Opinion

Confessions of a Tabloid Addict

Jenna Bromberg  —  Apr 6, 2007

Deckhead:

Fast Times at Statler High

Body:

I harbor an intense secret under-the-covers-with-a-flashlight love for all kinds of semi-embarrassing literature: self-help books geared toward the twentysomething woman, The Baby-Sitter’s Club, various New York socialite gossip blogs and even the nutrition facts on the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray (zero! everything! amazing!). While the last item on that list is probably a guilty pleasure I can claim as my very own, I’m certain that there are plenty of Cornellians out there who indulge in the occasional tabloid just like I do.

14853 the New D.C.

Apr 6, 2007

Deckhead:

Heroes & Villains

Body:

Well, two weeks back from paradise and we’ve finally acclimated here at H&V. The veterans in our ranks even managed to wake up for CourseEnroll this past Monday, much to the shock of our professors, parents and, most importantly, ourselves.

But with all the pestering projects, tests and papers that seem to have sprung out of nowhere, there’s never any time for rest and relaxation. In fact, the only time we’ve been able to make for ourselves has been at “hot yoga” class every Friday afternoon downtown!

Systemic racism does not exist in Greek system

Apr 5, 2007

Deckhead:

Re: “Students Protest Fraternity Parties,” News, April 3

Body:

To the Editor:

I was highly disappointed by The Daily Sun’s coverage of the anti-fraternity rally held by several minority advocacy groups on Monday. The comments made by some of the leaders contained factual inaccuracies that were not pointed out by The Sun.

A Passover Message Re: Freedom

Ariela Rutkin-Becker  —  Apr 5, 2007

Deckhead:

Guest Room

Body:

In a few hours, I will be traveling home to celebrate Passover with my family, a holiday exalting freedom celebrated by Jews all over the world. In the wake of a recent trip to Jordan, where I had the opportunity to clearly examine the ramifications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict up close, and Ehud Olmert’s ambiguous declaration that he is “open to talks with moderate Arab leaders,” allow me to share a few words about freedom at this time.

Torture never justified, veteran says

Apr 5, 2007

Deckhead:

Re: “Waterboarding USA,” Opinion, April 3

Body:

To the Editor:

As a veteran, I was simply disgusted by Ben Birnbaum’s flippant defense of the use of torture against detainees. Birnbaum conveniently ignores one of the most compelling reasons to prohibit the use of torture: it keeps U.S. soldiers safer. Combatants who know they are going to be tortured if captured are much more likely to fight to the death, leading to more intense battles and greater American casualties.

The Green Revelation

Mark Coombs  —  Apr 5, 2007

Deckhead:

If You Can Keep It

Body:

There are some things, Focus on the Family founder James Dobson says, that are OK for Evangelicals to talk about; there are also some things, he continues, his brow aslant and his finger a-waggin’, that are not OK for Evangelicals to talk about.

Mr. Arcuri Goes to Washington

David Wittenberg  —  Apr 5, 2007

Deckhead:

The Scoop

Body:

The first time I met Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY), his 70-year-old mother Betty wanted to make sure I got the full set of Mike Arcuri for Congress baseball cards.

A couple of weeks ago, the newly-elected Democratic congressman called me on the cusp of the House’s vote to set a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.

Columnist’s critique of fraternity party protesters unfair

Apr 5, 2007

Deckhead:

Re: “The Muffled Megaphone,” Opinion, April 3

Body:

To the Editor:

Erica Fink, while criticizing the students protesting for their supposed “factual inaccuracy,” lacked, in her April 3 column “The Muffled Megaphone,” precisely that which she critiqued. Although one would not know it from the cleaned-up invitation still posted on Facebook to Lambda Chi Alpha’s “South of the Border” party, the original version (despite what Fink falsely wrote) said exactly what she quoted: wear your “sombreros, ponchos and Mexican mustaches.” The new invitation says “we would like to apologize for the previous description that could have been misconstrued as a stance on immigration,” a clear indication that the flagrancy of the initial description needed correcting.

The Iranian Hostage Crisis: Then and Now

Bill McMorris  —  Apr 4, 2007

Deckhead:

John Manetta Once Told Me

Body:

Striking new developments in the Iranian Hostage Crisis: nothing has changed. Despite the headlines that you may see emblazoned across the New York Times and Washington Post, there is nothing new going on in Iran.

Usurping Mediocrity

Carl Menzel  —  Apr 4, 2007

Deckhead:

Southern Style

Body:

Second place is the first loser. While this axiom may seem harsh, it conveys the underlying principle that Cornell students, along with aspiring professionals nationwide, work to be the best.

It is no surprise that this mindset materializes in superior education. Our competitive academic culture advocates and glorifies competition such that it engulfs and absorbs one’s lifestyle and actions. The result is an intense race of unyielding ambitions, which fosters students’ appetites for knowledge. This pursuit for knowledge, progress and improvement is interminable if one aspires to obtain, and then maintain, supremacy in one’s social standing and professional career.

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