Eating on a budget is important to most college students, and Joyce’s Coffee Shop makes it easy. While the busy city bustles around CSUN, Joyce’s provides Northridge with a small neighborhood feel, so people of all ages can get away from the hectic city vibe and enjoy a quality cup of coffee served by a kind and friendly waitress. Walking into Joyce’s, patrons will notice its quaint, old school décor. With wood paneling, calming yellow walls, and floral wallpaper; it… Read more

“The Beaver,” director and co-star Jodie Foster’s latest film, is a mental rollercoaster. The movie, which is only playing at a handful of theaters, stars Academy Award winner Mel Gibson as Walter Black, a husband who has sunk so low in his depression that his wife (Foster) kicks him out. Walter unsuccessfully attempts suicide, but the unexpected turn comes when he spots a beaver hand puppet in the dumpster outside a liquor store. The beaver ends up being his salvation… Read more

It’s the book that’s been adapted countless times: a mini-series, radio shows, plays, television shows and, of course, movies. Those born between 1915 and 2011 should have a rough idea what “Jane Eyre,” the 1847 gothic novel by Charlotte Bronte, is all about. The latest storytellers to have a go at the well-known story was director Cary Fukunaga and screenwriter Moira Buffini. In their adaptation, it’s clear they chose to delve into the darker side of the novel. Orphan Jane… Read more

The first visual customers will notice when walking into the casual mustard-yellow and ketchup-red themed hot dog stand is its enticing house specialty dogs menu. Fab Hot Dogs offers 23 house specials, many of which are inspired by regional versions of gourmet meaty wieners in a bun. The restaurant’s original concept was to have hot dogs from all around the country, such as the Carolina Slaw Dog, which is a steamed all-beef dog topped with chili southern coleslaw and mustard… Read more

Finally comedy fans are able to spend a little more time with Bill Hicks. Hicks has been described as the greatest comedian you’ve never heard of, and one of the most prolific comedians the United States has ever produced. A rather lofty title earned by a man who died at 32 years old of pancreatic cancer in 1994. In his last letter dated Feb. 17, 1994, Hicks wrote he was always “awake, I guess you’d say.” This state of being… Read more

The concoction of toasted or grilled buns, juicy red tomatoes, freshly cut lettuce, onions, ketchup, mustard and, most importantly, a beef patty, is recognized as the all-American food staple. O!burger accomplishes the savory task in a fresh way: everything they serve is strictly organic and all-natural. O!burger, a fast food joint in West Hollywood specializes in burgers and American food alike and is one of the few establishments that is part of the green movement, from the dining room to the… Read more

By Andrew Lopez Lykke Li is a young woman in an old soul’s body. While she is most well-known for her contribution to “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” soundtrack, it’s interesting to note that she hadn’t ever heard of the ‘tween phenomenon before the offer. According to an interview with NPR, she accepted because she identified with the film’s themes of love and romance. On her second full-length release, “Wounded Rhymes,” Li battles with her physical age and the age… Read more

With a wide assortment of stores and restaurants, Ventura Boulevard is one of San Fernando Valley’s primary thoroughfares. While driving down this busy boulevard, you might miss the opportunity to enjoy hearty, homemade Italian food, if you don’t know where to look. Concealed among storefronts and neon signs on Ventura Boulevard, Adagio Ristorante, with its unassuming entrance, is a real hidden treasure of the Valley. Stepping into this small, single-room restaurant you instantly feel welcome, as if you just walked… Read more

By Andrew Lopez Dan Bejar, who has released nine albums under the “Destroyer” name for over 10 years, has always been distinct in sound and style. From the often-indecipherable poetry that are his lyrics, to complex song structures that challenge most first-time listeners, Bejar has found permanency in the eclectic. On his latest effort, “Kaputt,” released on Merge Records, Bejar transforms himself again, lulling casual listeners into believing he’s made a simple album. The truth is “Kaputt” is one of… Read more