Senior gift should take a cue from Sample


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Senior gift voting is upon the class of 2010. The students on the senior gift advisory board who brainstorm ideas for the senior gift have envisioned four ideas: a tribute to retiring USC President Steven B. Sample, a solar thermal energy system for the Lyon Center pool, a Class of 2010 Internship Award or a […]

Textual encounters not without consequence


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In recent months, we’ve witnessed how a new form of communication — “sexting” — can lead to a lot of trouble. Just ask Tiger Woods, whose sexually charged cell phone chat with a mistress led to a sketchy police report, handfuls of dropped endorsements and months of tabloid turmoil. Ouch. A trend that’s spreading faster […]

Pure research deserves a place in the sun, too


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Most of us have had the experience of driving around on a hot day searching for a shady parking spot. But imagine a scenario where, instead of avoiding the blistering sun, you welcome it, knowing your car — even its air conditioning — is solar-powered. Solar energy has the potential to revolutionize our lifestyles.  Now […]

Education proposal is not out of this world


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Earlier this month, Utah Sen. Chris Buttars put many up in arms by proposing to nix the senior year of high school for Utah teens in an effort to minimize the state’s massive $700 million deficit. Understandably, educators argued that doing so would deprive students of a formative year before college or the working world. […]

Toyota skids off course, but is not completely lost


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The past couple of months have thrown a series of speed bumps at the Toyota Motor Corp. First, the auto manufacturing giant was forced to recall 3.8 million vehicles in October to replace faulty floor mats. Within the past month, the car company recalled 2.3 million vehicles to repair gas pedals, and last week it […]

Ambitious proposal a little too green


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When I’m craving some In-N-Out, a BJ’s pizzookie or Diddy Riese, Westwood is my destination. With a car full of people, I make the trek to Bruin land and usually park in the parking structure on Broxton Avenue. The lot is often busy, so I drive past the long, empty row of spots reserved as […]

This Chinese language fad too, shall pass


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Prevailing wisdom states that proficiency in multiple languages is an invaluable tool for experiences like studying abroad or perhaps making a good impression; Americans admire those who have managed to become fluent in at least one language other than English. But to others, like our European counterparts, being fluent in at least two languages other […]

In appreciation of the Greek community


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When you think of a USC fraternity or sorority, what’s your first reaction? Most perceptions of Greek life involve excessive alcohol consumption, money spent on gratuitous partying, hazing of members and other negative stereotypes. Last weekend I affirmed that these perceptions are often hyperbolic truths that can be attributed to any campus group but unfairly […]

Lower level should not mean second rate


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Sunday was a day of firsts. The Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, the broadcast became the highest rated television show of all time, and CBS aired a new show after the game called Undercover Boss. Undercover Boss is a CBS reality show in which a CEO or company executive goes undercover as a lowly, entry-level […]

Fake candy hearts found at USC year round


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Despite being married to an attractive older woman, Ashton Kutcher recently voiced a surprising opinion. “I hate Valentine’s Day,” he said. I couldn’t agree more. The rose bouquets, candlelight dinners and inevitable movie dates to see Dear John. Barf. But while a romantic trip to The Lab (or the 2-9) might be just enough to […]