JRR Tolkien’s book, “The Hobbit,” will be the subject of a lecture by Dr. Michael Livingston on Friday.

The lecture, titled “Tolkien’s Creation by Edition: The Medieval Origins of The Hobbit,” will look at the effects of Tolkien’s academic work on his fantasy writing.
The lecture will take place at 3:30 p.m. in 200 Jones Library.

An 800-mile journey will begin this evening at the Cameron Park Redwood Shelter as part of the Walk Across Texas program.

The program is an annual initiative by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension that encourages the community to become more physically active by walking daily.

I’m sure almost all of us have seen a dead squirrel or two. Driving down the road is the prime time to see one. I can’t be sure, but if you’re from Texas you’ve probably seen more dead armadillos. However, being from Georgia, I’ve seen hundreds of dead squirrels over my lifetime.

Environmentalism is a growing trend. Since global warming appeared in the national spot light, more states and cities have started green initiatives.

Austin is the latest example. You won’t be hearing people asking if you prefer paper or plastic in Austin grocery stores anymore. The city effected a bag ban March 1. It’s called the Single-Use Carryout Bag Ordinance.

Gov. John Hickenlooper signed bills Wednesday that place new restrictions on firearms and signaled a change for Democrats who traditionally shied away from gun control debate in Colorado – a state with a moderate streak and pioneer tradition of gun ownership and self-reliance.

Laurie Watson, store team leader with Target, will speak in a branding workshop sponsored by Baylor’s Business Professional Development Program…

A mortar shell explosion killed seven Marines and injured a half-dozen more during mountain warfare training in Nevada’s high desert, prompting the Pentagon to immediately halt the use of the weapons until an investigation can determine their safety, officials said Tuesday.

A Texas Senate committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would put tighter regulations on abortion facilities in Texas, a measure that some worry may force smaller clinics to close.

Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, defended his bill from fierce criticism on Tuesday that what he really was trying to do was impose a “back-door” ban on abortion.

Students packed the Barfield Drawing Room on Tuesday night to hear Kateriina Rosenblatt speak about her experiences with human trafficking.

“The message I want to bring today is this can happen to anybody,” Rosenblatt said. She gave the keynote lecture as a part of International Justice Mission’s Social Justice week.

As part of Women’s History Month, the office of Multicultural Affairs and the department of campus recreation will play host to a Zumba Bash.

The bash will be in the McLane Student Life Center. Door prizes and free snacks will be provided, and the student organization that brings the most members will win a free Zumba party.

The Baylor Bears move to 9-12 on the year after losing to the Sam Houston State Bearkats on Tuesday night, 4-2. Despite a five-inning shutout pitching performance from senior lefty Crayton Bare, the Bears narrowly fell to the Bearkats.

Green is the new black — at least at the third annual Project Greenway.

Project Greenway is a competitive fashion show and concert hosted by Uproar Records, Baylor’s student-run record label. The event begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at Common Grounds. Admission is free and open to the public.

Ben Rector, whose music has been featured on shows such as “One Tree Hill” and “The Lying Game,” will kick off his spring 2013 tour 8 p.m. today at Common Grounds. Rector began recording and releasing music while in college at the University of Arkansas. He is currently pursuing his music full-time in Nashville.

Vocational tracks in high school can now be discussed in history classes — because they seem to be a thing of the past.

However, like our Founding Fathers, who took lessons from history in shaping our nation, those who are creating educational policies today should take a long look at the past and reimplement vocational classes across the country.

There are hundreds of types of them, several colors, prices and sizes. You can get accessories, apps and attachments. E-readers have been very popular in the last few years, and there are also several opinions about them.

Diane Gottsman will present a professional networking dinner at 6 p.m. March 25 in the Barfield Drawing Room of the…