The difference between dream and reality can be a difficult line to distinguish. In “Life is a Dream,” the newest production by the theater department, the intricacies of this issue is brought to life by a well-rounded cast and incredible staging. Set on a round stage, with the audience on all sides, the actors are able to ensure that not one section of the audience is staring at their backs for very long. Coupled with creative lighting, including scenes with… Read more

Laissez les bons temps rouler – let the good times roll. Or so say the staff at Five 0 Four, a Cajun/Creole restaurant and bar located in the heart of Hollywood. Named for the New Orleans area code, Five 0 Four shut down for a few weeks in January and recently reopened with a more upscale decor and revamped menu. The restaurant now offers an array of authentic cuisine from the bayou sure to please even the most discerning southern… Read more

With the recent repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and a U.S. Circuit Court ruling that California’s Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, CSUN’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Alliance is calling 2012 “the year of the queer.” On Feb. 22, LGBTA will host its fourth annual LGBTA showcase to celebrate and educate the public of queer milestones.  The showcase will be held in the USU Grand Salon from 7-9 p.m. The event is free and open to the… Read more

Vegan Jambalaya Mardi Gras! Beads, public nudity, debauchery and rich, rich foods, right? This is a hit anytime it’s made at my place. The turmeric powder in this recipe is an antioxidant. It’s an anti-inflammatory and has been used in India for thousands of years. Healing daily says that the active ingredient in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, is good for improving circulation, chronic pain and digestion. Who knew health tasted this good? Ingredients: 4 T olive oil 2 links Tofurky Italian… Read more

CSUN’s theater department is resurrecting a centuries-old classic, “Life is a Dream,” the thought-provoking Spanish language play written by Pedro Calderón de la Barca in the mid-1600’s. “The play is philosophical, contemplating both reality and morality,” said Larry Biederman, the play’s director. Though originally published in the 17th century, Biederman has modernized and simplified the play’s setting. “We’ve created something of a dreamscape, with contemporary lights, scenery, and sound and aggressive rhythms,” Biederman said. Biederman believes the play is culturally… Read more

Mardi Gras is coming up, and L.A. has a few places where CSUN students can kick back and have a good time celebrating, New Orleans style. Let’s start with The Original Farmers Market, which has celebrated Mardi Gras for 23 years.  They start the party off a little early this weekend, (Fat Tuesday isn’t until Feb. 21), with EB’s Rajun Cajun Dance Party on Friday. People who love dogs can have a great time by dressing up their pet and… Read more

In “The Vow“, Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum play a young married couple in love that lose it all after deciding to have sex while driving. Thus begins this years Valentine’s Day drama, narrated by an emotionally vacant Tatum. While Tatum’s character, Leo, survives the accident unscathed, Paige, played by McAdams, sustains a brain injury that leaves her with amnesia. Through out the course of the film we see Leo’s attempts to guide Paige through the life she led with… Read more

The Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) will be giving out a number of discounted tickets to CSUN students for as low as $10 to support their student rush program, “Make Tracks to the VPAC.” “Make Tracks to the VPAC is about encouraging the CSUN students, faculty and staff to regularly visit the VPAC ticket office to see world-class performances at the Valley Performing Arts Center. This ticket-pricing program is special because it prioritizes the CSUN community,” said David Mascarina, VPAC… Read more

Valentine’s Day is a day for loved ones and couples of all ages to celebrate the love they have for each other. When you think of Valentine’s Day, you may instantly think about flowers, candy and, of course, the card. But there are other, more creative dates you can take your significant other on. This year, Valentine’s Day happens to fall on a Tuesday, but you can still celebrate on either the weekend before or after if this better suites… Read more