Let's clear up one misconception right now: Whatever the Muslim Student Union wanted to call last week's event, it was not "Palestine Awareness Week."

Over the past two weeks, we have seen both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Why are we surprised when we hear about school shootings, domestic abuse and rape? Jackson Katz, an anti-sexist male speaker, writer and film producer, says that considering how we socialize people according to gender, we should expect these problems.

After 60 years, I would venture that the situation in Israel and the Middle East is nigh insoluble. As our own campus microcosm suggests, this issue is a tinderbox, to put it lightly. The stalemate is enervating and the tension is palpable.

Does presidential candidate John McCain have more years of experience, or just fewer years until he becomes senile?

Wanted: A photogenic man or woman (must not scare children and small animals), from a swing state, preferably Ohio. He or she should have a background in politics and public service, but must not be too controversial or outspoken. PR-friendly family and cute dog a plus.

The Supreme Court upheld Kentucky's right to use lethal injection for capital punishment this past month, despite the fact that most of the Western world abandoned capital punishment long ago. This ruling shows that in at least one respect, America is failing to cross the threshold into becoming a sensible society.

June 7 is the 43rd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court case of Griswold vs. Connecticut, which granted women the right to privacy in all sexual matters.

"Repent or pay the price in Hell!" Sound familiar? If you have walked along Ring Mall around the Administration Building this past week, it should.

Musicians perform Mexican-style songs at the Student Center terrace as part of a Cinco de Mayo celebration sponsored by Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán.

"Speed Racer" comes across as candy for the senses. The constantly dynamic visuals are a rainbow-sherbet, hyper, pop-art assault on the eyes that is stunning and, at times, almost overwhelming. Unfortunately, much like candy, the rush starts strong yet ultimately leaves the viewer unsatisfied.

Concerts for philanthropic causes might be as common as students listening to iPods in today's era, but the second annual UCIndie: A Benefit Concert for Iraqi Children, organized by members of the Baghdad School Project in conjunction with the Social Science Dean's Ambassadors Council, made for a fun-filled night of upbeat music and camaraderie as part of a large effort to provide educational supplies to schoolchildren in Baghdad.

Matmos is generally considered to be an electronic experimental band. The word "experimental" scares away even the most passionate music fans.

"Mario Kart Wii" goes in one direction: backward. It was a tall order to beat the innovative "Double Dash" and the milestone "Mario Kart DS." Nintendo certainly didn't do it.