Society today is globally interconnected, where ideas and technology can be shared across the globe almost instantly with the push of a button. At the heart of this constant technological exchange is a device that has spread to six continents and every country on the map – cell phones. Most phones are able to easily fit into pockets or handbags, and the ability to share information almost instantly has become very important. However, most students have taken the technology far beyond their original purpose; so one must pose the question, do people really need these pocket-sized distractions?

It is no secret that the rodeo culture is still very much alive and well, especially in Texas. With youth moving toward a technical society, students who still take an active part in these agricultural activities are harder to come by. However, Sophomore Tristen Sisson participates in showing livestock, and he recently added an impressive [...]

When pushed to the limits of their abilities, many students would simply give up and walk away. Junior Michael Cadena is not like most students. When faced with a challenge, he pushes himself as hard as he can, and then a little harder. Michael is active in several sports, including football, wrestling, and track, and while he does well in all, he excels in arguably the hardest of all – powerlifting. Michael is one of the best powerlifters on campus, as well as the state.

As more mass shootings take place in America, the topic of gun control becomes more prevalent with the public. In response, President Barack Obama has recently made a controversial proposal to congress regarding the nation’s gun control laws aimed at the nations weapons holders. Now, more than ever, it is critical that citizens are familiar with the second amendment. As a free nation, we must realize that we cannot blame the masses for the acts of the few.

Music is considered a universal language, a force that is meant to bring people together in celebration of common achievements. Then there is the hit song Gangnam Style. Like it or not, most have heard the trademark beat of Korean Pop single PSY’s hit, and wondered what exactly the lyrics mean. So is this just a passing craze, or will Gangnam Style remain in popular culture for years to come?

Last year the school board instituted a zero tolerance technology program on campus. Typing school reports during lunch and texting were both seen as unacceptable and disruptive to the learning environment. Most students were left scratching their heads as to how these two acts could be grouped under the same category of activity. One was quite obviously disruptive and disrespectful, but the other was clearly a positive attempt to get ahead on their studies.

President Obama has recently outlined a plan to withdraw the majority of United States forces out of Iraq and Afghanistan by December 2012, which would leave only a small amount of soldiers behind to maintain order in the Middle East.