Page 16-17
UCR’s Most Eligibile Bachelors
We asked, you answered!
Page 18
Explaining the warm fuzzies! Psychology of Love
ADELIA
STAFF
Mata Elangovan editorinchief@highlandernews.org
Isaac Solnick managingeditor@highlandernews.org
José Del Ángel news@highlandernews.org
Angelica Brianna Acosta asst.news@highlandernews.org
Cecile Diroll opinions@highlandernews.org
Rubaita Iqbal asst.opinions@highlandernews.org
Sanjana Thatte features@highlandernews.org
Nola Perifel asst.features@highlandernews.org
Ian Palma radar@highlandernews.org
Aakif Iqbal asst.radar@highlandernews.org
Terry Nguyen sports@highlandernews.org
Sofia Majeed asst.sports@highlandernews.org
Vash Chen photo@highlandernews.org
Alondra Ordaz photo@highlandernews.org
Elena Versage Niko Suwandi photo@highlandernews.org
Ashley Cho productionmanager@highlandernews.org
Agna Soneji prodassistant.highlander@gmail.com
Emma Cabrera Keyanna (Keys) Milenia Pinzon Nishi Girish prodassistant.highlander@gmail.com
Adelia Urena highlander.art.director@gmail.com
Rachel Ko copyeditor.highlander@gmail.com
Layna Lapikas llapi002@ucr.edu
Holly Dawson Emily Mata
Allison Fry highlanderads@gmail.com
Cinthia Meza highlanderads@gmail.com
Edwin Basurto video.highlander@gmail.com
Isabella Hogan video.highlander@gmail.com
Sinhayana Srivastava marketing.highlander@gmail.com
Isabell Gracia marketing.highlander@gmail.com
Henya Dadem marketing.highlander@gmail.com
Abby Lazar marketing.highlander@gmail.com
Ashna Pradhan techdirector@highlandernews.org
Shenonaa Jenith Kumar
Paris Cao
Xochitl Gutierrez
Xavier Scott
Zachary Hoisington highlanderadrep@gmail.com
Noah Davis Witten
HUMANS OF UCR
Omar Khalifa (he/him),
Business Administration Major with Marketing Concentration, Second Year
CONTACT US THE HIGHLANDER
101 Highlander Union Building Riverside, CA 92521 www.highlandernews.org editorinchief@highlandernews.org
TIP LINE: (951) 827-2105
Help the Highlander stay on top of what is happening on campus and in the general UCR community. Call this number and leave a message for the Editorial Board with your tip. Be sure to include your full name, relation to UCR, and a number or email address where you can be reached for more details.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Highlander accepts letters from the campus community. They must be 600-800 words at length and include the author’s name and contact information. Topics should be UCR-centric and/ or pertain to our generation of students. Contact Opinions Editor Cecile Dirollat opinions@highlandernews.org by Wednesday if interested in writing a letter and submit the completed letter by Saturday at noon. Letters can and will be rejected if it does not meet requirements.
LEGAL
The Highlander is published and copyrighted by the Highlander for the students, faculty and staff of UCR. All rights are reserved. Reprinting of any material in this publication without the written permission of the Highlander is strictly prohibited. Readers are allowed one free copy of the newspaper. For additional copies or for subscription information, please contact the Highlander. The Highlander fully supports the University of California’s policy on nondiscrimination. The student media reserve the right to reject or modify advertising whose content discriminates on the basis of ancestry, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, age, sex or sexual orientation. The Highlander has a media grievance procedure for resolving complaints against it. All inserts that are printed in the Highlander are independently paid publications and do not reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the staff or The University of California or the Associated Students of UCR.
I work as a peer advisor at the Career Center. I guide students [through] their resumé or cover letters and help them out when it comes to job searching
I really like the peer advising team. I like collaborating and communicating
serve as a volunteer, so I usually help with events.
Compiled by Isaac Solnick, Managing Editor
Gavin Newsom critical of proposed billionaire tax
GAVIN NEWSOM CRITICIZES PROPOSED ONE-TIME WEALTH TAX ON CALIFORNIA BILLIONAIRES.
At a Jan. 29, 2026 news event in San Francisco, California Governor Gavin Newsom voiced his concerns over the long term economic consequences of a proposed tax on billionaires, stating that “over the years, you would in taxes because taxpayers will move.” Newsom’s criticism of the tax departed from the majority opinion of voters, who are largely in support of the tax.
The proposal seeks to impose a one-time tax equal to 5% of total net worth on any individual in Califorbillion. The proposal further stipulates that revenue generated by the tax wouldset expected cuts in federal healthcare spending.
Newsom’s criticism of the tax centered around his concern that California billionaires would leave the state in response, potentially costing jobs and valuable business activity.
In response to the proposal, a number of California billionaires have declared their intention to leave the state if the tax is instated. At least six, such as Google cofounder Sergey Brin, have already preemptively departed, relocating to states like Nevada. Newsom, who maintains close ties with many of California’s wealthiest residents, has expressed disappointment over the departures, calling
ASUCR
ASUCR Senate Meeting
SENATORS ELECT VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND PASS IRANIAN SOLIDARITY RESOLUTION.
The Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (UCR) meeting on Feb. 4, 2026 began at 7 p.m. and con-
Senators held a second round of special elections for the Vice President (VP) of Finance position following the recently elected Swaraj Dash’s withdrawal, citing “extenuating circumstances,” electing Sanjana Kalidindi after a 40 minute closed session beginning
A total of 11 State of the Union addresses were
delivered, with Senators holding a recess at 9 p.m
Senators then passed SR-W26-002, a resolution in solidarity with the people of Iran and the Iranian community at UCR 11-0-2.
Along with this, Senators passed SB-W26-003 which updated report guidelines 13-0-0 and SBW26-004, a bill which added the Scotty Eats program into the VP of Internal Affairs bylaws.The bill was passed 12-0-1 after having been tabled twice previously.
H
the tax and its unintend-
would be “really damaging to the state.”
Supporters of the tax, such as California representative Ro Khanna, have argued that it would reduce income inequality in the state. In addition to lawmakers, not all billionaires are opposed, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang claiming that although he is not an outright supporter, he is and does not intend to leave the state.
As of February 2026, the proposal has not yet attained the 875,000 signatures required to advance it to the ballot. If achieved, the proposal would be voted on in November 2026 and
Crime Watch:
Moreno Valley shooting suspect arrested
47-YEAR-OLD TEESHA LUCAS ARRESTED FOR THE KILLING OF 22-YEAR-OLD FOLLOWING MONTHS-LONG INVESTIGATION.
On Jan. 29, 2026, 47-year-old Teesha Lucas was arrested for the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Xavier Cox. The shooting
p.m., in the 13600 block of Daimler Street in Moreno Valley.
After deputies responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon, gunshot wounds. First responders brought Cox to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. taken in for questioning before being released.
After the case was presented to the Riverside District Attorney’s manslaughter charges against Lucas. She was later arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.
Authorities emphasized the shooting was an isolated incident rather than an ongoing threat to
the public. Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact Master Investigator R. Deanne or Investigator Newby of the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777. H
COURTESY OF RAEAN
H
COURTESY OF MARK BELLO VIA REUTERS
The intersection of Riverside County law enforcement and ICE
transferred 43 individuals into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody whereas in 2024, they transferred only 13 individuals. These by the department as having been transferred to ICE
ICE transfer activity, it may not capture every transfer in which individuals may have been moved between local law enforcement systems and ICE.
by the agency is non-punitive and is separate from criminal punishment or incarceration. The agency asserts that custody decisions are made based on limited resources and exercised to protect national interests and security.
ICE also provides an Online Detainee Locator System, which permits the public to search for individuals over the age of 18 who have been detained by ICE for over 48 hours by name, country of birth, birth date or an assigned Alien Registration Number. However, the locator does not account for minors and individuals may not immediately appear in the system following a transfer. This delay can impede family and friends’ abilities to determine where a loved one is being detained, as well as make it more
detained individuals and their families.
Local responses to the nationwide immigration crackdown have varied across various businesses and departments. The City of Riverside provides publicly accessible information on individuals and employers’
rights, no matter their immigration status.” The emphasis on access to accurate legal information, regardless of one’s immigration status, have created a supportive community where individuals hold a strong understanding of their rights, as well as how local systems intersect with federal immigration laws.
On Jan. 30, thousands of individuals mobilized to protest against the expansion of ICE operations and anti-immigration policies in the country following a
federal immigration enforcement. The incidents include the Jan. 7 killing of Renée Nicole Macklin Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during a federal ICE operation, as well
protest against ICE mass deportations.
In light of ongoing local and national concerns about immigration enforcement, local community organizations and individuals in Riverside County continue to provide resources to support residents and crackdown and ICE operations. Additionally, the share immigration status information with federal enforcement agencies unless required by law or a judicial warrant,” reassuring citizens that the city’s policies are intended to protect residents’ privacy and prevent the local law enforcement system from having to engage with federal immigration operations outside of what it required by local and federal law.
U.N. attributes ‘imminent’ financial collapse to members’ unpaid dues
U.S.’S LACK OF PAYMENT IS A MAIN CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS FINANCIAL CRISIS.
that equate to “billions of dollars,” even after announcing on Jan. 7 its withdrawal from 31
On Jan. 30, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of the United Nations (U.N.) announced the organization’s ‘imminent result of members’ mandatory unpaid dues. In a letter sent to all 196 members on Jan. 28, any the agency has previously faced.
The United States is one of the named U.N. members that has failed to pay its annual dues
UN Human Rights Council, U.N. Women, the U.N. Population Fund and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The White House reported this was due to how they “operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity or sovereignty.”
When asked about the factors that played into the White House’s decision-making process, Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed it was done to save American taxpayers’ money
and because the U.N. organizations were “mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful and poorly run.”
predicament, as the U.S. is responsible for “about 95 percent of the money owed to the
budget crisis. It should be mentioned that this is the amount of both the unpaid dues for 2025 and 2026.
Each member country’s dues are determined by its respective country’s gross domestic product, and failure to pay them could result in the penalty of the country being stripped of its voting rights at the U.N. In fact, this was the case seen with Venezuela in 2025, which it also happened to be the U.N. member country with the second-highest amount of unpaid dues.
Returning to the letter sent out to members, Mr. Guterres writes, “The crisis is deepening, threatening program delivery and risking
“cannot overstate the urgency of the situation.” Here, he refers to how the agency will be forced to shut down its New York headquarters and the
COURTESY OF PICRYL
Highway 99 shut down after collision
KAISER NURSES AND PROFESSIONALS STRIKE AT RIVERSIDE LOCATION.
On Jan 31, 2026, dozens of vehicles shut down
On Jan. dozens of vehicles shut down both directions of Highway 99 in Central California both directions of 99 in Central California early Saturday morning The event occurred near morning. The event occurred near Earlimat in Tulare County, due to a dense fog, causing Earlimat in Tulare County, due to a dense fog, complicated and alarming driving conditions and driving conditions.
As stated in ABC News there was an estimate As in ABC News was an of 159 vehicles involved in the crash in crash.
northbound and southbound lanes from Avenue 24 to to the Kern Country line; which led to the Golden State the Kern line; which led to the Golden State Highway shut down shut down.
Authorities had warned drivers to drive slowly, Authorities had warned drivers to drive not rely on automatic headlights and to slow down not on automatic and to slow down. The National Weather Service had warned that the the heavy fog would remain that entire week heavy would remain that entire week.
is important to “Make sure to manually turn on your is to “Make sure to turn on your headlights so others have a chance to see you ” so others have a chance to see you.”
Several people have been hospitalized with no
Several have been hospitalized with no
Don Lemon arrested after covering a protest at a Minnesota church
INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST DON LEMON ACCUSED OF
VIOLATING FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAW.
Don Lemon, an independent journalist and former CNN anchor, was arrested for conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship.
Church in Minnesota, Lemon was arrested along with three others, a local independent journalist and two activists. Prosecutors allege that they “oppressed, threatened and intimidated the Church congregants and pastors by physically occupying most of the main aisle and row of chairs near the front of the Church, engaging in menacing and threatening behavior.” They also allege that Lemon entrance and “confronted some congregants and physically obstructed them as they tried to exit the church building to challenge them with ‘facts’ about US immigration policy.”
Lemon’s arrest took place as he returned to his hotel room after covering a Grammys event. In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Lemon states that he was in front of the elevator when he was “jostled” by multiple people,
The journalist said he asked them for a warrant and was shown a copy on a phone by
someone from the FBI. Lemon responded to the presence of the FBI by stating, “FBI guys were out there. I mean, it had to be maybe a dozen people, which is a waste of resources.”
He explained that his attorney had tried to
himself in instead of the FBI “[having] all these people following [him] around.”
Upon Kimmel responding that his arrest was “more than a waste of resources,” Lemon answered, “You’re right about more than just a waste of resources … They want to embarrass you. They want to intimidate you. They want to instill fear.” Lemon also mentioned that he was denied his one phone call and was instead told by the Homeland Security workers that arrested them that “you get to talk to your attorney whenever the court says that you can.”
Lemon and the three other people arrested were released from custody on Jan. 30, 2026, without bail but under court-ordered conditions. Lemon’s lawyer states that they are planning on proceeding to plead not guilty
“I look forward to my date in court.” He is expected to appear in court on Feb. 9, 2026, in Minneapolis.
As protests continue in the United States, multiple journalists, humanitarian committees and news organizations have condemned Don on the First Amendment. CNN said in a post on X that the arrest “raises profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment.” Following his release, Lemon has addressed these implications and has said that while he feels vulnerable, he is determined to defend what he sees as an attack on free speech.
COURTESY OF JILL CONNELLY VIA REUTERS
Finding love in today’s society may not be so impossible after all
BE BRAVE, BE REAL AND SEND THAT RISKY TEXT BECAUSE COMMUNICATION IS KEY.
College dating life has phones. Love apparently is now found somewhere between a streak. While some people are out here living their dream relationship — posting cute anniversary pictures, soft-launching partners to romantic songs and getting spoiled by each other — the rest of us are stuck refreshing apps and wondering how
Dating apps have become the default path that our thumbs take when we open our phones — but emotionally dangerous as you start getting attached, even if virtually. Despite this digital chaos, love still exists in real life; it’s just
hiding behind bad communication to approach someone because 2016 and still hasn’t woken up.
Modern dating isn’t impossible; it’s just internally exhausting for people nowadays. Dating apps become the main character, but sadly, they’re kind of toxic. These apps are nothing more than an
is found on some kind of shopping platform. It not only makes a personal connection feel distant but also replaceable every minute someone “better.” Except “better” with the same inability of holding a conversation.
Also, ghosting has become a trend recently for some reason.
While many think it’s cool, it comesnication skills and disinterest in the other person. But in today’s dating culture, detachment is treated like desperate and “doing too much.” What’s even worse is that people don’t bond over genuine connection now; it’s trauma bonding that gets people talking. Oversharing on the and suddenly you know their long list of ex-lovers before you know their favorite color. This leads to two individuals who know vulnerable details about each other without establishing any foundation of trust and stability.
On top of that, unrealistic expectations are also at their peak. Social media has convinced us that
and perfectly curated. Instagram never shows couples arguing, rom-coms make every love story look so smooth and have a happy ending. And Snapchat? Snapchat is adding you as a friend. The amount of unhinged messages alone is enough to make anyone rethink dating entirely on that app.
After all the book-tok hype, there’s been a checklist made for an “ideal partner” — looks, height, humor, fashion style, hobby interests and pocket money — as if they’re shopping for the latest device instead of building a relationship with an actual human being. But it’s important to remember that love is built with real human interaction, which includes imperfection and face-to-face conversations instead of fake digital algorithms.
you must start by putting yourself out there. Because even if there are
time outside your bedroom, go explore new places, join clubs on campus, make eye contact, talk and socialize with people and actually get to know them outside standards and what you expect from a relationship. You don’t need to accept the bare minimum, but a romance author isn’t going to help either.
Love today is possible. It just requires patience, honesty and and ghosting. Admit that you like someone to them, don’t expect them to read your mind. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such rule written in stone that says “the brave, be real and send that risky text. Worst case scenario, they say they’re not looking for anyone. But best case scenario, it might work out and you could be the next one to post that soft launch. H
SHREYA PATEL
SUSANNA WU / THE HIGHLANDER
R’Perspective: Grindr is a Meat Market
GRINDR IS A MEAT MARKET APP THAT CAPITALIZES OFF YOUR LONELINESS AND INSECURITY.
LIAM MCCANN
Grindr is an awful app, and I know I won’t be the last. However, I do think a lot of the nuances are left largely unspoken. Being gay, especially in small towns or when you’re young, can feel very isolating. Naturally, you see the ads and hear the rumors about the new popular app that
In other words, a meat market. The premise of the app is that you open a browsing page of (usually) men with jacked bodies and occasionally a face
to you, shoot them a message and wait for them to respond. If all goes “well,” you get a response and plan when you’ll hook up.
However, note how I say “occasionally a face or two.” A big staple of many dating apps is the anonymity that they grant you and Grindr is no exception. In fact, most people who show their faces end up being blocked by anyone they show their faces to. This anonymity communicates to you, however indirect, that being queer is something to hide or be ashamed of. People hiding their identities can be safe,
It’s less a dating app and more a hookup app, and while I don’t think that’s right, I
I am here to tell you about how Grindr teaches gay people to feel ashamed. If the anonymity aspect doesn’t do that, perhaps my story will. I was almost 19 when I
deleted Grindr after a matter of weeks as more and more people I was messaging revealed themselves to be minors.
The exploitation of minors is an issue that deserves more attention, but after I deleted the app from my phone, I immediately felt liberated. I stopped feeling like I was the product of a butcher. But then, I felt that “queer loneliness” again. I hadn’t met with anybody, but I was determined this time. I wasn’t really gay unless I hooked up with a guy, or so say societal expectations and pressure. So, I returned to the meat market.
The guy was 28. Not illegal, but morally … questionable. A few days passed, and the shame started to sink in. I’m still unsure why I let myself do that. I let myself be part of the meat market I criticized. I wanted attention, and I wanted it then. I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I put the most provocative things I could on my
of messages. In a way, the other guy was part of the meat market too. I didn’t care him attractive. I wanted his attention and nothing more. That’s what Grindr does for you.
So, to put this into perspective, I walk around campus and I see a bunch for University of California, Riverside (UCR) students. This app is called Ditto.
out the form with your interests, height,
of yourself for it to match you.
Obviously, Ditto isn’t the same as Grindr, but it perpetrates the same problems Grindr does. You put a bunch of photos of yourself on the app for an AI software to process and spit out a match for you. You don’t get the meat market “pick whatever you want” aspect on Ditto, but it’s easy to ghost someone who doesn’t appeal to you. It’s impersonal, as it’s constructed to be.
Advertisements in general are key to a marketplace — even a meat market — so I don’t think it is ridiculous to say
yourself perpetrate the same problems that other dating apps create. Apps like these tell you that they are a means of
are false promises built on “buying and the best product on the market — the skinniest, the tallest, most muscular. If you’re a twink (skinny, young and usually hairless gay man) or bear (older, heavier and hairy gay man), you want to make yourself the best candidate for those looking for your body type.
An app like Ditto, in a wider scope, is largely harmless, but this comparison ties into the mental health struggles
understanding of ourselves is based on our online identity. It starts with how we present ourselves on Zoom during quarantine and social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. These apps are the same idea.
You can be anybody you like, and even if this version of yourself has been completely fabricated, it still won’t be enough because it’s not you. It’s about your likeness and whether or not people
campus telling people to sign up for a “love-lottery,” I am asking myself if I really want to participate in the meat market anymore. I say this as a person who signed up to try it out, but I don’t like the feeling of being a product. I deleted it.
Apps such as these teach you to feel ashamed of yourself and how you are perceived, especially for the queer community. But you’re not a ham or beef chuck hanging from the ceiling. You’re not a product waiting to be bought. Resist the market. H
EMILY MATA / THE HIGHLANDER
Navigating the performance of Valentine’s Day
VALENTINE’S DAY IS MORE ABOUT BEING SEEN AS LOVED THAN BEING IN LOVE.
Love is in the air, but behind the roses, chocolates and perfectly curated social media posts, Valentine’s Day often feels less like a celebration of love and connection and more like a performance. If the day is not staged, planned, perfectly rehearsed and complete with every prop in place, it might as well not exist. Because, like any good performance, it is not for the people performing. It is for the audience, and we are sitting with opera glasses in hand ready to watch and either give rave reviews or harsh critiques as we see each post pass through our feed.
the pressure to share every detail of our relationships just to be speculated upon by the masses? The reason is the pressure to perform for others.
Whether it be professional accolades on LinkedIn or our personal lives on Instagram, most of our lives have been documented in some way or another through social media.
We post every matcha, every pilates class we attend, every vacation and therefore we feel the need to share and perform our relationships as well. It feels like if we do not post about our relationships, then they don’t truly exist.
So as we post our relationships, our friends
share theirs, simple acts that we might have originally found sweet or made us happy have now been devalued, giving value to how our relationships are perceived by others rather than how we feel. It makes us ask internally if my partner is doing enough because (insert favorite celebrity) got a bouquet of lilies and I got roses. Taking us down the spiral of questioning our own tastes, we think I loved them when I got them, but now I don’t know.
This is the irony of relationships and how they are performed because it causes our lives through likes, comments and
comparisons. But this risks losing sight of what truly matters — what it feels like to love and be loved.
The performance has clouded our vision with a haze of likes and comments, when meaning should come from a more personal place. We have lost the feeling of knowing that something is meaningful to us, even if no one ever sees it or leaves a little heart by it. The meaning of our relationships should come from what we make of them, and not from how they’re perceived by others.
Yes, I will always share with my friends a sweet thing a guy did, but I share it with a grain of salt and do not let someone else’s opinion dictate my joy or love. At the end of the day, love is sweetest when everyone in the relationship is happy, and the cute moments are not staged for anyone else’s approval or criticism. Maybe that’s the kind of Valentine’s Day we should all aim for, one that makes us smile when no one is watching.
ZOË MINTER
Valentine’s Day disguises overconsumption as romance
LEAVE THE BOO BASKETS IN 2025.
Sometime around the last two weeks of January, retail stores begin revamping their seasonal section with tons of pink and red merchandise, shelves decked out in glittery hearts and vibrant roses. Once Feb. 14 passes, the same heart-shaped candy boxes that were stacked high on shelves are suddenly thrown into clearance for Valentine’s Day nonenjoyers to snack on or continue to ignore altogether.
According to Capital One Shoplargest spending holiday in the United States. Last year, Americansentine’s Day goods, which is overous record set in 2020. Although the day is framed as a celebration ofcations suggest that it serves more as a marketing opportunity for companies rather than a celebration of a meaningful holiday.
Valentine’s Day themed gifts
the holiday. This includes not only novelty items such as gift cards and plushies, but even roses, which are grown in massive quantities just for the single day celebration. The mass production of these single-use
cant amount of waste at a time when
celebration generates around 82 square feet of plastic waste. Much of this merchandise is low quality and sold with excessive packaging, which contributes to an environmental decline as most of these items cannot be recycled.
Themed merchandise such as heart-shaped mugs, glasses and pink decorative items are marketed as sentimental keepsakes, yet many of these items have little use after the holiday. Once February ends, these gifts often sit unused in cabinets or eventually get thrown away. What was once a romantic gift becomes clutter, turning a sweet gesture into meaningless waste. Companies can
poor quality Valentine’s Day goods because they know that these items are not going to be used long-term.
The rise of “boo baskets” on various social media platforms has -
izing overconsumption in the name of love. On platforms like TikTok, creators have established their entire online brand identity and content around putting together seasonal, themed baskets that can cost hundreds of dollars. These baskets
than with thoughtful personalization. -
pushing and producing this content, they are setting unrealistic expectations and encouraging viewers to overspend as a gesture of love. Instead of expressing genuine care, generic aesthetic items copied from someone else.
-
tern of emotionally driven consumerism. On Valentine’s Day, love is continuously expressed through objects rather than sentiment, communication and presence. Indus-
ers believe that their feelings for their loved ones must be expressed materialistically. This encourages
or not, to throw loads of money at aesthetic items that lack quality and oftentimes practicality. It is really hard to drink from a heart-shaped mug.
The commercialization of Valentine’s Day turns intimacy into a transaction. Emotional value becomes measured by price tags and
volume rather than thoughtfulness and care. Romance is no longer about connection but about putting on a performance. Flaunting your love publicly through trending gifts and curated aesthetics for the special holiday is not a genuine display
Rejecting the consumption driven Valentine’s Day trends does not mean rejecting love and romance.
prioritize intention rather than overconsumption and following trends. Thrifting unique items, handmaking gifts, baking treats and spend-
ingful alternatives to purchasing poor quality, mass-produced items. Creating experiences and custom gifts, such as those found on Etsy, often carry more sentimental value and thought while avoiding unnecessary waste.
In a culture that constantly urges people to spend more money, choosing to consume less can be freeing. Valentine’s Day does not need more products on the shelves. It desperately needs more authenticity. Love
by monetary value. It should be expressed in ways that will outlive the clearance aisle.
HENYA DADEM
Take it or Leave it: It’s time to get back on Hinge
YOU MAY MEET THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE OR NEVER SEE YOUR DATE AGAIN.
Nowadays, people have developed endless methods to pursue a search for romance. One of these methods that is on the rise due to the rise in technology is dating apps. Many of these apps have gained popularity, but in recent years, daters have begun to gravitate towards one app spe-
Swiping through on your phone to scope out all the singles in your city sounds too similar to ordering food through DoorDash. It has people wondering, “Is this actually a reasonable way to encounter a long-term partnership?” Hinge has the potential to does it expose you to other intentional individuals, but the experience of dating and conversing with a variety of individuals allows you to curate your ideal love.
Hinge makes dating for users direct and intentional. Whether -
even friends, Hinge allows you to address these goals at the veryily simplify your dating life by avoiding any unnecessary confusion. For instance, if someone’s bio only reads “short-term relationship,” it’s best to believe them and act accordingly.
With features like text prompts and photo captions, Hinge offers the opportunity for users to portray themselves authentically through the screen. You can slide in a witty joke or state important deal-breakers right away dur-
less, Hinge provides access to prompts that make your dating experience feel less like using an app and, well, actually dating. Hinge also exposes people to a larger dating pool that helps them gain experience to discover the type of love they want for -
ent types of people on Hinge. Users of every possible demo-
graphic can be found on a daily basis, even if you’re only open to meeting people no further than
By engaging with a diverse crowd like this, you can start to learn what your real deal-breakers are and what you may be more open to than you previously thought. Meeting new people who we might not consider to be our “type” can surprise us as we learn new character traits that are compatible with us.
The thing with compatibility isferent people. The people we date are not going to be exact copies of us. Given this, dating multiple people of various backgrounds helps us determine which qualities we want in a connection, and which ones we don’t. Whether you marry your date or never see -
ing and practicing going on dates. Although downloading Hinge can put you on the path to meet your next partner or gain valuable experiences, there is a major conwomen. Many have been met with safety concerns in the past as men have harassed, abused usage of the app. BBC reported that users of Hinge would often be “asked for a sexual favour before someone said hello” or before someone told them “their actual name.”
With more women experiencing this on Hinge, the app’s reliability for user safety and wellbeing was raised. In response, Hinge installed updates to shield daters from inappropriate encounters. Now, Hinge contains multiple safety features like cen-
soring certain messages that may -
another photo that is submitted to the app and options to block, report or unmatch users for any reason. Whilst acknowledging this progress, safety measures on Hinge and any dating platform can still be improved and should be a constant priority.
All in all, giving Hinge a shot,
ready to commit again or you’re looking to meet new singles on your trip abroad, it may not be a bad option. Go on dates, fall in love or even dislike the dates and delete the app. Swiping through the front page every now and then is an exciting new way to connect with others and see what’s out there.
Scotty-Scopes:
The signs this Valentine’s Day
Libra (September 23 – October 22): Two of Pentacles Reversed
Love comes in countless forms. Don’t focus on only one, appreciate all types of love this Valentine’s Day. We attract what we bring to the world. Share some love!
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Eight of Swords
You have an abundance of love in your life and you know it. This Valentine’s Day, remind your loved ones of how you feel about them. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Queen of Cups
Approach this Valentine’s Day with your deepest emotional connections in mind. If you have a partner, make them feel loved and appreciated.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Nine of Swords
Envy is like poisoning yourself and expectspend the holiday cherishing what you have as opposed to lamenting what you do not.
WHAT THE CARDS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY PLANS.
Scorpio (October 23 –November 21): The Chariot
Keep your eyes peeled for new developments in romance. Flowers can grow in the cracks of the concrete. Blink and you’ll miss them.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Knight of Wands
You’re still in the process of digesting new information. Take a risk — ask that person out on a date, you never know what might come of it.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Six of Swords Reversed
Stay grounded within yourself. Get yourself a sweet treat to start your day and have a selfcare night. Your love isn’t only meant for other people, it’s important to love yourself too.
Leo (July 23 – August 22): The Hermit
Look in the mirror this Valentine’s Day and love what you see. The only Valentine you need this year is yourself.
Sagittarius (November 22 –December 21): The Lovers
You will spend Valentine’s Day with the partner feel cared for will be returned in kind.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): The Empress Reversed
This Valentine’s Day you will be forced to Take this day to learn more about yourself and those you love.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Ten of Swords Reversed
The thought of texting your ex can be very tempting. Don’t do it. This Valentine’s Day, avoid self-sabotage and be proud of yourself for doing so.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): The Tower
Valentine’s Day can be tough, but don’t take that as a sign to destroy the goals you have built for yourself. Resist the urge to in your roster.
LIAM MCCANN
So you’re the single friend
THE SINGLE PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING VALENTINE’S DAY.
Valentine’s Day. The day of love. The one day of the year when it is socially acceptable for couples to exist in public. Sorry, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. The hype around Valentine’s Day and romance is so overrated. Swapping saliva during peak coldmare, and think of how claustrophobic all those crowds in the city will be. Being single on this day is genuinely sogle, but, if you really want to do something on this day just to avoid being depressed about it all, here are a few things you can do.
So you’re the single friend of the group. Good for you! Look at all the things you get to avoid on this holiday! You don’t have to
reservations because the restaurant is all the way in Los Angeles. There’s no need to worry about buying the perfect gift for your partner that just has to top last year’s gift. You don’t have to agonize in front of the -
your partner’s. Being single means you can do so many things that would’ve taken so much longer with a partner. You don’t have rewatch that Studio Ghibli movie for the 50th time that month. You get to indulge in hob-
not worrying about the need to impress a sig-
Instead of ensuring the itinerary for Valentine’s Day is perfect and obsessing over the smallest details, you now have more time to study as we hit the peak of midterm season. All that work you’ve been neglecting because seasonal depression has been hitting so much harder this year, well, now you can throw yourself into it and get ahead of your peers with partners.
MAIN ST
1. If you still want to play into the theme of the day, gather your other single friends and host a little party to swap valentines like back in elementary school. Whether those valenin stores, handmade gifts tailored to each person or trying out new drinks or dessert recipes you found on TikTok, it is completely up to you!
ORANGE ST
2. Binge watch those movies you’ve been meaning to see for a while. Pretend you’re aings to the group chat. Create a March Mad-
If you’re feeling particularly productive, create an Oscars-style award show.
3. Craft! If you haven’t done it in a while, working with your hands becomes very satisfying and meditative, especially if that craft can serve as decoration within your dorm or apartment after. One craft I highly recom-
nies and they liven up my barren apartment. There are endless tutorials on YouTube, Tik-able, as well as green plants to break up the petals.
Too often, especially on this holiday, the rhetoric gets pushed that you should be un-
not a good message to believe and internalize, especially during a day that has become more about a consumerist culture pushed by capitalism than actual romance and enjoying time with your partner.
Companies have monopolized the holiday, jacking up prices all over the place in order to monetize all the couples who want to go out for the day. The world is so incredibly loud and has grown increasingly more expensive, so it becomes immensely important that we sit in the quiet and learn to reconnect with ourselves as individuals.
Knowing your likes, your dislikes and your hobbies without the input of another person or social media ensures that you will not compromise or diminish the things that bring you joy for the sake of a friendship or a romantic partner. It ensures you know who you are as a human being who gets to take up space.
Being single is so much fun. There is a freedom to it, to remembering one’s individuality that we so often take for granted. And, if being single starts to feel too lonely, a romantic gap. My friendships, my platonic soulmates,mantic relationship. H
MALINI JOSEPH Contributing Writer
COURTESY OF HELENEA LOPES VIA PEXELS
SPOTLIGHT NORM’S NOOK
Philip Brett Memorial Peace Garden
NOLA PERIFEL
Assistant Features Editor
The Philip Brett Memorial Peace Garden is a Japanese style garden installed in 2008 in the Arts Building at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). This peaceful garden, designed by Dr. Takeo Uesugi, was created in honor of Philip Brett, a renowned UC professor of Musicology, who tragically passed away of cancer in 2002.
This garden is a secluded and peaceful place for students to relax and wooden bench is a great place to take a nap. A pagoda garden statue stands tall between the greenery of the dry garden. It is the perfect place for a quiet and peaceful Valentine’s Day picnic!
ICONIC ROM-COMS
24. Female deer
Idol and Joel
2003 Christmas themed rom-com
“Your 15 minutes of fame ___ __!”
Letter-shaped fastener
Priestly garb
Upside-down sleepers
Whoopi’s role in “The Color Purple”
Greek goddess Athena 40. Radical ‘60s org.
“The Phantom of the Opera” heroine Christine
Poe’s middle name
BY: K STAFF
43. The 80’s most iconic dance romance
46. More nimble 49. Literary collections 50. Julia Roberts’ biggest rom-com 53. Strong acid, chemically 56. “If it ____ broke …” 57. Amazes 58. Author Calvino Abbr.
Taylor Swift’s all encompassing tour
King of the jungle
22. TV’s “___ Ramsey”
23. Cheerful tune
24. ____ ex machina
26. Experiment sites
Yale students
Building wing
Strong old-time cleanser
Most despicable
Pub orders
Epic story
Crayola color retired in 2003
In conclusion
“_____ and the Night Visitors”
“Impossible!”
27. Toward the mouth
Jesus’ disciple who lied 43. Says “I second that”
Plum variety
De Armas of “Knives Out”
____-_-car
V-J Day ended it
Mandlikova
KIRTI SHEELAM F WRITER
GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS /
HIGHLANDER
ALONDRA ORDAZ / THE HIGHLANDER
SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
What traditional Valentine’s gift are you?
Get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with this quiz.
By: Nola Perifel, Assistant Features Editor
1. Where would you rather travel most during the Valentine’s Day period?
A. Switzerland
B. Paris
C. Venice
2. What is your ideal Valentine’s Day date?
A. Enjoying a nice movie and a variety of delicious snacks.
C. A romantic candlelit dinner on the beach.
3. What kind of gift makes you most happy?
A. Food or a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings.
MAIN ST answer key
If you got “A,” you are the most classic Valentine’s day gift, Chocolate. Like chocolate, you are sweet and lovable. You are who everyone turns to when in need of comfort. Your loyalty is one of your strong suits and your generosity is one of your best qualities. You are kind and your presence
ORANGE ST
empathetic and you love with all your heart, feeling other peoples’ emotions deeply. You often prioritize others before yourself. Try to
say no.
If you got “B,” you are a Bouquet of Roses You naturally attract those around you like bees to pollen. You are passionate about the people you love. You have trouble trusting people initially, and like roses, your thorns protect you. You are a very goal-oriented
room you enter. Like roses, you usually smell amazing. You constantly aim for perfection, which is great, but remember — it is okay to make mistakes.
If you got “C,” you are a Love Poem. Like the love poem, you are the most romantic person out there. You prioritize your emotions and you allow yourself to be vulnerable. You are passionate and loving, and you allow yourself to dream. You might be someone who enjoys hand making gifts for the people you love. Your imagination helps you reach an emotional depth that no one else understands. Your intuition and emotions are what drive your every move. You are a hopeless romantic and you pour your heart and soul into your relationships. H
UCR’s Most Eligible Bachelors
WE
Get B.A and become victim advocate
Brunch & Coffee with a walk or picnic
Become an Oncologist
Shopping
Be a psychiatrist, Have a big family Coffee, Thrifting, Bowling, and Sunsets~ Sweet, Funny, Spontaneous, Adventurous I’ve never been to a concert! (Take me!)
Long Term Love
3rd Year
San Mateo
Dumplings
Chill long-term Love
Contribute to community, make connnections
Coffee, Boba, or Ice cream date
Relaxing, Calm, Has Dry/Dark humor, easygoing I play Dungeons and Dragons
Zulawski . She/Her . @emmaaaaaaz
Reese Mcallgurea. He/Him . @pottedplanet
2nd Year
Everything you liked I liked first Major
Simi Valley
Nobu’s Sushi
Long Term, committed and passionate “Mysterious income”
Fashion district, 5 star restaurant, Spa at my mansion
5’9, Fashionista, Calm, Understanding, yet assertive
Lizeth Cuevas . She/He/They. @imafuckenstar
I look like Krystopher Hyatt
Sushi and Taco Bell
True honest companion - Match my freak
Pursue passions in dance and creativity
Matcha and Film Museum date
Quirky, Whimsical, Silly, Upbeat
I make Tiktoks with “chill.laxin”
Jimenez. He/Him Business Econ
It’s a secret~ West Compton
(Hi Welcome to) Chili’s
Single, ready to mingle~
Live life to the fullest, no regrets!
Aquarium Date
Funny, Attentive, Considerate
1st Year Riverside
Any asian foods
Finding the right partner
Live life to the happiest! Arcade, walking around the plaza
Miku addiction, Funny, Passionate I make MMD animations!
The psychology of love
EXPLAINING HOW THE CHEMICALS IN YOUR BRAIN MAKE YOU FEEL THE WARM FUZZIES.
When you fall in love with someone, it can be hard to describe the mysterious, magical or even irrational feelings you have. While love has inspired poetry, music and mythology for centuries, psychology and neuroscience explain that these intense feelings we associate with romance are deeply rooted in the brain’s stomach to the sense of comfort you get around that special someone, love is a symphony of chemicals orchestrated by neurotransmitters and hormones to create the feelings that we know as love.
According to Harvard Medical School,mitters involved in love is dopamine, which is responsible for pleasure, motivation and reward. When falling in love with someone, dopamine levels increase, sparking feelings of excitement, attraction and intense focus for the other person. Time feels faster, and everything is more vivid. This can explain why puppy love can feel all consuming and euphoric because your brain is lighting up like
ness with the person that started the rush. Your brain essentially treats romantic attraction as a reward, and every smile, text and glance reinforces the spell.
Additionally, the stress hormone cortisol plays a major role in love, whose job is to heighten your awareness. The sweaty palms, a racing heart and nervousness someone might get when thinking about a crush can be attributed to the alertness and arousal cortisol creates. When you are falling in love, you might worry about how a relationship will work out or wondering if they like you back. The chemical sharpens your memory, which can explain why you might remember small details about a crush, such as the sound of their laugh, their hobbies and other small details which seem seared into your brain.
Another hormone at play in the love concoction is serotonin, the hormone responsible for mood regulation and focus. Interestingly, serotonin is reduced during the initial stages of love, which can explain why love can feel all consuming,
As romantic relationships deepen, other chemicals enter the arena. Also known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin increases with physical touch, cuddling, kissing and sexual intimacy. Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, and it plays a major role in long term bonding and sustaining long term relationships. Likewise, the hormone vasopressin is produced, increasing loyalty and contributing to monogamous relationships.
In the end, love is a fascinating blend of science and wonder, where neuroscience supports what we feel as magical and unexplainable. Understanding how neurotransmitters and hormones like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin work together can deepen our appreciation of the beauty of love. Love’s biochemistry gives rise to connection, attachment and meaning in life and knowing that the warm fuzzy feeling we get is rooted into our biology shows us that love is not something we should take for granted.
COURTESY OF YANALYA VIA FREEPIK H
o M I C S
Break /
Lifelong Meaning / By: JUXWAH
Year of the Horse / By:_Susanna Wu
Dewy’s Adventures / By: Emily Mata
Take a
By: Natalie Marquez
A night at the 12th Annual Smartphone Film Festival
IAN PALMA, ANTHONY ASCENCIO-CARVAJAL
Sonce seen as perverse and unprofessional by pretentious
movie industry. Smartphones have features big and small, as proven by movies such as Sean Baker’s “Tangerine” and Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later.” More so, the accessibility of cameras within the palm of one’s hand has made it directors to practice their craft.
at University of California, Riverside (UCR) boldly unveiled
Annual Smartphone Film Festival at CHASS Interdisciplinary South 1128, further giving testament to the well as showcasing the creativity of UCR students.
The 12th Annual Smartphone Film Festival was packed with spectators in cinema while supporting one from comedies to dramas to encompassed a variety of genres for everyone to enjoy.
highlights the rise and fall of The Getaway Cafe, a prominent bar and
FILMS, PHONES AND AWARDS GALORE.
hangout spot within UCR that has now been pushed out of business.
Directed by Elias Martigon, the documentary encapsulates a moment
with drinks, sport and camaraderie, especially putting a spotlight on those who’ve worked at the cafe. “American Dream” is sure to evoke some bittersweet nostalgia for those who were lucky enough to frequent the place.
“A Knot Holding,” directed by Georgie Sandoval, takes viewers to the darkest depths of the human evidently distressed man reluctant to express any emotion to his partner
impressive performances from both the actor and actress, Sandoval’s emphasizing the importance of sharing feelings and having open conversations especially in a time of crisis. When asked what’s the
Sandoval states, “I think I’m gonna go see where it takes me, just for the love of the game.”
Luis Hernandez and Michelle mockumentary comedy that takes place in a business meeting setting. It was interrupted by the mishaps of a new employee delivering
blogging the incident for views. Performances during character interviews and aftermath of the spill drew laughs and heartfelt reactions
During their Q&A, they mentioned directing, as one could see the vision the other director was missing, thus they combined talents to develop
future plans, Lara stated, “I just want to give back to my town and be like, ‘hey, it’s possible to do whatever you want, be whoever you want, go for your dreams. Despite the odds, recognize that from the ground up, anything is possible.’” Hernandez shared, “I wanna pursue directing start of what I really want to do and what I really want to pursue.”
By the end of the screening, Q&As between student panelists and the auteurs took place, with each of them short. An awards ceremony followed
Han Chang’s “Frames” centered on a photographer at the park capturing pictures of the landscape and people going about their day. Chang was able to capture beautiful scenes of the lake and impressive camera angles high in the air that would otherwise seem done with professional
equipment. The methods presented the award of Best Cinematography. Hayden Harbison’s “Not What They Seem” is a spy comedy centering the protagonist “Mr. Man,” facing his nemesis “Dr. Evil,” and was well received. Lots of laughs from the audience over the clock puns, silly dynamic between archenemies and a surprise appearance from Mr. Man’s Grandma made it a story with plenty of twists. Award for Best Actor went to Max Perry, while Audience Favorite.
Jeevan Dhanota’s “Charles HQ” blended live-action performances with an animated pikmin character named Charles. As a result of the techniques used during production, it garnered the award for Best Editing. Due to Doritos being a key Dhanota also received them with the award.
Despite the awards given out to a was a winner given the excellent and interesting movies that were placed on display at the Smartphone Film Festival. What started as a proposition from a student began a yearly tradition to organize the student body’s creative prowess H
‘10 Things I Hate About You’
ONE OF THE FEW ROM-COMS TO NOT ONLY STAND OUT BUT ALSO STAND THE TEST OF TIME.
While today, the niche of creatively ambitious Shakespeare adaptations has been exhausted into a genre of its own, there was once a time where this idea felt new and refreshing. “10 Things I Hate About You” manages to maintain relevance through its universal themes, captivating character writing and irreplaceable performances. While the basic idea of pursuing unexpected love in a world that makes success feel impossible ising than ever.
sisters whose dating lives become regrettably intertwined after their overprotective father declares that Bianca may not date unless her more reserved sister does as well. As all good dramas do, this leads to a dishonestyridden predicament in which Patrick Verona, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger, is paid to date Kat so that Bianca can regain her autonomy.
What makes this simple premise work is its understanding that love does not need to be convenient or even socially acceptable.
MAIN ST
ly into her environment, and Patrick initially seems just as unreachable. They develop in small and awkward steps rather than big romantic gestures, which makes every step on the rocky staircase of their relationship feel earned. The movie suggests that the love you need may not look like the love you expect, and that going after it requires an absolutely terrifying level of vulnerability.
Bianca and Cameron’s relationship mirrors this, as it also begins as a result of su-er emotional bond. Despite their newfound friendship and shared struggles, Cameronsistently reserved, Patrick can be more accuguarded.
ORANGE ST
Ultimately, both of these problems are resolved with transparency and sincerity as these characters abandon their problematic personas in favor of emotional honesty. 27 years later, these lessons have remained so very critical in today’s insecure and dishonest culture.
While the script is strong and witty on
its own, the real heavy lifting of these ideas comes from the performances. Julia Stiles gives Kat a sharp attitude that perfectly allowing her later vulnerability to feel genu-
propelled by the late Heath Ledger as Patrick, whose unending charisma and underlying warmth is unparalleled in the realm of romantic comedy. Their onscreen chemistry is absolutely magnetic, forcing the audience to root for them in every scene.
Watching “10 Things I Hate About You” in a time dominated by overly loud and performative romance, reinforces why this movie continues to be talked about over dozens of other more forgettable rom-coms. Love is so often portrayed as spectacular or ideal, so something as raw, heartfelt and rough around grows more impactful with each passing year. Whether one likes it or not, love demands honesty, vulnerability and most of all, the courage to reach beyond what feels familiar.
DILLON CLARK
You’re not in love, you’re in limerence: a playlist for those who yearn
FIVE INDIE FOLK-POP SONGS FOR THE LIMERENT, THE HOPELESS AND THE QUIETLY HEARTBROKEN.
CLARA BEAUGIÉ
Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, a day solely dedicated to romance. For some people, the emotion that shows up in its place feels more crowded, a feeling of being completely consumed by someone who may not feel the same way back. You can start calling this psychological state of being limerence. The “obsessive rumination, deep infatuation and a strong desire for emotional reciprocation
by emerging female artists, to console you through limerence. To empathetically make you conscious of this feeling of wanting and building entire emotional worlds out of silence.
“I feel like a fool cause I breathe and I think of you”
There’s nothing louder than rejection when it’s quiet. “Pushing me out” captures that moment when you realise someone you care deeply about is slowly distancing themselves.
Vrablic is an emerging indie-pop artist, originally from Northern Indiana. She’s known for her emotionally raw songwrit-
music centers on vulnerability and unspoken feelings, making her a perfect voice for stories about longing, distance and unresolved connection. This track is gentle but devastating.
“Now would it be weak if I said you had my heart in the palm of your hands”
Broken Record, based in Long Beach, describe themselves as “your local girl band”
something more upbeat without losing the emotional core, this song is it. It’s the kind of song one plays when they’re trying to reclaim space they once gave away. It’s warm,
“I still love someone who hurt me” musician and songwriter whose music lives in a world of lyricism, and immersive soundscapes. Drawing from indie folk and rock traditions, her work explores the quiet intensity of everyday life, making her a deeply resonant voice for themes of longing, transformation and the subtle gravity of human
“Colour me Jaded & Blue cause my mind has been running in circles around you”
ing and soft, intimate production style. Her connection COURTESY
There’s a point in limerence when hope starts to rot. “Jaded & Blue” lives right there. Andersen’s voice sounds tired in the most honest way. It’s a realisation that wanting someone doesn’t mean that the feeling is mutual. Over the years, Andersen’s songwriting has naturally blended with her personal diary, crafting lyrics that she hopes will bring connection and comfort to those who need it.
“I’ve spelt your name in secret, you only hear the noise, You’ll never understand it, I’m screaming to the void”
Missing someone quietly and watching their life from the sidelines is often the hardest part. 20-year-old Powledge from Texas where the connection is gone, but the ac-
acoustic guitar, letting the emotional weight of her lyrics take over.
Radar Replay: ‘Good Will Hunting’
WHY ‘GOOD WILL HUNTING’ IS ACTUALLY A ROMANCE MOVIE.
*This review contains spoilers* For those who are somewhat versed in
are they have heard about “Good Will Damon and supporting actors like Ben embracing and loving oneself for being who they are and, in the words of Natasha
Hunting, a prodigal mathematician who, after jumping in and out of prison for years, is put under the care of professor Gerald Lambeau and therapist Sean Maguire at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. With their help, and the help of his girlfriend Skylar and best friend Chuckie, Will comes to terms with who he is and stops holding himself back in
“Good Will Hunting” is widely regarded played in theaters, boasting an impressive 97% on the Tomatometer, 94% on the Popcornmeter and 4.4 stars on Letterboxd. The gorgeous visuals, the captivating dialogue, the true-to-life characters and the iconic cast are just a few of the aspects of “Good Will Hunting” that make it such a classic. And understandably, they’re also what people praise the most. However, an often underdiscussed aspect of this movie is how it represents
Self. A key part of what makes “Good
journey as a young man with such a troubled past.
characters talking about Will, recount his tragic, and often violent upbringing. Stories of his foster father beating him, putting cigarettes out on him, squandering all of his potential and chaining him to Boston forever. Will took solace in his simple life, spending most of his time either with his nose to the ground doing hard manual labor or drinking with his friends in whatever random dive bar they chose that night. He still enjoyed more educational pursuits, but he chose to keep these private.
MAIN ST
supporting cast trying to break this facade down, and Will responding in turn with
people out. Whether this is insulting Sean’s dead wife, ridiculing Lambeau’s research or breaking up with Skylar, Will seems to have no problems with completely removing people from his life in order to protect his carefully maintained outlook however, Sean succeeds in helping Will face his traumatic past, opening him up to both the people and the world around him.
ORANGE ST
being able to connect with themselves and how they really want to live their lives. When dealing with this topic, older the belief that a strong young person, or a strong young man especially, should be able to move past their problems. This
movies, even American classics such as “The Dirty Dozen,” “Rocky” and “Rebel Without a Cause.”
“Good Will Hunting,” however, takes
Instead of promoting this idea of stoic healthy, emotional journey taking place in the heart and mind of a young man. The ultimate conclusion of this journey was not just as a genius mathematician, but as a human being with feelings. While
to depict this, it was one of the best.
This depiction of self love is exactly what makes “Good Will Hunting” a worthy watch for this upcoming
American culture, this day has turned into a way to express external love. It’s all
Will’s story is unfortunately a story that so many young people around the world are living. Regardless of their backgrounds, traumatic experiences inhibit them from
so, many forget that love must come both externally and internally to complete the picture. And Will’s journey to love himself is the perfect reminder that Valentine’s Day is about one’s self as well.
COLLIN GAILMARD
COURTESY OF MIRAMAX FILMS
Highlanders blow 16 point lead in loss to Cal State Fullerton
HIGHLANDERS FAIL TO SEAL THE DEAL AS THEY FALL IN THE BIG WEST STANDINGS.
RACHELLE REYNOSO GONZALEZ
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) women’s basketball team delivered a determined performance Thursday night at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) Arena. The Highlanders battled through four quarters and overtime before falling to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) 82-78 in a tightly contested Big West matchup.
Despite the loss, the Highlanders displayed resilience against the Titans, who entered the game with an 8-3 conference record. The loss dropped UCR’s record to 7-15 in the season, while CSUF improved 13-9.
UCR won the opening tip and immediately applied defensive pressure, forcing turnovers struggled to convert from the perimeter, allowing Fullerton to build momentum through interior scoring and transition opportunities. The Titans held a narrow advantage after the opening frame as both teams adjusted to the pace of play.
in the second quarter, tightening up defensively and attacking the basket with more consistency. Hannah Wickstrom and Bria Shine helped spark with active play on the defensive end to cut into touches allowed the Highlanders to take a 35-29 lead heading into halftime.
Momentum shifted coming out of the break
third quarter. The Highlanders forced multiple turnovers, leading to fast break points and a scoring run that energized the home crowd, leading by as many as 16 points.
their defensive pressure and attacking inside to make a comeback. The Titans chipped away at the lead with second-chance points and timely
lead of the fourth quarter with two minutes to play, absorbing all the game’s momentum.
possession, and Hannah Wickstrom converted a clutch layup to tie the game at 72. She led the game in scoring with 35 points.
In the extra period, both teams exchanged baskets early, but the Titans capitalized on key possessions down the stretch. UCR continued to of missed opportunities allowed CSUF to pull away in the closing moments. by strong defensive activity, cooperative ball movement and the ability to respond to momentum swings throughout the game. The Highlanders will look to build on that performance as Big West play continues.
Seneca Hackley hits 1,000 career points in a 58-53 loss against CSUN
UCR DWINDLES DOWN THE STRETCH, LOSES IN BACK-AND-FORTH CONTEST.
On Feb. 7, 2026, the University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) women’s basketball team hosted California State University, Northridge (CSUN). The Highlanders entered the game as the favorites to win with a 5-7 conference record over CSUN’s 3-9 record. Additionally, Seneca Hackley came into the game nine points short from reaching her 1000th career point in college
CSUN put up two points to start the game with a layup from Saray White. UCR quickly responded with a three-pointer from Hannah
Wickstrom. With great defensive presence in the opening minutes, the Highlanders took a 6-2 lead. The Matadors came back with a 6-2 run of their own to even out the score. Both teams exchanged buckets, with Seneca Hackley scoring four points in the last 40 seconds of the quarter to give the Highlanders a 12-11 lead.
The Matadors started the second quarter on a 12-3 run to retake the lead. UCR regained momentum with three-pointers from Wickstrom and Hackley and consecutive baskets from Dieynaba Sylla, putting up her season-high performance with four points. Midway through
the second quarter, Hackley hit a three-pointer to eclipse 1,000 career points and the entire team arose in excitement.
The second half resumed with a three-pointer from Kaylani Polk. UCR was up by eight points, but could not maintain their lead as CSUN quickly came back with Rita Nazário’s jumper
remaining in the quarter, 45-44.
The fourth quarter saw six lead changes with CSUN taking the lead with two minutes remaining. UCR never managed to recover as Nazário iced the game at the free-throw line to give the Matadors a 58-53 win.
Wickstrom and Hackley led the team points and 15 points respectively. Polk added in both categories. The Highlanders looked the free-throw line, shooting 32% and 67% each over CSUN’s 24% and 50%. However, CSUN
30%.
UCR is on a two-game losing streak and has lost six out of their past seven games. They will look to get back in the win column when they travel to Santa Barbara on Feb. 12 to face the Gauchos.
ELENA VERSAGE / THE HIGHLANDER
JIHOON KWON
Valentine’s Day date ideas for the couple that loves to stay active
THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, TRADE ROMANTIC CLICHÉS FOR PLAYFUL COMPETITION PERFECT FOR A DATE NIGHT.
IZZY GRAHAM
With Valentine’s Day being right around the corner, it may be a good idea to start thinking about what to do with to mean fancy dinners and big expensive together is an easy way to celebrate by getting active, laughing way too loud and enjoying one another’s company.
No matter how long you’ve been together, sports can be an easy and low
glow-in-the-dark mini golf to ice skating, these simple activities can turn a simple date night into a fun and memorable experience.
Glow-in-the-dark mini golf is an amazing option for couples who love to relax and enjoy a little friendly lights, loud music and strange obstacles, mini golf creates an atmosphere where awkwardness doesn’t stand a chance. You don’t need to be athletic or experienced, most of the fun is missing easy shots and getting to laugh about it the rest of the time.
Most mini golf places have more than just mini golf as well. For example, GLO
activities like laser tag and escape rooms.
activities on their website. You are able to enjoy a great time, take cute photos and enjoy some friendly rivalry along the way. It’s also a great opportunity to ‘make dates!
If you’re looking for something a bit more romantic while still trying to be adventurous then ice skating is the next best option. This is an activity that naturally brings you close. Whether it is holding hands trying to remain upright, or laughing after falling and taking your date down with you, ice skating is slightly challenging, romantic and extremely rewarding once you have a rhythm.
Many ice rinks, including Icetown in Riverside, provide multiple time slots for on their website, making it super easy to
your partner this Valentine’s Day.
If you’re looking for something a bit more on the classic side, bowling is the
MAIN ST
and fun for any skill level. Bowling allows time to conversate in between turns, relax and celebrate strikes (or laugh at all the
gutter balls). After you throw in a round of arcade games, snacks and maybe even a milkshake, the night feels casual while experiencing some old fashioned quality time.
Most bowling alleys make things interesting for you by creating themed nights, challenges or special awards for the winner. Round1 Bowling & Arcade you can choose from on their website.
What makes these activities so perfect for Valentine’s Day is that they are focused on a shared experience, opposed to a “perfect” date. You don’t need to be perfect at it, you just have to show up and have a good time. These dates encourage laughter, communication and teamwork, which create the ideal foundation for any relationship.
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is about spending time with someone you love. Whether you are putting in the dark, skating hand in hand or rolling strikes down a lane, these sporty yet fun date ideas are proof that love doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs to be fun.
Kiss cams on the arena screen
VALENTINE’S DAY OR NOT, KISS CAMS REMAIN A STAPLE OF LIVE SPORTING EVENTS.
During an era when sporting events of all kinds are readily available through live broadcasts and streaming platforms watch in real time or save replays for later to watch during dinner — the live arena that digital viewing cannot replicate. Kiss cams are one of the most recognizable and enticing features that fans look forward to during live games, turning brief pauses in gameplay into moments of crowd engagement that keep energy and morale high in the arena.
Mike Wierzbicki, Deputy Athletics of Minnesota, explained the unique draw of in-person events that engagement bits of watching a game on TV is only getting better and better and you don’t have to drive to campus, and you don’t have to
to celebrate the engagement, the unique aspects of coming to a game that you can’t get outside the stadium walls.”
One notable kiss cam moment that made for a story of its own during an occurred during a 2012 U.S. men’s
basketball Olympics exhibition game, when former U.S. President Barack Obama’s appearance on the Jumbotron
Obama. The moment circulated through national media coverage and reached even non-fans of the sport, demonstrating how in-game engagement gimmicks like kiss cams can extend a game’s reach beyond the arena and capture attention from those who may not have been following the game itself.
While the origins of the concept are murky, kiss cams are often deployed during intermissions, timeouts and other pauses in a game, allowing production crews to display interactive segments to in-person fans while athletes can take a break and talk to their coaches.
However, the concept of kiss cams
the camera, and the pressuring spotlight that comes with it, are often placed on anonymous and unsuspecting members
individuals may contact a venue or team ahead of time to specially request not to appear on the video board.
That said, kiss cams have also been used as a platform for broader messaging within the sports sphere. In 2017, a Valentine’s
Day public service announcement titled “Fans of Love,” an extension of a larger 2015-origin Love Has No Labels campaign, used the kiss cam during the NFL Pro Bowl to challenge viewers to reevaluate the ways they perceive others and reconsider personal bias. The creators of the video took a unique outlook on kiss culture.
Instead of adhering to conventional expectations of who is typically featured on a kiss cam, the video highlighted a wide range of fans, featuring all forms of love on the arena screen at the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl and emphasizing inclusivity through the familiarity of a live sporting event that fans know and love.
The video, which ran just under three minutes, extended beyond the game itself. Attendees were able to participate in an
score, leaving not only with memories of the Pro Bowl and the teams’ skilled play, but also with a shared community experience of being part of a historic moment that used sports culture as a vessel for broader connection.
OVI MATHIVANAN
COURTESY OF ADAM FAGEN VIA FLICKR
From walk-on to recordbreaker
SPRINTER D’LAINEY NAKAMOTO HAS SHATTERED SCHOOL RECORDS IN THE 60-METER DASH.
When D’Lainey Nakamoto was a senior in high school, she had no Division every coach in the Big West Conference, but none responded. Nakamoto began to lose hope that she would have the chance to run at the Division I level.
Then, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) head coach Nate Browne reached out. Browne invited she agreed to attend the very next day. “When he told me I can be a walk-on … it was a dream come true,” said Nakamoto.
Nakamoto said she is grateful for
“They didn’t have to choose me. They didn’t have to let me be on the team.”
According to Nakamoto, her coaches care about her as a person, not just as an athlete, an approach she said sets UCR I programs.
Nakamoto added that head coach Nate mental health, physical health and academics “more than what you can do for them performance wise.” She emphasized the level of care she receives from how well she performs.
oritizes their athletes’ mental health with psychiatry students from California Baptist University working with the athletes. Something Nakamoto says has
helped the team “mesh together so much more than recent years.”
Nakamoto’s success on the track has continued to build. She has posted personal records at the Big West Championships in back-to-back seasons and was part of two record-breaking 4x100 relay teams at UC Riverside in 2024. Most recently, on Saturday Jan. 30, Nakamoto broke the UC Riverside’s women’s 60-meter record.
Before every meet, Nakamoto envisions herself running. She focuses on her mechanics, making sure she has them down, and allows herself to feel the motion of each stride. The sprinter described the process as a lucid dream, one in which she can feel herself running even though her body is not physically moving. She commented that she always checks in with her coach Fatimat Yusuf-Olukoju, asking what she can do. Although she has a warm-up card dictating what she should do to prepare for the race, she likes to check in with YusufOlukoju “because she’s like my anchor.”
At the age of six, Nakamoto ran her
distance runner, doing the mile and 5k races. “I don’t know what really sparked it,” Nakamoto stated. The senior expressed that she had played other sports growing up but found the most joy during the condition portion of practices. “I
from that.”
The Vista native also spoke about her mother’s support over the years, expressing love and appreciation for the woman who attended every track meet, rain or shine, often staying for hours to watch her race.
UCR, Nakamoto plans to continue running, either unattached or with a Filipino-American running group she was invited to join. Academically, she is focused on becoming a physician assistant. She currently works as an unpaid week for four hours each day and hopes to attend a physician assistant program for graduate school.
ELENA VERSAGE
COURTESY OF UCR ATHLETICS
Be Lovable.
The Highlander Newspaper is a great way to keep up with current events and news around campus. If you are interested in the newspaper’s articles or pictures, we offer opportunities in writing, photography and design. Join us every Monday at 5:15 p.m. in HUB 101 to learn more.
