This week's winners ... and losers

The bomb - The need for speed. Arizona's Senate Natural Resources and Transportation Committee unanimously voted to raise the speed limit on Interstate 10 from 75 to 80 mph. It's about time; most people go at least 80 on the freeway as it is.

A bomb - Some of Arizona's state legislators essentially telling students to stop complaining about another tuition increase. Yes, a college education is an investment, but with its rising costs, it's becoming an investment that many students (and parents) are unable to make.

The bomb - Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean finally getting the message: It just wasn't going to happen. After finishing a distant third in Tuesday's Wisconsin primary, Dean was zero for 17 on the primary season. Democrats wisely dismissed a man whom President Bush would have eaten alive come November.

A bomb - The Colorado football system fell apart quicker than Janet Jackson's costume. First, the university was criticized for reportedly trying to entice high school recruits with sex. Then, allegations came out that a female Colorado kicker was raped. The coach dismissed the charges, saying the kicker wasn't that good in the first place. Way to justify rape, coach.

The bomb - Men's basketball star Salim Stoudamire and softball star Autumn Champion received Pacific 10 Player of the Week honors. This is the second-straight week a pair of Wildcats has taken the award. Let's hope more men's hoops players step up their play as the season's stretch run approaches.

A bomb - The New York Yankees. Acquiring Alex Rodriguez, arguably the best active player in baseball, ballooned their payroll to more than twice as much as any other team. The desire to win now is admirable, but ultimately, the Yankees will pay the price - in more ways than one - of trading for the most expensive baseball player ever.

The bomb - PSU's Panda Express and Bruegger's Bagels. The Park Student Union finally unveiled these long-awaited eateries - better late than never. The restaurants have brought a fresh flock of students to PSU, as the union starts regaining its popularity.

A bomb- Quiet time. The standard of quiet hours beginning in some residence halls promptly at 10 p.m. is unnecessary and unrealistic. The library is always open late for any last-minute studying students may need to squeeze in. And honestly, how many college students go to bed at 10 anyway?

Opinions are determined by the Wildcat opinions board and written by one of its members. They are Shane Dale, Caitlin Hall, Saul Loeb, Jason Poreda, Justin St. Germain and Eliza Tebo.