Chicana/o studies professor Diana Contreras is teaching college women a lesson in identity in her book titled “Meditations of a Warrior Goddess Diva.” Contreras writes that all women possess within themselves the three traits mentioned in the title, yet they remain dormant. She elaborates on the roles that all three concepts play in the female experience once they are realized and unleashed, using some of her own experiences as a reference. The result is a brave manuscript that takes readers… Read more

Ben Affleck again authenticates his appeal to filmgoers with “The Town,” his directorial follow up to his debut film “Gone Baby Gone.” Redefining his movie career has progressed him from a washed-up, has-been actor to an award-worthy director. For most of the millennium, Affleck has been the butt of countless jokes. From SNL and South Park to umpteen blogs, Affleck has been mocked, mimicked and ridiculed endlessly. He  has even lampooned his career by appearing as “himself” in close friend… Read more

Following Los Angeles’ general laidback tradition, people trickled in slowly to the Greek Theater on Friday, Oct. 8. Ry Cuming, the opening act for the night, was on stage long before the audience filled even half the amphitheater, providing a soundtrack for several tailgaters in the parking lots. OneRepublic took the stage precisely at the scheduled 7:50 p.m. with “Everybody Loves Me.” The crowd was a little slow to pick up the energy and a mash-up of “Stand by Me,”… Read more

2 stars out of 5 Previous political commentary films and/or documentaries have endeavored to capture the entertainment market. The essence and excellence of these films have been inconsistent and more importantly, not entertaining. “Gerrymandering” is no exception. “Gerrymandering” was, in essence, a depressing, dismal and dull documentary about political mumbo jumbo. The questions becomes why make these films at all. Concerns and controversy need to be substantiated and supported, otherwise why produce a documentary? Unless, of course, they compose a consistent,… Read more

4 stars out of 5 “Being Terry Kennedy” is the latest in a string of reality television shows. Like “Life of Ryan,” MTV’s reality show about professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, this one follows skateboarder Terry Kennedy. While Sheckler earned quite a bit of scorn from skateboarders and viewers for enforcing negative stereotypes of skateboarders and other “alternative” athletes, “Being Terry Kennedy” portrays Kennedy in a positive light that leaves viewers rooting for him, despite a lack of originality. Kennedy is… Read more

CSUN’s theatre department is engaging audiences in a little song and dance with their rendition of the rock musical “Little Shop of Horrors.”  The soulful musical, composed by Alan Menken and written by Howard Ashman, is based on the classic 1960s film originally directed by Roger Corman.  Musical theater lovers can expect an energetic show of slightly morbid yet lovable characters and rousing musical performances. Director Michael Reno described the plot as being a quirky combination of sadism and charm. … Read more

Eagerness and energy exploded as LMFAO electrified approximately 10,000 “party people” assembled at CSUN’s Big Show X Saturday night. Electro-pop/hip-hop group LMFAO bombarded spectators with infectious beats and catchy lyrics that even stirred the casual fan to sing along. Comprised of Redfoo and Sky Blu, the respective son and grandson of legendary Motown record producer Berry Gordy, LMFAO effectively entertained with a spectacular show. Unfortunately, the opening acts proved dull and uninspiring. Fans arrived before 2:30 p.m. and the major… Read more

Ongoing What: Manly Pursuits – The Sporting Images of Thomas Eakins When: Through Sunday, Oct. 17; Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Where: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036 Price: $10 students and seniors, $15 adults, children free For more info: Call (323) 857-6000 Description: The exhibition celebrates LACMA’s acquisition of Eakins’ Wrestlers, 1899, and will display… Read more

CSUN continued to break records and bring change by having the first band with all undergraduate members to play at the Monterey Jazz Festival, that took place Sept. 17 to 19. Matt Harris, co-director of jazz studies and director of the Jazz “A” Band, helped lead the band to this prestigious event. The chance to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival spawned from winning a competition at Monterey’s Next Generation Jazz Festival in April. “It was an honor to be… Read more