Opinion | Columns

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Coffee consumers pay for ambiance

By Laura Ellermeyer | Jan. 24, 2011

There are few things on which I regularly spend an exorbitant amount of money. These items include gasoline, sushi, phone accessories and Starbucks coffee. I cannot recall when or where, but some blessed person once introduced me to those deliciously handcrafted beverages, and I have been hooked — and thus shelling out the big bucks — ever since. I’m such a sucker for their overpriced products that they took pity and issued me a fancy gold card with my name on it that may as well scream, “I have spent a ridiculous amount of money here and am powerless to stop.”

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Blend of political views necessary

By Nicolas Sayavedra | Jan. 23, 2011

Bob Minchin claims “liberalism is an emotive ideology. By nature, it relies more on feelings than intellect.”

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Parties overlook immigration solution

By Zack Smith | Jan. 23, 2011

“Give [us] your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” For more than a century, these words have been America’s call to the world, and the world has answered eagerly.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Liberalism stands test of time in US

Jan. 23, 2011

Regarding Bob Minchin’s Friday column, a few things need to be cleared up. 

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Liberals seek return of unfair doctrine

By Bob Minchin | Jan. 20, 2011

To no one’s surprise, Democrats called this week for reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine in the wake of the Tucson massacre.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Republicans can tone down rhethoric

By Chad Mohammed | Jan. 19, 2011

Over the past couple of years, hot button issues such as immigration and health care reform coupled with a harsh economic climate led to a caustic political environment unseen since the Vietnam War. This dialogue finally received scrutiny due to the tragedy in Tucson, even though the incident seems to be an isolated event rather than a result of deep political rhetoric. It is still worth asking: Will anything change or will it be business as usual for this Congress?

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Students may need self-esteem boost

By Wesley Campbell | Jan. 18, 2011

Ever notice how you have all the right opinions? Why don’t more people think like you? Think back to when you were young, and imagine a situation where you and your fellow classmates were all “competing” to be the best at something. How about the most interesting show-and-tell piece? We’ll go with that.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Tutoring service customers don’t deserve academic stigma

By Matt Hintze | Jan. 18, 2011

“There is no cheat sheet for life…”. 

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Tutoring services an unwelcome crutch

By Laura Ellermeyer | Jan. 17, 2011

TutoringZone is God, right?

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

A solution to fix broken Bright Futures

By JOHNATHAN LOTT | Jan. 13, 2011

As drop/add came to an end and we all settled into our spring classes, we got to enjoy the time-honored tradition of seeing our tuition bill show its sinister face.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Happiness relative for college students

By Sean Quinn | Jan. 12, 2011

In 1996, Sheryl Crow opined on the human condition: “If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad. If it makes you happy, then why the hell are you so sad?”

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Academia’s future not printed on paper

By Laura Ellermeyer | Jan. 11, 2011

I just dropped the book-bill bomb on my parents.  Needless to say, warnings of “you better actually read these” followed.  Of course I will, Mom and Dad … maybe.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Costly inauguration not unique to Scott

By Nate Rushing | Jan. 10, 2011

A lot of people have been slagging Gov. Rick Scott for his extravagant inauguration festivities last Tuesday.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Work pays off for Meat-Free Monday supporters

By Jared Misner | Jan. 9, 2011

I have a lot of favorite quotations I’ve read through the years. Some are great for inspiration, others provide a laugh and others just make me think. But there’s one in particular that always, for me at least, seems to rise above the rest in the abundance of potential Facebook-favorite quotations. Margaret Mead, famed anthropologist and author, once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Well, Gators, the late Ms. Mead would be proud of all of us. For we have, indeed, changed civilization.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Now boarding: spring semester classes

By Nate Rushing | Jan. 9, 2011

Pilot: “Please make sure that your valuables are secured and your seat and dinner tray are in the upright, locked position as we prepare for takeoff.”

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Are GPA and income-level related? Not in the way you think

By ANDREW PANTAZI | Jan. 6, 2011

Dear freshmen,

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Gentle giants deserve concern, help

By Katie Tripp | Jan. 6, 2011

In 2010, 767 manatees were documented to have died or been killed in Florida.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Some college mascots fail to intimidate

By Laura Ellermeyer | Jan. 5, 2011

Ah…the college mascot.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Urban Meyer respected as local leader

By Nate Rushing | Jan. 4, 2011

I have been given the opportunity to address the biggest news story of the year for anyone within a 15-mile radius of The Swamp.

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OPINION  |  COLUMNS

Jersey Shore is addicting, but not to be taken too seriously

By Sean Quinn | Jan. 4, 2011

Welcome back, everyone. I hope that your winter break was relaxing and you got to spend time with family, friends and loved ones. Mine sure was, but it wasn’t the only thing I got to accomplish during my quick respite back home.