NEWS
THE SCOOP
Fire in the Blood Screening and Panel
IN THIS ISSUE
Three Twins Ice Cream News Briefs » PAGE 3 Beloved Scoop Shop returns Mythbusters » PAGE 5 to the Lower Haight Puzzles » PAGE 7 » PAGE 6
Synapse
Big pharma behaving badly? » PAGE 3
The UCSF Student Newspaper
Thursday, Feburary 20, 2014
MAMA M.
Struggling with SelfConfidence
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ear Mama M., I am a student in the School of Nursing. I guess I don’t have a lot of self-confidence in general, but I know I am in the right place. The thing that I don’t understand is how other people seem so much more confident than me, especially the medical students with whom we occasionally share teaching sessions. It seems like they are so much more confident, and that they might even feel superior to nursing students. Or is it that I feel inferior to them? It’s hard enough feeling OK about myself, I don’t need others to make me feel “less than.” Is my whole career as a nurse going to make me feel inferior to doctors? What am I getting myself into? Inferiorly yours, Less Than
SELF-CONFIDENCE » PAGE 3
synapse.ucsf.edu
Volume 58, Number 20
NEWS
UCSF Group Wins “Stand Up for Science” Video Contest By Jeannine Cuevas Contributing Writer
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ive UCSF graduate students—Osama Ahmed, Florie Charles, Nir Oksenberg, Argenta Price and Marta Wegorzewska—and Christin Chong, a postdoc, together have taken first prize in the second annual Stand Up for Science video competition. The contest, sponsored by Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), is aimed at increasing public awareness of federal funding support for biological and biomedical science. So, rather than “preaching to the choir,” entries for the prize were supposed to appeal to a general, non-scientific audience. The winners received $5,000 for their submission. The basic science students' outstanding video, entitled “Funding Basic Science to Revolutionize Medicine,” starts with a “social science” experiment. Random passersby near the Giant's ballpark in San Francisco were asked to imagine that it was 1960, and to vote on whether they would rather give $10 to develop an affordable treatment for diabetes, or to give the same amount to support basic research into how bacteria protect themselves. Predictably, everyday people tended to vote for the diabetes treatment. But the video shows that research that began around 1960, examining how bacteria defend themselves against viruses, yielded the revolutionary technique of gene splicing. The video goes on to show how this development led to
Photo courtesy of Florie Charles/BMS Five UCSF graduate students and a UCSF postdoc took first prize in FASEB’s second annual "Stand Up for Science" video competition. Top row. from left to right: Florie Charles, Argenta Price, Marta Wegorzewska, Christin Chong. Bottom row, from left to right: Osama Ahmed, Nir Oksenberg.
huge advances in the treatment not only of diabetes, but also of many other diseases, including cancer and HIV. Today, recombinant human insulin is produced by cutting certain genes from human chromosomes and inserting them into bacteria, which produce the insulin now used by the majority of diabetics. Charles, Oksenberg and Wegorzewska are PhD students in the Biomedical Sciences program; Ahmed is in Neuroscience; and Price is in Biochemistry and Biophysics. Chong is a postdoc in Ying-Hui Fu's lab in Neuroscience. All are active in science advocacy groups at UCSF, namely Carry the One Radio, You-
reka Science and the Science Policy Group. FASEB is a nonprofit organization that works to advance health and welfare by promoting progress and education in biological and biomedical sciences through service to its member societies and through collaborative science advocacy. You can see the award-winning video and the noteworthy runners-up at faseb.org/ About-FASEB/Scientific-Contests/Stand-Upfor-Science/About-SUFS.aspx
Jeannine Cuevas is the Communications Director of the Graduate Division.
ARTS & CULTURE
NEWS
Pay it Forward at Letters to a Pre-Scientist Interplanetary Volunteer: Lauren Shields Organization: Letters to a Pre-Scientist - A collaboration between educators and scientists who want to show children a more personal view of science, beyond their typical classroom lessons.
time it takes to hand write four letters and write responses), but a nice way to let kids know that scientists are people and give them context to the opportunities that exist in science.
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ynapse: Why did you get involved with Letters to a Pre-Scientist and why would you recommend this to others? I had another PhD student recommend the program to me, and it's a nice way to get kids excited about science. I think a lot of kids who aren't exposed to science early on think that it's just what's in textbooks—memorizing facts and learning about what's already known. I hope that by reaching out we're able to show potential future scientists that it's really about discovering the unknown. And, just as importantly, it helps put a human face to “scientists.” We're real people and not mythical white-coated unicorns.
Lauren Shields is a third-year Biomedical Sciences graduate student.
My pen pals have been so sweet and fun to correspond with. One even sent me drawings. It's a really small time commitment (the
Synapse: What does the role entail? Basically, you are paired with a young student (mine have both been elementary school kids) and you write back and forth. You’re given some prompts or suggestions for letter topics and things to send. (I sent a postcard of the Golden Gate with one of my letters.) The kids who are in Letters to a Pre-Scientist are not pre-selected for those already interested in science. Entire classes participate in the program across grades from low-income areas. Synapse: How would someone else get involved if interested? Sign up in the fall at www.prescientist.org.
Playground: Nightlife at The Cal Academy By T. Booth Haley Staff Writer
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here can you go dancing to a funk-soul DJ under a giant glass aquarium of a Philippine coral reef? Where can you stroll through a jungle and travel through the cosmos in the same night, all while sipping a cool cocktail? Where can you have the greatest adventure on a midweek night in the Inner Sunset? The answer: Nightlife at The California Academy of Science, every Thursday.
CAL ACADEMY NIGHTLIFE » PAGE 5
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EVENTS MISSION BAY EVENTS FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS AT MISSION BAY
Thursday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4th Street & Nelson Rising Lane, Mission Bay Join the food truck lunch party every Thursday at Mission Bay and explore the tasty culinary options to break up your routine. Each week will feature two different vendors, so there will always be something new. Grab some friends, get some food, and take your lunch experience up a notch.
SACNAS RECRUITMENT MEETING
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m., Genentech Hall, S204, Mission Bay Are you interested in science outreach? The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science organizes several opportunities for outreach to the local community as well as mentoring at the local community colleges and SFSU. Come hear about upcoming events planned for 2014, such as several social activities and events focused on advancing the careers of students at UCSF. All are welcome!
SYNAPSE NEWSPAPER
Friday, Feb. 21, noon-1 p.m., Graduate Division, CC-310, Mission Bay Synapse is looking for student writers, bloggers, photographers and designers. Come to the lunch meeting, share your story ideas and enjoy a free lunch. For more information, email synapse@ucsf.edu.
MUSLIM FRIDAY PRAYER SERVICES
Friday, Feb. 21, 1-2 p.m., Helen Diller, 160, Mission Bay The Muslim Community at UCSF holds regular Friday prayer services (Jum’a) for the UCSF Muslim community every week. Come join your fellow brothers and sisters for prayer, lunch and socializing. All are welcome.
MISSION BAY RIPS
Friday, Feb. 21, 4-5 p.m., Genentech Hall Auditorium, Mission Bay Research In Progress Seminar is a seminar series at which one student and one postdoc present their current research. Talks are 15 minutes in length and are preceded by a 20-minute social. Snacks and beverages are provided.
OCPD PSR - USING ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR TO CREATE SCIENTIFIC FIGURES: REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEB. 25
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-noon, Byers Hall, 212, Mission Bay Featuring Joe DeRisi, PhD, HHMI Investigator. Meet the basics of creating scientific figures and graphics. Get "howto" instructions for common graphic elements. Modify a published (pdf) figure for presentation or teaching purposes. Create a new scientific figure. $17 for UCSF trainees/$27 for others. ocpd-illustrator-mb. eventbrite.com.
LILLY REVOLUTIONIZES FUNDING EARLY STAGE LIFE SCIENCE
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Mission Bay Darren Carroll, Vice President Corporate Business Development, Eli Lilly, will talk about how Lilly is pioneering a new capital efficient model to develop therapeutics
by partnering with venture capital firms and leveraging resources. Rather than build complete companies around a single molecule, Lilly’s VC partners set up virtual structures that can utilize Lilly development and avoid sizable overhead. Darren will talk about this program as well as Lilly Ventures, the company’s venture capital fund, which he oversees. He will give his perspective on investment in early stage life science ventures. Sponsored by WilmerHale. UC Community: Free, Industry/Other: $25 febspeakerseries. eventbrite.com
PARNASSUS EVENTS CHANCELLOR’S CONCERT SERIES
Thursday, Feb. 20, noon-12:45 p.m., Cole Hall, Parnassus Looking for a place to study or relax between classes? CLS Arts & Events has got just what you need. The Chancellor's Concert Series on Thursdays is a great place to set up your laptop and study or just take a break from classes while listening to classical music. Seating beings at noon. If you are unable to come, you can now listen to the music through live stream. http://bit.ly/MY05SW
J-1 ORIENTATION
Thursday, Feb. 20, noon-2 p.m., Nursing, 517, Parnassus J-1 immigration regulations mandate that all new J-1 visa holders who have started their appointment at UCSF must attend one orientation. At orientation, you will learn about traveling during your program, employment and reimbursement policies, extending your program and other helpful information about living in San Francisco and doing research at UCSF. Bring your passport and your DS-2019. Hosted by Kevin Long, Adviser.
PET A PUP AT DOG DAY FRIDAYS
Friday, Feb. 21, noon-2 p.m., Millberry Union, 111W, Parnassus There will be a pup every Friday in February, so don’t miss out. Take time to de-stress with Judd, a Scottish Terrier, from Animal Assisted Therapy of SPCA. Enjoy some tea or hot chocolate, and leave your stress at the door.
MUSLIM FRIDAY PRAYER SERVICES
Friday, Feb. 14, 1-2 p.m., Medical Sciences, 168, Parnassus The Muslim Community at UCSF holds regular Friday prayer services (Jum’a) for the UCSF Muslim community every week. Come join your fellow brothers and sisters for prayer, lunch and socializing. All are welcome.
CAMPUS EVANGELISTIC FELLOWSHIP
Friday, Feb. 21, 7-10:30 p.m., Nursing, 517, Parnassus Join the Campus Evangelistic Fellowship for its weekly meeting, with Bible study, hymn singing and fellowship.
PARNASSUS FARMERS’ MARKET
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., ACC, 400 Parnassus Ave. Shop the Farmers’ Markets on Wednesdays to pick up locally grown produce and more. Sponsor: Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association.
SYNAPSE NEWSPAPER
Wednesday, Feb. 26, noon-1 p.m., Millbery
Union 123W, Parnassus Synapse is looking for Mission Bay and Parnassus writers, bloggers, photographers and designers. Come to the lunch meeting, share your story ideas and enjoy a free lunch. Email for more information and to RSVP: synapse@ucsf.edu.
MUSIC IN THE LIBRARY
Wednesday, Feb. 26, noon-1 p.m., Library, Lange Reading Room, Parnassus Bring your books and study or just sit back and relax while listing to acoustic music in the library. Dogcatcher is an indie band based out of San Jose. Influenced equally by vintage soul music, folky Americana, and contemporary hip-hop beats. Sponsor: Arts and Events
IMN MIDWEEK MEDITATION HOUR
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Library, 211, Parnassus The Integrative Medicine Network invites everyone in the UCSF community to experience a weekly guided meditation. All are welcome, whether you are looking to combat day-to-day stress using meditation or you'd like to uncover subtle layers of your self by diving deep. No experience in meditation is necessary. Both regular meditators as well as amateurs are welcome.
UCSF RUN CLUB
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Millberry Union Central Desk, Parnassus Please drop by and join UCSF Fit & Rec for a run. Each Wednesday night, the Run Club runs various distances (from 3-6 miles) at 9 to 11 minutes per mile.
ENGLISH CORNER
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6-8:30 p.m., Clinical Sciences, 130, Parnassus English Corner is an informal conversational English class given as a free community service and provided on a voluntary basis by both people born and raised in the United States as well as many people who have, at one time in their lives, experienced life as a new immigrant to the United States.
FIRE IN THE BLOOD SCREENING
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Cole Hall, Parnassus The Global Health Sciences Masters’ program and the School of Medicine Global Health Interest Group will screen Fire in the Blood, a documentary about the coalition that came together to fight for low-cost antiretrovirals and about how the fight is far from over. After the film, there will be an expert panel of UCSF faculty including former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Dr. Eric Goosby, HIV expert clinician Dr. Monica Gandhi, former Dean of the UCSF School of Nursing Dr. Sally Rankin and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy Dr. Lisa Bero.
OFF-CAMPUS OFF THE GRID: UPPER HAIGHT
Thursday, Feb. 20, 5-9 p.m., Stanyan and Waller Streets, SF Off the Grid is a roaming mobile food extravaganza that travels to different locations daily to serve delicious food, with a free side of amazing music, craft and soul.
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: UNIVERSAL RHYTHM NIGHTLIFE
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-10 p.m., Cal Academy, Golden Gate Park It might get loud this week as NightLife explores the science of sound and rhythm. Hear a talk about the rhythmic activity in our brains and throughout the Universe from UCSF neuroscientist Dr. Adam Gazzaley, lead collaborator on the Rhythm and the Brain Project. http://bit.ly/NightLifeTickets, http://bit.ly/CLSDiscounts.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FREE WI-FI ON THE GRAY SHUTTLE
The Gray shuttle has free wi-fi to ensure even your commute is productive! Visit Next Shuttle online to see when the next UCSF shuttle is scheduled to leave, browse shuttle routes and the first and last scheduled departures of the day for each shuttle line. http://bit.ly/UCSFNextBus.
PITCH COUNSELOR SUMMER OPPORTUNITY – STIPEND AVAILABLE
No summer plans and love working with high school students? Apply to be a PITCH Counselor and expose high school students to healthcare careers and create hands-on clinical skills activities and GET PAID! Must be able to commit to entire summer program: July 7-25, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Parnassus. Email resume and completed application to: Anthea K. Lim, EAOP and PITCH (anthea.lim@ucsf.edu). Learn more at https://cep.ucsf.edu/student-programs/ career-exploration-education-healthsciences/pitch.
DIRECTING CHANGE STUDENT VIDEO CONTEST: SUBMISSION DEADLINE MARCH 1
Submit a 60-second video addressing Suicide Prevention or Ending the Silence of Mental Illness. Winner will receive $500. This contest is part of statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students. For more info, go here: http://bit.ly/1dQJcyJ.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS: UP TO $20K AVAILABLE FOR PEER-TO-PEER PROGRAMMING
Submit your proposal for a Student Mental Health Peer-to-Peer Programming MiniGrant. Open to all RCOs, student groups or programs/departments. Grant proposals must focus on one of the following topics utilizing a student-to-student approach: mental health awareness, suicide prevention, outreach or mental illness stigma reduction. Deadline for submission: Friday, Feb. 28. Funded by the CalMHSA/Prop. 63 Student Mental Health Initiative (SMHI) Grant. Learn more at studenthealth.ucsf.edu
ARE YOU A FIRST GENERATION TO COLLEGE STUDENT (FG2C)?
Register with the First Generation Support Services Office, for to give you access to all of the First Generation Support Services and to helps the office advocate for you. bit.ly/ firstgenregister.
OCPD PSR: STRATEGIES FOR THE VISUAL COMMUNICATION OF SCIENCE - REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 26
Wednesday, March 5-March 26, 9:30 a.m.noon, Mission Bay Learn how to convey the essence of complex science concepts, communicate more effectively by applying principles of cognitive science and visual literacy, and use visual thinking skills in science research, presentation, and education. Cost: $17. ocpdvisual.eventbrite.com.
WALK WHILE YOU WORK IN THE PARNASSUS LIBRARY
The Parnassus Library has installed two new Walkstations so that you can walk while you work on a computer on the second floor of the Technology Commons. The library also has more height-adjustable workstations available. More information at library.ucsf. edu/content/new-walkstations-availablelibrary-tech-commons.
synapse.ucsf.edu | February 20, 2014 | 3
NEWS
Fire in the Blood Explores The Fight To Bring Low-Cost AIDS Drugs to Africa Film screening and panel discussion set for February 26 at 5 p.m. By Brian Shaw Staff Writer
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he idea that all people have an essential human right to health is a popular one here at UCSF. However, this is not universally recognized. In the early years of the AIDS epidemic, poor countries in sub-Saharan Africa often lacked the drugs that they needed to treat their populations due to exorbitantly high prices charged by Western drug companies. Now, after years of activism and advocacy, treatment costs have plummeted. The Global Health Sciences Masters’ program and the School of Medicine Global Health Interest Group will sponsor a screening of Fire in the Blood, a documentary about big pharma, antiretrovirals (ART) and this “Crime of the Century.” Hailed at Sundance 2013, Fire in the Blood tells the story of the coalition that came together to fight for lowcost ART and about how the fight is far from over. Shot on four continents, the film includes contributions from Bill Clin-
Photo courtesy of Dartmouth Films The Global Health Sciences Masters’ program and the School of Medicine Global Health Interest Group will sponsor a screening of Fire in the Blood on February 26 in Cole Hall.
ton, Desmond Tutu and Joseph Stiglitz. After the film, there will be an expert panel of UCSF faculty, including former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Dr. Eric Goosby, HIV expert clinician Dr. Monica Gandhi, former Dean of the UCSF School of Nursing Dr. Sally Rankin and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy Dr. Lisa Bero.
Student Inside Guide
Brain Shaw is a first-year medical student.
Self-Confidence » FROM HOME PAGE
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events & programs health & wellness finances` news, reviews & deals community outreach & more!
Get there with one website insideguide.ucsf.edu
Synapse
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The UCSF Student Newspaper synapse.ucsf.edu STAFF
Yi Lu | EDITOR Jenny Qi | EXECUTIVE EDITOR Angela Castanieto | ASSOCIATE EDITOR Akshay Govind | ASSOCIATE EDITOR Steven Chin | MANAGING EDITOR
About
Synapse is the UCSF student-run weekly newspaper, which runs on Thursdays during the academic year and monthly during the summer. Synapse seeks to serve as a forum for the campus community. Articles and columns represent the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Board of Publications or the University of California.
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Announcements and letters should be submitted six days before publication. All submissions can be either emailed or mailed. All material is subject to editing. Letters to the Editor must be signed by the author.
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All are welcome next Wednesday, February 26 from 5-8 p.m. in Cole Hall to view the documentary and learn about the path forward from an esteemed panel. The event is free.
Paid advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of Synapse. Synapse and its editorial board reserve the right to decline advertisements promoting false or misleading claims, known health risks, or content deemed by the editors to be antithetical to the interests of UCSF students or the UCSF community. Synapse does not accept advertisements from tobacco or alcohol manufacturers, or sexually oriented personal ads. Synapse reserves the right to run any ad with a disclaimer.
ear Less Than, Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry you are caught in the confidence trap. It is true — there is a perception of hierarchical worth in the hospital setting, and a long history of nurses feeling devalued in relation to doctors. The sad reality about feelings of inferiority, though, is that you don’t need a doctor around for them to surface. If you go down that path—and I hope that you do not—you will be forever trapped in the “less than” mindset. I am removing the spell that has bewitched you about being “good enough.” You are exactly the way you need to be. Your new mantra: “I am enough. I am valued. I appreciate my role on the medical team.” More and more, the medical world is one of collaboration and respect. Your role is vital to the day-to-day care of the patients, and the more you respect your role, the better you will be treated. So, sugar, keep your eye on the prize, enjoy the amazingly diverse and much needed field of nursing, and guide your doctors to appreciating your knowledge and skills for your shared patients. Also, a word about medical students. They are human beings struggling along just like the rest of us, though they may hide their insecurities better. Confidence is a strange bird, darling. I am pretty sure it is a rote exercise. Practice giving yourself the love, appreciation and respect you deserve, and suddenly you will feel more confident. Remember, my dear one, that there is nothing like being on the job to boost your confidence. School does not mirror the real world. You are going to be a self-reflective, kind and intelligent nurse, and you will grow into yourself. Give yourself some time. Act confident and you will feel confident. And then you will actually notice that you have found your way to your own confidence. Mama M. Mama M. and her editor are health providers at UCSF who understand the challenges facing health professionals. This column offers students honest, compassionate advice, wisdom and love.
NEWS BRIEFS UCSF Schools Lead the Nation in NIH Biomedical Research Funds
UCSF’s four professional schools topped the nation in federal research funding in 2013, with the University as a whole ranking first among public recipients and second overall in funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to annual NIH figures. These highly competitive funds—more than $517 million in total through contracts and grants—enable UCSF scientists to continue their pioneering efforts to understand the underlying causes of such diseases as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and to work to develop improved therapies for them. “NIH funding is the lifeblood of biomedical research in this nation and enables us, collectively, to tackle the most urgent questions in health and medicine,” said UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann, MD, MPH. “It is a testament to the excellence of our faculty to have all four of our professional schools and many of our research departments lead their fields in these competitive grants.”
Dentistry Global Oral Health Fellows Announced The Program in Global Oral Health has announced recipients of Global Oral Health Fellowships for 2013-14. They are as follows: Kjeld Aamodt (Mentor: Maria Orellana), Grace Chen (Mentor: Octavia Plesh), Shoghi Fareid (Mentor: Maria Orellana), Ivy Fua (Mentor: Lilliam Pinzon), Booth Haley (Mentor: Beth Mertz), Azeem Mughni (Mentor: Ann Lazar), Triet Vuong (Mentor: Bahar Amanzadeh), Wendy Yang (Mentor: Ling Zhan) "These fellowships represent an important part of our Global Oral Health program, because the students are exposed to unique opportunities and are working with dedicated, outstanding faculty mentors," said Dr. John S. Greenspan, Associate Dean for Global Oral Health. The Global Oral Health Fellowship program is an opportunity for funding open to first- through third-year students for a research project relevant to global oral health.
Calico Cats Inspire X Chromosome Research Calico cats, renowned for their orange and black patchwork or "tortoiseshell" fur, can thank X chromosome inactivation or "silencing" for their unique look. A team of UCSF researchers is striving to unlock the mystery of how one X chromosome can be rendered nearly completely inactive. They will present their latest results at the Biophysical Society Meeting in San Francisco this week. The cells of female mammals contain two copies of the X chromosome, one each from mom and dad, but because cells only need one active X, the other one is "turned off." Calico cats have an orange fur color gene on one of their X chromosomes and a black fur color gene on the other, so that the random silencing of one of the X's in each cell creates their distinctive patchwork coats. The UCSF researchers found a way to image the X chromosome in its natural position within an intact cell. "A cell's nucleus contains the genetic code, its DNA," said Elizabeth Smith, a postdoctoral fellow working in Carolyn Larabell's lab in the Anatomy Department at UCSF. "But while the structure of the DNA was determined more than 50 years ago, and we're rapidly determining the position of specific genes on chromosomes, no one had visualized the DNA within an intact nucleus—an unfixed, hydrated whole cell.
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ARTS & CULTURE
A Finger Lickin’ Good Time By Chris Foo Staff Writer
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his past Sunday marked the latest electronic music event in San Francisco, Finger Lickin’. The event—the first joint party between LED and Goldenvoice—proved to be a finger lickin’ good time. For six hours, world-class DJs took over the stage at Fort Mason while hundreds of dance beat addicts gathered to party immersed in a barrage of lights, creative costumes and, of course, amazing music. The lineup boasted big names that fans of the genre would certainly know. Green Lantern, TJR, Adventure Club, DJ Snake and the charismatic Laidback Luke were given the privilege to rock the turntables. The venue itself was a sight to see— an old military hanger was transformed into a giant rave fully equipped with state
of the art lighting and sound systems. When I arrived I saw Adventure Club drop crisp-sounding, electronic beats over a dazzling light show of lasers and colorful spotlights. Adventure Club, known for their chill, ambient dubstep productions, got the crowd going by spinning hits like “Rise and Fall” featuring Krewella and their remix of “Crave You.” Is it too cheesy to say they took the crowd on an adventure? DJ Snake kept the party going by mixing in a hard-hitting set of genres all across the board. He jumped from house, to hiphop, to trap and even progressive trance. By utilizing perfect transitions between these different styles of music, Snake displayed his superb technique and great taste for dance music.
It just doesn’t get much better than hearing Icona Pop’s “I Love It” mashed up with Dog Blood’s hardcore anthem, “New Order.” Next, half Dutch-half Pilipino superstar, Laidback Luke, headlined the event and closed it with tremendous effect. From start to finish, Luke did what he does best and blew the room up with all his classic hits and a barrage of deck tricks and stunts. One of the most memorable moments had to have been when he dropped his classic remix of “Dirty Talk” and transformed it into “Seven Nation Army” by tweaking the deck controls.
Luke has been at the front of the EDM scene for over a decade now, and it looks like he’s as fresh and “laidback” as ever. In all, Finger Lickin’ was an amazing event for lovers of EDM. I can honestly say that this was one of the most impressive EDM events I’ve been to since moving up to the Bay Area. Both the talent and the production quality showed that the San Diego-based LED and Goldenvoice are looking to exceed the status quo of electronic music events. Be sure to look for more parties in the Bay Area hosted by these companies—something tells me they’re here to stay.
Chris Foo is a first-year pharmacy student.
Chancellor’s Concert Series Presenting exceptional artists in classical music on a science campus
W i n t e r
/ 2014
January 9 – Cole Hall Peter Wyrick, cello Mayumi Wyrick, violin June Choi Oh, piano
Brahms: Piano trio No. 3 in C minor, Op. 101
January 16 – Cole Hall Melissa Kleinbart, violin Tanya Tomkins, cello Eric Zivian, piano
Schumann: Piano trio in D minor, Op. 63
January 30 – Cole Hall Robin Sharp, violin Lori Lack, piano
Beethoven: Sonata No. 6 for violin and piano, O. 31#1 Kreisler: Selections
February 20 – Cole Hall
Deadline extended to March 21, 2014
Angela Lee, cello Charles Chandler, bass The Chancellor’s Concert Series is a professional, classical music series funded by the Chancellor, to enrich the quality of life at UCSF and in the community. These half-hour concerts feature artists primarily from the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music faculty. This series was founded in 1998. Director: Pearl Toy, M.D. Poetry: David Watts, M.D. Program notes: Nelson B. Schiller, M.D. Production: Campus Life Services Arts and Events
www.campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu 415.476.2675 To watch select performances live or a later time please visit http://tinyurl.com/concertstream
Pierre Louis Hus-Desforges (1773-1838): Grande Sonate, Op. 3, No. 3 Edgar Meyer (b. 1960): Duo for cello and double bass Fred Bretschger (b.1953): Fantasy duo for cello and double bass
March 13 – Cole Hall
Angela Lee, cello Marc Teicholz, guitar Radames Gnattali: Sonata for cello and guitar Antonia Carols Jobim: Songs arranged by Sergio Assad for guitar and cello
Free Admission / Noon on Thursdays Cole Hall / 513 Parnassus Avenue / San Francisco 12:00—12:10 PM Seating 12:10—12:15 PM Poetry reading by David Watts, M.D. 12:15—12:45 PM Concert (No eating during performance)
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synapse.ucsf.edu | February 20, 2014 | 5
Cal Academy: NightLife
Medical Mythbusters
by Jenny Qi
» FROM HOME PAGE
Photo by Iris Yee A full moon above the California Academent of Science's living roof.
The event runs from 6-10 p.m., with drinks for sale at bars throughout the impressive facility and food options ranging from steamed pork buns at the food truck to the very classy and earthy Moss Room restaurant. All of the regular attractions of the museum are open with the addition of the many themed booths and activities. With two dance floors rocking all night, three showings in the planetarium and a live crocodile, attendees are always enchanted and engaged. For the reasonable $12 entrance fee, it’s considerably cheaper than the regular cost to visit the museum and comparable to other dance venues. Last week on the day before Valentine’s Day the theme was Crave, featuring the science of desire. Excited couples queued at a table where they could build their own custom vibrators. Having no unmet vibrator needs, I started my experience on the otherworldly plant-covered rooftop patio, where the security guys joked about times when drunk attendees climbed valiantly, but briefly, to the top of the green dome. Then I plunged down to the sub-aquatic dance floor to boogie with tropical fish – I felt like Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. Returning to the terrestrial realm, I strolled, with an IPA in one hand and soft-serve ice cream in the other, through the well-dressed crowd in the Piazza-turned-dance-club.
One of the exhibits right now is Earthquake, featuring a re-created Victorian apartment which shakes first in a simulation of the 1989 quake and then shakes harder and longer in a 1906 simulation—an experience intensified by my IPA. I had hoped to watch a planetarium showing, but I discovered that early arrivers quickly grab the free passes to the showings. (Inside tip: get through the door before 6:30 if you hope to get a spot on the interstellar journey.) The night didn’t wind down, but just got more energized and loose as the diverse crowd on the dance floor kept the Piazza hot right until the 10 p.m. closing. To make the deal even more irresistible, the UCSF Campus Life Services offers discounted tickets to students for the price of $9.60. To purchase the discounted tickets follow these instructions: 1. Visit calacademy.org/etickets2 2. Create a personal profile (you must create a personal profile to purchase tickets) 3. Sales Code is “UCSF” (all caps). A great place to take out-of-town visitors, an ideal first date activity and a fantastic local event to put on your regular calendar—don’t miss out on Nightlife at the California Academy of Science.
Jenny Qi is a third-year BMS student.
T. Booth Haley is a fourth-year dental student.
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FOOD 6 | February 20, 2014 | synapse.ucsf.edu
The Scoop
Three Twins Scoop Shop Returns to the Haight By Dawn Maxey Staff Writer
T
he Three Twins Ice Cream Scoop Shop that tragically burned down in September of 2011 has risen from the ashes to serve ice cream to the masses once more. Three Twins Ice Cream, which got its start in the Bay Area in in 2005, quickly became a San Francisco staple. Already familiar with the quality and taste of the brand, the Scoop team decided to check out the newly-rebuilt shop with the hope of tasting innovative new flavors. The first thing we noticed was that we almost missed the
Three Twins Scoop Shop 254 Fillmore St., SF 415-487-TWIN (8946) Hours 11 a.m.-10 p.m. www.threetwinsicecream.com tiny, nondescript shop completely. Located at the intersection of Fillmore and Haight, the storefront is no larger than a few paces wide. The interior has room for only a handful of people. There are no tables or chairs.
While waiting outside in a line that was a dozen people deep, we were disappointed to find there were no signs displaying the day’s selection anywhere. Finally inside, I learned that the Scoop Shop offers 12 flavors at any given time. With the exception of the two current seasonal selections (Coconut and Pistachio), the remaining ten flavors were the same as the prepackaged ones available in stores. I was devastated. Why come to a Scoop Shop if I can get the same flavors at the corner gas station? A worker explained that only one or two spots are reserved for seasonal specialties (the shop claims to have invented 100 extra flavors including Gingerbread, Peppermint and Eggnog) while the rest are filled with an unpredictable rotating selection of pint flavors. In addition to single scoops ($3.50), sundaes ($7) and a monstrosity entitled the “Twinasaurus” (20 scoops of ice cream, $45), the store sells pre-packaged pints for $5. Again, disappointment lapped at my brain. Even pricy Whole Foods regularly features Three Twins pints on sale for $3.50—I wanted special flavors and deals for making a special trip to this store.
Photo by Dawn Maxey/MS3 A “single”-sized order of Dad’s Cardamom and Pistachio from the Three Twins Scoop Shop in the Lower Haight.
In total, we purchased six different flavors spanning cone, cup and sundae forms. A “single” turns out to be two scoops, which coScoop writer Theresa Poulos found misleading. She noted that she could have purchased the kiddie size (with the single scoop that she wanted) for $2.50. I ordered the Crunchy Sundae, which is advertised as ice cream, granola, raw cashews and cacao nibs, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. While waiting for my sundae, I noticed more people attempting to stuff themselves into the tiny shop. In addition, the two employees appeared to have little idea what they were doing—wandering around aimlessly and sporadically managing the cash register despite the ever growing line. After a long wait, the server asked me the repeat my order. I paused. What exactly had she been doing all this time? After another long wait, a sundae was pushed in front of me that contained no whipped cream. “We ran out,” the woman explained. I looked at her incredulously. At approximately 3 p.m., how does an ice cream shop run out of whipped cream? The store is open for another eight hours. What exactly do you plan on doing for all of the other customers who order sundaes? As I stood waiting for other reviewers to be served, I began to feel a sense of heightened anxiety. At first I couldn’t quite place my finger on where I’d felt this way before, and then it hit me: the Parnassus Garage elevators. Those infamous elevators transfer passengers from Irving Street to Parnassus Avenue, stopping to pick up eight floors of garage patrons along the way. The service is agonizingly
slow, anxiety provoking and many passengers appear to have no idea where they’re going. The Three Twins Scoop Shop is an equivalent experience. Ice cream in hand, the Scoop team wandered down to nearby Duboce Park. The Pistachio was a clear hit and was praised it for its clean flavor and bits of real crunchy pistachio. Similarly, the Coconut flavor featured a generous amount of finely shredded and flavorful coconut. We were happy to taste these new flavors. Three flavors, Chocolate Malt, Mexican Chocolate and Butterscotch Pecan, were old hat and tasted the same as the storebought versions, but were delicious nonetheless. The Cardamom on the other hand, was met with unhappy faces. Although the flavor was pleasing, the texture was icy and unappealing. Accouterments garnering high praise included the granola on the sundae, which added a delicious crunchy dimension, and the homemade waffle cone (an additional $0.75) which was buttery and crisp. At the end of the day, we all agreed that the best part of our Three Twins experience was sitting in the park on a sunny afternoon enjoying each other’s company. The Scoop Shop was not the unique experience we had hoped for. Given the hefty price tag, poor customer service, lack of ambiance and paucity of new flavors, we unanimously decided we would not return.
“After another long wait,
a sundae was pushed in front of me that contained no whipped cream. ‘We ran out,’ the woman explained. I looked at her incredulously.”
Dawn Maxey is a third-year medical student.
synapse.ucsf.edu | February 20, 2014 | 7
PUZZLES The Weekly Crossword
ACROSS 1 Seat for several 5 Anesthetic of old 10 Magazine contents 14 Panache 15 Kool-Aid flavor 16 Cape of ____ Hope 17 Cheery tune 18 Quite cold 19 Trucker's milieu 20 Leaf in a book 22 Fender benders 24 Field of rice 26 You-here link 27 Attack from the air 30 Way too suave 32 Prospector's tool 35 Bruce and Spike 36 Money maker? 38 Treat poorly 40 Anointing ritual 42 Plug a product, e.g. 44 Power source 45 Showed up 47 Garden intruder 48 Paid athlete 49 Molokai's neighbor 51 Portfolio listings 53 Bill in a till 54 Pompous walk 56 Morning talk show host 60 1953's "House of Wax" actor 64 Type of tea
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by Margie E. Burke
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THE STRENGTH TO HEAL
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9 Phone feature 10 Side with 11 Where the Eagle landed 12 Castle defense 13 1984 film, "Against All ____" 21 Buffoon DOWN 23 Forest nymph Week of 2/17/14 - 2/23/14 1 Mirror image 25 Audition tape 2 Mixed bag 27 Batter's woe 3 Football season 28 Kind of sax 4 Italian appetizer 29 Verso's 5 Breakfast staple opposite 6 Tire part 31 Agenda entry 7 Idyllic 32 Blender setting 8 Grand tale 33 Desirable quality Out of kilter Rocker Billy Biblical pronoun Silent, in music CNN specialty Phone, slangily Filing board Heavy wind
34 37 39 41 43 46 50 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 61 62 63 66
Must-haves Move furtively Archer's pull Satirist's tool Close by Prophetic sign Ventilate a lawn Slangy greeting Antiquated Stun gun ____ and kin Pilot's "E" Ogler's look Mosque leader Brain flash Monk's attire Ultimatum ender Pig's digs
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Difficulty : Easy
HOW TO SOLVE: (Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)
Copyright 2014 by The Puzzle Syndicate
Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham
Solution to Sudoku
Capt. Ana Morgan, M.D., HPSP Medical Recipient Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas
Copyright 2014 by The Puzzle Syndicate
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*Certain requirements and eligibility criteria apply. ©2013. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved. Information subject to change.
HUMOR/FAKE NEWS
Grand C. Elegans Council Meets to Determine the Significance of the Eye in the Sky By Staff Humorist
A
grand Council of C. elegans elders, scientists, philosophers and mystics has convened to discuss whether or not the Great Magnified Eye that regularly appears in the sky is a natural phenomenon, a manifestation of an omnipotent being or something else entirely. The eye, which has been around as long as anyone can remember and is present in ancient histories dating back more than 30 generations, regularly appears in the sky around 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. It’s appearance often coincides with deep rumblings that sound, according to some worms, like a Great Being saying something
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to the effect of, “Great. More negative data. Just what I need.” “I like to consider myself a logical and scientific worm,” commented one old, wise C. elegans. “I don’t consider myself religious or superstitious in the slightest, but even I have doubts occasionally that the eye may be a manifestation of a higher power, perhaps a being so complex and powerful that we can scarcely imagine what it might be doing to us.” While some C. elegans sects are convinced the eye is evidence of a deity, other worms say it’s just another celestial body and that attaching any sort of significance to it is no different from any other type of low superstition.
Parnassus Poets Release
True, they are but ashes now. Better to scatter them, To let the wind bear them Mingled with ragged grief and curious elation, Dancing down and down, Into the grey swells beneath Land's End trail; Than to let them languish, Boxed up and paved over, In the inert reaches of my amnesia.
I'll breathe them in with each footfall. With every mile, we'll remember. ~Angela Broad/MS1 title: "The Edge" - originally published 1/17/2014
8 | February 20, 2014 | synapse.ucsf.edu
Solutions
Solution to Sudoku
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You’re Funding Fun! A portion of every dollar you spend at campus retail vendors helps support Arts & Events at UCSF
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