Sam Franzini

June 25, 2022

Literature in Review: Summertime Reads

By Sam Franzini

In these wildly different books — a modern-day examination of a doomed relationship, a murder mystery told from three viewpoints and a motherhood cult — there’ll be something for everyone.

June 17, 2022

A Look Into Bugeater1101’s Cozy World of Philosophical Thoughts

By Sam Franzini

On a nicer, less stressful corner of the internet, lies Alisha, who on TikTok is known as @bugeater1101

May 24, 2022

In Review: Rina Sawayama Goes to Hell With Signature Style

By Sam Franzini

The multitalented musician released “This Hell,” the lead single to her album releasing this fall, “Hold The Girl.”

May 16, 2022

David Sedaris Brings Trademark Wit to Santa Barbara’s Granada Theatre

By Sam Franzini

As a champion of dry humor and satirical writing, Sedaris showed that he holds up and can pen a laugh-out-of-your-chair story even 30 years into his career.

May 14, 2022

In Review: The Welcome Solar Powerification of Carly Rae Jepsen

By Sam Franzini

"Western Wind" shows a more vulnerable, freer side to Jepsen, and her allusions to love as a natural process are refreshing and peaceful.

May 12, 2022

Lorde’s Solar Power Tour Felt Right at Home at the Santa Barbara Bowl

By Sam Franzini

The “Solar Power” album, a testament to living in the moment and appreciating the nature that surrounds us, was perfect for the venue.

May 12, 2022

Op-Ed: I Am a Loyal Patron of the Isla Vista Co-op And I’ll I’m Asking For Is Regular Toothpaste

By Sam Franzini

Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne —  I’ll take anything, even if only 8/10 doctors recommend it!

May 10, 2022

In Review: Tove Lo Continues Her Winning Streak With “No One Dies From Love”

By Sam Franzini

Based on “No One Dies From Love,” her upcoming record is likely to fit perfectly into her already solid discography.

May 8, 2022

Literature in Review: The Future

By Sam Franzini

With a malfunctioning robot, a memory innovation and a happiness index, three writers attempt to peek into our future.

April 14, 2022

In Review: Banks Slithers Her Way Toward Independence on “Serpentina”

By Sam Franzini

With Banks’ era of immense change and suffering behind her, the growing pains of “Serpentina” — er, shedding pains? — are mostly understandable.

April 1, 2022

Publishing in a Pandemic: How Authors Virtually Write, Publish and Promote

By Sam Franzini

Though the pandemic may have helped writers increase their productivity, everything that comes after completing the first draft of a manuscript has taken a hit.

April 1, 2022

Literature in Review: Hot Off the Presses

By Sam Franzini

Thanks to Dutton Books and Soft Skull Press, here are some previews of books that are bound to make a mark when they hit the shelves (or are about to!).

April 1, 2022

Rejoice! UCSB To Lower Tuition

By Sam Franzini

“I felt it was necessary, desired and the downright moral thing to do,” he said while clutching his chest. “These kids have worked so hard over the pandemic, completing their studies online with absolutely no cheat...

March 31, 2022

POV: Your Insufferable Roommate Went on a Spring Break Trip

By Sam Franzini

My mom booked a cruise around the South Pacific (which, I mean, tacky, right?) and on the website it said they don’t have the best Wi-Fi (Of course! If you have a chocolate fountain that runs 24/7, I guess SOME sacrifi...

March 22, 2022

In Review: Charli XCX Tries to Crash Into the Mainstream

By Sam Franzini

“CRASH” is an album swerving in the direction of current pop sounds. The result is an album that veers off-course sometimes but ultimately has Charli in the driver’s seat, pedal to the metal.

March 16, 2022

SBIFF 2022: Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem Receive Maltin Modern Master Award

By Sam Franzini

On Thursday, March 10, a crowd gathered in Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre to see Javier Bardem in person and Nicole Kidman via Zoom honored with the Maltin Modern Master Award.