The Internet Corporations for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) authorized the creation of a .xxx suffix for pornography websites on March 18, according to a March 19 article from The New York Times. The plan would eventually require the sites to register with a .xxx suffix so they aren't confused with other businesses of similar names. ICANN would not regulate the information on such sites.

As the final games of the season wind down in the NBA, one of the closest playoff position races in the league is for the second seed in the Western Conference. Pending the outcome of tonight's Mavericks-Clippers game, The No. 3-seeded Dallas Mavericks (52-21) have a shot to gain momentum against the No. 2-seeded Los Angeles Lakers (53-20) when the teams play Thursday.

A Mavs win Wednesday night would give Dallas a chance to tie LA for the No. 2 seed Thursday and give Dallas the tiebreaker with a 2-1 advantage in head-to-head matchups.

Junior Nathan Mann has a job that would make most video gamers envious. As a graphics coordinator for Major League Gaming tournaments, the accounting and finance double major will be on-site at the MLG 2011 Pro Circuit video game competition coming to the Metroplex April 1-3.

The Dallas competition will feature Halo: Reach, StarCraft 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops. It is expected to attract thousands of participants and spectators, according to a Feb. 3 press release.

Your parents probably wouldn't have minded if they were paid $1,000 a year to pester you.

Because that's what InsideTrack, a "student coaching" program charges 8212; $500 per semester 8212; to do essentially the same thing your parents did: hover and nag.

According to InsideTrack's website, its service "enriches the student experience, improves enrollment and retention rates and provides valuable student feedback." But what does that really mean?

The idea of taxing soda to trim waistlines has shown to be an ineffective way to reduce obesity. I agree that people who love soda will probably continue to buy soda. Several studies have shown this. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states where soda taxes have been implemented have the highest obesity rates.

And, an article published in January 2010 in the journal Contemporary Economic Policy finds that while an increase in soft drink taxes would raise revenue for governments, it would likely place an unequal burden on those with lower incomes.

"Jesus Christ," the man said into the phone.

"Yes?" The voice on the other line answered.

"I'm having the busiest day, can you take some of these interviews off my hands?"

"Come on, Tom, you know I don't handle interviews myself."

"I know, but I just thought, this one time8212;"

"No exceptions, you need to get these last few in or out. I know it's Easter, but I can't resurrect your job performance," he replied with a small chuckle.

Tom sighed at hearing the joke for the 15th time and replied, "Fine."

TCU alumnus Edward Ipser Sr. passed away March 21 after collapsing in the University Recreation Center, according to reports from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner, a university official and Ipser's daughter.

Ipser's daughter Mary Margaret Ipser Walker posted on his Facebook account Wednesday that Ipser passed away of a heart attack while exercising. Walker did not respond to emails from the Skiff as of Monday evening.