You know what really grinds my gears: The fact that a student editor would get fired for approving the publication of caricatures of Mohammed in the school paper.

Granted these cartoons were offensive to many, but these cartoons have been in the international news since September and publishing them months later could hardly be considered an attack on Islamic students. These cartoons were used merely as reference to a larger story and those who are too close-minded to see that should not be in control of any type of media organization. Gorton words it well, saying "'We had a news story on our hands, with violence erupting about imagery, but you can't show it because of a taboo, because of a taboo that's not a Western taboo but a Muslim taboo?' he said. 'That's a blow to journalism.'" For many of us in college, we don't have the privilege of reading the New York Times or other large-scale print newspapers everyday; the college newspaper is an important resource in our ability to follow the large international stories that are developing every day. A paper that is willing to step up and make the bold move of showing possibly offensive material in support of a story is one that should be lauded, not criticized.

You know what really grinds my gears: that, even moreso than in Major League Baseball, English Premier League teams and teams throughout Europe are individual commodities with their own sponsors and very unequal revenue with owners who can spend as much money on players as they choose.

Even though the only way a salary cap would work is if it was put in place all over Europe, which could never happen, it's disappointing to see certain teams loading up on star players and fielding virtual all-star teams. Even though my Arsenal Gunners are near the top of the Premiership in terms of roster salary, they don't come close to the biggest spenders in Europe, teams such as Real Madrid or Chelsea. When Roman Abramovich took over the club a few years ago he implemented a "do what it takes no matter how much money is spent" attitude toward running his team. Now it looks as though they will sign world superstar Michael Ballack later this spring for upwards of $40 million US. I'll admit it's great to watch the flow of play for a team on which Roberto Carlos can carry the ball upfield, pass to Zinedine Zidane, who passes to David Beckham, who passes to Robinho, who crosses to Ronaldo who scores a brilliant goal that only the Brazilian striker could; but I find it much more impressive to see teams use their youth programs to develop talent when players are teenagers and then spring them onto the international scene like Arsenal have with Philippe Senderos, Mathieu Flamini, and Francesc Fabregas (who's younger than I am). It's not going to change anytime soon but it would be nice to see a slight change among the top 5 Premeirship teams each season; well, except for Arsenal.

Home Again: Jamal Lewis Agrees To New Ravens Deal

Although many people would have been happy to see him leave the team, I'm happy the Ravens are bringing Jamal Lewis back for the '06 season. I strongly believe this offseason without legal trouble will do wonders for him; he'll work hard to train and get back into shape as the primary running back. Last offseason he had surgery and went to jail for four months. With time to train properly I think Jamal could be back to having a 1600 yard season. Granted improving the O-line will have something to do with that, but Jamal should be ready to go by his 27th birthday in August. There are many nay-sayers out there but I'm exciting Jamal will be running for the purple and black in '06.