad courses? I am tired of studying

To be honest, I am tired of a lot of things: the California system of living, the pervasive

patterns of mediocre emotions and actions that I observe, my family’s increasing cease

at the police station in order to return his cousin’s body back to his aunt for proper

my struggle for self-love, and my attempts at balancing independence and dependence.

rehabilitation for alcoholism and depression

these “discomforts,” but I need to discover a fresh perspective—to step back and see if there is a better cultural solution to all this. The main force driving me to travel to

friend in his life.

his mentally ill and destructive family to search for a better life and education. The

father has told me about him, saying he’s I, son of Telemachus, am traveling to through numerous positions and became the fucking director of it. The “rags to riches”

peers’ mindsets of independence, the search for a purpose, the employment dilemma, the

is Odysseus. Both men have similar treks, personalities, and passions. Their lifestories put my life to shame. When compared, my

partners at this hospital until he met my

by them. This may be the last year for my grandpa and I to meet, human to human. This is my purpose: to travel.

Food

I’m My Own SideChef Today’s best step-by-step cooking app looks towards the furture By Beatriz Villa Photos by Mayra Hernandez This past Thursday, my photographer Mayra Hernandez and I attended a SideChef food tasting event at YouTube Space LA. There, many SideChef chefs displayed

came out potluck style and brought out the

technologically involved, to ensure the perfect dish every time.

to serve their most creative food, but at this into SideChef.”

Kevin told me, excited at

an ego thing,” Kevin informed; and I agree. I

Kevin has a remarkable vision for the combined. Many of us use our cell phones everyday for mundane and basic functions, but he believes technology can be used to improve the quality of our everyday lives, like becoming a better cook.

created by Amy Castle. When Mayra and for us to try her creation. Amy said that avocado and chocolate might sound like a strange mixture, but it created a delicious

hundreds of passerbys, leaving the memory of my masterpiece lightly coated on their tongues, salivating for more. One of the best features of the SideChef

of cooking to be void of measuring hassles guide people through the cooking process. saved me a lot of money and Valentine’s Day embarrassments. Plus, I hear girls like guys

the simple yet richness of dark chocolate and the creaminess of avocados all at once. When my mouth. Ahh, heaven. Kevin Yu, CEO of the trending SideChef app, states that he began thinking of the app’s creation during a Valentine’s Day cooking had forgotten to make reservations for him

cooking process easier, from moving on When asked, Kevin’s vision for the

If you have yet to check out the app, SideChef gives users step-by-step instructions on creating delicious easy-to-

great food for themselves every time they SideChef.” But Kevin’s genius does not stop a great step-by-step cooking app. He the entire cooking process easier and more

scallops each time,” he said enthusiastically. A perfect gourmet meal every night sitting on my dining table, made by yours truly, sounds amazing and satisfying.

is free and has a myriad of recipes for full on entrees, drinks, snacks and dessert. What are

Volume 76 Issue 6

Monday, February 23, 2015

LBUNION.COM

DISCLAIMER: I AM A GOD. SO HURRY UP WITH MY DAMN MASSAGE. IN A FRENCH-ASS RESTURANT. HURRY UP WITH MY DAMN CROISSANT. This page is satire/parody and does not represent ASI nor the CSULB campus. Submit articlez to grunion@lbunion.com.

Letter from the Grumbion Editor Hey folks! It’s your ol’ pal Gumby here! I’ve been overseeing the Grunion this year, but I have had yet to make an appearance...that is, until now! Just look at me! I’m brushing By Gumby and the clay dust off my the Clayboys blocky legs and takin’ charge! It sure is a swell feeling, I’ll tell you that! Now, listen, fellas. It’s no coincidence that I am writing to you at this time. The reason I felt the need to emerge from from my humble residence down in Clokeytown was because I received some frightfully alarming news—we’ve got a disgruntled reader on our hands! A couple of weeks ago, one of our staff members received a lengthy phone call from a woman who made some comments about this year’s Grunion— and awful ones, to boot! She was completely wiggin’ out, making wild Grunion publication! She said things like our work is disgusting, too sexual, not up to par—an embarrassment, even! I wasn’t quite sure how to respond, if I’m being truthful, so I rounded up the rest of the Clayboys to help me. Here’s what they’ve got to say: POKEY First of all lady, don’t blow your top! We at the Grunion have been in production for decades, and no offense, but we ain’t slowin’ down for nobody—not even a mean broad like you. At the end of the day, the Grunion is a business. While you may not like what you see on this page, we’re not exactly catering to your...age group. You see, we specialize in a very security. We are here to PROTECT you. Ms. Lady, we are here to protect you in

the event that someone tries to access your mind through the Grunion. You’re not safe here. They’re coming for you. Pay attention to the strangeness of these articles, the shift in reality. None of this is real. You’re in reading the Grunion. Now, the easiest way for you to test yourself is to try and remember how you picked up this newspaper in the remember your training. Accept the fact that you’re reading a satire newspaper, and I’m here to protect you. Go on. I’m a projection of your subgrunious. I was sent here to protect you in the event into the Grunion. And I believe that what’s going on right now, Ms. Lady.

LUCKY CLAYBERT Don’t snap your cap! I’ll tell you, you’re deep downs of your heartsoul of yours and brighten up your life! I’m gonna Grunion history! I can see it now... everybody!

Lights,

camera,

action!

Now, give me sweet! Give me me spicy!

LOWBELLY Cool your jets! Shortly after Lowbelly told the lady to “cool her jets,” he waddled over to Fortunately, all of his teardrops were miraculously turned into pearls. Gumby and the Clayboys sold the thousands of pearls Lowbelly produced for a cool one million dollars, which they plan to use to save a lot of farms, and send the kids to college—and the rest...is clay.

much. Don’t overdo the sauce, Gladys! overcook the chicken! No, I won’t turn down the TV. We got the Cowboys on! We never get the Cowboys, all we get FATBUCKLE, THINBUCKLE, AND NOBUCKLE Lady, you’re wiggin’ out. Are you saying there’s a difference. We’re assuming that you think we’re too sexy. While you may think this, we’ll have you know that

the clicker is anyhow! Don’t you yell at Alright, sweetheart, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I yelled at you, sweetheart. You know how I get when my ‘boys are on the

America, it is our right to wear whatever we want, WHENEVER we want, regardless of the clay consistency of our bodies! Regardless of who is watching! Your words are hurtful, degrading, and downright shameful. We are merely expressing ourselves in the best way we know possible—creativity. If you can’t deal, then make like a baby and head out!

Above: A Grunion staff member prepares to write a hard-hitting story for the Grunion newspaper. The Grunion staff is a bunch of blockheads.

INSIDE

WOMAN EATS ONE MILLION HOT DOGS, INSPIRES SEXUAL AWAKENING

MCDONALDS INTRODUCES NEW TURTLE BURGER., I’M SLOWLY LOVIN’ IT

LEONARDO DICAPRIO SNUBBED AT THE OSCARS AGAIN. HITLER MOURNS

BANANA-GORILLA HYBRID SAVES MONEY AFTER SWITCHING TO GEICO