Is this the year the sleeping giant awakes? The giant in question is the nation's growing Latino vote. At a forum at the New School last week participants discussed what role Latinos, Asians and other immigrants and their children might play in this year's election and in elections to come.

"Bill Nighbert has done so much for us," said Marcella Mountjoy, another former mayor who once was Nighbert's high school biology teacher and next-door neighbor.

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Short's Brewing Company, Mon. couples' dancing; Tues. open mic; live music Fri.-Sat.; 121 N. Bridge St., Bellaire; 533-6622; www.shortsbrewing.com. Cabbage Shed, darts and camaraderie 7 p.m. Fri., beginners to experts, instruction and darts provided; 198 Frankfort Ave., Elberta; 352-0225.

The 2010 Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery was formally opened in Washington, DC on October 2. This programme allows randomly selected applicants to immigrate to the United States on an expedited basis, provided they meet all the criteria.

Within our means Lantz, Cobbs Creek: There is much in the paper about saving Wall Street and mortgage failures. Where is the newsprint about those of us who live within our means and don't want our tax dollars to bail out those who recklessly live above their means?

We asked Dominick Villella from the Paranormal Investigation of NYC team to share his favorite paranormal hot spots for aspiring ghost-hunters.

Transactions BASKETBALL National Basketball Association MIAMI HEAT. Withdrew qualifying offer to F Kasib Powell, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Is there a difference between a gambling machine at a gas station that pays winners with prizes like free gas or a CB radio antenna and a nearly identical machine at the waterpark that issues tickets that can be redeemed for small toys or an electronic game?