In a city where winters pass little noticed, filled with toasty golden sunshine, the umbrella is often forgotten ““ left in the depths of the closet, hidden in the car trunk. Read more...

Twelve days after Sept. 11, 2001, spoken word artist Shannon Staloch converted to Islam, and has been melding her spirituality with her art ever since. Staloch, who will be performing at UCLA tonight at the Cooperage to conclude Islamic Awareness Week, believes her art and that of a growing number of Islamic artists across the nation serves a unique function: giving a voice and an identity to a new generation of Muslim-Americans. Read more...

One student spoke of traveling the road not taken, pushing for equality in California’s educational system, and standing up against homophobia and the government’s abuses of civil rights. Read more...

A light mood prevailed amid discussion of serious issues at the chancellor’s town hall meeting on Thursday. Addressing about 200 staff members ““ the people he called “unsung heroes” ““ Chancellor Albert Carnesale’s occasional jokes kept the audience smiling as he talked to the Staff Assembly about budget issues, construction on campus and student access in the hour-long annual meeting. Read more...

As it’s Friday and you should all be tired from a week of grueling study, I’m going to start with a game. I’ve named it “Guess the Country” and it shouldn’t be too taxing for your weary brains. Read more...