The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a novel of survival in post-apocalyptic America. The world as it was no longer exists. Black ash years later continue to rain down on everything. There are no specifics as to what actually happened to cause this apocalypse, but the few clues the author gives us suggest a nuclear bomb: “The clocks stopped at 1:17. A long shear of light and then a series of low concussions … A dull rose glow in the windowglass” (52). A father and his young son, survivors, are traveling “the road” from their home in the north in expectation of reaching the south, where they expect to survive the winter.

(Reviewed By Lee L. Peoples)

The other day I got the idea that I would prune my mother’s trees. I’d had enough of looking at those monster trees and thought she might like to have a nice tidy garden, come outside and have a cup of tea while enjoying her day. I created a whole scenario in my head where she would be seduced from her hermetic existence to sit outside in the shade and get some sun. Her cat would be allowed outside, as long as she was there, to stalk and explore. So I set out to shape her trees.

(Written by Lisa A. Trimarchi)

I live in Rancho Cucamonga, California, a city revolving around commerce, raised trucks, and some of the best hot wings around ( Buffalo Wild Wings, people). About 20 minutes from Pomona, where I grew up and lived for the majority of my life, and just over an hour east of the heart of Los Angeles, lies Rancho, one of the more uppity cities of the Inland Empire, you might say.

(Written by Elana Pruitt)

The opening band Soccermom is a four piece originally formed in Venice straddling the divide between new wave and New York art punk. The headliner was up and coming locals A.i. who’ve been getting airtime at KROQ. These kids are young but they’ve been bred into the business. Nick (vocals and guitar) and Zack (drums) come from a long line of artists and entertainers.

When I first heard about The Fratellis, I was pretty skeptical. Ever since The Libertines imploded, NME has heralded the UK’s next big band, and usually they’ve been a bore. For every genuinely good act like the Arctic Monkeys, there have been ten more disappointments like Razorlight, The Kooks, Babyshambles, and Louis XIV.

In a world of cardboard cutouts lip-synching prefabricated songs, an artist like Amy Winehouse is a punch to the gut. These songs aren’t only the despair of a regretful lover. They drip with innate sexiness and pays homage to Sarah Vaughn and the Shangri-Las without being bound to innuendo of their eras.

A.i. (Artificial Intelligence) is an Indie band with polished performances and hit-bound material. They have made their way to radio (KROQ) well before their new album “Sex and Robots” has even been released.

Having moved here from El Salvador just two short years ago, Adrian Bellani has accomplished more than some who’ve lived here their entire lives. He has a successful acting career, and he gives back to the Hispanic community as an ambassador of PADRES Contra El Cáncer—a charity that aids lower income children and their families who suffer from cancer.

Gunner Johnson’s exceptional art and sculpted pieces have shown in galleries and have appeared in the movie Batman Forever. His newest jewelry line lends practicality to an already exquisite collection, and his art pieces are quickly becoming a favorite among celebrities.

Having moved here from El Salvador just two short years ago, Adrian Bellani has accomplished more than some who’ve lived here their entire lives. He has a successful acting career, and he gives back to the Hispanic community as an ambassador of PADRES Contra El Cáncer—a charity that aids lower income children and their families who suffer from cancer.