By Mark Klopping |Staff Writer| Excuses come a dime-a-dozen. Have you ever thought about how many times an excuse has come across a professor’s desk? Professors often remember the most obvious excuses heard, and a couple that get people laughing. I ran into Dr. Ece Algan, professor of mass communications at CSUSB. I first began to apologize for not making it to her class. I missed her class because I was on the hunt for material to write for this article. She smiled at me and said that this was one of her favorite one’s this quarter. “When work in other classes becomes more important,” said Algan. I smiled in embarrassment but I live with my choices. She then … [Read more...] about What’s your excuse?
Mark Klopping
Form better study habits
By Mark Klopping |Staff Writer| Midterms, presentations and finals, oh my! The weight is still upon CSUSB students as they turn the corner towards the last weeks of spring quarter. The finish line is in sight and the light at the end of the tunnel is a dot that looks like a keychain LED flashlight. Students kept their heads down studying and getting one step closer to reaching their goals. So, what are the study habits and procedures that CSUSB students need to get the study-ball rolling? Susan Ibarra takes certain steps to ensure it all starts off well. “My first step is coffee,” Ibarra said. “I need something that keeps me sitting down for a while.” A step that most students can … [Read more...] about Form better study habits
Why students choose certain technology
By Mark Klopping |Staff Writer| Apple products are popular on campus, but each has different reasons for using them. Does the phone have everything needed? Does the laptop have possibilities? Most important, how does it make life easier? Geek or not, we all contribute to the technology wars. The decision to purchase a new phone, tablet or a laptop is all up to the consumer. Students everywhere rely on different forms of technology to pass the time, keep in contact and do assignments that will impress or astonish their professor. Tyler Lange is not a fan of Apple products like some students. “I have an HTC droid,” said Lange, “I prefer the wide-open system because it lets me do a … [Read more...] about Why students choose certain technology
CSUSB needs more designated smoking areas
By Mark Klopping |Staff Writer| There should be an increased number of designated smoking areas. CSUSB students who smoke feel that they are limited on where they can light up. Obviously there is no smoking indoors but when you step outside, remember that most businesses require that you must be at least 20 feet from the doorway in order for you to smoke, according to the state laws on smokefreesandiego.org. This is not the case when it comes to the smoking policy found on the CSUSB website. According to the CSUSB website, “Tobacco use and smoking are prohibited on all CSUSB property and in all indoor and outdoor spaces owned, leased, licensed, or otherwise controlled by … [Read more...] about CSUSB needs more designated smoking areas
Good campus places to eat
By Mark Kloping |Staff Writer| The hunger that CSUSB students endure is something that cannot be ignored. Classes, group projects, studying and other school activities take up plenty of time in the day for CSUSB students. So, where does a coyote refuel? What are the best and worst spots to consume brain food? Some obvious choices would be the SMSU building—or maybe the Commons. Others would be neighboring restaurants seen on the way in and out of campus. Communications major Tiffany Moyes doesn’t like the options at school, so she simply does not eat during the day. Moyes is a student that is health conscious when it comes to food, so she feels the need to seek out better … [Read more...] about Good campus places to eat
Pros and cons of The Greek life
By Mark Kroppling | Staff Writer| The Greek life on campus is not typical of everything you see in the movies. Many sororities and fraternities focus on education, as well as giving back to the community, and this past week was a perfect example. Each sorority and fraternity chose an organization to provide their services. Sorority Lambda Data Alpha President Jessica Bracamontes likes what her sorority represents. “We are academic-based. We don’t focus a lot on parties,” said Bracamontes. “This week we have our philanthropy week, and we are doing Make a Wish,” continued Bracamontes. Upon weighing the pros and cons, Bracamontes said that not every student feels that going Greek … [Read more...] about Pros and cons of The Greek life
How to be prepared for CSUSB’s crazy weather changes
By Mark Klopping |Staff Writer| A boy sits in the shade waiting for his sister in a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, hands in his pockets while tree branches shade him from the sun that was once masked by the morning haze. For Southern Californians, this weather is nothing out of the ordinary. On Wednesday April 16, the sun was out in partial force. San Bernardino is no stranger to winds, rain and temperatures in the high 80s—this is the life known for all CSUSB students. Tyler Graham, a local high school student visiting the campus knows the difficulties of this Southern California weather. “It says it’s going to be cold, but then it’s hot, then it turns cold and it’s hot … [Read more...] about How to be prepared for CSUSB’s crazy weather changes
Shining a spotlight on autism
By Mark Klopping |Staff Writer| Every hero has a story. Paper Clouds Apparel (PCA) spreads awareness, encourages artists with special needs and raises funds, all at the same time. Every two weeks the company features a new cause. Their most recent cause is for Autism Speaks. These recent Autism Speaks fundraising efforts in honor of a modern day hero, Rachel D’Avino, who died when she attempted to protect her special education students at Sandy Hook. It was D’Avino’s favorite charity. Autism Speaks demonstrates what D’Avino sought out to achieve in life. D’Avino’s story has not yet been forgotten. A modern day super hero who stood in front of bullets in an attempt to save lives had … [Read more...] about Shining a spotlight on autism