Universities to study hybrids

Toyota is giving prototypes of its new plug-in Prius to two California universities as part of it study into the future of hybrids, according to new Reuters reports.

UC Berkeley’s Institution of Transportation Studies and UC Irvine’s Advanced Power and Energy Program will each receive one modified Prius, with larger and stronger battery packs, significantly reducing the need for gasoline.

Irvine students will focus on the more technical details of the Prius, while Berkeley will do studies on whether the vehicle would do well with consumers.

All of the research done by the two universities will help Toyota develop a car with low emissions and alternative fuels for cars.

CultureFest

CultureFest, sponsored by International Education Week today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will showcase SF State’s cultural organizations at Malcolm X Plaza. The festival includes performances and demonstrations from student cultural organizations. DJ Ben Binary and DJ Nica will perform at the event as well. The Classics Department will also be serving food inspired by ancient Greek and Roman recipes.

This event is apart of the International Education Week, sponsored by the Office of International Programs, that began Tuesday and runs through Friday. International Education Week is in its 8th year at SF State and includes, study abroad presentations, art-exhibits, and presentations from visiting diplomats.

For more information visit the Office of International Programs’ Web site at http://www.sfsu.edu/~oip/iewhome.htm.

Ninth Annual San Francisco Hip Hop Dancefest

The San Francisco Hip Hop Dancefest begins on Friday, Nov. 16 at the Palace of Fine Arts with two different programs. Program A will include the DS Players from San Jose, Elements of Montreal from Colorado, Mop Top from New York, Over The influence from Vancouver and SoulForce from San Francisco. Program A will perform Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.

Program B will include Diamond from Oakland, Live in Color from Miami, Moving Shadows from Vienna, Austria, Soul Conspiracy from Hayward and U.F.O. Movement from San Francisco. Program B will perform Saturday Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $35 for one program and tickets for both programs are $60.