Melissa Unlu

Sugar Land

Columnist at Cooglife

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Articles

Mayan Culture Vibrant in Houston

2 months ago | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

From their relationship with nature and architecture to their entertainment through music, dance and folklore, Mayan culture is vibrant. This vibrancy continues to prevail among the many Central American communities in Houston. Ancient Mayans are a Mesoamerican civilization who occupied a including parts of southeastern Mexico and much of Central America—areas in which the Modern Mayans can still be found today.
Back to the Future–and Campus - Cooglife

Jan 23, 2025 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

As we head back to campus to restart the new semester, various, mixed feelings loom over us–regrets from the past semester and desires to just get to the end of this one. Can’t help but wonder, though, what if we could go back to the past or to the future and change the trajectory of our college lives?
"A Christmas Carol": A Message Before Christmas

Dec 24, 2024 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is a short novella first on December 19, 1843. The first edition sold out by Christmas Eve. Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” during the Victorian era where social injustices were shown through the horrors of the poor and working class. These novels such as Oliver Twist acted as mirrors and realities of Victorian life and the gap between rich and poor. Specifically in “A Christmas Carol,” Scrooge is obsessed with accumulating wealth.
Alien: Romulus Still Has Us In Awe

Dec 11, 2024 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

Alien: Romulus. We never got the chance to talk about it, but we need to talk about it. As the franchise continued various productions, the original Alien stayed a masterpiece. Though, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant came closest. Both consisting of striking visuals, filmmaking intelligence and appreciation for philosophical topics such as the mysteries of life and death. Alien: Romulus focuses on Cailee Spaeny’s character, Rain.
Ditch The Generic Holiday Photos 2024

Dec 5, 2024 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

Nestled in the bustling city of Houston are three unique gardens providing serene escapes and stunning photo opportunities. Each location offers a unique blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design and cultural significance, perfect for not-so-average holiday snapshots. Take a different approach this holiday season by visiting Houston’s Japanese Garden, Waterwall Park or Mercer Botanic Gardens for a refreshing change from the city’s generic holiday photo spots.
Understanding The Classicism Art Movement

Dec 2, 2024 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

refers to art, architecture and literature produced during ancient Greece and Rome. The term classic, or classical, first appeared in the 17th century. Classicism also refers to an architectural style composed of proportion, symmetry and repetition. came later as a renewed interest in the classicism movement actively drawing inspiration from these classical styles and revived classical forms and aesthetics during the 18th century in Europe.
Vampires: Where Did They Come From?

Oct 31, 2024 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

“This time there could be no error, for the man was close to me, and I could see him over my shoulder. But there was no reflection of him in the mirror! The whole room behind me was displayed; but there was no sign of a man in it, except myself.” When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat,” Bram Stroker wrote in Dracula, Chapter 2.
Joke or "Joker" - Cooglife

Oct 9, 2024 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

Nearly five years later, Todd Phillips released “Joker: Folie à Deux.” This sequel, however, failed to capture the same allure as “Joker.”In 2019, Phillips produced the critically acclaimed film “Joker.” This cinematic masterpiece earned numerous prestigious awards, including Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice honors. The film delved deep into the complexities of mental health, societal neglect and abuse.
Finding Her Tune: The Perfect Melody Between Music and a Doctoral Degree

Sep 25, 2024 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

Photos by: Raphael FernandezSitting at a piano in the Moores School of Music practice room, onlookers can find doctoral student Tugce Ozcivan playing a tune. As a doctoral student and pianist at the University of Houston, Ozcivan embodies determination and mastery in her craft. After encouragement from her family, Ozcivan’s musical journey began early, working part-time at a conservatory during her high school transition.
"Civil War" Offers Uncompromising View of The Nation

Sep 19, 2024 | cooglife.com | Melissa Unlu

“Civil War” came out during a tense election period in America, emphasizing the reality of media integrity and the consequences of not holding leaders accountable. At the same time, the film serves as a recognition of war journalists, highlighting their often underappreciated and important work during times of conflict.