Last month, Beyoncé managed to live up to the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award presented to her, crowning her “the best living entertainer” during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards with her performance. Beyoncé performed a total of 12 songs including “Flawless” where she has caused an uproar in the Feminist movement. Many believed that her performance sexualized women, yet …

  UC Merced’s first day of classes kicked off Thursday with a Roller Skating Disco Party at the still-new Wallace-Dutra Amphitheatre. As I approached the line of about ten people waiting to sign a waiver at the Office of Student Life (OSL) booth and receive their paper bracelets, uncertainty began to creep its way into my gut. The anti-climactic students …

Just a week into the fall semester, many students have spent their time purchasing textbooks, dorm appliances, groceries, and even flight tickets to another country. Rather than spending their semester at UC Merced, various undergraduate students have taken the opportunity to study abroad and are already relishing every second of the experience. Currently studying abroad in Rome, undergraduate Diana Gonzalez …

       After having seen every Marvel film released, and Marvel revealing some information, online and at Comic-Con 2014, about the films they have lined up for 2015 and 2016, I have thoughts on what will occur in Marvel’s cinematic universe and what the end result will be: The Avengers 3. Before I get into any speculation, some guidelines …

       With the World Cup underway, the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) has decided to investigate the use of a slur used by Mexican fans. I believe, however, that this investigation is unnecessary and contradictory to the FIFA’s standards. On Tuesday June 17, FIFA’s anti-racism department held a press conference announcing the investigation of the Mexican slur …

Smooth, light brown skin, pale green eyes, and some talent, is it enough to be a sensation in the U.S.? Stromae, or in backwards French slang “maestro,” is a stage name for pop singer Paul Van Haver who was raised by a single mother in a French community in the suburbs of Brussels. Stromae’s father was absent for most of …

       A few months ago, I had written on the negative aspects of Facebook use. I would like to revisit the discussion and cast a brighter light. There still remain highly valid reasons not to open, or reopen, a Facebook account. However, there may be ways in which we can benefit from the social media giant. Social media, …

 After having her album pushed back more than once since 2012, rapper Iggy Azalea finally dropped The New Classic in April 2014. Azalea immigrated from Mullumbimby, New South Wales, Australia, to the United States on her own just before her sixteenth birthday in pursuit of a hip-hop career. Azalea’s current single “Fancy,” produced by The Invisible Men and The Arcade, …

 As the months progress and spring cums (get it?) to an end, the ever so dreaded 100-plus degree days begin to creep up on us. With heat comes sweat, and when mixed with sex the whole thing can turn into one giant slip ‘n’ slide. However, according to psychologist Stella Resnick, “Heat relaxes your muscles, heightens skin sensation, and causes …