The best in last week's editorials from college campuses around the nation

Bush needs to carefully select nominees

As the Bush administration prepares for a second term, it is important to draw attention to new possibilities and potential hazards that the appointment process presents. Several key positions within the Bush Cabinet have become available, and others are likely to follow.

As stated repeatedly on the campaign trail, judicial appointments will be a hallmark of this administration, and leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee will play a key role.

While all of these positions have significant effects on the direction of the country, we would be remiss to forget about decision-makers out of the limelight, such as those that serve on government panels. Bush's record on appointees to panels such as these has been abysmal thus far, notably his push for W. David Hager to the Food and Drug Administration panel on reproductive health and policy. Hager is known for refusing oral contraceptives to unmarried women. His presence on an influential committee such as this draws attention to what could be an alarming trend in Bush's second term.

In the coming months, the direction in which the administration steers the country through its appointment decisions will be crucial. Contrary to popular belief, 51 percent is not a mandate. It is our hope that new leadership will reflect some semblance of ideological diversity that can legitimize Bush's claims to be a "uniter" and make good on his promise to reach out to all Americans.

- University of Michigan's Michigan Daily

Fad diets are hopefully a fad

Fad diets are really quite silly. Sometimes, even the creators of them agree, as was the case with University of Minnesota professor David Bernlohr. Bernlohr actually created his own fad diet by accident. As a result of studying obesity and metabolism, Bernlohr knew what would help him lose weight; and he did - 40 pounds. To Bernlohr's chagrin, his dramatic weight loss attracted attention to his new diet, and it exploded on the United States. His increasingly famous Northwoods diet consists of lowering carbohydrate intake throughout the day and eating three meals before 7 p.m.

During correct participation in most fad diets, weight is lost, but it is mostly water weight and lean muscle - not the fat that people think they are losing. The induction phase, or first few days of a fad diet, often requires intense discipline and even fasting. Most people cannot keep up with the demands of a fad diet and usually gain back any weight that was lost during the induction phase.

People keep putting themselves through fad diets to lose weight quickly, but the weight comes back. People need to realize fad diets are not helping them and eating correctly and exercising is more likely to help you lose weight in a healthy manner.

Popping diet pills or trying the Hollywood detox diet you saw on an infomercial last night at 3 a.m. should make you feel guilty about actually believing you wouldn't have to work to lose weight.

- University of Minnesota's Minnesota Daily