Author: John Oliva

Column

I couldn’t help but wonder…

John Oliva

Communication helps solve intimacy woes I’ve always admired Carrie Bradshaw since I first saw her portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Writing was one of my first passions growing up. Similar to Bradshaw’s column in “Sex and the City,” this column, which will appear several times this semester, will focus on college life, sex, love and relationships. I’m a 27-year-old married man about to celebrate my two-year wedding anniversary with my husband. We will celebrate our 10-year anniversary later in the summer. Ten years. First of all, I’m a very sexual being. I don’t think I ever matured from being a…

Campus

You vs. Depression: The Showdown

John Oliva

Depression is a word used often when someone has a bad break-up or feels stressed about a bad day at work. Feeling grief, lonely or sad when going through trying times is all part of being human. Everyone gets the blues but knowing if what you’re going through is serious is important. Here are some signs and symptoms, from websites Forbes and Healthline, to see if you’re going through a moment of depression and solutions to help you get better. Hopeless Outlook:Having a helpless view on life is the most common symptom. Perhaps you might feel worthless or wondering “why me” a lot.  What to…

Movies

‘The Favourite,’ aka ‘The Royal Mistresses’

John Oliva

Set in 18th-century England, director Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Favourite” tells the true events of Queen Anne of Great Britain, the last of the Stuart monarch, and her indulgent love triangle.  The filming took place at the Hatfield House in the town of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. This place of residency has been used in many films over the years: “Batman” (1989), “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005) and “Sherlock Holmes” (2009).  Oliva Colman plays Queen Anne, who has been in a sexual relationship with Rachel Weisz’s character, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, for quite some time. Emma Stone’s character, Abigail Hill, comes…

Campus

Students find new test tactics; professors disapprove

John Oliva

More than 85 percent of college students have cheated in school, according to a 2017 study. Many professors at Del Mar will give the student a failing grade if caught cheating. Assistant Professor of English Emily Shearer Stewart is one of them. “I have a conversation with the student first,” Stewart said. “Being in English, cheating in my class usually involves plagiarism.” Stewart said she checks to see if it was an accident by the student not understanding how to cite proper source material. “There are a lot of thing that go into that conversation,” Stewart said. “If someone has…

Entertainment

Shop thrifty this gifting season

John Oliva

Many people get frazzled when they’re unsure of what to get that certain family member or friend — especially when they can’t afford expensive gifts. First, think about their interests and hobbies. If your brother enjoys Marvel films, perhaps go to Hobby Lobby and buy him a framed piece of art with Captain America proudly holding his shield. If you’re not sure what your female cousin enjoys, but you know she is always wearing makeup at every family gathering, check out Marshall’s for an inexpensive eyeshadow palette. Maybe your friend is one of those people who always treat themselves, so…

Entertainment

‘Wreck-it-Ralph’ goes viral

John Oliva

Movie offers unique take on the internet and insecurity Overcoming insecurities is the underlying message in Disney’s new movie “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” The movie, with returning voice-actors John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman, starts off with Silverman’s character, Vanellope, having her game unplugged because a child broke the steering wheel. Ralph and Vanellope then decide to go into the internet to find a replacement wheel at eBay so her arcade game doesn’t get thrown away. New characters are introduced in the movie such as Gal Gadot’s Shank and Taraji P. Henson’s Yesss. Shank is from an online game called…

Entertainment, Opinions

Not so ‘Fantastic’ at the box office

John Oliva

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is an enjoyable film to watch but waiting to see it until it comes out on a streaming site is fine as well. First of all, with a mass number of fans adamant about not casting Johnny Depp in the movie because of his domestic abuse allegations, J. K. Rowling should have recasted instead of defending him. The sequel has returning actors Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller and (the unfortunate) Depp. The audience is introduced to new characters including Zoë Kravitz as Leta Lestrange, a Slytherin who Newt Scamander…

Entertainment

Robyn is sweet like honey

John Oliva

It has been eight years since Swedish singer Robyn released a solo album. Her last album, out in 2015, was “Love is Free,” which was a collaboration with La Bagatelle Magique, and her last solo album, in 2010, was “Body Talk.” “Honey” is similar to Robyn’s previous albums, being electro-pop and filled with dance beats. Now in her 40s, Robyn is still able to create enticing new music that will be sure to inspire the newer generation of pop singers. Robyn came to the music scene in 1995 with her debut album, “Robyn Is Here.” The album produced two top-10…

Campus, Community, Health

Del Mar’s dental students learn the drill

John Oliva

The mixture of soft music and whirring noise of ultrasonic cleaners fill the air in the dental hygiene clinic at West Campus. Del Mar’s Dental Hygiene Program had over 100 students complete applications to join, with only 24 spots available. “This program is very challenging, that’s for sure,” said Eva Sepulveda, director of dental programs. The program offers free dental services to the public, with the benefit for students being more hands-on training. “Patient care is our main focus right now,” Sepulveda said. “This semester is when they start to see patients that are a bit more difficult, such as…

Campus

More like great times at the El Royal

John Oliva

A great cast, stunning visuals, an awesome soundtrack and a wonderfully written script is all it takes to make an amazing movie. “Bad Times at the El Royale” is just that movie. The film focuses on seven characters and stars Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson, Lewis Pullman, Cailee Spaeny and Chris Hemsworth. This group of strangers intersect with one another at the El Royale Hotel, which is located on the state line of Nevada and California. Each character has their own secret to keep when they check in. The movie is rather long at two and a…