The fall is bringing a tide of new excitement into the basement. In addition to the usual energy generated by the influx of new first-year writers, the fall is also ushering in a new technological age for The Cavalier Daily.

All of the front-room computers have been replaced and we have bought two new servers and a whole host of other computer goodies. The effort, masterminded by Operations Manager Tom Yergeau, was implemented before the production schedule began in late August.

As part of the new changes, our webmaster, Michael Pafumi, has been heading up a new site design and database project to modernize and upgrade our online edition (www.cavalierdaily.com). The new site includes a number of features designed to give our online readers full access to Cavalier Daily materials in a user-friendly way.

In addition, the first online advertisement went up officially on Aug. 10. We have contracted an online advertising company that works with colleges throughout the country to solicit advertising.

The fall also marks the beginning of our ombudsman’s tenure. Michael Zarkin, a Law School student chosen from several candidates at the end of last semester, is writing a weekly critique based on his own observations and those sent in by readers. Please utilize this opportunity to tell Zarkin what we are doing right, and more importantly, what we are doing wrong. He can be reached through e-mail at Ombudsman@cavalierdaily.com.

We have also had meetings re- garding securing more space for The Cavalier Daily. As anyone who has been down to the basement in the last few years knows, we have grown beyond our physical boundaries. We are meeting with members of the administration to prove we need and deserve more space in the basement. While the administration has not turned down our plea to expand our basement space outright, we are in need of support. The administration recognizes our need for more space, but it certainly would recognize that need more if alumni were pointing it out to them on a regular basis. If you have any means to offer support, please contact me at any time.

In addition, Managing Editor Mandy Biles has been hard at work securing speakers and lining up a schedule for the annual journalism conference in September. All alumni are encouraged to spend a weekend in Charlottesville and attend what is shaping up to be a very exciting day. (See Conference.)