Happy Holidays! Vol. 2

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INTRO

Issue 79.15

3

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 J. 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 Elizabeth Fitch Campos, Selena Gonzalez, August Krider, Soun Oeng, R. Ray Robinson, Oyinda Salako, Nancy Soriano

What up, young people!

Allow me to present to you the last issue of the semester. An issue that, like the others before it, was put together by a talented group of people that have dedicated their time and effort to making it great.

Here’s to them.

Here’s to them.

Here’s to them because they made the Union Weekly. They came in – some with experience, some without – ready to take on new challenges. They put their hearts and souls into each story, illustration and page of every issue we made these past

couple of months.

And I’m so proud of them for that.

I’ve said that before. I’ve said it in the intro. I’ve said it in passing amongst the staff. I’ve become a broken record playing a song of pride and joy for the people I get to work with. There is something that I haven’t said yet, and that is thank you.

Thank you to all of my staff members – from the editors to the writers to the sales team – for everything you’ve done for the newspaper. Like I said, you are the reason it as good as it is.

Moreover, I want to say thank you to everyone for letting me grow into my role as Editor-in-Chief. It was definitely a challenge for me to learn how to do my job. I did some things right, but I did a lot

more wrong. Believe me when I say that it hurt when I fucked up because that meant I was failing all of you.

I’m in a better place now, though. I took a step back and learned from my mistakes. I’m ready to come back next semester a bit more focused and driven to help the Union Weekly do well.

And so, let’s close off Volume 79 of the Union Weekly on a good note. Enjoy!

P.S. Please read the Grunion. It’s gotten a lot better since Mercedes Colomar ran out Grim Fandango.

COVER DESIGN BY: Sam Orihuela John Mueller 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.

4 OPINIONS

Dear Letters to the year that brought happiness, Dear 2016, you have been a pain in my butt.

There is a bounty of lessons that you taught me, but I don’t believe the paths I walked to learn those were always worth it.

Still, I learned, I lived and I survive.

I’ve also survived my first semester of being an editor for this paper.

I spent much of my summer contemplating whether or not to even apply and I was too nervous to think of how, or if, I could accomplish anything.

Where would I get my ideas? only inhale the positive. Whether or Would they be not anyone agrees redundant?

Would with me, I think I’ve people like them? done a damn good job Would I be able to so far.

Intro by design properly?

I’ve refrained a Jordan Daniels Would I grow? Would lot from writing on Opinions Editor I even be good? my page because I I know, there was really wanted to focus such a cacophony of myself on being an thoughts in my head. editor, but I do miss Through all them, I writing. I miss sitting was able to filter out the negative and down and making my thoughts visible.

I know you’re not necessarily over yet, but it seems like it was just yesterday when I was in downtown Long Beach, celebrating and waiting for you. With a drink in my hand and my boyfriend’s arms around me, I welcomed you, toasting for a better year than last.

So many things happened this year,

By Elizabeth Fitch I’m not sure where to Campos start. From achieving Contributor more in my career, to my first time voting; to growing as a couple with my partner, road tripping California and initiating my parents’ immigration process to leave Mexico and come the United States — 2016 has been one for the books.

I’m currently counting down the days

Wow. You have not been kind.

Thinking about it now as the year winds down to a close, there only three good things happened to me: I met new family members, got a boyfriend and got a job. So in terms of adulthood, it was a good year, but I say that with skepticism, because I’m not entirely sure what it means to have a good “adult” year.

I mean, I’m making money doing what I love. Every other day or so, I oscillate back and forth between euphoria and crippling depression like a cosmic yo-yo. But at the end of it all, I get paid in cash money and life experience - and at the end of that, I wonder which is worth more. So it pans out.

I guess what I’m saying is that it’s been

a good year for what is expected of me. I’ve passed classes. I’ve got a steady income.

I’m trying to find an apartment and an internship and when it comes down to it, on the surface of what it means to be doing “well,” I’m doing just peachy.

Below that surface, I’ve been drowning half the time. In my classes, I was waiting to be dismissed. In my workplace, I was wondering why one thing was going wrong as soon as I fixed the other. To put it plainly, my life — my actual, fulfilling life — pulled the emergency brake. It stopped. I don’t know why and don’t know exactly when.

But at some point, the girl I was before went somewhere and I still can’t find her.

As this year draws to a close, I can say

I miss the feeling of sitting on my bed, vanilla candles burning and my “write and chill” playlist imbuing my room with a sense of sanctuary.

Still, I love what I do and that’s what matters.

While this year has been hard for me, it has been the most fruitful.

I won’t spend more time divulging what’s happened, It’s not my voice you’re here to read; it’s everyone else’s.

Just know, 2016, that you did me dirty and you did me proud.

till I go to Mexico and visit my family after three years of not seeing them. To give a little background, I waited to turn 21 years old to begin a residence petition process that would bring my parents to the United States. The process has been a little longer than I thought, but we are holding on tight and hoping to have them here by the time I leave The Beach and tackle the real journalism world.

Speaking of journalism, I’ve truly advanced in my career this year. I’ve gained so much experience and have had many opportunities to write for different publications. The topics I’ve covered and the voice I’ve given to people and the stories I’ve told have made me confident about the love I have for the career I’m pursuing. This year, I was able to gather all that experience and began freelancing, as

well as apply for a beat reporter job! I hope 2017 can keep the greatness going and top off what has happened so far, because this girl is barely starting.

Furthermore, 2016 was filled with political controversies, a complicated presidential election and the continuation for the fight for human rights. I saw and experienced pain this year from witnessing the tragedies that took place around the globe. I have yet to fully understand how exactly the world works, but this year made me understand my political power as a journalist more than ever before.

Dear 2016, I’ve grown so much that I’m afraid 2017 may not be as good as you were to me. But I hope I’m wrong and that I get to experience a lot more so I can look back at and take pride on the person I’m becoming.

with the utmost certainty that I won’t find her. Not by December at least. This year was bad. Just plain bad. Not just for me, but for a lot of folks.

It was bad and it forced out the tough, apathetic parts of us and pushed aside whatever seemed

By Bailey Mount to make us who we were.

Managing Editor Well 2016, normally I would say, “auf Wiedersehen,” but that actually means “until I see you again” and since I never wish to see you again, I say goodbye.

5 OPINIONS

2016, sadness and everything in between

By Selena Gonzalez Contributor

Although our relationship stems from silent conversations in my head, I felt like taking it to another level by sharing my thoughts with you. I can honestly say that I’ve learned a lot from you compared to your friends from the past. Because of you, I finally transferred to CSULB and continued to explore my talents in different mediums. I took a poetry class, experimented with clubs, rediscovered my passion for anime, and got involved in politics. Most importantly, I became aware of my surroundings. You’ve been positive in that aspect.

However, there have been questionable moments that left a bitter aftertaste.

By Sheila J. Sadr Copyeditor

I will remember you most for what’s happened to me personally. I hit a few major milestones this ear and had a lot of firsts.

I became an aunt for the first time, to a beautiful baby girl, Yaya.

I saw one of my really close friends find the love of his life. I’m happy for them both. Shoutout to RJ and Ali! They are “relationship goals” for me. They also give me hope of having the same thing they have someday.

I lost my best friend this year. No, he didn’t die. He just showed me his true colors.

So, like I’ve done in the past, I cut this toxic person in my life.

He did, however, introduce me to the two people who I know are my true best friends.

Love you, Lionel and Alex. That was the only good thing he did for me.

But the most important thing that happened to me this year was that I lost my virginity at the age of 24. It was far from perfect. It was both awkward and painful — in a good way though.

And I don’t regret it. I chose the person who I thought was perfect for me. If I could

You drowned my grandmother’s lungs in water — knowing she couldn’t swim. That was uncalled for. But you’ve always been the cunning type.

Another event that made me reevaluate myself was this year’s election. The worst part was that you neglected the chaos that sparked around the world, as confederate flags emerged from the deep and darkest corners of our streets. Shadows of hatred, discrimination and racial nationalism allowed a false justification for violence, that we both knew was wrong. The truth is that Trump opened Pandora’s box and I’m skeptical that the human race will ever

become one. This election ripped my heart out, exposing it to an abyss of obscure emotions and I’m not sure how to process it.

One thing is for sure though, you’ve reminded me that my life doesn’t stop after election results.

My life is only beginning and another day is yet to be written. You lent me your eyes of wisdom and allowed me to suffer, so it could manifest into lessons and something existential.

Therefore, you gave me tougher skin for the obstacles ahead. It’s been hell, but I know I can survive. Thank you friend.

I really don’t know what to say about you.

You have wronged me and saved me in so many ways. You’ve kissed me and punched me in the gut, with the same breath. I honestly don’t know whether to thank you or light you on fire.

I guess, first, I want to thank you. You are the year I learned to love myself – deeply.

And without fear or vanity. You are my origin story. You brought me a boy and a break up that turned me into ash, only to give me the time to rise up and fly from it. You helped me find me.

It sucks that it took so much hurt and six months of you to get here, but thank you.

Thank you for the pain and the love you brought me.

Thank you for pulling me into my 21st year. And thank you for all the joys that summer brought. You were magic in all

that sunlight. And you made me shine in the process. You are the first year I lived fearlessly beyond my poetry and that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Thank you for what you taught me about family. That they can be the basket that carries you through a storm. Or they are the storm.

A storm that drowns you.

Thank you for teaching me when to walk away. When I am worth it enough to leave.

When I am worth it enough to say “no”. That my “no” is as powerful as my “yes”.

Thank you for bringing me back to the Union. It was exactly what my heart needed and somehow you knew that. Thank you for drawing my friends closer. Like a rubberband, they are the ones who have held me together through the dark times.

But fuck you, 2016. For all the dark times.

go back and choose someone different, I’d still choose him. Almost married him too.

I also fell in love for the first time, I’m still waiting to fall out of love. It took me a while to accept this, but somewhere along the way I learned that fighting these feelings would only make them stronger.

I’m not sure how things will end for us, or if they’ve already ended for us, but I am hopeful for our future. I want to believe that if we are meant to be, we will find our way back to each other.

By Soun Oeng Contributor

Did you have to give me so many? In such a short period of time? Did you have to break me down and remind me how lonely this road is or how scared I am of the future?

Did you have to let an orange walnut become President? Or our blue birdie lose out to a Clinton?

Did you have to let so many innocent people die? In San Bernardino? Or by the hands of police? At a gay club on Latin night?

In the cities in Syria? Or in their waters as people fled?

Did you have scare so many people? Or to tear us all apart?

Why, 2016? Why? 365 days and all of them different. All of them full of growing pains. Thank you for giving me your all, but thank God you’re over.

6 ATHLETICS

Early Season Storm Testing Men’s Basketball Limits

Challenging schedule putting LBSU through adversity with unexpected effects

By Matthew Gozzip Athletics Editor The Beach men’s basketball team can’t seem to weather the early season maelstrom of top-ranked teams.

Three weeks into the most difficult non-conference schedule in the nation, Long Beach State is nursing a 1-7 record and a sense of broken confidence rattled by blowout losses.

In the first four games of their grueling road trip, the 49er’s lost by a combined margin of 132 points. LBSU’s opponents in this stretch essentially scored a whole half ’s worth more of points each game. Besides just being outscored, The Beach trailed their opponents in every major statistical category including shooting percentage, rebounds and assists.

The main motif of these contests has been slow starts that have allowed athletically superior teams to put the game out of reach early.

The no. 4 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels rocketed out to a 14-0 lead before LBSU even scored.

In the very next match against the topten ranked Louisville Cardinals, the 49ers conceded an 18-point run in the first half that all but ended the game early.

“We just weren’t able to withstand that first blow to stay in the game,” said LBSU head coach Dan Monson after the UL game. “Once we got comfortable, it was too late, and the game was over. You come on these road trips to give the team some

adversity, to help make them better, and I don’t think we handled it any better than we did [against UNC]”.

Three days later, the no.13 ranked UCLA Bruins thrashed LBSU by 37 points, the largest margin of defeat for the 49ers in five years.

Scheduling the best teams in the nation is nothing new for Coach Monson and the program but this season has been markedly different. Instead of competing and gradually improving by playing against the top teams, LBSU seems to have the same glaring issues every game.

The diminutive 49ers recognize that their most effective play style blends quick transition offense and consistent midrange shooting to counter larger and more athletic squads.

Unfortunately for LBSU, the team isn’t shooting well.

Of all the players that have attempted fifty or more field goal attempts this season, forward Gabe Levin is the only player to convert more than 45% of his shots. Team three-point shooting is just as inefficient, hovering right above 30%.

What are more worrisome than the results against top-tier competition are the negative effects these contests are having on team performance against lesser talented teams. LBSU lost to the

“Scheduling the best teams is not new for LBSU but this season has been markedly different.”

Source: Peter Aiken/Getty Images

Source: Peter Aiken/Getty Images

(Top) LBSU head coach Dan Monson frustrated with his team’s performance.

(Left) Javonntie Jackson and Gabe Levin defend a Wichita State ballhandler.

(Right) Levin and Temidayo Yussuf collide in pusuit for loose ball against UCLA.

Source: Michael Owen Baker/Associated Press

7 ATHLETICS

(Top) Justin Bibbins and Temidayo Yussuf close in on Florida Gulf Coast guard Christian Terrell. [Source: Linwood Ferguson/ FGCU Athletics] Binghamton Bearcats, an unheralded program that has not reached the NCAA tournament in nearly a decade. The Beach surrendered a seven-point halftime lead, allowing the Bearcats to score triple the amount of points in the second half.

Poor perimeter defending, an egregious amount of fouls and untimely turnovers mixed with the ever-present shooting woes resulted in one of the most embarrassing results of the season. The players are becoming emotionally affected by these blowout losses against teams they are not expected to defeat and it has severely impacted their performance in games against competition they are expected to defeat.

“Justin Bibbins started laughing. He said ‘I never thought of that, it seems like

[the season] has been three months,’” Monson said in a postgame interview.

“And again, that’s somebody who’s been through this for his third time.

As a coach, I’m really concerned about them mentally because of all the years I’ve done this, this has been the hardest stretch and this team was not ready for it.”

Ironically enough, the success of program in future games will be sticking to the play style they have been using all

season. Against the Washington Huskies, one of the more talented teams in the country, the 49ers kept the score close even though they were physically outmatched.

Washington’s Markelle Fultz, the top-ranked recruit in the nation and future NBA lottery pick, was contained by the Beach backcourt and Levin for more than three-quarters of the game before he eventually broke out. Evan Payne, the high-scoring transfer playing in his first season for LBSU, came off the bench and played arguably his best game for The Beach, scoring 19 points and committted only one turnover.

As a team, LBSU shot 52% from the field, including 59% percent on threepoint attempts and 95% from the freethrow line. Even though LBSU lost 9488, the game proved that once the 49ers find their shot and continue to apply ball pressure regardless of their height disadvantage, they could still can compete against any team in the nation.

In their most recent game against Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, the 49ers gained a new skill: resiliency. The game was a high-spirited battle that ended up extending into overtime before the Eagles scored on a last-second bucket to hand LBSU a 68-67 loss. Even though their field-goal percentage was low once again, The Beach displayed a level of grittiness and hustle that was absent for most of the season. The FGCU game was just the latest contest in the last three games that was decided by eight points or less, a marked improvement compared to LBSU’s first five games.

Despite the early season struggles, there is optimism that the 49ers will

“That’s why we play these games.

We don’t want to be figuring out what to work on in January.”

(Left) Noah Blackwell slides with aFGCU Eagle. [Ferguson] (Right) Bibbins snags a rebound in front of Washington’s Markelle Fultz [Source: University of Washington Athletics]

eventually be able to find consistency in executing their designated play style and cultivate team chemistry in a squad that hasn’t really played that much together.

The core group of Levin, Payne, Bibbins, guard Noah Blackwell, guard Noah Blackwell and forward Temidayo Yussuf, has yet to play consistent minutes with each other than practices.

Griffin and Payne in particular are new to the program and are still adjusting their rspective play styles to the system. Payne sat out a whole year due to transfer rules while Griffin is adapting to the college game enitrely coming and giving sigfnicant minutes to the Beach.

Scheduling the best teams is nothing new for Coach Monson and the program but this season has been markedly different.

That’s what Monson intended to do from the start, to test his team’s will and address any issues that his inexperienced squad could improve on before participaing in conference play.

“We’re being exposed by these good teams but that’s why we play these games,” Monson said. “We don’t want to be figuring out what to work on in January. We know what we need to fix.”

The most powerful forces in the college basketball world converged on the Beach and did devastating damage. However, the 49ers are attempting to move forward toward the eye of the storm where there is no chaos or panic, only peace of mind to observe what can be improved on. Only time will tell if LBSU can weather the adversity as it continues to challenge this young squad as they attempt to stay the course.

LBSU plays Kansas at 5p.m. Monday night on ESPN3. KBeach will be providing an online radio broadcast.

8 COMMUNITY

Crafting in the Rain Celebrating Small Business Saturday in Downtown Long Beach Words and Photos by Sylvana Uribe Community Editor

Banner photo features succulents arranged by Kelsey Cooper of Kelso Doesn’t Dance.

In decending order from top to bottom: Watercolor artist Jessica Weymouth, embroidered pieces by Nik Vandeventer of Wasting Thyme, and Taylor Crawford singing at Makers Mart.

Photo in center of text features cards designed by Jolene Ung of Quirks and Smirks.

The Makers Mart celebrated the local community of crafters and makers in an outdoor event in the East Village Arts District on November 26.

The curated market was part of Small Business Saturday, a national campaign encouraging people to use their purchasing power to support local businesses. Despite the fears of rain, more than 30 makers set up tents and enticing displays to draw attention to their products.

The rain eventually did invade the Mart, but shoppers and vendors stood their ground. As the winter holidays approach, shoppers who were looking for unique gifts were in luck with the variety of artisan booths selling custom artwork, clothing, ceramics, plants and more.

Food and coffee were also available from nearby shops like the Village Grind as well as vegan treats from The Caffeinated Kitchen booth.

Live music kept the mood light with sets from local musicians like Taylor Crawford.

J e s s i c a Weymouth is a Long Beach based watercolor artist who relies on the sales of her art to support herself as she studies full time.

Her custom art draws inspiration from things looming above us like the moon, constellations and the solar system.

“I always felt a pull to the moon and over time I started to do some research about it and how it kind of affects people emotionally and physically, as well as the tides and all that stuff so it kind of tied into my loves,” Weymouth said.

Weymouth said she was fond of the sense of community that the Makers Mart brought out, a common sentiment echoed by other vendors.

Nik Vandeventer of Wasting Thyme attributed the success of local crafters and makers to the rich diversity Long Beach offers. Vandeventer, also a locally based maker, produces what she describes as sassy greeting cards and naughty

embroidery pieces.

“I just feel like everyone in Long Beach cares so much about community, not to say that other cities don’t, but I feel it more here than anywhere else I’ve ever lived,” Vandeventer said. “We’re full of diverse people, cultures, it’s this huge melting pot, which I think brings so much into the creativity part of it too.”

The passion of the crafters was evident in every stitch, brush stroke and ounce of effort it took to make the goods that were waiting to be adopted by shoppers. Cultivating this passion, however, came only after a series of trial and error for some vendors.

Jolene Ung of Quirks and Smirks reflected on the challenges of seeing her art thrive as something other than a hobby.

Ung graduated college and entered a state of limbo, unsure if the art she made could sell. Ung eventually took the plunge and will soon celebrate the twoyear anniversary of owning her own business, which features hand drawn cards and prints.

“I came up with the name [Quirks and Smirks] because I wanted my cards to be funny, but I didn’t want them to lose their sentimental value,” Ung said. “I think now there’s a trend of vulgarity and crass cards, and they’re funny to some people. I still think there should be some sentimentality to something like cards, we don’t often get that in the digital age.”

As the afternoon progressed and the rain poured, some makers were forced to close early. For the few hours that were blessed by sunlight, locals mingled with the creative minds and talent of the city. Vendors like Ung described her fascination with pop up markets rooted in seeing people’s reactions to her products, something she doesn’t experience through online sales. More than anything, Makers Mart was an opportunity for creators of beloved online and local shops to connect with the community without screens, filters, or estimated shipping dates.

9

FEATURE

10 FEATURE

By Alejandro Ramos Editor-in-Chief The holidays are here and that means it’s time for joy and cheer!

At least, that’s what they should bring. Sometimes, things don’t go the way they’re supposed to, for one reason or another.

When this happens, we end up living through awkward or embarrassing situations.

These may seem horrible in the moment, but eventually they go on to become funny stories.

Well, they’re funny for your family members. So, they get the joy and the cheer while you get to relive the embarrassment all over again.

And so, here are just a few stories of holiday mishaps for your reading pleasure!

Do you know the tale of Icarus?

The guy that flew too close to the sun and fell to his own demise?

Well, it turns out Icarus and I have a lot in common. We’re both stubborn and don’t listen to the warnings our elders give us. The only difference is that instead of

being obsessed with the sun, I was obsessed with candy instead.

My tale of self-induced pain and suffering took place during a holiday party at a relative’s house in Mexico. The party was a posada, which is a social gathering held leading up to Christmas. One of the traditions of posadas was the breaking of a pinata. Now, I was maybe 5 yeards old at the time, so you can imagine my excitement towards pinatas.

What followed was the moment I flew too close to the sun. In my case, it would be the moment I walked too close to the pinata.

Amidst all the commotion of kids swinging at the pinata, I lost my self-control and dove into the center after I mistakenly thought it had broken. Unforunately, on my way in I caught the wrong end of the pinata stick with my mouth.

All of my teeth remained intact but I was unable to really chew anything for the following day.

I guess the moral of this story is to keep a safe distance away from pinatas.

“Well, [the stories] are funny for your family...”

11 FEATURE

By Mario Lopez Travel Editor

A

By Martha Giron Quijano Staff Writer

A

holiday mishap that I will never forget happened about five years ago.

Christmas Eve is usually a day where my family gets together, exchange presents to be opened on Christmas morning, eat lots of food, and reminisce on the year that has passed. For reasons I do not quite remember, my family ended up buying some of the food that would be served later in the evening from a local store that sold home cooked meals.

A few hours later, we put together some of the food that was cooked by my mother as well as food that was bought.

Everything was served straight out of hot pots which was perfect for the winter weather.

The holiday dinner was going well and nothing out of the ordinary really came out of it. Dessert was served, more stories were told. A Christmas film was playing in the background, which I was almost a hundred percent sure that “Home Alone” as it was one of my favorites.

When everyone was set to go home and ready for bed, the leftovers were packed and put away to be served the next day. Once that was done, everyone went to bed just like any other end to a holiday gathering.

Around four in the morning, I heard murmuring around the house while half asleep. I tried focusing on getting more hours of shut eye but suddenly I started to feel a little funny. I headed straight to

the bathroom ready to barf out whatever it was that wanted to leave my body.

I didn’t know how much time had passed with my body hovering over the toilet. When nothing was really happening, I managed to get up - still half asleep - and went back to my room. What happened next still remains a mystery to me.

Last thing I remembered was leaving the bathroom and next I was laying down in the middle of the hallway screaming that I couldn’t see or hear.

Turns out, half of my face had a not so friendly meeting with the side of the doorframe.

I ended up with a black eye and a couple of scratches on my cheek and chin which I thought looked pretty cool at the time until I realized that I had to actually face people that day looking like that.

What makes it unforgettable is the fact that my parents keep bringing it up every now and then, mimicking my “I can’t see! I can’t hear!” dramatic line.

I don’t mind it though. It’s just another holiday memory to add to the dinner table conversations each year.Mystery solved.

Now we could all get back to eating leftover sandwiches, and my family could continue to never let me live this down.

turkey has nothing in common with a crocodile. Sure, both are animals and both have eyes, but one is a worn green and the other a blue-red, wrinkly face. How could anyone confuse one for the other? You may be asking yourself right now why I am relating aves to reptilia. Good question.

The reason is that, as a young boy, my family and I would gather around a small table in our drab apartment for thanksgiving dinner to eat crocodile. It was and still is a staple food for many Americans on this day, so my parents thought to incorporate this creature and its accompanying holiday into our lives.

It was only right for my Mexican parents to try and assimilate their children to the culture of a new country.

I would shout and plead in a spoiled, Spanish pronunciation, “Cocolilo, no!

Cocolilo, no!” Crocodile, No! I would not even want to be in the same room as that stuffed abomination. I would cry hysterically and would not eat the turkey.

I was not familiar with the anatomy of either animals at such a tender age of 4. I knew I could draw the turkey with my hand—four fingers for the tail feathers

and my thumb would serve as the head and neck. Crocodiles, in contrast, were long and menacing with sharp teeth.

I am just trying to rationalize my thinking, same as you. I am trying to solve this mystery of my childhood.

Maybe I could not associate that bird drawn in the coloring books with what came out of the oven. I may have watched a discovery channel special of both, and my mind somehow created a nightmare in which my family killed a crocodile, baked it, and served it for dinner.

I was tired of racking deep within my brain to find answers and decided to call my mother to ask for the real reason.

Turns out that one of my friends had told me that the turkey was also called pavo, chompipe and guajolote in other Spanish speaking countries. When I saw the written word chompipe, I thought that it spelled Crocodile. Mystery solved. Now we could all get back to eating leftover sandwiches, and my family could continue to never let me live this down.

12 TRAVEL

The Gin Diaries #4

Surviving in a hostel environment Words and photos by Augustus Krider Contributor

Scotch is the drink in Edinburgh, but escape is the goal.

We waited on the pavement early in the morning while some kids mixed some “medicine” next to us. I think it was Jack and Coke. Out of the rising sun came three blue charter busses. Suddenly 148 students from Continental Europe tried to mash their way inside. Never in all my years of public transportation had I seen a bloodier loading of students. Fortunately, it only lasted 20 minutes and lead to a silence that indicated the trip to Edinburgh had begun.

Hours later, we arrived at the hostel booked our the group. I had never stayed in a hostel before, but it is part of the European Student experience. The first thing Megan and I saw of it was the bar and lounge on the first floor (the nicest part of the hostel). I didn’t know that at the time though, so the fact that it was slightly dumpy was not really concerning. The biggest concern I had was being crowded since everyone there was waiting for the rooms to be allocated. Before that could happen though, our group leader gave this inspiring speech: “Everyone listen up, you will get your twenty pound deposit back provided you are good to your rooms. That being said, I want

A broken down building from their adventures to Edinburgh

you to have fun. And we are going to have fun here. We are going to get you drunk every night. Last year, I cleaned up after the group left and I counted 67 condoms. Doesn’t that sound fun?”

Immediately, my mind began running through calculations. At an assumed, two people per condom, that’s 134 people having sex. That’s most of the group getting laid.

How is it that these people who were yelling at each other on the bus this morning going to make up and copulate tonight? I was hoping that the number was inflated for marketing purposes, making people believe if they attended enough trips, they too would statistically get laid. Still, where would they find privacy in a hostel? Where would I find refuge if people disregard privacy in the hostel room?

After what seemed like forever as most the group had been given their rooms, the leader instead of calling our names, like everyone else, yelled, “Where are the two Americans?”

We came forward and he said, “You guys want to be together right?”

I quickly evaluated that I didn’t want to subject Megan to a room of unchecked masculinity and I wouldn’t want to subject eleven girls to my snoring. So I said, “just split us.”

Gus and Megan enjoying their time after leaving the Hostel

Megan ended up with two other girls in, literally, a large closet under the stairs with loud portable heater. I ended up in a large coed room with four girls, four boys, and three beds that were mysteriously never occupied.

The beds in every room were simply placed on the floor, crack house style. The sheets were all red and haphazardly put on the bed. So even if they were washed, there were no telltale signs to indicate it.

The walls were brightly colored, with large dings. The hallways were lavender, with large dark purple frames nailed into the wall. Inside the frames, painted directly on the wall in gray scale was either a naked angel or Marilyn Monroe.

Megan and I were debating two conflicting ideologies. Both of us, being in college, felt that we should try new things and live the adventure we had paid for.

Lou Reed’s “Walk On the Wild Side” type of thinking. However, I also believed what I think was best exemplified by the late Senator Ted Kennedy. It really is never too late to just bail is it?

So we quickly devised ourselves a plan that would be the envy of most any man.

We’d go to bed early, as to sleep through all the debauchery, get up early to see Edinburgh, then we’d reevaluate for the next night.

So I tried my best to sleep but kept being

woken by the other vacationers. It was cold and someone’s phone alarm went off at 5 a.m., playing “House of the Rising Sun” about 16 times through. The song does hold up, but goddamn turn off the alarm.

Around 8 a.m. the man came around to wake the dead, hung-over and lazy.

However, Megan and I had already been in contact. I was packing my bag. I slipped out of my room just as my roommates were groaning themselves up. In my hurry to escape, I tripped over a fire extinguisher in the middle of the hallway. After I found that the stairwell had been designed by M. C. Escher, the hostel was as easy to leave as the Hotel California. Just as I had begun to believe I was trapped in a European Horror Story, I saw the exit light. Under, was a door with cracking paint to reveal it had been red but was painted black. I found Megan outside and we embraced like we had just tunneled out of Shawshank Prison.

We got in a cab and headed to salvation.

It is funny. I used to tell people that if you want to travel to a foreign country you should at least know how to say “Take me to the U.S. Embassy.” Now, I am adding “Take me to the Hilton.” Because for many, that can represent the same kind of safe and secure feelings associated with an American Flag.

If you’d like to see more upper middle class problems and white privilege follow @ guskrider on twitter.

TRAVEL

Little Tokyo Trip

13

A small visit to a quaint district of Los Angeles Words and photos by R. Ray Robinson Contributor Little Tokyo is a Japanese-American district founded in 1942 that spans 4 acres in the middle of Los Angeles. I passed the cross streets with purple patterned fans on the ground, the multiple shops of Japanese goodies, vibrant gardens, shops with Anime and Manga characters and several restaurants. I realized that entering this little district was like entering the heart of a beautiful way of life.

Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka’s statue is one of the prized monuments in Little Tokyo honors Onizuka’s legacy as the very first person of Japanese ancestry and first Asian-American to fly into space. Originally born in Kona, Hawaii, Onizuka grew up to fly Department of Defense’s mission aboard the Space Shuttle “Discovery,” America’s first classified military space flight. The statue also featured a minispace shuttle in his memory. It was nice to see up close.

While passing the Japanese Village Plaza, I visited Café Dulce. I was assisted

by Rimski, one of the workers there. He

recommended to me one of the finest pastries that the restaurant had, the Green Tea Roll. I’m not much of a fan of green tea, however, the taste was great with ooeygooey green goodness. Of course, it was a slam dunk of tasteful delight and it was only $3.25.

While enjoying my pastry, I spoke to some visitors and residents. One stated that, “There are not many Little Tokyo’s in the United States so to have one in in L.A. is a blessing.” The other Little Tokyo’s in the U.S. are in New Orleans and New York.

Little Tokyo in L.A. stands apart because it captures the essence of the JapaneseAmerican population.

Little Tokyo is a nice place to explore if you are in the area. If you have some extra funds and are looking for something new to do in LA, make sure you grab a tasty green tea roll, check out Onizuka’s statue.

Whatever the case may be, you can find this and more at Little Tokyo, located in downtown L.A.

Cafe Dulce Green Tea Roll

Driving

A short story of boredom and escape

By Peter R. Clark Entertainment Editor

I get bored. That’s a fact. I like to drive. That’s also a fact. So, when I get bored, I go driving.

The best time to drive is at night, when practically 85% of the population is asleep.

You can cruise through freeways that would normally be jammed packed with motorists.

Driving through Los Angeles on the cusp of 2 a.m. is the most cathartic thing imaginable.

Going 75 mph on the 101 is like driving a hot knife through butter, it just feels right.

The city is all lit up, and the freeways are wide open for the inclusion of my vehicle.

Combine some hot tunes with this night ride and you got yourself the best cure for chronic boredom. Personally, I like to listen to ‘80s inspired synth while I cruise through the streets and freeways of L.A. It takes me back to a time when I wasn’t alive, as if I was on the set of “Terminator” or other classic ‘80s action films set in L.A. Sometimes I don’t drive because I’m bored. Sometimes, I drive because there is nothing left for me. It’s that growing cold feeling of no one to hold. I lay there in a cold bed, wishing there was someone else to warm it with me. Wide awake and alone, I take to the wheel and drift through the proximity cities to escape the feeling of loneliness.

Because being awake is a constant reminder that I am alone, but driving takes my mind off of such things.

The only time I spend with her is in my sleep.

You know what the worst thing in life is?

Waking up. Being with someone in my sleep,

but waking up alone. That is the definition of hell. Perhaps, this is why I love driving. It allows my mind to wander and drift away from the hell that is being alive. Because what is all comes down to is: “Life sucks, and then you die.”

Good night.

Illustration by John Mueller Graphics Illustator

14 FOOD

Ditching Dorm Food A Taste of Louisiana Jazz and Soul 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. This week, I present to you the conclusion of my excursions for cheap and delicious food.

The Local Spot Quick and personable, “The Local Spot” provides customers with a hearty meal and a heartwarming atmosphere.

Nearly each table was filled both inside and out only two hours after opening. Despite the crowds, the servers remain friendly and the restaurant has a pleasant hustle-and-bustle air to it.

If anything, the rapacity with which business is conducted makes the food hotter and better than anything you’re likely to find on campus.

From breakfast burritos to cold chicken wraps, the portion sizes enable a student on the run to wrap up some leftovers for later.

Cantarito Mexican Grill “Cantarito Mexican Grill” offers a lot more than its storefront would suggest.

The front of the restaurant is small, with just enough room to order. It’s easy to mistake it for the whole venue upon first visit. The actual dining area, located beyond the salsa bar, is much larger, but retains this feeling of intimacy.

“Cantarito” provides what well-known “Mexican” restaurants cannot – authentic food. Its enchiladas marinate perfectly in sour cream. Its tacos are plentiful.

With hardly any weekday crowds, this place is the perfect location to unwind when the dining hall is lacking suitable food.

Deli News Pizza

its inclusive atmosphere. From its to its $14 extra large pizzas, it’s the closest fix when you’re looking for food off-campus and don’t want to go too far.

(Left)Breakfast Burrito #2, made with potatoes, eggs, your choice of meat, and cheese. Served with a side of red salsa and perfect with

Located in the same shopping plaza as Target on Bellflower, “Deli News” is in the perfect spot to become a CSULB student favorite. In fact, the place is already a haunt for Long Beach locals.

Don’t let that dissuade you from stopping by.

Deli News boasts a cheap, extensive menu of Italian food outmatched only by

a cup of coffee.

(Center) Two $2 chicken hard shell tacos, with pico de gallo, red onions, lettuce, and cheese.

(Right) A Deli News stromboli, dripping with cheese, served with a bowl of marinara sauce.

Go Eat an Apple Taking responsibility for our eating choices

Zach Phelps Food Editor

Responsibility. Sure, it can be a real bitch sometimes, but does that mean we should shy away from it? The answer is, yes, sometimes we really should. However, when it comes to our individual dietary habits, we must take a stand and start eating for ourselves.

In no way, shape, or form do I mean to discredit the outrage many people feel towards the deceptive practices used

by America’s food manufacturers. The horrific conditions of factory farms, the shameless pandering to children on the behalf of fast food conglomerates, and the gross disparity in price between a cheap McDonald’s cheeseburger and increasingly-expensive fresh fruit are all equally abhorrent. However, even with these obstacles in place, this doesn’t mean

to get the best deal on produce and whole grains. Forgo buying overpriced sliced fruit and prepackaged salad mixtures, and instead take a little extra time to prepare and portion out your own fruits and vegetables.

If there’s any overarching theme in the ramblings above (and I can’t guarantee that there is), it certainly isn’t to remove blame from the greedy barons of the American food industry. By all means, raid a vivisection lab and liberate the animals, or throw a brick through the window of your local Burger King; I believe these are all valid forms of illegal protest. However, instead of formulating a lawsuit against Taco Bell’s Burrito Supreme next time you’re feeling a little pudgy round that soft belly of yours, try eating an apple.

that we can’t begin to take responsibility for our individual dietary habits.

There are a number of steps one can take to ease the burden that unhealthy eating has upon both your wallet and your waistline. In fact, some of the easiest changes to make can also prove to be the most effective.

For example, if you find yourself ordering food or eating at a restaurant four to five times a week, try limiting yourself to picking-up

food to two or three times a week. More so, when you do go out to eat, try ordering a plate one size smaller than you usually do (i.e. if you usually order a large bowl of noodles, aim for the medium) and substitute water for your usual fountain drink.

Major grocery stores frequently have sales and specials on certain items, and by keeping a close eye out for weekly advertisements they put out in local newspapers, you can make sure

“...when it comes to our individual dietary habits, we must take a stand and start eating for ourselves.”

Exploring the culture and vivacity of covert Chinatown Story and photos by R. Ray Robinson Contributor

Los Angeles is home to a surplus of many different cultures. It has it all—Japanese lifestyle markets and stores in Little Tokyo, fusion taco trucks driving around, crazygood Korean barbeque restaurants in Koreatown, contemporary and traditional A f r i c a n American culture in South Central’s Leimert Park.

There’s always different cultures booming with excellence and making heads turn in the city. While in the area, I happened to make a day trip to Los Angeles’s Chinatown to understand the vibrant culture and have some fun.

CULTURE

Everything Has Its Beauty, But Not Everyone Sees It

15

Rockin’ Into the Night Chinatown is a neighborhood in Downtown L.A. that is a commercial epicenter for Chinese and ChineseAmerican businesses. Many of its residents happen to live, play and worship here every day, remembering the old ways of China to keep the traditions alive while still remaining American.

While heading into the town, I really began to understand the reason why the place is so great and is packed with pride. The locals spoke Cantonese while I walked the cross-streets. They’re covered in dragon-styled patterns, traditional Chinese restaurants, bazaars and markets. There are also monuments of ancient heroes and leaders who fought for their people to have a better future. This place really has a lot to offer.

I decided to walk down to Gin Ling Way— named after the street of golden treasures in old Peking, Beijing. I headed to the wishing well first.

The well is known as the “Seven Stars Sacred Caverns Wishing Pool,” consisting of bushes and fountains that spew water over mini gray and silver statues holding cups. These cups are filled with coins from various countries, but I saw o n e s mainly from t h e U.S. I enjoyed the comedy of observing people throwing coins since some made it in and others who did not.

After walking away from the well, I saw a big statue of a noble man sitting down.

Getting closer, it read, “Dr. Sun Yat Sen” who is called the “Father of the Republic of China” for his revolutionary efforts to help fight off against threats in his home country. The statue is one of the statues that the people here are most proud of. It gave them the hope and bravery to overcome every obstacle.

I also got a glimpse of the statue of Bruce Lee, the late International Kung Fu star.

This statue is very powerful, but not just because Bruce Lee could beat people up.

Films like “Fists of Fury” and “Enter the Dragon” helped Lee pave the way for many Chinese and Asian-Americans to fight off discrimination when Asians were not hired for positive roles in Hollywood.

All of this fun and reflection on history was making me a bit hungry. I decided to get an item and a snack. I got a fortune cookie and moon cake at “Wonder Bakery.” A local told me the famous fortune cookies had been invented in Los Angeles. Both the cookie and the cake tasted pretty good. From their crisp and sweet tastes, it is something nice to chew on when I’m on-the-go and trying to explore everything.

Everything that is old is new again in Chinatown. I recommend everyone head there. Obviously, the area is not as big as San Francisco’s Chinatown, but it is still worth visiting. There is so much more to explore. Other than colorful paper lanterns, dim sum, statues, and wishing wells, there are sometimes even festivals of fun. If you haven’t already been to Chinatown LA, check it out as you shall be amazed.

A “Rock of Ages” review Story and photo by Martha Quijano Staff Writer The stars of “Rock of Ages” at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas rocked the stage Thanksgiving night. What started off slow with a bit of “trying-too- hard” jokes in the beginning, definitely ended the show with a bang and wowed the crowd.

“Rock of Ages” is something along the lines of an adult version of “High School Musical,” veering far from Disney’s “all-ages” standard. It is humorous in a crude kind of way and definitely not for the innocent ears.

The music is the best part, as expected. Lots of throwback Thursday rock ‘n’ roll jams are matched to the sound of guitars and the powerful voices of each character.

The musical mainly focuses on the story of Drew (Paul Johnson) and Sherrie (Amanda Miller); two people who are both chasing big dreams. Drew works at the fictional pub called The Bourbon Room in Los Angeles, set in the 1980s. His dream is to be an international rockstar, while Sherrie moved away from her home with the hope of making it as an actress.

In the midst of the developing relationship between Drew and Sherrie (and all the inappropriate jokes in between), there are several other stories that played out. Among these are the German father and son duo who try to get The Bourbon Room demolished, a woman who works for a corrupt mayor trying to prevent that from happening and the failing career of the perverted and always drunk rockstar, Stacee Jaxx.

Unlike the big musical production in Broadway, the actors break the fourth wall often and interact with the audience. More specifically, the narrator (Mitchell Jarvis)— who is also a character who works at the pub—never misses a beat when it comes to breaking the tension in between the dramatic scenes. People are up on their feet, singing their hearts out to “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey (which is always a good way to end a rock show.)

I walked into the theater not expecting much and ended up feeling like I never wanted it to end. I stayed until the very end—after all the smoke from the fog machine disappeared and the glitters thrown could only be found on the floor.

If you ever get the chance to see “Rock of Ages” wherever you are, it’s worth the watch. It will have you laughing and singing along the whole trip.

16 MUSIC

Red Bull Presents: 30 Days in LA

Car Seat Headrest and other artists at the Teragram Ballroom Words and photos by Nancy Soriano Contributor College doesn’t give you a lot of time to finish your homework, let alone have a successful music career. But Will Toledo has done both.

Car Seat Headrest springs from Toledo’s solo recordings that he released on Bandcamp when he was still in high school.

To date, he has released eleven albums on Bandcamp and two with Matador Records, who he signed with in 2015.

On November 13th, Car Seat Headrest graced the stage of the Teragram Ballroom with two openers: Los Angeles Police Department and Naked Giants. There are very few shows that have been put together as cohesively as this show.

The two openers distilled different

Ryan Pollie of the Los Angeles Police Department providing keys and vocals during a short set.

aspects of the headliner. The dance moves and you’ll get an audience understood that inkling of the welcome this show wasn’t meant curveball that these guys for moshing. Silence sent the crowd coming found a place to watch off of an LAPD high. the performance.

So then Will The Los Angeles Toledo walks onto Police Department the stage, by himself, crept onto the stage the crowd kind of and set the mood. The loses its shit. The ethereal lighting coupled lights stay a cool blue with the lo-fi melodies and he shyly ambles up put the crowd into a lull that to the mic and goes, “My was only broken whenever the favorite songwriter died.” He lead singer would stop Gianni Aiello’s otherworldly bass lines then starts playing personified. to address them. It’s a tribute to Leonard very hard to not feel Cohen that remains emotionally secure while listening to them. solo up until the last minute of the song Stage name aside, these guys are the physical when his band joins in. embodiment of chicken noodle soup.

Toldeo is a tall, gangly, structured mass Naked Giants, a band from Seattle, of stoic limbs. Even when some of the crowd Washington, is a three-piece band that would contribute to some of his songs, embodies garage rock with a psychedelic singing along in solidarity, he is generally twist. Their stage presence is phenomenal. unresponsive. With the occasional shifting Off the bat, the setup isn’t traditional. of his legs, he stands, performs and finds The drummer is in line with the guitarist power through his words. and the bassist and if you’ve witnessed During his rendition of his song enough live music, you’ll be familiar with “America,” appropriately played in the “[insert instrument here] face.” Add in aftermath of the election, Toledo prefaces the occasional jumping around and 1960s it by saying, “Here’s a song I wrote about

two years ago now and when I wrote it I had never been on tour.” He then launched into an emotional performance that left the crowd speechless.

His two encores, which included David Bowie’s “Five Years,” has Toledo jumping across the stage as he unsteadily rocks back and forth on his heels. It was an emotionally exhaustive, but theraputic night. Closing off the set, he bluntly stated, “We’re all gonna be dead pretty soon.” If Car Seat Headrest, a project turned band, can ease any of the emotions that they invoke, we’re calling shotgun.

Ending the set with a David Bowie song, Will Toledo brought the set home.

Jhene Aiko at the Avalon Words and photos by Kaila-Marie Hardaway Music Editor On Nov. 21, Red Bull Sound Select featured emerging artists Cherrie and Eryn Allen Kane, followed by headliner Jhene Aiko at The Avalon in Hollywood.

The night kicked off with Cherrie, an upand-coming artist originating from Oslo, Norway. While Cherrie was not someone I was familiar with before this show, as soon

Jhene Aiko performs “Living Room Flow” after describing her choice to incorporate her “living room” on the stage.

as I heard her voice, I wished I came across her long ago. All of her songs were written in Swedish, but despite the language barrier, her music was absolutely beautiful. Despite a few small technical difficulties in the beginning of her performance, she managed to successfully push through thanks to a supportive crowd and continued taking those in the audience on an international trip through music. Those in attendance definitely seemed to effortlessly connect with her music, which ultimately proved that music is a universal language.

Chicago-based artist Eryn Allen Kane was next to perform, and only one word could summarize her performance - wow.

The powerhouse vocalist absolutely brought the house down with her jazzy, funky, R&B vibe which sat very well with the crowd.

Eryn performed songs from her EPs, “Aviary: Act I” and “Aviary: Act II,” as if she were the only person in the room — throughout her entire set, she performed shoeless while throwing her untamed hair back and forth in an entertaining frenzy. Her performance was

one of the most lively I have ever seen, and I would see her again in a heartbeat.

Jhene Aiko was the last to perform and her performance was unlike any other. As the stage crew began to set up, the stage slowly began to be filled with couches, lounge chairs, candles and incense, followed by the setup of a live band. After the lengthy setup, Jhene Aiko stepped on stage and described the stage setup as her “living room,” which was intended to create a comfortable and sultry vibe to this performance in particular.

The live band on stage, which included a harp, piano, drums and a cello, excelled tremendously and ultimately contributed to a relaxed, unplugged performance. By the third song, Jhene brought out boyfriend and collaborator Big Sean to perform a couple of their “Twenty88” hits and the crowd went nuts. Later in the show, Jhene also brought out special guest Vince Staples to perform their hit, “Vapors.” And to top it all off, Jhene brought out R&B singer Chris Brown to perform “Drunk Texting” and a deconstructed rendition of their hit, “Post

to Be.” Jhene then continued to perform her most popular hits “Bed Peace” and “The Worst,” followed by a one-song encore to close the night.

Overall, Day 21 of 30 Days in LA brought the jazzy and sultry artists of R&B out. Each artist brought their own flare to each of their performances, which ultimately created an entertaining and eclectic night of music.

Cherrie connects with those in her audience.

MUSIC

Changing the Game to “Faggot Chic”

17

How queer rapper ROB. B positions himself into the rap industry

By Jordan Daniels Opinions Editor

Releasing his first EP, “11/11” earlier this month, rapper ROB.B is becoming a catalyst of change for the hypocrisy in the Hip-Hop/Rap game.

Growing up heavily influenced by hiphop and west coast rap, I’ve always had trouble fully connecting to lyrics that include words like “faggot” in them. The odd intersection of being gay and loving a music genre that had a habit of seeing my community as subhuman used to put me in a position where I couldn’t decide what I valued more; music or identity?

Then along came ROB.B, the stage persona of Robby Zumaya, who defines his sound as “faggot chic.” As a queer person of color, the reclamation of this hip-hop vernacular depowers the offense of the word and empowers ROB.B to associate it with other

words like “Boss.”

“This a lane that needs to be conquered, especially in a terrain that is so unwelcoming,” says ROB.B, who critiques his field as being hypocritical despite it being created as cry for recognition.

“You can’t turn away one community when you’re screaming for equality from someone else.”

Even with his thoughts on this important change, R O B . B credits his influence to join the the rap game to the east coast sound of the ‘90s. Rappers like Notorious B.I.G. and Nas inspired him to begin his path, but it was artists Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown who really pushed him to bust out rhymes and flows, the former which he identifies as his “superwoman.”

You hear some of these influences in “Block to Block,”

Photos courtesy of ROB. B always supported him as he began his work. He notes that he takes his work seriously because he pushes himself to get where they would want them to be in his career.

“I’m the legacy that they have right now,” said ROB.B. “If I can make a name for myself, I’m making a name for them.”

In “Closer to My Dreams,” the last track on his EP, he has a recording of a voicemail from his mother telling him how much she loves him.

ROB.B claims that whenever he is need of inspiration, he listens to the track.

His EP “11/11,” which is also selfproduced, is an 8-track album that is truly a mix of different styles and sounds. It is his space for experimentation, but there is a sense of mastery behind it. He’s a full-on independent artist and exerts creative control over his work, which is evident through his music and his refusal to be placed in a box.

“I’m unapologetically me,” says ROB.B. “I find comfort in other artists and if someone can find that in me, then I am paying it forward.”

Deviating a bit from ROB.B, Zumaya also identifies an activist, but refrains from the “save the world” narrative that the w o r d

“He’s a full-on independent artist and exerts creative control over his work, which is evident through his music and his refusal to be placed in a box.”

which is imbued with ‘90s vibes laid on a Controlla-esque beat and even gives nods to songs like Biggie’s “Big Poppa” and Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It.” H o w e v e r, it wasn’t just music that was a driving force that got to him creating his own space in the industry.

He gives a lot of credit to his late parents, especially his mother who

warrants.

“If I see something that I don’t think is right, then I will be a very vocal person,” says Zumaya. “I’m willing to listen, learn and also help people come to a mutual conclusion. We’re all so limited to our perspectives... from the narrative that your life has created for you.”

Earlier this year, Zumaya was featured in the #RestInPride campaign, which honored the lives lost during the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, in June.

Now, his activism relates a lot more to his music. He notes that he writes for his community, crafting his words and experiences to tell a story that he hopes his audience will find enjoyable as well as relatable.

“I want my impact to be, ‘Dude this fag is doing it and he’s not a joke,’” says ROB.B. “I want people to see the insight in what I’m writing and see the potential.”

Still on the high from the 11/11 release, ROB.B’s potential is clear, as well as his path to being a name in the game.

18 ENTERTAINMENT

Clark Critiques

Movie reviews by your favorite editor Articles by Peter R. Clark Entertainment Editor

Deciphering A Foreign Tounge

An accurate depiction of the inevitable “Arrival” Humans are a despicable race. If some of Trump supporters are any indication, we despise anything foreign. Denis Villeneuve’s “Arrival” is a relatively accurate depiction of what would happen if aliens invaded earth, with an added bonus of linguistics.

“Arrival” is a film that I considered to be the practice test for director Denis Villeneuve foray into science fiction. His next film, “Blade Runner,” is the ultimate test, and after seeing “Arrival,” I would have to say that he is ready for his exam.

This film is based on a short story

by Ted Chiang, “The Story of Your Life.” Chiang has said on record that he loved the film, despite things being

“Arrival” Length: 1hr 56m Director: Denis Villeneuve Screenplay: Eric Heisserer Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Michael Stuhlbarg, Forest Whitaker, Tzi Ma, Mark O’Brien, Abigal Pniowsky

added or taken out. In addition to that, the film received help from Stephen and Christopher Wolfram, renowned innovators and scientists, to ensure that all the science in the film made sense and was feasible in our reality.

The film is essentially about aliens invading earth, but then not doing anything. So, in an effort to figure out what these 12 alien ships are doing here, the U.S. government employs a linguist to attempt to communicate with the alien ship in America. Other countries around the world collaborate their efforts and try to figure out what the purpose of these aliens being here is. This film has an incredible story, and to say anything more would be a spoiler to the entire film. Let’s just say that a lot of things happen in the film, and the way those things unfold is truly remarkable.

Not much else can be said about his film, it has one of the most realistic interpretations of how humans as a whole would react to aliens that I have seen in quite a while. The linguist, Dr. Louise

Banks (Amy Adams) teams up with Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), a physicist, to interpret the language of the aliens under the command of Colonel Weber (Forest Whittaker). The performance of all three actors are top notch, with Renner really showing he can be a great actor despite his previous roles as a Hawkeye being a major let down.

Ultimately, it is the way the film unfolds that makes this film worth watching. It has some twists that make

you rethink the entire narrative, and when you watch a second time, you’ll be watching it with a whole new perspective.

There are subtle hints throughout the entire film that nudge at the climax, but you would never understand them the first time through.

“Arrival” proves to be another staple in Villeneuve’s collection and one worthy of multiple watches. See it.

High School Disaster

Living on “The Edge of Seveteen” can be tumultuous

Growing up can sometimes be shitty.

Especially when your favorite person passes away, you live in the shadow of the “better” sibling and you only have one friend… who ends up dating that sibling you hate.

“The Edge of Seventeen” directed by first-time director, Kelly Fremon Craig (who also wrote the film), is about a 17-year-old, Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld),

who hates her life. She it is so much that the first line in the movie is about her wanting to commit suicide. The film then rewinds itself, and we are then given the perspective needed to understand why Nadine wants to off herself. Her brother, Darian (Blake Jenner), is successful in life (both socially and academically), her father passed away, and her only and best friend, Krista (Haley Lu Richardson)

starts to date her brother. Life sucks for Nadine. However, Nadine finds some comfort in her history teacher, Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson), who does his best to treat her like an adult. The interactions between Bruner and Nadine are possibly the best parts of the film.

The film is a little all over the place.

Plotlines rapidly develop. While they all get resolved by the end of the film, sometimes the film lingers on one for too long that when it switches to another one, you have to remind yourself what this one is about. There is a lot going on in this movie, but it does a good job of trying to interpret the life of a 17-year-old in this generation.

At its core, “The Edge of Seventeen” is a comedy with some serious moments added in. Unfortunately, when it tries to be funny, it didn’t much more than cause me to exert a strong exhalation of air through my nose. I could see why it is funny, but it isn’t funny to me. Perhaps I am not the

target audience, but this film just isn’t a laugh out loud film. What sort of redeems the film for me, is the more serious parts.

The story about Nadine’s father, the outcast life, and the broken home. The film’s serious parts are more enjoyable than the film’s attempt at humor.

“The Edge of Seventeen” is a decent film that is certainly worth watching, and I would think that it is quite relatable to a lot of the younger generation who may have just graduated from college. This movie isn’t exactly for me, but it isn’t a bad film overall. However, it just feels like another film in this year’s list of forgettable movies.

“The Edge of Seventeen” Length: 1hr 44m Director: Kelly Fremon Craig Screenplay: Kelly Fremon Craig Starring: Hailee Steinfield, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner, Kyra Sedgwick, Woody Harrelson, Hayden Szeto

19

“Fantastic Beasts” is no longer just a textbook

By Andrew Linde Multimedia Manager

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is no longer just a textbook on Hogwarts’ syllabus. But now a fully fleshed out film with (relatively) brand new characters. Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) comes to New York City with a bag full of creatures and a past full of mystery. Redmayne plays the role coyly, always hiding something, but quick to make friends.

Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) is the hapless man that Scamander just happens to bump into, and exchange briefcases accidentally. Fogler is perfect as a Chaplin-esque everyman, playing into his comedic sensibilities perfectly.

He helps the film achieve its screwball comedy beats, so that the dour villains don’t bring the audience down. Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) is the down-on-her-luck detective who catches Scamander and his beasts.

Waterston elevates a role long relegated to men and gives it a refreshing take. She feels like she’s straight out of a 1950s noir film.

The film attempts to set up a new overarching plot, one that fans of the Harry Potter book series will know and be a bit excited to see come to life.

Pushing the action forward is Gideon Graves (Colin Farrell) an auror looking

for a powerful force and the Barebones, a witch-hating family of muggles (or “NoMaj,” as they insist on saying in America).

All of the actors play their parts extremely well, even if Redmayne’s distant stares and hunched crouch feels tired. The beasts themselves are fun and silly, a bit overplayed for a film that doesn’t seem that interested in them.

The finale is a dark twist that betrays the goofy core components.

For many of the characters, it seems their journey is over by the end of the film. It makes one wonder if the next film will follow Scamander as he travels elsewhere or introduce a new batch of characters to explain the backstory behind another magical textbook.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” Length: 2hr 13m Director: David Yates Screenplay: J. K. Rowling Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Samantha Morton, Jenn Murray, Ezra Miller

Understanding Night Beasts

The mystery of “Nocturnal Animals”

By R. Ray Robinson Contributor Does having any regrets of the past change your life for the better or worse? Could losing a loved one or breaking up with someone drastically change your life?

The new film “Nocturnal Animals” really answers this question.

I had the privilege of attending Arclight Hollywood theater again in Los Angeles to not only watch this neo-noir psychological thriller, but to meet and talk to the director as well.

After his first film, “A Single Man,” was praised by many critics, acclaimed fashion designer and Director Tom Ford was inspired by the novel “Tony and Susan” to create his new project. It centers around the life of Susan Morrow (Amy Adams), a sophisticated art gallery owner who specializes in provocative aesthetic pieces in Los Angeles. She thinks she is satisfied in life, but her second husband’s (Armie Hammer) travels keep her unfufilled.

One day, she randomly receives a

“Nocturnal Animals” Length: 1hr 56m Director: Tom Ford Screenplay: Tom Ford Starring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Michael Sheen, Armie Hammer

manuscript from Edward (Jake Gyllenhall), her first husband. The novel is, “Nocturnal Animals” which is dedicated to her after she dumps him claiming that he is “sensitive.”

When Susan reads it, the audience learns that Gyllenhall is not only the author of the novel but also plays Tony, the protagonist in his story. He decides to take his family out on a pitch-black West Texas highway alone. Their family fun is interrupted by a gang of goons, led by Ray (Aaron Taylor Johnson) who aggressively separates them.

This triggers Susan’s emotions by dropping the book, shifting the point of view back at her. Tony’s wife (Isla Fisher) resembles Adams in many ways; their daughter (Ellie Bamber), resembles Susan’s college-age daughter (India Menuez).

Susan forces herself to examine many of

her dark truths from her past while dealing with psychological trips, in this story within a story.

When the film ended, the audience gave a round of applause. Then the director came out for a Q&A. When asked about finding and casting Edward/Tony, Ford stated, “I wanted an actor who could carry a dramatic character. Whether it’s his thresh face we see in Nightcrawler, or the romantic, that we see in the beginning, I knew Jake was terrific for this film.”

“Nocturnal Animals” contains superb acting from the ensemble cast. People should watch this film as it is a powerful approach of people coming to grips with fighting and overcoming their own inner demons despite their past setbacks.

The TVTB #4

ENTERTAINMENT

Finding Wonderful Creatures

By Oyinda Salako Contributor With the passing of turkey day, the holiday season is more than officially upon us. From food to friends to family, there hasn’t been a more perfect time to sit back and enjoy a comeback greater than dinner table banter.

The revival of one of the greatest television shows to date was uploaded to Netflix on Friday, November 25th. The nostalgia hit hard. When it comes to the revival, there are no spoilers here.

Instead, let’s look at the series that spanned seven seasons, seven years, two networks, three incredible boyfriends, and a Luke.

“Gilmore Girls”, created by Amy ShermanPalladino, followed the lives of a mother/ daughter best friend duo in the town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. This coming-of-age drama serves both Lorelei women with the best witty wordplay around town.

Climbing into my pajamas and grabbing a snack for dinner in preparation for watching an episode—the show felt like home. It is so easy to get attached to the world of a quaint small town—and it’s easy to love such unique characters.

Rory is a character that knows what she wants and allows little room for change or the unexpected and her mother Lorelai, is honestly about the same, just a bit more carefree.

Quickly, you find yourself crying, laughing, and loving with them through all their choices and sayings. There is always your cast favorite, Luke, and your town favorite, Mrs. Kim. But both are no match for your favorite boyfriend. This storyline could not have been any more perfectly planned. The timing of each guy in Rory’s life set the stage for which phase her womanhood took her to next. And like any third-party outsider with no real say in the matter, I instinctively became just as excited, intrigued, and suspicious for each one (prime qualities of a virtual best friend).

So as this holiday season continues to ring in, watch a series praised not only for its brilliant writing and performances, but also its powerful dynamic family themes. There is nothing more holiday-spirited than family and that’s what this series is made of.

“So, it’s a show?

It’s a lifestyle.

It’s a religion.”

Happy Holidays! Enjoy the upcoming festivities and good luck during finals week.

Until the next TVTB. For more TVTB visit our website medium.com/long-beach-union-weekly

Volume 79 Issue 14

Monday, November 28h, 2016

LBUNION.COM

The Grunion is a work of satire. It in no way reflects the views of Long Beach Union Weekly or Associated Students Inc.

STAFFERS

Mercedes Colomar GRUNION EDITOR Cervantes LeMans STAFF

Send submissions to: grunion@lbunion.com

ASK MS. COLOMAR

DEAR MS. COLOMAR,

I have this problem. You see, my penis isn’t exactly all that long, but it certainly is wide. My girl doesn’t like girthy dicks, and I’m not exactly sure what to do. What advice can you give for a man whose dick is too girthy?

FROM, Daddy Girth

DEAR DADDY GIRTH, Find a way to incorporate it into different parts of her everyday life to persuade her of its uses.

Is she all hot and sweaty after a jog?

Make like one of those handheld battery fans and rotate that thing.

Is she into gardening? Bam. Use that girthy trowel and dig your girl some holes for her petunias or whatever the fuck she plants.

To put it simply, Mr. Daddy, if she doesn’t like your girth, she simply has yet to know its worth. Show it to her.

Article By Mercedes Colomar

GRUNION EDITOR

R

ecently, there was an election that ran in the United States. Like most elections, there were two real contestants, the Reds vs. the Blues.

The Reds won, and then the Blues went crazy. But this article is not about that, this is about Trump. Cervantes and I agreed to write up facts about both Trump and Pence this week. So that’s what we’re going to do.

Fact 1: Trump is a businessman who received a small loan (of a million dollars) from his parents to start his own empire of real estate. Later, four real estate companies with his name on them declared bankruptcy. This is an alarming number for a tycoon such as himself.

Could you imagine declaring bankruptcy for the U.S.? Is that even possible? How can he even begin to run a country if he has trouble running his own comapnies?

Fact 2: Trump likes his name, like a lot.

He puts his name on just about anything.

Most notably is the Trump Tower in New York. However, there was also, Trump University, Trump Founndation, a

TRUMP

number of Trump golf course and hotels, Trump Winery, Trump Steaks, Trump Vodka, Trump Ice, and even the Trump Board Game. That list barely scratches the surface of things named after Trump.

He sounds like a huge narcissit with all these named after him. Pretty soon it will be “Trump’s White House,” “Trump’s Oval Office,” “Trump’s Cabinet,” and the dreaded “Trump’s Panic Nuke Button.”

Fact 3: When Trump campaigned, he had big plans for our country. He raddled off a large number of things that he wants to do to make our country “great again.” After winning the election, he has back peddled on a number of things.

Let’s face it, politicians lie. We all know this. However, the reason why Trump garnered so many votes was because of his wild and crazy ideas. For instance, he no longer wants to build a wall. This man is not to be trusted!

Fact 4: Trump has a number of social issues that he supports and doesn’t support. He has openly said that he is opposed to gay marriage, wants to ban recreation marajuana nationwide, but wants to legalize medical marijuana (probably so he can make “Trump Kush” and make millions), he is currently opposed to gun control (this changes quite a bit), and he favors capital

punishment. This man is red, that much is clear. Most of his social ideas lean towards the right, but Trump is one of the biggest flip-floppers imaginable.

Trump probably doesn’t know what he really wants, and instead goes with the hivemind. Time will tell what actually happens in this country.

Fact 5: Trump doesn’t think climate change is real. This is the major issue I feel most people are overlooking. Earth is just as much a living creature as you the reader, and we only have one earth. Trump’s plans include destroying everything Obama put in place to safeguard the earth. I mean, my plain of existence won’t be affected by global warming, but if the earth dies, then you’re all just going invade my realm en mass.

I don’t want that. I like the way it is now, and I hate people. So more of them would fucking suck. Fuck off, Trump.

Protect your enviornment so you won’t have to invade mine!

That’s all the facts I can muster.

I’m tired of reading about Trump on Wikipedia. It’s scary, and I don’t like being scared. I like writing about things less scary. Like the talking about Charles Manson, or Jeffery Dahmer. Those guys are cool.

DEAR MS. COLOMAR, I’m nervous, I’ve never spoken to anyone about my fetishes before. I want to let my husband know that our sex life is boring. I want to introduce him to one of my fetishes – pegging. Can you give me some advice on how to possibly entice my husband into trying something new?

FROM, Strapped Susan

DEAR STRAPPED SUSAN, Been there, pegged that. Before you go spelunking in that particular man cave, take him out to dinner. Get him some Mexican food to make that passage clean and clear. Light some candles.

Put on some Phil Collins—something is coming in the air tonight. Get him nice and naked and vulnerable.

Then sit him down. Maybe tie him down. Bring out that cute girl Taylor from work that he’s been having an affair with.

We have the pictures, Susan.

I mean, he fucked you, so why not fuck him back?

INSIDE

BABY FOUND DEAD AT 71...................2 HOW TO FAIL FINALS.........................3 FIDEL FAILS AT LIFE...........................4 YOUR MOMS CHEST HAIRS..............5 SOMONE MADE A FRIEND.................6 I GOT LUCKY TONIGHT...................777 I DON’T UNDERSTAND SPORTS........8

By Cervantes LeMans

STAFF

W

elcome back, you stuffed turkeys.

Thank you for reading the Grunion and not running away from your country. I was asked to write a factual article on Mike Pence, our soon-to-be Vice President. The concept of politics and the word itself gives me a nasty feeling in my stomach. You already know. I already know. Everybody knows. Without further ado, I hope you can stomach these “facts” from Wikipedia. Usually, I do my research from OneSearch@CSULB, but Wikipedia does a good job of summarizing ideas or explaining things. If you really want to verify a source, just click on those [#]s. I am pretty sure those sources leads to a black hole in space or a dude’s buttcrack who lives in a basement.Why is it always a basement?

PENCE

Fact 1: Mike Pence is a hardcore Christian believer. His bat-shit beliefs are supposedly of “Christian values”. I have no say on what “Christian values” are supposed to be, but I am sure that “God” did not say, “Thou shall electrocute man’s homosexuality away.” He should probably pray to Zeus, but even Zeus had love for men. Looking at you, Ganymede, you sexy beast.

Fact 2: I never seen a straight man like Mr. Pence go so hard for gays, bisexuals, lesbians, transsexuals, and queers and all non-binary forms that deviate from an “Adam and Eve” relationship. Last year, he passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana where it allowed businesses and citizens to exercise their oppression religion without being “burdened as a defense in legal proceedings”. The bill was a justification to say, “If my religion denies you as a human being, I have to right to oppress ignore you in public and not provide any

forms of ‘civil’ services like selling flowers and baked goods to you.” Luckily, it got attacked on all fronts by people, companies and politicians.

Fact 3: He knows how to use fear and hatred to win politics. He knows how to manipulate people and politicians to get what he wants. He also knows how to write a good title for a cringy essay that he wrote in regards to his knowledge called “Confessions of a Negative Campaigner”.

It’s alright, but it still makes one cringe.

Fact 4: Mike Pence graduated from Hanover College. Hanover College is one letter away from being a college based on alcoholism. Thus, in an illogical conclusion, Mike Pence is possibly an alcoholic. In related news, he’s a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.

In a non-sequitur news, the oldest “yo momma” joke is 3,500 years old stemming from Babylonian times. Thus, someone was already talking smack about your momma before she was even born.