UNION WEEKLY’S THIRD ANNUAL SONG WRITING CONTEST In lieu of Valentine’s Day, we are holding a love song writing contest. No gimmicks, just pure from the heart musicality. So put your heart on your sleeve and your guitar on your knee, and sing a little song for some cold hard ca$h money* CONTEST RULES: You must write and perform you own love song. Accompaniment is up to you, but you are responsible for providing it. Bands are welcome. Songs must be lyrics must accompany each submission. Submissions can either be in video format or as an mp3.
WAYS TO SUBMIT: Drop off a USB at the Union can send an mp3 link by email to info@lbunion.com, or post a YouTube video or SoundCloud clip on the Union Weekly’s Facebook page.
*prizes to be announced CONTESTANTS WILL PERFORM AT OUR LOVELY JAMS CONCERT AT THE NUGGET ON FEBRUARY 12TH 6-8PM
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS - EXTENDED! You must submit your song by Wednesday, February 11th at 5p
Intro
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Issue 76.4
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
By Molly Shannon Do you ever feel as if time is getting the best of you? It seems to me that lately it has been melting like butter—one minute I think I’ve
Illustration by Rose Feduk sanity Shade Magazine
your own bae. —Apryl Fuentes (
)
Trevor Desrosiers, Advertisting Executive advertising@lbunion.com Eduardo Vargas, Distribution Manager distribution@lbunion.com ART & DESIGN John Calhoun, Illustration Editor johnc.union@gmail.com Michael Tewasart, Assistant to Art Director tewasartm@live.com Truc Nguyen, Web Manager web@lbunion.com EDITORIAL Jacky Linares, Opinions Editor opinions@lbunion.com Veronica Craft, Community Editor community@lbunion.com
blinked Love is not limited to its narrow portrayals in the media and what we’re conditioned to accept. We spend much time being hyper critical of how we love, who we love, what we love, do we love ourselves enough? Do we love ourselves too much? Foster positivity and self love this Valentine’s Day. Buy yourself something you like, make yourself some cookies, take a nap, order a pizza, watch
Molls Union
the mirror [and] repeat after me, “I love you!” It’s hella cheesy but I promise you it is so sweet to give yourself the credit. You are amazing. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, and long after, remember to put yourself before anyone else. Be
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 ADVERTISING INTERNS Jacqueline Simon, Joel Kuehn STAFFERS & CONTRIBUTORS Andrew linde, Karrie Comfort, Jordan Eres, Rose Feduk, Joseph Phillips, Alecks Ramos, Mariha Lowe, Miguel-Angel Garcia, Camille Hove, Michael Honey, Bronson Farr, Victor Guzman, Bianne Jones, Jessica Jones
CONTACT US Long Beach, CA 90815 E-mail: info@lbunion.com
Follow us @UnionWeekly
Above: “Dates on a Date” 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
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Opinions
“Free� Is Misleading
By Karrie Comfort
A closer look at the potential consequences of free tuition
Illustration by Rose Feduk
Walking the Walk Moving away from sedentary habits, to actually moving By Alfred Pallarca
Opinions
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It Starts With You Why you should vote YES on the USU Referendum There have been several articles written about the upcoming USU fee referendum, However my goal here is to contribute a perspective that I feel has not been covered adequately. As a past student employee of the USU’s Facilities Maintenance Department and a current member of the USU Board of Trustees it saddens me to see the many infrastructure issues of our USU being overlooked as they are the driving force of the referendum campaign. These pressing issues regarding the buildings degrading infrastructure need to be addressed right away, and that is exactly what the It Starts With You campaign is all about. After spending almost two years working many infrastructure issues and concerns in the building that are simply a result of the buildings age, as well as its heavy usage by the student body over the years. Since the buildings opening in 1971, the only major renovation and improvement project took place in 1997, when the third of the USU was made available to students. Believe it or not, there are still many aspects of the USU’s original infrastructure in the building today. The original underground piping for water and electricity as well as still remain, the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system and emergency backup generator as well. Besides being original pieces of the USU, the other thing these units have in common is that they are at the end of their lifespan, and some are beginning to fail. The USU’s ventilation system consists of two main air handlers and a complex web of piping that distributes a mix of cold and hot air throughout the building. This system was addressed in the 1997 improvement project, however the hardware put in at that time is nearing the end of its 20-year lifespan. Without functioning air handlers the temperature in the building cannot be
controlled. There has already been one failure this semester, which diminished control of the east side of the building for almost two days. Another original piece of infrastructure from the 1971 student union is the underground piping systems that is used are used to run water throughout the building and in some areas run electrical wiring for moisture has been corroding these pipes for many years, and without breaking ground there is no way to address this issue. The south plaza has an issue with
which are non-functional because of the corrosion and cracking of these inaccessible underground pipes. I think many opponents of the referendum campaign are not aware of these issues and are tying the fee increase strictly to a facelift of the USU. I can guarantee that this is not the case. The original factors that sparked this campaign and the core motivations that drive it today are the dilapidating infrastructure of the building and the guarantee of a safe and sustainable USU that the entirety of the student population can enjoy. That being said there are reasons to justify the other aesthetic and spatial renovations of the USU. The reason these aspects were included in the campaign is because students were vocal about their thoughts on the building’s look in the 2011 and 2014 surveys. Combining the aesthetic renovation with the infrastructure renovation is the most and will result in a truly amazing facility that students can be proud of. The unfortunate truth however, is that the maintenance and infrastructure issues that the USU has, must be dealt within the very near to ensure the facility is safe for student use. The Student Body (USU) fee is
the only source of funding the USU receives and there is simply not enough room in the current operating budget to address these issues while keeping up the same level of programs and student services that are available to us today. I encourage you to February 25 and 26 tto help create a safer and
By Jordan Eres more sustainable facility, while holding on to the programs and student services that so many of us currently enjoy. This is our opportunity to make an amazing facility we can truly be proud of, and it starts with you!
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Community
Taking Root
Daily 49er
Grow Beach offers students a gardening getaway By Bronson Farr
ASI provides a rough idea of what the Grow Beach University Garden’s plots will look like. There are 87 total boxes available for reservation.
Love Is in the Air... Try something different this Valentine’s Day! By Jessica Jones
Sunnyside Cemetery Film Screening
Downtown Anaheim Art Crawl
bae
Harold and Maude
Community
Lights, Camera, Action! Beach Film Festival is coming to campus this spring By Victor Guzman
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This Spring semester, the CSULB Film Club is pleased to announce the arrival of the in collaboration with USU Program Council, College Beat Television, and the CSULB Film Club. slated for this April and will consist of two
“...all current CSULB students are allowed and encouraged to participate...�
competitions, for which all current CSULB students are allowed and encouraged to participate.
January 2014. The second competition will
It is with great hope that this event becomes a campus tradition and another venue for our student body to connect and proud
community.
regarding the event will be made available as the semester progresses. Follow the Beach Film Fest page on Beach Sync to stay updated, 49ers!
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Arts
To the Beehive and Back Words and Photos by Renee Schmiedeberg
experience of a bee Though Cal State Long Beach’s own University Art Museum recently opened several new exhibits, Jessica Rath: A Better Nectar seems to be the one causing the most buzz. Curated by UAM Curator of Exhibitions, Kristina Newhouse, this show brings the experience of bumblebees to human-size. Through the exhibition’s fascinating, multisensorial works, visitors gain a better understanding of how a bumblebee goes through its day-to-day life. As a viewer, I was able to have a glimpse of their world through the exhibit’s creative use of sculpture, light, and sound. “Resonant Nest” is the name of the exhibit’s feature, which consists of humanscaled forms of nest cells that the bees crawl out of during their pupa stage. From inside these beige, tulip-shaped cells emit supernatural-sounding “bee scores” created by CSULB’s Bob Cole Conservatory of Music Chamber Choir. Music’s subconscious power is especially crucial in setting the atmosphere of this exhibit. During the exhibit’s press preview, Rath mentioned the inherent collectivity of a choir of human voices, a characteristic essential to bumblebees. Amazingly, the bee scores change depending upon current weather, season, and time, in addition to the proximity of the viewers. “The larva move around in the cells,” Rath began, moving her hands familiarly around the wooden nest cell mold. “And like the plug mold, they eat their way out of the cell, forming the edge themselves at birth. I love the idea that the thing inside forms the shape and acts as a sort of stand-in for the bee in the show.” When she mentioned this, I realized that almost nowhere in the exhibit (besides the research station) is an actual bee shown. The only place a physical bee is presented is in a photograph of a dead bumblebee queen, whose face is hidden in a
Artist Jessica Rath’s nest cells sit centered and ethereally glowing in “Resonant Nest,” the exhibit’s feature (top left); a sculpture
cell cavity she had put her head in just before dying. The photograph of the single dead bee queen is strangely tragic. When led around the exhibit by artist Jessica Rath, she emphasized the extreme importance of the work bumblebees do—to pollinate. Without pollination, all of human life, animals, and plants too, would die. In the light portion of the exhibit, two ethereal, white sheets are stretched out and placed together, forming a V shape. Lights from somewhere above are projected onto the sheets and the visitor is told to stand directly in the opening of the V and view a humble recreation of what a bumblebee sees while it traverses throughout nature. However, this light installation, Rath explained, is not accurate to a bumblebee’s actual vision. It is a mere interpretation of a bumblebee’s vision, for if we were to actually experience that kind of vision, it would be far too hallucinatory. I have seen many exhibits arrive and depart at the UAM and A Better Nectar and should check out the exhibit and while you’re there, visit the museum’s other new exciting exhibits. For the bumblebee, there is no emphasis on the individual—a social mentality vastly But standing between those two ghostly planes, watching the only things in front of me, pastel purple and white oval lights could feel the soft light and angelic voices of the choir lulling myself into a trance. Slowly, I began to feel what I imagined bumblebees feel. I would follow the lights in front of me too, follow exactly what I was told to do for the collective good of my nest, without even knowing how much life depended upon it.
The exhibition opened to the public on January 27 and is on display until April 12, 2015. UAM Hours: Monday
Closed
FEATURE
Sights Set on Love Intro by Elizabeth Nguyen
Blind dating—it certainly has its ups and downs. With most dating forms, a person is in control of whom they decide to form a relationship with. However, a blind date is based on someone else’s choice rather than your own. Though blind dates can save you the time and effort invested in finding a date in the first place, it can still be nervewrecking. Meeting someone for the first time can bring about anxiety and lots of “worst case scenarios” to mind for both parties. What does this person look like? Are they friendly? Will they even talk to me? What happens at the end? Ultimately, outcomes are endless and vary among each person, but in a sense, going on a blind date is giving yourself up to chance; you can only hope that your middleman/ woman got you a good match. Many people are unwilling to put themselves to at such risk, but since this is the Union Weekly, some of our single staff members were subject to being set up with a completely unknown person. Don’t worry, they did this voluntarily. Sort of. What also should be taken from blind dating are the people—in this case, the editors—who set them up on blind dates. Your wingman or wingwoman feels the pressure too. For me, I didn’t want to set up one of our beloved Union Weekly members with just any random guy I knew. There are some factors that go along with finding a suitable date. Age and openness were my biggest concerns. Since I am one of the younger editors, I had trouble figuring out who to ask to participate. I don’t know too many people who are of drinking age. But being an officer of an Engineering Club, which consisted of officers who were the right age, I was hopeful in finding someone. I messaged one of the officers and asked if he knew anyone
available. It wasn’t until Katie asked me to set him up with “shirtless guy” did I make my intentions clear. Like, hell yes, I was going to set Katie up with him! Also, I knew the guy was cool and open-minded even though I didn’t know that well on a personal level. He is an interesting person who always has an upbeat attitude walking into the club room, and I believed that was enough. Katie the Entertainment Editor, Renee the Arts Editor, and Trevor the Advertising Executive each have their own experiences to share in regards to their blind dates. Setups like this tend to have a lasting impression on you, whether it was pleasant or not. The fate of the evening doesn’t rest solely on the shoulders of one person. The two people involved have to make it work, or the whole thing will crumble. Above all, the parties involved should be open-minded; it takes courage to expose yourself to a completely new person. There is a unique story to each blind date, so take from these experiences what you can.
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FEATURE
been so far, and naturally transitioned into your answer my question at all. So, I went ahead and As the date progressed, we never moved out of the awkward banter. She already seemed uninterested, constantly looking around as I talked. I could tell things weren’t going well. After sharing some funny anecdotes with her and not receiving a laugh or even a courtesy
Street I actually like—Murphy’s. I know they have food and alcohol, so if my date was a dud, I could just get drunk and do a little damage to my beer passport. About an hour before I was supposed to name and I couldn’t resist looking him up. At
strategy. As there was a lull in the conversation she pulled her phone out and began texting.
name, major, and Cal State Long Beach into the
to drive her home since she claimed to have homework due that night. I quickly dropped
in under two minutes. I could tell from his often because the photo was of him on his high
Trevor
game changer. I felt sorry for my date that there wasn’t a real connection, but at least we will always have Boba.
When I was initially approached to go on a blind date I was a little skeptical. Meeting someone you’ve never seen nor talked to before is a pretty nerve-wrecking thing. In today’s world you can look someone up on social media and know what their interests are and see if you have anything in common—I didn’t have this luxury. I had no clue what she looked like nor what her hobbies were—all I was given was a name. As it was nearing the time to meet my
shirt, so it was safe to say that he works out, and we would probably both be into sports. Would my freakish ability to consume large amounts swarmed in my brain as Renee and I ascended the stairs into Murphy’s. As we both nervously walked to the bar, I noticed a cute guy sitting at a table alone. I gave him a smile and kept walking because he looked nothing like the guy I found online. I ordered a beer and stood at the bar with Renee while I sent him a text that said “I’m here. I’m standing
I changed into an extra shirt I had brought to the agreed spot, I received a text from my date saying she was going to be running late. I decided to wait for her by the outside seating area. Waiting nervously, I began to assume every woman walking up to the tea shop may be my date. Eventually a girl waved at my direction. I began to believe this was my date. I got up and waved back with a charming smile; however, I noticed the girl continued to walk past me to the group of girls sitting near me. I embarrassingly sat back down and continued to wait for my date. After waiting for about an hour, I began to have second thoughts. Should I head home and call bail, I reached for my phone and received a text from my date saying she would be there soon, so I decided to wait a little longer. Soon enough, a I nervously stood up and greeted her. We approached the register and ordered our food and drinks. No seats were available inside, so we headed back outside. We exchanged pleasantries and talked about how our days had
I started to rethink the whole thing—not just because of his age, but because I didn’t think we would have anything in common. I hate math, and engineers are all about numbers. What
cute guy stand up and walk toward me. Renee disappeared from my side as he got closer.
Katie
each other, the more comfortable we became. swapped many stories regarding how stupid people can be when ordering their food.
blind date experiment was proposed. When we started to develop the idea, I mentioned to Elizabeth, the Literature Editor and engineering major, that she should set me up anything. But, imagine my surprise when I get a Facebook message exclaiming “Katie! The
things about him, and he did his best to explain
idea of a blind date, but I’ll admit that when I learned I was going on a date with an attractive engineering student, I got a little nervous. Then, Elizabeth told me that he was super nervous, and that calmed me a bit. When planning the date’s location, I asked
that I didn’t mind as long as the guy doesn’t
girls peeing on the curb outside of the club.
FEATURE
him gas money and pay his cover charge when they go out because he is always the designated driver. He told me that the only description of me that he was given was that I had braided hair—something that I laughed at because I haven’t braided my hair in years. I explained to him that I was told that he was “the shirtless guy” but not in a douchey way. I was told that he was a nice Shirtless Guy. We talked about the sports we liked, him: football and track and
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Renee
Hands apprehensively shoved in the pockets of about the thrills of roller coasters, hiking, and Eventually, we both got hungry and decided to my pink pea coat, I scanned the pub for my blind detective work. We got into a type of game where we took get some sushi. I realized that I had driven Renee date. The only thing I knew about him was that turns asking each other questions about Lord of and knew that she didn’t want to be left alone. I we had mutual friends, his name was Carl, and the Rings and Harry Potter (brush up on that elf explained to Shirtless Guy what the situation knowledge, Carl). When he asked me to tell him was, and we decided to invite Renee and her date someone call my name from the right. I looked something random, anything about myself, I did. along with us. That’s when things started to get and saw a man walking toward me—a man twice I told him I sometimes like to make costumes, awkward, sort of. I don’t know if it was because he my age and at least three times as hairy. Oh no. was hungry or really excited for sushi or because He was looking right at me. If I pretended to be he was nervous and weirded out that our blind waiting for somebody else, or hide, I could pull it usual weird self, made some jokes—almost all date had somehow morphed into an awkward double blind date, but his energy seemed to up. He was still coming at me, and before I could skyrocket. It was like he had chugged four Red think properly I began walking quickly towards made louder by the deafening silence around it. Then came the deal breaker. Katie and her Bulls in the time it took us to walk to get sushi. the women’s restroom. blind date asked if we wanted to join them for No, no, no! That’s not what happened. I know I don’t know if I have ever seen someone inhale sushi. Sushi is never unappealing, and while three plates of sushi that quickly, but it was kind that’s what you want from a blind date story walking there it occurred to me that maybe I of mind blowing. Looking back on it, he might though. Here’s what actually happened: should have told Carl I was on this date to write have just been nervous. We said goodnight after an article about it. He was probably wondering dinner, but he was nice enough to send me a text to Murphy’s secluded entrance, I entered the why my friend and her date were sitting in the pub and saw him: my date, sitting alone at a table when he got home. same pub as us. When we were with the others, facing the entrance as if waiting intently. Blinds he became substantially quieter. Then I thought, was a good one. I enjoyed meeting and getting nah. He didn’t ask and I didn’t want the fact to to know Shirtless Guy in the span of a couple of him and I could see he recognized me from my hours. I think I would consider doing it again description. His surprisingly handsome face During the dinner, Katie’s date was on the for the hell of it, if not in search of a romantic other side of the table just freaking out about connection. It was an interesting way to get to covered road. the sushi, something I found thoroughly know someone and by reading the other two entertaining. We talked about what music we date stories, I think that Shirtless Guy and I were in doing so, dropped his wallet out of his pocket. liked, then I mentored Carl on how to hold the only two who had a genuinely good time. I could tell he was already embarrassed, so I chopsticks, however it just isn’t something Will I see this Shirtless Guy again? Who knows? quickly bent down to retrieve it and for a brief you learn in 15 minutes. He tried sushi for the I can’t speak for him, but I would not object to moment saw at least two hundred dollar bills seeing him again, even if just on a friend level. peeking out of it. It was at that moment I knew: this was the man I was going to spend the rest of handle. Carl was a lovely guy, but I just didn’t Blind dating is weird, but I can dig it. feel a lasting connection, and I don’t think he my life with. No, it wasn’t like that either. This is how did either. I don’t know why I agreed to a blind date. the blind date really went, I promise. Instead, Actually, no. I do know why, and I did then. do with the rest of his life. I’m a kid too. All of Firstly, for the Union, and secondly, I wanted those people in there were just kids in a pub on to try it. So, now I know I’m not into this. The a Thursday night—all of us kids and all of us appeal of a blind date seems to be the surprise grappling for something. When we got to the bar, he awkwardly level—the appeal is strictly novelty. Needless but thought was polite anyway. Thanks to my I asked for a Belgian raspberry beer, which turned out to be the only beer of my life that didn’t taste like alligator phlegm. We sat at a table, giving questions and answers, and sipping in between. We spoke mainly about the past and the future and almost never of the present. Though he seemed like a calm guy, he talked
suppose I’ll be going on any others. I better enjoy dates with people I already know I like rather than have people set me up with someone they call “outdoorsy,” “artsy,” and “the one.”
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Athletics
Enter the Pipeline Words and Photos by Camille Hove During the month of January, professional surfers from the World Surf League (WSL) gather together to marvel at the wave that is Pipeline. Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, 30 men compete for the title. The wave itself is dangerous, thick, and surges over 20 feet on a small day. Pipeline is not for the average surfer, least of all the beginner. I squished my toes into the grainy sand— the kind that sticks, no matter how hard the Volcom signs, the Volcom House, and a parade of Brazilian clad asses. Do yourself a favor and Google “Brazillian bikini.” You can thank me later. I dragged my surf illiterate friend Ian down past the announcers tent and sat where the sun could tickle my shoulders. The professional surfers were sauntering past us with multiple boards under their
Grand Theft Award
By Miguel-Angel Garcia
at anyone who called out their names. “Yeah, you go Marco!” The man in question cameraman as he stretched and tied his leash onto his ankle. The cameraman was no doubt employed by the WSL, who liked to cover all activities by the surfers so they could smash it all into a video titled “highlights” for the event website. Ian laughed at the hair choices of the males walking around him. I laughed too, because it was quite funny to see the guys turn into small pancakes the second a wave washed over them. We were there on Friday, January 30, and it was technically a “lei” day—that’s a Hawaiian joke, in case you didn’t get it. It’s normally a “lay” day, meaning the waves or conditions are not good enough to host the contest.
Yo, it’s about that time. Not to bring the rhythm and the rhyme, but to bring to light the biggest NFL tragedy from last week. No, I am not talking about the Seahawks passing on the opportunity to win back-toback Super Bowls. I am here to write on the MVP award that was stolen from Texans defensive end/Tight End/Monster J.J. Watt. This guy is so unstoppable that even a poster
in American Football, the quarterback. Most people will say Aaron Rodgers is more valuable than Tony Romo. But why? Is it because Romo had Murray to run the ball? I understand that Aaron Rodgers plays the most important position, but even then there is evidence pointing to Tony Romo being more valuable to his team. Rodgers had two Pro-Bowl receivers to throw to (both of who had at least over 1200 receiving yards and more than 12 touchdowns) and Eddie Lacy, who only had 0.1 Yards-percarry less than Demarco Murray. In fact, if
We stayed a few hours watching the pros goof around on the 10-foot waves, eat shit in the barrel, and surface a few moments later, or be rescued by the nearby jet skis. On Saturday morning, we woke up early, checked online to see if the contest was on (IT WAS), and we booked it the hour to the North Shore from Waikiki Beach. It was and the waves looked a little better than the day before. It was still a shitty pipe, but the contest had to go on. I didn’t recognize anyone in the lineup and my phone wasn’t connecting to any WiFi, so I had no idea who was out there. I only came for one guy. I only ever come for one guy. I’ve raced from my house in Redondo Beach to Huntington to see him at the US Open three years in a row. I always make sure I catch him at Pipeline. John John Florence is the best rival Kelly
you add the passing yards of the number one quarterback and rushing yards of the number runningback on each team you will get this result: 5550 to 5520. Dallas beats Green Bay by a mere 30 yards. That is not a wide enough gap to conclude anything. “Well Miguel, BAY HAD A BETTER DEFENSE! And you know what; Green Bay had big names that actually produced, like Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers. Dallas had an over-achieving defense that would have faltered even more without the quarterback play of Tony Romo. Let us take this to a stats perspective. In a Romo v. Rodgers matchup Tony takes: better completion percentage, average yards per pass, touchdown percentage, quarterback rating, and guess what, he also won the fabled game IN Seattle. Yes, he helped his team win a game in the land where the Seahawks have gone 22-2. Rodgers has: more touchdown passes and technically passing yards. He also has four fewer interceptions, beats Romo by 1.1 INT% points, took one less sack and
Slater has seen since Andy Irons, and you can bet a cow’s hide that he’s going to win the world title this year. During the Surfer Poll in December, John John squeezed into the number one spot, leaving Kelly in sloppy seconds. With his fresh and creative style, the world is eager to see how much John John has, and what aerial he’s going to come up with next. I sat on the beach, waiting to spot him, run and hug him hello like any gushing girl my trip to Hawaii perfect. But alas, I did not see my dearly beloved and left that day quite melancholy. It wasn’t until I was back home
to go, man. Next time I’ll be waiting on shore to congratulate you.
lost 41 yards less on those sacks. That is how Rodgers (who I still believe is the best QB in the league) won his second MVP award—by not bad doing things. It is a shame that J.J. Watt can turn in one of the most memorable seasons in a lifetime and voters won’t think too much of it because you turn in 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, passes defended (four more than the next (two defensive and three receiving) and
that you deserve SOME slack?! The player who had a more impressive and memorable season was J.J. Watt. No man was more entertaining. He required opposing coaches to focus on stopping him as much as any quarterback, and that he was not even considered is indeed tragic.
Athletics
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In the Swim of Things Documentary highlights athletic role models Touch The Wall, directed and produced by Christo Brock and Grant Barbeito, is a documentary following Olympic swimmers Missy Franklin and Kara Lynn Joyce. Documenting their journey starting in 2010 through to their races at the 2012 Olympics relationship while touching upon the constant struggles between values, success, struggles, growth, and grit. Christo Brock sat down with Union Weekly Athletics for an
Interview By Joel Martinez
body says “Ok, I’m out of energy, I’m gonna hold a reserve (to protect our organs) and so when it feels like we’re out of energy, there is in actuality a small reserve left, and that is what champions can tap into. Missy has that ability, and at nationals, Missy crushed at the 100m freestyle and in the 100m backstroke. I have some footage where she talks about how much it hurts and how she doesn’t think that she can make it work, but she thinks about everything that brought her to where she is
its messages. Union Weekly: First of all, what inspired Christo Brock: Well, Grant and I were story to tell, and Grant had a friend who said, “Hey, I got this swimmer, and you should UW CB thought it was a fourteen-year-old swimmer, and even if she was really good, I don’t know if there’s a story there. So Grant went out to Colorado on business and he met this 14-yearold girl and told me, “You know, I really think and then we just kind of started shooting. UW: When did Kara Lynn Joyce come into CB: Kara Lynn came in April 2011, but we were still focused on Missy, who’d broken some age group records even as a 12-yearold. Summer 2011, she swam at Santa Clara (which isn’t in the movie) and she came in second in the 100M freestyle. Then she we started saying “Well, there’s a 14-yeardidn’t know how good she truly was. It was after that meet where Missy introduced us to Kara Lynn, and that’s where we met her. When the two of them went the World Championships, that’s where Missy really established herself. UW: So you really knew you had a story when she did well at the World CB Alto. In an earlier cut, we talked more about how everybody was tired, but the champions there’s nothing left. Marathoners have a term
her. Of course, it helps that she doesn’t like to lose, but that’s the thing that’s so odd with Missy, in that she is someone who in the pool will rip your guts out and beat you pretty much every time, but as soon as the race is over, she’s all hugs and saying, “Oh, that was
on. Lebron James, Tiger Woods, Michael you rely on interesting turn of events, and as everybody, and for whatever reason part of it means thinking you’re better than everybody. Missy doesn’t have that. In fact, she’s quite the opposite. She’s very humble and she’s almost afraid of being in the spotlight. UW: Is that why you put in that scene where she forcefully denies she’s not famous CB: Yes. When she got back from London, the governor of Colorado called up the Franklins and said, “We’d like to have a
we’re trying hard not to change reality. Kara’s really important, and in some ways, the story is more about Kara than Missy. Missy is one of those superstar athletes who has nothing but success. It’s harder to relate to someone like Missy because very few of us actually have that superstar talent. Kara has talent too but Kara’s someone that’s a lot easier to identify with. She struggles, and she’s not perfect teeth and a great smile and is really
“I don’t wanna do it unless you invite all the other Olympians in the state. I’ll stand up there with everybody else, but not just
come back from London. There were people up there that no one will ever recognize, but you could see some of the other athletes going up there and they were so proud. Missy had shared the spotlight with these people because she knows being an Olympian is an awesome accomplishment, and we should all have that adulation. UW CB: Well, I hoped Missy would do well, go to the Olympics, and win a couple gold medals. We had no idea that we would have this other story that would blend together and that the two of them would make it to the Olympics together and Missy would become the star of the Olympics. When you make a
these sports stars and you’re like “I wanna grow up to be these people! These people you’re like “….maybe they’re not the best role model. Some of them kind of suck but they’re as kids idolize. There are millions of young girls who look up to Missy who haven’t had this kind of role model to look up to before. We really look for them in athletes. The world needs more heroes like Missy who have the strong values of compassion and morality. UW: Anything else you would d like
strong when everyone else is fading—that’s have what Kara had, which is heart and grit. And then, this beautiful thing happened between them, too. Missy is an only child, she never had a sister. Kara needed something new. They found each other, and Missy looks at Kara kind of as a surrogate older sister who taught her how to deal with the pressures. UW: What was the main goal in this message that you want people who watch CB: Well, there’s always multiple messages in there, but the ONE thing that I think I would like people to go home with is the idea that it’s okay to be nice to people. Just because you’re competing against somebody else doesn’t mean that you can’t respect them and honor them for being a fellow competitor like you. I’m a big sports fan who grew up
CB: I guess more of the micro messages would be aimed more towards women. The
and in some ways is really made for women, was made by a bunch of guys. But we hope this speaks to young female athletes. We had a reaction early on where someone watched old daughter and the daughter’s comments were “Gee, Dad. Looking at that old footage of Missy where she wasn’t that good of a swimmer, I realized, ‘She wasn’t a good swimmer at one point.’ Like me! And she Missy as inspirational. For more information on screenings, the
14
Music
Makin’ a Splash
By Alecks Ramos
A recap of Katy Perry’s half-time performance at the Super Bowl
Illustration by Mariha Lowe
The Super Bowl halftime show has brought us some of the best musical performances of all time. Katy Perry was set to be the star of the show this year and her set was solid. Her performance was on point and the props and costumes gave each song character, even when some of those were wacky. I mean, she did look like a Hot Cheetos bag riding a Power Rangers’ megazord during her first song. The show was safe, wholesome, and family friendly. Katy didn’t wear anything too revealing or perform any songs that were too raunchy (see also: California Girls). This makes sense given what the NFL has been through over the past year though. They’ve faced controversy
The late 1990s also made an appearance at the halftime show in the form of Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot. They electrified and pumped up the show in a way Katy couldn’t. You can’t deny that Missy got you out of your seat and dancing like it was 2003. I know I sound biased for saying that but I grew up with Lenny and Missy. No hard feelings, Katy. It was definitely a fun halftime show. I loved seeing Kravitz and Elliot alongside Katy. As ridiculous as the offbeat dancing sharks were, they were exactly what we needed during a boring Super Bowl game with unnecessarily emotional commercials. Their shenanigans brought us together, even if it was just for a few minutes before the game started up again.
after controversy, so a noncontroversial halftime show is just what they needed to keep people off their backs. Unfortunately, the show did cause some controversy. Katy was joined on stage by a couple of dancers while she was performing “Teenage Dream.” The moves they displayed were bold and daring in a way nobody had ever seen before. The style and charisma of these dancers won over the hearts of
millions across America. Yes, I am talking about the sharks. The sharks—along with the palm trees and the beach balls—were ridiculous. They were whimsical and offbeat the whole time, but none was quite like Left Shark. Left Shark nonchalantly did the dance completely wrong and that’s okay. I’m sure we can forgive Left Shark.
“The style and charisma of these dancers won over the hearts of millions across America.”
Entertainment
Perception vs. Reception Discussing the portrayal of PTSD in American Sniper Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper is being hailed as an accurate portrayal of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and those undone any goodwill in that area.
interstitial moments between the tours that show how the war is still with Kyle at home. These moments are simple and often audio based. The strongest scene like this was when Kyle was at an auto-repair shop with his son. The sound of a mechanic removing the bolts
SPOILER ALERT shows Kyle kissing his wife goodbye and telling his children he loves them. Kyle’s wife remarks how far he has come and how he is a good husband and father. It’s entirely farewell since he is soon to die. When Kyle is shown walking to his truck and meeting the The scene is shot from his wife’s perspective showing her as suspicious and distrusting
“The audience never sees Kyle directly dealing with his trauma...”
and the audience is made to remember an incident where he watched a child be tortured by a man with a drill. Kyle never talks about these
dog at a picnic that his wife suggests he go to the Veteran’s Hospital for treatment. The doctor doesn’t actually suggest that Kyle undergo any treatment for what he is
despite knowing nothing about him. That scene ends with a description on the screen about how Chris Kyle was killed that day by the disturbed veteran.
that Kyle and others are shown as dealing with and moving past. Kyle’s killer never gets
to volunteer his time with other victims of PTSD. The audience never sees Kyle directly with other veterans who have physical
comparison to how it is dealt with.
These characters are humanized and treated with care even though they are only a small
Editor’s Note: To hear more of Andrew’s thoughts on movies, listen to his podcast Nerd’s Eye View on iTunes or at www.nevpodcast.com.
By Andrew Linde
15
16
Lifestyle
Feels Like the First Time Reminiscing the loss my virginity By Anonymous
Don’t judge me, but I was only 15! I had no idea what I was getting into, even after hearing loose talk about other peoples’ hookups and lies about hookups. It all seemed the same— pants and let her “spread ’em.” Well, this was it; we were back at my place, no one home, and I thought I would be such a pro from watching all of those online videos. Not even 30 seconds into making out with this girl, I was fully “torque” and ready to do it. She noticed where I was going with this
ed portion of a class I had been taking during that year. Lucky me, right? Well, yes. But I had no idea where
“The next thing I know, in what seemed to be in the blink of an eye, we were skin-to-skin in all regions.”
know, in what seemed to be in the blink of an eye, we were skin-to-skin in all regions.
was like trying to hit the bullseye of a dartboard while blindfolded. I had my eyes open and I was overly aroused,
time! I always thought that the “motion of the ocean” saying was just something to console those who aren’t blessed with big packages—I was wrong. I mean, I had the time of my life as a 15-year-old high school kid, while she probably felt very ashamed, even up to this day.
Literature
Odes to Love From My Heart to You By Anonymous
Let me explain because I meant what I said. It took a while to get used to each other’s ways, Like your fascination with popping my pimples almost every day, Even if you do that I’m still no better Because my hand is perpetually going up your sweater. I’m not sorry for all of my ups and downs and a mind hard to decipher, And I’m sure you aren’t sorry for your trigger happy temper. It made the last couple of years go quite fast and gave us quite enough to remember. Time has brought us closer and I feel free when I am with you. I cannot imagine my life without you.
As we grow up and begin our lives, inseparably forever, I want you to know that you never have to change as long as we’re together. them wonderful All I continue to ask is that you stop handing me those boogers. I want you to know that if you get a job in Timbuktu, I’ll pack my bags to leave with you. And if you want to wear the pants it’s no problem, Since you have the bigger bottom. Though we come from worlds apart, you will always have my heart Brown and beautiful as they say, I’m so glad that you are mine today So don’t think that when times get rough, we’re through Because I’m the other part of you.
17
Illustration by Claire DeWilde
Looking Out of Faith February 14th is Leap Day for the By Bailey Mount Pessimist I look at you. I look at you and I see the way the world has tossed you aside. For so long, my vision was so clear. So pristine. My eyes were stained glass windows, fragile and beautiful, his image mingling with that of the saints. They are now stained with the ashes of unwanted memories.
and burned the love from my veins. For a brief year, I held the naïve promise of forever in my grasp. My heart was light as the heart of a child, his world intertwined in mine like the clasped hands of lovers. It is now a memorial to what once was.
time, I look someone in the eye and I hold In your eyes, I see a dim hope. In your voice, a quiet excitement. am curious. I look at you. I look at you and now,
By Mario Lopez
Other halves, my hand waits moored On a pencil, a thought-crutch For crushed hearts. An arc sawed In, drawing them in. Papers Before me, cannot sustain The light glares from my eyes. Clouds Part to remind me to wake Up. Jolt from my desk, un-starved Of the sun. Step out the door And I see February Fifteen. Still they hold their hands So I go back to the lines
Concealing days in success That will satiate desires To leave this seat of despair.
18
Travel
Cancun-a Matata The beauty in traveling south of the border By Joseph Phillips
I went to Cancún for a week during winter break, and it turned out to be my favorite trip of all time. We went to Chichén Itzá, one of the world wonders, which has swimmable underground rivers and jungle ziplines to name a few awesome things to see and do while you are down there. My girlfriend and I went on the trip with another couple, and instead of getting an expensive hotel, we pooled our money for a two-bedroom suite with views of the ocean and lagoon at a place called Malecón Suites Torre Vancouver for about 1,000 dollars. That was for seven nights, and the place came with a washer, dryer, functioning kitchen and the rest of the things you would have at home. Not only that, but the place was right next to a mall that had a grocery store and everything else you need on vacation. There is a touristy area of Cancún called the Zona Hotelera, and to tell the truth, we hardly went over there except to visit the bright blue beaches for which the city is known. Instead, we spent a good deal of time in the downtown area of the city and got to experience the awesomeness of its plaza where everyone meets at night to have some of the best al pastor tacos.
Food in Cancún—if you are smart and stay away from glitzy restaurants—averages You can get a sizable torta for little over the amount of a US dollar. When you consider that, and the price of a good torta in the US, it blows your mind. The Zona Hotelera will rip stands or other smaller shacks along the road. What is funny is often time the water bottles are more expensive than the food. In terms of driving around, I chose a compact rental car, which was much nicer than my real car and only cost 500 dollars for the duration of the trip. I am very grateful that I chose a rental car because it enabled me to drive myself all throughout the region. The roads outside of the city are very safe and easy to navigate as there are no clear street signs, but rather names of places towards which you are heading. It is hectic as hell navigating through a city like Cancún, but once you get your bearings, you just need to watch out for Chichén Itzá was a mere hour and a half away by toll road. It was totally worth the drive, and the Mayan pyramid was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. At the same site,
you can see the location where they used to play Poktapok, a Mayan version of soccer or hipball. Not only that, the site is completely surrounded by jungle, which hides other ruins. Another ancient Mayan site that I would recommend if you make the trip is a place called Tulum which appears on many postcards displaying the Mayan Riviera. It is located on go to just steps from where one of the biggest trading sites once was. If you love history and beaches, then this would be heaven for you. Another fact that I want to mention is the couple of places or theme parks called Xcaret and Xplor. What sets the two apart is that Xcaret is a more laid back setting where you can swim through cenotes or underground or relax on the beach with a cocktail. Xplor is like entertainment. To put it more bluntly, you have to sign a waiver when you enter Xplor. The attractions were awesome and included ziplining through Mayan jungle, paddling on an underground river that has bats, and riding an ATV really fast through caves—oh, and did I mention that most of the place is in a cave? Mexico is my most favorite place to visit in
the world, and I love the country and travelling are always so scared to go down south, but I can tell you that in the many times that I have been, there has never been a time when I have felt unsafe—except maybe when I was speeding through a jungle attached by just a harness. In all seriousness, I would recommend learning Spanish before you travel—at least beginner’s level—so you can speak to the awesome people who live there and have some pretty cool stories and advice. My own advice to anybody travelling anywhere in the world is to keep in mind that while you are a tourist in a country
acts like they own the place. Enjoy Mexico and the beauty it has, and remember to respect the culture and people you are visiting.
Traveling to Cancún with his girlfriend made Joseph’s trip to different spots even more worth while (above)
Food
Bea on a Budget
By Beatriz Villa
Inexpensive Valentine’s Day dinner ideas
Illustration By John Calhoun
Let’s face it—well thought-out plans are way better than hooty-tooty expensive gifts. Wouldn’t you rather be surprised with beautiful actions that show you are loved than be given an expensive, shiny necklace? If you wouldn’t, get outta here. I have no need to speak to the likes of you. If you would, kind and your special someone to express your love in an immaterialistic way. One morning, about a year or so ago, my boyfriend took me to the beach for a surprise picnic. It was about 8am by the time we got to Huntington Beach and damn do I hate waking up early, but I was with him so it was okay. He pulled out a blanket and laid it out so we could sit. He began to pull out food from his backpack. He had packed all my favorite jam, BUTTER (l love butter), raspberries, and bacon. Everything was still pretty hot too. The thought of him waking early just to make food for me made me feel special. It made me feel like I was someone he wanted to go out
of his way for. That says more than a silly bangle bracelet ever could. So for Valentine’s Day this year, I want to make my boyrfreind something special. I’ve told him I do not want to go out. He works. I work. Going out to a crowded restaurant, which will be overfed with millions of people leeching onto my space and sucking my air, seems rather aggravating and not at all romantic. Instead, I am going to cook him delicious carbonara. If you would also like Carbonara, here what the recipe calls for: • • • • • • • •
8 egg whites 1 bag of spaghetti pasta 1/2 a red onion, chopped uncooked diced bacon 1/2 cup of cilantro Grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon of salt
salt to the water once it boils. 2. 3. Once the bacon grease lightly coats the pan, add the chopped onions. Let these simmer together for four minutes. pasta is cooked, stream it, and put it in a large bowl. It is crucial you make sure the pasta is hot: Do not rinse it out. 5. Add the eggs and mix them into the pasta well. If the pasta is too thick, add a little olive oil to loosen it up. 6. Use the strainer again to drain the excess eggs if needed. 7. Add the bacon and onions. Mix them into the pasta. 8. Lightly season with pepper and plate and add cilantro to the middle of the pasta as garnish.
HOT or
NOT The best and worst of Instagram’s #foodporn
HOT By Bianne Jones Hawaian Pasta? That sounds amazeballs! In the picture you can see the traditional diced ham and pinapple, which go on the pizza. Whoever thought of this idea is a sexy food genius. I vote this #foodporn a hot Insta post.
1. Begin by putting water to boil. Add
The Breakfast Grub
19
By Georgia Canareé
Coffee Cup Café keeps your tummy and wallet happy So, you wake up in the morning feelin’ like your will to be productive is even lower than usual because it is the weekend. You want breakfast but you don’t want to make it, so what are you left to do? You go to your nearest breakfast diner.
many people are in there during their busy hours. Even the wait is pleasurable because a table gets unoccupied. Customer service is everything entitled people dream of honestly, and for the amount of food you get, it’s very kind to your wallet.
Street. It’s a Saturday morning, and I walk with a spring in my step down my street, full homes with kids playing in the front yard like in suburbs you see in indie movies. The
people know what breakfast food dreams are made of. They brought out big platters full of the pictures on IHOP menus, for less money.
even though I should have eaten at home. How many other breakfast spots give you that feelin’? That’s what I thought. One thing that does hurt a little bit is how early this place closes. Sorry night-owls, don’t stop by with the drunchies hoping for some chocolate chip pancakes at 3am like you would at a Denny’s, because these folks close at 3am on Saturdays. I know. I have made that drunken mistake before, and it is much more heartbreaking than kissing the ugly fuckboy at the party right before you got the drunchies. Sigh.
an indie movie, with its glass windows, and wooden tables. Totally about that cute diner/ the wait is never more than 15 to 20 minutes, which is impressive considering just how
for a good start to your day. I’ve been there a shitload of times and always go home feeling guilt-free for spending money on breakfast,
NOT By Michael Honey I sincerely do not understand why someone would post this culinary crap on Instagram. I can only hope this is not intended to be a Valentine’s Day surprise. The image of this failed chef
Fajita Omelette for all you egg lovers like me. what looks like Shrek’s diarrhea is just plain depressing.
Volume 76 Issue 4
Monday, February 9, 2015
LBUNION.COM
DISCLAIMER: It feels good to be on top... Hobby Lobby in the Mazzerati. Split that money up in eight ways like I’m an octopus. My diamond wet like I bought ‘em from a squid. Diamond shinin’ like corrn on the cob. The bitch so bad, call her ticket ‘cause I really wanna meter. This page is satire/parody and does not represent ASI nor the CSULB campus. Submit articlez to grunion@lbunion.com.
Kitty Kitty, You Katy Something Cokey My Perry This Way Comes
I love cats; they are my life. With out the purring beauty of the furry kittens with mittens, I am sure I would parish. But to be honest, my real passion by Belinda Jenner is not for the animal, but for its food. I love to eat cat food—wet and dry. I enjoy a nice, moist container of Friskies after I brush my teeth, before bed. I eat Purina Kibble as a snack through out the day, keeping it stored in zip-lock bags in
my purse, glove compartment, and behind my toilet. I have developed many different ways of eating my kitty food. Some of which you might have heard of. Pussy Snacks refreshing meal replacements that all humans can nibble. Do you like spam wasubi? I have created a similar dish with Purina Cat Chow. I have decided to take my recipes and publish them in a cookbook. Please note that my Pussy Snacks are currently undergoing investigation, and are not “federally” approved for human consumption.
Recently, research has determined that Coca-Cola is adding fermented bean paste as a main ingredient of their popular beverage. When asked why, CocaCola president, P. Bear, by Condie Rises stated the beans created a natural, inexpensive way to not only increase but also sustain the carbonation levels in the drink. “We [Coca-Cola Inc.] are interested in created the best product for our customers. Our scientists have been
experimenting with a lot of gassy foods, and have concluded fermented beans as the answer the coke problem. Experiments that were conducted on lab mice proved their hypothesis and the mice lived longer, gassier, lives. That is what we want for our loyal customers.” Interestingly enough, the mice have grown five inches. Scientists are looking into the unusual growth. P. Bear also wanted to comment that the ice caps are really melting and to please recycle all bottles.
INSIDE
SINGER SIA IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER FREAK CHANDELIER ACCIDENT
FOUNDER OF PITCHFORK DISCOVERS YET ANOTHER PITCHFORK
LOCAL BASEBALL PLAYER IS NEITHER LOCAL, NOR A PLAYER
CASE STUDY FINDS BULLIES’ PUNCHES TO BE “SUPER EFFECTIVE”