Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo at CSULB

As I mentioned earlier this month, the Trockadero de Monte Carlo performed at the Carpenter's Center this weekend. They will be performing again throughout the month.

Read the Los Angeles Times review at The LA Times

Picture courteousy of Ann Johansson

Army chief of staff wants to keep "Don't ask, don't tell" policy

The title pretty much sums this story up. Senator and Army Chief of Staff George Casey has concerns over the expected repeal for the most insignificant reason, because it has been part of Army history.

When I read this, I at least expected him to say something regarding his beliefs or a ridiculous "because of the people" statement conservatives always give. I was shocked to see his response was merely because it's tradition.

So your telling the millions of homosexual citizens of this country to keep hush hush about their lives because you want to keep tradition? Maybe I am overthinking this but how upsetting.

Thoughts?

Read the article at CNN

Picture courtesy of msnbc.msn.com

Get with it, Westboro!

The Westboro Baptist Church protested everything they don't like in Long Beach on Friday outside of Wilson High School on 7th and the Alpert Jewish Community Center.

After reading this article, I can't help but give my young liberal opinion because like any other youth, I want to be heard. I think we have something in common Westboro!

My thoughts:

Your representing the Baptist community by saying that "God hates America" and "God hates Fags"? This is not a Neo-Natzi training camp, this is the public you are talking to! Want to be heard? Then get with the times. No one believes it. And frankly, we all know you are underloved and brainwashed individuals who are looking for anything to feel a connection with. Even if it means hurting others.

I respect your opinion. I don't respect the way you choose to act upon it.

Check their website out at God Hates Fags...yep that's the name of the website. It's scary how nicely put together it is. Which can only mean that their are some pretty serious people out there helping them do this.

Read more about the protest at
The Daily 49er

Picture curteousy of lies.com

Renoir exhibit at LACMA

For all you impressionist admirers, the Los Angeles Museum of Art is displaying various works of the late painter in their exhibit entitled Renoir in the 20th Century.

Some of the works on display include Terrace at Cagnes and Gabrielle and Jean.

I was fortunate enough to see some of Renoir's most famous pieces at the Musee D' Orsay museum in Paris, France and I must say they are all magnifique!

The exhibition is ongoing until May 9th and tickets cost $20 for entry into the exhibit but not the museum. Tickets must be purchased for a specific time on the museum's website.

For more information visit Renoir Exhibit

President Alexander and Higher Education

I have to admit, before covering this story I was a bit cynical about hearing President Alexander's speech on education. I had heard from faculty and students that he had not taken a pay cut like the rest of the staff at school. That bothered me a bit.

So you can imagine, when he approached the podium I was a little hesitant to hear what the supposed one million dollars paycheck man had to say.

I got even more bothered when Michael Solt, Dean of the College of Business Administration started listing out the president's qualifications and years of education on higher education systems.

I thought how could this man know so much about what was going on but was not willing to suffer like the rest of the CSU??

Let me tell you. Because yes, I was wrong.

First, I had no idea that he has a PHD and a masters in science in education. Second, he has been making trips all around the nation to advocate against the budget icreases. Something else I didn't know.

As I began to sink into my chair, I felt immature for not knowing all of this.

I know I went to this event to cover a story but on the flip side, I also was able to educate myself on exactly what was happening and debunk the rumors I had so willinging listened to.

One thing Alexander said that stuck with me was that even though this matter is hard to understand, we should still take the time to inform ourselves and actually fight!

I walked out of the session feeling both stupid and sad that so many students have no idea what is going on and many are not doing much about it. I can only hope things will change.

To hear more about what the president said, read my article at The Daily 49er

Did you know?!

I saw this picture today in the paper and was shocked! I had heard about the campus shut downs via the eerie automatic voicemails I received from the school but I had no idea that the rain caused so much flooding. I'm sure you didn't either!

The picture is of the first floor of the music building. According to The Daily 49er, the carpets, various musical instruments and instrument cases were damaged by the flood.

Read the full article at The Daily 49er

Image courtesy of John Carnahan

February 2010 at a glance

Here's a list of some events on campus this month! More information to be provided as each event approaches.

Feb. 11th

Contemporary Dance Concert #1
hosted by the Dance Department at 8 p.m. in at the Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets call 562-985-7000 or visit Dance Concert #1.

The 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
located at the university Speaker's Platform at 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 562-985-5358.

Feb. 20th

Dance Series with Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo
hosted by the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. For more information call 562-985-7000 or visit Les Ballets.

Feb. 26th

Kimono in Color: A spectrum of seasons, Winter Lecture
hosted by the Japanese Garden at 7 p.m. in the Daniel Recital Hall. For more information call 562-985-8420 or visit Kimono in Color.

Welcome to CS(YOU)LB!

A sparkly smile and a big hug is my introduction...via internet of course. First and foremost, thank you for visiting and a warm welcome to the most diverse student blog to hit Long Beach State! As a Journalism student, reading the paper was just not enough for me. Only so much can be printed in a newspaper! There is so much more going on at school, much more than we could imagine. That is when I come in. I will be here to act as your informational tour guide through the fun times and the worst times on campus. I'll inform you on local events, on campus and off and provide you with stories both from the 49er and ones I find and do myself. I started this blog because I believe it is important to be informed. Just don't be afraid when I add a little opinion! You'll thank me when you find out your date to graduate is coming up!

"Knowledge is power." -Francis Bacon