Lobos Basketball Tournament

Obama's Cabinet choices show that change isn't forthcoming

Editor, Is it a coincidence that practically all of Barack Obama's appointed cabinet members are former associates of the Bill Clinton glory days of the '90s? Why is Obama begging Hillary Clinton to accept his secretary of state job? Do they have to do the hard work for you now while you receive all the praise and glory? Rahm Emanuel, Eric Holder, Tom Daschle, Bill Richardson and Joe Biden - all of these folks are not new, fresh faces like you told your blind followers.

Setting aside areas for smoking would keep everyone happy

Editor, The idea of trying to ban smoking from campus is completely ridiculous. I am not a smoker, but I do believe if you want to smoke, then go for it. It is a free country, isn't it? I do believe, however, that people who do not want to be exposed to the harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke should not be forced to.

Tripp's efforts bring UNM program within reach of NCAA Tournament

Spike after spike, bruise after bruise, it's Gayle Tripp's job to dive in front of volleyballs hit at up to 65 mph. "You have to be fearless - no reservations and balls to the wall," Tripp said. "I sacrifice my body, my face and my arms to step in the middle of the court and find a way to pop the ball up.

Alpha Tau Omega will seek 'founding fathers' for UNM chapter

A new fraternity will join the four chapters already on campus this spring. Alpha Tau Omega was founded in 1865, one of the first fraternities created after the Civil War, and aimed to reunite the men from the South, said Ronnie Hebert, associate director of expansion for the fraternity.

Faris' physicality emerges in game against Central Florida

Daniel Faris didn't check into Heartbreak Hotel after the UNM men's basketball team's 72-71 defeat at the hands of UCF on Saturday at The Pit. But he did consider drowning his sorrows in syrup - at Waffle House. "I might go," he said. "Or I might just go to sleep.

Question of the Week

Where should UNM cut funding first? Rey Coronado Jr. Junior Advertising "The salaries of the vice presidents.... Maybe, instead of having two vice presidents do two different things, they could have one doing both those things." Brian Vote Junior Marketing "I think they should cut all the extra expenditures that they don't really need.

Bookstore introduces digitized textbooks

As part of the Bookstore's green initiative, more textbooks are being offered in digital formats - a marketing trend that could result in a bookstore without books. "We've been doing things with digital books for over a year now," said Melanie Sparks, Bookstore director.

UNM departments face deficits

Eight UNM departments reported a combined deficit of more than $11 million as of June, according to a report presented to the regents this month. And those departments will not get help from UNM's $5.3 million central reserve fund, said Andrew Cullen, associate vice president for institutional planning.

Cartoon

Freshman pulls his weight early in season

Phillip McDonald may not have the size, stature or star power of J.R. Giddens, but the freshman shooting guard is doing his part to help fill Giddens' shoes. McDonald helped the UNM men's basketball team rout the Grambling State Tigers on Thursday at The Pit with his 15-point, 10-rebound performance.

Vouchers would make schools focus on quality of education

Editor, There is a lot of talk at UNM about making the school more environmentally responsible. A new degree is even being offered in sustainability studies. In keeping with this trend, the University and the state government should also consider making UNM more fiscally responsible.

Lobos blow out Tigers with smart shooting

Chances are, when UNM's star guard has more fouls than points, the Lobos lose, right? That wasn't the case on Thursday night. UNM coasted over Grambling State 96-50 at The Pit. Despite scoring just 3 points - and committing four fouls - Tony Danridge dished out a career-high eight assists.

Column: Broadening Kennedy's vision

Considering the economic and political challenges facing the United States and the world today, and given the lessons learned in foreign assistance since it began after World War II with the Marshall Plan, now is the time that the Peace Corps should amend the role that its volunteers play in international development.

PEAK takes majority in ASUNM election

The votes are in, and ASUNM has 10 new senators who will be sworn in next semester. The VOICE slate took three open seats in Wednesday's election, while the remaining seven were retained by incumbent senators from the PEAK slate. Voters were asked to vote on two amendments on the ballot.

Feature Photo: Newshound

Artist slams in support of mental health

Rha Goddess is using hip-hop to fight for the rights of people who have mental health issues. The New York-based spoken-word artist and social activist who coined the term "floetry" will stage her one-woman show, "Low," Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at VSA North Fourth Art Center.

Long's resignation signals end of whining, sucking up

Editor, After 11 years of mixed success, Rocky Long has stepped down. Yes, he had some success. Yes, the team has improved since he became coach. But I am glad to see him go. Rocky got a raise, but instead of improving team performance, the team got worse.

Money for coaches' salaries can be better spent on academics

Editor, I'd like to say good riddance to Rocky Long because, let's face it, paying a coach $750,000 is a joke. That money could be used for academic purposes and hiring and maintaining student employees as well as faculty. That money could be used for lab equipment and other more important things on campus as well.

'TRL' finale marks decline in essential media institutions

On Sunday, MTV's "Total Request Live" issued its swan song, and I wasn't listening. Dubbed "TRL" by its hordes of devotees - among whose ranks I used to count myself - the show marked a generation of awkward and not-so-awkward teenagers who tuned in for a decade to watch, fanatically, their favorite "celebs" battle it out for the top spot on the show's daily music video countdown.

Funding cuts may limit renovations

UNM is preparing for major campus renovations, but the University may not be able to afford all the buildings it has planned. The University has spent about $14 million this year on 34 renovation projects expected to be completed by 2009. The most expensive project is the Castetter Hall renovation, which benefits the Biology Department, at $7.