Opinion

Beauty pageant contestants endure huge challenges with every contest

By Mary Elizabeth Fair | gargoyle@flagler.edu

In February of 2006, I chose to participate in a preliminary pageant for Miss Mississippi.
I had taken part in pageants before but this particular pageant took more of my time and effort than all the others.

My reasons for choosing to participate were partially influenced by the scholarship money which was being offered, but I was mainly motivated by the fact that I wanted to challenge myself.

Myanmar monks step up and speak out against unjust military junta

By Haley M. Walker | gargoyle@flagler.edu

What have we come to when even the most peaceful people in the world begin fighting?

In an attempt to demonstrate their opposition to the country’s economic and political repression that the military junta has been the source of, the monks of Myanmar have begun to participate in severe uprisings and protests.

This issue is particularly noteworthy, not only because repression and killings are occurring, but also because the monks have begun to show just how serious the injustices of the government’s choices and actions may be in this country by ignoring their vows of peace.

By Julie Hirshan | gargoyle@flagler.edu

“I could really use a vacation!”

That’s a phrase heard quite often this time of year. Most students go through classes all winter, with the hope of spring vacation as their guiding light and something to look forward to.

But not students at Flagler College.

We work hard, and the only thing we have to show for it is a four-day weekend in March. That’s only two days of canceled classes, which is barely enough time to do anything.

Marketing studies show colors have powerful psychological effects

By Haley M. Walker | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Although it is one of the most basic things learned in Kindergarten, colors may have more meaning and symbolism than previously thought.

The psychology, emotions and connotations behind color are at the center of a number of significant studies. Different colors have been found to be in correlation with our true thoughts, sentiments and character.

In response to the knowledge of this fact, marketers have begun studying the science behind colors and the ways they can reach the consumer through them.

By Kerry Takach | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Everyone fakes it.

What’s the harm in faking, you ask? It makes you a liar. However, not every fake is a bad one. Personally, dyed hair, whitened teeth and silicone do not particularly bother me.

Lying to parents is also acceptable when being caught in a compromising position — just don’t forget which lie you used. It is when certain types of insincerity cause undue harm to the victim that I have a bone to pick.

Filmed ‘Bumfights’ shows the inhumane side of viral video trends

By Haley M. Walker | gargoyle@flagler.edu

I know that the Internet is a great apparatus for information, research and communication. I know this because I use it for each of those things often.

However, I think that I have been incredibly naïve to the fact that this instrument that we use every day can be used as a medium to display some of the most barbaric and inhumane portraits of society today.

Recently, I have been made aware of something called “Bumfights” on the Web, and I feel like it was noteworthy and berserk enough to share with you.

Hopefully, you will be as disgusted as I am by this so called “trend.”

By Danielle Marsh | dmarsh1@flagler.edu

Roommates. You either hit the jackpot, or wake up to find out someone has given you a new hair style. I have personally been blessed to have the roommate I do.

Despite the fact she is from the U.S. Virgin Islands, we have a lot in common, especially our taste for adventure and sick sense of humor.

We have had so many adventures together, there is no way of putting a number to it. Let’s just say in the past two years we have done so many insane things, even Britney would step back and gasp.

By Brittany Hackett | bhackett@flagler.edu

It’s no big secret that college students will procrastinate like it’s their job.

In my four years at Flagler, I have said, “I’ll do it later,” more times than can be counted, and I don’t think I’ve ever written a paper before the night before it was due (sorry to all my professors who thought I was a better student than that).

Some would say it’s apathy, others might call it laziness, but I argue there’s just too much else to do. My time cannot be wasted by being productive, that would just be too logical.

So, instead of working on assignments for class I’m going to help all of you out there be as un-productive as possible with my “Top Ten Ways to Procrastinate.” You know you’re psyched.

By Jeffrey Mensch | gargoyle@flagler.edu

A mass e-mail was recently sent out to all students with a headline reading: “While it may seem an accepted practice here in Florida for passengers to ride in the bed of pickup trucks it is illegal.”

It turns out you can ride in the back of a pick-up as much as your heart desires.

There is no actual written law in Florida stating it is illegal.

By Rosanna Gill | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Upon my arrival at Flagler College, there were so many things to see and experience. The college is full of history and the city is beautiful.

But somewhere between my acclimation to Flagler and my tours of St. Augustine, the other side of downtown showed itself — the darker, less ornate side of the city.

It lurks in darkened areas, sleeps on park benches and has no qualms with crossing the bounds of personal space.

My first encounter with this less attractive aspect of St. Augustine was one night after work when I still lived in the dorms.