DESIGN: The multi-disciplinary design program gives students a glimpse into “the real world.”

DECEASED: Memorial held for associate professor of history, who passed away from stroke in late January.

HISTORY: The esteemed philosopher delivered a rousing speech in celebration of Black History Month.

This past summer, grief seemed to swallow me up whole. Between the stress of planning for a new year at school and trying to figure out my future plans, the unspeakable happened: my uncle David passed away after a six-month battle with brain cancer.

Ever dream of flying? I know I have. I love the feeling of being above ground, letting my feet dangle in the air or riding on an airplane, gazing down at the cities below me.

For 28 days starting on Jan. 16, UC Irvine student ears have picked up on spontaneous tunes and beats from the keys of a mysterious piano played by talented musicians. In front of Irvine Barclay Theater, students may have heard the fingers of ICS major Norman Tran jamming to jazz music, ESL exchange student from Japan Shintaro Hirai performing classical music or biomedical engineer Joseph Chris Gomez moving to the rhythm of R&B and soul. They all play for the joy of music.

The COACH program (Creating Options and Conquering Hurdles) is offered through the UC Irvine Counseling Center in order to help students in need of organization and assistance with life goals.

I really like Mexican food. Well, I like the sort of fake Americanized Mexican food you can get without driving more than five minutes away from campus. But with so many choices available, it can be difficult to decide where to eat sometimes.

That day is approaching again, whether you are ready for it or not. Valentine’s Day. Monday, Feb. 14, 2011. It’s here. And it’s looking like love is in the air this year.

FOLKSY: Sam Beam tries to change his reputation for subtle folk with this new album.

DRAMA: The Shakespeare classic is reinterpreted with a twist in this latest production.

CAVES: With its predictable story and flat characters, this action thriller turns out to be limp.

SEXO: Electronic beats replace Ricky Martin’s signature Latin fever and ultimately bear disappointing results.

VISCERAL: The sequel to 2008’s hit “Dead Space” delivers an exhilarating and harrowing experience.