Opinion

For the past few weeks,this column has spent a great deal of time criticizing government institutions and officials that,in my opinion,seek to curb the presence of self-determination in our society.I have pointed the finger at over-regulation and forced altruism,stating that such forms of collectivism rob men ofthere right to self-governance.

WithUC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef’s15-year tenure coming to a close in June,the search is on for someone to take over the fifth floor of Mrak Hall. A search committee made up of students,staff,faculty,alumni and UC regents iscurrentlyworking to find a new chancellor.But what exactly does the chancellor doand should students even care?

Before I begin,let me first say“happy winter quarter!” and recommend hot chocolate,peppermint tea,and a fantastic product called the“Slanket“ to keep you warm this winter season (it‘s a blanket with sleeves…look it up now,thank me later). Now back to it.

Social networking website Facebook has come under fire recently for removing pictures from some members‘ profiles.The pictures? They show women breastfeeding.This has led to not only the obligatory anti-Facebook policy Facebook groups,but women protesting outside of Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto,Calif.,the New York Times reports.

I don‘t have cable,so when I go home on breaks and watch TV it‘s always a bit surreal to see how far gone we are.Especially the advertising.I mean,there I am,waiting to be told how to feel about myselfand suddenly I hear that if I take this one pill I‘ll be“sleepwalking and eating or driving while not fully awake with amnesia for the event.” I heard that,froze and blacked out.

Ilove this time of year.It’s a time for crunchy leaves,hot chocolate and rain boots,anditis generally characterized as a time to think of othersand show compassion and kindness for your fellow man.It’s hard to not get a warm,fuzzy feeling inside when you think about the season.There is no end toperfect rainy days,rest and relaxation (at least after finals are over) and most of all,family.

You can never throw an un-wadded Kleenex and still look manly.Why do foreigners have sexy English accents,but when Americans speak in a foreign language they just sound like idiots?

As the end of2008hovers,we reach the conclusion to a momentous and remarkable year.This year,events occurred and questions were asked,some left unanswered.What is undeniable,however,is their significance.This year can not be ignored.

Let me just start by saying that I love finals like a fat kid loves broccoli.I know everyone just wants them to be over with,but I want Taylor Swift’s hairstylist for Christmas and we all know that ain’t gonna happen.It’s the time of the season to whine about impending doom for sure,but since you guys got tips on surviving next week on Tuesday,I thought I‘d provide the inspiration.

The streets of San Francisco may become costly for drivers. The San Francisco County Transportation Authority recently released a study concerning the implementation of a congestion pricing plan in high-traffic areas.If put into action,the plan would charge drivers a$3fee for driving in and out of the city’s congested areas during weekday peak-hours.

After hearing the word “terrorism“ leave the mouths of presidential hopefuls exclusively and plentifully for a goodfew months,it looks like that “change“ thing inherent to our system is steering us toward a new period of terror in the headlines,atleast for the business quarter.

This column is a good-bye to Jdimytai Damour,the34-year-old temporary Wal-Mart employeewhowas trampled to death this past Friday in Long Island. Trampled to death! What the fuck! That‘s how Mufasa died! Trampled by wildebeests that didn‘t know any better.I suppose there‘s no real difference between the mindless animals inThe Lion King and the stampede of people bum rushing a Wal-Mart at five in the morning.I know times are tough but,shit,you just killed a man! All to get the latest PlayStationfor a bargain price.Picture this guy up at5a.m.to face the insanity and chaos that is middle America‘s dealing with the economic recessionand he ends up paying with his life.Hah,how ironic.