Opinions

Rick Santorum: A Political Obituary

As the three-ringed circus of the Republican primaries draws to a close and the last few contestants are voted off the island, leaving the nomination open for Jack Donaghy’s real-life incarnation, we must look back on one of the defining candidates of this race. The esteemed Senator from Pennsylvania reigned in the hardcore conservative crowd in ways that the Amphibian-candidate could only dream of, and he did so with a gusto and spirit that was reminiscent of Father Charles Coughlin of the 1930s

As wedding invitations roll in, a graduating senior reflects on problems that surround ‘Centre Dating’

Dating at Centre should be easy — or so I thought during my first year on campus.

Overambitious students (a.k.a. every student) should remember their academic priorities

Lately it seems like there is only one thing on Centre students’ minds. During Cowan conversations, library whisper sessions, and hurried chats in between classes, the student population has been obsessed with those pesky, time-consuming, résumé-boosting extracurricular activities. But in true Centre fashion, we as students aren’t simply determined to be involved in the campus clubs, teams, and organizations — no, we have to run them, and we have many opportunities to do so.

Centre, This I Believe: Be mindful, 'eat your values'

Eating is the most common and direct ethical action; every meal, every snack, and every beverage you consume is an active decision.

Mom and Dad: I love you, but please sit down before you read this

I walked in here with a one-dimensional view of the world, unsure of why I’d choose to be “trapped” in an educational institution for four years when instead I could be out living life. But my parents, neither of whom had the opportunity to attend a four-year university, told me that college is my time to figure out what living life really means. They told me that their biggest wish for me was to go. So I did. Now, I’m in my junior year, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their push.

‘Reality’ shows taking over world, taking true talent off of TV

You might not be aware of it, but there is a plague infecting our society. that has claimed the lives of millions of Americans. Its prevalence has increased dramatically since the start of the 21st century. Common side effects of it include, but are not limited to, lethargy, decreased brain activity, and the overwhelming urge to cease and desist any form of self identity. Its presence grows stronger with every passing day and it threatens to consume every aspect of our lives. As you can probably guess, I am talking about reality television.

Centre, This I Believe: Searching for reason in all its forms drives me

This I Believe encourages people to think and write about a basic principle that motivates them. So far, we have had some great articles that appeal to music, religion, and personal integrity. As for me, I believe in reason. Rational, critical thought.

Centre’s increase in racial diversity calls for celebration, further improvements

Since Centre’s first student of color Tim Kusi enrolled in Centre in 1961, our school’s racial diversity has continued to increase. Today, 18 percent of our students and 11 percent of our faculty and staff are of a minority race. Centre does not compare well to other schools, however: U.S. News and World Report’s rankings on racial and ethnic diversity places us at 154th among liberal arts schools. College Prowler, a website which uses both statistics and student surveys to rate colleges, gives us a D grade on our diversity.

Recent study says, to maintain memory, don’t depend on technology

Check this out: yesterday, I decided to record, throughout the day, every time I used an electronic device. Thirty minutes after climbing out of bed, I had used over ten forms of technology. This is how my schedule went: 1.) I woke up to my digital alarm clock, 2.) checked the weather on my iPhone, 3.) powered on the coffee pot, 4.) turned on ESPN, 5.) microwaved oatmeal, 6.) put bread in the toaster, 7.) got milk out of my refrigerator, 8.) checked email on my laptop, 9.) shaved with my electric razor, 10.) printed off a paper that was due, and 11.) called my dad on the way to class. I was baffled. I couldn’t believe how often I used technology – and really, how much I depended on it. Yet the question still looms: is this a bad thing? Is this a healthy way to live? Can our overuse of technology really be harmful? Some people say yes. In fact, according to a recent Harris Poll, 65 percent of Americans believe that we are too dependent on technology and that this over-reliance could end up being harmful. Computer security writer and author of When Gadgets Betray Us, Robert Vamosi agreed. In a recent interview with Kurzweil, a news and publishing-related science and technology website, he said that we are placing too much trust in technology instead of “lifting our heads, looking around, and thinking for ourselves.”

Environmentalism: it’s just good sense

I am a religious, right-wing environmentalist. Those are words you won’t hear very often. The word “environmentalist” conjures for many images of tie-dye T-shirts, spiking trees, and smoking marijuana. Right now, we have most liberals (and most Centre students, probably) ready to jump on the going-green bandwagon and buy new water bottles with exciting recycling statistics printed on them (made with 46.875 percent recycled materials!). So they’re buying into the culture, at least. But conservatives? Not a snowball’s chance in global-warming hell.

Alum explains purpose of Greek fees, defends fraternity brotherhood

I don’t know if it was my spidey-sense tingling or the countless facebook statuses to the effect of “it begins,” but it appears to be that time of year again. Fraternities and sororities across my former campus have welcomed a fresh crop of young men and women who are eager, if not a bit nervous, to take part in one of Centre’s most long-standing traditions. Of course, as with any public display of a cause (whether it be Bid Day, an Occupy Danville movement, or Bieber in concert), there has to be controversy.

Queers and allies Q & A convocation: Student body applauds facilitators, speakers

This past Leap Day, our beloved Centre College made a huge leap and hosted the Centre Queers and Allies Q & A convocation. First-years Ali Gautier and Emily Nuthall, juniors Alex Ginn and Sophia Dixon, Professors Steven Beaudoin and Mary Daniels, and Area Coordinator Chase Warner told some of their life stories. They related what it’s like for them to live as a gay, lesbian, trans person, or ally in a mostly heterosexual, two-gendered world. There were many positive stories of friends and family readily accepting and loving the narrator after they came out with their true sexual orientation. However, there were also a few sorrowful tales of being asked to step down from important positions in the family church and friends being expelled from their school because of their sexuality. Nuthall said that the overall goal of this convocation was to make Centre’s queer community more visible on campus and to educate her peers.

Student, professor examine cause, effects of ‘Burqa Ban’ in France

There has been some controversy over what has been dubbed the “Burqa Ban.” This law, recently passed in France, prohibits the display of religious symbols in public places. As wind of this has made its way to the U.S., there has been some backlash from several American-based civil liberties and religious groups.

An ode to everyone who knows how powerful, transformative music can be

I can remember the exact moment that I despised being under 18. It was when I found out that Jimmy Eat World was coming to Kentucky and the only requirement to get into the concert was a birthday in the ’80s.

the Cento

Trayvon Martin’s murder elicits questions about our society’s ethics