> Point

The FDA has done something profound: under a Republican-controlled government they have approved selling the controversial birth control drug Plan B over the counter (meaning, without a prescription) to women over the age of 18.

In the past few weeks, Milwaukee has experienced a sudden increase in violent crimes. Stray bullets have taken the lives of several of its citizens and thefts have increased throughout the city.

New students from quaint Wisconsin suburbs may see this as a perfect reason to move out of the city and travel to campus every day. Some may even fear their own neighborhoods and go back to their suburban hideaways to attend smaller schools.

When Gov. Jim Doyle first mentioned the Wisconsin Covenant at his State of the State address, no one really took him very seriously because it sounded too good to be true.

This month, Doyle signed an agreement to assure that any hard working eighth-grade students will be assured a spot at a UW school after high school graduation. There are some criteria of course. For example, the student has to have a “B” average in eighth grade, and keep it all through high school. This is not unreasonable.

In an age when an airline passenger has to drink baby formula before bringing it onto his or her next flight, there is a certain refreshing aura in knowing that a holistic approach to college admissions is available and, in fact, will soon be applied to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s own admissions policy.

The holistic approach that UWM is implementing will allow college applicants to utilize not only academic knowledge but also individual life experiences to assure admittance into UWM.

By Todd Portnowitz Independent Florida Alligator (University of Florida)

By Ray Martin

Oklahoma Daily (U. Oklahoma)

Every year, many Americans travel from the comfort of their homes on a chilly November afternoon to brave the elements for one reason only: turkey!

OK, maybe Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey, but turkey is really good. (I hear tofurkey makes a fine substitute for you veggies out there.)

I remember hearing the same annoying phrase every time I used to ride with my grandma. “When I went to school I had to walk 14 miles everyday even if it snowed or rained.”

Today is much different than those prehistoric times. There are many more dangers and more often than not our world is unsafe. A youngster roaming the street risks encounters with scum such as sexual offenders or other dangerous people.

Some of you know who he is. Good for you.

Most of you, however, do not recognize the name, only his stenciled image on the t-shirt of some suburban pseudo-rebel.