As the Viewpoint Editor, I have the honor, sometimes the pain, of reading all letters sent into The Observer. These letters vary in content, but generally focus on the same issues every year. This early in the school year, I usually get an assortment of pre-football hype letters, dining hall anger and, of course, complaints about the sprinkler system.

Now, so far I have received no such letters. Actually, I received one letter, with one sentence including an explicative, ÒFor C*****Õs sake, fix the sprinklers!Ó Since no one else will comment on the dysfunctional sprinklers, I will. I know other people are irritated about the sprinkler system, have heard you as I walk to DeBartolo, ÒIÕm glad the sidewalks are being watered.Ó As a senior, I have realized that the sprinkler system will never work correctly. In fact, I have gained an appreciation for the wet sidewalks. I realize as I make my way to classes that even though I am not fully conscious at 9:30 a.m. I should be able to strategically maneuver around the grass so as not to get wet.

Some people see the required maneuvering as an annoyance. As a senior, I see it as another talent the University is giving me for later use in life. I may not be able to get a job as a history major; but by golly, I will be able to dodge. Dodgeball was fun in elementary school, but dodge-sprinkler is better. When you hear the R.O.T.C. department talking about how large our program is, they arenÕt kidding; they train the whole student body, indirectly, in army techniques. Besides being able to swerve, turn and tumble, the sprinkler system has another bonus Ñ some people get wet. Usually, those caught under the spray on the way to DeBartolo are bicyclists. When the sprinkler rounds the bend, walkers flee quickly, but bicyclists are caught, unable to move, in the spray. Now, I like bicycles, however since I donÕt ride one around campus, they can be a bit irritating. How many people have you seen run over by people on wheels? Need I say more? I imagine if you really wanted the extra 10 minutes to sleep in the morning, you could also skip your shower and refresh yourself on the way to class. This is something, I wouldnÕt do or recommend, but some really lazy guys might.

Onto other topics missing from the Viewpoint page. South Dining Hall is confusing and it has been taking freshmen awhile to get the hang of things. Some advice: ask an upperclassman if you have doubts and never stop moving in the middle of the isles. North is less confusing but can seem overly safe. There is a direction at the food stations; usually this is indicated by the position of the plates. Also, you donÕt have to wait in line for soup. General notes to all, do not nibble directly out of the cereal bins, it is just plain gross. Some personal advice for freshmen, if a large football player is walking towards you in the dining hall and there is a chance of collision, make sure you move first. Generally they are big and really donÕt have anywhere to go in the narrow isles.

Football! Good luck to the players, we will support all of you and we are all looking forward to the first game.

Lila Haughey is the current Viewpoint Editor. She encourages you to write a letter to The Observer if you agree or disagree with any of her views.

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