Reaching New Heights by Union Weekly

Reaching New Heights

International students jet set to a new lifestyle September 15 Volume 75.4 lbunion.com

Intro

“Apparently I’ve never been on live television before but apparently sometimes I don’t watch the news because I’m a kid.”

Noah Ritter, 5-year-old Issue 75.4 Molly Shannon, Editor-in-Chief editorinchief@lbunion.com Alfred Pallarca, Managing Editor alfredp.union@gmail.com Connor O’Brien, Art Director connor.union@gmail.com Trevor Desrosiers, Advertisting Executive advertising@lbunion.com Eduardo Vargas, Distribution Manager distribution@lbunion.com

ART & DESIGN Sam Winchester, Photo Editor samw.union@gmail.com Rose Feduk, Illustration Editor rosef.union@gmail.com Abdallah Seoud, Assistant Art Director abdallah.seoud@gmail.com Michael Tewasart, Assistant Art Director tewasartm@live.com Truc Nguyen, Web Manager web@lbunion.com

EDITORIAL Heather Sandburg, Opinions Editor opinions@lbunion.com Veronica Craft, Community Editor community@lbunion.com Jacky Linares, Athletics Editor Elizabeth Nguyen, Athletics Editor athletics@lbunion.com Renee Schmiedeberg, Arts Editor arts@lbunion.com Katie Cortez, Entertainment Editor entertainment@lbunion.com

By Molly Shannon

Illustration by Rose Feduk

While the typical American college student’s lifestyle can be quite comfortable, with our close-knit groups of study buddies and our Rainbow sandals and our “Fuck it, I’m young!” attitudes, I’m going to say what every soccer coach on the planet has probably said at one point—get outside of your comfort zone. Do you know how many people I met at this year’s Week of Welcome and Smorgasport events? A lot. And with every person I met, I would go through the same spheal, over and over. “Hey! We’re the Union Weekly, your campus newspaper! Interested in getting your voice heard? You should totally write something for the Union!” The majority of the time, the response I would get would be an “Oh...I’m not too great at writing...” or a nervous “Can I just sign up for your email list?” Well, I’m sorry, but y’all are a bunch of scaredy-cat crumb bums. Don’t you realize that by failing to express your opinions in this paper you are neglecting your right to the power of freedom of speech? And by neglecting your right to the power of freedom of speech you are essentially oppressing

yourself?! And not to mention around one dollar from your tuition fee is invested in this paper, so technically if you do not contribute to the Union you are wasting your money?!? I’m sorry I went a bit cuckoo for a second. As I write this little ditty, I sit in our humid

zone. Getting out of your comfort zone could mean anything from, say, traveling to another country, or attending a newspaper’s weekly open meeting (wink). I was so incredibly proud this past Tuesday when we had our “Launch Party

praying to God that someone will be kind

wall to wall with fresh faces, gazing with wide eyes and eager smiles as I awkwardly tried to “break the ice” with a battle-rap competition. I want to personally apologize to everyone who had to witness that, but I was brimming with happiness to see all you young folk at that gathering. It means so much to see that you have a passion for something, which is incredibly rare nowadays. Keep it up, everyone. Keep writing and creating and making your voice heard. And to all you scaredy-cat crumb bums—our next meeting

insane. We’ve had quite a number of obstacles here at the Union despite the fact that school’s only been in session for three weeks, and I’ve been incredibly stressed. Fortunately, I way is pouring myself a gigantic glass of wine and slipping into a Kardashian coma (this completely empties the mind, you should try it) and the second is to try something new. Well, I was out of wine this week, so I decided to take a Zumba class. And you know what? Zumba made me feel damn good. I never would have known how hilariously fun Zumba is if I hadn’t made the decision to attend—and that’s why you need to get out of your comfort

Hasta luego, Molls

Fernando Bogarin, Music Editor music@lbunion.com Camille Hove, Lifestyle Editor lifestyle@lbunion.com Chrissy Bastian, Literature Editor literature@lbunion.com Beatriz Villa, Food Editor food@lbunion.com Alex Berman, Travel Editor travel@lbunion.com Gumby, Grunion Editor grunion@lbunion.com Michael Wood, Senior Editor mwood.union@gmail.com

COPY EDITORS Jonathan Gutierrez, Heather Sandburg STAFFERS & CONTRIBUTORS Liam Brown, Angela Castillo, Amanda Dominguez-Chio, Codi Georges, Carolina Hernandez, Jane Lu, Vanessa Moore, Kathy Santilli, Rachel Vretas, Karen Wells, Jodi Yee CONTACT US Long Beach, CA 90815 E-mail: info@lbunion.com

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

Opinions

Less-than Ideal Living

By Codi Georges

A transfer dorm resident cringes at freshmen and considers relocation

Illustration by Rose Feduk

I can hear the high-pitched squeals as the girls across the hall gab about seeing their new crushes at the party this past weekend. They brag about how drunk while not actually caring about what the other had to say. Their contributions to the that the girls bribed their older siblings to

present or not. Never has the classic Step Brothers

and all they want to do is wreak havoc and

sad year.

Transfer Troubles I came for the window of opportunity, not sticky windows By Heather Sandburg

changes a university can bring to a student. I shuddered to think that I would be dealing I have to ask for working windows.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A well-rounded than what is being I transferred here education is because of its ratings the key to success. schools. It should more than what is being taught...â&#x20AC;? understandable that to understand this is

understandable worries and learned what I should have been worried about this college

passes the doors into its buildings. The

building. There would be one less thing to

Opinions

Apple, the Kardashians of Technology iPhones are hardly worth the hype

By Katie Cortez Photos by Sam Winchester

Since the dawn of smart phones, Apple and Android have been at odds with one another. iPhones have always claimed to be superior. Superior texting apps, superior camera features, superior processing, superior everything. Their sales have always tended to be slightly higher than Android phones, despite the variety of Android phones available for purchase. As I sat in class on Tuesday morning, I about the iPhone 6 announcement. My four closest friends are Apple enthusiasts and were all trying to watch the live-streamed press conference to get updates on the new phone. I sat there reading texts about storage size and whether or not it was worth it to buy the new one based on the physical size of the

dirt cheap and better than the cracked screens they have now. Instead of taking notes on Ancient Roman militaries, I couldn’t help but nationwide press conference to announce a new phone? That’s crazy. This new iPhone isn’t ground-breaking technology. Its not something that needed an event to announce its existence. Google Glass? Now that deemed a press-conference. That was revolutionary technology. But a press-conference for an iPhone that uses the same technology that Android was using in 2012? No. No one should care that much. If any Android based company like Samsung or LG were to host a press-conference about a new phone, I’d hope that they would have to warrant such a spectacle. I’d want to see

photo-bombers in the background of photos. Or a phone that drives your car around the restaurant to pick you up. That phone better be able to make me a damn pizza when I’m hungry. But according to Apple, pressconferences are needed to announce that you can now pay with things using your phone. Seems cool, right? Too bad Google has been doing that for years with Google Wallet. I have come to the conclusion that the over paid celebrity in the last twenty years. Apple is the Kardashian family of technology, and I cannot wait for the iPhone and iPad to have an iBaby and name it iNorthWest.

Community

Feeling Dapper

State of the Beach

By Vanessa Moore and Union Staff

Events happening in LBC and at CSULB this week USU Program Council Events Providing CSULB students with some much needed down time, the University Student Union Program Council will be hosting two events this week. Ever wanted to relive your youth and hang out in a giant event, Power Hour, is for you. It’s a good new people. Join them on September 16 between 12:00pm and 1:00pm in the USU

By Heather Sandburg magical this weekend with the biannual

is in honor of September being national selfawareness and self-improvement month. The event will be held at the Southwest Terrace on September 17 between 11:00am and 2:00pm. Take some time out of your schedule to enjoy relaxing activities, free create a better you.

parks means hundreds of patrons dress in style and experience the parks in their Sunday’s best. It is an amazing experience to walk around the parks dressed in vintage clothing, as there is a little more

dressed to the nines. Certain characters, such as fashionista Cruella de Vil, will

no regard to the hot, humid California weather with these fashion designs.

to the public. This expo was held on Friday and Saturday at the Grand California Hotel. The general public is encouraged to attend this market place and explore the dapper lifestyle. For those dressed up, you can take advantage of the photo booths, sketch studio, and if you need a touch up to your look, a styling suite. For those checking out the Expo, there are over 20 clothes, makeup, and jewelry booths to

US Sumo Open The Walter Pyramid will become the venue for the action packed 2014 US Sumo Open event. This event will take place Saturday, September 20 between 1:00pm and 4:00pm in the Pyramid on campus. It is a must-see event for any that have yet to see a sumo match, or for those who happen to enjoy them. Many matches in a variety of weight classes will be taking place on this day with competitors from all over the world. Your cheering is needed! If you are concerned about parking, don’t worry, because parking early at 12:00pm in case you can’t wait to arrive and witness high-energy matches. Sip LBC Beginning Sunday, September 20, get shaken This is an all-new, week-long drinking event joints, brought to you by the geniuses who

more than just a place to escape the heat.

from Sunday, September 21 until Saturday, September 27, and with over 35 Long Beach bars, pubs, lounges, and restaurants participating, this is sure to be an awesome event. Similar to Eat LBC, this is a non-ticket event, so just stop by one of the participating venues and inquire about the Sip LBC special.

one will be taking place from February 28 till March 1 in the spring. More information can be found at dapperday.com. Keep it classy, my friends, and I’ll meet you there!

15 dollar discount to those joining in on the event to deter drinking and driving. For more information on this event visit their website at http://www.siplbc.com.

California Coastal Clean-up Day coastal cleanup event on Saturday, September 20 between 9:00am and 12:00pm. Workers of the Aquarium, volunteers, and the public will be working together to clean up the Alamitos Beach. It is important to invest time into caring for our beaches and the ocean. If you are interested in sharing some of your time TLC, then please come to this event and sign up at the Aquarium’s booth. No need to bring your own supplies, they will be provided for you. This event is of no cost, so stop on by. Any questions can be answered by calling (562) 590-3100 at Extension O.

Some volunteers at last year’s California Coastal Clean-up Day (above)

Athletics

“Rugby celebrates all kinds of body types, all kinds of races, and all walks of life. ”

Ruck ‘n’ Maul An inside look into CSULB Women’s Rugby By Jacky Linares

There are 15 players in rugby, and each position is tailored to the body type of the player. “Forwards” excel in strength and muscle mass—their job is to push the team forward. “Backs” are the players who are swift on their feet, and weave in between players. order to communicate strategic plays for other teammates. Last year, the CSULB Women’s Rugby team began practice in the fall, in which

“beginning of an incredibly successful year.” The team attended the Scrum by the Sea tournament at UC San Diego, where teams from California and Arizona will go to compete against one another. The rugby team enjoyed surprising wins against Division I teams like UCLA and UC Davis, and even their biggest rival Cal State Northridge. Northridge held the Division Championship title for two consecutive years. That is until

CSULB became the Southern California Division II champions during competitive season in Spring 2014. The team represented SoCal at the USA Women’s Rugby National Championships at Stanford University in April 2014, making it all the way to the “Elite Eight.” The team ranked sixth in the nation in just their second season as a team. This year’s team has promise, with many new faces as most of the founding members have now graduated. Bacchus talks about why Rugby is important to her: “Rugby celebrates all kinds of body types, all types of races, and all walks of life.” She hopes to “put a good face forward” with this upcoming year, since the fresh blood will be representing our school. the same kind of love and empowerment through the sport as she had when she began to play as a freshman in Fall 2011. Rugby can often be dismissed as a barbaric form of football, but it’s all about sportsmanship. As in the rugby tradition, after games both teams attend a social, where they celebrate one another through pizza, beer, and comradery. If you want to join in on the fun, meeting times are Tuesdays and Thursdays at the rugby pitch located in between the pool and

CSULB Women’s Rugby face off their biggest rivals, CSUN, for the Championship title (top); Melissa Campbell, an outside-center back, breaks through a tackle (left)

Fresh Meat

FRESHMAN: Tony Huang TEAM: Dragon boat MAJOR: Kinesiology FOCUS: Exercise Science Tony Huang spent his four years of high school paddling for the dragon boat team for his Community Youth Center in San Francisco. He’s gone from CYC AllStars to CSULB Dragon Boat team. He expressed his passion for racing, which in the bonding created through working together constantly—his relationship with his team has evolved into that of a second family. When it comes to the sport, Tony says, “Everyone’s equal. Dragon boat teaches you how to work in a team setting. It really builds you up as a person.” Many people mistake rowing and dragon boating; in dragon boating there are 20 people essentially powering a giant canoe. In dragon boating, there is a Drummer and is often called the “heartbeat” of the team, creating a rhythm used for the There is also a Steersman who keeps the boat in balance. Communication is essential in order to propel the boat to

Arts

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Tear Down This Wall New UAM exhibit features politically charged photographs of post-war Germany By Renee Schmiedeberg

Photos by Barbara Klemm

Barbara Klemm, award-winning German photojournalist, has never been interested in keeping the peace. The University Art Museum’s new exhibit, Barbara Klemm: Light and Dark, opened with a provocative, wall-sized photograph of a kiss exchanged

rooted in the communist movement, to celebrate 30 years of East Berlin and West Berlin. Nevertheless, it remains a stimulating photograph, especially for one taken in 1979. As Klemm sought to capture daily life in Germany, the exhibit is strewn in photos

photograph symbolically challenges the viewer, readying them for the images documenting 40 years of Germany’s cultural, social, and political history that lay just a step behind the large photograph. Cal State Long Beach is home to its own on-campus museum, the University Art Museum, and holds a spot in the top ten percent of America’s 16,000 plus museums, and is certainly one of the best in California. Barbara Klemm: Light and Dark has just opened last week and will be free and open to the public until December 14, 2014. The exhibition, curated with Ursula Zeller and Matthias Flügge, is by the IFA (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles. Though both German historians, Flügge is from East Germany and Zeller, from West Germany. Zeller says that this has worked to their advantage, as they were able to use their exclusive East and West knowledge to give a wider interpretation and a deeper understanding of Klemm’s photos. The exhibit contains 124 documented photographs as well as historical objects from Germany during the late twentiethcentury. Even broken crags of the Berlin Wall are on display. The outsides of the fractured alive, splitting to show a gray, cement inside. Klemm’s snapshots, many of them black and white, speak volumes. Her photos pique the viewer’s curiosity and make them think. Fortunately, myriad pieces include explanations beside them. The caption besides the exhibit’s opening photograph tells that the two suited kissing men are actually engaging in a fraternal kiss, a ritual

Bruderkuss: Fraternal Kiss between Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker, Marking Thirty Years of East Germany, East Berlin, 1979, Barbara Klemm (banner); Leonid: Leonid Breschnew, Willy Brandt, Bonn, 1973 Barbara Klemm (top right); CSULB’s University Art Museum awaits your presence (bottom right)

play in giant concrete pipes usually used for highway construction while elderly couples sit around a large, ornamented table, awaiting what is sure to be an extravagant meal. Perhaps the most exciting parts of the exhibit are the photographs showcasing the political dissent amongst the Germans, especially in the youth. Many of these photographs are alive with movement, such as those documenting riots and demonstrations by East Berliners. Some illustrate women peacefully protesting against abortion laws in 1974 while other photos capture Berlin crowds demanding the release of Angela Davis in 1973. Klemm recognized the absence of peace, even when times appeared harmonious and fruitful, and captured the reality of post-war Germany through her photographs. “We must remind the people,” Ursula Zeller says during the opening gallery tour, “otherwise they will forget.”

FEATURE

Reaching New Heights International students jet set to a new lifestyle Jodi Yee

Kshitij Kawatra

Megan Evans

Ilg Dantas

Words by Alfred Pallarca

Imagine putting all your belongings into one suitcase, leaving all your friends and family behind, and saying goodbye to everything you have been accustomed to for the last two decades of your life, all to embark on a journey of a lifetime. Every year, hundreds of students across the globe take on the challenge of leaving their home countries to study abroad to schools all over the world, including our very own Cal State Long Beach. They create new lives for themselves in Long Beach, practically from scratch. The majority of the students will generally stay for a semester or two. However, there are plenty of those who choose to stay in Southern

student’s university does not have a partnership with CSULB, they can participate through the “Study at the Beach program.” Students who need English as a prerequisite before entering the university will start with the American Language

ones—can all be quite challenging and even frightening. At the same time, these obstacles essentially allow these daring students to grow, making their experiences living in a new country worthwhile. We followed four international

requirements, and essentially enter the university once they have passed their “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL) exams. Plenty of other international students attend the university as degree-seeking or credential-seeking students, and stay here for longer periods of time. To some, the idea of studying abroad is simply a mixture of partying, traveling, and living an exciting new their horizons and possibly make life for a few months. To others, Long Beach their permanent home. living in the United States or simply At CSULB, there are several ways studying abroad is an opportunity to for international students to enter the university. First, there is an exchange program, where a student themselves.” But the glamor that from CSULB is sent to a partner accompanies the great adventure university abroad for a semester or of living in a new country also two, and in return a foreign exchange brings hardships and obstacles. Not student is sent to take their spot knowing anybody, having to learn here on campus. If an international a new language, missing your loved

backgrounds, who are currently studying or have recently studied here at CSULB to take a look at their personal experiences. From hearing their stories, we were able to gain a bit of insight into their unique cultural perspectives. Ilg Dantas from Brazil is studying Civil Engineering, and started with ALI before entering the university. Megan Evans from the United Kingdom is completing a year of exchange to study American Literature. Meanwhile, Kshitij Kawatra from India is acquiring his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. And Jodi Yee was previously a credential-seeking student from New Zealand. All four of living in a new country, as well as their best times here in the States.

FEATURE

Jodi Yee Auckland, New Zealand Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential

Kshitij Kawatra Rohtak, India Masters in Electrical Engineering

Jodi, a student from New Zealand, has been traveling ever since she can remember. With her family originating from Singapore, her parents Asia every two or three years, since she was two years old. She has also

nervous about the whole situation. Fortunately, his parents are very supportive of his choices. They are helping him pay for the tuition fee at boyfriend to continue their relationship was nothing out of the ordinary job in the States.

ideas, since living here for some time. He said that he feels he was being challenging for Jodi to meet friends and stay active on campus. The commuter setting of the university did not help Jodi in terms of meeting

most. She said that Americans generally love foods that are sweeter and

Despite all the challenges Jodi had faced after only a few months

FEATURE

Megan Evans Kent, United Kingdom English/American Literature

Ilg Dantas Pau Do Ferros, Brazil Civil Engineering

Music

Seize The Night One man’s journey through Nocturnal Wonderland

By Eric Garcia

“Watching the DJs perform was a

going on...”

For many ravers, the night doesn’t have a limit when their favorite DJs’ sets are playing (above)

Music

The Razor’s Edge The story of a man named Pedro Navaja By Carolina Hernandez

A fascinating aspect of music is that it is mathematical and technical in every aspect while at the same time creatively, emotionally, and inspirationally stimulating no matter the language. Lyrics can hold an emotional tie with the listener, but what if you cannot understand the language the song uses? There is nothing to worry to about here because you can always admire the sound of the instruments, the vocals, and the emotion being produced by both simultaneously. The 1978 record, Pedro Navaja by Latin jazz artist Ruben Blades was popular in Latin American countries because it was known to be the anthem of their everyday lives from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. sister I felt connected to my Hispanic roots, for it was in Spanish and the sound of Latin jazz felt unique and distinct from American jazz. I was not listening to the words because I

that perhaps upper class Latin Americans who frequent symphony concerts would be Blade’s intended audience, but my mother pointed out that the record Pedro Navaja was a song that belonged to the working class. I did not notice that the song was initially a story

“The sound of Latin Jazz felt unique and distinct from American Jazz.”

hard life. It was then when I listened closer to the sounds for clues about artist’s, message I started to understand. I began to notice small details in the song. I had not noticed before, such as police sirens and people singing, “I like to live in America” in English. It proved that whether you understand the lyrics or not, it is possible to grasp the basic idea of the song and to make it your own. Interpretation is a powerful tool that a listener, reader, or a viewer has over a piece before they receive the message the artist intended and it is up to us to use it. Our own ideas and expressions we draw from various forms of art can bring us closer to a piece because we give it a meaning for ourselves. Plus it is cool to know that humans can basically appreciate and jam to any song they hear, regardless of the language.

about a man named Pedro Navaja a working class Latin American man in New York who had been living the only life he knew—the

Singing in the Raein

By Fernando Bogarin

Italian band brings a distinctive sound to screamo There are few feelings greater than listening to a striking emotional piece of music that’s in another language. It’s similar to exploring a new city, where you become overwhelmed

lyrics are already translated to English. My

out their day. Raein, an Italian screamo band, brings that kind of raw force to their music with great passion. Their latest album Sulla Linea Dell’Orizzonte Fra Questa Mia Vita E Quella Di Tutti, which translates to, “on the horizon line between my life and that of all others,” is all in Italian, taking it back to their native roots. I was lucky enough to pick up this record at Amoeba in Hollywood, and it’s been spinning on my record player ever since. There’s something about listening to loud,

a poem but the delivery and the music take it to a transcendental level. This is the song I listen to late at night when I need that inspirational feeling. The Italian lyrics portray the emotion and intensity of their music in a way that the English language can’t fully express. This is

culture. It’s amazing knowing that halfway around the world there’s someone in their room feeling just as frustrated, confused, and hopeful about this life of ours. This album overall is a positive tour-deforce with a pledge to reclaiming the vitality in the youth as well as some introspective tracks. The two great things about this album is that, one, it’s free (I highly suggest downloading the album) and, two, all the

slow and works into a crescendo of emotion before it breaks down into a minute of raw

the nuances another culture and language has for portraying the same ideas that you’re used to encountering. countries and languages for your favorite genre of music; you’d be surprised at what screamo is now a niche for me that I can enjoy and relate to. Music goes beyond language, it speaks straight to the heart and sharing that feeling with people across all walks of life is unifying.

Entertainment

Foreign State of Mind Tokyo Godfathers (2003) By Heather Sandburg Satoshi Kon and Shogo Furuya’s Tokyo Godfathers centers on the whirlwind Christmas adventure of three homeless friends on their quest to return a baby to her parents. The three homeless friends are Gin, a middle-aged bum, Hana, a male who identifies as female, and Miyuki, a runaway youth. They stumble across an abandoned newborn on Christmas Eve. Hana, who has dreams of being a mother, convinces the others to keep the baby until they are able to find her parents. Starting with a key found with the baby, the three friends set out to perform the Christmas miracle. Tokyo Godfathers captures the Japanese lifestyle not only with its language, but with its setting. Produced and set in Japan, this movie shows glimpses of the Japanese lifestyle, known and unknown by the audience. It touches upon the cabaret life in Japan’s Red Light District, the local mafia factions, the homeless centers, and engages with natives and outsiders living in Tokyo. With the trio’s journey to find the baby’s family, the audience is able to travel through different parts of Tokyo: a cemetery, the Red Light District, the housing or business sections of the city, and experience each part through the eyes

of the homeless heroes. The art style takes some getting use to in with its detailed backgrounds and outlined characters. It is easy to tell who the main characters are because their outline is slightly more pronounced than the surrounding characters. The background engages the eye and drags it to all parts of the scene, often leaving some overwhelmed with the camera movement. If you are used to a more delicate art style, like any of Hayao Miyasaki’s work, richer colors used inside Kon’s movie. The colloquialisms used in the movie leave any outsiders slightly confused. Most of the jokes, along with the plot line, are straightforward. It is easy to tell when Gin is teasing Hana over his dreams of womanhood, or when Miyuki tells others that the baby is not her child. However, Hana’s haikus and puns in the language are under minded, for the references inside the short poems are aimed at Japanese natives or those who are familiar with the culture and language. Toyko Godfathers is an amazing movie for it’s simple plot and bright outlet helps shed light on Japan’s culture and invites the audience to take part of the journey.

Incendies (2010) By Amanda Dominguez-Chio Before the semester started, I watched a

and the other about her children’s journey

Incendies on my mother’s recommendation. My mother thought I would not like it, but the movie captivated my attention. Incendies plays two Radiohead songs which is always a plus in my book. The Canadian mystery drama follows twin siblings, Jeanne and Simon, on a quest to

relive their mother’s experience. Without spoiling anything, the ending left me with an enormous impact, and I

death of their mother, the twins receive father, who they once believed was dead, and the brother they never knew they had. To do that, the siblings must travel to the Middle East, tracing her mother’s history and uncover information about their mother the siblings knew little about. about the mother’s life in the Middle East

Going back to how the movie incorporates choose suggest political undertones, which is an important feature in the movie. So, perhaps my favorite part of the movie is the opening scene where a man shaves the hair of young boys’ heads, and you hear Radiohead’s “You and Whose The movie was adapted from Wajdi Mouawad’s play of the same name, and went

Entertainment

Hoje Eu Não Quero Voltar Sozinho (2014) By Alfred Pallarca

Hoje Eu Não Quero Voltar Sozinho

Caché (2005) By Liam Brown

Caché

When Caché

Caché

Literature

“I still read books in Spanish because being able to switch between those two languages was a beautiful experience...”

Bilingual Power

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. As a something that was extremely important to

texts like William Shakespeare’s plays and

Challenges and rewards of dual languages

people to try this “method” to keep reading

really inspired me to start writing. However, to try to look at the overall paragraph instead of word by word. What I did to improve my

still had a lot to learn before starting to write

Crónica de una Muerte Anunciada and 100 Años de Soledad Rayuela Laberinto de la Soledad

Words and Illustration by Sam Winchester

Exploring Turkish Roots

she tied together the lives of many diverse

woman. Likewise her novel Honor

of her books. The Bastard of Istanbul of her novel The Bastard of Istanbul for

A look into the works of Elif Shafak Shafak and known to be almost half Western

By Carolina Hernandez

in this way, and she applies this theory in her other novels. Shafak’s novel The Saint of Incipient Insanities

Lifestyle

You Can Go the Distance Experiencing self-discovery in midst of long distance relationship By Rachel Vretas Illustration by Jane Lu

was pretty cute. He had gorgeous blue eyes, a really great and quirky smile; he was the perfect height for me. And oh yeah, he had a thick Australian accent. My heart melted immediately. Rhys and I decided to become friends. We started hanging out and going to parties together. Soon enough, we began spending time together more and more, and that’s when I realized this was serious. We eventually ended up in a relationship. We traveled across the Outback together, and

trivial as a little ocean get in the way of us being together. Being away from each other for six months at a time is a little scary, and not exactly ideal. But when it comes to falling in love with somebody from far away, you have to go in with the mindset of your distance being a TEMPORARY situation. It’s doable. Anybody who says “long distance is just so hard; I could never do it” is obviously not trying hard enough, or willing to do so. Perhaps they have never met the person that would be worth it to them. We live in an age of technology. With Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, iMessage, email, snail mail, pony mail, smoke signals, any type of communication is possible with anybody on this planet who has access to a cell phone and WiFi, and at the very least, an address. Both of you have to be willing to make it work. It has to actually mean a lot to

to, to be able to be in a place where we can both live within a “reasonable” distance from each other (in our case that just means the same continent). “But, Rachel, don’t you think he will cheat on you?” No, no I don’t. And I have been cheated on in the past. I’m so sorry that somebody has jaded you so badly and has put in your head that if there is any discrepancy or hardship in a relationship, you will be cheated on. I’m sure that you did not deserve that pain. When you meet the right person, you won’t worry so much about that because you’ll know them inside and out. They’ll be the other you. Don’t let the media, or other people tell you that your long distance relationship is not worth it. You deserve better. You deserve love, no matter if it is from another hemisphere, or from that person you like who lives 15 minutes across town. Rhys and

summer, Rhys came to meet my family, and we went to Canada together. I have plans to go back to see him for Christmas. I’ve never felt this way about anybody before. And I have no intentions of letting something as

the end, we both take solace in knowing our long distance situation is temporary. We are not planning to stay hemispheres away from one another for the rest of our lives. That would be silly. But I will wait as long as I need

love is worth the wait. It’s worth all the time, money, distance, everything I have. If I can offer any advice to anybody who may be in a similar situation, I want

When I decided to study abroad in Australia, it was singlehandedly the best decision I ever made. As an Ohio native, I really wanted to get myself immersed in a “beach culture” that you Californians are so accustomed to (or at least that’s how I imagine it). But as a landlocked lassie, I wanted to get to know this laid-back beach culture and learn how to surf. That’s how it all began. It was actually very stereotypical. I made an online posting on our dorm’s Facebook group about wanting to buy a cheap surfboard, and asked if anybody knew where I could get one for a decent price. Almost immediately, Rhys responded to my post. He agreed to sell me his personal surfboard for $100, which is dirt cheap, considering the board was in great condition and had only been used a couple

“You deserve love, no matter if it’s from another hemisphere or from that person you like 15 minutes across town.”

you to know, time flies. Keep yourself busy when you two have to be apart. Get a job, volunteer, do research with your favorite professor, or join a club at your school. The more you have going on the faster time will go by, and you will see your lover so quickly, you won’t even realize that it’s been six months since you’ve seen each other. Also, communication is KEY to a long distance relationship (thank God I’m in the communication department at my school). Don’t have time to Skype? Too bad. Make time. Think you shouldn’t talk to them because something they said upset you yesterday? Wrong. You should talk through it like the adult you are, because long distance relationships are not for children. When you are in a long distance relationship, words are all you really have. Use them to your advantage. Build each other up. Make a point of saying “I love you” every day. And if you do find yourself in a situation where distance could become an issue, take a leap of faith. You never know what it could lead to. If your lover has to move away, stick to it anyway if you truly believe that you love them. Nobody wants to be like Daisy from the Great Gatsby. She loved Jay the whole time, but married that other guy instead and spent the rest of her life thinking about Jay, until they found each other again for a brief moment and then he died. So don’t be like her. Don’t force yourself to wonder about what could have been for the rest of your life. You don’t have to give up your love, because love knows no boundaries.

Travel

Big Cities, Big Dreams This week, we asked our staff to write about the one city that they would want to live in, anywhere in the world. One thing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for certain is that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a city out there for everybody. From the raging streets of Tokyo to the relaxing beaches of Waikiki, there is a location that can satisfy any of your cravings.

Las Vegas, Nevada By Karen Wells

Reykjavik, Iceland By Camille Hove

Oslo, Norway By Michael Tewasart

Takk

Food

Spanish Paella Recipe Indulge in a delicious and historic dish By Angela Castillo Illustration by Rose Feduk

During my trip to Spain, I tasted and fell in love with so many authentic and deliciously cooked paella recipes—seafood, chicken, beef, veggie—that when I came back to California I had to create my own. I want to share my concoction in hopes you will fall in love with paella too. called for cooked mussels, but I bought fresh mussels and cooked them myself. Make sure to garnish your paella with plenty of lemons ,and don’t worry about serving the paella on separate plates. This dish is meant to be What you will need: 2 cups of medium grain rice Half a green pepper and red pepper 2 peeled garlic cloves 1/2 Onion 1/2 cup of calamari 1/2 cup baby octopus 12 clams 6 cooked mussels Handful fresh prawns 1 cup of chopped chicken 1/2 cup of peas 2 diced tomatoes 1 chicken stock cube parsley. Step 1: Finely chop the onion and the garlic, and gently fry them with a little oil (so they remain soft and don´t burn) in a paella pan or in a wide, shallow saucepan. I suggest using a shallow black steel pan for this recipe, but

Love at First Bite Savor the taste of Singapore By Jodi Yee

Singapore is a foodie paradise. It is not an exaggeration to say that eating is part of the a hot pot of cuisines to eat, incorporating a rich heritage of food dishes consisting of Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian you would have seen these dishes in the hawker centers below your void deck, in the in courts of shopping centers and in the quaint shop-houses, decades old. Lucky for me my parents, who originated from Singapore and migrated to New Zealand, would regularly bring my brothers and me on family holidays to Singapore throughout my childhood. On these trips I was able to experience the passion and delight Singaporeans found through eating. From Char Kway Teow noodle dish), Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, to Roti Prata (Indian/Malay ‘Pizza’), Singapore has many popular signature dishes from which to try. My all time favorite Singapore dish would without a doubt be Katong Laksa. Katong

Laksa Laksa types, is a Peranakan dish consisting of thick rice vermicelli noodles in a rich, spicy coconut soup. The soup is thick, opaque and slightly gritty from the abundance of ground dried shrimp, which gives it that authentic, delicious taste. The Katong version has noodles cut into smaller lengths. This is so it can be easily scooped up with a spoon alone, and include a good amount of soup to taste. Top with shrimp

any shallow pan will do. Step 2: Cut the bell peppers halves into strips and add them to the pan, and stir until they are softly cooked. Step 3: When the peppers have cooked, add the chopped chicken, baby octopus, calamari, clams, prawns, the parsley, and a dash of white wine. Leave it to cook until the wine has evaporated. Step 4: Add the rice and allow it to lightly fry so the chicken. Step 5: Add water in proportion to the rice (add two and a half cups of water for each cup of rice). Also, add the stock cube, a little salt to taste. Step 6: When almost all of the water has evaporated, add the cooked mussels and more salt if necessary. As soon as the water the pan for 10-15 minutes so that the paella marinates and absorbs some of the water. ¡Y Presto! Your Spanish paella is ready to be served.

and cockles, stir in the dollop of sambal (chili paste ground with shallots and dried shrimp) and fragrant laksa leaves and inhale. laksa, at six years old, was a total revelation. It was like

It was something very special and became an ever-lasting memory for me. Katong Laksa is truly one of Singapore’s ‘must-eats’.

Volume 75 Issue 4

Monday, September 15, 2014

LBUNION.COM

DISCLAIMER: Sam and Suzy here! I admit we knew we’d get in trouble. That part’s true. We knew people would be worried, and we still ran away, anyway. But something also happened, which we didn’t do on purpose. When we first met each other, something happened to us. If you’d like to contribute to our poem we’re at USU 116, Long Beach, CA 90815. This page is satire/parody and does not represent ASI nor the CSULB campus. Submit shit via email to grunion@ lbunion.com.

The Quest for the G Spot Sorority Salvation As a college student and a warm-blooded AmericanArmenian male, I think I got this. It’s, like, up there somewhere, right? To the left and up? For some backup, I decided to ask my friend by Bean Dipper “Bonin’” Conen O’Brian what he thought. His red hair glinted in the sun like the hair of a man with really red hair which also

With no good advice received, I decided to do things my own way. I went back to her house, lit some candles and put on some mood music. She was kind of tense because she was disaster. I started feeling around, and it was going pretty good. Hey, I think I found it! I poked at it, but then I heard a horrible scream. I slowly lifted my head, my vision focusing at the dark “Ain’t nothin’ but a G thing baby.” “Shut the fuck up Tosh.”

buy her chocolates, lay roses on the bed and put on some Allman Brothers. Or the Twilight soundtrack. Or the Twilight movie, with Korean subtitles. “Girls love shabu shabu, and men “Shabu Shabu is Japanese.” I said as he slinked away into the darkness of his cluttered yellow Ford hatchback. was, “#$&% @&*#” and gestured toward the chocolates. “I only like black guys, uh, dark chocolate.” The roses? “Uh, this isn’t a Craigslist ad.” It was a disaster. I didn’t even get to take her pants off. Next, I asked Gary Sinise. All he said was, “Life’s like a box of chocolates. Some have orange crème, and those are disgusting. Some have toothpaste and those are even worse.” “So I use the toothpaste for...“ “Exactly.” I left, still without a clue, and went to my buddy Tosh’s house. He was amped to help me

As a very tall, handsome, domineering male, my brain cannot fathom the possibilities of why I have not been recruited for the sororities on campus. I have the highest GPA in the Engineering department, my resume is parallel to by Zaq Chadington Einstein’s (if he had one), and my manliness cannot be beaten. Seriously, a football player tried to beat me up, and I stood tall as a moose, unmoving. He eventually walked away in shame. I’ve tried talking to the girls I see around school: the beautiful blondes with their tanned, vacant expressions, large mammaries, and pouty lips, but they rebuff my charismatic questions. Their bombastic eyes do not seem to register my miraculous existence. They look past me as if I had not uttered wonderfully constructed sentences for their pleasure. A few of my friends have tried to dissuade me, but I am adamant in my quest. It is my second highest desire to join Alpha Sigma Sigma, right beneath my need to become President of the United States. Or Cuba. Whichever comes

natural, but as most people know, it has to be enhanced, so one can appreciate the beauty. I need to be noticed by these girls, with their perfectly cut tank tops that stretch across their mauve, and periwinkle. Stop for a moment and repeat that word in your head. Periwinkle. Isn’t it gorgeous? I have expressed my desire to join their sorority in many ways: emails, letters, and kind words from my voluptuous mouth, but nothing works. They say “No, go away. Girls only.” But that doesn’t make sense? If it is for the shouldn’t I, the president of the Taxidermy Association, be involved? These are the highest and they are the pride and joy of the Beach. Why can I not join? This is reverse sexism! And I took a Women’s Studies class once, so I know what I’m talking about! Please please please, help me persuade them. I’ll be at the Nugget on Wednesday at 3pm for a conference concerning my application. I’ll be the white guy with the Sperry’s.

“Okay. So this video takes “you are what you eat” a little too literally.” “Shut the fuck up Tosh.” “You want me to not so subtly hint at my sexually for half an hour.” “Okay, all I’m saying is, you see that thing there?” “Why do you have a vagina in a vat?” “Okay, all I’m saying....” “Fuck you Tosh.” “Stereotypical black person joke that does nothing to promote modern day thought regarding race and equality.”

INSIDE

RARE “RAINBOW CHICKEN” EXPLODES IN HOT SEALED CAR

LOCAL SQUIRE REQUIRED TO INQUIRE AND ACQUIRE A SHIRE ON FIRE

IF A MAN SPEAKS IN A FOREST AND A WOMAN ISN’T THERE TO HEAR HIM, IS HE STILL WRONG? (ANSWER: YES)