One state law forces racial profiling and limits the freedom of citizens with foreign heritage
Last Friday, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a law allowing police to ask anyone for their immigration papers at any time. Some people, cities and lawmakers are rallying against the law, saying that it allows and even encourages racial profiling and discrimination.
INSPIRATION
As one of my last opportunities to say, well, whatever I’d like to say to whomever takes the time to read columns, I want this one to be special.
A new bike loan program set to begin this fall has been right under our noses the whole time
It’s one of those situations where it’s like, “why didn’t we think of this before?”
REAL TALK
When I first toured Marshall University’s campus in the summer of 2008, I immediately felt like it was where I belonged. There is a sense of a real community here that I did not feel during my undergraduate years at the University of Kentucky.
Students who will not be able to use the rec center for the summer should not be charged
When the Marshall Recreation Center debuted in spring 2009, everyone was excited. We jumped for joy that our university had added something so extensive and modern. It was such a change from Gullickson Hall, which didn’t have nearly the room, cleanliness or variety of equipment as the new rec center has.
THE COMMON CAUSE
In a place where President Barack Obama was very unpopular, in a time when some have tried to politicize the tragedy that happened in the Upper Big Branch mine, Obama made the nation proud. In the first time in more than 40 years the president of the United States came along with his vice president to the great state of West Virginia.
If you want to make a real difference, the amount of time you put into the effort matters
From the start, British chef Jamie Oliver sought to create an extreme change in people’s eating habits. Even the name of the show, “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” reflects hope that by the end of the series, adults and children alike would be munching down on fresh veggies and doing away with French fries for good.
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
Alzheimer’s disease is a serious condition that does not have a cure. Its causes are unknown, although research shows that it is hereditary.
Marshall has countless ways to get involved and help someone less fortunate, why don’t we?
Marshall University has been helping the world this semester. Just this month, students in various organizations had Be Hope 2 Her, Helping Hungry Hearts 5K Walk/Run, Empty Bowls, Hair from Herd, Relay for Life and Up ‘til Dawn.
FIRESIDE OBSERVATIONS
Oh how the semester has flown by! It’s hard to believe that this is it, not only for the year, but college together. It has been a great pleasure of mine to write this opinion column for The Parthenon and I want to just thank them for this wonderful opportunity.
President Barack Obama fails to support his green initiatives with his personal actions
Marshall University’s community got it right when they decided Earth Day should be celebrated from dusk till dawn. Activities were scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Why should it have been any other way?
SO, HERE'S THE THING
I’m difficult. Rather, I enjoy difficulty, at least in literature.
Mine owner protests surprise inspections that were spurred by West Virginia explosion
Miners are dying and people don’t want to stop it?
REAL TALK
Recently, I learned just how powerful social networking can be. A long lost family member of mine was found on Facebook. People make snide remarks about Facebook and Twitter and how they’ve killed human interaction, and in a way, they’re right.
We may not be able to stop crime from happening but we can still make some changes
Shootings, rape, theft and any other types of crimes you can think of are never going to end. We will always live in a world where no one is completely safe at all times. We have to be aware that no matter who we are, we are not immune to the horrible events that sometimes touch people’s lives.
MEN, MASCARA AND MOOD SWINGS
If you read last week’s column you would know that I pleaded to you to re-examine your life and the choices you are making, to look at your belief system and start asking questions on how you feel about the truth of Jesus.
The Marshall University College Republicans hosted a primary debate on Saturday, April 17 for the Republican candidates running for the 3rd Congressional District. The candidates included Lee Bias, Marty Gearhart and Conrad Lucas.
We’re almost done, all we have is three more weeks and then on to summer freedom
Three weeks. Three weeks until summer. Three weeks until freedom.
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
I work as a waitress part-time. I am sometimes amazed at the amount of soda people consume at one sitting.
THE COMMON CAUSE
I am tired of the way politics are working in America. Every time I turn on any news, specifically about the Senate, I hear of a unified front to stop debate on any issue being brought up by the Democratic Party.
Marshall’s new Web site reminds us how important change should be for every aspect of our lives
If you haven’t noticed yet, Marshall University has updated its Web site. It’s a lot different from the old one by having a more modern design and advertising the school on a bigger scale than it used to.
FIRESIDE OBSERVATIONS
We’ve been having some difficult and trying times lately in my family. One of my cousins recently had a child out of wedlock and things have just slid downhill from there.
Our priorities could be a little off for the reasons we give for participating in certain events
If you walked past the Memorial Student Center on Thursday, you might have seen picketers holding signs as they protested taxes. Another event Thursday morning was the annual Strawberry Breakfast, hosted by Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
INSPIRATION
It’s unfortunate that good-old-fashioned prayer meetings aren’t so popular these days. Setting aside an hour or two for prayer is asking a little bit too much for most Christians, but one group of Marshall University students is bringing prayer back.
SO, HERE'S THE THING
The wave of heat permeating the room and the bright light unobstructed by the blinds covering the windows can only mean one thing: it’s daytime, probably 11 o’clock – the hour when the conditions in my bedroom are most intense because of the position of the sun in the sky.
Living in a bubble prevents us from enjoying different cultures, becoming aware of issues
As Americans, we have a tendency to focus on our country. As humans, we have a tendency to focus on ourselves. As young humans, we tend to ignore the news.
BRITAIN BANTER
I just returned to Cambridge after a two and a half week Eurotrip. And I don’t have class again until next week.
REAL TALK
Last night, one of my favorite television shows of all time, “Ugly Betty,” aired its final episode. For the last four years we’ve watched Betty Suarez go from the frumpy, nerdy assistant to the cute, nerdy junior editor at Mode magazine.
The Ohio River Festival of Books offers the inspiration to get back into the books
A new program is out called Your Baby Can. It was started by infant researcher Robert C. Titzer and is about developing reading skills in infants and toddlers.
MEN, MASCARA AND MOOD SWINGS
I often feel in college we are in this limbo stage of our lives. We aren’t kids anymore, yet we aren’t full adults. Yes, we all can drive, buy cigs and are practically living on our own, but we aren’t in that adult stage of our lives with careers, husbands and wives or kids.
How are we going to react to the adjustments that need to be made with drastic budget cuts?
Marshall University is going to be taking a major hit financially for the next few years. School officials were probably excited when they found out the split with MCTC would give them $1.25 million because of House Bill 3215, but now that dream is gone.
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
I hate fish. I hate the smell, the taste, even the way it looks. It never looks appetizing to me. I don’t know if I had some traumatizing fish experience as a young kid or if I just simply haven’t had a well-cooked fish dinner, but I know I find it very difficult to swallow.
Spring is the perfect season to work on improving our environment
If you’ve been on campus this week, you have seen some of Marshall University’s staff planting new spring flowers. It’s been so beautiful out, and it’s great to see people being able to work outside and enjoy it.
FIRESIDE OBSERVATIONS
Last week the majority of the campus Christian groups met as they celebrated life in Christ and worked together to fulfill the call of Christ on campus. But at the conclusion of the week, some were left wanting and wondering. Most of the questioning came in the form of, “I really thought God was going to move in this situation?” or even “Where is God?”
Is the church that is protesting going too far in using speech to induce hate?
Apparently, God hates homosexuals.
At least that’s what the Westboro Baptist Church wants you to think.
INSPIRATION
This week at Marshall University, a collection of various campus ministries worked together in an attempt to share the gospel with students. Appropriately, it is named “Jesus Week.”
SO, HERE'S THE THING
Tragedy befell the Mountain State this week as West Virginia lost 25 sons and awaits, hopeful for a miracle yet mindful of probability, information concerning the fate of four others in what is the worst mining disaster in the U.S. since 1984.
Defined by their sexual orientation, active military members continue to face discrimination
Winston Smith had to hide his normal yet supposedly rebellious behaviors and thoughts from the watchful eyes of Big Brother in George Orwell’s novel “1984.” He had to look over his shoulder and be conscience of every single word that came out of his mouth out of fear of being caught by the supporters of the totalitarian government.
BRITAIN BANTER
I like to joke that after I got lost in Japan, other travel problems seem like nothing. Don’t challenge fate. If you boast things can’t get any worse, you’ll end up being robbed halfway through your European backpacking trip.
REAL TALK
OK, I’ll admit it. I don’t get all of the fuss about the iPad. People were lined up for days over the weekend to be one of the first people to purchase the iPad. People were camped out like it was 1988 and they were trying to get tickets to Michael Jackson’s “Bad” tour.
Twenty-five dead. Not because of a natural disaster or from a terrible disease but because of safety violations that were not properly taken care of by a coal company.
MEN, MASCARA, AND MOOD SWINGS
How am I suppose to know? Is this friendship? Are we talking? Are we on the road to dating or on the road to nothing? Should I still be talking to other boys? Why won’t he just ... send me a sign?
Millions suffer from eating disorders and we can do much to resolve that problem
In America we’re bombarded every day with blaring TV screens, bright ads, big billboards and flashy magazines. In most of those mediums, women and men are portrayed as attractive and thin.
Health and Happiness
The past couple weeks, I’ve been writing about tips for healthful eating and advice for good exercise. I’ve been trying to follow my own words of wisdom, because I feel it is important to practice what you preach.
The recession has made a bare-bones budget this year and cuts are going to have to be made
News may be going around about the Huntington City Council’s newly approved budget for fiscal year 2011. When Mayor Kim Wolfe made his proposal to the city in February, he had originally made the budget about $39.54 million. In its review, the city council increased that number to $40.28 million on March 22.
Fireside observations
Last week, Jay Roudebush wrote in his column that he attended a Tea Party in the Capitol to protest the health care bill and the general direction this country is headed toward. It was shocking for me to read it, but I was encouraged by it.
Too many people aren’t taking the Census seriously, but it affects us in many ways
Your Census package. Maybe it’s in the mailbox. Maybe it’s on the kitchen counter ready to be mailed. Maybe it’s in the stack of junk mail or even in the trash.
Health and Happiness
Many of us eat out more times in one week than we should. When we eat greasy cheeseburgers, fatty tacos and salty french fries, we’re packing on the calories and cholesterol.
Inspiration
Today is Good Friday. An ironic name, if you really think about it. Today is the day Christians recognize the arrest, trial, beating and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Today is April Fool’s Day; let it be the start of more light-heartedness in life
March Madness will be over Monday, but it seems the chaos of classes has all but started again after spring break has ended. We thought we were busy before break, but all those assignments we forgot about last week have found a way to sneak up and are due right around the corner.
Britain Banter
Because going green is the newest trend, today I got a fashionable green bag. A grocery bag, made of 100 percent recycled plastic.
Real Talk
President Barack Obama recently signed health care reform into law to the great relief of many Americans who don’t have health care. Many people were extremely happy with the bill being signed into law, but the focus was on a group of Americans who were not so happy with it.
Law enforcement officers will be on campus this week for Criminal Justice Awareness month
An important story circulating right now is about the man who shot former Marshall University football player Donte Newsome has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter.
Men, mascara and mood swings
The smell of freshly cut grass, flowers sprouting from pockets in the ground mysterious and beautiful, warm moments and shivery nights blanketed by the stars above you.
Cruisin’ the capital
As you may know, the 2010 regular session of the State Legislature has come to an end and the lawmakers are now in the midst of an extended session to pass the state budget, which Constitutional law requires be balanced.
The head basketball coach’s decision to leave Marshall was his own, now let’s move forward
As anyone who cares about Marshall University sports already knows, former Herd basketball coach Donnie Jones accepted the head coaching vacancy at Conference USA rival UCF on Monday.
Fireside observations
Last week, I got the chance to ride in a van to Los Angeles with Campus Crusade for Christ to participate in urban outreach and other programs in East Compton, Calif.
The Common Cause
After the bill was passed in the House, a fellow member of the Executive Committee of the West Virginia Young Democrats attacked my position on health care reform because of these columns.
Removing the trays provides the school and us with many benefits and small consequences
Just recently, Marshall University’s Harless Dining Hall put up a feedback board for students. At any time we can now state what dishes we’d liked to see cooked more and voice other concerns we may have.
Inspiration
I’m taking a religious studies class about the history of the Jewish Holocaust. In recent weeks, we’ve moved past details of the inconceivable atrocities to innocent humans, and we have moved onto the silent bystanders.
So, here’s the thing
The living of life is being reduced to 140 characters.
Take care of your valuables and other safety precautions so you can enjoy your break
This week, the next and probably the week after, we’ll have spring break on the mind. Who can think of anything else when it gets this warm and we know we haven’t had a holiday in forever?
Britain banter
Being from another country is always a good topic of conversation when I meet new people in England. People want to know if we have the same restaurants, businesses and products. Have I eaten a crumpet? Do we have a Tesco grocery store, too? How many people really drive Hummers?
Real talk
For the last couple of weeks Marshall students have been cramming and stressing about midterm exams. We’ve spent hours in the library, pulled all nighters and ordered countless pizzas in preparation for tests.
Marshall University’s men’s basketball team is No. 1 seed in its tournament, let’s support them
If you haven’t heard already, Marshall University’s men’s basketball team made it to postseason action for the first time in 22 years. The loss to Tulsa on Sunday in the Conference USA Tournament was heartbreaking, but hopes were not dashed.
Men, mascara and mood swings
This summer when I went home and lived among my old best friends it seemed like everything shifted back into place.
Drinko Library and the Writing Center assist students in workshops today through Thursday
By the time we get to college, we’ve learned all we can about the basics of writing, science, history and math. Then we are taught a little more in our freshman and sophomore years until we actually get into the specifics in our last two years of undergrad.
Health and happiness
I love to dance. Everyone loves to dance, whether they are good at it or not. Dancing allows us to let loose, free our minds and have fun. Whether it’s structured dancing such as ballet and jazz or just casual dancing with your friends, dancing is fun for everyone.
A local eatery gives back to its customers, take its example and do the same in your life
Most of the time people are ready to fight more than anything. It seems it is always easier to complain or to be indifferent. All of us have been quick to point out that something is wrong, and we forget to acknowledge the things someone has done correctly.
Fireside observations
One of the best Psalms in the Old Testament is no. 37. Many people know it by heart, and have committed it to memory. Verse four is probably the most popular verse in the chapter, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Ramen noodle cook-off inspires a different way for students to raise money for a cause
The International Students’ Organization and the Kappa Phi chapter of Beta Alpha Psi are hosting the National Collegiate Ramen Noodle Cook-Off on Saturday.
Inspiration
I help lead a weekly Bible study with one of my good friends every Wednesday night. This week my friend was leading the discussion, and she posed a question that has haunted me since then. And now I want to pose that very same question to you. So here it goes.
So, here’s the thing
I find myself at a curious moment in my college education, and I suspect I’m not alone.
Marshall has many different organizations to join and too few actually take the opportunity
When you graduate from Marshall University, about 2,300 others will be holding degrees right next to you, according to the 2008 data on Marshall’s Web site. So, what will distinguish you from everybody else?
BRITAIN BANTER
I was sitting at the launderette the other day, and a child was running around the machines asking a million questions to his annoyed mother. I tried to keep reading and ignore them, but kids can be obnoxiously loud.
REAL TALK
If you look up the word “hypocrisy” in the dictionary, it says “a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.” If you take a look at some of our political leaders, this definition fits perfectly.
Men can celebrate Women’s History Month, too
Anyone at any time can reflect upon the powerful women in history who have made an impact on our world.
MEN, MASCARA AND MOOD SWINGS
Every girl should or does have that best guy friend in their life. One that they can just hang out with, grab cookie dough or crawl through their window if your into that “Dawson’s Creek” sort of thing and share your life with him.
Cruisin’ the capitol
This is it, the last week of session. For those of us who spend our days under the big dome in Charleston, the last week means longer work days and extra sessions. This is the week when lawmakers buckle down to make up for slacking during the majority of session.
Around the world, others worry about basic necessities and freedoms that we are guaranteed
The stress of midterms can get anybody down. It seems like everything always comes at once. There is never just one midterm or one paper; they come in droves.
The Common Cause
The vast majority of American voters do not care about the day to day affairs of the government. More Americans know who won the Oscar for Best Film than who the Chief of Staff for President Obama is. For the record it is Rahm Emanuel.
The Sowards Report
Revolution.
That is a word that has been thrown around quite a bit lately and through which I have found something very interesting. I finally agree with Glenn Beck.
Public higher education budget cuts have led hundreds of thousand to march and protest
Across the nation, students, faculty and staff have been protesting all week because of states slashing funds from public universities and schools.
Inspiration
If you believe in a God, wouldn’t you like to know a little more about Him?
So, Here’s the Thing
An acquaintance of mine recently made a comment that both disturbed me and caused me to do some serious thinking. He said that Huntington and Marshall University are dying.
Just getting educated about the daily lives of different people can promote understanding and peace
People are different. That’s just the way it is.
Real Talk
Michael Blosil, the 18-year-old son of entertainer Marie Osmond, ended his life this week. This comes just after the suicides of “Growing Pains” actor Andrew Koening and fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
West Virginia legislature considers a bill that would take power from school board of governors
Just when students were starting to feel confident about a possible tuition freeze proposed by Gov. Joe Manchin in January’s State of the State Address, the West Virginia Legislature is proposing a bill to increase it.
Men, Mascara, and Mood Swings
Phone calls that take up all of your minutes, hurried moments on skype, old tattered pictures, gas mileage, Fed-Ex packages and Facebook chats are the little moments that add up to one long distance relationship.
Health and Happiness
As college students, we don’t have a lot of time to be conscious of all the “bad” foods we eat on the go. It’s easy for us to drive through McDonalds and get a burger and fries or get a candy bar and chips from the vending machines. Many times, I simply walk by the snack machines, and it’s as though a Snicker’s bar is calling my name.
Haiti and now Chile are depending on us and other well-developed countries for food and relief
An earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck Chile on Saturday, killing over 700 people, according to CNN.com. Residents are scrambling for food and shelter, panicked by the natural disaster.
The Common Cause
This past week there was a health care summit given by the president. Many important leaders from both parties in Congress were in attendance. In honesty it was a showboating opportunity for both sides of the issue.
View from the Valley
The first thing you see when you walk into my bedroom is a five-foot long bulletin board holding some of my most valued personal effects. It includes my U.S. Senate pass, letters from my young cousins in New York, pictures of my little brother and my favorite: a 1996 newspaper clipping showing the Magnificent Seven singing our national anthem.
Come out and learn how to encourage women and be more aware of gender inequality
Women have fought for rights and equality for a long time. They have struggled to work alongside men, to vote, go to war and are still debating about doing what they want with their own bodies.
Fireside Observations
One of the characteristics we hold in highest regard and reward the most in this country is courage. We love to see it played out.
The university is investing a lot into continuing campus growth and we need to take advantage
Marshall’s campus is expanding again! As of fall 2008, the First Year Residence Halls offered a new place for incoming students to live. Last month, the Recreation Center celebrated its first anniversary.
Inspiration
My fiancé asked me how my day was yesterday. My response...
So, Here’s the Thing
A painter, a soccer mom, a writer, a cheerleader, a punk rocker, a youth minister, a rabbi and a corporate executive walk into a coffee shop.
We may forget it sometimes, but teachers have lives outside of school, and we can learn from this
The dean of the Lewis College of Business is not just an academic. Chong Kim has been practicing Tae Kwon Do since age 11. He and his wife have owned Master Kim’s School of Traditional Tae Kwon Do in Huntington since 1984.
Britain Banter
Cambridge is one of the quaintest places I’ve ever been. It lies along a river, always full of rowers. Bicycles glide up and down the paths along the bank. The stone buildings are all charming, but not nearly as much as the decorated brick streets they sit on, separated by miniature parks, or ‘green spaces.’
Real Talk
It seems everywhere you turn these days, Tiger Woods is staring back at you ‑ on tabloid magazine covers, television news or the Web. After Tiger’s dry, monotone press conference, television exploded with people analyses of Tiger’s words and body language.
Next year’s One Book has been chosen and it’s different from all the others so far
Faculty have finalized their decision to require students to read a book that is not a textbook, newspaper, dictionary or any other usually dry, fact-induced literature. It’s a book of theory by Malcolm Gladwell titled “Outliers: The Story of Success” and it’s the new One Book for fall 2010.
Health and Happiness
Many of us make the promise to ourselves that we’re going to start going to the gym and get back into shape. Instead, many of us (including myself) find ourselves opening up another bag of chips and a soda.
Men, Mascara and Mood Swings
In my columns, I normally talk about love and relationships and what to do when you have it and how to move on when you don’t. With all of this love talk going on, I have completely missed mentioning to love past your circle and past your comfort level. What about love to a stranger on campus or even across the globe?
Marshall University students can learn to fix quick, healthful meals in Huntington community
A walk down Fifth Avenue reveals a plethora of fast food options, including McDonald’s and Wendy’s. When students are hungry, it is easy to stop by one of these places for a quick bite to eat. However cheap and convenient these meals may be, they take a toll on students’ health.
The Common Cause
The CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) took place from Feb. 18 to 20. It is the most entertaining thing to watch on TV. I could only imagine the joys of actually being there.
View from the Valley
We live in a world where people don’t trust the news. As sad as it is for me to say it, we no longer have the quintessential reporter who tells you exactly the way it is, nor the investigative duo that changes the entire political landscape of the United States.
Professional financial advisors will be available to answer all questions and concerns
Marshall’s student body is being catered to once again. The Financial Aid Festival begins on campus today and will last through Friday.
Fireside Observations
If you recall from last week, I decided that my columns in the near future were going to be all about manhood.
The Sowards Report
Last week I wrote a column dealing with the issue of poverty. In that column, I attempted to outline the details of the problem and allow those who read it to see that poverty is still relevant in today’s society.
Without the students’ support, the academy’s capabilities would never be met
The Marshall University Child Development Academy may be in danger of losing funding from student fees.
Inspiration
Most of you have probably heard the Biblical story of Job in passing at some point. To be honest, it’s not a particularly cheery one, and until Wednesday night, I wasn’t fond of it myself.
The team faces many obstacles going into the season, but more fan support may help
Marshall’s baseball season begins this Friday. As with any sport, baseball can be a source of school spirit and revenue. However, Marshall baseball may be hindered in the amount it can contribute.
Britain Banter
On Shrove Tuesday, you are supposed to use all of the indulgent foods, such as the ingredients in pancakes, before you give them up for lent on Ash Wednesday.
Real Talk
John Mayer, one of my favorite singers, made comments in an interview with Playboy magazine that has everyone talking.
The skills college students learn may give them an advantage to battle Seasonal Affective Disorder
Sometimes, the best way to cope with something is to just be aware of it.
Cruisin’ the Capital
Abortion is legal in West Virginia, but state legislators have been busy the last few years working to make abortion laws more strict.
Men, Mascara and Mood Swings
A few weeks ago, I wrote my first column on Valentine’s Day and the art of moving past it and enjoying singleness. I thought I would be fine, but as the dreaded moment approached I began to become more aware of my relationship status.
Individual safety must be the university’s top priority every day, no matter the circumstance
Two people have been hurt in the last few weeks because of hazards around campus.
The Common Cause
I started my Internet news journey many years ago with MSNBC. Their Web site was beautifully made, and I appreciated the speed at which it was updated. They gave me the information I needed to keep up with the world around me.
Guest Column
Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton announced that Miley Cyrus’ nine-year-old sister is launching a lingerie line for nine to 14-year- olds.
Death and accidents don’t stop Olympians from continuing to do what they love
On Friday the XXI Winter Olympics kicked off, but not without setbacks. Ten days before the opening ceremonies, one of the U.S.’s most favorite and talented athletes was injured while training.
Fireside Observations
This weekend, I got the chance to go home and visit the folks.
The Sowards Report
There is a great shadow monster of our society that lurks deep within the confines of each city.
So, here’s the thing
I like the idea of Valentine’s Day in as much as it allows me to remonstrate against the commercialization of romance.
Inspiration
In the last week or two, many of us have probably been seeing some people handing out half sheets of paper near the student center plaza.
City mayor was met with small audience when he came to campus to answer students’ questions
Huntington mayor Kim Wolfe came to campus to talk to Marshall University students Tuesday about their concerns regarding the city. Students were free to come and ask the mayor any questions they wanted.
Cruisin’ the Capital
The halfway point of the 60 day session of the state legislature is quickly approaching. Due to election year politics, we have only heard about “feel good legislation.”
Men, Mascara, and Mood Swings
Repeat offenders. You know the ones I’m talking about the old love that never becomes old, the ex that truly never feels like an ex, the one that “got away” or the one that keeps coming back.
STDs are a huge health risk to many young men and women, but they are preventable
Sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies are on the rise among women in their early 20s and 30s. Already, women ages 15 to 24 make up about half the number of the approximate 19 million STD infections that occur each year, estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
THE COMMON CAUSE
On I-35 located in Wyoming, Minn., there is a large billboard with the image of President George W. Bush that says, “Miss Me Yet?” The question honestly should plague some of us a great deal.
VIEW FROM THE VALLEY
I love the United States. Not in one of those super-patriot, rifle and rebel flag kind of ways, but in the logical love of capitalism, the Constitution and the faults and strengths of this great nation. I love the fact that we spread technology. I love our beautiful national parks. And although I know there are problems with the system, overall, I think America works well.
As economics students in the Lewis College of Business, we would like to express our concerns about and interest in the future of the economics program at Marshall University.
Soulful Sunday taught about a diverse culture, and more opportunities are available for the semester
Marshall University’s Center for African American Students’ Programs hosted Soulful Sunday this week. The event served as a way for family, friends, faculty and students to get together and enjoy a feast and watch a performance by the African American Arts and Heritage Academy Showcase.
FIRESIDE OBSERVATIONS
Anger—at first glance the word itself conjures up all kinds of horrible images.
We cannot let ourselves become desensitized to the crimes and catastrophes around us every day
Violent crimes happen every day. People are murdered, raped, kidnapped and tortured. Fifty years ago, these events shocked society. Today, they are merely considered a tragic norm.
So, Here's the Thing
A friend once told me that optimism is no excuse for being blind to reality.
INSPIRATION
Major self realization: I’m a chronic worrier!
Crimes should be taken seriously everywhere
Sexual assault is a reality that many students will face in their lives. Whether it is if they have been a victim themselves, or know someone who has been a victim, sexual assault crimes are a harsh reality in today’s world.
I have my mother’s eyes. This I realized after staring at a photograph of myself that was taken on Thanksgiving.
Football team ready for a new man behind the sideline
Marshall University needs a new head football coach. Next year the playbook and the face leading the Herd onto the field will be different, and it couldn’t come any sooner. Former coach Mark Snyder was 22-37 overall in his five years at Marshall. That is not acceptable at a university that has the motto “We play for championships.”
It’s an interesting time in our lives, isn’t it?
I find myself caught in this odd limbo, and it’s not nearly as much fun as the popular tiki party game.
FOIA allows access to records, students should take advantage of rights
The Freedom of Information Act is one of the most important federal laws in the book.
The FOIA establishes the right for the public to obtain information from government agencies, and we, as United States citizens, have the right to this information.
I’ll be late and it’s too early for chit-chat
I think there are two types of people — on-time, morning people and persistently-late, nighttime people. I am not a morning person and I am definitely not an on-time person.
Unfortunately I have had an 8 a.m. class this semester, and even though it is an art class and I love art, it is so freaking early.
Religion, science: one step closer
Have you ever wondered if humans are really alone in the universe? Or are you one who has never really given much thought to the prospect of life outside of this planet?
Well, the Catholic Church isn’t ruling anything out at this point.
The church is an institution that has a history of being less than hospitable to various scientific theories.
Government is helping students through college
Let’s face it. College students are poor. From part-time jobs that pay minimum wage to going through the money your parents give you on their weekend visits, money is usually tight when going to Husson’s for pizza.
The issue with cable news channels is…everyone can think of at least 100 different things to finish that sentence. For the past few years I have co-hosted the Sowards-Roudebush Report, which was the 2008 national award winner for collegiate talk radio.
Students should attend memorial ceremony for 1970 plane crash
Saturday will mark the 39th anniversary of the Marshall University plane crash that took the lives of 75 people.
Your rights worth standing up for
Picture this: you are walking through Kroger when you hear someone dropping the “f bomb.” They are walking in a small group, laughing among friends and are not near any children. Do you ask them to stop? Do you get the manager to tell them to stop?
Or how about this: you are walking past the memorial fountain when you see someone preaching atheist beliefs. Do you stop them? Do you report them to the administration? Do you become violent?
Take some time for meteors
Meteor showers are incredible events to experience. I once saw a meteor shower that looked like rain back in August of ‘99.
It was the peak of the Leonid meteor shower that year, which produced storms of about 3,000 meteors per hour.
Students should honor heroes more than once a year
On Wednesday the nation honored those who have risked and are currently risking their lives protecting our freedoms. While it is great that we have this day to honor those who are out there making the world a better place, this should not be the only time we honor veterans.
This is the third of a five-part series of The Creeping Nightmare, a short story by the author.
Yesterday was Veterans Day.
I believe that this holiday is one of the most important that our country celebrates. It is the one day out of the year where we are all able to take a step back, pause, and say Thank you to all of the veterans who have served our country.
Instead of going out, try this
If you read the editorial to your left, you will see advice to avoid going out this weekend. Here are a few things that could make your weekend fun anyway:
Police dept. notified of possible gang activity
Students across campus received a text message Tuesday night that the athletic department conducted a meeting with all athletes to instruct them to stay off Fourth Avenue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, this weekend.
Changes leave students with uncertainty about diploma
If you haven’t heard Marshall University has changed its rules for walking at graduation. There was a time when a student could still walk across the stage and receive a diploma and be recognized even though the student still had less than three hours to complete during summer sessions.
I am so done with G-rated church. Who’s with me?
I attended a women’s conference this weekend in the adorable, southern twang-filled town of Lake City, Tenn., and I heard a whole lot of things that probably would have made your mama blush.
Unless you live in a hole in the ground you know about the tragedy that took place November 5, 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas. The facts that have been released to the public show at least thirteen were killed and many remain in the hospital. These deaths are tragic, but the situation isn’t over yet.
Students should boogie more to help relax
Wednesday, Marshall University students had a chance to participate in a flash mob for a television show that will be nationally televised. As you walked by the student center, you couldn’t help but see the smiling faces and joyous attitudes that surrounded the campus.
We are now closer to the end of the semester than we are the beginning. The peak is behind us. What is left is the journey downhill to the finish line.
Referendum.
That is a word that has been thrown around quite a bit lately. Mainly in regard to the elections held in two states this week.
Afternoon snoozing harmful to student health
According to the University of Michigan Health Service, between 30 and 50 percent of college students take naps.
Students sacrifice sleep at night for studying, working, finishing projects or papers and sometimes even parties. There is this mentality of “Oh, I don’t have class until 11 a.m. tomorrow, so I can stay up until 2 a.m. and then nap after class,” when in all reality, naps are not the same or as effective as actual sleep.
Voting important, fight for beliefs
Elections have always excited me. Something in the air seems to change into a mix of anticipation and doubt and I can’t help but wonder who people voted for as I see them.
The first election I can remember was in 2000, the infamous Bush – Gore election. I was living in Wisconsin at the time and had been hearing things about it for weeks. Finally, after what seemed like years it was election night. I was only 10, but my dad said I could stay up until the winner was announced.
Fond memories while looking ahead
Earlier this week, I made the trip across the river and down the highway to my hometown of Ironton, Ohio.
For those who do not know, Ironton is a small city about 30 minutes west of Huntington, wedged in between a series of hills and the Ohio River, with a population hovering around 9,000.
Student organization looking to bring awareness to war
You see their fliers everywhere on campus that say “Stop a war older than the soldiers fighting it.” This is the message of the nonprofit group Invisible Children. The organization, started by three young men from California, is about helping child soldiers who are fighting in a civil war in Uganda.
A certain amount of me believes we lose creditability when we add the D or R behind our names.
Does being a Democrat or a Republican mean we are like all other Democrats or Republicans? Should we be compared to others in our parties, or are we independents in our own parties?
This past weekend I visited my boyfriend in Savannah, Ga., where he now lives and is attending school. This is possibly the most wonderful city in the nation, and not only because the love of my life resides there.
Health care is important, but so is unity
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi smiled and gave cameras a big thumbs up Thursday, as democrats unveiled a sweeping health care overhaul that would transform the insurance market, create a government-run insurance plan and levy new taxes on the rich.
I have severe issues with bathrooms.
Bathrooms are usually the setting for the most traumatic moments in my life, aside from the gynecologist.
And we ran, Elle and I.
We had our headphones in, each of us dancing to a different song yet running in concurrence. We ran through the streets of a bustling city that was alive with cars and sounds and people. It made running more interesting because it presented a myriad of obstacles. Every intersection was a game. Do we wait for the safety of a flashing light of a figure outlined in perpetual motion or do we grit our teeth and dash for it? We always dashed for it. Elle would zigzag around light poles, trashcans, mailboxes—whatever presented itself on our course.
Grade change issue lacks reaction by administration, alumni
A violation of university policy has been under investigation concerning grade changes and Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp hasn’t said a word about it.
Neither have any alumni.
Celebrating life-changing literature
I consider literacy to be one of my most valuable capabilities. For me few greater personal joys in life exist other than reading.
I was staring at my bookshelf yesterday, thinking about the books I have read over the course of the two decades of my life. I asked myself what my favorite five books are, and I mulled over the answer for several minutes, finally coming to a simple conclusion: there is no answer to that question.
Students helping the world by reaching out to others
As Halloween season comes around, it’s easy for students to accept things. Whether it be candy for Halloween, a feast for Thanksgiving we accept food, and we all know the story of Santa and Christmas gifts. But lately it seems more and more, many students have begun to accept the concept of giving.
If you thought that we had managed to avoid a swine flu crisis, you were sadly mistaken.
Ahhh. It is getting to be that time of year again, a time that just happens to be my favorite. And no, I am not talking about midterms, Halloween, the approach of the NBA regular season or the final weeks of the college football season, though I do rather enjoy the last one.
Attendance to football games important for support
Where were you Saturday? Not at the game, apparently.
The sparse crowd at Saturday’s game against UAB was pretty embarrassing. There were only 18,878 seats filled in a about a 38,019 seat stadium. If you are a math person, that’s only 49 percent. Not even half. Granted, not every person can attend every single game. But did everyone text every contact in their phones and tell them they weren’t coming to the game, so then those people didn’t go either?
Don’t ask about post-graduation
There is one question I really hate to be asked — “What are you going to do after graduation?”
I hate it.
I know it is just something people ask you. It is one of those staple questions like “How are you?” or “Is school going all right?” It is a generic way to start conversation.
I just want to scream at them “I don’t have time to wash my hair, what makes you think I have the time to sit and ponder my future?”
Government programs essential
There is a reality for many Americans that we do not see on a daily basis. It isn’t that we don’t have a chance to see it, but we choose not to look or think about things that make us feel bad.
There is a constant discussion in politics about social welfare programs vs. charity. Many conservatives do not support government assistance towards those that have run low on their luck or been a victim of terrible circumstances. Many will say it isn’t the government’s job to help in need. Conservatives will say it certainly isn’t right for the government to force us to pay higher taxes to help others. That is our hard earned money going to other people!
University joins forces with town businesses
Starting this week, the Student Government Association distributed student discount cards, which allow students in organizations, discounts at restaurants, salons and many different interest spots in Huntington.
This is the final part of a three part series of a short story written by the author.
This particular column was inspired by blogger BC Woods (dunceuponatime.com) and his post titled Grandpa’s Hands. This is kind of my response to his post, I suppose.
Victim recants abuse story after defendents go to jail
First the balloon boy hoax and now this.
After claiming she was abused in 2007 and ultimately sending six people to jail, Megan Williams, from West Virginia, is backtracking her story.
She made it all up.
Lucky enough to have friends
“Friendship, if somebody holds out his hand toward you, you’ve got to reach and take it...There are too many people alone, and if you’re lucky enough for somebody to want you as a friend, it’s an obligation.”
Katharine Hepburn said that in her 1956 film, “The Rainmaker.”
I consider myself beyond lucky.
Being spontaneous, responsible
I’ll walk.
There’s no way I’m running. That would be too obvious.
Step after step after step. I’m close to the top now. I should run, just up the last couple of steps. No, that would be worse than if I would have just ran all the way up from the bottom of the steps. But, who knows when I’ll be in this position again, and no one here knows me. What to do, what to do? Oh, last increment of steps! Think fast!
Students should think of the friendlier ghouls
A popular concept these days is that everywhere with a scary vibe is haunted. Mashall University’s campus is no different, with reports that many buildings on campus have ghosts and ghouls roaming the halls. With hit movies like the new “Paranormal Activity” scaring the pants off of moviegoers, it seems like ghosts are getting a bad rap lately.
Views on President Obama's current Presidency
Matt Sowards and Jay Roudebush have written a joint column today to discuss President Obama’s time in office and the challenges he faces.
Parents should not have used child as career move
We should have known.
The Heene family succeeded in convincing millions that their little 6-year-old boy, Falcon, had been lifted thousands of feet in the air inside a helium-filled balloon.
Part two: Everything heals with time
Editor's Note:
This is the second of three installments of “The Magic Rain,” a series of short stories by the author.
Several weeks had passed in which time was a whirlwind and I was a hapless kite caught in the invisible currents. My parents, family and friends had all seemed to move forward while I remained.
Cooperation too much to ask?
Last week I wrote to all of you discussing my hope that someday partisanship will lessen to a point where civil cooperation might be possible. I was met with attacks from the Republicans and my fellow Democrats I was informed me that this was far too hopeful for reality.
A recent study from Democracy Corps and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research showed that it is not racism that pushes the Republicans away from President Barack Obama, but instead it is a desire to see less cooperation and more bi-partisanship. The summation of this report shows that the Republican Party wants Republicans to stop working with Democrats.
Cheerleader controversy sets a bad example for campus
The Golden Rule states: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” From what has been decided in court, some people have forgotten this rule.
I’m a girl. And I like football. Much to my delight, I’m not in the minority.
But why do so many people choose to fawn over this sport? For me, it’s the bestial drama, the heart-wrenching suspense, the manufactured action, the crunchy hits. We eat it up. (Plus it’s a great way to spend weekend afternoons.)
Officials should take responsibility for mistakes
Marshall University administrators were recently investigated under concerns that a professor was asked to falsify the grades of an elected state official’s daughter.
Stress, exhaustion taking its toll
You know those really, really bad days you have sometimes? It’s the type of day where you wake up late, drop your umbrella and your keys, don’t have time for coffee or food, have a million things to do, can’t find any socks, run into an ex, have to work and then have to stay up late because of all the homework weighing down your life, and you feel like you are either going to cry or scream — or both.
Multiply all that awfulness by five and that’s my week. This has literally been the worst week of my college life, and I am convinced there is a curse on the days of Oct. 12 through 16. Nothing good has ever come into my life in the month of October.
Part one: There's magic in the rain
My grandmother looked out the window at the falling rain. She sighed, slowly tilting her rocking chair to the side as she gazed into the glowing light of street lamps shadowed by a darkened sky. Grandma often told me those lamps were steel sentinels that guarded the city from darkness.
She looked at me, smiling. A light flashed across her eyes, fiercely, and it felt like a surge of energy left her body and jumped into mine.
The break up: the Web and me
Dear Internet,
We need to talk. There are several points of our relationship that I would like to bring into the open.
To be frank, I think we need to take a break. Kind of like a Ross and Rachel break, where you cheat on me with other people, and then you cry out of regret because, as Ross, you are the biggest girly-man ever.
College life causes stress, need sleep to recover
These next few weeks are probably going to be awful. It seems like everything is due this week or next, every class is pulling you in six different directions and seriously, do the professors meet up and plan to give tests on the same day? It’s going to get rough, but we all need to remember to rest.
Even though a project, paper and midterm might all be due in the same week, nothing is worth risking our health.
Cut the crap and change your diapers
Political debate is what makes America one of the best places on Earth. As guaranteed by my beloved first amendment, anyone with a point of a view has a right to express it. However, this does not mean that some decorum should be ignored when approaching the political arena.
The health care debates on campus gave an amazing opportunity for Marshall students to express their political opinions in a clearly articulated and civilized manner. The same opportunity was presented in a debate among political parties last semester.
Playboy: pornography or not?
Judging by its most immediate predecessor, Oct. 9, seemed like it was going to be a regular Friday. Nothing spectacular or out-of-the-ordinary, just the normal start to the weekend fun.
But, alas, things are almost never as they seem and any preconceived notion you had about this particular Friday were chucked out the window like a recently revealed cheating husband’s belongings.
There is more partisanship today than any other point in American history. The lines are clearly drawn between the center left and the center right. Most Americans fall in the moderate zone, but it seems like they are being dragged to the fringe of either side by the extremism stances of both parties.
Admittedly, I enjoy the newest genre of reality television, stalking the parents of eight children in TLC’s smash hit “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” It’s good entertainment! Those chubby-cheeked munchkins are just plain irresistible. I even defend my guilty pleasure by telling myself it is a good way to learn child-rearing skills. But I’ve let myself get too attached. I was rooting for Jon and Kate. And now they have let me down.
Tips for taking the big test without losing your cool
We are near the halfway point of the semester and students are dreading one thing: mid-terms.
Mid-terms are a stressful time for students, because they involve all night studying, overdosing coffee, stressing out over little things and learning new ways for procrastination.
The last few weeks of my life have been frantic to say the least.
At times it has felt like I am sinking fast in my workload, smothered by my own to-do list.
Last Wednesday I discovered a rare gem — a couple of free hours in my schedule. Being devoted to this column as I am, I decided to devote that time to writing.
I’m not going to lie: I voted for John McCain. I’m not a racist or a fundamentalist Christian, I just disagreed with a lot of President Barack Obama’s campaign platform. However, there is one thing that I wholeheartedly agreed with: the proposed shield law on the Free Flow of Information Act.
Students should help in fighting homesickness
When most American students experience homesickness, they are just a few hours away from home. But for international students, it is a bit more difficult. International students have traveled thousands of miles to Huntington to further their education at Marshall.
The great society on a hill
Last week the great 800-pound question was answered by the members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. This question to which I refer was one that has been the topic of great debate and discussion, including multiple mentions in my weekly columns. That question is whether or not the proposed health reform will include a “public option.” Sadly, the answer was a resounding no.
Reports show Marshall seniors have more enriching experiences than peers
According to a recent survey, Marshall University seniors reported their experiences here as more enriching than their peers at other institutions for two years.
This is proof that Marshall is actually pretty great, despite the comments from all those Negative Neds/Nancys out there.
The civil rights movement never ended. True equality for all people has not yet been reached. At this moment it seems as far off as it has ever been.
Last week, acclaimed director Roman Polanski was finally arrested for the rape of a 13-year-old girl after more than 30 years. Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor but fled to his native Europe before being sentenced.
In the 32 years since he fled, Polanski continued his film career even winning an Oscar for The Pianist in 2003.
But where should the 2020 games be held?
For the first time in history, the Summer Olympics will be held in South America in the lovely city of Rio De Janeiro. In 2016 the world’s best athletes will head to the second largest city in Brazil. But what about some choices for the next Summer Olympics in 2020. The Parthenon staff has a few ideas.
Soldier tries to fight loneliness
Earlier this week my unit commander informed me it was day 100 of our deployment, which could stretch on to 400 days, according to our active duty orders.
This week, I signed off on my mid-tour leave paperwork, too. With a countdown initiated, Dec. 20 no longer seems like a black hole on the calendar. It seems like time might have enough energy to chug along through October, November and December.
Band finally receives new practice location
With this weekend’s disappointing homecoming game against East Carolina, it’s nice to know the school is thinking about something other than athletics.
The Marshall University Marching Thunder finally, after more than 30 years of going back and forth between locations, has a new indoor practice facility on Level A of the Cam Henderson Center. A dedication ceremony was conducted Friday.
Homecoming perfect way to show Herd pride, have fun
Football. Music. Parade. Floats. Tailgates. Green. White.
All these things add up to a huge deal on a college campus — homecoming.
Last month, my boyfriend moved to Savannah, Ga., to go to graduate school at Savannah College of Art and Design to earn his master’s in graphic design. And just so you know, Savannah is 567 miles away from my house. That’s about 9 hours driving, sometimes 10 or 11 if you swing into six Cracker Barrels and spend 20 minutes in every gas station you stop at. In other words, it’s far away.
I know couples everywhere who have to, in the words of Project Runway’s Tim Gunn, “Make it work” because they are physically separated, but sometimes it feels like I am all alone in this, like I am the only woman in the world who is dealing with this, or that my boyfriend is the only one who has ever dared to move away from his friends and family to better himself.
Why are you here? No, really. Take a minute and assess your reasoning.
Did you come to Marshall to fulfill your dreams or did you come to find them?
I attended a weekend church conference a couple of weeks ago, and heard something so fundamentally true that it made me giggle. I am guilty of it like a majority of the rest of the world, but I was completely unaware until now.
Why do we want to send people to Hell for things we wouldn’t even send them to jail for?
Marshall should focus on retaining freshman
If you ask anyone at Marshall University about enrollment, they will jump at the chance to tell you that full-time freshman enrollment is up for the past year. The increase went up 11.5 percent. The totals went from 1,686 freshman in 2008 to 1,900 freshman this year.
But what many do not hear about is the number of those freshman from 2008 who did not stick around for their sophomore year. Out of those 1,686 freshman, about 17 percent did not return to Marshall. That is over 200 students who did not stay.
Old man in the circle of friends
You know how in a typical group of friends, each person has a certain set of attributes or a personality that sets them apart from all the others? It’s a way of identifying them for people not necessarily within the inner circle, their role in various situations.
Profiting off community service
Disney recently announced an initiative that will give one million free passes to volunteers across the country.
The “Give a day, get a Disney day” program is partnering with HandsOn Network to connect people with volunteer opportunities approved by Disney.
People like to be free — free to live, free to choose, free to work and free to read.
This week is Banned Books Week, which celebrates the freedom to read any book, because once upon a time books were removed from libraries, bookstores or classrooms becuase it contained controversial content.
Anytime there is a hot debate inside D.C., we usually see an outpouring of opinions from both sides of the political spectrum. The ongoing debate on the proposed health reform is no exception to this. Over the course of the month of August, we have seen members of Congress go back to their states and districts in order to sell the idea of health reform. I made reference to these “town hall” meetings in my last column, and I would like to elaborate upon that and tie the two discussions of civility together in this one.
I do not take issue with members of Congress having town halls. It is wonderful when people who are elected to public office take time and go home to speak with those who sent them to Washington. In fact, that sort of dialogue is a fundamental part of our democracy. But what happens whenever this dialoged is interrupted? This is what I take issue with.
A line has been drawn in the sand in partisan politics today. I would offer to you that today the calm or even slightly heated discussion of politics in America today is heading quickly to a point of no return.
If you have kept up with the news you will have seen a rise in hate speech throughout the United States. I would like to point out that hate speech is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. People have a right to be filled with hate, bigotry and misguided anger if they have the desire to do so.
H1N1 virus seems to be causing unecessary chaos
All this uproar about the swine flu is getting out of hand.
Crashing through Class III rapids and dodging car-sized boulders in a fiberglass canoe with a bleeding teenager in tow was not the way I had planned to spend my Tuesday afternoon.
A few years ago, I spent the summer as a trip director for Bluestone Conference Center, a church camp in Hinton, W.Va. My charge was to take the older kids on adventure-based trips in the New River Gorge. My biggest job each week was to lead trips down the Upper New River, with me acting as the river guide.
Candy cigarettes. We all knew and loved them as the beloved white sugar sticks that we used to imitate our older friends, parents or favorite movie stars.
Brace yourselves, they’re gone.
Huntington’s downtown landmark is a hidden gem
As you walk downtown on Fourth Avenue there is one thing you will see that just grabs your attention: the big, bright lights of the Keith Albee Theater. You might not have really stopped to see it, or really acknowledge it, but it has always been there.
Fate.
We debate its existence, validity, nature and power. Even those of us who believe it is real still question whether or not it serves to benefit or detriment our lives
This past week, I read something that deeply hurt me — only 29 percent of Americans believe news organizations get “the facts right.”
Actions at game do not give a good impression
Football is the most popular sport at Marshall University. Although The Herd is not a championship team, the sport still brings a lot of money and attention to the school.
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