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…