In the last year, the BMF has co-sponsored events with 20 other campus organizations and has become a strong voice in UC politics.

These days, black men aren't sitting on the steps of their freshman dorm listening to “Suicidal Thoughts" and contemplating dropping out. They're running for UC president, lobbying administrators, commanding Harvard's attention. They've taken charge.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS



Ashong was the first of them all. A captivating orator who could hypnotize his audience with unceasing hand motions and a spark in his eye, Ashong was all over the campus, in the Black Students' Association (BSA), Kuumba, the Haitian Alliance, and occasionally at Asian American Association meetings—when they had ice cream.

But the suspicious glances classmates cast his way made him realize how different his experience was from that of his black female peers.

Only 3 more days ...

Your article has given me hope that there are at least a few intelligent and unbiased reporters out there who are allowed to speak their minds without fear of serious repercussions. I am sure you will note that I used a header that said "Merry Christmas" as opposed to one that said "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greeting". I also used the song "Oh Holy Night" on my answering machine as background music. It is my God given right afterall to express my opinion and I do not have to eliminate the use of God or religion for fear of offending someone. If they are offended, perhaps they should seek the help of the ACLU or talk to some of the idiots from Planet Hollyweird.

Tippett hopes election is omen for Pats

Former New England linebacker Andre Tippett hopes his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be a good omen for the Patriots on Sunday.

As New England's executive director of community affairs, Tippett had plenty of support from the Patriots' Super Bowl traveling party as he waited to learn whether he was headed to Canton.

''Everybody, from Day 1 when we got here, they were like, 'Hey, we're looking to do something special -- you on Saturday and us on Sunday,''' Tippett said on Saturday. ''It couldn't have happened at a greater time.''

Cuts could halt courts, judges warn

Traffic court would stop. Abuse cases and child-custody hearings would be postponed. Banks would face long delays getting foreclosed homes back on the market. And alimony, divorce and commercial litigation hearings would come to a halt.

The chief judges of the state's 20 circuit courts and Fred Lewis, chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court, paraded before lawmakers to urge them to spare the court system and allow them to make alternative cuts that don't affect the administration of justice.

Top Chicago ad exec Paul Tilley, 40, dies apparently of suicide

As the top creative executive at advertising agency DDB's Chicago office, Paul L. Tilley oversaw commercials and campaigns for marquee clients such as Budweiser and McDonald's.

Mr. Tilley was named managing director of creative at DDB in September 2006, nine years after he joined the shop. Over those years, he led creative teams that came up with Dell's "Dude, You're Gettin' a Dell" campaign and advertising in McDonald's "I'm Lovin' It" effort.

Mr. Tilley, 40, died on Friday, Feb. 22. The Wilmette resident apparently jumped from an upper floor of the Fairmont Chicago Hotel Friday, and his death was ruled a suicide by the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Terrapin's troubles

While numerous suburban home builders are struggling, Chicago-based Terrapin Properties LLC is emerging as the first major condo developer here to see operations spin out of control in the current housing slowdown. A foreclosure suit filed against Terrapin over a project in Kenosha, Wis., indicates the company could be dissolved.