Let's Call the Whole Thing Off!!!

by Ray Buffington, editor-in-chief

What is truly “politically incorrect”?

If a group of people look down on a particular word as “socially unacceptable,” yet you use that word to describe something that fits the characteristics and definition of the word exactly, are you “politically incorrect” for using the seemingly distasteful word?

In most circumstances, I would agree with the “politically incorrect” side, scolding the naughty mouth for uttering such insults and breaking the comfortable norm of things. But in those circumstances, the “politically incorrect” person used the word incorrectly. His or her ignorance revealed their lack of knowledge, making him or her look like a fool for not knowing the definition or meaning of the word they so freely slung around.

Can You Hear Me Now?

by Christopher Byram, opinion editor

I’m not a very good opinion writer, and I can’t really be considered much of an opinion editor, either.

I don’t usually write about anything of much consequence. Most of my articles are full of pomp and self-righteous idealism that ultimately goes nowhere. I don’t enjoy writing about things that don’t have any real purpose behind them, but that’s not really any of your business. So far, this article doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, either, but that’s entirely alright because this particular article does have a point. It’s even relevant.

I’m going to take my time getting to that point, however, simply because sometimes that’s just the way things are. I’ve still got at least 70 more words to get through before any of this starts tying together. It’s coming, just stay with me.

Bushwacked: Supporters Continue to Ignore Facts

by Cody Flores, staff writer

Never mind the increased national debt, the 43 million Americans without health insurance, and the invasion of a country that had absolutely nothing to do with Sept. 11, our president is still one heck of a guy right?

George W. Bush supporters all say the same thing, “He is a good successful leader and isn’t afraid to make decisions.” Well, that’s true. He does make decisions, but the problem is that sometimes he makes decisions without thinking them through. And if he is so successful, how would you define failure? It seems like everything he does creates a problem, and people are finally starting to realize it.

Responding to Action

by Kevin L. Mayer, staff writer

Society in general pushes each individual to achieve certain goals and succeed in every action of his or her life. The public persona of acting on one's morals and values is a genetic human trait and has always been a part of our evolution. So if acting to achieve is expected, why such negative response to any action?

We push each other and ourselves through life, but no matter what may be accomplished or achieved, some will view those actions as negative or possibly inferior. Now you may be thinking, not all achievements can be viewed in a negative light; there must be some actions that have no possible negative view. Well, you would be wrong. Think about it. Everyone has an opinion, and not every opinion is the same as the other. We landed on the moon… or did we? No matter what, some in society are always going to disagree. But recently, it has been done with such curt intolerance.

Picture Perfect

by Rebecca Smith, staff writer

“Take a glimpse in the mirror, just one more time. This time from the side. Maybe you’ll look a little thinner or prettier.”

It’s that little voice again in the back of the mind telling everyone what he or she should look like. The voice seems to stay there so long that reality becomes blurry. All they think of is one issue: never being equal to the precise image they have envisioned in their brain.

This ridiculous description sounds almost funny when it’s looked at from a different point of view. However, it is not seen at all as silly when such a tiny voice can make a gigantic impact on everything that person does.

School is Out for Spade

by Jordan Williams, staff writer

After 77 Years a Historical School System Bids Farewell

On May 28, 2004, I walked across the stage to accept my high school diploma. Five people graduated from Spade School that night, the smallest class in the 75-year existence of the Spade Independent School.

Riding in Cars with Boys

by Jordan Williams, staff writer

Recently, I embarked on an adventurous trip along with four other young women to the crazy city of Austin.

The weekend was set to be filled with hot musicians, sight-seeing, and Urban Outfitters.

As with anything, something is bound to happen and change everything that was planned. First , a foreshadowing of an interesting trip, I find out that I need to be back on Saturday, when everyone else was planning on coming back Sunday. I was not even going to be able to go on the trip. Well, a few things got worked out, and I was able to leave as planned.

We the Uninsured People

by Jordan Williams, staff writer

How does someone without insurance pay for medical expenses these days?

As one of the unlucky uninsured, when I think about how much it costs for prescriptions and doctor's visits, I find it more than a little daunting. Without insurance, it is nearly impossible for a person making an average salary to pay for these things.

Myspace, Lame Space

by Margot Gonzales, staff writer

Friends, new messages, new comments, new friend requests. 

All these are what most of us look forward to seeing every time we get online. Right off the bat most of us would know exactly what I was talking about in the first sentence.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I realize how extremely lame Myspace is, but how come we all still have an account?

The famous Tom Anderson (yeah, that’s the guy who is everyone’s friend) was smart enough to combine a couple of good looking kids and some really smart kids to get this site started.  What I still don’t understand is why he did it. But I can’t say I’m mad he did.  I mean shouldn’t we give thanks to this innovator for creating something that brings us together?

Metal Music 101

by Desiree Mendez, staff writer

Listen up all you so called metal heads!!!!  Today’s lesson is going to teach what metal is and what is not. So sit down and pay attention, as  you could be quizzed later.            

Don’t you hate it when you’re at a concert and there’s that one idiot jumping around and dancing like he’s being attacked by killer bees?  Well there’s a name for this type of idiot it is “poser.” A poser is a guy who tries to act hard but really doesn’t know anything about what they are trying to be.   You will learn today how not to be that guy and if you are that guy, I would strongly suggest that you stay away from the mosh pit.

Mixing up Morals: Cocktail Hour is Over

by Brook Heald, staff writer

I found that after living with five roommates who are of college age or attend college that we have lost all sense of our morals.

I remember when I was young and saw my granddad smoking. I’d cringe in disgust. Now, I smoke. Or when I heard my dad saying horrible words to my mother, I promised myself I would never let them come out of my mouth. Now, I say all those horrible words for fun at least 20-30 times a day.

I'll Take it Plain Please

by Brandye Huggs, staff writer

I have strange eating habits.

I know this, my family knows this, and my friends even know this. The problem is, no matter how many times I tell a food server how I would like my food, or not like it in my case, it almost always come out wrong.

Federal Emergency Mis-Management Agency

by Arthur Garcia, staff writer

There is no doubt that Hurricane Katrina was a staggering blow to our country. 

Hundreds of lives were lost, property was destroyed, and the Gulf Coast will forever be scarred. Throughout the days that followed Katrina’s initial landfall, there are no words to describe the images being transmitted through our televisions. People trapped on their own roofs, bodies floating along the street, and infants with a look of near emaciation. 

Of course, I was horrified and concerned along with everyone else; however, another emotion arose of equal importance to me. Anger. 

Date Rape: It Can Happen to You

by Debra Guerrero, staff writer

Being raped by someone you know is not only a violation of your body, it’s a violation of your trust.

Sadly, most rape victims fall between the age of 16 and25, and most know their attackers before the rape. There are two classified types of rape, stranger rape and acquaintance rape. Stranger rape is nonconsensual sex between two individuals who did not know each other before the sexual act. Acquaintance rape is nonconsensual sex between two individuals who did know each other before the sexual act.

Manners Matter

by Amelia Gonzales, staff writer

What will happen when the world stops saying thank you? Maybe for some it simply will not matter. Well, to me it does. I grew up knowing that manners are a necessity for living in this world. Even when I do not mean it, I say thank you. Maybe that is wrong, but hey I’m being nice while I’m wrong. I think that counts for something.

Cheating: A Game that Can't Be Won

by Omar Ojeda, staff writer

Cheating. What’s your definition? When it comes to the type that deals with adulterous acts of unfaithfulness to one’s significant other, relationships are ruined and people build emotional stress.

Different Place, Different Time, Different Person

by Jennifer Conlee, co-news editor

I’ve noticed in the past few weeks that people are not always the way that they seem to be. 

Some of my friends from high school have done a complete turn around from how they used to be.  One in particular used to be all sweet and innocent, and now she is wilder and more uninhibited than she used to be.

Life's Not a Beach: TV "OC" Washed Away by Real OC

by Debra Guerrero, staff writer

Although I enjoy watching the latest television show, “The OC,” it does not convey how the people of Orange County really live.