New pursuits for 2008

Resolutions for the new semester: don’t just get fit – save water, get involved

In honor of the traditional New Year’s resolutions, we have comprised a set of not-so-traditional resolutions for you in the upcoming semester.

- Learn to love reality television: It doesn’t seem as if the writers’ strike will be over any time soon. MTV already has renewed “A Shot at Love,” and “Celebrity Apprentice” should provide plenty of opportunities to make fun of The Donald’s hair. At the very least, the “American Idol” auditions should be entertaining.

- Avoid public humiliation: Don’t land on the front page of The Red & Black. No one wants to spend the night in an Athens-Clarke County jail, and no one wants to have to bail his or her friend out. Save everyone the hassle by making wise decisions after a night downtown, and remember – we know what you did last night.

- Conserve water: Although the state finally received an appreciable amount of rain in December, drought conditions still stand until further notice. Look into adopting a permanent ascetic lifestyle, taking 15-second Marine showers and harvesting the drippings from your air conditioner for drinking water. Get used to it – it could last a long time. And keep praying – God’s sure to listen one of these days.

- Vote: Today is the last day to register to vote in the primaries in the state of Georgia. Start off the new year by getting more involved, finding out about the candidates at all levels, and taking action. Do you have an opinion on the war in Iraq? On the economy? On anything? How can you expect it ever to come to anything without taking the most basic step of political involvement in a democracy? Plus, you get a sticker!

- Get involved: While taking the steps to become involved in the politics of our nation, act locally, as well. Make a difference in the University community by sharing your views of the world. Submit columns and letters to the editor to opinions@randb.com.

- Contribute to the environment of academic rigor. The plus-minus system isn’t going anywhere, so this semester, we all should aim for the top – a simple A. Remember, a highly decorated A doesn’t exist, so don’t risk disappointment by aiming too high. Plus, with the SLC open 24/7, why not crack open the books at 2 a.m.? How else can we justify the University’s electric bill?

- Life after football: Now that the football season is over, we’re betting that the majority of students are a little worried about finding their sports fix in the coming months. Though football in the fall might be the biggest draw, we think the spring might be the better semester for sports at the University.

We have a gymnastics team going for a fourth straight national championship and high-ranked teams in women’s basketball, tennis, swimming and diving, softball and baseball. Even better, all these sporting events are very inexpensive for students, with many of the events offering free admission with a student ID.

Take the time this semester to enjoy all that University athletics have to offer. By the way, the G-Day spring football game is April 5.