Several CSUN members from the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) organized an event titled "The 2007 Hunger Banquet," which aimed to explain why poverty in some parts of the world is endemic, and what mechanisms can be developed to improve work and food production in local communities.

Newly elected representatives to the Associated Students Senate pledged to increase student outreach to programs and services provided by the student body and to take a different stance on issues regarding statewide and national programs to support legislation that would help immigrant students earn a college education.

The prowess to exercise her governmental duties as queen of England, how witchcraft and the advent of science influenced her kingdom, and why two collectors of Elizabeth I books turned devotees of her dress codes were the topics of a lecture titled 'The Sun That Lights the Rainbow: The Life and Times of Elizabeth I.

Several Latino students organized a dancing event last Thursday hoping to raise awareness about gay, lesbian and bisexuals efforts to achieve social equality and be accepted normally in their communities, at school and everywhere they feel face discrimination.

The organization Iraq Veterans Against the War held a fundraiser at a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant in Northridge on Saturday, with 12 military personnel who served in Iraq since the war began in 2003 in attendance. Jabbar Magruder, a CSUN student who served 11 months in Iraq, said IVAW's most important concern is the well-being of their comrades because the fighting between local guerrillas and U.

Hundreds of Southland college and university musicians gathered last Thursday night at The Recording Academy in Santa Monica, hoping to establish contacts with professional and experienced artists who work in the music industry. The event, "Back to School Kick-Off," introduced new and active music students to the academy's Los Angeles Chapter GRAMMY U Network.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has created a new 10 member panel and instated a gang czar to help solve gang problems in our state. Paul L. Seave will serve as the director of gang and youth violence policy for the governor's California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention program.

Michael Farkas said his experience at Calahan Street Elementary School in Northridge last semester was unforgettable. He volunteered to teach fundamental concepts of music to a group of children. He introduced them to various wind and string instruments and showed them how music can become an important part of their lives.

The current California budget crunch failed to save a lesser known assembly bill introduced by Democratic Assemblyman Joe Coto from San Jose, which would have allowed the hiring of full-time credentialed nurses to work in many elementary schools. AB 760 aimed to launch a statewide program to ensure basic nursing and health services for elementary school students in districts with at least 1,500 pupils.

Leo Samaniego drinks a Red Bull energy drink about once a month, whenever he feels a bit tired or because its advertisements lure him to spend a few bucks on it. However, Samaniego said he does it just for the flavor, not because of an addiction. He's quick to affirm that energy drinks are sources of fast calories, but fall short of being nutritious and healthy.