Orange Appeal 2021

OA

300 years in the future with

the Love

Doctor

HI K I NG T R AI LS

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 1

Find bliss in the great outdoors

YOSEMITE

thrown FOR A

Capturing the beauty on any given day

LOOP +

join the rebellion

if there were journalists in ‘Star Wars’ Princess Leia would leak vader’s emails. become a part of something that can change the galaxy.

Join the teams of OC News Team (attached to JRN 106 Video Journalism), the Lariat newspaper and website, or Orange Appeal (both attached to each News Media Production course).

Visit OCNewsTeam.com or LariatNews.com.

oa 2021 highlights 12

16

22 40

START PODCASTING

It’s never too late to start something new and exciting as podcasting, follow these tips to produce your dream podcast

NATURE’S CATHEDRAL

Connecting with nature in Yosemite Valley for photography

40

50

JOHN MICHAEL, JR.

Get to know your friendly neighborhood photographer

14

CALLING ALL AVENGERS

Take a trip to Avenger’s Campus at Disney’s California Adventure.

bites 6

8 10

14

8

ASIAN HATE NOW AND THEN

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

8

THE IMMIGRANT ODYSSEY

An atypical journey to the United States for one journalist

FACE BLUE AND BLACK BINS

A tech startup revolutionizes recycling

6

juice 48 50

2 4 16 40 46 54

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Separating myth from fact

DR. LOVE FROM OUTER SPACE!

In matters of the heart, things are not so different 300 years in the future

48

FIRST WORD uncover that cover BITES dog, stocks, v-ball coach FEATURES photo essays, shoots TASTE disney, video games, vinyl JUICE recipes, travel, essays, satire FINAL WORD gym rules for life LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

1

first word | on the cover

Behind Thrown for a Loop lariatnews.com/orangeappeal EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Katarina De Almeida Alyssa Gervacio DESIGNER

Beverly Bridges FRONT PAGES EDITOR

Glen Salazar CONTRIBUTOR

Thomas Husen CONTRIBUTOR

Luis Salcedo CONTRIBUTOR

Michael Presley FACULTY ADVISER

Tim Posada CONTACT US

949-582-4688

T

he cover illustration was created by the designer for this issue, Beverly Bridges.

She also illustrated the article on Doctor Love From Outer Space! (pg. 16), a new podcast premiering this Fall.

Her cover illustration combined traditional drawing techniques with digital media. Beverly says that her greatest challenge was coming up with an image the encapsulated student life during the Covid-19 pandemic.

From Beverly: “I wanted to capture the emotions of what students were experiencing since the beginning of 2020, dealing with a life-threatening disease

2

Orange Appeal | 2021

that was affecting everyone around the world. Distance learning. Zoom calls. Masks. Social distancing.

Changing rules. Vaccines. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Seeing darkness at the end of the tunnel. More contagious variants. Breakthrough infections. As of this printing the pandemic continues.

With this in mind, I felt the perfect metaphor was a roller coaster, but not just any coaster. It had to be a colossal-coaster with loop-de-loops that make you pray with all your heart that you’ll make it off alive.

Some passengers handle it better than others. But, like all rides, the pandemic will eventually come to an end and life will go on, God willing!”

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 deparment, 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 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.

BEVERLY BRIDGES

orangeappeal@gmail.com

the superhero six | contributors

Katarina De Almeida

Alyssa Gervacio

Favorite Superhero Wonder Woman

Favorite Superhero Quicksilver

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Beverly Bridges Glen Salazar

Thomas Husen

Luis Salcedo

Favorite Superhero Bugs Bunny

Favorite Superhero Spider-Man

Favorite Superhero Thor

DESIGNER

FRONT-OF-BOOK EDITOR Favorite Superhero Gambit

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

3

bites The Dog Days Are Far From Over

Gunny and Chloe

4

Orange Appeal | 2021

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

T

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 and get 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

money | bites

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

Y

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

5

bites | currents

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

W

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 6

Orange Appeal | 2021

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, Gov-

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

ernor 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

7

Odyssey of an Atypical Immigrant to California How a journalist fled his country for political asylum

B

londe, white-pale skinned and greeneyed. Santos isn’t your typical immigrant arriving from Central America.

He’s an educated journalist fleeing political persecution from Nicaragua. He finds himself in a difficult situation, fleeing from the tentacles of Daniel Ortega’s authoritarian government in Nicaragua.

In April 2018, Nicaraguan university students turned to the streets in solidarity with senior citizens who were beaten by police agents as they protested against social security reforms and a rise in their contributions. Among the student victims, 15-year-old Alvaro Conrado was shot in the throat with an AK rifle by police on April 20, 2018, causing him to bleed, making him unable to breathe. “It hurts to breathe,” were the last words he said as he died.

His crime: showing solidarity by bringing water to university students who were rebelling against the government in the intense tropical heat. He bought the water with money he had received a few days before as a gift on his birthday. Alvaro was one of almost 100 people killed by Nicaraguan police and pro-government armed forces known as “turbas sandinistas.” About a dozen journalists were robbed, issued threats and attacked since the start of the protests. Angel Gahona, a reporter, was shot dead in the coastal city of Bluefields, during a Facebook Live broadcast.

Nicaraguans reacted with a roller coaster of emotions, sadness, rage, fear, and a feeling 8

Orange Appeal | 2021

of not being able to do anything. The events of April 2018 were reminiscent of the 1970s Somoza dictatorship. From this juxtaposition, many Nicaraguans equated president Daniel Ortega to Anastasio Somoza who was overthrown in 1979.

Nauseated from this political chaos, many Nicaraguans have fled the country, seeking refuge.

Reflecting on the dark gathering

ent countries around the world loOKing for asylum. We’ve done it because we’ve lost our freedoms after 40 years in which one person has wielded power, in this case Daniel Ortega. You should be able to demand your citizenship rights in any democracy in the world. We supposedly live inside a democracy, but the government reprisals are very tough and ultimately results in death.

“I miss everything tremendously, because at this moment my wife is pregnant and my daughter will be born in two weeks, but I can’t be there.” storm clouds looming on the horizon, Santos decided to flee the country and seek political asylum in the United States. He arrived in California and has adapted as best he can to his new life.

You’ve told me you’re from Managua, Nicaragua, right? Yes. Were you born in Managua, Nicaragua? Yes. Why did you have to leave Nicaragua and seek political asylum in the United States?

I’m not the only one. At this moment we are many, thousands of Nicaraguans that have been forced to immigrate to differ-

They shoot you, they hunt you, it is very difficult! During my last days in the country, there were many protests due to the social security reforms. The government’s response was to shoot the university students who led this struggle, they shot the students for peaceful protest. So, this caused an outrage in society, then many sectors of civil society started to join the protests.

This struggle has been called “the Self-Convened,” because anybody can self-convene or can convene a protest to declare himself or herself against the regime. This has caused many of us who don’t agree with the

regime to exile ourselves from our country.

OK, how was your experience before coming here to California?

It’s been a dreadful experience. I came under much stress, much stress. A stress caused by having to sleep under my bed because at night the impacts from the shots would hit the walls of the houses. I spent three months during which I couldn’t go out to the street. Three months in which you are under curfew, in which you can feel the insecurity.

You can walk in any area of the capital city Managua and at any moment they can shoot you.

That’s shocking, but how about here in the U.S.? Have you had any culture shock regarding the differences between American and Nicaraguan cultures?

Well no, not really. I haven’t had a cultural shock because I’ve been well connected to global culture. I have visited the United States on many occasions. It is my first time in California. It is my first time here. After having studied a bit and analyzed which state could be the best state that I should travel to in search of asylum, I determined California was the best one. I realized that the struggles of pro immigrant groups have gained much ground in California and reflected on what California’s sanctuary state status entails. Besides, the Latino community here in California is very large.

I immigrated from my country and I won’t possibly return for a very long time while the current regime that governs Nicaragua remains in power. So, I believe California is a very interesting gateway for me into the United States, into another culture because I can connect to this Latino community. If later I have to move to a different state, I believe California will have given me the ability to assimilate this other culture.

JORGE MEJÍA PERALTA

bites | currents

Instagram for Kids?

T

A memorial honors Alvaro Conrado, killed by the Nicaraguan government in 2018.

As you might know, a journalism career is dangerous in many countries, sometimes resulting in jail and death.

If you could travel to the past, would you still choose to be a journalist again?

Without a doubt, I would decide on the same career. I don’t have a doubt about it. I believe that when you study journalism, you do so because of a passion that doesn’t compare with other interests. Therefore, I believe I would choose journalism again.

Do you miss your family, your friends, the Nicaraguan flora, and fauna, the climate?

I miss everything tremendously, because at this moment my wife is pregnant and my daughter will be born in two weeks, but I can’t be there. My wife is in hiding. She’s a refugee in another place that I can’t reveal and I’m over here.

I’m in an immigration process and I don’t know how long it will take. I don’t know how much time will pass for me to be able to be with my family again. Yes, there are many things that I miss from Nicaragua, but I consider myself a person capable of adapting to any type of ambiance. GLEN SALAZAR

seems like a couple of times a month a new study emerges confirming the dangers of social media and its effect on our mental health. Now the data-grabbing, money-hungry social media platforms want to get ‘em younger. It’s the cyberbullying, gossip and the compulsive desire to maintain an unrealistic identity based on our own idea of perfection that we will never live up to.

Social media has been conditioning us for years through manipulative algorithms that monitor and collect data about our movements online.

Launching an app aimed at capturing the attention of the under-13-year-old demographic, has the potential to cause catastrophic consequences. Details about the rumored Instagram for kids are almost non-existent because, well, it is a rumor, but it does seem to carry some weight.

Enough weight in fact that this rumor prompted attorneys general from 44 states and jurisdictions to release a letter on May 10 to Mark Zuckerberg.

“The attorneys general urge Facebook to abandon these plans. Use of social media can be detrimental to the health and well-being of children, who are not equipped to navigate the challenges of having a social media account,” signed, 44 U.S attorneys. Platforms like Facebook have undoubtedly revolutionized the way we communicate with one another.

Social media does enjoy benefits like reuniting family members, enabling expedited organ donation, and community building. But this well-intentioned online society birthed an unforeseen ugly side.

All those wacky face filters that utilize a device’s front camera sure caught on quickly. Among many others, the soft-focus animated flower-crowns and cute little cat ears were brilliant ideas to keep everyone’s eyes fixed to their device, and hey, who hasn’t thought about what they might look like as a human-cat hybrid? The trouble is the effect it has on the developing brains of kids and teens.

Snapchat dysmorphia is a physician-coined term for a mental health disorder that surfaced sometime in early 2018 and affects one in 50 people in the United States. The mental condition that makes people obsess over their actual or perceived physical flaws to the point of seeking plas-

tic surgery to amend their “flaws.” Even if it were one in 1,000 people, fully recognizing that teens are already susceptible to this, is that a technology we should put in the hands of children?

And yes, an Instagram for kids would very likely include a face-filter feature. Why wouldn’t Facebook do it? It’s already available to kids through Messenger Kids.

“Some of the people living with BDD (Body dysmorphic disorder) have a history of unnecessary or repeated cosmetic surgeries; the disorder has been associate with obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, and suicidal tendencies,” Ana Sandoiu says in Medical News Today.

If this conditioning isn’t convincing enough, Jonathan Haidt studied data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and found that suicides amongst females between the ages of 15 and 19 are up over 70% compared to the average rate between 2001 and 2010. The suicide rate of girls 10-14 is over twice that at 151%.

The increases for both self-harm and suicide correlates with social media’s increasing availabilty on mobile devices in 2009.

It’s a beast we refuse to acknowledge. If Instagram for kids is anything like Messenger Kids launched in 2017, which not surprisingly proved to be not quite as secure as advertised, then these kids are in for some trouble. We can count on a number of parental controls, including direct message receipts that allow the parents to audit messaging content and time restrictions. Also, no GPS tracking requests and an ad-free environment, but Facebook can, does, and will transfer children’s data to third-party companies.

It will still collect data on kids under the age of 13, but what Facebook is able to do with that information is different thanks to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. It’s collecting information about what children send and receive –– text, audio, photos, gifs, emojis, stickers –– it’s all logged to build a model that represents kids’ online habits.

Gaining access to that data to build its priceless profiles or models on every individual has given the most powerful tech companies tunnel vision, a diagnosis that suggest big tech are unaware of their destructive algorithms’ consequences. They know, but they just don’t care. THOMAS HUSEN

U.S. AGs: “Use of social media can be detrimental to the health and well-being of children.”

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

9

BLM

Blue Bin or Black Bin, Does It Really Matter? Kind of How tech-startup Orange Recycling aims to revolutionize the recycling industry words & photography

By THOMAS HUSEN

10

Orange Appeal | 2021

W

e are in way over our heads with plastics and the system we currently employ to recycle is broken. A startup company founded in March 2020 is trying to change the way we recycle. Orange Recycling, O.R., is made up of eight like-minded team members with one mission, modify the system by changing recycling mindset of consumers.

Some people couldn’t possibly care any less about the gross fact that micro-plastic particles have been found at the deepest explored places in the ocean and others genuinely want to make a difference.

Those in the latter group are under the impression that one of the best ways to make a practical difference – not using any plastics whatsoever aside – is to recycle.

The problem is, separating recyclable materials isn’t quite as simple as throwing the plastics and paper into the blue bin. Not all geographic locations are created equal with regard to what is accepted as a recyclable material. So, what happens to the glass bottles, plastic bags or the cheese-caked pizza box when the consumer tosses it into the recycling bin when it’s not actually accepted as a recyclable material?

In 2018, the U.S. produced about 35.7 million tons of plastics.

environment | bites Just 8.7% of all that plastic was actually recycled, according to the research of the Environmental Protection Agency. So, if only a small percentage of plastics get recycled, where does the remaining 91.3% of plastic go? Some of it is burned to capture the gasses or melted into pellets for reuse, but most of it goes to a landfill where it is buried.

Glass bottles, certain plastic bags, that grease-soaked pizza box, where they are not accepted, are known as contamination and contamination is where the inefficiency in the system lives.

When the mound of garbage arrives at the materials recovery facility, MRF, it is sifted through and sorted by both hired human laborers and occasionally through machines with optical sensors. It is a process that takes a lot of time and a lot more money to produce a result that is not 100% effective.

“The problem that that’s caused is that there’s lots of contamination that’s introduced and into these systems that ends up being really expensive to remove, which makes the recycled materials that ultimately end up being used make new products, you know, new products from recycled material more expensive,” said David Gordon, co-founder and director of systems engineering.

O.R. diagnosed the inefficiency and has come up with a plan it believes will revolutionize how the system functions. It plans to install a camera powered with AI on every recycling truck. The device monitors and records all the materials entering the truck’s hopper and the AI determines whether or not the items entering the hopper belong.

By logging each pickup along the truck’s route, determinations about the consumer’s recycling practices are made. How many items were picked up from X home that were not acceptable and how does X’s recycling behavior compare to its neighbors, Y and Z? “There’s sort of a lack of accountability in that system and let you know you can fill your recycling bin with trash and you kind of never hear about it whether you do it on purpose or not or if you just do it accidentally, it doesn’t really matter,” Gordon said.

For now, everyone pays a flat fee for their garbage to be picked up and forgotten about, with Orange, the consumer gets feedback. The feedback that is generated from the AI driven camera determines how much each consumer pays. A home that does not recycle at all pays more for diluting the contents of the hopper with contaminated materials than a home does that is diligent about sorting out unacceptable

materials before they’re picked up and taken away.

“One of the things that’s kind of interesting about recycling is if you compare it to other utilities like electricity or water, recycling isn’t really measured,” Gordon said. “What we’re aiming to do is to start to measure this and give feedback to consumers about how they’re recycling, what they’re doing wrong and how they can be better to start to eliminate that contamination from entering the stream to begin with.”

O.R. is proposing a new order of operations for just about everyone involved. Consumers will be expected to create new recycling habits by being more diligent about what trash goes in certain containers. Either that or they’ll feel the consequences of their poor recycling practices in the decreased weight of their wallet.

This initiative may temporarily strain the

the community members will start to understand the importance of recycling well.

“It sounds like a good idea. I didn’t realize only certain types of plastic could be recycled, I thought plastic was plastic,” said public healthcare student, Sara Hardy-deBoisblanc.

“The only problem I see that I can think of right now is apartments. How will they analyze the trash of the people who live in multi-family housing communities?”

How the company plans to enforce their new system in multi-family housing communities, like apartment complexes, Price inferred that was a little more of a complicated issue, but for now, Orange is focused on implementing the new system for single-family homes.

“Our platform will not only help people recycle properly, but also educate them on what products are sustainable,” said Co-Founder and CEO, Alex Woolf. “Most people don’t re-

“One of the things that’s kind of interesting about recycling is if you compare it to other utilities like electricity or water, recycling isn’t really measured,” Gordon says. lives of those who are entirely unfamiliar with recycling currently, but O.R. believes the platform will benefit everyone involved, residents and city officials included.

“Cities will have more responsible residents and could ultimately leverage lower contamination numbers to have more lucrative contracts with MRFs,” said Miles Price, co-founder and business development and strategy team leader. “If we’re able to correct the mistakes that folks are making in their homes, we should have a cleaner recycling stream from the house to the truck, to the MRF hauler and collection companies will collect a cleaner product which will allow them to handoff a better, more valuable product to the MRF.” If successful in its endeavor, O.R. expects to see two major changes, reduced contamination rates entering MRFs and an increased volume of recyclable material entering the MRF. Both of these changes being the outcome of incentivized education on how to recycle properly and taking action, trash going in the trash bin and recyclables going in the recycling bin.

By educating communities, O.R.’s hope is that

alize that recycled glass has a negative market value, so recyclers lose money on each item they collect. Community members will also start to understand the environmental impact of single use plastic packaging and start to choose more sustainable packaging.”

O.R. does have a couple competitors in the market aiming to use advanced technologies to improve recycling. One of which, Amp Robotics, is focused on deploying robots within the MRF to reduce or eliminate human labor efforts as well as contamination.

“Amp’s technology should help improve the efficiency and profitability of MRFs. However, Orange’s offering will be more cost effective, as we’ll have many humans working together to solve a problem, compared to a few robots,” Woolf said.

According to a Waste Recycling Services report, the market size was valued at $53.71 billion in 2019 and the recycled plastics market is expected to increase dramatically over the next three years. Based on the latest market research report by Technavio, the recycled plastics market will grow by $14.74 billion by 2024.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

11

bites | listen

So You Want to Podcast There’s an audience waiting for you. Do you know how to reach them? words & photos

By BEVERLY BRIDGES

P

odcasts. There are millions of them and each day more are added to the list. There’s a podcast available for just about every taste and interest, and include a wide range of topics and stories. Perhaps you’ve downloaded podcasts from I-Tunes, Spotify or other outlets. If you have, you’re not alone. As reported in Forbes, in 2020, an estimated 100 million people listened to a podcast each month and it’s expected to reach 125 million in 2022. Advertisers have taken notice, spending $800 million in 2020 on podcast ads. It is anticipated that figure will more than double to $1.7 billion by 2024.

Last year’s five top-earning podcasters earned a cumulative $70 million from their titles, and each year the dollars grow along with the number of listeners. If you’ve thought about becoming a podcaster, here are some things to consider.

What’s Your Story?

Podcasting, first and foremost, is about storytelling, according

12

Orange Appeal | 2021

Improvised, at-home recording booths are common for amongst podcasters. A bedroom closet full of clothes is ideal, helping the recording sound warm and creates an intimate atmosphere.

to Melodie Berquist-Tutori, associate professor at Saddleback College. With over ten years of experience in audio production, Berquist-Tutori stresses that successful podcasting is about creating an emotional connection to your story. “At its core, podcasting is about people. That’s why the storytelling aspect is so important.

If you tell a great story people will listen.”

Define Your Audience NPR’s Project Blueprint, a guide for helping new podcasters refine their ideas, suggests you ask yourself how your audience could benefit: Will it inform them? Empower them? Connect them to other people? Inspire them to take action?

Improve their lives? Change policies?

Imagine who would listen to your podcast on an on-going basis –– aside from your family and friends. Who is your podcast for?

What kind of person are they?

What are their interests? What do they do for fun? Where will they listen to the podcast – on the way to work or school? What are they doing as they listen?

Why This Format?

Kristen Meinzer, successful podcaster and author of So you Want to Start a Podcast, recommends thinking about why potential listeners would choose to play your podcast rather than switch on the radio, watch YouTube or turn on the TV. Are there better ways the audience would get the information you present in your podcast?

Listen, Listen, Listen No two podcasts are exactly alike. Some are conversations, other have guests. Others include sound bites that come in and out of the narration. Other formats include news, advice, recap, episodic documentary, investigations and magazine. At the other end of the spectrum is serial fiction over multiple episodes.

Berquist-Tutori recommends listening to a variety of podcasts to learn what works best for you.

“Listen to lots of different podcasts that you don’t like,” advises Berquist-Tutori. “Think about why you don’t like that podcast and why you do like others.

When you’re becoming a writer you read. New filmmakers watch films. Find some podcasts you’ve never heard of and study them. It shapes you as a storyteller.”

Determine Length The length of your podcast episode depends on your format.

The majority of podcasts fall into the 30 to 70-minute range, allowing for longer interviews and conversations. Podcasts that

“You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to make something you’re proud of and tells a good story.” fall into the 15-30 minute range can cover fictional stories, daily news and trending topics.

But these are simply guidelines and each podcast doesn’t have to be exactly the same length. Ultimately, the length of your podcast isn’t as important as the story you are telling.

Scripting You want to give your audience a reason to listen and to come back for more. Write down 10 – 15 potentials episodes you think your audience would love to listen to.

Scripts can vary from writing out every word while others simply outline the show and depends on you adlibbing the rest. Many scripts are a combination of the two.

Equipment At a minimum, you will need a computer with a USB microphone and access to the internet.

While you’re getting started, you may want to hold off before laying out large sums of money on audio equipment in case you find that podcasting isn’t for you. While you’re in the initial experimental stages, you can try recording audio on your smartphone.

You will also need a program for recording, editing, and exporting audio. There are free and paid software programs available for

immediate download. Audacity is a no-cost alternative, developed by a group of volunteers as open source. Audacity bills itself as an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.

Another option is Adobe Audition, which is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of programs, available to students for a discounted monthly rate.

Audition has many more features than Audacity, with a price tag to match. It is available by paid subscription. But, as they say, you get what you pay for. Audition is a powerful application for recording, mixing and exporting audio.

The bottom line is that you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to make something you’re proud of that tells a good story. Berquist-Tutori advises new podcasters to develop their ability as a reporter, storyteller or host. “If you’re a good storyteller people will forgive equipment mistakes or the perfect sound environment,” she says.

“Storytelling matters.”

Next Steps Want more help? In the spring semester Saddleback College offers JRN 108 Introduction to Podcasting taught by Berquist-Tutori. In her class you will create your own podcast by developing skills as a storyteller. You’ll learn basic audio editing, storytelling structure, how to market and pitch your podcast ideas and more. The skills you’ll acquire can be used not just for podcasting but as you pursue other careers as well.

Berquist-Tutori also teaches radio broadcasting (CTVR 113, 114, and 115). Its focus is on developing your voice to work in a more improvisational style, enabling you to express yourself on the fly. If you are interested in creating a conversational type of podcast, her classes will teach you how to conduct more compelling interview.

BEACH SPANISH

10 Spanish words to learn for the perfect beach party HIELERA: Used by beach-goers and ice-cold beverage enthusiasts alike to store and keep their beer and ceviche at cool temperatures.

Stock a cooler with ice for best results.

REGGAETON: A music genre with roots in Puerto Rico and heavy basslines that took the world by storm. Some favorite beach tunes include Despacito, Calma, and Mojito.

CERVEZA: A timeless favorite of beach-goers to cool down is beer.

Preferably one of the glassbottled varieties, some favorites include Medalla [brewed in Puerto Rico] and Corona Extra [brewed in Mexico]. Just be sure to pick up your empties.

ARENA: Sand, the granular material you can use to build magnificent castles along the coastline, but be mindful of where you build the foundations of your sandy structure, the tide has a funny way of rising just as you near completion.

CEVICHE: A savory dish with Peruvian origins and commonly enjoyed throughout Latin America, ceviche is made with fresh raw shrimp or fish and marinated with lemon or lime juice, which serves as a way to ‘cook’ the raw seafood.

It’s then combined with an assortment of mixed condiments and ready to eat! The Mexican variant is often served atop tostadas or accompanied by tortilla chips and spiced up with hot sauce.

MAR: The Spanish word for the sea, the sparkling blue liquid expanse that covers 70% of our planet and what was the superhighway during the Age of Discovery.

SIRENA: The Spanish word for mermaid, a mythical creature said to live under the sea and appearing as an icon on the Mexican Lotería card game, a game of chance often referred to as Mexican Bingo.

NADAR: Swim, an action verb that describes the activity of moving about in bodies of water, including pools, lakes, and oceans.

CONCHA: Spanish for seashell, some of which you can hold against your ear and listen to the sea, no matter if the ocean is near or far.

PLAYA: The Spanish word for beach, a place where land meets the sea. Go to la playa on the weekend to relax beneath the sun or go to a party illuminated by a bonfire. GLEN SALAZAR

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

13

bites | tech

Best 4K Video Drones in 2021

#7

On a budget? The Holy Stone HS720E packs a punch at its price point. The HS720E is equipped with Electronic Image Stabilization, a 1-axis gimbal, Sony sensor and records video at 1080p (1920x1080p, HD) up to 60fps and up to 30fps at 4K (3840x2160, UHD). The drone also features automated flight for smooth route-specific shooting.

#5

If $1,000 is the absolute maximum you’re willing to dish out for a drone, DJI’s Mavic Air 2 is the go-to. The Mavic Air 2 is a beginner/hobbyist-level drone featuring some impressive specs for its price tag. Included with the Mavic Air 2 is a half-inch CMOS sensor capable of producing 48mp photographs and yes, 4K video up to 60fps with an 84° field of view (FOV). It might also be beneficial to mention at 1080p this mini-drone can capture up to 240fps if 4K at 60fps just isn’t fast enough.

14

Orange Appeal | 2021

#6

The ultra-budget-friendly DJI Mini 2 ascends into the no. three spot. The Mini 2 is a small package perfect for shooting in tight spaces like flying indoors and yet capable of producing some massive results. This unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV includes a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that handles 4K video up to 30fps and 4x zoom.

#4

Yet another DJI drone hits the list, the Mavic Air 2’s more handsome and ripped younger sibling, the Mavic Air 2S. The Air 2S fills in all the places where the Air 2 fell short. It boasts a 1-inch CMOS sensor to gather more information, 4K/60fps and 5.4K/30fps video, 10-bit Dlog-M (RAW) color as well as updated sensors that allow for obstacle sensing in four directions. Due to high dynamic range, high resolution, and accurate color reproduction, the results of night shooting excel.

#3

Autel’s EVO II takes the bronze.

Designed for professional videography, the EVO II produces mouthwatering 4K video quality. It might also be worth mentioning the 8K video capabilities — yes, 8K video with a foldable drone under $1,500. 8K video certainly isn’t the resolution standard, and because as the very first foldable 8K drone, it probably wouldn’t be too out of line to suggest the technology packed into its little spherical camera has some kinks that need to be worked out, but it’s still pretty damn cool.

The biggest downside of the Autel EVO II, particularly when facing our NO. 2 spot is its sensor size. The EVO II’s sensor is 50% smaller than that of its nearest competitor, which is a significant difference. Sensor size will determine the difference between the noisy, grain-saturated shadows of that sunset pic and the clean blacks of its formidable 1-inch sensor’d competitor. So, while it does shoot 8K video, it is important to remember having more than enough light when shooting will make a world of difference in the resulting product.

#2

The Mavic 2 Pro is currently the all-around best drone available for under $1,600. Its sleek frame holds an f/2.8, 28mm Hasselblad camera with a one-inch 20MP CMOS sensor. 4K video can be captured at up to 30fps and Full HD (1080p FHD) video up to 120fps. The 10-Bit Dlog-M and 10-bit HDR color profiles allow for over a billion colors to be captured and due to its image stabilization technology, all recordings will come out looking buttery smooth. Its 100-12,800 ISO range allows for surprisingly good low-light situations. Achieve the highest quality video available for under $1,600.

#1

The number one spot belongs to a drone that is aimed more toward those whose flight purposes go beyond recreational use. While there are a few drones available that provide cinema-level video quality only one has been tried and tested over and again by professional filmmakers. Putting aside bring your own camera (BYOC) UAVs like the Freefly Systems ALTA 8 and DJI’s Matrice 300 RTK which will run you around $14,000 to $18,000, the next best thing is the DJI Inspire 2 X7. This monster of a drone flies up to 58mph and shoots major motion picture-level quality footage. The Zenmuse X7 interchangeable camera system offers four carbon fiber enclosed prime lenses ranging from 16-50mm and resolutions up to 8K, but performance and beauty come at a price. The Inspire 2 with a Zenmuse X7 camera runs around $8,000. THOMAS HUSEN

COURTESY MELODY GILLINGER

D

rones come in all shapes and sizes and offer a wide range of specifications and unique features and buying a drone that suits your specific needs can require some research. A feature that many of the new drones in 2021 have in common as their popularity has increased over the past few years is 4K video. The video resolution standard is currently in a state of transition as 1080p fades into the past 4K, or 2160p is proving itself as the new standard as it has become increasingly financially accessible for the average buyer. * So what 4K-capable drones in 2021 are the best and why? Just because the drone’s camera can shoot in 4K does not mean it shoots well in 4K. Based on documented specifications and usage research, discussed here are the five best 4K video-capable drones available to consumers with various budgets as of July 2021.

sports | bites

Far From a Lob On and off the court with Saddleback’s new tennis coach Melody Gillinger

O

riginally from San Antonio, Texas, Gillinger has found herself traveling throughout the country as she gained experience as a tennis coach. She started playing tennis when she was 5 years old, beginning as a ball girl for her parents while they would play. After taking lessons, she joined the United States Tennis Association playing throughout her high school years in New Jersey and then with Rutgers University.

As she wraps up her three-week summer camp as the tennis coach with Edison high school in Huntington Beach, Gillinger is in the middle of recruiting players for Saddleback’s roster. She faces the challenge of a late recruitment period due to becoming the tennis coach after the majority of high school girls have already made a commitment with other colleges.

Gillinger is a mother of three, with a son who has graduated from Edison High School, a daughter who is a sophomore in high school and another daughter in grade school. Her first daughter played for a club soccer team, Slammers, and they made a connection with Kerry Crabb’s family. Crabb is the Saddleback football team’s head coach and mentioned to Gillinger that the College is looking for a new coach. With her degree in public relations, a minor in kinesiology from Rutgers University and a master’s in sports administration from the University of Hawaii, Gillinger worked for Club Sports International where she worked with the NBA. During this time, she took a break from tennis for a couple of years.

For a brief time during her hiatus as a grad student, Gillinger decided that she wanted to travel more and she became a flight attendant with Continental Airlines. When she had time off she would teach tennis at the One Cleveland Center in Ohio. Gillinger also had a lot of connections through the military as her mother worked for the Airforce Civil Service, she met her husband, an Airforce officer, through a mutual friend and they were eventually stationed in Hawaii. While she was out there, she was the director of tennis for the Hickam Airforce Base and assistant tennis pro at the Hale Koa Resort in Waikiki, Hawaii. Along with being the crew chief for the state of Hawaii for the USTA, training line coaches and chair umpires.

Moving forward, Gillinger plans to use her experience as a tennis coach to teach Saddleback’s new team the strategy behind the game and fulfill her knack for teaching athletes how to grow mentally and physically. “When I would teach the little kids or even the adults, they would come to me with a problem – fixing a problem – and then actually seeing them do it out on the court,” Gillinger says. Problem-solving with her students is one of the many things that she enjoys about being a tennis coach. This year, Edison high school went 14-0 with Gillinger’s coaching style and her goal is to teach these strategies to the new players on Saddleback’s team. KATARINA DE ALMEIDA

No More Sticky Fingers MLB chooses mid-season to enforce previously ignored rules on pitcher ball grip WHETHER IT’S THE WHITE SOX INTENTIONALLY throwing the World Series in 1919, Pete Rose betting on every game he managed for the Reds, players corking bats, or the all too wellknown cases of PEDs, the MLB has always had its hands full keeping tabs on what goes on both in and around its ballparks. Things have changed, but apparently not by much. Many that pitchers have begun getting away with a “helping hand” at the mound. While some have a history of altering the ball by scuffing it, cutting it, spitting on it, and even rubbing it with dirt, the tactics have reached a new peak.

“Foreign substance” is the term currently coined to be an umbrella for all the unique and creative solutions players have conjured up to use in creating more grip and spin on the ball. Some, like L.A. Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer, claim to only use what the MLB provides on the mound — a rosin bag aimed at blocking players' sweat, to create the tackiness he uses on the ball. Others though, have been found using scientifically derived tars and glues under fancy names like “Spider-Tac” to drastically increase RPMs, something that makes their throws that much harder to hit.

As of June though, MLB higher-ups have decided it is finally time to step in and take measures against what has been plaguing the league … much to the dismay of many teams and players, both users of the stuff and otherwise. While outcry from players rises, there is a lack of solid communication between the league and its incumbents, making it unclear where everyone truly stands on this, for lack of a better phrase, sticky situation. Opinions range from doing nothing to allowing standardized substance to striking down anything at all. Regardless, stepping in during the middle of a season has its downfalls.

Now, pitchers are thoroughly vetted each time they get on the mound; in the palm of the glove, under the brim of the hat, and in the crook of arms are all places umpires check for these newly illegal substances. Little enough time has passed to determine if anything has changed, but this is surely not the last will be hear of pitchers trying to get a competitive advantage by bending the rules. MICHAEL PRESLEY

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

15

Nature’s Cathedral

A Day Trip to Yosemite in Photographs A trip to nourish the soul in post-lockdown California! words & photos by GLEN SALAZAR

El Capitan was named by the Euro-American settlers as the Spanish word for chief or captain is “el capitán.”

16

Orange Appeal | 2021

The name Yosemite itself is from the Indian word “uzumate,” which means grizzly bear. The Indian tribe that lived in the valley was called Yosemites by white Euro-American settlers, and by other Indian tribes because they lived in a place where grizzly bears were common, and they were reportedly skilled at killing the bears.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

17

18

Orange Appeal | 2021

Bridalveil Fall was named by the editor of the Mariposa newspaper in the 1850s because of the fall’s white, cascading appearance.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

19

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite Valley inspires tourists, botanists, geologists, hikers, mountain climbers, poets, or other lovers and adventurers of pristine nature. Yosemite’s beauty is ethereal, with granite cathedrals rising up towards the heavens from El Capitan to Half Dome, the sublime mellifluous melody of Bridalveil Falls & the surreal mirroring effect of its lakes and streams.

20

Orange Appeal | 2021

Over 300 miles from Saddleback College, which means over five hours of driving, the grandeur of Yosemite will chisel your soul.

A day trip to Yosemite is a great way to emerge from the glumness and melancholy of post-lockdown California.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

21

PHOTO BY ALEX NOCE

bites | Q&A

22

2021 Orange Appeal | 2020

Where avant-garde

meets mainstream Meet John Michael Jr., your friendly neighborhood photographer

By Alyssa Gervacio photography by JOHN MICHAEL JR.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

23

24

Orange Appeal | 2021

PHOTOS BY JOHN MICHAEL JR.

B

ased in Orange County, John Michael Jr. is a young creative striving to bring his vision to reality. At only 19 years old, he works with many types of media. From filmmaking to photography, his talent spreads much further than meets the eye. Drawing inspiration from many different names in cinema, John says that he looks to works from Akira Kurosawa, Roger Deakins, David Lean, Sergio Leone and more.

A photoshoot in nature that balanced soft editing and neutrals.

John utilizes tons of warm colors and shadows, a style inspired by many of his creative idols.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal 25

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL JR.

A photoshoot in the trees, focusing on natural lighting and the surroundings of nature.

32

Orange Appeal | 2021

“I really just pull from everything I find intriguing while playing around with concepts and themes.”

Taking a leap into experimenting with dramatic lighting and theming, John also looks for inspiration in fashion photography while still drawing from the 60s-90s in terms of the indie rock and punk scenes at the time.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

33

Bird’s

Eye View

34

Orange Appeal | 2021

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

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

35

View of the coastline with the lookout point low center.

SAN CLEMENTE

Chloe

Luke Overlook

The coastline, looking toward the point atop the cliff.

36

Orange Appeal | 2021

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

37

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.

38

Orange Appeal | 2021

music | taste

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

39

taste

bites | Q&A

Grafitti mural mirrors WEB Suppliers in Avengers Campus.

Calling All Recruits, Welcome to Avengers campus words & photos

By ALYSSA GERVACIO

40

Orange Appeal | 2021

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

O

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.

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

41

42

Orange Appeal | 2021

attractions | taste

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

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

43

taste | lists

5 Movies that Splash on Disney+ FINDING NEMO | 2003

This Disney-Pixar classic is sure to entertain the young ones and the young at heart. A fun movie to watch if you feel like going on a trip under the sea. In this movie we meet Nemo the clownfish and his dad Marlin, after Nemo gets lost, his dad goes on a trip to find him and gets the help of another fish named Dory, although she has a short-term memory problem. This movie is great fun, no-wonder it won an Oscar for “Best Animated Feature.”

FINDING DORY | 2016

This is the sequel to Finding Nemo, tells the cute story of Dory trying to find her parents. And speaking about cute, we get to see baby Dory. This is another movie the young ones and the young at heart will love! And, of course we meet some new characters along the way on this movie.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL | 2003

Another great 2003 Disney movie that takes place in the sea, but instead of fish on this movie we have pirates. There are like five movies in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series with a rumored 6th one on the way. However, there is no-doubt the first one is the best. A great Adventure film that introduces us to Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) both great characters that are played very well. On the movie, Will frees pirate Jack from prison to get his help to save his love Elizabeth. And that’s just the start of it, we also have some funny moments and ghost pirates on this movie.

Dreaming about a Hawaiian vacation? Well with some imagination, you can find yourself surfing through some Hawaiian waves. Perfect movie to watch if you are a Disney fan and if you have already watched it, of course you know this is the type of movie that you can watch again and still have fun! The movie is about a little girl who finds an alien experiment who she thinks is a dog, she calls him Stitch, the trouble starts when his creator comes to our planet looking for him. What’s splashing about this movie? Well, we get some good Hawaiian beach scenes.

LUCA | 2021

Probably one of the best Pixar films so far. This time Pixar takes us to the ocean to tell us the story of a kid sea monster that starts discovering human objects, his curiosity, and him following another sea monster kid, takes him and the other kid outside the ocean. The kids above mentioned are named Luca and Alberto and they look like human kids when they are out of the ocean and not touching water. They go on adventures looking like humans but watch the movie to see if the human people discover their secret. LUIS SALCEDO

44

Orange Appeal | 2021

PIXAR, TOP; INSONMIAC GAMES, CIRCLE; NINTENDO, RIGHT; PIXAR, RIGHT

LILO & STITCH | 2002

5 Best New Games of 2021 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart If you have a Play Station 5 and you are into dimension-hopping interactive games, then this is the game for you. This is an expansion of the world of the famous video game series of Ratchet & Clank. And a good thing this game has is has a strong female character named Rivet that is portrayed

by Jennifer Hale, who told Game Rant her character is “optimistic and she's fierce but she's not overbearing. She's determined without being heavy all the time. She's just so, so fun.” Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is definitely a fun game with fun characters.

Mario Golf: Super Rush This fun classic Nintendo character is back! If you are a Mario fan and love sport videogames, then this is definitely the game for you. A fun game with good quality animation and Mushroom kingdom fun and 16 characters from the Super Mario series to choose from to play the game. Good to play on Nintendo Switch.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Coming this October is the new Guardians of the Galaxy game for Play Station 5. If you are a marvel fan and love videogames this one is for you. Based on past experiences with Marvel adventure videogames, I can bet this one is going to be really good.

“The story takes place several years after a massive galactic war where the universe is still dealing with the repercussions of that,” executive narrative director Marry DeMarle told Entertainment Weekly, which have us excited and wondering where the adventure playing this videogame will take us.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 If you are into role-playing video games and adventures that include flying monsters, then this game is for you. A fun game that includes a good storyline and where you can become a monster rider and fight with monsters. The game

is available on Nintendo Switch. “We’re really excited to bring the game to everybody,” producer Ryozo Tsujimoto told the Reno Gazette Journal.

Riders Republic If you want to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home and you are into sport videogames, then this upcoming videogame is for you. The game is expected to be released this September, 2021. “You can travel within our open world freely, which is the basis of that social outdoor sports experience. You can switch in between all of them the way you want,” director Igor Manceau said in The Gamer. On this game, you can switch between different sports and would be able to make vehicles fly!

GhostWire: Tokyo A fun looking game that looks like it mixes a little bit of horror with some action and adventure. This game is scheduled to come out October this year and gamers will be able to play it from a first-person perspective. This is one game that took long time to make. Shinji Mikami who worked in the game told IGN the “initial team started with about five people and we worked on it for six months. We then expanded to 10 people and we worked on it for a few years before we went into full production.”

Halo Infinite This is the sixth main installment of the Halo franchise and third chapter of the “Reclaimer saga” that’s prepared to come out in November. The workers behind the new Halo game wanted a game where gamers know where the weapons are spawning. “We wanted to make it a better experience for players, and we invested into what we call Item Spawners.

The Item Spawners are assets like Weapon Racks and Equipment Spawners,” said Andew Witts, lead multiplayer designer, on the 343 Industries blog. LUIS SALCEDO LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

45

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 | 2021

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.

Take a Hike

The perfect getaway is closer than you think DURING THE DARK DAYS OF the Covid-19 pandemic, when we were all locked in endless days of isolation, it was good to get out of the house and simply walk.

Sure, we all wore masks and crossed the street whenever another human being was spotted (as if they were the Grim Reaper himself coming for you) but emerging from our self-inflicted quarantine prisons offered a scintilla of normalcy that was a tonic for the soul.

And then it offered even more.

As I went further afield, exploring trails, hiking among the vistas that existed long before the pandemic of the last century, and all plagues since time began, it was as if the trails were giving me a message: this too shall pass.

Orange County has a

hiking trail for everyone

Meet Your MATCHa

To begin your treks, check out the Orange County Parks official site and The Hiking Guy online guide. You’ll be amazed at the myriad of paths just waiting for you. Happy trails. BEVERLY BRIDGES

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

So if you’re looking for a few hours of stress relief, some fresh air, a break from Mario Kart, or a cheap date –– take a hike! From the mountains to the ocean, Orange County has a hiking trail for everyone.

Ingredients 2 tsp. 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

47

Finding refuge from relentless pain

By BEVERLY BRIDGES

48

Orange Appeal | 2021

A

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

essay | juice 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

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

49

juice | humor

Heed the Words of Doctor Love From Outer Space!

Can a radio psychologist from the future answer questions?

Read on words & art

By BEVERLY BRIDGES

50

Orange Appeal | 2021

Wow! I can’t believe I’m talking to someone from 300 years in the future!

Hurry up. I don’t know how long this slingshot around the sun business is going to take to get me back to the twenty-fourth century. Frankly it’s making me a little dizzy.

How does someone become a broadcast psychologist in the future?

I like to think it’s my superi-

or educational background: a PhD in psychology from Quaft University on planet Grog, a B.S. in Interspecies Studies from Tiberius State on space station Cilantro-9, and my beautician’s certificate from DeVry. Tell your readers that there is no truth to the vicious rumor that I got my job because my first husband, the Captain of Communications for the Multiverse High Command, wanted to send me as

far away from earth as possible.

You have a series of very successful books.

Over fifty and counting. All of them bestsellers. In the future you’ll find them in the ‘Advice and Self Help’ section of your intergalactic bookstore. However, a few retailers mistakenly place my books in their Humor section, thanks to those wacky pranksters in our ship’s Engineering department. So you might find my

COURTESY MELODIE BERQUIST-TUTORI

S

et 300 years in the future, “Dr. Love From Outer Space!” chronicles the exploits of Dr. Nikki Love, a psychologist on Multiverse Radio 3000 who dispenses relationship advice to her millions of listeners throughout the multiverse. Based on the supply ship Argo-19 in the 12th dimension in the outer galaxies, Dr. Love is continually beset in problems with squabbling droids, alien callers in crisis, not to mention those crazy guys in engineering who are constantly playing practical jokes during her radio show. Then there’s her latest estranged husband, Max Duet, a former soldier of fortune now on the run, who entangles her into unimaginable peril.

This reporter was lucky enough to experience a once-ina-lifetime event when Dr. Love’s spaceship was inexplicably drawn into the high gravitational pull of a black star, slingshotting her craft around the sun long enough to be interviewed via a Zoom call. Here are the excerpts.

humor | bites books shelved between “Blingon Poddy Jokes” and “Droids Say the Darndest Things.”

What is your most successful book?

Hard to say. The numbers change on a daily basis.

This week it’s “Doctor Love’s Guide to Getting Your Droid out of Your Marital Bed, Finding Forgiveness and Great Sex”. However, a perennial bestseller on Valentine’s Day is “Doctor Love’s Guide to Light Sabers in the Bedroom, How to Keep You and Your Marriage Alive Finding Forgiveness and Great Sex.” I see that forgiveness and great sex are themes in your books.

It didn’t start out that way. Initially I focused on cold-blooded revenge and withholding affection. But I found that few people were interested in emotional or actual blackmail as they came out of an ugly second divorce, like I was. It’s a niche market, as they say.

After my divorce finalized what interested me was having great sex.

Turns out that I really hit a nerve throughout the multiverse as billions of life forms were interested in great sex as well.

Both my publisher and psychotherapist suggested adding the word “forgiveness” to the titles, and voilà! You have your bestselling book series focusing on forgiveness and great sex! Who knew?

In your podcasts from the future it seems like there’s friction between you and the men in Engineering, who like to play jokes on you during your show. Is there any one of them that you’d really

like to vaporize with a space age weapon?

You’re probably referring to the head of Engineering and wise guy, Paddy O’Toole. When you’re light years away from home in this tin can of a supply spaceship, things can get a little tense among those sweaty, stinky engineers, some of whom are on their first space voyage away from their home galaxies.

Things are craziest right before we get to the next planet’s port

of call. You have to pick your battles. That said, in my imagination I’ve vaporized Paddy O’Toole thousands of times. But don’t worry. O’Toole will come face to face with his karma in Season One of Dr. Love From Outer Space!

I’ve noticed that in the future droids play a big part in everyday life.

For sure. I couldn’t do my show without my producer and wing-man, Benno-5000. He’s literally saved my life more times

than I can count. And to think I almost passed him over at the Droids Are Us warehouse sale because he wasn’t marked down. I hate paying full price anywhere in the galaxy. I have to say that Benno was the smartest purchase I ever made even if he is very territorial when it comes to other droids. I’ve had to break up more than one droid grudge match.

What is the secret to your success?

I like to think that my listeners sense that I really and truly care in making the multiverse a more loving place.

Navigating inter-species relationships is always a challenge and those who call or write me get real world solutions to their problems --- no matter what world they’re in. Of course, some of the more jaded Dr. Love fans tune in to hear when things go wrong on the show, which is live.

I’ve asked Multiverse Radio 4400 management to make it a delayed broadcast and edit out all the snafus, battles, explosions, arrests, fights and other incidents. But the top brass tells me that our listeners demand that we “keep it real.”

From your vantage point 300 years in the future, what advice can you give us?

Life is an adventure, full of fun, deceit, jokes, hidden agendas, twists, turns, forgiveness and, if you’re lucky, great sex. Uh oh, I think I’m finished slingshotting back into my century! Don’t forget to tune into my podcast, “Dr. Love From Outer Space!”

Doctor Love From Outer Space! premieres this fall on DoctorLoveSpace.com.

Melodie’s Top Picks MELODIE BERGQUIST-TUTORI, associate professor at Saddleback College who teaches the podcasting class, provides her latest recommendatoins.

TUNNEL 29 – BBC4 – 10 Episodes. Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who risked his life to dig a tunnel under the Berlin Wall in the 1960’s to help family, friends and strangers escape.

THIS LAND – by Crooked Media – 8 Episodes plus updates. An 1839 assassination of a Cherokee leader and a 1999 murder case – two crimes nearly two centuries apart provide the backbone to a 2020 Supreme Court decision that determined the fate of five tribes and nearly half the land in Oklahoma.

LAST SEEN – WBUR & Boston Globe – 10 Episodes.

This podcast takes you into the biggest unsolved art heist in history. It happened over 18 years ago at Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 13 masterpieces worth over half a billion dollars are still missing.

99% INVISIBLE – From award winning producer Roman Mars – over 432 episodes. With over 150 million downloads, 99% Invisible is one of the most popular podcasts in the world. A weekly exploration of the process and power of design.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

51

taste | music

On the Record

inyl records are more than just a trend. We see this being true as vinyl records have been a common collector’s item for decades. Music is a timeless subject, and it is only being proven more with the longevity of collecting vinyl records as a whole.

However, for something so costly and tedious, why is this so prevalent today?

Simply put, there’s no feeling that beats the routine of playing your favorite album on vinyl. Something is moving about holding an artist’s work in your hands.

Take a look at the cover and the artwork that comes with it. Slip it out of the cover, line the record up with the spindle and place the needle. Listen to the crackle and let the music play. Collecting is something that involves a lot of time, care and money.

Save up for a good quality record player and preserve the lives of your precious records. Store them correctly and care for them accordingly. Make sure to remember the fundamentals of caring for your records, but don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it.

In the age of digital music and streaming, why do we see a resurgence in physical records?

Collecting vinyl records is easier than ever. With access to online retailers and record shops all over California, the tradition has prevailed through the tribulations of digital media. Vinyl culture has proven to grow even further with the internet. Communities have formed over social media that connect collectors around the globe. This further proves the point that music is a beautiful and unique language 52

Orange Appeal | 2021

Tyler, the Creator’s 2017 album Flower Boy on vinyl

An assortment of vinyl records from names in music today

that everyone can understand.

Artists are also keeping the tradition alive in their ways as well. Often, artists are releasing their vinyl records when releasing new music, going as far as putting out special, limited edition pressings. The novelty of these records can lie in different aspects. From unique colors and editions to vinyl exclusive bonus tracks, the tradition is being kept alive.

In the digital age, we have gotten so used to instant gratification and the urgency of technology. We live our lives on a clock, with deadlines and schedules to adhere to. Taking a step back to breathe and follow

the process of playing your favorite vinyl record is something that evokes a sense of slowing down. Playing a vinyl record is something that is so artistically methodical. So, if this sounds like it’s your thing, do some simple research online. Check out your option and find a record player that works for you. Join some online forums for your favorite artists and learn more about exclusive releases.

Even take a trip to your nearest record store and meet people who are interested in the same thing!

Vinyl culture in the modern age is alive and well. Take a step back in your busy life to decelerate and spin some tunes! ALYSSA GERVACIO

ALYSSA GERVACIO

V

Taking a deep dive into vinyl culture in the modern age

quiz appeal | taste

Are you a Potterhead?

Take this quiz to learn how much you know about Harry Potter and the gang from the books and films 1. At which famous Theme Park in California can you find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? a. Disneyland b. Knotts Berry Farm c. California Adventure d. Universal Studios Hollywood 6. What is the full name of Dumbledore? a. Albus Alex Dumbledore b. Albus Justin Dumbledore c. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore d. Albus Max Dumbledore

2. Who played the famous character Harry Potter in the movies? a. Daniel Radcliffe b. Rupert Grint c. Darren Criss d. Emma Watson

7. What house at Hogwarts does Harry Potter belongs to? a. Goofy b. Merlin c. Gryffindor d. DiLaurentis

3. In what year was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone released in the U.S.? a. 2010 b. 2001 c. 1992 d. 1995

8. What creature(s) can a parselmouth communicate with? a. Serpents and snakes b. Monkeys c. Whales d. Owls

4. What’s the name of the problematic author of the Harry Potter books the movies are based on? a. Walt Disney b. J.R.R. Tolkien c. C.S. Lewis d. J.K. Rowling

9. Who is Fluffy? a. A gigantic threeheaded cat b. A gigantic threeheaded dog c. A chocolate frog d. The Niffler

5. What are the four Hogwarts houses? a. Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Pluto b. Merlin, Gandalf, Glinda, Dumbledore c. DiLaurentis, Hastings, Montgomery, Fields d. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin 10. Who is Ron’s spouse? a. Harry Potter b. Lavender Brown c. Cormac McLaggen d. Hermione Granger

Answers 1: A, JUST KIDDING, the answer is D obviously.

Fun Fact: Although Universal got the rights to make an HP attraction in their theme parks, Warner Bros. produces the films.

3: C… IS NOT THE ANswer, you got it wrong!

The answer is B: 2001.

Fun Fact: The movie is called “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in the U.K., also the name of the book.

5: IT’S D. PLEASE TELL me you didn’t pick A. Fun Fact: Each of the four Hogwarts Houses are named after the last name of its founder, like Godric Gryffindor.

7: C, AGAIN! Fun Fact: The emblematic animal of the house is a lion, and its colors are scarlet and gold.

9: NOT THE NIFFLER from Fantastic Beasts, though he looked fluffy.

The answer is B, the three-headed dog.

Fun Fact: He falls asleep to the sound of music.

2: OF COURSE THE hot, handsome Daniel Radcliffe played Harry Potter.

Fun Fact: Daniel and I, we both share the birthday day of July 23.

4: D, UNFORTUNATELY. Sad Fact: You probably heard this, but J.K. Rowling made some transphobic comments on Twitter and, for many fans, we have to separate the author from the books in order to enjoy them.

6. C IS THE ANSWER! Fun Fact: Although is not mentioned in the books or the movies Dumbledore is supposed to be gay according to the author.

8: A IS THE OBVIOUS answer, my Potterheads!

Fun Fact: Harry Potter is a parselmouth, the ability usually innate, but that’s not the case for Harry since Voldemort passed on that ability when he attacked him in infancy.

10: D IS THE ANSWER. Fun Fact: Ron’s full name is Ronald Bilius Weasley.

LUIS SALCEDO

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

53

final word | satire

A

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 sanitization 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 54

Orange Appeal | 2021

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

SHELBY GOLEMO

On Gym Etiquette

join the rebellion

sports | profile

if there were journalists in ‘Star Wars’ Jedi scandals would be publicized.

become a part of something that can change the galaxy.

Join the teams of OC News Team (attached to JRN 106 Video Journalism), the Lariat newspaper and website or Orange Appeal (both attached to each News Media Production course).

Visit OCNewsTeam.com and LariatNews.com.

LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

55

FIND YOUR VOICE, BECOME AN ORIGINAL Write, photograph, design, create, develop your portfolio by contributing to the student magazine when you join JRN 125 Magazine Journalism in summer 2022.

O A OA Orange Appeal // Saddleback College // May 2019

OA

at the Nip

BLACK

POPPIN’ PILLS LIKE

Candy

Breastfeeding publicly becomes the new way to shame women

Prescription pills becoming the new epidemic falling over Orange County

Gay marriage fronts as the face of queer liberty

OA Orange Appeal | March 2016 | www.orangeappeal.org

HIDDEN

HAVEN The wildlife sanctuary with a mission to protect endangered species

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

6 • Orange Appeal • March 2016

May 2019 • Orange Appeal • 1

A close look into the world of non-monogomy

+

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

*the nba bubble*asmr*daca *cancel culture crossword *blunt talk*electric sound LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal

1

JOI N STUDENT MEDIA Music, Food, Sports Writing. Exposés.

Columns. Film Reviews. Trends. Profiles.

Photojournalism. Personal Narratives.

56

Get more Orange Appeal magazine online on Issuu.com/orange-appeal or at LariatNews.com/OrangeAppeal. For more information on programs and courses in the Journalism and New Media Department, visit Saddleback.edu/la/journalism-and-new-media-department.

Orange Appeal | 2021

FENCED IN

Race Imboden on his beginnings, career, and becoming a world champion PAGE 26

Sex Talk

MATTER

PAGE 14

Fake Equality

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

Orange Appeal | March 2016 | www.orangeappeal.org

Attached

* THE

CORONA

HOME