Photo by Kostadinka Karova

Two plasma TV sets were installed in the main lobbies of the Skaptopara Residence Halls during Spring break (Feb. 28- March 8). Each of them costs $560. Most of the money for the purchase ($1,000) came from the SG Student Life Improvement Fund and the rest ($120) was taken from the SG Contingency account.

The idea came at an informal meeting of the SG while discussing how to use the money from the Student Life Improvement Fund, SG treasurer Leorand Ndoni said. "We decided to get TVs for the main lobbies of each Skaptopara because people hang out there," he said. "This way the TVs benefit a large number of students." The larger size of the plasma TV and high quality screening makes it easier and more comfortable for a larger group of people to watch. More couches were put in the TV lounges to allow for more students to enjoy the new acquisitions.

There still is a considerable amount of money in the budget. "Now we are in the process of planning how to better spend the money," Ndoni said. He said that the main idea is to spend some more in capital items around the residence halls because they will benefit a larger number of the student body, and it will be a fairer distribution of the money the SG have left.

Students are appreciative of the new TVs. "It's much better to watch a soccer game or a TV show on a larger TV. It's easier for more people to watch now," sophomore Konstantin Ivanov said. "The quality is definitely better," sophomore Polina Hristova said. "It's nice to sit with a friend and watch a movie or just browse through the channels." Sophomore Tihomir Todorov is also happy with the new TVs and suggested that more money be invested in repairing the fitness appliances. "The treadmill in the Skaptopara 1 gym is in a pretty bad condition," he said.