The negative social connotation around nepotism is dissolving. Nepotism is another way to network. The smarter and more effective way to network is to look at the connections you already have.

The minds and imaginations of college students across the country have been captured by Barack Obama. Though the race is almost neck and neck among general voters, a Wallstreet Journal/NBC poll conducted in July shows Obama with a stunning 24 point lead over Sen. John McCain among voters ages 18-34.

Whatever the final decision, the planning committee should poll students to find out what they want. This is a great opportunity to increase student activity on the U's campus. So it would be wise to keep students involved.

Was the battle for American independence and freedom fought in vain? It was if we neglect to defend the liberties they died for. Those early American heroes certainly didn't give their lives so stray individual opinions could dictate the laws. The U should honor them by including the pledge more often in official forums and other gatherings.

The U is planning to replace 65,000 feet of hot water piping on campus. The replacement of dated, corroded pipes, expected to cost $30 million and possibly take five years, was only pursued after persistent failures.

A vibrant, mixed-use development is just what the U needs in that area. Currently, the first Trax stop on campus dumps all visitors in a massive, barren parking lot-hardly an inviting introduction to the campus.

The convention will present the Democrats with the opportunity to showcase their plans for greater government accountability, social justice, education, consumer protection and environmental preservation.

The major issue at the U isn't whether or not you can carry, but the ability to carry openly versus concealed. Debates ran rampant on campus until the issue ultimately died at the Senate in March. And that's exactly where it should stay-dead.

What is involved in creating a climate-neutral university? How can students and the broader U community help achieve this goal?

All troops know that all we can do is make the best of the time we get with our families on EML, while never forgetting our fellow soldiers left behind when we do go home