The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: life and arts

  • Bitch n’ Stitch in the Makerspace

    By Jasmin Shirazian

    Whether it’s due to the rise of fast-fashion or the misogyny surrounding what is traditionally considered “women’s work,” sewing is often overlooked as a valuable life skill. Nonetheless, the opportunities that come with understanding the basics of sewing are endless. 

    Studio art major Sawyer Armitage is the host of the Sew Easy event held every Monday at the Makerspace in the library. They walked me through my very first fully finished sewing project: an itty-bitty, stuffed piece of pie. 

    Armitage has been working as a student assistant at the Makerspace since Dec. 2022. They only recently began hosting the sewing circle this semester, having learned the basics over winter break. 

    “I love to make tiny [things],” Armitage said. “I was lucky to have someone throughout my whole life who knew how to sew and was willing to teach me, and I wish I [had] taken them up on it. It’s been super empowering to learn, not only small alterations, but also to teach people how to hand-sew, to use the Singer sewing machine for the first time, hem their clothes, create new designs… it’s genuinely a good, functioning life tool.” 

    Armitage started me off by handing me a piece of felt, a pen and a set of shapes to trace onto the fabric. Afterwards, they handed me a needle and some embroidery thread. The endless struggle of getting the thinnest piece of string through the narrowest eye of the needle followed me throughout the entire sewing process.

    Emerald Dowd, a wildlife major, joined us halfway through the first hour and almost immediately began crocheting a flower with the prettiest yellow yarn. By the time it took me to finish cutting out my pieces out of the felt, she was halfway through the first layer of her flower. I spent some time trying to figure out if she was fast or if I was just slow. 

    As we sat and worked on our projects, we talked about all different aspects of our lives and personalities. Different people joined and left us throughout our two hours together, some coming to work on unrelated projects, others just stopping by to chat or borrow supplies. As Armitage, with the occasional help from Dowd, showed me how to do a blanket stitch, we all shared our favorite musicals, what got us into sewing, Armitage’s new band that they’re songwriting for and everything in between. Sitting and engaging with each other, in what Armitage called parallel play, filled a sense of community that I didn’t know I was missing. 

    Nova Presley is an environmental management major who utilizes the Makerspace not only for resources, but for getting independent work done.

    “I have really bad issues with getting myself to do tasks that I want to do unless somebody else is also doing [something] next to me,” Presley said. “The Makerspace is really helpful because, like, I’m not even here for sewing right now, I’m here for a different thing that’s graphic design. As long as everyone else in the area is working on something creative, it’s a lot easier for me to hangout and do something creative.”

    Presley has found the Makerspace to be a good source of forming friendships on campus.

    “It’s a very like-minded space, it’s fun to meet people outside of the typical avenues,” Presley said. “It’s hard to find people in Humboldt to hang out with.”

    Learning to make and mend clothing is also environmentally and financially sustainable. Instead of having to buy an entirely new garment when something tears or a zipper breaks, you can fix it yourself – or better yet, create something out of quality materials. 

    “When you don’t have a lot of money, whether you’re a person crafting or a higher institution that doesn’t have a huge budget, you have to figure out how to make things work with what you have,” Armitage said. “Being able to change what you have, or make it fit something new, that’s what sewing is a lot of the time.”

    Dowd sews for many reasons, starting with the love of creating and altering clothes. 

    “It’s a creative outlet, that you can then wear around and be like, ‘This is who I am, and this is what I like,’” Dowd said. “It’s this way of expressing yourself.” 

    Dowd comes to the Makerspace at least once a week for the Monday sewing circle. Otherwise, they often make use of the many resources that are offered, such as the communal sewing machine or the 3D printer. 

    “It’s a stitch-n-bitch,” Dowd said. “It’s a place for community; a place for people with similar interests to join together and to help each other out. If you’re just learning, and you’re like, ‘Hey, I don’t know how to do this yet,’ the people who are into sewing and into crafting are like, ‘I will indoctrinate you.’”

  • Humboldt gamer enters the competitive scene

    Humboldt gamer enters the competitive scene

    By Mario Orozco

    Competitive gaming and esports have risen to the mainstream with audiences captivated by the elite gameplay and competitive events. This rise in popularity has birthed thousands of professional gamers all competing for the top spot in their respective games. One of these competitive gamers is here at Cal Poly Humboldt, taking his talents for Super Smash Bros. to the competitive scene. 

    Deven Teixeira, a communication major at Cal Poly Humboldt, recently competed in GENESIS, an annual tournament held in Oakland and San Jose. GENESIS is considered to be one of the premiere tournaments with thousands of players competing for the top spot in the event. Teixeira was driven to compete in the tournament to test his skills after winning some smaller competitions.

    “What inspired me is that I won a decent amount of online [tournaments] and some locals in Central California,” Teixeira said.

    A tournament of this size and importance calls for different types of preparation. Apart from just gameplay, Teixeira typically prepares both his body and mind to ensure he’s at his best.

    “I usually get good sleep and eat very healthy meals, not greasy or saturated in fat meals,” Teixeira said. “Meditation through breathing exercises is a staple to my prep as well.”

    This journey into esports started with a healthy rivalry between Teixeira and his high school best friend. The two began by competing against one another in a modded version of Super Smash Bros. Brawl called “Project M” while in their freshman year of high school. This mod made the game more like the former Super Smash Bros. Melee and after some time they decided to test their skills and compete in some local Project M tournaments. They eventually found they were no longer satisfied with the modded game and wanted the real thing, putting together some money to buy two copies of Melee. This led to them attending their first major tournament, with Teixeira crediting his best friend for being one of the main reasons he competes to this day.

    While not placing first in tournament, being eliminated from the bracket going 3-2 and ranking 513th out of around 2000 participants, Teixeira isn’t upset about his placing in the tournament. He views the experience as beneficial and inspiring.

    “I’m not upset with my placing,” Teixeira said. “I’m more inspired to do more majors and try to do even better each time.”

    Competitive gaming is a difficult task that requires a lot of time and practice. Teixera offers advice to any students who are looking to step foot into the competitive gaming scene.

    “My advice is to challenge yourself,” Teixeira said. “If things bring you discomfort in gaming, use that discomfort as a threshold for learning. Reach out to me. I’m easily accessible and I can help people get to top level quick if they want to do that grind.”

    Teixera hopes that Melee becomes more prominent locally. He wants to revive the game on campus and see the competitive scene flourish once again. 

    “Revive Melee in Humboldt,” Teixeira said.

  • Breakfast burritos in the backwoods of Humboldt

    Breakfast burritos in the backwoods of Humboldt

    By Zack Mink

    Arcata is filled with small businesses and food trucks with a wide variety of styles, cuisines, and loyal customers. From Mexican food to hibachi, cravings can be satisfied simply by making a quick stop. One thing that has been missing from the local food scene is a good old fashion breakfast burrito. Something that will motivate you to get out of bed or cure your hangover on a Sunday morning. A burrito that is both classic and unique, giving you something to look forward to all week. This craving has been satiated with Backwoods Burritos, a local food cart serving up those reliable, tasty, and satisfying breakfast burritos people have been looking for. 

    Britton Latham, founder of Backwoods Burritos, serves up his Southwest inspired breakfast burritos every Thursday through Monday in front of Arcata Theater Lounge and at the North Coast Farmers Market in Arcata. With four different options, three meat and one vegetarian, everyone can get their fix of breakfast burritos. Prices range from $10-$12, featuring Latham’s original redwood chili in each one. 

    “It’s super unique because of the redwood chili,” Latham said. “It’s basically like a green chili, except with the seasonings and peppers I put in it, it turns red… It’s a very signature flavor.”

    Britton Latham serving up Backwoods Burritos at the North Coast Farmers Market in Arcata. photo by: Zack Mink 2/10/24

    Along with this original recipe, Backwoods Burritos is special because consistency is prioritized for customers to have the best experience possible.

    “The first bite tastes like the last bite, and that’s super important,” Latham said. “That makes it really unique, and it’s sold out of a little cart with a UFO on it.”

    After taking some breakfast burritos on a camping trip in the backwoods with friends, Latham realized they could be his new culinary venture and become a successful business. During this time of recipe development, UFO testimonies played in the background as he cooked, inspiring him to pursue an alien theme, strongly branding himself. Latham began selling his Humboldt backwoods/alien themed breakfast burritos in October of 2021, but has outgrown his home kitchen and now utilizes The Kitchen Arcata for commissary.

    Recently, Backwoods Burritos became an approved vendor for Cal Poly Humboldt events, bringing the burritos from downtown Arcata to campus for students to indulge in.

    “Yes, and that’s the dream,” Latham said. “I didn’t even go to college, so to be slinging burritos at a college… this is the closest I ever came.”

    Aside from sharing his creation with students, Latham has goals of selling burritos every day of the week, creating a brick and mortar store, vending at local music festivals, and spreading his impact across Humboldt County.

    “I definitely have the goal of more carts, getting more carts through Humboldt,” Latham said.

    With Backwoods Burritos beginning with friends and locals, Latham gives back and encourages community members to not only support himself, but other local businesses with his golden burrito program. The golden burrito, based off of Willy Wonka’s golden ticket, is a random burrito secretly wrapped in gold foil. The winner receives gift certificates to local businesses that he loves and wants to support. 

    Latham is also starting what he calls the Backwood Running Club, which brings people together to not only run, but to spend time outside in the backwoods of Humboldt County.

    Backwoods Burritos isn’t just about making money for Latham. It’s about building a strong community and making memories with new and old friends.

    “We’re all friends,” Latham said. “Started with friends and now it’s just like expanding with more and more friends… that’s what I love about it.”

    Graphic by Griffin Mancuso
  • A night of Gov’t Mule at the Van Duzer

    A night of Gov’t Mule at the Van Duzer

    Photos by Alex Anderson

    Lead singer Warren Haynes vibing out under the green light in Van Duzer.
    Lights shine down on Warren Haynes to kick off the show in Van Duzer on Feb. 13.
    Lead singer for Gov’t Mule under the lights for the Feb. 13 show in Van Duzer.
    Lead singer for Gov’t Mule Warren Haynes laying it down in Van Duzer.
    Gov’t Mule guitarist Danny Louis also putting in time on the keyboard during the performance in Van Duzer on Feb.13.
  • Get your taxes done for free at the student clinic

    Get your taxes done for free at the student clinic

    By Dezmond Remington

    For many students with dozens of responsibilities, doing their own taxes is byzantine, boring, and back-breaking. Though doing taxes is famously painful, there are resources to help.

    The student tax clinic is open to almost all students and community members who make less than $70,000 a year. It’s free and staffed by accounting students. Book an appointment through their website, found through Humboldt’s School of Business website, which operates on Wednesday evenings in Siemens Hall.

    International students filing international tax forms are not eligible for the clinic’s help, though Instructor of Record for the clinic Joshua Zender, said the clinic will help international students if they are filing domestic returns. 

    The clinic’s scope is limited to processing tax documents students provide, using the IRS-supplied TaxSlayer software, and then sending those returns to the IRS. Anyone seeking tax advice or anything more complicated should use a qualified accountant. But just because what the clinic can do is limited doesn’t mean people can’t benefit immensely. 

    “Oftentimes, we find that people we’re serving are simply not aware that they’re eligible for, maybe, a renter’s tax credit, or they’re eligible for a special tax credit because they happen to be going to college right now,” Zender said. “That’s always a really rewarding experience, to see somebody’s face light up and think, ‘Oh, well, I’m actually gonna get money back from the government that I didn’t know I was eligible for.’”

    Another tax credit that’s worth looking into is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which Zender said some students qualify for. It’s open to low and moderate-income workers. 

    If someone earned less than $13,850 for the 2023 tax year, they can file and get all of their federal income taxes returned. 

    The students working at the clinic also benefit from helping people with their taxes. They get a $1,500 stipend provided by the Smullin foundation, an Oregon-based grant-giving organization, as well as a lot of experience. 

    “The main [benefits] are becoming proficient and more confident in using tax software to prepare a tax return,” Zeller said. “For accounting students, they’re looking for real world experience doing their field. But a second [reason] is establishing an ethos, or a commitment to serve a community, and in particular an underserved community, and so developing the skills to communicate and help and empower people who need assistance with their tax return is a really important skill to be developed from this experience as well.”

    Student David Mata is an accounting student who has worked for the clinic for two years. He started doing tax returns six years ago at H&R Block and enjoys the people he gets to meet.

    “You get to see people you don’t get to see,” Mata said. “I haven’t done much community stuff. This gives me a perspective on being a part of this community.”

    Daniel Taylor, another accounting student in his second year on staff, agreed with Mata. He said the experience he got from working there was invaluable–and the stipend is good too. 

    “It’s nice to help people,” Taylor said. “Everyone loves free taxes.”

  • Lora Webb Nichols: Photographs Made, Photographs Collected

    Lora Webb Nichols: Photographs Made, Photographs Collected

    By Christina Mehr

    Immediately when you walk into the art exhibit, you are taken into the life and work of Lora Webb Nichols. Located in the Reese Bullen Gallery at Cal Poly Humboldt, Nichols’ black and white photography is displayed for all to see. Her work covers candid portrait shots of those around her.
    The massive archive of prints has been preserved through the volunteer efforts of Nancy Anderson, Victor Anderson, and Nicole Jean Hill.

    Hill is a Professor of Art at Cal Poly Humboldt and the chair of the department of art and film. Her area of expertise is in photography and she teaches photography classes and professional practices in art. Hill is also the co-curator of the Lora Webb Nichols collections. 

    “When I first dove into the archive, I didn’t know what was [there] because it wasn’t actually viewable yet,” Hill said. “Only a very small portion of it was accessible to the public. It was kind of a leap of faith, but I was intrigued by the fact that it was an archive made by a female photographer who got a camera at the age of 16 in 1899 and saved 24,000 negatives.”

    Over the course of some time, Hill has worked on digitizing the photographs, organizing the corresponding text, recovering the photographer’s diaries and letters, and collaborating with the Grand Encampment Museum and the American Heritage Center to secure a permanent home for the negatives.

    Lora Webb Nichols was a photographer, businesswoman and homemaker living on the Wyoming frontier in the 20th century. She got her first camera at the young age of 16 and over the course of her lifetime, she produced a grand number of 24,000 negatives. The images she captured are about the domestic, social, and economic aspects of the frontier of south-central Wyoming. 

    “When you’re 16 years old and you get a camera, you’re unfiltered, and I was excited to see what that would be like,” Hill said. “Then, once I was actually physically able to see what was in the archive, it was even more exciting than I could have imagined in terms of the variety of subject matter and Lora’s skill as the photographer.”

    The most eye-catching work of the exhibit were the two cork boards with many printed images pinned across them both. On a pedestal below sat a book filled with many more photographs.

    More of Nichols’ photographs and writing can be found online through the American Heritage Center or in person at the Grand Encampment Museum. 

    “I love that this art exhibit has brought people to campus that otherwise would not come to see an art exhibit,” Hill said. “It has a multigenerational attraction to it.”

  • Unpacking Black Joy with Kirby Moss

    Unpacking Black Joy with Kirby Moss

    By Carlina Grillo

    If money is the root of all evil, when do people feel joyful about it? Kirby Moss, a professor and head of the journalism department at Cal Poly Humboldt, asked nearly 20 students and community members last Tuesday, Feb. 13. It left people stumped. 

    Topics discussed were Black representation in the media, feelings around finances and money, how to navigate being a first generation student while saving money for college, and hypotheticals about splurging on a life experience or saving and investing said money. 

    Rather than lecturing, Moss guided a conversation by asking plenty of thought-provoking questions. 

    “We’re in college, this is an academic setting, this is a setting of intellectual exploration. Do you think we should be learning more about money or not?” Moss said. “This conversation today is about money, but it’s not about material stuff. It’s about autonomy, it’s about options.”

    Aundrea All’love is a community member and business owner who was invited to share their experiences. One experience they have as a Black business owner is balancing mental health and community value, while still recognizing their worth and being paid a sustainable amount. 

    “From going from homeless, to some stability, to slowly growing my business now, the biggest shift I did was to focus on what brings me joy. Having faith in my ability and understanding my value,” All’love said. “I have been choosing more opportunities to make money and less scrumping down on my savings.”

    Jeremiah Keys is a sophomore at Cal Poly Humboldt who shared experiences about college being the foundation for the rest of his life. 

    “It’s not just going to be college then careers. It’s like college, then another college, then career and then struggles in between those things, but I’m still going to get through it,” Keys said. “Providing for my family and friends suits me, because I love doing it. That’s the expression that we love. Do something that suits you, but don’t push yourself to where you end up judging yourself more and more and more, and not looking at all the good that you’ve already done and all the good you can possibly do in the future.”

    This event was a part of a month-long series of events for Black Liberation Month, held by The Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence. For more information on upcoming events the Umoja Center can be found on Instagram at @umojahumboldt.

    “Money is not power. It’s all about us,” Moss said.

  • Long distance relationships come with an expiration date

    Long distance relationships come with an expiration date

    by Alana Hackman

    Imagine this: you’re in your dorm room getting ready for a night out with friends with the cheap vodka your one friend with a fake ID supplied, and nothing but pure 18-year-old confidence. Adrenaline is pumping as you sashay around your roommates makeup bag strewn about your shared bedroom floor, careful to avoid speaking to them as they apply their liquid eyeliner. All of a sudden, your phone that was blasting some 2014 alternative indie throwback is buzzing. The music stops and everyone turns to you, wondering if your DJ rights should be revoked. You scramble to your smartphone, and as you flip it, over there lies an incoming Facetime call from your long-distance boyfriend. Pink heart emojis act as bookends to his contact name as you look at yourself on the screen and contemplate answering this call. 

    “Oh, it’s (some boring hometown man’s name),” you say to your friends.

    They know the weight that generic name holds in that dorm household. It’s 9 p.m. and they already called a cab, which should be there in about two minutes. You look at your phone as it vibrates in your hand, you look at the flock of young girls on your bed giving you the look – you know the one. The bordering Kubrick stare and eyes of disappointment, non-verbally asking, “Are you really gonna answer it right now?”  You gaze back at your phone and quickly say “I have to take this,” as you disconnect from the bluetooth speaker and rush out into the dank hallway of your shared living space, hoping to god your name isn’t part of the conversation that’s happening behind the door you just slammed. 

    I, too, was a victim of the unplanned long-distance boyfriend call. From my freshman year of college to my junior year, I was enraptured in my long-distance relationship. I wouldn’t say it was all bad but I will say it just took way too much energy in the long run. I was fresh out of highschool and still carrying the weight of my highschool boyfriend around. I spent nights having sleepovers over Facetime, or watching some movie that we had to perfectly time to sync over the phone. Long-distance relationships can truly show you love someone, but when does it reach the point of total time consumption? 

    It was fun in the beginning, when you were excited for each other and the different paths you took, but long-distance success is based on clear communication, and sometimes that isn’t even enough to hold the relationship together. When college and life in your new town away from your partner picks up, lots of factors come into play; jealousy, accessibility, and just the plain old feelings of missing each other. 

    When your time gets so constrained to the point of only being able to call your partner in your LDR (long-distance relationship) once a week, it can really throw an axe into your dynamic. Even if it’s clearly communicated and you’re transparent with your busy schedules, it can feel hard for your LDR partner to not feel neglected or forgotten about. They aren’t with you – they aren’t seeing your day to day schedule, and when you have to pencil in time to call them and try to keep their attention as you talk to them about your mind numbing statistics lecture, the spark can easily fizzle out. 

    You can try and keep it alive by doing movie nights for each other or sending care packages, but at the end of the day, it’s hard to feel truly loved and cherished when you’re six hours away from each other and not sure when you’ll see eachother again. 

    Honestly, I don’t think any 18-20-year-old has the emotional or physical capacity to do that either. These are such developmental ages, and trying to entertain an LDR partner in between it all can feel like a maze of confusion and a tow truck of effort. I’m not saying dump your LDR because it’s gonna ruin your social life. I don’t think I missed out much when I was in my LDR as a baby-faced college freshman, but I will say it caused some baggage in the long run. 

    Long-distance relationships seem to only be a blanket to hold on to the inevitable factor that you will break up; holding on to the very end until you have to throw in the towel. It usually isn’t pretty, and is the reason why most LDRs end over the phone or text with little-to-no closure at all. That’s gonna cause more pain in the end than just parting ways after highschool for the purpose of doing it for each other’s own benefit. Breakups are never easy, but it can give you a lot more peace of mind. You did it for your partner’s and your own self-preservation. 

    I can’t speak much on the mid-20s LDRs, but I’d have to say it’s the same. Open communication just isn’t possible without at least some weekly face-to-face conversations. Interaction in the digital world can feel awkward, less genuine and allows more time for feelings of neglect and loneliness to build up. Long distance has its expiration date; I can only see it as a temporary thing of a year max. Anything past that is just a waste of time. 

  • Jasmin’s Corner; you need therapy

    Jasmin’s Corner; you need therapy

    by Jasmin Shirazian

    Hey Jasmin, 

    I think I need therapy, but I’m afraid. I’m not the type of person who likes to share my sad feelings with anybody, so I shove them down and pretend like they aren’t there. Recently, I’ve been noticing that my sad emotions are starting to catch up to me and are taking over my thoughts. I can’t really sleep because of them and it’s making all of my days seem mushed together. So back to the therapy thing, I’m afraid to tell someone about how I feel because I don’t want to get judged. In my mind, I feel like it’s silly for someone like me to be sad because I don’t really have anything happen to me recently to have sad emotions. 

    If you think you need therapy, you need therapy. If you don’t think you need therapy, you’re wrong and you need it more than anyone else. To me, therapy is just as important as a regular doctor or dentist appointment. Your mental health is just as relevant as the physical stuff. 

    Shame, pride and embarrassment are what stop many people from seeking help, but you can’t let your fear prevent your growth. Therapists are awesome because they get paid to care, so you don’t have to feel like you’re burdening anyone in your life with your problems. Their job isn’t to judge you, but to help you, though it may take a few tries to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. Life is about trial and error. 

    Journaling your feelings throughout the day can be a good starting point in expressing your feelings. Getting them down on paper can help organize your thoughts and maybe recognize some patterns, like certain triggers. At the end of the day though, a proper diagnosis can seriously help you navigate your emotions and make sense of your brain. 

    You have to take chances and put yourself in uncomfortable positions to create change in your life. Being vulnerable is one of the strongest things you can be, which is why it can be so hard to get to a point of comfortability within it. 

    There’s no reason to feel silly for having emotions just because you’re not actively going through a tragedy or a trauma. If you can’t find the means to validate yourself, let me put it clearly: you are allowed to have feelings. More than anything, you are allowed to feel your feelings. 

    Shoving your feelings down into an endless pit will only fill it with emotional-vipers that’ll come back to bite you in the ass later in life. Make your life easier and deal with them now. 

    xoxo,

    Jasmin

  • Distance makes the heart grow fonder

    Distance makes the heart grow fonder

    by Savana Robinson

    “I love you,” I said to my boyfriend this afternoon. “I’ll see you in a month.”

    With a heavy heart, I walked away from him. Our eyes met with one last glance and we went our separate ways.

    We’ve been a long-distance couple for a year. It was hard at first because we went from working and living together to seeing each other every few weeks. This school year, we’re going longer without seeing each other. I’m working weekends and can’t come home on a whim. Also, I have a bunkmate this semester. We have to plan his visits and get a hotel when he does come. But, I’m only two and a half hours from him, so it’s not a problem for him to come up just for a night at a time.

    So, here’s my hot take: I like long distance. Don’t get me wrong, I love my boyfriend and I miss him every day that I’m not with him, but I’m a very independent person. To be honest, I’m very needy when I am with him, because he does all kinds of things for me – acts of service are my love language. But because I’m an independent girly, I do okay as long as I’m staying busy.

    I think that everyone should do long distance at least once in their relationship. I think having some space from each other is healthy. You can find out who you are without them while being with them at the same time. Even if it’s a two-week family vacation without your partner or a temporary school or work relocation, it can fortify your relationship.

    The most important thing to remember when you’re in a long-distance relationship is that communication is key. In this modern age, we have technology that keeps us connected better than ever. My boyfriend and I video call each other on Snapchat at least once a day; several times if possible.

    Another thing that’s important is to remind them that you love them just as much when you’re apart as when you’re together. A great way to do that is sending letters. I know there are more efficient ways to communicate, but letters make great keepsakes that will foster fond memories you can look back on in the years to come.

    If I could choose, I’d still do long distance. Maybe not for a year – it’ll be two when I’m done with school – but at least for a few months. Because of this trial of our love, we are stronger than ever.

  • Humboldt drag artists slay outside the box

    Humboldt drag artists slay outside the box

    by Griffin Mancuso

    Shannon Rhodes already had a passion for fashion and makeup before delving into Humboldt’s drag scene. After attending several drag shows dressed to impress, Rhodes ran into drag artists Val de Flores and Sharon Taterz who offered them the opportunity to start booking their own performances. In May of 2023, Rhodes debuted as Killpop at the Septentrio Winery.

    “I kind of blackout when I’m performing, because it’s very short,” Rhodes said. “It’s just like, three to four minutes. The energy—it’s addicting. The crowds are amazing. It’s awesome getting to perform in front of a fully queer space, where everybody’s there just to see you and support you and be positive. All the other girls, they’re super fun to hang out with.”

    Killpop’s friend Seraphim Nagel joins their performance at the Septentrio Winery. Photo courtesy of Makayla Kuhnke.

    Despite being a small county, Humboldt has a thriving drag community. Every member’s introduction to drag and their personal relationship to the art form is unique. Additionally, every drag artist’s reason for performing is different and reflective of their life experiences.

    Paul Michael Leonardo Atienza, an assistant professor of Critical Race and Gender Studies at Cal Poly Humboldt, has been doing drag performances for 20 years. They began to explore their gender expression after attending an LGBT campus retreat during their senior year at UC Riverside.

    “We were processing trauma in our lives, and what came out for me was how I was shamed as a child of my gender expression, and particularly feminine gender expression,” Atienza said. “Many of us were figuring out, ‘Well, how do we work to strengthen and remove less of the stigma that we learn?’”

    Atienza took on the identity of Maria Arte Susya Purisima Tolentino during their drag performances. Ma Arte drifts between being an extension of Atienza and a separate persona, but Atienza considers her to be a creative collaborator. Together, Atienza and Ma Arte have collaborated with drag artists and members of the queer community across the world.

    Lawrence Fobes King, a queer middle schooler from Ventura, California, was murdered in 2008 by a classmate. This tragedy moved Atienza to use drag as a form of protest by bringing awareness of injustices against the queer community.

    “At that time, [drag] was still quite small, but people were really into watching drag, and a lot of the drag at that time also was lip synching to popular music,” Atienza said. “And I was like, ‘Well, if you have this audience, what can you do to also add more social issues to it?’ And with the murder of Larry King, I tried to pair a song and created a performance in honor of his struggle and his memory.”

    Drag also offers a secure support system to queer people and an opportunity to share queer joy. Joel Costello, who performs as Feral Fawcett, found his inspiration in popular drag queens like Trixie Mattell and Bob the Drag Queen. Performing since March of 2023, Costello found that Feral Fawcett had a positive impact on a wide range of community members.

    “This mom asked if she could take a picture of us because her daughter was in grade school and was getting bullied for being gay,” Costello said. “There was a lot of drama against drag queens happening at the time, so that felt really good… it reminds me that there’s more to it than just being silly and collecting the bills.”

    Feral Fawcett also provided Costello a space to explore feminine gender expression.

    “I feel like she is a representation over the feminine side of myself, which is something that before I used to try to squash down,” Costello said. “I came from a hometown that was not very pro-LGBT, so I always tried to be like the manly gay guy. It was nice to have a release… I like blending my masculine and feminine side into one thing.”

    Through drag, Rhodes has been able to gain confidence in their artistic skills and their body.

    Thrash and Recycling (left), Gliterous Cliterous (middle), and Killpop (right) pose together at the Septentrio Winery. Photo courtesy of Makayla Kuhnke.

    “I feel like my confidence was taking a hit for a while – you know, my body was changing,” Rhodes said. “That also means my favorite clothes that I like to wear don’t fit, I got to figure out new styles, new clothes. Having people just be like, ‘Damn, bro,’ and seeing photos of myself looking good performing in the body that I have is just like, ‘Alright, I guess your ass is kind of fat.’ The crowd really just shows you like, ‘I am cool. I’m doing this because I got so many awesome qualities to me.’”

    Drag expects a lot out of its performers, both mentally and physically.

    “What people don’t realize — until they maybe watch [RuPaul’s] Drag Race or something — drag queens have to be a comedian, a dancer, a seamstress, a hairdresser, a makeup artist, like your own manager,” Rhodes said. “You do everything for that performance. Even some are singers. You have to be so many things as a drag queen, and I think it’s a really pure form of art because you’re doing it all.”

    Drag artists have a lot to carry on their shoulders, including the stigma and lack of education around drag. 

    In 2023, Tennessee legislators passed the Adult Entertainment Act, meant to prohibit adult cabaret entertainment on public property, including, “male or female impersonators.” The act’s broad language allowed law enforcement to potentially prosecute drag artists and trans people. After Tennessee, anti-drag bills have been introduced in at least 14 other states. Many conservative legislators have used concern for the safety of minors to pass anti-drag laws and censor openly queer expressions.

    “A lot of people think it’s a super sexual thing and that it’s like a fetish,” Costillo said. “Most drag performers I know have a very distinct separation between the two.”

    People of many different gender identities do drag, but their gender identities are separate from their identity when in drag.

    “In general, people conflate gender expression, gender performance, [and] gender identity with sexual orientation, sexual behavior and practice. And all of those are separate,” Atienza said. “People who are drag performers are of all gender expressions and sexual orientations. I think that’s one thing that we need to challenge not just in drag, but in understanding gendered and sexual lives. We’re bodies that have different ways of feeling [and] expressing themselves and society has put us in specific boxes.”

    Despite the adversities the drag community faces in the U.S. and the rest of the world, drag artists have been thriving in Humboldt County. The definition of drag is constantly changing and growing. Members of Humboldt’s queer community from all backgrounds have been able to find a safe haven in drag, allowing them to heal from trauma and play with gender performance.

    “I do believe RuPaul in saying that we’re born naked, and the rest is drag, right?” Atienza said. “Drag is really a way to demonstrate the constructiveness of gender and how there’s so many possibilities out there. Drag to me is not just on stage, with queens and kings and in-betweens. Drag is every day.”

    Find the artists here:

    Ma Arte

    Instagram: @dragmaarte

    Facebook: Ma Arte SP Tolentino 

    Killpop:

    Instagram: @kill._.pop

    Feral Fawcett:

    Instagram: @myferal_lady

  • Learning to live with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

    by Mia Costales

    For the better half of my teenage and young adult life, I’ve dealt with intense bouts of sadness in the days leading up to my menstrual cycle. These episodes usually only lasted around a week and were characterized by heightened irritability, anxiety, fatigue, decreased interest in activities and in the most extreme cases, suicidal ideation. Due to these symptoms, I chalked it up to being some form of major depressive disorder that was exacerbated by the hormonal shift during that week. However, thanks to a couple Google searches and several trips to my doctor, I was diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and was able to start taking the steps to learning to live with PMDD. 

    According to Dr. Alison Palacios, a physician at the Cal Poly Humboldt Student Health Clinic, PMDD is considered the most severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) as maintained by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

    “Patients’ symptoms must include behavioral symptoms and often include physical symptoms. The most common behavioral symptoms are mood swings and frequently include irritability, anxiety/tension, sad or depressed mood, increased appetite/food cravings, sensitivity to rejection and diminished interest in activities,” Palacios said. “The most common physical manifestations of PMS are abdominal bloating and an extreme sense of fatigue.”

    While PMS symptoms and PMDD symptoms can look extremely similar, PMDD differs in that feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety are almost consistently present. Both may include symptoms such as bloating and intense mood swings, but PMS is not considered a mental disorder and is typically pretty manageable. PMDD on the other hand, is considered a mental disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and can be debilitating in some extreme cases. 

    In order to be diagnosed with PMDD, at least five of the symptoms presented in the DSM must be present in the week leading to menstruation, start to improve with the start of menses, and be minimal to gone by the end of the menstrual cycle. These symptoms include marked depression, anxiety, affective mood, irritability, decreased interest in activity, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, change in appetite, hypersomnia or insomnia, and physical symptoms such as joint or muscle pain. This criteria presented in the DSM must have also been met for most menstrual cycles that occurred within the last year. Yet despite PMDD being a recognised mental disorder, it is an underrepresented condition. 

    “It is not well reported, but worldwide prevalence is 2%, and in the U.S., it was 2.9% among Black females versus 4.4% White females,” Palacios said. “It is probably quite underdiagnosed and especially so in Black females and other people of color. Some with the diagnosis assume their symptoms are ‘normal’ for menstruating people or seek healthcare for years to decades before receiving the correct diagnosis.” 

    As per Palacios’ advice, moderate to severe symptoms can be treated with antidepressants, hormonal birth control and cognitive behavioral therapy. Milder symptoms may be treated with exercise, herbal remedies and supplements. Bilateral oophorectomy, the surgical removal of the ovaries, is reserved for the most extreme cases of PMDD. 

    There are resources on campus for those who may think they are experiencing PMDD. The Student Health Clinic can help address symptoms and provide diagnostics and treatment for the condition. They can also refer to specialists if needed. TalkNow sessions with TimelyCare and the Counseling and Psychological Services line are also helpful resources for managing PMDD symptoms. If you are experiencing any thoughts of harming yourself, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (phone number 988) is available 24 hours. 

    PMDD can be extremely hard to live with, but like most conditions, finding coping mechanisms and support can help dramatically. For LJ Ferris, coping looks like realizing that PMDD shouldn’t affect their self-worth. 

    “In the midst of it, it seems like it’s never going to end. Then, your period comes and you realize you indeed are still a human deserving of love,” Ferris said. “It is not supposed to be normal to want to die leading up to your period. It is not supposed to be normal to have such severe physical and emotional pain around periods.” 

  • Navigating nightlife; staying safe while out

    Navigating nightlife; staying safe while out

    by Christina Mehr

    Despite the fact I had only had two drinks throughout the entire night, I very quickly felt unwell and more drunk than I have ever been in my entire life. The fact is, if you are roofied, you often have very little time between drinking and realizing that you are not well. It comes on quickly and you may find someone promising to “help you.” I realized then I had been roofied. The scariest part about that night is I don’t remember half of it. 

    What exactly is a roofie though? Roofies, or being roofied, is the slang term for the date rape drug called Rohypnol, officially known as flunitrazepam. Easily popped into and dissolved in drinks, the sedative causes memory loss, drowsiness, and sometimes even the loss of consciousness. Only one tablet can impair you for up to 8-12 hours. Combined with alcohol, it makes for an intensified effect.

    As cliche as it sounds, don’t ever leave your drink unattended. Sometimes, you need to be even more careful of those around you that are your so-called friends. It’s not that I didn’t not trust who I was with – I had my friends and dormmates with me, but we had been party hopping on Halloween night, drinking and accepting drinks from wherever they came from. Truth is, I still have no idea how I got roofied. This wasn’t a blackout just from too much alcohol, this was a new experience clearly resembling the effects of being roofied.

    Staying safe while out on the town starts with prevention. Consider bringing cup covers next time you go out partying. Cup covers prevent someone from getting the opportunity to slip pills, powders, or other substances into your drink without you knowing. I understand you may feel silly pulling out something that resembles a condom for your cup but remember, self defense begins with prevention. The Check Your Drink CYD test strips are another way to prevent being roofied. This is an easy-to-use rapid drink spiking test that detects ketamine, rohypnol, and GHB from only a few drops of your drink.

    It’s not like this experience has deterred me away from drinking or the occasional partying, especially now that the drinking I’m doing is legal. However, it has made me think to just be a little more careful and aware of my surroundings because of what can happen.

    If I can bring awareness and prevention methods to just one person, I’d be happy with that. Nobody deserves to have their drink tampered with and potentially taken advantage of. 

  • Staying Savvy About Sexual Wellness

    Staying Savvy About Sexual Wellness

    by Christina Mehr

    “Wrap it before you tap it.” We’ve all heard that before.

    Condoms and other forms of contraceptives help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and diseases. However, condoms don’t protect you from all STIs, such as herpes, genital warts, syphilis and mpox, which can be spread from skin-to-skin contact.

    According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the United States in 2022. 

    Humboldt’s Student Health Center offers information and counseling in a safe, confidential setting. They offer PAP smears, breast exams, and other sexual health screenings, pregnancy tests and even medication abortions. At the health center, they screen, test, and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well. As far as keeping safe, they also provide many contraceptive options such as long acting contraception, birth control pills, patches, rings, condoms, and much more. 

    If you’re concerned about privacy with sexual health and need resources, you can sign up for the family pact card to access these services in person at the health center. 

    Cal Poly Humboldt also has the Peer Health Education Center in the Recreation and Wellness center (RWC). They offer free harm reduction supplies, condoms of all kinds, emergency contraception, narcan and test strips, menstrual products and more. 

    There are many ways you can maintain sexual health. Practice consent; remember an enthusiastic and informed yes means yes. Communicate with your partner and explore your body, discover what you like and share that with your partner(s). Be safe and protect yourself and your partner(s) against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.

    Most importantly, get yourself tested and educate yourself about the risks of having unprotected sex. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and communicate with your partner(s). 

  • Coming out of the deck: the aces of Cal Poly Humboldt

    Coming out of the deck: the aces of Cal Poly Humboldt

    by Alexandra Berrocal

    We’ve all heard of straight, gay, and bisexual people. But what about asexual people?

    Asexual people are people who do not experience sexual attraction.

    Abigail Vonderschmitt, a music major who is in her first year at Cal Poly Humboldt, has always known that she is asexual. When she discovered the term a couple of years ago, she instantly related to the term. When she came out, nothing really changed. People treated her normally.  

    She made it clear to her partner early on, and she was blessed with an understanding partner. 

    “There’s more to it than what the media portrays,” Vonderschmitt said. “I know how to express myself and know how to put into words how I feel,” she said.

    A history major going only as Adam with a concentration in education, currently identifies as demisexual, which is an identity that is on the asexual spectrum. 

    “It’s something I’ve been exploring for about a year now,” he said.  

    He acknowledges that for masculine people, questioning your (a)sexuality is not the norm.  Adam has not really come out, at least not to his parents. He has noted that people don’t understand asexuality the way they do other sexualities.

    “I imagine there’d be a lot of explaining to do,” Adam said. 

    Adam believes that it’s important to continue educating people and that gender roles need to be addressed. He wishes people understood the intricacies of asexuality, and that people could go beyond stereotypes and understand how identities can be fluid.  Being on the spectrum of  asexuality has definitely made for some challenges in the dating realm, because for many, sexuality goes hand in hand with romantic attraction.  

    “People come in with expectations and you can’t deliver on them,” Adam said.

    He believes it would be easier to fit into the societal norm, but has done the work to break free.

    “I love understanding myself better and understanding I’m not broken for not wanting to be a certain way,” Adam said.

    An anonymous computer science major, who asked to be called “Jane”, knew she was asexual back in middle school. When she tried to speak about it to others, she got backlash; some told her it wasn’t a real thing. Jane went back into the closet after that. It was only recently that she started to accept herself again. She is not out to her parents, as they are not very queer friendly. Her former partner told her that asexuality wasn’t possible, which is one of the reasons they broke up. Her current friend group is accepting, however. She doesn’t want to explain or defend herself, so she hasn’t come out to very many people.

    “I still get imposter syndrome,” Jane said. 

    Jane has seen doubtful comments on social media, but tries to surround herself with supportive people. She wishes people understood that sexual attraction is different from arousal. Asexuality is not feeling sexual attraction to people, no matter how your body reacts.  

    “It’s a wide spectrum,” Jane said. “[It’s impacted my dating life] a lot.”  

    “Honestly, I haven’t had any luck finding asexual guys,” Jane said. “[However], I feel like I have a deeper understanding of sexuality, and how diverse and fluid it can be.”

    She’s had sex, though she doesn’t feel much of anything during it.  

    Another asexual student, going by E., is an Environmental Studies major with a concentration in ecological restoration in her third year at Cal Poly Humboldt. She first realized she was asexual in middle school. She changed her mind for several years, but a couple of years ago, rediscovered the asexual spectrum and has identified as asexual ever since. According to her, it has been a winding journey. Her parents didn’t take her ace identity seriously. They thought it was a phase and didn’t care much. She also came out as a trans woman, and this was taken more seriously by her parents. Most of her friends accept her, however. She said that being asexual has never been used against her very directly, though many people are ignorant about it. She has found it very annoying, but it hasn’t caused her real issues. She says she wishes people knew there isn’t just one option, or way, asexuality can look.  

    “Asexuality is a really broad spectrum,” E. said. “People have different interests.” 

    The biggest impact for her is if a person has expectations, it will turn out badly for them. E. noted that since she doesn’t experience sexual attraction, she is drawn to people by aesthetic attraction. E. is also aromantic, meaning she doesn’t experience romantic attraction either. However, she still wants deep emotional relationships. She is currently in a relationship, and cares for her partner deeply, more than a close friend even. E. wishes people would be more aware of this.  

  • Discover the great big world of paraphilias

    Discover the great big world of paraphilias

    by Sydney Isaac

    What does paraphilia mean?

    The word paraphilia can be broken down to its roots to broadly explain itself; para means abnormal and philia meaning love. To define paraphilia, i.e. abnormal love, would need a definition of normal love. Any human emotion is difficult to define, especially one as subjective as love, but defining behavior is more objective and universally applied. The definition of paraphilia is, “patterns of sexual attraction and behavior that deviate from the social and cultural norms,” (Lehmillar, 2018). 

    Causes?

    These abnormal sexual urges start to develop around adolescence to young adulthood. Paraphilias have the same roots as all sexual attitudes in our biology, psychology and social factors, known as biopsychosocial factors. Biological factors include hormones and neurotransmitters, such as testosterone and serotonin, that affect paraphilic interests. Psychological factors such as conditioning and personality profiles can be linked to developing a paraphilia. What is hopeful about this evidence is that if paraphilias can be developed through conditioning, then it is theorized that behavioral and social skills therapy could treat paraphilias (Graves, Openshaw, & Adams, 1992. Read in The Psychology of Human Sexuality).

    Categories of paraphilias

    There are two categories of paraphilias: (1) non-coercive and non-victimizing, and (2) coercive and victimizing. Non-coercive and non-victimizing paraphilias, “involve only the self or include consenting adults,” (Lehmiller, 2018); an example being fetishism, which can range from being intensely sexually aroused by a specific body part (ex. feet) to a specific object (ex. high heels), or, “almost anything,” (Plaud & Martini, 1999. Read in The Psychology of Human Sexuality). Coercive and victimizing paraphilias such as voyeurism (viewing unsuspecting person) and exhibitionism (revealing genitals to unconsenting person) are generally illegal and taboo because these sexual acts require a unconsenting victim. 

    Unusual Paraphilias

    If you look up, “How many paraphilias are there?” Wikipedia will have a list of over 500  from a book on sexual pathology by Anil Aggrawal. As said previously, people can become sexually aroused by almost anything, so it would be an educated assumption there would be many, many paraphilias. There are many paraphilias that are not widely known about, such as, formicophilia is being sexually aroused by small creatures crawling on one’s body and/or genitalia. Symphorophilia, having sexual arousal when witnessing a disaster – which could lead to the person staging accidents. Last but not least, Vorarephilia is being sexually aroused by the thought of eating or being eaten by someone whole and alive.

    Legality and paraphilias  

    The definition of what a paraphilia is depends on the culture. For example, even though homosexuality is not considered a disorder and is not against the law in the United States of America, there are social groups within the U.S.A. that are intolerant and hateful of the LGBTQ+ who are actively trying to criminalize this community. In other countries, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and some states of Nigeria, homosexuality or any queer identity is completely outlawed with the punishments being as harsh as death.

    There are some paraphilias that are commonly outlawed with threat of severe punishment across cultures. These paraphillias include: pedophilia (prepubesent children), necrophilia (corpses), and zoophilia (non-human animals).

    Disorder

    Are these abnormal behaviors considered disorders? The DSM-5 (2013) is the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is used in many aspects of the United States of America. The DSM-5 is used, and criticized, by the healthcare system, legal system, education system within the U.S.A and worldwide. The International Classification of Diseases is used as the global standard of health information. There are various differences in the descriptions and criteria for diagnosis between these two manuals, but the definition of paraphilic disorder defined by the DSM-5 is used around the world. Paraphilic disorders are defined as, “is causing distress or impairment to the individual or a paraphilia whereby satisfaction entails personal harm, or risk of harm, to others,” (Sorrentino, 2016. Read in The Psychology of Human Sexuality). In other words, coercive and victimizing paraphilias are considered to be disorders and can have legal consequences. 

    This is a student submission from psychology major and family studies minor
    Sydney Isaac.

  • Cruising at Cal Poly Humboldt

    Cruising at Cal Poly Humboldt

    by Zack Mink

    Waiting in a bathroom stall, hoping to see a tapping foot. Hearing someone enter and then going into the empty stall next to you. All of a sudden – that tapping foot appears. They’re not just listening to music or procrastinating in between classes. This person is looking for some kind of sexual encounter in the public restroom. This encounter is an age-old tradition many people call cruising.

    “[Cruising is] walking or driving about certain areas, called cruising grounds, looking for a sexual partner. These meetings are usually one-off, anonymous encounters,” Birmingham LGBT, a queer health and community resource, stated on their website.

    It’s not for everyone, but it is popular and a somewhat underground activity that typically happens discreetly everywhere and anywhere. Gloryholes are a classic example of cruising 

    that you might be familiar with, but not always required for a good experience while searching for a public sexual encounter.

    On campus at Cal Poly Humboldt, cruising does in fact happen. Without revealing the popular spots, bathrooms and the community forest are classic places that students go to cruise. People typically look for hidden spots with either quick access to hide or an easy escape. Around the corner and behind the tree some might say.

    While looking for cruisers to contribute to this piece, I did notice an irregular lack of horny guys. Typically, there are plenty of headless profiles on Grindr looking to “blow their load” or “swap some head” but no one was around willing to share about their sexual desires.

    I guess students on campus are too busy to cruise right now in the semester. Maybe they’re finding themselves stuck in committed relationships, or just not horny enough to wait on the bathroom floor for an anonymous penis to slide under a stall. But I can assure you cruising is alive and well in Humboldt County. 

    Baker Beach is the only nude beach in Humboldt County and is a well-known cruising spot for regular cruisers. On the beach, down the shore, and around the big rocks, guys wait for someone willing to get down and dirty. Aside from this popular spot, parks, hiking trails, and parking lots are places where cruisers can find others looking for sexual encounters. 

    Despite your desperation though, protecting yourself is always important while having sex, especially with random men. Condoms, PrEP, and getting regularly tested are the easiest ways to protect yourself while hooking up with sexy men in the forest and random restrooms.

    Free sexual health resources are provided at the Student Health Center and in the Peer Health Center. To contact the Student Health Center you can email health@humboldt.edu or call (707) 826-3146.

  • Is Three a Crowd?

    Is Three a Crowd?

    by Noah Pond and Eli Farrington

    Moonlight shone through the bedroom window. A plethora of naked bodies wriggled and writhed. This was the experience of Cal Poly Humboldt sophomore Calvin Kulpa, a psychology major who recently embarked on his first ever sexual encounter with more than one other person. 

    “I might have been feeling a little frisky or adventurous being in college as a young adult, and I got myself into a couple of sexual situations,” Kulpa said. 

    Senior anthropology major Alfonso Aviles also began to experiment with group sex once he got to college. Aviles has had mostly positive experiences with group sex in the past, and the only time he experienced anything negative was when there was a lack of communication. 

    “A lot of people think of sex as a one-on-one thing, and that’s fine, but if you decide to bring in a third party, or if you are the third party, there’s often a lot of boundaries that have to be discussed,” Aviles said. “It’s a good way to explore a whole different route and open yourself up to new opportunities.” 

    Aviles also stressed the importance of open communication during group sex as a way to make sure that everyone in participation is on the same page. He believes that keeping an open mind and being honest with each other is the key to having a positive group sex experience. 

    “If you’re curious about it, and you know that you want to try it eventually, don’t be afraid to discuss it with a partner, or whoever,” Aviles said. “Just put it out there, talk about it, establish boundaries, and try to stay open-minded. Acknowledge your emotions before, during and after, and talk about it after. See how you feel, and if you don’t like it, don’t let that ruin what you had.”

    Sophomores Chloe Nye and Sophia Fox have also dabbled in group sex. Nye is a studio art major and Fox is studying business marketing. The two of them are good friends, and have engaged in group sex together in the past. 

    “I think it brought me and Chloe a lot closer,” Fox said. “We became a lot more comfortable around each other.”

    Although they both enjoyed the experience, they agreed that they each prefer one-on-one sex over group sex. 

    “I think it’s fun, but I don’t think it’s as personal to be honest,” said Nye. “I would say that it’s fun for the story, but it’s not necessarily as intimate and meaningful as one-on-one sex.” 

    Kulpa was on the same page with Fox and Nye, and explained that while group sex can be a blast, he prefers the intimacy of sex with just one partner. 

    “It’s like a whole different thing,” Kulpa said. “It’s not as intimate because there’s more people involved. It does seem more fun, but one-on-one sex is more intimate because it’s just you two.” 

    Lots of college students are open minded when it comes to group sex – but it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. 

    “I don’t think I would go seek out another something-some,” Kulpa said. “But the door is open.” 

  • Don’t let it get boring, keep it spicy

    Don’t let it get boring, keep it spicy

    by Savana Robinson

    Having sexual relations with the same person for an extended amount of time can become monotonous, but it doesn’t have to. Here are some ways to spice up your sex life with your significant other, or if you just want to try something new with a partner. We’ll start with simpler (more vanilla) things first and work our way up to the dirtier bits. Of course, make sure you’re both into whatever you’re trying and don’t pressure or feel pressured to try anything you’re uncomfortable with.

    Nipple play

    Sucking titties. That’s it.

    Light spanking

    A little slap on the bum-bum can be fun. Next time you’re going at it doggy-style, either ask your partner for a spank, or give your partner a bit of a slap on the rear. Keep in mind that bottoms bruise easily, so try not to hurt whoever’s on the receiving end.

    Toys

    There is a toy for everyone. Whether it’s a vibrator, cock-ring or butt-plug, you can find a toy that fits your liking. Toys can be used on their own or as a supplemental piece to intercourse. Adding a toy to your bedroom happenings can make your sex more fun and more intimate.

    Location, location, location

    Having the house to yourselves can be a blessing. Put a blanket over the couch, coffee table or the kitchen floor and enjoy the freedom of making love outside the bedroom. You might be thinking, “what about the car?” Don’t get arrested for going at it in public, but if you have a garage, the car is yours to play in.

    Roleplay

    Maybe you have a work uniform you look good in. For example, you work retail, you can pretend your partner is a customer you’re going above and beyond for in customer service. However you want to play, it can be fun to spice it up by adopting a new persona or profession or make up a situation you’ve always fantasized about.

  • Don’t have sex with your pets… in the room

    Don’t have sex with your pets… in the room

    by Alex Anderson

    Love is in the air and in the bedroom during this time of the year. Enjoy yourselves and rejoice in the shared desire to bump uglies with the one you love, or happened to stumble upon, during Valentines day. The bedroom, living room couch, or steamy vehicle is where it typically happens, but one needs to read the room – or SUV – and contemplate what really needs to be in said room when the romance gets hot. Maybe some candles, speakers, a throw blanket to protect the furniture, but your pet does not make the list. Keep the pets out of the bedroom during the heat of battle. They do not need to fall victim to your bad angles. 

    Pooches, felines, hedgehogs or guinea pigs should not bear witness to your sensual endeavors. Subjecting your pets to such debauchery is not the move in today’s somewhat civilized world. Boundaries need to be set and your pet should be aware of those boundaries. Be a good parent and send the fur babies out of the room or to a friend’s house if needed.

    I know that some of you may be in sticky situations where you don’t have the opportunity to send your furry friend out of the bedroom. I do have sympathy for you but I hope you know that the pet knows you’re terrible at sex. I don’t care how bloated your ego is, they know the truth.

    I’m aware that I am spoiled with a one-bedroom apartment and the ability to close doors on curious pets. My partner recently moved into the apartment, bringing all four of her cats and her chihuahua that sleeps over occasionally. These animals, plus my glorious cat named Tibbles, brought the total to five cats and one shit-eating chihuahua. I love them all, which is why I now try to protect their sanity. 

    I used to be a degenerate, not caring what these animals witnessed, but several instances have forced me to reverse my opinion. I am not proud of it. Trust me. The last thing you want is your partner’s chihuahua licking your feet while journeying to the promised land. Or when you regret having the mattress less than a foot off the ground and one of the cats decides it’s a great time to purr in your ear when you’re quite preoccupied. I know this is Humboldt and standards are typically thrown out the steamy window, but there’s a time where lines need to be drawn. 

    You spent money on a nice dinner, watched “The Notebook,” and turned on the Lumberjack’s pleasure playlist to lay the framework of a beautiful sexual experience. Then, your partner’s blind cat yearns for help after getting stuck at the top of the cat tree in the middle of your romantic exploration. I can only laugh during these moments, but damn I feel bad for the little critters. They definitely did not sign up for this sort of weird connection to their owners and they most definitely talk shit behind your back.

  • Valentines for the unprepared

    Valentines for the unprepared

    graphic by Carlina Grillo

    by Jasmin Shirazian

    Gifts: 

    Handmade cards: Handmade gifts are always better, even if they come out looking like a kindergartener made it. A quick Youtube search will show you a variety of cards to make, from a Victorian love-note to a pop-up book.

    Love letter: Literally, just tell them why you love them. If you’re bad at writing or expressing your feelings, do it in bullet points. Put it in an envelope, write their name and spray it with your favorite perfume or cologne. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be thoughtful. 

    Valentine gift basket: All you need is a basket, a pair of fuzzy socks, some of their favorite snacks, maybe a bottle of lotion or hand cream, a gift card, anything. The world is your oyster and it doesn’t have to cost more than $20.

    Flowers and a stuffed animal: Come on. Easy. Classic gift – even if it’s corny, it really does make a difference. 

    Playlist: You can do this on just about any music platform; Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud. Make them a playlist. It’s our generation’s version of a mixtape. 

    Order something online: That way, you can blame the post office for it not coming on time, and pretty much everyone but yourself for not planning ahead. 

    Dates: 

    Cafe Mokka: Already regretting listing one of my favorite spots in town, but they seriously have some of the best $5 hot chocolate in town, made with homemade whipped cream and love. Cash only. 

    Paul’s Pizza: You can sit next to each other in a booth and share a giant slice of pizza for no more than $8. So yummy and so cheap. 

    Arcata Marsh: It can be a little stinky sometimes, but it’s got one of the best views of the sunset and it’s accessible without a car. Smoke a joint or bring some sandwiches and watch some freaking birds. 

    Picnic in the Plaza: If the weather permits, a picnic in the Plaza can be super fun. With a couple finger foods and snacks, you can watch the Plazoids in their natural habitat. 

    Movie/TV show night: Fairy lights, pillows, blankets, snacks and a streaming service. All of which can be borrowed or acquired for cheap. 

    At the end of the day, your partner just wants to feel seen. Take a moment and think about who they are, what they like, and you will know exactly what to do for Valentine’s Day. 

  • Jasmin’s Corner; nothing is scarier than being stuck

    Jasmin’s Corner; nothing is scarier than being stuck

    by Jasmin Shirazian

    Hi Jasmin,

    I have been dating my boyfriend for nearly 2 years now. I’ve known for a long while that we aren’t compatible as people, but we still have fun together. He’s just not emotionally mature, and lacks sincerity. We don’t ever really have substantial conversation – most of the time we spend just rotting together. I love his friend group though and things aren’t all bad. I just don’t want to lose everything I’ve built with him. I’m also so scared of how painful the breakup would be, ruining my semester and making it so hard to do the things I need and want to do. I am at a point where I feel stuck and have no clue what to do. Please help!

    Stuck is exactly where you need to be sometimes to realize you have to force some change in your life. No one wants to feel stuck – but no one’s gonna save you from it, either. 

    Two years is a pretty long time to get to know someone. What I think you should ask yourself is, would you still date the person you’re with if you knew everything you knew now? Would you still date them as they are? Or, are you dating this person with the intention of changing them? 

    We often find ourselves fixing things into the ways we want them to be, and unfortunately, people just aren’t like that. If they aren’t willing to put the work in to change for themselves, they aren’t going to put the work in to change for you – and they shouldn’t. You should date someone you feel is on your level and they should date someone who accepts them as they are. 

    Of course, you can grow together, but sometimes one person grows faster than the other. It’s okay to outgrow people, but we have to be willing to accept the consequences of letting them go. 

    Being alone is scary, and the Humboldt dating pool is even scarier. To me, however, nothing is scarier than being stuck. 

    In your comfortability, you’re losing time and opportunity. Your relationship isn’t a death sentence unless you let it be; you can find someone new to build with, you can make new friends and you can feel good.  Yes, you’re somewhat comfortable now, but imagine how happy you could be.

    Be honest, do you really see yourself marrying this person? If they proposed to you tomorrow, would you be excited? It doesn’t seem like it. 

    Free yourself of your love-made shackles, let yourself be uncomfortable and find yourself within your pain. 

    xoxo, 

    Jasmin

  • Ten other movies filmed in Humboldt County

    by Eli Farrington

    Humboldt County Residents were recently buzzing with excitement as Warner Bros. Pictures’ mysterious new production codenamed, “BC Project,” began filming in Eureka and Arcata. The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is set to star Leonard Dicaprio, Regina Hall, and Sean Penn. Other than that, little to no information is available on the secretive motion picture. Until more information on the “BC Project” is made available, here is a list of 10 other movies shot in Humboldt County to watch in the meantime. 

    1. “A Lass of the Lumberlads, Episode 1: The Lumber Pirates,” (1916).

    This silent film serial, or chapter film, was the first fictional movie series to be shot in Humboldt County, starring Helen Holmes and Thomas G. Lingham. The episode follows Lingham in his pursuit of purchasing land from a tribe of Klamath Native Americans so that he can use their lumber to fulfill a contract for 10-million-feet of timber. He ultimately succeeds, but ends up murdering the chief of the tribe in the process. His wife, who witnessed the murder, fears for her life and flees with their newborn daughter, but is swept away in a river clinging to a log. 

    1. “East of Eden” (1955). 

    Based on the acclaimed novel by John Steinbeck, this film adaptation follows Cal Trask played by James Dean as he attempts to win his father’s approval from his golden child brother, Aron, played by Richard Davalos. The storyline is loosely based on the biblical story of Cain and Abel, and follows Cal’s venture to gain his father’s love by pursuing a business opportunity that could save the family farming business. Along the way, Cal meets his estranged mother (Jo Van Fleet) and begins to develop feelings for Aron’s girlfriend (Julie Harris). 

    1. “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983)

    Once they have rescued Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, Luke and Leah join back up with the rest of the growing rebel fleet and prepare for their final battle with the empire. At the same time, Palpatine and his troops have constructed a new death star above Endor, and the rebels must team up with the Ewoks, Endor’s furry inhabitants, in order to defeat the evil empire once and for all. 

    1. “Ganjasaurus Rex” (1987).

    This cult classic was originally conceived by the Reagan Administration as an attempt to infiltrate the stoner community and curb cannabis consumption, but after numerous budgeting problems, rewrites, and directorial changes, Reagan’s vision backfired and the film became the hilarious masterpiece that it is today. Andy Serkis stars as the mesozoic pothead in this surprisingly well-received horror comedy. 

    1. “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997).

    After the destruction of the main park, John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) and Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) venture to a secret secondary site where other dinosaurs are being kept in hiding. Chaos ensues as Malcolm attempts to monitor the beasts, who have been released into the wild to fend for themselves. 

    1. “Butterfly” (2000). 

    This TV Documentary follows the journey of Julia “Butterfly” Hill’s protest of the Pacific Lumber Company in Humboldt County. She set up camp over 100 feet in the air in the branches of a 1,500-year-old redwood tree to protest the clear cutting of ecologically important forests. Hill resided in the tree, which she nicknamed “Luna,” for a total of 738 days without letting her feet touch the ground until the lumber company agreed to her terms. 

    1. “Humboldt County” (2008).

    An aspiring doctor’s (Jeremy Strong) life is thrown off course when his father and medical school professor fails him. Unsure of his next move, he aimlessly wanders the streets of Los Angeles until a one-night-stand sweeps him into a journey up the coast to Humboldt County. Once there, he finds himself stranded in a community of weed farmers and immersed in a culture that he never imagined himself in. 

    1. “The Love Witch” (2016). 

    Elaine (Samantha Robinson), a gorgeous young witch, moves to Arcata to practice witchcraft and search for a man who will love her. She enchants and seduces multiple men to be with her, but her spells are too powerful and she ends up with a collection of men who are all obsessed with her. Eventually, she meets her dream man, but her compulsive need to be loved will come at a cost. This delightfully raunchy romance/horror film tackles gender roles of both men and women, and is a must-watch. 

    1. “Weed and Wine” (2020). 

    This documentary explores the similarities and differences between two farming families that are continents apart. One family – a French mother and her son, tend to their classy old-school vineyard and winery in Southern Rhônes. The other Family, a father and son from Humboldt County, manage and operate a legal organic cannabis farm. This documentary compares and contrasts the centuries-old winemaking traditions of France with the practices of California’s blossoming cannabis industry. 

    1. “Sasquatch Sunset” (2024). 

    Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough, this comedy follows the day-to-day lives of two sasquatches over the course of a year as they try to navigate the constantly changing world around them. Directed by David and Nathan Zellner, this highly anticipated hilarious adventure is scheduled to release later this year.