Archives

In the Spotlight: Photos Reveal Real Story of Now-Famous Kazakhstan

SAN DIEGO — Thanks to “Borat,” the glorious nation of Kazakhstan emerged from a bundle of obscure central Asian countries to a popular one that many moviegoers could pronounce, maybe even identify on a map. Too bad the Foreign Ministry threatened to sue star Sacha Baron Cohen for his “derogatory” depiction of the state after his social experiment hit theaters.
Read: ‘Soul of Kazakhstan’

In the Spotlight: Diva Smackdown Hits the Stage in ‘Legends!’

SAN DIEGO — Hair-pulling, face-slapping and downright bitchiness make for an epic catfight — and almost everyone secretly enjoys watching one. Joan Collins and Linda Evans know this all too well. In the 1980s, the duo sent television ratings soaring as “Dynasty’s” glamorous rivals — Alexis and Krystal Carrington. Now they have reunited for “Legends!,” Tony Award-winning author James Kirkwood’s classic catfight comedy that centers on two somewhat desperate and waning movie stars named Sylvia (played by Collins) and Leatrice (played by Evans).
Read: ‘Legends!’

In the Spotlight: Something Familiar About Twins’ Performance

SAN DIEGO – Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Cher, Neil Diamond and Rod Stewart all have one thing in common: People like to impersonate them. While many fail miserably, there are a select few, including California-born identical twin brothers Anthony and Eddie Edwards, who have become famous in their own right by portraying legendary celebrities so well.
Read: Twins’ Performance

West Indian Girl Sings About Life

SAN DIEGO — ‘Bliss, joy and revelation.” That’s how vocalist-guitarist Rob James describes his band, West Indian Girl.

Those words may not divulge much about how the Los Angeles-based group – named after a strain of LSD that has been known to elicit some wacky hallucinations – actually sounds. All it takes is one metaphorical dose of the band’s self-titled 2004 debut album. Songs like “What Are You Afraid Of,” “Hollywood” and “Miles From Monterrey” fuse ambient electronic rhythms with drums, guitar, bass, keyboard and siren-like backup vocals.
Read: The Emphasis is on the Positive

Soul Surfing in Costa Rica: A Tenderfoot’s Ride

Sometimes when I close my eyes, I remember how it feels to soul surf. In fact, I even remember the first time my spirit found freedom in the balmy waters of Costa Rica. It happened July 17, 2002, about 45 miles north of Tamarindo, a coastal town in the province of Guanacaste that has exploded into a mecca of yachts, tourists, and pricey condos.
Read: Soul Surfing in Costa Rica – A Tenderfoot’s Ride from Arizona State University’s Cronkite-Zine, Fall 2003

Sparks Will Fly: Artsy Bikes at First Fridays and Mill Avenue

TEMPE — At first glance, the scene borders on absurdity: A man zips down Mill Avenue on a pink lowrider bicycle that boasts a pair of tassels, white tires and the moniker “Pink N’ Pretty.” He pedals fast, eager to attract attention. When part of the frame nicks the asphalt, sparks spit out and, sure enough, people stop to look. The stares are exactly what 22-year-old Ryan Murray, Pink N’ Pretty’s owner, and the Tom Cruisers expect every time they bike the Valley’s streets. Chrome rims and shiny frames like those featured in the Sprite commercial aren’t what make these bicycles stand out – luxury isn’t the goal…yet.
Read: Tom Cruisers Take Their Two-Wheeled Works of Art on the Road