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OA O R A N G E A P P E A L / / S A D D L E BA C K C O L L E G E / / 2 0 2 2

O R A N G E A P P E A L / / S A D D L E BA CK C O L L E G E / / S P E C I A L E D T I O N 2 0 2 0 - 2 1

THE * CORONA

HOME

EFFECT

A wedding during quarantine and new ways to look at a household plant

O R A N G E A P P E A L / / S A D D L E BA C K C O L L E G E / / 2 0 2 0

BLACK

MATTER From protests to shirt donations to bake sales, a special look inside the BLM movement in Orange County

HOW TO STAY FASHIONABLE Keep up with the latest trends during quarantine

*the nba bubble*asmr*daca *cancel culture crossword *blunt talk*electric sound

oa 2022 {special} highlights 28

CAPSULE WARDROBE

The always fashionable Melody Bathaee posing in front of a strawberry patch with a pack of freshly picked strawberries. Find tips on how to assemble your own capsule wardrobe to look almost as stylish

COVER PHOTO taken by Melody Bathaee of herself during lockdown in summer 2020.

A BRIEF REPRIEVE

A DACA recipient reflects on what the Supreme Court’s ruling means for Dreamers in an exclusive Q&A, including a special poem

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Explore the top six locations in Orange County, according to drone photography

bites 8 10

BLM BAKE SALE

Inside a special event in 2020

ASIAN HATE NOW AND THEN

The pandemic has led to an awareness of discrimination that Asian Americans have faced for decades

TALKING BLUNT

A conversation with a weed dealer before California legalized it

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Separating myth from fact

TRAVELING HOROSCOPE

What your sign says about where your next global stop will be

GYM ETIQUETTE

A satiric look at proper procedure BITES dog, stocks, v-ball coach TASTE disney, indie rock, JUICE recipes, travel, essays, satire FINAL WORD pandemic anxiety LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

contributors | the wild bunch

Katarina De Almeida Porter Aydelotte EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, 2021

MANAGING EDITOR, 2020

Melody Bathaee

Yomna Borg

Evangeline Brennan

Beverly Bridges

Jacob Castro

Alyssa Gervacio

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, 2020

DESIGNER, 2021

DURING THE PANDEMIC, SADDLEBACK COLLEGE courses went virtual, including student media like the Lariat and Orange Appeal, the annual student magazine. In lieu of print issues that would not find an audience, student reporters produced digital issues. Biweekly meetings via Zoom, social media

Orange Appeal | 2022

ONLINE EDITOR, 2020

FRONT-OF-BOOK, 2020

DESIGNER, 2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, 2021

platforms for daily communication, remote access to software — students created 60-page issues of the magazine. Now that instruction has returned to in person, OA can also begin printing once more. This special edition includes highlights from both the 2020 and 2021 staffs of the magazine. Enjoy!

Shane Healey

Thomas Husen

Mariah Miller

Brendan Montes

Milan Murvay

Frank Rocha

Glen Salazar

Luis Salcedo

BACK-OF-BOOK, 2020

DESIGNER, 2020

CONTRIBUTOR, 2021

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, 2020

ORANGE APPEAL is the award-winning magazine of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California, produced by students in the journalism and new media department on an annual basis. Columns, opinions, and other articles do not represent the views of the journalism and new media department,

DESIGNER, 2020

FEATURES EDITOR, 2020

FRONT-OF-BOOK, 2021

Saddleback College, or the South Orange County Community College District. The magazine is produced by students enrolled in JRN 125 Magazine Journalism or one of the News Media Production courses and is an imprint of the Lariat, the student newspaper and online news source. All print issues are

CONTRIBUTOR, 2021

available at Issuu.com/orange-appeal and articles appear online at Lariatnews.com/categories/orangeappeal. To contribute to Orange Appeal, contact the journalism and new media department or join the course, JRN 125 Magazine Journalism offered during the summer term.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

bites The Dog Days Are Far From Over

Gunny and Chloe

Orange Appeal | 2022

LEFT PAGE: SARAH NESSL; STACY PRETEROTI POSTON; RIGHT: BEVERLY BRIDGES

he dog days are here and this month is national dog month for all the dog lovers that need an extra excuse to spoil their pup. Last year, Milk-Bone founded National Dog Month to celebrate their unconditional love and how they make our lives a million times better. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the beginning of 2020, people were forced to drastically merge their work and home lifestyles. For those that were lonely, adopting an animal was one of the many ways to curb the effects of isolation. Frontiers in Veterinary Science conducted a study on the increase in the interest of pet adoption through Google Trends by measuring the relative search volume of keywords related to pet adoption. The study reached the conclusion that pet adoptions did, in fact, spike during the beginning of the pandemic. “From 2015 through 2020, the worldwide RSV for the categories of pet, dog and cat adoption peaked between April and May 2020, the early epidemic phase of the pandemic,” the study states. Now, to show their appreciation for their new furry family members, dog owners took the time to share some of their dog’s favorite activities and how they will likely be spending extra time during National Dog Month. Sarah Nessl, a Mission Viejo resident and dog owner, plays tag and hide-and-seek with their 10-year-old rescue Gunny. “Oh, he definitely thinks he’s hiding,” Nessl says. “He’s like a toddler who thinks if he can’t see us, we can’t see him … behind doors, beds, in bathrooms, etc. Except he’s 104 pounds, so he’s kind of easy to find.” Stacy Preteroti Poston, from Mission Viejo, spends most of her time getting cuddles from her pup, Chloe, and loves to spoil her with lots of belly rubs. “My sweet plott hound loves keep-away, hide and seek, come-andget-me, tug of war and car rides,” Poston says. “She loves taking naps with me and notifies me when my blood sugar is low. There’s more but I just love her to death.” KATARINA DE ALMEIDA

2021

money | bites

Stock Market Virgins It’s your money, and no one will care for it like you can

ou’ve probably read or heard about the stock market all of your life and now you’ve ready to take the plunge into investing. You may feel fearful at first, especially after the major fluctuations in the stock market in 2020 due to COVID-19. All too often, particular investments get a lot of attention — in 2017, it was bitcoin and marijuana stocks. Beginning investors often have “get rich quick” ideas, and often lose money. However, financial experts claim that investing in financial markets can build your long-term financial well-being and put you on the road to a more secure future. Whether you’d like to invest in a few shares of a company that you’re familiar with (like a technology, sports or entertainment company) or with companies you’ve never heard of, you have several options to consider. Where to Start 1. Establish your objectives – short term vs. longterm goals. Money for your short term needs like a car, next semester’s tuition, Spring break or money you’ll need in the next three to five years shouldn’t be invested in the stock market. Markets fluctuate, so investing in the stock market is more suited ideal for longer term goals, like saving for a down payment of a house or retirement. 2. Risk vs. reward. The highest potential for gain usually involves a higher level of risk. How much risk are you comfortable with? You can make money in the stock market, but there is a downside to investing in that the potential for losing money is ever-present. Trying to get rich quick by putting all your money into a few hot stocks will almost certainly fail in the long run. 3. Diversification. Having a number of different types of investments can limit the amount of your risk of losing money. As they say, don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Experts advise that the path to long-term wealth creation is building a diversified portfolio. If this is a

concern of yours you may want to consider a mutual fund or exchange traded fund. Getting Professional Help Once you’ve established your priorities and ready to invest, it’s time to get reputable, professional help. It’s never been cheaper to invest in the stock market and one way to go is with an online brokerage account. You have a variety of options available. When choosing an online stock broker check out their website to see the resources available to you to make investing easy. These might include an easy-to-navigate app, educational resources, tutorials, videos, webinars, zero commissions, and low fees. Some online brokers offer the ability to interact with apps you already use like Facebook Messenger and Amazon Alexa devices. Others offer trading simulators that give you a sum of virtual money and let you use the simulator to try out their platform and test your skills. Probably the most important factor to consider is the online broker’s customer support. When you’re starting out you’ll probably have a lot of questions, so being able to interact with a company representative is vital. Check out the service’s availability (through an 800 customer service number or online chat feature) to see if it matches up with your needs. Before you invest your money, invest your time in researching potential online brokers like those recommended by Bankrate.com: TD Ameritrade, E-Trade Financial, Ally Invest, Merrill Edge, Robinhood, Charles Schwab, and Fidelity Investments. The Bottom Line Investing in the stock market is a long-term game. At times it will feel like a roller coaster ride with the potential for longterm personal benefits. It’s your money and no one will care for it like you can. That requires keeping yourself informed and avoiding the “get rich quick” schemes. Set your goals and stick to them. Take your time and discuss the pros and cons with your advisor. BEVERLY BRIDGES

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

bites | misc

2020

Indoor Plants are More Than an Aesthetic

ther than enabling our ability to live, plants are continuously used throughout interior design to warm up a room or add a pop of color to neutral-toned areas of the home. Newer aesthetics allow ferns and succulents to dress a confined area up or down, ultimately tying a space together. However, new research by biodiversity engineer and ecologist, Jessica Green, reveals that these decorative pieces serve a greater purpose of improving our cardiovascular health overall. The greenery we accumulate in our kitchens, living rooms, or bedrooms can protect the human immune system by creating natural ventilation within enclosed spaces. According to Green’s 2011 TED Talk, we spend 90% of our lives indoors. Most of these buildings use mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems. While these filtration bodies are “colonized by airborne microbes that enter through windows and mechanical ventilation,” they do not necessarily prevent harmful pathogens from passing through and into the air we breathe. In fact, the sourced microbes– good and bad– are brought in by people and eventually circled through-

out spaces by mechanical filtering systems. This increases the likeliness of inborn microorganisms interacting with humans and, therefore, escalates risks related to sickness. Instead of keeping the outside out, promoting natural ecosystems will diversify the microbial beings in the air and can reduce crossing paths with potential pathogens. Indoor plants are also known to be “air purifiers.” Through photosynthesis, they convert carbon-dioxide into breathable oxygen that even removes toxins from the air. Because we spend most of our time inside, air pollution is higher there than in the outdoors, among the earth. A 2004 study by Ralph Orwell demonstrates that indoor plants create better air quality in their environments by removing volatile organic compounds that are present in indoor settings. Even potted soil is linked to the elimination of cancerous agents like benzene and formaldehyde within the air we breathe. As the sight of our beloved self-made nurseries warms our hearts, we now begin to realize how much it affects our body and protects our immune systems from possibly damaging microbes inhaled throughout the day. Make sure to take loving care of your plants because they are taking care of you. MELODY BATHAEE

FUNCTIONS

ESSENTIAL OILS FOUR MOST CURRENTLY USED ARE... Decorative styles for common plants around the home. 6

Orange Appeal | 2022

EUCALYPTUS LEMONGRASS LAVENDER PEPPERMINT

optimism, concentration, memory calm, clarity tranquility, peace, awareness sharp memory, clear thinking, acuity

Our Fashion Foot Print 2 the rank of the fashion industry in terms of pollution

500,000 the metric tons of plastic microfibers from laundry released into the ocean every year

60 the percentage of plastic-based materials used in clothes

1 the number of garbage truck loads emptying textiles into landfills every second

2,000 the number of water gallons used to make a typical pair of jeans

Pet Food for Thought

LEFT PAGE: MELODY BATHAEE; COURTESY BREANN SHOOK

Breann Shook’s unique company serves special food for pets HOW DID YOU GET YOUR idea or concept for the business? It was back in 1999, we kinda knew we wanted to do something but we didn’t exactly know what we wanted to do. So Lucy was my dog from growing up so by the time she was 11 years old and she stopped eating dog food. She wouldn’t eat any of it. So I started researching and reading about it, and trying to find recipes, so we started cooking for her and she loved it. So then it started to grow from there. We knew we wanted to do something so we thought it would be a great thing to offer. How many employees? Right now, we have 22. How do you advertise your business? We’ve done some advertising like print ads and magazine ads for like trade publications, but we do a lot of it now on social media. We do ads on like Facebook ad Instagram, and we work for influencers and send products out, like the Lucy Crew. What’s your company’s goals? I would say our goal is still kind of the same, we would just want to get healthy pet food to as many different pets as possible, expand around the world. What is unique about your business? We are one of the only pet food companies left within the pet industry that still is family operated and manufactures everything ourselves. A lot of

pet food companies don’t manufacture, they have someone else do it for them, which is hard because then the quality of ingredients tends to go down. What are your responsibilities as the business owner? Oh, lots of different things. We always joke around at work that everybody wears lots of different hats when you are in a smaller company because you have to do a lot of different things. I have meetings every

week with every different team; our marketing team, our sales team, production, things like that, I plan all that. What products do you manufacture? We do freeze-dried pet food and treats. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? I would definitely tell someone to make sure that they write a business plan, and write the business plan not just for what you’re doing now, or your initial ideas for the business, but what you want it to be. You want to know what your end goal is so you can plan for that. How do you advertise your products? We do a lot of word of mouth, like reviews are a big deal now, like from Chewy or Amazon, or things like that.

Like the moment we send out free products we get reviews and then Facebook and Instagram. To what do you attribute your success? Definitely a lot of hard work, I can say some people are just lucky, we always joke that our family doesn’t not have that lucky gene, so a lot of hard work. What made you choose your current location? We started out in Aliso, and then we moved to Irvine, and the building we are in now came available. The company who owned the building before us made human food products, and the way they manufactured was similar to ours and so when they moved, we were not planing on moving but the building was perfect so we decided to move. Do you work locally or nationally? Our products now are sold all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and quite a few Asian countries, and Europe as well. What made you choose this type of business? We love pets. What does your company do to help the community? We have a charity arm called Project Petrack, so we donate different pet food to rescues, and groups like that. Where it is located? Rancho Santa Margarita. Have you ever turned down a client? We have. Petco and PetSmart contact us quite frequently, and during all of our trade shows they come up. But the way that our industry is that you could either sell to the smaller chains or you could sell to the bigger chains. MILAN MURVAY

Online Exclusive Why Silent Discos Aren’t All They’re Hyped Up to Be FOR THE UNINITIATED, A silent disco is a dance party or rave that uses headphones to transport sound as opposed to speakers. Each person is given a set of wireless headphones that can switch between numerous stations or deejays—each corresponding to a certain light on the side of their headphones— and away dancers go to pick and choose their experience. Though the idea behind silent discos has been around for several decades, they seem to have gained popularity in recent years and have even been spotted in popular television shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Grown-ish, and Dave. The idea of a silent disco is alluring, a private party that only those in the know can hear? It’s a tempting idea to have all the fun of a party without any of the noise pollution that urges the neighbors to call the cops for the umpteenth time the minute the clock hits 10 p.m. It also allows some music festivals to carry on later into the night than most noise curfews allow. As with anything, there is a trade-off when it comes to silent discos. One of the novelties of the whole experience is that each person can choose their... Find the rest of the story at Lariat News.com/OrangeAppeal

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

bites | BLM

2020

Baked Goods for Black Lives Matter Students raise $3,000 with a virtual bake sale in the only BLM issue that deserves sugarcoating IN SPITE OF ORANGE COUNTY TAKING ON THE LABEL of the “red curtain” for its localized conservatism amidst the continuously rising economy, the youth of southern California are taking social and political initiative into their own hands. By donating their talents and skills to raise awareness for injustice all over the world, these community leaders reshape their geographical region one step at a time. A recent rejuvenation of the Black Lives Matter movement has shaken the United States’ population and has spread its aftershocks all over the world. However, the discussion has only grown stronger through the bonds created by those who have had enough with continuously ignored racial discrimination. Marches, protests, and unplanned riots are pronounced the booming microphone of the voices taking action against police brutality. The video-recorded murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 has created a momentum inspirational enough to carry a liberative togetherness of diverse communities across the nation. At the pinpoint of Mission Viejo, individuals and allies of the movement use their innovative minds to find a safe, positive way to contribute to fundraising towards this globally ensured cause. In fact, two strong-minded women alike took their passion and baking expertise to a county-wide collaborative bake sale. Saddleback student, Amanda Tang, and close friend Hannah Rogers thought up the delicious idea organizing a socially distanced event on June 19–– otherwise known as Juneteenth, the day in which the last slaves in America were emancipated from Texas slaveholders once the news of their freedom finally reached them two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was passed in 1863. The two leaders brought in friends and family from different SoCal cities to volunteer over 40 different kinds of pastries, delivery drivers, and packagers. Even so, there were more positions to be filled. “What was so great about the bake sale is that there were so many different jobs people could do,” Tang says in an email response. “Everything you bake burns? That’s okay! You can volunteer to drive and deliver the orders. Too young to drive/don’t own a car? That’s okay, be a baker! Can’t bake or drive for the sale? All good! Buy some delicious baked treats from our sale! Don’t live in the South Orange County area, but want to help? Great! Donate! 8

Orange Appeal | 2022

Can’t donate? That’s okay, too! Share our posts on Instagram to get the word out.” Like the movement, there is always a way to play a part in resolving injustice. The “Baked Goods For Black Lives Matter” event was to take place one week after initially spreading the word through Instagram stories. Tang and Rogers also created a platform to post the different announcements and desserts they were going to offer. However, the support from the OC community was overwhelming. The “virtual” bake sale’s name was spread across the platform after being seen on various stories and posts regarding the unique juncture. As Tang has been known around the campus to be a notable baker after being taught by her own mother––a bakery owner herself––chatter began to form about what delectable treats were to be of-

COURTESY OF AMANDA TANG AND HANNAH ROGERS

By MELODY BATHAEE

fered. When the exciting day came, Tang and Rogers gathered their recruited volunteers in groups that worked together to create a successful system after seeing the influx of offers for their wholesome goods. After releasing that the bake sale was going to be held for 8 hours, the excitement and yearning to donate in any way to the growing initiative turned “Baked Goods For Black Lives Matter” into a proud community moment for the youth of Orange County. Every unit was sold within hours leaving the organizers tired, yet, starstruck with the rush of support and love received by their peers and strangers looking to help in any way they can. With aching hands and scattered thoughts, Amanda Tang and Hannah Rogers raised $3,000 towards their donations to three organizations fighting for racial equality. Rogers

enlightens that “We started ‘Baked goods For BLM’ as a safe way to raise money for organizations that directly help black communities.” Effectively, the donations from the fundraiser have been equally split between Equal Justice Initiative, ArtworxLA, and the Communities United Against Police Brutality. Each working in regards to achieving equality for black individuals in the U.S. The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the U.S., to challenging economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. Based in Los Angeles, ArtworxLA combats the high school dropout crisis by engaging students in long-term, sequential arts programs to offer a pursuable life path that inspires them to stay in school, evolve as unique people and flourish as creative adults. Communities United Against Police Brutality tackles defunding and ultimately changing the system of Minneapolis and St. Paul area police departments, in light of George Floyd’s death, by combatting brutality from many angles-- including political and social legislative action, education, research, and providing services and support for victims and their families. This prosperous outcome of the “Baked Goods For Black Lives Matter” event leads Amanda Tang and Hannah Rogers feeling hopeful about a future enforcing equality for black individuals and dissipating the normalcy of racism. When asked about how they internalize the difference they are making, Tang emphasizes “If there’s anything I want to let the people who feel like they’re just one person so they can’t possibly make a difference know is that I used to feel that way too. You don’t need a large online platform or loads of money to do so. Use the talents you have! Small changes and big changes are changes nonetheless.” Similarly, Rogers is ready-- as an ally-- to see change in the communities they worked to donate to: “We feel that this fundraiser will make a difference because through our chosen organizations we can help ensure justice for those who are wrongfully imprisoned, foster creative spaces for people of color to thrive in, and to support efforts to assist those directly affected by police brutality.” When speaking on their inspirations and motivations for the virtual bake sale, each of them described what they are hoping to see as a result of all of the efforts that are constantly evolving as a result of the resparked movement. The activists converse how “there are many changes I wish to see in our communities and nation, but the one that was the main initiative to create the Baked Goods for Black Lives Matter bake sale is that Black people are killed by the police at a greater rate than any other race; but also that Black people, largely due to our nation’s colonial past and systemic racism, have been put at a disadvantage. The social issues in our country like unequal education, housing, food insecurity, the cycle of poverty, etc. can be traced and have roots in systemic inequality which affect marginalized groups, more specifically Black Americans.” “Change is long overdue,” Rogers says, “and we must continue to fight for what we believe, no matter the opposition we may face on the road to freedom.” The two find that their passions align with the ambition needed for initiative to be pushed forward, but “America has made progress, I acknowledge that, but we shouldn’t stop now. There is more work to be done.” LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

bites | currents

2021

On the Past & Present The current wave of Asian hate stemming isn’t new, as Japanese internment during WWII shows

words & photos By GLEN SALAZAR

ith the spread of COVID-19 to the United States, there has been a spike in Asian hate across the country. Since the first known COVID-19 case was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, Asian Americans and Asian immigrants have been targeted and attacked for their identity. This disease of hate against Asian segments of the American population is not new. There have been various manifestations of it in the history of the United States. During World War II, one of the most infamous episodes was the vicious hate spewed towards Japanese Americans. The climax of this hate was the forceful internment of the Japanese in America when they were stripped of their rights as Americans and dignity as humans. After the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese Americans were viewed by their fellow Americans as enemies at worst, spies at best. Consequently, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942, which led to the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans who lived on the Pacific Coast. Approximately 120,000 people with Japanese ancestry residing in the continental United States, primarily American citizens, were 10

Orange Appeal | 2022

stripped of their rights and placed into concentration camps. Only 1,200 to 1,800 of the approximately 150,000 Japanese Americans composing about a third of the Hawaiian population was interned in Hawaii. The internment of Japanese Americans sparked from racist attitudes of the broader American public toward Asians following the Imperial Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Colonel Karl Bendetsen, the mastermind of the internment, said anyone of “one drop of Japanese blood” should be interned. California classified anyone with a minimum of 1/16 of Japanese blood to have enough to place them into internment. The hatred towards the Japanese and other Asians dates decades before Pearl Harbor. In the 19th century, several

“I am very proud to be Japanese,” Tamaki Miwa says. laws and treaties were passed to stop immigration from Japan and China. During California’s gold rush in the mid-1800s, the Chinese were blamed for unemployment. Fear of Asian hordes who would out-compete European Americans for farmland and business led to the restriction of Japanese immigrants’ property and citizenship rights as had earlier occurred against Chinese immigrants. The

1882 Chinese Exclusion Act became the inspiration for the Immigration Act of 1924, which banned immigration from Japan. Japanese Americans weren’t the only victims interned. 2,264 Japanese Latin Americans were deported from Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru, and were interned in the United States. Many Japanese Latin Americans, two-thirds of whom were Japanese Peruvians, arrived in San Francisco during WWII to be interned in camps on the U.S. mainland. In her memoir Farewell to Manzanar, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston documents the traumatic physical and psychological experience her family dealt with as they were taken from Terminal Island,

near San Pedro, California, and imprisoned at Manzanar, one of ten American concentration camps dotting mostly the West. Despite the endurance of her family and the broader Japanese American internees, Jeanne reminisces that at Manzanar, everyone was afraid of what racism and violence awaited them when they left. In Ex parte Mitsuye Endo, the U.S. Supreme Court, on Dec. 18, 1944, unanimously ruled that the government could not continue to detain a citizen who is seemingly loyal to the country. The Endo ruling led to a domino effect culminating in the release of the interned Japanese Americans and the closing down of the internment camps by the War Department. After they departed from the internment camps, Japanese Americans encountered hostile racial prejudice and violence on the West Coast, from being labeled with the derogatory racial slur “Jap” to facing housing and job discrimination. Moreover, Japanese American homes and businesses became targets for racist attacks, including gunshots, fires, explosions, and vandalism. Upon release, the toxic environment Japanese Americans encountered continued well past Victory over Japan Day, when Japan formally surrendered to the United States aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945. Flash forward to today, Asian Americans, in particular Chinese Americans, have become targets of racism. In the new world of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese living overseas have become easy targets of xenophobia. In the United States, Asian Americans have become targets for racist violence. Last year, then-President Trump, instead of putting out the fires of racism, sparked new ones, calling COVID-19 the “China virus,” “Wuhan virus,” and the “Kung Flu,” stigmatizing the Asian American community. While crimes against Asian Americans are on the rise, in California, these crimes spiked at 107% in 2020, according to new data. In the minds of many of the aggressors, Asian Americans are behind the pandemic and should pay the consequences. Of concern are the attacks aimed at elderly and young Asian Americans. On March 17, 2021, in San Francisco, a

“My mom and step dad also got themselves pepper spray and a stun gun,” Jade Liu says.

75-year-old Chinese American grandmother fought back using a wooden board against a 39-year-old White male assailant who punched her out of the blue as she waited to cross the street. On April 9, 2021, in Los Angeles, a 70-year-old Mexican American grandmother was brutally beaten and dragged across a bus by a 23-year-old Black female attacker who thought she was Asian and yelled anti-Chinese

student at Indiana University, originally from Changchun, China. “My mom and stepdad also got themselves pepper spray and a stun gun, something I never envisioned them doing,” she says. “The things that we’ve seen in the news are horrifying. I’m honestly not sure I want to stay in the U.S. after graduation right now because of this, but we’ll just see how things go.” On June 15, 2021, Gover-

Manzanar Cemetery is located in Monument, California. slurs at her. On July 5, 2021, in Las Vegas, a White woman was charged for battery and a hate crime after she approached a Korean American family in a shopping mall and punched a 6-year-old boy in the neck as she said “China” multiple times. “I haven’t really experienced any racism before or after COVID-19, partially because I don’t really look like Asian,” says Tamaki Miwa Orellana, a Japanese American chemistry graduate from UC Berkeley, originally from Yokohama, Japan. Nevertheless, she continued, “I am very proud to be Japanese.” Jade Liu is a Chinese American graduate also from Berkeley and current doctoral

nor Gavin Newsom terminated the executive orders that put into effect the lockdowns and restrictions, which were part of the California pandemic response since March 2020. At the same time, we are still in uncharted waters emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, the new Delta variant raising concerns of the state and the nation being submerged again in lockdowns and restrictions. Unlike the rapid rolling back of California’s executive COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the current wave of Asian American hate might take some time to ebb. In the long run, the virus of anti-Asian racism might turn out to be much harder to dissipate than Covid-19.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

bites | covid-19

2020

What it’s like to take vows alone during a pandemic

Isolation Married in

Orange Appeal | 2022

her wedding dress alone with only virtual inputs was hard, let alone the fact that most of the shops and boutiques were closed and all delivery dates had been pushed back due to the pandemic, it left her very few choices but she managed to choose a simple dress she loved and altered it herself for the perfect fit. As she prepares for the day she has booked hair and nail appointments, she had debated doing these things herself but in an attempt to find some normalcy for the day had decided to get them professionally done and only do her make-up herself. On the night of the big day, “I’m in a mess” is the very first thing out of her mouth as she explains how she feels today. She tires to get flower arrangements delivered for tomorrow, tables organized, and finalize a program so that the day will still feel like a celebration while keeping the few people attending feeling safe. Said traveled to the United States from Egypt to complete her medical residency in late January just

SUSAN ABDELDAYEM

large banquet hall, dangling chandeliers, huge centerpieces, and dancing away the night with all the people she had ever met (and maybe some more she didn’t even know) was how she has always imagined her wedding would be. Instead, Jasmin Said found herself, in a country she had just moved to, planning a socially distanced marriage ceremony which even her parents wouldn’t be able to attend and only 6 masked guests most of whom she had met mere months ago. A few weeks ago when she and her husband to be had finally decided that weddings can wait but marriage can’t (they were going to get married no matter the circumstances) they had the groom’s father speak to hers over the phone despite being in the same city, to officially approve the engagement of the couple as was still the tradition in Egypt. They had then gathered their families and a few close friends for an intimate zoom engagement as it seems is the way to do everything right now. In an attempt to not be so very alone on such an important day the couple decided to travel from New Jersey where they lived to Cleveland, Ohio where the groom had previously briefly worked so that they could be joined by the few friends he had there. They had gotten their marriage license after an online meeting and were planning on a traditional Islamic marriage ceremony followed by an intimate hopefully safe gathering in a garden. Choosing

By YOMNA BORG

as the coronavirus was breaking out. With no cases in Egypt and only a handful in the United States, she wasn’t giving it a second thought. Having met her husband to be just a couple of months ago when studying together for their residency she was filled with excitement to be joining him in the USA, they planned to travel back to Egypt in April to get engaged. It had never crossed their minds that it would become a global pandemic with travel bans being put into effect all over the world, forcing the whole world to go into quarantine and stay put. Come April, they were still hopeful that all this would be over in a few months. “We were like OK, never mind getting engaged, lets just go back in June when all this is over and get married,” she says. June came with more hope; shops started to open, restaurants were offering dine in and news of travel bans being lifted soon, thrilled that their plans were finally starting to seem likely to happen they started planning. She would travel first in Early July, as soon as Egypt opened its borders, and organize the big wedding she had always dreamed of. She would meet his parents and invite all their friends. He would follow arriving just before the big day so he wouldn’t have to take too much time off and they would travel to the Maldives for the honeymoon of a lifetime. By mid-June the tickets were booked, he even surprised her with an early birthday celebration as they wouldn’t be together for her 30th birthday on July 11. The virus didn’t agree. Even before the whole world realized, it wasn’t going away and started putting protective measures back in place- they received a call to tell them that the groom’s mother had gotten infected with the virus. Worried and devastated they had to put all their plans on hold. “We are still planning to go back for a big wedding in February,” she says, explaining their plan to go ahead and get married instead of putting their life on hold waiting with no end in sight. She still holds the hope of her dream wedding actually hap-

pening even if it may be more than nine months after actually getting married, she still dreams of the huge wedding dress, the five-tier wedding cake, throwing the bouquet (and women lining up to catch it without being scared of getting sick), the family photos, and the room full of people celebrating her and the new life she is starting. She still hopes to go on her dream honeymoon to the Maldives to tan on the pool without caring how many people are around her, eat at any restaurant she likes, enjoy her luxurious suite without a thought to sensitization, walking around the island without the need for a mask, and ultimately feeling safe again. “The Maldives has always been my honeymoon destination,” she says. “I never thought to think of an alternative” even before I knew who I was going to marry and why would I think of an alternative it was always there.” But now she finds herself having to think of an alternative in the United States, one which all will enjoy as the last remaining nod to normalcy in marriage celebrations previously know to them. After a lot of searching for a fun, romantic, luxurious, and also safe place, they decide on a resort in Miami Beach in Florida. hey call tentatively before booking to make sure amenities like the beach and restaurants are open. This is confirmed to be the case at the time of their call, they are told. Of course, there are no guarantees as the situation is changing every day, but as this is their best bet, they decide to go ahead, hoping they aren’t going to be stuck in a room for the duration of their honeymoon. They hope, instead, to enjoy their stay while staying safe. For now, she tries to forget that her lifetime, dearly held dreams for her big day, the day every girl dreams of, has been put on hold for who knows how long, and focus on the fact that despite all the sadness in the world, she has found her own bubble of happiness. Nonetheless, as I end my conversation with her hours before the ceremony I ask her how she feels. “I’m Petrified,” she says. “Being alone on a day like this is insane and unbelievably hard.” LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

bites | trending

Finding comfort in the uncomfortable

By MARIAH MILLER

o, it isn’t porn. While the feeling many experience has often been dubbed a “braingasm,” the majority of ASMR material is PG. This doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable when your roommate walks in only to hear heavy licking sounds echoing from your laptop. Autonomous sensory meridian response is the tingly sensation that begins at the crown of one’s head and may find its way throughout the body depending on how the listener reacts to any given trigger. When our mom plays with our hair or our partner whispers sweet nothings in our ears, it’s not uncommon for a chill to run down our spine. This is a trigger. It is a pleasurable feeling that really only comes from another person, sort of like tickling yourself just doesn’t have the same affect. At some point it stops, and we’re always left wanting more. Thank God for YouTube. ASMR established its presence on the platform in 2009 and has grown exponentially since. In fact, data presented on a blog post on Ahrefs found that as of April 12, “ASMR” was one of the 14

Orange Appeal | 2022

top searches on YouTube in the US, second only to PewDiePie. Worldwide, ASMR was searched 13,910,000 times, claiming the number three spot following PewDiePie at number two, and to no surprise to anyone, K-pop sensation BTS at number one. So what’s so intriguing that over 13 million people on this planet are tuning in? It appears people are always seeking new ways to relax. Whether your method is yoga, weed, or therapy there must be a way to cope with the physical, mental and emotional weight that’s placed on us by simply just surviving in today’s world. While I’m sure an in-house masseuse might very well do the trick, not everyone has that kind of dough. ASMR may provide the stress relief you need on your own time, while giving you the power to choose what best affects you. In a study done at University of Sheffield’s Department of Psychology in England, researchers found “that those who experience ASMR showed significantly greater reductions in their heart rates when watching ASMR videos (an average decrease of 3.14 beats per minute) compared to those who do not. They also showed signifi-

cant increases in positive emotions including relaxation and feelings of social connection.” Follow This, a BuzzFeed docuseries currently streaming on Netflix, aired the pilot episode in 2018 titled, “The Internet Whispers.” In it, reporter Scaachi Koul explores the ASMR trend and speaks to content makers and fans. “Every day, during the day, I don’t even watch TV,” says Joanna Ortiz, ASMR enthusiast. “I was mainly raised in the inner city, high crime,” she continues. “It wasn’t that great of a childhood. A couple of years ago, I was really sad and depressed and didn’t like how my life was turning out. Coming across the ASMR videos, it took me out of reality. It really helps with my depression and anxiety. Feels like free therapy, I don’t even feel depressed anymore.” Most people that try ASMR will agree that the results they experience are positive, and have lasting affects long after they look away from the screen, but what about those who say they don’t feel ASMR or those who say the triggers affects them negatively? Unfortunately, there has been minimal proper studies done

It really helps with my depression and anxiety. Feels like free therapy, I don’t even feel depressed anymore. causing anxiety instead of relaxation as intended. The demand for this sensation is at an all-time high with this phenomenon growing so rapidly, and people want more than just YouTube videos. Now ASMR enthusiast have more options than ever to get that tingle with apps specifically for the community. Apps like Tingles, Zees, and Silk ASMR feature popular artist while eliminating pesky advertisements and allow for continued play while your mobile device is locked. Along with ASMR focused apps, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and streaming services alike have

TOP LEFT: MARIAH MILLER; SCREENSHOTS YOUTUBE CHANNELS “GENTLE WHISPERING ASMR,” “ASMR BAKERY,” “TING TING ASMR,” “JOJO’S ASMR,” AND “ASMR DARLING”

ASMR

on ASMR and most of the data there is comes from personal accounts. That being said, no one is quite sure some people experience ASMR and others don’t, aside from open-mindedness to the videos themselves. But for those who absolutely disdain the reaction they have while watching ASMR videos, it is possibly linked to a condition called misophonia or the “hatred of sound.” Noises extremely popular in videos, such as chewing, tapping or whispering can be triggering in this worst way for someone with this condition,

2020 now made space for the new wave of audio entertainment. For those who want to take it just one step further, in person ASMR made its first appearance in Brooklyn, New York in 2016. BuzzFeed’s Follow This episode on ASMR depicts Scaachi Koul as she immerses herself in the experience. “Watching YouTube videos of ASMR gives you intimacy without vulnerability. When you come to Whisperlodge, you’re getting intimacy and you are vulnerable,” says Andrew Hoepfner, co-founder of Whisperlodge. “Our hope is that they find a deeper state of relaxation and presence.” This real life 90-minute guided ASMR experience is meant to “lull you into a state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness.” Performers take the audience one by one through multiple rooms and act out popular dynamics such as a teacher or a student while using physical touch with brushes or fingers to provide extreme tingles. This is a deeply personal event and lead by absolute strangers, so it may not be for everyone. “What we are doing is in a way trying to combat everything being digitized in our lives. And by bringing this into a live setting, we are forcing you to try to have this intimate connection with someone,” says Melinda Lauw, co-founder of Whisperlodge. So now you want to tingle? Where do you start? My advice is to go at it with an open mind. Assuming you don’t suffer from misophonia, this will more than likely be pleasurable experience. In the graphic to the right, you will see some of the most popular triggers. To each there own when it comes to the types of triggers that work for them, so start with simple whisper videos and feel free to get lost in the deep rabbit hole that is ASMR.

misc | bites

“Gentle Whispering ASMR”

“ASMR Bakery”

“Ting Ting ASMR”

“Jojo’s ASMR”

“ASMR Darling”

WHISPERING: The artist will softly whisper into both sides of a microphone. The best way to get the full affect of this trigger, and many others, is to wear headphones. It will feel like the whispers are happening directly into both of your ears and the subtle lip and mouth sounds are just the icing on the cake. TAPPING: Similar to scratching, tapping is commonly used due to its versatility. You will see tapping in a majority of videos because it is a well-liked trigger that can be easily done throughout the video, even if it’s not the main focus, for an extra layer of tingles. SCRATCHING: This trigger is a versatile one considering there are a zillion objects just in one household that an artist can use to affectively cause tingles for the viewer. Items like wood, textured surfaces, hair brushes and even the mic itself can be scratched with the artist’s nails or using other objects. EAR LICKING: This may be where some onlookers get ASMR confused for porn. In these videos the artist will almost exclusively be French kissing the mic. The sensation it brings is intense, but it is one of the louder triggers, so it isn’t always great for sleep. For this to be most affective, the artist will usually have a binaural microphone. This microphone will give the view a more intense tingle because it will feel like actually being in the room with the performers or instruments. PERSONAL ATTENTION: These videos are for those of you craving one-sided intimacy. A powerful trigger for sleep due to the nurturing nature of the videos. Many of them are themed with care of the view in mind. The titles usually have words like “comforting,” “sleep,” or “positive affirmations” and can involve close up hand movements to simulate affection. ROLE PLAY: While a lot of role play videos involve personal attention, they are also themed, and the artist is acting as something other than themselves in order to create a life like relaxing environment for the viewer. They will many times take on the role of a caretaker. Popular roles include, doctor, massage therapist, make up artist, and so on. Another subgenre of these are “fantasy” videos, which feature artist acting out triggers while portraying mermaids, witches, and aliens.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

2020

bites | let’s talk about the reefer

Talking Blunt In a conversation from four years ago, a pot dealer talks shop, the economy, and politics By EVANGELINE BRENNAN

hen a campus pot dealer voices his opinion about state marijuana legalization, it’s atypical for them to say that, while they think it’s smart from a business standpoint for the state to capitalize on the possible income from taxing marijuana, they don’t see themselves favoring it in the future, believing it could make them begin to resent what they had once loved about their state. It was a warm Spring afternoon in 2017 when a dealer in the notoriously known “party dorm” at their small, private four-year university sat down for an interview about his college side hustle. He was just a freshman then, looking for an easy way to make money and stoke the flames of his own smoking habit. The source, who chose to remain anonymous, will be referred to from here on in as “Mr. Blunt.” In the time of this interview, the media liked to portray drug dealers as people you would least expect; they were people like Nancy Botwin, the suburban housewife from Weeds, and the high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, from Breaking Bad, or whatever comical character screenwriters could come up with for movies. Given the representation, the fact that Mr. Blunt is a nondescript kid from a suburb in New York state should come as no surprise. Dressing in a navy blue, long-sleeve Vineyard Vine shirt and khaki pants, he sat on the settee of the dorm’s common room, one leg propped up on the knee of the other and leaned back nonchalantly. He didn’t seem to care that anyone could walk in at any moment, 16

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be it another student or campus security. In this particular dorm, there was an unspoken rule of sorts, a “live and let live” motto that guided these college freshmen and the resident assistants through each day. This dorm took care of their own. They grouped together for parties. They texted warnings in a house group chat if campus security was in the area nearby. They cared, and so, for one year, this dorm acted as a family—a highly dysfunctional one— but still a family. So, of course, Mr. Blunt had nothing to fear sitting in the high-traffic common room just off the entrance of the building while talking about the small weed business he ran out of his shared room. For him, there was nothing to fear, no long-term consequences he had to worry about. In fact, when asked about any possible con-

sequence he thought he would have to face if he were ever caught, he laughed and shrugged his shoulders saying, “I don’t know what the school’s policy is, but it would probably be something like being suspended or probation or something like that, but I’m careful with it so…” At the time, Mr. Blunt stated that he would—at most—have an ounce of weed (the equivalent to about a small sandwich bag) at any given time, making sure to hide it carefully in his room given the number of surprise inspections the dorms would have throughout the year. If he had been caught selling, he could have been convicted of a felony, jailed for seven years, and faced a fine of $5,000. Depending on the harshness of the persecutor, he could have been tried for a much harsher crime; at the time, according to Penal Law 220.44, the sale of “marihuana”

up to one year in jail and/or up to a $1,000 dispensary. College students seem to still be in fine. A sentence paling in comparison to the a mindset of “this is an illegal act” and so they previous felony charge. purchase it through illegal means. On one hand, This decriminalization on a state level oc- they are correct in the fact that their schools and curred in conjunction with the popular vote and universities still outlaw the substance and act the state’s new ability to tax marijuana. Colorado, of partaking in marijuana and city and couna state early in the queue to legalize the Schedule ty laws still apply, but, even if these rules and I drug, has seen an increase in state revenue each laws were to change for whatever reason in the year based on marijuana taxes, licenses, and fee future, convenience is king to a college student, revenues. According to the Colorado Depart- and if they could buy it on campus from a friend ment of Revenue, in 2014, revenue reached of a friend, it seems that they will continue to do $67,594,323 and the most recent complete year so, if anything, to avoid traveling to a dispenreached a whopping $302,58,426 in state-col- sary or the sometimes exorbitant price of taxes lected revenue. Also, in 2019, Leafly, who touts tacked onto their purchase. themselves to be the largest cannabis website in It appears that, regardless of the time, the world, estimated California collected approx- college drug usage and deals are going to be imately $635 million in heavily insulated to the state and local cannabis collegiate system itself. Dated 2016 Problem tax revenue, a 35% rise It becomes difficult to since 2018. This despite separate one from the the mediocre reception other. So, campus pot of Prop. 64 in California dealers—short of being cities and counties when caught—your side hustle it comes to the legality of might be something that cannabis businesses. Propis able to stand the test osition 64, passed by maof time. As Mr. Blunt bejority vote on November lieves, regardless of state 8, 2016, decriminalized legalization and on-camthe personal possession pus competition, the law and use of marijuana in of supply and demand adults 21 years of age and stands, and there will alover, thereby reducing ways be a demand in colpenalties in conjunction lege students. He started with these acts. because he had a friend Despite this newthat sold and, though he found view towards marididn’t take the opportujuana on a state level, Mr. nity until some time latBlunt was hesitant when er, the fact that he could discussing the effect state sell weed and support his legalization could have on lowering the demand own smoking habit led him into accepting the for weed through illegal sources as opposed to offer. He merely filled a space in the market going to a dispensary. “I think that [state legaliza- by supplying to the party dorm on campus betion] won’t have much of an effect because a lot cause he lived in it. of the distribution places you have a lot of idenFor Mr. Blunt, his chosen side hustle came tification and prerequisites to buy from there, about through opportunity and his conneche said. “So for people that don’t want to have tions. He could and so he did and there wasn’t to go through that, come to me, I guess. And I anything wrong with it unless he was caught. think it’s more expensive at a lot of those stores/ In the future, his political conservatism very dispensaries.” well may influence a shift into a more conserIn fact, he might have been spot on in his vative stance towards marijuana and state and guess. Looking back three years later, college federal legalization as well, but, while he was pot dealers still operate in the same manner still in college, he still saw his place in it and that they have grown accustomed to. They still chose to continue smoking weed every day to have clients-students knocking on their door or every other day, a habit he had picked up in sending them a text on a number they got from the ninth grade. a friend to purchase through illegal means, deMr. Blunt has since graduated with a bachspite the new ability to purchase directly from a elor’s degree from the undisclosed university.

If he had been caught selling, he could have been convicted of a felony, jailed for seven years, and faced a fine of $5,000.

on the grounds of an educational facility is considered a class B Felony and punishable with up to 25 years in prison and a fine up to $30,000. The “dealer” would also be subject to the policies of their university. If Mr. Blunt were to ever be caught in possession of marijuana by one of the public safety officers on campus, he would have run the risk of suspension or expulsion according to their school’s guidelines in addition to any judicial punishments. For the same crimes by today’s standards in New York state, possession of “marihuana” up to one ounce would constitute a civil violation and incur fines of no more than 50 dollars and face no jail time. If he were to be caught selling up to 24 grams (just shy of the 28 grams in his biweekly ounce pick-up), he would be charged with a misdemeanor and

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

2020

ELECTRICITY

Through the Screen

Weathers embarks upon a unique approach to connecting with their audience

s musicians search for innovative ways to guide music into the homes of listeners, Los Angeles based alternative rock group Weathers brings to light the once inflamed soul changing experience of live concerts. In the transition to a remote lifestyle for most during the worldwide pandemic, the band not only releases two singles “Always Tired” and “C’est La Vie” in a five month period, but creates a true, virtual live performance right from viewers’ screens at home. Now, this is no ordinary livestream in an artist’s bedroom where they answer questions about their daily routines or expose the meanings behind popular lyrics. But a full out recorded video shoot in a 18

Orange Appeal | 2022

studio-sized venue with multiple camera angles alternating every few seconds, blaringly projective lights, and a statement wardrobe that makes you feel underdressed in your own quarters. Weathers’ image precedes them as an authentically pronounced band that carries their sets with unforgettable showmanship: whether they open or headline a show. The concert simulating, live viewership on July 18th, via the streaming service Veeps, stages no difference from the reputation that seizes the audience’s excitement as they portray their usual booming choreography whilst losing themselves in the music. A live concert emulates a completely different environment than the ritualistic procedure of bumping a personalized playlist between

SCREENSHOTS FROM THE LIVESTREAM

By MELODY BATHAEE

the ears. There is a present in-the-moment phenomena that happens a sea of bodies look up in a trance at their favorite artists whilst repeating memorized lyrics back to them and watching the pure excitement that is taking place on stage. Fans feel free from judgment and, often, a sense of euphoria visualizing the performance occurring in front of them. That irreplaceable feeling is savored today as the world cuts off social congregation on account of the mass spread of COVID-19. People begin to crave a spec of connection and liveliness by turning to musicians who use the outlet of music as a sparking ardor. With tours pushing back dates and entertainers trying to find creativity in a time of crisis, Weathers paves the way for a rather untouched form of communication with their fan base that ties in the energy of seeing them live but shares the performance from the comfort of one’s home. The idea dawns upon their front man and lead singer, Cameron Boyer, and guitarist, Cameron Olsen, after receiving the news that their first national headline “Our Little Secret Tour” is postponed to February of 2021. Noticing that their regular Instagram live streams– consisting of acoustic versions of their most popular songs– could not keep their passionate listeners at bay for long, they thought bigger. “We’re not going to be able to play a show for these fans for a long time,” Boyer says. “Maybe we should try to put on a full on band show with all of the members playing full out: lights and all; like it’s a real show so that we can give the fans something that will hold them over till February.” Interested in bringing all of the aspects of a typical, electrifying Weathers show into this virtual experience, the four members got to work on how to give these future watchers a real connection to not

only the melodies and lyrics, but to the humans on the other side of the screen. “We really just wanted to put everything we could into it so that the fans felt like it was a real show,” he continues, The band congregate for three days of rehearsal following their longest time apart to get back into the groove of playing with one another. Similarly to an in-person show, Weathers prepares for a blood pumping set on the day of the live stream, however, it feels slightly unusual having to break out of their once continuous routine of isolation that has adapted to the entire world. But that does not impact them from picking up right where they left off. “We did have to shake off a bit of rust but we’ve played so much that it’s second nature at this point,” Boyer says, “you just play a song and it all comes back.” Even though the nerves of playing in front of an audience no longer exist, there is still a pressure that the group pushes through amidst their return to the stage. In addition to their usual set that retrieves tracks from their 2018 debut album Kids in the Night, Weathers ties in three never before played songs. Incorporating their most recently released single “C’est La Vie” and a new, unheard song titled “Talking is Hard” posed to be slightly nerve wracking since having to pause from performing. Instead of stopping there, though, Weathers also covers their own version of “Lucky” by Britney Spears that turns the early 2000s soft pop hit into a more instrument heavy ballad; with electric guitar chords and an acoustic rhythm to allow the original beat to remain somber. Throughout the duration of a concert, artists gain feedback from the audience– whether it be a plea for encores or unconsciously dancing to the rhythm of a song. But in this scenario, Weathers plays for a silent audience: releasing all of their energy to watchers with no LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

2020

ability to see the reactions of their viewstill in there for ‘Lonely Vampire’ where ers on the other side of the screen. “It was we extend the bridge so that it is longer pretty strange,” he says, “and you feel kind compared to the record but instead of diof this awkward silence and have the urge recting the audience, I thanked everyone to fill it with something but you just have that was tuning in and was involved to fill to accept that there’s no way around it and the space.” The front man expresses his that’s just the nature of it.” longing for their usual connectivity with Even when faced with this challenge fans as he says, “I wish the fans could be of building an atmosphere that resembles there to jump with us and, like Olsen said, a social setting, the band continues with to sing the lyrics back to us because it regestures, notions, and conversation that ally does amplify the emotions that everywould intensify and excite the crowd, no one in the room are having.” Nonetheless, matter who is in front of them. But the the hour-long session on July 18 brings toperson-to-person interactions between gether an international audience that gets artists and their fans is what makes a pera piece of the energy-riveting experience formance exhilarating. Cameron Olsen that is Weathers from all over the world. chimes in. “You feed off the energy of the In reflection upon the event, Boyer crowd and there’s little things in live shows and Olsen open up about what it is like that are not going to be the same as when as artists to find the motivation to write Bassist Brennen Bates, left, drummer Cole you are streaming,” he says. “But we are and produce music when inspiration is Carson, Cameron Boyer, and Cameron Olsen. going to work with all we have. It was still less prevalent as a result of the national fun but there is something nostalgic about quarantine that has especially engulfed playing live: going on stage and seeing all of these people are out there Los Angeles. “There was a bit of an adjustment period when this for us.” One experience that separates streaming and viewing a con- started and we really just didn’t know what to do,” Boyer says. “There cert live, Olsen says, is “if they know the words that’s huge.” was a lot of down time and thinking ‘What are we supposed to do?’ They emphasize the line between listening to their songs and mak- But then we got to the point where we kind of saw the silver lining in ing the jump to attending their shows shares a greater level of desire it and thought that it was more of an opportunity being handed to us and support. “It’s a huge confidence boost when the fans are reacting to take this time to experiment and try new things with our music that back to you. It makes you feel like you’re doing something right. It feels we normally wouldn’t have the time to do otherwise.” The group uses better to have them there but the nature of our situation forces you their new found commodity to push the boundaries that once confined to accept it the way it is and allows you to move on: to just enjoy it.” them when busy opening for bands like Echosmith and Badflower on The Weathers livestream continuous to use aspects of audience tour in the past year. “We are trying to expand Weathers as a whole interaction to make the set as realistic as possible. During their rau- and to see where we can go because we would usually not have this cous single “Lonely Vampire” the group implements an explosion of kind of creative freedom so it’s important to take advantage of it while energy from the audience during every show they play. Since the song we can.” came out in 2019, Cameron Boyer encourages the audience to crouch As the “Our Little Secret Tour” dates and their ability to reappear down during the bridge and as he screams the first words of the cho- on stage come closer, Weathers shifts their focus to the semi-permeable rus, the mass of people in front of them jumps up in unison to the lyr- future and what it may hold. “We are constantly changing and still ics “And I can’t change” and dance ballistically. This electrifying tradi- growing up, but at the same time trying to challenge ourselves because tion still stands within the livestream but is tweaked to accommodate we don’t want to be complacent in writing the same style of songs this new reciprocity,” he says. “It was strange because that space was multiple times,” Olsen says.

Orange Appeal | 2022

Boyer says, “I definitely think about the future a lot. Like where we are going to go and what Weathers is going to end up being. I eventually want it to be bigger than just the music alone. To be a culture, a feeling. Olsen and I have been writing a bunch of music that’s pretty different but still familiar and taking the first steps to expand Weathers as a memorable feeling to be associated with.” “We almost want to be the soundtrack to a kid’s high school experience,” Olsen says. “Where it becomes more than music and more than a band.” The introduction to authentic emotional ties within their music takes Weathers to a new level in exploring unique routes of raw innovation that links the band’s image to the atmosphere they create live. In 2020, the future is unpredictable and an endless thought of results. “There is so much space and time to keep growing so

LIVESTREAM SCREENSHOTS/PHOTO ART BY MELODY BATHAEE; POSTER BY VEEPS INC.

I EVENTUALLY WANT IT TO BE BIGGER THAN JUST THE MUSIC ALONE. TO BE A CULTURE, A FEELING. it’s exciting to see where we will be in some time,” he continues. Weathers continuously works towards one initiative that is spoken about through their music and portrays the message strongly. Songs like “I’m Not Okay,” “Casual Mondays,” and “Problems” carry an upbeat track but share deeper thoughts on mental health awareness. The band writes lyrics touching upon internal battles and turmoils with self-identity that instate a repeatability to societal pressures. Themes of normalizing action towards bettering oneself and building the courage to accept help make the alternative rock group veracious. In light of social distancing procedures and the effect it has on mental health, Boyer says, “It’s really easy to get lost in quarantine and lost in your thoughts, which is okay but there comes a point that it can be dangerous. When you feel out of a routine and you’re not doing certain things, you can fall into a pit of nothingness which is kind of how it feels sometimes.” Weathers advocates acknowledging and embracing who you are, but working to find help if needed: “It’s important to stay busy but also

to make sure you have at least one person that is your lifeline– someone you can reach out and talk to, especially in this unique situation, as a support system. It is important to stay attentive to your thoughts but if you do go to a bad place, work through it and don’t necessarily ignore it because it is a work in process. It really always is.” Going back on tour in February as national headliners, Weathers takes the experience of their livestream concert with them and talks about what they are most looking forward to once back on the road. Finally taking new music to the stage and creating fresh memories in between adds a gratifying aspect to touring again. “We’ve never done a national headline so I’m excited to see how well it does, see if people actually come out and see us,” Boyer says. For the lead singer, it is a holistic experience that takes up more than the venue or the fans. He discloses the one of a kind moments of cross-country scenery and irreplaceable views. “I’m the only guy in the band that really enjoys the long rides when I’m either driving or sitting in the back. When I think of tour I will always remember the shows and fans but the parts that stick with me are the little moments when we, for example, pass by the same house every single time we go on the road because it’s on our route or always go to the same restaurant.” One specific captured memory, he reveals, is seeing the sunset while driving through Montana. The adventures that last forever shape their unique snapshots of life and bring soul back to touring. Memories like hearing “Happy Pills” on a radio in Iowa, stopping for the largest cinnamon rolls at Heaven on Earth when driving from Oregon to California, or going on stage in Pittsburgh after being caught in the rain during their first tour, spark realness to encounter when performing across the country. The Weathers livestream opens the door to new forms of communication between artists and their fans by providing a platform that strikes up human connection from across a screen. Their showmanship and authenticity entices listeners to do more than just listen. Intriguing and extraordinary, they turn music into experience. LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

Bird’s

Eye View

Orange Appeal | 2022

The top six lookout points in Orange County captured with a drone by Thomas Husen

2021

SAN CLEMENTE

Parque

Del Mar Watch the waves roll in and the trains scream by at Parque Del Mar. Shown at the lower right side of the photo.

SAN CLEMENTE

Lobeiro Overlook Park

Located at the end of “the Loop” off I-5 Freeway exit Avenida Calafia. Finding a place to park for a picnic on the grass may not be easy, but the reward is ocular ecstasy. Lobeiro Overlook Park features it’s patchy grass on the left side of the photo. LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

2021

View of the coastline with the lookout point low center.

SAN CLEMENTE

Chloe

Luke Overlook

The coastline, looking toward the point atop the cliff.

Orange Appeal | 2022

LAGUNA BEACH

Top of the

World

Take a drive up the curvatures of the Laguna Beach hillside to experience this 360° panorama.

LAGUNA BEACH

Crystal Cove

Parking is located just off the PCH, between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

2021

DANA POINT

Bluff Top Lookout

Grab a bite to eat at Shwack, the burger joint nearby, then ponder all of life’s possibilities and what changes you’d need to make in your life to buy a boat.

Orange Appeal | 2022

music | taste

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

2020

Capsule Wardrobe What it is and how you can create your own with timeless essentials

written by YOMNA BORG photos by MELODY BATHAEE

closet that you open and never feel lost thinking that you have nothing to wear, without breaking the bank, isn’t that everyone’s dream. That’s exactly what you can have if you put in the time and effort to create your own “Capsule Wardrobe.” According to the Cambridge dictionary, the term is defined as “a small collection of clothes that can be put together in different ways and includes everything you would normally wear.” It was conceived in the 1970s by Susie Faux who as mentioned in the about section of her book “Wardrobe” ran two boutiques and a fashion consultancy under the same name where she helped her clients choose versatile pieces that could be put together to create multiple outfits. As the desire for minimalism rose in the past few years, with Marie Kondo (the Japanese organizing consultant) becoming global popular and stories of people adopting extreme versions of the concept spreading, the most famous of which is that of Matilda Kahl the New York Art director who wore the same outfit to work for three years, creating a capsule wardrobe has become increasingly thought after. So how can you too adopt this less is more approach and love the

Orange Appeal | 2022

Melody Bathaee in a peasant blouse, classic blue mom jeans, accessorized with retro sneakers and a dainty flower-printed hair scarf. Just the right mix of basics and on trend accessories creating a laid-back bohemian outfit.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

2020

A Parisian beret-style cap adds a chic twist to a basic outfit.

way you look every day at the same time. As you will need to edit your wardrobe to consist of a limited number of items (30-40 pieces for each three month season is the number widely suggested) it would mean you would need to find your own personal style before you can start the selection process. Finding your personal style is a

very debatable subject with multiple professional stylists working to achieve style systems to help people do this’ Kibbe’s “Metamorphosis”, David Kyla and Dressing your truth to name a few, these devices not only cost a lot of money, but there is also a long waitlist to access many of them. What we propose below is much simpler. What you wear tells the world

a lot about you not just because of how we generically categorize people according to what they wear but also because clothes make us feel different things (sexy, sophisticated, or laid back for example) which intern reflects how people see us. So starting this process is very similar to branding yourself, you will need to choose 5 keywords which define your style (the style you want to achieve which doesn’t have to be your current one) these words don’t have to be things that we typically categorize clothes with like classic or bohemian, think words that you want to pop into peoples minds

A closet that you open and never feel lost thinking that you have nothing to wear, without breaking the bank. when they see you. Next, create a list with the main activities you do in your everyday life, as you will need a wardrobe with outfits you can wear to do this stuff. With these two lists in mind, you will now need to create a mood-board of looks you like, the easiest way to do this is to get on Pinterest (if you aren’t already there you are missing a lot of inspiration for all areas in your life). You will need to choose photos of outfits that you not only love but also fit your everyday life and look good on you. Although 30

Orange Appeal | 2022

Melody Bathaee in a basic everyday outfit of boxy white T-shirt, flared dark wash jeans, and again the retro sneakers.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

the traditional technique of finding out your body type and then dressing to create the illusion of the ultimate body shape; “The Hourglass” (which for centuries has been thought of as the most beautiful) is outdated, you will still need to know your body inside out to choose pieces that accentuate whatever beautiful shape you have. You should now have a better idea of what your style is, so you can start going through your existing wardrobe (yes, you will mainly work with what you have so don’t get all excited and open your favorite shopping app just yet) and organizing it into modules. You can do this by focusing on your daily activities one by one and choosing three tops, two bottoms, and a third piece of your choice

Starting this process is very similar to branding yourself. that you can use as your statement or signature piece. Mix and match these pieces to create as many outfits as you can, then move onto your next daily activity and do the same, choose versatile basic pieces that survive seasonal trend changes and you will be surprised by how many outfits you can create. Try everything on with a fresh eye looking to see if the neckline is flattering, if it hits you in the right places, ultimately if it makes you feel beautiful. Now that you have the skeleton of your wardrobe you can move onto the fun part; adding pieces (that you may or may not have) that will make your outfits pop. You can add trend pieces 32

Orange Appeal | 2022

An over-sized denim jacket is a trend piece to dress up a basic outfit.

and change them come the next season or better add statement investment pieces (which you will now have the budget for having stopped buying tens of pieces you never wear,) again remember it has to pass all the process above. You should also start thinking of buying duplicates of your basics so you are not doing a ton of laundry. However for each of your trend or investment pieces it would be ultimate if you think of

your closet like a full bus, for some thing to get in there, something else has to get out, so you will always need to think what you can part with to make space for this new purchase. Lastly, creating your own signature style “Capsule Wardrobe” is a process, and it’s totally normal to not get it right the first time, so don’t throw away those pieces you decide against yet, just store them out of sight.

2020

A floral twist on the classic little black dress for a casual night out. Pair it with retro sneakers or high-heeled sandals, depending on the vibe you want.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

politics | Q&A

2020

A generation of undocumented immigrants receives a moment of safety following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Dreamers. A DACA recipient reflects on what’s next in an exclusive Q&A and poem.

Reprieve

A Brief

By EVANGELINE BRENNAN

he Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that grants undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children temporary protection from deportation. Despite attempts to walk back the program from the Trump administration, on Thursday, June 18, the Supreme Court found in a 5–4 ruling that the current administration had not sufficiently justified ending the program. While this decision can be repealed at any time with sufficient causation, for now, the Supreme Court has changed the lives of DACA recipients across the country. This news was met with great adulation from DACA participants and allies alike across the country as, for the first time since the Trumpera began, a generation of immigrants has been offered a small reprieve from persecution. Following a tumultuous time in legislative limbo, in which the Supreme Court considered the Trump administration’s petition to rescind the protections DACA offers early childhood arrivals, Tania Y. Solano Cervantes, a student at Saddleback College at the time, wrote a poem regarding the possibility that DACA would be repealed and how it would affect not only her—a childhood ar34

Orange Appeal | 2022

rival herself—but also her loved ones and future generations of immigrants. I had the privilege of sitting down with Tania Y. Solano Cervantes to ask for her thoughts on DACA and her experience as an immigrant who has had to live in fear of not only being undocumented but also of the formation of stricter immigration policies from the current administration. When did you come to America and where did you immigrate from? I was born in Guerro, Mexico and I immigrated to the U.S. when I was only two months old. Do you consider yourself an American? Have you/would you be comfortable living anywhere else? I often find myself struggling to answer this question. On the one hand, I was raised knowing of my undocumented status; I was well aware that I was not a U.S. citizen and because of it, I felt un-“American.” On the other hand, although I am proud to be Mexican—I am very proud of where I come from and I honor my heritage—I can never call Mexico my home. As I mentioned earlier, I immigrated to the U.S. when I was 2 months old. I was brought to California by my parents as an

infant. Therefore, my life here in the U.S. is all I really know. It’s the only place I can call home, but this government often fails to recognize that. Immigration policies have never considered me as an “American,” it wants to rid me of this country by deporting me, and I grew up internalizing that. And for a long time, I did not feel comfortable living in Mexico or the U.S. because I felt like I did not belong anywhere. This is why advocacy for undocumented rights in America is so important to me because I know there are between 690,000800,000 DACA people who have struggled and continue to struggle with their nationality. Some of us have not stepped foot in our respective birth countries since we immigrated to the U.S. Few of us have forgotten or don’t speak our native tongues anymore. And most of us have lived the majority of our lives in the U.S. We (DACA people) don’t consider any other place “home” other than the U.S. So, no. I do not feel comfortable living anywhere else. Ultimately, in every way, shape, and form, DACA people are American. And it is time that we all acknowledge that; I am starting to, and this is why I will not stop until this country does, too.

Have you ever been afraid of deportation? If yes, can you describe that fear? I have always been afraid of deportation. However, lately, I have been more frustrated and angry than afraid. I can speak more about the vexation I have towards the risk of deportation. It just does not make sense to deport DACA people. It’s not going to fix any of the many issues of our immigration system. It’s not going to eliminate immigrants from this country because DACA recipients are only a fraction of that population. It’s going to cost millions of taxpayer money to fund ICE to deport us. It will strike our immigrant communities with this severe trauma as they watch their young DACA recipients be uprooted from their friends and families. Moreover, DACA people are so ingrained in our American society, economy, and culture. For instance, in terms of education, all of us have attended American schools (in fact, that is one of the main requirements to qualify for DACA). For the majority of DACA students, this country has funded our K-12 education via public schools. Now, as DACA students are entering college, earning degrees, and starting careers, we have so much to offer to this country because of the education that the U.S. has invested in us—and we want to contribute to this country! Currently, there are thousands of DACA people risking their lives and fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic as healthcare workers—are these the people this country is really willing to lose by deporting them? Again, it just doesn’t make sense to deport a cohort of people in whom this country has already vested in with protection from deportation. It just does not make any sense—economically, politically, socially, morally—to deport DACA recipients. What does the Supreme Court’s decision on DACA mean to you, in both a concrete sense

(i.e. how long are you protected by it) and abstractly (your feelings toward it)? So this is how DACA works: it is an immigration policy that protects people who immigrated to this country as children from deportation and grants them employment authorization that allows us to work legally with valid social security. But this is temporary. We (DACA recipients) must renew the application every two years, which includes a fee of $495 (revenue that the ICE collects). Some of the benefits, of course, include protection from deportation and being able to gain employment. In California, DACA students qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid, which I greatly benefit from. I get to keep my driver’s license! Older DACA recipients can get mortgages and start a family. Basically, anything that requires social security, but does not ask you to be a U.S. citizen, DACA people can participate in. In a concrete sense, the Supreme Court’s decision continues to allow this. Abstractly, however, I know that the Supreme Court’s decision does not make DACA permanent. This immigration policy continues to be temporary. At any moment, it can face the challenge of repeal again. In other words, the SCOTUS decision on DACA was a victory battle, but we are still at war. The fight for a path towards citizenship or something more permanent remains for DACA people. Also, my fear is that folks may be hesitant to apply for DACA for their first time because they realize that the application requires one to willingly share an undocumented

I was on the verge of a cliff, and SCOTUS was either going to push me off that cliff or pull me back into safety.

person’s information to an institution that, at any moment, can repeal and deport them. DACA, in general, is so strict and specific on who qualifies and who does not and, on top of that, with this current anti-immigration rhetoric and politics, many undocumented children and young adults may not benefit from DACA because their parents and families may feel that it is not a secured policy. Therefore, while the SCOTUS decision was a favorable outcome, there is still so much at stake. How did you react to the news that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of upholding DACA? I’ll be honest: I was not expecting the SCOTUS to rule in our favor. I was working on a protest committee who was in support of DACA and we have been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on the program for months. Throughout our planning meetings (virtually, of course), we always brought up the fact that the Supreme Court was currently a conservative majority and their ruling would jeopardize DACA. For months, I was on the verge of a cliff, and SCOTUS was either going to push me off that cliff or pull me back into safety—I was so moved when it picked the latter. I woke up to the news on June 18 and instantly a hard knot of emotion formed in my throat. I was not expecting it. And while the fight for a permanent DACA solution remains, the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of upholding DACA allowed me to just simply breathe in peace for once since this administration took office. How does DACA change your outlook for the future? What are your plans? The fight towards justice and equality does not stop with this DACA decision. We still have a long way. But the SCOTUS’s decision on DACA gives me hope that change is possible. The next step is, okay so how can we create a path of citizenship or a permanent solution for DACA people. More so, what comLariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

politics | Q&A

2020

DACA supporters rally outside the Supreme Court as cases are heard November 2019.

prehensive immigration reform can Congress pass that will support thousands of uncounted, undocumented folks in this country that live day to day in fear of deportation and in limbo.

Orange Appeal | 2022

What do you believe is the next step in immigration reform? I am now starting to learn how to defend myself from a government that continues to

disregard and marginalize immigrant communities in the U.S. And I am not just talking about this current administration. Immigration reform has been long overdue in the U.S. I will continue to advocate for this reform. One of my concerns is that once this administration is voted out of office, the public will feel that there is no direct threat affecting not just DACA recipients, but immigrant communities as a whole. Yes, a presidential term and conservative senate can be voted out, immigrants and undocumented folks will remain in this country. Let’s begin having discussions and advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that benefits not just DACA people, but immigrants and undocumented people in the U.S. In your poem, “Dream Repealed,” you give your visceral reaction to the possibility of DACA being walked back by the Trump administration and you mention the absence of the American Dream. As an immigrant, do you feel as if there is sometimes a double-standard when it comes to who is allowed to the American Dream? Is it something that can be afforded to everyone?

VICTORIA PICKERING

Do you believe DACA can be improved in any way? I appreciate that DACA is directed at young people who did not have a say in crossing borders “illegally,” but again it is not permanent policy, and very few people actually qualify for it. To apply for DACA, you need to verify your attendance in an American school and that you have/or will graduate high school, verify that you were less than 16 years when you immigrated to the U.S., you have to prove that you do not pose a threat to national security and public safety. Really, the initial application process is very scrutinizing, and if you don’t have the proper verification or paperwork, you are instantly rejected. In my opinion, many undocumented people deserve DACA. This government must take the immigrants who do not qualify for DACA into consideration and offer them similar solutions. I also think that DACA fails to be fair with those who do qualify. For instance, DACA people have to pay taxes, yet we do not qualify for

healthcare or federally funded programs. Public policies greatly affect DACA, yet we have no say in our democracy because we are not allowed to vote. It is also unfair rhetorically, as well. There is this common notion or public belief among certain political groups that declare DACA people as “illegal aliens.” It’s like, first off, we have not committed any crimes or illegal activities (we would not qualify for DACA if we did). DACA people had absolutely no autonomy in immigrating to this country. So stop acting like we are committing an “illegal act.” And even if we did have a say, there is nothing “illegal” about crossing borders in the search for a better life. Also, DACA people are not foreigners, we are so ingrained in American society, so stop calling us “aliens.” For instance, I am a DACA recipient and I bet I know our Constitution and Bill of Rights more than someone who is U.S. citizen. Labeling us as “illegals aliens” serves as a painful reminder that we are not welcome here or that we don’t deserve to be a part of this nation.

As you may know, DACA people are often referred to as “Dreamers.” I wrote “Dream Repealed” on Nov. 12, 2019, inspired by the Dreamers marching in the streets of Washington and in honor of the great American poet, Langston Hughes. This is the day the SCOTUS scheduled hearings for DACA after the administration’s rescission of the program. Personally, my immigration status has impacted my sense of well-being since I was a child. I grew up struggling to make sense of it, and, now that I am older and see/hear and understand things more clearly, I am garnering up the courage to share my experience in the hopes that others support us, Dreamers and all undocumented folks. Writing this poem is an example. And it worked. You [Evangeline] read this poem, partook in our car rally the day of the SCOTUS decision on DACA last week, and now she is interviewing me to share with others what it means to be a DACA recipient. And one thing I want to share, as written in my poem, is this sense of hopelessness that I feel about the American Dream. There is a double-standard when it comes to who is allowed to live the American Dream and not everybody can afford it. The American Dream has become more of a luxury than a right. In terms of immigration, those who qualify for visas, green cards come from privilege or have access to resources that grant them this possibility to go through the “legal” immigration process. A lot of Americans think this is a luxury all immigrants can afford and it is simply not true! Many immigrants

cross borders “illegally” because this is their only option for a better life. Ultimately, the American Dream exists, but let’s be mindful of who it serves today and who it has oppressed throughout history. I do want to add that DACA opens many opportunities for me that I would not have had if it were not for this program. But there are still so many barriers people such as myself face in this country: racism, the cycle of poverty, sexism, gentrification, voter suppression, educational inequity, suppressive labor rights, underserved communities, and misrepresentation or no representation at all in the media—the list never stops! And this is a reality for many minority groups out there. This poem is dedicated to those who have been unjustly robbed from their right to live the American Dream: of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

merica has largely been built on the premise of the “American dream,” an idea that anyone—regardless of where they were born or their economic status—can fulfill their idea of success in America through hard work and perseverance. It is a country that was supposed to welcome anyone, free from persecution, under the idea that people were created equal and with intrinsic rights. The Supreme Court’s decision on June 18, feels like a first step, of sorts, in the direction of the seemingly elusive idea that America is a country built on dreams and, finally, it’s time to welcome the dreamers.

Dream Repealed By TANIA Y. SOLANO CERVANTES inspired by Hughes and the Dreamers marching in the streets of Washington

America, the bold, the beautiful, the great, the land of the f r e e — where is the American Dream? for years We sang to your flag, We let you pull, twist, reverse Our mother tongue; she’s now h u r t — will We ever be enough? not red, not white, not blue We are a different shade for you Ourselves viewed less human than y o u — this land is not made for Us? living in the shadows, they say separated by walls every day no laws or pathways,only u n c e r t a i n t y — why throw Us across the floor? D

A C A — are We here to stay? not here, not there, — if not, then w h e r e? We are not welcomed We do not belong will Our dreams d r y u p — like a raisin in the sun?

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

taste Graffiti mural mirrors WEB Suppliers in Avengers Campus.

Calling All Recruits, Welcome to Avengers campus words & photos By ALYSSA GERVACIO

Orange Appeal | 2022

Take a walk through California Adventure Park’s latest quite superheroic addition

fficially open to the public on June 4, Avengers campus has brought Disney fans back to the park for the first time in over a year. With a wide array of entertainment and food options, the land is packed with things to see and do. Personally, Avengers Campus blew my mind when i walked in for the first time. From seeing our favorite superheroes roaming around to trying the different treats the land has to offer, the imagineers did a fantastic job with this project. The immersion and theming are incredible which makes this new addition a must see. Though there may be tons to do, relax and take in the scenery around you. Avengers Campus is incredible and something that exceeded my expectations.

2021

Have you tried Shawarma? Avenger’s Campus has a couple of places to dine at and near the front of the entrance, guests stumble upon the infamous Shawarma Palace. This restaurant offers a vegan wrap full of plantbased falafel and vegetables. The cart, located near the back of the campus, also offers a chicken wrap as well as a breakfast option. I ordered a breakfast shawarma on the mobile app in the morning. It was pretty good for the price and the portion. I’m also giving it bonus points for having vegan sausage. On that note, I highly recommend ordering ahead through the Disneyland mobile app because it’s quick and convenient. The line gets pretty backed up near lunchtime and the last thing you’re gonna want to do is wait in a line while

starving in the sun. You could also find another cart located near the back of the land in front of Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. Though we may not be in New York, we get pretty close with these carts.

recommended from both the kitchen and the lab as the lines can get pretty long. You can pick from a selection of food items at the Pym Test Kitchen. Disney caters to a lot of dietary restrictions, so it’s a safe bet for larger groups. Did I mention you can get your hands on a $100 panini? You heard that right, you can purchase a family-sized Pym-ini, and it’s perfect for sharing.

The Quantum Pretzel ($12.99) from the Pym Test Kitchen, left, is served with mustard and cheese sauces. Spider-Man, right, swings across the rooftops near the entrance of Avengers Campus.

Quantum Bites In the mood to take a seat and relax? The Pym Test Kitchen is gonna be your jam. I mean, where else are you gonna get a huge Bavarian pretzel and a fancy alcoholic beverage in the same place? To be specific, Pym Test Kitchen is focused more on the food and the Pym Tasting Lab is more similar to a bar. Once again, mobile ordering is

Suit Up! Next is Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure. Don’t worry, no spoilers here, but I’m gonna tell you how awesome it is. The theme is incredible and

the ride itself is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Now, if you’re one of the big kids, or a really brave little one, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Guardians of the Galaxy for us. If you haven’t been on the Disneyland loop, Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission - Breakout! replaced The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror back in 2017. Though the Tower of Terror is still a fan favorite, there’s no denying that Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission - Breakout! fills the void. I mean, a fast-paced drop ride full of music from the movies and familiar characters? Nothing can beat that! After you hop off the gantry lift, check out the Terran Treats cart right across the ride. You can get some unique desserts here straight from Taneleer Tivan. LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

Orange Appeal | 2021 2022

2021

More To See There’s always something going on in Avengers Campus. You can catch some of your favorite heroes like Black Widow and Black Panther during a live stunt show at their headquarters. Or, snag a seat at the Pym Test Kitchen dining patio, with a great view of the show from your table. One of the coolest experiences is witnessing the Warriors of Wakanda. Join the Dora Milaje as they garner everyone’s attention with an incredible show. I highly recommend participating in this one, you may even have a chance to perform in front of everyone! Once the sun starts

attractions | taste

ing Spider-Man fly to set, head to the Taneleer Tivan’s statue, left, in the front of through the air! All Ancient Sanctum Guardians of the Galaxy: of these shows hapwhere you’ll find Mission Breakout. pen multiple times Dr. Strange. Aside Middle represents all throughout the day, from being absomembers of the Dora Milaje in the Warriors of lutely beautiful at but I highly recomWakanda show. An ode night, the area ofmend checking the to New York and friends, Disneyland app fers an awesome right, arrives through the Shawarma Palaca cart. to get up-to-date show full of visuals times. and familiar faces. And last, but definitely not least, check out The Take My Money! Amazing Spider-Man! before you Throughout the campus, there are carry on. We’ve seen that crazy a couple of spots with cool merflying animatronic all over the web chandise. Near the Spider-Man for months now, and we’re finally area, we have WEB Suppliers. able to see it in action. The show is Here, you can get anything and short and sweet and the audience everything related to everyone’s neighborhood Spinever fails to stand in awe after see- friendly

der-Man. You can even get an extra accessory that could help you in Web Slingers! There’s also a small pop-up stall near the middle of the campus called the Campus Supply Pod. You can grab a few cool pieces here from apparel to unique Avengers merchandise. After hopping off of Mission - Breakout! You walk directly into a gift shop, but before walking straight through, take some time to take a sneak peek at everything there is to offer! The Collector’s Warehouse has everything to treat your galactic fix. There are some cool items like toys, apparel and even collectibles, so make sure to check it out. LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

taste | resturants

Dublin 4 Works for Everyone

Orange Appeal | 2022

Paper menus are given to customers to reduce the spread of germs.

When news broke that restaurants would be allowed to open so long as seating distances were six feet apart and employees would wear protective gear, Coyle and his staff had to transition again. Dublin and Wine Works are set in small and intimate settings, so having to get rid of half the seating was a hit. Probably one of the biggest downsides was the loss of the bar that Coyle worked at himself. It wasn’t possible to keep a sixfoot distance from anyone at the bar top, so that was closed completely, which was a disappointment for many who visited the bar specifically for the opportunity to speak with him and his other bartenders while they worked. “As a bartender, I definitely miss the face-to-face interaction and conversation at the bar top,” he says. “To build

and create a cocktail, based on the sense and personality of a guest, is a huge part of mixology. The saying ‘A smile is worth a thousand words’ has never meant so much in these times within our industry. I miss that.” This most recent shift has shown us the true grit and innovation of the service industry. In early July, Gavin Newsome announced that all indoor dining would need to be immediately ceased, which had restaurants all over scrambling, yet again, to transition to patio-outdoor dining only. “We hear of all closures and guidelines no earlier than the general public does,” Coyle says. “Only a few hours before opening, we had heard we were no longer able to accommodate our reservations inside once again, in which we had to build a fully serviceable parking lot patio. Our

MARIAH MILLER; JACOB CASTRO

ow, months into our “new normal”, Orange County is having to adapt to dining out taking on a new meaning. While some restaurants were equipped for dining al fresco with patio seating, others were designed solely for an in-house experience. Award-winning, sister restaurants, Dublin 4 Gastro Pub and Wine Works for Everyone are two examples of such restaurants. Right here in Mission Viejo, the family-owned, and operated establishments were one of the many businesses tasked with the challenge of creating a safe outdoor space that customers could dine. As a repeat customer myself, I can tell you I was not ready to give up their beautiful cocktails or their lamb and goat cheeseburger—I type as I drool over my keyboard. Thankfully, the Coyle family and staff acted quickly to ensure their numerous regulars wouldn’t have to go long without their favorites. “The start of COVID-19 brought a lot of uncertainty,” restaurant manager Drew Coyle says. “As a small business, there were so many immediate concerns and emotions like ‘How long will this last?’ ‘Is my family safe?’ ‘Will we be able to survive financially to re-open?” Along with other restaurants at the beginning of this mess, Dublin and Wine Works transitioned to a full take out model to try and limit the interactions with customers. Coyle attributes their regulars’ continued support during that time keeping them afloat until dining establishments were allowed to open with safety guidelines in place.

Harvest Restaurant The fine dining experience goes outside during state shutdowns

OVID-19 may have ruined the dining experience for many, but at The Ranch Laguna Beach’s Harvest restaurant, that would be next to impossible. Although this restaurant is abiding by all of the safety guidelines and regulations to keep their guests safe and their doors open, the service and ambiance of the restaurant hasn’t taken a back step whatsoever. In fact, you could argue that the ambiance in particular, is better than ever. The restaurant abides by the strict COVID-19 laws that

apply to all food and beverage businesses at the moment. The tables are spread out wide to encourage social distancing, guests are not allowed in the restaurant without having a mask, and they moved their entire restaurant outside, after California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, ordered all indoor bars and restaurants to re-close, due to a spike in coronavirus cases. Now, Harvest overlooks a beautiful 9-hole golf course, making the ambiance second to none. The scenery is also amazing. With a large mountain essential-

ly engulfing this entire location, you almost get reminded of the beautiful luscious green mountains that are all over Hawaii. Aside from the beautiful view, the food and service at this restaurant is great as well. They feature a variety of delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts. From duck drums, to pork chops and fried chicken, to butter cake and creme brûlée for dessert, their menu is truly unique and hard to come by. One dish Harvest is known for is their duck drums which is an appetizer. Many people have told me about them in the past, and when I finally got my chance to try, they lived up to the hype. They are absolutely delicious and unlike anything I’ve ever had before. They are a tad bit spicy though, so if you don’t enjoy spicy, these may not be for you. As far as entrees go, my favorite item on the menu is the grilled eye of the ribeye. The beef is sourced from Snake River Farms, and the quality of the meat speaks for itself. The dish is served with a sweet corn risotto, java beans, asparagus and a chipotle-lime butter. If you visit this restaurant upon my recommendation, I’d suggest you try this delicious and savory entree. I personally asked the restaurants executive chef, Kyle St. John, what he recommends off the menu. He recommended the pork chops, fried chicken, and the duck drums. Don’t bother wasting your time and money at those other restaurants in Laguna Beach that may gauge you just because of the location by giving you an over priced, under par menu with poor service. Enjoy the best restaurant in Laguna Beach that has an exquisite menu, beautiful ambiance, excellent service, and prices that are more than fair for the quality of food served. They truly deliver. JACOB CASTRO LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

HARVEST INSTAGRAM (LEFT), MARIAH MILLER (RIGHT)

staff made this happen quickly and safely without question.” He adds: “Our outside patio was made by laying turf in our parking lot, allowing us to have an occupancy of 65 guests, half of our usual. We built furniture, umbrellas, planted flowers, and hung stringing lights to create an atmosphere where you could enjoy, even in a parking lot.” In total, these renovations cost the family $3,740 with the costliest item being the grass turf. The expenses, while difficult, weren’t the only challenge with outdoor dining. The July heat brought its own destruction. Tables that were used inside actually began to slowly warp in the hot sun and Coyle was forced to buy furniture made for weathering the elements. I took my mom to the now combined Dublin and Wine Works parking lot for drinks and apps one night and the outdoor dining experience was no different than the usual fabulous food and service we are used to. Eating in the open air made us both feel more at ease and our server wore protective gear and was doing everything by the book when it came to cleaning tables and keeping her distance from us and other customers. The décor made us forget we were in a parking lot and it kept the same classy impression as it always has. Coyle and his staff keep a radiantly positive attitude during these constant transitions and are clearly ready to face anymore coming their way. “From learning, training, and adapting to these guidelines, I truly could not applaud our entire staff enough in this conversation,” Coyle says. “Almost five weeks later, they are continuing to provide a safe and healthy dining experience. We are all in this together. Health, love, and happiness overcome all.” MARIAH MILLER

taste | the scene

ORANGE C O U N TY

2020

coverage of these extremist fans amassed the coverage of those with opposing views, and although hardcore gangs successfully formed in the 1990s to violently push the neo-Nazis off their platform, the stigma remains today. “Hardcore punk has always been about honoring integrity when households, governments, and social relationships fail,” says Eric Giordani, Orange County resident and longtime heavy metal-punk enthusiast. While sitting down with Giordani, he speaks about an interesting and oftentimes overlooked branch of hardcore fans. “Despite the conflicting perceptions, common lyrics discuss struggles with mental health, being unapologetically true to one’s identity, resisting corruption against institutions and government, social justice, and staying drug- and alcohol-free,” he says. “In fact, one of the subcultures of hardcore punk is the straight-edge scene, also represented as XXX. This scene is so prevalent that the straight-edge hardcore scene is often referred to as HxC, where the X represents the straight-edge foundation. People who identify with HxC are also commonly vegan and actively promote activism against animal cruelty.” Twenty-year-old straightedge artist Jenn Guinevere the punk scene “has always been a platform for the oppressed,” she says. The music can stand on its own while others “find communities and seek self-improvement.” “It’s a place where kids with broken homes can let their frustrations out and meet with those alike,” she says. “It can also be a platform for activists to speak out about injustices, or a place where people can just let loose after an uptight shift at work. Most people in the scene are friendly, and it’s good to have friends in the mosh pit when the crowd gets wild.” Guinevere laughs as she recalls memories of shows, pre-quarantine, that got out of hand. Most of the time, crowds and stage presence are high energy, so mosh pits are always expected, especially for the headlining bands. “Limbs flailing everywhere and bodies diving off stage is the best part of the show,” Giordani says. “Light injuries are common. Down-tuned guitars and palm mutes make people rabid.” Although mosh pits seem like a cracked skull waiting to happen, there is a rule of thumb the majority of pit goers seem to follow. Holding lost items over one’s head for others to find, no moshing outside the pit into the standing crowd, and no throwing things are just a few examples of basic rules known throughout the community. Knowing they can absolutely lose their shit without fear for their

The Golden Coast is in the midst of a major shift in punk culture for a new generation ready for more

hile being tossed around in a pit of sweat with strangers stage diving onto your head unannounced isn’t everyone’s ideal concert going experience, it is a welcomed trill for the hardcore music scene. For Orange County, the somewhat underground culture is very much a thriving community made up of queer folk, activists, and straight-edge vegans. While misconceptions circulate, fans and even some bands themselves, have been adamant in changing the perception of the scene. People unfamiliar with the culture are quick to assume hardcore shows are composed of drug-addicted degenerates who may also be anarchists or neo-Nazis. This train of thought stems back to the neo-Nazi skinhead movement born in 1980s United States as they expressed their hatred via hardcore punk. The media 44

Orange Appeal | 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT NIJMEDDIN

HARDCORE

lives is the kind of controlled chaos that keeps people coming back to the shows. The most popular venue in Orange County to find hardcore punk shows is Chain Reaction in Anaheim. The space is small and intimate with no stage barricades, a blessing for stage divers. “Many shows are also played in record stores, since it is inexpensive and easygoing for the bands and attendees,” says Andrew Marquez, a 23-year-old from Garden Grove. Programme Skate & Sound in downtown Fullerton, which sells a variety of hardcore vinyls, CDs, and cassettes is one such place. Fullerton is home to a booming community of HC and punk lovers. Another legendary record store, previously a venue, is Black Hole Records. Then there’s another famous worldwide hardcore band from the 1980s: Adolescents, formed in Fullerton.

An energetic crowd piles on top of one another together during a DARE show at Toxic Toast in Long Beach. A fan backflips on stage during a Turnstile show at the Observatory in Santa Ana, California.

In most recent times, DARE, another Fullerton band, is rapidly growing a fan base. They aim to empower the straight-edge community while urging the youth to resist social pressures, especially given the destruction that drugs caused in their homes. Paying homage to their humble beginnings, DARE’s latest album Welcome to the OC released in late 2019. To an outsider, the tree hugging do-gooders don’t easily fit the stereotypical punk rocker. But once you learn what the music is about, you begin to understand the anger behind each scream and growl. And the infectious energy and emotion in those sweaty mosh pits transforms into something as reasonable as a glass of wine with dinner or a good cry after a hard day. MARIAH MILLER LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

juice

Brazil’s National Cocktail in Vogue World Round CAIPIRINHA IS THE NATIONAL DRINK OF Brazil, made with cachaça liquor, lime and sugar. In Portuguese, it means “little country girl,” as it emerged from the countryside of São Paulo state. There are many stories retracing the origins of caipirinha. According to one interpretation, sailors adopted cachaça instead of rum upon arriving in Brazil. In order to ward against scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin C that particularly affected sailors, they drank citrus juices mixed with alcohol. This tropical cocktail is on the list of International Bartender Association’s official cocktails drink list. A caipirinha is flavorful and refreshing, perfect for the summer. Caipirinhas are ideal for the beach and are simple to make. GLEN SALAZAR 46

Orange Appeal | 2022

What is caipifruta? There are many variations of the traditional caipirinha just like other classic cocktails from Latin America. The fruity variations are called caipifruta, which can include abacaxi (pineapple), maracujá (passion fruit), goiaba (guava), morango (strawberry), manga (mango), kiwi, milho verde (sweetcorn), or jabuticaba berries.

RECIPE // level easy Level Easy Prep 3-5 minutes Serves 1 Ingredients 2 tablespoons of sugar 1 lime, cut into wedges ice cubes 2 ounces of cachaça (a liquor distilled from fresh sugarcane, made in Brazil) or white rum

Directions 1 Cut the lime into small wedges 2 Place the lime and sugar into the bottom of the glass and crush 3 Top with cachaça or white rum and stir well 4 Fill the glass with cubed ice 5 Garnish with a lime wheel

LEFT PAGE: MAX PIXEL; RIGHT: BEVERLY BRIDGES, TOP; ALYSSA GERVACIO

Caipirinha of various flavors: strawberry, passion fruit, and original.

2020-21

Do Pants Matter? FOR EVERY ZOOM CONFERENCE call or work conference meeting, most of us are in the comfort of our cozy clothes or lounge wear while we work. While our denim jeans lye in our closets, collecting dust next to that summer luggage. What is the purpose to keep them? Could it be the nostalgic past of the average blue collard individual or could jeans disappear for good? As the months continue, under quarantine jeans are in less demand than ever. According to the Levi Strauss Jeans Brand at the stock market proves that jeans are dying. Before the quarantine began in February, the average share was 20. Today the average share is 12, a 80% decrease in share value. Other Brands that are known for loungewear or comfy work out attire, like Lululemon are thriving through the pandemic. Unlike Levi Strauss, the Lululemon company shares are thriving on the market. Before the pandemic, Lululemon average share was 260 and today a share values at 325 a 25% increase in one quarter. And the trend of its shares will continue to increase while the pandemic stretches on. Even commercials like to poke fun at the idea of people not wearing pants

during work hours from home. But as you might be reading in your older comfy pair of sweatpants or loungewear, it provides comfort in a time of uncertainty. As conditions get worse, someone wants to wear even more pieces of comfort. People are looking for any kind of relief possible, and the answer is not the skin tightening, blood constricting, sweat inducing, and uncomfortable pant legs making it impossible to binge any form of media. Here is to comfortable

Meet Your MATCHA

Directions

Oh so healthy and delicious

FROM HEALTH MAGAZINES TO your local boba shop, matcha green tea has taken the world by storm. Aside from being delicious, it can also provide you with a steady, sustained boost of energy to last a whole day. I kickstart busy days with a matcha latte to prepare for the events that may lie ahead. This recipe call for matcha green tea powder, which can be easily found through online retailers as well as most health food markets. It’s easy to make the perfect iced matcha latte at home with this a simple recipe. ALYSSA GERVACIO

clothing and how it might loosen the ideas of proper attire. Pants once equated to the hardworking, blue collard individual, but today it’s one who holds onto the past. Hardworking folks might not need pants at work anymore, but that doesn’t mean we’re throwing them away anytime soon. When consumers see rise in the stock market for Levi’s is when the economy and the workplace eases back to normalcy. FRANK ROCHA

Ingredients 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder 2 tablespoons of hot water 1 tablespoons of honey or sugar ½ cup of milk ½ cup ice Optional Matcha bowl Matcha whisk Caramel syrup

1 Scoop out 2 teaspoons of your matcha powder into a matcha bowl or cup. 2 Pour 2 tablespoons of hot water into your matcha powder. 3 Mix the water and powder with a matcha Whisk, handheld milk frother, or a mixing tool of your choice to

make a paste. 4 Quickly incorporate honey or sugar into the paste, melting it in. 5 Pour milk into a glass and add as much ice as you’d like. I like tons of ice in my drink, so I usually top it off. 6 Transfer the matcha paste mixture into the glass of milk and ice. Mix and enjoy!

Optional: Drizzle on some caramel syrup to get a sweeter matcha latte with a touch of caramel.

Let’s Talk Green

You can find two different grades of matcha powder, ceremonial and culinary. Ceremonial matcha is typically meant to be consumed dissolved in water by itself, so the flavor is sweeter on its own. Culinary matcha is intended for use when mixed with other things. I use Culinary matcha as much as I can. I grab an affordable bag of it online and use it for lattes where I can alter the taste to my liking.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

Finding refuge from relentless pain By BEVERLY BRIDGES

Orange Appeal | 2022

s a teen, having your parents give you a serious talk about taking drugs is one thing. Giving that talk as an adult to your parents is another. What’s more, instead of guiding my folks away from drugs, I advocated for my mother to take one very specific drug: cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana. I had my reasons. My mom was riddled with arthritis, causing her spine to twist and collapse into her pelvis due to polio as a child. Combine this with a number of other ailments in someone of an advanced age and the result is pain. Lots of it.

BEVERLY BRIDGES; POSTER ART, 1936 FILM MARIHUANA

Small Blessings

2021 According to the National Institutes of Health, standard operating procedure in severe medical cases like my Mom’s is for doctors to prescribe an opiate-based drug such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. I spent many hours taking my mom to doctors and watched as the men in white coats wrote out prescriptions as if that would solve all her problems. It didn’t. No one talks much about the possible adverse reactions of those drugs, which include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression. You’ll find that kind of information buried in the fine print. Not everyone experiences these side effects, and for some those drugs are a godsend, but it was different for Mom. I couldn’t stand by helplessly as her suffering increased. That’s when I began searching for complimentary pain management solutions. I found Mom a great acupuncturist but the results fell short. It was time to do a little research on medical marijuana. In the days before California legalized marijuana for recreational use in 2016 (it had been approved for medical use in the 1990s), you needed an exam performed by a doctor who would determine if you were qualified to receive medical marijuana. The doctor issued a certificate, enabling you to purchase the cannabis from an authorized seller, licensed by the state. The whole authorization process cost about $200. But getting Mom to agree to be examined as well as imbibing marijuana might prove to be a difficult sale. My Mom and Dad grew up in the time of “Reefer Madness,” where marijuana use was equated with evil, depraved behavior. Even my grandmother warned Mom when she was a young woman against anyone offering her “funny cigarettes.” It wasn’t until Mom had teenagers of her own that she figured out what my grandmother meant. But I digress. The point is my folks thought marijuana was as bad as heroin or crack cocaine, to be avoided at all costs if you wanted to live. My research proved that none of the widely held myths about marijuana were accurate. The biggest fiction is that it is a gateway drug that would lead to a devastating drug addiction. My Mom was up in years and already taking low doses containing an opioid so that wasn’t so much a concern, even if the myth was true. Another myth is that marijuana would lead to violent crime. It was hard for me to imagine Mom mugging someone with her walker (maybe a person in a wheelchair?) but knowing my parents, questions would certainly arise that I would need to answer. On this point, there are numerous studies on this issue. In a 2013 review of the evidence, the Rand Corp. concluded that “marijuana use does not induce violent crime.” A family member works for Rand (but not on this study), so I had that ace in the hole. Then there was the issue of where I would buy the medical marijuana. At the time there were limited options, but I

essay | juice wanted something safe with research behind it, good quality control, and an informed staff to guide me through the myriad of options. After an online search, I chose the Cornerstone Collective in Los Angeles. If you didn’t know they sold medical marijuana, you’d drive right past it. Security was tight. An armed guard stood sentry at the locked door. Inside you needed identification and your certificate of authorization from a doctor. Only then were you buzzed into the inner sanctum where first time customers were counseled on the myriad of options available. Another issue I faced was that even if Mom agreed to take medical marijuana, how would I get it into her system? I couldn’t imagine her smoking a joint or vaping (her lungs couldn’t handle it, and it was a bad visual, anyway) so I looked into edibles. I was amazed at the variety of offerings. There were all sorts of cookies, chocolates, mints, gummies, candies, and more. Now this had real possibilities. My mother had a sweet tooth so I knew that mints for everyday use and chocolates for special occasions would appeal to her. I steeled myself for the talk with Mom and Dad. I had literature. I had illustrations. I had websites. With all my ducks in a row, I sat them down for a serious discussion. “Mom. Dad. Come and sit down. I need to talk to you about something serious.” Their brows furrowed. Their faces flush with concern. “I think we need to add something to Mom’s pain management regime.” Then I dropped the bomb. “Medical marijuana.” I was met by silence. Mom looked to Dad. Dad looked to Mom. Then they looked at me. With a shrug they said, “Okay.”I could not believe their reaction. That’s it? I thought. After all those lectures on the evils of marijuana and suddenly it’s OK? But I realized that with time attitudes change, especially when you’re in pain. At this point in Mom’s life, it was any port in a storm and medical marijuana offered her a refuge. Surprisingly, her doctor was all for it, but added no insight or advice. That came from the folks at Cornerstone Collective. Mom actually enjoyed trying a variety of different products before we added Breez mints that were cannabis-infused to her drug regime. They eased her pain, enabling her to sleep well for the first time in years. Best of all, she suffered no side effects. Mom went to her final reward a year and a half ago, three weeks to the day after my Dad died. I was by both of their sides when they passed away peacefully, profoundly sad but grateful for two lives well lived. What I think is really tragic is that there are so many people suffering needlessly in states that have not legalized marijuana, even for medical use. I hope and pray that action will be taken on the federal level to remedy this travesty. But I’m thankful for small blessings, like little mints that help you sleep with no side effects.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

juice | horoscope

2020

Your Next Destination According to Your Star Sign

Traveling Horoscope

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Although you love your independence and alone time, you are drawn to large social gatherings and close proximities with others. Adventure is what calls to you when you roam throughout cities or even the countryside; as long as there’s 50

Orange Appeal | 2022

a bonding, connective energy wherever you go. Brazil’s second most populated city, Rio de Janeiro, checks off all the boxes when it comes to being surrounded by beauty and liveliness wrapped up into one destination. This seaside hot spot is the heart of the South American country, as it stays awake all night and is constantly pumping with Portuguese music that will make even your timid feet move. You may be a comfortable speaker Aquarius, but only the world famous Carnaval will get you dancing in the people flooded streets of this cultural paradise. Maybe you’ll even join the flamboyant samba dancers by night who are normal civilians by day and have the time of your life partying on top of one of the bird themed parade floats. There is no better place to feel the freedom you desire than Rio, watching the thousands of diverse species of birds painted by the

colors of the universe soar above you. While you would prefer to have a drink with the locals alongside a beautiful sunset, take a picture of the Christ the Redeemer statue for your friends and family to see that you explored at least one tourist spot on your endeavor. Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20): There is an intuitive side to you that would thrive in a busy atmosphere but your openness to trying new things might get you into trouble. Your gentle nature reads to people that you are reserved, but what you really need is a night out with friends at the locally favorited bistro, Trippa, and a nice pasticceria or “pastry” whilst walking to nowhere in particular, enjoying the historic beauty of Milan. Italy’s fashion and design capital lets you express your creative side, Pisces, and appreciate the cathedral inspired buildings that

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ELIKA BATHAEE

ith domestic and global travel bans up in the air due to the international spread of COVID-19, there is only planning to do for curious minds in light of these restrictions. Whether you cross state lines or commute oceans away, one impact on this final decision may fall onto the promising accuracy of your zodiac sign. Find out what your next travel destination entails by following the congruencies between your lifestyle and how the stars align.

By MELODY BATHAEE

turn an orange and pink ombré at sunset right as the streets start to mellow down. We all know you love to have a good time, but that does not mean it has to take place in a bumping club. You never turn down a stroll to the nearest shops, whether you are feeling a splurge coming on or want to save for a special evening out. Milan’s luxurious amenities can wear you down but your resiliency brings you right back up, just in time for you to witness snowfall in the winter or humidity rising throughout the summer. Allow me to recommend a compromise of traveling there for spring break? After all, the buzz of fashion week stays around well after its departure and will gloss your perceptive eyes with the vogue style choices of the town’s finest design students. A treat for your inner artist and known visionary that will go on to take the world by storm. Aries (March 21 to April 19): As one of the most active zodiac signs, your life has a consistently fast pace to it. While it may seem turbulent at times, you have an energetic personality that is easily spotted in a group setting and makes for a great entertainer at events. The adventurous spark that you take with you everywhere you go is only lit further when the place matches your lifestyle and feeds into the innovative curiosity that takes over your brain. Tokyo, Japan sets fire to your child-like wonder because of its constant inventive pattern. The ultramodern streets crawl with new and different beings that invite the refreshing perception of life you have been craving for a while now. From gigantic holographic jellyfish circling skyscrapers to unique Asian cuisine, you will somehow feel exactly where you are supposed to be. It may be over the top, but you and the city are one. While loud and rambunctious in external scenarios, you often console yourself instead of leaning on others. Visiting the Ichigaya Fish Center and reeling a line might take your mind off things. After exploring this vast cultural setting, you will leave with a mindset only acquired by Tokyo’s eye-opening experience and a few friends to come back to. Taurus (April 20 to May 20): You really do not know what to expect at times but are always excited to discover. A new journey awaits you and it is impossible to withstand it much longer. But the stability that grounds you, takes you to a place that has accumulated a great time to plan. When the day comes, you are whisked away to a land of gnarly wildlife

coincided with elegant views of the deep blue Pacific waters. Sydney, Australia shows you the best of both worlds and takes just one trip for you to never want to go back home. Your reliability and elite trait of responsibility allow you to take such a grand trip that makes way for both a cruise along the whale-spotted harbor or a stroll through some farmer’s markets on the weekend. Although you can be materialistic, Taurus, a secluded dinner overlooking the ocean may be exactly what you are in the mood for. If the dazzling accents are not enough, take a trip to the Sydney Opera House to fancy your love for romantic engagements and any reason to put on your most tasteful outfit. With all of the endeavors you accomplish, take a moment to let this irreplaceable memory sink in and to cherish the warm invitation this lustrous city hands you: eternally waiting for your return.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22): Traveling somewhere that means a lot to you will always be comforting, Cancer. But a new destination can give you just the experience you are looking for. In need of a place that aligns itself with your heart and adds to much needed calming presence, the reconstruction of this old town across from the Rhine River depicts a scenic location with historical significance from World War I and II. Cologne, Germany touches the sentimental feeling you cherish so closely. The cobblestone streets house the Cologne Cathedral, an artist’s dream architectural build, that holds stained glass ceilings and storytellers within its walls. The foggy town is engulfed by the varieties of fresh breads and sweet memories. Your empathy for others serves best in this historic landmark and can be reflected back upon while sitting by the swaying river. Drawn to this venue, you tell yourself you will come back once again to reminiscence on the essence of Cologne. A story for the ages, literally.

Hot OC vegan restaurants

Gemini (May 21 to June 20): Your spontaneity and resistance to confinement connects you to wild places Freesoulcaffé that cannot keep you tamed. Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22): *AMERICAN BLEND The affection you give-- but Given your extroverted Native Foods also crave-- makes for a very personality and eagerness *COMFORT EATS engaged, memorable ento socialize with just about counter for those who run anyone, you thrive in enviNourish into you Gemini. Extreme ronments of mass congre*INDIAN in your actions, both opens gation. However, it can beThe Wheel of Life you up to unique expericome a little overwhelming *SOUTHEAST ASIAN ences and graces your peers to get to know every person Tocaya Organica with this firecracker of a in the room so maybe it is *MEXICAN human being. time for a more groundNew Orleans is the most ing experience that you so socially free space in Louideeply need. This travel siana: in which those who visit feel welcomed destination has amazing scenery and the opand wanted. The town is rich with fluidity portunity to grow alongside the locals because and embraces its history as the melting pot of your love to make others feel wanted comes French, African American culture of the south. first: even on vacation. This new Creole cuisine may just become a The internalized chakra alignment thernew favorite of yours and spark a yearning for apy can finally feel worth it when you travel this type of cooking around the clock. to Bangkok, Thailand. The Southeast Asian Your sociable personality will mix well country has towering cities right up against with the city’s people and your bright-eyed canal-side villages that bring you the peace fascination with the world takes you through and serenity your usually loud mind will a whirlwind of memories that consist of bead adore. Feeling that you want to take off on a throwing on Bourbon Street, late night drinks cultural voyage, you may visit the deeply rootat the Prohibition-inspired speakeasy, and ed crown of Thailand, the Emerald Buddha synchronizing to the rhythms of street music Temple. Although you have never really been on the terrace next to a Madi Gras parade. tied to religion, this gold and red enveloped You may feel insecure at times Gemini, but piece of architecture can make you more suyou will never feel more confident than in perstitious than before, opening a door to a this Mississippi river bordering city that truly new perspective to life. In the midst of taking brings you out of your shell. in the lush green vegetation that swallows the LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

juice | horoscope hillsides and brushes against the crystal clear water, perhaps you will ditch your immense focus on yourself and deviate it onto the many passions of helping the world. Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): It is time to take a breather for yourself. You have been working hard without a break and you are in need of some serious relaxation. This shyness and quaint ability to close your emotions off from others is soon to be changed. The chaotic excitement of Mathura, India will surely have you letting loose in no time. Its colorful stone and mud constructed town halls set the tone for a new day in the bright city: not only depicting a unique civilization by the sea but a light spirited approach to life. Sail along the Yamuna river and witness the Holi Festival, in which rainbow colored powders are scattered across the sky by civilians in celebration of spring. You seek goodness in humankind, Virgo, and this attitude entangles itself in the city’s compassionate atmosphere. Grab a taxi to drive one hour out of Mathura and visit the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum, to immerse yourself into an ideology of purity and good. As rose water and cardamom take over your senses, you realize that you have fully enveloped into the cultural beauty that Mathura has to offer. Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): You are in love with being in love. But that does not necessarily mean with another person. While your infatuation with romance goes oh so far, all you want to do is travel somewhere that is rich with exaggerated emotion and the kinetic energy that will make your head spin around. That is why Paris, France is where you need to be. Take the metro to one of twenty districts that the city of love is divided into and pick up a fresh baguette from a local fruit stand on the way. Navigate to a rooftop deli that shares its view with the skyline of French flats and the Eiffel Tower beaming out towards you. With the entire world in front of you, the accordion owned by a street busker begins to play and you are once again exhilarated by what is to come tomorrow. A lunch date at the cafe under your hotel, gazing upon the immaculate Louvre sculptures, or venturing 52

Orange Appeal | 2022

2020 outside of the capital to see the gardens of Versailles, any place will deem to be unforgettable to you. Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): As a fierce and brave individual, you tend to be the leader or protector in your group of friends or family. This trait will take you far in life as being truthful is a great force to wield when it comes to sticking up for those you love. These zealous characteristics counteract your cool manner and turn into a powerful feeling of pride. The United Kingdom’s

northern country of Scotland is known for its patriotism and likeness to preserving prehistoric sites like Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire. This welcoming jumble of islands share with you the true meaning of faith and honesty, Scorpio, by hosting numerous Gaelic heritage events throughout the year. Filled with Viking ships and flame throwing sports, the traditions can make you feel quite included in the festivities surrounding you with quick-witted and fun loving Scotts. To wind down, hike to the largest underground cave in the U.K. with three marvelous waterfalls peaking through to the sky. The grassy knolls of Scotland, whether it be in the fervent towns of Glasgow or Edinburgh, carry a heart of gold that you just cannot miss when thinking about your next adventure across the coast. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Open-minded and philosophical, Sagittarius is one of the most intrigued of the signs when it comes to traveling. Always ready to embark on a new journey, you let your mind run wild with the possibilities of what lies ahead. If backpacking is your forte,

check out the Swiss Alps to go on the trip of a lifetime. This Alpine region in Switzerland has some of the most breathtaking views in the world. Mountains that cover autumn-ridden tree hills and interloop with thousand foot long waterfalls expose your eyes to speechless prospects. Entering the small but well-known region of Jungfrau, you can travel up the valley and stay in charming, car-less towns. A visible connection with the natural world is undoubtedly to be made, Sagittarius, but do not forget to explore the Swiss cuisine in village markets as well as the landscapes. Thankfully you invite change into your life, making it incredibly easy to be free-flowing during this expedition and allowing yourself to let loose on your expedition. Even though you might take a couple extra days getting side tracked by the ride, the Swiss Alps remain calling to you with avidity. Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): While you hold a lot of responsibility over you with ease, you are always up for hanging out. The possession to find the utmost use out of materialism travels with you wherever you go. Reliability helps you progress as a person and makes you a great candidate to lead a trip. This exploratory skill is best suited in Morocco, a bordering country in Africa. With the ability to achieve familiarity, this foreign estate is unrecognized by most. However, this Berber and Arabian culture is seen as a jewel of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Stretching from fishing towns to mountain ranges to the Sahara desert, there is not much you can miss when you pass through Morocco. Fez, one of the most colorful cities on the planet, captures the attention of just about every tourist – exactly what you would be looking for in a travel destination, Capricorn – because of its iconic medieval preserve and the magnificently decorated Medersa Bou Inania. As you glance through the animated town, your spirits lift more easily, shifting your pupils from a green to a fuchsia window, and you adapt to the vivid way of life Fez offers. Walking up to the vivacious liquid paints that sit just under an attractive pile of patterned rugs, you use your finger as a paint brush to dip them in and join right alongside the rest of the community; coloring the souks that stood over centuries.

crossword | juice

The Cancel Culture Crossword Where once beloved celebs go to die Down

1. First name of NBC host who faced criticism from viewers after trying to defend blackface, resulting in her show’s cancellation 2. This Daddy’s Home actor recently faced backlash when past actions resurfaced of him using racial slurs and committing hate crimes, such as chasing three black children and pelting them with rocks while yelling: “Kill the n-----s” until an ambulance driver intervened when he was just 15; first and last name 5. Stand-up comedian who admitted to masturbating in front of female comedians, causing some women to leave the industry 7. First name of influencer who played the white savior between cops and protesters in a Pepsi commercial in 2017 8. First name of former Glee actress called out by co-star for telling fellow cast members if she had the opportunity, she would “shit in her wig,” among many other micro transgressions towards black co-workers 11. British author of famous fantasy novels who tweeted transphobic comments; initials only 12. Stand-up comedian and podcast host who was accused of attempting to solicit nudes from girls as young as 16; first name 14. Dark Horse Comics editor accused of harassing and assaulting co-worker since 1999; first and last name 15. First name of former Jane the Virgin star who posted an Instagram story using a racial slur while singing along to a song

19. Surname of former Disney star who downplayed the seriousness of COVID-19 in the early days of the crisis in an Instagram video saying, “Even if everybody gets it, like yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible ... but inevitable?” 21. Surname of disgraced film producer and convicted sex offender at the heart of #MeToo 22. Popular sportswear corporation that faced criticism after collaborating with Colin Kaepernick and the Black Lives Matter movement (criticism became so harsh, some customers burned the company’s merchandise and posted videos of the process on social media in protest) 23. Surname of YouTuber who filmed a dead body in Japan’s Aokigahara, known as “the Suicide Forest”

26. Surname Lost and Ant-Man and the Wasp actress who refused to quarantine in Los Angeles, claiming it “feels a lot too close to Marshall Law for my comfort already, all in the name of a respiratory flu” 28. Surname of ’80 sitcom star accused of drugging and assaulting 60 women 30. R&B singer arrested on federal charges alleging sex crimes and obstruction of justice, reportedly trapping six women in a sex cult 31. First name of former Full House actress involved in the college admissions bribery scandal who paid $500,000 to facilitate USC admission for her daughters

Across 3. CrossFit CEO who declared, “We’re not mourning for George Floyd

— I don’t think me or any of my staff are,” among many other comments against the BLM movement; first name 4. Comedian posted a photo of herself holding up a Donald Trump mask made to look like a severed head; first and last name 6. YouTuber slammed for blackface and racist jokes in his skits; first and last name 9. YouTube beauty guru who lost 3 million subscribers over a weekend after a former friend posted a video calling him phony and claiming he, as a gay man, inappropriately tried to court straight men; first and last name 10. Female hip-hop artist who was exposed on video in a chat room of an alt-right community 13. YouTuber who canceled herself and left her

MARIAH MILLER

channel after controversy over Nicki Minaj blackface video; first and last name 16. Popular fast food chain criticized for repeatedly donating money to anti-LGBT organizations 17. First name of New Orleans Saints quarterback who said he “will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United Stated of America or our country” in response to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling for the national anthem 18. Comedian who faced backlash after anti-gay tweets surfaced from 2011, resulting in exit from 2018 Oscar hosting; first and last name 20. Surname of DJ who claimed he does not believe in giving oral sex but expects to receive it from his girlfriend: “It’s different rules for men. You gotta understand, we the king.” 21. Surname of rapper who disappointed fans after sporting a MAGA hat in support of President Donald Trump; last name 24. Desperate Housewives actress found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud after paying $15,000 to boost her daughter’s ACT score; first name 25. Surname of actress shamed for taking roles away from minorities and working alongside Woody Allen 27. Surname of former House of Cards, Usual Suspects actor accused by more than 30 people of inappropriate behavior since 1986 29. Anchor accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by his coworkers at the NBC’s Today show; surname 32. First name of former Los Angeles Clippers owner who said to his mixed-race girlfriend, “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people” SEE ANSWERS IN 2021 EDITION

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juice | get out

2020

Hot Spots in Colorado of ski-mountain resorts in Colorado are under a three-hour drive West of Denver. According to the Vail Mountain Resort, you can ski and snowboard ($130/day), hike, cycle, go on brewery tours (free to $20,) go tubing ($45 for three runs), or get an adventure pass and try the mountain coaster and scene gondola ($75). Colorado sand dunes. Believe it or

not, Colorado actually is home to the tallest dunes in North America. The Great Colorado Sand Dunes is about a seven hour drive south of Denver. According to the National Park Service, you can camp ($11-$20 a night), hike, go tubing on the river or go sand boarding, and sand sledding (free to $15 rentals). 14ers. Colorado is home to hundred of hiking trails known as 14ers

that go up to 14,000 feet in elevation and offer some amazing views. Per 14ers.com, you can hike Grays Peak (7.5 miles), Mt. Elbert (9.5 miles), Pines Peak (24 miles), Castle Peak (13.5 miles), Mt. Bross (3.25 miles), Mt. Yale (9.50 miles), Longs Peak (14.5 miles), Wilsons Peak (10 miles), Crestone Needle (12 miles), North Maroon Peak (9.25 miles), Mt. Wilson (16.00 miles), and Little Bear Peak (14 miles). Amusement parks. There are also many amusement parks in Colorado that people of all ages can enjoy. Most of these amusement parks are located in Denver or just a short drive outside of Denver. Here are some amusement parks you can enjoy: Elitch Gardens and Water Park (Denver, $70/person), Water World (Denver, $25/person), Great Wolf lodge (Colorado Springs, four Hours south of Denver, free entry).

A Taste of Cairo

All our plans for 2020 have been put on hold, so how about a breakfast you can very easily put together (even if you have zero cooking skills). Not just any breakfast but one that will take you to a balcony in downtown Cairo. Feta & Tomato The prep is all cutting. Begin by dicing your tomatoes, then cutting your feta into cubes. Crumbled feta from the any grocery store works well too. Next, place your feta and tomatoes in a bowl, mix them together and add a drizzle of corn oil.

Orange Appeal | 2022

Sports events. Denver is home to some of the most talented and fun to watch sports teams out there. All these teams are located in Denver, Colorado. You can enjoy watching these home teams playing baseball (Colorado Rockies), football (Denver Broncos) or basketball (Denver Nuggets). Red Rocks. Finally, Red Rocks amphitheater is a world renowned concert venue where people from all around the world come to see the best artists perform. The drive from Denver is only 30 minutes. The average ticket to Red Rocks costs about $100. Here are some of the most notable performers through the years: Radiohead (2003), The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968), The Beatles (1964), Daft Punk (2007), The Grateful Dead (1978), John Denver (1974), and U2 (1983). SHANE HEALEY

Honey & Fresh Cream To make this you fill a small bowl with honey and add a thin layer of fresh cream. Molasses & Tahini It’s known jokingly as the Egyptian Nutella, so think of it as your organic alternative. It’s as easy as mixing the two ingredients. The only trick is finding the balance you prefer. Basturma Scrambled Eggs Heat a pan on high with a good amount of ghee/butter, add basturma strips, and fry until crisp. Toss in beaten eggs, season to taste, and scramble yoour eggs. YOMNA BORG

SHELBY GOLEMO

olorado, known as the California of the Midwest has many popular tourist destinations ranging from ski towns, the famous sand dunes, hikes going up to fourteen thousand feet in elevation, amusement parks, sports teams, concerts at Red Rocks and many more activities people can do in their spare time. A flight from John Wayne Airport to Denver International takes about two and a half hours with the time-zone change, while the drive is around 15-17 hours depending on how much you stop. A pro: it’s a scenic drive, and you get to drive through many different states. So here are all the many activities the state has to offer. Ski towns. There are hundreds of ski-mountain towns to go to in Colorado that offer great winter and summer activities. The majority

2021

satire | juice

On Gym Etiquette

s an avid member of a local gym, pet peeves are likely to arise. Perhaps, pet peeves about how certain generations are comfortable enough to free-ball their way around the locker room. Maybe your headphones aren’t loud enough to drown out the grunting noises that the old man across the gym is making as he pushes the maximum amount of weight above his shoulders. Either way, there are a handful of pet peeves to go around and there really isn’t much to be said or done when it comes to gym policy. Have you ever noticed the people that walk around with their shirts off and as they are dripping in their own sweat and they get it on every piece of equipment they touch? Yeah, it can be quite a task while wiping off someone else’s sweat from a machine. Personally, I highly recommend bringing a personal hand towel or make use of the disinfectant and paper towels that the gym provides throughout its facility. If you are just starting out and wondering what you should bring to the gym, consider a small hand towel to place on the seat or bench to use during a workout. Trust me, no one wants second-hand sweat. Since COVID-19 has turned some of us into germaphobes, I also recommend bringing personal sanitizing wipes to clean off the equipment before and after working out. Let’s talk about the amount of time that should be spent on one machine. Most gyms have two sets of equipment to accommodate all of their members, but what if both of them are taken? The majority of the people working out on a machine will spend 4 to 5 minutes on that particular machine until they complete a certain amount of sets. So, how about the rest time between those sets? Should that person step aside and let another person use the machine while they take a 30 to 60-second break? I am just going to tell you right now, that typically doesn’t happen because unless it’s between two workout partners. We all know that one person who takes their time while sitting on their phone as they take a break from the daunting task of lifting weights. So, either approach that person and ask them politely if they are done or simply move along until the

machine is available. A general rule of thumb is that a member should spend 20 to 30 minutes max on a cardio machine. These machines include a rower, elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike and a stair master. The same rule should apply to the other machines around the gym, right? But in smaller intervals. Now, if you understand the amount of pre-workout it takes to get pumped enough to even step foot in the gym then it’s understandable that the type of headspace each person is in as they are working out. There is no consideration to be taken, at least those are my thoughts as I survey people posing in mirrors and slamming their weights throughout their workout. It’s every man or woman for themselves out there. OK, let’s pause. I have another one for you. How about when someone slams their weights as they release the heaviest amount of pounds that they could possibly add to maximize their workout? This particular group of individuals loves to drop their weights every single damn time they finish a set and it will drive anyone insane once they realize how much the other person do it. Not to mention the individuals that take on more weight than they can lift, just to drop or slam the entire weight onto the ground and shake the entire gym. If you haven’t noticed them yet, you will now. Last but not least, have you ever tried looking for a set of free weights and they are nowhere to be found on their designated rack? Yep. This happens all the time. At this point, you might as well start tracking how many steps you take around the gym while looking for those 15 pound dumbbells that are needed to complete a workout. No matter how many signs are placed around the gym about re-racking weights, it won’t happen. So, just prepare yourself because it quite possibly may happen to you. The gym can be a fun place to meet people with similar interests and a collective community where everyone is vibing off one another as they get swole. These little pet peeves shouldn’t deter you from actually working on your physical health. They are common behaviors as each gym member is working hard for their own longevity. KATARINA DE ALMEIDA LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

2020

Wheeling Near the Edge 2020 has been a novel year defined by a novel coronavirus By PORTER AYDELOTTE

ccording to the World Health Organization timeline of COVID-19, Wuhan Municipal Health Commission first reported these events on the last day of 2019. From then on, the entire world has been facing an unfeeling monster. Thousands have died from the virus itself or the aftermath dealt by the brutal nature of the virus. The pandemic continues to spread across the planet, placing individuals with weakened immune systems on edge. I am such an individuals nervous about these events. Facing an actual threat to my life, it’s something that isn’t easy to deal with. Here’s my situation. I was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that causes the muscles in the body to be weak and continues to weaken throughout life. Those with this condition typically only live into their 20s or 30s. I’ve gone from walking at age 7 to becoming fully wheelchair bound at age 12. It hasn’t been an easy journey. Being a teenager and young adult without any underling issues is difficult; try watching as your body’s strength is sapped, and it becomes harder to do activities you enjoy. With this weaker disposition,

Orange Appeal | 2022

We aren’t just another empty name or blurred face, we are flesh and blood just like everyone else. I’m always on edge concerning my health. Every time I get sick, I need to take as many as possible steps to protect myself. It’s really nerve wracking to be in a position where my health is constantly a struggle to maintain. Not only do I have to worry about my underling medical conditions, but I have to worry about a viral infection. So right now, I want to avoid any chance to become infected by this virus. I understand that for some this transition has been rough. From the economy struggling to the in-

creased stress of online schooling to canceled trips, it feels like we are trapped. Even with these wants, the need for precautions and isolation cannot be understated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website that COVID-19 spreads quicker than the flu. Further, this virus is contagious for at least 12 days. Both of these neglect the fact that COVID-19 is nearly 10 times more fatal than the flu. That high of a fatality rate alone makes this virus a threat, combined with

a quicker spread means that COVID-19 can pose a death threat for people such as myself with weaker constitutions. I really struggle when people refuse to wear masks or downplay the significance of the pandemic. I am part of the minority at risk, and I am not alone. There are many others with my same medical condition or those with other medical conditions that put them next to death’s gates. It’s easier to think of everyone who isn’t close to you as a nameless face you’ll never meet personally. However, with the information provided by medical organizations and the actual risks it places on people, there is no excuse to not take precautions. All those actions do is harm more people, resulting in a longer pandemic and greater loss of life. So you can ignore the restrictions, use their rights as United States citizens to bypass medical concerns. Ignore those at risk because you aren’t one of them. In the end, it harms more than just a handful. You sentence others to suffer by your actions. I wanted this to stand as a statement for those at risk. We aren’t just another empty name or blurred face. We are flesh and blood just like everyone else. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRI DYLAN

O PORTER AYDELOTTE

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Race Imboden on his beginnings, career, and becoming a world champion

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Attached at the Nip Breastfeeding publicly becomes the new way to shame women

POPPIN’ PILLS LIKE

Candy Prescription pills becoming the new epidemic falling over Orange County

ALL POSSIBLE WORLDS The Mandela Effect

Sex Talk

By Jenna Ross

A close look into the world of non-monogomy

PAGE 14

Boy Wonder Recycles

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By Taya Buehler-Reagan

Gay marriage fronts as the face of queer liberty

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HOW TO STAY FASHIONABLE Keep up with the lasted trends during quarantine

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