Opinion

The New York Times recently announced that it is now selling advertising space on its front page. The ads will be relatively small and appear below the fold.

This development should be a signal to anyone who hasn't been paying attention so far that newspapers as we know them are in trouble (much like the boat breaking in half would have been a clue to get off the Titanic).

As a seasoned flyer (32 flights since being accepted to UCD), I would like to take this opportunity to offer some valuable insight for those who are less experienced with airline travel.

Economists love food. It's in their model goods (ice cream cones), proverbs (there's no such thing as a free lunch) and metaphors (piece of the economic pie). This may be why I've been unable to convey simple truths about externalities and market failures to econ majors; I haven't been talking enough about melamine milk and morbid obesity.

During my holiday break, I practiced one of the most valued and celebrated holiday traditions - I went shopping with friends. Being the cheap person I am, I just sat on a bench waiting for something free to fall on my lap. As I was patiently waiting, I noticed a small winter oasis localized in the mall's hub. This garden of enchanted trees, fake snow, presents and screaming children surrounded what is known as the almighty Mall Santa Claus.

Many enter 2009 disheartened by the events of late 2008 and they should prepare for more disappointments or, at the very least, a moment of pessimism. Ushered in is not a new vigor but a year of uncertainty and unpredictability. We are entering the age of turbulent dissonance, a period without much precedent.

Welcome to the '09 show. If you're like me, you may have spent a tiny fraction of your winter break wondering why the hell you know the lyrics to "The Bad Touch" by heart but couldn't remember shit when you sat down to take your finals. It's sad to think that this may speak volumes about my personal priorities.

In its 100-year history, UC Davis has had only five chancellors. That's merely five opportunities to choose the person who sets the tone and direction for a campus of over 30,000 students. The selection procedure for the sixth chancellor has been under way since October, but the lack of transparency in the process is leaving students in the dark - and consequently apathetic.

Prominent feminist and political activist Gloria Steinem cancelled a planned speech at UC Davis in December, reportedly in recognition of the ongoing labor dispute between the University of California and members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299.

I am a big fan of Tupac Shakur. I like his music and I like his style. Don't stop reading this just because you don't like rap music or think Tupac was overrated. Hear me out:

Baby 2009 has only just been catapulted squealing into our arms and already her diaper is loaded and in need of a change. Time moves fast. Deadlines approach. Quandaries call out for resolution. Even if the problems we face haven't changed - culture wars, environmental deterioration, undying greed - we can use this new year as an opportunity to look at them with new eyes.

"[Expletive deleted]!" This basically sums up 2008. You don't need to read this column to realize it was besmirched with hard times. It saw the tragic deaths of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (don't worry, they're banks). The housing bubble popped, destroying the national money market and creating a credit crunch.

Have you ever been dating someone and felt that all of a sudden, you've gone farther than you should have? Well I don't really know what that feels like since I was taught to always put out on the first date and it's been working fine for me so far (note to self: start the binge eating tomorrow). But for those who do have a problem with it, I heard it is quite a sticky situation.

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 of there right to self-governance.

With UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef's 15-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 is currently working to find a new chancellor. But what exactly does the chancellor do and 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.