Buying organic is a great way to be eco-friendly. But it isn't the only way.

A Daily Skiff story reported that supporting environmentally sound movements such as buying expensive free trade or organic products have been pushed to the back burner with the recent economic crisis. Fair trade products come from companies that ensure workers enjoy safe working conditions and prohibit child labor. Revenue from fair trade products goes directly back to those workers.

The protagonist of "Butterflies Are Free," Theatre TCU's new production, has a lot in common with students, the play's director said.

"It's about overcoming challenges we all face as college students, like what love is and how to make it on your own and take care of yourself," student director Preston Swincher said. Swincher is a senior seeking double degrees in musical theatre and entrepreneurial management.

Taking a stroll outside always gets me really excited. I love going for walks, but why is it that I feel guilty for walking on the grass? Even going from class to class, it is as if I am breaking a strict social code by making my way across campus via green patches.

Lately, as in my whole life, I have noticed the people staying on the sidewalk. OK, walkways are paved with the intent of pedestrian use, but why not stray from the norm on occasion or make a new habit?

A new Web site that pays students for their class notes, exams and papers has university professors and administrators turning to their own technology to prevent plagiarism issues.

Knetwit.com, which launched in September, is one of many sites that provides the public access to other students' study materials. The Web site was created by fraternity brothers Dean "Tyler" Jenks and Benjamin Wald. Both in their early 20s, they have since dropped out of Babson College in Massachusetts to focus on making Knetwit a success.

You know what I hate? Copycats.

Everyone remembers the kids from middle school who would repeat everything you said, and if you don't, think of Yeah-Yeah from The Sandlot.

And a copycat is essentially what Brigham Young University's football team is. They have taken the offense that works for schools like Oklahoma and Texas Tech and made it their own.

As much as I hate copycats, I have to admit that BYU does use its high-power offense as effectively, if not more, than Oklahoma and Texas Tech.

In the recent credit market fiasco plaguing our nation and world economy, there exists macroeconomic and microeconomic fault. The most publicized facet of our problems is what went wrong on a macroeconomic...

Defense doesn't normally come to mind when one thinks of Brigham Young University, but this year TCU is not the only team with an imposing defense.

In addition to all-American candidate Max Hall leading the potent offensive attack, the Cougars have the novelty of a top defense. BYU ranks No. 2 nationally in scoring defense, allowing a paltry 10.2 points per game, including back-to-back shutouts of University of California-Los Angeles and Wyoming. It would be unfair to classify either of those teams as offensive juggernauts.

A new Web site has added to concerns of academic integrity and creativity.

Knetwit.com, one of many sites that allow students to exchange study materials and papers, provides payment for those who contribute to the Web site's database.

Dean "Tyler" Jenks and Benjamin Wald, who came up with the concept, say they wanted to provide a knowledge-sharing platform to assist in students' academic endeavors - definitely a commendable intention.

But cutting corners isn't part of the formula for academic enrichment.