TCU 360

Staff awarded money for school

Published Dec 2, 2005

Money for books and college fees was awarded to three staff members who received the 2006 General Staff Award in early November.The award provides $45 per semester hour to Kathryn Schruba, Niki Thrasher and Maria Puente.

"This is such a wonderful benefit for staff who are returning to school at TCU but need a little help with fees and cost of books," said Hao Tran, chairwoman of the Staff Assembly. "Past recipients of the award have gone on to receive their degrees, and I like to think that the staff scholarship did its part in helping them reach their goals."

High utility costs a challenge to local universities, officials say

Published Dec 2, 2005

As utility prices continue a steady upward climb, local universities, including TCU, are coping with price increases by raising tuition, budgeting more for utility costs and renovating buildings to make them more energy-friendly.TCU is proposing to increase its $8 million utility budget by $1.5 million in the next fiscal year to accommodate the rising costs, said Brian Gutierrez, vice chancellor for finance and administration.

Editor in chief offers advice upon departure

Published Dec 2, 2005

A young woman steps on the TCU campus for the first time as a high school grad and entering college freshman. She is nervous, but excited; scared, but thrilled; anxious, but ready.She is 1,200 miles from home, away from her familiar Minnesota territory - the one she grew up in. And the only person she knows is her roommate.

That young woman was me three and a half years ago. Now my college career is about to end, and I feel like I've matured quite a bit since freshman year.

With Duke looming, Frogs head to USC

Published Dec 2, 2005

This weekend the women's basketball team will head west to face off against Southern California on Sunday, knowing it will be greeted by Associated Press No. 1 Duke at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum on Tuesday.TCU played USC last season and fell 71-70 at home. Sophomore forward Lorie Butler-Rayford said the loss will serve as motivation Sunday.

"We lost to them by one point on the final shot, so that was a heartbreaker," Butler-Rayford said. "I know it's important to get back there this year."

Stadium could face changes

Published Dec 2, 2005

Amid the talk surrounding several planned campus projects, such as a new student center and increased parking, the athletics department is pushing another agenda - a renovated Amon Carter Stadium.Athletics...

Since probation, coaches take more precautions

Published Dec 2, 2005

The TCU football program has put 20 years between itself and the scandal that sparked NCAA sanctions in 1985 - and time can be a healer. In 1985, head coach Jim Wacker turned the team in to the NCAA after learning players received illegal cash payments from boosters, an action that led to the dismissal of seven players from the team, including 1984 Heisman Trophy candidate Kenneth Davis.

Davis admitted in 1985 to illegally receiving $18,000 over three years but declined to comment further on the specifics of the situation.

College in 550 words of 10-point body copy

Published Dec 1, 2005

As the days count down to graduation, I keep having the same thought.I'm not nearly mature enough to be graduating in less than a month.

And I'm sure there are a lot of people who feel the same way. I mean, I basically feel like I just got here, and now I'm being forced out the door.

So, I want to share all the knowledge that I've learned in my years here. I hope they'll help someone out there.

No. 1: When you're in orientation, don't sexually harass your OSA. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way.

Game music worth a listen: More than random sounds

Published Dec 1, 2005

I don't try to hide it, and I don't try to deny it. I'm a nerd through and through, and I actually enjoy my nerd-dom.What makes me a nerd, you ask? Well, many things. But one of the foremost factors would have to be my love of video game music.

Wait, what's that? Video game music? As in the bleeps and bloops from your kid brother's PokÂmon game on Game Boy?

Well, yes and no.

Video game music - or VGM as most fans call it - has evolved along with the electronic entertainment it accompanies.

Athletics: New athletics director enjoys college community

Published Dec 1, 2005

TCU, please welcome the newest family of fans to the world of Horned Frog athletics: the Morrisons."There's absolutely no question about it, my passion is with TCU sports," said athletics director Danny Morrison, whom TCU hired in May.

Even though traditional norms call for executives to be calm and collected, Morrison said, he thrives on the intensity of college athletics.

"Sometimes my outside doesn't reflect the churning of my inside," Morrison said. "You do love the competitive fire, the passion of rooting for a team - and the reason is because you care."

Is it true that Diamonds are forever?

Published Dec 1, 2005

He wrote some of the most popular songs of the last century. He's been a movie star and sells out stadiums worldwide. His latest offering, "12 Songs," was called "his best work in ages," by E! Online and the "most entertaining, satisfying album Diamond has ever released," by All Music Guide.But can Neil Diamond be cool again?

Some, including more than a few loyal Diamond fans, wonder if his latest effort falls between his old audience and a younger, hipper crowd, raised on Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Swimming and Diving: Texas Invitational to provide challenge for team

Published Dec 1, 2005

TCU's swimming and diving team will compete in its first big meet of the season, the Texas Invitational, Thursday through Saturday in Austin."This tournament really gives the kids a chance to swim in one of the fastest pools," said head coach Richard Sybesma. "We really use this tournament as a chance to compete against some to the best teams in the country."

Sybesma said about 30 teams will be at the invitational, including Southern California, which is one of the best.

top ’05 albums

Published Dec 1, 2005

Bloc Party: Silent Alarm"Silent Alarm" may be the most energetic debut since a little band called U2 put out an album called "Boy."

"Silent Alarm" plays to Bloc Party's technical talents. Razor-sharp guitar interplay and tight drumming dominate the mix, while lead singer Kele Okereke's soaring vocals take center stage. When Okereke delivers the line, "It's so cold in this house" in "Like Eating Glass," you can actually feel the temperature drop.