Mark Batalla

February 2, 2007

UCSB Community Embraces Sexuality

By Mark Batalla

I usually spend my Monday nights watching half-naked men beat the hell out of each other on WWE Monday Night Raw. This week I opted to attend the Sex Workers' Art Show in the MultiCultural Center.

January 26, 2007

Discussion of Nexus Fails Intended Mission

By Mark Batalla

Last Wednesday afternoon, El Congreso decided to hold a town meeting to discuss the offensive nature of the Daily Nexus toward campus diversity. I walked into the theater expecting an honest dialogue. Unfortunately, it d...

January 19, 2007

The Mark Side of UCSB: Activism Is for the True of Heart Phonies Harm Good Works of Others

By Mark Batalla

UCSB is one of the most politically active campuses in the state. However, I see some of the activists we have on campus and can't help but suspect them of having ulterior motives. The specific organization is irrelevant...

January 12, 2007

The Mark Side of UCSB: GPA Woes Are Not Allowed in College

By Mark Batalla

A student goes home and shows an A- grade to his father. "Are you proud of me?" "Very proud," the father responds. "Minus."

December 7, 2006

Game On

By Mark Batalla

If this generation's videogame console war will be known for anything, it will be the stream of ridiculous stories regarding both the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii. The PS3's low supply and high demand has caus...

December 1, 2006

On The Menu

By Mark Batalla

The days leading up to Finals Week can leave many red-eyed and faded. Hazy study sessions that go on for hours at a time often lead to an altered state of mind and an unbearable hunger for munchies.

November 17, 2006

The Mark Side if UCSB: Come On and Get Down With the Sickness

By Mark Batalla

It's the most wonderful time of the year because flu season is upon us. Go find the nearest contagious mouth. Then you should either give that person a nice wet kiss or inhale the sweet air being exhaled from their infec...

October 27, 2006

The Mark Side of UCSB: Give In to Your Impulses, Get Wild on Campus

By Mark Batalla

Like most students here, I'm finding it harder and harder to get some leisure time. Trying to juggle lecture, discussion, lab, midterms, papers and a job has gotten me on edge. Wait, no, that's a lie. I only go to class ...

October 20, 2006

The Mark Side of UCSB: Read the Frosh Guide to Avoiding I.V. Fights

By Mark Batalla

Isla Vista. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. At its best, it can be heaven on Earth. At its worst, it can literally kill you. It all depends on how quickly a person can adapt to this unforgi...

October 13, 2006

The Mark Side of UCSB: A.S. Needs to Tell It As It Is

By Mark Batalla

Student government is a joke. Not because of its irresponsible actions, though I'm sure somebody can point out examples, but rather because of Associated Students' lack of attempts to inform the student body on how their...

October 6, 2006

The Mark Side of UCSB: A Bruised Ego Is Better Than a Bruised Knuckle

By Mark Batalla

Ever find a person on campus or in I.V. who deserved a good, old punch to the face? I know I've met my fair share.

October 5, 2006

I’m Super, Thanks for Asking

By Mark Batalla

For many, Superman and Hollywood both represent truth, justice and the American way. However both have proven themselves to be fallible over the years.

September 28, 2006

Making Love With Bruce Campbell

By Mark Batalla

There are two kinds of people in the world: Those that don't know who Bruce Campbell is and those that are part of his fan-base. The latter group, though lesser in number, more than make up for it with their fanaticism f...

September 24, 2006

Beware of Sketchy Roommates

By Mark Batalla

Now that you're all settled in, what do you think of your new roommate - roommates for the unlucky triples? He seems cool, right? Doesn't get in your face, has good hygiene, and seems to share some of the same interests....

August 30, 2006

Forget About Flavor and Follow Booze Clues

By Mark Batalla

See if you can find what's wrong with this picture: Twenty people are crowded inside a small, black-lit room with Paris Hilton's newest single bumping on an iBook's meager speaker system.

February 27, 2006

Chocolate Festival Is Another Excuse for Random Excursions

By Mark Batalla

Saturday morning. I haven't been awake this early on a Saturday morning since Jason Narvy and Paul Schrier stopped appearing on Power Rangers. Long live Bulk and Skull. Then the phone rings. It's my co-worker, Melissa, a...