A few days before Thanksgiving, the University received the best news it could have gotten from the Commission of Presidential Debates. Not only was the University chosen to host a presidential debate, but the final presidential debate of 2008, the debate that will push undecided voters over the edge.

"I think it will have a negative effect because it kind of makes the university less accredited if students are allowed to take courses online. It makes it easier to access online information, people can cheat, and a professor is not teaching them. Plus, no one is watching them.

It's safe to say the acoustics in Hofstra USA are not perfect, but the intimacy of the shows make up for the reverberating noise. When Lupe Fiasco took the stage last Thursday night it should not have been a surprise that the sound would echo. His blaring beats are constructed in a manner that could not stop the building from rattling.

About the only thing the Jets accomplished on a warm afternoon in Miami on Sunday was avoiding the indignity of becoming the Dolphins' first victim this season. When the 40-13 victory was completed, the Jets improved to 3-9, with two of those victories coming against the 0-12 Dolphins.

In its final meeting of the semester, the Student Government Association (SGA) approved a new committee to discuss possible events surrounding the presidential debate coming to the University next fall and appointed the first freshman ever to its cabinet. Entitled "Issue Committee for Presidential Topics Two Thousand deb8," the group will coordinate with Sandra Johnson, the vice president for Student Affairs, and Anita Ellis, the director of the Office of Student Leadership and Activities, to plan symposia, activities and events specific to issues that will be discussed at the debate to take place on Oct.

Her path began here at the University, an alumna of the month honored for her selfless acts and advocacy in the community. Faced with hardships in life, Michele Lumia Iallonardi's fondest memory was graduating with honors in 1998 with a dual degree in elementary education and sociology.

The University is going to be home to the final 2008 Presidential Debate on October 15. Hofstra went through a series of processes to be accepted by the Commission on Presidential Debates, and now that the official decision has been made, many more plans are being put in action.

December 7Mahalo Happy Hour Mahalo Spa and Natural Organic Cafe927 Franklin Ave Garden City4 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.$35Call (516) 922-3494 December 11Holiday Spectacular The Dix Hills Center for the Performing Arts305 North Service Road7:30 p.m.$10.00Call (631) 378-2000 December 13Winter Solstice CelebrationThe Smithtown Public LibraryMain Street7 p.

Do you know where the word "Yankee" comes from? It's a combination of two common Dutch names, Jan and Kees. When the Dutch first colonized New York (then called New Amsterdam), the people of the Netherlands referred to the settlers as Jan-Kees and hence the term Yankee came into existence.

Barring a losing streak of epic proportions, coach Ian Clugston and the mens' ice hockey team needs to start making reservations for Albany. Convincing wins this past weekend over Gettysberg, Loyola, and Indiana of Pennsylvania that produced a whopping 25 goals have the Pride set up to surpass their original goal of simply making the regional tournament.

Construction progress for the residence hall that will house graduate students could lead to the sale of the Twin Oaks residence hall on Hempstead Turnpike. The University is holding discussions with potential buyers for the site, said Melissa Connolly, vice president of University Relations.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Den Chants Oh my dearest Hofstra faithful. I love your enthusiasm and energy every time out at the Mack, but can we get a little more creative with our chanting? Now, let me state for the record, that I believe we should curse - to an extent, and when merited - and pick on an opposing player.