It seems like everyday this spot in the Skiff is reserved for students to vent about the lack of quality parking for commuting students.

Like everyone else, I have my issues with our current situation. I don't understand why the lot across the street from Smith Hall doesn't have at least a second floor.

But I am not using this spot to bash our administration. I am going to use it to bash my fellow commuters.

Nicholas Jackson, a sophomore English major, said he maintains a part-time job to pay for his phone bill, car insurance and to get a little spending money, but often feels overwhelmed by the joint responsibility.

"I find it harder to find energy to commit to hours of studying," Jackson said. "Work forces you to micromanage all of your time and if you have a strong work ethic, it's hard to choose between putting more effort into your work or school."

Phelps a poor role model

Michael Phelps captivated the world with his performance in last summer's Olympic Games in Beijing.

After winning eight gold medals and setting seven world records, he returned home a hero, with more fame than any of us could possibly imagine.

Sponsorships, a Sports Illustrated cover, a Saturday Night Live hosting opportunity and millions upon millions of adoring fans welcomed him back to our country.

He had everything a 23-year-old could ever want. He could do no wrong.

For a program that at once went 41 seasons without a bowl win, TCU has rebounded nicely to become one of the elite teams in the country.

Once forced to stock a team full of players that the University of Texas, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University didn't want, the football program has become more than just an afterthought in the world of Texas recruiting.

On Wednesday, 20 players signed National Letters of Intent to play here, including a handful of four-star recruits.

The Center for International Studies has announced a new approach for evaluating merit-based scholarship applications for study abroad to be implemented next fall, a university official said.

Jane Kucko, director of the Center for International Studies, said the new application will include sections in which students explain how they plan to immerse themselves in the culture while abroad and how they plan to share their experience upon returning to campus.

"It is a more exciting way of internationalizing the campus," Kucko said.

Is former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich the next Nelson Mandela? He'd like you to think so.

Comparing himself not only to Mandela, but also Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, Blagojevich professed his innocence across the airwaves and at his impeachment trial last week to no avail.

The now former governor has consistently denied any wrongdoing since U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald filed corruption charges against him in December.

Numbers can only say so much about a person.

With an essay now required for study abroad applications, this new approach gives The Center for International Studies a better look at the level of interest from students rather than just their qualifications. In the past, the only requirement was a grade point average and while it gives some insight into how focused students are on their grades, it doesn't offer their personal perspective on the experiences that lie ahead.

The football program announced major changes in the coaching staff yesterday, including promoting Jarrett Anderson and Justin Fuente to co-offensive coordinators.

Anderson was wide receivers coach the last eight seasons and will now coach the running backs along with being co-offensive coordinator.

Fuente is entering his third year with the Frogs and was the running backs coach before being promoted. Fuente will also coach the quarterbacks, moving from running backs coach.

The student body president vetoed a controversial bill Tuesday that would remove the runoff system from Student Government Association elections. The bill, which passed in the House of Student Representatives with minimal objection, lacked the specificity needed to prevent future Judicial Board hearings during election season, she said.

Kelsie Johnson, SGA president, said the runoff system adds to the legitimacy of the election process because it requires the winner to attain a majority of votes.