Twitter: A Shortcut for Up-and-coming Artists

By Sasa Maksimovic
Menlo Oak Staff

Twitter Headphones

As the music business continues its steady decline because of illegal downloads, a growing number of artists are using the Internet—specifically Twitter—to get their music out to audiences.

And believe it or not, Twitter is turning the musicians into winners.

Take Eddie Cain. He is a hip-hop artist and he made his own mixtape, paying for studio time, music beats, and just about everything, out of his own pocket.

Paying for advertising or marketing help was out of the question. Cain just didn’t have the money. So he took to Twitter to get his music heard.  

Soon, Eddie's followers were putting his album cover in their avatars. This helped to build interest in his music. Next, he used Twitter to start a countdown to his tape's release date. Finally, he tweeted a download link to his tape. 

By using Twitter, Cain built a buzz for his music.

Nobody really knew what, if any, use there was for the Twitter social networking site when it debuted in 2006. People said it was stupid because why would anyone want to read you tweeting “I’m eating lunch” every day?   People said Twitter was stupid because why would anyone want to read you tweeting “I’m eating lunch”? Who cares about that?

But the networking that is accomplished through Twitter is absolutely amazing. If you spend some time getting to know the right Twitter users in your field, and if you follow them and they follow you, your projects can go a long way.

 Artists, especially those who dream of making it in the show business, but don’t have the ear or the eyes that are needed to see their talent, were some the first Twitter users to see the networking possibilities. That’s why they are using Twitter to bring attention to their talents.

 “It is amazing what a social networking site can do for your dreams, I never thought this many people would lend me their ears, I’m truly honored," Cain said.

Cain added that through Twitter, he “built up a huge fan base for such a unknown artist.” By the time his marketing campaign ended, people were talking about his work like he was some sort of established worldwide artist.

By the time it was all said and done, Cain had more than 50,000 downloads for his mixtape. For someone that nobody has ever heard of before that was absolutely huge.

Cain said, he also got people from the music industry to hear his music. It opened many doors for him. He started getting offers from other artists to do songs and even got invited to do some shows.

And all of this happened because of it and it was all because of Twitter.

“If it wasn’t for this website I don’t know if my dream would have ever started to get on the road.”

Seniors Discuss Their Post-Graduation Plans (Video)

Sasha Selvin, reporting
Kamalu Kaina, producer

With just a few weeks left before graduation, a group of graduating seniors talk about their post-graduation plans. Check out the video.

Bowman Library: The Place Where Menlo Students Go to Study (Photo Slideshow)

By Joel Blake
Menlo Oak Staff

Bowman Library is a great place to study, read, and interact with other students. It is an environment where you can concentrate. Almost any time of the day, your can see  students busy at work. At Menlo, the library is the place where students' dedication and work ethic can be seen. Click here for a photo slideshow of scenes from Bowman Library.  

A Menlo Professor’s Six-Year Search for a Piece of Hidden History

By Amy Tong
Menlo Oak Staff


With the weather becoming more welcoming for adventures, what part of the earth should you visit this spring? Instead of flying from place to place,  a better idea might be to sit down and meet some of history's religious leaders  with Marilyn Thomas, Ph.D., and share a moment of her research.

This spring, Menlo College’s Colloquium Series turned its attention to 19th century England with Dr. Thomas’s presentation: “Looking for a Diary in Secret Code from Victorian England.” Dr. Thomas spent six years in England searching and decoding this secret diary written by F.W. Robertson. Robertson was known as a “English Divine,” that is a writer whose works become standards in the Anglican faith, doctrine and worship.  Surprisingly, part of Robertson’s diary  recorded his affair with two famous British women.

Robertson was a well-known preacher and evangelical whose life was cut short when he died from what one author described as “inflammation of the brain.” Shortly after Robertson’s death, his daughter Ida Robertson, married Sir George Thomas Francis Shuckburgh. After his death, Francis then married Major Henry James Shuckburgh.

Dr. Thomas presented Robertson’s story with Shuckburgh Hall, a palatial English estate that dates back to the 13th century, as a background.  

Shuckburgh Hall has always been in the hands of powerful and influential people. The Hall was once owned by one who fought on the side of the king, Charles I.  The Shuckburghs were given a title by Charles II after Sir Richard Shuckburgh rescued the king from a French prison. Since then the title and the estate has been passed down to the eldest male of each generation. Shuckburgh Hall is  currently owned by Robertson’s great great-grandson,  Sir Rupert Shuckburgh.

In addition of the romantic relationships, the diary touches the 19th Industrial Revolution, the English Civil War which partially took place on the grounds of Shuckburgh Hall.

Through Dr. Thompson’s research, students and scholars are able to understand how religious leaders altered the politics and economy of England with the power they possess.

“The fun of the story, is one could teach the history of England by teaching the history of that house, Shuckburgh Hall,”  said Dr. Thomas. “History is one thing, but seeing history through the eyes of somebody who lived it is something else.”

Beware! These Distractions Might Interfere With Your Schoolwork

When any semester comes to an end, students often find it hard to focus. But when the school year is ending, seniors are getting ready to graduate, and the summer is around the corner, it can be near impossible to find motivation. Here are some photos of what may be distracting you this time of year. Click here.

Test Driving the Tesla Business Model

By Joel Blake
Menlo Oak Staff

Beamer, Benz, or Bentley? That’s the question the modern luxury car buyer asks when he or she is in the market for a new car.

The Tesla  Model S (front) and Roadster (back).

Californians all too accustomed to an elite standard of automobile. With gas prices rising and a job rates declining, these West Coast drivers are also trying to avoid the pump, and find alternative means of transportation. In the Atherton-Menlo Park area, these alternatives are easy to spot--Caltrain is just down the street, Samtrans bus stops line El Camino. But if you take a walk just a little bit further you will find Tesla Motors.

            Tesla Motors was founded in 2003 by a group of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. From its Palo Alto-based headquarters, the company has expanded to 21 store locations worldwide. The company’s success has been powered by electricity; creating cars that lessen the global dependency on petroleum-based transportation and instead run completely on electricity.

         When visiting the Palo Alto Store, the first person you may speak to is Manager Neil Joseph.

        “Tesla is leading the way in sustainable transportation,” Joseph said.  We are making compelling electric cars that are usable in the real world, and they perform better than their gasoline counterparts.  This is helping create a new industry, and charging infrastructure that will produce thousands of jobs.”

            “Public transit is minimal because of the vast size of our country, its important to try and make personal transportation as efficient as possible,” Joseph added.

            “Since Tesla makes compelling electric cars, it also creates a brand that is highly iconic like Apple.  We are changing the way people interact with a car company and helping make a brand that is as iconic as the classics,” Joseph continued.  He added that all of Tesla’s services and repairs are all done at the dealership and customer relations are a major part of Tesla’s operations.

            Currently Tesla offers a line of three vehicles. The Roadster, a two door sports coupe. The Model X, its SUV vehicle; and its newest release, the Model S, which is a sporty sedan. These cars statistically outperform the competition, and offer an eco-friendly solution to one of the world’s biggest problems, carbon emissions. The federal government is providing a half a billion-dollar loan to Tesla, and the new Model S should be available in late 2012 with a price tag of $57,400. Wholesale all models are being offered under $130,000.

A Car and Driver magazine  review stated  that, “The Roadster proved that Tesla could deliver an electric. But that’s a tin toy compared with the Model S.”

Journalist Kim Reynolds of MotorTrend.com said, “When reviewing the Model S outside of Tesla’s Fremont factory, I had one solitary thought: this is it.”

 In addition to offering its own line of cars, Tesla helps other car manufacturers in developing electric powertrains.

            If successful, Joseph said, how Tesla could help improve the American economy.

“We’re going to make transport, energy production, and consumption as efficient and sustainable as possible, aiding in a eco-friendly environment.”   

Menlo Basketball Walk-on Proves Hard Work Does Pay Offf

By Patrick Greene
Menlo Oak Staff

Mailk Dunbar, along with five other players, tried out for the Menlo College Men’s basketball team in 2011.

Dunbar was the only player to be rewarded with a spot on the roster. Actually, Dunbar was the only player in five years of walk-on tryouts to make the Menlo men’s team.

 “Although there was a full team Malik didn’t stop, he still went out for the team. He stepped into the starting position with poise and maturity,” said Oaks Basketball coach Noel McCullar

Dunbar is an undersized post with an over-sized heart.

Dunbar is a primary power forward, but is able to guard small forwards, and shooting guards. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall going against guy who are 6 feet 10 inches tall. He has a strong build, not too skinny, and not too big. Last year, his role on the team was to get the bench fired up, and play a few minutes here, and a few minutes there.

That role changed in the 2012 season. Dunbar became a starter. He played big minutes and played large role on the team.

All this success didn’t come over night, Dunbar worked very hard over the summer. He hit the weights hard, and worked on his ball handling. He practiced getting up jump shots, the play that gave him the chance to be a starter.

Dunbar says all the hard work paid off, but he still isn’t satisfied.

“We haven’t done anything as a team, and until we do I’m not satisfied,” Dunbar said, adding that he wants to take this team to the national tournament.

Players say Malik, “is the perfect teammate,” a “great leader,” and “has a never give up attitude.”

There is no question that when people come to the games, or watch practices, there is never a moment, or play that Dunbar doesn’t give it his all.

“This game is all about ups, and downs, and things you can’t control. Even when things are bad you can still control yourself, and how hard you go,” Dunbar said.

He added: “The only person that needs to believe in you is you.” 

Freestyling the Arimoto Way (Photo Slideshow)

By Anthony Foster
Menlo Oak Staff

Kenny Arimoto is in his fourth and final year as a liberal arts major at Menlo College, Silicon Valley's Business School. But  instead of joining the ranks of a Fortune 500 company, he plans on becoming a professional fixed freestyle bike rider. 

Being a liberal arts major at Menlo, Arimoto says, helped to awaken his “more cognitive side.”

 “Biking and college have provided not only a physical betterment but, it has also helped (me) mold a better understanding of purpose,” he said. 

Arimoto was introduced to bikes at a young age.   His parents raised him in a motocross atmosphere. He says they opened the doors to the world of “all things two-wheeled,” and he was able to race in different areas of California.

After graduating from high school, Arimoto immediately left home. He packed his car with trash bags full of clothes, and set off to pursue a career as an emergency medical responder.

But an eclectic mix of bike tricks does not fit the ideal job description of a medical responder. It did, however, start Arimoto on a path that he believes will define his future career.

Around 2009, Arimoto says he began to get serious about fixed freestyle.

Fixed freestyle is a form of professional bicycling that requires both a strong skill-set and an exceptional amount of creativity.  It goes beyond simple pedaling and incorporates tricks that maneuver around the environment, such as grinds and flips.  The fixed freestyle sport has become something of a phenomenon now and is active in competition on globally ranked levels.

Arimoto says the complexity of the sport is what drew him in. 

The skill with which Arimoto rides seems nothing but natural.  Fellow professional fixed freestyler Michael Chacon writes on his website that Arimoto is simply a “Cool dude and goes big,” after posting a video of Arimoto grinding down a rail over a set of 30 stairs.

Arimoto has been riding professionally for three years now, and the fact that he has been able to remain a full-time student while riding says something special about his discipline.

Finding a balance between education and the life of a professional fixed freestyler has made Arimoto appreciate just how unique his college experience has been.“Through the madness of school, training, and school in general, I have found a beautiful medium,” he says. 

Arimoto admits that there have been times when he has struggled to balance biking and school. Despite the struggles he kept a positive outlook.

“I have learned through classes, bikes, and my current life, (that) the differences … intertwine,” he said.

Arimoto believes that what separates a professional from the ranks of others is being able to bring something different, creative or unique to the game.  Over the years, he has learned from the styles of others, used his lessons in college and thought deeply on how to create his own style of bike riding.

Arimoto’s plans for the near future are simple.  First, he plans he hopes to continue his job at Chrome Bags, a San Francisco-based biking clothing and gear manufacturer and retailer.

His second plan is inspirational, and rings true for college students everywhere.

“I plan to travel the world for specific competitions and work as much as possible to start paying back these loans!”


Click here for a photo slideshow of Kenny Arimoto.

Perspective: Just a Face? Not in the Coffee Business

By Riley Thorning

Menlo Oak Staff

Once you have worked at any coffee shop for any amount  of time,  you can’t walk around town without being noticed. It doesn't matter if it's a Starbucks that everybody goes to, or just a small town coffee shop where a few regulars visit every day for their caffeine fix, your face becomes known.

Author Riley Thorning at work.

I know because I'm your coffee guy. You know, the one behind the counter. The one you talk to about the same time every day. 


When making a beverage for someone in the early morning you might not realize how vital your skills are for their day. A coffee prepared right with a nice smile can really start the morning off correctly. 


"When those baristas make the perfect vanilla latte for my early mornings, work is that much better,”  says Menlo College alum Ben Summers.


After the morning shift, when your friendly barista is off work, or out grabbing lunch and groceries, they are often met with with the same greeting:  “Hey! You’re my coffee guy," or "Hey! You're my coffee girl!” 

This can be OK at times, but not every barista wants to chat it up with "the dailies" outside of work.
Say you’re tired and its late, and making a quick run to Safeway,  but you run into Mr. "Grande Triple Mocha."  Maybe you don’t feel as friendly  as he does, but you don’t want to make an awkward impression the next time you see him at work. Figuring out what to day can create a funky situation. 


So you just smile and create small talk as if you are on the job. I guess that’s what you get for working at a coffee shop.


 I've worked at two different coffee shops and I'm currently employed at Starbucks. It’s a great job with friendly environment, but I can’t begin to explain how many times I run into regulars outside of work. Just the other day I was getting a hair cut at Golden Shears Barber shop about four blocks from my store's location. All the barbers knew me, so we were able to chat it up.  I have trouble wondering around town going unnoticed   

In most retail or food service jobs you are just a face. But the coffee business is different. You see so many different people and get to know their drinks. You play a crucial part of the morning for everybody you serve.  People get to know you. They depend on you.  It's one reason coffee guys and coffee girls never go unnoticed. 


This is part of an occasional series reflecting opinions of Menlo College students who have part-time jobs while they are full-time students. Let us know if you would like to write for "Learn, Earn" by sending an email to themenlooak@menlo.edu 

Women's Basketball Team Bring March Madness to Menlo (Downloadable Brackets)

The Lady Oaks are taking their game to the State Farm-NAIA Division II Basketball Championship in Sioux City, Iowa.

The Oaks gained entry to the national tournament after capturing the Cal Pac Title with a 78-66 win over Cal Maritime. The battle for the Cal Pac championship pitted the leagues No. 1 seed, Menlo, against the No. 2 seed, Cal Maritime.

The Lady Oaks will be tested as they work toward the March 13 NAIA Division II Championship Game. 

Their first test will come Wednesday, March 7, when the Lady Oaks, (16-13) the No. 8 seed, play Indiana Wesleyan, the No. 1 seed. Wesleyan (31-2) is on a quest. It is seeking its second national championship.

All the games will be played at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa. The championship game will be televised live by CBS Sports Network.

Click here for download tournament brackets.

The Photography Club Embarks on a Photo Adventure

By Justin Padilla
Menlo Oak Staff

A group of students at Menlo College got together to find inspiration from the things they found through the lens of a camera.

Image by Andrey Polyakov

Photography is a form of art where an individual captures an image that expresses an emotion and displays a creative vision. The Menlo College Photography Club strives to teach and inspire students through snapshots. Photography allows them to preserve moments to be shared with others, as well as capture moments that may usually go unnoticed. 

The Photography Club, led by Xuexue Ma, scheduled a trip to San Francisco to teach students how to take pictures, and to explore the city. Since the photographers only had a day, they decided to go to the Embarcadero, an area by the bay bustling with people, pets and coffee shops. There they got to spend time by the pier and take pictures of the Bay Bridge.

“Photography is a way of seeing the world. It is a way to express what I see through the lens of a camera, framing every moment that can never be brought back. Photography is my visual dairy, my passion and my drive,” said Menlo College student and avid photographer Brian Uy.

For their next adventure, Ma plans to bring the Photography Club to explore other parts of San Francisco such as the Golden Gate Park.  

Check out some of the photos taken by members in the Photography Club.

Nail Art Brings Design to Your Fingertips

Sasha Selvin

Menlo Oak Staff

People choose different ways to express their creativity. Some wear hats of their favorite team. Some get tattoos. Others have piercings or style their hair certain ways. Whatever the method, people want to show their free spirit and individuality.

A new trend is quickly expanding among young women ages 7 to 27. Nail art.

Once painted nails were simply one solid color. Not anymore. Now, nail art has taken a totally new direction of self-expression. Stripes, dots, patterns, even tiny images of favorite characters adorn fashionable nails.

Nail art is the new avenue of self expression.

Click here for a photo slideshow of nail art.

Perspective: The Americanization Of Me

By Sasa Maksimovic
Menlo Oak Staff

I moved to the United States from Serbia in 1998. I was 10 years old and I had no idea what to expect. Comparing America to Serbia is like comparing apples to bricks.

For months before we moved to the United States, all I did was worry. I worried about how I would tell my friends I was leaving. I worried about how much I was going to miss my family. My biggest worry was that I would be kidnapped. I thought that in America being kidnapped happened as often as  eating lunch.

We finally moved to San Francisco and for a very long time I couldn’t stand living here. I couldn’t believe this was going to be my home for the foreseeable future. I cried every single day.

I enrolled in fifth grade and went to school. I spoke zero words of English. I couldn’t talk with anyone but in three months that all changed and, in turn, my whole life changed.

I learned to speak English and that’s where the Americanization of me started.

I learned the language and I started to make friends and really started to enjoy living in America. Everything got easier for me.

After four years in the United States, I went back to visit my family in Serbia. I enjoyed this first return visit. I connected with my old friends and had so much fun visiting. When I went back to the U.S., I started to miss Serbia again.

Two years later, I returned to Serbia again. This time, it wasn’t the same.

I spent a lot of the time missing my girlfriend and texting my friends in America. I would go out with my Serbian friends and I just did not enjoy myself at all. I couldn’t wait to get back home in San Francisco.

It made me wonder,  “how did this happen? “ The civil war that happened in our country, made all of us so close because we had to stay united and be there for each other because of the struggle we were all going through. All that just went away.

I felt so out of place with all my friends that I was hanging out with. I had no idea what to talk about with them. I speak Serbian fluently but it was like I forgot the language. We would go out and I just wanted to be back at home so I could watch TV and count the days until I could go back to America.

I asked my Serbian family members and cousins who live in America what happened? How did we all become so accustomed to living in America and outgrow our homeland?

 “I really don’t know what happened but if we were asked to move back to our country right now, I’m not sure that I would be able to do it,” my cousin Darko said.

I feel the exact same way as he does. My parents thought about moving back when the economy took a turn for the worse and I told them that I would just stay here and live alone.

Now when my mom asks me to go to Serbia with her to visit, its like she is asking me to go to the dentist. I miss my family but I don’t miss being in Serbia at all. I feel like I’m an American now.

I love my country and will always be Serbian in my heart but I just feel like that I have become way too accustomed to America and this is my future.

Since I went through this I feel I can give other foreigners my age some tips on how to get used to living in this country. Biggest tip I can give you is study the English language hard and learn how to communicate with your classmates as quick as you can. Making new friends and enjoying life with them makes everything so much easier. 

Another tip is that you come to grips that this is where you are going to be living for a long time, and you got to make the best of it. You can't go around pouting about something that wont' change. Be close to your family and enjoy each other and you will get used to this country in no time.