The new speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, has already proposed federal funds for stem cell research as one of her top priorities. And it is only a matter of time before we again hear the religious right complain about this research degenerating human life, the way they did earlier during the Bush administration when the president vetoed the bill.

Mexican democracy has been raped, again. In the elections last July, the citizens of the Aztec country voted for Andres Lopez Obrador and got Felipe Calderon instead. Massive protests immediately emerged and Lopez Obrador urged his followers to be patient and not resort to violence and they listened.

A new major of Central American Studies will become effective in Fall 2007. CSUN will be the first university in the nation to offer this major. The new major is now in the process of gaining administrative approval, though the College of Humanities' academic counsel has already approved the proposal.

After visiting the Reagan library during my quiet Thanksgiving weekend, I learned many "wonderful" new things about the former president, events that in my native Mexico had been explained to me from a very different prospective. I learned of his never-ending effort to fight communism, and the overthrowing of democratic elected presidents in countries south of the border.

To celebrate the holiday season, the CSUN Educational Opportunity Program organized a musical event called Fiesta Navidad, which explored the diversity of Mexican musical and dance culture. The event featured two musical groups brought from Mexico, Trio Tradicion Mexicana and Orquesta Marimba Hermanos Aquino, as well as Conjuto Hueyapan, Mariachi Estrella de Jalisco, Pacifico Dance Company and singer Ixya Herrera.

Love is not always a two-way street. Being in love with someone who refuses your attention and love is not always a tragedy. In fact the persistent chasing after a lover could even turn into a comedy. Attilio (Robert Benigni) is a poet and lecturer at a Roman University and he is impatient, forgetful and obsessive.

A book reading organized by the Central American United Student Association and the Central American studies program on Nov. 16 was one of many events that have recently showcased the increase in the department's activity as well as the incorporation of a new major.

The Alzheimer's Association at CSUN has served the community for six years by providing information, referrals and support groups for those affected by the disease, which is a focus in November, which is National Alzheimer's Disease Month, established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.

At one point, the department of business administration at CSUN offered an option of specialization in international business. About a year ago, however, the option was removed from the major. Some students who had already declared international business in their DARS were lucky enough to continue but others were left with no choice but to change their concentration option.

Despite obstacles created by the decisions of the Associated Students finance committee, M.E.Ch.A. will go forward with the annual celebration "Day of the Dead." Today is the date designated to remember the kids and infants who have passed away, and Nov. 2 is believed to be the day when the adult loved ones who have passed away return to life to visit their families.

Women's Inspiration" is the new radio program at KCSN, during which women and men can learn information about women-related issues. The program airs every Friday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. The hosts, Dr. Erika Yomtobian and Dr. Joan Rosenberg, came up with the idea after their experience as guest hosts of another KCSN radio show.

Milton Folk recalls the fall 2002 semester, when students at CSUN wore green ribbons to show their support to the gay community. "I did not imagine that so many students were so open in their support," said Folk, who graduated last spring with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, and was involved with and received support from the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance club at CSUN.