Opinion

Register more effectively: Right move to change criteria for registration times

Assigning registration dates based on semesters as opposed to credit hours is a more equitable method that will likely help seniors struggling to fulfill requirements.Adequate accommodations have also been made for transfer students. The number of transferred semesters will be determined based on the number of credit hours transferred.

The future of the DTH: Apply to help select next year’s editor-in-chief

Were you one of the students who complained about our Greek coverage this semester? Or how about those who were angry with the editorial board for its treatment of Youth for Western Civilization?Well, here is your chance to make your voice heard and your opportunity to make a lasting impression in your community.

Cartoon for March 18, 2010

Visit library for exhibition of Ferris’s photographs

TO THE EDITOR:We enjoyed the coverage of Prof. William Ferris’ talk in Davis Library (“UNC folklorist shares his love for blues music,” March 17). The program marked the opening of an exhibition of 45 photographs from Ferris’ book, “Give My Poor Heart Ease: Voices of the Mississippi Blues.”

‘Swagger’ was invented by the University of Miami

TO THE EDITOR:In yesterday’s column, “Enough! Please turn your swag off,” David Bierer stated “I’m not sure when the fad began, but it has clearly saturated the verbal marketplace.” The term “swagger” was invented by the University of Miami football team.

‘Sustainable’ has become a liberal catchall phrase

TO THE EDITOR:Though I’m thrilled to learn that our University is attempting to provide sustainable dining, Tuesday’s article, “Local Food, Big Business,” failed to explain what that actually means.I’m inclined to think that “sustainable food” is food produced, transported, prepared and consumed without consuming finite natural resources or damaging the environment.

Organic and locally grown food simply too expensive

TO THE EDITOR:I am all for the purchasing of organic and locally grown food, but frankly, hardly anyone can afford it. For example, in the organic section at Food Lion, a jar (normal size) of organic apple sauce was $5.97. That is totally outrageous!

America’s food system requires cultural changes

TO THE EDITOR:Thank you to The Daily Tar Heel and senior writer Christopher Sopher for the excellent series on “The Food Equation” in this week’s paper. But one suggestion — the headline from Wednesday’s article, “Costly foods” contradicts Sopher’s three days of insightful reporting about the crisis and challenges that shape how we eat in America today.

Enough! Please turn your swag off

Fads come and go. As a kid, we had Furby, Pokémon cards and Beanie Babies. These fads were pretty cool for a while, but eventually, they lost their luster.

State of independence: In the face of woes, N.C. State’s Technician should seize opportunity to become independent newspaper

In order for a newspaper to be the watchdog it strives to be, it must be as independent as possible.Now it is time for N.C. State’s venerable student newspaper to take that step toward independence.The Technician has been going through some rough patches lately. Over the last few years, the paper has suffered from recruitment and retention problems.

Dependency theory: UNC must be leader in shedding dependence on coal; benchmarks should be reassessed periodically

The University needs an energy policy that is both dynamic and aggressive to maximize the opportunities for eliminating its dependency on coal. This means having the ability to adapt to changing technologies and being more aggressive in pursuing energy goals.

Cartoon for March 17, 2010

The true price of a free lunch

I’ll start with the prosciutto, the shrimp cocktail and the Caesar salad. And for my entrées, I’d like the lobster tail, the filet mignon and the penne with chicken.”

QuickHits for March 16, 2010

Google Thumbs upReportedly, Google is “99.9 percent” certain it will end operations in China after a long-running dispute over censorship. Here’s what you get if you search for this in China:Senior countdownNeutral thumb

Don’t run off with system: Run-off system should not be eliminated

Occasionally, there are changes we can’t believe in. And it seems some members of Student Congress have found one.Congress is trying to eliminate the runoff system in student body elections. Currently, one candidate has to get a majority vote from the student body or there’s a battle between the two candidates with the most votes.

Pick-a-provost: Announcement selecting Bruce Carney as provost is surprising; process bypassed formal selection committee

Chancellor Thorp’s announcement last week that interim provost Bruce Carney would be taking the position permanently pending trustee approval came as a surprise.

Cartoon for March 16, 2010

Police academy: Police department program should help transparency

Local law enforcement is often perceived as an intrusive force rather than a protective organization. The Chapel Hill Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy is a great way to combat such a perspective by reaching out to citizens in an effort to establish a stronger community understanding of law enforcement operations.

Gambling with legality: Sweepstakes cafes allow gambling, should be banned

A legal loophole that allows patrons of Internet cafes to gamble online needs to be closed.Gambling is illegal according to N.C. law. But “sweepstakes cafes” have managed to find a loophole in the statues that allows them to run computers that simulate slot machines.

Get them a lawyer: Plaintiff’s council would help ensure due process

The Student Supreme Court needs an appointed plaintiff’s counsel position to ensure fairer and more effective procedures.This would give people who sue student government greater access — if they so choose — to representation by an individual who has an understanding of the Student Code and the process of suing in the Student Supreme Court.