April 2, 2012

serving the uc davis campus and community since 1915

www.theaggie.org

volume 131, number 40

monday, april 2, 2012

Students may soon state their sexual orientations on registration forms

Twelve U.S. Bank protesters ordered to court for misdemeanor charges

UC is working on plans to collect data on LGBT students

BY ANGELA SWARTZ Aggie City Editor

The University of California is working on a proposal which would give new students the option of stating their sexual orientation on their Student Intent to Register forms.

The measure was initiated by the Academic Senate for UC and will be in the form of a voluntary questionnaire. According to Dianne Klein, media relations for the UC Office of the President, the proposal is still in working groups but will likely be in place for Fall 2013 admission and be administered by the Provost.

The proposal was approved by the Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) in December 2011. The Academic Council approved it on Jan. 25.

The change comes as a result of Assembly Bill 620, signed into law by the governor on Oct. 8, 2011.

The measure requested that UC provide the opportunity for students, staff and faculty to report their sexual orientation and gender identity on any forms used to collect demographic data.

The bill also has a section that would include UC faculty and staff in the data collection.

Demographic data will be collected at the time of hire, but according to Anderson, it has not been decided if any of the current employees will have to fill out similar surveys.

In a letter written by BOARS Chair Bill Jacob to Bob Anderson, chair of the Academic Senate, Jacob stated the purpose of the proposal is to help track LGBT students’ representation on campuses and to inform campus climate assessments.

“We know graduation rates for other students, but we have no

idea for LGBT students and this is a significant piece of information,” Anderson said. “There was concern expressed that during the application process students will work with parents on application, so it would put students in an awkward position.”

Jacob explained further that the UC’s main concern is the privacy of applicants, who in most cases will need their parIrisa Tam / Aggie ents’ approval before submitting the application. He wrote that the question could be awkward for young people who are not yet out or who are questioning, especially with parents reading applications over their shoulders.

Eliza-beth Krause, assistant director at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center at UC Davis, said giving people the opportunity to state their sexual and gender identities in situations where they are stating any other identities is affirming and inclusive to LGBTQQIA (Lesbian, G a y , B i s e x u a l , Tr a n s g e n d e r, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Ally) people.

She also is in support of including surveys asking about sexual orientation on the admissions application.

“I support giving people as many opportunities to self-identify as possible,” Krause said. “This

can send a powerful message on applications that campuses are inclusive and interested in having information about all aspects of applicants’ identities.”

“Not including the opportunity to state an LGBTQQIA identity rests on the underlying assumption that there is something shameful or secret about one’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

While it may be true that some applicants have not come out to their families, including the opportunity does not force these individuals to out themselves. Even for those who may not feel comfortable stating an LGBTQQIA identity, the inclusion of the question might set the tone for how welcome they feel on our campuses,” she said.

Krause said it will likely be incomplete data because she does not believe everyone will decide to self-identify as LGBTQQIA.

Anderson said that the UC will revisit the issue of whether to put the survey on the admissions application in a couple years.

ANGELA SWARTZ can be reached at city@theaggie. org.

Full task force report release postponed for fourth time

Arraignment to take place April 27

By HANNAH STRUMWASSER

Campus News Editor

Twelve protesters involved in the U.S. Bank blockade on campus have been ordered to court by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office on misdemeanor charges.

The protesters have been ordered to the Yolo Superior Court on April 27. They are facing charges of a conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor and a misdemeanor by “willfully and maliciously” obstructing the free movement of any person on any street, sidewalk or other public place.

Demonstrators have been protesting the U.S. Bank on campus since January.

Protesters sat outside the bank almost every week day until the bank was closed.

U.S. Bank announced the official closure of the branch on campus in a letter to the UC Regents on March 1, citing the situation as “intolerable.” Bank officials have cited the University’s handling of the protesters as a reason for the bank’s departure.

Before the closure of the bank, protesters were handed citations by campus police

alerting them to California Penal Code Section 647C, the misdemeanor the 12 protesters are being charged with.

However, the protesters were never arrested.

UC Davis spokesman Barry Schiller emphasized that the protesters were not being charged for expressing their freedom of expression.

“The demonstrators who are charged in this case have every right to freely express their dissatisfaction with the bank’s relationship with the campus,” Schiller said.

“They’re being charged very specifically with intentionally obstructing the public from being able to get in and out of a public place.”

Protesters called the closure of the bank a victory for the movement.

“The bank blockade was an autonomous action from individuals within Occupy UC Davis. The blockade of the US Bank is part of a history of the student struggle against the privatization of public universities and international austerity,” wrote protesters in a statement from Occupy UC Davis.

RICHARD CHANG contributed to this article.

HANNAH STRUMWASSER can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Student mixes ‘100 Beats’ Project serves as a musical diary for junior Timothy Wynn

Judge withholds names of 20 university officers

By MUNA SADEK Aggie Associate Editor

According to University of California General Counsel Charles Robinson, the public release of the task force has been postponed beyond the first week of April. The decision, made by California Supreme Court Associate Justice and chair of the pepper spray task force Cruz Reynoso is the fourth time the report has been postponed.

Robinson emphasized the importance of providing an accurate account of the pepper spraying incident in a press release on Thursday.

“I understand that Justice Reynoso will confer with task force members to reschedule public release of the report,” he said.

Judge Evelio Grillo of the Alameda County Superior Court, who presided over a hearing held March 28 on the release of the task force report regarding the pepper spray incident, ruled in favor of full public disclosure of the reports.

It was also ruled that certain names of

involved officers be withheld.

The release stated that Grillo ruled almost entirely in favor of full disclosure of the task force reports. He chose to impose a stay until April 20 (21 days), giving university police union attorneys an opportunity to prepare an appeal if they choose to. Stays are granted to secure the rights of a party and usually would result in the temporary suspension of the case.

“During that time the task force and university are permitted to release only those parts of the report that the judge previously permitted to be released, plus a few additional sections that police union attorneys agreed to,” Robinson said. “As a result, there still are substantial portions of the Reynoso Task Force and Kroll reports that cannot be released during the 21-day stay.”

Releasing misinformation was also a factor in postponing the reports, resulting in $100,000 spent in crisis communications with various law firms, including Kroll for up to $300 an hour.

See RESULTS, page 2

Aggies even their record Datino shines for UC Davis lacrosse

By VEENA BANSAL Aggie Sports Writer

The Aggies entered spring break looking to build some momentum as they prepared to return to Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play this week.

Today’s weather Mostly sunny High 71 Low 44

UC Davis put together some strong performances over the last two weeks, going 2-2 to bring their overall record to 5-5.

Monday, March 19 — UC Davis 18, Central Connecticut 6 The Aggies captured their second la-

See LACROSSE, page 2 Forecast Welcome back to, by far, my favorite time of year in Davis! May your Spring Quarter be filled with runny noses, itchy eyes, and lots, and lots of sneezing. I can only hope that the stores can stock enough anti-histamine to support us all.

Alex Neigher, atmospheric science major Aggie Forecasting Team

Courtesy of Gerald Ortiz

Timothy Wynn describes the process of creating “beats” as similar to cooking — he starts with an inspiration and adds new musical elements to give it “flavor.”

By DOMINICK COSTABILE Aggie Features Writer

Sharing a personal diary with people usually takes a lot of courage, but junior communication and sociology double major Timothy Wynn has boldly decided to take his diary public.

Wynn’s Tumblr “diary” requires listening rather than reading. It’s called the “100 Beats Project,” and it is designed as a platform for Wynn to share his music-making passion with friends and family.

He uses the software program Pro Tools 9 to record and mix original music “beats.”

Wynn said that the project will hopefully inspire people to create, find their own passion and continue to run with it.

Each beat starts with a sound. The possible results are endless, as that sound could be a natural piano or synth or a sound bite from a film.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Mostly sunny

Mostly sunny

High 68 Low 41

High 57 Low 47

“I’ll hear a sound that I really like, whether it’s a rhythm or a melody, and I’ll try to reproduce it or sample it,” Wynn said.

Most of Wynn’s beats use sampled audio clips from films, such as Beat #8, “Death Before Honor,” which uses a few lines spoken by Denzel Washington in the film American Gangster.

But Wynn explained how the process varies according to the mood he is in. Much like a diary, he doesn’t make beats for the sake of making beats, but because it’s therapeutic and he enjoys sharing his thoughts and feelings mediated through music.

“There’s no set structure when creating the music,” Wynn said. “Sometimes I’ll pick up a rhythm from a treadmill, or inspiration from a story I heard from a friend.”

What ultimately sets the pace for Wynn’s project is his interaction with everyday activities coupled with another passion of his,

See BEATS, page 3

Welcome back from Spring Break!

Welcome back to hell.

Claire Tan

page two

2 monday, april 2, 2012

daily calendar dailycal@theaggie.org

Summer Abroad Info Session: Israel, “Arab-Israeli Relations”

TODAY Experimental College’s Spring Registration 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

South Silo The first two weeks of Spring quarter, April 2 to 13, will be the Experimental College’s Spring Registration period. Registration can be mailed in or done in person with cash or check only.

Energy Institute Spring 2012 Seminar Series 12:10 to 1 p.m.

1003 Kemper Join Dr. Alexandra Navrotsky, Director, Nanomaterials in the Environment, Agriculture and Technology (NEAT ORU) and Edward Roessler Chair in Mathematical and Physical Sciences, UC Davis, as she discusses Thermochemical Studies for Energy Applications. There is no cost and all are welcome to attend.

WEDNESDAY Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Davis United Methodist Church, 1620 Anderson Road Free yourself from excess weight and/ or obsessional thoughts about food and body image. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a 12-step fellowship based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Meetings are open and free to the public. Visit foodaddicts.org for other meeting locations.

Shakespeare Reading Group — Richard III 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Pence Gallery — “Learning Center” Upstairs, 212 D St. The next Reading Group is right around the corner to broaden your knowledge of Shakespeare by reading Richard III. No prior knowledge is necessary. Students $8, Adults $10. RSVP by e-mailing davis. shakespeare@gmail.com or calling (530) 802-0998.

THURSDAY

RESULTS

Noon to 1 p.m.

Education Abroad Center, Third and A Street Come listen to the instructor talk about this summer’s UC Davis study abroad program in Israel!

Shinkoskey Noon Concert 12:05 to 1 p.m.

115 Music Watch this free performance of Jonathan Nadel on tenor, Laura Reynolds on oboe and Megumi Chen on piano. Works include Vaughan Williams’ Ten Blake Songs for voice and oboe, and songs by Schumann, Strauss and Donaudy.

Biomedical Seminar Series 4:10 to 5 p.m 1005 GBSF Listen to this seminar about Cardiac CaMKII signaling in heart failure, arrhythmias and transcriptional regulatio, given by Dr. Donald M. Bers.

The Counter-Cinema of the Berlin School 4:10 to 5:30 p.m.

53A Olson Listen to a talk given by Professor Marco Abel, Associate Professor, University of Nebraska about the Counter-Cinema of the Berlin School, filming the nation in the age of neoliberalism.

Jess Meets Angus 8 to 10 p.m.

Lab A, Wright UC Davis Ph.D. candidate in performance studies Jess Curtis will perform his latest work, Jess Meets Angus, at UC Davis as part of the UC Davis Institute for Exploration in Theatre, Dance and Performance.

Performance will continue through Friday at the same time and location.

To receive placement in the AGGIE DAILY CALENDAR, e-mail dailycal@theaggie. org or stop by 25 Lower Freeborn by noon the day prior to your event. Due to space constraints, all event descriptions are subject to editing, and priority will be given to events that are free of charge and geared toward the campus community.

violent protests.

“We are moving forward to identify what needs to be done to ensure the safety of students and others who engage in non-violent protests on UC campuses,” Yudof said.

Former California Supreme Court Associate Justice and head of the pepper spray task force Cruz Reynoso announced March 5 to task force members that the union representing the UC campus police (Federated University Police Officers Association) elected to obtain a temporary restraining order on the release of the task force report, discounting the original March 6 release date.

UC president Mark Yudof has said that he is disappointed that the release of the report has been delayed.

“The work of the Reynoso Task Force, supported by outside investigators from the Kroll group is a fundamental stepping stone needed to carry the UC Davis campus past the events of Friday, Nov. 18.

The entire UC Davis community deserves a fully transparent and unexpurgated accounting of the incidents in question,” Yudof said.

Both Reynoso and Yudof have said they are committed to releasing the full report, as opposed to releasing portions in a piecemeal fashion.

Cont. from front page Conclusions on certain officers continue to be withheld due to a potentially negative effect on officer discipline and job evaluations. The name Lt. John Pike, the officer who pepper sprayed protesters, will not be withheld as it is already in the public domain. Grillo said that the names of 20 other officers who were involved will be withheld from the report.

Because the Task Force Reports is a policy-level document, Grillo said that it will mainly focus on the methods to improve police involvement in future protests as opposed to specific actions of officers.

Recent events continue to be compared to the 2009 protests against tuition increases at UC Los Angeles.

Chancellor Gene Block started an independent panel to investigate clashes between student protesters and university police. Thirteen months after the protests, in December 2010, Block released investigation findings. The primary conclusion of the report was that there was “no persuasive evidence of excessive uses of force or other overreactions by the police.”

The Task Force Reports will include whether excessive force was used on protesters and a system-wide examination of how other MUNA SADEK can be reached at campus@ UC campuses handle non- theaggie.org.

accuracy The California Aggie strives to ensure that all of its facts and details are accurate. Please bring any corrections to our attention by calling (530) 752-0208.

Jason Alpert Editor in Chief

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Hannah Strumwasser Campus Editor Angela Swartz City Editor Elizabeth Orpina Arts Editor Erin Migdol Features Editor Trevor Cramer Sports Editor

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The california Aggie

for labor rights than the truth ever did. Daisey didn’t even seem sorry in his halfhearted on-air apology. He just said that his story was a means to an end: “I’m not Nicole going to say that I didn’t Nguyen take a few shortcuts in my passion to be heard.”

And now that he has been heard, I have questions. What is the role of journalistic integrity and good storytelling in effecting social change?

Can journalism and entertainment work was duped, and if you together toward a common read my column “1 goal? I’d like to think so. But Infinite Loop” two weeks it’s clear that Mike Daisey ago, by proxy, so were you. has taken it too far. I worry For that, I am sorry. that the actions taken by I cited Mike Daisey, Foxconn and Apple postwhose monologue about Daiseygate just reinforce labor malpractice at the belief that truth can Apple’s plant in China was be bent for the sake of excerpted on NPR’s “This storytelling as a means to American Life.” A few an end. Oftentimes, in their days after my column was determination for social published, change, Daisey people Is this awareness constructive are made admitted in a special blind if it was acquired through retraction by their distorted means? episode “passions.” that he had I not, in fact, spoken to realize that this issue is underage workers outside somewhat irrelevant to of the Foxconn factory technology, but it was where Apple products are just too important to made, as he claimed. Nor ignore. The case of “Mr. had he actually seen hands Daisey and the Apple crippled by the chemical Factory” reflects a larger n-hexane, which is used to trend of sensationalism assemble iPhones. He had in the media as a vehicle only heard of incidents like for awareness. I think these. He had lied to the political attack ads have audience of his one-man created a monster that has, show, to “This American unfortunately, transcended Life” listeners and to me. politics.

So, I’m offering my own Another example is retraction of sorts. But the viral short film “Kony after the fact, I wondered if 2012: The One Thing anything good could come We Can Agree On” by of the scandal. Four weeks activist group Invisible later, this is what I found.

Children. The campaign Daisey fabricated the to arrest Ugandan war characters he claimed he criminal Joseph Kony, saw on his trip to China, leader of the rebel but what he was saying group Lord’s Resistance about poor working Army, was accused conditions at Foxconn of oversimplifying a plants was largely true. complex issue. The video Those cases do actually has certainly garnered exist — Daisey just didn’t a lot of attention, but see them for himself. the kind of awareness In fact, reports like it is raising has come Daisey’s made corporate into question. Is this labor abuses such a popular awareness constructive if issue that neither Apple nor it was acquired through Foxconn could ignore the distorted means? The pressure from the public to same could be asked of reform their ways. Therein Daisey’s monologue. lies the complication. After Last week, Mike Daisey all the effort to expose offered an apology on his Daisey as a liar, the effect personal blog, which he that he had intended was began with a transcript realized. His deceiving, but from a 2011 interview. compelling, monologue A host had asked him, brought about real change. “How do you reconcile Last week, Foxconn telling a good story with announced that it would also trying to get the facts shorten working hours right, and when do you and increase wages after decide what is the more the Fair Labor Association, important goal?” a private monitoring The question was so group, found that the salient in the context of company was in violation his situation. I already of 43 Chinese laws and knew the answer – that a regulations. Apple CEO good story is a story built Tim Cook even traveled to on the truth – and I didn’t China shortly thereafter to need to read on. see the working conditions firsthand.

If you would like to continue to not talk about It would seem that Mike technology with NICOLE NGUYEN, contact Daisey’s tall tale did more niknguyen@ucdavis.edu.

Damage control

I

had good reasons to be hard on the government, because at the time it was very corrupt and maintained control with hyper-violent gangs of soldiers. Actually, after Katelyn released his amazing alHempstead Fela bum, Zombie, which was chock-a-block with the most funkadelic social commentary ever, those same soldiers burned down his nightclub/ home and terrorized and beat his family. Harsh. But Fela managed to rise from the ashes and inspire an entire continent of people with elcome to the lihis music. brary. What’s that And what does afrobeat you say? You’re not sound like, you ask? Ooh, I’m in a library? Au contraire, glad you did, because afrobeat my good reader. While you is a totally great genre of music may not literally be in a lithat combines highlife, funk brary, you are currently an and some other local styles. inhabitant of the library of What you really need to know my mind. about afrobeat is that it’s crazy What’s that? You are in fun to dance to and songs can Shields? Ah, then my friend, last for like 14 minutes. It’s got defying all traditional rules horns, it’s got a drum section, of space it’s a parand time, ty waiting to Quick, how many times in an happen. you are in two librar- hour-and-20-minute class do you Wole ies simulSoyinka, check your watch? taneouslymeanwhile, Congratulais probably tions to you. one of the four greatest playBut the library I want to wrights ever in the history of talk about is a metaphorithe “modern” world. Part of cal one. It is the space in my why he’s so spectacular is that head where I keep the odd he uses theatrical traditions trivia, perplexing theories from all over the world – inand quirky data that I have cluding lots of Nigerian forms collected in my adventures and stories – to comment on in academia. It’s warm in the nature of theatre itself. my brain-library, and quiet Instead of writing in a too. Pull up a chair. Would style that was palatable to you like some tea?

Western audiences, Soyinka Here’s my deal. I’m insaid “to heck with that” and terested in everything and wrote plays that drew from an expert in nothing. In his own culture, with stylisthis column, I would like tic elements like call-andto share that superficial response storytelling and and strange information lots of Yoruban mytholoin a non-intimidating way. gy and tradition. But they We spend all day in classwere also super post-modes with brilliant academics ern. Soyinka didn’t ignore who seem to be competing Western forms just because for the driest presentation they were Western; he took possible. Quick, how many what was good and beautitimes in an hour-and-20ful and meaningful from lots minute class do you check of traditions and used them your watch? Is it 120 times? to create great theatre. He’s a I bet it is. genius, is what I’m trying to So why not take a little say here. time each week to hear about And they’re first cousins! our wonderful world from a Geez, the things I would do non-credentialed and under- to be invited to that family informed weirdo? reunion …

After all, learning is fun.

That’s what I’m talking Philosophy is fun, history is about, that kind of info. And fun, chemistry and quantum maybe, just maybe, you’ll go physics and fluid mechanhome tonight and Google ics are fun, fun and fun. You afrobeat and realize that just have to look at them the it’s the greatest dance muright way. sic on earth, barring perHere’s an example. Did you haps anything produced by know that Fela Kuti and Wole Timbaland. Then maybe Soyinka are first cousins? you’ll throw a party where What a wacky coincidence! you play afrobeat, and your Fela Kuti was the godfather crush will come over while and originator of afrobeat. you’re futzing with the iPod He put on these insanely en- and say, “Where did you find ergetic stage shows where he this awesome music! You’re would leap around and play so cool. I must paint you.” a zillion different instruments And you know what? You while his back-up dancers don’t even have to tell him/ (several of whom were also her/hir about this column. his wives) would rock out That’s my gift to you. hardcore.

You’re welcome.

Fela was also a major political figure. The Nigerian If you have any more questions about government straight up hatWest African music, or are just looking for ed the guy, because his susomeone to start the dance party, contact per popular songs were also KATELYN HEMPSTEAD at khempstead@ scathingly satirical. And he ucdavis.edu.

Hello, friend!

W

LACROSSE Cont. from front page crosse non-conference home game of the season against the Blue Devils.

Junior midfielder Hannah Mirza scored a game-high five goals while attacker Elizabeth Datino tied the school record of six assists. Datino, who leads NCAA Division I in points per game, scored four goals for 10 points.

Mirza also contributed three assists and a team-leading four draw controls.

Freshman Elizabeth Landry and Charlotte Morris each chipped in three goals, junior Anna Geissbuhler added two and freshman Allie Lehner netted one.

The Aggies outshot the Blue Devils by a 34-17 margin, won 23 ground balls and cleared 18 of 20 attempts in transition. The six goals allowed marked a season best for the Aggies.

“That game was a solid effort and it demonstrated the team’s versatility and balance,” said coach Elaine Jones.

Monday, March 26 — Holy Cross 12, UC Davis 9 The Aggies lost by a slim margin to the Crusaders in Worcester, Mass.

Freshman Charlotte Morris scored all four of her goals in the last 19 minutes of the game, allowing UC Davis to cut the lead from 9 to 3. Junior Anna Geissbuhler had a goal and three assists.

Freshman Elizabeth Landry tallied four draw controls and three caused turnovers. Hannah Mirza added three goals and two assists.

Holy Cross Crusader Taylor Zebrowski netted four goals, and freshman Laura Ryan chipped in another three.

“I think we played fairly well,” said Jones. “We were very close and

Brian Nguyen / Aggie

UC Davis’ Elizabeth Datino is the NCAA Division I leader in points per-game. we gave it all we had at the end.”

Tuesday, March 27 — UC Davis 11, Bryant 7 The Aggies overcame a second-half deficit to capture an 11-7 win over Bryant in a non-conference game at Bulldog Stadium.

UC Davis jumped out to a 3-0 lead during the first 14 minutes of play, with Geissbuhler assisting on goals to Datino and Lehner. However, the Bulldogs responded with five unanswered to establish a 5-3 edge with eight minutes remaining before the break.

After the intermission, the Aggies netted two goals in less than a minute to equalize the score at 6-6.

After falling behind 7-6, the Aggies scored five unanswered goals to end the game.

The Aggies outshot their hosts by a 37-22 margin and won 13 of the game’s 20 draws.

Thursday, March 29 — Vermont 16, UC Davis 13 The Aggies ended their road trip with a tough battle against the Vermont Catamounts.

UC Davis rallied back from an 8-3 first-half deficit to within one goal with less than five minutes remaining, but was ultimately unable to complete the comeback.

Datino contributed three assists for seven total points. Mirza tallied three goals and an assist, while goalkeeper Jordan Majka recorded a season-high 14 saves.

“It’s unfortunate to end the roadtrip with a loss,” said Jones. “But we are excited to play back with our fans around for our next matchup.”

UC Davis will face conference foe California on Wednesday in Aggie Stadium.

VEENA BANSAL can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

monday, april 2, 2012 3

The california aggie

UC Regents discuss multi-year plan at March meeting Three ‘spring broke’ student protesters arrested

By HANNAH STRUMWASSER Campus News Editor

Last week, the UC Board of Regents held their March meeting Thursday and Friday at UCSF Mission Bay. At the three-day meeting, the Regents discussed the 2012-13 UC budget. They also discussed a multi-year plan for UC that would potentially provide stability for UC finances and for UC students in the future. The university has been discussing the plan with Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Legislature.

At the meeting, UC President Mark Yudof came out in support of Gov. Brown’s tax initiative and said that he would return to the Regents recommending that they support the initiative.

“In my view, it represents the best opportunity I’ve seen in my four years in California for the state to clamber out of a sinkhole of fiscal uncertainty and move forward into a better, more prosperous future,” Yudof said.

Students have also come out in support of the Brown’s tax initiative.

“Passing the proposed November tax initiative is critically important. We need new revenue, and we should ask wealthy Californians to pay their fair share to fund our state’s future. The UC system cannot absorb another cut without a huge impact on affordability, accessibility and quality,” said Claudia Magaña, UCSA President and UC Santa Cruz student, in a press release.

According to Vice President of Budget and Capital Resources Patrick Lenz, if the tax initiative does not pass, the UC system could face a $200 million trigger cut. This cut could mean higher tuition for UC students.

According to a press release from the UC Office of the President, the UC system currently receives the same level of state funding as it did in 1997-98.

Courtesy of Derek Remsburg, The Daily Californian

Mathew Sandoval was one of three protesters arrested at March’s UC Regents meeting at UCSF Mission Bay. However, today there is an additional campus and 73,000 more students.

On Thursday, protesters interrupted the meeting after the public comment session ended. The students were dressed in spring break attire, and said

that they were “spring broke.”

Three UCLA students were arrested on charges of obstructing an officer and failure to disperse.

The next Regents meeting will take place in Sacramento, May 15 to 17.

The Regents will be joining students at the rally at the capitol in support of state funding for public education.

HANNAH STRUMWASSER can be reached at campus@theaggie. org.

Take a glimpse into the food truck industry These aren’t your average meals on wheels

By LANI CHAN Aggie Staff Writer

Food trucks. Little mobile gourmet dispensaries that make anyone with any enthusiasm for eating at all think, “Duh.” A quickly growing trend in the food service industry, trucks are a way for adventurous foodies to make their gourmet specialties available to the masses. In a 2011 “What’s Hot” survey of 1,500 chefs, the National Restaurant Association found that 30 percent of those surveyed expect food trucks and “pop-up” restaurants to be the top “operational” restaurant trend next year.

These vehicles aim to deliver the best of a chef’s repertoire, the tastiest bits of an edible venture, and elevate their potential via express marketing on the move.

“Being in a truck allows you to follow the people,” said Carlos Silva, owner and barista of Maddie’s Mud, an organic coffee truck that alternates between parking in the Marinwood Community Center and the farmer’s market in San Rafael throughout the week. “You can find out where they are, check advertisements for events, and there they are! Everyone needs coffee.”

But as much as the food truck community seems to feature spontaneous chefs bringing their delicious creations to the streets, each truck is a strategic business endeavor. Food trucks are selling unique concepts and test-running new ideas in hopes of gathering a wide audience.

What’s cooking inside is hardly any average food item. Often there can be ethnic specialties with a twist or two, or ordinary food items turned extraordinary — sandwiches with fries not on the side but in the sandwich itself, bacon tacos, spicy fruit gazpacho or triple-tiered ice cream sandwiches. Each truck is an individual project, aimed at marketing both a chef’s personality and flair for flavor.

One of UC Davis’ own food trucks is Star Ginger, a bright-

BEATS Cont. from front page cooking food.

“It’s kind of like cooking,” Wynn said. “For example, let’s say I want to cook some kind of rice dish. What kind of spices do I add? What kind of meat? Each song has a different inspiration, a base, and the other elements or instrumentation give it flavor. There are also phases of different kinds of music I enjoy listening to, whether it’s a hip-hop phase, rock, or big band, much like the certain foods you’re in the mood for

Evan Davis / Aggie

Food trucks, like the Silo’s Star Ginger, bring innovative dishes straight to their customers — no restaurant required. ly orange-colored vendor of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine parked at the Silo on weekdays. The truck is the mobile extension of celebrity chef Mai Pham’s Sacramentobased restaurant, Star Ginger Asian Grill and Noodle Bar. “This concept is definitely taking off,” said James Boushka, marketing director at UC Davis Dining Services. “Part of the popularity is that it’s some of the only Asian food you can find without going off campus, and they’re quick to prepare.”

On the menu is a variety of BBQ and curry rice bowls, soups and sandwiches. All dishes range from $6 to $8.

“The bahn mi sandwiches are definitely popular,” said Alex Lucero, one of the Star Ginger truck’s managers. “So much so that we usually keep a handful of pre-made ones in the oven for when we have a rush.”

at a particular time.”

Wynn’s philosophy for the project fuses the role of the musician with the role of the cook.

“I haven’t seen the master chef cooking beats in the kitchen live yet,” said junior economics and sociology double major Andrew Kam. “But from what I’ve seen in his videos, he seems to love every single note that he plays.”

Before starting the 100 Beats project, Wynn was in orchestra as well as jazz band throughout middle school and high school, participating in local music festi-

The bahn mi is a Vietnamesestyle hot sandwich served with a choice of five-spice pork, barbeque chicken or lemongrass tofu, available for only $6. Pham’s version of a bahn mi sandwich is revolutionary in that, unlike most Vietnamese sandwiches, it is served hot and drizzled with a spicy sauce — a mixture of Sriracha and mayonnaise.

Indeed, the truck seems to be gaining popularity since its opening this past October. Every day between passing periods there is a line of students waiting to get their fix to hold them over until they are done with classes for the day.

“What we’re really trying to work for right now is to get indoors into a restaurant,” Lucero said. “The truck is a stepping stone. We wanted to get out in the area so that everyone knows us.

That way, if one of the contracts

vals. His first instrument was the violin, which he learned how to play in fifth grade. He would eventually go on to learn the piano and the saxophone in high school jazz band.

Most of Wynn’s academic experience has been fueled by music. However, when beginning his first quarter at UC Davis, he took a seemingly different route, deciding to double major in sociology and communication.

“I wanted to stretch myself as an artist by not combining music with academics,” Wynn said. “If music becomes an assignment or

runs out in the Silo, we can take their place.”

As much as the Star Ginger truck is a means of expanding an already existing business, some trucks are simple start-ups. Not all trucks are created equal, or with the same goals in mind.

Some strive to gain a following large enough to sustain a new restaurant, and some enjoy the flexibility and mobility offered to them by operating out of a truck.

“With trucks, you have freedom,” Silva said. “You can go wherever you want, open whenever you want, and close whenever you want. It’s almost selfish.”

Silva opened his truck, named after his young daughter, four years ago, and has since made his passion for coffee his full-time job.

He serves coffee in its purest form, working off a simple menu that he plans to make even simpler.

“I think coffee should be

obligation with a midnight deadline, then it takes away the fun for me.”

Though he initially took a break from making music, Wynn always knew that he would make it a routine again and eventually began conceptualizing the project.

“Since coming to college, I was so busy with assignments that I didn’t have very much time at all to make music,” Wynn said. “This project has allowed me to make some time to start writing a diary as well as keeping me disciplined.”

Wynn also explains that while he composes the

served black. At least, that’s the way I like it,” Silva said. “I may stop serving the syrups.”

Silva explained the difference between each coffee drink, clarifying a concept that had been lost by many as a result of the dominance of Starbucks. Not all macchiatos have caramel.

“They are classified by the proportion of milk to coffee,” Silva said. “All drinks have the 2-ounce shot of espresso. A macchiato has just a tiny bit of milk. Once six ounces or more of milk is added, it becomes a latte.”

On how he generates his customer base, Silva suggested that the secret is simple: customer service.

“I’m old-fashioned,” he said. “If I have good coffee and I respect people then they will tell a neighbor and the neighbor will come.”

The Star Ginger truck operates off of a similar theory. Lucero, before becoming manager of the truck, previously worked as a bartender at the Gunrock Pub, also located in the Silo. He left, however, along with his friend, chef Matthew Hill, to set up his own network at Star Ginger.

“They have a family establishment over there,” Lucero said. “It’s a father/daughter type of thing, and we just didn’t want to be in that family ... soon after moving over here I saw some of [the Pub’s] old customers in my line, and that’s when I realized that the customer service is really what makes or breaks it for them.”

Whether it is a leaf in the foam atop a steaming latte, an impromptu lesson on the anatomy of a coffee beverage, or a friendly face humoring the customer who asks for extra sauce, the friendliness and enthusiasm are what allow a passion for food to be driven to success, according to those in the food truck business.

“It’s a big world out there in the food world, but it’s actually really small,” Lucero said.

Especially in a truck.

LANI CHAN can be reached at features@theaggie. org.

beats himself, it would not be nearly as productive if he didn’t collaborate and share ideas with friends. The project does not function as a marketing tool for Wynn’s music; rather, it offers a glimpse into his life and how he shares it with others.

“He makes music with no limits but with purpose, incorporating passion, joy and love for the process and the adventures and experiences that come with it,” said junior sociology major Stephanie Cheung. “An aspect that I like about his project and just Timmy’s work in general is his desire

to share his experience with others.”

Wynn explained that people who want to create don’t always have to come up with a brand new invention or genre and that not all of us are here to completely reinvent the wheel. Sometimes it’s just about sharing and letting your life be heard, he said.

“I want to inspire people to create their own diary of expression,” Wynn said.

Hear Wynn’s beats at onehundredbeats.tumblr.com.

DOMINICK COSTABILE can be reached at features@theaggie.org.

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monday, april 2, 2012 5

The california aggie

FACETS project seeks student input on the impact of tuition hikes UCD Institute for Exploration in Theatre intends to raise awareness and spark discussion

By ELIZABETH ORPINA Aggie Arts Editor

FACETS, an ongoing project through the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance’s Institute for Exploration in Theatre, is investigating and uncovering the impact of the changing economics of higher education on students, families and communities. FACETS stands for Facilitating Analyzing Communicating Engaging Through the Stage, and the artistic directors include Professors Jon D. Rossini and Peter Lichtenfels with Production Manager Eric Steggall.

With intentions to incorporate current political debates and media sound bites with dialogue of each story, the goal of this project is to find out how tuition hikes have impacted students, families and communities. The Aggie interviewed Professor Jon D. Rossini to find out more about the goals and the plans of FACETS as well as how to get involved.

The Aggie: How will these stories be transformed and translated to on-stage performances?

Rossini: We are hoping to deal with these stories within the framework of verbatim theatre, which is to say that we will be trying to keep them as much as possible in the specific idiom and rhythm of the storyteller. We will juxtapose stories and weave between them to show connections and disjunctions and probably intersperse some fictional stories and found texts such as newspaper articles, op-ed pieces and blogs. The final form of the piece will depend heavily on the people and stories.

Is this the first topic that FACETS has taken on? If not, what other topics were confronted? Are there any future topics that might develop into research performances as well?

This is the first project that we have taken on, although we are hoping to explore different issues each year depending upon current events and changing circumstances.

While this project will hopefully grow into something substantial, we may also explore other more compressed explorations.

Based on the success of the verbatim theatre piece (Un)Civil (Dis)Obedience, which was performed under the direction

News iN Brief

Bike Barn holds grand opening of Bike Hub today Today, the Bike Barn will be opening a satellite location in the Memorial Union (MU). This location will be known as the Bike Hub and can be found in MU 156.

“For many years now we have become increasingly more aware of how small the Bike Barn space is,” said Shell Sumerel, Bike Hub manager.

In 2009, the Bike Barn opened its first satellite location, the Bike Garage, in the North Entry Parking Structure, offering do-it-yourself bike repair.

“We have wanted to bridge the gap between what we offer at both the Bike

Barn central location and the Bike Garage,” Sumerel said.

The Bike Hub will offer bike accessories and apparel, including fenders, rain jackets, lights and locks.

The Bike Hub will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To commemorate the opening of the new location, there will be a celebration on opening day and a sale throughout the first week, during which all items can be bought for 20 percent off.

— Rohit Ravikumar

Texting while driving causes brain ‘brown-out’

By Michael Setzer The Tartan (Radford University)

According to the Pennsylvania law firm Edgar Snyder and Associates, around 37 percent of people have sent or read a text while driving. There were over 5,474 deaths attributed to distracted driving in 2009, and young drivers are the most likely to be texting behind the wheel.

On March 8, a Pennsylvania law went into effect that prohibits texting of any sort while driving.

Before the law was even passed, however, researchers at Carnegie Mellon had probed the effects distracted driving has on the brain.

Marcel Just, a senior researcher and professor with the Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging at Carnegie Mellon, looked at people’s brain activities while talking and driving.

Just, along with colleagues Timothy Keller and Jacquelyn Cynkar, published their research in the report “A decrease in brain activation associated with driving when listening to someone speak” in the journal Brain Research in 2008.

The brain has many different parts that work simultaneously. “When you’re listening to me talk, for instance,” Just said, “there are 15 to 20 areas of your brain being lit up that are activated. It’s not one place.

People say they ‘use frontal lobe’ for this. That’s really a distortion. There is no task that is done by only one part, ever.”

While these processing regions may seem like the most important parts of the brain, they only make up a relatively small part. According to

Just, most of our brain is “white matter,” in which a fatty material covers a series of connectors that act as communication wires among the separate regions.

With a viewing screen directly above their eyes, the subjects in Just’s study went through a simulation in which they “drove” a vehicle by moving a hand-held mouse that was situated at their side. While participants were going through their driving course, the researchers occasionally asked them true or false questions, which the subjects would answer by pressing a button in their other hand. A brain scan determined their brain activity by measuring the amount of blood flow to certain regions in the brain.

The results pointed to a clear debilitation of driving while listening; the brain functions that controlled driving decreased by 37 percent.

The studies showed that while people were driving, four main regions of the brain were active, primarily those for vision and spatial relationships.

When the drivers had to respond to questions, however, new areas of the brain associated with language processing became active at the same time.

Despite the fact that the regions are largely separate, answering the questions impaired the ability to drive, and Just thinks it is because the white matter — the tissue that connects brain areas — was heavily taxed.

“I think it’s like plugging in an iron and a hairdryer at the same time, causing brownout,” he said.

“There are only certain amounts of resources to go around, and if you’re trying to draw on too much,

each demand gets a budget cut. In the case of driving, that’s not a good thing to be happening in some situations.”

To combat distracted driving, Just and others believe that policies regulating cell phone use behind the wheel are important.

The researcher himself has created a list of ideas, ranging from legislative mandates to applications that shut off one’s phone once it reaches a certain velocity. But he mainly stresses education.

“Nobody really wants to get into an accident and nobody wants to kill an innocent pedestrian,” Just said. “I think we horribly overestimate our cognitive abilities with respect to attention.”

“I think it’s bad,” Just continued. “I don’t think society realizes that it’s bad. It’s not muggers doing this; it’s just people like you and me and our relatives and friends that are talking on the cell phone.”

Some Carnegie Mellon students, like sophomore art major Marie Barcic, agree with the new cell phone law. “You can’t really afford to be distracted while driving,” she said. “You can just pull over if you need to talk to someone.”

Others, like sophomore chemistry major Abigail Burton, think more needs to be done.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction, but I think there is a long way to go to make our roads safe from distracted driving,” she said.

Education, Just says, will make the difference.

“If people were more aware of how detrimental to their driving performance cell phone usage is, I think many people, just out of a sense of responsibility, would just stop,” he said.

of one of our Ph.D. students, Chris McCoy, as part of the Civility Project, it seems that there is real interest and desire in the UC Davis community to engage political issues through theatre.

Why did you get involved? What does this project mean to you?

I have been thinking about engaging the community through theatre for a while.

Much of my research engages conceptually with the ways that theatre can comment on and engage with politics. It is a nice shift to move to a practical manifestation within our shared community.

Why was this chosen to be a stage performance rather than a film? What are the benefits of this being a live show?

The advantage of a live show is the interpersonal engagement and the chance to create community in the space of the theatre. However, if there is sufficient interest and desire among participants we may produce pieces or even the whole work for video or web distribution.

Where do you see this project ending up

after the sharing on May 16?

This project will continue after May 16, possibly developing into a more refined and fixed form. It possibly will continue as an increasing archive of inter-related stories to be shared.

How can students, families, faculty or community members get involved?

We need performers, creators, researchers and stories. If you have a story you want to share, you can participate as a performer or share your story with us in an e-mail or an interview. If you don’t want to be on stage we will need help gathering, editing and combining stories into a performance piece. We are more interested in your passion and commitment so if this is exciting, please let us know.

For any questions or to share your stories, email ucdfacets@gmail.com.

For more information, check out theatredance.ucdavis.edu.

Auditions and interviews for performers will be held tomorrow, April 3.

ELIZABETH ORPINA can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.

Gas prices continue to rise, US to develop more clean energy

By Wenqian Zhu

Daily Collegian (Penn State University)

The U.S. retail gas prices are climbing across the country — now at $3.918 a gallon on average, a $0.051 increase from a week ago, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The Obama Administration is tackling the issue of the rising gas prices and investing in a clean energy economy, and at the same time Barack Obama’s energy policy is under fire by Republican presidential candidates.

Mitt Romney recently said that Obama “has done everything in his power to make it harder for us to get oil and natural gas in this country, driving up the price of those commodities in the case of gasoline.”

Gas prices continue to rise and are unpredictable with growing global oil consumption and economic instability.

According to EIA, the biggest factor of gas prices is the cost of crude oil. Distribution and marketing, taxes and refining contribute to the rest of the cost.

Andre Boehman, Penn State U. Professor of Fuel Science and Materials Science and Engineering, said many factors contributed to the oil prices, such as the supply and demand of the market, situation of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, speculation of financial crisis and the tension between Iran and the West.

“There is a lot of issues going on internationally, and a great uncertainty of oil prices,” Boehman said. “The oil market is an artificial

market affected by geopolitics.”

Boehman said the gas price increase will encourage people to make wiser choices, buy more energy-efficient vehicles and be more careful about petroleum consumption as “we are currently taking it for granted.”

According to the Obama Energy Agenda report, after the president took office, domestic crude oil production is rising, and U.S. dependence on foreign oil is down to less than 50 percent of domestic consumption in 2011.

The United States has nearly doubled renewable energy generation from wind, solar and geothermal sources since 2008, according to the report.

Locally, Centre Area Transportation Authority buses started a transition to 100 percent natural gas in 1996, Boehman said.

“For individuals, it will still take a while for us to use natural gas cars because of the difficulty of refueling,” Boehman said.

“A home-refueling system cost around $5,000.”

The Energy Institute — the Diesel Combustion and Emissions Laboratory within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, is working on developing renewable fuel vehicles and advanced clean energy.

In February 2011, Obama delivered a speech at Rec Hall touting the importance of Penn State’s research efforts in moving the nation toward a clean energy future with its technology and building initiatives.

Boehman said the research is ongoing, for example, to improve energy-efficient buildings like the HUB-Robeson Center.

THE BACKSTOP 6 monday, april 2, 2012

The california Aggie

Three-peat

SPORTS iN Brief

Pacific to leave the Big West Pacific announced Thursday that it would be leaving the Big West Conference for the West Coast Conference beginning in the 2013-14 school year.

Pacific will return to the WCC after leaving the league for the Big West (formerly known as the Pacific Coast Athletic Association) over 40 years ago.

Pacific’s announcement comes as the Big West prepares to add Hawaii as a member starting next year and San Diego State starting in 2013.

Sacramento State will also be joining the Big West for men’s soccer only beginning with the 2012 season.

­— Trevor Cramer

UC Davis basketball loses three sophomores UC Davis men’s basketball coach Jim Les announced Friday that sophomores Harrison Dupont, Alex Tiffin and Mike Kurtz would not be returning to the team next season.

“We thank the players for their hard work and wish them the best in their future endeavors,” said Les. Dupont transferred to UC Davis in 2010 from the Citadel.

After sitting out the 2010-11 season due to transfer restrictions, Dupont started 12 games this season, averaging 9 points per game.

Tiffin played in all 30 of UC Davis’ games this season, starting 14 of them. He averaged 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.

After averaging over 10 minutes per game in his freshman season, Kurtz did not make a single appearance for the Aggies in 2011-12. ­— Trevor Cramer

UC Davis takes another conference title gYMNASTICS

By KIM CARR

Aggie Sports Writer

UC Davis secured its third consecutive Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championship title on March 24.

The Aggie gymnasts surged late this season to enter the MPSF Championship Meet as the decided favorites, and this year’s squad, hosts of the event at the Pavilion, did not disappoint.

Junior Katie Yamamura vaulted her way to the MSPF Gymnast of the Year award. She was one of seven Aggies battling for spots on the five all-conference honors. Every UC Davis gymnast landed a slot on at least one all-conference roster, but Yamamura took that challenge to a whole new height, earning spots on all five all-conference teams.

The Aggies posted one of the best seasons in school history and head coach John Lavallee was named MSPF Head Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his six-year tenure at UC Davis. His assistant Tamara Ross was also granted MSPF Assistant Coach of the Year honors.

While Lavallee and Ross were coaching their way to recognition, UC Davis’ gymnasts were dominating all four events.

Three Aggies were placed on the allconference team for the vault. Yamamura led the conference with a score of 9.810 while her teammates sophomores Anna

Shumaker and Madeline Kennedy ranked fifth and eighth respectively.

Yamamura scored 9.800 on uneven bars, swinging her way to first place in conference.

She was joined by fellow junior Michelle Ho whose score of 9.680 earned her seventh place on the all-conference roster.

Junior Leah Housman spearheaded UC Davis’ balance beam success with a score of 9.730. She was followed by fifthranked Yamamura and seventh-ranked Shumaker.

Four UC Davis gymnasts stuck landings on the all-conference roster for floor exercise. They were piloted by Michelle Ho, whose 9.805 earned her second place on the roster. Yamamura rounded out her day with a fifth-place ranking in floor. Junior Taryn West earned a 9.735 to place seventh and she was followed by Shumaker, who earned her third all-conference roster slot in floor with a score of 9.730.

Two Aggies were placed on the all-around conference roster. Yamamura ranked first with an overall total of 38.935 while freshman Tiana Montell placed fourth overall.

With their performances on Saturday, UC Davis continued its legacy of gymnastic dominance in the MSPF conference. The squad will lose seniors and co-captains Lauren Eller and Erika Van Dyke this year, but there is a lot of talent returning for the 2013 year.

As Lavallee said, “There’s still a lot left in the tank to see how good this team can be.”

Aaron Juarez / Aggie

KIM CARR can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

UC Davis took its third straight conference title.

Aggies split matches in Hawai’i UC Davis goes 1-1 over spring break WOMEN’S tENNIS

By MATTHEW YUEN Aggie Sports Writer

The UC Davis women’s tennis team traveled to the Aloha state over spring break, but by no means was this a vacation.

The Aggies battled with 53rd-ranked Hawai’i and then faced off against Division II powerhouse Hawai’i Pacific on backto-back days. After splitting the weekend matchups, UC Davis holds a 6-10 record with six matches remaining in the regular season.

Friday –– Hawai’i 4, UC Davis 3 The contest with the Rainbow Warriors was the Aggies’ first competition in almost a month, but they found themselves in a battle right from the start.

UC Davis was swept in the doubles competition to surrender the doubles point to Hawai’i, and that turned out to be the difference maker.

After falling behind 1-0, the Aggies surged ahead to take a 3-2 advantage, getting wins from junior Ellie Edles, sophomore Megan Heneghan and freshman Layla Sanders at their respective singles spots. Two matches remained on court and UC Davis needed just one for the victory, but the Aggies could not scrape out the final point.

Senior Dahra Zamudio fell 7-6(5), 6-4 after holding a set point in the first, and junior Lauren Curry was outlasted by Hawai’i in the decisive third set with a match score of 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.

“I’m so proud of the team; they fought hard,” said coach Bill Maze. “All the matches were close and it came down to Curry’s match, but everyone put in a great effort.

“We hadn’t played a match in a while and, out in the heat and humidity, I saw we were in great shape. I thought we did everything we could do to win but just didn’t pull it out.”

Saturday –– UC Davis 4, Hawai’i Pacific 3 The Aggies had another tight match on Saturday, but this time ended up on top.

Despite losing the doubles point once again, UC Davis rebounded nicely to sweep four straight singles matches.

“We lost the doubles point; it’s really been our Achilles heel, but we’re a great singles playing team,” Maze said. “We won four out of six singles and that’s what put us on top.”

Curry and Zamudio put the Aggies on top with two quick victories to start singles play. UC Davis then clinched the match with two more wins courtesy of sophomores Kelly Chui and Nicole Koehly at the three and six singles slots, respectively.

Having already recorded four points, the Aggies claimed the victory but dropped the final two singles matches on court in close third sets to make the total match score 4-3.

“Hawai’i was a tough one to lose because they’re a good team and we were so close,” Maze said. “We came such a long way to play here; it’s good to get a win in one of these close matches.”

MATTHEW YUEN can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.

Daydreaming good for health, study finds

By Alexis Gordon

The Daily Free Press (Boston University)

Daydreaming while doing simple tasks, such as planning a doctor’s appointment or tomorrow’s outfit on the way to class, may be an indicator of a better working memory, according to a recent study in “Psychological Science.”

The study showed that while doing low-load tasks that do not take up a person’s full attention, people who daydream or think about other things while doing the task had a higher working memory capacity – memory that holds temporary information – than those whose minds did not drift off to other things.

Jonathan Smallwood from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, one of the study’s researchers, said in a University of WisconsinMadison News article that while the brain is in idle, it tends to think about pressing matters.

“What this study seems to suggest is that when circumstances for the task aren’t very difficult, people who have additional working memory resources deploy them to think about things other than what they’re doing,” Smallwood said. “Their brains are trying to allocate resources to the most pressing problems.”

To conduct the experiment, researches asked volunteers to perform one of two simple tasks. They pressed a button in response to the appearance of a certain letter on a screen or tapped a button in time with their breathing.

While doing these tasks, the researchers periodically

asked the volunteers if they were fully focused on what they were doing or if their minds were wandering to other things.

To measure the participants’ working memory capacity, the researchers asked the volunteers to recall letters that they were asked to memorize before the tests and complete a series of easy math problems.

“We intentionally use tasks that will never use all of their attention,” Smallwood said, “and then we ask, ‘How do people use their idle resources?’”

Researchers found that individuals with higher working memory resources reported more task-unrelated thoughts. When they gave the volunteers a task but filled them with sensory distractors, their mind’s ability to wander completely turned off.

“Giving your full attention to your perceptual experience actually equalized people, as though it cut off mind wandering at the pass,” said Daniel Levinson, one of the study’s researchers, in the article.

Dr. Michael Hasselmo, a Boston U. psychology professor, said the study seemed valid but not strong because of how difficult it is collect that type of data.

“Just looking at their data it seems that they had effects that were significant but not really strong because there was a broad level of data intuitive level,” Hasselmo said. “We hear stories about people like Einstein daydreaming in class, and maybe high IQ is related to this.

But this is just anecdotal; no one has really looked into this specific case.”

Aggie Digest Women’s water polo While most students were on their spring break, the UC Davis women’s water polo team was busy extending their winning streak to eight games. The Aggies locked up three more victories this past week, including their first Big West Conference win against Pacific. The wins moved UC Davis to 13-11 on the season.

On March 25, the Aggies traveled to Stockton to face Santa Clara and the host the Pacific Tigers in a game that did not count in the conference standings. The Aggies got off to a quick 8-2 lead against Santa Clara and never looked back, winning by a score of 14-5. Freshmen Keelia Houston and Allyson Hansen both scored two

goals to help UC Davis come out on top.

Later that day, Junior Jessica Dunn scored three goals to lead the Aggies’ offensive attack against the Tigers. Junior Carmen Eggert and senior Dakotah Mohr aided Dunn with two goals of their own.

The Aggies traveled to Stockton again on Saturday for a rematch against Pacific in their first Big West game of the season and won in dramatic fashion. Mohr scored a backhanded game winner with eight seconds left to lead the Aggies to an 8-7 victory.

UC Davis will return to action Saturday against UC Irvine.

— Jason Min