This week's winners and losers

A bomb - The Alumni Plaza. Contrary to popular belief, it's not being funded by taxpayer or tuition dollars - but that's not enough to make it a good idea. It seems the only thing the plaza is good for is providing a barrier to students scuttling to class.

Da bomb - The Bursar's Office's ambitious and hugely successful effort to dole out financial aid on a reasonable schedule. The office's timeliness was a huge relief to students living in fear of a repeat of last semester's disbursement debacle.

A bomb - Jerry Kindall Field at Frank Sancet Stadium. The recent rename, though well-intentioned, is enough to give our sports monkeys carpal tunnel syndrome. Sure, they're both worthy former coaches, but this diamond's only big enough for one of them.

Da bomb - (The former) Mr. Britney Spears. The down-home boy from Southeastern Louisiana University only enjoyed 55 hours of marital bliss, but a $1 million offer for the video of his nuptials should prolong his high for quite a while.

A bomb - Parking and Transportation's new $250 fine for drivers who tailgate their way out of garages. We actually think the fine is a good idea, but resent it when good ideas come from good-for-nothing departments.

Da bomb - Paul O'Neill. All ideological differences aside, we have to admire his courage for speaking out against his former boss, President Bush. The former Treasury secretary has taken lots of heat from his old cronies for his politically suicidal move.

A bomb - Park Student Union. The newly renovated facility, which its marquee boasts is "more than (we) think" is actually a lot less than we thought it would be. Some restaurants remain unopened, and those that have opened have been running out of food, thanks to hordes of hungry students from south-side dorms.

Da bomb - The UA's decision to offer women's basketball coach Joan Bonvicini a contract extension. As the winningest coach in the team's history, there's no question she's worth the money.

A bomb - The men's and women's UA basketball teams for getting schooled by the Stanford Cardinal Saturday. The Cats did manage to maintain one proud tradition, however: choking in high-stakes situations. Let's hope both teams figure out a way to put the "'A' game" back in "UA game" by March.