Thomas Jefferson believed in a free press, calling it "the only security of all" and crucial to a healthy democracy. To Lafayette in 1823 he said: "The agitation it produces must be submitted to. It is necessary, to keep the waters pure." Following the Optimist's Oct. 24 presidential endorsement, the editorial board witnessed firsthand what ... [Read More…]
Archives for December 2008
Holiday season increases risk for people struggling with eating disorders
By Sondra Rodriguez, Student Reporter About 150 freshmen girls will attend the annual Christmas party in the West Lobby of Gardner Residence Hall at 10 p.m. Monday, and like any Christmas party, food will be everywhere. "If just one person out of those 150 isn't eating, or is overeating and then just walks away, they're going to go unnoticed," ... [Read More…]
General goodwill should transcend cultural Christmas differences
Christmas in America has become a close showdown between Jesus Christ and Santa Claus. The bombardment in the media about the jolly, old man delivering his presents often overshadows the original purpose of the holiday: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the situation could be worse; in Belgium, Jesus does not have one, but three ... [Read More…]
Noose culprit still at large despite thorough investigation
By Michael Freeman, Managing Editor On Sept. 4, a noose placed in Students' Association President Daniel Paul Watkins' office chair shocked the ACU community. More than three months later, the perpetrator of the incident has yet to be identified. The ACU Police Department examined all its known leads and scrutinized every piece of information it ... [Read More…]
Students prepare for finals
By Chelsea Hackney, Student Reporter Finals are on the horizon, and as with every semester, students already are thinking to the week ahead, planning study sessions, staking out prime locations in the Brown Library and stressing. For most students, exams are just one more thing to work into an already crammed schedule. Jason Sanchez, junior ... [Read More…]
Holiday hazards may hurt season fun
By Kelline Linton, Chief Copy Editor With the holidays approaching, students can expect all the joys of Christmas-family, food and presents-but should not overlook the sinister safety hazards special to the season. As finals week winds to a close and students pack their vehicles and prepare for the journey home, the ACU Police Department stresses ... [Read More…]
Christmas performance lends wonder to all
By Hannah Barnes, Student Reporter Anyone walking through the large wooden doors of First Baptist Church Tuesday night was immediately immersed in the Christmas spirit created by the extravagant Christmas Vespers performance sponsored by the ACU Music Department. The actual concert began at 8:15 p.m., but a musical prelude began at 8 o'clock. ... [Read More…]
Business booms during Jack in the Box’s first week
By Sondra Rodriguez, Student Reporter Abilene's very own Jack in the Box opened last week, and business is booming. The franchise, based out of San Diego, is located at 2002 Overland Trail and opened Nov. 26, after more than a month of delays. Rodney Thomas, area coach for the Abilene location, said no opening-day deals were offered to customers ... [Read More…]
Automobile industry necessitates bailout, increased responsibility
Merriam-Webster ' s Online Dictionary named "bailout" as the No. 1 Word of the Year for 2008 last week. This announcement came near the end of tumultuous financial year that witnessed the U.S. Congress allocate nearly $7 trillion of taxpayer money to struggling companies and government institutions, according to a CNBC article. The latest bailout ... [Read More…]
ACU remembers former trustee’s leadership, influence
By Michael Freeman, Managing Editor Whenever Dr. Prentice Meador Jr. would call his longtime friend Dr. Royce Money after going through the switchboard to reach the president of the university, he would not begin the conversation by stating his name. "He would not say, 'Hi, this is Prentice;' he would start by saying, 'There was this salesman...' ... [Read More…]