Sex education not just abstinence

Title: Signs of the Times

I recently watched MTV’s “16 & Pregnant.” I have watched the show before but never really gave it too much thought. However, Dr. Drew was talking with the couples about how they would teach their recently born children about sex. He asked, “Do you plan ...

MSNBC special rehashes pain of tragedy

Title: Signs of the Times

Fifteen years ago, Timothy McVeigh bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Okla. This bomb killed 168 people and injured more than 680. The man responsible for the crime thankfully was found, tried and convicted. This man, responsible for so many deaths ...

Healthy living not just applicable to freshmen

Title: Signs of the Times

Be warned sophomores and juniors everywhere: There is such a thing as the upperclassmen 20. Twenty what, you ask? Twenty pounds. When our parents were growing up, freshmen were the only people targeted with potential weight gain. However, many food establishments, including college-dining halls, have ...

Public schools lack quality art education

Recently I was speaking with a friend who is doing an art education program through the Knoxville Museum of Art called “Meet the Masters.” The program involves teaching preschoolers through eighth graders about the different artists exhibiting at the KMA. As we were discussing the different things the program entails ...

Open relationships do not solve trust issues

I cannot even count the number of friends on Facebook who are jokingly “married” to their best friend or “in an open relationship” with their platonic friend of the opposite sex. Many of my other friends are also “in a relationship” with their legitimate significant other. However, just because they ...

Reality TV should show economic hardship

Title: Signs of the Times

It seems like every time I turn on the television, there is something being said about our economy. Of course the news covers the latest bank closure or the latest major company to declare bankruptcy, but I was surprised to see the effects of the ...

Students go wild in Daytona over break

Every year we all spend weeks planning our Spring Break trip. We all claim we need breaks from the stress of school, and that we need a week to get away. Normally on my Spring Break, I am either stuck working or if I am lucky I get to have ...

Current generation immersed in tragedy

Over the weekend, there was another devastating natural disaster: an earthquake in Chile. According to NBC, this earthquake was 500 times more powerful than the one that hit Haiti. It was so powerful that it actually threw the earth off its axis by as much as three inches, permanently causing ...

Technology’s ease hinders student discipline

Since I’ve been in college, I’ve pulled countless all-nighters, crammed for countless tests and procrastinated writing countless papers. Other times, I have taken the time to begin writing papers ahead of time, studied for exams several days in advance and even gotten eight hours of sleep before an ...

Changes encourage healthy student choices

In my column last week, I discussed America’s problem with childhood obesity and how President Barack Obama’s camp plans to aid the issue. I then related the obesity problem in America’s youth to smoking. This analogy could be viewed as quite a stretch, but I wanted to ...

Cafeteria changes would fight obesity

While recently browsing MSN.com, I came across an article about the changing of vending machines in schools. The Obama camp, mainly the first lady, is heading a campaign against childhood obesity, and altering school food options is on the agenda.
I am sure that we are all aware of ...

Apple’s new product disappointing

Last week Apple unveiled its latest product, the iPad. This amazing device comes fully equipped with the ability to run apps, browse the Internet, check e-mail, watch movies and listen to music. It seems the only thing the iPad cannot do is make and receive phone calls.
The new device ...

Facebook, red-light cameras strip privacy

Over the past couple of weeks, several situations occurred which have reminded me of the term “Big Brother.” I am not here to rant on the government being too controlling, but I would like to bring up a couple of things many may not have considered.
The term “Big Brother ...

Haiti takes precedence over Kiffin’s exit

Within the past week, two events occurred that we will always remember: an earthquake in Haiti and UT’s loss of Lane Kiffin. While Lane’s decision to leave Tennessee was distasteful, ridiculous and flat-out shady, it in no way merits more attention than a massive natural disaster.
As students ...

Vampire trend oversaturates genre

When looking back at previous decades, there are always events, fashion trends, movies, celebrities and even toys that make each 10 years something special. When I think of the ‘80s, my first thoughts are of Madonna, leggings and strangely bright colors. The ‘90s brings back memories of Nirvana, oversized clothing ...