‘Eating Animals’ urges readers to stand up for their beliefs

April 20, 2010 • written by Matt Metzler  
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns

I recently read a book called Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, and to say the least, it left a very bad taste in my mouth.  That being said, I couldn’t recommend it more highly. I’m sure almost everyone in this country knows that we as Americans don’t particularly eat very well.  We’re... Read more »

April 1st isn’t only for fools

March 16, 2010 • written by Kevin O'Donnell  
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns

The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.  — Mark Twain   April brings plenty of good things: good weather, Easter bunnies and especially spring break. But for millions around the world, April holds something far more sacred: April Fools Day. On this... Read more »

Our views: full-body scanners in airports

March 8, 2010 • written by Matt Metzler and Paqui Toscano  
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns

For more information about full-body scanners, click here to read Paqui’s recent article on the topic. Matt’s view In modern-day America, many people are pondering this question: which is more important, privacy or safety? Should a certain degree of privacy be given up to the government... Read more »

A sensible look at foreign policy

December 20, 2009 • written by Kyle Ratliff  
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns

When President Obama committed more than 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, something in me just snapped. How many times does the United States have to touch its hand to the same hot stove before we realize that it burns? As the saying goes, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to... Read more »

Our views: Christmas in public schools

December 18, 2009 • written by Matt Metzler and Paqui Toscano  
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns, Staff Editorial

Paqui’s view As a faithful Christian who was confirmed two years ago and goes to church every Sunday, I look upon Christmas as a time to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior. However, Christmas, as the name implies, is a strictly Christian holiday. I’ve heard many people... Read more »

Lambert’s AMA performance disgraces modern pop culture

November 24, 2009 • written by Matt Metzler  
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns

The American Music Awards are a parody of nearly every aspect of our country’s pop culture. This shouldn’t be a very shocking statement if you’ve followed the awards show at all. This year’s results are especially telling. Taylor Swift winning Artist of the Year as well as Favorite Female Artist... Read more »

Driving isn’t a game … but you can lose

November 17, 2009 • written by Amanda Feairheller  
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns

As kids, our parents warn us of the folly in our behavior. “You’re not going to live forever, you know,” I recall my dad telling me whenever I did something risky. Even with this, as kids and more commonly as teens, we don’t listen to a word our parents say. But to our dismay, we all have that... Read more »

New pep rally process is a step backward

October 29, 2009 • written by Matt Metzler  
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns

What’s the point of a pep rally if you’re only rallying the already-rallied? As most people have heard by now, the administration is trying something a little different for the Oct. 30 pep rally for the big game against Centerville.  Instead of releasing the entire student body after their 7th period... Read more »

Fairmont offers an awesome learning environment

October 4, 2009 • written by Natalie Wolfe  
Filed under Staff Columns

I never realized how lucky we are to attend Fairmont. The faculty always seem to be trying to promote good grades, good sportsmanship and provide a good learning environment for the students. One aspect of Fairmont I especially appreciate is that the school seems to be constantly trying to stay up to... Read more »

Oh, how we love our technological (de)vices

September 7, 2009 • written by Matt Metzler  
Filed under Entertainment, Opinion, Staff Columns, Stories

Think for a moment … how many “technological devices” do you use in an average day? I can count six that I use almost every single day. My cell phone, my computer, my TV, my DVR from Time Warner Cable, my stereo and my iPod. I have two iPods. One is a 20-gigabyte model from at least four years... Read more »