‘Coming out’ at ’SC often a difficult task


I hated middle school. I hated high school. Many days I thought, “There has to be more to life than this.” I know I’m not alone when I say that those years could best be described as Hell on earth. But even the chubbiest, most awkward-looking black girl with blue braces probably doesn’t go through the […]

Films fail to make significant political impact


Hot off of last week’s presidential debate, everyone has the November election on their minds. The Huffington Post cited the debate as the most tweeted event in U.S. political history, clearly showing that it’s easy to get a message — even one about Big Bird — across to viewers. Unfortunately, recent political films haven’t quite […]

Outdoor structure brings art to public


It’s not every day that a 35-foot-tall structure goes up in the middle of an outdoor public space. But until next month, Pasadena residents strolling through One Colorado Courtyard will encounter just that. The aluminum skeleton of a building on display looks as if construction workers left a project abandoned and incomplete, but the structure […]

Friendships must end with maturity, honesty


Breaking up is hard to do, even when romance isn’t a factor. It’s difficult to know how to gently let go of a close friend without completely incinerating any bridges or making an enemy for life. Unfortunately, parting from a friend is sometimes inevitable, no matter how much it hurts. Not all relationships last forever. […]

Writers can lose old fans with new works


Much like the way a live performer might have to take the stage following a co-star’s brilliant performance, a successful writer might have to contend with following a tough act — with one difference. They have only themselves to blame. Though many aspiring creators imagine that achieving mainstream success will put an end to all […]

Romantic rejection leads to bright future


At this time of year, your summer glows are fading, the world is getting colder — like to 75 degrees — and the trees are letting go of their leaves and exposing their bare souls. It’s October, and change is certainly in the air. It’s OK to be afraid of this change. You’re at the […]

Action films should be judged by genre norms


More often than not, filmgoers think of action films as popcorn flicks: mindless entertainment. And there’s good reason for that: Consider The Fast and the Furious franchise, the Transformers trilogy and a handful of comic-book movies in between. Action films in general clearly entertain and tend to perform well at the box office, but often […]

LACMA collaboration merges art and fashion


In the quiet of an art museum, a single onlooker stops in front of a painting and stares. What does he or she look at: The way the colors appear as the light hits the canvas? The complex elegance of the giant frame around the work? Well, thanks to the Los Angeles County Museum of […]

Interns must properly navigate career world


Being an office lackey isn’t as glamorous as movies would lead audiences to believe. In reality, you won’t be fetching coffee while juggling mail and miscellaneous files. You will, however, be subjected to harsh criticism of your proud work. You will have to do tasks with minimal instruction and cooperate with petty coworkers. As USC […]

Whedon achieves cultural icon status


If there were a crown for the godfather of modern geekdom, Joss Whedon would take the throne. Considering Whedon’s a third-generation television writer, it’s fair to say the native New Yorker has storytelling in his blood. But after moving to Los Angeles and spending a few years working for the show Roseanne, Whedon really got […]