Opinion | Columns - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Gators: Be aware of springs resources

Mar. 23, 2014

North Florida is home to the largest assemblage of artesian springs in the U.S. From Wakulla Springs near Florida State University, Ichetucknee Springs near UF, Wekiwa and Rock springs near the University of Central Florida and Weeki Wachee Springs near the University of South Florida, Florida’s adventurous college students know the springs are perhaps the best-kept secret to surviving the three-season heat and humidity typical of Florida and for finding a refreshing alternative to crowded beaches.

OPINION | COLUMNS

A guide to relationships in the Facebook age

Mar. 20, 2014

If you’re anything like me, a lot goes through your head when things start to get serious with the person you’re seeing.

OPINION | COLUMNS

‘Alice in Arabia’ show could be problematic

Mar. 20, 2014

It’s pilot season. Networks are scrambling to find and approve new programming for the coming year, even though the age of network — and even cable TV — may be coming to a close.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Media consumers need to listen, ask the right questions

Mar. 19, 2014

I grew up in the shadows of a hundred churches.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Executions leave blood on Scott’s hands

Mar. 19, 2014

Executions are slowing around the country, but leave it to Florida to stand out in the worst way.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Citing their love of Putin, Crimeans vote for assimilation

Mar. 19, 2014

SIMFEROPOL — The Autonomous Republic of Crimea might not remain so autonomous.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Funding bill shows need for reform

Mar. 18, 2014

As of last week, the total amount of campaign spending for the 2014 midterm election cycle was more than 25 times greater than it was at the same point in 2006.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Prison reform signals positive change

Mar. 18, 2014

Texas Gov. Rick Perry made waves last week during an appearance on ABC’s late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

OPINION | COLUMNS

It’s time to change how we evaluate students

Mar. 18, 2014

Schools across the state have transitioned the focus of their curricula to FCAT topics. I do not fault schools, given the ramifications of test scores on public perception and teachers’ evaluations; see Senate Bill 736. I do, however, question the quality of the assessments.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Male apathy: the tragedy in sexism fight

Mar. 17, 2014

The reaction from fellow males to my column last week on the male role in misogyny at UF was quite revealing.

OPINION | COLUMNS

No one wins when women are criticized

Mar. 17, 2014

Ed. note: Due to its subject matter, this column uses strong language.

OPINION | COLUMNS

We should embrace, not ban, ‘bossy’

Mar. 17, 2014

This is probably going to be an unpopular opinion because I am siding against the all-powerful Beyoncé, but give me a chance to explain myself. The iconic recording artist, along with other well-known women like Jennifer Garner, Jane Lynch and Condoleezza Rice, has joined Girl Scouts of the USA and Lean In in a campaign to ban the word “bossy.”

OPINION | COLUMNS

The real ‘True Detective’ mystery

Mar. 17, 2014

The HBO original series “True Detective” had its season finale March 9, and fans went crazy analyzing it. The story centers around two detectives, Marty Hart and Rust Cohle. The two were assigned as partners in 1995 when a mysterious homicide, indicative of cult actions, led them down dark paths to solve the case. The series takes place over 17 years.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Brave NSA agent goes beyond line of duty, wiretaps his mother

Mar. 16, 2014

National Security Agency phone tapper Joshua Mansfeld was surprised yesterday to wire a phone call from someone he thought he’d never see in his queue: his own mother.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Election results not an accurate forecast

Mar. 16, 2014

Political junkies across the state and throughout the country had their eyes fixated on Pinellas County last week, wondering whether the result of a special election to fill Congressman Bill Young’s vacated seat was a sign of things to come. Young was a Republican who served the district for decades until he passed away late last year. The district is firmly Republican, but Democrats felt they had an opportunity to win the seat, especially with former gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Hey, Bill O’Reilly, you can sit down now

Mar. 13, 2014

When Russell Simmons appeared on Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor” Monday night to promote his new book about meditation, he probably had no idea his interview with Bill O’Reilly would focus on Beyoncé.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Obama’s ‘Ferns’ visit clever, controversial

Mar. 13, 2014

Last week, the president went to a fake talk show for what may be the most bizarre head-of-state interview ever.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Alligator’s SG elections endorsement editorial was contradictory

Mar. 13, 2014

The Student Government elections three weeks ago were the most lopsided election I’ve ever witnessed as an undergraduate student. A single party won all 50 seats while minority opposition had an internal breakdown. But the election’s absurdity was exceeded by that of the Alligator’s endorsement letter of Feb. 18.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Corrupt city gains national attention

Mar. 12, 2014

Nestled between Gainesville and Jacksonville is what some news outlets have nicknamed the most corrupt city in the nation: Hampton, population 477.

OPINION | COLUMNS

The politics of hatred and divisiveness

Mar. 11, 2014

The American political system has traditionally exemplified the fundamental principles of democracy. It is a system that Americans take pride in, and among other things, enables them to promote their country as the leader of the free world. However, America’s political system is not perfect, as it does not prevent those we elect from abusing and undermining it. Such abuse is currently playing out with the current Republican-controlled House of Representatives.