Issue 79.14
2 INTRO
“I’d rather him ruin my sheets than ruin my life.” Sam Orihuela, Art Director
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 Bañuelos, 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 Amanda Dominguez-Chio, Culture Editor amanda@lbunion.com Peter R. Clark, Entertainment Editor entertainment@lbunion.com Zach Phelps, Food Editor food@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, martha@lbunion.com Karrie Comfort, karrie@lbunion.com CONTRIBUTORS Isaura Aceves, Natalee Coloman, Danielle Gabriella, Selena Gonzalez, Samantha Neou, Kip Ian Polakoff, Cameron Pullano, R. Ray Robinson, Nancy Soriano COVER DESIGN BY: Allison Meyer
Illustration by Allison Meyer Multimedia Assistant
Brewing with Bailey Bailey Mount Managing Editor Hello again, my fellow students. The last time I was here, Alex went home to see some much needed familiar faces. This time, he’s off with his S.O. to celebrate her birthday with some much needed dating and time out of this office space. And that’s important. Relationships are important. The ties we have with other people are often the only things that keep us from losing our minds or never leaving our rooms. Other people tend to make us better. That was never more apparent than this week in our newsroom. In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, a certain Trump is set to be our new president in January. The people have spoken — well, roughly 50 percent of them. The other 50 percent is awash in a mix of different emotions that require the support of our friends and family, to say the least. After all, they’re the ones that have to live with the weight of this decision once they enter the oft-quoted “real world” the
other side talks so much about. The thing is, this world feels pretty damn real right now. We’re working, we’re voting, we’re involving ourselves in the world of politics, and we’re afraid of what we see. The latter, it seems, is a mark of immaturity. Really, any negative emotions being expressed at the turnout of this year’s election are being met with disdain and smugness by the victorious voters. Contrarily, those voters that prevailed are being met with nothing but vitriol. To summarize, it’s all been kinda gloomy. This is something we’ve talked, argued, debated and yelled about this week in the newsroom. It’s been rough, and I like to think that our little isolated incident is a reflection of how the country is feeling currently — uncertain, a little afraid, and a little angry. And that’s this week’s feature in a nutshell. None of us know what’s going to come next and the uncertainty of it all isn’t
a good feeling. Victors or losers, we don’t know what’s going to truly happen until our White House has a new person in it. So we’re talking about what we’re worried will happen when he actually starts calling shots and making policies. If you’ve spent the week worrying and want to put it off, don’t worry. We got other pieces too. Check out Community’s coverage of “Gatsby Books” on the next page. Or maybe read about one of our contributor’s ongoing adventure in Italy over on Travel. If none of that works, remember that we only have a week to go until Thanksgiving Break. Then, we can all go back to those important relationships I was talking about earlier. Either way, we’re moving forward, whatever that means. Let’s do this.
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
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.
Break the chains, go indie
COMMUNITY
Perusing Through Gatsby’s
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Words and Photos by Martha Giron Quijano Staff Writer Walking in, I was greeted by a man sitting behind the counter on his laptop. I was a bit taken back at first when we briefly talked about the overall mood of the day after the election. I had my heart set on walking in, looking around, taking a couple pictures, and walking right out. I didn’t expect to get to know the local bookstore well enough before leaving. Recently, David Sax wrote a piece for the New Yorker about what major retail booksellers like Barnes & Noble doesn’t understand about independently owned bookstores. Sax wrote that what makes Barnes & Noble so different from independent bookstores is that independent bookstores are made for the community they’re placed in, regardless of how big or small it is. For bookstores like Long Beach’s very own Gatsby Books, it is a place that feels like an extension of your own home. Owning a bookstore was an idea that owner Sean Moor had when he opened up
Gatsby Books six years ago. Shortly after he made this decision, Borders went out of business which made Moor worry if he had made the right choice. A couple years and thousands of books later, it’s clear that he did. “What we do a better job of doing is getting to know our customers,” Moor said. “I know them by name… It’s six years of building relationships over time.” In comparison to Barnes & Noble whose employees meet with different people each time from different areas, Gatsby Books feels more like a bookstore made for the community with its homey feel, maze-like bookshelves and not to mention, the cat chilling on a chair by the window. There are six other people working at the bookstore who share the same passion for books and interacting with customers. “They love books, they love people,” Moor said and turned to the creature stretched out on the green cushion. “Some
people like cats.” Moor pointed out the fact that Barnes & Noble tend to carry mostly new and popular books. “They have a hundred copies of best sellers while we have a hundred copies of different books,” Moor said, explaining that independent bookstores have the ability to cater to different types of people based on their own interests. Those old textbooks you’ve been hoarding would find a nice home at Gatsby Books where they buy, sell and trade any type of book. They also host poetry events, book club meetings and even have students at CSULB’s MFA Creative Writing Program take their work out of the classroom and present it in front of the community. Indie bookstores can make you feel like it’s your home away from home, something that major retail booksellers have yet to achieve.
Gatsby Books 5535 E Spring Street Long Beach, CA 90808 gatsbybooks.com
Gaining a Conscience Black Conscious Conference enters 37th year
Le Ballet Dembaya playing West African drum music at the Black Conscious Conference on Nov. 5.
A jam-packed day of festivities regarding knowledge and unity was held at the 37th Black Consciousness Conference on campus on Saturday, Nov. 5. The event is annually hosted by the Black Student Union (BSU) to enlighten and uplift student success through panels, workshops and guest speakers. The conference touched on topics such as economics, relationships, history and activism as well as planning for the
Words and Photos by R. Ray Robinson Contributor
future in regards to Black Americans. A workshop on Holistic Health was presented to the audience by CSULB senior Danny Crumble and alumnus Amethyst Jefferson-Roberts. They spoke about the importance of not eating too much junk food or food with GMOs and other preservatives that lead to future health issues. Crumble emphasized the issue of “food deserts,” communities where unhealthy foods are rampant. “Eat healthy, grow your own food and don’t look at the dollar value in regards to wasting so much money on healthy food, but rather look at your health in 20 years,” Jefferson-Roberts said. Other speakers included Ashley Wright and Brother Polight. The two speakers were welcomed on stage by the traditional West African drum company
called the “Le Ballet Dembaya.” The company’s rhythmic moves and dazzling drumming kept everyone’s heads ringing to the African beat. Wright spoke on the importance of motherly love from a mother to her child, and the role of breastfeeding to nurture that bond. Polight spoke on the importance of protecting the community, whether that be from police brutality, drug addiction, or death. He emphasized protecting black men and black women. Moving away from the negativity of socalled “inner-cities” was Polight’s mission to gather up knowledge to find new ways to better build it up rather than to destroy it. For more information about other events hosted by BSU, please visit csulbbsu. weebly.com
Land of
4 OPINIONS
How Tuesday’s election has
By Karrie Comfort Staff Writer
It’s difficult to capture what this election has felt like. Painful is the first word that comes to mind. It hurts to watch Americans struggle between picking the lesser of two evils. The story tends to go, “I voted for so and so, but only because I didn’t like the other one.” Or perhaps, “I voted for so and so but I’m not proud of it.” Never before have I seen such a distinct lack of pride in the American voter. Although every four years everyone with a Facebook account comes out of the woodworks with some sort of political
opinion, I have never before seen such a visible divide. So many times I can recall seeing posts saying the famous “if you are voting for so and so candidate, unfriend me now” or “then you’re an idiot” or “you’re a bigot.” Never have I seen an election where so many people didn’t vote for a candidate, but rather voted against another one. Never have I seen threats and plans for riots if such and such candidate was elected. This election was unprecedented. When the final electoral votes were
Since Tuesday’s results, my body has felt numb. I am numb to the reality that I could strongly be affected from this outcome. I am numb from the thought that my neighbors, classmates, coworkers and so on potentially voted him into office. The decision to elect this man as the United States President frightens me. The amount of followers that back up his decisions and views is even scarier. This nation has moved forward since
the 1960s to create a country filled with equal rights for anyone who lives in it, and the thought that the future president wants to take those rights away is awful. Yes, I know he has checks and balances preventing these thoughts from becoming a reality for Americans. However, he has clearly stated his hatred toward minorities and his followers supported that. I am saddened that the friends I once had growing up who’re now acquaintances
through social media are celebrating the win, not understanding the damages that have been done. I understand that there is only one thing I can do to move forward after these initial thoughts and grief I endure. From today, and for the rest of my life, I will fight for what I believe in to the full potential. I will strive to keep the rights of any minority deeply affected by the chosen candidate. And moreover, I will never consider this man to be my president.
By Isauara Aceves Contributor
From a very young age I was told that America is the land of opportunity, the land where dreams are made of. I grew up living in between Mexico and the United States, moving between them year after year. I look over to one side and saw poverty, but when I looked back to the US I saw potential for stability. I was a child who dreamt of a future and safety, being together with my family. I wasn’t the only one who has dreamt of this future. Thousands of immigrants,
including my mom and family, have all come into the U.S. hoping of providing their families with opportunities they didn’t have back home. Well if this is the land of dreams, then why is it that I’m in fear? Why is it that thousands are worried about their family, about everyone they love? How is this still the land of hope when many are living in nightmares filled with fear of deportation and separation from their family? I was born an American citizen and
Election night was very stressful for me. I kept checking the polls, hoping for them to have good news. I was disappointed by the results. Throughout this whole election process, Americans have shown just how easily persuaded they can be to commit acts of racism and homophobia. We targeted whatever groups we were told were the enemy and violence become more prominent. We forgot about unity and equality. We have set the country 50 years back and everything that people like Susan B.
Anthony and Martin Luther King Jr. did has literally gone out the window. I am ashamed as an American for what has occurred. I’m terrified as both a female and Latina. Hillary Clinton put up quite the fight and many of us were sure that she would win. That’s why she was chosen over Bernie Sanders. Sanders decided to be a socialist in a corporate nation, and in the end, corporate America chose a businessman as their president. It is sad to see that many of us are going to suffer for the choices others have made for us. But we need to know that
our life doesn’t depend on a president because when we rely on a man, we are disappointed. Our life depends on whatever we decide to do with it. The country has seen worse times and I hope that for the sake of many people, we do not return to those times. Yet history does tend to repeat itself. We just need to remember that a president cannot do whatever he wants. He has people behind and in front of him that will keep from doing whatever he wants to do.
counted and the results were announced I was certain of one thing, which I had suspected the whole time. America is tired of the devil it knows and is ready for the devil it doesn’t. Even though around fifty percent of Americans voted for our current president, there’s another fifty percent who did not. Truly, the biggest winner of the 2016 election is division and frustration in an election system, and an electorate, that left us with such poor choices.
By Natalee Coloman Contributor
given the chance to vote, so I did. I voted for the sake of my mom, for my uncle, my aunts, and friends. I want to keep my childish dream alive, but as I paced my room in circles I felt my fear growing. America has become my unstable reality. I am disappointed that the land where thousands came to find a better future hundreds of years ago is now the land where fear has taken root.
By Selena Gonzalez
Contributor
the What? By Samantha Neou Contributor
This was my first presidential election. I’ve lived through four election cycles and somehow the uncertainty of tomorrow was always just enough to create solidarity among Americans for change. Ever since the DNC declared Hillary as the Democratic nominee, young people looked toward third party candidates as a means of protesting the situation which left Bernie out of the running. I sincerely hope that your morals or your twenty minutes of Twitter fame — if you did write in (because how else would
OPINIONS
changed our perspective
5
Photo by FDR Presdential Museum and Library
America, I had faith in you. But man, there was so much fucking red that night. One state after the other, all fucking red. I remember I had an essay to do and some reading for class, but all I could do was numbly gape in overwhelming shock at the results of the election. For a while I fell into myself — this dark, unforgiving space in my mind. I was grieving over the death of America, or at least the idealized version I had of
our country. I was living in this privileged bubble and expected the rest of America to feel the same way I did. I was wrong. There’s so much I don’t know. I feel disillusioned, but I realize the world doesn’t stop spinning just because you need a moment to breath. And that’s okay. Because at the end of the day, we will mourn, but we won’t let this deafening fear take over. This is the time to realize there’s
something deeply wrong with our nation. We need to collectively come together to discover why we’re so divided, raise awareness, and find solutions. Together. As one. The government screwed us over, but nevertheless this shake up is what we need. We can’t lose sight of who we are and what we stand for in the face of adversity. Let’s go, America. We’ve got work to do, and I’m listening now more than ever.
Harambe garner more than 15,000 votes) — were worth it. You can complain all you want that the DNC started it by nominating a candidate that you deem unelectable or that you would never sacrifice your morals for a party that did that to its own. I hope you found gratification in your decisions because I want you to look ahead. Look to a future where one branch has a majority of one of America’s two dominant political parties during a time where ideological stances have never been more at
the ends of the spectrum. Look ahead to where these parties are more unwilling to compromise than ever before and where one branch is headed by a man who has his own trial within our courts systems for fraud. He’s been elected. We’re all supposed to bow and consent to his presidency. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since starting college, it’s that young people are impressive as hell. In the immortal words of Cornel West, “Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.”
By Nancy Soriano Contributor
Dear Trump Followers and Supporters, I wish you well, I really do. I hope you’re able to sleep soundly tonight knowing that your leader has won. However, I would like you to understand what you’ve done. I am what would be considered a “triple minority” here in the United States. I am a woman, I am part of the LGBT+ community, and I am definitely not white. By electing Donald Trump as president, you threaten my minorities and many more. Trump has vowed to do a number of horrific things to us, ranging from kicking us out of the country, killing us, or putting us through conversion therapy. Let me ask you this, oh loyal supporters: what century do you believe we are in? What part of your brain is allowing these threats to potentially occur? Are you threatened yourself? I’ve heard many cries for help throughout the night of the polling results. Cries over whether they will have to leave
their families who may not be citizens, but have come to the United States in search for a better life. I have heard cries from women who are afraid they will no longer be able to have a safe abortion, because Trump stated he would like to repeal Roe v. Wade. I had to comfort my fiancée, who worries for her safety in this country, for the way she dresses and expresses herself, and for the safety of our relationship in general. I had to reassure my best friend, who was blatantly and openly called a “faggot” while putting gas in his car from a fellow Trump supporter. My heart breaks a little more each time I see a friend or family member post about Trump’s victory, then comfort me by telling me “He’s not all the media makes him out to be” or “He wasn’t my first choice either, but give him a chance!” Or on the other spectrum, I’m angered
when one of you comment on my posts, telling me to “quit bitching and read a dictionary” because I made a simple spelling error — as if my soon-to-be BA in journalism isn’t proof that I can, in fact, spell. Let me tell you, we aren’t afraid of Trump. He is just a name to us. We are afraid of you. You are the people who are calling us names, or threatening us on a closer scale. You are the threat, not him. I want you to understand one thing, oh loyal followers, and it’s that the minorities are not going anywhere. We are here to stay, and we will fight. Know that the elected official has no say in kicking us out, or taking away our rights — at least not without a strong fight. We are protesting you, and we are angry. We are angry that you are ignoring what this country stands for. We are angry you don’t realize that freedom of religion includes all religions.
We are angry that you are blindly turning your eye to what Trump has done, excusing him for his vial and unimaginable acts, but pointing out Hillary’s flaws. We are angry that you want to resort back to “the good old days” of the 1960s, but fail to see the progress made to better the country in the following 50 years. I hope you understand that electing Trump as your president will divide this country more than you could ever imagine, and I wish you nothing but the best in this fight to keep America great — because it was great before Trump declared it wasn’t.
Sincerely, An angry, determined triple minority ready for the next four years
FOOD
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Broke and Hungry
How to afford eating out in Long Beach without breaking the bank Words and Photos by Bailey Mount Managing Editor I had to cover three restaurants a week for a blog, compiling a freshman’s guide to cheap food in Long Beach. The rules for the restaurants were that they couldn’t have meals going over $20, couldn’t be chain restaurants, and they couldn’t be more than 30 minutes from campus by bus. That week, I went from Stearns Street to Pacific Coast Highway.
Scrambled Breakfast and Baby Bros. Pizza and WIngs “Scrambled” for short, this restaurant has a spacious, airy setting that makes up for its crowds. The largest venue on our food trips thus far, its large amount of tables and booths are nearly full on weekends. The servers are friendly and quick to move between the large tables. However, being a breakfast place, it has its work cut out for it bringing any unique flavor to the standard, slightly expensive breakfast menu it serves. Ultimately, “Scrambled” is the perfect place to go with a large group of friends or your family if they’re visiting for the weekend, not if you’re looking for something adventurous.
MVP’s Grill and Patio With its outside only patio seating and overarching awning, “MVP’s Grill & Patio” is all a frugal college student could hope for. Service at this small venue is a little slow, but well worth the wait for all of the grubby, greasy fast food you can get your hands on. Though the dive and its food lack aesthetic, the taste is sure to always make up for it. It’s a nice place to be on a warm summer evening, but no so much as the semester gets colder. Being right down the street from the campus dormitories, however, makes it the ideal spot to grab a quick, cheap, and delicious meal.
Big E Pizza An unimpressive looking entryway greets visitors upon their initial visit to “Big E Pizza.” Don’t let that dissuade you. When stepping into the small area, servers direct you to the surprisingly large seating area on the side of the building. Covered in Italian mobster photos, from historical figures like Al Capone to fictional ones like Scarface and The Godfather, the area gives off a “family” atmosphere. Most of its patrons tend to be families and diners in two. Due to its crowds, the waiters are in no great hurry to stick around, but their food delivery is quick, efficient, and overall enables a visitor to get right down to what they came there for - the food.
7 FEATURE
By Peter R. Clark Entertainment Editor
H
ow could this happen? We elected a meme-lord. It was supposed to a joke, but this past Tuesday the joke backfired. Now, we’re stuck with Trump for the next four years. Perhaps it’s not all bad, at least the memes will live on. But at what cost? The election proved many things, and it opened our eyes to an broader issue that most were probably not even aware of. This week’s feature explores the feelings of those who were caught off-guard by the recent news. They express concerns over what the Trump presidency means for the future of this country, but also for the people living in it. They make it abundantly clear that we the people will not idly sit by during Trump’s regime. With hope, perhaps the future will not be as bad as Trump promised during his campaign, but with the current state of uncertainty, we all live in fear of the words that Trump may utter next. In any case, he’s here and so are we.
An effigy seen in San Diego on May 26, 2016 showing Trump with the word “Bigot” taped on while wearing a sombrero and holding Mexican flag
8 FEATURE
By Kaila Marie-Hardaway Music Editor President Trump. President Donald Trump. President Donald J. Trump. No matter which way I say it, it feels wrong in my heart. As a young, female, biracial, middleclass resident in Long Beach, California, most of those around me supported Clinton as soon as Bernie Sanders was no longer an option; the idea of Trump being president was merely a joke that many of us in the “liberal bubble” did not take serious enough. On November 8, 2016, that bubble was quickly ruptured and I am uneasy and hurt. I am uneasy because this decision, that was made by 59.6 million Americans, makes me question where our values are. There is a lengthy track record displaying various forms of racism, sexism, classism, and pure cluelessness from Trump. He was recorded advocating sexual harassment. How did we, as a nation, bypass such inappropriate language? What else will he be able to get away with during his term? What line does he have to cross for those 59.6 million Americans to say, “Enough is enough?” I feel hurt because those who I love, work with or are acquainted with no longer feel comfortable in the country they reside in. Trump is not a man of “The People,” and he is not supportive of many of those who reside in the United States. He has constantly degraded those in the minority, whether it’s women, Muslims, undocumented citizens or the LGBTQ+ community. I am fortunate enough to not fear
deportation, violence,or prejudice due to my culture or race. However, I know that many do. In a country that is supposed to embrace “The American Dream,” cultural diversity and being united as one, we should feel free to be ourselves be comfortable living among others who do the same. Trump, in my eyes, does not embrace or support these ideals at all. How is someone supposed to lead a country to greatness if he does not bother to understand or support those who live in it? Donald J. Trump is our new president and we will have to live with that for the next four years. Many of those that oppose Trump think, “It’s happened. There’s nothing we can do about it.” Wrong. Support and respect each other. Many of us will continue mourning the results of this election. Because this election was so close, be mindful of those around you no matter what your stance is. If you are a Trump supporter, please do not rub it in the faces of those who supported Clinton. If you were a Clinton supporter, respect the fact that we will be referring to Donald Trump as our president, but don’t silence your voice. Continue to voice your opinions. Continue to protest. If you’re not happy, it is okay to make it known. But, be respectful of those around you. That is the only way we will continue to be united as a nation during a time of division.
By Jordan Daniels Opinions Editor If you have to ask me why I’m scared, you haven’t been paying attention. If you disassociate yourself from the array of possible socio-economic issues because they don’t directly affect you, then you are part of the problem. You are why I’m scared. This election has taught me one thing: roughly half of this country, to some extent, is either racist, sexist, misogynist, anti-LGBTQ+ or all of the above. Because of this, I am scared. I’m scared for everyone that I care about who fall upon the intersections of these points. I’m not as scared for myself because I acknowledge that my privileges will grant me some ability to blur the lines of how these issues might affect me. Therein lies the issue. Because these issues may not affect you personally, you don’t care about them and that scares me. I have friends who are terrified to leave their home while their families are considering leaving the country. I have friends who are scared to wear their religious items or express their
gender and sexuality. And I’m scared for them. I’m scared for myself as well because one our upcoming leaders believes that he can shock away my queerness. I’m scared for the future because I have no idea what it holds. I know that’s a bit existential and we never know what the future holds, but the fact that it’s not in my hands is the horror in this. It’d be naive to ask me how I think the country will look like a year from now. Right now, all I see is red and I have no idea what color on the spectrum I’ll see next. I think there will be a lot of ideas, a lot of tests and a lot of backlash. I think there will be a lot of protest and a lot of hurt. I think there will be a lot of bad before there’s a lot of good. We may very well have a good presidency and economy, but I don’t want to even take those chances because they make me feel uncertain. The only certainty we have is we’re uncertain at how this next year will play out. Isn’t that the biggest twist of irony in all of this?
9
It’s been hard to sort through all my feelings regarding the election of Donald Trump as our next president last Tuesday. I was actually working in the Union Weekly office as the events of the evening unfolded. And as state after state toppled in Trump’s favor, the knot in my stomach tightened tighter and tighter. The fear that I had so easily brushed off before overcame me like a tidal wave. Why? Because it was at this moment that I realized that my liberal political philosophy was a minority in America. That my belief in social reform and the transformation of systematically oppressive cycles within our government was something that nearly 50 percent of the US would vehemently fight against. But don’t get me wrong. I congratulate Trump supporters for the fact that you wanted to vote against the establishment. Trust me, I did too. Ever since I witnessed the blatant nepotism and manipulation implemented by the DNC in Hillary’s favor, I felt disillusioned with the Democratic Party that I once trusted. I am a Bernie Sanders supporter and I feel betrayed and bitter from his loss. What I take issue with when it comes to Trump supporters is what is essentially being said by voting for him.
And that is that you value the financial and consumerist well-being of America over the actual comfort and prosperity of other human beings that don’t look like you and their communities. And I honestly don’t want to argue this with anyone. To me, it’s a blatant fact. You, yes you – the level-headed, logical Republican/ Conservative who voted for Donald Trump – depreciated the basic humanity of countless communities in exchange for what you believe would be economically be more beneficial for our country. You were willing to push past and excuse all the racist, sexist rhetoric; the weird, out-of-control Twitter feed; and, to me the most disturbing, the mockery of a reporter with a disability because you believed his policies were better than Hillary’s. The fact that you even try to forgive or explain away his vindictive, demeaning behavior is problematic. Because to me, this isn’t really an issue about politics anymore. This is an issue of morals. I say this because when you become so complacent and okay with Trump’s attitude, enough to even find it funny and worth voting for, I question the method by which you hold our political figures morally accountable. Like do you have any expectation for their humanity? I recognize that Hillary is no
perfect flower by any means but Trump is and has always been a blatant bully. Like seriously. I have no liberal or media bias here. There is literal evidence of him belittling and mocking countless people for decades. Why are you even okay with that? Really why? Again, this circles back to the fact that Trump supporters value their own lives and lives similar to theirs over the lives of others who don’t live or look like them. This reality is ridiculous. To me, it reveals a big and obvious flaw in our country: we have an education system that has failed us. This was actually my first thought when it first began to dawn on me that Trump was winning. In many of the states that Trump won, an education is undervalued. Many politically red states favor going out and working. And since we are in the age of the internet, a lot of our education on history and politics is found online. Depending on the area you stay in, the information you receive is always a little biased. I’ll be the first to admit that living in a large, multicultural city has definitely propagated a majorly leftist culture. In contrast, in predominantly rural, working class states, the culture has definitely gravitated towards heavy conservatism and what are considered
FEATURE
By Sheila Sadr Copy Editor
“This isn’t really an issue about politics anymore. This is an issue of morals.”
the “traditional values” in America. In my opinion, big cities are the epicenters of American diversity. They bring together people of multiple backgrounds, faiths and economic experiences. Allowing us to approach problems with more perspectives. We are exposed to more, therefore we learn more and we are considerate of more people. I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to expose all students, especially in rural areas, to diverse cultural experiences so that they can make more informed political and moral decisions in the future. But my biggest fear since Trump’s win is very personal. I’m afraid of the thousands of people who now feel validated in their hate and may resort to violence. I am a first generation American. I come from a Muslim Iranian family. I’m scared that people will feel emboldened by Trump’s win and think it’s okay to hurt my parents. I mean, I’ve already seen some hate crimes in the news. And this fear is paralyzing. It’s what keeps me up at night. It’s what made me call my parents and tell them I love them and to be safe on election night. It feels like a noose that continues to tighten around my family’s neck and there’s nothing I can do. Except rise up against it.
10 ATHLETICS
Overwhelming “Overwatch” Competitors Words and Photos by Matthew Gozzip Athletics Editor
At the start of the competitive Overwatch season, no one knew about the eSports kohai’s from Senpai Notice Us. SNU, an affiliate of the CSULB eSports association, came into the Overwatch Tespa Collegiate Series with little fanfare. The student association is still a relatively unknown organization, save some deep runs in several CS:GO and “League of Legends” tournament runs. Expectations were modest at best: a potential top 10 finish regionally, perhaps a few good games against toptier competition and if anything, a great opportunity to learn competing with the best. Five games into the tournament, Senpai Notice Us is rocketing up the rankings faster than a Reinhardt charge. At the time of publication, SNU is one of the highest seeds in the bracket stage, dominating much more established collegiate programs. Fans and rivals alike have sung praises about the SNU being one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. Forget just ranking regionally; SNU might be one of the
best Overwatch squads in the nation. Two months ago, Senpai Notice Us didn’t even exist. The official team roster wasn’t set until a couple weeks before their first match and the players didn’t know each other, let alone played together in a proper scrimmage. Team captain Daniel Kray (ingame name, Decca) hadn’t taken up a vocal leadership role before and knew he had his work cut out for him. To make matters worse, SNU would be qualifying in the West Region, a hotbed for many collegiate eSports powerhouses. “The first game we played, I would say there was some pressure,” said Michael Marandola (Purple), the team’s support specialist. “We had only been playing together for a week and it was stressful to be in the West [region]. Once we quickly sweeped our first game, we gained some confidence.” And what a first game it was. Against Cal State Los Angeles, SNU dictated the pace of the match from start to finish. On the Eichenwalde map, the dual
“Aaron tanks”, Aaron Fong (Feefyefofong) and Aaron Chai (Chai), got the team rolling by immediately pressing the front line to their opponent’s spawn. Fong played an optimal Reinhardt, clogging the first entryway while Chai peppered the opposition with savvy Roadhog and D.Va support. CSULA barely captured one objective in the two games they played, a near perfect start for SNU in their match. The scary thing is that SNU has only gotten better since then. The boys from The Beach didn’t concede a single point in their first four contests, tallying a 9-2 game record after group play. Consistent growth and adapting play style that can combat a variety of strategies have become some of team’s trademarks. In their match against Utah State, SNU stampeded through the enemy’s objectives with aggressive lineups. Possibly the most frightening composition was an assault group led by a TracerReaper combo and a LucioZenyatta attacking support that dealt an immense amount of DPS (damage per second). In the next contest, the strategy was centered around Kray’s Genji and the secondary support player, Eugene Park
(TheFallenBum). Park is a dedicated Ana that deals as much damage as he recovers with frequent nano boosts. The timely ultimates are invaluable to SNU’s economic style of play when they are reeling. Much of this seamless fluidity is due to SNU’s uncanny ability to use a handful of hero compositions. Each player has a deep hero rotation of at least four different heroes that constantly keeps their opponents guessing. Marandola, the team’s main Lucio, often is SNU’s support but actually has the 100 competitive hours logged as Genji. Kray second most used hero is Widowmaker, a character he has rarely used in the competition so far.
11 ATHLETICS
CSULB excels the nation’s bestin Tespa tourney, impressing the eSports world
Caption Main: Senpai Notice Us with their main competitive heroes (from left to right) Manager Cat Tompkins, Eugene Park, Daniel Kray, Aaron Chai, Michael Marandola, Dymeric Eliptico, Danny Nguyen, Aaron Fong Circle 1: Haiki’s Hanzo proficiency Circle 2: Decca’s Death Blossom Circle 3: SNU, the 1st team to score on UCI
Danny Nguyen (Haiki), is the true jack-of-alltrades fpr this wildcard squad. Nguyen has used five heroes in the five games SNU has played without a skill drop off. In their last game, Nguyen was the shining star as Hanzo, a precision defender not many players use competitively. Nguyen credits his versatility to playing Overwatch’s r a n d o m competitive matchmaking. “Playing solo queue requires me to basically play all heroes to a certain level,” said Nguyen. “I kept building up my skill on each hero and eventually I was capable of playing every hero at the same level. It also just has to do with game sense: knowing what to do and at what time to do it trying to win as a solo player.” On top of possessing overall team utility, SNU’s has another hidden advantage most teams don’t have: a small roster. SNU practices are conducted with more focus since the team is smaller, allowing for
natural cohesion to blossom quickly. Demyric Eliptico (RiceLover), the team’s lone substitute, may not b e
part of the main unit but is skilled in his own right. Eliptico played in two matches this season as a flex role and both were easy victories for SNU. Despite not being able to invest as much time in practice, Eliptico still is considered a main component to SNU.
“I think this team has done well with working as a team and as a unit”, said Kray. “Most teams either have the individual skill or teamwork, not much have both. I think we have a bit of both which gives us an edge over most teams in the tournament.” Constant communication has been the groundwork for SNU’s progress, no matter who is playing for the team and how well everyone is playing. From timing a rush or signaling retreat, SNU remains calm and continues their scripted calls. Coordination is difficult when six different voices are barking callouts and it’s something the team definitely wants to improve on. Finding and nurturing specialized skills off-screen is just as crucial as using in-game abilities. “We’re trying to transition more of the in-game calls to our supports Michael/Eugene, so Decca can focus on calling and killing targets”, said Chai. “I think Kray definitely has helped everyone to get better individually since has the most game sense out of the team. Everyone else is following suit.” Kray’s stoicism mixed with the team’s burgeoning chemistry has heightened SNU’s play to near elite levels. In their last match, SNU stole a game against top-ranked UCI, an established power in the collegiate eSports scene. Though they ultimately lost the
match, SNU showed that they are a group to be reckoned with in the bracket stage and beyond. The roster is talented and the group performance is matching the collective skill level. It may be premature to crown Senpai Notice Us as future collegiate champions of the Overwatch world but that prediction doesn’t seem as farfetched as it did a couple months ago. After going unnoticed at the start of the tournament, the team won’t be sneaking up on any of their future opponents. Sooner or later, everyone will be trying to get noticed by SNU.
“Most teams either have the individual skill or teamwork... I think Senpai Notice Us has a bit of both that gives us a competitive edge.”
12 CULTURE
An Element of Surprise The latest performance by the University Theatre By Amanda Dominguez-Chio Culture Editor Photos by Kip Ian Polakoff Contributor The University Theatre premiered “Elements” on Saturday November 12th. It has been a while since I have watched a good play, and “Elements” did not disappoint. In fact, the play exceeded my expectations. The play begins with two c h a r a c te r s , Sally (Kim
Pernia) and Avi (Alexander R o m e r o ) , unaware of the other’s existence. When the four elements intervene into their mundane lives, Sally and Avi are left forever changed.
“Elements” is filled with acrobatics and dance that is beautifully choreographed. Throughout the play, we see how the elements use their bodies to form and serve as different props. At one point, for example, the elements take the shape of a chair and a printer. Through their movements, we see the strict and rigid daily routine juxtaposed against the fluid and harmonious life Sally and Avi strive for. Aside from the choreography, the music played a significant role. In one scene, we hear the piano playing a repetitive beat to convey the mundane and routine lifestyle they live. Later, we hear the sound of a keyboard played against the sound of birds, creating the dichotomy of the city versus nature. I could not have chosen a perfect time to watch this play. Currently, I’m enrolled in a Shakespeare class and one of the topics I am interested in is space. One of the things I have learned about space is how characters leave
or move away from order, instability quickly follows. While I was watching the “Elements,” the play reminded me of how Sally and Avi are confined to this space, in which they follow this dull and monotonous routine. When Sally and Avi encounter the elements, the elements alter their lives. By moving into the space of the elements, Sally and Avi experience a sense of freedom that cannot be found in their fixed and rigid lifestyle. Overall, “Elements” is a great play that I recommend everyone to watch. The play incorporates contemporary dance and acrobatics that allows Sally and Avi, as well as the audience, to find a sense of balance and harmony in our hectic and uneventful days. If you are interested in watching the play, “Elements” runs through November 12th to November 19th, so be sure to purchase your ticket and enjoy the breathtaking choreography and soothing sounds of nature.
Upcoming Release: “The Duchess of Malfi” Revenge tragedy “The Duchess of Malfi” takes the stage at Cal State Long Beach. Acclaimed Shakespearean director dissects classical text to reveal raw human nature. Long Beach, CA, November 2016 – California State University Long Beach (CSULB) Theatre Arts Department presents “The Duchess of Malfi” by John Webster playing December 2 to December 11 in the Studio Theatre on the campus of CSULB. “The Duchess of Malfi,” a macabre Jacobean play first performed in 1613, is directed by internationally–renowned Shakespeare teacher and director Rob Clare. Set against the backdrop of a raw and exposed land, this production shares the bloody and evocative story of a widowed Duchess who is left in a prominent political position with great wealth after the death of her husband. When the Duchess and Antonio, a man in her service, confess their love for one another they are secretly married. Discovering their sister’s betrayal, the Duchess’s brothers are driven mad by greed and will stop at nothing to control their sister’s power, leading to mutual
destruction. Director Rob Clare says, “The Duchess of Malfi speaks to us across the years in the way that great plays do. It is not a museum piece, it’s a piece that takes humanity and pares it back to the bone and we are left to view the dissection.” Rob Clare was an actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), then a Staff Director at the UK National Theatre and Associate Artistic Director of the major UK touring company, Compass. Becoming increasingly interested in differing approaches to working with Shakespearean verse, he completed a doctorate in the subject at Oxford University, and has since become an internationally– recognized Shakespeare specialist. He established the MA Classical Acting course at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, which he also led for its first three years. Recent freelance credits as teacher and/ or director include the Royal Shakespeare Company, Steppenwolf, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Yale, Juilliard, Brown and University of Southern California. “[Shakespeare] isn’t our history, it is our
now, in the way great composers are too… John Webster’s “The Duchess of Malfi” stands in comparison with some of Shakespeare’s work, and for that reason I think it is worth seeing and worth sharing,” says director, Clare, regarding the importance of Shakespeare and other classical work today. “The Duchess of Malfi” opens Friday, December 2 and closes on Sunday, December 11, with a preview performance on Thursday, December 1. Performances run Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm with matinee performances on Saturday, December 3; Saturday, December 10; and Sunday, December 11 at 2 pm. This production is presented in the Studio Theatre, inside the Theatre Arts Building, on the southeast corner of the CSULB campus, accessible via East Campus Drive.
Tickets are $17 for general admission and $14 for seniors, students, and CSULB faculty and staff (with valid ID). Parking is available for $7 in CSULB Parking Lot 7, next to the theatre. For tickets and information, please call (562) 985-5526 or visit www.calrep.org.
Information provided by California State Long Beach Theater Arts
Last week, Danielle shared what was going through her mind and what she first encountered as she first stepped foot in Italy. She set off with a charged phone, overpacked bags and a will to find Florence.
This week, we continue the adventure as she makes her way to Milano Centrale on her way to Florence. She is lost in a foreign country and doesn’t speak the language. Let’s find out what happens next...
Next Stop…Milano Centrale Words and photos by Danielle Gabriella Contributor I started walking around the airport, stumbling over myself with my three bags, looking for a sign with anything that said “Milano Centrale”. A stranger wound up approaching me and said “scusi” offering to help. Without hesitation, he took my luggage out of my hand and began loading it onto a cart. I didn’t refuse. I was exhausted, tired and just wanted to get on the damn train. I began to follow him as he led me downstairs into the station and unloaded my things onto a subway train. He then put out his hand in a gesture to give him money. It was clear that helping me out wasn’t out of the kindness of his own heart, but to make a quick buck off of a foolish tourist. I politely responded, “how much?” It was a stupid question to ask. He wanted 10 euros, so I pulled out my wallet and handed him the money. And just like that, within my first hour of landing I had already been hustled. I didn’t mind, as long as I was on the right track to get to where I was going. The time was 11 a.m. when I finally arrived at Milano Centrale — the Milan train station that would take me to Florence. The place was huge. It was like a two story mall with hundreds of people walking around with nothing but the stench of cigarettes and nicotine filling the air. My anxiety hit again. Now I had to figure out how to buy a ticket to get to Florence. There were multiple machines around but I couldn’t figure out what they said. I spent the next two hours walking around trying to figure out how to buy my ticket until older gentleman walked up to me. He was strongly insistent in trying to help me. I couldn’t shake him; he was persistent. He inputted the info in the machine for me and printed out my boarding ticket. Just as I expected, a minute later, he put out his hand and I was hustled for another five euros. I struggled to stay awake on the train. I knew that I couldn’t fall asleep because lord forbid if I missed my exit, I’d end up in Naples
or somewhere in the south of Italy. So I put on my headphones and looked out the window, enjoying the scenery. I was finally relaxed. “Almost there,” I told myself. At 3 p.m., I had arrived in Florence. Immediately as I got off the train, I went straight to a taxi because I couldn’t stand another minute of lugging around my three suitcases — why on earth I decided to pack three bags I’ll never know. I showed the taxi driver the WhatsApp message of Antonio’s address, and he dropped me off. As I waited outside of the apartment for Antonio to arrive, I began to imagine in my head what he would look like. Was he going to be tall? short? What was he going to sound like? Was his accent going be thick? Did he look like his profile pic? More importantly, what was he going to think when he saw me? So many thoughts racing through my head... and then he walked up. Meeting him in person for the first time was interesting, I think it was pretty much clear for the both of us that we weren’t going to be each other’s type based off of first impressions alone. He was about 5’7, skinny, with a baby face. He had a presence about him that gave off this vibe that image mattered — the complete opposite of myself. Although I had originally chosen to board with him because of his appearance, it was never my intention to start some type of romantic relationship with him. The strategy I went in with when choosing someone to board with on Airbnb was to pick someone close to my age range, who didn’t look like a total creeper that I could get along with, make friends, and kick it with for a month. In fact, one of my main goals was to meet his friends and hopefully hit it off with one of them. “Ciao, Daniella” he told me, as he began kissing both my cheeks welcoming me to Italy. I giggled inside, my first two cheek kiss. “This is legit,” I told myself. He opened the door and we walked inside…
“So I put on my headphones and looked out the window, enjoying the scenery. I was finally relaxed. ‘Almost there,’ I told myself.”
TRAVEL
Letters from Italy
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Loving v. Virginia
14 ENTERTAINMENT
A film about the landmark case in favor of love By R. Ray Robinson Contributor
Interracial relationships. They can often draw criticism, but have also helped America grow into what many call the “melting pot” that we know today. According to the Washington Post, “About 1 in 8 who married in 2013 have tied the knot with someone of a difference race.” The population of interracial couples has gotten bigger, and the remarkable true story behind “Loving” was in part what made that possible. I had the opportunity of going to ArcLight Hollywood in Los Angeles to not only watch the movie, but meet and speak to the director as well. Acclaimed filmmaker Jeff Nichols (“Mud” and “Midnight Special”) chronicles the American life story of Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Mildred Loving (Ruth Negga). The interracial couple marry in Washington D.C. then return home to Central Point, Virginia facing prejudices from the state. The second that the police break and barge into their home, they are arrested and told to leave the state for violating the anti-miscegenation law. The law in which a white man and a black woman are forbidden to be together. Inspired by the civil rights movement, Mildred writes to General Robert F. Kennedy. He in return refers them to the ACLU to defend them, triggering a landmark case from the
their love. After the film ended, the audience gave a round of applause. Then the director came out for Q&A. When asked was what the hardest part or most emotional scene was? Nichols replied, “Shooting the scene where Edgerton states that he’s ‘coming home to his wife’ was the most emotional.” This felt very profound to the film’s theme because it shows how powerful the couple’s union could not be broken nor defeated despite all of the racism and discrimination that they face. It revealed that love defeated the hate that hate produced for all interracial couples of the future to thrive on. Interracial dating has come a long way. Witness those unlikely freedom fighters who laid down the foundation for marrying outside of one’s ethnic background to be possible in our society. Be charmed by ordinary people with an extraordinary story changing the world in “Loving.” Supreme Court called Loving v. Virginia to be full in effect. Both stars are ingenious and give a superb performance. Edgerton delivers a quiet and thoughtful perspective of an open hearted man not concerned with politics but rather, providing a living for his family by working
as a brick mason. Negga’s Mildred masters a sweet soothing southern smile that could brighten up any imaginable despondency. When she sees their misfortunes being bigger than them, she encourages her husband to work with her and the ACLU to change the face of American society for the better with
“Loving” Length: 2hr 3m Diector: Jeff Nichols Starring: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Michael Shannon, Will Dalton, Chris Greene, Nick Kroll, Marton Csokas, David Jensen, Sharon Blackwood
The Outcast in the Lunar Light “Moonlight” is a journey through a lifetime By Peter R. Clark Entertainment Editor Expectations of who you are meant to be are often molded by the environment you grow up in. If you grow up in an environment where people struggle to get by, chances are you’ll adapt or perish. “Moonlight” is a film split into three parts, chronicling the life the main character. Each part of the film shows a different part of his life, starting as the young boy, Little (Alex R. Hibbert), then in high school as Chiron (Ashton Sanders), and finally as the adult, Black (Trevante Rhodes). Along the way we learn that his mother is an addict, he has no father and instead finds one in a drug dealer Juan (Mahershala Ali). Chrion eventually goes to jail after assaulting a classmate who was bullying him. In the third act, we find out that Black is following in the footsteps of his father figure Juan, by dealing drugs. However, what ties this film all together is that the main character is battling with the fact that he might be gay. In a powerful scene in the first act, Little asks Juan what a “faggot” is and Juan’s response is a response I hope every father gives to his son when in the same situation. His childhood friend Kevin is present
of anything else. It is based on a book, “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” by Tarrell McCraney. The directing in this film is really well done, and it is surprising coming from a relatively new director. “Moonlight” is an interesting film that deals with the struggles of a young African American man growing up in a poor, crimeinfested city. It’s an emotional ride through someone’s life that hits on all right notes to be a great film. Each act is brilliantly executed and really shows the struggles of the main character. The ongoing endeavor of his sexuality is illustrated tastefully, and other films can learn from this film’s pacing. I recommend that everyone watch this film, as it is a powerful approach to dealing with sexuality no matter who you are, where you come from or what your environment is. in all three acts of the film, and each time he is on screen there is some sort of bond between them. During the first act, Kevin (Jaden Piner) attempts to tell Little that he can stand up for himself. During the high school phase, Kevin (Jharrel Jerome)
and Chiron share an intense moment on the beach. And lastly, as adults Kevin (André Holland) and Black reconnect after 10 years. “Moonlight” is written and directed by Barry Jenkins who is not known for much
“Moonlight” Length: 1hr 51m Diector: Barry Jenkins Starring: Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe, Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes, Jaden Piner, Jharrel Jerome, André Holland, Naomie Harris, Patrick Decile
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Fun-fueled excitement for truck fans By Cameron Pullano Contributor My first encounter with Clustertruck was watching a short trailer that came up on my twitter timeline, and I immediately added it to my Steam wishlist. I had forgotten about it until I got an email from Steam telling me it was available, and then I bought and installed it as soon as possible. Clustertruck is the “chaotic physics based truckformer,” according to their Steam page. It made one of the strongest first impressions a game has made on me in a long time. It’s a first person platforming game, but the platforms are all moving trucks. High concept art, I know. It’s been compared to the esteemed 90s hit “The Floor is Lava.” Clustertruck’s whole deal is the platforming; no story, no characters other than you and the trucks. The art style is simple, but not ugly, with soft colors and hard angles being the distinctive features. Not much in the game gets between you and the trucks. The control felt a little funny to me at first, needing some fiddling with sensitivity and button mapping options, but after completing the easier levels, I’d gotten used to it. The game’s levels come in worlds of ten levels, and each of these worlds has a theme. The themes range from “Forest” to “Desert,” getting weirder and more difficult, with motifs like “Laser” and “Ancient” coming later, ending with “Hell” themed levels. The goal is clear, and needs no tutorial. Make your way to the
finish line, riding, jumping on, and avoiding the stampede of trucks that accompany you. The levels get really difficult pretty quickly, needing multiple attempts to even find out the path to the finish line. As you complete levels, the game rewards you points based on speed and style; stuff like jumping off a truck that’s in midair. These points are not only used in the leaderboards, but are used to buy upgrades for your character. The player has the option to equip both a “movement” and “utility” upgrade, bought with points. The movement upgrades are things like a double jump or a mid air dash forward,
Illustration By John Mueller Graphics Illustrator
while the utility upgrades that I tried first were a time slow ability and one that shoots out a truck from your character. Just in case you need something to jump off of. The extra abilities can get a little confusing sometimes, but they allow for completing levels in ways that aren’t quite the normal way. My biggest problem with the game comes from the chaos that made me laugh so hard the first time I played it; a lot of the time, the trucks don’t seem to go where you need them to, and sometimes get in pileups or drive off the damn level before they’re supposed to. These are usually hilarious, but when I can’t beat a
ENTERTAINMENT
Truckformers Roll Out
level seemingly because the truck AI is a little too chaotic, it can get frustrating. This didn’t really get in the way of my overall enjoyment of the game, though. It’s been a hot minute since a game has made me laugh out loud, and Clustertruck’s high tension platforming made me keep playing even when the laughing turned to “fuck!” as I kept restarting the level. “Clustertruck” Price: Standard Edition $14.99, Collector’s Edition $19.99 through Steam (PC) Developer: Landfall Games Publisher: tinyBuild User Reviews: Very Positive
The Odd Journey of Dr. Strange A quest through kaleidoscope worlds
Marvel’s newest offering as part of their, now,14 film universe is “Doctor Strange.” The film, directed by Scott Derrickson, who is known for his film “Sinister,” is a psychedelic trip through kaleidoscope worlds featuring a man of science out of his league. Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), an arrogant neurosurgeon who has an unfortunate accident. In seeking a solution for his problem, he comes across a compound run by The Ancient One (Tilda
Swinton) a sorcerer leading others to protect the universe from mystical threats. The film plays the origin story we’ve come to learn from every superhero film in a standard way, up until the finale. The rather forgettable villain, is another sorcerer named Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelson) who uses dark magic, which will summon a being named Dormammu. Despite this set-up, Derrickson turns the typical big battle finale on its head in spectacular fashion.
By Andrew Linde Multimedia Manager
Cumberbatch is perhaps best-known for playing Sherlock Holmes in the BBC’s recent adaptation. Given that he is a Brit playing a New Yorker, his American accent on display and is rather disappointing. Equally disappointing is Tilda Swinton. Her role as the Ancient One is bland, and it was clear her casting was a stunt. The character is a bit of a sore spot for comics fans, as the original comics incarnation was a racist caricature of the “wise old Asian teacher.” Swinton is being used for her
ability to play androgynous roles, but she does nothing for this character that any actor could also do. Among Doctor Strange’s allies are Wong (Benedict Wong) and Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Wong’s character has been altered significantly from the comics to give him more power and agency. Mordo is a character of much importance, as comics fans will know, and Ejiofor plays him perfectly. He is a friend for Strange during his time at the compound, even though they have very different beliefs. Strange has sworn an oath to protect life as a doctor. By the end of the film, it’s hard to place it among the other Marvel films. It’s a very different film with familiar beats, allowing easy comparisons to “Ant-Man” or “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Also, stay after the credits to see how it will tie into a Marvel feature coming out next year. “Doctor Strange” Length: 1hr 55m Diector: Scott Derrickson Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelson, Tilda Swinton, Benjamin Bratt, Michael Stuhlbarg, Scott Adkins
MUSIC
Top Acid Presents: Way too Fun Fest
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Two experiences in Santa Ana’s DIY music venue Words and photos by Isaura Aceves Contributor Neon colored mohawks, they felt like listening to by having up to Jurassic Shark. Their stage was between Penniback stage kept me leather jackets, long two bands simultaneously playing at the back of a building and on the side up on high energy. hair and worn out different stages. there was a wide alley where the Next, the jeans were the Ideally, this is a great way musicians would set up. band the first thing you for having people pick and The majority of the day I was Flying Hand see at Way choose what they want go unable to get near the stage as performed Too Fun Fest. see, but it was difficult people would mosh non stop. at the main There making that decision since There was constantly high stage and were families, I wanted to see a lot of the energy as the mosh pit grew filled the couples and different local bands, but I more and more. air with groups of was only capable of seeing One of the bands that their fusion teenagers a few. performed was Plumber, which of latin walking Raw riffs, welcomed the crowd rock and around the distortion and with a fast paced electronic streets of heavy beats heavy garage beats. Santa Ana. Trumpet player Kael Sharp and vocalist/guitarist w e r e sound. T h e y Jesus A. Aviles from Plumber joins the mosh pit From punks Johann Cabrajal from Furcast at the main stage. m o s t l y At one combined at the Penniback stage. to hippies, heard point, the keyboard I saw everyone interact with one another from the Penniback after the singer’s with groovy guitar licks and maracas during one and listen to the bands that took up the five stage at the festival. rapid shouting, of their songs. stages set up at the festival. They’re a Los he joined the A couple of other bands that stood The diverse crowd reflected the various Angeles based audience’s mosh out during the festival was Furcast and sounds and bands that played. From loud record label; even pit for the rest of The Hurricanes. Furcast was a mix of garage to psychedelic experimental rock, though they’re the set. psychedelic experimental rock while the each stage presented unique bands. small, they have a lot Even though I Hurricanes were a throwback to smooth The schedule was organized to provide of local bands signed had to stay in the rockabilly music. music throughout the day starting from 12 into their label. back of the crowd Even though I was unable to hear all of the p.m. to 10 p.m. For example, to avoid getting other bands, I was exposed to several different Guitarist Temo Molina and bassist Andy Pedroza It also provided everyone different one of the biggest pushed into the genres within a day, and that made the shows I from Flying Hand adding some Latin groove. options to see whatever genre of music bands signed is mosh pit, the did see worth the time.
Words and photos by Nancy Soriano Contributor Self-described as a “DIY music venue and vintage clothing store that throws FREE shows and music festivals for the masses,” Top Acid organized Way Too Fun Fest, which took place on Nov. 5 in Santa Ana. Along with five stages, over twenty local businesses came out to set up and showcase their products to the diverse crowd. This included anything from clothing to vinyl records. Copping a “Combat Rock” vinyl for under $15 and an original pressing of The Byrd’s
Local businesses set up to introduce everything from vinyl to clothing to the masses.
“Tambourine Man” for $5 Irvine have come a long were some of the biggest way since “singing along come ups of the day to Tenacious D at 8 along with getting the years old.” opportunity to see 50 One of their locals bands for free. notable originals Simultaneously was “That Groove” running at this time which feels a lot like was the Konsept Art Vampire Weekend in its and Music Festival, arrangement, but more hosting a total of ten like Sameer Gadhia in stages, four of which its vocals. coincided with Way You can find Too Fun Fest. them on Spotify if West Park introduces their new track, “That At around 1:30 you want to take a Groove.” p.m., the OCLM listen. Mad respect Konsept stage hosted a band that banged for anyone that can cover Zeppelin, out a soulfully subdued cover of “Dazed and Chance, and Cee Lo in a set. Confused” by Led Zeppelin. Around 2:50 p.m. on the Top Acid Three young college kids took to the Mainstage, Sister Crowley stepped up to stage under the name West Park and perform. With two guitarists, a bassist, and hashed out three originals songs and a drummer accompanied with the smooth three covers that showed surf, reggae undertones of the lead singer, Sister Crowley and soul coming together in a cohesive puts their own spin on garage punk rock. sound of clean guitar licks and steady Their use of distortion pedals is bass rhythms. amazing and has that kind of live sound Playing together since their sophomore that even if you weren’t there for them, you year of high school, these three guys from sure as hell left with them in mind.
Although they clearly enjoy what they’re doing, their stage presence is more complimentary of their music rather than one of the main focuses. On top of all of that, Sister Crowley hails from Long Beach and there’s a special place reserved in my local heart that is so undeniably proud of any bands coming from the city, that the performance really brought the festival home for me.
Sister Crowley sets up to soak some sun on the Top Acid Mainstage during their set.