America and Iran: An Oily Affair

R.A BrockStaff Writer / Copy Editor After a tumultuous week in Middle Eastern politics, the U.S. is ramping up military resources in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.  On September 14, a drone attack on a Saudi Arabian oil refinery caused a 50 percent reduction in the country’s crude oil output. Saudi Arabia produces 5 percent of the world’s crude oil and produces just over … Continue reading America and Iran: An Oily Affair

Black Hair is not Unprofessional

Sarah Grace GooldenOpinions Editor Workplace policies are meant to protect employees and create a professional and appropriate atmosphere to work in. Companies could not function without them. If employees did not come in at their assigned time, the business would lose money, and other people would have to pick up the slack. If employees did illegal substances or drank alcohol during work hours, they could … Continue reading Black Hair is not Unprofessional

Gun Control is More Important than Banning Vaping

R.A BrockStaff Writer / Copy Editor Last week, President Donald Trump announced a ban on flavored e-cigarettes and related cartridges. This comes after multiple vaping-related deaths and hospitalizations across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Sept. 11, there were at least 380 cases of vaping-related illnesses reported across 36 states and 1 territory, along with 6 deaths … Continue reading Gun Control is More Important than Banning Vaping

For Gerald: Search History-based Ads: Satire

Patrick O’ConnellStaff Writer Marketing companies and media conglomerates are building files on us based on our internet usage. They put us into demographics within demographics, trying to target us with the most effective, useful and influential advertisements. They’ve tracked everything I’ve ever purchased drunk, the types of videos I watch after work and the music I listen to when I’m sad. They pretty much know … Continue reading For Gerald: Search History-based Ads: Satire

Identifying as “Queer”

Sarah Grace GooldenOpinions Editor I think labels get a bad reputation. Often times, people believe labels are a way to divide everyone and isolate those who do not fall within that same demographic. I don’t believe that is always the case. One might identify with something because they feel pride in that aspect of themselves, especially in the cases of culture or ethnicity. “Not seeing … Continue reading Identifying as “Queer”

Why should Americans care about Brexit?

R.A BrockCopy Editor / Staff Writer With the due date for Brexit looming next month, one question remains for many Americans: why does it matter to me? To answer this, we need a little history lesson. The United Kingdom has a history of being unsure when it comes to joining or leaving the European Union. This sentiment dates back as far as the 1960s and … Continue reading Why should Americans care about Brexit?

The Amazing Baby Muzzle: Satire

Patrick O’ConnellStaff Writer I had an experience recently on an airplane. It had me thinking about responsible gun ownership, and how we have laws in place so people can’t infringe on the livelihoods of other people. It’s like how we have speed limits and learner’s permits. We have strict laws that protect the peace and safety of the common person. That’s why I think that … Continue reading The Amazing Baby Muzzle: Satire

The Politics of the Amazon Rainforest Fire

Sarah Grace GooldenOpinions Editor Record-breaking fires are ravaging the Amazon, garnering national attention. If the situation continues or worsens, it could be detrimental to our environment. However, the future of the Amazon is in the hands of quarrelling presidents.  There are several reasons why the Amazon is on fire. One is the practice “slash-and-burn,” which is used for agricultural reasons. Sections of rainforest are cleared … Continue reading The Politics of the Amazon Rainforest Fire

Something Windy This Way Comes?: Hurricane Preparedness

R.A Brock Copy Editor/Staff Writer We are currently in the main stretch of hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to Nov. 30 for the Southeastern US. September has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Administration as National Preparedness Month.  National Preparedness Month stems from the events of 9/11 and the fact that September is the hot month for hurricane season. Typically more hurricanes … Continue reading Something Windy This Way Comes?: Hurricane Preparedness