President to discuss border security at Davis-Monthan

President Bush is expected to give a speech today in Tucson at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base about his concerns with current border security.

The speech, which is not open to the public, is scheduled to begin at 2:40 p.m. and will focus on border security as well as comprehensive immigration reform, said White House spokesman Blair Jones. [Read article]

Student opinion at the UA regarding President Bush's performance thus far mirrors national trends that show college students are rating the president at all-time historic lows.

A recent poll by Harvard University's Institute of Politics found that college students, like most Americans, rate Bush at the lowest point in his presidency, with about 41 percent of college students saying they approve of his performance. [Read article]

Thanksgiving holiday may have been factor

Even though yesterday marked the first regular-season home game for the UA men's basketball team, the line for students wanting to occupy the new student section in McKale Center was less than expected, according to on-site security.

Only about 75 students lined up at the northwest entrance to McKale Center at 1 p.m., the earliest time ticket-holders could begin waiting for the game, which began at 5 p.m. [Read article]

Kolbe resignation

After 21 years of congressional service, Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., said in a press release last week that he will not seek re-election to Congress in 2006. Kolbe, an openly gay congressman, said though he is confident he would win again if he were on the ballot, he felt the decision to step down was best for himself and the people of Arizona.

"I am making the announcement now so that there will be adequate time for the many talented people who might serve in Congress to come forward and make their views known to voters, as well as give time for people to make their own thoughtful evaluation and choice in the next election," Kolbe said in a press release.   [Read article]

Two UA alumni didn't have to worry about finding a company to work for after graduation; they started their own.

Jeff Kaiserman and Steven Ochoa, who graduated in fall and spring 2003 respectively, are the owners of Frost: A Gelato Shoppe, located at the corner of West Ina Road and North Oracle Road at the Casas Adobas Shopping Center.

The shop opened during the last week in May, and is marking its six-month anniversary of being in business this week, Kaiserman said. [Read article]

A recent survey of health insurance programs offered by the UA and 15 of its peer institutions found glaring differences in terms of cost and coverage between plans.

The survey, performed over the last six months by members of the Graduate and Professional Student Council, found that unlike the UA, eight of the 15 peer institutions have some type of prescription drug coverage, said Randi Tanglen, GPSC Research and Policy director. [Read article]

A UA club will join students across the U.S. this week to inform students about a disease that affects 40 million people worldwide.

The "AIDS Week of Action," sponsored by the UA chapter of the Students Global AIDS Campaign, was organized by students to raise awareness about the local and global impact of AIDS, said Laura Reichhardt, a public health senior and the club president.

The weeklong campaign coincides with the 18th annual World AIDS Day, which occurs every year on Dec. 1. [Read article]

Things you've always never wanted to know

The horned lizard of the American Southwest may squirt a thin stream of blood from the corners of its eyes when frightened.

When cows graze in their natural head-down position, their saliva production increases by 17 percent.

William Claude Dukenfield was better known as W. C. Fields.

Poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe was expelled from West Point, the U.S. Military Academy, because he showed up for a parade naked. [Read article]