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NEWS
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
HIGHLANDER
U.S. implements stricter regulations for international students Michele che
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
lauren green CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In response to the Boston Marathon Bombings that occurred April 15, the U.S. government has decided to increase security for international students with U.S. visas. The move follows the Boston attacks where Azamat Tazhayakov, a 19-year-old student from Russia and a suspect in the attack, was found to have been residing in the U.S. on an expired student visa. The bombings killed three people, including former UCR extension student, Lu Lingzi, 23, and injured over 260 others. Tazhayakov’s actions have triggered the Department of Homeland Security to immediately recheck the status of visas for every student currently in the U.S. The new measures demand mandatory inspection of every student visa before the student leaves for the U.S. If the visa is inaccurate or raises questions, they will recheck the visa manually through U.S. records on a database. Before the bombings, border agents would only check the students referred for questioning. The protocol may create new challenges for international students studying in the United States. Eunjoo Swang, a UCR Extension Center and business student from Korea said, “When I came here I had to come to the embassy to get a visa. [A visa] will be even harder to get ... Maybe less people will want to come here because that means [the U.S. doesn’t] want us to come here.” On the other hand, Abdullah Mughni, an international student at the UCR Extension Center, showed support for the tighter restrictions. He firmly believes that national security should be put first. “I just really felt bad [about the ■H bombings],” said Mughni.
c o u rt e s y o f t h e W A s h i N G t o N t i m e s Kazakhstani student Azamat Tazhayakov (left), pictured here with Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (right), was able to enter the United States on an invalid visa. Tazhayakov allegedly removed items from Tsarnaev’s room after the bombing.
Photo of the Week
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5 Week Wellness “Book Camp”: Walk to Run 4-5 p.m. HUB 269
Tuesday Talks Queer People of Color 5-6 p.m. Costo 245
15
Estudiano Abroad 12-1 p.m. HUB 379
Conquering a Male-Dominated World 4:30-5:30 p.m. HUB
16
Last Chance Job Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. HUB 302
MaryLu Claton Rosenthal NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 8-10 p.m. ARTS 113
Friday
Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions 10 a.m.-2 p.m. HUB Mall
World Music Celebration 7-10 p.m. ARTS 166
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Twilight Carillon Recital 6 -7 p.m. Bell Tower
UCR Chamber Music Ensembles 8-9:30 p.m. ARTS 166
WeSley ng
The Tomás Rivera Librar y arches and students, photographed from the top of the Bell Tower.
Quotebook “If you change my professor halfway through and give me two professors ... I think any student you told that to would be upset.”
upcomIng eVents
Tuesday
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
MAY
Wednesday
Thursday
17 Saturday
19
Primavera in the Gardens 2-5 p.m. Riverside Botanic Gardens
Sunday
20
Monday
Leanne Hancock & Konstanin Chouliline Noon-1 p.m. PHYS 2104
WOW Closing Cermemony 4-6 p.m. HUB 260
- Jillian McCoy, Biochemistry 100 Student, on the abrupt change of instructors
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NEWS
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
HIGHLANDER
THE LAB
RESEARCH NEWS FROM UCR AND THE UC SYSTEM by Arooba Chaudhry, Staff Writer
UC Riverside: Entomologist names new wasp species after UC Riverside A research project in Russia has led to the discovery of a new wasp species. The entomologist behind the discovery is UC Riverside’s very own Serguei V. Triapitsyn, principal museum scientist at the Entomology Research Museum on campus. Triapitsyn has named the species Gonatocerus UCRi, after our school. The name is commonly abbreviated as UCR. Triapitsyn published his findings in an international scientific journal called Zootaxa on April 30 after he found the female fairyflies in the Russian Far East. They have been described as being brown in color with long antennae and wings. It is unknown what its host is, but other species in the same genus are beneficial insects known to parasitize eggs of leafhoppers.
Leafhoppers are insects that suck the juices of plants and are therefore one of the major crop pests worldwide. In terms of the whole research procedure, a Russian Academy of Sciences collaborator of Triapitsyn used a trap during 1999-2002 to collect wasps for the Entomology Research Museum in Primorsky Kray, Russia. It was unknown that the region contained a large concentration of this group of insects. The wasps were dropped into a trap containing alcohol, which served as a preservative for the insects until they could be sent to UCR for study. Identification of these wasps required special preparation as they were not visible to the naked eye. As such, it took Triapitsyn several years to ■H complete the study.
c o u rt e s y o f e N t o m o L o G y r e s e A r c h m u s e u m , uc r i v e r s i D e The new wasp species, discovered by a UCR professor, was named Gonatocerus UCRi in homage to the university.
UC Berkeley: Research detects metal in lipstick
c o u rt e s y o f m A k e u p G e e k UC Berkeley researchers found dangerous amounts of metals such as chromium and aluminum in lip color that have been linked to stomach tumors.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have shown that lip cosmetics contain many harmful chemicals and may pose a threat to the health of those who wear lipstick every day and reapply it constantly. In a research experiment at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, 32 different kinds of lipsticks and lip glosses were tested. Researchers detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other metals in them. The principal investigator of the study was S. Katharine Hammond, a professor of Environmental Health Sciences at UC Berkeley. The lead author was Sa Liu, a UC Berkeley
researcher in Environmental Health Sciences who co-authored it with Ann Rojas-Cheatham, a director of research and training at the Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice in Oakland, California. The researchers claim that longterm use of lipstick could prove to be very dangerous for the consumer that inhales these chemicals more than a daily intake value permits. According to the study, “Those who slather on the lip color and reapply it repeatedly could fall into the high use category of 87 milligrams ingested every day.” They estimated the risk by comparing the concentrations
of the chemicals consumers are exposed to with existing health guidelines. Excessive exposure to chromium, for example, is linked to stomach tumors. High exposure to some of the other chemicals can result in toxicity of the nervous system. After the publication of the study, many of the researchers have expressed the need for lipsticks and lip glosses to be looked over by health regulators. There are currently no U.S. standards for the amount of metal in cosmetics. The research was published on May 2 in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. ■H
UC Davis: Study finds nanomaterial that causes lung inflammation It has been found that household and commercial products such as sunscreen and ink from copy machines can cause lung inflammation and damage. High exposure to the nanomaterials these products contain whether by inhalation, skin exposure or eye exposure can prove detrimental in the long-term. The research is the first multiinstitutional study where the health effects of nanomaterials are being examined by replicating and comparing findings from different labs across the country. The findings on two of the most common types of engineered nanomaterials was published online on May 6 in Environmental Health Perspectives, the journal of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
These harmful nanomaterials are present everywhere in the electronics and medicine industries and they can cause ailments such as fibrosis (the thickening and scarring of connective tissue). Researchers of the study are hoping that the findings will propel more vigilant care and monitoring of nanomaterials in consumer products. Kent Pinkerton, the director of the UC Davis Center for Health and the Environment, was a senior author of the study. “This finding is most relevant to humans in occupational settings where workers are exposed at higher levels than the average consumer. Workers can be exposed to titanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes during synthesis and packaging of these materials,” said Pinkerton. ■H
c o u rt e s y o f NAsA Nanomaterials that cause lung inflammation can be found in commercial products such as sunscreen and printing ink.
NEWS
HIGHLANDER FOOD TRUCK FROM PAGE 1
WEDNESDAYS @ 9AM
KUCR RADIO 88.3
HIGHLANDER NEWSROOM
organizations that often sell food during the Wednesday Nooners—the same time as the festival is expected to take place. Some groups make the majority of their revenue during that time and were afraid that the presence of food trucks would effectively overshadow their sales. “In terms of our fundraising I think its going to affect us negatively because [MEChA does] a minimum of four conferences a year and the biggest bulk, aside from the [Associated Students] through these sales on campus,” said Georgina Almaraz, who handles publicity for the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA). “We’re scared that if the food trucks come, its going to limit us from selling on campus.” To alleviate concerns
among student organizations, the organizers decided that the festival will be an annual event. The festival will be take place along the Pierce walkway. “We ran the numbers and [having it more than once a year] is unsustainable,” said Chris Salvador. “It’s something that Highlanders can look forward to on an annual basis much like UC Davis’ Picnic Day.” Student groups such as Mujeres Unidas shared their support for the event. “I’m fine with the food trucks there,” stated President of Mujeres Unidas Esmeralda Baklayan. “It’s competition. There’s other student [organizations] that are having their food sale and I wouldn’t want them to shut down just because we’re selling. I’m fine with both businesses being out here.” 15 percent of the revenue made by the food trucks
will go back to the event organizers, specifically for funding next year ’s festival. The organizers expect that in the following years, different organizations on campus can use the event as an opportunity to contact and sponsor a food truck of their choice. “Hopefully it will expand itself to various clubs and organizations, programs [and] dances,” said Salvador. There are high expectations for the event, as expressed by many of the event’s architects. “A normal Wednesday here at the HUB, they do about 2,000 transactions,” said Thompson. “So we’re expecting that to be moved over [to the festival]. I’m expecting an increase in that number just by the amount of feedback of the awareness that has gone around...We’ll probably get about 2,500 transactions at the least.”
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
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c o u rt e s y o f ucr t o D Ay The Food Truck Festival is expected to get at least 2,500 transactions, which is slightly above the HUB’s usual 2,000 transactions on a normal Wednesday.
“We literally have met many, many times to create this program and it is exciting to see it finally come to life,” stated Garner. “We hope we have created
an event that will become a part of the fabric of UCR and that we can repeat again next year. Fingers crossed that it turns out to be the success we think it will be.” ■H
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TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
NEWS
HIGHLANDER
ASUCR holds special elections, provides transition updates colin MarkoVich SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Winnie Jeng STAFF WRITER
Senators-elect choose new officers After the end of a threehour-long session on May 6, senators-elect performed one of their first official duties by filling the final three positions in next year’s ASUCR. Senator Aaron Johnson was elected as the new president pro tempore, senate Parliamentarian Christopher Sanchez was chosen as the incoming elections director and member of the Office of Internal Affairs Annie Hwang was selected to inaugurate the role of marketing and advertising director. Senators-elect cast their ballots in secret, with the winner receiving a plurality of votes cast. The three candidates for president pro tempore emphasized their desire to increase the amount of communication and collaboration between the senate and the executive cabinet (ECAB). “We need to make this senate and this ECAB one unit,” Senator Niela Darmani explained. Senator Johnson ultimately defeated Senator Darmani and Academic Affairs Director and Senator-elect Shadi Matar by stressing his experience on the Legislative Review Committee (LRC). The president pro tempore oversees the LRC, the committee in charge of drafting and reviewing legislation. The most competitive contest was for elections director and centered on increasing student engagement in the wake of a dismal 17 percent student turnout rate. Solutions offered by candidates Trelynd Bowls, Angelica Ortiz and Sam Shin, in addition to Sanchez,
included increasing use of social media and appealing to commuters. The conversation turned to laptopping, which permits candidates to directly solicit votes from students. Sanchez expressed his personal support for laptopping, suggesting it would provide more voting opportunities. Incoming Vice President of External Affairs Kareem Aref expressed fears that candidates would pressure students into voting for them, resulting in corruption. Sanchez responded by specifying that, “It’s not a set thing that I’m going to do right away—it is something that we need to have a conversation about.” Sanchez also expressed his desire to end the current incentive system for voting. The last position was the newly-created marketing and advertising director, who would oversee the promotion of ASUCR events and outreach to the UCR community. Candidates Ravin Rathod, Christine Shi and Annie Hwang each showcased examples of their graphic design and the techniques they would use for campus outreach. Hwang was ultimately elected, advocating for improving ASUCR’s Facebook page and events calendar. “The thing with social media is that if you don’t know how to use it efficiently it’s not going to work,” Hwang said. Senate provides updates and transition advice Two days after the special elections, the senators addressed an array of issues during their weekly ASUCR meeting. Many unresolved issues were discussed as senators planned their forthcoming transition out of office. Senators first gave updates on projects they have been
v i N c e N t t A /hiGhLANDer A S U C R s e n a t o r s o p e n e d t h e f l o o r u p t o s p e a k e r s f ro m t h e g a l l e y w h o w e re m o s t l y c o n c e r n e d a b o u t t h e t e r m i n a t i o n o f a C N A S p ro f e s s o r.
working on this year. Senator Jeanette Lau announced that she would be crafting a referendum for elections next year that would bring back trolleys to UCR, which were previously shut down due to expense. Meanwhile, Senator Ben Pengson highlighted his plans to incorporate cell phone charging stations in the HUB. Senators address racial profiling near campus Outreach Director Cortni Thomas raised concerns regarding cases of racial profiling occurring on campus after an African-American student filed a report stating that he felt discriminated against by the Riverside Police Department, having been stopped for identification five times in three days. Many other African-American students reported similar encounters of police harassment in the wake of a recent uptick in crime. “I don’t understand why people, who are clearly students ... are being targeted and asked for identification
just because of our skin color ... I feel that is unfair and unjust,” said Thomas. “We, as students, are coming to speak to UCPD, as well as Riverside PD ... I’m just asking for support from the senate ... by coming to assist this dialogue ... because I don’t want this to continue anymore.” President of External Affairs Lazaro Cardenas gave solemn words to all senators, sternly reminding them of their role as senators before they pass the baton on to future senators. “You are the elected body of this entire university! This university is here because you are here!” he proclaimed. Vice President of Campus Internal Affairs Kevin Jo addressed the same issue, urging senators to be more engaged in forming the new campus safety guidelines. “Thousands of students voted for you, so that you could be here. This is not your time; this is their time.” He called on senators to attend the campus town hall meeting about
campus safety on May 14 in HUB 302. “We need student support there ... We need your critique, your praise and your everything.” Senate responds to ruling by judicial branch Executive Vice President Armando Saldana addressed the judicial branch’s ruling that ASUCR violated the Required Reading Bylaw during the vote on the Divestment from Companies that Profit from Apartheid resolution. He called the proposed changes offered by the judicial branch “a recommendation.” “As of right now, the required reading policy stands,” Saldana announced. Saldana did not address the judicial branch’s ruling that ASUCR should implement a survey that requires candidates detail their stances on student-selected issues. Next year’s budget includes plans for clubcentered Bear Den Vice President of Finance Crystal Kim presented the finalized budgets for the ASUCR offices, including plans for the Bear Den, which would take the place of the now-closed Exchange Store in the HUB. Allocated $18,800, the Bear Den is envisioned as a place for clubs to meet and is funded by “the clubs’ pool of money,” Kim explained. “We’re going to turn this whole place into an area where clubs can come in, rent it out, hold their meetings, whatever events they want to hold,” Kim announced. “They have a huge amount of money with us and this is another way for them to use it.” Leftover funds from the Exchange and the Academic Affairs Committee will be dispersed within the Office of Internal Affairs. Other changes included the judicial branch being allotted a budget of $330; they previously had no budget. The Office of the Executive Vice President was allocated an additional $4,000 for ASUCR’s fall retreat. ■H
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TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
. OPINIONS .
HIGHLANDER
HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL
16-UNIT CAP TRAPS STUDENTS IN A FIVE-YEAR UNIVERSITY
hIGhLANDeR StAff editor-iN-Chief
MANAgiNg editor
Chris LoCascio
Michael Rios
News editor
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Sandy Van
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Colin Markovich
opinions@highlandernews.org
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Rebecca Paredes
radar@highlandernews.org
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Michael Rios
features@highlandernews.org
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Darren Bueno
sports@highlandernews.org
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photo@highlandernews.org
stAff photogrAphers
i L L u s t r At i o N b y b r A N D y c o At s /h i G h L A N D e r
N
ow that the course offerings for fall have been posted online, the scramble for classes has begun. In the quarterly ritual of class selection, students weigh class times, breadth and major requirements, difficulty and more in the hope of completing the Tetris puzzle that is choosing classes. One requirement, though, overrides all else when selecting a course schedule: the dreaded 16-unit cap. To ensure that all students were able to enroll in classes, a unit cap was first implemented in 2011. For a campus growing in size and in reputation, this was both a positive and necessary step forward. UCR would be able to expand its course offerings to more students, enabling more people to enroll and earn a degree. Implementing a unit cap was a logical decision in a time of state funding cuts and more desire than ever for a degree of higher education. So UCR moved forward with the unit cap plan. The result is the system students now know: When courses first open for registration, students are only eligible to take 16 units’ worth of courses. The idea is good in theory, but in practice it has caused recurring nightmares for students as they struggle to enroll in the courses they need. Why? Because the problem is not the unit cap. The problem is the number of units UCR has selected for the cap. Sixteen units were chosen because most courses are four units; this cap would ideally allow UCR students to enroll in a full load of four courses and graduate on time. But plenty of courses are five units, which upsets the delicate 16-unit balancing act students are forced to perform by pushing them one unit above the cap, forcing students to drop a course they are prepared and willing to take. The only option left for students is to drop a class, often one that is necessary for their major. When second pass rolls around, students finally uncross their fingers and emerge from their nervous exhaustion to dejectedly discover that the class they’ve dropped is now completely full. And so is the waitlist. What’s more, many of these classes are required for a large number of majors. Mandatory lower-division courses in economics, English and political science force students to slow their track to graduation. Basic chemistry and biology courses pretend to be worth four units, until students realize
that they must be taken concurrently with lab classes worth one unit. And although upper-division courses entail a greater workload and the increase in units is therefore somewhat justifiable, they cause just as much consternation when it comes to planning one’s course schedule. Sometimes, these required courses are offered only once a year, leaving students far behind in their pursuit of a degree. UCR’s current system essentially limits students to three classes a quarter, except on rare occasions when all of their classes are miraculously four units. To graduate in four years, students need to average 15 units every quarter, or slightly less than four courses per quarter. But this feat is virtually impossible to accomplish with UCR’s current system. Instead, students’ college careers extend beyond the advertised four years. To make matters worse, classes are posted around the same time midterms shift into high gear. Instead of students taking the time to focus on tests vital to their grade, they are instead preoccupied with the fear and worry that accompanies registration. Students are already anxious about midterms; the least UCR could do is alleviate some of that stress by eliminating the worry of obtaining the right classes. This is a story heard all too often by students who have had to push back their plans for graduation because the unit cap has rendered them unable to register for four classes. The idea of students staying in college for five years was previously unheard of; now, it’s all too commonplace. It is true that some students choose to stay five years, and that is their prerogative. But students who seek to graduate in four years at a four-year university shouldn’t be prevented from doing so. Ironically, in an attempt to allow more students to graduate, UCR is inadvertently preventing students from doing so. The poorly-implemented unit cap has created a class of students ready to move beyond college, but are unable to do so. With a stagnant class of students, UCR will drive down its four-year graduation rate, a metric important to students deciding which university among thousands to attend. UCR wants to be the crown jewel of the Inland Empire’s universities, but how will it do so if its students cannot graduate in four years? However, it is clear that abolishing the unit cap, or raising it too much will have just as adverse consequences. Students with priority
registration would be able to swipe courses from freshmen, leaving them with only parttime status and unable to receive financial aid. A delicate balance must be struck that creates the Goldilocks condition: not too high, and not too low, but just right. A 17-unit cap meets these criteria. Raising the unit cap by just a single unit gives students the ability to register for a five-unit class that would have otherwise decimated their schedule. Students would be able to take four classes, as UCR recommends, without the fear of a necessary course slipping by. At the same time, the increase is not enough for students to enroll in five courses, taking away the courses needed by those lower on the registration totem pole. Those against an increase have argued that some students enroll in more units than they intend on taking, instead waiting through the first two weeks of the quarter, only to drop the course and deny other students those seats. Increasing the unit cap may give these students more opportunities to take classes away from the students who need them. This is a legitimate concern, but it is not an insurmountable challenge. A potential solution could be to limit the number of times students are allowed to withdraw from a course, or make students decide whether or not to withdraw earlier. Either way, this is a solvable problem and should not hinder the implementation of a 17-unit cap. Thankfully, students are already working to rectify this problem. Senator-elect Shadi Matar has been spearheading a campaign to increase to the unit cap, along with Senators Ashley Yee, Spencer Castrellon and Johnny Ta. “If every class at UCR was a four-unit class, a 16unit cap would be just fine,” remarked Matar. This move is exactly what UCR students need to achieve their dreams of higher education. Too many students have spent too many hours crafting the perfect schedule, only to find that a required course has been snatched up. Too many would-be graduates have had to wait to see their parents’ happy faces. For too many students, UCR has become a five-year university. UCR can make a dramatic change in its students lives. And all it has to do is raise ■H the unit cap by one unit. Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.
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OPINIONS
HIGHLANDER
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
9
Increase in cost does not mean a decrease in obesity J o S h ua W a g o n b l a S t STAFF WRITER
“Obesity is an epidemic” is a common phrase heard more and more frequently these days. The statement may just be an exaggeration, but the main idea is that staying healthy should always be a priority. This is probably why state Senator Bill Monning has decided to try and push forward Senate Bill 622 that will apply a tax to sugary beverages. A person’s well-being is essential and staying fit is beneficial. However, the tax on sugary drinks is the wrong step to take. The tax, which would include soda as well as sweetened teas, seems like more of a hassle than an actual solution to the “obesity epidemic.” Charging people extra for drinks that will be consumed anyway is hardly an answer to a supposed fattening nation. If the bill is passed, sugary drinks will incur an extra cost of one penny per ounce. That’s 12 cents per 12 ounce can, and an extra $1.44 per 12pack, not including California Redemption Value (CRV). How are a few pennies supposed to change people’s minds about their sugar consumption? Critics are correct in believing that the increased cost will make an insignificant difference in altering people’s perspective on personal health responsibilities. Proprietors for the proposed tax say that the extra pennies will help fund health education, improve the nutritional value of school meals and promote recreational activities. The problem with this logic is that sugary drinks have already been banned for purchase in schools throughout California. As of 2009, California schools are supposed to supply alternative beverages instead, including fruit and vegetable juices, milk, water and “electrolyte replacement beverages.” How do you improve school meals that are already required to meet health guidelines, including the
G r A p h i c b y b r A N D y c o At s /hiGhLANDer Senate Bill 622 will tax sugary beverages at an extra cost of one penny per ounce.
omission of sugary beverages? Schools are already required to provide fruits, vegetables and whole grains during breakfast, snack and lunch hours, and have to reduce the sodium content of student meals. Can these meals really get that much healthier? Furthermore, the ban on sugary drinks did not abjure students’ decisions to continue to enjoy said beverages. Recreational activities and health education are swell ideas as well. But with or without the tax, sports will always be around as well as solid parental and educational figures that already have an obligation to expound their knowledge about nutritional habits to the younger generations. Greater emphasis should be placed on providing parental or educational
guidance about healthy eating habits, rather than upping the price on sugary drinks. The tax is simply an excuse to squeeze more money out of the working class. Plus, an extra few cents here and there won’t do much if people have already ignored the always-available opportunity for exercise and better food choices. Generally speaking, the people of California are very healthy. In comparison to other states, California is only 23.8 percent obese, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention back in 2011. No state scored below 20 percent. For a state of about 38 million people, this is impressive. The penny-per-ounce plan sounds unnecessary at this point. Besides, if health is an issue
c o u rt e s y o f c o N t r A r i o u s . W o r D p r e s s . c o m C a l i f o r n i a ’s p ro p o s e d t a x o n s u g a r y b e v e r a g e s w i l l d o l i t t l e t o c u t d o w n o n o b e s i t y.
for politicians, then why not tax alcoholic beverages more instead? According to U-T San Diego, “The rate of $1.28 per gallon is more than six times higher than taxes on wine or beer.” A higher tax on wine
won’t know or care what the extra few cents really means. Public service announcements (PSAs) are also viable options to increase obesity awareness. Instead of paying a few extra cents for some soda cans,
The companies that make sugary drinks should be the ones allocating funds to raise obesity awareness, not the taxpayers. and beer could result in fewer alcoholics or drunk-driving accidents, but obesity is a more trending topic and this tax is merely a resourceful excuse to increase state revenue. People should know that sugary drinks are unhealthy, and that the consumption of such can lead to many consequences like heart disease and diabetes. Yet charging consumers extra is not going to make them more aware of the fact. A warning label, similar to those on packs of cigarettes would serve a much more effective purpose. Printing warning labels would also make the manufacturers of the unhealthy drink products suffer the additional cost to change the look of their product. The companies that make sugary drinks should be the ones allocating funds to raise obesity awareness, not the taxpayers. Moreover, it is ridiculous to implement a tax that legislators only assume will increase awareness about obesity, especially since most people
why not tax residents a few cents in order to fund PSAs that alert the public about the negative aspects to poor health decisions, such as imbibing sugary drinks? That would be much more effective. Most people do not support the tax anyhow, so why push the legislation when there are other options available? Some could argue that governmental institutions are required to make paternalistic decisions in order to ensure the best possible health for our nation’s citizens. But if government is going to do so, it should make more valuable and pertinent decisions that will be noticed more than some misplaced spare change. Sugary drinks are unhealthy, but also comforting thirstquenchers that many people love. A minute increase in taxes on these beverages will not have much of an effect on their sales. If obesity is as severe as many believe it to be, then let’s take more drastic measures to ■H address it.
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OPINIONS
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
HIGHLANDER
Opinion Poll
Are you going to the Food Truck Festival on May 15? compiLeD by JiNyouNG ko AND cAmeroN yoNG
Hans Phang; third year: “Yes, I’m going to the fair. It seems like a great social event with various food types.”
Ana Zambrano; fourth year: “Yeah ... it’s a great chance to try different foods all in one place.”
Derek Liu; first year: “Dining hall food can get dull once in a while. I’m going to the food truck fair to get some good food.”
Jocelyn Esparza; first year: “Yeah ... I love food and trying different things so it’s a perfect opportunity to combine the two.”
Joshua Chazaro; second year: “Food truck festivals are always fun and you can’t really say no to good food.”
Denisse Barboza; fourth year: “It sounds interesting to learn and try out new and different kind of foods.”
Intersession programs at community colleges allow only the wealthy to advance JeSSica Martinez CONTRIBUTING WRITER
California community colleges have increased their fees by six to 10 dollars nearly every year for the last few years while reducing the number of classes offered and enlarging class sizes. Community colleges seem to be one of the many places the state automatically turns to when looking to cut costs. A new bill, AB 955, was recently introduced to help offer more indemand courses without any additional state funding. Sounds like a good idea, right? But what if you were told that these in-demand courses would cost a lot more than the current fee of $46 per unit? AB 955 will offer more classes without using state funds and would create intersession extension programs that would offer people courses during the summer and winter outside of the regular school schedule. This is a reasonable proposition, but there is a catch: The price per unit would be at the discretion of the college. Colleges would be allowed to charge the nonresident fee of $200 per unit. Community colleges in California offer classes at costs lower than those of the UC and CSU schools. This allows low-income students to jumpstart their education without breaking their wallets. But with the increases in fees throughout the years, California community colleges are becoming less affordable. Governor Brown’s budget summary states, “The UC, CSU, and community colleges need to move aggressively to implement reforms to provide high quality instruction at lower cost, decrease the time it takes to earn a degree, and increase graduation rates by deploying their teaching resources more effectively.” If these intersession classes in summer and winter are too expensive for students to access, then students are still at risk of not enrolling in necessary classes in a timely manner. This will do nothing to increase their transfer rate. Compared to the current price of $46
c o u rt e s y o f s e i z i N G o u r D e s t i N y . c o m Giving students extra opportunities to take classes is a good idea, but charging more for those opportunities prevents students from realizing their full benefit.
per unit, $200 per unit is unreasonable. This bill would not allow lowerincome students to be able to attend the classes offered in the summer and winter. A student would have the upper hand simply by being able to afford these outrageous fees over the summer and winter, which are crucial times to advance and stay on track toward graduation and transfer to a four-year university. With already slim class offerings, students have had to prolong their stays at community colleges. If intersession courses were offered at the regular fee per unit, it would give students more access to classes and boost students’ chances of transferring in a timely fashion. Who wants to stay stuck at a community college because of a lack of courses? In 2012, 95.2 percent of the admitted 5,266 transfer students to the UC system
were from California community colleges. Potential UCR students will be impacted by the passage of this bill because they may not be able to transfer as soon as they’d like or they may lose interest in continuing their education due to time constraints. Any student who attended community college before attending UCR knows the difficulty of enrolling in classes and the impact of the fee increases over the years. It takes determination and focus to map out a timeline to transfer at a reasonable rate. But how can students even think of transferring when they have to deal with battling each other to get into classes? Students who cannot afford to pay these intersession classes will be discouraged from trying to finish their requirements in order to transfer. “Our intent is to help students be able
to get classes,” the bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Das Williams, has said. Sure, the bill does not intend to exclude anyone, but in the end students who cannot afford the high costs will not enroll in summer and winter classes. It’s great that these intersession classes are made available, but they should be available to everyone, not just those that are able and willing to pay the higher cost. Excluding lower-income students is just not right. Community colleges exist to make higher education accessible to everyone, and students rely on them to keep their costs lower than that of a university. For some, community college may be the only option available. Having to deal with increasing costs, as well as reduced class offerings, the chances of students finishing their college career in a ■H timely manner is far-fetched.
The opinions expressed in the Opinions section belong solely to their authors and do not represent the Highlander Editorial Board or the University of California, Riverside.
TIONS TO THE A L U T NEW RA G N R EDITORIAL BO O E D N C A RD LA H G 2013-2014: HI Editor-in-ChiEf: MiChaEl rios Managing Editor: Colin MarkoviCh ProduCtion ManagEr: JakE riCh assistant ProduCtion ManagEr: Brandy Coats nEws Editor: sandy van oPinions Editor: ColEttE king fEaturEs Editor: alEx suffolk arts & EntErtainMEnt Editor: rEBECCa ParEdEs sPorts Editor: darrEn BuEno assistant sPorts Editor: Cody nguyEn Photo Editor: vinCEnt ta vidEo Editor: MiChElE gartzkE distriBution ManagEr: sEan frEdE
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FEATURES
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
A View From the
HIGHLANDER
13
Top
Interview with university carillonneur
David Christensen Sean Frede By Sean Frede and Jake Rich, seniorBystaff writers // Photos by Wesley Ng and Jake Rich, Senior staff writers Photos by Wesley Ng
Hidden away in plain sight, sitting at the top of Christensen got the job and has been ringing the bells and dedication shined; he would slam down on each the Bell Tower, UC Riverside carillonneur David for over 25 years now. Christensen plans on staying key, sending vibrations throughout the entire campus. Christensen sometimes forgets that he is performing for at least until the 50th anniversary of the Bell Tower He looked like a mad scientist, his hands and feet students. “Sometimes I want to stop and play a different in 2016. The years of being up in the tower show his moving frantically from one pedal to another. “I spent song but I have to remind myself that the entire campus expertise in the instrument and in a particular style of two to three hours a day practicing this instrument can hear what I am playing,” says Christensen. But let’s music when I first learned it,” he says. It’s a prime example of back up a second. What exactly is a carillonneur? And “My favorite style of music to play is from the how practice pays off. what do they do? The carillon is the instrument located Baroque period, like Bach and George Handel. Newer It’s more than just playing the instrument that keeps in the very top of the bell tower in the central area of pieces from Broadway musicals sounds really great on him here. It is the instrument itself. Christensen has a campus near the HUB. Christensen has been ringing the the carillon but one of my favorite songs to play would deep love for the tradition behind the carillon’s bells bells of UCR for 28 years. have to be Clair de Lune,” says Christensen as we sat that were created by the French based, Paccard bell You have heard the chimes that are at the start of every on couches 100 feet in the air, directly underneath the foundry that was established in 1796. see easy the full interview, hour but have you heard the songs? Many students just bells. ItTowas to forget where you were until you “What’s interesting to me is that with the advent think it’s a recording but Christensen sits six stories up looked as outwell the as window and could see everything from of technology especially on a university campus with christensen playing everything from Bach to “Singin’ in the Rain.” the HUB and out to the orange groves on MLK. Many people making breakthrough research in all sorts of playing, The carillon is an organ-style instrument with wooden musicians thrivego toto be a performer and have a need to fields that here in the center of campus we have an keys like a piano along and an entire set of pedals for feed off of an audience to really get satisfaction out of instrument that is still being played the same way as his feet to play. Each key strikes one of 48 bells. The their music. But for most performances Christensen it was in the 17th century. It’s like going back in time smallest bell weighs in at 48 pounds and the largest never sees a single soul as he strums the carillon’s when I play up here,” says Christensen. one, known as the Bourdon centennial bell, weighs in wooden keys. Though he is not always seen, Christensen and at 5,091 pounds. UC Riverside is one of three UCs that “I’ve been told by a lot of people that they think [the his instrument’s presence on the UCR campus are are lucky enough to be graced with these musical bells, carillon] is under computer control and in a way I guess undeniable. Whether you’re paying close attention idden away in plain sight, sitting at the top of songs to play would have to be and one of five total in the state of California. that is a compliment because I haven’t been making to the melody in the chiming of the bells, or it serves the Bell Tower, UC Riverside carillonneur Clair de Lune,” said Christensen After graduating from University of Redlands mistakes,” says Christensen. “I look at performing up as a pleasant background sound, the carillon makes David Christensen sometimes forgets that as we sat on couches 100 feet above Christensen found himself at UCR in the early 1970s, here like being in a radio studio, you don’t see anyone up a sometimes subtle, but important part of UCR he is performing for students. “Sometimes the ground, directly underneath the studying music where he met Lowell Smith, UCR’s first around and it’s easy to forget that anyone is even history. To check out some of Christensen’s favorite I want to stop and play a different song but bells. It was easy to forget where you carillonneur and began taking lessons. Smith left and listening because there is no immediate feedback.” performances, go to his Youtube channel: youtube.com/ I have to remind myself that the entire campus can were until you looked out the window and Margo Holstead took over the reign for 10 years before As Christensen played after the 5 p.m. bells, his love davidchristensen1 hear what I am playing,” said Christensen. But let’s could see everything from the HUB and back up a second. What exactly is a carillonneur? out to the orange groves on Martin Luther And what does he or she do? King Boulevard. Many musicians strive to The carillon is an organ-style instrument with be a performer and have a need to feed off of wooden keys like a piano along and an entire set of an audience to really get satisfaction out of their pedals for his feet to play. Each key strikes one of music. But for most performances, Christensen 48 bells. The smallest bell weighs in at 48 pounds never sees a single soul as he plays the carillon’s and the largest one, the bourdon centennial bell, wooden keys. weighs in at 5,091 pounds. UC Riverside is one of “I’ve been told by a lot of people that they think three UCs to be graced with these musical bells, [the carillon] is under computer control and in a and one of five total in the state of California. way I guess that is a compliment because I haven’t You have heard the chimes that sound off at the been making mistakes,” said Christensen. “I look “What’s start of every hour, but have you heard the songs? at performing up here like being in a radio studio, i n t e r e s t i n g According to Christensen, many students just think you don’t see anyone around and it’s easy to forget to me is that it’s a recording, but Christensen sits six stories up that anyone is even listening because there is no with the advent of playing everything from Bach to “Singin’ in the immediate feedback.” technology especially Rain.” The 5 p.m. bells had just rung when Christensen on a university campus with After graduating from the University of Redlands sat down to play. Swiftly thumping each key as he people making breakthrough in the early 1970s, Christensen found himself at sent vibrations throughout the entire campus, his research in all sorts of fields that UCR studying music. That is where he met Lowell love of craft was apparent. He looked like a mad here in the center of campus we have an Smith, UCR’s first carillonneur, and began taking scientist, his hands and feet moving frantically instrument that is still being played the same lessons. Smith left and Margo Holstead took over from one pedal to another. “I spent two to three way as it was in the 17th century. It’s like going the reign for 10 years before Christensen got the hours a day practicing this instrument when I first back in time when I play up here,” said Christensen. job. He has been ringing the bells since 1987. learned it,” he said. Though he is not always seen, Christensen and Christensen plans on staying at least until the 50th It’s more than just playing the instrument his instrument’s presence on the UCR campus are anniversary of the Bell Tower in 2016. that keeps him here. It is the instrument itself. difficult to avoid. Whether you’re paying close “My favorite style of music to play is from the Christensen has a deep love for the tradition attention to the melody in the chiming of the bells, Baroque period, like Bach and George Handel. behind the carillon’s bells that were created by or it serves as a pleasant background sound, the Newer pieces from Broadway musicals sound the French-based Paccard bell foundry that was carillon makes up a sometimes subtle, but important really great on the carillon but one of my favorite established in 1796. part of UCR history. ■H
youtube.com/ UCRchannelH
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Left to right: An instructional book Christensen uses to teach carillon playing; View of the Bell Tower from the base; Christensen plays “Sonata in D” by Mateo Albéniz. He arranged the piece himself specifically for the carillon. Opposite page: Christensen talks about playing the carillon, which is similar to playing an organ. Background: A bird’s-eye view of the HUB photographed through one of the Bell Tower’s holes.
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TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
FEATURES
HIGHLANDER
Michael Lauchlan: student, philanthropist and entrepreneur JeSSica Martinez
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Students with goals and dreams may think that they have to wait until after graduation to achieve them. For some, their time is now. Michael Lauchlan, a fifth-year transfer student majoring in linguistics and philosophy is not only a student, he’s an entrepreneur as well. Lingsanity, one of his first business startups at UCR, is a donation-based tutoring service that was designed to help students who cannot afford to pay for common tutoring service. Students can donate any amount they wish to in order to pay for Lauchlan’s service. Another prominent business of his, Waybu, was launched nine months ago. Waybu is a brand of sunglasses made of bamboo that also gives donations to those in need. Lauchlan conceived the idea of Waybu when he broke his pair of Ray-Bans and started looking for something different to wear. “As an entrepreneur, if you are looking around for something and you can’t find it, you start it.” He was looking for something that was not mass produced like plastic,
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MISC Thursday Lunch with Bill Noon - 1 p.m. Discussion St. Andrews Newman Center 105 Big Springs Road, 92507 ---------------AA Information: www.inlandempireaa.org 909-825-4700 ---------------Tuesday Big Book Study Noon-1 p.m. St. Andrews Newman Center 105 Big Springs Road, 92507 ---------------Spring Festival May 18 10AM to 3PM Robots, Music, Games Gethsemane Lutheran Church Blaine & Canyon Crest Own room in house for $550 12 month lease - all utilities
HOUSING included - cable, internet, laundry, alarm system included. Call 562-274-5165 ---------------2 rooms for rent in a 3 bdrm house w/ pool & spa. 4 miles from UCR - email for pics & info: bjosh_ucr@yahoo.com ---------------HOUSE FOR RENT 4 BLOCKS FROM UCR 4 BEDROOMS 20X20 FAMILY ROOM, DINING ROOM & LIVING ROOM FURNISHED. ALL APPLIANCES & GARDENER PROVIDED $2200 MONTH 951/242-0060
and he eventually found the bamboo wayfarer, or “Waybu,” as he called it. So he made his glasses out of that material, and with the help of other UCR students that he hired through internships via Scotjobs, he launched his company. The glasses are manufactured in China and sold through the website online for $65 per pair. Lauchlan also turned that business into a charitable company. For every pair of sunglasses Waybu sells, the company will donate an AquaPak to a person in need of clean water in Haiti. The AquaPak is a solar water pasteurizer which is durable and easy to carry. “I wanted my brand to mean something more than just style. You have a sustainable style and you’re also sustaining someone else,” said Lauchlan. He also helped found the Entrepreneur Society at UCR, which focuses on social entrepreneurship, or conducting business not purely for profit but to help others as well. Another startup of his, a marketing platform for manufacturers, Group Build It, involves a group of UCR students from BCOE. They take
manufacturers’ products and market them on their marketing platform. This startup will require a lot of funding which Lauchlan has been trying to push for at business pitch competitions. Although these startups may already seem like a lot for one student to take on, Lauchlan insists that he has even more projects planned. Lauchlan’s latest startup, Crowdfund Promotions, is a website where people can put their project and get it crowdfunded by people. “We do business consulting, marketing, branding and create the creative content. We let someone focus on their business and we crowdfund it.” The first company they took on was Spoiled Minds which is a student-run online magazine trying to launch its first print edition. It’s a project Lauchlan is very excited to be working with. How does he stay motivated and focused? “I trick myself into staying motivated by whatever means possible.” Lauchlan also tries to mix his business interest with school by doing research at the Sloan Center
v i N c e N t t A /hiGhLANDer Student entrepreneur Michael Lauchlan created Waybu, an eyewear company.
for Internet Retailing at UCR, which focuses on the improvement of online retailing. How does he have time to do it all with school? Lauchlan admitted he had thought of dropping out of school multiple times. “I don’t think you need to study business to do business. Entrepreneurship is way too innovative and fast-paced, that’s why I don’t think you can teach it,” he stated. Lauchlan seems to be on the path he wants to be, but that doesn’t come without its sacrifices. “I gave
up my social life and dating and I work every minute possible.” Lauchlan’s tip for students looking to get into the entrepreneur world is to know the difference between branding yourself and resume polishing. He likes to create brands because people respond to them more. “You have to think of yourself as a brand rather than just a one-page resume. I can land an interview because I send a few links of me rather than sending in a resume which employers see thousands of times.” ■H
FEATURES
HIGHLANDER
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
15
RESTAURANT REVIEW:
ROCKSTAR SHRIMP
Left to right: A bib that every customer gets at the beginning of their meal; Shrimp shells after the meal. Background: Décor inside the restaurant.
RATING: ★★★★☆
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BY: MAXINE ARELLANO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER // PHOTOS BY WESLEY NG
hen someone has a dire hankering for seafood, UCR When someone has a dire hankering for seafood, UCR students and Riverside residents can find refuge in Rockstar Shrimp—located up Blaine Street at the University Shopping Center—to crush their craving. Offering a small but a satisfying menu, Rockstar Shrimp was nothing less than what its title suggested: rockstar-quality shrimp. My friends and I walked in, not knowing what to expect. Dark colors, plasma screens and fist-pumping music gave us a club vibe before we even noticed the homemade beach decor cluttering the front counter. Still bobbing my head to the sound of Rihanna from above, the waitress greeted us at the door with a perky hello. The menu was straight to the point. Customers have a choice of one pound of boiled mussels or crab for $10 or one pound of shrimp for $9. Once I chose the shellfish, the next task was to pick the sauces: “be gentle,” “kick me,”
holy moly,” and “I wanna cry” were the options of sauces. To complete the order, customers are given eight sides to choose from, two of them being the steamed rice and their newest edition, fried Cajun shrimp. Customers can also find alternatives for a meal such as fish and chips. Since it was our first trip to Rockstar Shrimp, we made sure we tried their signature dish: the boiled shrimp. We tried the spicier “Kick me” and “Holy moly” sauces. Our sides included Cajun fries ($3) and Cajun fried shrimp ($5) that the waitress had suggested. She continued to bring us extra accessories before we could chow down. She brought mounds of lemon wedges, cups of lemon pepper and salt, and traditional (and cheesy) lobster printed bibs. Once we rolled up our sleeves and tied our bibs, our waitress literally brought our food in a sand pail. “Enjoy your meal,” our waitress told us, “[and] good luck.” We wiped our drool and then we plowed into its depths. The first shrimp I tried was boiled
with the “Holy Moly” sauce. I chuckled before taking the first bite, thinking it wouldn’t be as spicy as the name suggests. But when I tried it, I felt like I getting smacked in the back of the throat. All I could think was, “Holy moly, they are not messing around.” Note to self: The meal is not recommended for chapped lips. The shrimps were boiled in their complete shell. Neat freaks, grab your latex gloves, because it was a messy ride to just make a shrimp edible. After 10 minutes of fumbles, I had my way with the shrimp and enjoyed the richness of the shellfish and the unique Cajun sauce it absorbed during the cooking process. Chunks of garlic and waves of lemon hit me with every bite. A great complement to the shrimp was dipping it in lemon juice with the lemon pepper mixture the waitress previously brought out. De-shelling the shrimp was the biggest pain, but after dealing the first few, one can feel like a professional fisherman. Right after the first bite, I was hooked on the shrimp,
although I frequently had to take a sip of my ice water to cool the burning sensation from the hot sauce. The sides did not go unattended either. The Cajun fries are simple potato cuts with flavor enhanced by the Cajun spice. The fries are great for dunking into the sea of Cajun sauce. The best part of the meal had to be the fried Cajun shrimp. Since the entire shrimp was deep fried, the guest can even eat the eyeballs, too. Can you tell I like to play with my food? The batter was thin enough to give a light crisp, but substantial enough to really get the Cajun kick. The fried Cajun shrimp order has about 10 shrimps, which can be devoured in no time. Even though the order seemed to be small for a hungry customer, halfway through the pound, I was searching for air. I was definitely satisfied with my visit to Rockstar Shrimp. Not only is it easy on the wallet but also satisfies the seafood craving. Riverside may not be on the shore side, but Rockstar Shrimp ■H can put anyone on a Cajun beach.
HIGHLANDER
@highlANderrAdAr
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
r adar ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Events this week Wednesday | 5/15
Matt Costa @ the Barn, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday | 5/16
The Hystericals @ Arts Studio Theatre, 8:00 p.m.
Friday | 5/17
The Law in These Parts Screening @ Culver Center, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday | 5/18
UCR Chamber Music Ensembles @ ARTS 166, 8:00 p.m.
very be cArefuL’s LeAD vocAList DANte A. ruiz bALANces vocALs With his AccorDioN.
v i N c e N t t A /hiGhLANDer
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TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
HIGHLANDER
Riveters and Religiosity at New Play Festival Photos by Oscar Ho // Center Photo Courtesy of Alan A. Call
“We Were Here” addresses themes of feminism, friendship and women in the workplace by following the story of four factory workers. Sarah Green (bottom left and center) plays the lead female role of Susan Page, a worker in the WWII plane factory.
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“The Hystericals” tells the story of Diana (top right and center), played by Cat Priamos, a sexually independent woman, and her arrival in Midville, a conservative and devout town. The cast includes students Jack Koester, Jacqueline Malenke (middle right), Benny Luong, James Benge, and Ephraim Eshete (bottom right).
Review:“We Were Here”
Review: “The Hystericals”
RATING: ★★★★☆
RATING: ★★★★
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BY: OSCAR HO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
e Were Here,” written by second-year MFA graduate student Rachell Campbell, discusses the topic of feminism and the role women had in 1940s workplaces. There are only four characters throughout the entire play: Donna (Laura Henricksen), Ida (Brandi Douglas), Jean (Yesenia del Villar) and Susan (Sarah Green). The play is set in a Western fighter plane factory during World War II and follows the cast’s daily lives and problems as factory workers on their lunch break. Campbell uses these lunchroom scenes to explore themes of feminism by showing the audience that these women are devoted to their jobs and want to have a stronger presence in society. Also examined are the characters’ friendships, relationships with men and their desire to find peace in a world full of war and death. As the play progresses, the friendship between the four characters grows stronger as they share the intimate details of their lives. Despite some stagnant character growth, the actors in the play portrayed Campbell’s feminist themes with natural finesse. They seemed to know and embody the characters they portrayed, such as Henricksen, whose character, Donna, undergoes a metamorphosis from a wholesome housewife to a tough feminist. The biggest star besides Donna was the old-fashioned radio, which plays a part in certain scenes and acts as filler
between scene changes. It represents peace when it is off, even though the women could never find solace in a factory that always has background machinery noise. The radio also narrates all the events happening outside the factory––for example, it plays the news broadcast of the war efforts and Roosevelt’s death. The simple lunchroom set for “We Were Here” is elegantly detailed and historically accurate, which helped me empathise with the characters. Designed by UCR theatre department’s Haibo Yu, the set is decorated with posters promoting women’s involvement in the workplace, which sets a progressive mood and relates back to the play’s main themes. The water dispenser and table was a nice touch because it is reminiscent of any factory break room. As a work of semi-historical fiction based on real people, the play is an interesting and realistic take on women in the 1940s. It does have moments of comic relief in the form of witty lines and banter between the characters (including a discussion about girdles), but the play’s explicit themes of gender roles are meant to overpower everything else. The play was a great emotional rollercoaster. It may not be for everyone, but it definitely represents a different perspective on World War II. The play has its last performance on May 17, and ■H tickets are free for UCR students.
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BY: OSCAR HO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In this complex drama, written by MFA graduate student Kristopher Ide, a woman named Diana arrives in the town of Midville, a conservative city where everyone is devoted to God and upholds religious morals and values. Diana plans to persuade the townspeople to follow her faith in a Goddess with the help of the Hystericals, a group of people who live with Diana in a swamp on the outskirts of town. Diana wants everyone to believe in the Goddess and hopes that they will let loose and develop their individual sexual identity. The play is a medley of drama, sex and morality that exhibits the dirty side of people, even if they are perceived as pristine. The plot of “The Hystericals” is not typical. It has many twists and turns that keeps its audience thoroughly interested until the end, including a couple of orgy scenes and one orgasm scene. Within Midville, the play explores the sexual side of those who are living the most pure existence possible. The characters pursue heterosexual advances, but there are also subtle hints of homosexuality between some of the main characters along with a forbidden affair that continues to shock audiences well after “The Hystericals” is over. The cast’s performances were great, including Diana (Cat Priamos), who also speaks as the Goddess she tries to persuade townspeople to follow. The mayor (Jack Koester) was convincing in his plight to maintain the puri-
tan values of his city while also trying to suppress his sexual desires. His lengthy monologue, a prayer where he asks for assistance from God, offered a strong and persuasive performance. The whole play was very much a spectacle, with many visual effects and multiple set changes that included a swamp, the mayor’s office, a jail cell and even a football stadium. The lighting, prepared by lecturer Matt Taylor, was very well done and used vivid colors to easily convey the scene’s setting. Even though the set, designed by professor Haibo Yu, captured the different locations very well, it sometimes felt incomplete. For instance, the jail cell used lighting effects to suggest the presence of bars. However, the actors often broke the area in which they were supposed to stay. The visuals are still stunning, though. The combination of lighting effects, fog machines and set designs paid off well. The last scene of the play leaves a lasting image in the audience’s minds that also raises questions about religion and what is right and wrong. The play’s triumphant visuals served as a testament to the theater crew’s capabilities. The playwright’s story was intriguing and featured a variety of events that would shock anyone, including the gripping sex and action scenes. “The Hystericals” continues its run on May 16 and May 18 at 8:00 p.m. H Tickets are free for UCR students. ■
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
HIGHLANDER
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
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MUSIC REVIEWS VOLUME 3 // SHE & HIM
RATING: ★★★★
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BY: OSCAR HO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
amous for their 60s-style pop tone, She & Him continues that trend in “Volume 3,” the duo’s fourth studio album. Consisting of the famous actress Zooey Deschanel and Matthew Ward (M. Ward), She & Him is an indie pop duo that strives to incorporate retro sounds into the current music sphere. “Volume 3” brings back all the things that made their previous albums good––and makes them even better. The album partially benefits from the pop vibe that is exhibited in each of its tracks. There are fewer ballads on this album, which moves away from long emotional songs with a somber feel. This album seems more fun and happy than She & Him’s previous work, even though the band is discussing lost love and tears. The band’s single for the album, “Never Wanted Your Love,” embodies their style with Deschanel’s wispy voice and the accompanying orchestral music. The lyrics are all about how she “never wanted your love,” but still “needed it all,” and are not uncommon of any 60s pop song about love and relationship troubles. She & Him also subtly returns to the country side of their music with
the nostalgic feel of lazy bars where everyone is sitting around enjoying beers and playing pool. The song “Snow Queen” clearly exhibits a country groove. This is especially due to its retro style, with guitar twangs and reverbed vocals. Their songs are a mix of country and pop that makes it very enjoyable to listen to. The cover track, “Sunday Girl,” was originally performed by the American pop group Blondie. The song showcases Zooey Deschanel’s ability to perform a cover by making it interesting with her dreamy voice, while still paying tribute to Blondie by sounding so similar. She & Him covers the song with an infusion of Blondie’s original English and French versions, which shocks listeners with Deschanel’s ability to sing in French alongside English and gives the cover a fresh spin. The track, “I Could’ve Been Your Girl,” infuses modern instrumentals alongside their usual retro music to clash the two together in perfect harmony. With the sounds of drums, an orchestra of violins and a guitar playing throughout, the song mixes old and new to show that they can exist together. The lyrics are quite repetitive in this track, but they are also very symbolic of
what Deschanel is trying to convey. She sings, “Cause I could’ve been your girl / And you could’ve been my four leave clover,” symbolizing that she wishes things were different between her and the guy she once loved, and that he would have been very special to her. This track also furthers the lyrical theme of troubling relationships with regrets of missed opportunities. In “Baby,” Zooey Deschanel sings with crooning backup singers. This calls back to pop music in the 60s when backup singers would repeat some of the lyrics or just make repetitive sounds in the background to complement the lead vocalist. The sound of this song is similar to The Ronettes’ “Baby, I Love You” or “Be My Baby,” with one lead singer and then the other two singing in the background alongside the lead vocalist. M. Ward also makes a vocal appearance on this track, singing alongside Deschanel. His voice neither disappoints nor impresses. It is not the first time he has sung alongside Zooey Deschanel, but he seems overshadowed by Deschanel
Photo Courtesy of Merge Records
She & Him’s “Volume 3” returns to retro sounds and 60s pop.
because he has a softer voice that is easily forgotten. She & Him’s “Volume 3” is perfect for fans of country, ballads and 60s pop. The album transitions from track to track nicely because of the
unifying theme throughout all the songs. Deschanel sings about love and heartbreak, but keeps it upbeat to show that being single does not have to be depressing––it can just ■H be another experience.
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TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
HIGHLANDER
MOVIE REVIEWS COMING OUT SOON:
STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS
THE HANGOVER PART 3
A GREEN STORY
FAST AND FURIOUS 6
THE GREAT GATSBY RATING: ★★★
I
☆ BY: DIANA S. HUANG, STAFF WRITER
f there’s one thing Baz Luhrmann does well, it’s theatrics. From 1996’s “Romeo + Juliet” to 2001’s “Moulin Rouge!” Luhrmann has an obvious knack for weaving soap opera atmosphere into his works. He’s a unique storyteller, but in “The Great Gatsby,” the Australian director went a little bit too over the top and missed the mark. The heart and inspiration that made “Moulin Rouge!” a success is sorely lacking in Luhrmann’s interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s monumental novel. The director is a fantastic showman, there’s no doubt about that. The lush, grandiose and excessiveness of “The Great Gatsby” was rich and irresistible. The eye-searing glitz and glamour was spot on, and I can totally see just how beautiful and dazzling the film would have been if I had seen it in 3D— but that doesn’t hide that fact that the film ultimately left me feeling conflicted and confused. Watching Luhrmann’s version felt like I was being spoon-fed what the novel is about without truly bringing any meaning to it. The director may have captured the intoxicating spirit of Fitzgerald’s era and remained faithful to the novel, but having the characters verbally explain every action and detail took away from the overall experience. Rather than letting viewers interpret the movie, Luhrmann took to spelling out the significance of everything from the Valley of the Ashes to the bespectacled billboard. What’s the point of watching a movie if its characters are going to spoil everything? Fitzgerald’s novel feeds well into Lurhmann’s extravagant cinematic taste. I can’t stop gushing about just how dizzying the visuals were; the decadence of the 1920s flapper lifestyle, illuminated
Courtesy of Village Roadshow Pictures
Leonardo DiCaprio’s expression says it all. “The Great Gatsby” is easy on the eyes, but ultimately disappointing for fans of Fitzgerald’s novel.
by Luhrmann’s use of ultra-bright colors and drug-induced parties laced with modernized sounds from Jay-Z brought the Roaring Twenties to life. The gorgeous costumes, combined with the sparkle and jazz of Gatsby’s parties, were to die for and Luhrmann spent a good amount of time showcasing just how good he is at creating eyegasmic settings. However, there were some major problems with the narrative. The worst offense was the degree to which Luhrmann carefully choreographed each character’s intentions and internal struggles; at a certain point, the film became dull
and awfully predictable. Hearing Carraway narrate was like listening to an abridged version of “The Great Gatsby.” It was far too easy and lacked the darkness and morbid reality that was present in the real thing. The acting, on the other hand, was definitely top notch. Leonardo DiCaprio wore Gatsby like a second skin, having a thorough handle on Gatsby’s riotous emotions and turmoil. He was able to embody his confidence and gruesome insecurities at the same time; the movie didn’t truly start until DiCaprio took command of the screen.
Carey Mulligan (“Drive,” “Shame”) is always a delight, with her expressive features and uncanny ability to bring depth and complexity into every role. As Daisy, she was able to break through the character’s superficial and vapid façade and bring to the surface a conscientious and tormented Mrs. Buchanan. However, that comes with its own set of problems as she’s eventually broken down into nothing more than a cowardly, empty shell of a human being. Mulligan does such a great job of instilling hope in the viewers of a better Daisy and then tearing that optimism down that it’s hard not
to applaud her efforts at making her character one of the most hated women in the history of literature—or cinema, for that matter. Joel Edgerton (“Zero Dark Thirty”) also shows off his impressive acting chops as the domineering and brutish Tom Buchanan, while Isla Fisher (“Rise of the Guardians”) stole the screen as Tom’s rowdy mistress, Myrtle, in the little time she was given. Tobey Maguire (“Spider-Man” trilogy) rounded out the cast as narrator Nick Carraway. Though his physical performance of the naïve Carraway was sympathetic and well done, his actual narration was stale and lifeless. This mainly contributed to the fact that the story relies too heavily on Carraway to explain everything, almost as if Luhrmann doubted the intellect of his audience, and ultimately undermined Fitzgerald’s original labor. I wanted to love “The Great Gatsby.” I truly did. And for a second, I thought I did fall for the bigger-than-life visuals and compelling soundtrack. But when it was all over, I left the theater feeling much like how Carraway must have felt after Daisy and Tom revealed their true natures: empty, frustrated and disappointed. The fine acting made the film bearable, but Luhrmann confused storytelling with showmanship. Rather than making us feel the decline of the American Dream and the ominous eyes of Dr. Eckleburg, he infantilized themes and symbols, rendering the film useless as a whole because it ceases to engage its audience. While Lurhmann told a story, he neglected the true meaning and heart of Fitzgerald’s ■H celebrated novel.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
HIGHLANDER
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
21
A Column
Fashion Instinct Closet Essentials:
Thrift Shopping Tips
by Thelma Annan, Staff Writer
Are you in the mood to pop some tags, but only have $20 in your pocket? The dreaded, unwanted hand-me downs from your older siblings are now a fear of the past. From the Salvation Army and Goodwill, to Buffalo Exchange and the Rose Bowl Flea Market, thrift shops can be hidden treasures. As a less expensive alternative to express your style, here are seven tips to conquering the thrifting world:
1)
Cha-Ching: The majority of second-hand stores (especially outdoor flea markets) don’t take credit cards, so bring cash and loads of it if you plan on doing some damage.
2)
Make a List: If you’re on a budget, make a list of things you really need/want. That way, when you find yourself distracted by all the other shiny and glittery things, you’ll have that concrete reminder of what to get first and foremost.
3)
Buddy System: Things are always much more fun with friends. Bringing along a friend or two is a great way to get a second or third opinion (especially if you tend to be an impulsive shopper like myself). It’s also a great way to divide and conquer if you’re looking for something specific.
4)
Try it On: If there’s a dressing room available, try it on! Just because something might look good on that hanger doesn’t mean it was meant for your body type, and vice versa. And if you find something you really like that doesn’t look right on you, move on. There’s plenty more to see. Trust me. Just make sure to wear simple clothes and avoid layers to make it easier for you to change.
5)
Patience is a Virtue: Unlike retail chains, thrift stores don’t have racks on racks of one item in all sizes—which can be extremely overwhelming. If you don’t look closely, you might miss out on something you could really want! Come prepared with a full stomach, comfortable shoes and plenty of time.
6)
Shop in Different Sections: The guy’s section is perfect for those slouchy sweaters, flannels or graphic tees finds to achieve that boyfriend style. The little kid section is also great for unexpected cropped jackets, vests or blazers.
7)
Be Brave: Don’t be threatened by the weird smells or stains that can come from some of your finds. This is a secondhand store, after all, and not the opening of Barneys. Keep in mind that all clothes have potential. Oversized dresses can be belted, long sleeves rolled, missing buttons replaced and hems can be altered. However, keep quality in mind. Don’t waste your time on hopeless cases. Some things just can’t be salvaged. Not too keen on the whole used clothes idea? Thrift shops are great for other things, such as vintage jewelry boxes, antique silverware, furniture and picture frames. ■H
t o p c o u rt e s y o f N p r . o r G , b o t t o m c o u rt e s y o f D Ay s o f t h e y e A r . c o m
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
HIGHLANDER
The Barn Goes Colombian with
Very Be Careful featuring Quita Penas
BY: JADE WILLIAMS, CONTRIBUTING WRITER // PHOTOS BY VINCENT TA
U
Top to bottom: Quita Penas slowly but surely warms up the crowd for Very Be Careful; John D’Alessandro plays the accordion. Originally from Riverside, Quita Penas played a host of instruments; Arturo Guzman plays the cello, adding to the variety of instruments present that night; Dante A. Ruiz masterfully plays the accordion while also acting as lead vocalist for Very Be Careful.
pon arriving to the Very Be Careful concert at the Barn, I had an initial idea of what I was getting myself into. I had listened to the genre of Cumbia music beforehand and I entered the venue with an open mind and open arms to learn about Colombian culture. When I entered, I saw that the stage was set up with a plethora of different instruments and vibrant lights glaring down upon them. I couldn’t help but notice that the people surrounding me were of all ages. Of the UCR students coming to view the band, the majority of the guests at the Barn that night were of a much older crowd. Soon after I arrived, opener Quita Penas took the stage. The band quickly introduced themselves and jumped right into the first song. The steady beat of drums, rhythmic percussion instruments and blaring saxophone blasted through the speakers, but the fluid sound of the accordion was the most unique instrument I heard. Quita Penas hails from San Bernardino and plays the traditional Cumbia music that is quite popular in Colombia. Despite the band’s energy at the beginning of their set, many of the guests, including myself, started out shy and stood still and far from the stage. After a couple of songs, the band started to encourage the guests to dance while they played one of their popular songs, “Papaya.” The audience burst out of its comfort zone and started to dance, and at the end of the act, everyone chanted for an encore. After a short break, the headlining band, Very Be Careful, arrived on stage. Once they began to play, not one person in the Barn remained still. Everyone danced with friends, their significant others or just with strangers. The thumping of the drums matched my heartbeat and the fast-paced rhythm was perfect for the audience to dance. I appreciated the band’s purely instru-
mental performance the most. Most popular music these days is often autotuned and uses computer recordings as a source of beat, but Very Be Careful was able to express their talent through the use of their unique instruments. The band’s repertoire included an accordion, bass, cowbell, the guacharaca (wooden bell) and Caja Vallenata (drums). The band interacted with the crowd by talking to the audience and cracking jokes after every song they played, which made the crowd eager to hear more. After the first song, one of the members, Ricardo Guzman, told the crowd, “I want everyone to take four steps forward towards the stage.” The audience followed Guzman’s directions and moved so close that some guests were nearly dancing on stage with the band. After a few songs, I couldn’t help but feel that almost every song sounded similar and extremely hard to tell apart from one another. After the first half of the act, other guests started to feel the same way. First-year Michael Rozinka reflected, “The band was very enthusiastic and fun to dance to, but every song was very repetitive and sounded almost exactly the same. I preferred the opening act instead.” I wasn’t surprised that Very Be Careful was able to easily hype up their crowd. The band has been around since 1997 and has released nine albums of Colombian Vallenato music. Their most recent album, “Remember Me From The Party?” was released in 2012 and was being sold at the venue. I left the Barn that evening feeling glad that I attended the concert. Very Be Careful gave an enthusiastic performance that allowed the audience to let loose, dance and interact with others with the same musical taste. Although I prefer the genre of alternative music, Very Be Careful opened my eyes to a nice change and an opportunity to learn more about genre of Cumbia music. ■H
SPORTS
HIGHLANDER
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
23
Baseball scores tough win against nationally-ranked Fullerton c o Dy n g u y e n STAFF WRITER
May 7, 2013 Aztecs 6 - Highlanders 2
Along with being forced to vacate eight wins in the 2013 season, the UC Riverside baseball team extended its current losing streak to five after dropping a 6-2 contest to San Diego State. UCR was able to get on the board first at the bottom of the opening inning, but San Diego State would score three unanswered runs in the third and fourth innings to take a 3-1 lead. A triple by Joe Chavez in the bottom of the fifth that scored David Andriesse allowed them to cut the Aztec lead to one. However, San Diego State was able to score runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings to secure the 6-2 victory over UCR. May 10, 2013 Titans 14 - Highlanders 7
In the midst of its five-game losing streak, the UC Riverside baseball team faced a daunting task in going head-to-head with the fourth-best team in the nation, Cal State Fullerton. After a scoreless first inning, the Titans struck in the second inning with four straight runs, followed by a one-run third inning to get off to an early 5-0 lead. The sixth inning provided the most action, with six runs shared between both teams, four for Fullerton and two for UCR. The Titans again extended their lead to 14-2 with four runs in the seventh inning. UCR scored five uncontested runs in the final two innings, but they were not enough to prevent the Cal State Fullerton Titans from taking the victory. May 11, 2013 Titans 12 - Highlanders 0
t s u N G s u /hiGhLANDer J u n i o r p i t c h e r B e n D o u c e t t e ( # 2 6 ) , w i n d s u p t o p i t c h a f a s t b a l l a g a i n s t C S U F.
After taking a 14-7 trouncing at the hands of the nationally-ranked Cal State Fullerton Titans on Friday, the UC Riverside baseball team did not fare much better the next day. In the first inning, the Titans were able to jump out to a huge early lead. Taking advantage of lackluster play by starting pitcher Ben Doucette, who is 2-6 this year, Cal State Fullerton was able to plate six runs in the first inning followed by a five-run second inning. Facing an 11-0 deficit, the Highlanders decided to relieve Doucette of his duties at the start of the third inning, putting Angelo Lingos on the mound to take his place. Lingos made the most of his six innings of work, only allowing six hits for the rest of the match.
Though Lingos put on an impressive performance, the rest of the team was unable to muster up a sliver offense, leaving the field without a single point on the board through nine innings. Fullerton’s final run came in the top of the ninth, when Anthony Hutting’s double allowed A.J. Kennedy to give the Titans a meaningless insurance run that would serve as the proverbial nail in the coffin for UCR. May 12, 2013 Highlanders 7 - Titans 6
The UC Riverside baseball team finally broke a seven-game losing streak Sunday against the Cal State Fullerton Titans.
UCR took a page out of the Titans’ book from the last two games as they muscled a huge lead to begin the game with five runs in the first inning. The Highlanders scored one more in the bottom of the second thanks to a Joe Chavez RBI off a groundout by Clayton Prestridge. After a scoreless third, the Titans and Highlanders each plated a run in the fourth inning, making the score 7-1 in favor of UCR. With a commanding 7-1 lead in hand, the Highlanders nearly gave it up after failing to generate any offense following the fourth inning before giving up five straight runs to the Titans in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. The cold streak that the
Highlanders suffered can be credited to the entrance of relief pitcher Tyler Peitzmeier in the fifth inning. Peitzmeier only allowed three hits in four innings for Fullerton, putting them in prime position to steal the game right back from UC Riverside. However, UCR closer Trevor Frank was able to successfully close out the game for the Highlanders. He allowed them to escape the three-game series against Cal State Fullerton with a close and tightlyearned victory. Next up for the Highlanders is a home match Tuesday, May 14 against the University of San Diego, followed by a three-game series over the weekend against the ■H Long Beach State 49ers.
UCR softball finishes season with a victory against Santa Barbara SteVen cahill CONTRIBUTING WRITER
May 10, 2013 Gauchos 1 - Highlanders 0
The Riverside softball team was looking to bounce back from a sweep at the hands Cal State Northridge last weekend when they hit the field in Santa Barbara on Friday. The Gauchos, however, had a different plan, defeating the Highlanders 1-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. The lone run of the game was scored in the bottom of the first inning when Santa Barbara’s Jessica Teztlaff singled a 1-2 pitch into left field with the bases loaded for an RBI. Riverside would get out of the inning without conceding any additional runs, but that turned out to be the only one necessary as superb pitching on both sides led to a scoreless final six innings. Pitcher Alyssa Razo started the game for the visiting Highlanders. She was pulled after an inning and a third of work, however, when a wild pitch allowed a walked runner to advance to second. Riverside showed life in the
seventh inning, getting Dionne Anderson all the way to third via a single and an error. However, she was called out at the plate, trying to score on a ball hit to shortstop by Ashley Ercolano, who reached second due to the fielder’s choice on the play. Alexis Pickett was next at bat, earning a walk. Unfortunately, that’s all the magic the Highlanders could muster up as Natalie Sanchez struck out swinging, ending the game. May 10, 2013 Gauchos 5 - Highlanders 1
In the nightcap of the doubleheader versus the Santa Barbara Gauchos, UC Riverside once again fell behind early and could not come back, losing 5-1. Three of those runs came in what turned out to be the game’s most important inning: the first. Santa Barbara managed to get runners on the corners with only one out when Keilani Jennings doubled into center, scoring both runs. Kathryn Pilpil was at bat next and also doubled off Highlander pitcher Sophie Slagle, batting in Jennings. Slagle’s struggles continued,
finding herself with the bases loaded with two outs, then walking the next batter, scoring another run and ending her night. They would end the inning otherwise unscathed, but nonetheless in a four run hole. Once again, Riverside managed to string together a couple of hits in the seventh, starting with an Ariel Shore single off Santa Barbara pitcher Shelby Wisdom, the same pitcher who held the Highlanders scoreless just hours earlier. An out later, Dionne Anderson doubled to center, scoring Shore. Wisdom then promptly forced two fly outs, ending the inning and the game. May 11, 2013 Highlanders 9 - Gauchos 3
The UC Riverside softball team ended the series and the season on a high note, beating Santa Barbara 9-3 and improving its all-time record versus the Gauchos to 5-39. Following a similar trend, the Highlanders found themselves behind in the first inning, giving up a run off of two hits and a walk. The rest of the game was all Riverside as the team outscored the Gauchos nine runs to two.
c A m e r o N y o N G /hiGhLANDer Senior Kayla White hits the ball and sprints to first base in a game against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in April.
In the second inning Dionne Anderson eventually came out to tie the game at one a piece off of a Brittanie Akey sacrifice fly to right. The third inning opened up with a bang as Kayla White tripled to right center field. She was then batted in by a sacrifice fly to left field by Ariel Shore, giving UCR a 2-1 lead. The advantage ballooned in the fourth inning, where the Highlanders scored three runs on two hits. The spurt was helped by two Gaucho errors, which allowed Natalie Sanchez to cross home
plate from third. Despite closing the gap to 5-3 in the bottom of the fourth, Santa Barbara could never reclaim the lead from pitcher Ashley Ercolano. Riverside poured on some insurance runs in the sixth with six singles and a stolen base from both Alexis Pickett and Anderson. With the win, UC Riverside ends the season with a record of 20-35 and a 4-20 mark in Big West conference play. Santa Barbara finishes 31-24 and 12-12, respectively. ■H
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TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
. SPORTS .
HIGHLANDER
UCR track and field ends Big West season as champions
DARREN BUENO
BUENO’S BUZZ May the Force be with you
c o u rt e s y o f b i G W e s t c o N f e r e N c e J u n i o r Te d H o o p e r l e a p s t o f i r s t p l a c e i n t h e l o n g j u m p .
Darren bueno SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The UC Riverside track and field team brought home five individual championship titles over the weekend as they competed in the Big West Track and Field Championships on May 10-11 at Cal State Northridge. Televised live on FSN Prime Ticket, the two-day event featured the best track athletes in the conference with the winners advancing to the NCAA First Round Championships in Austin, Texas. The jumpers were the driving force that kick-started the weekend for the Highlanders as long jumpers Ted Hooper and Phoenisha Schuhmeier leapt to first place finishes in each of their respective events. For freshman Schuhmeier, it was her first Big West crown and she earned it by beating her previous personal best by nearly six inches, 5.99m (19’ 8.00”). Hooper, who was named Big West Male Field Athlete of the Week in April, defended his championship from a year ago with an impressive leap of 7.82m
(25’ 8.00”). His mark topped the previous university record held by UC Riverside Athletics Hall of Famer Don Barfield in 1972. The last day of the tournament saw three more Riverside athletes stand atop the podium. Ryan Swafford repeated as backto-back champion in the triple jump with a distance of 15.96m (52’ 4.50”) while Michael Koger powered through the competition
up spot in the women’s discus with a distance of 49.00m (160’ 9”) while Damajeria Dubose was two tenths of a second away from a conference title, finishing in second place in the 1500 meters with a time of 4:28.93. Highlanders Raquel Hefflin (2:08.04) and Alisha Brown (2:08.61) finished the 800m in third and fourth place, respectively.
Televised live on FSN Prime Ticket, the two-day event featured the best track athletes in the conference... to capture his first conference championship in the 400m hurdles with a time of 51.36. On the field, senior Travis Smith repeated as shot put champion clearing a distance of 18.38m (60’ 3.75”). On the women’s side, Deja Watkins claimed the runner-
Competing as the lone UCR representative in the women’s 400 meters, Amber Wright ran a personal best time of 54.90 for fifth place, a two-spot improvement from her qualifying heat effort. Jzsanette Lindstrom (sixth in 5,000m), Jacquelyn DuBois (eighth in triple jump)
c o u rt e s y o f b i G W e s t c o N f e r e N c e S e n i o r Ry a n S w a f f o rd i n m i d - j u m p d u r i n g t h e l o n g j u m p e v e n t .
and Breana Jemison (fourth in shot put and eighth in discus) all competed admirably for the Highlanders as the women’s 4x400 team of Noelle Abboud, Dubose, Brown and Wright ran the sixth best time in university history (3:43.27) for sixth place. Jazmine Lewis, brimming with confidence from her secondplace finish in the heptathlon last week, cleared a new personal best of 14.57m (47’ 9.75”) for eighth place in the high jump. On the men’s side, Hernell Dyer (100 meters), Justin Harris (200 meters) and Carl Nahigan (shot put) all finished in fifth place for each respective event while the men’s 4x400 meter team sprinted to a top five finish with a time of 3:16.06. In men’s discus, Travis Smith posted a solid third place performance with a hurl of 51.80m (169’ 11”) as teammate Chima Ikeme (seventh place) threw a distance of 48.65 meters, which was one inch off of his personal best. Hooper, competing in the long jump, hopped to a new personal best with a 14.48m (47’ 6.25”) effort, which was seventh best in the event. Long Beach State won the men’s team title while UC Davis claimed the women’s side. The 49ers nabbed their seventh title and third in the last six years behind a strong showing from the team’s field events. The Aggies won their second consecutive women’s championship, beating out runner-up UC Santa Barbara. The Highlanders wound up finishing fifth and seventh for the men’s and women’s team, respectively. The weekend was an enormous success for UCR’s track and field team; they competed with the best while proving that they were one of them. The champions now take to the road to compete in the NCAA First Round Championships in Austin, Texas ■H on May 23.
“Flopping” is defined by the NBA as any physical act that appears to have been intended to cause the referees to call a foul on another player. This season we have been treated to a NBA theatrical production that rivals all Broadway plays. With arms flailing in the air, hands clutching untouched limbs and bodies crashing to the floor, flopping has been in full swing in several playoff series. So how did the association attempt to halt these perpetually pervasive performances? They instituted an anti-flopping rule for the 2012-2013 season and a disciplinary schedule for the 2013 NBA Playoffs, which states that any player who is determined to have committed a flop will be subject to fines ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the amount of violations. Three players have already been fined in the postseason, but for salaries that on average top millions of dollars, is a measly $5,000 fine enough of a deterrent? The answer is a resounding no. As a spectator of basketball, the flop is viewed completely as a pathetic strategic move, unless of course that player’s jersey matches your own. A call clouded by a player’s impressive acting can change the complexion of a game. The momentum of that one “non-call” can lead a team to victory or defeat. The league is moving in the right direction with implementing the rule, but a fine that minute is rendered ineffective. The problem with the rule— besides the insignificant fine—lies in the fact that the players are only punished after the game is decided. Blake Griffin put it best: “You’re telling me if it’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals and a guy has a chance to make a play, he’s going to be like, ‘Well, do I want this $10,000 or do I want a championship?’ It’s one of those things that’s after the fact and not going to win or lose games for anybody.” A player’s mentality throughout the game is to win, so it’s somewhat understandable that some players flop to aid their team. So how can the league punish their players and discourage the flop during the game? The solution is simple: a technical foul on the player. The one free trip to the charity stripe for the opposing player’s team whether in the first or fourth quarter would make players think twice before flopping. The Broadway play that is NBA flopping will undoubtedly continue in the league, especially with the 109-year-old Derek Fisher in the mix, but with harsher anti-flopping consequences coming into play, the theatrical tour will hopefully go out of business soon. ■H