By Michael TravisEditor in Chief These days, smoking a cigarette feels like a crime. People frown at you as they walk by, look at you like you’re doing something wrong, or what’s worse, act as if you have some terrible, contagious disease that must be avoided at all costs. Why has the anti-smoking trend gone so far as to evoke disgust at the mere thought of a smoker? Simply … [Read more...] about Smokers aren’t breaking the law
Perspectives
Staff Editorial: Take a stand, any stand
This week Pepperdine celebrates peace, hope and justice during a time when there seems to be very little peace, hope and justice in the world. War with Iraq appears to be inevitable. North Korea’s nuclear arsenal strikes fear into the hearts of everyone – including many who remember the horrors of battle in that country. The war against terrorism continues unabated, with new … [Read more...] about Staff Editorial: Take a stand, any stand
Random Thoughts: They should have carded everyone
By James RiswickStaff Writer Let’s say you go to a nearby grocery store to purchase certain beverages. Let’s also say that your name isn’t Babur Nahasamapeti and you are not from Vermont, yet, for some reason your driver’s license says you are. Yes, you own a fake ID. With the recent firing of two Ralphs employees, the well-liked Harry McDermott and Nancy Cicatelli, the … [Read more...] about Random Thoughts: They should have carded everyone
Staff Editorial: Teacher ratings must be public
Smiley faces and chili peppers may not be the most accurate way of determining the quality of a professor, but what they represent is not to be taken lightly. We all know the value of asking around before we enroll in a professor’s class. We want professors who are caring and sympathetic, profs who challenge us, profs who are fair. It’s not that the majority of us want to get … [Read more...] about Staff Editorial: Teacher ratings must be public
Does digital piracy damage the industry?
Con: Entertainment executives exaggerate the problem of music downloading.By Michael TravisEditor in Chief By this time, we’ve all heard the notorious name “Napster” and realize its implications. We’ve also all heard all of the legal and ethical arguments against downloading digital music. Several music moguls and musicians have engaged in a crusade to eradicate file-sharing … [Read more...] about Does digital piracy damage the industry?