Articles written by Helen Northcutt

Monogamy rivals nature

coreyshep — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:36:21 -0400

Shannon Terry: a junior in finance; John Haggard, a junior in history; and Ashley Sullins, a freshman in public relations, exemplify flirting tendencies common throughout the human population. Studies show the socially acceptable idea of monogamy may not always come nat

Monogamy is most easily defined as the custom of having only one mate in a relationship.

Recent studies have revealed monogamy might not be second nature to the human race.

Now of course, here in the United States, marrying more than one person at a time is culturally forbidden, but as divorce rates continue to grow, one must wonder if we are just hiding behind legal separation.

According to an article written in TIME magazine, monogamy is unnatural, and humans are not automatically monogamous.

We are born and bred to practice this way of life. Only 1 to 2 percent of all species are legitimately monogamous.

Research supports these rare monogamous animal species have actually been found to have genetic evidence called extra-pair copulation, which humans ultimately lack.

Scientific evidence aside, slowly, our society is evolving, and the importance of staying in an exclusive relationship is diminishing. Our community is migrating toward independence.

Most ironically, our society preaches monogamy, but tolerates infidelity.

Etiquette gains popularity

coreyshep — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:02:27 -0400

Ramonde Johnson: an employee at the University Bookstore, holds the door open for Tammie Hill, an employee with Tiger Dining. Lindsey Davidson / PHOTO EDITOR

Etiquette, decorum and manners are all common words associated with a code that governs the expectations of social behavior. Some may think “old-fashioned” when they hear the word etiquette, but there has been a surge of interest in these antiquated techniques.

Preschool instills an abundance of good behaviors into our developing youth. We grow up hearing “wait your turn,” “say please” and “thank you” and “clean up after yourself.” But, as we mature, our etiquette should also improve.

“Politeness is a characteristic that should become stronger as we age,” said Allison Barter, a sophomore in accounting. “We encounter numerous situations in which etiquette is appropriate and can even lead us to making positive advancements in life.”

There are three types of specific etiquette codes addressed by college students. The first and most influential is classroom etiquette. Adequate manners in the classroom can lead to multiple benefits for students.

“It is always polite to turn off your cell phone when you go to class, but more importantly, to show your professors respect,” said Audrey Griggs, sophomore in business administration. “Classroom etiquette revolves around valuing your professors, as well as your peers.”

The second significant decorum is office etiquette. This demonstrates how an individual should behave when dealing with situations in a work environment, including co-worker interaction and communication. Some general guidelines to follow are to always be on time, accept accountability for your actions and avoid laziness.

The unspoken rules of the gym are some we should all be familiar with, and they can take us back to preschool. Share. It is common courtesy to let others use the machine while resting. Clean up after yourself, always bring a towel with you, and wipe down the machines after you are finished. Finally, learn how to use the machines properly.

Staff Opinion: Facebook adds to procrastination

coreyshep — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:03:44 -0400

Facebook: social outlet or ultimate distraction? For me, it’s the latter.

When it comes to school work, Facebook is my go-to distraction. No matter the severity of my work load, the consuming site never ceases to divide my attention and prevent concentration.

That’s right; I am a self-proclaimed procrastinator and Facebook junkie. If my computer is on, I can guarantee I am logged in and wasting my time.

Childhood cartoons transpose into pre-teen melodramas

coreyshep — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:46:43 -0400

Disney Channel: Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network are expanding to include a more mature audience. Childhood cartoons have morphed into pre-teen melodramas. Some worry if the shows are still providing positive moral values. Helen Northcutt / ASSISTANT INTRIGUE EDITOR

Evidence shows cartoons date back to the early Paleolithic era.

Cave paintings depicted humans and animals that had multiple legs trying to capture the illusion of motion.

The emergence of cartoons expanded from multiple drawings, flip books and eventually to the silent animated short films, usually in black and white.

When television became popular in the late 1930s, cartoons were one of the first programs to be introduced to a family audience.

The Flintstones was the first successful prime time animated show designed to relate to children.

Since The Flintstones original debut, much has changed in the world of adolescent television.

Currently, the three most popular television channels for children are the Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

Each has its own variety of shows for its diverse audience’s taste, but some worry these television shows have crossed the line when it comes to demonstrating positive moral values.

“The cartoons we watched growing up seem to have more positive and realistic aspects than the ones kids are watching today,” said Kathleen Boehme, a sophomore in elementary education.

Carbon footprinting raises individual awareness

jclark — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:01:44 -0400

Andrea Radford: a sophomore in political science, recycles a plastic bottle in one of the many recycle bins around campus. All bins are located next to regular trash receptacles, making it easier for students to downsize their carbon footprints.

We have all heard the reports, our planet is melting, and we should take preventative measures to save the environment, but where do we start?

It seems to be such a daunting task, everyone doing their part to save the world.

Facing fears by swimming among sharks

jclark — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:45:57 -0400

From the time I took my first steps, my parents had me in swimming lessons.

At age five I was on the swim team. All my childhood summers were spent running around the pool deck and doing cannonballs off the diving boards. Holding my breath underwater was second nature to me. The pool was my home away from home.

The summer before fifth grade, something happened that would change the way I felt about water forever.

My mom surprised me with the newest R.L. Stine Goosebumps book, Deep Trouble. The cover of the book ignited my deepest fears.

Music lyrics stir up emotions

coreyshep — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:27:49 -0400

The power of music is undeniable. It has the ability to influence, persuade and strengthen its audience.

The responsibility to supply a dynamic message is one of today’s artists’ greatest challenges.

Singers and songwriters use their words to speak to the public and trigger a variety of emotions.

Every genre is unique in the approach they use. Country music tells stories. Reggae preaches to stand up for what you believe in. Rap describes the hardships and struggles. Pop persuades through catchy lyrics and images. Rock raises awareness.

The most influential and controversial lyrics usually declare a manifestation of disapproval.

Society is evolving, and people are opening their ears to the strong statements musicians are making.

“I think there are many advantages to artists expressing themselves through their work,” said Chris Adler, WEGL station manager and senior in radio, television and film. “It is more personal to the audience, and it adds a greater meaning. Sometimes it tends to widen the fan base as well.”

From the early days of Bob Dylan and The Beatles, protest music has been endeared by mass audiences.

It has confirmed the power of song to move not just a generation, but a nation.

Students debate essentials, luxuries

coreyshep — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:41:40 -0400

Cassie Harris: a junior in philosophy, tries to convince herself which is more important, a new bag or a textbook. Many college students struggle with the option of spending their own money on luxuries or spending money on essential items, such as food or supplies for s

In times of high gas prices and rising tuition, many college students are faced with the decision of how to spend their hard earned money. The battle usually comes down to saving for the necessities or spending on the luxuries.

Ultimately, essentials and luxuries are personal choices driven not only by how much money remains when the bills are paid, but also by the feeling we get from making purchases for ourselves.

When Michael Huddleston, a senior in philosophy, gets his paycheck, he immediately pays the bills.

“I always take money out of my paycheck to make sure my bills are paid on time. Then the rest is used for groceries and gas,” said Huddleston. “Essentials come first; whatever is left over, I save it for something recreational.”

Notions of what’s necessary and what’s extra are always changing. Most students feel spending less on essentials means more time to enjoy themselves. Some would sacrifice a few needs in exchange for having enough money to spend when they are out with friends or feel like indulging themselves.

“I know it costs more to go out to eat, but I would so much rather spend my money at a restaurant than have to buy groceries. I guess you could say I keep the essential groceries in my kitchen, but I’m not much of a cook,” said Brett Livesay, a senior in psychology.

Harmful work habits exposed

coreyshep — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:18:58 -0400

The most rewarding part of a student’s life is the day they graduate. The day they can look back over their years of hard work and finally feel the significance of all of their accomplishments.

Soon, the daunting task of applying for a career becomes more apparent. The inevitable future awaits.

There is an abundant number of pressures that comes with applying for a job. Whether a student is applying for a long-term career or just looking for a summer job, the do’s and don’ts for interviews and professional behavior are universal.

Staff Opinion: Show your professors some respect

coreyshep — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:32:16 -0400

In the early days of the great philosopher Aristotle, teachers were the most respected people in the community. Those with an education and the wisdom to teach were highly regarded and held in the highest esteem.

Whatever happened to this idea that we are supposed to respect our elders and more importantly, those willing to help us advance in life? I have come to the conclusion that our developing generation has taken disrespect for our professors way too far. We need a cure for today’s epidemic social problem.