Saturday, February 28

UCLA computer science class integrates virtual world into reality

The walls of Diana Ford’s classroom dissolve into an open field as she puts on a pair of Oculus Rift goggles. Within the artificial realm created by the Oculus Rift headset, Ford chases after a ball only to run straight into a surrounding wall in her classroom, blurring virtual reality and reality. Read more...

Photo: Computer science lecturer Diana Ford teaches game-developing as a subfield of graphics. She teaches her fall quarter class, “Advanced Game Development for Virtual Reality,” using Oculus Rift goggles and tracking devices to create immersive gaming codes and player interaction with artificial intelligence. (Kira VandenBrande/Daily Bruin)


To View or Not to View: ‘W/ Bob and David’ and ‘Nathan For You’

In the war zone that is the fall TV season, it’s important to pick out the gems hidden in the media mesh. Each week, A&E columnist Sebastian Torrelio will profile one new show and one returning show that share a connection, detailing how they may make those after-school hours more meaningful. Read more...

Photo: “Nathan For You” features comedian Nathan Fielder creating theatrical art by doing things no sane person would ever think of. (Comedy Central)


HOOLIGAN’s rendition of ‘Rent’ shows real people beneath AIDS stigma

Harmonized voices echoed through the north end of Parking Structure 2 on a cold Thursday night. The building’s fluorescent lights became spotlights while the actors danced on the chilled concrete. Read more...

Photo: The cast of HOOLIGAN’s “Rent” consulted with UCLA student group AIDS Ambassadors to learn more about the illness and to make the actors’ portrayals of the characters with the disease more accurate. (Zinnia Moreno/Daily Bruin)


Alumnus goes from doodling in Powell to showcasing his art

Tony Hong never considered psychology, his undergraduate major, to be a calling or passion when he began studying at UCLA in 1995. Instead, he was known by his peers for drawing dudes with big nipples and baggy underwear. Read more...

Photo: Artist and alumnus Tony Hong most recently showcased his work through Create:Fixate Foundation in Los Angeles. As an undergraduate student, he used to doodle at this four-person desk in Powell Library’s reading room. (Anisha Joshi/Daily Bruin)


Roaring ’90s: Modest Mouse stays in tune with poetic, prose-inspired lyrics

The world of mainstream music is constantly transforming as new artists, styles and trends are embraced with each passing year. In spite of these changes, some musicians have maintained their popularity across decades, reinventing their sounds and careers. Read more...

Photo: In 1993, Seattle-based band Modest Mouse took its name from an obscure line in Virginia Woolf’s “The Mark on the Wall.” The band’s flair for referencing great literature and crafting its own powerful narratives has kept it afloat in today’s music world. (Courtesy of Don Ryan)


UCLA alumna creates STEMsocks to change stereotypes about scientists

Rachel Senturia has always loved crazy socks. By wearing socks ranging in design from cupcakes to cats with sunglasses, Senturia is able to express herself in an alternative fashion. Read more...

Photo: In 2012, alumna Rachel Senturia founded STEMsocks, a clothing company that aims to reintroduce science as a popular culture item by featuring designs related to science, technology, engineering or math on its apparel. (Courtesy of Rachel Herder)


UCLA student, trainer publishes vegan Thanksgiving menu on blog

Victor Rivera will cut his vegetarian holiday poultry, dig his spoon in vegan stuffing and treat himself to some egg and dairy-free pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Read more...

Photo: Fourth-year psychology student Victor Rivera published a vegan Thanksgiving menu on his blog “Vegan Power Training” to help explain the vegan lifestyle. Rivera said he got the idea for the blog after he realized that some people believe vegans can’t train for strength and do bodybuilding. (Owen Emerson/Daily Briun senior staff)