Let it rain, let it pour

A visitor to Athens during December might have wondered what all the fuss was about the drought. While Athens-Clarke County received almost six inches of rain in December with additional precipitation over the last few days, the county still is set to experience a record-setting dry summer. Continue efforts to conserve water – such as taking shorter showers, drinking bottled water and running the dishwasher only when full – and let’s hope there are no more water main breaks on campus. Of course, there’s always prayer.

An alternative to reality TV

Now that the football team is done for the season, we have time and energy to focus on all our school’s marvelous athletes in other sports. With a win over Georgia Tech in men’s basketball this week, it’s a great time to go see some of our other first-class teams, some of which recently have won multiple national championships.

Help the children

Administrators are observing focus groups and conducting an online survey open to everyone in the University regarding the community’s need for child care services. After the debates last semester, we welcome the University’s efforts to meet the needs of its faculty, students and community.

Drop/Add is over

Now that undergrad Drop/Add has ended, many University students no longer can play Cupid Shuffle with their class schedules and will have to withdraw from a course they don’t like. We’re hoping the University Council Executive Committee chooses to extend the Drop/Add period, but limiting the number of withdrawals to four is like turning off the music.

We want you!

It’s a new year, a new semester, and we need new writers. If you’ve ever read The Red & Black and looked at that byline with each story, wishing it was your name written above a fine piece of journalistic craft, now is the time to make that dream happen. Come to our new writers meetings Tuesdays at 6 p.m. or e-mail Recruitment Editor Phillip Kisubika at recruitment@randb.com for more information.

Revenge of the canines

While Michael Vick rehabilitates himself, a University alumna found a way to commemorate the former Atlanta Falcon quarterback and raise awareness about animal abuse. Former Georgia soccer player Jessica Winton created Vick dog toys, the next great product in animal amusement. If Winton wants to perfect this thing, we suggest outfitting the toy in prison stripes and mechanizing it to run fast and throw bad passes.

Quote of the week:

“I think what we just completed is the most exciting college season in memory with the least exciting bowl series in memory. You put those two together and you see the legitimate need for change.”

- President Michael F. Adams on his proposal for a playoff system in the college football postseason