By Julie Hirshan | jhirshan@flagler.edu

The Oscars selection process, like so many other things in life, isn’t fair.

Every year when the nominations come out, I am always surprised by which movies and actors have been nominated and which have been left out. I think that certain movies are deemed Oscar-worthy right from the start, while others are eliminated before they are even released.

Human rights violations too touchy for politicians to tackle

By Cal Colgan | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Last month, the nation watched as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States—and the first half-black president of this country. There were whispers of change, hope and prosperity among the students at Flagler after they watched the new president speak of facing difficult times together- not as Muslims, not as Christians, and not even as representatives of our various cultures- but simply as Americans.

Yet, as the saying goes, “The shadow of the past eclipses the future.” And although the shining light of “the audacity of hope” still resonates in the American psyche, the rest of the world has not forgotten the dark shadow cast by George W. Bush and his cronies.

Environmental issues pose a threat, yet few people understand their importance

By Haley M. Walker | hwalker@flagler.edu

I have always been a worrier. Things that would normally never shake anyone can usually send me spinning. Even insignificant events like forgetting to pay a bill on time, being late to class, not finishing a book or having unorganized notes are all sources of an embarrassing amount of fret to me. While I recognize that these little things do not affect everyone, I have become aware of a much more significant and wide-reaching situation that might become a shared worry to us all.

Facebook causes problems for non-traditional couples

By Julie Hirshan | jhirshan@flagler.edu

It seems that in today’s society, young people can be reluctant to define their roles when it comes to romantic partnerships. I haven’t had any psychological or sociological training in this area. I’ve gathered these thoughts from my own experience and observations of my friends, family members and acquaintances.

Photo contributed

Editor’s note: Lundyn Davis, a 2006 alumna who majored in political science, traveled to Washington D.C. for Obama’s inauguration.

By Lundyn Davis, ’06 | gargoyle@flagler.edu

I feel so privileged that I was able to attend the inauguration of President Barack Obama. The experience was one that I will never forget.

Understanding and appreciating every kind of celebration

By Julie Hirshan | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Every year, as the holidays approach, I always hear lots of people around campus talking about “Christmas break,” and organizing countless “Christmas parties” for their clubs and organizations, as well as among their groups of friends.

Each time I witness one of these politically incorrect statements, I try to casually interject that a more appropriate name might be “holiday party,” or that I am actually looking forward to “winter break.”

While a snowy holiday can be nice, some prefer a warm Winter

By Erica Eding | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The holiday season can be an argumentative time of year. I’ve seen customers confront store clerks when they wish them “happy holidays” instead of a “merry Christmas.” I know parents who refuse to lie to their children about Santa Claus, and see him as a symbol of greed and capitalism.

Personally, I’ve found something else to be offended by. What’s with the geographical discrimination? All this talk of snow ball fights, sleigh rides and Frosty the Snowman leaves us Floridians feeling left out.

Family traditions make celebrating holidays more meaningful

By Kelsey Flynn | gargoyle@flagler.edu

My favorite part of Christmas morning is running downstairs with my sister and waiting for my Dad to finish hiding “the pickle”.

Every year for as long as I can remember my family has had this tradition. My Mom grew up in a German area of Wisconsin and most of her friends had a pickle ornament that they would have to find in the Christmas tree. My mom wanted to be like her friends had her parents start this tradition and now mine does it as well. Pickle ornaments are not the easiest to find.

Eding discovers culture, challenges and beauty in Peru

By Erica Eding | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo contributed

You can usually predict what the most memorable part of a trip will be. When I left for the Peru study abroad in May, I knew that seeing Machu Picchu would be number one on my list. However, there were many other amazing moments that caught me by surprise.

We began by building clean-burning stoves in the rural village of Huatata. In the first house I worked on, we heard a strange squealing noise. It sounded like a guinea pig, or cuy, which in the Andes is a snack instead of a pet. We asked Wilbur, our host, if he had a cuy. “We have 25 cuy,” he exclaimed.

By Haley M. Walker | hwalker@flagler.edu

Gandhi once wrote “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” While these 10 words are now common in society’s book of trite quotations and are often printed on cards, mugs and bags, it has been my observation that we have not realized the weight that these words really have and the true intention and direction that they should carry. My revelation about the disregard for these words has recently emerged out of watching environmental activism become the latest trend, instead of the active revolution that it should be. Action and self participation is necessary for any major change to happen, and instead we are only wearing the change without living it ourselves.

Obama not qualified for president, McCain much more experienced

By Clay Coffman | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Becoming president of the United States is easy.

For example, all it takes are two requirements: Be a community organizer and serve in the Senate for four years. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But ask Barack Obama, because that’s what he’s done.

By Erica Eding | gargoyle@flagler.edu

One of Governor Sarah Palin’s main points during the vice-presidential debate was that she’s just an average American. I strongly disagree. I believe the average American is more qualified than Palin to be vice-president.

I’ll begin with Palin’s interview with Katie Couric, a journalist who’s known for her soft-news, morning-show style. Palin’s awkward silences and blank stares made Couric seem like an FBI interrogator.

Palin’s response to the bailout plan was so irrational and rambling that Saturday Night Live’s Tina Fey used Palin’s own words to mock her.

The ‘unlikely’ candidate raises the ‘standard’ and sets timely example

By Lindsey Williams | gargoyle@flagler.edu

There was once a time when it seemed impossible for an African-American man to capture the presidential nomination for an American political party. So much so that discussing the chances served no real purpose other than being a fun addition to the “what if” game. But today, before us, a black man stands ready to serve as this nation’s next president.

For years, blacks in this nation have stood circumspect of times to lead and times to follow. However, the option of following often seemed more feasible than that of leading. Or the option of defeat was chosen over the option of winning.

For too long have I bared witness to black men, in particular, anticipating this taste of defeat as opposed to reaching greater heights of success. I’m talking about dreams, hopes and ideas for a better life; ideas that are birthed in a nation where blacks have historically been laughed at for trying, punished for seeking change, and often gawked at for breaking the preconceived mold.

Finding history and home in Israel

By Julie Hirshan | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo Contributed

PHOTO CREDIT: Julie Hirshan went to Israel to explore her Jewish heritage. “We learned about life in Israel during World War II by visiting a concentration camp, the Holocaust museum and cemetery. I learned a lot about myself while I was there, and took away the knowledge that I am welcome back anytime.”

As I prepared to travel to Israel this summer, I had no idea what to expect.

I did my research and found out the basic information about the country. It’s the size of the state of New Jersey. It borders Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt.

While the country is primarily Jewish, it is also considered the holy land for the Christian and Muslim religions. The diverse landscape offers deserts, mountains, farmland, cities and rural communities. None of these facts prepared me for what I was about to experience.

I was with a group of 30 young Jewish people from all around the country.

By Kathy Novak | gargoyle@flagler.edu

I attend college classes all day, but afterwards I go back to high school.

This is because I coach an incredible young women’s lacrosse team at Pedro Menendez. I feel thankful to be involved with the youth of today and to be in touch with molding the future. It will be three years ago this January that I was asked to help be an assistance coach of the team.

I had just moved from Maryland, often called “The Land of Lacrosse,” to a state where half the people here didn’t even know how to spell it.

By Danielle Marsh | dmarsh1@flagler.edu

One of my favorite moments this summer has to be when my dad and I went to Busch Gardens. I know, you’re probably thinking, “How could she have possibly enjoyed a theme park with her father?” But seriously, it was amazing. There was so much that Busch Gardens had to offer to two very different people. The theme through out the park is consistent in its effort to bring a taste of Africa to Florida.

If you aren’t into roller coasters, like me, you will not be bored. There are so many other things the park has to offer that doesn’t require you to feel like your stomach is about to come out of your mouth.