Lana Del Rey’s Born To Die Keeps Her Fame Alive
Six months ago, nobody knew who Lana Del Rey was. Last October she released a grainy self-made music video for her single, “Video Games,” and the Internet exploded into a Lana Del Rey shrine. But, like a dysfunctional relationship, the adulation rapidly descended into suspicion, and Del Rey’s shrine crumbled into a mean heap of […]
Oscar-Nominated Foreign Language Films to Screen at UCSB’s Pollock Theater Next Week
As the 84th Annual Academy Awards draw nearer (airing Sunday, Feb. 26 on ABC), more and more people are rushing to theaters to see the nominated films. However, the films of one category in particular are rarely shown at local cinemas. Foreign-Language films are an important part of the Oscar ceremony, and each year many […]
‘Smash’ Gives Theater Geeks Something to Love
On Monday, NBC premiered its much-anticipated musical television show, “Smash.” As both a television and theater fanatic, I had high expectations for the show — which were unquestioningly fulfilled by the new musical dramedy. “Smash” is set in the cutthroat world of New York City Broadway Theater — acting as a love letter of sorts […]
Kickstarter Helps the Starving Artist Creatively Succeed
One could argue that artistic integrity no longer exists once you sell out. Those who agree could say mainstream is the antithesis to true art and creative expression. However, the opposition could argue that the creative process has a financial component that cannot be resolved through talent and ideas alone. Fortunately, social media has enabled […]
Santa Barbara International Film Festival Puts the Spotlight Back on Exceptional Short Films
Short films have been marginalized for many years, considered easy to make and ‘‘primitive.’’ However, short films were the start of cinema and were respected during the early 20th century when visionaries such as Méliès were making short masterpieces. Over time, films have grown in length (but not always in quality), and these short forms […]
Gauchos Welcome Matadors to Thunderdome
UCSB women’s basketball will attempt to start a winning streak tonight against Cal State Fullerton, the team in the basement of the Big West standings. The Gauchos have lost four consecutive games (3-6 Big West, 8-13 overall) and rank seventh in the Big West, but have a 38 game win streak against the Titans (2-8, […]
UCSB Opens 2012 Season With Road Tournament
The UCSB softball team will take a trip down to Tempe, Arizona this week to begin the 2012 season at the Kajikawa Classic hosted by Arizona State. The Gauchos will be tested starting Thursday, playing six teams in four days, including three teams ranked in the top 25 of the nation. “We’ll get to test […]
Don’t Be Afraid to Take the Long Way Home from Knapp’s Castle
There is a point in some hikes when doubt creeps in and you question whether you are on the right trail or not. When you choose a path at a fork in the road, sometimes a premonition will creep in and, if it is strong enough, convince you to take the other route. It’s a […]
How Do I Talk My Friends Out of Their Religious Beliefs?
In the vast majority of cases, if you talk religion with friends or family, all you will likely accomplish is hurt feelings. Most people don’t want their beliefs challenged on any topic that matters to them. However, every friendship and every set of circumstances is different, so we will assume some set of unusual circumstances. […]
Appeals Court Opposes Prop 8
Yesterday morning, California opponents of Proposition 8 celebrated a landmark decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled the 2008 ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. Several members of the community, including a representative from Congresswoman Lois Capps’ office, spoke during an open forum and celebration yesterday afternoon at […]