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INTRO
Issue 79.12
3
Bailey Mount, Managing Editor
Alejandro Ramos, Editor-in-Chief editorinchief@lbunion.com Bailey Mount, Managing Editor manager@lbunion.com Nathan Zankich, Web Manager web@lbunion.com Alexis Cruz, Social Media Manager Andrew Linde, Multimedia Manager Allison Meyer, Multimedia Assistant Alfredo Banuelos, Advertising Executive Christopher Orozco, Distribution Manager ART & DESIGN Sam Orihuela, Art Director artdirector@lbunion.com John Mueller, Graphics Illustrator illustration@lbunion.com EDITORIAL Matthew Gozzip, Athletics Editor athletics@lbunion.com Sylvana Uribe, Community Editor community@lbunion.com Amanda Del Cid, Community Editor community@lbunion.com Sheila Sadr, Copy Editor Elizabeth Nguyen, Copy Editor Amanda Dominguez-Chio, Culture Editor amanda@lbunion.com Madison Gallegos, Culture Editor madison@lbunion.com Peter R. Clark, Entertainment Editor entertainment@lbunion.com
Hablamos con Ramos Alex Ramos Editor-In-Chief
Zach Phelps, Food Editor food@lbunion.com Grim Fandango, Grunion Editor grunion@lbunion.com Kaila-Marie Hardaway, Music Editor music@lbunion.com Elliott Gatica, Music Editor music@lbunion.com Jordan Daniels, Opinions Editor opinions@lbunion.com Mario Lopez, Travel Editor travel@lbunion.com STAFF WRITERS Martha Quijano Karrie Comfort CONTRIBUTORS Mitchell Edwards, Estela Garcia, Selena Gonzalez, Augustus Krider, Jazmin Lucero, Soun Oeng, Lola Olvera, R. Ray Robinson, Nancy Soriano, Marissa Sumire COVER DESIGN BY: Nathan Zankich FEATURE DESIGN BY: Sam Orihuela CONTACT US Snail Mail: 1212 Bellflower Blvd. Suite 116 Long Beach, CA 90815 Phone: 562.985.4867 E-mail: lbunion.info@gmail.com Classifieds: classifieds.lbunion@gmail.com
@UnionWeekly
d n e k e e w e h t s ’ t I . n t a n a m w t , s k ju l l Loo a e W . n e e w . o l n l u a f H e v e r a h d befo n a t u o o g d . e n a m f h s o i t n u o g to f i n i t t e g e r ’ u o y l l a This is . t u o e c a e P 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 claims of its advertisers. Grievance procedures are available in the Associated Students business office.
4 OPINIONS
Not Equality, But Equity Addressing and celebrating our differences By Lola Olvera Contributor
Equality’s little sibling, equity, doesn’t get enough attention. Equality is the aweinspiring word that graces social movement slogans and protest signs. Although “everyone should be treated equally” sounds great on paper, it’s not a long-term solution. Equality treats everyone the same, carelessly assuming that we are all the same — that we all have the same wants, needs, backgrounds, experiences and abilities. Our differences are obvious. A myriad of factors influence our identities: socioeconomic background, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation and gender expression. But none of us begin life with the same opportunities as everyone else. Say life is a board game and we’re pieces moving across it. Doesn’t starting off in different places and going down different paths make some players more likely to lose? The game starts off fundamentally unfair. This is where oft-ignored equity steps in. Equity treats people not equally, but fairly — allocating resources to meet the unique needs of those with less advantages in society and a harder time navigating it.
The Right to Preach Exploring the First Amendment on campus By Karrie Comfort Staff Writer
By Interaction Institute for Social Chang l Artist: Angus Maguire
Equality gives everyone stairs while equity remembers to provide ramps for the disabled. Equality lets all children attend school while equity remembers to hire translators for English-learners. Equity gives everyone a more equal shot at life. Here are other examples of equity: The progressive tax system taxes people according to income. Those who earn more pay more and vice versa in an attempt to curb astronomical wealth and abject poverty. According to Income.org, the wealth gap in the United States has been increasing for the past 30 years.
A Robin Hood-like progressive tax system can be very effective at reducing income inequality. Taxes collected from the wealthy can go towards funding programs for low-income or disadvantaged communities. Affirmative action combats discrimination by encouraging institutions to accept individuals belonging to marginalized groups. Since it was banned from several states, including California, in 1998, there have been drops in minority enrollment. A debate churns over providing
The preachers were back on campus, bringing with them controversy and arguments. In my eyes, the argument wasn’t about religion. “We should just ban them,” my friends said. “They don’t help anything anyways.” As someone who identifies as a Christian, I think the gospel is a message that should be spread without being watered down. It should not be spread with anger, but love. However, as much as I don’t support the opinions of the picketing shouters, I do support their right to voice them. Unpopular opinions are not inherently correct. Some opinions are unpopular because they are objectively wrong. For example, we might consider the flat earth theory and the Holocaust denial as unpoular opinions. On the other hand, there are quite a few causes and ideas that were initially unpopular, like the fight for women’s suffrage and the immorality of slavery. The correctness or popularity of an opinion is not what should be used to determine whether or not it should be voiced; all speech is allowed because it is an American right. Of course, it would be a different case if the speakers on campus ever threatened their listeners to incite violence directly with their words. But as it stands, under
the First amendment, free speech for oncampus preachers is here to stay. Unfortunately, the right to free speech on campus is not always supported by the campus administration. Recently, a controversial play scheduled
“I know that it is imperative that each voice be allowed to compete in the marketplace of ideas.” to perform at the Carpenter Center titled “N*gger. Wetb*ck. Ch*nk” was cancelled. Although the issue was mostly due to the students’ poor response to the play, it does beg the question: should an idea be left behind just because students don’t like the opinions? Both the cancellation of the play and my friend’s desire to have open air preachers banned, highlight a frightening fact: college students aren’t aware of the full extent of the
free feminine hygiene products, or even removing the tax on them (a bill California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed this September). According to Huffington Post calculations, women can spend $1,773.33 a year on tampons alone, a financial burden men do not have to contend with. Homeless and low-income women are even more affected by this expense. Free and acessible feminine hygiene products can help ease the financial and emotional stresses associated with menstruation and its mishaps. The traditional American value of selfreliance over “government handouts” and “preferential treatment” of minorities, or “reverse-racism”, undermines the effects of discrimination that, sadly, can accompany the beautiful diversity of our country. We may all be fundamentally unequal, but our differences should be addressed and celebrated instead of ignored and exploited. We shouldn’t give up on making life a little more fair, both institutionally and interpersonally. Survival of the fittest should not apply to a species with the mental complexity to express compassion.
First Amendment and how it might affect both their own and others’ free speech on campus. As a student journalist, I decided to conduct my own survey of ten students to discover what they knew about free speech. Very few of them knew what the First Amendment entailed. Some seemed concerned that free speech was being restricted, while others thought it was “abused” and used to justify saying awful things about people. Everyone agreed that for the most part, free speech was being able to say what you wanted as long as you didn’t “violate someone else’s rights.” The college campus is the most important place for free speech to live and thrive. It’s where students protested the draft, where students bring up controversial topics and where many gathered to elect the first black president. Although I may not agree with all the opinions brought on campus or proposed by students, I know that it is imperative that each voice be allowed to compete in the marketplace of ideas. As Evelyn Beatrice Hall once said, “I may not agree with what you are saying, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” I am a journalist. I will defend your right to speak your opinion whether or not it conflicts with mine; I hope you will do the same for me.
Creating Greener Footprints
5 COMMUNITY
Celebrating Sustainability Month Words by Emily Ayers ASI Press Secretary Photos by Dominick Chavez Contributor
Most people don’t think twice about the length of their showers, the amount of waste they accumulate in a week or if their food was made in a sustainable way. Sustainability Month at CSULB aims to bring awareness to such issues so that students can understand how small lifestyle changes can make a huge impact on the planet. As part of a week-long celebration to honor the month, CSULB hosted a campus sustainability showcase, a green careers panel and a movie screening of Disney’s “WALL-E.” “WALL-E shows how much trash humans produce and how it is destroying our planet,” said Secretary for Sustainability Amanda Martinez. “If we do not make changes to the way we live we will soon be living in our own
waste,” she said. To engage students before the movie, there were booths set up to inform them about the various clubs and committees on campus, a station for students to create their own small potted plants and a large replica of WALL-E made from recycled cardboard boxes. “I think this month is so important because it is a chance for students to get educated on the things they can do to be more sustainable,” said Martinez. “For example, people may not know that the average person uses 80-100 gallons of water per day, but that is happening right now.” As a campus, CSULB has been making strides to decrease their ecological footprint. They have created a recycling center on campus and committees such as Sustain U
Painting miniature pots led to paint covered hands and awareness of Sustainability Month.
to recommend key environmental initiatives like hydration stations and compost food waste bins. Most recently, the campus has implemented the Breathe campaign, making the school smoke, tobacco and vapor free. There is also the Environmental Science and Policy club, Students for Sustainable Health, Trash Talkers volunteer program, Marine Biology Student Association and many more groups with a similar goal to spread awareness, education, and an appreciation for the environment on campus and in the community. “Every little bit counts because that is how we got where we are today,” said Martinez. “There are entire countries that are more sustainable because everyone helps by doing something simple. If everyone just did one thing, in the end it would be highly beneficial.”
Carnival of Spooks and Sugar Pumpkins, candies, and ghosts invade campus during Halloween Carnival Words and Photos by Martha Giron Quijano Staff Writer A Halloween Carnival organized by ASI and Beach Pride Events greeted attendees with candy bags on the evening of Oct. 27 at the University Student Union. Everyone was encouraged to take pictures by the pumpkin patch and even take a pumpkin to carve or decorate at the event. There were plenty of activities to go around and the most popular one was the arts and crafts table. People showed their creativity with the option to either decorate their chosen pumpkins or mason jars complete with paint, glitter and googly eyes. Games were also on site, rewarding candy to fill up bags as a college-style trick-or-treat. One of the games was hitting a stack of canned soup with tennis balls. At first it seemed easy until I realized that the cans were not empty at all. It didn’t help that I have terrible hand-eye coordination. Another game asked attendees to guess what type of food were in mystery bowls with titles underneath them that read,
The pumpkin patch frenzy creeped up on students during the Halloween Carnival on Oct. 27. “Cockroaches. Eyeballs. Maggots.” Spoiler alert: the “cockroaches” bowl was filled with popcorn, the “eyeballs” were peeled grapes and the“maggots” were rice. The last two bowls were convincing enough
to mess with my brain for a second, but I ultimately left a winner and added more candy to my bag. Inside the USU was a photobooth where you could take photos in silly masks with
friends which were posted on ASI’s social media pages after the event. Next to the booth was another enticing game called “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin.” If the weight you wrote down was close to its actual weight, you would win the pumpkin along with a carving set. Based on the sheet, peopled guessed that the pumpkin weighed between five pounds all the way up to nearly 30 pounds. Near the Beach Auditorium was “Pin the Eye on the Monster” and a chance to win more candy if students hit close to the bullseye. Popcorn and more candy lured students inside the auditorium where a showing of the horror film “Sinister” was being held. The carnival was perfect for unwinding, having fun and doing something different as opposed to hitting the books before the weekend. It was a nice way for students to get into the Halloween spirit.
6 ATHLETICS Photo courtesy of John Mueller, Graphics Illustrator
No More Snubs for the Cubs Chicago’s fortune is changing By Selena Gonzalez Contributor
Hibernation is the physical state of energy reservation that many animals naturally resort to during cold, dark winters when food becomes scarce. For the average Chicago Cubs fan, a similar process usually happens during the baseball season. Preseason hype is stored up for several months and is later translated into hope for a potential march to postseason triumph. When the cold, dark autumns return, the Cubs’ fans attempt to live off the hope in a time where success is scarce. The Cubbies are the last breed of lovable losers that everyone seems to rally behind. An 108-year-old championship drought tends to invite pity from most people. Fortunately for all sports fans, Chicago’s snake bitten sons seem to have woken from their 71 yearlong slumber. The Cubs have finally made it to the World Series after seven decades of injuries, farce plays and paranormal superstitions that held them back (see the “Curse of the Billy Goat”).
They aren’t just happy to be here either; the Cubs can win the Worl d Sries this year. If not now, the next. There is s fresh feeling about this old franchise: the promise of the future has never been brighter. Much attention has been made about the Cubs’ opponent in the title series this year, the Cleveland Indians. “The Tribe” is out to break their own championship drought of 68 years and they have looked impressive doing it. Cleveland steamrolled through the playoffs with dominant pitching and balanced hitting from their entire lineup. The Indians are helmed by one of the premier curse cancellers in the game, former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona, one of the many men responsible for breaking the curse of the Great Bambino in 2004 when managed the Red Sox to their first World Series in 86 years. Cleveland’s track record may frighten other teams in the league but that doesn’t faze the Cubs. Thehy have everything needed to
win it all this year. They have better pitching than Cleveland (see Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, Aroldis Chapman, etc). They have better hitting than the Indians (see Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, etc.) If the Cubs hope to beat them and go on to hoist the Commissioner’s trophy for the first time in more than a century, they must not underestimate them. The Cubs struggled at times with not performing at their optimal level. The standard pressure of playing for a championship has evolved into something else entirely when coupled with the potential to break one of the longest running droughts in American history. One thing the Cubs do have on their side that most teams don’t have is resiliency. Lester and Rizzo are both cancer survivors. They’ve earned the right to a ring as they have endured the greatest battle any human can go through, cheating death. Kyle Schwarber is making his season debut this series after missing the whole rest of the season with an ACL tear he suffered in last year’s playoffs. Joe Maddon took an unknown and mediocre Tampa Bay Rays team to the top of the American League in 2008, when he led them to their first World Series. Don’t tell the Cubs the odds; they simply don’t care. The general public often sees sports as trivial manners of entertainment. Rooting for the Cubs despite their failures is a matter of fan livelihood. Third, fourth and even fifth generation fans have been rooting for Cubs to win it all since they were born. It’s become tradition to celebrate nothing, to cheer on inevitable failure. Even when the times have been dark and windy in Chicago, the Cubs and their loyalists remained. If it doesn’t happen this year, the team is set to succesd in the future. If you were a true believer in the Cubs, believing in better is all you have. The permafrost is melting, the clouds are parting and the sun is shining brighter than the gold twinkle of the World Series trophy.
The Salt Miners Climb the Mountain! LBSU’s finest Super Smashers enter the fray Somewhere on an empty field, a pair of figures appeared out of the shadows. They stood at the far ends of the field sized each other up. Then, without saying a word, they rushed at each other and began to exchange blows. After throwing a flurry of kicks and punches, one drew a gun and began firing lasers. The other backed up and responded by throwing fireballs. Their dance ended with a single fiery punch that sent one of the figures flying out of sight. “GAME,” yelled a voice, announcing the end of the battle.
This was obviously not a battle that could take place in the real world. This fantastical display of skill and strength could only happen in the world of “Super Smash Bros.”, the popular fighting game featuring Nintendo characters. Since its initial release almost 20 years ago, “Super Smash Bros.” has
gone from a casual party affair to an intense fighting simulator with a global competitive scene. The hype behind it has never been higher and the Salt Miners are getting in on the action. Why are the Salt Miners, you ask? They’re the resident group for fighting games in conjunction with the CSULB eSports Association. Their name is a play on Prospector Pete, our school’s mascot, and the concept of “salt”, which is the general feeling of anger and frustration “Smash Bros.” players feel after a bad loss. It’s not all salt when the group gets together though. According to their Facebook page, their goal is “to challenge ourselves in competitive and casual play.” It gives both experienced and beginning players a chance to be a part of the scene.
“Freshman year of college, when Smash 4 came out, there was a tournament here at CSULB that I competed at, and through that I learned how there was a larger competitive scene,” said Keith “Tempo” Kono, captain of the Salt Miners.
“In Smash, you are never truly defeated. You can always run it back if you don’t give up.” As captain, Kono does what he can to organize opportunities for the group’s members to play against other people. He’s talked to other players from colleges around Southern California to set up a collegiate circuit. So far, a few events have been planned, including an event at Santiago County
By Alejandro Ramos Editor-in-Chief College and a crew battle at UC Irvine. For the time being, much of the action takes place at the CSULB eSports Association meetings on Wednesdays and Salt Miner casuals on Thursdays. These small-scale meetups are where group members practice and improve their game before taking it beyond our campus. “In Smash, you are never truly defeated until the game is called,” said Kono. “And you can always run it back so long as you don’t die and don’t give up.” Despite how much the competitive circuit and metagame have developed, the appeal of “Super Smash Bros.” remains the same. It’s a game that can easily be picked up and enjoyed by anyone, as opposed to other fighting games. “Even if you don’t play it competitively you can still have a great time with friends by doing stupid things,” said Kono.
7 FEATURE
By Christopher Orozco Advertising and Distribution First off, why are you listening to others. You are old enough to make decisions on your own. Everybody’s tips and warnings are based on their subjective experiences. Just make a decision, do not think about the future, and observe the consequences. If the consequences are bad, hold your judgement and try again at a different time. If the consequences are good, enjoy the moment. Also, why would you let a one time experience drastically predict future results? Most of the Yelp reviews seem to follow the cliche of a crappy server ruining the experience or long-worded complaints where the Yelper places themselves as the victim. A crappy server does not represent a crappy restaurant, that is a fallacy of division. Stop writing long-worded complaints, get to the point and present your argument with facts, no one likes anecdotals. Also,I did not remember most of us graduating with a high school diploma and a certification in culinary school. Ecco’s Pizza environment strucks the Little Italy vibe. You got red and white checkers table tops, dim lights, and a colorful wine selection accompanied by dark and light beers. This Italian restaurant welcomes you with respect. Their food is served to match your hunger. Their prices matches their quality. If you are in a hurry, starving to the brinks of death, I recommend a fast-food joint.
This restaurant takes their time to create beautiful bountiful dishes which is well worth the wait. Amongst Ecco’s large variety of Italian food, Mario and I ordered the Italian Nacho and their Garlic Cheese Bread. The Italian Nacho was composed of pasta chips that looked like pita chips. Like nachos, the pasta chips are covered in asiago creamy sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. On top of that, one can see the bits of grilled Italian sausage, cooked dices of fresh tomatoes, onions, and yellow peppers including small quantities of olives. I recommend to ask for their juicy and sweet marinara sauce to drizzle over the Italian Nacho. As for the crunchy Garlic Cheese Bread, it comes with their marinara sauce. In total, it hits under the twenty dollar budget. Overall, I enjoyed the 3-Starred Ecco’s Pizza, but in the wise words of LeVar Burton, Reading Rainbow’s host,”But you don’t have to take my word for it,”.
Yelp’s rating
Christopher’s rating
8 FEATURE
By Jordan Daniels Opinions Editor At the pitch of the Yelp feature idea, I immediately knew I wanted to hop on board. As a foodie, I always use Yelp to filter through my cravings and discover my newest obsessions. I make it a point to only eat places that have at least 4 stars as the highest standards in my life are set for men and food. The 4262, named for the address itself, has been open for a few weeks and has already achieved a 4-star rating on Yelp from 45 reviews (46 after I’m done with this). It’s evident that the restaurant brands itself as a Gastropub -- a bar/ restaurant that serves high end craft beer and gourmet burgers. The interior is a beautiful mix of modern and industrial with low-hanging light bulbs that illuminate the dark-wood tables. The walls are lined with chalkboards with gorgeous calligraphy outlining happy hour deals, specials and craft beers on tap. The food, however, was the experience. Have you ever teared up while eating a sandwich? It sounds incredulous, but just know that it’s possible. Although an American staple, you would think the grilled cheese as a plain sandwich. Paired with tomato soup, it’s comforting but it’s basic. This is where The 4262 revolutionizes these staples. The grilled cheese is made as a panini that’s literally oozing cheeses like brie, gruyere and jack. It’s grilled to actual perfection with aleppo butter that makes every bite silky-smooth. It’s served with a small-side of tomato basil soup which drops of cream in there.
Not realizing that it was served with that, I ordered a bowl of heaven beforehand. I was a bit peeved that nobody didn’t warn me about this, but the rich taste thinned my irritation. Served with Texas toast-like crostinis, it was the truly the most beautiful complement to the grilled cheese. Note that you can save yourself the extra $7 and feel satisfied with just the sandwich and small side of soup. Including tip, I paid $24, which was double my budget, but I made my bed with the soup and I’ll happily lie in it again. The service was still great. My server, Rene, was kind and kept me hydrated with water. The food came out fast and the chef even came to check on me. Granted I came right when they opened at 11:30 a.m., it was still better service that I expected. The owner, Scott, also spoke with me as I was heading out. The 4262 lived up to its current reputation and earned all 4 of its stars on Yelp. I’ll be back when my wallet recovers because my body will always be ready.
Yelp’s rating
Jordan’s rating
“I’ll be back when my wallet recovers because my body will always be ready.”
9 FEATURE
By Mario Lopez Travel Editor
“Their cheese is on point.”
With a three-star rating on Yelp, I did not expect much from Avenue 3 Pizza. I fell in love as soon as I stepped in. It’s set up like some German pubs that have rows of wooden tables, which gives it a sense of community. There have a few arcade games, a pool table, a television for sports and ample room to sit in. As my company, Christopher and John, and I took our time to order our food the lovely lady at the register allowed me to have a big, gulp-sized taste of their beer. I decided to go for a stein of delicious Hawaiian beer. We ordered our 16” pizza with pepperoni and sausage, while I ordered their Italian Stallion 8” sub sandwich with a side of onion rings. We sat down, and before we finished admiring the décor of baseball cards, sports jerseys, and banner, our order was hot and ready at our table. I hadn’t even taken more than five sips of my ice-cold beer. Let me tell you—their cheese is on point. It’s gooey, though not sloppy. The mozzarella cheese is probably the best part of their pizza. Not to take away from the sauce or toppings, but their cheese easily overshadowed them. You simply must try it for yourself. Pizza at its simplest is pizza at its finest. As for the sub, the cheese was great, but it did not take away from the sausage or meatballs in the sub. There are a right number of ingredients to compliment the sub, so I got a taste of meat sauce, olives, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms without any one ingredient overpowering in flavor. The onion
rings are crispy and well-seasoned, and I would recommend tossing them in your sub to amp up the flavor, if you are feeling a little wild. Avenue 3 Pizza deserves a one star bump to bring it up to a four. The place, as described by our graphics illustrator, John, is somewhere you come often to, and not a restaurant saved for a special occasion (not to mention the holes they drill in your pocket like most five-star rated restaurants). Most of the time you just need to tone it down and settle for a four-star. Falling short of a five-star rating does not mean it isn’t a great place. The ambiance and food are exactly what you need after a long day at work. To watch some sports with the crew, or just chill and have a slice. The food is inexpensive and doesn’t chew out your pockets, which is especially decent for us college cohorts. Overall, I consider this threestar yelp rating: BUSTED.
Yelp’s rating
Mario’s rating
Two Days of Beach Goth
10 MUSIC
The highlights of day one Words and photos by Christopher Orozco Advertising and Distribution Chicks are dudes, dudes are chicks, beards and beers, and weed and cigarettes—welcome to the chaos of Beach Goth. From grassy sidelines to the black concrete of the Santa Ana Observatory’s parking lot, one can eye the colorful crowd in all sorts of fashions with or without clothes. No matter where you were in Beach Goth, you got a whiff of marijuana and tobacco fragrant with side of beer spillage on your skin. Just mind the security guards, they are bit on the edge due to the drunks and baked concert goers.
Avalon in a dead bride gown.
The original location of the event was at Oak Canyon Park in Orange County, home of Lake Irvine. Oak Canyon Park is roughly fourteen times the size of the Observatory. However, some complications occurred and Beach Goth squeezed between one thousand to two thousand fans within the Observatory. “Squeezed in, come on in, we can fit y’all in,” announced Brooks Nielsen, lead singer of The Growlers and creator of Beach Goth, responding to the overflow on his stage. If one arrived early to Beach Goth, there was enough open space and enough movement to catch multiple bands play at once. As you neared the big names like Bon Iver, King Krule, Patti Smith, TLC, or The Growlers, more people began to show up, which became a problem. You had to apologize a shit ton, follow spontaneous conga lines to get to another stage, and looked where you step becaused of passed out junkies and wobbly drunks. This may sound like a horrible event to attend due to the multiple fire hazard violations and catastrophic population density. However, if you enjoy arbitrary
human mazes, a bit of chaos, and living in the moment, then this event is right for you. Let’s talk about the favorite moments. First, it is a pre-Halloween musical festival. The uglier and the more weird you dressed, the cooler you were regardless whether it looks hip or fashionable. You can go as far as to being Frida Kahlo, Dia de los Muertes style, neon color wig wearers, wizards, retro-punks, or Rey from Star Wars. Is the event pasties friendly? Yes. Second, the culture of Beach Goth is positive. Occasionally, you will meet a few Negative Nancys. As long as you kill them with kindness and a good old fashioned sorry, they’ll understand. The crowd is supportive of each other, mosh pits and crowd surfing. Finally, the line-ups were amazing. Whoever pre-screened the small bands and got the big names to sign up, they did a fantastic job. In all my years, I never thought that I would enjoy Spanish screamo to the metal-ronic duo group, Health (imagine Tame Impala’s singer working with Steve Aoki). Not only were the bands very sincere and open, but they were also very fun as they interacted with the crowd.
Eduardo Arenas of Chicano Batman singing during the set.
Heron Oblivion members Meg Baird and Ethan Miller singing and performing.
The highlights of the second day Words and photos by Madison Gallegos Culture Editor As I arrive to the festival around 2 p.m., dark clouds are just settling in, casting a dismal shadow over The Observatory. I inhale— smelling tobacco, weed, and the promise of rain. Being an outdoor venue, you’d think I’d be worried, maybe even a bit agitated that it may rain, but all I could think about was how appropriate it is. The energy is so brooding, so grave, so Beach Goth. I go in with three goals: see Devendra Banhart, see The Drums, and see Grimes. Before reaching the stages (there are four, two inside and two outside), I have to pass through a ton pop-ups and food trucks, representing what I would assume to be the best local businesses in the OC. I’m worried I’m going to miss Devendra Banhart, so I keep swimming. I don’t want these distractions, I just want the music. After asking numerous security guards, I finally find the photo pit for Devendra Banhart, who is playing on the main outdoor stage. He and his crew are just setting up. My heart is pounding in anticipation. For those of you who do not know Devendra, he is an adorable Venezuelan-American singer and songwriter, best known for his unique style.
Devendra Banhart passionately grasping his microphone during his performance. He transitions from funky to melancholic and often incorporates Spanish into his lyrics. As if it were his cue, the rain begins just as Devendra does. He opens with one of my favorites, “Won’t You Come Over” from his 2013 album, “Mala.” He does not have a large presence, standing still throughout the majority of the performance, but he doesn’t need to. His music is so ethereal, it’s like poetry. The passion that exudes from his mouth
and facial expressions seduce the audience. His voice is like butter and I am so mesmerized that I don’t even care that it’s now pouring rain and I am drenched. My makeup is running down my face, and for one of the few times in my life, I don’t care how I look. I am just so lost in the music. His set ended and I quickly snapped out of my trance and rushed the F out of this rain. Due to the weather, all the sets are relocated inside, causing a hectic and confusing rearrangement and delays of schedule. I make my way to the press pit and await one of my all-time favorites: The Drums, an indie band from New York. They begin and it’s like I’m listening to my itunes except better, because Jonny Pierce is ten feet away from me. Now, he is a stage presence. His body moves effortlessly with the music as he pours his soul into the microphone. The dichotomy of their music is what makes it so intoxicating; the melody is upbeat and dynamic, while the lyrics are raw and profound. He electrifies the crowd. Everyone is singing and dancing. Jonny Pierce hypnotized us all and we are adherent. They
were absolutely flawless. Best set of the night, and if I had gone to the first day, I probably would have said best set of the festival. I listened to some other DJ sets, albeit I’m not so into that music. It’s always enthralling to see how they can rouse and control the crowd. People really lose their shit during EDM performances. But all I really want is Grimes. I’ve seen her once before and she curates the most badass beats, it’s electrifying. So I waited. And waited. And waited. The crowd is restless. An hour after she was suppose to start, she comes out, as shy and adorable as ever. In her tiny voice, she apologizes for the delay and says that she will be unable to play because the rain destroyed all her equipment. Uncomfortable with her singing voice (her beats are what drives her music), she refused the numerous exclaims to play anyway. I’m extremely disappointed, but it was almost midnight and I was just too exhausted to be upset. Suffice to say, day two was amazing. Rain or shine, it’s hard to have a bad day when you’re surrounded by substances, food, and live music.
MUSIC
KKB At the Constellation Room
11
Their performance was very much ‘Bonito’ Words and photos by Andrew Linde Multimedia Manager
The Constellation Room at the Observatory in Santa Ana hosted an eclectic crowd for British band Kero Kero Bonito. That would be fitting since Kero Kero Bonito’s music is a mixture of J-pop, video game sounds, and rather uplifting vocals. Vocalist Sarah Midori Perry kept the energy up, jumping around in a shiny pink dress with silver grey hair. At one point, she changed into an equally shiny graduation gown and mortarboard for their song “Graduation.” Jamie Bulled and Gus Lobban were equally entertaining. While the band doesn’t play traditional instruments, they were definitely active in producing the sounds heard as opposed to pressing a button and standing back. Some songs even incorporated props, like during “Break” when Lobban picks up a corded telephone to mimic when Perry leaves a voicemail during the song. The audience went wild when Perry danced with a stuffed flamingo for their song “Flamingo,” which includes the lyric “How many shrimps do you have to eat before you make your skin turn pink?”
KKB’s lyrics truly elevate their songs above the chiptune style they play in. They are simultaneously self-serious and absolutely ridiculous. Song topics range from pocket crocodiles to life in the big city. There’s always an element of fun, and sometimes Perry even sings in Japanese. The intimate Constellation Room w a s packed by the
time KKB came on stage. The average age of the 100 or so attendees skewed rather young, which only meant less drinking
Slime Girls and Moto80 opened for KKB with mixed reactions. Slime Girls were definitely more exciting, as four guys playing drums, guitar and a melodica jumped around the stage, and at one point, all fell to the ground. Moto80 is a Swedish DJ who at scream/spoke lyrics. The North America Tour 2016 for KKB will conclude on Nov. 6 in Texas. Their second album, “Bonito Generation,” is available now.
The crowd during KKB’s set.
Sarah Midori using a stuffed flamingo during the song “Flamingo.”
and more earnest enjoyment. At the end of the show, one fan managed to pass a hand drawn rendition of the band up to the front. They received it graciously, and after chants of “KKB!” they returned to the stage for an encore.
The flamingo laying on the table before being used as a prop in a later performance.
“Oh My My” They Went Somewhere Different Falling back in love with OneRepublic By Estela Garcia Contributor OneRepublic’s new album, “Oh My My,” is the bittersweet problem I needed. Why? Because we’re involved in a long-term relationship. We flirted with their debut hit breakup song “Apologize” in 2006. They released their first album “Dreaming Out Loud” the following year where we got to know each other. I wasn’t feeling a connection, yet something was there. Two years later, OneRepublic and I entered our honeymoon phase with the release of their sophomore album, “Waking Up.” Ryan Tedder proved his abilities as a songwriter and the band figured out their sound. I was falling for them indefinitely. But happy times don’t always last. In 2013, the band came out with their third album, “Native” after a three year hiatus. I knew things were going south with the release of the single “Feel Again.” I was glad that they released something new, but the song wasn’t the OneRepublic I knew. I didn’t break up with them as their next single, “If I Lose Myself,” had me head over heels. It reminded me of their first two
albums. It was enough to stay. The real test of the relationship had begun. It was off to a rocky start; I was going back and forth, thinking about whether or not I could support this new sound. All that was left for us was one thing. There were hints that they would pop the question since May, with the release of the first single off the new album, “Wherever I Go,” which made me doubt the new album. Would they be able to give off that amazing spark, like with “Apologize?” Or the great time we had with “Waking Up”? Or would life simply continue with stuff like “Native?” These were the questions I asked myself considering what I was being asked. And that was a problem. If “Wherever I Go” was giving me doubts, what did it mean? Their next single “Kids,” came out and swept me off my feet. The song had the new OneRepublic sound I wasn’t a fan of, but it convinced me otherwise. I was falling for them all over again. So when “Oh My My” was released, I wanted to think about my answer.
Hearing it for the first time, I was ready to say no. They tried too hard. The songs are so eclectic and the album is messy. For example, “A.I,” featuring Peter Gabriel, is unnecessary. I would’ve loved to hear Gabriel and Tedder harmonize a beautiful chorus but instead I got a wannabe dance song that is neither these two artists. With all great relationships, consideration is key. I said yes to “Oh My My” because at the end of the day, I don’t see myself from listening to them. Some may say I settled, but I say that the time will come where I fall in love once again. My favorite song off the album is “Let’s Hurt Tonight” which styled after “I Lived” from “Native.” Other tracks that definitely deserve a listen are “Dream” and “Better,” which both contain their new sound. “Choke” reminds me of their stuff on “Waking Up,” similar to “Secrets.” The title track of the album appears to
be the band’s effort to have an EDM tune to their name, but they failed with it. Speaking of which, they also feature Cassius and Santigold on the album, on the tracks “Oh My My” and “NbHD.” From the two, I’m most thankful for the latter. I listened to the album for an entire day and found the band I had appreciated for so long. They remain close to their beginnings but can tie in something new.
12 ENTERTAINMENT
The Black Braveheart Rises for Freedom “The Birth of a Nation” By R. Ray Robinson Contributor
Should going to the theaters be a moral obligation? The truth is, there are occasions when various parties— filmmakers, publicists and especially critics—would think so. Created in response to the racially criticized 1915 D.W. Griffith film “Birth of a Nation,” Nate Parker’s 2016 film of the same name takes aim at the legacy of the first. Winning the U.S. Grand Jury Prize and Audience award at Sundance, this film sends a completely different social statement than the first did 101 years ago. “The Birth of a Nation” is the biographical American epic of Nat Turner and his slave rebellion in
“The Birth of a Nation” Length: 2 hours Director: Nate Parker Starring: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Penelope Anne Miller, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, Aja Naomi King, Aunjanue Ellis, Colman Domingo
Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. It begins with a young Nat Turner (Tony Espinosa) learning how to read the Bible from his white slave owning mother, Elizabeth Turner (Penelope Ann Miller). She teaches him to preach the gospel to slaves. As Nat (Nate Parker) grows up in God’s word, his other overseer, Master Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), takes him on a preaching tour for profit. While he ministers, he winds up seeing the harsh treatment that many slaves face from their masters. It is then that Nat believes he is chosen by God to “sing a new song to execute vengeance on the demonic nations.” He winds up leading his black brothers in bondage to a holy war against injustices from slaveholders everywhere so his people can live in the land of liberty. “The Birth of a Nation” features newcomer Nate Parker, who directed, produced, and starred as the Nat Turner. He chose an ensemble cast of A-Listers to help carry the movie. All provide a
One Psychic Man “Mob Psycho 100” By Soun Oeng Contributor The anticipated summer blockbuster anime “Mob Psycho 100,” is hypnotizingly good. I’m talking about the right kind of crazy. Created by One, known for the hit manga “One Punch Man,” it’s a unique project that follows the same deadpan humor we all enjoy. For those unfamiliar with anime, “Mob Psycho 100” is the perfect leeway to fall in
“Mob Psycho 100” Length: 1 season, 12 episodes Director: Yuzuru Tachikawa Starring: Setsuo Ito, Takahiro Sakurai, Akio Ôtsuka, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
love with Japanese cartoons. Here’s why— “Mob” is the kind of cartoon that reminds you of your inner child ‘young-at-heart’ self. The humor in the anime is juvenile, contagious and unapologetically entertaining. The protagonist is a teenager named Mob, who has formidable psychic abilities that is feared by ESPers (psychics) and supernatural beings. He is portrayed as a physically weak, bowl-cut haired, blank faced middle schooler. His greatest weakness is his gullibility. Given his age, he is often taken advantage of by both foes and allies. The first episode introduces Mob’s mentor Reigen Arataka, a cheap con psychic with no mystic abilities of his own. Although
superb performance by balancing the feelings between Nat Turner, from his love for family, to the animosity between him and his slave masters. One particular scene that personifies the film’s theme of rising above oppression is when Nat and his freedom fighters brawl against the slave owners. In a war for liberty over enslavement, the scene shoots epic energy and bravery that inspires viewers to root for Nat and his army of rebels to defeat their enemies. He is an unstoppable “Black Braveheart” fighting for their humanity. A l t h o u g h many have spoken unfavorably from the controversy surrounding the new director, in my opinion, critics should separate the artist from the art. Whether it is Parker’s acquitted rape charges, the fact that another slave
film was made, or that he is a black man married to a white woman with children, the film is not the autobiography of “Nate Parker.” The movie is about one man’s journey to fight for truth, justice and the American way for freedom for all against an oppressive and racist system in order to birth a true nation. “The Birth of a Nation” is relevant to American society today. The mass incarceration rates of blacks in jail or the deaths of Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin, Alton Sterling and others killed by police are very similar to the slavery portrayed in this film. If there has been a loss of hope for justice, peace and humanity in this modern age, anyone can be reborn by watching the remarkable “Birth of a Nation.”
Mob is oblivious of his sensei’s deceitfulness, he idolizes him because he has always kept his powers in check—something Mob struggles with. This leads to why the title of the series is called “Mob Psycho 100.” The 100 refers to the tipping point of Mob’s power, compelling him to unleash psychedelic havoc around him. But like any teenager, Mob is trying to understand puberty and who he is as an individual. Does he identify more with his human self or his dangerous psyche? Through his extraordinary experiences, he evolves into the loveable character we adore.
One of my favorite moments in the show is when Mob joins the Body Improvement club in hopes to get his childhood crush’s attention. It’s portrayed as an hilarious attempt to bulk his way into Tsubomi’s love. “Mob Psycho 100” is a recipe of hallucinogenic fun that invites its audience into a magical world equivalent to Hogwarts. Instead of Dementors, you get colorful poltergeists and a oddly shaped hero. “Mob Psycho 100” will definitely be placed on the list of all-time favorite animes. If you’re still not convinced and numbers are your thing, Crunchyroll rated it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
13 FOOD (Top) The Citricado Double IPA has a combination of hoppy, citrus, and avocado honey. These ingredients complement each other for a smooth, yet strong flavor. (Left) The first annual Long Beach Craft Beer Festival was held at the Jack Rose Track Stadium on Oct. 15. Over 50 local, regional, and international breweries occupied both straights of the track.
Craft Beers on Campus Combining beer culture with education at the Long Beach Craft Beer Festival Words and Photos by Jazmine Lucero Contributor
The Forty-Niner shops hosted the first annual Long Beach Craft Beer Festival on Oct. 15 here at Cal State University, Long Beach. Attendees were presented with a variety of food, entertainment, and unlimited two-ounce samples of craft beer from over 50 breweries. Some of these included Beachwood Brewing Co., Smog City Brewing Co., and Transplants Brewing Co. Each guest was given an exclusive mini mug to use while trying brews. Held at the Jack Rose Track Stadium, breweries and vendors were set up along both straights of the track. Which in itself was a great idea, in my opinion, because it allowed guests to walk off calories as they ate and drank. My journey that afternoon started with a familiar favorite, the Citricado Double India Pale Ale (IPA) from Stone Brewing Co. 2016 actually marks the 20th anniversary for this particular brew. The combination of hoppy, citrus, and avocado honey complement each other for a smooth, yet strong flavor. It didn’t take long for the wonders of day drinking to kick in. Eight samples in, to be exact. I knew my body was trying to tell me
something when the blissfully sweet feeling of a buzz at 3p.m. was abruptly accompanied by fatigue and a scrambled internal sense of time. It was time to grub. Legends Sports Bar and Naples Rib Co. came through with mouthwatering dishes. My friend and I ordered four tacos con carnitas, Louisiana hot sausage bites, and a Briskettini. The Briskettini was a dish layered with baked beans, garlic mashed potatoes, chopped brisket, with a drizzle of barbeque sauce. Oh, and did I mention it was served in a martini glass? Not only was the food as delicious as it looked, it also fit a student’s budget racking in at a total of $17. As I took a sip of beer named Crush Cucumber Sour, satisfaction washed over me at the thought that another student benefited from my being drunk. Yes, you read that right. The Long Beach Craft Beer Festival also doubled as a fundraiser. According to the festival’s website, funds from the event are going towards “building facilities that will house and accommodate the educational needs of the growing Hospitality Management program” at CSULB. Couldn’t make it to this festival? No worries! Visit http://www.lbbeerfest.com/ for information on the next event.
14 TRAVEL
Adventure Soul Sisters Hiking the Painted Canyon Words and photos by Marissa Sumire Contributor
We call each other the Adventure Soul Sisters, or the A.S.S. It started new years 2016 when Stefani, Judy, and I made a pact to have new life experiences together in anyway we could. The awesome thing about living in LA is that within a day, you can drive to a different world. This weekend, Stefani asks us if we want to stay with a family friend in Palm Springs to hike and explore the area. Flying down the Interstate 10 East, we pass the windmill farm as the desert spreads against the backdrop of the Jacinto Mountains. We’re listening to “Young” by Frankie Cosmos, I just want to be alive, that’s it / alive / alive. Today we’re heading to a trail in Painted Canyon, also known as Ladder Canyon. We exit the freeway to Mecca, a small agricultural community. The GPS leads us to 62nd Avenue, then 66th Avenue, and left on Box Canyon Road. We ’ r e bumping down a dirt path and we’re surrounded by hills covered in white gravel and mounds of huge rock formations. The afternoon sun reflects off the ground and we’re squinting even in our sunglasses. Stefani’s car isn’t a four-wheel drive or anything. At one point, her tires are spinning in the gravel and we aren’t going anywhere. After several tries, maneuvering the wheel and accelerating, she gets back onto more solid ground and we’re moving forward again. Four miles down the dirt road, it dead ends at the trail head. Judy is always prepared with her selfie stick, but sometimes she says, “Take pictures with your eyes.” It is only our senses that can fully soak it in: the dry breeze, the dust particles we breathe, and the sun warm and beating into our skin. I love the sky in the desert. It never looks as blue than when it’s contrasted against the hard, white and nearly lifeless earth. The trail is a dry wash running between the canyons. I look up and see the walls of rock towering at least 30 feet above me on both sides, streaked with reds, greens and purples. Walking through the thick sand makes my ankles tired. It’s late October, so
at least the sun is beginning to tone down its heat. This is a good time to be here. Only a quarter mile down the trail, there’s a pile of rocks in the middle of the wide trail. We didn’t notice at first, but the rocks are arranged to form an arrow pointing left toward the canyon wall. That’s where we enter the ladder portion of the trail. The first time walking by, we miss it, but then we ask a couple of hikers who direct us back to it. As we walk closer to the wall, following the arrow, we see footprints and a path leading up. As we climb, I imagine we’re bighorn sheep, jumping up through the slots. The walls of the canyon are narrow here, smoothed like waves from the water that has washed through. If we were caught in here during a flash flood, there would be no escape. Sunlight beams from above, revealing all the glistening dust particles. Our voices echo off the red walls and a light breeze whistles through our hair. Metal ladders lean against the walls, some only three feet tall and others up to ten feet tall. One ladder wobbles in the gravel as I lean forward. One hand up. One foot up. At the top, my footing is a little slippery on the smooth rock but it’s manageable. This area is remote. Along the
“ Our voices echo off the red walls and a light breeze whistles through our hair. ”
way, we only see one other group of three guys and two girls, all around our age. They are taking a break eating oreos and sitting in the sand. A quarter mile in and we’ve ascended all the ladder. From here, the trail zigzags through shorter canyon walls and leads up so you’re walking along the canyon’s edge. Then it loops back around and down to the wash and you end up in the parking lot again. It’s about a four miles total. But our water bottles are empty and we have no snacks. (This was bad planning on our par. This is a desert. Come prepared!) We choose the easier route and head b a c k down t h e
ladders the way we came. Back on the road, our first stop is a convenience store, Beacon and Bridge, in Mecca to buy water and food. After this, we will go to Salvation Mountain and the Salton Sea. The Palm Desert is full of hidden treasures to explore. It’s another life experience added to our repertoire.
Gin Diaries #3
15 TRAVEL
Gus discusses the difference between two cultures with food Words and photos by Augustus Krider Contributor A medieval city and more, Coventry is over a thousand years old. The chronicled event in Coventry took place in 1016. One thousand years ago. It was around this time that Lady Godiva made herself famous by riding naked through the city streets, saving the town from her husband’s aggressive taxation. Though she is now famous for her line of chocolates, she was also an original badass for being one of the few Anglo-Saxons and only woman to hold her lands through the Norman Conquest. But history remembers her nudity. Godiva’s home would be at the center of another historical event when the English Civil War broke out in the 17th century. When it was all over,
Coventry had backed the wrong side. Leaving restored Monarch Charles II rather peeved with the city, so he ordered their ancient walls destroyed, ending the town’s tenure as a place of military importance, or so it was thought. The industrial age treated Coventry rather well until the Second World War when the city began building for the English Army and the RAF. In November of 1940 an air raid destroyed much of the city’s historical buildings, homes, and infrastructure. Only to be rebuilt after the war, with the city adding the Phoenix to their seal, representing the people rising out of the ashes to resume their life. All of this happened so that one day, two bratty students from Long Beach, California could come for a few months and complain about the food. “Do you have anything that isn’t undercooked bacon or a potato?” Megan asked. “Would you like beer
then?” said the waiter. “No, but bring over some of your cheapest Gin please,” I replied. This is a regular occurrence, with many other cultural gaffes seeming to take place in restaurants. Such as when we ordered water and, I swear this isn’t a joke or stereotype, they brought us tea. Or when I, after about twenty minutes of no service, indignantly asked a bus person why we weren’t being served and was informed that you order at the bar, as it is with most eateries. My bad. Though our cultures are so similar, our food is phenomenally different. History has it that after our “Amerexit” from the British Empire, and after the Boston Tea party, we adopted soda as our national beverage. This is known to be true, but we also vastly changed our food tastes. For example, it is incredibly difficult to buy yellow cheese. Cheese in England is white. Why would it be yellow? Also what do you see when you buy cheese in America? Is it large print SHARP CHEDDAR? Well guess what I keep having to buy, SMOOTH AND MILD BRITISH CHEDDAR. And if you want to throw some American cheese on your grilled cheese, it cannot be done—and they’re called toasties. I would argue that chocolate might be better in England but I don’t want to betray my country over candy. Frosted Flakes are just called Frosties. And would you picture Cool Ranch Doritos for a moment? I’m imagining you see those beautiful red and green dots that I once believed held their entire delicious flavor? Well in England the chips don’t have any dots, and yet they taste the same. The dots don’t actually do anything. Furthermore, Cool Ranch Doritos are actually called Cool Original Doritos, because ranch actually isn’t that chic here. I am hungry all the time because English portion sizes are
kids meal equivalent in US culture. Megan is just plain on a hunger strike because the food doesn’t please her at all. Her only saving grace is that Italian Food is the same everywhere, America, England, France, but not Italy interestingly enough. Mexican food is out of the question. I miss it so much, but we have seen other Latin American countries advertised in restaurant form. Usually they just appear to be meat pies rebranded as empanadas. But I will admit that I have yet to give these restaurants a fair shake. I was really just looking for a Chipotle or a Taco Bell. I won’t pretend to have any good cultural knowledge. KFC, McDonald’s, and Subway are all tucked away in odd corners, leering at me as if they followed me here. They whisper, “Come here, fatty. We know how American men like to eat.” I broke down and tried all three. Not in one sitting, just two. Domestic KFC is better. The food is different, how odd our cultures both are. So why would anyone who loves to eat, or eats to live go abroad? Because I can drink whenever I want and I’m nineteen. Which has an interesting effect on drinking culture. In my time here I haven’t observed anyone seek praise for drinking X amount of shots, everyone just enjoyed being smashed. I haven’t heard the spread of damaging false science about drinking, like somehow coffee makes people sober faster. Lastly connected to the eating note, and maybe the drinking note—American males listen up. Statistically we can expect to live to 76 years old. I’m sorry to tell you, I’m sure that it’s less than you expected. Our European counterparts can expect to outlive us by about 4 years. Which is why I go around bars really drunk shaking hands with everyone. Trying to spread whatever it is I got. Even up the score. So the moral of this story is eat less, drink more? Also don’t go to war with your neighbors, but do run naked in the streets to be famous.
“ I would argue that chocolate might be better in England but I don’t want to betray my country over candy. ”
To see cool pictures of Europe, Megan, and selfies of me trying my best, follow @ guskrider on twitter.
16 CULTURE
By Andrew Linde Multimedia Manager
What inspired my costume was my obsession with Poe Dameron’s jacket from Star Wars episode 7. I didn’t want a boring resistance fighter costume because I like to go all out. Over the past years, I have wanted to wear a steampunk costume over the years but never got a chance. Thus my costume this year is a combination: Steampunk Jedi!
This Halloween I made a simple captain’s costume out of stuff I mostly already owned. I bought the captain’s hat at an army surplus store and completed the look with khakis, a blue sweater, boots, a peacoat, and a pipe. The blue sweater I bought just for the costume. The boots and peacoat I already owned for extreme winters. The pipe I borrowed from a friend.
By Mitchell Edwards Contributor
Behind This Mask, There is An Idea A collection of Do-It-Yourself Halloween costumes
By Martha Giron Quijano Staff Writer
Going as Velma Dinkley from Scooby Doo required a lot of stuff I just couldn’t make. I had to be thrifty in a different way. In the end, the turtleneck and skirt came from Amazon, the shoes from Goodwill, and the socks from a sporting goods store. Lastly, my brother borrowed a pair of 3–D glasses from a theater and punched the lenses out.
My inspiration was from Game of Thrones’ Daenerys Targaryen’s dress. It was fairly easy considering that I just learned how to use a sewing machine. I chose a lightweight baby blue fabric. The most difficult part was making the belt and shoulder pieces. While it didn’t end up looking exactly like it did on TV, I was still happy getting through it and having something to wear for the spooky season.
By Bailey Mount Managing Editor