Intro
3
“Erm. You... are in great danger!” Issue 75.5 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 Rose Feduk, Illustration Editor rosef.union@gmail.com Abdallah Seoud, Assistant Art Director abdallah.seoud@gmail.com
By Molly Shannon There are times when I hate every single person/thing in the world and want to lock myself in my bedroom and watch David Lynch
Illustration by Rose Feduk
In addition, I also had a handful of deeply moving conversations with friends, colleagues,
I would still recommend a psychic reading to
Michael Tewasart, Assistant Art Director tewasartm@live.com
beautiful beyond description and that anything
Truc Nguyen, Web Manager web@lbunion.com
Sorry if it sounds like that sentence was pulled straight from a John Green novel, but I’ve had
with a few pals from the
of my classes consisted of the most fascinating discussions I’ve been a part of in a while, and I’m going to sound like a complete stoner when
the experience certainly invigorated a part in
PS: Also, try
slightly therapeutic; maybe it was because I had eaten too many Twix bars right before
to express yourself, whether it be through nonvisual communication like art, exercise, or
it felt good to talk with someone who almost
about whatever you may be going through with friends, family, or an outside source—you’ll see
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
Go get your chakras aligned or something,
about everything from power to class, race, gender, Marxism, feminism—the works—and
conversation remind us as humans that we are not perfect, and we’ll never know everything— there’s always going to be more to learn, more
, as you will Molls to remember
to keep
to confront and get in touch with my emotions, and because this experience was so foreign to me, I was reminded once again that there is
Katie Cortez, Entertainment Editor entertainment@lbunion.com Sam Winchester, 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 Alecks Ramos, Vanessa Moore, James Tran, Codi Georges, Sasha Schoen, John Smith, Marco Beltran, Ethan Baker, Jacob Barnes, Katherine Christine, German Rodriguez, Kathy Santilli, Rachel Vretas, Karen Wells
CONTACT US Long Beach, CA 90815 E-mail: info@lbunion.com
Follow us @UnionWeekly
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
4
Opinions
Midterm Elections
By Micheal Wood
Go beyond the ballot, get up and vote This past Friday, the world witnessed one of the greatest exercises in democracy and popular franchise in recent history. In the nation of Scotland, 85 percent of all eligible voters came out to vote on the fate of their
preparing for our classes, earning money for our bills or simply getting some desperately needed sleep. However, in a fantastic twist of irony, those who legitimately do not have the time to vote tend to be the people who are
them to begin again as an independent nation. Never before has a proposal of this magnitude, an exercise in the right of self determination been so spirited and hotly contested, yet also orderly and peaceful. Knowing that 85 percent of eligible Scottish voters came out to make a momentous decision makes our own democracy pale in comparison. We also have an election coming up just around the corner. The 2014 midterms are here and beginning to ramp up in this country. While State Assembly races may bore the hell out of even the most dedicated political junkie, there is a lot more to this upcoming election than that. In this state, we have what is known as the initiative process that allow laws to be passed by a popular majority, by people like you and me, bypassing the often gridlocked
The youth will live most of their adult lives under these laws and the working poor are in state funding. These two groups of people are likely to turn out for an invigorating presidential election
“Twenty minutes in the polling station is 20 minutes that we are unable to spend preparing for our classes, earning money for our bills or simply getting some desperately needed sleep.�
typically deliver the laws. This year, we are compelled to make choices on things such as prison reform, health insurance pricing, K-12 funding and better protection for victims of and the lives of people we care about. all but the presidential elections, and that to take the time to research the issues, get to the polls and make the right decisions simply because of how overworked most of us are. Twenty minutes in the polling station is 20 minutes that we are unable to spend
progress to improve their lives when initiatives to do so are on said ballot, but due to lack of omnipresent information There is a greater tendency to ignore midterms. Prop 30 is an impressive display of populist student power that ended up pushing back the tuition hikes that hounded us and drove us deeper and deeper into debt
c r i s i s — h o w e v e r, that was during a presidential election, not a midterm. When we embrace our democratic duty in all elections, not just the presidential ones and come to the polling same corrupt folks beholden to the rich but we have also done the great service of taking them out of the equation and voting for certain laws ourselves. The great element of democracy in California is not choosing leaders who later stab us in the back, it is in choosing our own laws directly and bypassing the cesspool known as Sacramento. So if you choose to embrace your role as the citizen of a democracy and if you choose to make a stand for your own self determination, remind yourself what is possible. The people of Scotland used their democratic process to
consider fully whether or not they wanted to remain part of the UK. While we may have no such referendum on our ballots, we can embrace the same sort of power this very year to make insurance cheaper, to hold doctors accountable for their mistakes, to guarantee funding for the schools that led us here and
to make our justice system less vindictive and more compassionate. There is no one decisions about our communities and our families than ourselves. We must not dodge these decisions;we must embrace them.
Opinions
Who’s In Your Wallet?
5
By Heather Sandburg
Millions of credit cards imperiled with Home Depot hack store’s negligence. Like other stores, Home
of a breach and add onto the recovery time
systems and take measures to combat this information breach in light of the Target
Only then, the companies hacked take the blame and shell out millions in damage control: reimbursement of credit card fraud,
Shopping at stores is a basic part of any lifestyle. Food, clothing, shelter, and
compromising nearly 56 million credit cards. breach on September 8 that compromised 56 million credit cards. The source of the
government
takes
concerning
security
information since April to the beginning customer’s credit card information. The compromised: a failure to use an updated security system. With the age of technology, retail store
joined Target in being victims of hacking. No that is incorrect, the true victims of
There needs to be stricter security measures have taken admirable precautions, but in this age, security measures must evolve in order to protect customers. The customers deserve more than just a free year of credit
This isn’t enough! We live in an age of evolving technology. Many depend on that these advancements are made, I recommend recent breach. To access this service, you can homedepot.com, for more information. It is evident that retailers, store and online, need to update the security measures in their system. Companies seek to do
If a credit card is compromised, it can take
little to alert or properly prevent the hacks.
years to repair.
both the credit card company’s response and the damage done by the hacker. For a college student like myself, the damage done by a
purchases,and perhaps, just use cash.
Mother Trucker Student’s anger at parking goes into overdrive By Kathy Santilli Illustration by Rose Feduk Parking at CSULB can be a frustrating event of the semester. Sadly, students pay a good chunk of money for a parking permit or, as I like to call it, a parking opportunity. That being said, imagine my surprise
truck so close to my car that I had to get in on the passenger side. So the rest of this little narrative is ginormous truck:
earth killing monster eight inches from my parking space. I slid my compact car into that space faster than a cheetah on the hunt, and then took the shuttle up to the library feeling That didn’t last long. I got back to my car about four hours later
driver’s seat, then climb over the console to of anything or anyone but YOURSELF, you
I mention I drive a Honda coupe? My only
So, if you come out to Lot 14 one day and that big piece of crap you call a truck is keyed
As for MYSELF, due to your idiocy, I had to enter my vehicle through the passenger side, turn on the car so I could slide back the
live and send you my chiropractic bill. My
you. You brought this upon yourself. Have a nice day.
6
Community
State of the Beach
By Vanessa Moore and Veronica Craft
The cool things you could be doing in LBC and CSULB the Beach Pride Programs page.
Students checking out stands at one of last semester’s Farmers’ Markets CSULB Farmers’ Market Introduced for the first time last year, the Farmers’ Market held on campus has always been a huge success. With a variety of different vendors selling everything from fruits and veggies to hummus and pita, Farmers’ Market provides students with an assortment of healthy options and a reprieve from the other food establishments
on campus. If you are craving delicious and nutritious food, or have yet to experience one of these Farmers’ Markets, stop by the first one of the semester this Wednesday, September 24. Hosted by ASI Programming Board and the LA City Farm, it will be take place between 10am and 2pm at the west end of the SS/PA building. For more information, call (562) 985-2535, or consult
Balance at the Beach
If you know anything about health and mental, you must be aware of the fact that getting in touch with your body plays an important factor in achieving happiness. But, if you know anything about me, you know that I can never manage to get my ass to the gym, let alone get excited about it. Well, imagine my surprise when I took a little trip to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) last week and discovered they have a boatload of cool events coming up! Yep, that’s right! You no longer have to settle for SPIN or Zumba when you decide to “switch it up!” In fact, there’s an event that can help you become a more spiritual person every day of the week—even more, all of them are pretty relaxing, too. Wait, what? Did I say “relaxing?” At the SRWC?! Yes, sir or ma’am, and it’s all part of the SRWC’s Beach
Rejuvenating events held at the SRWC By Zack Falcon
Shakespeare Aloud: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Everyone should experience the beauty of Shakespeare a few times in their lives. If you have yet to do so, then Shakespeare Aloud: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is definitely a wonderful experience worth having. On Saturday, September 27, Shakespeare Aloud will host an 11am live reading of Romeo and Juliet which will take place at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Everyone is more than welcome to come to this free event, and listen to the wonders of Shakespeare being performed aloud. You can stand in as one of the famous characters and read their story aloud without having to audition. If you have a desire to listen, read, and/ or breathe Shakespeare, then join in the experience. For those who are looking to read, arrival time is 10:45am so the sign-up for characters can begin. Copies of the play can be provided for a few, but if you have your own, please bring it with you—what
Meditation Mondays, Spa Water Tuesdays, Wii Wednesdays, and Safe Sex Fridays. Meditation Mondays is pretty self-explanatory—from time to “collect yourself and relax” during an evening meditation season. Spa Water Tuesdays sounds expensive, but don’t worry,
better way to understand Shakespeare than to read it aloud with the community? Long Beach Comic Con An explosion of pop culture, art, comic books, cosplay, and so much more is coming to the Long Beach Convention Center on Saturday, September 27 through Sunday, September 28. The Long Beach Comic greets with some of your favorite people from illustrators to celebrities. There will be guest signings, merchandise vendors, amazing programs and events, and plenty of opportunities to take photos with some fantastic cosplayers. It’s also great for kids and adults alike. If you can’t contain your love for comics and pop culture, then come share it with everyone at the Long Beach Comic Con. For more information on ticket prices for the weekend and times for the convention, you can visit the website: longbeachcomiccon.com
Anytime between 10:00am and 8:00pm on Wii Fit Wednesday, you can challenge your friends or complete strangers to virtual sports games and competitions. I recommend this day because even though you are technically exercising, it actually feels like you’re simply playing a video game amongst friends! Black magic, I’m telling you. Finally, there’s Safe Sex Fridays, when you can stop by Beach Balance and help yourself to free condoms, no questions asked. But, I’m sure they always welcome personal inquiries about practicing safe sex, so go ahead and feel free to ask SRWC employees your most intimate questions! I’m sure they’ll appreciate your thirst for knowledge. Anyway, I hope I have enlightened you all. Until then, I’ll see you at Meditation Monday...ommmmmm.
“The SRWC’s Beach Balance program. . . offers events such as Meditation Mondays, Spa Water Tuesdays, Wii Wednesdays, and Safe Sex Fridays.” it’s been included in your tuition—between 10am and 8pm, you can enjoy complimentary and “check out everything else that Beach therapy, nutrition assessment and more!”
Athletics
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Shake It Off! Shake It Off! Dance classes at CSULB offer a fun way to exercise By Elizabeth Nguyen There are many ways to be active and get yourself moving. You can participate in a sport such as inter murals, or you can head to the Rec Center. If you don’t want to be active at school, you can ride your bike in your local park or take a jog along the beach. Or if you want to earn a couple of units on the side, you could always take the variety of Kinesiology
Check out the dance shows on television or look them up on YouTube. From start actions that seem to defy gravity. At the end, the dancers are breathing heavily. To those who are interested in learning the basics, try out the recreational dance
and I am currently enrolled in Country Although dance could be seen as an art form, it can also be seen as a form of exercise or physical activity. There is movement involved in all parts of the body—each step to a routine requires more than just a foot
these are recreational classes, so it’s not like you have to be experienced or know any complicated moves like those dancers on . You’re not going to be doing anything extreme like splits or
the dance. It is also possible to build up though. It’s pure fun while burning some
bored either, because of the combination of music and dances that Professsor Phillip Martin has in store. are mainly ballroom. From what I could remember, we learned the waltz, rumba, cha. Country dancing is touched upon too. You’ll get a taste of all sorts of styles. There are some that seem tough and some that are easier to pick up, but it’s all a matter of refreshment and energy from dancing, while
class learns a new form pretty much every day. They aren’t too hard to pick up, but
it’s possible to work up a sweat. The music is great to dance along with as well. With how clear the beat is, these routines are fun to dance along to. A favorite between my Tractors. It’s a great song to boogie to. If you choose to enroll in these classes next semester, it’s up to you if you go in alone or with a friend, but because these are social you’re super shy, drag a friend in with you.
work up a sweat and have fun.
8
Arts
Catwalk to Campus We are in the midst of arguably the most important season in fashion. Myriad events are taking place on the catwalk to later be translated by the masses on the high street. Just last week, Alexander Wang presented his Spring Summer ’15 collection. Of course, his design aesthetic and the ‘DNA’ of the label was shown again and proved to be a favorite among the loftiest individuals in fashion (read: Anna Wintour). Wang has a knack for taking sportswear, adding his genius ideas; and morphing them into luxurious clothing
one sighs at when seeing the price tag. His past collections have featured varsity sweatshirts combined with rich leather sleeves, mink wrapped sunglasses, and models strutting in knee high socks, reminiscent of a high school PE uniform (scene in Carrie, anybody?). I think we can credit Wang for the highly popular, current sport-luxe trend. Back to his latest collection, his ideas of combining striking neon colors, stripes, and familiar sportswear shapes all stemmed from the designer’s hankering for sneakers. Nike Flyknits gave reference to perforated and streamlined shoes, only to be matched with similar body-con dresses in captivating highlighter colors such as orange and yellow. The hype of this recent collection is soon to be followed by a major collaboration with European fast-fashion retailer, H&M. It will allow die-hard fans and mass consumers have a taste of Wang’s aforementioned chic
sportiness through the garments he designs, but with H&M’s attainable prices. The creative directors at Opening Ceremony and Rag & Bone, who recently showed in New York as well, shared this idea of paired back luxury clothing. Neon orange with motifs of black athletic stripes on jackets and dresses were my favorite from Opening Ceremony. Tank tops, t-shirts, and shorts
seen at both Opening Ceremony and Rag & Bone were styled from natural materials such as cotton, leather, and silk. It’s a favorite of mine to see designers displaying more casual and wearable garments for their collections, showing that high fashion is not all about frilly dresses and labor-intensive beading. Around my own school campus, I’ve been noticing students following a widespread trend of sporting common running shoes— not for athletic reasons, but as a fashion statement. Last year, during the Haute Couture shows, models on the runway for Chanel and Dior pranced around in running shoes. I think it’s captivating to see how a
By James Tran
and more innovative pieces I’m not capable of imagining. Then the buyer can complete the look with a pair of sporty kicks to express on campus.
designer’s prominent ideas shown on the runway can be quickly translated to the masses, truly showing that they really do For Wang’s collaboration with H&M? I’m predicting he’s created sweatshirts, bombers, track jackets (all with edgy twists),
A model turns down the runway in an Alexander Wang heel (far left), Wang’s Spring Summer ‘15 collection is showcased at NYFW (middle left), sport-luxe by Rag & Bone seen on stage before making its way onto the highstreet (left), an Opening Ceremony ensemble hangs on a young womam, readying her for next season (above)
FEATURE
9
Intro by Alfred Pallarca Image by Abdallah Seoud Words by Union Staff
Enlightening tales of psychic readings It seems the older we get, the faster time ticks forward. The future we once thought was so far away and out of reach is now here, extremely palpable and gearing towards us. With time moving so quickly, it seems fundamental that each and every step we make is the right one, because if not, our future just might lead to shambles. Perhaps, seeing or a person with divine powers is ideal to have on our side to warn us about possible dangers ahead our road and instruct us through our daily routine to ensure that every minute, every second of our life is spent wisely. Psychic readers seem to be popping out of every corner and on our silver screen if you just take your time to notice them. One stroll at Venice Beach, and one can see an ample amount of people posing as “future readers” ready at your visit to the Long Beach Pike can lead one with an encounter of a “psychic” eager to tell civilians about the next big earthquake. Several popular shows on several big networks also
showcase several of these “psychics” and their talents for our amusement. TLC’s Long Island Medium is possibly one of the more popular ones along with CBS’s drama series Medium, which is based on real life stories
abilities are real or not is crucial. It is possible some of them are real and some are posers profiting on people’s doubts. Those questions are definitely hard to answer, even with studies that have been done
DuBois. The reality show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has also featured DuBois in some of their episodes predicting the divorce of one of the main characters. The appearance and presence of these so-called psychics will not be apparent if only a minute amount of people entrust in them. However, hundreds and perhaps thousands of people rely and consult on several of these “gifted” people in regards to their everyday life. Believers confide in them about major issues and problems, ask for guidance for their future, and even find closure with a past relative as some claim to actually have the ability to talk to the deceased and pass messages from the other side. Surely, with an existence of a culture relying on a psychics’ capabilities to give answers to their worries—the question whether their
one thing is definite, it is innate in our nature to look for answers to some of our biggest questions and worries. We find them in any shape or form that comfort us, even if it will cost us and even if they are not guarantees. With that in mind, some of our staffers decided to take the matter into their own palms and commune a few different “psychics” to experience what goes through an actual spiritual reading.
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FEATURE
Sam Maduk Two Palms —
Degrassi: The Next Generation
FEATURE
Sabrina Hart Two Palms
Conclusion Tarot Cards
This lady was complete rubbish. psychic, and that it couldn’t be that team,
should be up to each and every
about because my mom does
in sorrow and misery. However, as the session went on, the woman worthwhile, an experience one side yet a very analytical side as
because there are supernatural explain. Essentially, in what we have experienced, the psychics did
she saw callouses on my hand and
Maybe their senses are enhanced in a way we can’t comprehend, which somehow enables them to
subscription, consult with her my every step, and entrust her with the
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12
Music
All Good in the Hood Looking back at early 2000s rap music Rap has come a long way since its birth as a genre more than 30 years ago. The genre’s sound and lyrics are more intricate and more complex than they’ve ever been. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, and Kanye West are pushing the boundaries of the genre and elevating it to a new level as an art form, but this wasn’t always the case. There was a time in the early 2000s (even still today) when rap was focused on highend cars, voluptuous women with rather large posteriors, and copious amounts of
jewelry. It was unashamedly hedonistic, and I am ashamed to say a younger version of me enjoyed this era of rap. How could I not enjoy it? It was loud and catchy in the best of ways. The beats were addictive and the lyrics were simple. I remember bobbing my head on impulse and rapping the hook by the end of the song. At the time, it was that easy to become interested in rap.
I think any 12-year old would want. It was about being independent and getting whatever one wanted by virtue of one’s swagger. It taught me that I could live in a mansion and have a Bentley, all while wearing an XXL basketball jersey with baggy jeans. If that’s not independence, then I don’t know what is. Unfortunately, most people don’t remember that era of rap as fondly as I do, and I can see why. It seemed to exist in its own time and space where the rules of
By Alecks Ramos
Illustration by Rose Feduk fashion and proper English grammar were nonexistent. And don’t get me started on how misogynistic and hedonistic it was. I cringe whenever I look back on it all. Still, I have a certain amount of love for rap from the early 2000s. It was a simpler form of rap for a simpler time in my life. And its music became more complex as my life became more complex. I still bump to Jay-Z’s Big Pimpin’ in my car from time to time, though.
The Ladies Strike Back Jenny Lewis and her celebrity posse take down sexism By Sam Winchester Earlier this summer, Jenny Lewis released the music video for her single Just One of the Guys featuring Anne Hathaway, Kristen Stewart, and Brie Larson. The song and video feel like a song from The Beach Boys (Lewis is shown in a pantsuit with a rainbow gradient, also on her guitar). In the video, Hathaway, Stewart, and Larson are done up as slimy dudes in mustaches and track suits, to which I must say—Kristen Stewart looks much
better as a dude. The song talks about the struggle for women wanting to be a part of a maletrying. More so than just female segregation, older women who have it even harder. Lewis which many have considered as a confession of fertility angst. However, she’s pointing out how older women who haven’t settled down
are often looked down upon. The music video aspires to be comical, with Anne Hathaway attempting (and failing) to break dance, and Kristen Stewart
for you, I’m not gonna pay for you / That’s
also sends out a positive message to people in general that women are stronger than what decades of misogyny have made us believe.
said, I am beyond pleased with this music
not gonna break for you, I’m not gonna pray
Just Like a Woman, where he derogates women by saying
this year.
Entertainment
13
There might be justice in Gotham...but then again there might not Illustration by Rose Feduk
Full of promise and sex appeal
New show doesn’t quite deliver
By Camille Hove
By Katie Cortez
Gotham is more about high crime than superheroes. So if you can get past the absence of Batman, watching this prequel episode, we are introduced to Jim Gordon, and he has just arrived on the scene as a and the Wayne family is murdered in a back alley. We all know this of course, and if you’ve read the comics, you know who did it. But and became a cult is quite fascinating. Gordon’s corrupt partner Harvey Bullock (no, not that Harvey) introduces him to the crime and underworld culture that controls Gotham.
She catches us with her stealthy climbing, as the show begins. Her wild hair and night vision goggles are quiet ornaments on her head. She watches as the Waynes are murdered but doesn’t help Bruce. How will her character come into play for the rest of the show? She is seen lurking around the grounds of the Wayne mansion near the end, but has no dialogue throughout the scenes.
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do
minutes of the pilot is enough to grab your pants and plant you on the couch for the rest of the season. We are introduced to major characters—Bruce Wayne, Alfred, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and even the Riddler. You wonder where these people will pop up again, as they are so young when the show starts. The Riddler works in the police department in ballistics and every question for Bullock and Gordon is a riddle. These are big “aha!” moments for the crowd and we look forward to seeing how they will transform into who they are in the
me.”
I especially liked the character of Catwoman, played by Carmen Bicondova.
Gordon learning the real inside business of the police force. He meets Fish Mooney who is oozing with sex appeal, glamor and violence in her nightclub. He slowly the corruption works. But where will this knowledge take him? He vows to Bruce the
man
who
killed
corruption that has leaked through Gotham. The show looks great: it is visually appealing, the dialogue is snarky and clever, and every scene moves us forward. Bruno Heller does a bombastic job at writing the characters and exploiting their secrets and weaknesses. Should people who know every detail about Batman and his cohorts watch the show? Of course. It will be exciting to watch their backstories develop. Will I be tuning in to the next episode? Yes, indeed. It’s not who I am underneath,
Anyone who has spent more than ten minutes with me knows that I’m the ultimate Batman super-fan. So when I heard about Gotham on FOX’s fall line-up, I was beyond excited. Everything I had read about the show prior to watching the pilot showed immense promise. It sounded like FOX was bringing Detective Jim Gordon’s back-story from Frank Miller’s classic graphic novel Batman: Year One and Bruce Wayne’s origin story all rolled into one glorious hour of television. And much like every Batman production since Batman: The Animated Series, I was left slightly disappointed with Gotham’s pilot. Not due to its lack of Batman—I knew that the Dark Knight’s presence would be absent—but I wasn’t happy with how some of the characters were portrayed. The show dives into the corrupt Gotham City Police Department showing Gordon, played by The OC alum, Ben McKenzie, as a light in the darkness. I might be biased because I’m an OC fan, but McKenzie’s portrayal of Jim Gordon is so true to the character. Gordon wasn’t the only well-portrayed character though. Donal Logue as Gordon’s bad-cop partner Detective Harvey Bullock, Jada Pinkett Smith as ruthless mobster Fish Mooney, newcomer David Mazoz as young Bruce Wayne, and Robin Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin, were some other outstanding casting decisions. In terms of the villains I was excited to see, I didn’t feel like they had a big enough role in the pilot. It was like the producers decided to center the episode around one
plot while pointing out other iconic roles without really expanding on them. We’re sort of introduced to a young Catwoman, played by Camren Bicondova. By sort of, I mean she has no dialogue and spends the episode stealthily scaling rooftops stalking Bruce. We’re also introduced to Edward Nygma, aka the Riddler. Admittedly, actor Cory Michael Smith does a better job at portraying Nygma than comedian Jim Carrey did in the 1995 classic Batman Forever, but his 30 second role in the episode gave me a bad taste in my mouth. Nygma is introduced as a ballistics expert working for the police department Really? He might as well have been wearing a sign that said “Hey! Guess who?” But the award for my least favorite character in the episode goes to young Ivy Pepper played by Clare Foley. And who does this little girl turn out to be? Poison Ivy. This bothers me for two reasons (other than the obvious nod to her future role in Batman’s life). One: the name Ivy Pepper didn’t exist in the Batman universe until now, and two: it’s the only name that’s completely out of canon. Really, FOX? You had to change her name? A dirty little girl petting plants by a windowsill wasn’t a big enough hint? Jesus. Get your shit together, guys. As a mega-Batman fan, I’ll accept the show for what it is, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully enjoy it the way I’d like to with as the show goes on, but I’ll keep watching. But if Arnold Schwarzenegger shows up covered in blue paint, I’m out.
Gotham airs on Monday, Sept. 22 at 8 pm on FOX
14
Literature
Passion for Poetry In a speeding car I lost reality in the back seat. In the dark, I kissed you, dove into your energy and swam in it, which looked like turquoise and smelled of a lilac bush
I want to know the way you taste. Like crispy coconut macaroons, your sugary explosions creep up my nostrils. Breathing out,
By Sasha Schoen
I cover your face with hot, recycled confection. I want to know even if it’s bad. Like fungi clouded pizza breath, oozing from between your teeth. Or soggy Cheerios in month old milk on a hot day. Even then, I want to kiss you.
Buzzard By Ethan Baker
butts correct staggering lines, occasionally releasing brass casings and gun powder clouds, clearing in the breeze to reveal another carcass beside the road. Each passed watering hole becomes a new grave. In the wake of sweating mass, a trail of blistered trees. Limbs suck skin closer, producing xylophone rib cage and spinal staircase. Blacksmith sun tests American and Filipino mettle, smiting their exposed bodies with UV blows, letting strength crumble bleed, eyes become dull, muscles splinter and diminish, spirit
Graphics by Abdallah Seoud
faces show no pity, defeat is disgrace. Mercy does not follow surrender.
Literature
Angel I read her T.S. Eliot at night
By German Rodriguez
15
Light as a feather she is, Very gentle and caring. She welcomes anyone, very talkative like a parrot. My love for her is endless like the ocean. Her skin is rugged like the roads of Mexico.
By Camille Hove
ducklings. Vision like God, wise and truthful to see good in others. Strong and independent who stands by her beliefs. A thoughtful woman who aspires to help others.
I read her T.S. Eliot at night, as the warm air sneaks in through the open window. The curtains part as easily as her legs as the owl cries outside. The deep wood craves to come in, the branches dance along the pane. I tuck her brown locks behind her like a spider web,
This is the woman who took me under her wing, the one who nurtured me since I was an infant. My guardian angel who watched over my every step. Unconditional caring when my mother was not around, I hope one day I can repay you back.
a river: I can feel it but for a moment before it becomes unobtainable. I catch her eyes in the honey light, they are green like shards of sea glass. The bookshelves line every wall,
The love fuels my vessels to follow the image she sets forth, to become someone and carry on her vision to others.
I touch her throat as she whimpers beneath me, The breeze circles around her abdomen, curls up behind her ears and twists back down to tickle my mouth. The owl cries; its silent wings beating the night as she rises up beneath me. While her breath cools, I spin a web with her hair. The warm air sneaks in through the open window. I read her T.S. Eliot at night.
life, the poverty we were born in, I will prevail. One day you will see the man you always wanted me to be.
Love, Come and Gone
Skin on the Dunes
By Jacob Barnes
By Camille Hove
When I got home I noticed the smell of your perfume on my shoulder. It still clung there.
Your hips become the hills; the mounds of your breasts are the peaks Your thighs become gravity pulling me down and I watch as your face blends into the life beneath you, almost disappearing my eyes to admire You lie against the sand, the dunes swallowing you whole I may not be able to see your body, but I can touch your mind
It made me happy. I looked forward to smelling it again. ‌ When I got home I noticed the smell your perfume on my shoulder. It still clung there from when we hugged. I washed my shirt reluctantly that night, knowing I would not smell it again.
16
Lifestyle
“Is it better to have loved and been put in the friend zone than to never have loved at all?�
The Friendly Zone Love and life with your non-girlfriend
By Jacob Barnes
Lifestyle
In the Raw
17
Interview by Camille Hove
An insider’s look into the vegan culture Union Weekly: What inspired you to become
carnivore, feed your cats meat, and does it
you?
I hate buying clothing. Being an ecologist is a blessing and a curse sometimes. The phrase “ignorance is bliss” couldn’t be more
KC: Katherine Christine: I have always been fond of animals, especially big cats. That led me to get my degree in ecology where I learned even more about animals and how
it was when I was watching a documentary about African lions being slaughtered due to for me. Here I was, eating a hamburger and watching a whole pride of lions being
very thing I wanted to protect. From that moment on, I stopped eating all forms of meat. UW: How did the process begin? KC: Learning about our impact on the earth and how unsustainable humans are in regards to other animals was the beginning of my process. My conservation biology class really opened my mind and heart to what was really going on. I slowly cut animal products
eggs. I also do not consume honey or wear any products that have been derived from animals. UW: example, is it hard to eat out, live with a
If you want tips and advice about how to start your vegan lifestyle, try these websites: Food blogs • • urbanvegan.net • • vegweb.com
learned more about restaurants’ “vegan” views. They have a veggie burger on the menu
a big cat rescue in Africa for two or three
UW: Do you have any other comments or then if it is a sustainable purchase. I have let go of a lot of shoes I loved because they were made of suede or leather. I can also tell you I’ve had the same clothes for a long time
There are still a lot of options to eat out such as an all-vegan/vegetarian restaurant, ethnic foods, and even the delicious Chipotle—as long as they change their gloves and you get a bowl with the tortilla on the
I am wearing my new clothes, I do not feel guilty in them.
own food at home and going out is a treat and a process. My boyfriend is not vegan and I have no issues with him eating meat in front of me
KC: am still learning new things all the time such a bone char being in sugar, animal products in some pasta noodles and thousands
fridge. I have never judged him for it, and I never will. He is also very respectful and open minded to trying vegan foods with me and
products. An interesting fact about vegans
UW: What other aspects about being vegan
vegan: how to try it, why it’s worth it, and why you love it? KC: Being vegan is much more than a weight-loss method or a lifestyle fad going on right now. The people who do it for those is one of the hardest and most disciplined things a human can do because of our country’s obsession with meat and dairy. The best advice I can give people on how to start is to really understand why you want to become vegan. You need to feel a spiritual connection or have a passion for going vegan. your cravings and temptations are literally everywhere. As long as you are giving your body the proper nutrition, you will thrive and be the healthiest you have ever been.
humans, you will, a majority of the time, get
Feeding my cats is a funny topic. I am food they eat. They eat better than a lot of families in the US do. I mix raw pulverized
before. I love being vegan mostly for my UW: What do you hope to do to help animals aside from being vegan?
been pulverized into mush. Interesting that a vegan would do this, but because of my passion for animals, I have no problem feeding them this mixture and have never been grossed out. It is an American, free-
KC: I love sharing information and education to people if they want it. I have never been a preaching vegan or made people feel bad for eating meat. I also love to volunteer with
with their carbon footprint too.
when I can. My next goal is to volunteer with
Lifestyle websites and blogs • vegansociety.com • comesconewithme.com • veggywood.com Fashion websites and blogs • animalfriendly.me • • beautywithoutcruelty.com • artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/
that is good for the earth, try going vegan.
18
Travel
Advice For The Road Four Tips for Better Travel By Sasha Schoen
You Might Learn the Hard Way By Codi Georges
Cut Down the Costs By Molly Shannon
We all love to travel, see awe-inspiring places and experience new things, but some of us do it better than others. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you’re packing your suitcase and boarding your next plane. 1. Choose your travel partners wisely. Do not choose to go across the globe with someone who has absolutely nothing in common with you. If you like meandering museums in the morning and they like twerking in clubs until dawn, maybe you two aren’t a traveling match made in heaven. 2. Decide what you are willing to spend your money on ahead of time. Traveling can drain your full, hard earned pockets very quickly, so you must decide what’s worth it
euros on an amazing three-course meal in the bougie street of Paris, or would you rather put that towards a guided tour of the Louvre?
Being called a “stupid American” used to rub me the wrong way. I didn’t think it was possible that the most powerful nation in the world could be made up of stupid people. That is, until I took a trip to Italy and made a stupid decision. When my family and I landed in Rome,
our hotel. They claimed there was no room for the van. After schlepping our bags up a couple
of us and our luggage. With stupid American smiles on our faces, we agreed. After an hourlong drive, we arrived at our hotel. What gave away the already obvious scam was the fact that the men would not pull all the way up to
My mind has collected so many travel tips over the years, I’m surprised my head hasn’t exploded yet. Some of them are legitimate, while the rest are complete garbage and mumbo jumbo, a few important tidbits of information have managed to stick with me throughout my travel career. First of all, whenever you travel in a large stay in a hotel! Instead, try renting a space on Airbnb.com. Through this site, you basically rent out a person’s apartment in the major city you wish to venture to for an elapsed amount of time. It’s ultimately cheaper than booking a hotel because the price excludes a maintenance fee (no maids—you clean up after yourself ), and you split the total cost between you and your companions. Second, utilize public transit whenever possible. Bus, taxi, bicycle, Lyft, Zipcar, and
jacket from Florence, or should you buy a plane ticket to Venice instead? None of these being bad choices, but still choices needing to be made. 3. Pre-plan your travels, but also let spontaneity take over. Overall, you save more money and time when you reserve your hostels in advance, buy your plane/train/bus tickets from country to country and map out the time it takes to see each museum or landmark in the cities of your choice. But sometimes you fall in love, with whatever or whoever that may be, and want to stay
concierge of our hotel, who explained to us what had just happened. If the men were to have pulled their “taxi” around to the front of call the police. Instead of getting a legitimate shuttle and paying around 100 euro, we were swindled into forking over a whopping 280. So, if you have plans to travel, be smart and tell the locals that you’re Canadian.
Uber—all of these methods of transportation can be much less expensive than a driving a car cross country. Third, there is no sure way to predict the perfect time to purchase your plane ticket. Various airlines have claimed anywhere from 14 to 90 days in advance, but overall, the only unanimous conclusion so far is “Tuesday.” So don’t pull your hair out trying to get some non-existant 75 percent discount, just make sure you compare at least a few websites.
exactly where you are. If that is the case, then do it. Do not worry that the hostel in Rome expected you at 1pm on Saturday and you were going to sprint to the Coliseum before it closed. Go to a café, send an email saying you’ll be a day late, or not at all, and take a deep breath and sink into the beautiful moment that is unfolding before you. Some schedule, allow them to happen. 4. Step out of your comfort zone. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Though, it does matter how you allow yourself to venture, keep an open mind, withhold judgment (of others and yourself), and do something you never imagined you would. It’s worth it!
Food
19
Disclaimer: The recipes are for culinary experience. Please enjoy them responsibly, and do not drink and drive. Remember, underage drinking ia against the .aw.
Mixing It Up Show off those impressive bartending skills
By John Smith
a high ball glass use a red wine glass or an average drinking glass. Also invest in a jigger (around
power from California’s state law, as stated on your ID. At this point,you may have heard an assortment of liquors and liqueurs (yes, but no one has taught you how to mix them. Most mixed drinks hold common liquors, liqueurs, and other mixing liquids found in everyday drinking establishments, and are easy to create. Why trust me? I recently earned my mixology license this year. From cream drinks (Grasshopper) to martinis (Dirty Martini) to shooters (Chocolate Cake Shot aka Birthday Cake Shot), I am knowledgeable in over a hundred drinks. I will teach you how to make a couple of mixed drinks I learned in bartending school. All recipes are credited to Louis A. Fanelli, instructor at Bartenders Training Institute in North Hollywood. With that said, onto the mixed drinks! I adjusted the recipes to help suit your needs since a majority of us do not have the tools of trade for bartending. Californian Fill a highball glass with ice. The
professional, but for now use a measuring cup preferably). If you do have a highball glass, then, grapefruit and orange juice. If you don’t have a highball glass, go to the next steps.
Bea’s on a Budget Tips on making the most of your alcohol
4.
By Beatriz Villa Madras Fill highball glass with ice.
to the next step. 4.
Be Safe and Enjoy! Impress your friends with your mad mixologist skills.
refreshing taste. If you don’t have
Take a Craycation
I came up with the idea of the Craycation many moons ago—back when I was younger and my liver could handle sweet drinks. It’s simple to make and relatively cheap, so it’s a college student’s dream. The name of the drink comes from two things: “Cray” meaning crazy and “cation” stands for vacation. It’s a crazy vacation. Craycation. Get it? Anyway, it’s pretty delicious if you don’t over-do it. To make a Craycation, you’ll need:
4. Stir well. 6. Get cray! Well, there you have it, Craycation. Have for the whole night. It’s sweet, tangy, and completely dangerous. If you can’t really taste the Bacardi don’t fret, you’re only supposed to get hints of it. For those rebellious drinkers who won’t heed my warning and decide to free-pour
•
Creating a signature drink is not as hard as you think
•
Lemon lime soda: Anything remotely close to Sprite will do. It’s
•
Pink lemonade: I like the Simply Lemonade brand, but it can be substituted with any kind of pink lemonade. Simply Lemonade
• •
Ice, ice, baby. An 8 oz cup (think red solo cup, because let’s be real here)
•
Costco Bargin: You don’t have to have a Costco by the entrance and let the greeter know you are there to buy cases of beer or a few handles. Alcohol bought here can be used for parties or personal supplies. Also, if you are having a party, buy Costco
Wine Blender: Are you sick of the cheap wine you have splurge on the expensive bottles at World Market? If you buy a cheap bottle
dollar wine bottle.
In terms of making the drink, I usually free-pour everything, but I don’t recommend that. I suggest you follow these steps instead: Put your desired amount of ice into the 8 oz cup
the cup
By Katie Cortez
max, pink lemonade until almost the top, and a three second splash of lemon-lime soda. Have fun on your Craycation!
Being a college student can be quite expensive: tuition, rent, books, food. The expense list can go on and on. I have researched a few life-hacks on how to make your drinking social life easier and cheaper. Please remember to drink responsibly.
Hard Liquor Brita :
and the burning sensation when you exhale will leave you gagging. But you
of the Gods three times, your will have quality tasting vodka.
Volume 75 Issue 5
Monday, September 22, 2014
DISCLAIMER: Gumby and Pokey here! Like I Said, “Good Guys Need A Break”. I know you’ll do the right thing this time. Love Morty. P.S. Your Wife’s Rockin’ Body Still Drives Me Crazy. Okay, Morty. If you’d like to contribute to Adam Sandler and other remote-wielding fiends, we’re located 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.
LBUNION.COM
My Little Horse-scopes Sagittarius: It’s not you, Capricorn: Feeling a little before deciding to hump
and get yourself a hero. You are a descendant of prominent war horses. Be the thunder of the Derby
corner. The last thing you want to end up is preggers with a mule.
Aquarius: Mare, you are your canter, you are practically a unicorn. Keep being fabulous,
Scorpio: Don’t stress over the gallant steed next stall. You are beautiful no matter what they neigh. Treat your self with some apples
and the Derby is yours. stables.
Libra: That balance issue is nothing to worry about. Don’t put yourself down over what your breeder says. Show those
Pieces: Has love not come your way yet? You are not alone, my little homie. There’s plenty of stallions in the stable.
Virgo: Mare! Guess who’s getting new horseshoes? line. Do not let any other horse love
you
deserve.
Strut
those stallions fall over you.
Taurus: You need to lay off the hay. Go for oats, and jog headed. You are a better stallion than that.
Gemini: Been feeling under the weather lately? That’s because you’ve been running for three! Congratulations on your new foals. Oh, you’re not in heat? It’s probably gas then.
today. Gravel and trash will get caught under your shoes. You deserve a
golden hay, you are getting noticed for the beautiful equestrian that you are. Expect an extra carrot or sugar cube your way.
you been carrying lately.
INSIDE
DOCTOR INTRODUCES FIRST KNOWN CURE FOR THE BIG BANG THEORY
BLIND WOMAN LANGUAGE SKILLS
SHOWS
OFF
SIGN
LOCAL COLLEGE STUDENT PARTIES MORE THAN NEVER
AMPUTEE REPLACES ARMS WITH CHILDREN