The Optimist
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‘Optimist’ knows its place: reporting the news

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By Jonathan Smith, Editor in Chief As a news reporter, I have always maintained that my job should be about relaying pertinent news to the readers, not becoming part of the news. Then Monday, this line appeared in a letter posted on a political blog, the Daily Kos: "I have just received a phone call from a Christian newspaper reporter." I was ... [Read More…]

Handy books could help students cope

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By Jonathan Smith, Editor in Chief This just in: Fundraising, in all its forms and uses, forevermore will be only one word. No more hyphens. No more splitting it into two words. Just fundraising. This is according to the 2005 edition of the Associated Press Stylebook released just one week ago. Journalists everywhere wait for each year's ... [Read More…]

Be wise as gas prices rise, plan ahead

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By Jaci Schneider, Opinion Editor Much Ado About Something Every morning when I leave my house, I make a decision. I either take out my keys, walk over to my car and drive to school, or I leave my keys in my bag, turn the other way and walk to school. I would like to say that I only drive when it's raining, but I don't. I drive if I'm running ... [Read More…]

Crossing the thin, red line in education

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By Jonathan Smith, Editor in Chief The stress is mounting. But it's not the nearing exam week or end-of-the-year projects causing this. No, teachers will return more graded papers to my possession during the next four weeks, so one thing is certain: The red ink will flow freely. But not anymore. According to an article on CNN.com, red ink for ... [Read More…]

Learning can be as fun as you make it

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By Mallory Sherwood, Features Editor Face the Facts It is the fastest spreading virus on campus since the flu hit in late February. Spring Fever. The damage: empty classrooms across campus, louder chatter than usual during Chapel and slipping grades across the board. This column is for all students who could care less about finishing the ... [Read More…]

Lori’s Story: Leave smoky haze behind-it’s worth it

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By Lori Bredemeyer, Managing Editor Dependence must be hereditary-I come from a long line of addicts. My grandpa started smoking when he joined the military and continued for about 25 years until he got colon cancer in the '80s. My grandma started smoking after her parents died when she was about 15. She continued until she died of throat and ... [Read More…]

Face it, Facebook fun way to procrastinate

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By Jaci Schneider, Opinion Editor Much Ado About Something A new black hole has been discovered, and it has made its appearance on campus. No one knows the name of its creator or where it came from, but it appears that it's here to stay. This new black hole has a seemingly innocent, and even friendly-sounding name, but names can be deceiving. The ... [Read More…]

Lori’s Story: Patient should be permitted to die

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By Lori Bredemeyer, Managing Editor The last time doctors say Terri Schiavo was conscious of her surroundings, George H.W. Bush was president, the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union had just fallen, and The Simpsons had just premiered. She has missed out on 15 years of her life, and her parents want to prolong her dismal existence. Terri suffered ... [Read More…]

New schedule benefits all

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By Jonathan Smith, Editor in Chief Whenever change is mentioned, people's ears perk up and their muscles tense in preparation to jump up and resist. Naturally, people would be concerned when change is mentioned for an 87-year tradition in the Churches of Christ. But as students and guests discuss Sunday night's announcement to move Bible ... [Read More…]

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