CSUN’s program, Student Panels for an International Curriculum and Education (SPICE) offers international students an opportunity to gain public speaking experience and gives the campus community a first-hand perspective of life in another country. “The students that participate in the program are ambassadors to the campus,” said Yeprem Davoodian, activities coordinator for the International Exchange Student Center. Through the SPICE program, international students participate in discussion panels held at local service institutions and local high school and college classrooms. The… Read more

Arguing for the government: Ana Gladys Rivera Some of those alternatives are not always the right ones. Students caught using Adderall and Ritalin for academic enhancement should be immediately expelled from university due to the health hazards and academic dishonesty. Adderall and Ritalin are two strong prescription medications used to treat and control symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). What many students do not realize is they are causing harm to their bodies while helping them succeed academically. These prescription… Read more

The 2008 Republican Primary campaign was, to me, quite humorous. I distinctly remember watching as the Republican contenders continually tried to “out-Reagan” each other during every televised debate. Indeed, the Republican Party has done a good job at rebranding Ronald Reagan in recent years. I suspect their intention has been to paper over the largely failed presidency of George W. Bush by drawing up parallels to the Reagan years, which most Americans remember as a time of optimism and prosperity…. Read more

Question Dear Life & Style, I’ve noticed lately how many people around me suffer from low self esteem. Reasons for their lack of confidence range from being single, struggling financially, or not doing well in school. I want to help them realize that they are good people with a lot going on in their life. They should be proud of what they have instead of dwell on what they don’t. Any ideas to help me boost their self-assurance? -Confidence Booster… Read more

Emmy-winning actor Ed Asner will be coming to CSUN to perform as one of history’s most-loved presidents in “FDR.” The play will take the stage of the Plaza del Sol December 11 at 8 p.m. This performance is originally based off the Broadway play ‘Sunrise at Campobello’ produced by Dory Schary. Ed Asner is originally known for his role in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Pamela Bock, director of marketing and communications for the Valley Perfoming Arts Center, said although… Read more

Ongoing What: Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico When: Through Jan. 9 Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Price: $10 for students For more info: (323) 857-6000 Description: View sculptures from the earliest civilizations of Mexico. What: Downtown on Ice When: Through Jan. 17 Where: Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013 Price: $6 For more info: (213) 847-4970 Description: Southern Californians don’t need cold weather to be able to come out and ice skate; Enjoy snow and entertainment… Read more

Los Angelenos who have a special place in their hearts for local artists can find an array of work at the “Artist’s Museum” showing at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). The temporary exhibit, which runs until Jan. 31, features artwork from 146 artists around Los Angeles. The more than 250 pieces are an amalgam of old and new creations. Both the Grand Avenue and the Geffen Contemporary locations are featuring the exhibit. This review only pertains to the Grand… Read more

Sleek, sexy and sophisticated, Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan” soars as a modern day masterpiece. Aronofsky brilliantly cast charismatic Natalie Portman in the devastating, dark role of ballerina Nina. Once again, Aronofsky has proved his enormous insight and talent for creating compelling dramatic movies and received picture perfect performances from Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel. ”Black Swan” narrates the story of Nina, a meticulous and talented dancer who relies on perfect technique over pure passion. Nina, an extremely gifted dancer,… Read more

A.S. voted to allocate $6,100 to Black Student Union (BSU) for Black History Month and for monthly workshops Tuesday. During the meeting, A.S. Director of Finance Vahan Khodanian said BSU would receive supplemental funding because the organization’s initial request made in late September was pending due to the amount of funds available at the time. He added BSU was instructed to come back in November. “We funded them that ($1,500) and we intended to fund this ($6,100) initially. No one… Read more