This old house: N.C. State should wait to build chancellor’s house

Now is not the right time for N.C. State University to spend $3 million on a new house for its chancellor.While a new home might benefit the chancellor’s social and political life, reviving the budget should be the main priority.

Cartoon for Feb. 24, 2010

Know your resources: Help is available for victims of sexual assault

Who should I call?

Chinese, American tensions present

“Blessings come alone; troubles come in pairs.” The Chinese are famous for their use of ancient proverbs to convey modern sentiments, and we believe that this one is especially pertinent to U.S.-China relations today. Indeed, recent troubles between the two powers lend credence to the notion of “one step forward, two steps back.”

Honor thy Court: Student Congress funding for Honor Court should be set

The Honor Court shouldn’t have to compete with other student groups for money. Its role is too important to student life and independent student governance.The Honor Court ensures that University staff can’t arbitrarily punish students. And it allows students at the University to function as self-policing adults, not children in constant need of supervision.

QuickHits for Feb. 23, 2010

Larry FlyntThumbs up The Hustler publisher and porn king visited UNC last Thursday to discuss free speech. This was Flynt’s first time… at UNC. Wait, did you think it was drunk in an outhouse with his mother or something? Scotty LagoThumbs down

Happy birthday, DTH

I think we look pretty good for being 117 years old.On this day in 1893, seven of the 376 students at UNC gathered to publish the first issue of The Tar Heel.In the years since then, generations of student journalists have covered the comings and goings of six University presidents and 11 chancellors.

Cartoon for Feb. 23, 2010

Paris, as seen in ‘Phantom Tollbooth'

Paris is truly a beautiful city. But the Parisians? I can’t be too sure yet about the depths of their inner beauty, unless it’s hidden really deep.

Cartoon for Feb. 22, 2010

Peace out, UNC: Growing Peace Corps participation at UNC is a sign of students’ commitment to global service

The number of UNC students volunteering for the Peace Corps is a reflection of our student body’s dedication to service and helping our global neighbors.UNC has moved from seventh to sixth nationally in alumni currently serving in the Peace Corps when compared to other schools with over 15,000 undergraduate students.

Google to the rescue: Fiber optic network would be boon for area

he ability to stream “Avatar” in high definition while Skyping a friend in Hong Kong at the same time on Franklin Street might no longer be impractical if the community and the University band together to help bring Google’s experimental fiber optic network to the Chapel Hill and Carrboro areas.

High school blues no more: State should consider program that allows early high school graduation and access to community colleges

A new pilot program that would allow high school students to graduate as early as the end of 10th grade is a creative way to grant more options for high school students looking to follow a non-traditional path.

Helping Haitians deal with tragedy

The horrific earthquake that struck Haiti just over a month ago has left the island desecrated. Stories of the more than 200,000 dead, 300,000 injured and 1 million displaced have caused worldwide sadness and prompted incredible generosity.

Cartoon for Feb. 19, 2010

Welcome back: El Centro Hispano should be commended for bringing Latino community services back to Carrboro

El Centro Hispano, a Durham-based Latino advocacy nonprofit, deserves praise for pledging to help bring Latino community services back to Carrboro after the closing of El Centro Latino.In order for the new branch of El Centro Hispano to be successful, it will need the support of our community in all forms.

Free at last: Innocence Commission is a model for other states

Justice has been served — just 17 years too late.On Wednesday, the N.C. Innocence Inquiry Commission helped exonerate its first individual, Gregory Taylor. He had served nearly 17 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit.But after a review by the state commission, Taylor’s case went in front of a three-judge panel, which declared him innocent.

Right man for the job: Bowles right for role leading de?cit committee

Erskine Bowles is good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like him.And he was a good choice to serve asa co-chairman of the Obama Administration’s bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. As he finishes his tenure as president of the UNC system, he will also be spending time where his expertise is equally, if not more, needed.

QuickHits for Feb. 18, 2010

Correction (Feb. 19 12:43 a.m.): Due to an editing error in an earlier version of these QuickHits, the board incorrectly stated  that Student Body President Jasmin Jones has one month left in office. She has two months left. The editorial has been changed to reflect the correction. The Daily Tar Heel apologizes for the error.

Cartoon for Feb. 18, 2010