Start making "change" for my bailout, please

The last time I checked we lived in a free country. So, why does it cost so much to live here?My lame joke is an attempted criticism of the economic meltdown my bank account has been experiencing the last few months.This wasn't caused by the stock market plunge or billion dollar bailouts for companies I'd never heard of until CNN's correspondent made me feel like a Google search was appropriate.

Keep the faith, but de-legislating it was a good move

Shalom everybody.For those gentiles who aren't aware, today marks the beginning of Passover.Passover is a Jewish holiday celebrating God's sparing of the Hebrews when he killed the first born of Egypt.So how does a Catholic person like myself know today is the start of Passover?No, it's not because I have a 365 puppies-a-year calendar, displaying all the major holidays.

Plan B morning-after pill available to 17-year-olds over the counter

Editorial

Web site woes finally resolved

Editor's Column

Let's bring the music back

Staff Column

Oh, the construction constrictions

Staff Column

Weekly Cartoon

Healthier attitudes thanks to spring and plentiful sunshine

Editor's Column

Family will come first

Staff Column

I put down the phone, and so can you

Staff Column

Supplemental podcasts through iTunes a good move for students

The Authenticated AU iTunes program will allow faculty to distribute video and audio content to their students through iTunes, which the students can use to view or listen to the content on their computer or iPod.The possibilities for the use of this program are pretty neat.Auburn's use of the podcast could help students by allowing them a way to avoid awkward academic situations.One situation that could see some benefit would be the review sessions professors sometimes offer before tests.Students who cannot attend due to a legitimate scheduling conflict could e-mail their questions to the professor to include in a review podcast."I can't make it," would not force a student to settle for a B.The situation could also be beneficial for the teacher who is available to review on Wednesday, but the students want to meet Thursday.Instead of meeting in the middle, the teacher could record the podcast when they have time, and send it out to students immediately.Professors have several ways to format the podcast.A history professor reviewing material like the definitions of vocabulary terms or the significance of historical events would be able to release their podcast as an audio file.A math teacher trying to clear up a hard to understand problem dealing with a dry-erase board full of formulas could set up a camera viewing the board and record a video podcast.There is no substitute for in-person, teacher-to-student interaction, but embracing technology in this manner would help those on either side.

Weekly Cartoon

Should students and faculty have concealed weapons on campus?

The anniversary of Lauren Burk's death, along with a bomb threat in the Lowder Business Building, has students engaging in a conversation that seems to be an almost yearly occurrence.Some students want the right to carry concealed weapons on campus, and others are adamantly opposed to such a policy.Last year, Alabama state Sen.

Marching to the ledge

It's March and I am mad.The Madness of the NCAA Tournament has creeped into my veins the way they get the cream into Twinkies.It's astounding.

Ben Harper as spring concert has us excited for grooving on The Plains

Ben Harper is going to be performing our spring concert.We like this.But when we heard we were getting someone so great for this spring, we had a moment of possible clarity.We realized that the reason we did not have a comedian and had to suffer the fall semester without laughter may have been because the University Programs Council was saving up to get us someone great for the spring concert.And they did.The only thing that pokes a hole in that line of thinking though is that we had a comedian last fall and Collective Soul last spring, and we know the DeLorean necessary to go back to the '90s and get Collective Soul must have cost a fortune.Flux capacitors and plutonium are not cheap either.But seriously, nice job, UPC.We heard you checked to see who would be in the region for New Orlean's Jazz Fest and picked from there.Slick move, guys.At this time we will opt to spare you and the rest of the student body from the stable full of lame "Steal My Kisses" jokes we had ready to go after we heard the announcement.Seriously, we are showing some real restraint here.

Reversing ban on photographing caskets of war dead raises concerns

Editorial