Column

Reflections after 10 weeks writing on comedy After 10 weeks writing about comedy, I’m starting to think I could write at least 10 more, as the topic seems to broaden and become more complicated the more I explore it. I’ve come to see comedy as one of the most relevant forms of journalism today. I […]

Finding a sustainable solution for gaseous emissions One thing the agricultural sector does not lack is potential. The food production system is constantly evolving and developing the potential to improve practices in order to mitigate emissions. There are countless different ways of bettering agriculture. Today, multiple fields are undergoing vigorous research in order to reach […]

Open carry laws make dangerous situations even more volatile Only California, Florida, Illinois, New York and South Carolina prohibit the open carry of handguns. That means 45 American states allow the intimidation of the public, wasting of law enforcement resources and endless opportunities for accidental injury caused by firearm misuse. In a heart-wrenching moment following […]

Kim Keever incorporates engineering education into otherworldly photographs Well, Aggies, the dreaded finals week has finally arrived. I only remind you in case you forgot, even for the slightest second, about your soaring levels of stress, plummeting amount of sleep and flatlining social life. You’re welcome. Finals week also signals my end as your guide […]

Appreciating animals helps us understand our place in nature Australia is certainly a country known for its rather inhospitable environment. Whether it be huge spiders, creatures capable of killing you within the hour or the deathly dry, hot and vacant center of the country, Australia runs the gamut of unforgiving life forms and ecosystems. However, […]

Embattled agriculture industry generates 80 percent of food sales, yet is spurned In a world where the global population is rapidly growing, humanity needs to start having a serious conversation about where its food comes from. It’s no longer a battle of organic and non-GMO producers versus conventional producers — it’s a matter of necessity. […]

Stereotypical depictions of Native Americans perpetuate historic mistreatment Right around this time of year, elementary school students craft paper hats complete with colored feathers and buckles, trace hand-shaped turkeys and don’t learn about the truth behind Thanksgiving. This past Thursday, families across America prepared turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and still didn’t learn about Thanksgiving. […]

The successes and failures of a revolutionary 1950’s sitcom I Love Lucy, a TV show from the 1950’s, is often regarded as the show that changed sitcoms forever. I was not aware of this, or any of the thematic and topical issues at play in I Love Lucy, when my family and I watched episode […]

The importance of Obama’s humanity moving into a Trump administration I sobbed for a good half-hour on election day. Partly because Donald Trump had just become the President-elect for our nation, but mostly because it finally hit me that President Barack Obama wouldn’t be leading our nation anymore. Not only are we seeing the exit […]

The amount of misinformation surrounding the livestock industry amounts to propaganda Did you know that agriculture has a bigger economic share in California than Hollywood does? According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California agriculture is a $42.6 billion industry generating $100 billion in economic revenue. Animal agriculture, encompassing dairy production and […]

What do we make of comics struggling with mental illness? When Robin Williams passed in 2014, it felt like the whole world was in mourning. Williams was perhaps the most beloved comic force of our era, and his passing was riddled with questions, shock and confusion. How can someone who everyone loves kill themselves? Why […]

Consumer protection laws will be vitally important in solving the gun epidemic The beginning of a recent Inside Amy Schumer skit introduces the “OrthoEsterin,” a new, low-dose birth control pill. “Ask your doctor if birth control is right for you,” the ad continues. “Then, ask your boss if birth control is right for you. Ask […]