The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Category: Life & Arts

  • Coffee or Tea, what do Humboldt State students prefer?

    Coffee or Tea, what do Humboldt State students prefer?

    As students of Humboldt State University face the middle of the semester, it can be a stressful and busy time for many. Many college students love to drink coffee or tea in order to give them an energy boost as they manage all of their exams and homework for this semester. While some students prefer coffee, it seems as if many Humboldt State students find tea to be more soothing and helpful to the soul.

    “I like chamomile, turmeric ginger, lemongrass and lavender for the taste, health benefits and for improving mood,” said Mandy Hackney, a student at Humboldt State University.

    It is important to take care of one’s health as students handle the stressors of school.

    “It is doctor’s orders, I have a few mild stomach conditions like acid reflux and IBS that are maintained by diet.” Hackney said.

    Hackney prefers tea over coffee because of her experiences at Lavender Ranch and the KitTea Cat Cafe.

    “It was really pretty to see the lavender fields and the gift shop smelled great. The owner showed us her stash of brewed lavender tea so my friends and I bought some, took it home to Chico, and steeped it. It was delicious!” Hackney said.

    On Hackney’s birthday in 2019, she had the opportunity to further enjoy the pleasant taste of tea.

    “At KitTea Cat Cafe, you could have a cup of tea while you get to play with cats and some of them were even up for adoption. The herbal teas were very tasty,” Hackney said.

    Ruby Bailey, another Humboldt State student, seems to agree with Hackney’s love for tea.

    “Peppermint tea has always been a comfort drink for me,” Bailey said. “I would drink it whenever I was sick as a little kid because it made my throat feel better.”

    Tea isn’t just a comforting drink and beneficial to the health but it also seems to bring up great memories for Humboldt students.

    “I like chai because it tastes like fall in a cup and I love fall. My earliest memory of having chai was in line to see the midnight showing of The Hunger Games.” Bailey said.

    “I used to get sushi with my dad and we would drink green tea so tea brings up nice memories for me,” said Olivia Kakacek, another HSU student.

    With the great memories of friendships, new experiences and benefits to one’s health, it seems like tea for Humboldt students is a must rather than coffee.

    “The reason why I like tea is because of the several different flavors you can try, it’s simple to make, it’s very soothing and relaxing.” Kakacek said.

  • A Blast from the past: new phones take an old era aesthetic approach.

    A Blast from the past: new phones take an old era aesthetic approach.

    Recent phone releases in the tech world will have your ears perked and eyes peeled. Both of these take a nostalgic approach in the way we use our phone yet are strikingly different in their branding, operations and appeal.

    Released in mid February the Samsung Z Flip made its first debut as it unfolded, becoming a mini tablet device. With a versatile split screen feature, users can watch YouTube on the top while replying to emails on the bottom. This is the first flip phone of its kind with a folding glass screen.

    The Light Phone, what they’re calling a credit-card size, low-tech tool, was initiated on Kickstarter in a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2015 and later launched in 2017. However, their second edition and newest release has began to receive attention from social media users. Light advocates their phone is “designed to be used as little as possible.”

    The company has stripped the phone of any and all social media. We’re talking email, apps, games, music and more. They are encouraging users to use the phone as a tool rather than a tool for distraction.

    Dominic Rushe, a reporter for The Guardian decided to try the phone for himself. What he gained in his experience shocked him in ways he didn’t see coming.

    “I used to draw a lot,” Rushe said. “I am drawing again. By midweek, I’m also writing more. At least these thoughts and drawings, however scattered, are my own. Maybe a new me is emerging, or an old one. One that draws and thinks for himself rather than following Silicon Valley’s addictive maze.”

    However, a question worth asking is whether this is sustainable for a 21st century individual, one with emails to be answered and important tasks and reminders from classes, colleagues or employers, or those who truly rely on their phones for a means of income such as those working for Uber, Door Dash, or similar apps.

    Julia Jacobo, ABC News reporter in a 2019 study concluded unsurprisingly that students spend an increasingly large amount of time on screens, not including screen time used for schoolwork.

    “Teens spend an average of seven hours and 22 minutes on their phones a day,” Jacobo said. “When figuring in activities such as reading books and listening to music, the numbers jumped to nine hours and 49 minutes.”

    Chance Callahan, an HSU natural resources graduate contemplated whether or not he felt he would be able to go entirely without all media apps, such as the Light phone.

    “I’d still probably prefer my phone,” Callahan said. “But I’d be willing to try the Light phone for a week trial to see what it’s about. It would be good to take a break for a while but it’s hard to say if I could go without social media entirely.”

  • TikTok positively impacts HSU students

    TikTok positively impacts HSU students

    TikTok videos are becoming much more than just entertainment by helping students with their mental health, body positivity and more.

    The app has become one of the most popular of our generation. Its main feed, or the ‘for you’ page, is geared towards each individual’s interests.

    Molly Crandell is a junior in the LSEE program. She admits she spends more time on TikTok than she really should. She has been inspired, however, by its empowering videos.

    “My for you page is filled with content where people seem to genuinely feel confident and comfortable being their true selves, or as true as they are portrayed,” Crandell said. “There’s lots of humor regarding real life situations, body types, and even friendships and relationships.”

    Crandell has specifically been affected in terms of body positivity. She’s noticed how authentic TikTok is compared to the social norms people feel they have to follow on other apps like Instagram.

    “Since I’ve downloaded TikTok, I think it’s definitely changed my perspective on the various forms of body shaming that happen, and helped me to realize that so many people are affected by their own insecurities,” Crandell said.

    Crandell often sees Lizzo on her for you page and enjoys the content she puts out into the world.

    “She’s constantly coming across my for you page with body positive content and recipes,” Crandell said. “In addition, Babyeagan is another influencer I see a lot of. She constantly talks about how she is perceived, whether it be about her body after two kids or the stigma of being a young mom.”

    With being in a global pandemic while balancing 19 units this semester, Crandell has leaned on TikTok to relieve some of her stress.

    “Watching my for you page is an easy way to take a break or 10 from distance learning,” Crandell said. “It’s humorous and positive content that’s pretty uplifting when there’s not much to do but stay at home.”

    Nyah Guynup is a senior psychology major who is new to TikTok, but has already been positively affected by it.

    “[TikTok] does seem to spread body positivism when people of all body types and skin color are embracing themselves,” Guynup said. “The app seems to definitely generate my interests well, which can be a negative factor because I’m not being exposed to other perspectives and lifestyles. The ‘for you’ primarily pertains strictly to you.”

    Despite being new to TikTok, she has found ways the app brings positivity into her life.

    “TikTok has definitely allowed me to laugh more and to be exposed to different perspectives and issues that aren’t typically presented to the public,” Guynup said.

    AJ Alberino is an incoming freshman who is going to major in business administration and management. TikTok has allowed her to have a break from the noise of the world and just scroll through entertaining and empowering videos.

    “My TikTok for you page has impacted me positively, with the world being in its current state,” Alberino said. “It’s helped connect me to new friends, and gave me a smile when I needed one.”

    Some of her favorite influencers are Spencewuah, Ballehurns, Skincarebyhyram, Wisdm8 and Brittany_broski.

    “These people have such an impact on me, whether it’s by making me smile or showing me a new outfit,” Alberino said. “[They] empower women, talk about the LGBTQ+ community and even social injustice. They not only make me feel better, but they also educate, and I think that’s super important and one of the best products of social media today.”

    Delaney Hughes is in her first year of the Masters program in kinesiology who is also on TikTok. She tries her best to avoid the unhealthy culture of the app.

    “Sometimes there’s too many ‘what I eat in a day’ videos, which get me too into my head with food,” Hughes said. “But I really only react and like and follow positive videos.”

    TikTok influencers that Hughes watches include Sarah Rae Vargas, Remi Jo, Raeann Langas and Samantha Jo.

    Every type of social media has its own positives and negatives but for Alberino, the app has helped her in more ways than one.

    “TikTok has impacted my mental health mostly,” Alberino said. “It has its good and bad, but for the most part, it has given me inspiration, knowledge, confidence and smiles.”

  • Learning on camera increases social anxieties

    Learning on camera increases social anxieties

    For the past year now, we’ve seen hundreds of memes and TikTok videos poking fun at the bizarreness of having our cameras on for Zoom meetings and class times. Undeniably, there is a very personal aspect to our camera that makes individuals feel uncomfortable. Or maybe, for some, a little rebellious.

    You know, if you’re one of the many who show up with a button up shirt on top and sweats on the bottom. Or maybe you’re not wearing pants at all? I think we can agree weirder things have happened at this point.

    Raven Linton, a public relations major, says she doesn’t feel intimidated by the camera. However, whether or not she turns her camera on or not depends on how presentable she feels.

    “I typically have it off because I’m usually in my pajamas,” Linton said. “It definitely feels different. However, I actually kind of like the fact that some of the online classes have this because I’m a visual learner, and to me, it feels the same in a sense of getting an ‘in-person’ lecture.”

    Though Linton feels rather comfortable either way, it’s obvious some students get anxious more than others and whether or not you’ll experience it or not is hard to say.

    Kimberly Cossio, an environmental studies major, says she prefers to have her camera off for mostly privacy reasons. Noting a lot of the time she is doing other things like cooking or getting ready for work. She adds that for herself, Zoom can get slightly uncomfortable opposed to in-person.

    “It is very different to have a camera on you at all times and it can get pretty uncomfortable, just knowing that everyone in the class can see you, rather than being in class when everyone’s focus is on the professor,” Cossio said. “Most times in in-person classes you can’t see other students’ faces but only their backside and so there is a significant difference.”

    Delaney Duarte, a journalism major with a minor in communication studies says she prefers to have in-person sessions because she likes feeling like she has a place to go and enjoys being able to get dressed up, go out and not just be in her pajamas for class, which is why she says she keeps her camera turned off most days.

    “I tend to have my camera off,” Duarte said. “Sometimes I like having my camera on if I’m put together. I personally don’t get anxious though, that’s not really me. I don’t really get nervous on camera.”

    Duarte attests that keeping her camera on or off doesn’t have much to do with shyness, nerves or anxiety. Yet, she understands that other students may be experiencing this.

    “I know a lot of students get anxious though so I’m not saying everyone is like me,” Duarte said. “But I do know a lot of students don’t want people seeing their background and where they’re at. It’s your personal space and you’re showing it to everyone so they might be anxious with that.”

  • Choose Your Fighter: Netflix vs Hulu

    Choose Your Fighter: Netflix vs Hulu

    The year long, ongoing global pandemic has led many college students to find themselves spending their free time at home on streaming services.

    Two of the most popular, Netflix and Hulu both have positives and negatives that appeal to a variety of people. But their appeal can become expensive especially for college students.

    Netflix offers three different plans with monthly payments: Basic for $5.99, Standard for $13.99 and Premium for $17.99. Prices differ based on the number of people on each account simultaneously.

    Hulu offers four different subscription monthly plans, one starting at $5.99, a no ad option for $11.99, a live TV option for $64.99 and a live TV option that includes no ads for $70.00.

    Despite the similarities, HSU students have strong opinions about which one they prefer.

    Abby Miller is a senior and kinesiology pre-pt major who doesn’t pay for cable, which makes paying $16.99 per month for Netflix well worth it for her.

    “I like Netflix more mainly because of the content that they have and what I currently have right now,” Miller said.

    Miller loves finding new shows and movies to watch but also loves watching classic Adam Sandler movies.

    “Netflix has no ads and there are a lot of shows to watch,” Miller said. “However, I was bummed when they took “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” off. I have had time to explore other shows like “New Girl” and “Bridgerton,” and I always love classic movies.”

    Jordan Howery is a junior majoring in zoology. She has a strong opinion that Hulu is much better than Netflix all around. Even though Hulu has ads, she sees past that and admires the content it gives her.

    “My favorite thing about Hulu is the better variety of movies and shows to watch,” Howery said.

    Many college students share their accounts with their friends in order to save money, which is what Howery does. She enjoys watching crime and mystery especially “Bones” and “Sons of Anarchy” which are both, unsurprisingly, available on Hulu.

    “I’m a person who tries out a little bit of everything when it comes to movies and shows,” Howery said.

    Netflix has one thing that Hulu does not: no ads. Not having to watch commercials is one of the biggest advantages that Netflix has.

    Macy Thomas is a junior and a business venture management major with a minor in health education.

    “Oddly, I resort to Netflix more, but not because I necessarily like it more, it’s honestly just my go to,” Thomas said. “It definitely gets a point for no ads/commercials. My Hulu subscription is the basic one and the ads get super old.”

    Being a college student with a limited budget, streaming services are often difficult to afford.

    “Right now I am still freeloading off my parents’ Netflix subscription but I know it’s getting upwards of $18+ a month,” Thomas said. “I’d say it is worth it, but when you remember the days it was $10 a month, it kind of sucks.”

    Along with Hulu, Netflix continues to raise their prices each year, but with the continued effects of the pandemic, streaming services still continue to gain popularity with all ages.

    “Netflix is way more user friendly and better designed than Hulu,” Thomas said. “I rely on Netflix to rewatch the show “Grace and Frankie.” I absolutely love this show and it’s one I can sit and watch to enjoy or have it on in the background and still be productive.”

  • Networking for Introverts

    Being an introvert and navigating the network business seems to be a difficult task.

    Nora Montaya is a career advisor at Humboldt State University who is a self-proclaimed introvert. Montaya opened up about how her experience influenced her overall career.

    “I missed out on a lot of opportunities due to being an introvert, I cried because being a perfectionist, I didn’t want to miss out on anything,” Montaya said.

    Montaya found peace when she developed a sense of comfort in her skin and found ways to enjoy public speaking.

    During a workshop, Montaya instructed viewers to take a quiz to measure their introversion.

    Maya Hergenradar, a student at Humboldt State University scored half and half, revealing that Hergenradar had both introverted and extroverted traits.

    “I like to journal and figure out what I need to maintain my positive state of mind,” Hergenradar said.

    Aleya Serrano, another student at Humboldt State University, scored a perfect score of 100% introvert, making Serrano a deeply introverted person.

    “The closer I am to someone and the less people there are, the less energy it takes to spend time with them. Being with my two close friends will never tire me out as much as being out in a public place,” Serrano said.

    Montaya covered common introversion characteristics during the skills workshop to give viewers a better understanding of what it means to be an introvert.

    “Many introverted people prefer to be alone, are easily exhausted from socialization, have a smaller inner circle, and are often very self-aware,” Montaya said.

    Montaya emphasized how introverted people enjoy deep conversations which allow them to develop connections with others easily. Therefore Montaya implies that this gives them a good advantage when it comes to networking.

    Building a network, according to Montaya, could be even family or friends. Montaya also emphasizes how it’s important to build professional relationships as it leads to success.

    “To build good professional relationships with people, it is important to have a meaningful connectional and to be very conversational,” Montaya said.

    Since this could easily overwhelm people with introverted traits, Montaya also said that it was important to take time for extra self-care when one feels drained. It is also important to train and prepare oneself when networking can get quite hectic.

    “It’s not a race, it’s about making a connection, it’s okay to have reasonable expectations,” Montaya said.

    Montaya goes into further detail to give out some advice on how introverts can become great listeners. It is important to not only be a great listener but to be mindful of eye contact, posture, and facial expressions.

    “Eye contact is definitely an accommodation people need to be aware of for neurodivergent individuals,” said Humboldt State University student Kira Trinity.

    As a career advisor of two years, Nora Montaya has had quite the time to adjust to her environment however, it was a hard stepping stone for her.

    “I felt a disadvantage for professional opportunities in comparison to my extroverted colleagues,” Montaya said.

    Montaya however hopes to inspire other introverted people through her workshop and remind them that it is possible to make it in the networking business.

  • Have digital books taken over from physical copies?

    Have digital books taken over from physical copies?

    While we’re moving more and more into a digital era, it seems there are still a few things we may prefer to consume in an old-fashioned manner. In 2016, the LA Times and Tech Times found that print books still remain more popular than e-books. But by 2020, Times Higher Education stated that while students still prefer physical books to digital, sales of physical copies have declined.

    Cash Rion, a journalism major, agrees that each has its own appeal and purpose. However, he much prefers physical books for a few reasons.

    “I love the feel of having a physical book in my hand, especially small paperbacks,” Rion said. “There’s no need to go ‘charge’ your book with a physical copy, and they’re easy to read before bed without having all that blue light from a screen keeping you awake.”

    Though Rion prefers physical copies for personal reading, he adds there are certainly times when he may opt for a digital copy over a physical one.

    “Digital books do have their own appeal,” Rion said. “It’s great being able to have hundreds of books at your fingertips on your phone or tablet, and being able to pick up where you left off so easily! And for textbooks, there’s no need to go lugging around massive tomes as you head from class to the library to study.”

    Edward Carpenter, a communication major, also prefers physical books, noting there are things he feels are missing when it comes to digital books.

    “I love the crisp sounds of a page turn,” Carpenter said. “I would say that you don’t really get that essence when you are reading a digital copy. In a digital format, I tend to gloss over words without much attention to detail. However, when I’m reading something in print, I tend to have a better comprehension of the message the author is trying to get across to me.”

    Emily McCollum, a senior journalism major, feels digital books are trying too hard and prefers reading tactile books — ones she can annotate. McCollum still prefers to buy a physical copy even if a free digital version is available, noting that they are easier to annotate and reflect more of her learning style.

    “I just personally have a good attachment to regular bound books,” McCollum said. “I think they smell good, they’re easy on my eyes, and personally, I have very bad vision so looking at a screen for long periods of time wears me out really fast and makes my eyes sore.”

  • Music is tone-deaf in all senses of the word

    Music is tone-deaf in all senses of the word

    There are some movies that are so bad they’re good. There are some movies that are so in-your-face offensive it’s funny. Regrettably, Sia’s directorial debut “Music” was neither.

    For those who haven’t been keeping up on the drama relating to this film, Sia became a subject of controversy after she cast a non-autistic actress as an autistic character, worked with known anti-autistic group Autism Speaks, then doubled down on insulting those who suggested she listen to the concerns of actual autistic people. She went so far as to compare autistic people to inanimate objects before telling would-be critics to watch her film before passing judgment. As an autistic critic, I did so, and judge I shall.

    “Music” is ostensibly a film about the titular Music, a nonverbal autistic girl played by the non-autistic Maddie Ziegler in a painful caricature of disability. However, for all the time dedicated to pretentious musical sequences, she could easily be replaced with an animal or an expensive lamp for all the film cares. Music, true to Sia’s belief, is little more than a plot device or piece of set dressing. Instead, “Music” focuses on her older sister, the callously selfish drug dealer Zu (Kate Hudson, inexplicably nominated for a Golden Globe), and her struggles dealing with Music’s needs.

    I cannot stress enough what a disaster this film was from start to finish. “Music” manages to be profoundly insensitive to the point of being nauseating to watch. Music herself is essentially a non-character whose needs and level of ability vary depending on what the film demands. She exists exclusively to inspire neurotypical people with her “inner strength” and act as a conduit for Sia’s self-indulgent and hideously oversaturated song and dance sequences. I shouldn’t have to tell you how disgusting and patronizing this is. Her acting is little more than choreography, her stims and tics set to the beat as she moves in a grotesque pantomime of what I and people like me experience every day. Yet, she seems to live a charmed life, unaffected by grief following the death of her grandmother and offered free fruit and smiles by strangers on the street. Frankly, the most realistic depiction of the autistic experience in this film is Zu’s total disregard for her autistic relative and ignorance of the condition.

    The privilege continues to show in the depiction of Leslie Odom Jr’s Ebo, a black man and magical autism whisperer who evidently lives to serve this white family and dispense down-to-earth wisdom. In a strangely cheerful tone, he explains that his own brother was autistic and died. What was his name? How did he die? It does not matter, as Ebo goes on to directly endorse a dangerous method of physical restraint that has led to the deaths of dozens of autistic people. He’s the most blatant example I’ve seen in years of the Magical Negro, the enlightened yet folksy black man who helps the white hero on their journey while lacking any personhood of his own.

    Even if one can ignore the blatant racism and ableism, “Music” fails to deliver a coherent narrative, developed characters, or even pleasing aesthetics. I found myself checking the time constantly, as this proved to be the longest hour and a half of my life. At one point in the film, a minor character is murdered on screen and it doesn’t affect the plot whatsoever. It’s never mentioned and we never see anyone react. At another point Sia makes a guest appearance as herself. I’ll let you take a wild stab in the dark at how much influence this has on the events of the film. The closest thing to a character arc we see in the entire run time is (spoiler alert if one cares about this paper-thin narrative) Zu changing her mind about giving Music away to a facility that probably is better equipped to care for her than an alcoholic drug dealer.

    Music is bad art marred by bad representation and bad intent behind the scenes. If this review leaves you morbidly curious, all I can tell you is that it’s not even worth a hate watch. Frankly, I’m less offended as an autistic person than I am as a film aficionado. Watching this movie was one of the most draining experiences of my life. Sia’s directorial debut should stay her directorial finale, and I feel worse off for having witnessed it.

  • Entrepreneur alums persevere through the pandemic’s challenges

    Entrepreneur alums persevere through the pandemic’s challenges

    Blessed Earth Herbals is a holistic herbal body care company that is owned and operated by a woman of color, Christa Rose.

    After graduating from Humboldt State in 2015 with a Bachelor’s of science in botany, Rose started her business in May 2020. She primarily advertises through social media, which has led to reaching more customers and getting more traction. As a new business, she is still working on getting her business license and launching the main website soon.

    “We strive to make our products available to all, as we believe herbal medicine is the people’s medicine,” Rose said.

    Rose’s company specializes in using ethically sourced, organic ingredients. She and her business partner create products intended to promote healing naturally with the use of medicinal plants, and their products range from bath soak blends and bath bombs to facial serums and mud masks.

    Interest in herbal medicine and general sustainability due to the pandemic led many to seek out natural ways to care for their health.

    “Conversations surrounding natural products became much more mainstream, which we think is very empowering,” Rose said. “Greater support emerged for POC businesses, and people seemed very happy to see the positive representation we strive to be.”

    Being a small business, Rose believes it’s important to be genuine.

    “A product does not have to be flashy or gimmicky if it is made well, serves its purpose and is made with love and intention,” Rose said.

    Cate Be is a pottery maker and multidimensional artist who graduated from Humboldt State in 2013. She works with commercially manufactured stoneware and porcelain clay and owns a business called CBeCeramics.

    She had reached a following of 10,000 followers the summer before she decided to go full time. Her business now has over 63,000 followers.

    The first summer after graduation, Be was given a gift of a 10-week workshop in ceramics at the local art center.

    “Meeting once a week, for 10 weeks, for two hours, it became my therapy, my meditation, my sacred space,” Be said.

    The next year in 2017, she decided to take CBeCeramics full-time. Be sees her work as a reflection of herself.

    “It mirrors the past and current inner workings of my being,” Be said. “This ranges from natural resource and environmental aspects such as botany, wildlife and mycology, to sexual health/awareness, medicinal herbs and medicine, identity, and self-care and love.”

    CBeCeramics carved itself a niche online before the pandemic hit. She had already built a reliable customer base without the need for physical interaction.

    “Sharing a community space surprisingly limits my creative potential in quantity and content; that’s an entirely different can of worms I have to manage,” Be said.

    The biggest lesson Be has learned since starting their business is community is more important than competition.

    “Everyone’s journey looks and is different; don’t compare your brand or self to anyone else’s,” Be said.

  • 5 of the Best Places to Find the Beloved Banana Slug

    Finding these fellas may seem easy, but when you want to find a ton of friends, there are specific places to go. This is your ticket to finding the most majestic creatures you’ve ever seen. This is your journey to find banana slugs.

    1. Blackberry bushes are your number one place. These wonderful fruit bushes don’t just give a tasty treat to us, but to the slugs as well! These cuties love to hang out around the bushes and eat the berries, or just take a nap! Feel free to feed them blackberries if you hold them and they’ll become your best friend! There are many blackberry bushes on the trails behind the HSU campus, and the slugs are friendly to kind students.
    2. Skunk Cabbage. I went on a random adventure and came across a large field of skunk cabbage. It was INFESTED with slugs! I spotted hundreds and hundreds. It was a sight to see, and I only wish Van Gogh had painted this scene. These slugs are vibrant creatures, but love to hide under leaves. Look around! You’ll begin to spot them easily.
    3. Redwood tree nooks are one of their favorite spots. They love hiding in the forest in any nooks and crannies they can find. Often, if there are holes or burrows in trees, you’ll find them. Luckily, redwoods surround Humboldt County, so opportunities for finding one of these fellas are plentiful.
    4. Redwood National Park, just an hour from campus, is an easy place to find banana slugs, but you have to look a little harder if it’s too cold. These creatures love to dance in the rain and slime over mushrooms, but get cold just like you or me!
    5. Of course, your own backyard is one of the best places to find these munchers. They love to eat your garden vegetables, and who blames them? Your tomatoes and lettuce are delish! Remember to be kind if you are removing these creatures. They are simply living off the land!
  • Music of the Moment 10

    Music of the Moment 10

    Author’s note: This article was written before Black was pardoned by Donald Trump and released from prison for his most recent weapons charge. Black is still facing an outstanding sexual assault charge in South Carolina that could put him back in prison for as many as an additional 30 years.

    Despite being incarcerated, serving a nearly five year prison sentence on multiple felony weapon charges, Kodak Black released his third album “Bill Israel” from behind bars.

    Black was arrested less than a year after dropping his sophomore album “Dying to Live” on two separate charges of purchasing a firearm under false pretenses. Because of his extensive record, Black was denied bond and faces as many as 60 more years in prison.

    Unlike other recent releases we’ve received from incarcerated artists like Rowdy Rebel’s verse on Pop Smoke’s “Make It Rain” or Black’s own performance on A$AP Rocky’s “CALLDROPS” skit, “Bill Israel” was crafted with the same degree of polish as his previous two albums. While this results in an album that’s undoubtedly much easier to listen to than anything recorded over a jail phone, it means all the vocal tracks were created prior to Black’s most recent incarceration.

    Considering the small window of time Black had to record music between bids behind bars, he delivers a surprisingly fresh performance on the new album. Rapping over a strong selection of instrumentals with a compelling variety of tones, Black proves his unique sound has a powerful presence on any modern beat you throw his way, even when he’s just repeating the same line over and over, like on “Feeling Myself Today.” Though the project bears some sonic resemblances to the albums and even some of the mixtapes that came before it, “Bill Israel” contains enough brand new material to justify the release, and having traces of previous projects on the album provides fans the extra incentive to return to his other bodies of work.

    Concerning the content of “Bill Israel,” the majority of the subject matter continues to unfortunately revolve around the lifestyle that landed Black in prison. The song “Serene” hauntingly captures Black’s inner conflict, with him claiming to seek a more positive life on the hook, while he contradicts himself with the actions he describes in his verses. Assuming the majority of songs on this project were recorded after the release of “Dying to Live,” it seems foolish at this point to expect a change in his behavior the next time he’s released.

    The limited content Black’s record label had to work with in the creation of “Bill Israel” results in an album restricted both in the overall length of the project and the growth in style and content that Black demonstrated between his first two albums. The slim track list ultimately works in Black’s favor, however, given the shallow range of subject matter. With just 11 songs, Black’s signature charisma is enough to keep listeners engaged and leave them wanting more once the final track has faded out.

  • Animal Crossing New Horizons, The Quarantine Game

    Animal Crossing New Horizons, The Quarantine Game

    Animal Crossing New Horizons came out towards the beginning of quarantine in the \on March 20, 2020. It became instantly popular with students, but have they continued to play?

    Ash McElroy, a creative writing major, enjoys the game and the aspect of creativity and freedom the game creates.

    “I got Animal Crossing New Horizons literally the day it came out, I spent a solid month playing it,” McElroy said.

    McElroy enjoys games such as Animal Crossing New Horizons where you get creative freedom. The game includes terraforming, design, and the the ability to shape the overall look of an island itself while offering a bit of structure.

    “I like there is structure even after you’ve finished the game, you still have more options to continue playing,” McElroy said.

    The hype around the game centers on the relaxing and calming gameplay that students can use. Even now it’s still popular.

    “I definitely think it is still very popular, there are whole communities for designs and how to decorate your island,” McElroy said. “But I do think the hype has gone down.”

    Although not everyone who bought the game at first enjoyed it as much in the long run. Monica Vidaurre, an anthropology major at Humboldt State University, bought the game when it came out and it didn’t stick as much.

    “I decided to download it because it was the hype at the time,” Vidaurre said. “I’m always looking for something new to play and so I downloaded it and when I started playing it I thought it was really boring.”

    Vidaurre tried all the activities in the game but it just wasn’t as fun as other games she had played, although she liked the design and overall “cuteness” of the game. Once she reached the ending of the game it wasn’t the hype she thought it would be.

    “It really wasn’t for me, after playing it I regret having it,” Vidaurre said.

    Chris Lee, a wildlife major, played previous titles in the franchise and bought New Horizons the day it came out. Lee has continued to play the game and enjoys its relaxing nature and creative freedom.

    “I like how relaxing it is, it’s different from games, but it is more of something that I can escape into and work on my island and customize things the way I want,” Lee said.

    New Horizons has frequent updates which add more and bring people back to the game as well as adding aspects from the previous Animal Crossing games.

    Part of the appeal of Animal Crossing New Horizons is the connection factor, it is a friendly game where one can visit other friends’ islands and communicate. Especially in a pandemic, being able to visit friends’ worlds without risk is another fun aspect.

    “It still is popular but not to the extent when it first happened,“ Lee said. “I think a lot of people saw it as something came out for us because of quarantine and we are all able to still connect and have some sort of social aspect.”

  • The Weeknd shades Hollywood culture with Super Bowl performance

    The Weeknd shades Hollywood culture with Super Bowl performance

    The Weeknd performed at the 2021 Super Bowl halftime show surrounded by dancers wearing bandages around their faces, a statement about what the artist sees as a toxic Hollywood culture.

    Mara Johnson, a history major, said the halftime show is the only part of the Super Bowl she actually pays attention to, and the performance made her enjoy the overall game even more.

    “I thought The Weeknd did a good job, and I especially liked how he did a medley of so many songs,” Johnson said. “He had a good stage presence and his music appeals to a wide audience, so I think he was a good choice.”

    The halftime show was not the first time he has used bandages in a performance or publicized an unusual physical appearance. He posted a photo on Instagram in August 2020, posing for the MTV Video Music Awards with bruises all over his face.

    In November 2020 he showed up to the American Music Awards wearing bandages covering his face, similar to his dancers at the halftime performance. It looked as if he was in recovery from having major plastic surgery.

    On Jan. 5 he posted a picture on Instagram of his face, looking completely different, with defined cheekbones that looked like the result of intense plastic surgery with no caption or comment.

    Eibar Romero is an HSU critical race and gender major who thought the Weeknd’s strong message was effective.

    “In terms of Hollywood culture and connecting it to plastic surgery, he did do a good job because Hollywood is like the center of plastic surgery where a lot of famous YouTubers, popular social media influencers and celebrities get procedures done,” Romero said.

    However, Romero was not the biggest fan of the Super Bowl’s decision to have the Weeknd perform.

    “Honestly I don’t think he was a good person to choose for a Super Bowl game; he’s not a very exciting artist,” Romero said. `

    At the Super Bowl, he came out alone performing his well known 2016 hit, “Starboy.” Later, he started singing “I Can’t Feel My Face” as he walked through a mirrored hallway. He was followed by a large group of dancers wearing white bandages that covered their entire faces.

    Raul Barbosa, a forestry major, felt as though they could’ve chosen a better artist to perform at the halftime show.

    “I thought the face bandages were weird and not too significant, but thinking back now it could have, but it just wasn’t clear enough for me to understand at the time,” Barbosa said.

    Although there are mixed views on The Weeknd’s performance, his streams have increased 41% in the US since the Super Bowl, according to Billboard as of Feb 11.

  • After Months of Negotiations, Crab Season is Back

    After Months of Negotiations, Crab Season is Back

    It’s officially Dungeness crab season in Humboldt county. Local fishermen have been given the green light to fish for local crab on the bay after a long year of negotiations and COVID. So, what does that exactly mean? The freshest and most decadent crab is now available to Pacific coast natives. The Dungeness is long sought after by food junkies for its richness and the demand hasn’t slowed.

    The season was initially delayed from it’s original Dec. 1 opening when the Department of Fish and Wildlife found that crabs in the area did not weigh enough to carry out the necessary tests for quality.

    “Based on the lack of data and the interest in cooperatively managing the interstate Dungeness crab fishery, I am delaying the opening of Dungeness crab season in northern California,” DFW Director Charlton Bonham said in a press release on Nov 20, 2020.

    Now that the season is up and running, local restaurants across Humboldt county are featuring fresh and local Dungeness crab on their daily menus. If you find yourself in Trinidad, there are a lot of options to choose from.

    Local resident Mary Mignani is on the hunt for the best crab cakes in Humboldt with it being crab season.

    “You have to find the best ones, the best restaurant offering it because crab cakes are really a hit and miss,” Mignani said. “It’s all about the crab and the way it’s prepared, cooked, seasoned, it all makes a difference.”

    Trinidad Bay Eatery offers an array of crab options for dinner. They have crab sandwiches when crab is fresh, crab cakes, seafood platters, and Cioppino, an Italian seafood dish flavored with white wine sauce.

    Trinidad Bay Eatery also offers crab infused breakfast items such as their crab omelet and crab benedict.

    The Lighthouse Grill offers a variety of crab dishes like crab melts and crab cake sandwiches.

    Rita’s Margaritas offers crab tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas with fresh Dungeness crab.

    If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try cooking your own crab, there are plenty of options for that too. Many vendors across Humboldt are offering daily catches of fresh crab by the pound so you can try your hand at it. If you aren’t ready to cook crab on your own, many are offering their cooked crab for sale as well to add to your own homemade dishes.

    If you’re interested in catching your own crab to cook, there are resources for that, too. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is showcasing tutorials on their government website on how to fish and catch Dungeness crab. Along with supplies for the catch, you will need to follow state regulations and obtain a license which you can get locally in Trinidad at Murphy’s Market.

    Whether you’re craving crab on the go, planning for a nice dinner, or spending the day on the pier in search of the rich Dungeness crab, Humboldt has all the options you would need to fulfill your seafood dreams in peak season.

  • Dining during COVID: how restaurants and patrons are adapting

    Dining during COVID: how restaurants and patrons are adapting

    Local restaurants have had to quickly adapt to COVID regulations. With lowered capacity, mask enforcements and staff cuts, the restaurant business has been highly impacted.

    Restaurants have had to consider the risk of reopening and shutting down again, struggling to make ends meet and the financial burden that comes with staying open during COVID.

    “I have a personal family friend who owns a small little café, and they are definitely struggling because of all the equipment they bought in order to code for COVID dining, just to have it shut back down,” HSU student Mollie Donaldson said.

    With COVID cases rising and the constant release of precautionary measures to be taken as tier levels change, many have wondered if it’s worth dining in and risking getting infected.

    “I don’t believe it’s safe to dine inside at restaurants, there are so many risks involved and unknown factors, even with sitting a booth away from someone or a family,” Jade Graham said, “I’ve had my family do a majority of our cooking at home or takeout. Dining out has its risks, not only for customers but employees as well.”

    Café Brio in Arcata is one of the many restaurants that have strictly abided by regulations to serve the community.

    “We ask that all patrons wear a face covering while on the premises, except when seated at one of our distance compliant tables,” reads the home page of their website. “Hand sanitizer and medical-grade face masks are available at our entry host station. We prioritize the health of our patrons and staff and are currently open to the public outside the building only.”

    Many eateries are providing to-go options to support their businesses and community members have come to their aid in keeping their doors open. Whether you’re enjoying a to-go order or a safe and socially distanced meal outside, we can support our local restaurants.

    In a time of isolation and lockdown, restaurants can provide a safe outlet to socialize. Everyone doing their part to be safe can help slow the spread of COVID.

    “Everything is super crazy right now and that feels like the one thing that makes me feel like things are somewhat normal. Supporting local businesses is important when so many things are up in the air for them,” student Layah Soriano said. “If we’re all taking the necessary precautions, then I think it’s safe to enjoy that bit of normalcy.”

  • Nina G uses comedy to start conversations

    Nina G uses comedy to start conversations

    On Jan. 28, HSU students were able to tune into a virtual event held by the SDRC where comedian Nina Ghiselli, better known as Nina G, provided laughs and a deeper insight into how she got to where she is today.

    Nina G, a comedian, professional speaker and author of “Stutterer Interrupted” reflects on the importance of student resources for students with disabilities.

    “It was resources like those provided by the SDRC that allowed for me to get through school,” Nina G said as she reflected on the struggles that she faced in grades K-12.

    When she was eight-years-old, Nina G was diagnosed with dyslexia and accommodations became essential for her progress in school. It was not until eighth grade, after receiving a failing grade in her math class for only doing half the work, where she recognized the lack of awareness surrounding the accommodations set for those with disabilities.

    Heather Hollingsworth is a first year transfer student at HSU and resonated with Nina G when it came to the lack of understanding when it comes to accommodations.

    “Some of the professor’s excuses are that accommodations give me an unfair advantage”, Hollingsworth said. “It would be too much work on their part, they do not think I need them, and lastly, my favorite, that I need to find a way to get over my disability and stop using it as an excuse to be lazy.”

    Back in October of 2017, the SDRC launched a “1 in 10” campaign. It was an effort to spread awareness about the amount of students with disabilities on campus, encouraging inclusion and acceptance. The campaign expressed that although disabilities are not always apparent, they are still widely present among the student population.

    Kim Coughlin-Lamphear, a student access advisor for the SDRC, feels like it is important that students at HSU keep in mind that the SDRC makes up 10% or more of the student population at times.

    “We are really trying to take away the negativity surrounding disabilities,” Coughlin-Lamphear said. “The usual, visual picture that students will have is someone who has a physical disability that you can make note of, but that is not always the case.”

    The reality of living with a disability is diverse and Nina G focuses on that, along with other stigmas surrounding the misconceptions that society has when it comes to understanding and including people with disabilities. Her journey of being a stuttering comedian is continuously a work in progress as Nina G constantly wants to improve her art and reach more audiences. She wants to continue to bring awareness, while also using humor as an unconventional approach to tell her story.

    For the SDRC it is important for the students at HSU to have a deeper understanding of where everyone is coming from and encourage inclusivity across campus.

    “For any individual, there’s this notion about being included, of being understood,” Lamphear said. “So having someone who promotes that understanding and inclusiveness is what Nina brings forward for a lot of people.”

  • Local Mexican Restaurant owner Esteban Gonzalez passes at 55

    Local Mexican Restaurant owner Esteban Gonzalez passes at 55

    Esteban Gonzalez was 55 when he passed away from pneumonia in relation to COVID-19 on January 12. The tragic news shocked the community and everyone that knew him, leaving behind a huge legacy and heartfelt memories with those who knew the well-known Arcata restaurant owner.

    Gonzalez was able to open his first taco truck in 2000. What started as just him and his wife selling food out of a trailer, expanded into a second location and became one of the most popular restaurants in town. After the pandemic started, his outdoor benches continued to be a convenient destination to go out to eat.

    Located in the heart of downtown Arcata, the restaurant provided high school and HSU students a delicious and positive place to stop for lunch or dinner.

    One of those students is Brandon Allen. He grew up in Humboldt County and went to Arcata High School.

    “This is just such a loss for the community all around,” Allen said.

    Allen remembered stealing a soda from Gonzalez in his freshman year of high school when Gonzalez caught him in the act. Allen felt so bad that he went back after school to apologize. Instead of punishing him, Gonzalez was actually happy to see him.

    “He was super understanding, letting me know that everyone makes mistakes,” Allen said.

    Even after high school, he continued to eat there and Esteban would still remember his order and want to hear about how he was doing.

    “Esteban was such an important part of my teenage years,” Allen said. “He taught me a lot without me really grasping it until much later.”

    Kyra Cohen, a senior at Humboldt State and an Arcata native started going to Esteban’s during their freshman year of high school.

    “He was the first in Arcata that all the high schoolers knew and loved. He’d help out kids when they were short of money, and simply had the best restaurant for Arcata kids,” Cohen said.

    Gonzalez’s restaurant was not only a great place to eat. He also created a fun and loving environment every time you walked in.

    Cohen remembers making jokes with her friends, and Gonzalez would just crack a calm smile. He’d often jokingly laugh and smile at them.

    “He’s the go-to for sure. I crave an Esteban’s burrito more than anything,” Cohen said.

    Brook Reeser is an HSU senior who grew up in McKinleyville. She worked at Redwood Day Camp during the summer, and she and all her co-workers would go to Esteban’s for lunch. They all called his burritos the “best they’ve ever had.”

    Arcata Main Street set up a GoFundMe page for Gonzalez’s family and has already surpassed their $15,000 goal with $28,116 as of Feb 1.

  • Music of the Moment 9

    Music of the Moment 9

    A week after dropping his third album “Welcome to O’Block” and finally receiving national recognition for his talent as a storyteller, Chicago Drill rapper King Von was shot and killed outside an Atlanta night club in the early hours of Nov. 6. Von is the only the most recent of many tragedies to damage the hip-hop community in the past few years.

    The recent trend of young artists in the genre passing away began in Nov. 2017 when punk-rock trap rapper Lil Peep suffered a fatal overdose. The tragedies started to stack when controversial rising superstar XXXTentacion was shot several times for a designer bag in his home state of Florida in June 2018, and with the overdose of hip-hop’s fun younger brother Mac Miller less than three months later.

    The industry mourned again when Nipsey Hussle was murdered in March 2019. His death came less than a month after losing his first Grammy nomination for best rap album, having spent the better part of a decade and a half releasing music independently without mainstream recognition. Given Hussle’s revered legacy in the game, his death shook the industry harder than any of the others and inspired several tributes including “Letter 2 Nipsey” by Meek Mill and Roddy Ricch, “Nipsey Blue” by Snoop Dogg and “The Marathon Continues” by Dave East.

    The year 2020 has been extraordinarily unique in hip-hop. Given the circumstances of the pandemic that prohibit touring, the artists that have had the most success this year are unfortunately no longer with us. Following their extremely brief moments in the spotlight, the sudden passing of Juice WRLD and especially Pop Smoke propelled interest in their music to heights unseen by the others who recently passed. Since their albums were released in the first two weeks of July, followed up by the deluxe version of Smoke’s album on July 20, both Smoke’s project and WRLD’s new album remain in the top five of the Billboard 200 chart four months later. WRLD’s previous albums “Goodbye and Good Riddance” and “Death Race For Love” also saw dramatic spikes in sales following his overdose, meanwhile, Smoke received heavy criticism for his mixtape “Meet the Woo 2” sounding too similar to the original project. Smoke unfortunately didn’t live long enough to smell the flowers WRLD already got a taste of from his first two albums.

    The victory laps WRLD and Smoke experienced with their posthumous albums haven’t been the case across the board. Going all the way back to The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac, posthumous projects have had an often negative association. While some artists like Peep and Miller leave behind enough material to piece together complete ideas, in other cases, record labels are only cashing in on any remaining threads of ideas they have to work with. XXXTentacion’s legacy in particular was considerably tarnished by the release of his two posthumous albums “SKINS” and “Bad Vibes Forever,” each obviously incomplete and paling in comparison with the albums he released while he was alive.

    The worst part about posthumous music is we never know when it’s going to be the last time we hear from an artist. The extended silence from Hussles’ camp regarding new music should come as a bittersweet comfort to fans who can rest easy with confidence that any music released will be both complete and compete with anything Hussle released in the past.

  • Bidding Farewell to Hip Hop’s Masked Villain

    Bidding Farewell to Hip Hop’s Masked Villain

    On Thursday December 31, the music world was stunned by the unforeseen announcement that one of hip hop’s most interesting figures, MF DOOM, had passed away earlier in the year at the age of 49.

    The announcement came via social media post on the artist’s official Instagram profile. It included a picture of the famed rapper posing while boasting a white New York Knicks jersey, camouflage printed cargo pants and trademark gladiator mask that he became infamous for throughout his career. Along with this photo was a short message addressed to DOOM by his wife Jasmine, in which she thanked her late husband for the lifelong lessons and memories she had acquired during their time together.

    Underneath the heartfelt message read “Transitioned October 31, 2020,” two entire months before the world was made aware of his passing. To the unbeknown music novice this may seem odd or at the very least peculiar, but to MF DOOM fans across the world, it fit the allure the legendary rapper garnered over the last 20 years.

    DOOM’s public image has always been shrouded in mystery and mystique. Choosing to don a medieval gladiator mask in practically all appearances in public, he set out to create a conceptual experience for his audience that spanned further than himself. Over the years his albums released with no particular scheduling pattern compared to other artists, only dropping new projects when he felt the world was ready.

    There are many documented accounts where concert goers who paid to see the artist perform were subjected to an “imposter” who recited his songs, until the MC eventually appeared on stage. For the outsider looking in, this would be a dishonest way to coerce fans out hard-earned money, but to DOOM this furthered the brilliance of the enigma he created.

    Born Daniel Dumile, MF DOOM was one of three different alter egos (the other two being Viktor Vaughn and King Geedorah) Dumile created during his illustrious career as a producer and MC. MF DOOM, the most popular of Dumile’s three personas, rose to prominence as a staple in the underground hip-hop community in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.

    Equipped with lyrical content that strayed far left of the status quo, and blending it with beats that were framed around sample snippets of old cartoons and songs that were not typical in hip-hop production, his debut album “Operation Doomsday” pushed the creative envelope like no other album at the time. Past his initial success, he gained notoriety as one half of the revered hip-hop coalition Madvillain along side producer Madlib. Their 2004 album “Madvillainy” is regarded as being one of hip-hop’s most influential albums in history, also procuring DOOM the moniker of “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.”

    As the news of his untimely passing spread quickly on New Year’s Eve, fans and fellow artists alike took to the internet to show gratitude for the late rapper’s contributions to hip-hop culture. Leaving a catalog full of innovative sounds and rhymes for lifelong fans to enjoy and new fans to discover, DOOM’s legacy will be revered for generations to come. A legacy that will be forever spelled in ALL CAPS.

    RIP MF DOOM.

  • HSU students discover their own spark with “Soul”

    HSU students discover their own spark with “Soul”

    Pixar’s newest animation “Soul” teaches us multiple lessons that can be applied to our lives daily .

    The movie was released on December 25, 2020 and already has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It tells the story of a man named Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) who lands his dream gig at the best jazz club in town. On the way, however, he falls into a dark hole that leads him to the “before life.”

    Throughout the movie, themes of compassion, empathy, and self discovery are discussed. Joe is faced with many challenges that help him rediscover his “spark” or purpose in life. The movie is family friendly that people of all ages will enjoy.

    Rachael Kee, is a junior at HSU majoring in psychology and communications who watched “Soul” with her boyfriend Rowan.

    “I loved the movie,” Kee said. “It had so many subtle but relatable themes throughout the film, which really made me think about my own life and my purpose,” she said. “This movie is honestly pretty emotionally intimate for couples to watch together.”

    “Soul” dives deep into the so-called “meaning of life” by teaching us multiple lessons throughout each character’s experiences. When 22 is put on Earth inside of Joe’s body, they become grateful for the little things in life, as small as just the appreciation of living and the ability to breathe fresh air.

    Rowan Feltges is a sophomore, fisheries major and Kee’s boyfriend who also enjoyed the movie.

    “The animation looked almost lifelike and the story was extremely introspective,” Feltges said.

    He not only enjoyed the visual aspects of the movie but also learned multiple lessons that he can use in his daily life.

    “Your passion does not define you as a person,” Feltges said. “What defines you is the pursuit to make oneself feel happy with life.”

    He emphasized that it’s important to not let your passions turn into addictions.

    “As people change and the world changes, so do our passions. It is how you adapt and overcome these changes to find true happiness and self gratitude,” he said.

    Paola Morgado is a senior majoring in chemistry. She enjoyed how “Soul” showed her that the main purpose of life is to simply live it.

    “My main takeaway from the film was, if you’re good to others, good things will come your way such as, second chances and ‘rediscovering’ your purpose,” Morgado said.

    “Soul” was released on Christmas Day, 10 months into a global pandemic. Though intended to be seen in theaters, Disney+ provides us with a thought provoking, heartfelt, and overall positive film we can watch without leaving our house.

    The movie has gained a significant amount of attention on social media in a short amount of time. It first intrigued Kee with its diversity, music, and psychological aspects.

    “Society tells us to grow up, get a job, and pay taxes, and never really allows us to connect to our souls in our individualistic way,” Kee said. “I feel a lesson that we can all learn from ‘Soul’ is that no matter how ‘lost’ or ‘unworthy of life’ one may feel, all it takes is the exposure of a new friendship or interest to pull you out of the darkness. Thus, don’t stop this crazy journey of life and keep going.”

  • COVID-19 pandemic seeps into our dreams

    COVID-19 pandemic seeps into our dreams

    The unprecedented and life-altering pandemic is affecting our dream state

    Dreaming is the psychological phenomenon of our minds that creates vivid images as we descend into a deep sleep.

    Humans are hyperactive and social creatures. When we’re not participating in daily activities, our minds enter states of depression, stress, boredom and now more than ever, paranoia.

    The pandemic’s effect on our lives has certainly altered our psyche, undeniably impacting the way we think and the contents of our dreams.

    HSU senior majoring in journalism Alexis Valtenbergs has had multiple bizarre and lasting dreams since the shelter in place began. Her most notable dream involved catching COVID-19 and experiencing symptoms in the dream.

    “I almost had an anxiety attack the first time I woke up like that,” Valtenbergs said. “I was convinced, thanks to the paranoia, that I had COVID, that it would kill me.”

    Valtenbergs found entering a good headspace before bed made a significant impact on her dreams throughout this time in quarantine. Meditation and muscle relaxation exercises before bed does the trick for her.

    Valtenbergs has had her share of great dreams since quarantine began and believes that dreaming is a wonderful thing that can open our minds to things we haven’t noticed before.

    “There is symbolism in dreams, something that symbolizes what you are going through.” Valtenbergs said. “I’ve had amazing dreams that I didn’t want to escape from.”

    Kashan Fields, an Arcata local, hasn’t had too many wild dreaming experiences, but has had trouble sleeping since quarantine began.

    “Ever since COVID, I have been getting less sleep honestly,” Fields said. “I don’t even think I’ve been getting any deep sleep where I would have a good dream state.”

    Fields said the amount of stress that many are facing today is because of COVID-19. With learning online as well as navigating a global pandemic, people are facing a lot. Fields said stress has caused negative effects when it comes to his sleep schedule but, taking time to work on certain things that need to be done can help reduce that stress.

    “It’s usually some type of stress that you’re usually not resolving for the most part,” Fields said. “If you just look at your life and see what you need to tend to, trying to find a way to manifest that can help build a positive headspace. Usually one way to manifest is in a dream.”

    To help understand the act of dreaming, philosophy professor Mary Bockover explains the beauty and overall mystery of these illusions. She believes dreams are a part of who we are and that in a way they’re full embodied experiences. Dreams can cause us to imagine the impossible and create alternate realities that we may never find answers to.

    “When it comes to interpreting the significance of our dreams, we can speculate, develop theories and use our own experience and intuitions as a guide,” Bockover said. “But to know for sure what they mean seems out of our grasp. That’s part of the beauty about dreaming.”

    Bockover recognizes the global pandemic has affected us all in more ways than one. Being stuck in lockdown has thrown off our schedules significantly. Not having daily routines can force our minds to speculate or conjure up scenarios without even realizing until we have fallen asleep.

    Although times may be tough at the moment and our minds dealing with a lot, they are still able to produce a phenomenon that cannot be explained and help us develop interesting ways of looking into our own lives.

    “Dreams allow us to confront a part of ourselves that is a mystery to us and that informs us that we are part of something larger,” Bockover said. “Something beyond the self that is also a part of the self.”

  • Maintaining a sustainable lifestyle during a global pandemic

    Maintaining a sustainable lifestyle during a global pandemic

    HSU students continue to pursue a zero waste lifestyle despite the additional obstacles presented by COVID-19

    Humboldt State University is synonymous with an eco-friendly, green lifestyle. This year, student sustainability values have been put to the test with a nationwide shutdown and a closed campus.

    Sage Palacils, freshman at HSU, was raised in a household that emphasized the importance of sustainability and has been living eco-consciously their entire life.

    “I’ve been practicing [sustainability] since I was young and the practice, more than the reasons are ingrained in me,” Palacils said. “I grew up really poor and we really didn’t have money to keep replacing things or not be sustainable.”

    Since the pandemic began, Palacils’ carbon footprint has been significantly reduced, after they moved to Humboldt and stopped driving. Palacils also found they don’t miss shopping in the massive malls back home in Los Angeles, because they don’t see a need to be flashy this year.

    “Since I don’t go out much, I don’t really buy clothes,” Palacils said. “I don’t really shop online. I kind of reuse the same clothes I have because of the pandemic.”

    This semester, Co-Director for HSU’s Campus Center for Appropriate Technology Klara Hernandez is attempting to provide students with a virtual substitute for the resources and sustainable living information they would have access to in a normal semester.

    “I feel like if I lead by example, people will become aware,” Hernandez said. “[I] just want to show that it’s possible that we can change individually. But at the same time, we have to attack this at the source, the corporations and big businesses, the people in power making the environmental impacts.”

    Hernandez originally got involved through their volunteer Friday events, which are not currently offered. The hardest part about being a member and leader of CCAT for Hernandez this semester has been having to turn away eager students because of the HSU’s pandemic policies.

    “We have to tell them no and it’s sad,” Hernandez said. “People really want to get involved and get their hands-on experiences, which is what we’re all about – providing that and serving the students, but we’re not able to.”

    HSU Waste Reduction and Resource Awareness Program Outreach Director Skylar Fisher believes the pandemic has proved the human race is ill equipped to tackle the much larger issue of climate change.

    “[If] we are not capable of responding to something as serious and as widespread as COVID, then we’re not gonna be able to be prepared for climate change,” Fisher said. “I’m very fortunate because I’m not extremely impacted by [climate change] yet, but you see all these communities that are and I think living sustainably is the least I can do.”

    Unfortunately, Fisher believes a majority of the sustainability advice floating around the internet comes from insincere influencers who are seeking an easy paycheck.

    “I think the current environmental movement is incredibly whitewashed. A lot of people having these conversations have taken it on more so as a fad than as something that they think can actually benefit our greater systems,” Fisher said. “It’s not so much about making a positive impact on the environment, it’s more so buying these products to make more products.”

    Practices like upcycling, thrifting, composting and growing your own foods can significantly contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. Fisher emphasized not putting yourself down for things your unable to accomplish, instead being proud of what you did.

    “It is impossible to expect everyone to be completely zero waste, but the important thing is to stay as aware as you can and reduce what you can.” Fisher said. “Just being aware, I think that’s the most important thing.”

    Given the precautions taken to prevent further spread of COVID-19, living a sustainable lifestyle has become significantly more challenging as stores safeguard their produce in plastic and purchasing in bulk items is no longer an option.

    “It’s super hard to get a hold of cheap, quality, low waste products and that has only gotten more difficult as the pandemic has progressed,” Fisher said. “[In the past] zero waste was the way that you lived if you couldn’t afford to waste, but it’s kind of been swapped now because plastic is subsidized, so it’s really easy for everything to be wrapped in plastic products. Which is hard on the consumer who now is blamed for wasting plastic.”

    For Fisher, the bottom line when it comes to waste reduction and sustainable living is that we all need to get involved and do our part in order to succeed and for species to survive.

    “[Reducing carbon emissions] is something that is very abstract to a lot of people but is very real and we need to understand that this isn’t just a competition to see how little trash we can throw out every week,” Fisher said. “There’s really real ramifications behind our waste output.”

  • Dorm students cling to the college experience

    Dorm students cling to the college experience

    Students living on-campus concerned as Humboldt County enters the red COVID-19 tier

    Students living in dorms, on-campus at Humboldt State University received a sliver of the college experience offered in a normal semester.

    Eli Farrington, an undeclared freshman, came to HSU to escape an unhealthy home-life and an unsafe place to live during the pandemic.

    “I think it’s pretty safe [here], compared to where I came from, which is Oakland,” Farrington said. “Which is way less safe in terms of corona.”

    Farrington enjoys having a triple suit all to himself, but he’s nervous about sharing common areas and only goes into the kitchen to do his laundry. Having little in common with his dorm mates, Farrington spends much less time interacting with people than he expected on a college campus.

    “They put me in Tan Oak, which is the student athlete dorm and I’m not a student athlete at all,” Farrington said. “I don’t really have any friends in my dorm.”

    His appreciation for the nature surrounding campus, having friends from Oakland that came to HSU this year and family tension, Farrington plans to continue living on campus in the spring.

    “I’d rather be here than stuck at home with my parents and also [a lot] of my friends have gone off to college too so there’s nothing really waiting for me at home,” Farrington said.

    Lake Mcleod, a political science major, is another freshman experiencing college life behind a screen of a laptop. Mcleod came to campus intending to live every ounce of the traditional college experience as possible.

    “Being here is helping me experience new things,” Mcleod said. “Personally, for me, back home is a different phase that I’ve moved on from. So, being here, I’m able to grow into the person that I really wanted to be.”

    Given that the university has restricted student interaction opportunities this semester, Mcleod feels more of an emphasis should be placed on the behavior of students on campus.

    “I feel like most people are staying as safe as possible but I’ve still seen huge groups and things that are a little questionable,” Mcleod said. “Which the university can’t control everybody, but I feel like it could be a bit better in terms of restrictions.”

    Mcleod’s main concern is the lenient testing regulations for students who leave the area and interact outside of their bubble.

    Students living in the dorms were only tested upon arrival back in August. All testing and quarantining currently operates under an honors system but, Mcleod has personally met people who’ve broken it.

    “Random people that I’ve talked to have said ‘oh yeah, I’ve been here and there’ and it doesn’t sound like they’ve been tested when they come back or they haven’t really been social distancing,” Mcleod said.

    Mcleod was also bothered by HSU hosting San Jose State University’s football team earlier in the semester. Considering how dorm students are restricted to host guests from other areas of housing and no more than two people are allowed at a table in the J’s dining area.

    “I feel like it was hypocritical in a lot of ways,” Mcleod said. “Having a whole football team here from a different county, from [a place with high cases], for them to come over here where we had low cases, that didn’t really sit too well with me and a whole bunch of other people I know.”

    River Ruiz, a political science major, has been living in the dorms for the past three semesters. His biggest reason for returning this semester was his on-campus job with HSU dining services. His experiences this semester led him to begin searching for other employment opportunities.

    “They need to make a lot of improvements,” Ruiz said. “The population is dwindling a lot, so the current workers, they like overload [them].”

    Ruiz will be making separate trips home to Southern California for Thanksgiving and Christmas because he needs to work between the holiday breaks.

    “It’s just crazy,” Ruiz said. “Cause you’re scared that you might come in contact with someone and you can’t go home because you have to quarantine.”

    No longer having the same access to extracurricular activities, Ruiz is grateful to have work as a distraction from school, despite the risks and drawbacks of this semester.

    “I know a lot of people that live on campus and go to school, they just stay here all the time and they don’t really have a good college experience,” Ruiz said. “[This semester is] kind of depressing, but it’s a depressing time and everybody’s getting through it.”