Issue 35, Volume 86 2005-2006
Special Election Presents Props to State's Voters
Monday, November 7, 2005
Local polling places and political groups are gearing up for tomorrow's statewide special election, which is expected to yield the lowest voter turnout in California's history.
Activist Speaks To SB Students About Morality
Monday, November 7, 2005
Nobel Prize winner and anti-apartheid activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu spoke to a packed audience in Arlington Theatre on Friday night, advocating forgiveness over retribution and a belief in the essential goodness of all people. Friday's event, organized by UCSB Arts & Lectures, was Tutu's first trip to Santa Barbara in nearly 20 years.
Fraternity and Amitié Sponsor Blood Drive
Monday, November 7, 2005
In the same vein as its other charity events, the Pi Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. hosts its second annual blood drive today in the Graduate Students Association (GSA) Lounge - located in the UCen - from noon to 4 p.m.
Students Support Gulf Coast Relief With Show
Monday, November 7, 2005
A plethora of student performances in Campbell Hall on Sunday helped raise money for Gulf Coast hurricane victims as part of a talent show hosted by student group Helping Everyone Live Peacefully (HELP).
Retirement Home To Screen Political Films; Open to Public
Monday, November 7, 2005
Locals are invited to join the retired community of Friendship Manor on Friday nights to watch free screenings of politically focused movies. As part of its program, "Timely Films at Friendship Manor," the assisted living facility will show a film each Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Jamison Hall, at 6647 El Colegio Rd.
Wingardium Leviosa!
Monday, November 7, 2005
Proposition 73: Abortion for Minors
Monday, November 7, 2005
Aside from bringing to mind the classic "slippery slope" argument, Prop 73 seems to miss the point when it freezes the right of a minor to have an abortion until 48 hours after the parents have been notified.
Proposition 74: Teacher Employment
Monday, November 7, 2005
It's no secret that California's public school system is in shambles. Proposition 74 aims to fix that system with good intent, but ultimately misses the underlying problems that have plagued the state for years.
Proposition 75: Union Dues
Monday, November 7, 2005
We might be tempted to agree with the proponents of Proposition 75 when they say union leaders should have to get the consent of members before putting money toward political campaigns, were it not for the huge obstacle it would place in the path of effective union lobbying.
Proposition 76: State Spending Restrictions
Monday, November 7, 2005
We don't normally laugh at propositions here at the Nexus, but we couldn't help ourselves on this one. Prop 76 would supposedly reduce California's budget deficit by subjecting school funding to annual budget decisions and granting the governor "new authority to unilaterally reduce state spending" - we know, we couldn't believe it either - during "certain fiscal situations."
Proposition 77: Redistricting
Monday, November 7, 2005
In theory, Proposition 77 is a step in the right direction. Gerrymandering is a serious problem that needs to be fixed if we want a legitimate, truly representative democracy, but employing three old, likely out-of-touch judges to play doctor just doesn't seem like the best remedy.
Proposition 78: Prescription Drug Discounts
Monday, November 7, 2005
Proposition 78 is OK, but it's no Prop 79. This is why we are opposing Prop 78: It's either one or the other, and quite frankly, we would rather vote for a proposition that could actually get some results.
Proposition 79: Prescription Drug
Monday, November 7, 2005
Other than major shareholders in pharmaceutical companies, there are few people who could reasonably vote for Proposition 78 over Prop 79. Prop 79 would benefit up to 10 million Californians, extending prescription drug discounts to families whose income is nearly $20,000 higher than the eligibility standard for Prop 78. Prop 79 also offers bigger discounts - 50 percent or more, versus 40 percent - and it requires a lower annual application fee.
Proposition 80: Electricity Providers
Monday, November 7, 2005
As you might recall from your basic economics classes, having more options is always better than having fewer options. Having greater freedom of choice means more competition and lower prices - an idea that was embraced when California deregulated its power industry just a few years ago.
Women's Volleyball
Thunderdome Brings Advantage for UCSB
Monday, November 7, 2005
Coming off its first loss in October, the UCSB women's volleyball team (15-8 overall, 10-2 in the Big West) bounced back higher than ever, completing a double sweep of Riverside and Fullerton this weekend.
Men's Water Polo: Santa Barbara Comes Up Two Goals Shy of Wins
Monday, November 7, 2005
The #14 UCSB men's water polo team (12-14 overall, 0-5 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) dropped its games by a score of 7-6 to both #9 Pacific (15-9 overall, 1-3 MPSF) on Saturday and #2 Cal (18-4 overall, 4-1 MPSF) on Sunday.
Women's Basketball
Bakersfield Squeezes Out Exhibition Victory
Monday, November 7, 2005
As conventional wisdom would suggest, one must hold onto the ball in order to score the ball. Despite putting on an offensive display in an exhibition match against Bakersfield, the UCSB women's basketball team dropped a 74-72 decision, largely in part due to a mind-boggling 34 turnovers.
The Weatherhumanities
Monday, November 7, 2005
The weatherhuman always loves it when the weatherparents come down to pay him a visit and cash for not dropping out of weatherschool. The 'human really takes well to bribery, not to mention flattery and tomfoolery.