A new book claims American universities' tendency to disengage from the world of politics leaves students unprepared for citizenship in a democratic society, but some university officials, administrators...

Regular readers of this column may remember my feelings toward playing NFL games abroad: Don't do it.

I wrote a column saying just that before the Giants-Dolphins game in London last season. A few weeks later, I found myself on a British Airways flight to London, which gave me a chance to talk to some genuine Brits about their feelings regarding the NFL in Europe. Mostly the reaction was, "They played a game over here?" followed by, "Why?"

The office portables in the parking lot behind Beasley Hall will be vacated in December 2009 after more than 20 years, the dean of the college of liberal arts said.

The two portables that house the sociology, criminal justice, anthropology and economics departments have stood there since the mid-1980s, said Andrew Schoolmaster, dean of the AddRan College of Liberal Arts.

Schoolmaster said the reason the move from the portables took so long is because the university had other priorities that were pursued before building a new facility for the AddRan College.

It's almost impossible to avoid talking politics during an election year, especially when you spend a lot of time near a university. But the latest place politics is popping up might come as a surprise.Political...

Dear Senator,I doubt you will actually read this note, but I wanted someone in your campaign to know how happy I am. You see, I voted for the first time Tuesday. I am 20 years old and live in Fort Worth....

The other day, the university tested its much-anticipated TCU Alert System. In an instant, most of the campus population received text messages and e-mails to be used as a preliminary mass message system. The concept seems to have worked thus far, allowing the administration to quickly notify students, faculty and staff about any pressing matters. These can range from weather fiascoes, changes in school functions and other disasters on campus.

Last season, the Frogs, coming off of two straight home victories, went on the road to Laramie, Wyo., to face the Wyoming Cowboys.

The Cowboys proceeded to shock the Frogs and pull off a 24-21 upset.

"When we played them last year, they had two weeks to prepare and embarrassed us," head coach Gary Patterson said.

The Cowboys rushed for 232 yards in that contest, including two 100-yard rushers. The Frogs have allowed 168 yards rushing in eight games this season.

While the campus played host to alumnus for homecoming weekend, Jimmy Young was throwing a coming out party of his own.

The sophomore wide receiver posted a school record 226 receiving yards on five catches for three touchdowns in the Frogs' 54-7 rout of the University of Wyoming Cowboys.

"It feels great, but it's going to be something I have to forget about here in these next weeks and just put my focus on UNLV," Young said.

It is not often you come across a press release from a reputable company or organization with the word "castrated" in the title. That is why People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals officially lost its place on my list of reputable organizations.

Last week, PETA sent a letter to Michael Iavarone and Richard J. Schiavo, owners of the 134th Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, requesting the thoroughbred be castrated in an effort to prevent future generations of race horses from suffering similar injuries.