Fiscal Woes Jeopardize Downtown Businesses
Fluctuating rent prices and a hostile economy are threatening to take the local flair out of State Street.
Weekend Delights Again ****
Despite the backlash from its much-hyped debut album, the NY-based Vampire Weekend avoids showing any signs of a sophomore slump with its latest album, Contra. The foursome of Ivy-Leaguers preserves the same elements that made its self-titled debut one of the most well received releases of 2008. It makes an eclectic but predictably accessible album that will undoubtedly score the band a spot on many a film soundtrack to come in 2010.
Armchair QB
Who cares about Lane Kiffin pissing off a bunch of Tennessean hicks? Fact is, that douchebag’s smoking hot wife is now only two hours out of I.V. MILF stalking? Oh yeah.
UCSB Hands Out Immigration Novel
Adding Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario to its repertoire, the fourth annual UCSB Reads program kicks off today with a 2,500 book giveaway.
Another Michael Cera-nade ***
Twenty-five years ago, Michael Cera wouldn’t even have been cast as the goofy sidekick in a John Hughes film. Today, he’s shaping up to be an honest-to-god movie star.
Council Donates to Quake Victims
The Associated Students Legislative Council discussed ways to aid the relief effort in Haiti at last night’s meeting.
Terry Gilliam’s “Parnassus” Is Quite a Trip ***
Visionary director Terry Gilliam (“Brazil,” “Time Bandits”) swings for the fences in “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus,” a mostly successful but uneven film about an ancient storyteller struggling to gain immortality through his wild narratives. Featuring the final performance by Heath Ledger, “Parnassus” is immense in visual scope and constitutes a return to form for Gilliam.
Pillow Talk
You know those second week of school days?
Come On, Get Healthy!
It’s a new year, and that means you’ve probably made a lot of resolutions you won’t keep. On the Menu is here to help you stick to one of them with a selection of the most ecclectic and health-conscious eateries around. These places serve dishes with all the flavor of a decadent meal and none of the guilt, making your resolution to stay healthy one you’ll definitely want to keep.
United Way Campaign Raises Funds for Locals
UCSB’s United Way campaign kicks off today with organizers seeking to raise thousands of dollars for local children, families and seniors.