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The 12 Most Influential UCLA Athletes of the Last Decade

by Sam Glick December 30, 2020

Over the years, Westwood has been home to some of the world’s most talented and popular athletes. Whether it includes winning NCAA Championships, competing in professional sports, or participating in the olympics, UCLA athletes have been able to make a name for themselves all over the world. Individuals on this list not only excelled in their respective sports, but also maintained a strong presence and high level of notoriety outside of competition. This list is not only based on popularity and social media following, but each individual’s impact on their respective sport as well. Here are the 12 most influential UCLA athletes from 2010-2019.

12. Jordin Canada – W. Basketball

Photo by Kristie Valerie-Hoang, Daily Bruin

Jordin Canada’s impact on UCLA Women’s Basketball started from the minute she got from campus. A four year starter, Canada was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2014. She is UCLA’s all time assists leader, 2nd in points, and 3rd in steals. Canada was drafted 5th overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft and is a 2x WNBA Champion.

11. Rachel Garcia – Softball

The only current UCLA athlete on this list, Rachel Garcia will have the opportunity to build upon her impressive resume in the spring of 2021. She was selected as the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019, and was set to participate in the 2020 olympics for Team USA. After winning the NCAA National Championship in 2019, Garcia was nominated alongside Zion Williamson, Kyler Murray and Sabrina Ionescu for Best Collegiate Athlete at the ESPY Awards.

10. Josh Rosen – Football

Nicknamed the “Chosen One”, Josh Rosen was recognized by many as the #1 ranked recruit in the country when he showed up to UCLA in the winter of 2015. Rosen set multiple UCLA passing records on his way to being drafted 10th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The outspoken quarterback found himself making national headlines for his comments on politics, student-athlete compensation, and the academic discrepancy between UCLA and more successful college football programs.

9. Brett Hundley Jr. – Football

Brett Hundley is UCLA’s most important college football player of the last decade. Hundley put UCLA Football back on the map, leading the Bruins to a #7 national ranking prior to the 2014 season. Hundley beat USC in each of his three years as the UCLA quarterback, and became UCLA’s all-time offensive yards leader.

8. Madison Kocian – Gymnastics

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Kocian won a silver-medal on the uneven bars and helped Team USA win its second consecutive gold-medal. In 2017, Kocian teamed up with former Olympian Kyla Ross and the two became the first Olympic gold medalists to compete as NCAA gymnasts, winning a national championship together in 2018.

7. Zach LaVine – Basketball

Currently the best player on the Chicago Bulls, Zach LaVine continues to grow as an NBA star. After one year at UCLA, LaVine was selected 13th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. He is a 2x NBA Dunk Contest champion, and is known for beating out Aaron Gordon in one of the best dunk contests in NBA history.

6. Kyla Ross – Gymnastics

At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Kyla Ross helped Team USA win a gold-medal with her exceptional performances on the uneven bars and balance beam. Ross won a national championship during the 2017-2018 season, and later became the 2nd NCAA gymnast ever to record a perfect 10 score on all four apparatuses twice in their career.

5. Gerrit Cole – Baseball

After graduating high school in 2008, Gerrit Cole turned down a multi-million dollar offer from the New York Yankees and honored his commitment to play baseball at UCLA. After three years pitching for the Bruins, Gerrit was drafted #1 overall in the 2011 MLB Draft. Eight years later, Cole is a 3x All-Star and the highest paid pitcher in MLB history.

4. Trevor Bauer – Baseball

Trevor Bauer won the 2011 Golden Spikes Award, given to the best player in college baseball. He was drafted 3rd overall in the 2011 MLB Draft, selected as an All-Star in 2018, and won the NL CY Young Award in 2020. Another outspoken athlete, Bauer has made it his goal to make the game of baseball fun again. He has criticized MLB for its inability to market their athletes and has started his own media company around life in professional baseball.

3. Sydney Leroux – W. Soccer

Sydney Leroux competed for the UCLA Women’s Soccer Team from 2008-2011, ranking 4th all-time in points, goals and game winning goals for the Bruins. She won a gold-medal for Team USA in the 2012 Olympics and helped the USWNT win the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Leroux’s athletic achievements, outgoing personality, and beautiful family has helped her amass one million followers on Instagram.

2. Katelyn Ohashi – Gymnastics

Katelyn Ohashi’s journey to viral sensation did not come easy. As a junior competitor, Ohashi was one of the best in the world, beating out Simone Biles for a gold-medal in the 2013 American Cup. Due to injuries, she was unsure of whether she could compete internationally and decided to enroll at UCLA. On January 12th 2019, Ohashi completed a floor routine that broke the internet and now has over 133 million views. She has used this fame to spread positivity for other gymnasts and female athletes. She mad an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, LeBron James’ “The Shop” and even participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game.

1. Lonzo Ball – Basketball

Lonzo Ball earned every accolade possible for a high school athlete, including being named Mr. Basketball USA and the #1 point guard recruit in the country. During his one and only season at UCLA, Ball led the nation in assists and was a unanimous First Team All-American. Lonzo brought UCLA Basketball back into national title contention for the first time all decade and went on to be selected #2 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft. Despite his up and down NBA career thus far, Lonzo and his family have remained in the spotlight thanks to his talented brothers, the Big Baller Brand, and reality TV show. Lonzo has separated himself from BBB, but his basketball talent, budding rap career, and 8.9 million Instagram followers makes him the most polarizing and influential UCLA athlete of the last decade.

December 30, 2020 0 comment

Sports Uncategorized

Welcoming Nike and Jordan Brand to Westwood

by Sam Glick December 14, 2020

written by Sam Glick

How UCLA’s new partnership with Nike and Jordan Brand improves the outlook of UCLA Athletics

On December 8th, 2020 UCLA announced a six-year partnership with Nike and Jordan Brand, making them the new footwear, apparel, and equipment provider effective July of 2021. Announced via UCLA Athletics’ social media accounts, the partnership signifies a dramatic change for UCLA’s twenty-five sports programs.

This is the first major move made by newly appointed UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond, and a great response to the recent fallout with former apparel provider, Under Armour. Jordan Brand will outfit UCLA’s men’s and women’s basketball programs and the football program, while Nike will supply the other twenty-two programs. UCLA will become the only PAC-12 school to be sponsored by Jordan, and just the fifth in the country to have football and both basketball teams.

A video released by UCLA Athletics featuring the narration of bruin legends and Jordan Brand athletes, Russell Westbrook and Jordin Canada, added to the hyped reveal. Jarmond made it clear that the influence of prominent UCLA alumni and Jordan athletes Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love helped him better understand the magnitude of a partnership deal with Nike and Jordan Brand.

“They helped me understand in ways that I wasn’t fully aware… how young people feel about Nike and Jordan Brand as opposed to other companies”
Athletic Director, Martin Jarmond

Jarmond spent the day attending the practices of UCLA’s men’s and women’s basketball and football programs receiving praise and applause from athletes and coaches. It is very clear that the change from Under Armour to Nike and Jordan will be a significant upgrade in the eyes of coaches and athletes.

🗣If you didn't know, now you know!#JUMPMAN | @MartinJarmond pic.twitter.com/ieSJyBiYlZ
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) December 9, 2020

Joining Jordan Brand changes the outlook for UCLA’s basketball and football programs, and should provide a significant advantage in recruiting high school athletes.

December 14, 2020 0 comment

Uncategorized

5 Brunch Places to Check Out Around LA

by Kezia Putrali February 28, 2020

written by Kezia Putrali

Have you ever been in a dilemma on the weekend when you wake up too late for breakfast but too early for lunch? Without a question, brunch would definitely be your answer! This becomes a perfect match as you are living in LA, home to the prettiest, most Instagram-worthy, delicious brunch places. While studying at UCLA, exploring off-campus brunch places with your friends can certainly refresh yourself from dining-hall food or your own meal preparations! Whether you are clueless about brunch places, have some sort of idea or are currently looking for more brunch places to try, here are 5 options that are worth checking out!

Bondi Harvest Santa Monica Cafe

This Aussie-inspired Café is a hidden gem located in Santa Monica. As you walk in to make your order, you are greeted with beach vibes seen through the furniture and decorations. Their classic brunch menus range from acai bowls, avocado toasts, burgers, sandwiches and pancakes which aim to inspire and develop healthier lifestyles.

The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (BBCM)

Have you been saving up and collecting some money to spare on the weekends? BBCM is a perfect brunch investment to make as it lies on the pricier range of brunch places with ‘$$’ on Yelp. As you drive by West Hollywood, don’t be surprised when you see a packed café especially on the weekends.

Mama Shelter Los Angeles

Located on the roof top of a hotel, Mama Shelter Los Angeles presents you a breathtaking 360 degrees view of Los Angeles, making it a picture-perfect place. Yes, if you look closely, you get to get brunch with a view of the Hollywood sign! Who can resist a perfect combination of good food, good views and a good time?

Blu Jam Cafe

Don’t be surprised if you are 22^nd on their Yelp wait-list early in the morning. Blu Jam Cafe is continuously packed with people. However, don’t work because it is balanced with their fast service. Their classic Blu Jam Benedict, Rancheros, French Toast or other menu items would definitely be the highlight of your weekend!

Northern Cafe

Lastly, Northern Café offers a twist to the list. Although the classic light brunch menus may be typical in LA, there may be times when you are looking for a more filling option and a taste of Asian cuisine. If you choose to go with a group of friends, you can have a ‘family-style meal’ allowing you to get a taste of different dishes while paying less!

February 28, 2020 0 comment

Uncategorized

Coachella or NoChella?

by Kezia Putrali May 5, 2019

written by Kezia Putrali

Palm Springs becomes one of the key destinations of teenagers and young adults within the two weeks of mid-April as it is home to the annual spring festival, Coachella. Music festivals become a part of many college students’ bucket list that they want to fulfill before graduating. During winter break, many people wait anxiously on the website to finally start buying tickets. For many college students living on a budget, it can take weeks or even months to save up their allowances and earnings from work for this festival. As if the expensive tickets weren’t enough, AirBnB’s and hotels near the area tend to hike up their prices leaving us young college kids even more strapped for cash. After this year’s experience, everyone is already wondering if they’ll go next year, so before you decide, here are 5 things to consider.

1.The Walk of Pain

As you buy your shuttle passes or drive your car and enter the venue from the “closest entrance” you may think that the iconic Ferris wheel would immediately greet you and your friends. Well, that’s not quite the situation. Even before getting your tickets scanned and bag checked you must walk a long distance from the drop off point or parking space to enter the festival. This may not sound like a big deal, but when it is 97 °F as you walk in and freezing cold when you walk out, you end up starting and ending your day with the longest walk of pain.

2. Ultimate Outfit Confusion

When you hear about “Coachella”, you would most likely imagine a hot and sunny festival with cute spring/summer inspired festival looks. Thus, it may be a hassle to bring jackets or other forms of outerwear to carry throughout the day. Although this is true, the weather completely changes at night due to very cold winds. This becomes one of the biggest dilemmas as the morning heat is extremely hot while the wind at night is extremely cold. People are then torn between the choice of looking cute and trendy while battling with the wind and cold at night.

3. Food and Drink Prices

As you might have expected, many of the food and drinks inside the Coachella grounds are crazily priced. After walking far distances, dancing to music, and jumping around with your friends you really do need to fuel up your body, but you may find yourself constrained by the prices. This becomes one of the key things you need to allocate your budget to as you don’t want to get sick during a 3-day festival. Other festival goers will often eat a lot before coming to the venue, or will pack lots of snacks to eat throughout the day.

4. Reality is Not Always as Good as Pictures

When you scroll through the Instagram pages of your favorite bloggers or friends who went without you, you may be jealous of all the fun they are having, how happy they look, and their beautiful outfits. Although people love to dress up, look good, and enjoy the festival, this is beyond the reality of the festival to a certain extent. Consider your expectations versus the reality of thousands of people in the desert.

5.Company Over Everything

Photo by: Kezia Maria Putrali

The key thing to consider when deciding whether or not to buy a ticket for Coachella is the people you go with because they will make or break your experience. Ultimately, you will be spending 3 days with them. You wouldn’t want to awkwardly sing and dance with random people you barely know. Thus, it would be a big bonus if you could jam along to songs and sing your heart out with people you love. In the end, this will be the highlight of your festival experience!

May 5, 2019 0 comment

Food Lifestyle Los Angeles Travel Uncategorized

Dates in Downtown LA

by Sarah Seran Bae April 8, 2019

written by Sarah Seran Bae

Over the past few years I’ve lived in Los Angeles, I realized that there are so many things to do in Downtown LA other than barhopping. I started to make a list of places to go with my family and friends who would visit from overseas or out of state and now that list is three pages long!

Here are a few ideas for the next time you want to be a tourist in your own city.

Walk from Grand Central to The Broad

Grab a quick bite at the historical Grand Central Market. There are so many food vendors that you could choose from, including diverse options reflecting Los Angeles’ rich cultural variety like German, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, and so much more. I recommend DTLA Cheese or Eggslut. When you’re done eating, you can take the famous Angel’s Flight trolley on South Hill Street to start heading towards The Broad Museum.

Angel Flight is a railway that is 117 years old and costs $1.00 to get to the top in less than a minute. In the past, it connected the tenement communities of the city, and after being closed for awhile, it’s a can’t miss spot! Alternatively, you could take the never-ending stairs if you’re feeling like doing a mini workout.

When you get to the top, it will be a short walk to get to The Broad museum.

Make sure to reserve tickets online (it’s free) ahead of time to avoid a line! The Broad has some of the most influential modern art from artists like Ragnar Kjartansson (beautiful music installation), Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, Roy Lichtenstein, and of course the instagram-worthy Robert Therrien & Yayoi Kusama.

Insider tip: If you take the glass elevator down to leave, go back up the stairs to get a sneak peek of where the museum stores their art! This place is called “the vault” and it’s pretty cool to look at.

Arts District and Little Tokyo

On the eastern edge of Downtown LA is the Arts District and Little Tokyo. These two locations are for those who truly love galleries and boutique stores. I love visiting this part of the city because there’s always something inspirational that you wouldn’t expect to find. The last time I visited, I went to Hauser & Wirth and was deeply moved by the works of Alexander Calder.

Nearby, there is also a cute store owned by a married couple called Poketo. This place is one of my favorite stores near Little Tokyo. They have cute stationery, accessories, and home items that are sensible and aesthetically pleasing.

If you’re feeling hungry, I recommend Wurstküche for German sausages and dessert at The Pie Hole in the Arts District. If you’re willing to wait in line, the ramen at Daikokuya is phenomenal and so is the matcha ice cream at Tea Master in Little Tokyo.

And for those of you over 21 and do want to go barhopping…

Here’s a list of a few favorites:

EightyTwo (drink and play classic retro games)
Perch (french restaurant & rooftop bar)
Birds & Bees (romantic speakeasy)
Prank (walk-up cocktail bar)
Breweries: Angel City Brewery, Arts District Brewing Company, and Mikkeller DTLA

April 8, 2019 0 comment

Lifestyle Uncategorized

UCLA From a First Year Out-of-State Perspective

by Victoria Delamora March 10, 2019

written by Victoria Delamora

Seeing as UCLA is the most applied to university in the United States, it is expected that it is full of students from all around the country. Although, even with its high application rate from students from all over the nation, UCLA is made up of a predominantly California residents, with the out-of-state undergraduate population making up around 20% of the student body. Out-of-state students are met with a great change from their hometowns. They are thrust into a new city, new surroundings, and new experiences, all while not having the comfort of being close to home and their families, which is something that many California students do not have to deal with. All of these things may seem difficult, but when UCLA is the school you attend, it’s not as hard as it may seem. Here is what some First Year Students have to say about the issue:

Chloe Wyn Evans-Svarre (Home State: New York)

I’m originally from Manhattan, New York, born and raised. Moving to a city as spread out as Los Angeles has been quite a transition, as I am not used to things being so far from each other, and so quiet. However, instead of looking at this as a negative, I like to think that I can adventure around Los Angels bit by bit throughout by four years here. Moving from coast to coast has been a pretty smooth transition for me personally, but the support system I have around me has definitely made it easier! I don’t feel very homesick, or feel like I am struggling to find my place at UCLA. I speak to my friends and family back home everyday, and being independent has really helped me enjoy this next chapter in my life.

UCLA has become a second home for Chloe and she feels very comfortable being away from school. UCLA has allowed her to feel independent and really start her journey to finding herself and figuring out what she wants to do when she graduates. Although far from home, attending UCLA has been a great transition for Chloe.

Julianna Laurentano (Home State: Massachusetts)

Coming from boarding school in Massachusetts, going to school in California has definitely been a change. However, I love adventuring and exploring new places, so living in LA has been an awesome experience. Although I miss my family and friends back home, I am lucky to be surrounded by amazing students and faculty here, making this campus truly feel like a home.

Being an East Coast native, the physical difference between Julianna’s hometown and California is evident, but this physical change is not hard to adapt to when you are in a place as beautiful and full of opportunity as Los Angeles. There are so many different things to do to keep busy in Los Angeles, giving any person an opportunity to find something that entertains them and makes them more okay with being across the country. UCLA and Los Angeles as a whole have been very welcoming for Julianna, as she states that the people UCLA has given her have made her feel like she has a second home.

Kaitlin Kearns (Home State: North Carolina/ Connecticut)

I’m from Connecticut and now live in North Carolina, so coming all the way to the West Coast was definitely a daunting experience. However, as soon as I got here I felt comfortable and campus felt like home. I love being in Los Angeles and experiencing new things.

Kaitlin was afraid to make the big move to California, but once she made it here, she has had great experiences and feels like she has a second home. Across all three people interviewed, it is clear that UCLA is a place that feels like home. Each student has found a community that makes them feel welcome and it has made their experience as an out-of-state student worthwhile.

Being an out-of-state student comes with its difficulties and drawbacks, but UCLA makes students feel very comfortable and often provides students with a community which makes them feel at ease. There really is no place like UCLA, and that is evident in the student happiness here! (that is, when midterms aren’t going on!)

March 10, 2019 0 comment

Lifestyle Travel Uncategorized

Keeping it PG at Vegas

by Ally Chou March 9, 2019

written by Ally Chou

Still not 21 yet but you and your friends want to make plans to go to Las Vegas for spring break? Sounds like a pretty familiar scenario to all college students in the Southern California area. After all, Vegas is just a 4-5 hour drive, or a 50 minute plane ride! But what can you do when you are still underage in this City of Sins? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here are a list of some PG things that you could totally do that can still pack your schedule up for a few days.

1. The Neon Museum

This place is super worthy of going at night-time, because the outdoor museum showcases beautiful vintage neon signs that are from all over California. There is a tour, and the tour guide informs you of the stories behind all the special neon lights — some not working, but some still flashing in bright lights. Nevada was the state where neon lights became popular in the Google architectural movement, and this museum is a super enlightening way to learn about the state’s culture. The museum is located just 20 minutes or so from the Las Vegas Strip.

2. 7 Magic Mountains

This impressive landmark by land artist Udo Rondinone, is not technically in Las Vegas, but it is on the way back or to Los Angeles if you are taking a road trip. This is a must see because the “7 Magic Mountains” are so beautiful under the sunlight. An awesome place to make your Instagram feed more colorful.

3. The Venetian

Many of you may already know the wonderful Venetian that is like an indoors Venice with actual canals and gondolas you can ride on (though the rides are pretty pricey!!). There’s an abundance of shopping you can do there so you will never get bored!

4. Shopping at Aria and Caesar’s Palace

More shopping at other hotels! The shopping mall at Caesar’s Palace has very nice interior architecture that emulates the Ancient Romanesque culture. Aria is one of the newer hotels located in the Strip, and it comes with a newly renovated shopping center that contains many luxury brands, in case you are feeling like you need a lavish makeover.

5. Adventurous options like ziplining and the ferris wheel!

At the outdoors shopping area in the Strip, there is a ferris wheel ride (High Roller) which takes you above ground, giving you a view that overlooks the entire Strip (which is actually quite small) and beyond! Not for those who are scared of heights though. If you are feeling extra adventurous, there is also a zipline (FlyLinq) that takes you through the Strip. TIP: If you show your student ID, you get a big discount!

Whether you are at a legal age or not, Vegas can be a super enjoyable experience if you know how to make the trip worth it! Hope you have fun in the City of Sins!

March 9, 2019 0 comment

Lifestyle Uncategorized

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Class

by Victoria Delamora March 8, 2019

written by Victoria Delamora

Skipping class can be very intriguing: maybe your friend in the class is out sick and you don’t want to go a lecture without a lecture buddy, or perhaps it’s an 8am that you can’t bear the thought of getting out of bed. It’s even more enticing if the lecture is Bruincasted, although it’s something that you shouldn’t do. Of course, it seems obvious that you shouldn’t skip class, but what are the real reasons why?

Firstly, you’re paying for the class. When the cost of your tuition is divided, the amount you’re paying for each class is around thirty dollars. Thirty dollars going down the drain each time you don’t go to class just seems silly, yet people do it all the time. That seemingly minute amount of money adds up quickly, and with each skipped class you are only wasting more of your own or your parent’s hard-earned money. You are paying for an education, so why not go to the lectures and discussions that you are paying for to receive that education?

Secondly, there’s just something about being in a classroom that makes you more engaged. Say, even if you got notes from a fellow classmate, you will never be fully engaged in the material. You won’t be able to hear comments made by fellow students or important clarifications from the professor that your friend’s notes may fail to include. Even if the lecture agenda is just watching a documentary, it is very beneficial to watch it in a lecture hall. Being able to discuss what you have seen on the big screen with the entirely of your class is very enlightening. It’s interesting to see how people who have watched the same thing you have may have an entirely different takeaway from yours. Their different takeaways allow you to see different perspectives on a singular topic, which is critical for a developed knowledge on said topic.

Thirdly, skipping class can become a habit, and it is definitely a habit you do not want sticking with you. Going to class is not only about going to learn material, but in a broader sense it’s about having a schedule and sticking to it. Skipping class is failing to follow the schedule you have put into place for yourself, which is only a detriment to you both now and in the future. As a college student, you are able to make your own schedule, which is something that you may not be able to do when you become engrossed with a full-time job after college. Following the schedule you make for yourself in college is crucial if you want the transition to a post-graduation schedule to be smooth.

Skipping class may seem like a good idea when you want to take a nap or watch some extra Netflix, but it really just hurts you in the long run.

March 8, 2019 0 comment

Arts and Entertainment Uncategorized

Jigsaw: Comic vs. Netflix’s Marvel The Punisher

by Andrew Luo February 13, 2019

written by Andrew Luo

With Marvel’s The Punisher Season 2 hitting the 2 week old mark on Netflix, fans have been given time to process the show and the narratives that have wrapped up. If you haven’t finished the show, you might want to do so before you continue reading, as spoilers lie ahead. One signature character that met his end in the second season was Billy Russo, a.k.a Jigsaw, played fantastically by Ben Barnes. With his Netflix story arc coming to a swift and merciless end, I’d like to compare Billy’s Netflix adaptation to his comic book original, hopefully shedding light on his character and relationship with Frank, as well as including some notable differences.

In the show, Billy has a rough childhood, bouncing between foster homes and eventually ending up with an abusive foster father. In this aspect, Netflix Billy is almost identical to his comic version, in which he was orphaned by his abusive father at ten years old. However, while Netflix Billy went into the Marines, comic Billy went straight into a life of crime and became New York based hitman.

This decision, in my opinion, adds a layer of emotion in an otherwise violent and raw TV show and makes the narrative far more interesting. As seen with most comic-book villains, a rough childhood typically causes the character to gravitate towards a life of crime given his lack of good role models and naturally negative disposition towards the world. However, Billy’s decision to become a Marine in the show demonstrates respectable character and proves a healthy step forward from his rough circumstances. Importantly, this decision allows him to meet and befriend Frank, granting the relationship between Jigsaw and the Punisher an emotional aspect that differentiates it from the vanilla hero-villain dynamic.

In the comics, Billy first meets The Punisher on a mission, which results in Billy’s disfigurement and subsequent hatred of Frank. They have no prior association and only come into conflict due to Billy’s initial mission and the grudge he holds. Having that brotherly bond, therefore, dramatically affects character motivations in the show. To start, the bond between Frank and Billy dramatically increases the rage and injustice Frank felt towards the feeling of his family. In addition to losing his loved ones, Frank learns that his best friend failed to stop event that shattered his life. This infuriates a character who really doesn’t need any more pissing off with Frank’s uncontrollable hatred reflected the season 1 finale. Ultimately, this pre-existing bond gives emotional value to the pain Frank inflicts upon Billy, setting the narrative up nicely for season two.

Season two focuses on Billy’s mental recovery far more than his physical one. While his body heals remarkably quickly, he struggles massively with holes in his memory and the haunting image of the Punisher skull. He exists as the social shadow of his former business owner and charming self while struggling to understand how he’s managed to reach his predicament at the beginning of the season. While the beginning of the season shows Billy reclaiming agency and founding Valhalla, it is very clear that Billy still thinks of Frank as a brother, despite their season 1 run-ins. This results in one of the best moments of season 2, in which Frank, wearing the skull vest, confronts Billy on the street after he pulls off his operation (Episode 7). Billy, upon seeing the skull, comes to the horrible realization that Frank was the one who did this to him, and paralyzed by shock, has to be dragged into the getaway car. His worst fear manifests, as the rumors of Frank have been confirmed, and the puzzle that is his mind grows even darker and more complex. This is brilliant for Billy’s psychological character development, as despite his previous crimes, he becomes somewhat sympathetic. Throughout the season, Billy acts like a child lost and angry with the world. He cannot understand the repercussions of his actions as he doesn’t remember them, and the only person who really talks to him is Krista, who seems to be manipulating Billy during their relationship. His helplessness and true loneliness manifest in his final moments, as he tells Curtis that he just “doesn’t want to die alone”. Ultimately, Billy once again becomes a lost child abandoned by the world, trying in his own messed up way to find meaning and value to his existence.

While changes from the original comics aren’t always welcome, I’d say Punisher’s deviation were well warranted. Had Frank and Billy not met in the military, none of this character development would have occurred, and Jigsaw might have stagnated as a traditional villain. However, Netflix graced us with a cool killer turned lost psychopath with a soft spot for a tough old friend, making for a fantastic character arc.

February 13, 2019 0 comment

Uncategorized

UCLA vs USC – Just the #Facts

by Sylvie Oang November 21, 2018

written by Sylvie Oang

Fellow Bruins and Trojans gathered at the Rose Bowl on November 17th for the highly anticipated UCLA vs USC football game. We all know the best school came out on top, therefore it’s only necessary, that we look deeply into the #Facts regarding both schools and uncover evidence that will clearly show who runs LA.

Fact #1: The Campus

There’s nothing like a sunrise over Royce to great you after an all nighter to remind yourself that you go to the #8 Most beautiful college in California. Where is USC on this list you ask? They’re not even listed. The architects of UCLA did their job more than right with the stain glass windows perfectly lighting the inside of Powell and the marble walls greeting students who walk into Kaufmann. Yes there are hills and stairs but a sunset picnic on Janns makes everything better

Photo by: Wikipedia

Photo by: Sylvie Oang

Fact #2: University of… Second Choice

Couldn’t become a Bruin? I mean I guess there’s another school. USC students secretly wanted to bleed blue and yellow, hear the 8-clap echo in Paulley, and experience the full force of The Den. With over 100,000 undergraduate applicants a year and climbing, the bruin experience is a selective one. So some had to hide their bears, return their hats and learn to be okay with throwing up the peace sign in every instagram photo.

Fact#3: Tuition.

50,000 vs 13,0000. Nuff said.

Photo by Joe Akira

Photo by Ben Kao

What could you do with 50,00 dollars? Through the act of googling, I have discovered that you can buy the following: A new BMW 3 series, a small private plane, or 33,333 Costco hot dogs. US News ranked USC in the nations top 10 most expensive private school in America. 50,000 at USC will get you only an education of the #37 best value college. I think the hot dogs are a better deal.

Fact #4: UCLA Dinning is ranked #2 Best Dinning in America

Dinning at UCLA is anything but ordinary. According to Niche , UCLA is ranked as the second best college food in America as of 2019. You can have Italian gelato, Vietnamese pho, and a steak dinner in a day’s worth of food by only using 3 swipes. Avocado-fest, breakfast for dinner, Dim Sum night, are not themes you will see at just any generic dinning halls. Ask someone at USC if their almond cashew butter is made fresh daily, or how many toppings are allowed on their build your own pizza.

Photo by: Sylvie Oang

Photo by: wikipedia

Fact #5: A Trojan is only only good once.

Let’s be honest with ourselves, does any one actually buy Trojans anymore? They are over hyped, untrustworthy, and just too expensive for their subpar performance. I guess Trojans aren’t even good once.

In conclusion: After compiling this extensive research and high quality factual evidence, I allow for everyone to make their own deductions as to which college reigns superior- Though it’s been clear to me since 1919.

Featured image by Amy Dixon, Daily Bruin.

November 21, 2018 0 comment