In my four-plus years of college, I have heard a number of people make the argument that the legal drinking age should be lowered to 18. Their arguments generally go something like, "If 18 is the legal age to go to war for your country and to vote for your elected leaders, then why shouldn't you be able to drink a beer if you want to? I mean, after all, you are technically an adult at 18, so why shouldn't you be entitled to all of the same privileges and freedoms as a 21-year-old?" While these may be valid arguments, I think there is more to consider when it comes to the topic of alcohol.

The article, "University work practices unethical, scientist says" (8/23) is an example of unethical journalism. This is the most serious sort of professional accusation, yet it was reported without any information about the credentials of the accuser. I don't know the facts of the case, and I will not make a prima facie judgment about who is in the right. I do know, however, how to check on the credentials of the TCU faculty teaching in an accredited program.

A junior interior design major said she holds the TCU lighting program in even higher regard after being able to hold her own among graduate students at a boot camp sponsored by General Electric.Ericka Bailey, a junior interior design major, is earning a minor in lighting, a degree offered by the department of design, merchandising and textiles. Bailey was among a group of students chosen to represent TCU at GE's Student Boot Camp Lighting Conference this summer, where TCU's Center for Lighting Education was the only undergraduate program invited to attend.

Former students and co-workers remember Kenneth Lawrence, former chairman of the religion department and TCU professor emeritus, as a good friend. Lawrence died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Aug. 15."Dr. Lawrence...

Divisions in the Episcopal Church regarding the inclusion of female leadership and gay and lesbian clergy are beginning to hit home in Fort Worth.The new presiding bishop-elect of the United States, Katharine Jefferts Schori, aside from being female, is a strong supporter of gay and lesbian ordination and the blessing of same-sex couples in active relationships.

Jack Iker, bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth , is seeking alternative leadership after Schori's election in June.

TCU made history in the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce when it became the first academic institution to win the Spirit of Enterprise Award in the 30 years of the award's existence.The Spirit of Enterprise...

Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding on the television show "Saved by the Bell," has a message to spread: "Follow your dreams."Haskins, an actor since college, brought his one-man comedy show to about 350 students in the Student Center Ballroom Tuesday evening.

After the "Saved by the Bell" theme song played, Haskins took the stage to loud cheers from the audience.

"Take advantage of being here, don't just go to school," Haskins said.

"Snakes on a Plane," in a word, was ridiculous. Just as I fully expected, every snake attack, death and line of expletive-littered dialogue was laughable.Somehow though, the audience at my showing got the wrong impression from previews.

"I'm hoping it will be scary," 18-year-old Vanessa Recendiz said before the film began.

"If not, I want a refund."

Stacy Dickerson, 40, said the same thing.

"I want lots of scary stuff."

I recently noticed a disturbing trend among the college-age crowd. This trend is that, due to the proliferation of Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace, the national pastime of flirting as we know it, has become a drastically under performed sport. So much so, in fact, I would say it is becoming less like the Super Bowl and more like Backgammon."This is preposterous!" you might say. Well, let's review flirting as it once was. A guy goes with his buddies to a party and meets a few more of his friends who, in turn, introduce him to their friends. But alas, no sparks fly.

The construction going on throughout TCU, despite its good intentions, is a hassle for current students. Terrible parking has become worse and walkways across campus have been detoured or cut off completely. "Texas Construction University" is an apt nickname many students have adopted for our school.Upon completion, the more than $100 million main campus overhaul will be a fantastic sight to see: arcade walkways, amphitheaters and a five-story bell tower. In its current state, however, the main campus looks like some ugly mining expedition.