Insensitive headline I would like to say the article “Driver kills woman on Avent Ferry” is insensitive and irresponsible at best. The article insinuates Brandon Norris was at fault and even purposefully did this with statements such as “Driver kills woman”, “Student hits pedestrian”, and “A student hit and killed.” I do not personally know Brandon but I can only imagine what he must be going through dealing with the guilt of something that was not his fault. Then as a student himself, to be humiliated on the front page by “The Student Newspaper” is almost a slap in the face.A more objective account of the events can be found on WRAL’s website where it states the pedestrian stepped out in front of his vehicle. I think Technician owes Brandon a public apology for these misleading titles and statements.
Michael PlaistedSeniorCivil Engineering
Tactless front page I was deeply appalled and disturbed when I saw the front page of Technician on April 20, 2006. I understand that a tragic death on our campus is news to be reported, but I found the illustration to correspond with the report to be a tactless gesture. A photograph of the mourning Ashmawi hovering over his sheet-covered, deceased mother, while Brandon Norris is “shocked” in the bottom left corner seems invasively offensive. I think my stomach would churn with disgust if I were a family member of either the Ashmawi’s or the Norris’ and saw this picture on the front page of a major University’s newspaper. Sure, Kathleen Gordon, the writer of this report, wrote well and covered details but I believe a different, less dour picture could have been used to fill the bins and classrooms across campus. A heartbreaking death such as Shalaby’s is something that should be taken with sensitivity and sympathy. Technician and what it reports reflects the University as a whole, and I believe events such as this car accident need to be meticulously handled at all times and situations.
Jessica StoryJuniorBusiness Management
Bravo, Technician I feel as though I relate fairly well to the typical Technician user: I occasionally glance at a headline or two on the way to the Sudoku and intermittently peruse the photography. Oft am I disturbed by the neglect of the English language (including punctuation abuse, adverb ignorance and a lack of interesting syntax); I do, however, commiserate with the tight schedule that the newspaper staff faces daily.I was, therefore, very pleased when Wednesday’s issue sang a different tune. I knew that something was different when I picked up Technician and the first thing I randomly glanced at was:”I can only do doughnuts in my Hummer 30 minutes a day now.” Danielle Pittner did an astounding job of turning a rather mundane article about the rising price of gas into a true knee-slapper. I believe that this blend of comedy and information is just what Technician needs. Additionally, her usage of vernacular such as “indubitably” and “alas” is to be applauded.After my laughter had subsided, I turned the page to one of my favorite sections: The Police Blotter. There, I found many gems, including the bit about someone in the Brickyard “drumming without a permit” and the larceny of Pi Beta Phi’s beloved flowerpot. You can’t make this stuff up.I found Technician’s unexpected increase in quality and entertainment to be a change for the best. I appreciate a publication that is informative but also knows ****** to cater to its audience with humor. Bravo, Technician .
Grey BurnettSeniorBusiness Management
Meant to be shared An advertisement was published listing faculty who believe in Jesus Christ and hope you too will consider doing so. There is nothing in the nature of this ad that violates anyone. The ad did not say, ‘We believe in Jesus and you should, too; and if you don’t, you’ll fail my class.” The ad intended to share a gift with the campus population: Jesus loves you and He’d like for you to meet Him. There is no pressure, no force, no tyrannical tone to this ad. To those who felt discomfort from this ad, why do you feel uncomfortable? Are you uncomfortable knowing Christians work on campus? Are you uncomfortable that those listed have courage to publicly share their beliefs? Myriad religions are expressed on campus daily – does that make you feel uncomfortable? These professors are not forcing you to convert to Christianity or threatening you with a failing grade, and they certainly are not detracting from “diversity.” There are those who would rest easier if Christianity could be purged from this campus, from this world – they wouldn’t feel so “uncomfortable.” But Christianity is thriving despite efforts to subdue it. Christianity is meant to be shared, for it would be selfish to keep God’s grace a secret. So here it is: God loves you, he sent his son Jesus to die for you, and he’s waiting for you with open arms. I’ll be surprised if this response actually gets printed because it is probably not diverse enough for Technician.
Heather HuntSeniorMicrobiology
The difference sleep makes I really think it is critical that college students get at least eight hours of sleep per night to function properly in college and life. I get between 10 to 11 hours of sleep at night, which helps me to feel greatly refreshed and productive throughout the day. Students should never be too busy to get sleep. Constant sleep deprivation will lead to various problems such as severe irritability, decreased productivity in class, lethargy, and mini naps during the day. It really isn’t worth cutting back on sleep just to get more things done in life. Without sleep, those things we want to get done (such as working overtime and studying) will be done to such a poor extent that it won’t even be worth doing. Humans are meant to get sleep to refresh the energy for the following day. So I urge all students to draw up a new sleep schedule, and FOLLOW IT. It will make a dramatic positive difference in your life.
Praveen SriramSeniorAIS
