International tensions touch UA student studying abroad

While the war in Iraq is keeping some students from joining study abroad programs, many already abroad feel safe.

"The war has only intensified my time here, and I know it will make it a deeper experience for me in the end," Molly Hanrahan, a theater arts junior who is currently studying in London, stated in an e-mail.

Hanrahan began studying in London in January and said upon leaving the United States she knew of the risk of a potential war, but she said the advantages of going abroad outweighed the disadvantages. [Read article]

PHOENIX ÷ State lawmakers said yesterday they would release a new budget proposal for next year within two weeks. The proposal may still include cuts to UA's budget, which they have previously proposed to be about 5 percent.

The state budget proposal the Republican chairs of the appropriations committees released in January cut a variety of human services for the poor and ill, and has been called "draconian" by members of the legislature's Republican leadership. But the leadership's stance on more cuts to the universities next year doesn't seem likely to soften much in the next budget proposal. [Read article]

Vicky Boyle arrived in Rocky Point hoping to sip margaritas on the beach and catch a little sun outside her beachfront hotel. She found the beach and even the margaritas, but the hotel was a different story.

When Boyle, a communication junior, and three of her friends arrived at the Hotel Se–orial, the concierge told them there weren't any reservations in their names.

He told Boyle and her friends that they were among a dozen students who said they had made phone reservations with hotelsinrockypoint.com and that their hotel didn't deal with that company. [Read article]

UA's greek system has recognized and is beginning to address the negative attention it receives from the public.

Last night, President Pete Likins gave his input on issues that included hazing, alcohol abuse, leadership, diversity and public perception of fraternities and sororities.

More than 120 representatives from campus chapters attended the open question-and-answer session designed to open the lines of communication with university administrators and "bridge the gap" between the greek system and the rest of the UA community. [Read article]

Yesterday at noon, religious representatives from around campus gathered at the Memorial Fountain near Old Main for an inter-faith service.

The service, sponsored by the University Religious Council, brought university religious leaders together to speak out about the war in the Middle East.

Representatives from Ba'hai, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions each spoke of their individual desires for peace and unity throughout the world. Some said prayers and sung for those affected by the war; others spoke of their hope for a peaceful end to the war. [Read article]

Campus activist suggests cactus on Mall, likes U-Locks

WILDCAT: Of all things, OK, I need to think of the stupid question before I ask it · OK! Of all things to protest, why go on the UA Mall? Couldn't there be anywhere else you could think of protesting?

WILSON: We should have just gone to the regular mall. That would be more interesting.

WILDCAT: I mean, come on, it's brown all the time! [Read article]

· The National Security Agency wiretapping network collects three million faxes, cell phone conversations and Internet hits each minute.

· Journalist Hunter S. Thompson once made a Rolling Stone writer mow his lawn before he would grant him an interview.

· Glossititis is an acute inflammation of the tongue.

· Georgia is home to the U.S. National Tick Collection ÷ the largest collection of dead ticks in the world. [Read article]

Banned banner

Independent Florida Alligator
University of Florida

Frustrated with the lack of campus support at the University of Florida for U.S. troops, a banner briefly adorned the side of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity's house March 20.

The banner, which read "Phi Sigma Kappa supports the war effort, F-Saddam," hung for only a few short hours before a call informed David Bynes, assistant director of Greek Life. [Read article]