Every Friday at sundown, Jewish homes are enlightened physically and spiritually as candles are lit to welcome the Shabbat into their home. As the earth spins, region by region joins from New Zealand to the U. S., until Jewish households across the world all unite in religious ceremony until the next sundown. Santa Monica natives, Rabbi Eli Levantasky, his wife...

It’s a beautiful Thursday afternoon in late September and sitting at an oval table near The Coffee Spot is a slight man in his mid 60’s with silver hair, penetrating dark eyes and a warm, juxtaposing smile. If you hear him speak, the low tone carries a distinct Persian accent with a quiet intensity that requires one to lean forward...

It was a hot day at high noon. In front of the school clock tower there was a small group of students practicing ballroom dance technique without music, just waltzing wildly in all directions. It was the continuation of a long standing ritual which has been practiced on campus since 1998 when the SMC Ballroom & International Folk Dance Club...

After years of campaigns and ordinances attempting to make SMC a smoke-free campus, not much has changed at the thoroughfare near the Pearl Street entrance. It’s still the same haven for musical students to practice their guitar strumming, skaters to get their kick-flip on, and congregating crowds of smokers fitting in a drag between classes as it ever was. The...

Undoubtedly, with the tech generation comes new ways of interacting with each other, our devices and the level of involvement with online social media. The core platforms we use for our online network grow in user base every year. What began as a way of staying connected has evolved into a major part of our lives. Whether it be Facebook,...

Smoker or nonsmoker, disposable cigarette lighters are as much a part of daily life as using a toothbrush. Smokers use them for the obvious reason and nonsmokers will keep them on hand if, for no other reason, than to light candles. Disposable lighters come in all colors and sport an endless variety of themes encouraging self expression from representing our...

“I know you said you didn’t want a drink but this is Black Label. It’s the best whiskey ever and a women like you deserves only the best.” This stranger in a bar proceeded to wink at me and rub my arm in front of my boyfriend while I did everything in my power to not roll my eyes all...

Organic food and food products are one of the main concerns of controllable health. It’s the trend among fruits, vegetables, meats, and even packaged products are known to have organic ingredients. Although buying organic foods might seem like the healthiest option, the farming methods for these foods may not be that healthy. Currently, large-scale food-producing companies tend to gravitate towards...

Common ways to avoid cancer are eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking. But even if you live a healthy lifestyle and have genetics without a strain of cancer in your family tree it is still possible to be susceptible to cancer due to reasons beyond your control. Chemicals and preservatives that are commonly found in 80% of...

Also known as Dennis "Polar Bear" Agnew Memorial Skatepark and surrounded by beach sand and palm trees, Venice Skate Park is an icon of California and the skateboard culture. The park is set in the heart of the area formerly known as Dogtown, historic birthplace of the skateboard movement. It is designed to mimic the empty private swimming pools that...