Japan’s magnitude 9.0 earthquake triggered one of the country’s most destructive tsunamis. The torrent of water that rushed through towns devoured virtually everything in its path and heavily damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, potentially releasing deadly radiation. Radiation dosage is measured in units called millisieverts and the average annual exposure for a normal person is about 0.006 millisieverts. The LA Times reported Saturday that six workers were exposed to 100 millisieverts. Plant owner Tokyo Electric reported the crew… Read more

Music was in the air Thursday night when CSUN students lip-synced hits from various genres. Lip Wars-The Battle of Epic Epicness was organized by the University Student Union and hosted by the Northridge Center. The show featured music from 60s soul to 90s pop. Turnout was initially sparse but increased steadily.  Colorful neon lights blinked behind the drapes that covered the front base of the stage, flanked by two speakers.  The room was turned into a nightclub for the pre-show…. Read more

The Student Dietetic and Food Science Association (SDFSA) held a fundraiser and commemorated the start of National Nutrition Month by hosting a barbeque at Matador Square. “We want let everybody know what SDFSA is about,” said Karmen Ovsepyan, 24, nutrition graduate student and SDFSA president. Volunteers served hamburgers, veggie-burgers and soft drinks.  The association’s health counselors were available to answer questions while patrons enjoyed their food. Ovsepyan dispelled misconceptions about health risks associated with eating beef. “You can have anything… Read more

Fresh off her online publication’s $315 million buyout by AOL, The Huffington Post’s editor-in-chief Arianna Huffington took the stage at Valley Performance Arts Center Saturday night to discuss the new media revolution that has transformed journalism. She began the night with jokes. “This accent is for real,” the Greek native said, and claimed her accent is not popular in Arizona. “This is an amazing week to talk about social media,” Huffington said. She called the Egypt uprising “Revolution 2.0,” an… Read more

The afternoon lunch rush in Toluca Lake leaves most of Sweetsalt’s tables occupied, while customers of all ages chat it up. The Sweetsalt eatery eatery boasts the type of humble decor one may find in Marmalade Café. The walls are colored eggshell white, while sunlight bursts in through the front window, illuminating the room. Mismatched silverware and a glass water dispenser flank a tabletop near the entrance. Above the water hangs a makeshift, handwritten sign that reads “100% PURE TOLUCA… Read more

Three-time Grammy winner Shawn Colvin and Loudon Wainwright III took the stage at CSUN’s Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) Saturday night, kicking off the venue’s opening season. The folk artists performed a stripped-down set that consisted of  acoustic guitar and piano. Lynne and Ken Weiner, who have resided in the San Fernando Valley for over 50 years, said they attended the show for the new building’s prestige. “We’re excited about being here tonight,” said Lynne. Wainwright took the stage at 8 p.m., armed with an acoustic guitar and a… Read more

Dr. John Roscigno, professor of music and director of orchestral studies, will take on some part-time projects this spring. They include gigs with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, the 2011 Arizona All-State Orchestra and TEMPO, a music group. Although Roscigno guest-conducted last summer at the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, he’ll take the stage for the first time  Feb. 4 as the official music director. Roscigno said he’s doing it for the love of teaching prodigies. “I enjoy working with extremely talented young… Read more

After over two years of construction, the much-publicized Valley Performing Arts Center will celebrate its Grand Opening Gala on Saturday Jan. 29. Vance Peterson, CSUN vice president for University Advancement said the black-tie event was “a historic occasion for Los Angeles and certainly the Valley.” The invitation sent to the public called the $125 million project “a dream turned reality.” Peterson listed and detailed the evening’s phases, which will allow attendees to mingle and enjoy live performances. The gala will… Read more