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Spring 26

The Night Shift

BY KATHRYN SARKISSIAN

While the rest of campus sleeps, UCLA Emergency Medical Services EMTs navigate the demands of working overnight and balancing their lives as students in the day.

Winter 26

Once Upon a Time at the Fox

BY JULIETTE REGIER

In anticipation of Westwood Village Theater’s reopening, UCLA alumni and professors reflect on its long standing history and proposed future through memories of premieres.

Fall 25

Slipping Between the Aisles

BY KATARINA BAUMGART AND HELEN JUWON PARK

College can symbolize a newfound independence, but what does that look like in practice? Explore a closer look at student grocery runs in Westwood.

Summer 25

The Games Generation

BY ANNIKA ANBIAI-FARD

The 1984 Olympics elevated UCLA to the world stage. As Los Angeles prepares to host the Games again, alumni reflect on the Westwood Olympic experience.

Spring 25

‘We Just Want to Live’

BY AMANDA VELASCO

UCLA’s transgender community seeks answers amid new executive orders.

Winter 25

After the Fire

BY SAM MULICK

UCLA student Leo Rochman lost his home in the Palisades fire. In the aftermath, his commitment to his community and hometown has only grown.

Fall 24

Striking the Path for Future Generations: The Past and Present of Latino Student Resources at UCLA

BY GWENDOLYN LOPEZ

Thirty-one years ago, a hunger strike saved the Chicano/a studies department. As UCLA pursues Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, former strikers and current students reflect on UCLA’s attitudes toward Latino students.

Summer 24

Labor Under the Lights

BY JULIANNE LE

Students are working to make ends meet, and nightlife is just one way to do it. These Bruins experience unique trials and successes when spending their days in the classroom and their nights at the party.

Spring 24

Are mushrooms magic?

BY LAYTH HANDOUSH

Magic mushrooms have been the subject of federal and state bans for decades. But at UCLA, they are an intriguing subject for students and scientists alike.

Winter 24

Breaking It Down, Together

BY KATY NICHOLAS

Folklórico, danceline, hip-hop, burlesque — and everything in between. UCLA boasts a vibrant collection of dance groups that foster tight-knight communities.

Fall 23

Wheeling in Westwood

BY LYAH FITZPATRICK

You see the pedestrians, the drivers and most definitely the scooterists. But the bikers are here too.

Summer 23

Big. Gay. Party.

BY KEIRA FENG

The posters for the Big Gay Party depict a raunchy rave. But when PRIME writer Keira Feng attended the party, she discovered it was so much more.

Spring 23

History to sip on: how boba became a college staple

BY KATY NICHOLAS

Boba shops in Westwood attract a plethora of UCLA students each day. But how did this drink reel in the college demographic?

Winter 23

Stepping out in style

BY LAYTH HANDOUSH

When it comes to fashion, Generation Z is ready to make its mark.

Fall 22

Mindfulness matters

BY RACHEL ROTHSCHILD

Diana Winston is bringing mindfulness to UCLA one meditation session at a time.

Summer 22

Speaking truth to power

BY SARAH CHOUDHARY

Ahilan Arulanantham advocates for the rights of the marginalized – one Supreme Court case at a time.

Spring 22

What powers UCLA?

BY EMILY KIM

A mystery to many, UCLA’s cogeneration plant powers most of campus. Yet questions are arising about its sustainability.

Winter 22

Peace, love, unity and recreational drugs

BY MEGAN FU

A community bonded by a shared love of music or pervasive drug use? Explore the reality of Los Angeles’ rave culture.

Fall 21

How lecturers live

BY KAITLIN BROWNE

Many lecturers face low pay and long commutes, all while having to reapply for their jobs each year.

Summer 21

The COVID-19 pandemic through educators’ eyes

BY MEGAN TAGAMI

From their classrooms to their homes and back again – UCLA Lab School educators reflect on teaching through a global pandemic.

Spring 21

A conversation with @westwoodcovidstats

BY ASHANI SHARMA

Hear from the student behind the popular Instagram account that has kept the Westwood community informed about COVID-19.

Winter 21

Looking up the family tree

BY BREANNA DIAZ

Your family can be your number one supporter - or your biggest adversary. They can also hold the key to understanding yourself.

Summer 20

Am I Allowed to Laugh at This?

BY ANUSHKA JAIN

Crude, constructive or both? In isolation, Generation Z has turned to humor as a coping mechanism.

Spring 20

Understaffed. Overworked. Underpaid.

BY JUSTIN HUWE

Enrique Rosas is proud of his AFSCME's work securing a contract. Still, every day working as a custodian is a struggle.

Winter 20

Beyond the Tear Gas

BY DAILY BRUIN STAFF REPORTER

An orientation, a protest, a global movement. One student’s account of the Hong Kong protests.

Spring 19

Waiting to be Seen

BY KENNEDY HILL

Anime: black girl edition. A woman of color discusses the intersection of her passion in anime and cosplay with her struggle to find herself in a society that labels her as "not black enough" and "too white."

Winter 19

Walking the Bruin Walk

BY KESHAV TADIMETI

The personal stories and missions that led Andre Oliver and Saul Marquez — two of Bruin Walk's most notable personalities — to UCLA's campus.

Fall 18

Sống sót / Survival

BY KRISTIE-VALERIE HOANG

Despite being born in different countries and eras, both generations engaged and continue to engage in survival.

Spring 18

Many Tribes, One People

BY MADELEINE PAUKER

Each spring, UCLA’s American Indian Student Association hosts a two-day pow wow, drawing hundreds of Native Americans to celebrate their cultures and compete in different dance events.

current issue
The Night Shift
While the rest of campus sleeps, UCLA Emergency Medical Services EMTs navigate the demands of working overnight and balancing their lives as students in the day.
Third Time’s the Charm
After transferring from an out-of-state university to a local community college to UCLA, PRIME writer Delilah Brumer explores what the college experience actually means.
A Tale of Two Theaters
The Geffen Playhouse and UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television share more than a neighborhood. Both institutions date back to a shared founder, Gil Cates.
The Night Shift
While the rest of campus sleeps, UCLA Emergency Medical Services EMTs navigate the demands of working overnight and balancing their lives as students in the day.
Third Time’s the Charm
After transferring from an out-of-state university to a local community college to UCLA, PRIME writer Delilah Brumer explores what the college experience actually means.
A Tale of Two Theaters
The Geffen Playhouse and UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television share more than a neighborhood. Both institutions date back to a shared founder, Gil Cates.
Where the Rivalry Resides
Despite the long-running UCLA-USC rivalry, Bruin Shelter and Trojan Shelter volunteers have found a common ground to help students experiencing homelessness.
Community, to the Root
Disputing ideas that nature is where the city isn’t, campus green spaces show that, when care is put into the land, community is what springs up.
Rinse and Repeat
UCLA is known for the nation’s No. 1 college dining halls, but what happens to dishes after students load them onto the wall? Gain a glimpse into the stories of UCLA’s dishwashing staff.
Finding a New Rhythm
As UCLA’s Spring Sing Competition returned to Royce Hall for the first time since its beginning, past participants and directors reflect on the evolving tradition.
more stories
Winter 26 // Once Upon a Time at the Fox
Once Upon a Time at the Fox
In anticipation of Westwood Village Theater’s reopening, UCLA alumni and professors reflect on its long standing history and proposed future through memories of premieres.
Changing the Lens
Through introspection and interviews with fellow photographers, PRIME writer Bettina Wu considers the resurgence of camera photography and the craft’s role in experience-making.
Once Upon a Time at the Fox
In anticipation of Westwood Village Theater’s reopening, UCLA alumni and professors reflect on its long standing history and proposed future through memories of premieres.
Changing the Lens
Through introspection and interviews with fellow photographers, PRIME writer Bettina Wu considers the resurgence of camera photography and the craft’s role in experience-making.
Take Me to Church
For some, college is a fork in the path away from religion, but for PRIME writer Helen Juwon Park, it’s an opportunity to revisit church after 13 years at a private Christian school.
Taking a Stand From the Stacks
As aspiring librarians and archivists navigate graduate school at UCLA, they face an industry undergoing political upheaval and learn what it means to fight for information access.
Return on Investment
UCLA Anderson School of Management is home to students from around the world. To them, the value of Anderson is more than a degree – it’s the community they find there.
Oakley's Orbit
What do John Wooden and J.J. Abrams share in common? Trips to a Westwood salon. For over a century, Oakley’s Barbershop has established a legacy in Westwood history.
more stories
Fall 25 // Slipping Between the Aisles
Slipping Between the Aisles
College can symbolize a newfound independence, but what does that look like in practice? Explore a closer look at student grocery runs in Westwood.
Liberation Left Untold
Decades after helping ignite UCLA’s early LGBTQ+ liberation movement, Donald Kilhefner reflects on the early setbacks and triumphs in the fight for visibility.
Slipping Between the Aisles
College can symbolize a newfound independence, but what does that look like in practice? Explore a closer look at student grocery runs in Westwood.
Liberation Left Untold
Decades after helping ignite UCLA’s early LGBTQ+ liberation movement, Donald Kilhefner reflects on the early setbacks and triumphs in the fight for visibility.
The Extracurricular Expat
Humans are creatures of habit. In a daring feat of extroversion, PRIME writer Patrick Woodham sets forth to explore where others find community.
Break Glass in Case of Emergency
With the added complexity of identity, first responders must contend with the glass ceiling while balancing the physical and emotional demands of their profession.
A Seat at the Table
Known for meeting in the Luskin Center, the UC Regents can feel distant from student life. What does it look like when those are one and the same?
Connecting Across Characters
PRIME staff writer Tulin Chang Maltepe reminisces on her summer in Beijing through a language-filled and introspective personal narrative.
Behind the Bark: Q&A with Perro Tacos' Luis Garcia
Food trucks like Perro Tacos have become a staple among the Hill’s dining options. Through family, food and fans, see what life is like for a cook behind the line.
more stories
Summer 25 // The Games Generation
The Games Generation
The 1984 Olympics elevated UCLA to the world stage. As Los Angeles prepares to host the Games again, alumni reflect on the Westwood Olympic experience.
Not Enough for the Humanities
From the NIH to the NSF, federal funding cuts are permeating across academia. Humanities professors discuss the implications of the loss of NEH grants.
The Games Generation
The 1984 Olympics elevated UCLA to the world stage. As Los Angeles prepares to host the Games again, alumni reflect on the Westwood Olympic experience.
Not Enough for the Humanities
From the NIH to the NSF, federal funding cuts are permeating across academia. Humanities professors discuss the implications of the loss of NEH grants.
Tomorrow’s Virtuosos
Students of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance get to study with the biggest names in American jazz.
Between Belief and Burden
Students and religious leaders discuss the impacts of religious communities on mental health and identity formation amid hustle culture.
Not in a Vacuum
Physics and astronomy may have a reputation as solitary pursuits, but at UCLA, it’s where some find a strong sense of community.
Parenting on the Same Page
With the rise of social media, Bruin parents find an untraditional forum to foster community and shared experiences from afar.
more stories
Spring 25 // ‘We Just Want to Live’
‘We Just Want to Live’
UCLA’s transgender community seeks answers amid new executive orders.
Live From the College Dorm
For students who stream, their hobby is a constant balancing act.
‘We Just Want to Live’
UCLA’s transgender community seeks answers amid new executive orders.
Live From the College Dorm
For students who stream, their hobby is a constant balancing act.
Eileen Strempel’s Swan Song
The inaugural dean of UCLA’s music school reflects on her tenure.
Boots, Bugs and the Scientific Method
Ecological field research teaches students about science and themselves.
The Art of Game-Making
At UCLA, game development creates interdisciplinary art.
Violence, Trauma, Burnout
What happens to student journalists after they report on violence?
A City of Murals
Los Angeles’ murals serve as the ultimate community art form.
Debugging the Job Search Algorithm
Is the computer science job market as bad as it seems?
Bearing Witness
Holocaust remembrance is evolving at UCLA and beyond.
Oversharing the College Dream
Does trauma dumping in college applications work?
Can UCLA Carry the Paralympic Torch?
The 2028 Paralympics offer a challenge – but also hope for accessibility.
The Future of UCLA’s Wastewater
UCLA’s wastewater reveals evolving infrastructure and complex histories.
Collectives Over Capitalism
When government programs fail, mutual aid organizations step in.
more stories
Winter 25 // After the Fire
After the Fire
UCLA student Leo Rochman lost his home in the Palisades fire. In the aftermath, his commitment to his community and hometown has only grown.
A Year From Home
As Persian New Year comes and goes, illustrator Susanne Soroushian reflects on her first year away from home in Iran.
After the Fire
UCLA student Leo Rochman lost his home in the Palisades fire. In the aftermath, his commitment to his community and hometown has only grown.
A Year From Home
As Persian New Year comes and goes, illustrator Susanne Soroushian reflects on her first year away from home in Iran.
Stewarding the 19th Century
How did a British bibliomaniac contribute to the development of the English department? PRIME writer Andrew Wang takes a deep dive into the Sadleir collection.
The Pad O' Guys
40 years ago, an innocuous Westwood bungalow became the home of some of Hollywood’s most influential screenwriters. Step inside the "Pad O’ Guys."
Generative AI, the New Teacher’s Pet?
Generative AI is taking root throughout the academic world. PRIME writer Sasha Zimet speaks with the students and professors embracing this technology.
Beyond the Bargain
As thrifting becomes more popular, students and vendors alike are using it as a tool for community, transforming fashion into a shared experience of sustainability and style.
#Period
With the growth of viral online content about menstruation, scholars, students and creators discuss its impact on period education.
In the Mountains of Nepal
PRIME writer Katy Nicholas reflects on lessons learned studying abroad in the Nepali Himalayas.
more stories
Fall 24 // Striking the Path for Future Generations
Striking the Path for Future Generations: The Past and Present of Latino Student Resources at UCLA
Thirty-one years ago, a hunger strike saved the Chicano/a studies department. As UCLA pursues Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, former strikers and current students reflect on UCLA’s attitudes toward Latino students.
Rewriting the Narrative
Fan fiction is a portal to fresh interpretations of beloved fictional worlds. But for these UCLA students and alumni, the medium serves as a gateway to so much more.
Striking the Path for Future Generations: The Past and Present of Latino Student Resources at UCLA
Thirty-one years ago, a hunger strike saved the Chicano/a studies department. As UCLA pursues Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, former strikers and current students reflect on UCLA’s attitudes toward Latino students.
Rewriting the Narrative
Fan fiction is a portal to fresh interpretations of beloved fictional worlds. But for these UCLA students and alumni, the medium serves as a gateway to so much more.
Finding Courage Through Protest
Novel feminist movements and protests have emerged in South Korea. PRIME writer Alicia Park explores the experiences of South Korean women and the lessons learned from the controversial novel "The Vegetarian."
Rumbles and Grooves: Balancing Diverging Paths
Torn between passions, PRIME writer Reid Sperisen explores his contrasting interests in elephant activism and entertainment journalism as he tries to balance both.
The Hidden Heart of the Hospital
Amid the commotion of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, student and adult volunteers find ways to support patients and medical staff alike.
Language and Culture Amid a Shifting World
The people, programs and culture of UCLA’s Slavic and Russian language department set it apart. As geopolitical tensions shift in the Russian-speaking world, the program evaluates its role in cultural and language education.
Traveling Threads, Cultural Connections
Photographer Neha Krishnakumar explores how, for some UCLA students, fashion serves as a connection to their familial and ethnic backgrounds.
From Mound to Masterpiece
Making art with clay presents limitless possibilities. PRIME writer Tulin Chang Maltepe explores the ceramics community at UCLA, reflecting on the artistic processes that shape this hands-on artform.
Democracy Deferred
In a political landscape where undocumented communities cannot vote, alumnus and undocumented activist Jeffry Umaña Muñoz has found alternative avenues to enact change this election season and beyond.
more stories
Summer 24 // Labor Under the Lights
Labor Under the Lights
Students are working to make ends meet, and nightlife is just one way to do it. These Bruins experience unique trials and successes when spending their days in the classroom and their nights at the party.
Before They Disappear
Thousands of languages across the world face extinction. UCLA linguists and native speakers alike are working to preserve them, pushing the field to evolve..
Labor Under the Lights
Students are working to make ends meet, and nightlife is just one way to do it. These Bruins experience unique trials and successes when spending their days in the classroom and their nights at the party.
Before They Disappear
Thousands of languages across the world face extinction. UCLA linguists and native speakers alike are working to preserve them, pushing the field to evolve..
The Professors Who Live in Dorms
Some professors choose to live on The Hill through the Faculty in Residence program, embracing dorm life and enabling unique student-faculty connections.
So Few Letters, So Many Students
With an increasing number of medical school applicants, pre-med students and professors alike feel burdened by the race for letters of recommendation.
Counting the community: the fight for MENA recognition
On many government surveys, Middle Eastern and North African people fall under the "white" race category. Members of UCLA’s MENA community reflect on efforts at the state and federal level to change this reality.
Woes of the written word
An aspiring novelist, PRIME writer Sanjana Chadive recounts her journey overcoming writer’s block and acute self-criticism, rekindling her passion for storytelling in college.
more stories
Spring 24 // Are mushrooms magic?
Are mushrooms magic?
Magic mushrooms have been the subject of federal and state bans for decades. But at UCLA, they are an intriguing subject for students and scientists alike.
Cooking Up Community
After the sudden death of his mother, student and former USAC presidential candidate Poom Yoodee must balance grief, school and running his family's restaurant.
Are mushrooms magic?
Magic mushrooms have been the subject of federal and state bans for decades. But at UCLA, they are an intriguing subject for students and scientists alike.
Cooking Up Community
After the sudden death of his mother, student and former USAC presidential candidate Poom Yoodee must balance grief, school and running his family's restaurant.
The new news: How the media is attracting young readers
As news consumption habits change, professional and student news publications are branching out onto social media to meet readers where they are.
The fight to remember Powell Cat
One year after Powell Cat's death, UCLA students fight to commemorate their memory before it fades with future generations.
A half-century of poetry in UCLA’s backyard
After 55 years, the Hammer Poetry series is an elder statesman of English literature. But even as it has changed this past half-century, its curator has remained the same.
The hidden beauty economy of UCLA
It pays to look fabulous and to make people look fabulous. Unlicensed student nail techs, tattooists, hair stylists and more are offering their services throughout Westwood.
Informed Apathy: The Youth Vote in 2024
National media has characterized looming discontent within the youth voter base. PRIME writer Christopher Buchanan dissects the issue through on-the-ground reporting ahead of the 2024 election.
Concrete Chronicles: UCLA's Parking Lot Communities
Between the thousands of parking spots and concrete walls, UCLA’s parking structures hide dozens of memories. Read to discover the stories of those who frequent these spaces.
Letter from the editors: The spring 2024 PRIME magazine’s new format
more stories
Winter 24 // Breaking It Down, Together
Breaking It Down, Together
Folklórico, danceline, hip-hop, burlesque — and everything in between. UCLA boasts a vibrant collection of dance groups that foster tight-knight communities.
Not Just Athletes
Black male Bruins often encounter the question: "Do you play a sport?" Despite this harmful stereotype, Black students, both athletes and non-athletes alike, are redefining their identity as scholars.
Breaking It Down, Together
Folklórico, danceline, hip-hop, burlesque — and everything in between. UCLA boasts a vibrant collection of dance groups that foster tight-knight communities.
Not Just Athletes
Black male Bruins often encounter the question: "Do you play a sport?" Despite this harmful stereotype, Black students, both athletes and non-athletes alike, are redefining their identity as scholars.
Mixed Feelings, Twisted Tongues
PRIME writer Gwendolyn Lopez reflects on her cultural identity as half-Chinese American and half-Mexican American and how her complex relationship with multilingualism has defined her.
Fighting Food Insecurity
As Bruins face food insecurity across campus, university-run and student-run organizations clear the way to keep Bruins fed.
A Change of Seasons
Through the eyes of his past selves, PRIME writer and illustrator Sid Francis offers readers a tour through the "seasons" of his young adult life and mental health.
Out and About: Queer International Students at UCLA
LGBTQ+ Bruins come to Westwood from all corners of the world. As these queer international students acclimate to UCLA, they face unique opportunities and roadblocks for finding community.
Collecting for the Community
While Bruins remain largely unaware of the treasures in UCLA Library Special Collections, librarians and archivists are on a mission to further engage with the community.
Life After Death
Bruins unknowingly stroll past cemeteries while walking through Westwood every day. This is just one part of UCLA’s hidden death care ecosystem.
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Fall 23 // Wheeling in Westwood
Wheeling in Westwood
You see the pedestrians, the drivers and most definitely the scooterists. But the bikers are here too.
UCLA’s Housing Promise
In March of 2022, UCLA announced a new housing guarantee for incoming students. However, the reality of students’ housing experiences is often more complex than the guarantee may portray.
Wheeling in Westwood
You see the pedestrians, the drivers and most definitely the scooterists. But the bikers are here too.
UCLA’s Housing Promise
In March of 2022, UCLA announced a new housing guarantee for incoming students. However, the reality of students’ housing experiences is often more complex than the guarantee may portray.
Media, Lies and Gazan Lives
"As the crisis in Gaza escalates with increasing civilian casualties for Palestinians, PRIME writer Layth Handoush addresses the media's presentation of Arabs through his own experience as a Palestinian American."
Enrollment’s Out-of-Pocket Price
The competitive enrollment process at UCLA has spawned a black market of buying and selling classes – and many students are more than willing to pay to play.
Entering the Concert Renaissance
From Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, how have artists this year redefined the modern-day concert experience?
The Next Generation of Scientists
Generative AI has changed the trajectory of technological development. How do researchers at UCLA see the role of AI in the discovery process?
The Secret Life of Westwood Pets
From a service dog in training to a kitten abandoned under a car, students care for a variety of pets throughout Westwood. These are their stories.
Nights on the Patio (App)
Every year, many new Bruins flock to social media in search of community. PRIME writers Sanjana Chadive and Matthew Beymer reminisce on the connections they found on the long-lost Patio app in 2021.
more stories
Summer 23 // Big. Gay. Party.
Big. Gay. Party.
The posters for the Big Gay Party depict a raunchy rave. But when PRIME writer Keira Feng attended the party, she discovered it was so much more.
Exploring The Deep End: A Barcelona Travel Diary
When returning from their studies abroad, many UCLA students note personal growth and change. PRIME writer Matthew Beymer reflects on similar discoveries from his recent trip to Spain.
Big. Gay. Party.
The posters for the Big Gay Party depict a raunchy rave. But when PRIME writer Keira Feng attended the party, she discovered it was so much more.
Exploring The Deep End: A Barcelona Travel Diary
When returning from their studies abroad, many UCLA students note personal growth and change. PRIME writer Matthew Beymer reflects on similar discoveries from his recent trip to Spain.
Siblings First, Rivals Second
The UCLA and USC feud bitterly divides Los Angeles. But that rivalry has only strengthened these siblings’ relationships.
Unlocking The Secrets of UCLA’s Test Banks
Community members question whether these controversial databases are legitimate study tools or unethical advantages.
The Roommate Matchmaker
Two years ago, Dylan Shabbouei began an instagram account to help Bruins find roommates. He never expected the account to turn him into a mentor and an entrepreneur.
The Road to Lights, Camera, Action
UCLA has a storied history on the silver screen. What filmgoers never see is the unique process shaping student and professional on-campus productions.
Roebling’s claim to flame
Every few months, a fire erupts in the middle of Westwood's Roebling Avenue. The tradition brings the student body together – but at what cost?
The Tale of AI, Storytelling and the Unstoppable Human Spirit
Considering AI’s impacts on storytelling, PRIME writer Sanjana Chadive examines her novelist dreams.
more stories
Spring 23 // Outside the box
History to sip on: how boba became a college staple
Boba shops in Westwood attract a plethora of UCLA students each day. But how did this drink reel in the college demographic?
Ephemeral instants, eternally inked
Across campus, Bruins with tattoos wear their stories on their sleeves.
History to sip on: how boba became a college staple
Boba shops in Westwood attract a plethora of UCLA students each day. But how did this drink reel in the college demographic?
Ephemeral instants, eternally inked
Across campus, Bruins with tattoos wear their stories on their sleeves.
Searching for sapphic spaces
A user on the r/ucla subreddit was wondering where to find lesbian communities at UCLA. PRIME writer Alyssa Bardugon decided to find out.
Legacies left untold: the story of the Divine Nine
Few know how to join the coveted group of Black fraternities and sororities. But why do these organizations keep their robust legacies hidden in the shadows?
24 hours at Denny’s
PRIME writer Martin Sevcik never understood the appeal of Denny's. So he spent 24 hours straight at the Westwood Denny's to see what he was missing.
Beyond the bus stop
A lot has been said about Los Angeles’ public transportation. What if we asked people waiting at Westwood’s bus stops how they feel?
Exeunt the artists
Every year, some Bruins reconsider academic pursuits of their artistic passions. What lies behind their choices?
Growing influence
In the expanding cannabis sector, one group is helping to plant the seeds for success: college students.
Skate brain
Los Angeles is a cultural hub for skateboarding – and UCLA is no exception.
more stories
Winter 23 // Hidden gems
Stepping out in style
When it comes to fashion, Generation Z is ready to make its mark.
Soft-serve signature
Serving real fruit ice cream, Creamy Boys has quickly cemented its place as one of the most popular food trucks on the Hill. But how did one New Zealander man dominate UCLA’s late-night dessert scene so quickly?
Stepping out in style
When it comes to fashion, Generation Z is ready to make its mark.
Soft-serve signature
Serving real fruit ice cream, Creamy Boys has quickly cemented its place as one of the most popular food trucks on the Hill. But how did one New Zealander man dominate UCLA’s late-night dessert scene so quickly?
Sandwiches, speeches and solitude
"There I stood, just as I always have: beautifully brown."
The buzz about bees
Forget the underground tunnels and hidden rooftops – UCLA’s best kept secret is the beehives on campus.
Survival of the fittest
What happens when a group of students enters a reality TV bubble to live out their "Survivor" dreams?
Heat waves are faking us out
Los Angeles is no stranger to extreme heat. But nobody seems to recognize the true danger of a heat wave.
Shifting the spotlight
Classic plays were not made with diverse audiences in mind. Do these scripts still deserve a spotlight?
My father’s anchor
PRIME writer Martin Sevcik has been told that his father abandoned him to follow his dreams. Yet Sevcik isn’t so sure those voices are right.
more stories
Fall 22 // Awakening
Mindfulness matters
Diana Winston is bringing mindfulness to UCLA one meditation session at a time.
More than a crush
Fandom is the first point of contact for many people discovering their queer identity. But when there are no queer main characters, finding meaning in subtext is necessary – and even joyful.
Mindfulness matters
Diana Winston is bringing mindfulness to UCLA one meditation session at a time.
More than a crush
Fandom is the first point of contact for many people discovering their queer identity. But when there are no queer main characters, finding meaning in subtext is necessary – and even joyful.
Making a mark
Photographer Christine Kao took a trip to the fourth floor of Olympic Hall, where the UCLA MakerSpace teems with 3D printers, laser cutters and student creativity.
A second chance
Edin Madrid spent 14 years incarcerated. Now, he is set to graduate from the nation's top public university – while also helping others follow in his footsteps.
Underappreciated and overlooked
Health care disparities are all too common in the Filipino community, but UCLA students and researchers are working to change that.
Curating tradition
Now a decade old, "Made in L.A." celebrates the eccentric, the abstract and the larger-than-life projects that define the city's art scene.
Keeping their plates full
This year has seen the opening of Epicuria at Ackerman and the return of De Neve Late Night. While the dining halls are nearly back in full force, the question remains: Who are the people who power UCLA’s ever-expanding dining program?
Nontraditional
As she embarks on her final year as a Bruin, PRIME writer Mitra Beiglari reflects on her journey as a nontraditional student navigating UCLA.
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Summer 22 // Speaking truth to power
Speaking truth to power
Ahilan Arulanantham advocates for the rights of the marginalized – one Supreme Court case at a time.
Serving with style
From Bruin Family Weekend to academic conventions, UCLA Conferences & Catering serves some of campus’ biggest events – but not without its own helping of roadblocks.
Speaking truth to power
Ahilan Arulanantham advocates for the rights of the marginalized – one Supreme Court case at a time.
Serving with style
From Bruin Family Weekend to academic conventions, UCLA Conferences & Catering serves some of campus’ biggest events – but not without its own helping of roadblocks.
Unrelentingly undocumented
In the face of adversity, undocumented Bruins pursue higher education with strength and resilience.
A minority among minorities
Pacific Islander students have felt overlooked by administrators for decades. Now, this tight-knit community is demanding change.
Fast forward: Research travel after restrictions
PRIME writer Alexa Cyr reconnects with graduate researchers.
Forging a new path
A handful of students design their own majors – read their stories.
more stories
Spring 22 // What powers UCLA?
What powers UCLA?
A mystery to many, UCLA’s cogeneration plant powers most of campus. Yet questions are arising about its sustainability.
Up in the air
Home to those with an affinity for circus arts, Cirque de 'LA teaches students how to fly.
What powers UCLA?
A mystery to many, UCLA’s cogeneration plant powers most of campus. Yet questions are arising about its sustainability.
Up in the air
Home to those with an affinity for circus arts, Cirque de 'LA teaches students how to fly.
Behind the Aahs curtain
Aahs! The Ultimate Gift Store gained popularity in the 1980s, during Westwood’s commercial peak. Now, the shop’s Yelp rating sits at 2.5 stars. PRIME writer Alyssa Bardugon investigates Aahs’ storied past.
The Starship invasion
Rise of the robots: Take a glimpse into UCLA’s sentient Starship future.
Staying in STEM?
Science students are leaving their majors at alarming rates. Why do some STEM Bruins feel overlooked and unsupported in the classroom?
Family style
Behind the crispy fried chicken and Texas Toast of Hangry Moon’s is a family with an unlikely path to Westwood Village. Meet the Moons.
On the field, off the field
From the lecture hall to the Rose Bowl, student-athletes face immense pressures – but they must often sideline their emotional pain.
Humans of Starbucks
“Why does the wildest stuff always happen to you at Starbucks?” PRIME writer Devon Whalen interviewed patrons of the prominent Westwood location to find out.
Caught in cultural crossfire: Being Russian American during the invasion of Ukraine
PRIME writer Martin Sevcik explores his Russian heritage in light of the war against Ukraine.
What is the Date Game?
In fall quarter, figures dressed as Squid Game characters circulated campus, enticing students to play what they called “the Date Game.” Now, with the school year finally closing, take a glimpse into what went down that fateful evening.
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Winter 22 // Matter of time
Peace, love, unity and recreational drugs
A community bonded by a shared love of music or pervasive drug use? Explore the reality of Los Angeles’ rave culture.
A digital double-edged sword
Experts worry remote learning limits language-building face-to-face conversations – but some multilingual and ESL students at UCLA actually prefer their coursework on Zoom.
Peace, love, unity and recreational drugs
A community bonded by a shared love of music or pervasive drug use? Explore the reality of Los Angeles’ rave culture.
A digital double-edged sword
Experts worry remote learning limits language-building face-to-face conversations – but some multilingual and ESL students at UCLA actually prefer their coursework on Zoom.
A beautiful something
“Transness can be something more than nothingness where pain used to be.”
The labor behind the landscape
UCLA is one of the most beautiful urban campuses in the country – but who maintains the greenery many Bruins take for granted?
By their side
Students with service dogs are grateful for the help their companions offer, but having a canine on campus isn’t always easy.
What’s in a name?
On college campuses across the country, people are reckoning with buildings and monuments named after questionable figures – and that includes UCLA.
The extra mile
More than 20,000 students commute to UCLA. What does life look like for these Bruins?
Being the bystander
Watching a loved one battle illness is never easy. Amid sadness and stress, there can be guilt, too.
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Fall 21 // Up close and personal
How lecturers live
Many lecturers face low pay and long commutes, all while having to reapply for their jobs each year.
#President
Undergraduate Students Association Council president Breeze Velazquez has rocked the boat, from her brazen Twitter presence to her bold campus advocacy.
How lecturers live
Many lecturers face low pay and long commutes, all while having to reapply for their jobs each year.
#President
Undergraduate Students Association Council president Breeze Velazquez has rocked the boat, from her brazen Twitter presence to her bold campus advocacy.
The story of the spit test
Swipe. Scan. Spit. Since returning to campus, COVID-19 testing has become a regular part of Bruins’ lives. But how exactly did this technology come to be?
Long lines, short staffed
Bruins are back on campus – but is campus ready for them? Hear from workers on the front lines as labor shortages impact UCLA’s award-winning dining halls.
Preaching progress
“The church should be like 10 years ahead of the society but, in reality, we are like 20 years behind.”
Up close: Lecturers and loved ones
Lecturers often struggle to support themselves. When they have families, it gets even more complicated.
Milk tea against tyranny
Sweet and creamy, with a splash of revolution. Milk tea has transcended from a popular beverage to a symbol against authoritarianism.
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Summer 21 // Forward Motion
The COVID-19 pandemic through educators’ eyes
From their classrooms to their homes and back again – UCLA Lab School educators reflect on teaching through a global pandemic.
Forward, march
The show must go on – so how did the UCLA Bruin Marching Band cope with the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic through educators’ eyes
From their classrooms to their homes and back again – UCLA Lab School educators reflect on teaching through a global pandemic.
Forward, march
The show must go on – so how did the UCLA Bruin Marching Band cope with the COVID-19 pandemic?
Anatomy of a flood
Tens of thousands of gallons of water, $2.7 million in damages and lots of angry professors. What do you know about the flood in Kaplan Hall?
The ethics of animal experimentation at UCLA
UCLA scientists claim using animals in biomedical research is “worth the sacrifice.” However, animal welfare activists say otherwise.
Between us and our parents
Generations of Asian families in America have experienced racism – but students are fighting back.
I am a Bruin
Many freshly graduated transfer students spent less than two quarters on campus. How do they feel about their time at UCLA?
Housing insecurity on the horizon
As UCLA welcomes back students in the fall, how are campus organizations preparing for a potential increase in housing insecurity?
They want us, they don’t want us
UCLA is lauded as one of the best universities for transfer students. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, some transfers feels the school isn’t doing enough to keep them around.
What it takes to be a walk-on
Student athletes spend countless hours training – but for many walk-ons, the resulting game time is minimal. What motivates them to keep playing?
Sustainability: One step at a time
Environmental organizations at UCLA are working toward a greener future at every level, whether it be statewide, in Los Angeles County or within the university.
Crossing uncharted territory
Last year, writer Zinnia Finn spoke to recent medical school graduates starting their residencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they reflect on the unprecedented year.
Behind the bear mask
Joe and Josie Bruin are certified stars – despite never uttering a single word. Now, hear from the students that make these mascots come to life.
Fostering change
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Spring 21 // Reclaiming hope
A conversation with @westwoodcovidstats
Hear from the student behind the popular Instagram account that has kept the Westwood community informed about COVID-19.
What is The Tiverton?
The Tiverton is not like other hotels. So what is The Tiverton then – and more importantly, who is The Tiverton?
A conversation with @westwoodcovidstats
Hear from the student behind the popular Instagram account that has kept the Westwood community informed about COVID-19.
What is The Tiverton?
The Tiverton is not like other hotels. So what is The Tiverton then – and more importantly, who is The Tiverton?
The naked truth: Sex work and student life
OnlyFans, a platform often used for selling nude photos, has boomed during the pandemic. Meet one Bruin who has made $75,000 in less than a year.
On Tovaangar
“The dominant American narrative can be wrong. ... (Indigenous) people still exist, live and thrive today.”
Demystifying Depop
Thrifting has gained popularity and is paraded as a solution to fast fashion – and Depop is largely to thank. But just how ethical is the app in reality?
On pause: Research travel during COVID-19
Many graduate students looked forward to traveling while working on their dissertations. Then came COVID-19.
Reform, defund or abolish?
UCLA community members, including student activists and the chief of police, reflect on the current movement surrounding law enforcement.
A history of hands
Students have made strides in pushing for American Sign Language classes at UCLA. Still, Deaf and hard of hearing Bruins feel more can be done to raise awareness and promote inclusivity.
Together, alone
In the wake of losing her grandfather during the pandemic, writer Kate Green began to feel surprisingly closer to him.
The COVID-19 Avengers
When the world stopped in March 2020, some research labs stayed buzzing. How did UCLA professors help study COVID-19?
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Winter 21 // Homecoming
Looking up the family tree
Your family can be your number one supporter - or your biggest adversary. They can also hold the key to understanding yourself.
A campus divided
“Are you North or South?” is an all-too-common question heard around campus, but what does it truly mean?
Looking up the family tree
Your family can be your number one supporter - or your biggest adversary. They can also hold the key to understanding yourself.
A campus divided
“Are you North or South?” is an all-too-common question heard around campus, but what does it truly mean?
From someone else’s keyboard
In the maze of Boelter Hall lies a culture of rampant academic dishonesty. Welcome to UCLA computer science.
Lost in translation
"Growing up as a Taiwanese American was conflicting and confusing. I had these dual, dueling parts to my identity, yet I felt like a part of neither."
The activist’s balancing act
Tear gas and rubber bullets, essays and final exams. School didn’t stop student activists from protesting systemic racism this past spring quarter.
The definition of freedom that cost 300K American lives
There is enough blame to go around the COVID-19 pandemic, and the government isn’t the only culprit. How does the American definition of freedom factor into the country’s response to the pandemic?
Serving those who’ve served
UCLA is ranked as the fifth-best college for veterans – but what is the college experience really like for these Bruins?
A stale American ideal
Being a child of immigrants brings multiple challenges and multiple gifts. And American culture only amplifies them.
Tutoring through troublesome times
Online learning has left many grade school students stranded, jumping over technological hurdles for their education. UCLA’s student-led tutoring groups are trying to help.
Who really runs Westwood?
COVID-19 brought out the worst in Westwood landlords. But living in Westwood has always been a struggle of predatory landlords and ramshackle apartments.
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Summer 20 // A New Normal
Am I Allowed to Laugh at This?
Crude, constructive or both? In isolation, Generation Z has turned to humor as a coping mechanism.
Mental Health amid Global Health
Transitioning to Bruin life can be difficult – and with COVID-19 exacerbating mental health issues, campus organizations are adapting to support new students.
Am I Allowed to Laugh at This?
Crude, constructive or both? In isolation, Generation Z has turned to humor as a coping mechanism.
Mental Health amid Global Health
Transitioning to Bruin life can be difficult – and with COVID-19 exacerbating mental health issues, campus organizations are adapting to support new students.
A New Normal
Gabriela Gil Carrillo lost her on-campus job on March 10. Now, she works as an essential employee in Westwood to afford rent.
Uncharted Territory
Match Day. The start of residency. Burnout. Medical school graduates are entering the workforce during an unprecedented pandemic, and their experiences will be vastly different from those before them.
Thrown in the Deep End
Teach For America offers college graduates a chance to dismantle structural inequalities in the classroom – but at what cost?
A Growing Movement Amidst a Global Pandemic
UC students were gaining traction in their fight for a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. Then, the coronavirus hit.
Made Under Constraint
From September 11 to COVID-19, how Fiat Lux classes have helped UCLA students navigate crises.
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Spring 20 // Understaffed. Overworked. Underpaid.
Understaffed. Overworked. Underpaid.
Enrique Rosas is proud of his AFSCME's work securing a contract. Still, every day working as a custodian is a struggle.
The Uninhibited World of UCLA secrets
Anonymity is a double edged sword for the admin of the infamous Facebook page.
Understaffed. Overworked. Underpaid.
Enrique Rosas is proud of his AFSCME's work securing a contract. Still, every day working as a custodian is a struggle.
The Uninhibited World of UCLA secrets
Anonymity is a double edged sword for the admin of the infamous Facebook page.
Westwood’s Hidden Learning Haven
In a nondescript building between a dispensary and cafe lies a hidden oasis of intellectual debate for retired Angelenos.
When Sounds Hurt
For those struggling with misophonia, public areas, like classrooms and libraries, can be excruciating.
Making Ends Meet
Only five days after giving birth to her daughter, Student A sat to take a final exam. As a student-parent, she is used to this type of inconvenience.
The Imposter
"As a minority, you feel pressured to do something spectacular.”
The Fundamental Difference
On social media, students abroad flaunt baguettes under the Eiffel Tower and tzatziki in Greece. For students of color, the experience can be very different.
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Winter 20 // Beyond the Tear Gas
Beyond the Tear Gas
An orientation, a protest, a global movement. One student’s account of the Hong Kong protests.
The Billion Dollar Patent
A new cancer treatment drug let dying patients in India live longer and with a higher quality of life. Then, UCLA waged a patent war.
Beyond the Tear Gas
An orientation, a protest, a global movement. One student’s account of the Hong Kong protests.
The Billion Dollar Patent
A new cancer treatment drug let dying patients in India live longer and with a higher quality of life. Then, UCLA waged a patent war.
When CAPS Fails
“I was suicidal...Can I just have help, like, immediately?”
The Body Snatchers
How a scandal of black-market body parts changed the country’s oldest willed-body program.
Measles is on the Rise - UCLA is Vulnerable
Why the university is woefully unprepared for another infectious disease.
Miraculous Catch of Fish
At mass, a gospel prompts Ordonez to reflect on her faith, lost in one father and found in another.
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Spring 19 // Becoming, Belonging
Waiting to be Seen
Anime: black girl edition. A woman of color discusses the intersection of her passion in anime and cosplay with her struggle to find herself in a society that labels her as "not black enough" and "too white."
Split Ends
Awkward conversations, forced smiles and perpetual avoidance riddled this writer's life after a hard breakup, not just severing her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, but with every relationship in her life.
Waiting to be Seen
Anime: black girl edition. A woman of color discusses the intersection of her passion in anime and cosplay with her struggle to find herself in a society that labels her as "not black enough" and "too white."
Split Ends
Awkward conversations, forced smiles and perpetual avoidance riddled this writer's life after a hard breakup, not just severing her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, but with every relationship in her life.
A Second Chance
UCLA academically dismisses students if their GPA falls below a 1.5 in any quarter. Find out how dismissed students have coped and managed to move forward.
May Not Be There Tomorrow
Losing someone is never easy. Especially when they're a parent. Here, Anushka intimately details her personal experience of accepting grief and her mother's passing as an ongoing battle.
Introversion Odyssey
Marvel Comics fanatic Cody Wilson battles introverted tendencies through his attachments to its two creators – idolizing extrovert Stan Lee while shunning isolationist Steve Ditko. How will he maximize his experience in UCLA and Los Angeles, as an extrovert or introvert?
Prayer and Pride
LGBTQ Christians explore their sexuality in relation to their religion, finding ways to practice both in seemingly disparate communities. These Bruins share their challenging experiences and how they were able to grow confident with each identity coexisting.
Another Story You’ve Never Heard Before
Drawing has always been her passion, but in the constant rush of life at UCLA, first-year Bridgette Baron struggles to find her purpose and creativity amid all-consuming academics. Follow her graphic novel story of losing and finding herself.
Beyond the Uniform
While these ROTC cadets can thrive in the rigid structure of their routine, they are also able to discover their individuality outside the program. From linguistics to pick-up basketball, they recount their experiences in and out of ROTC.
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Winter 19 // Larger than Life
Walking the Bruin Walk
The personal stories and missions that led Andre Oliver and Saul Marquez — two of Bruin Walk's most notable personalities — to UCLA's campus.
Records of Reflection
Students highlight unconventional memoirs of personal growth, from online shopping carts and closet space to the nominal records of their musical endeavors.
Walking the Bruin Walk
The personal stories and missions that led Andre Oliver and Saul Marquez — two of Bruin Walk's most notable personalities — to UCLA's campus.
Records of Reflection
Students highlight unconventional memoirs of personal growth, from online shopping carts and closet space to the nominal records of their musical endeavors.
I Miss the Old Kanye
Uncovering the psychological processes driving contradicting sentiments that arise from supporting an artist in spite of controversy.
Destigmatizing Dependency
Students share experiences with drug misuse, highlighting how stigma often stands in the way of recovery from dependency and addiction.
Recipes for Remembering
Glimpses into the evolution of one writer's understanding of food as it fosters a sense of belonging, identity, and remembrance.
Apathy in the Stands
Investigating UCLA Athletics' falling attendance numbers, a writer explores the factors pulling fans away from the stands.
Traveling Thoughts
On a quest to define her identity as a city dweller, one writer discusses how public transportation may be key to connecting Bruins to Los Angeles.
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Fall 18 // Facing Tomorrow
Sống sót / Survival
Despite being born in different countries and eras, both generations engaged and continue to engage in survival.
Slowing the Storm
There are places and people who change us immeasurably, quietly, without us noticing, until we look up one rainy day and realize that they were the compass that guided us. These are the memories I want with me when I leave.
Sống sót / Survival
Despite being born in different countries and eras, both generations engaged and continue to engage in survival.
Slowing the Storm
There are places and people who change us immeasurably, quietly, without us noticing, until we look up one rainy day and realize that they were the compass that guided us. These are the memories I want with me when I leave.
On Demand On Campus
Now one of the most popular forms of entertainment, streaming has found ways to entertain and connect students within the UCLA community. Explore how UCLA’s streaming culture informs students’ experiences and represents the future of entertainment.
Declining Health, Declined Help
In Los Angeles, a significant number of deaths in the homeless population occur in individuals who may be unable to help themselves. Read the stories of those who seek a solution in spite of an ethical debate that has left the community gridlocked.
From Here on Out
I wanted to remind myself to live unapologetically. To keep pushing forward. So I made some changes that I’d been too nervous to do for years.
From the Road to Royce
This ex-roadie knows that his life has been uniquely shaped by his experiences working alongside some of rock music’s most legendary acts.
Fighting for Home
While the uncertainty surrounding the Obama-era program remains intact, DACA recipients at UCLA remain firm in their willingness to advocate for their own futures.
Tuning the Mind
The more I cared about performing well, the more I would become frustrated with my inability to silence the noisy critic living inside my head.
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Spring 18 // Finding Our Space
Many Tribes, One People
Each spring, UCLA’s American Indian Student Association hosts a two-day pow wow, drawing hundreds of Native Americans to celebrate their cultures and compete in different dance events.
Third Culture Kids
Third culture kids are individuals who have grown up in one or multiple countries other than their parents’ or their own country of citizenship. When I spoke with other third culture kids at UCLA, I found they too have dealt with the inevitability of change in our lives, from lost friendships to places we call home.
Many Tribes, One People
Each spring, UCLA’s American Indian Student Association hosts a two-day pow wow, drawing hundreds of Native Americans to celebrate their cultures and compete in different dance events.
Third Culture Kids
Third culture kids are individuals who have grown up in one or multiple countries other than their parents’ or their own country of citizenship. When I spoke with other third culture kids at UCLA, I found they too have dealt with the inevitability of change in our lives, from lost friendships to places we call home.
First in the Family
Being a first-gen college student means more than being the first in your family to attend and complete a degree at a four-year university. First-gen undergraduates at UCLA share an incredibly difficult, yet rewarding experience.
A Change of Plan
Inspired by my parents, Angela Song believed that as long as she worked hard and did well in class, she would fulfill her dream. That was the plan, but reality is much more complicated.
The Dead are Alive at UCLA
Since his first Grateful Dead show, the band’s music has taken Tudhope across the nation on some strange trips and given me incredibly intense and joyful experiences. He has been happy to discover that many Bruins, young and old, have had their lives changed as well.
LA’s Filipino Foodscape
People are saying it’s (Filipinos’) time,” Baluyot said. “My response is, ‘It’s about time.’” Here’s a snapshot of what some of Los Angeles’ newer Filipino restaurants have to offer.
Camera Confidence
Although talking to the camera first seemed like a substitute for talking to other people, it gave Ahmed the confidence to start up a conversation about anything.
Pub Peeves
Thorne wasn’t expecting to find bang-up pubs 5,000 miles away from his homeland, but the couple of pubs that he has visited in Los Angeles have boasted more TV screens than the NSA control room and more options on the menu than any patron could possibly comprehend.
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