Central Florida Future

Opinions for February 2, 2012

Free press key to democracy

Widespread social unrest around the globe over the past year led to the arrests of numerous journalists trying to cover protests like the Occupy movement and the revolutions like the one seen in Egypt.

Talking politics in workplace is a right

On Sept. 17, 1787, the Constitution was created, followed by the Bill of Rights that declares our freedoms.

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Cruise line offers no respect to survivors

Though it's likely the passengers of the Costa Concordia disaster didn't enjoy their cruise the first time around, they've got an incentive to try again: a discount.

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Opinions for January 30, 2012

Republican rule breaking costly

Tomorrow's primary is going to put Florida in the national spotlight, but despite all the attention, the state's impact on the Republican Party presidential nomination may end up disappointing by the time of the Republican National Convention in August.

Policy affects price at pump, not politicians

Imagine what you'd do if you were attending college in a small town 3,000 miles from mom and dad and you heard a speech about peak oil that made it seem like very soon the economy might collapse and the transportation systems we take for granted might no longer be in place.

Remodel PECO, save public scholarships

So you came to UCF back in 2008 with a 100 percent Bright Futures scholarship that would cover the cost of your entire tuition.

Opinions for January 26, 2012

Virtual world dilutes the human experience

His Holiness the Dalai Lama once said, "Human beings are social creatures and concern for each other is the very basis of our life together."

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Who takes credit for economic recovery?

We've heard it so often lately that it has almost become cliché: The 2012 presidential election will be "historic."

False reports are lessons learned

The inaccurate reports of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno's death on Saturday night originated at the student news site Onward State, then rapidly disseminated throughout social media in now-typical fashion.

Opinions for January 23, 2012

Despite tensions, war with Iran avoidable

Earlier this month, an Iranian nuclear scientist was mysteriously killed after a magnetic bomb was attached to his vehicle in Tehran.

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Troop misconduct a casualty of war

Last week a video emerged depicting four U.S. marines urinating on dead Afghans.

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Renew focus on higher education

With a $2 billion budget shortfall staring them down, Florida lawmakers are far from a position to give due attention to the problems with the state's higher education.

Opinions for January 19, 2012

Rethink fluoride in Florida’s water

Adding fluoride to tap water has been a contentious public health practice in the United States since it began in the 1940s.

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Cut defense, invest in American people

We are a wartime generation. For many of us, the majority of our lives has been spent with the United States fighting wars – wars that, in my opinion, were lost the day they began.

Internet can be new frontier for gambling

Gambling is legal and present in every state in America, except for Utah and Hawaii, through casinos and lotteries.

Opinions for January 16, 2012

Voting restrictions not student-friendly

Over the last decade, several elections in Florida were nearly too close to call and riddled with controversy.

Domestic partnership registry a positive step

At last year's dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in Washington, D.C., President Barack Obama said the late civil rights leader would have recognized many of the challenges that our nation faces today.

Protect child actors with anti-predator bill

The Hollywood community has always been more well-known for its drug and alcohol abuse, hard-partying celebrities and shady business than for the classic movies that also come out of the town.

Opinions for January 12, 2012

EPA mercury rules essential for health

Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it would be determined to reduce the harmful amounts of mercury, arsenic and air toxins from power plant pollution.

Communication: there’s an app for that

Smartphones, tablets, laptops. Apps, tweets, posts.

Give red-light cameras the green

The fight over rights for red-light runners wages on in Florida.

Opinions for January 9, 2012

X-ray scanners deserve scrutiny

The possible health risks from X-ray body scanners at airports have prompted officials in Broward County to consider banning the security machines until the Transportation Security Administration can prove they are safe for fliers.

One-way tickets not solution for homeless

With a local unemployment rate of 9.7 percent, Central Florida has a case of homelessness that is becoming a community epidemic we cannot ignore.

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Violence in some video games too harsh, realistic

When it comes to video games, no game is as addictive or as popular as Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, in my opinion.

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Opinions for January 3, 2012

New act creates Internet blacklist

Beginning in 1947, a dark decade of censorship shrouded the American entertainment industry, barring artists from their trades on the basis of suspected sympathy toward Communism.

2012 doom theory merely media hype

The year 2012 promises to be a climactic one.

Mitt Romney best bet for Republicans

"Democrats fall in love, Republicans fall in line," is an old saying about how the two parties like to elect their presidents.

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Opinions for December 4, 2011

Airline weight policies not fair to all passengers

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 34 percent of American adults are obese.

District map must be fair to Floridians

Last week, the Republican-dominated Florida Senate released its proposal for new federal congressional districts.

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Don’t compromise values for safety

Department of Defense spending bill that recently passed the United States Senate and is now headed for the U.S. House of Representatives contains a provision that could gravely affect American citizens.

Opinions for November 30, 2011

Does Hollywood sex up female movie actors?

"We don't want you here! Actually, you can stay, if you unbutton that top button."

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Smoking policy raises questions

President John C. Hitt announced in his State of the University Address that UCF will be going smoke-free next year with a goal of having the entire campus smoke-free by fall 2012.

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Organic food not beneficial to planet

Organic. The word conjures up images of pure unspoiled harvest, of simpler times. Its advocates speak of it as though it is the only way to eat in this new postmodern world, too saturated with food that is chock full of pesticides, genetic engineering and unhealthy hormones.

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Opinions for November 27, 2011

Birth control should be a woman’s choice

Aug. 1 was a great day to be a woman.

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Proposed bills threaten our Internet freedom

The Internet is one of the United States' most innovated and growing industries.

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Congress must reduce deficit

Our Congress has failed us yet again, and we as students may end up suffering the consequences.

Opinions for November 20, 2011

Casino gambling issue deserves to be vetted

There's a fight brewing in Florida. It's bigger than UCF vs. USF, and it's bigger than FSU vs. UF; it's a war for our economy.

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Bullying not a rite of passage, needs to stop

We all remember them — the bullies of our schools. The ones who pushed people around, called them names and made them feel inferior.

Climate change means global crisis

The world is getting warmer, according to a new United Nations study, and it is an issue that must be addressed.

Opinions for November 17, 2011

Spanking your child is not discipline, it’s abuse

Should you spank your children?

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Don’t hike eligibility age for Medicare recipients

Who would benefit from a proposal to raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67?

Universities need to be diversified

International enrollment has been growing rapidly at universities in the United States, but unfortunately, our enrollment has not been as diverse as it should be.

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Opinions for November 13, 2011

No direct line between cupcakes and cocaine

A recent Bloomberg article has shown that fatty foods, such as cupcakes and ice cream, can now be as addictive as drugs like cocaine and nicotine.

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Let’s talk about sex and better our Trojan grade

We are a university with more than 56,000 students spread online and across 10 regional campuses.

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Fight attrition in STEM field

Florida's public universities have decided to engage in a robust debate during the next two months over how to increase the number of graduates in high-tech fields, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

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Opinions for November 9, 2011

Don’t punish Palestine for seeking recognition

"When we come back here next year, we can have an agreement that will lead to a new member of the United Nations — an independent, sovereign state of Palestine, living in peace with Israel."

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Too many children are living in poverty

The American Dream — the idea that through hard work, anyone can make it in this country.

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Take time with our tax dollars

Although government oversight is always something of a flashpoint issue, oversight appears to be lacking right here in Florida.

Opinions for November 6, 2011

Proposed bill reduces US influence in UN

While money is tight here at home, we must not forget that what we spend in the United States resonates throughout the entire world.

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We can't wait: Helping manage student loan debt

Over the last few weeks, I've had the opportunity to get out of Washington and talk with folks across the country about how we can create jobs and get our economy growing faster.

Flu shots essential for college students

UCF Health Services has recently been encouraging our students to get their flu shots, and they are sounding the right note on this issue.

Opinions for November 2, 2011

Protect the liberal arts majors from Gov. Scott

Listen up liberal arts majors, apparently your education isn't worth the scholarships you've earned or loans you've taken out.

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STEM programs should be a priority

In a year where there isn't much bipartisanship, one area where both Democrats and Republicans find common ground is education reform.

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Congress needs to back Obama

With Congress stuck in neutral, the president has decided to take steps on his own to help out people with student loans.

Opinions for October 31, 2011

Halloween safety a social responsibility, concern

Halloween can be a child's best night but a parent's worst nightmare.

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What Downey wants: forgiveness for Gibson

In his acceptance speech at the American Cinematheque Awards recently, Robert Downey Jr. advocated for the forgiveness of Mel Gibson within the Hollywood industry, according to a USA Today article.

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Hitt’s fundraising plan a necessity

At his State of the University address, UCF President John C. Hitt announced a new fundraising campaign to generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the university, and it is something that is badly needed.

Opinions for October 26, 2011

Letter to the Editor: DREAM act column makes many assumptions

Apart from perpetuating negative stereotypes, there are many assumptions made in Alexandra Pittman's "DREAM Act is total nightmare for citizens," printed Oct. 17.

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Keep an eye on loan debt

Many of us rely on student loans to pay for our education. Some of us even depend on them to provide for living expenses as we pursue our education.

Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange worth cost

If a terrorist organization was to capture an American soldier and hold him ransom for the release of more than a thousand of its convicted members serving time in prison, would the United States give in to the demands?

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Telling white lies can lead to trouble

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."

Opinions for October 23, 2011

Don't rush to judge professors' pay

Gov. Rick Scott's decision to publish the salaries of employees of Florida's 11 public universities created a small dust-up in the state.

Leave nomination process of VP alone

Too young to vote for President Barack Obama on Nov. 4, 2008, I was a volunteer with Kids Voting Broward, an organization that seeks to educate youngsters about the voting process, our party system and our candidates during each election year.

World War III should remain a work of fiction

The Nobel Peace Prize should fool no one.

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Opinions for October 19, 2011

Republicans have left moderation behind

When I was growing up, I remember the Republican Party being the party of common sense and rational thinking.

New DHS screening system keeps us safe

The Department of Homeland Security has finally given the all clear for a new type of security screening termed "Future Attribute Screening Technologies," or "FAST" for short.

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Occupy Orlando needs strong goal

A growing global movement has come to our doorstep, and it is one that cannot be ignored.

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Opinions for October 17, 2011

Choose home-cooking over fast-food feasting

"Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es." — Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.

DREAM Act is total nightmare for citizens

College students are expected to find their own ways to pay such expenses as housing, tuition, books, a new computer and furniture for the new dorm room, and the list goes on and on.

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Lower Florida’s high hunger cost

Take a stroll through downtown Orlando on any given day and you will bear witness to an issue confronting all of us: hunger.

Opinions for October 12, 2011

Religion, politics make for a dangerous mixture

The number of anti-abortion-related bills that made their way through state legislatures last year is 351.

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Erase economic divide, help out the ‘have-nots’

For many years, the Pew Research Center has been asking the nation, "Is American society divided into two groups, the "haves" and "have-nots"?

Play on music education, play on

According to a new study being published in Psychological Science, an extraordinarily effective way to improve the verbal intelligence of 4-6 year olds has been discovered: Train them using music.

Opinions for October 9, 2011

A penny for your empathetic thoughts

"In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme." — Aristotle

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A penny for your empathetic thoughts

"In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme." — Aristotle

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Reform learning to adapt to change

Reforming our educational system is taking far too long, and many of our college leaders are stepping up to acknowledge this fact and propose solutions.

Opinions for October 5, 2011

Recognize rape culture, help prevent the silence

Sexual assault is a crime that takes shape in many forms. It includes attacks such as rape or attempted rape, sodomy, child molestation, incest or fondling.

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Direct negotiations key to peace in Middle East

Recently, President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas submitted an official request to the U.N. Security Council for recognition of a Palestinian state.

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Keep practice of heckling alive

A common form of expressing discontent came under fire recently in California.

Opinions for October 2, 2011

New laws will prevent voting, not vote fraud

According to the League of Women Voters, Americans are twice as likely to get hit by lighting as to have their vote canceled out by a fraudulently cast vote.

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New guidelines for infants a good idea?

The American Academy for Pediatrics just released its new guidelines for infant and toddler car safety restraints, and many parents are not ecstatic. And for once, I cannot blame them.

Grant the Pell preservation

House Republicans are proposing legislation in Congress that will aims to tighten eligibility on Pell Grant programs and would also eliminate 31 education programs, according to a report from the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Opinions for September 25, 2011

Let’s all do our part to keep Florida hydrated

Flowing deep below the ground sits one of the most unique and productive natural formations in the world: the Florida aquifer.

SpongeBob’s nautical nonsense not the issue

The popular energetic sponge and starfish characters featured on their own cartoon show on Nickelodeon are stirring up quite the controversy over how they affect the way children who watch them think.

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State waivers a positive impact

The Obama administration recently took a step that will provide significant relief to states struggling to meet federal accountability standards in education.

Opinions for September 21, 2011

Hey, Master’s School, what would Jesus do?

As it turns out, a Christian school in West Simsbury, Conn., recently exiled a high school senior for being gay. Yes, gay! It's completely and utterly wrong.

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Pick a job that brings you joy, not sorrow

Nobody sets out to hate their job, but sometimes it just happens. You work hard. Nobody notices. You're always on time. Nobody notices. You're miserable. Nobody notices.

Two-year colleges need investment

As the economy struggles to recover from this recession, one facet of higher education is beginning to suffer very badly: our community colleges.

Opinions for September 18, 2011

New proposal: forfeit dollars to visit felons

Can somebody call our governor and let him know about this?

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What’s war been good for? Absolutely nothin’

The 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks largely focused, as it should have, on the lives of those lost.

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Don’t ticket those who warn of traps

If you're seeking to warn a fellow driver of an upcoming speed trap, you may have just caught a lucky break.

Opinions for September 14, 2011

Deliver snail mail from certain death

In many ways, I feel like saying, "ha ha" to the United States Postal Service. Take that! Take that, for bringing me all those bills in my mail. I say this because USPS can't even pay its own bills.

Leaders: Eat another slice of humble pie

Taking pride in your work and loving yourself is important. When that self-love is taken too far, however, it can have disastrous consequences, according to a new study.

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Don’t drug test college freshmen

As Linn State Technical College in Missouri started a new semester, it instituted a new policy upon its students.

Opinions for September 11, 2011

Four saving words: ‘pass this jobs bill’

Unemployment now stands at 9.1 percent, there are 14 million Americans currently out of work and there are four words that the College Democrats at UCF believe can help alleviate these dismal statistics — "pass this jobs bill."

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Choose Reaganomics over Obamanomics

As young Americans, ages 16-24, grapple with unemployment at 25 percent, President Barack Obama spoke to a joint session of Congress to lay out his new "jobs plan" to the nation.

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Success will come from consensus

As our federal government continues to debate what steps to take to lower unemployment and improve the health of our economy, one particular committee is becoming the center of attention.

Opinions for September 7, 2011

Trade sneers for smiles on Sept. 11

Brace yourselves.

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Drilling in Everglades a detrimental scheme

Ever wonder what people are thinking?

‘Pay to pray’ is not OK

A trend has recently sprung up among many mosques in the Central Florida area that has rubbed many in the Muslim community the wrong way.

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Opinions for September 4, 2011

Take advantage of risk-free, reliable ride

Have you ever been out late at night and realized you had no way back home?

Improve immigrant policies and rights

Our immigration system is broken.

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Back away from binge drinking

Across college campuses all over the United States, there has been a persistent problem that continues to be grappled with: binge drinking.

Opinions for August 31, 2011

Dismal rank due to desire for easiness

Have you heard the embarrassing news?

Online classes more popular

Online classes are becoming more popular than ever, and many university presidents seem to agree.

Make our city more pedestrian-friendly

Congratulations! You just started a new semester in the most dangerous pedestrian city in the United States.

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Opinions for August 28, 2011

Tragic news needs to be reported delicately

On Aug. 25, the UCF community lost 18-year-old Ann Marie Hefferin, a nursing-pending major from Maitland who graduated from Bishop Moore Catholic High School.

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Add sincerity to your shopping cart, Scott

On a sunny Friday afternoon, I, along with some of my colleagues, waited at a local Walmart to meet Gov. Rick Scott.

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Make textbooks affordable to all

As we all get our fall semester started, there's one website looking to prey on students that are having a hard time affording their textbooks.

Opinions for August 24, 2011

Selective reduction: unethical, unnatural

As a child of three, I could never imagine my parents choosing one of my brothers over me, but according to a recent New York Times article titled "Unnatural Selection," that is exactly what modern families are doing.

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More women need to run for office

Friday will mark the 91st Anniversary of Women's Suffrage, when the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.

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Ensure peace in Libya

The battle within Libya has reached a critical tipping point.

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Opinions for August 21, 2011

UK gov’t must be accountable for riots

The streets of Tottenham, a borough of London, are now littered with debris.

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Retribution should be Fast and Furious

If any scandal can finally shake the suffocating, imperial grip the White House holds on our nation's dying hope for peace and prosperity, it must be Operation Fast and Furious

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Don’t intercept rights to safety

Riders of the San Francisco Bay Area subway stations experienced a significant inconvenience on Aug. 11 that may have violated their First Amendment rights.

Opinions for August 14, 2011

Let’s put a stop to robo-grading

In order to ensure fair grading, some professors are being taken out of the grading process altogether and instead being replaced by independent assessors, and computers in some cases, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Medicaid coverage shouldn’t discriminate

About a month ago, a man from South Carolina named Raymond Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Don’t take shortcuts in cutting carbon

Al Gore, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning former vice president who fell a few hundred Florida votes shy of becoming America's 43rd president has evolved into becoming one of the world's leading advocates of climate change awareness.

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Opinions for July 27, 2011

Republican ‘roadmap’ is best deficit solution

The next time you go to a UCF football game, imagine the entire field covered with $100 bills stacked as high as the Statue of Liberty. That is roughly $14 trillion, or the size of our national debt.

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Democrats have the stronger deficit plan

Our country's national debt stands at a startling $14.5 trillion – and politicians from both sides of the isle have provided their own answers to reducing the deficit and getting our fiscal house in order. However, the bulk of these proposals are rooted in ideology and political self-interest – not what is right for the American people.

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Repeal of DADT will benefit US

Last Friday was a watershed moment for all gay Americans serving in our armed forces.

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Opinions for July 24, 2011

Nurse rights of independence

Many people who live in nursing homes fail to get the opportunity to live independently, and this is a trend that needs to change.

Regulate violent video gameplay for minors

The age-old question, or rather the question for parents of young children brought up in the virtual age of the 21st century, is whether violence in video games truly affects their social behaviors, and leads to aggression.

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Pushing past the world of prejudice

It occurred to me the other day that the mindset others have about people with disabilities might be antiquated.

Opinions for July 20, 2011

I choose to stand with Planned Parenthood

Imagine that you are standing in between two opposing groups.

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Don’t burden students for debt

If you don't think you have a stake in this debt ceiling debate, then you had better start paying attention.

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Is money or charity the key to our happiness?

Everyone has heard the old saying, "Money doesn't buy you happiness," but what does that even mean?

Opinions for July 17, 2011

Caylee’s Law: genuine or a cry for attention?

Grace Meng, a Democrat assemblywoman in Flushing, N.Y., is the first to propose Caylee's Law in the wake of the highly publicized Casey Anthony trial.

Secondhand smoke is first-rate problem

Secondhand smoke can be very dangerous and unpleasant, and people shouldn't be forced to be exposed to it.

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Preserve legal aid for poor

In the current budget debate, there's one demographic that may suffer more than the rest of us: the poor.

Opinions for July 13, 2011

Maintain money for Medicaid

Despite all the talk of cutting entitlements, one program remains particularly popular among Americans.

Don’t expect high score from cuts to education

Experts in education like to stress the need for longer school years in the United States. According to the New York Times, however, there's a trend in the opposite direction.

Austerity measures could create unrest

Bloody acts of social violence and billows of tear gas have yet to manifest in America's streets since the financial crisis, but the growing disparity between the plutocracy and the lower middle class in the United States could trigger the type of turmoil seen in other Western countries.

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Opinions for July 10, 2011

Obesity trend needs trimming

Adult obesity is becoming a serious problem, but it's one that we can work toward fixing.

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Keep space alive in the Sunshine State

When President John F. Kennedy chose to go to the moon in 1961, the Sunshine State instantly became the place for space.

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Was justice served in Casey Anthony case?

Shock and awe summarized the sentiments of my co-workers, half of whom were stuffed into one room, as they listened to the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial.

Opinions for July 6, 2011

Nice girls finish last; ‘queen bees’ get paid

According to the U.S. Department of Education, despite having earned higher college GPAs in every subject, young women will take home, on average across all professions, just 80 percent of what their male colleagues do.

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Good tips can result from bad service

Three years ago, I was working the morning shift at a restaurant in my hometown when a couple called me over to their table.

Symbolic bills impede progress

The U.S. House of Representatives has decided to make an important change that will bring it one step closer to focusing on the real problems this country faces.

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Opinions for June 29, 2011

US should read into e-book use

A movement is afoot in Florida to revolutionize our textbooks, and it's time that we all got on board with it.

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Politicians destroying our economy

Last week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its 2011 Long-Term Budget Outlook.

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Welfare recipients aren’t drug abusers

Starting Friday, welfare recipients will be subjected to a drug test before they can receive their money from the government.

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It’s time to legalize, not criminalize pot

In my opinion, our federal government's policy on marijuana is absurd and a waste of resources – and I don't even smoke the stuff.

Opinions for June 26, 2011

Scott deserves pink slip for new plan

Here's a riddle for you: How do you balance a budget without raising taxes? The answer: Taxation without representation — and that's exactly what is happening in the state of Florida.

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Oddballs are the leaders of innovation

As America falls deeper into the depths of despair — more specifically financial ruin — we start scrambling to find the answers. Political bickering escalates, while those with a brain look for the cure.

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Cigarette labels could be trouble

The Food and Drug Administration is coming after big tobacco in a major way.

Opinions for June 22, 2011

Got milk? Chocolate milk ban is positive

Last week, the Los Angeles Unified School District banned chocolate milk from its schools' cafeterias. The LA district is the largest to take such a step.

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Vigilance will keep belongings, people safe

Before I realized it was all too easy to become a victim of theft on campus, I had become one myself.

Save our four-year degrees

A recent column in the Washington Post discusses how three-year bachelor's degree programs are not a big hit with students.

Opinions for June 19, 2011

Preserve the Perkins loan

A recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education discusses how several university presidents are now coming together to save the Perkins Loan Program.

Obama’s diet design too simple, flawed

Almost everyone is familiar with the food pyramid — that seemingly impossible food guide that many nutritionists have expected us to follow for the past 19 years

Congress should end US action in Libya

At what point, in regards to the conflict in Libya, is the current administration acting outside the law?

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Opinions for June 15, 2011

Political parties: please make peace

A recent article on the website of National Public Radio talks about how Democrats are reviving Medicare as a political weapon

Keep your pixels in your pants; don’t sext

Some people hit the delete button so regularly after sending a text message, picture message or email that they have the automatic delete option checked in their settings.

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Reverse Bush tax cuts immediately

According to a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, Americans believe the largest contributors to our national debt are the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with 60 percent believing that they contributed a great deal

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Opinions for June 12, 2011

Don’t charge soldiers for bags

Last Tuesday, Delta Air Lines charged 34 soldiers returning from Afghanistan a total of $2,800 for each having a fourth piece of luggage with them.

Handouts shouldn’t result in handcuffs

On April 16, 1963, a young activist sits in a Birmingham jail cell and writes a letter.

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Voters should decide Weiner’s fate

There are certain sound bites throughout America's history that will never be forgotten.

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Opinions for June 8, 2011

Make student justice fair

The United States secretary of education's assistant secretary for civil rights, Russlynn H. Ali, has issued a new directive on sexual violence to college officials all across the country, according to an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Can’t touch this: Utah bans sexy acts

Utah is—without a doubt—one of the sexiest states we have in the United States.

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Protect Uncle Sam’s top-tier credit rating

The battle over raising the federal debt ceiling, which is the limit upon the federal government's ability to borrow, has taken another turn.

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Opinions for June 5, 2011

Elected officials should behave

On Friday, former U.S. Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) was indicted before a federal grand jury for allegedly using illegal campaign donations to conceal his affair with a mistress from the voters, according to the Washington Post.

College education bubble ready to pop

Peter Thiel has many impressive points on his résumé: Yale law graduate, co-founder of PayPal, venture capitalist and hedge fund manager.

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A prescription for ‘the spotless mind’

Spoiler alert: 'The Hangover Part II'

If you're debating whether or not you want to read this column, fear not. If you hate it, soon enough you will be able to pop a prescription tic-tac and erase it from your memory.

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Opinions for June 1, 2011

Cutting bargaining rights is a raw deal

Let's rewind back to February, when thousands of people camped out in front of Wisconsin's state capitol, shouting at Gov. Scott Walker that it was unacceptable to strip away collective bargaining rights for unions.

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Our right to choose, no longer an option?

This may come as a shock to many of you, but here in the United States, receiving an abortion is legal. In fact, abortions have been legal for more than three decades now, and if you don't believe me, check in your history books for the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade. The Court's 7-2 ruling should make it very clear to you that a woman has a constitutional right to privacy — and that includes terminating her pregnancy.

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Leave Iraq by year's end

A recent column on the website of National Public Radio said that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is reconsidering his position on the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Opinions for May 29, 2011

Gays deserve equal rights, too

A new poll released by Gallup shows that for the first time, a majority of Americans are in favor of gay marriage.

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Sex education should not be a scare tactic

The phrase "Make love, not babies" has always been a common mantra of mine.

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Has Obama 'thrown Israel under the bus?'

When President Barack Obama gave a Middle East policy speech recently, he probably didn't expect such strong criticism afterward from the Republican Party.

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Opinions for May 25, 2011

Homosexual athletes break the stereotype

Your stereotypical football player, rugby player, soccer player, basketball player is a lot of things, but he isn't gay.

Republicans share Common problem

If I walked up to you and said "My peoples want hits, I hit it from the back. Under the cherry moon, I hold notes and carry tunes," would you invite me to your house?

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Don’t dishonor honors classes

Honors courses, which are advanced classes that provide students with grades more heavily weighted toward their GPA, are starting to disappear from schools across the country, according to an article in the Washington Post.

Opinions for May 22, 2011

Voting is a right, not a restrictive privilege

We have a basic right here in the United States.

7 comments

Everglades funding should be protected

The Florida legislature recently approved the state's $70 billion annual budget.

Internet privacy bill unnecessary

California is currently considering legislation that would change the privacy protections of many social networking sites, such as Facebook and Google.

2 comments

Opinions for May 18, 2011

There is no absolute reason for cheating

Lack of attention, lack of a sex life or lack of affection – these can all lead to infidelity, with no two situations quite similar.

4 comments

Sorry World, you're not going anywhere

The world will be coming to an end on May 21, 2011.

Keep bin Laden photos private

In the wake of Osama bin Laden's death, we as Americans have been debating whether or not photographs of his corpse should be released.

1 comment

Opinions for May 16, 2011

Debt ceiling has to be raised now

A debate has been stewing lately in Washington over whether to raise the federal debt ceiling. In short, this means raising the limit on the federal government's ability to borrow.

Before you criticize us, try doing our job

I can't tell you the last time I was bored.

9 comments

Drug tests will fix wasted welfare cash

There is a good chance that before you got your job, you were drug tested first. Now, heads of families who receive welfare will also be.

1 comment

Opinions for April 28, 2011

Moving from the 'Future' to the future

It's a lifelong cliché: just when you start getting comfortable with something, it's time to leave.

Is wanting a better education a crime?

Wanting a better education for your children should not be a crime. In Ohio and Connecticut, however, it is.

2 comments

Senators: Steer clear of porn

No matter what you're into, the Internet has something to suit your needs — including all types of porn.

1 comment

Opinions for April 24, 2011

Silent floor or social floor? Keep it quiet

Looking for a quiet place to study?

Electronics can be recycled, too

Every year electronics companies create updated versions of their products in hopes that the hardcore techies will abandon their old gear in favor of the newer, sleeker version.

Domestic partner benefits get SGA nod

UCF is considering whether to give domestic partnership benefits to their faculty and staff in the LGBT community.

2 comments

Opinions for April 20, 2011

Rights of liberty not suited for everyone

Are Americans capable of responsible, democratic self-government

Sexual abuse in the military affects all

Amidst all of the foreign revolutions and turmoil, the United States Armed Forces is often a force that is there to try and encourage peace and stability.

1 comment

Act would guide assault victims

After the recent robberies on and near campus, students are locking their doors and clenching their purses, but should students be worried about more than just getting robbed?

1 comment

Opinions for April 17, 2011

Shot for shots? Alaska may let troops drink

Patrick Henry's powerful quote, "Give me liberty or give me death," inspired many to fight in the Revolutionary War.

J.Crew’s conservative rep runs out with ad

To all our male Knights: If you own anything pink, from a Ralph Lauren polo to a tie, you should throw them away immediately.

10 comments

Who decides a slur’s definition?

On one hand, it's easy to crucify Kobe Bryant for his outburst last Tuesday.

7 comments

Opinions for April 13, 2011

Addictive tech. has its benefits

On campus or in class we see people using their iPods and cellphones, and it makes us wonder how dependent students really are on media.

Funds for abstinence ads have better use

Earlier this month it came to light that Bristol Palin had been paid more than $260,000 by the Candie's Foundation to promote abstinence in teenagers in America.

2 comments

Trust integrity, not the accusations of a blog

John Wooden, legendary UCLA basketball coach once said, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is who you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

10 comments

Opinions for April 10, 2011

HB 1355 only makes government bigger

If there is one thing that Republicans do not like, it's youths who vote.

10 comments

Socialism accusation not FOX’s worst idea

A Fox News executive has admitted to hyping up Obama as a socialist on the network in 2008, when he personally found it to be "rather far-fetched."

3 comments

Green cards for grads is viable

In late March, President John Hitt suggested yet another innovative idea that could help make our university a better place: green cards for graduates.

1 comment

Opinions for April 6, 2011

Americans ignorant when it comes to facts

One phrase comes to mind when thinking about a recent study done by Newsweek — ‘We aren't wise.'

2 comments

UCF could easily adopt Orlando PBS

On April 1, WMFE, our local Public Broadcasting Company (PBS) announced it would be selling their television station to focus solely on radio.

8 comments

Hitt earns $800K, No. 4 in nation

On April 3, The Chronicle of Higher Education released its annual study on the pay and benefits of public-university executives.

2 comments

Opinions for April 3, 2011

Murders don’t ‘prove’ Jones’ point

Over the weekend, things took a turn for the worst in Afghanistan starting with the killings of United Nations workers on Friday followed by violent protests on Saturday.

6 comments

Divisive Congress splitting the public

Things don't seem to be going well for our 112th Congress.

4 comments

‘Beauty retouch’ or digital deception?

Makeup companies often promise flawless, eye-catching results, but what if the results are entirely face-altering?

Opinions for March 30, 2011

A good nominee is difficult to find

As Republicans gear up for the much-anticipated 2012 Presidential race, possible candidates are feeling things out and trying to get support without seeming needy.

4 comments

Leaked photos a disgrace to US military personnel

We all know that a soldier's duty is to protect and serve his or her country.

US involvement in Libya unclear

Up until Monday it seemed the entire American population was scratching its head and wondering the same question: What exactly is President Obama's intent in Libya?

1 comment

Opinions for March 27, 2011

Candidates' Columns

In my time serving in student government I have seen a lot of student leaders.

1 comment

Pros and cons of presidential candidates

Their campaign platform is generally strong and attacks many top-tier issues, such as how SGA can affect academics and safety around campus.

Endorsement not in the ‘Future’s’ future

The goal of this column is to announce that the Central Florida Future will not be endorsing a candidate for the 2011 Student Government Association Presidential elections.

Opinions for March 23, 2011

Students should not influence teacher pay

We are waiting for a train, one that could expand and deal with the educational luggage of the state of Florida's educational system.

Wealth-distribution gap far too wide

In America, the richest country in the world, the wealth gap has continued to grow.

4 comments

Fee increases a necessary evil

One of the worst things about being in college is being broke.

1 comment

Opinions for March 20, 2011

Our promise for fair SGA election coverage

The goal of this column is to discuss presidential election endorsements.

NPR listeners do not share Schiller’s views

Your media is being controlled.

5 comments

Letter to the Editor

Today, only 40 college basketball programs in the country will still be playing, and UCF is one of those teams.

Remove intrusive red light cameras

Orlando is known for its careless drivers, numerous collisions and long traffic jams.

8 comments

Opinions for March 16, 2011

New bills ignore Roe v. Wade

There are some issues where it's nearly impossible to make everyone happy.

3 comments

Better bang for student-aid bucks

Throughout the country, for-profit, post-secondary schools represent a fast-growing sector of higher education.

Japan steady, prepared in face of earthquake

I've seen it before.

Opinions for March 13, 2011

Free scores promote the spread of classical music

Classical music is considered by many to be truly timeless music that will be played for generations to come.

Orlando speed traps some of the worst

How good are you at talking yourself out of a ticket? You may want to fine tune this skill.

With changes, rail can still work

Since last year's State of the Union address, there has been much talk about a proposed high-speed rail that would stretch from Tampa to Orlando beginning in 2015.

1 comment

Opinions for March 2, 2011

Obama’s decision subverts Constitution

President Obama has decided that he will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act — a law that establishes that for the purposes of the federal government, marriage is between a man and a woman — in court.

6 comments

Diversity essential in quest for wisdom

As the fervor of revolution sweeps up the Middle East, what is the responsibility of a U.S. university, such as UCF, in educating its students and informing the general public?

5 comments

Union rights worth the fight

It's not just our friends abroad who are suffering at the hands of their political leaders in the Middle East and Africa.

3 comments

Opinions for February 27, 2011

E-textbooks can save cash, space

One of the biggest trends of today is the convergence of technology with education.

Like Americans, Islam can’t be generalized

Amidst the finger pointing, the threat of terrorism and the back-and-forth trite that opposing point of views like to consider "dialogue", when it comes to Muslims in America, most of us fail to consider our own personal illiteracy and bias in global matters.

5 comments

If you won’t say it aloud, don’t type it

It was the tweet heard around the world.

1 comment

Opinions for February 23, 2011

Sex scandals not a big deal in politics

The Republican crusade for morality has claimed yet another victim.

2 comments

Planned Parenthood needs federal funding

There has been much talk about possible spending cuts for Planned Parenthood lately, calling into question the validity of certain freedoms for women.

7 comments

SAT, ACT don’t dictate success

One of the most stressful and bothersome aspects of applying for college is having to take the SAT and ACT over and over again until you get a score you believe will earn admission into your school of choice.

6 comments

Opinions for February 20, 2011

Journalists risk lives for truth

In nearly all the stories lately about political unrest and protests in several Africa and Asia countries, one seldom-told story is that of the journalists who risk their lives every day to deliver the facts to their audience.

Israel: Indispensable ally in a rough region

The seeds of rebellion and protest have spread across the Middle East over the past few weeks, along with several other major developments.

3 comments

Artificial intelligence has limitless potential

I'll take Technology for $500.

Opinions for February 13, 2011

Teach, don’t preach, in the classroom

It has recently come to my attention that most high school biology teachers don't endorse evolution.

11 comments

Arboretum deserves an equal opportunity

The UCF Arboretum. Our back yard. Our giant, natural water filter. Our great, green liver.

1 comment

Risks too high to reverse abortion

Choosing whether or not to have an abortion is one of the most difficult decisions a woman can face and requires deep thought and consideration.

1 comment

Opinions for February 9, 2011

Smokers should take the habit off campus

UCF's campus needs to quit — cold turkey.

6 comments

Smokers should take the habit off campus

UCF's campus needs to quit — cold turkey.

6 comments

Wikipedia not ready for the classroom yet

So the other day, I was surfing the Web, trying to determine what Inception was really about, and I was mind-blown to notice that Leo's partner is played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the kid from Angels in the Outfield.

Opinions for February 6, 2011

Late nights start with KnightLynx

"Drunk Bus," or party bus?

UCF financial aid office is a welcome relief

It's that time of the semester again, ladies and gentlemen.

Be cautious, wait for signals

Growing up, our parents always tell us to look both ways before we cross the street.

4 comments

Opinions for February 2, 2011

Egypt: A test for American virtues

It was only a little more than a week ago that Egypt was calm and life functioned normally.

4 comments

Brighten a stranger’s day with kind acts

A few days ago, my dad was a witness to a car accident.

Contemplating lethal injection

For those given a death sentence in the United States, the most common course of action when their day of judgment comes is termination through lethal injection, but recent events have put an indefinite halt on these executions.

Opinions for January 30, 2011

No need to pack heat on campus

Seeing as UCF is a public university, our school is permitted to set up rules and regulations that its students must follow while simultaneously following guidelines for all universities enacted by the state of Florida.

23 comments

US health care reform a necessity

Oh, U.S. health care reform, what a roller coaster it has been.

7 comments

No need to pack heat on campus

Seeing as UCF is a public university, our school is permitted to set up rules and regulations that its students must follow while simultaneously following guidelines for all universities enacted by the state of Florida.

23 comments

Opinions for January 26, 2010

State of the Union looks at jobs, deficit

So how many of you watched the State of the Union address last night?

Police refuse to be recorded

Eavesdropping seems like a silly thing to be sent to jail for, but apparently it becomes a lot more serious when it involves a police officer.

Things I’ve learned from going to the new gym

Hi, you might recognize me.

17 comments

Opinions for January 23, 2011

Virtual classes not fit for all

Virtual or online courses can be a great route for students who need to pick up an extra class but don't have time in their schedule to meet in a classroom every week.

New ‘Skins’ pushes limits of teenage life

In case you changed the channel after last week's special Monday episode of Jersey Shore, I figured I'd fill you in on all the hype and drama surrounding MTV's new series Skins.

5 comments

RentAFriend provides artificial friendships

How many friends do you have?

Opinions for January 19, 2011

Focus on GPA turns us into mindless 4.0 drones

In today's Future, "Our Stance" is about grades in higher education and the overall value of a college degree in today's society.

Hard classes key to learning

In the time we've spent at UCF, we've realized that college should be mostly about what you learn and the experiences you gain and less about the grades you earn.

Spoken word holds dangerous sway

In the wake of the shootings in Tucson recently, I remember hearing on the radio that Representative Gabrielle Giffords said prior to the attack that because of the political rhetoric and events of late, she had become increasingly worried about her safety and that of other congressional leaders.

Opinions for January 16, 2011

The girl who didn’t cry wolf

When someone tries to make us do something we strongly object to doing, it's not surprising if we go kicking and screaming.

Women should face combat

The old saying tells us to "never hit a girl," but we know some pretty tough chicks who can handle their own better than a lot of guys out there.

3 comments

Mental health paramount for students

College is supposed to be filled with great experiences, meeting new friends and learning new things.

Lochrane resigns as SGA VP

Throughout my seven years here at UCF I have witnessed the campus grow and change from a small university that was just getting started, to becoming a nationally ranked school in both academics and athletics.

Opinions for January 12, 2011

UCF looks to bounce back from first defeat

There is a lot to be learned this Saturday in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Obama wins free world and Twitter

Watch the news lately? The CNN Ticker, the news titles that scroll across the bottom of the screen, reads, "Obama edges Bieber on Twitter," immediately followed by, "Biden Chief of Staff leaving White House."

Scott’s policy excludes gays

Just following the start of the new year our recently elected governor, Rick Scott, was officially sworn into office.

Opinions for January 9, 2011

Facebook's status: not a waste of time

The last thing I wanted to read about on my flight home after winter break was Facebook.

'Finn' censorship alters history

There are many words and phrases that tend to make us squirm or cringe, but that doesn't mean we can just remove them from the English language.

Ariz. shooting a national tragedy

Saturday morning our nation suffered a devastating and tragic politically motivated murder.

1 comment

UCF fans had no respect at Liberty Bowl

Letter to the Editor

As a UCF student who attended the Liberty Bowl, I was appalled with the behavior of the fanbase that attended the gam

13 comments

Opinions for January 2, 2011

Sustainable solutions make for simple resolutions

Happy New Year. Here's a list of resolutions that range from one-time installations to day-to-day installations

1 comment

Sex game too hot for Xbox 360’s Kinect

If you're a video game player and like seeing girls naked or have a game-playing friend that does — safe to assume that there are a few in the 56,000 students at the UCF — you have probably heard about the adult company looking to produce a Microsoft Kinect 3-D sex game for the Xbox 360.

3 comments

Waking up from a bad dream

An extra five votes is all it would have taken to fulfill a dream for the hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants living in the United States.

9 comments

FCC ruling may fracture web

Since the Internet's creation, it has been deemed the "Wild Wild West" due to the unlimited amount of content available and lack of regulation.

2 comments

Opinions for May 16, 2011

Debt ceiling has to be raised now

A debate has been stewing lately in Washington over whether to raise the federal debt ceiling. In short, this means raising the limit on the federal government's ability to borrow.

Before you criticize us, try doing our job

I can't tell you the last time I was bored.

9 comments

Drug tests will fix wasted welfare cash

There is a good chance that before you got your job, you were drug tested first. Now, heads of families who receive welfare will also be.

1 comment

Opinions for September 28, 2011

DHS campaign is creating paranoia

"If you see something, say something."

‘Obamacare’ a boon for college students

According to the most recent Gallup poll, more and more of our friends have benefits — health-care benefits. And it's a trend that I believe should continue and expand.

Monitor mark you make on Facebook

Facebook is undergoing some serious changes, and this has raised some concerns among privacy advocates.

Opinions for January 9, 2012

X-ray scanners deserve scrutiny

The possible health risks from X-ray body scanners at airports have prompted officials in Broward County to consider banning the security machines until the Transportation Security Administration can prove they are safe for fliers.

One-way tickets not solution for homeless

With a local unemployment rate of 9.7 percent, Central Florida has a case of homelessness that is becoming a community epidemic we cannot ignore.

1 comment

Violence in some video games too harsh, realistic

When it comes to video games, no game is as addictive or as popular as Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, in my opinion.

4 comments