The Middle East is as complex and nuanced a world as any country, and UC Irvine professor Mark Levine would like to tell you why by looking at music in his new book "Heavy Metal Islam," which is currently available at the UCI bookstore.

Anteaters abroad: South Africa (Part 4)

SWORD club holds a tournament in Aldrich Park for All Hallows' Eve complete with costumed fighters.

RESEARCH: Scientists funded by Department of Defense seek to create apparatus to send mental messages.

UCI Loses Top Climate Expert to Germany; Drill Will Simulate a 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake; Engineering Professor Creates Anti-Roll Chips; Studies Find Olive Oil May Reduce Appetite; UCI Students Receive XIV Dalai Lama Endowment; Bill Gates Funds Study of Poverty in Africa.

PRESENTATION: Students regale peers with tales of their experiences in Israel and Palestine.

CEREMONY: Human security group at UCI commends documentary by UC and USC graduates.

Stanley R. Bailey, associate professor of sociology, lectures to students about the dilemmas of affirmative action in Brazil.

WAGES: Patient care workers receive a temporary contract for increased pay waiting for approval by union.

DEBATE: Members of Orange County Young Republicans and Democrats host debate on current issues.

Proposition 11, if passed, will transfer redistricting powers from California's legislature, a body of mostly incumbent politicians, to an unelected, independent 14-member commission. The commission would establish districts for the Board of Equalization, state senate and state assembly. However, the state legislature will still retain the power to draw congressional districts.

When you restrict access to contraceptives, you affect the foundation of strong families. According to a recent National Public Radio report, nearly 750,000 teenagers will become pregnant this year and three out of every 10 American girls will get pregnant at least once before they hit their 20th birthday. That's a lot of teen pregnancies.

Prop 2's goal is to give farm animals in California enough room in their cages to turn around, lie down and stretch their limbs. This is a moderate, reasonable step toward making farming in California more humane.

Florida still a swing state; Governator hits campaign trail; UC Davis researchers to curb horny squirrels with birth control program; Toshio Tamogami not up on 20th Century history; Kim Jong Il still crazy.