World Kindness Day was on Wednesday, Nov. 4 this year, and the Peer Health interns from the Health and Wellness Center came out in full force for the “Science of Happiness” event, held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the lawn across from the Career and Counseling Services building.

     Smiles and blue and yellow balloons greeted students as they approached the tables smattered with letter envelopes, tiny notebooks, pens, and leaflets of literature. Peer Health Interns handed out flowers to passersby on the bike path, giggling and urging people to be happy.

     “A positive attitude should be considered a health skill; optimism is a health skill,” said Mark Shishim, a Health Educator for UCSB. “[Students’] positive attitude has an effect on their social and mental health. Wellness is all about that mind-body connection and how we can build on those strengths.”

    All areas of student well-being were addressed, from mental health to physical and social health. Interns handed out stamped envelopes for students to write a “Gratitude Letter,” which allows them to share their appreciation with others. Pocket-sized notebooks were also given out with instructions for students to write three good things that happened to them every day for a week in order to further encourage optimism and appreciation.

      Three boards were set up at tables for attendees to write about what their strong points were, list something good that happened to them that day, and jot down the things that they were thankful for.

     “[The event’s goal was to] promote the opportunities and resources to enhance the students’ experience. It’s a strength-based approach that encourages flourishing,” said Shishim. He explained that “flourishing” is when students focus on using and improving their strengths, rather than working on improving their weaknesses.

     Shishim states that the three psychological points of the event were based off of a study done by a University of Pennsylvania professor. The study promotes “flourishing” through the three routes of positive psychology: pleasure, enjoyment, and meaning. According to the Wellness Center website, all of these routes lead to extended happiness in a person’s life.

    “It’s somewhat rudimentary, but in my opinion, this is the first step in health promotion: building on strengths and promoting positive well-being,” said Shishim.

     According to Shishim, the body knows how to react when something bad happens, but not when something good does. The goal of the Wellness Center is to point out and promote the aspects of students’ personalities that can improve their quality of life. This is done by focusing on the strengths that each person has.

     “My mom always said, ‘Mark, work on your weaknesses now, because if you work on them now, then you won’t have any weaknesses later,’” remarks Shishim. “What I realized was, if you do that, you’re always going to be frustrated and pissed off.” Shishim found that he was only truly happy when he focused on his strong points, rather than dwelling on his weaknesses. The Wellness Center is also encouraging others to focus on their strengths, as Shishim has successfully done.

     For more information on ways to “up” your amount of happiness, the Wellness Center website has a calendar of events for students to participate in. Some of these include sailing trips, prizes (free iPods) and free massages. Check them out at www.wellness.ucsb.edu.

     The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD) received 11,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine in the past week; however, very little of it will go to UCSB, contrary to prior rumors that the vaccine would be available to students this month.

     “At this time, UCSB only has enough of the vaccine to immunize some high risk patients and health care workers,” said Dr. Elizabeth Downing of UCSB Student Health Services. “There are 15,000 doses on order, but no one knows when it will come in.”

     Meanwhile, the SBCPHD has been developing a plan for distributing the vaccine through local health care providers. According to a recent SBCPHD press release, the number of H1N1 related hospitalizations of SB County residents has reached 37 since mid-June, with three deaths on record. Right now the priority patients are pregnant women, health care personnel who have direct contact with patients, people with children younger than six months, and children between the ages of six months to four years of age.
People under the age of 24 are at higher risk of contracting the 2009 H1N1 influenza–also known as swine flu–according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and statistics provided by Student Health Services estimate that 5 to 10 percent of the UCSB student body have been affected by H1N1. However, most students do not fall into the top category of risk, and Dr. Downing estimates that there are approximately 4,000 pregnant women living in SB County who must receive the vaccine first.

     “It’s obviously important to give it to people in the community who need it most,” said Lisa Shapiro, a fourth year UCSB student. “It’s a little frustrating that we don’t know when we’re getting [the vaccine] because we’re in such close quarters and catch things easily, but I think we’ll be fine.”

     The vaccine, as soon as it is available to students, will be available as a shot or as a nasal spray. While most of the impending order is for the flu shot, there will be approximately 40 doses of the nasal spray form available. The shot uses an inactive form of the virus and will not cause the flu. Protective antibodies should develop within two weeks after vaccination.
Parents of UCSB students have expressed their concerns regarding the spread of illness as well. “From what I can tell by my daughter and her friends, college students don’t seek medical care soon enough,” said Christine DeGruttola, a UCSB parent. “It puts them at greater risk of getting sick.”

     With uncertainty over when the vaccine will become available on campus, students and parents express their frustration and also their concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccine. “I feel like vaccines are a good thing, but it is so new I’m concerned about its effectiveness,” said Skyler Sugimoto, a third year UCSB student.
Students are not the only ones questioning the vaccine. “With any new vaccine, you’re always concerned with whether it’s been tested well enough,” DeGruttola said. “It seems they’re trying to manufacture them as quickly as possible, but you want to make sure there aren’t problems with it.”

     UCSB Student Health Services currently offers the seasonal flu vaccination; however, it will not protect against H1N1 influenza, according to the CDC. Student Health Services recommends receiving the H1N1 vaccination as soon as it is made available, and to take preventative measures such as hand washing and staying home when sick.
“I’m not worried about getting the vaccine anytime soon,” Shapiro said. “I’ll survive.”

On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the alcohol ban on the beaches in the Isla Vista area after the temporary emergency ban implemented as a result of last year’s Floatopia expired.

“Some of the beaches already had a ban,” said William Boyer, the Communications Director for Santa Barbara County. “But this decision was specifically regarding the beach that borders along the Isla Vista area.”

Since the 12,000 person event beach-and-booze known as Floatopia, the Board has had an emergency six-month ban of alcohol on the beaches. Floatopia cost law enforcement alone $20,000 and it served as the basis of the board’s initiative to set up boundaries along Isla Vista where alcohol was prohibited.

These “temporary” boundaries ran from the western point of Del Playa Drive, along the eastern border to Isla Vista and UC Santa Barbara, reaching north to the coastal bluffs facing D.P., and stretching a hundred yards south of the mean tide line. Boundaries also included beach access points from 6773 and 6769 D.P.

The Board’s unanimous approval has made these boundaries permanent, but whether that will stop Isla Vista residents from bringing booze to the beach is yet to be determined.

“I think if people want to drink, they will find a way,” said Emily O’Dell, a second year French major. “I mean it’s illegal for people under 21 to drink and they still find a way. People are creative sometimes.”

Though students may still find a way to drink on the beach, Floatopia may have seen the end of its infamous run.

“I don’t think Floatopia is going to happen [this year] because drinking was the main part of [the reason for] it [the ban],” said Colin Burke, a fourth year cellular biology major. “It just sucks that one day made [the Board of Supervisors] change their mind.”

However, not all students agree that the alcohol ban is a bad measure for the Board to have passed. In addition to putting an end to costly events like Floatopia, the ban may have a positive effect on the local beaches, preventing additional pollution.

“Personally, it’s not going to prevent me from drinking [on the beach],” said Christopher Benham, a third year. “I think the mess that was left was terrible, and that we have this really beautiful beach; we’re lucky to go here. We should have more measures to keep it clean. It’s a shame the study body doesn’t respect [the beach].”

What is Bean Night, an uninformed SB plebeian might ask. It’s only the hottest Open Mic night in Isla Vista going down every Monday night from 8:30 to 10:30 PM at 6714 Sabado Tarde, better known by its inhabitants as the Rainbow House. Be prepared for personal space invaders, dim lighting, plenty of Charles Shaw, and some groovy grooves as local Beanies rip, rap, riff, and rock it out.
You have a poem? Read it. You have a song? Bring it. You won’t find a more supportive or cooperative crowd. As each artist hits the stage, the room hushes; the only sounds are the flick of lighters and an occasional whisper. Here, anyone could be a poet or a musician. The definition of these artists is always evolving. And if you mess up, the crowd cheers you on to continue!

The Open Mic is set in the Rainbow House living room, which is decorated with lava lamps, prayer flags, and a looming Emerald Video Store sign. People are strewn over coaches and carpet, giving reverent attention to whoever is performing, or breaking into relaxed chatter in between performances. Announcements are informal and very entertaining. “Anyone who wants to help paint a fence, talk to Curtis!” or “Who wants to pick up trash off the beach and turn it into art?”
According to posters on the wall, “Cthulu loves Bean Night,” which shows how even eldritch abominations pick up the banjo and jam. Musical instruments are scattered amidst the crowd: tambourines, shakers, and bongos for spontaneous collaborations. And what if you don’t have an instrument to play? Beat out a rhythm on your lap!
“The people here keep feeding Bean Night. We provide the space and they fill in the gaps,” says Caitlin McNeely, the current hostess and MC of Bean Night. “After a while I stopped questioning if I was going or not. It became fact.”
Bean Night champion Samma Gibot agrees, “Bean Night showed me that there is a safe place in IV to express yourself. It inspired me to pick up a guitar again and play in front of other people.”

Bean Night was started by UCSB alum Danny Jolles, who felt that there was great potential for the Isla Vista music scene, what with the BIKO co-op shows and Music Festivals in Anisq’Oyo’ Park. The first Bean Night debuted in October 2008 at 999 Camino Corto.
“Originally Bean Night was low key, probably about 30 people max, mostly our friends,” recalls Danny Jolles. “Now Bean Night is so damn dynamic. People listen quietly or sing along, sometimes collaborating on the spot, doing something incredible that has never been heard before. It’s alive… it’s always NOW at Bean Night.”

This year Bean Night has re-launched at 6714 Sabado Tarde, with Caitlin McNeely as its natural heiress. So come duke it out with the muse! Bring a poem, bring a song, bring baked goods! This is a community that shares its heart. As Jolles puts it, “It is really just an idea, like a little bean planted in the ground. With enough water and sunlight, it will sprout through the soil and become alive.”

Pho, for the uninitiated, is superficially quite simple. It’s a type of Vietnamese beef soup with rice noodles, served with a variety of condiments, including but not limited to crunchy bean sprouts, piquant peppers, and minty Thai basil. Like most of the world’s great dishes, it was born out of poverty. In an effort to extract every bit of flavor and nutrition out of a cow’s various odds and ends, pho emerged. But this is pho done right: broth lovingly and painstakingly cooked for hours, carefully seasoned, and then gilded with extremely fresh beef and condiments. It’s not always this good, and that in a nutshell is the phodown’s raison d’être.

What a phodown boils down to is separating the good pho from the bad, calling out a lazy restaurant for its bad pho, and highlighting the superstars of the pho world. A bit more systematic and empirical than a traditional restaurant review, a well executed phodown breaks down pho into its constituent elements, rating each one to determine a composite score. Traditionally, these elements include the following: broth, noodles, beef, condiments, and service/atmosphere. Once all of these variables are measured, a pho-hound can pick and choose pho restaurants based on the variables that matter most. For instance, if a pho connoisseur thought broth was the most important part of pho, he or she could go to the restaurant with the best broth. But if this same person was entertaining a friend who just wanted good service and a nice atmosphere, well then he or she could look at that variable. A good phodown aims to please.

I have learned over the years to not take a phodown lightly. Done right, it is simultaneously a terrible nightmare and a carefree paradise. Even while exploring new epicurean heights, one’s body can simply crumble under the sodium intake. A great man once went as far as to compare a phodown to the 160-game professional baseball season – the sheer grind of it is oppressive. And I think he may have been underselling it.

But I’m thinking and hoping that a phodown in the UCSB area should be a tad easier. With only five pho joints that I know of, it may be more of a spring training, or perhaps a primer for a larger ‘down to come. Either way, the UCSB phodown begins, for better or worse, at IV’s Pho Bistro.

Pho Bistro is an unlikely pho. In a part of town best known for IV classics like Freebirds and Woodstock’s, an upstart Vietnamese restaurant doesn’t exactly fit in. That’s not to say it doesn’t make sense – instead of a regular chicken burrito, why not purchase a hearty bowl of pho instead? Besides location, Pho Bistro forges new ground in terms of atmosphere. Tradition dictates a hole-in-the-wall approach to pho restaurants: cafeteria style seating, a fish tank, a few posters depicting Vietnamese vistas, and a surly but efficient staff. But don’t get me wrong, I welcome advances in pho. I like that Pho Bistro is trying new things. Sometimes I want to eat pho in a trendy little restaurant, brightly lit with overhanging lights, minimalistic seating and a cute blond waitress. And as for the location, I love that it’s convenient and close to campus. But there was just too much wrong here to overlook.

To begin with the obvious, Pho Bistro doesn’t have restrooms. Verging on the illegal and certainly inexcusable at a pho joint, lack of facilities has to factor in negatively on my service/atmosphere score. I would have also liked to have seen little bowls for dipping, and while the restaurant actually had a dispenser for these at the table, it was filled with (gasp!) forks. I would also like more options for my pho. Both a lack of a pho size option and an insufficient variety of meat choices reduces the chances I’ll find something I want. A final mark of shame was the appearance of wooden, disposable chopsticks, another cheap little no-no at this supposedly trendy pho-bistro. Thai, my phodown companion and noted pho traditionalist, was less forgiving than I with his service/atmosphere score (he also opined the lack of free tea), and honestly, I found it difficult to disagree.

As for the pho itself, Pho Bistro does know what it’s doing. The broth, although far from divine, was better than I expected. Full flavored and meaty, I could tell it had been cooked a long time, but it lacked in terms of aroma and spicing. I gave highest marks for the noodles, which turned out excellent, not at all clumpy and in perfect proportion with the broth. Someone in the kitchen clearly knows what he or she is doing.

If this pho had one clear failing, it was the meat, which disappointed in both amount and quality. The rare beef was rare in the wrong sense of the word, far too meager and chunky. Proper pho beef is cut so thinly it cooks nearly instantly when hitting the hot broth. The brisket was also too thickly sliced and strangely spongy. And tendon? Although a pho classic, it is not even an option here. Condiments were fine, fresh, and with a much appreciated jar of chili sauce, nothing to complain about. I would enjoy, however, a bit more basil and hot pepper.

Eschewing traditional pho environs in favor of a modern atmosphere is not necessarily a negative. But when this move has side effects that hinder what should be a perfectly decent bowl of pho, then there is a problem. I would have nothing but praise if Pho Bistro had managed to do the basics while sporting its new school charm, and one day it just might pull this balancing act off. But until then, it represents an inauspicious start to the phodown.

Target 1: Pho Bistro

Pricing: $7.75-$8.50, one size fits all

Visit date: October 15th, 2009

Visit time: 7:00 PM

–ratings–

Jason’s ratings (#12 rare beef, beef brisket, meat balls) -

Broth: 7/10

Beef: 5.5/10

Noodle: 8.5/10

Condiments: 7/10

Other factors (service, atmosphere, etc.): 5.5/10)

Jason’s total: 6.7/10

Thai’s ratings (#12 rare beef, beef brisket, meat balls) -

Broth: 8/10

Beef: 5/10

Noodle: 8/10

Condiments: 6/10

Other factors: 4/10

Thai’s total: 6.2/10

Total Score (averaged across both raters, all variables) = 6.45/10

Quality per dollar, based on deluxe (xe lua) pho = .759/$

It’s almost finals time again, and you find yourself buried knee-deep in notes, with a siding of random pen marks on your fingers. Reviewing has sucked the life out of you, leaving nothing but eye bags in its path. Drained, all you want to do is curl up under your covers and sleep. But, you need to stay awake and keep studying.

Having found myself in such a situation many times before, I regularly go back to my caffeine-high-inducing addiction to keep me company. Coffee has not left my side ever since I discovered it four years ago. Never has it let me down. In effect, it has made me a self-confessed coffee-holic. It excites me endlessly every chance I get to try out new coffee places. So in writing this article, I jumped at the opportunity to make myself teenager-giddy over the prospect of tasting different coffee variations. Follow me now as I complete my week in coffee.

I had heard countless reviews about the first coffee joint I tried, but more for their trademark dessert than their coffee. Monday, I entered I.V. Drip (905 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista) curious about what they had to offer and eager to see if this famed dessert will fare well with coffee. I ordered my coffee and was surprised to see that I had to pour it myself from a choice of four tastes. Picking French Roast, I sat down and waited for my created version (peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies with cookie dough ice cream) of the sought after “cookiewich.”

The combined flavors with the rush of sweetness of the cookie-ice cream threesome, was too much for my little heart to take. Finally, I understood why people recommended it. The coffee though, was another story. I found it wavering on so-so to average. But if taken with a cookiewich or even those $1 day –old donuts, it tastes somewhat better. Their desserts give them the winning edge. Overall, I would give them a B for effort, for they are more a dessert spot than a coffee place. If you are craving for a caffeine fix and are nursing a sweet tooth, pair them together and give IV Drip a try.

Tuesday, I was allured into Java Jones (6560 Pardall Road, Isla Vista) and found more coffee-driven kindred spirits. It’s always good to trust the taste of the barista, so I had her recommend me drinks. I got two drinks, Café Au Lait and Hershey’s Kiss, just for the heck of it. I ordered the smallest sizes and both were around $ 3.25 – $ 3.50, which to my coffee hungry senses were worth the buy as they did not disappoint. For not only did I get the caffeine high that I was craving for, but I also got to do some studying and Facebook checking (they have WiFi), all while I was basking under the warmth of the sun. The helpful staff, the affordable caffeine-bathed drinks, and the study-conducive ambiance, to me all add up to a B+. It’s worth the time to check it out and even have a chat with their accommodating employees.

Wednesday, I had to pull an all-nighter, so I thought of trying out Caje (948 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista). From afar it intrigued me, and I bet that would be one of the reasons that (just like me) people are pulled into this uniquely striking place. It had paintings etched outside its walls and inside hung paintings of various designs. Blinking my eyes away, I had to remind myself that I was after their coffee and not their aesthetics.

Again, I had the barista suggest me a drink, and I gladly ordered their Vanilla Latte, for she stated that encased in its milky-vanilla embrace were high levels of caffeine. Bingo! It was just what I needed. It was also, just as she described it, like an embrace – warm and flowing down my thirsty, dry throat. Moreover, helpful baristas really need to be given an award, because the girl that served me was such a sweetheart as she lightly chatted to me while I was paying. In addition, like Java Jones, this cozy lounge-like coffee spot has WiFi. For all these reasons, I give them an A for an amazing experience.

Thursday, I was just ready to get my class done and over with as I have no Friday classes. I thought of trying one last coffee joint and so I closed my week with Nicoletti’s (at the UCen on Campus). I believe that what will have me coming back to Nicoletti’s is its space and numerous food choices. They are comprised of multiple tables, couches and chairs within its vast area that are favorable to stressed out, industrious students. It also provides a wide variety of coffee choices and has a wide range of food available – be it pasta, salads or sandwiches.

The barista was cordial enough, except she didn’t strike me as one who would go out of her way, like the ones that I met in Java Jones and Caje. She told me that the Mocha Latte was just right up my alley (I asked her what drink was drenched with caffeine), and that was it. Perhaps the two previous places set my expectations too high. Nonetheless, being the true coffee lover that I am, I fully enjoyed her Mocha-laden suggestion that was cheaper (around $2.50) compared to all the others. As such, I would still give Nicoletti’s an A, because their food and coffee choices together with their spacious area outweigh their run of the mill service.

And that, my friends, was my week in coffee. I wish you well and hope that you take time to pass by any of these establishments, as coffee and college make for a necessary pair in this side of town. I raise my cup to you and say, “Cheers! Here’s to caffeine!”

 Concerned about having a good time with out spending money? Leave your wallet in your pocket and follow some of suggested free things to due on the Santa Barbara tourism website, www.santabarbara.com. Bulging with cost free adventures and sights to see Santa Barbara has plenty to do. So don’t fret when it comes time for a steamy date or it becomes too cold for beach days; look into the following and you will find ways to entertain without spending. Whether it be an exploration with friends or some quality time with a significant other it’s important to look beyond the bubble within the bubble, Isla Vista, and see the sights and locations in Santa Barbara and the greater area.

All Photos by Brennan Peggs

     In a decision made to offset current budget cuts, UC Santa Barbara will be eliminating the Exercise and Sports Studies department by August 2010, which will end the ESS minors, classes, and all internships created by the department.

     What students are fighting for now is to save the ESS classes. According to Erica Stenz, a fourth year ESS student, some students are also fighting for the opportunity for sophomores and juniors who have started minors to complete the necessary courses.

     “We found out the vote for terminating the minor was held in secret,” Stenz said. “We want to show [through protest] that it’s not alright for students not to be a part of this: you [the university] have to tell us.”

     While it may be too late to save the part of the department that offers minors, students can still fight to save health and exercise classes. An estimated 5,000 students enroll in ESS classes each year. A group of students, including Stenz, has organized in order to protest the cuts and try to save the classes for all students, even if they cannot keep the minors.

     These students have teamed up with Healthy Eating and Living interns (HEAL), Associated Students, Campus Democrats, the Health Professions Association, the Recreation Center and the Communications 175 university course to organize rallies and petitions, fighting for their cause. “Being Planned” is an exercise-a-thon scheduled for November 20 that will bring ESS program alumni to campus to run activities in health and fitness, demonstrating what the school will lose without the ESS department.

     “This will have a huge impact on Student Health,” said Adrienne Hancik, a HEAL intern. “It will become Student Health’s responsibility to cover topics, such as substance abuse and nutrition, and spread this information to the UCSB population. That’s our job as interns, but you can’t do that for a mass amount of people.”

     Currently the school plans to end the ESS minor program in August 2010, meaning that those who have started work on a minor will be unable to finish the program. Approximately 1,200 students begin work on an ESS minor annually, and some come to UCSB specifically to work on an ESS minor, which is the only program of its kind in the UC system.

     There are now students who will not be able to complete their minors. Professor Art Gilbert, the advisor for Exercise and Health Science, understands this concern and wants to make sure that students do not lose out on their education. “What I am pushing for is to extend the program for at least a year, if not two, to give those people who have already committed to doing this a chance to get through,” Gilbert said. “There are juniors who have now spent two years doing this program who are going to get the rug pulled out from under them.”

     In addition to losing the ESS minor program, all internships cultivated by the department will also be lost. The ESS department presently offers positions with professional sports teams, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Francisco Giants, as well as in the community at local schools and businesses. According to Gilbert, what happens at the university affects the town and the university is pulling support from the community in order to save the ESS program.

“The exercise and sports minors are mainly about taking care of yourself and the people around you; it’s about giving back to your community,” Gilbert said, “and that’s being taken away.”

     I’ve lived most of my life in the Philippines. It is part of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which in a smaller way is like the European Union (EU), in that it facilitates smoother travel for citizens of member nation states with the removal of visa requirements for tourists within a given number of days or weeks. My parents found such a fact favorable for their wanderlust-ridden feet. Whenever the opportunity and the right timing presented themselves, my parents grabbed them and took us kids along on their quest to set foot on the lands of all our Asian neighbors.

     Around two years ago, I found myself being whisked away to this tiny island south of the Malay Peninsula called Singapore. I understood then why the country is most known for its “no gum chewing in public” law. The country’s systematic schema of rules paired with the stringent discipline exercised by the people overwhelmed me, but also enlivened my adventurous spirit. The order helped preserve the pristine beauty of the land’s natural sights and looming skyscrapers. It made the area a very tourist-friendly place, which was accentuated further by the accommodating smiles of kindhearted Singaporeans, who go out of their way to willingly help lost tourists.
     What’s wonderful about Singapore is that it is a land created from fused, diverse cultures. Having four official languages–English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin–is a testament of this fact. Being so, one can expect such variety from its food selection too. What sealed the deal and left me entranced and wanting more was when I had my very first chili crab, which is often touted as the country’s national food. The first whiff of the crab down to the last finger lickin’ of the chili sauce sent me on cloud nine. It had captured my stomach’s fancy and with that, my heart.
     Apart from the chili crab, two other foods made me giddy from their unique tastes. They have the utterly scrumptious, Hainanese Chicken Rice, an off-shoot of chicken cooked in Hainan, China that was brought in by Chinese immigrants. Another famous delicacy is one that has its origins in Japan, and this is the yakiniku burger, or the “rice burger,” that can be bought from the franchise, MOS Burger. As the name suggests, the burger is composed of buns that are not bread, but sticky rice. It may look disgusting at first, but the orchestrated tastes of the rice and chicken/shrimp/beef marinated in soy sauce won me over.
     Aside from the obvious food binge that I had during my stay in Singapore, other activities kept my family busy, one of which was hopping from one tourist attraction to another. Notable places are the Merlion and the Esplanade and Orchard Road. The Merlion is the imagined, national symbol of Singapore. It illustrates the title of Singapore as a “lion city” with the symbol being that of a lion’s head with the body of a fish. Presently, there are five recognized statues of the Merlion, but the best one to go to is the original, which can be found a few throws away from the Esplanade. The Esplanade contains Singapore’s theater buildings and concert halls. Akin to the Sydney Opera House, it is highly-recognized for its unique architectural design.
It is a quintessential tourist must-do to pass by Orchard Road. The street alone contains thirty plus shopping malls, which sell items from luxury goods to electronically forward gadgets, all at very low prices. What is an even better incentive to go shopping in Singapore is that if you are a tourist, all you have to do is present all your receipts to a counter at the airport before your flight out and they will reimburse all the tax placed on your goods.
One day, I plan on visiting Singapore again. This magical country and its culture is just to captivating to ever forget and let go.

According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life. With this truth in mind, UCSB students came out in full force for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sporting everything from “I «3 Boobies” pins to literature about breast cancer prevention. 

Here’s what happened during October, or Breast Cancer Awareness month:

Dash 

Kappa Kappa Gamma had their fourth annual, 5-kilometer Kappa Dash on Oct. 17, where participants started at Greek Park on Picasso and wound their way through parts of Isla Vista and UCSB, finally ending at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house. Participants were asked to donate $12 to enter with all of the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Santa Barbara Breast Cancer Early Detection Program. 

Over 60 organizations were represented at the event, including 24 Hour Fitness, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, and Radisson Hotels and Resorts. Food, prizes, activities, and a DJ were present to encourage people to join.

 Hope 

First year sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma, and Pink Link Breast Cancer and Research Club teamed up to host an educational talk and candle-light vigil on Oct. 22 from 7:30-10 p.m. in the Anacapa Formal Lounge and patio area. Buttons that said “I «3 Bobbies” were given out as prizes and the Anacapa Residence Hall sold t-shirts. Free food was donated from local Isla Vista businesses, like IV Drip. 

The evening started off with UCSB Molecular, Cellular, and Development Biology professor, Dr. George Ayoub, speaking to a crowd of 50 men and women about what cancer is and outside influences that can increase the risk of acquiring cancer. After the talk, the large group broke off into four smaller groups to talk about breast cancer facts and how everyday cosmetics, as well as poor diet and lack of exercise, can increase the risk of this condition.

A candle-light vigil followed, where everyone was presented with a candle upon moving to the outdoor patio area. Each person then stated what breast cancer meant to them and put their candle down to form the shape of a ribbon.

 Fundraise 

Alpha Kappa Delta Phi held a fundraiser inside the Student Resource Building’s multipurpose room on Oct. 28 from 10-3 p.m., where they sold t-shirts, bracelets, and raffle tickets to raise money for Susan G. Komen. They offered free food and asked for the pink lids of the yogurts they distributed. 

They also invited other clubs and organizations to come table at the event. 

“Alpha Kappa Delta Phi contacted us and asked us to table for this event, which is breast cancer fundraising,” said Taylor Braun, the Pink Link Public Relations Chair. “We gave out our educational material and talked to people about our Beautiful You Campaign.” Alpha Kappa Delta Phi had a PowerPoint presentation that they showed, including frequently asked questions about breast cancer.

 Promote 

On Oct. 21, the UCSB Activities Fair hosted various college organization booths, including those belonging to Colleges Against Cancer, Sigma Lamda Gamma, and Pink Link. These cancer-related organizations were giving out information and literature about breast cancer awareness and research that has been going on in the community.

Run 

The Santa Barbara Cancer Center hosted their 17th Annual Run/Walk in Downtown Santa Barbara on Oct. 18 starting at 8 a.m. This was the first time that UCSB students were represented in the race and each were given a $100 sponsorship from former UCSB faculty member, Carla Witacre. Two members of Pink Link Club were sent to the race: Paula Higginson and Daisy Bugarin. 

“It was a lot of fun,” Higginson said. “There was a good energy. It was nice to see a bunch of people coming together for one cause.” 

This was the first race that either student had participated in while living in Santa Barbara and both claim to have had a memorable experience. 

“We were walking down this hill and when you looked up, you could see so many people,” said Bugarin. “It really sunk in how many people were there; there’s no way to describe it.” 

The CCSB Run/Walk website reported that over $131,000 was raised, all of which is going to the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara research program.

For those who want to get involved in breast cancer awareness, there are activities, events, and seminars that aren’t just in October. 

UCSB Professor, Erkki Ruoslahti, received a $2.8 million award from the Department of Defense to further his research on the detection and therapies via nanotechnology for breast cancer. 

“We envision that the cure for breast cancer can be achieved by strategically integrating early detection with synergistic therapies,” said Ruoslahti in a press release. “We believe that nanotechnology-based engineering solutions can provide the needed changes to drastically improve cure rates.” 

Relay for Life is another way that students can get involved. This year, Relay will be on May 14, 2010 at the UCSB Track. Relay is held by the American Cancer Society and is a 24-hour event in which each team is given a set amount of money to raise in order to participate. Teams can be campus clubs, residence halls, sororities/fraternities, or just a group of friends! 

The Santa Barbara Breast Cancer Resource Center on West Junipero St. in Downtown Santa Barbara has a series of lectures and events that they host throughout the year. To find out more about what will be going on in the future, visit their website at www.bcrcsb.org . 

Students can also join on-campus clubs whose mission is to fight breast cancer.