Everyone was saddened to hear that one of the Broncos' most interesting and promising players, Darrent Williams, died in a drive-by shooting only hours into the new year.

But a CU student was involved in that shooting, too. She was shot in the head but suffered only relatively minor injuries. She was released from the hospital yesterday.

It brings up a valid point that many CU students don't seem to ponder very often: How safe is that party you are going to? Is there any way that you might be in danger, either due to your own problems like being drunk or driving while impaired? Even in Boulder, could this sort of thing happen to you?

In from the period of 2003-2005, there were no murders reported in Boulder. So at first glance, it seems that you are pretty safe with your life, at least, when you go out to the parties in Boulder. However, there were five reported murders in 2002. That may be a statistical anomaly, but in the five-year period of 2001-2005, 2002 had, by far, the least amount of reported crimes.

The bitter truth is that you can be a victim of violence at almost anytime. Being a college student, with your whole life ahead of you, doesn't preclude you from being a victim of a violent crime, even in a city as safe as Boulder.

Other things have been going on around Boulder while you've been on break. One of those things, however, hasn't been CU men's basketball.

The basketball team was supposed to play Dec. 23 against UC Davis and Dec. 30 against TCU. Neither game happened because of the twin snowstorms that Colorado experienced those weeks. As of now, neither game has been rescheduled, but it's a good bet that since those games were non-conference, they won't be played this year.

The good news is that the men will return to the court tonight to face off against Central Florida in Boulder. The two teams have never met on the court. Central Florida is also 10-2 this season so far, with wins coming against Florida Atlantic and Utah (a team that the Buffs have also beaten this season).

The women's basketball team has quietly been improving over their 9-21 record last season. They are currently 6-6 with wins over quality programs like Nevada and CSU. They had one game over break cancelled as well, Dec. 30 against Houston. That game will not be made up.

CU has also begun the search for a new diversity czar. That should be something to look forward to during your spring semester.

Here are a few things to do in Boulder and at CU if you are around to enjoy January in Boulder.

-The Men's basketball team will take on perennial powerhouse Texas Longhorns at 2 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Coors Events Center. While Texas isn't currently ranked in the top 25 of the AP poll, they are still quite the force to be reckoned with. Wouldn't it be nice to have a big crowd there to cheer on the Buffs? Tickets are $11.50-$33.50 and are available at www.cubuffs.com.

-The Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder, will open three exhibits and hold an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 5. In Luminosity and Tranquility, Nicholas J. Silici uses concrete paintings to explore the square. In The Polly Addison Exhibition Space, Expressions of Freedom and Justice celebrates the life and beliefs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Finally, in H ow Can They Look So Happy, Jennifer Kirschke shares her photographs of children who have been deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.thedairy.org.

-Comedian Will Durst will perform to benefit KGNU Community Radio at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Republic of Boulder, 1095 Canyon Blvd. The L.A. Times calls him, "a modern day Will Rogers". An equal opportunity offender, people are calling him today's premier political comic. Call 303-449-4885 for advance tickets. Tickets will be available at the door.

-The city of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department's dance program is offering two days of free adult dance classes on Jan. 6 and 7. Classes will be held at the East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux Drive and the North Boulder Recreation Center, 3170 Broadway. Visit www.bouldercolorado.gov/parks-recreation for a complete schedule of classes offered on those days and to sign up for the dance e-mail list. Dance shoes and dance attire are not required. For more information, call Cynthia Burdine at 303-413-7473.

- The Colorado Daily has a look ahead at 2007 for CU's issues with funding and the role of the Regents.

- The Rocky Mountain News has more about the mulling DiStefano is doing over whether or not to create a diversity czar for the university.

-CBS 4 has a story about the C U student who was shot along with Darrent Williams on Jan. 1.

-Finally, The Denver Post has a story about the hiatus the men's basketball team had to go through the last month or so.