Journalism still has a place for narrative


If we believe the press, which impending obsolescence has converted into a bunch of nostalgic cultural critics bemoaning the way things are, then storytelling is in a bad way. The long-form narrative is out, the 140-character Tweet is in. Permit me to download — in small, snack-sized chunks — a few examples from recent columns. […]

Bill will ultimately benefit students


Now that the House has passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, Americans are faced with the increasingly real possibility of health care reform. The Senate’s version of the bill will face extensive changes before it is ultimately made law. Nevertheless, based on the current plan it is possible to predict that, although health […]

Students make or break relations with community


Back in Arizona when I was senior in high school, my calculus teacher surveyed the class about what colleges they wanted to attend. About 40 percent raised their hands when he asked if anyone was interested in Arizona State University. He then handed each student with their hands up what he said was ASU’s application. […]

Students, protect yourselves against the pig


Why did the chicken cross the road? Because he had the swine flu. How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? As much as he could before he caught the swine flu. Where’s Waldo? I don’t know, but there’s probably a rash of swine flu cases there. Jokes aside, the […]

Students dabble in the fields of online agriculture


It’s been a long time since Facebook — like shower sandals, cheap beer and pretentious art posters — was associated exclusively with college students. I don’t think anyone begrudges this transition, though it is always alarming to see your mother comment on the sweater you wore to “LAS VEGAS TRIP(PY) Part Deux.” But whereas it […]

Parents of celebrities throw propriety aside


As we grow up, our relationships with our parents can be quite difficult to manage. The phone calls they insist we make everyday, the birthday wishes that so often slip our minds and the inconvenient trips back home all contribute to the constant activity and intense stress levels that college students already face. Sure, there […]

State Democrats face formidable roadblocks


There are very few Californians who still approve of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger — at least when it comes to politics. That’s why the state’s upcoming gubernatorial race has sparked such a wide range of responses. Some are excited, hoping for change; others indifferent, knowing that no single person could possibly undo the vast array of […]

Nikias is the best choice for Sample’s successor


Replacing a president of Steven B. Sample’s caliber won’t be easy. His leadership and poise have launched this university to unprecedented heights. Though Sample has accomplished much, his work is anything but finished. In the hectic interim, it is critical that USC selects the right candidate to carry on Sample’s legacy. The search seems daunting, […]

Students should have input in successor


On Monday, USC President Steven B. Sample announced his retirement in August, bringing an end to a 19-year tenure marked by great achievement in the academic, athletic and financial profiles of the university. The progress made under Sample’s leadership is easily quantifiable — the school’s ranking has risen from 51st to a highly respectable 26th […]

Vegetarians, meat-eaters spar at event


Each time we take a bite out of a store-bought (oftentimes hormone-pumped) chicken leg, we are making — consciously or not — an ethical choice. To eat meat, or not to eat meat — that is now a valid ethical question. Last Friday at Ground Zero Performance Café (unbearably hip, as always), the USC Levan […]