Cougars & Mustangs 

Sometimes, during my infrequent breaks between texting, Facebooking, or any other sedentary exercise that shrouds itself under the guise of social activity, I think that maybe I should get out in the physical realm and expand my horizons.
If you sometimes think along these same lines, you’ll have a multitude of possibilities to make good on those brave ideas. From the politics of contraception use to “Texican” rock, Cal Poly is offering a variety of speakers that will allow your mind to wander from its comfy, and often stifling, confines.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, Professor Chikako Takeshita of UC Riverside will present “How Science Constructs Women and Their Bodies—Half a Century of IUD Development.” The presentation will look at how the intrauterine device (IUD) has been both a force of good—means for female autonomy; convenient form of birth control—as well as a form of state-imposed birth control and a threat to women’s health.

For more information, call the Women’s and Gender Studies Department.

For something a little different, you can stroll over to the Cohan Center on Feb. 18 and check out a stage version of Mel Brooks’ laugh-terpiece Young Frankenstein. The award-winning musical features a cast delivering all your favorite moments from the film.

Later in the month, come down to the Cohan and heat up your chilly winter evening with one of the hottest alt-rock bands around. Los Lonely Boys, come to Cal Poly on Feb. 26 to help you shake you loose from the seasonal doldrums.

Aside from this smattering of entertaining tidbits, there are many other choices for those cultural connoisseurs amongst us. From Verdi to Wagner to Irish folk music, the lineup this month is a veritable social smorgasbord for those who may be seeking escape from their custom-made, sensory depravation chambers—aka Facebook, smartphones, etc.

On the Cuesta side of things, get free money.

Cuesta will hold a “Cash for College” workshop from 5 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 7 at its SLO campus in the upstairs open lab of the High Tech Center. The session is open to high school seniors, who could be considered for a $1,000 bonus scholarship. Other scholarships and their application deadlines will be discussed, including PG&E’s Bright Minds Program that will give out 10 $30,000 checks and Cuesta Foundation, which hands out more than 100 scholarships each August that total nearly $150,000.

Students will need to bring several documents to complete their FAFSA. Find a list at academic.cuesta.edu/finaid, and click on Cash for College.

For more information, call 546-3143. ∆

Intern Jason Keedy compiled this week’s Cougars and Mustangs. Send your collegiate news to [email protected].