‘Arrival’ is more than an alien invasion film

Director of ‘Sicario’ brings a strong sci-fi flick to audiences If “Arrival” is that movie about aliens that you really want to see, and you heard was good, but you haven’t gone yet — go see it. It’s hard to describe the beginning of “Arrival,” starring Amy Adams, without describing its ending. And that’s what was so amazing about it. This is a movie about first contact as much as it as about the consequences of love. Aliens do show up, yes. The main character, Louise Banks (Adams), is the world’s greatest translator and the U.S. government needs her to…

Del Mar remembers those who have served

As Del Mar College Vice President Rito Silva took a knee to plant a flag, he couldn’t help but think of his father. “I think of my dad every day,” said Silva, whose father was killed in Vietnam when Silva was just 8 months old. “I think of the sacrifice he made. I see serviceman here and I think of my dad and how he would be treated. I know I’m doing his name proud.” Silva joined several other college officials, faculty and students in honoring veterans during a memorial flag service ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 7. DMC…

Cosmetology event keeps vets a cut above the rest

The Del Mar College cosmetology program hosted a day of free haircuts for those who have served in celebration of Veterans Day.  “This is the second year we’ve done it,” said Lissa Gonzalez, cosmetology instructor. “It is a small token of our gratitude for the tremendous sacrifice that is involved in serving in the military.” Gonzalez estimated that 40 veterans stopped by West Campus to receive a haircut.  Dual credit students such as Rebekah Lee volunteered their time to cut hair.  Lee is a student at Flour Bluff High School as well as Del Mar. “You’re my first ever client,”…

Election proves America is tired of lesser of two evil

I didn’t vote this year.  It was the first time in my life that I’ve been eligible and didn’t go to the polls.  Instead I spent time with my children and took a night gig at the Caller-Times, covering the election. I can’t explain exactly why I didn’t vote. I was so discouraged with the nominations this year that I shut myself down earlier than normal. When Barack Obama ran the first time, I believed in him. No president can ever do everything perfectly, but the surveillance state that we’ve become was a slap in the face of those who…

‘Doctor Strange’ another sure hit for Marvel

Strong casting and visuals set film apart from others “Doctor Strange” is a breath of fresh air in what has become an overly formulaic Marvel Cinematic Universe, telling the story of time, space, alternate dimensions and the metaphysical. Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a brilliant surgeon who fits every archetype of a doctor with a God complex. He is a narcissistic, wise-cracking jerk whose only purpose in life is the advancement of himself. He’s Tony Stark with a scalpel. After a typical anti-hero introduction, Strange crashes his Lamborghini, and destroys his hands. Seeking to repair his instruments of wealth…