In "Rejecting AIDS Denialism" in the Nov. 10 issue of the New University, Mengfei Chen wrote a powerful article about the importance of South Africa facing the reality of HIV if they are to limit its spread and, eventually, if we, as a world people, are to master the disease. I would like to add, however, a very important point. In the United States, we also live in the midst of "denialism."

When you think about what it means to study aboard, what comes to mind? Is it the historical sites? Is it the foreign people and their customs? Or is it something else entirely?

Chancellor Charles B. Reed of the California State University system announced, among other revisions, plans to raise academic standards for entering freshmen for all state universities on Nov. 17. This came just days after reports presented to the University of California Regents on Nov. 12 showed that the system's endowment has lost $1 billion in recent months, standing at an estimated $5.7 billion on Sept. 30, down from $6.7 billion as of Dec. 31, 2007.

So you're walking down Ring Mall from your Humanities class, animatedly chatting with your friends, when all of a sudden, as you turn to face forward, you get a mouthful of good ol' carbon monoxide mixed with benzene, arsenic, formaldehyde and about 3,996 other slightly calamitous chemicals from the silver-haired Spanish professor strolling along in front of you, twiddling his Cuban between his thumb and forefinger. How do you react?

The Hypothesis takes the ripped Peter the Anteater costume for a ride on Wednesday. Here he is shooting a t-shirt into the crowd, which he shot in the same direction three times, aiming unsuccessfully for his girlfriend.

VOLLEYBALL: Women's team finishes second in conference after two thirlling matches; keeps playoffs hopes alive.

SOCCER: Tuesday marks the first time UCI appears in the NCAA men's soccer tournament.

SOCCER: Former 'Eater speaks about UCI soccer, battling injuries, playing in the MLS and facing David Beckham.

SOCCER: Co-Big West Freshman of the Year Andrew Fontein has been the biggest surprise this season.

THE HYPOTHESIS: As I put on the suit for the first time, I could not help but ask the people in charge of Peter the Anteater, "Has this thing been washed?" Without a moment of hesitation they responded, "Every chance we get."

THE ORACLE: Hats off to you Anteater fans. Hats off to all 4,206 of you who attended last Friday's UC Irvine-Oregon basketball game at the Bren Events Center. I finally felt like I was in college.

BASKETBALL: Men's team falls to Eastern Washington, but is impressive in loss to Oregon at Bren.

UC Irvine anteaters show school spirit by throwing up the "tongue" and masking their faces with the school colors at the Duck Roast tailgate party before the UCI vs. Oregon State basketball game.

Students participate in a candle-lighting ceremony as part of the SHOUT Sleep Out on Thursday, Nov. 20 to remember those who live day-to-day without a home.