Some activists say protests will erupt if president speaks

If President Bush accepts an invitation to speak at the UA commencement in May, it will surprise the man who invited him and spark protests from students who oppose Bush's politics.

President Peter Likins, who invited Bush last week, pointed out Friday that the UA is one of many universities extending an invitation to Bush, and said the odds of Bush accepting are remote. [Read article]

Politicians all over the country are attempting to ban gay marriage, but UA students say it's time to give homosexuals the same rights everyone else has.

Lettie Hobbins and Victoria Gibbins said the issue of marriage is not one for the state to meddle with.

Hobbins, a criminal justice junior, said it is not the state's role to set morals, and that a marriage between gay people should be acknowledged like any other marriage. [Read article]

With ASUA primary elections almost one week away, students have the chance to get informed and put their 2 cents in about the candidates.

The Arizona Daily Wildcat is sponsoring the first presidential debate not sponsored by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona Feb. 23 at noon on the bottom floor of the UofA Bookstore.

"The idea was to create an independent debate separate from ASUA so that our reporters can ask educated questions of the candidates," said Saul Loeb, Wildcat editor in chief. "It is all for the students to make educated decisions as to who is best to lead the student body next year." [Read article]

Chief Justice William Rehnquist's annual two-week lecture class on the history of the Supreme Court ended Friday, and students in the class said they appreciated the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"It was a unique experience. Not many students get a chance to talk and answer questions with a chief justice," said second-year law student Joan Bundy, who was in the class of about 130 students.

Rehnquist's personal experiences are what set the class apart from any other about the Supreme Court, said Cisco Aguilar, a fourth-year law student who is also working on his master's in business administration. [Read article]

Those who can't do, teach.

But what about those who can do?

Robin Ward worked for seven years as an aerospace engineer for NASA, General Electric Company and the Software Engineering Institute. But she said she grew tired of the "rat race" and made the life-altering decision to leave her job and pursue a doctorate in mathematics education.

As a mathematics education assistant professor at the UA, Ward uses her untraditional background and unique experiences to benefit her students. [Read article]

Arizona universities are positioning themselves well to respond to a lack of state support for higher education, while schools facing similar problems in other states are still struggling, UA, ASU and NAU presidents said Friday.

Speaking to several hundred members of the UA President's Club, President Peter Likins, Arizona State University President Michael Crow and Northern Arizona University President John Haeger said plans to differentiate the universities' missions put them ahead of institutions in other states, many of which haven't developed plans for dealing with funding shortages. [Read article]

Students can partake in all the bagels and orange chicken they want now, as Panda Express and Bruegger's Bagels at Park Student Union have finally opened.

Bruegger's opened its doors yesterday, while Panda began serving students Friday.

"A lot of people have been waiting for us to open, and we've had a lot of business," said Ming Guo, Panda Express assistant manager.

Arizona-Sonora Residence Hall and Coronado Residence Hall residents are especially excited about the restaurants. [Read article]

Huachuca hall RA would fire Dubya and put a pogo stick law into effect if given the chance

Wildcat: Hi, I'm Claire from the Daily Wildcat, and you're on the spot.

Day: Well, OK.

Wildcat: So do you prefer the term "RA" or "Dorm Nazi"?

Day: Um ... I'd have to say RA.

Wildcat: So you're one of the nice RAs?

Day: I try to be. ... But at the same time, I have to get my job done. [Read article]

Things you always never wanted to know

Today

1959 - Fidel Castro is sworn in as prime minister of Cuba.

1979 - The Bee Gees receive two Grammys for best album in 1978, Saturday Night Fever, and best pop group.

1982 - Thelonious Monk dies at 65.

Tomorrow

1947 - Voice of America begins broadcasts to Russia in a propaganda campaign against the Soviet Union in the Cold War.

1979 - China invades Vietnam.

1986 - "The Accidental Tourist" wins the National Book Critics Award. [Read article]