STUDENT LIFE
11 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT . . .
RIDESHARING
MOST PEOPLE KNOW THAT RIDESHARING BEHEMOTHS LIKE UBER AND LYFT ARE REINVENTING WHAT IT MEANS TO GET FROM POINT A TO POINT B. HOWEVER, HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT EVERYBODY’S (CHIEFLY YOUNG PARTYGOERS) FAVORITE WAY TO GET AROUND.
MADISON
RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
11
UBER BLACK(LISTED)
Uber has been banned in major cities in Germany, Canada, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, India and in several U.S. cities like Austin, San Antonio and Anchorage.
10 RIDE OR DIE
A Temple University study showed that the number of drunken driving deaths has decreased by nearly 6% in cities where Uber is used.
9 SPACE TRAVEL
If you combined every Uber trip in the past five years, the distance would account for a round trip to Saturn.
8 DRIVEN OUT
In 2012, the California Public Utilities Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter and fined rideshare companies Lyft, Uber, Wingz and Sidecar $20,000 each for operating an “unlicensed commercial transportation service.”
7
THE HALF OF IT
Roughly 50% of U.S. rideshare drivers drive fewer than 10 hours per week.
6
BAT A BILLION
So far, Uber has conducted over 1 billion rides worldwide this year.
5 UPLYFTED
In 2013, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee declared July 13 as Lyft Day.
4
AROUND THE WORLD
Lyft and Uber operate in more than 200 cities in the world.
3
BRANCHING OUT
In December 2013, Uber partnered with The Home Depot to offer a Christmas-tree delivery service through the app, aptly called Uber TREE.
2
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Tree delivery isn’t the only promotion Uber has offered. On Ice Cream Day 2013, Uber offered users the chance to summon ice cream trucks for an on-demand dessert.
1
SAFETY FIRST
Following the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013, public transportation was on lockdown. Residents could use Uber, though, to be with loved ones or to take free rides to Boston hospitals. Shortly thereafter, Uber launched a nationwide partnership with the Red Cross to transport people in times of tragedy and natural disaster.
GTFO!
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND CATCH THESE 10 EVENTS OR YOU’LL BE FEELING SOME SERIOUS F.O.M.O.
DANCE YOURSELF CLEAN
Dance to music inspired by LCD Soundsystem, Miike Snow, Twin Shadow and Phantogram at this 21 and older event at Crescent Ballroom. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, Saturday, August 13, 9 p.m., $10.
SAGUARO SANTAN POOL SAMPLING
Lounge poolside and drink local craft beer from SanTan Brewing Company. Saturday samplings are scheduled throughout the month at the Saguaro Hotel’s luxurious pool. Saguaro Hotel pool, 4000 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480. 917.8700, santanbrewing.com, Saturday, August 13 & Saturday, August 20, noon, free.
NEVER NOT FUNNYTHE JIMMY PARDO PODCAST
Jimmy Pardo is the host of the award-winning weekly podcast “Never Not Funny,” which has been lauded by GQ, Billboard, Esquire, AV Club and Mashable. He brings his charismatic comedy to Phoenix for a live version of his podcast, which features him and producer Matt Belknap and a new guest every week. Past guests have included comedy virtuosos like Sarah Silverman, Amy Poehler, Conan O’Brien and Weird Al Yankovic. StandUp Live, 50 W Jefferson St., Phoenix, 480.719.6100, standuplive.com, Sunday, August 14, 7 p.m., $20.
GUNS N’ ROSES NOT IN THIS LIFETIME TOUR
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will come to Glendale with Slash and Duff McKagan along. Watch as the renowned classic rockers churn out hits like “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” “Paradise City” and “Welcome to the Jungle.”
University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, 623.433.7101, universityofphoenixstadium. com, Monday, August 15, 8 p.m., $30-250.
POLY POKEMON GO
Join ASU students in a Pokemon hunt around the ASU Polytechnic Campus. Light refreshments will be provided by student organizations at major PokeStops. ASU Polytechnic Campus Student Union, 5999 S. Backus Mall, Mesa, 480.727.1098, eoss. asu.edu/polyunion, Tuesday, August 16, 8 p.m., free.
ADELE
Adele may sing weepy songs, but she has a wicked sense of humor. Fans will be able to witness this if they are one of the 20,000-plus fans who scooped up tickets to the now sold-out shows.
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, Tuesday, August 16 & Wednesday, August 17, 7 p.m., sold out.
THE BLUNT CLUB
This monthly event features live painting and local DJs who spin ‘90s R&B. Whether you bust a move or stand on the sidelines (don’t be surprised if you see some killer breakdancing!), it’s a great way to start the weekend early. Valley Bar, 130 N Central Ave, Phoenix, 602.368.3121, valleybarphx.com, Thursday, August 18, 9 p.m., $5.
COLDPLAY
Don’t miss these Britpop icons that curated the soundtrack for many ‘90s kids’ coming of age. Coldplay has sold over 80 million albums worldwide and topped charts in dozens of countries. With the band’s distinct, melodic sound and and hits like “Yellow,” “Clocks” and “Fix You,” it’s sure to be a compelling show.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, 623.772.3200, gilariverarena. com, Tuesday, August 23, 7 p.m., $20-$175.
SNOOP DOGG & WIZ KHALIFA
Two of the most popular rap/ hip-hop artists are touring this summer with supporting acts Kevin Gates, Casey Veggies and DJ Drama. At the “High Road
Tour” show, fans will hear old school jams from Snoop Dogg like “Gin and Juice” and newer hits like “Young, Wild & Free” from Wiz Khalifa. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, livenation. com/venues/14282/ak-chinpavilion, Wednesday, August 24, 6:30 p.m., $25-$70.
FAST TIMES @ SMOCA
School is back in session and SMoCA invites students for a night of stand-up that will set the mood for the rest of the semester. It’s no frat party, but there will be tons of laughs and a cash bar in the SMoCA lounge.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org, Friday, August 26, 7 p.m., $10.
MU AFTER DARKTHE CARNIVAL
Mingle with other ASU students and renew that school spirit at the Memorial Union for a special MU After Dark event featuring carnival rides, circus performers, food, games and more.
ASU Memorial Union, 1290 S. Normal Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.5310, facebook.com/ events/499519023567832, Friday, August 26, 8 p.m., free.
MADE. A LOCAL MARKET
Discover homegrown and handcrafted products from more than 100 local businesses at this two-day indoor market. Shop for clothing, art, beauty, jewelry, food and more from creative, community-centric companies. The event also offers workshops from local influencers.
Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa, 480.644.2178, madelocalmarkets.com, Friday, August 26, and Saturday, August 27, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., free.
ADELE
SNOOP DOGG
DORM DIYs
HOW TO TURN YOUR DRAB DORM INTO A CREATIVE CAVE CAITY HEMMERLE • COLLEGE TIMES
Living in a small dorm can be tricky. You want to fit all of your stuff in there while staying organized and keeping it livable. Luckily, we live in an era where geniuses post their DIY ideas on the internet. Here are five ways to get crafty in your new dorm.
1. SHOWER CADDIES AREN’T JUST FOR YOUR BATHROOM
Think outside of the box and create your own way to stay organized. Buy a cheap shower caddy at Target and hang it on your wall to hold school supplies, beauty products or even food.
Instructions: society19. com/10-dorm-hacks-keeproom-organized
2. KEEP YOUR SNACKS HANDY
With late-night study sessions at a max, you’ll need to have snacks handy and organized. Use an over-the-door shoe organizer to store snacks for those moments when you need a break — or maybe an incentive.
Instructions: pinterest.com/ pin/517843657128474541
3. MAKE YOUR OWN MARQUEE LIGHTS
Instead of hanging normal string lights, get together with the roommates and illuminate your names or fun words in the style of old movie theaters and circuses. Use cardboard letters from a craft store, string lights, scissors and spray paint.
Instructions: brit.co/ big-marquee
4. CREATE UNIQUE BOTTLE LAMPS
Decorate your dorm with a one-of-a-kind DIY lamp using an empty bottle. Top it off with a cheap lamp shade or a cover of your own design with a make-your-own lamp kit from craft stores or Amazon.
Instructions: tipjunkie.com/ tutorial/how-to-make-a-bottle-lamp. Optional: rub the lamp for good luck before an exam.
5. KEEP THAT PET YOU MISS BACK HOME CLOSE TO YOU
Moving away to college often means saying goodbye to old friends — which are sometimes pets. Make your own Mod Podge photo transfer pet pillow
using Mod Podge, wax paper, fiberfill and sewing supplies. Instructions: https://www.
plaidonline.com/diy-modpodge-photo-transfer-pet-pillows/6104/project.htm
IN ACTION
STREET TEAM SNAPS
STREET TEAM • COLLEGE TIMES
School has started and now the College Times Street Team is hitting the Sun Devil Campus Bookstore daily with swag, contests and games. Our street team loves to meet our readers and snap photos. Stop on by and win a prize!
AUGUST CAN’T-MISS WELCOME EVENTS
RACHEL HAGERMAN • COLLEGE TIMES
Whether you’re into shopping, sports or serving your community, August presents a slew of opportunities for you to get oriented with your new university.
(DIS)ORIENTATION
ASU students have prepared SNL-like sketches and songs to welcome all new students and share some sage advice about approaching your new independence, living with roommates and taking hard classes. They even have some comedic drama and slam poetry planned.
Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480.965.2880, Sunday, August 14, various times, free.
TARGET AFTER-HOURS BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING EVENT
Target is opening after store hours just for ASU freshmen and has promised great onetime-only deals, giveaways and games. Be sure to catch a bus ride from Gammage, Hassayampa, Palo Verde or Sonora with fellow freshmen before buying pencils, bike locks and dorm decor.
Tempe Marketplace Target, 1800 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, 480.214.2667, Sunday, August 14, 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m, free.
SUN DEVIL WELCOME
If you’re curious about what it means to be a Sun Devil, come to this annual event to see Sun Devil pride firsthand and start the school year off right.
Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.2880, Tuesday, August 16, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m, free.
ASU CULTURE FESTIVAL
Celebrate campus’ diversity with live performances, activities and food representative of different cultures around the world. Mingle with new and returning students and get a sense of the unique ASU atmosphere. Outside of Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, https://eoss.asu.edu/culture, Saturday, August 16, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., free.
SPARKY’S DAY OF SERVICE
Tempe freshmen are invited to enjoy a day of service with over 2,000 Sun Devils. Registration is required, so make sure you use the link below for details and information about how to join in on the fun and philanthropy.
Memorial Union (second floor), 301 E. Orange St., Tempe, https://changemaker.asu.edu, Wednesday, August 17, 9 a.m. to 12:45p.m, free.
PASSPORT TO ASU
Meet over 800 student organizations on the Tempe Campus to see which organizations you want to join. There will be lots of free food and giveaways. Throughout and between Memorial Union and the Sun Devil Fitness Complex, 301 E. Orange St., Tempe, and 400 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, 480.965.2880, Wednesday, August 17, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m, free.
(DIS) ORIENTATION
GREEK BLOCK PARTY
The Fraternity and Sorority Life chapters are hosting a party to welcome new and returning students to the new school year. Get to know your college mates and enjoy this carnival-style event.
Adelphi Commons, Phoenix, 480.965.2880, Friday, August 19, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., free.
WHITEWASH THE “A”
Since the 1930s, ASU Freshmen have hiked “A” Mountain and painted the letter white to symbolize a fresh start to the new year. You won’t want to miss this old tradition with your new college mates.
Hayden Butte (AKA “A” Mountain), 100 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480.965.2880, Saturday, August 20, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m, free.
SPARKY’S CARNIVAL
This carnival is a signature event during Fall Welcome. Come enjoy carnival games and giveaways with new and returning ASU students. Student Center at the Post Office and Civic Space Park, 522 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 480.965.2880, Saturday, August 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, free.
ASU NIGHT AT THE D-BACKS
The Arizona Diamondbacks will welcome the ASU freshmen class during their game against the Atlanta Braves. Cheer on the D-backs with $1 tickets you can claim on your smartphone. Text “STUDENT” to 76925, and you can join the D-backs Student Pass program and get tickets to ASU Night at the D-backs. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602.462.6500, Tuesday, August 23, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., $1.
ASU CULTURAL FESTIVAL
WHITEWASH THE “A”
COFFEE BY THE BOOK
THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS FOR STUDYING
JARED MCDONALD • COLLEGE TIMES
Face it: studying in college is inevitable, and sometimes you need to get away from home to focus. You could go to a library for the near-perfect silence, or you could kick it at one of these awesome coffee spots with an iced white mocha or some fresh green tea.
THE BLEND TEAHOUSE
Located on the north end of the ASU Tempe campus, The Blend Teahouse serves up coffee and tea with plenty of flavors. However, this spot offers an important addition to the typical coffee shop menu: boba.
Even if you’re not a fan of the tapioca balls, you’ll turn into a believer wen you add classic honey boba into your favorite tea.
The Blend has an array of tables, comfortable chairs and couches that are perfect for hunkering down and studying. The shop plays music and is usually moderately busy with other students studying. The noise level stays pretty low. Studying is better with boba, and the trek to the north end of campus is worth it.
521 S. College Avenue, Suite 11, Tempe, 480.939.2738
CARTEL COFFEE LAB
Cartel Coffee Lab is all about the coffee beans. With four locations in the Valley, Cartel is sure to be close to wherever you are.
This “coffee lab” stays true to its name and focuses on sourcing, roasting and brewing good beans on-site for excellent coffee. The shop has a hip, retro atmosphere. The music they play isn’t too loud, but Cartel’s reputation means it’s constantly busy with a young crowd. Still, it offers plenty of tables and chairs, and it’s easy to find a corner to crack open a textbook.
Four Valley locations; visit cartelcoffeelab.com
your laptop and a few notebooks and check it out.
4402 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.327.1396, luxcoffee.com
TALEBU COFFEE AND WINE CAFÉ
Talebu Coffee and Wine Cafe may be a little out of the way at Alma School and Warner roads in Chandler, but its unique menu and spacious ambience is well worth the drive. The cafe also has a wine bar, just in case you want to get something a little different.
CUPZ COFFEE
Cupz Coffee is a solid shop on the north end of the ASU Tempe campus, and can easily replace a franchise as your go-to place. Cupz is the quintessential college cafe, serving up coffee, tea and food in a warm, contemporary environment. Cupz has plenty of tables, chairs and booths for studying. It is usually moderately busy with other students waking up with a cup of coffee or grabbing a bite, and doesn’t get too loud. Its delicious drinks made from locally roasted beans are the perfect complement to studying in between classes.
777 S. College Avenue, Suite 101, Tempe, 480.557.5245
LUX CENTRAL
Lux Central is legendary in Central Phoenix, and for good reason. This cafe does it all, with fresh coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner menus and even a bar.
This hot spot attracts all kinds to its hip, rustic cafe, and is always packed. As a result, Lux is pretty loud with chatter, chopping and brewing, but you’ll still find people studying with headphones on. Lux has plenty of tables, chairs and torn-up couches to complete its laidback, lowkey atmosphere. If Lux sounds like your scene, grab
From the Strawberry Blonde to the Mexican Mocha and Green Tea Frap, each drink on its menu is more interesting than the last. Each unique concoction will leave you wondering why other places aren’t serving up the same delicious innovations.
Talebu is roomy, has plenty of tables, chairs and couches, and is the perfect studying environment. Talebu often has live musicians and special event nights, so if you’re looking for a quiet space to study go during the day.
2095 N. Alma School Road, Suite 2, Chandler, 480.899.9633, talebucofee.com
SONGBIRD COFFEE AND TEA HOUSE
Songbird Coffee and Tea House is quaint, quiet and cozy, the perfect environment to hit the books. Songbird occupies a house just north of the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus.
Songbird boasts a friendly, comfortable environment, and is worth the short jaunt from campus. Its living room-style cafe is inviting, and it’s easy to spend hours there.
Songbird offers all the usual coffee shop fixings, created quickly and with great care. Its assortment of couches and tables provide a great setting for studying. The shop is moderately busy any time with students, but it never gets too noisy. Songbird can easily become your home away from home.
812 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.374.4192, songbirdcoffeehouse.com
THE BLEND TEAHOUSE
CARTEL COFFEE LAB
LUX CAFE
TALEBU COFFEE AND WINE CAFÉ
SONGBIRD COFFEE AND TEA HOUSE
VOICES
EXISTENTIAL AMBUSH
WE BOMBARD PEOPLE WITH THE BIG QUESTIONS TO SEE HOW THEY RESPOND
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
“Why do you think Pokémon Go has become a cultural phenomenon in such a short time?”
“I think it’s becoming popular because it’s easier for people to use their phones and easily interact with their devices.”
–JESUS ALDACO, GRAD STUDENT, ASU
HE SAID, SHE SAID
ONE GUY, ONE GIRL, THREE QUESTIONS
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
HER
IOLANDA KLEIN, GRAD STUDENT, ASU
How many Pokémon have you caught so far?
“I just caught five right now.”
What’s the most surprising place you’ve caught a Pokémon?
HIM
RUIJIN CANG, DOCTORATE, ASU
How many Pokémon have you caught so far? Around 80, I think.
“There’s the nostalgia thing going on. Also, this is the first augmented reality game that works. You get to walk around and see the stuff from when you were 10 years old.”
–IOLANDA KLEIN, GRAD STUDENT, ASU
“I think it’s because it is in real time, so you can choose real places where you want to play. You can go in the water or you can walk and play. It’s fun and interesting that way.”
–PRANOTI RAHANGDALE, GRAD STUDENT, ASU
“It’s something entirely new that we haven’t seen before.”
–RAM TELIKICHERLA. GRAD STUDENT, ASU
“I caught one on my desk. I turned on the game and there was a Charmander on my desk and I was like, ‘Holy crap!’”
Do you think the game is making a positive or negative impact on society?
“I think positive. It’s giving people an excuse to go outside. I heard a couple friends saying that they actually didn’t go around their neighborhood as much until they started playing it. A friend of mine was saying that he walks his dog five times a day now. Humans are very rewards-driven. You’re not just going to go walking around for no reason, so I think it’s good.”
What’s the most surprising place you’ve caught a Pokémon? I’m pretty sure it was Tempe Town Lake.
Do you think the game is making a positive or negative impact on society?
I think it’s positive because Pokémon Go has a very popular AR technique so I think it pushes a lot of other companies and also students who want to focus on these kinds of fields, like computer vision.
WHO SAYS SCHOOL CAN’T BE FUN?
QUIRKY, UNUSUAL AND JUST PLAIN INTERESTING CLASSES ARE STAPLES OF ASU
CONNOR DZIAWURA • COLLEGE TIMES
English, biology, calculus. These are the classes most students take once they make the journey from high school to college. But ASU offers more than that, with classes focusing on subjects ranging from famous musicians to television, movies and even dance. Here are a few classes with which to spice up your schedule and give it a little life.
THE BEATLES AFTER THE BEATLES
Perhaps one of the most desired classes, The Beatles After the Beatles offers students a look at the lives and music of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr after their time
in the legendary English band. There is a large focus on their impact and cultural significance on the music industry. Taught by professor Mike Shellans, The Beatles After the Beatles fulfills a general studies program for most degrees.
However, this is not the only interesting course that Shellans teaches. He shares his knowledge about Elvis Presley, the Music of the Beatles and Women Who Rock as well.
“We endeavor to give students a plethora of song, album, style and artist information coupled with a deeper understanding of both their standard and unreleased repertoire,” Shellans says. “And, hopefully, we offer a bit of
insight into their music and its impact on culture and society.”
All of Shellans’ courses are in high demand and fill up within the early days of registration.
FROM LUCY TO LOST: INTRO TO SERIES TELEVISION
Students with a passing interest in television and film may find this course especially interesting. With topics involving “I Love Lucy” and “Lost,” FMP 294 introduces students to the different forms and varieties of series television, as well as the history and significance behind them.
JAPANESE POPULAR CULTURE: ANIME, MANGA AND FILM
This class analyzes Japanese media, specifically through anime, manga and film. By learning about themes within Japanese pop culture, such as technology, gender, violence and war, JPN 115 gives students an understanding of Japan’s means of expression and the significance of its culture from within the country and even around the world.
With film viewings and written papers being essential to this course, students should expect to experience a perfect blend of entertainment and thought-provoking material.
LAUGHING TO MUSIC
Comedy has an important spot in musical history. This class focuses on works ranging from Mozart to filmmakers such as Monty Python and Mel Brooks.
Students learn about the importance of modern comedies like “Spamalot,” “Avenue Q” and “Glee.” So take a spot in this class if you’re ready to laugh to some music.
LATIN/SWING/ BALLROOM
Dance has always been a part of school, even in high school. But let’s be honest, did you ever really think you would get the chance to take ballroom dancing in college? Well, now is your chance. With different sections taught by professors Diana Peltcs or Larry Caves, this class shares rhythm in dance through forms such as Latin and swing, as well as partnership dancing.
STUDIES IN NARRATIVE AND MYTH: ‘STAR WARS’
Yes, you read that right. An ASU course that teaches the ins and outs of “Star Wars.” This actually shouldn’t be that surprising since ASU has offered courses about “Lord of the Rings” and zombies. “Star Wars” is a worldwide phenomenon. With two highgrossing trilogies and a third trilogy underway, “Star Wars” has had a major impact on society. This is likely to be one of the most entertaining classes you will find.
SHIFTING GEARS
STATE RIDESHOP BRINGS
BEACH VIBE TO TEMPE
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
ASU alumni Mehdi Farsi and Eric Ferguson noticed the prominence of skateboards and bicycles on the university’s Tempe campus. They also believed that the student community lacked an accessible, one-stop shop to purchase, service and ask questions about their bikes and boards. On August 1, they opened State Rideshop to add an approachable and creative element to the college commute.
The new shop seeks to embody the fast-paced lifestyle of ASU students while fostering the laidback, low-
key beach culture of Southern California.
Ferguson says the shop prides itself on eradicating the “intimidation factor” that many bike and board shops possess. The shop is decorated with exclusive artwork from local artists and surfing and skateboarding videos flash across TVs mounted on the walls, evoking a comfortable and creative space that is “fresh and productive at the same time.”
“Our staff is very personable and engaging, and also very knowledgeable,” says Ferguson. “We are continuing
to add products from brands that we think are doing cool or interesting things or are locally based.”
State Rideshop is the only
full-service bike, board and repair shop in the Valley. Another thing that sets them apart is their one-of-a-kind “BYOB: Build Your Own Board
or Bike” concept, which allows customers to mix and match parts to create a custom set of wheels. Skateboarders can choose their own decks, trucks
flat rate of $59.
“Our demographic, ourselves included, really put a value on creating their own color schemes to make their product unique to them,” Ferguson says about the creation of the BYOB concept. “We chose not to limit our customer’s options when it came to making their own board, we wanted them to own it and make it a statement piece.”
To celebrate its grand opening, the shop will offer 10% off select products for the month of August, including fixed-gear bikes from State Bicycle Co. and boards from Artie’s Longboards.
The shop offers an “open-door policy” when it comes to repairs. Unlike many
of its competitors, State Rideshop will attempt to fix any bike or board, regardless of the make, model or damage. Flat tire repair, tune-ups and replacements for damaged or stolen parts start at $10.
“A lot of local shops really talk down to customers who bring their bikes in for service,” says Ferguson. “Sadly, we hear this everyday from our customers, ‘XYZ shop scoffed at me because my bike is from Walmart.’ We service anyone’s bike...We really have an open-door policy and it’s shocking that other shops don’t share that feeling. We are here to keep all commuters moving, and we want to make it easy and fun.”
When the school year
starts, they plan to host events and organize rides and races at ASU.
Ferguson says that they may eventually expand to other cities.
“At the end of the day, ASU campus is huge, and it’s where our hearts are as alumni,” says Ferguson. “We’re focused on serving our customers the transportation they need, servicing the transportation they already have, and having a ton of cool products to live their life in.”
STATE RIDESHOP
922 E. Apache Boulevard, Tempe 602.253.4653
Facebook and Instagram: State Ride Shop
Campus Locations
It’s not the destination, but the journey that matters. Let’s be real: it does matter if you get to class on time, but getting there can be half the fun. Taking the Metro Light Rail is a safe and inexpensive method to commute from campus to home (and back again)! Peep this map to find the closest route to your campus or crib.
ACCORDING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA’S COMMUTER
AFFAIRS, 87% OF COLLEGE STUDENTS NATIONWIDE COMMUTE TO CAMPUS.
Valley Metro Rail
Frequent and reliable all-day rail service operating 365 days a year linking Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa with connections to Sky Harbor Airport and many bus routes. See valleymetro.org for a detailed map.
SUCCESS & MONEY WHO’S DRIVING YOU?
THE TRUTH ABOUT RIDESHARE SAFETY
PASSENGERS, WHEN THEY KNOW THEY’RE BEING RECORDED, CAN RELAX AND HAVE FUN. THEY JUST KNOW THAT IF THEY DO ANYTHING REALLY STUPID OR REALLY EGREGIOUS, IT’S ON VIDEO.
ALL DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SHOULD BE EMPOWERED TO CALL FOR HELP WHEN IN NEED.
In April, an altercation during which a Lyft driver slashed a passenger’s arm with a box cutter happened less than 20 miles from ASU’s Tempe campus.
Though neither party was significantly injured, both men went to jail and made yet another headline about incidents and unsafe conditions in the ridesharing sphere.
According to whosdrivingyou.org, a site dedicated to spreading rideshare safety awareness, there have been 121 reported sexual assaults, six alleged kidnappings and 15 deaths in the rideshare community to date. Uber and Lyft are also no strangers to DUIs, negligent background checks and other nefarious behavior that puts drivers and passengers in increasingly dangerous situations every day.
Despite all of the horror stories and bad press, Uber has still facilitated 1 billion rides worldwide in the past six months alone.
Marketed as a “safer, friendlier” alternative to taxis and other modes of transportation, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are essentially a socially acceptable form of hitchhiking. What is it about hailing a ride from a smartphone app that is ostensibly safer than outstretching one’s thumb to procure a ride? Does the convenience of getting a cheap ride from a stranger outweigh the perils presented to drivers and passengers?
According to Tracey Breeden, spokeswoman for Uber Safety Communications, West, GPS data for all rides
are logged, so the company knows where riders and passengers are at all times. GPS also enables Uber to verify the efficiency of every route, which is implemented to maintain accountability and good behavior. Passengers can share their locations as well so friends and family can follow the trip.
However, these features have no way of monitoring or modifying the behavior of passengers and drivers during the trip, not to mention after the trip has ended.
Harry Campbell, who drives for Uber and Lyft, and runs a popular blog called therideshareguy.com, says these types of programs are “inherently safer” due to digital tracking and background checks. However, these background checks only look at violations from the previous seven years, and even then, anomalies still occur.
One of the biggest stigmas against rideshare drivers is their lack of training, an element that has recently garnered tremendous contention. Rideshare drivers operate as independent contractors, not employees, which means they cannot legally be provided with training from Uber or Lyft.
“Even if they want to train their drivers on some of these issues or even recommend something like a dash cam, it sort of gets into a legal grey area,” Campbell says.
Recently, a burgeoning market for startups focused on rideshare safety have emerged.
Dash cams, small cameras mounted on the dashboard that film the inside and outside
of the vehicle, have been particularly popular.
“It’s sort of like an insurance policy for drivers against anything that might go wrong,” Campbell says. “Passengers, when they know they’re being recorded, can relax and have fun. They just know that if they do anything really stupid or really egregious, it’s on video.”
Another startup that addresses rideshare safety concerns sells the Rideshare Safety Partition, a transparent, removable barrier that can conveniently be placed between the front and back seats of any car, reminiscent of those found in taxis. The object of the partition is to put both drivers and passengers at ease while riding in an Uber or Lyft.
“There are several risks to drivers and passengers using rideshare apps, but the top two are both drivers and passengers are strangers and can be unpredictable,” says Ocea Jones, chief operations
officer of the company. “There are no boundaries in the car, so both a driver and passenger can easily attack or invade each other’s private space.”
Jones says peace of mind is important when riding in a car with a stranger, whether you’re behind the wheel or along for the ride. A safety precaution like a partition provides this “without taking away from the social aspect of ridesharing.”
“All drivers and passengers should be empowered to call for help when in need,” Jones says. “This can happen more easily when there is a barrier in place...that makes both groups feel safe and serves as a deterrent from potential attacks.”
Uber hopes that a new in-app, telematic feature that uses the driver’s phone to track their braking, acceleration and driving style will help monitor the way drivers operate.
“As it stands now, drivers are currently rated on a one to five star system, and that’s all based
on passenger feedback,” says Campbell. “The thing about this new system of feedback is basically, it’s supposed to be more objective.”
Campbell says that even with the risks posed to drivers and passengers, the horror stories that make headlines don’t account for even one hundredth of the rides that Uber and Lyft have executed since their inception. Knowing the risks and efficiently diffusing potentially dangerous situations are the most imperative parts of rideshare safety, he says.
“On a percentage basis, it’s still really low, but these things do happen from time to time...I’m always trying to think of ways for [drivers] to maybe not necessarily protect themselves, but sort of be proactive to avoid any of these types of situations,” says Campbell.
...WE PROVIDE ON-DEMAND SERVICES SO THEY CAN FOCUS ON WHAT THEY DO BEST, WHICH IS MAKE GREAT FOOD.
REINVENTING THE MEAL
UBER EATS CRUISES TO THE STREETS OF THE VALLEY
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
Uber allows patrons to procure a personal driver with the click of a button. Now, with the advent of its newest endeavor, Uber EATS, the ridesharing enterprise allows access to the same service if a customer seeks a burrito or a bowl of soup instead of a ride to work.
Similar to culinary courier companies like Postmates, GrubHub and Seamless, Uber Eats partners with local restaurants to deliver on-demand meals to its customers.
“It’s great for restaurants that don’t have the infrastructure or platform for delivery, so
we provide on-demand services so they can focus on what they do best, which is make great food,” says Taylor Patterson, Uber’s west communications lead.
Uber officially launched UberEATS in Phoenix on July 12. It is one of only 20 U.S. cities to feature the service.
Uber EATS prides itself on efficient delivery, proven in the fact that one of the selected restaurant partners in Phoenix is ice cream shop Sweet Republic.
Sweet Republic has been a Scottsdale staple since 2008 and have since expanded to
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, The Phoenician, Whole Foods and have now been handpicked to partner with Uber EATS.
“When I got the call from Uber, I thought it made a lot of sense given the infrastructure they already have in place here,” says Helen Yung, Sweet Republic chef and co-owner.
“They’re a little later to the game but they have more resources than anyone else to dominate the market; we’re happy to be one of the few selected for the initial launch.”
Phoenix is a hotbed of upand-coming restaurants and
is the sixth largest city in the country, so it was a wise move for Uber EATS to expand to the Valley, not to mention Uber’s on-demand car service had already made a name for itself here.
In addition to skyrocketing business for local restaurants, Uber EATS provides an advantage to existing drivers who can now choose to deliver food during slow hours.
“I think for them, getting into Uber EATS is really more about seeing how they can combine different services, how they can combine their existing fleet of drivers...I think
it’s sort of like a play on their current business and there’s a lot of synergies between what they’re doing with rideshares,” says Uber driver and rideshare blogger Harry Campbell.
Users must download a separate app to order food, but may log in with an existing Uber account. Delivery will be available 8 a.m. to midnight.
“[For] someone who’s already using Uber, it’s already a lot easier to convert...as opposed to someone who’s never heard of Uber or has never been involved with any sharing or on-demand company in the first place,” says Campbell.
WRAPPING YOUR HEAD AROUND MENTAL HEALTH IN COLLEGE
The age-old adage that college will be “the best four years of your life,” while not erroneous, is a generalization that has excited and beset college students since the dawn of higher education. It may resonate with many college students, while eluding others.
Put simply, college, like life, has its highs and lows, and it can be especially tough to traverse these peaks and valleys alone. It’s normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed and a bit despondent at times. However, it’s important to understand these feelings and how to get help when necessary.
Dr. Aaron Krasnow, associate vice president and director of ASU’s Health and Counseling Services, says millennials seek help for mental health more frequently than any other generation. This isn’t because they have more mental health issues, but because they feel more comfortable talking about them.
“Many more people in the millennial generation have had their emotional health issues identified when they were in high school or earlier, so they are more apt to continue that support on in college than in
previous generations,” he says. “In previous generations, the stigma was higher, the help seeking was lower, and people may have gone undiagnosed.”
While being inundated with FOMO-inducing Snapchat stories and carefully curated Instagram photos may fuel an initial feeling of isolation, social media may be just the thing to galvanize a sense of solidarity. In the millennial milieu, it’s easier than ever to celebrate, or commiserate, with like-minded individuals.
“Social media as a way of connecting people is a way to find people who are like you,” says Krasnow. “If you are struggling with an issue, and you can find someone who is struggling with that issue, even if they’re not in your neighborhood and not at your school, you will feel less alone in the world.”
The platitude “college is the best four years of your life” generates unrealistic conjectures that may not match an individual’s college experience. Krasnow suggests talking about specific concerns and expectations instead of looking at the big picture, which can be overwhelming.
“Any time that anyone has the experience of someone telling them the way they’re experience should be and it doesn’t match their actual experience, then it has the potential to make them feel worse, because they’ll feel different or strange or outside the norm,” says Krasnow.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if something is a temporary stressor or something more serious. Krasnow says there are three factors that can determine whether or not an issue is significant enough to seek help: intensity, interference and duration.
“Those are the three criteria that all mental health professionals look at when talking to someone about their issues,” he says. “How long has this been going on? How bad is it? And how much is it interfering?”
Mental health issues usually manifest in adolescence and early adulthood. Although this coincides with most people’s college years, that doesn’t mean that college is the cause. In fact, it has been reported that those in college actually have fewer mental health issues than those who are not.
Krasnow says that isolation is “a major exacerbating factor to any emotional health issue”. Because college is an inherently interactive and dynamic activity, it can actually serve as a protective factor.
“In fact many of the issues that people experience in college or in general in their lives are helped by decreasing isolation,” he contends. “Community connections of whatever type can often be the antidote to feeling overwhelmed or stressed.”
Krasnow says talking to others about mental health concerns, whether they are peers or professionals, is paramount. ASU has a plethora of resources, including counseling centers on all four campuses. Students can drop in or call for an assessment or appointment. Though the office is open during the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., counselors are oncall 24/7 for emergencies.
“There is help available to you, that help comes in the form of counseling but it also comes in the form of talking to a friend or trusted person in your life,” says Krasnow. “The most important thing to do is to not go through it by yourself.” ASU Counseling Services Locations
Tempe Campus
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
POKEMON GO DRUMS UP BUSINESS
JARED MCDONALD • COLLEGE TIMES
In case you haven’t noticed, Pokemon GO is huge. The explorationencouraging app has attracted millions of users around the world. The numbers aren’t in on how many users the app has hooked, but there’s no doubt that Pokemon is a global sensation.
Go to any mall or area designed for foot traffic and there will be droves of Pokemon trainers in all shapes and sizes, with their eyes glued to their cellphones.
Users need to walk around to catch Pokemon in the mobile app, hatch eggs and collect items from the game’s “Pokestops,” real locations marked on the game’s map. These locations are usually landmarks and businesses, and the ASU Tempe campus is flooded with them. Establishments listed as Pokestops, or are near Pokestops, have seen an increase in business or change in clientele.
“Business has definitely gone up,”
says Keith Correa, general manager of the Mellow Mushroom on Mill Avenue in Tempe. “There’s a Pokestop inside the restaurant and there are several nearby. There’s been way more people walking around outside too.”
Users of the app can sit inside restaurants with Pokestops and use the virtual stops throughout their meal. Having a stop within range of a restaurant could influence where users eat.
Not all businesses are having the same luck, however, and it could be because ASU is so saturated with Pokestops.
“It’s hard to say if we’ve had a spike in sales, we’ve been pretty consistent,” says Brian Becker, general manager of Chompie’s on University Drive in Tempe. “There’s a Pokestop right behind Chompie’s, and I think people are coming in to look for it. There’s been more students in, but
I’m not sure if it’s really increased business. It’s a hard week to compare.”
ASU is swimming in Pokestops, and users can find several in every direction they walk in. People walking around in the heat may duck into a restaurant for a bite and some A/C, but the increase in foot traffic could be negligible because of the saturation of Pokestops.
Businesses have complained to the app’s developer, Niantic, about Pokestops bringing people to businesses to walk around and look for Pokemon, rather than buying something.
“The app will probably fall off, but anything to promote the business is good,” Correa says.
Niantic has announced that users can apply to create new Pokestops and business owners can apply to be removed from the game.
“People are having a good time, and I don’t see a problem with that,” Correa says.
SPORTS
A GUIDE TO VALLEY COLLEGE SPORTS TEAMS
ARIZONA IS HOME TO SEVERAL OF THE TOP U.S. COLLEGES, NOT ONLY ACADEMICALLY BUT ATHLETICALLY. FIERCE COMPETITION IS AROUND EVERY CORNER, SO HERE’S A SPOTLIGHT ON SOME OF THE KEY COLLEGE SPORTS TEAMS TO KEEP AN EYE ON THIS SEASON.
SHANE DEGROTE • COLLEGE TIMES
ASU FOOTBALL
Although the Sun Devils struggled last season with a losing record, including a Cactus Bowl defeat, the team historically ends up with winning seasons. That includes a 1987 Rose Bowl championship.
“I’m really proud of our
football team and the work that they’ve put in,” said head coach
Todd Graham at the Pac-12 media day. “It’s nice to be going into year five and have the values instilled in our program that we think is going to bring championships to Arizona State.”
The team and fans hope ASU gets off to a great start this fall. Expect Sun Devils fans to be out in full force, jingling their keys with gusto when the season kicks off.
Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe
CHANDLERGILBERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN’S SOCCER
The CGCC women’s soccer team is a model of consistency. Under the tutelage of coach
Jonathan Berzins, the team has ranked in the top 20 of the NSCAA poll since 2007.
“They are committed to excellence year-round and hold themselves to the highest standards,” Berzins says. “We believe we are a family not a team; family is the cornerstone of our program.”
The Coyotes hope to finally capture the illustrious regional championship this fall season. It would be its first since 2008.
Pecos Soccer Field, 2626 E. Pecos Road, Chandler
GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
With three-straight NJCAA Division II Region I championships, the Glendale Gauchos women’s volleyball team is simply dominant. Led by 2015 Coach of the Year Lisa Stuck for the past 20 seasons, the Gauchos have won several titles, including the NJCAA Division II National Championship in 2014. This winning tradition is certainly important to Stuck; however, it’s the experiences these players enjoy that always come first.
“We want them to look back on their time in our program and have fond, lifetime memories,” she says. “I feel very fortunate to have coached and worked with so many wonderful people throughout my career, I am very blessed.”
The Gauchos plan on bringing home another national championship.
GCC Gymnasium, 6000 W. Olive Avenue, Glendale
ASU SUN DEVILS FOOTBALL
GCU MEN’S BASKETBALL
Phoenix Suns legend Dan Majerle has brought good things to the team since he joined the GCU basketball program as head coach in 2013. The ‘Lopes, for example, moved up to Division I basketball, and last season, they went to the quarterfinals of the CIT Tournament.
The ‘Lopes have been a tremendous force within Division II basketball, making several trips to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Now they are bringing that same success to the WAC Conference after finishing 28-7 last year.
With everything in their favor—including their fans and the famous “‘Lopes Up” hand gesture—GCU intends to qualify for their first bid into the NCAA Tournament this spring. GCU Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix
MESA COMMUNITY COLLEGE BASEBALL
After winning the Division II National Championship in 2014, expectations are high for the MCC baseball team. Coach Tony Cirelli has implemented a winning philosophy into the team.
“Everyone…accepted it and really bought into what he was teaching us and it worked,” said Andrew Apodaca, infielder at MCC. “We weren’t trying to ignore what he was teaching us. We all bought into it and trusted the process and when we did that, it showed on the field.”
In the spring, the Thunderbirds will once again terrorize their opponents in hopes of bringing home another national championship.
MCC Baseball Field, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa
SUN DEVIL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
NORTHERN ARIZONA
UNIVERSITY
SEPTEMBER 3, TEMPE
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
SEPTEMBER 10, TEMPE
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO
SEPTEMBER 16, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
SEPTEMBER 24, TEMPE
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 1, LOS ANGELES, CA
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
OCTOBER 8, TEMPE
COLORADO UNIVERSITY
OCTOBER 15, BOULDER, COLORADO
WASHINGTON STATE
UNIVERSITY
OCTOBER 22, TEMPE
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
OCTOBER 29, EUGENE, OREGON
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
NOVEMBER 10, TEMPE
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
NOVEMBER 19, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
NOVEMBER 25, TUCSON
SPORTS CALENDAR
ALL THE BEST SPORTS EVENTS TO CATCH, TACKLE AND HIT
ARIZONA CARDINALS VS. OAKLAND RAIDERS –PRESEASON
The bay battles the desert when the Cards host the Raiders to kick off the preseason. However, the Raiders may not rep the Bay Area for much longer, as the team is flirting with the idea to move to Las Vegas. The two teams have had a long history of close games and this preseason opener should be no exception. University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, azcardinals.com, Friday, August 12, 7 p.m., $38 and up.
SAN ANTONIO FC AT ARIZONA UNITED SC
Counting Diplo and Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz among its investors, Arizona United has brought top-notch major league soccer action to the Valley. The team is
headed by renowned coach and pres ident of operations Frank Yallop, while former English footballer Darren Powell coaches the San Antonio Futbol Club in its first season. Come watch as Texan newbies and seasoned Phoenix soccer stars come foot to foot. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria , arizonaunited. com, Saturday, August 13, 7:30 p.m., $20.
ASU NIGHT WITH THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Alumni, faculty, staff and students are invited to show their Sun Devil pride during the D-backs vs. Braves game on Tuesday, August 23. Text Student to 76925 to sit in the student section. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, arizona.diamondbacks. mlb.com, Tuesday, August 23, 6:40 p.m., $1.
DALLAS WINGS AT PHOENIX MERCURY
Phoenix Mercury is vying for the title once again, and along the way, the team will take on the Dallas Wings. The Wings are in their first year in Texas; the team is formerly known as the Tulsa Shock. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 800-745-3000, Friday, August 26, 7 p.m., starts at $7.
UCF
KNIGHTS AT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY ‘LOPES MEN’S SOCCER
The University of Central Florida visits the Southwest to play GCU’s men’s soccer team. The competition heats up during this first match of the season at GCU’s new soccer stadium.
GCU Soccer Stadium, 3300 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, gculopes.com, Friday, August 26, 7 p.m., $29.
ENTERTAINMENT
LIKE A ROLLING STONE
BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY’S FLESH-N-BONE DISCUSSES EAZY-E, FUTURE PROJECTS AND BEING HIP-HOP’S ROLLING STONES
CONNOR DZIAWURA • COLLEGE TIMES
Hip hop wasn’t always known for its melodies, but when Bone Thugs-n-Harmony entered the scene, they had something to say about it.
“We ended up really, really giving hip hop a facelift,” says rapper Flesh-n-Bone.
“We put hip hop on a whole entirely new level with the harmonies—with the fast twist flows.”
Inspired by hip-hop artists like Run-DMC, The Fat Boys, Slick Rick and Dana Dane at the time, as well as New Edition and the Jackson 5, Bone Thugs took advantage of upbringings to hone their sound.
“While we were in choirs in junior high school and elementary school, teachers made us really, really force our singing capabilities,” Flesh-n-Bone says. “We had to find out if we could hit a high note or a baritone if we were low. That junior high and elementary school choir stuff was really, really crucial.”
Formed as The Band-Aid
Boys in 1991, they eventually became one of the most revered hip-hop acts of the ’90s, releasing the highly influential album E. 1999 Eternal and its Grammy-winning single “Tha Crossroads.” Now, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony will bring their live performance to Scottsdale’s Livewire on August 25.
“For me, I think I tried to write my first rap when I was maybe 9 or 10 years old,” he says. “We got really gifted with it and things progressed and The Band-Aid Boys became a phenomenon in Cleveland.
“Everybody gave us so much support. They knew that we had what it takes to get out there and influence and impact music. Eventually, we would take those dreams and aspirations all the way to the West Coast to meet Eric Wright and it proved true.”
Bone Thugs traveled to California, where they contacted Ruthless Records. That eventually led to a gig opening for Wright, also known as Eazy-E, in Cleveland.
“We auditioned for him over the phone,” he remembers. “We all actually kicked verses for him that he really, really loved. He was on tour at the time and he said that he would be in Cleveland, actually, and we were looking at it as an opportunity.”
In recent years, Bone Thugs have hinted at a collaboration album with West Coast legends Tha Dogg Pound. However, Flesh-n-Bone notes that recording this album would require the participation of Warren G, WC and other West Coast heavyweights.
“We been speaking on it for a couple years now. It’s called Thug Pound,” he explains. “It’s an idea and it’s something that needs to be put together on the business side of things…One of the cats that’s
going to help spearhead that is Snoop [Dogg], so as we figure out how to put the pieces of the puzzle together and everybody be able to dedicate a significant amount of time for it, that’s exactly what we’re going to work on.”
While Thug Pound is something that they hope to do. One thing is for sure: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony have been working on music since 2013’s Art of War: WWIII
“Bone Thugs-n-Harmony are the Rolling Stones of hiphop. There’s no other way to look at it. And we’ll be looking at projects to come in as we stay rockin’ and rollin’,” says Flesh-n-Bone.
“We got some great ideas. We’re leaning toward how we should do it or what to call it, but it’s a work in progress.
We’re going to definitely be keeping the masses updated, but right now I don’t want to spill any beans or anything like that.”
As for what can be expected from a Bone Thugs show, Flesh-n-Bone says they’re always energetic and ready to engage their crowds.
“The energy that we bring is essentially electrifying,” he says. “The crowds love it. We bring the energy and we bring that energy out of our crowds no matter how laidback they get.”
BONE THUGS-NHARMONY
Livewire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.970.6980, livewireaz.com, Thursday, August 25, 8 p.m., $30.
FIND YOUR PHUNKY
SWEET ESCAPE
BEHIND THE SCENES OF SCOTTSDALE’S RIDDLE ROOM
MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES
Stark white walls, upscale furniture and friendly staff make walking into the lobby of the Riddle Escape Room seem more like a jaunt into the doctor’s office than an immersion into an eerie escape experience. However, being locked into one of three highly realistic themed rooms presents a different world that requires a delicate balance of teamwork, quick thinking and curiosity to escape.
Sixty minutes are on the clock as the lights dim and teams are forced to use a series of props and clues to work together to open locks, solve puzzles and riddles, and move on to the next part of the game.
When a team enters a room, owners and engineers Tolga Yalcinkaya and Koray Canturk observe it through security cameras and give the thrill seekers sporadic clues
through walkie-talkies that are attached to the walls. They may be helpful, but College Times is only revealing one thing: It takes three to nine players to quickly solve the riddle. If a team cannot get out within 60 minutes, Yalcinkaya and Canturk relieve it.
“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes,” Yalcinkaya says.
Canturk adds that the mix of different types of puzzles and clues is paramount in keeping people engaged.
“The flow is really important,” he says. “It’s not just opening locks; sometimes it’s electronics, sometimes it’s manual locks and different kinds of puzzles and riddles inside, so you don’t get bored just opening the locks.”
Scottsdale’s Riddle Escape Room was years in the making. Yalcinkaya and Canturk traveled to different escape
rooms in California, Arizona and Nevada and noticed that many of them were missing a key component—a suspenseful soundtrack. This led them to hire a producer to mix music exclusively for each room.
“With the rooms we saw, we knew what was missing and we tried to observe how we could make it better, how we could make it successful,” Canturk says.
Yalcinkaya and Canturk, with the help of a small team of interior designers and a music producer, took their time making each themed room realistic, exciting and confusing. The Heist, FBI Interview and Dr. Riddler’s Lab are open. The Prison Break room is under construction.
According to Canturk, the existing themes came from a pool of 20 to 25 ideas, from which they will pull as they get more feedback.
Social media is a big part of their business. A short teaser video posted to their Facebook page has nearly 18,000 views. Their Yelp page has yet to see anything less than a five-star review.
“We really care about our customers’ feedback,” Canturk says.
The duo says they have seen anyone from 8 to 90 years old try to escape the rooms.
“There’s something for everyone,” says Canturk. “Each room requires different skillsets. You wont see the same trick in two rooms.”
When asked what customers can expect from the Prison Break room, which will make its debut in two months, Yalcinkaya says that they strived for the most true-tolife experience possible. This room will be unique because it splits each group in half and
locks them in separate prison cells so they have to escape individually to continue the game.
Canturk compares their profession to that of a chef when they prepare food. His favorite part of the job is seeing an expression of delight on people’s faces because of something he created.
“Right now we’re just doing our best to reach out to customers,” he says. “Once they come in, we have no problems because we’re really confident about our rooms and designs and creations. They always want to come back for the other ones.”
RIDDLE ESCAPE ROOM
2334 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite A120, Scottsdale, 480.659.7033, riddleescaperoom.com, $28.
*Extended hours listed for the Tempe Campus Store on Orange. Other campus stores have extended hours. For Poly, West and Downtown campus hours check our website sundevilbookstores.com droppin ’ LURES FROM 6PM TO CLOSE! @
76TH STREET
DRIVING TOWARD SUCCESS
CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI • COLLEGE TIMES
When Haley Gold and Spencer Bryant met in the fifth grade at Grayhawk Elementary School in Scottsdale, it was musical magic.
“I was singing and we started singing together,” Gold says. “The rest is history. We never stopped after that day.”
Now the ASU students perform as the duo 76th Street, with Bryant on guitar and Gold on piano and percussion.
“We’re just a duo,” Gold says. “It’s easier to rehearse that way. We have the piano and guitar and we just added a beat buddy. It adds percussion and adds a lot to our show. It sounds like we have an electronic drummer and a full band.”
An entertainment executive told them that their music had “womb-to-tomb” appeal.
“We try to write songs that please everybody,” Bryant says. “We add humor to our show, too, to keep people laughing and smiling.”
Fans can see for themselves when the women perform around town in August and September. See sidebar for a partial list of dates, all in support of their EP and the new single, “You and I,” produced by Grammy winner Robb Vallier. Rami Jaffee, formerly of the Wallflowers and the Foo Fighters, played organ on the song, which is available on iTunes and Amazon.
The women are adamant about writing songs together— mostly at night. When they feel they have a good handle on the songs, they take a drive, music turned up loud and cruise
around until the sun rises. Bryant wants fans to know that she and Gold write songs that are more meaningful than “mushy love songs.”
“We write about selfempowerment and being independent,” she says. “It’s different. That’s really what ‘You and I’ is about— not settling for less than you deserve and really remembering your worth. I think we have a great message with our music.”
Music is more than a job to Bryant and Gold. It’s an obsession.
“Sometimes we just sing to sing for hours,” Bryant says. “We enjoy it. We’ll sing anything. If we do covers, we make them our own. We hope to record a new EP soon. We have so much new music and we need the world to hear it.”
76TH STREET
8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, August 13, ASU Memorial Union Stage, Tempe, https:// www.facebook.com/ muafterdark.
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, August 20, at Hard Rock Café, Collier Center, 3 S. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.261.7625.
6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix, 480.293.5000.
For a complete schedule, visit 76thstreet.net/shows.html.
LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
AUGUST 11
Rebelution, Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $66
Thousand Foot Krutch, Club Red, 7 p.m., $23
AUGUST 12
Jason Aldean, Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $44-$515
Sundressed, Valley Bar, 6 p.m., $8
The Sugar Thieves, Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8
Crankdat, Gypsy Bar, 9 p.m., $10
AUGUST 13
Cannibal Corpse w/
After the Burial, Carnifex, The Marquee, 2:15 p.m., $30
Sugar Ray w/Everclear,
Lit and Sponge, Fort McDowell Casino, 7 p.m., $35
Radiofix, The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m, $8-$10
AUGUST 14
Chastity Belt, The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, The Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $14-$16 Lucy Dacus, Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Matt Schofield, Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $21-$25
AUGUST 15
Guns N’ Roses, University of Phoenix Stadium, 8 p.m., $30-$250
Us the Duo, The Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17.50-$20
Promised Land Sound, Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10$12
AUGUST 16
Adele, Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., sold out
Guided By Voices, Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $30
Old Crow Medicine
Show w/Brandi Carlile, Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $40-$50
Silversun Pickups, Marquee Theater, 6:30 p.m., $34
Elvis Depressedly w/ Teen Suicide, Valley Bar, $12-$14
AUGUST 17
Adele, Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., sold out
Iamwe, The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10
Three Bad Jacks w/ The Stilettos, Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Lincoln Durham, Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12-$14
AUGUST 18
AJJ, The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $20
Kill Babylon Coalition, Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $7-$10
Luxxe, The Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15
AUGUST 19
Jackson Browne, Mesa Arts Center, 8 p.m., $55-$135
AUG
THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH
Club Red, 7 p.m., $23
These Canadian Christian rockers released their eighth studio album “Exhale” in June. The album debuted at No. 34 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 1 for top Christian albums, selling 14,000 copies in one week. The alternative trio will take the stage at intimate Mesa venue Club Red.
Boys Like Girls, Marquee Theater, 7:30 p.m., $25
DMX, The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $30-$500
David Bazan, The Crescent Ballroom, $15-$18
AUGUST 20
Slipknot w/Marilyn Manson, Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6:30 p.m., $22-$286 Waka Flocka Flame, The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $23-$50
Julien Baker, Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $20
Youth Code, The Crescent Ballroom, 9 p.m., $13-$15
AUGUST 21
Heart w/Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick, Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6:30 p.m., $20$500
Toso, The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10
Courtney Marie Andrews, Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10
AUGUST 22
Diiv, Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $16
Acid Witch, Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18 Creative Adult, The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12
AUGUST 23
Coldplay, Gila River Arena, 7 p.m., $20-$175 Culture Club, Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $59$415
Full of Hell w/The Body, Fiftyonewest, 7 p.m., $10
Youceff Kabal, Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $7
AUGUST 24
Snoop Dogg w/Wiz Khalifa, Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $18-$261
AUGUST 25
Ben Harper and the Innoc≠ent Criminals, Marquee Theater, 6:30 p.m., $52
The Go-Go’s w/Best Coast, Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $35-$216 Broods, The Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22.50$60
Jim Ward, The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12
AUG
16
SILVERSUN PICKUPS
Marquee Theater, 6:30 p.m., $34
This LA-based indie rock band is marked by distorted guitars and frontman Brian Aubert’s raspy falsetto. They released their fourth album “Better Nature” last year. The alt-rock foursome is stopping at the Marquee as part of a national and European tour to promote the album.
19 AUG DMX
The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $30-$500
Turn up to classic ‘90s rap bangers like “Party Up (Up in Here)” from celebrated rapper DMX. Before he was signed, the hip-hop powerhouse used an Oberheim DMX drum machine to make beats, which eventually became award-winning, chart-topping songs. This show is sure to have high energy and an element of nostalgia.
HOROSCOPES!
HOROSCOPES!
TOTALLY ACCURATE PREDICTIONS
YOU SHOULD PROBABLY TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT
AQUARIUS
(JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18)
It’s monsoon season, Aquarius, which means it’s a perfect time to make it rain. Be prepared for a major midmonth payout. We also suggest blowing all of it in one place. Frugality is for chumps and old people. YOLO.
PISCES
(FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20)
Life will get stressful later this month when school starts up again. Find a relaxing hobby as an outlet, but never actually do it. It’s also wise to let school and work take up all your time so you barely have time for sleep or a social life.
ARIES
(MARCH 21 – APRIL 21)
You know what they say, Aries: Desperate times call for desperate measures. Your enterprising tendencies enable you to strike gold when you discover that sour cream is an excellent milk substitute while making mac and cheese midmonth.
TAURUS
(APRIL 22 – MAY 20)
This month is a prime time to take chances, Taurus. It’s now or never, so wing it! Quit your job with no backup plan, don’t study for finals, shave off one eyebrow, sell all your roommate’s shoes. The possibilities are endless when you stop saying “no” and start saying “screw it.” Spontaneity is the spice of life.
GEMINI
(MAY 21 – JUNE 21)
You may get down on yourself toward the end of the month, Gemini. Just remember how much you’ve sacrificed to get here: time, money, sanity, dignity. No one ever said it would be easy, nor did they say it would be worth it.
CANCER
(JUNE 22 – JULY 22)
This month is your time to shine, Cancer! Take this time to refine your pretentious, slightly offensive online persona. The goal here is to shock and bewilder people when you see them in person because you’re nothing like the internet version of yourself. Harness the power of overusing the Snapchat dog filter, particularly when erroneously mouthing rap lyrics.
LEO
(JULY 23 – AUGUST 22)
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, Leo. At least that’s what you tell yourself when you start dating your roommate’s ex-girlfriend.
VIRGO
(AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22)
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so bottoms up, Virgo! Nothing says “Yes, I can” like starting the school year with low inhibitions and even lower self-esteem.
LIBRA
(SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22)
You’re all about balance, Libra, as your zodiac symbol (the scale) suggests. Consider devoting some time to honing some sweet balance skills, maybe even enrolling in a three-legged race or taking up gymnastics.
SCORPIO
(OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21)
Keep your head up this month, Scorpio. Seriously, you don’t want to run into another tree while trying to catch a Pikachu at the park. Other things to consider include: Why are you still playing Pokemon in college? Why have you never had a girlfriend? Are you sure that mullet is ironic?
SAGITTARIUS
(NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21)
A season of change is in the cards for you, Sagittarius, so now is the time to get a bowl instead of a burrito at Chipotle, or maybe even a quesadilla if you’re really feeling sassy.
(DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19)
Your ambition, determination and practicality will come in handy for the deep-seated anxiety, unchecked emotions and crippling debt ahead of you.
CAPRICORN
