By Veronica Vicente |Staff Writer| On Oct. 21 the Riverside coffee shop, Back To the Grind, held its monthly poetry slam competition, called "Floasis." Upon arriving at about 7 p.m., the coffee shop's first floor was full of people who appeared to be studying or on the couch socializing with their friends. I ordered a caramel Frappuccino, although it was not on the menu, the barista happily created the drink I asked for . As the barista prepared drinks for the customers, the room was filled with the coffee aroma. The cover charge was $7 dollars and included a raffle ticket to be entered in a drawing to win prizes. "Floasis" started an hour late, at 9 p.m., the host Tiana … [Read more...] about Floasis at Back to the Grind
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It is okay to be depressed
By Shirleena Baggett |Staff Writer| Books, exams, debts and depression—the perks of college life. Last fall, my life was moving along without me; I was a wreck, drained in every aspect, and knew I needed to get help. Forty-four percent of college students experience symptoms of depression, according to an article on healthline.com "Depression in College Students." Attending school is a transitional period for us all. Whether it is moving away from our family for the first time, to enduring the stress that comes along with getting decent grades, to of course the rise and fall of relationships and friendships. It is a lot—and there is no real way to be "ready" for it all. The truth is, … [Read more...] about It is okay to be depressed
1000 shows and counting: Stars rejoice to honor Director James Burrows
By Jaritza Mendoza | Staff Writer| NBC’s much anticipated “Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows” gave fans a memorable night filled with nostalgia and laughs as numerous TV casts reunited Feb. 21. The 3-hour event honored iconic TV director James Burrows, who recently directed his 1,000th episode with the upcoming show, “Crowded.” "I didn't know [Burrows] directed all these shows, my wife and I grew up watching these shows 20 years ago and still now with "The Big Bang Theory," said student Richard Anderson. Andy Cohen hosted the event, which had 5.5 million viewers, and the list of celebrities was endless. Apart from the six main casts set to appear, celebrities … [Read more...] about 1000 shows and counting: Stars rejoice to honor Director James Burrows
Super Bowl 50 Celebration
Kaila Morales |Staff Writer| We are just days away from the annual NFL Super Bowl kickoff. Feb. 7, marks the 50th anniversary of football's biggest game, which will take place at the San Francisco 49ers' Levi's Stadium this year. Each year the Super Bowl sets a new record for overall viewers. With last year's ratings at 114.4 million, the ratings are likely to increase for this year's game, according to International Business Times. Before you turn on your T.V. at 3:30 p.m. to CBS, here's what's to expect. Let's start off with who's playing, we have five-time league MVP Peyton Manning leading the Denver Broncos and first time NFC champion Cam Newton with the Carolina … [Read more...] about Super Bowl 50 Celebration
Fanfiction treats fiction as real
By Pauline Fontanaud | Staff Writer | Fanfiction is the nervous system of an online community of fans broadening and keeping alive the fictional universes they love. I know sometimes people just can’t stand an ending, or a character leaving. This can be true for movies, TV shows, books, or even video games. So people turn to fanfictions to either find their happiness, or to write it. Fanfictions, or fanfics, are written fiction stories about characters from pre-existing works of fiction or even real life celebrities. They are all about changing endings, couple pairings, or even writing all of the characters in an alternate universe. The authors morph the existing works … [Read more...] about Fanfiction treats fiction as real
Social Media: Benefit or Hindrance
By Marlyn Rodriguez |Managing Editor| In the 21st century we are surrounded by the internet and a multitude of ways to interact with the world around us. One of those ways is through social media, which includes sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and many others. These sites help us stay up to date on information such as news about events taking place all around the world. Social media also serves to keep us connected with friends and family that we probably wouldn't connect with otherwise. However, is using social media helping us as much as we think it is? Just like using Facebook can help us to keep us in touch, it can also be a hindrance because many become glued … [Read more...] about Social Media: Benefit or Hindrance
Protect your privacy on social media
By Marlyn Rodriguez |Staff Writer| Over-using social media sites and posting too much information can pose a threat to your safety. A study conducted in 2010 shows that 72 percent of college students have a social media account. This number has more than likely increased within the last four years. There are a variety of perks and benefits that come with joining a social network. Not only do we get information a lot faster but we also strengthen associations and communication with students, coworkers, and family. “It is a great way to stay informed,” said student Onalisa Smith. “Social media can enhance connections, but there is a point where there are privacy violations, in … [Read more...] about Protect your privacy on social media
CSUSB students learn to build lasting relationships
By Art Ortega |Staff Writer| Building relationships is an important part of life, especially for us college students, because meeting new people and learning how to manage relationships is a vital skill that can help lead to success. As young students, we still have much to learn about the do’s and dont’s of relationships. Whether problems arise with a girlfriend or boyfriend, friends, colleagues or even family, it is wise to learn to recognize the “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” written by Dr. John Gottman who has conducted over 40 years of breakthrough research about relationships. The first horseman in a relationship is criticism. Even though it can be extremely … [Read more...] about CSUSB students learn to build lasting relationships
CSUSB students battle homesickness
By Jounghun Kim |Staff Writer| Once you find the reason for being home sick, the next measure you can take is to make new friends, be around a busy environment and keep associating with the people in your daily lives that will make you happy. Joining clubs, participating in campus activities will help you meet others and keep you preoccupied. Many of the Korean students on campus have taken it upon themselves to belong in clubs like the soccer team, the study club or the language exchange club. Enjoy your time alone. Whether or not you have friends around, you still can enjoy many activities with the company of yourself. Make a list of things you really like to do, such as … [Read more...] about CSUSB students battle homesickness
A New Yorker in Cali: Being happy and healthy while living on campus
By Angelice Romero |Staff Writer| Living in dorms can put a toll on your mental state, pockets and not to mention your weight, unless you can find ways to stay happy and healthy. For a majority of us exchange students, we have left our comfort zone, so we have to find new, healthy outlets to keep us sane. Becoming part of a club or social organization on campus just might help find a few friends. Even becoming study buddies with a classmate will get your mind off of being in a new place. I've become pretty close with my roommates and even some of their friends, so I never feel lonely here. I also try to keep up with my favorite shows or watch a good movie on Netflix just to … [Read more...] about A New Yorker in Cali: Being happy and healthy while living on campus