Not all money spent at Mt. Graham from tuition

A March 10 letter, "Tuition hike needed for Mt. Graham exploits," stated that tuition must be increased to fund UA telescope projects. This is incorrect. NO tuition revenue has been used to fund these projects; money has come from other sources. General university funds are most certainly not the source of "32 million spent so far" on Mount Graham telescopes, as Robin Silver stated. National and international partners in telescope projects often contribute 50 to 75 percent of the cost; in some cases, 100 percent. Since July 2000, the UA astronomy department and Steward Observatory have brought in more than $68 million in research, of which $15.9 million has been contributed to the university for use throughout the university. Astronomy is not only an outstanding academic and research asset of the UA and Arizona, but a financial plus as well. [Read article]

Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. To paraphrase a former presidential campaign slogan, "Are you safer now than you were then?"

Bush's own re-election campaign relies heavily on touting the "success" of his administration against terrorists. Unfortunately, recent tragedies in Spain and Iraq suggest his efforts have been less than successful. America has won several symbolic battles, such as the capture of Saddam Hussein, but terrorists are still winning the war. [Read article]

For a lot of students, spring is the ideal time to buy a puppy. Not only is it warm enough to lock puppies outside until they get the potty training thing down, but it's a great time to let them frolic in the sun as an excuse to improve your tan.

Indeed, dogs are the only option for the self-respecting individual in need of a completely dependent but still animate companion.

I know that if I had enough money, I'd buy a dog this very minute. At first, it would seem like a match made in heaven; they like chasing squirrels and so do I. [Read article]

This week's winners ... and losers

The bomb - The artificial heart developed by the UA's own University Medical Center. This feat reminds the nation that Arizona is still one of the leading medical universities in the country - an important aspect of the Focused Excellence plan.

A bomb - Gas prices. President Bush needs to address the nation on the issue. He needs to know how long the prices will remain high, if they will continue to increase, and if and when relief will come. With the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on the verge of cutting production once again, the future doesn't look too good. [Read article]