iThink - mcall.com

Robert Fallstich: Allowing college students to have guns makes campus safer

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:01:37 GMT

There has been quite a bit of media coverage regarding changes to Kutztown University's weapons policy. Since the story broke last week, the university unintentionally placed itself at the center of the firearms debate. There has been quite a bit of rhetoric from both sides, but amid the words, we need to find the facts, and the administration needs to make decisions based on facts, not feelings.

Tyler Trumbauer: Cuts in education funds harm nation's future

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:37:57 GMT

What's your son's or daughter's favorite part of school?

Rebecca Tenaglia: Many 'leaders' emerge from the Boston Marathon tragedy

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:50:44 GMT

Sometimes the greatest examples of leadership stem from servant leadership in crisis situations. As I, like many others, took to social media moments after hearing news of the tragedy unfolding in Boston this week, I was overwhelmed by the sincere thoughts and concerns of many.

Alexander Sostarecz: Raise driving age to 18 when teens are more responsible

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:00:00 GMT

In the teenage life, everything is about freedom, getting away from home and being independent. Should there be a limit to this freedom?

Jacob Glass: U.S. has chance to strengthen ties with China

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:09:56 GMT

Last month, China's once-in-a-decade change in leadership was completed: Former Vice President Xi Jinping was named leader of the world's second largest economy. As U.S.-China relations continue to be characterized by mutual mistrust, further exacerbated by recent accusations of Chinese cyber warfare and currency manipulation, Henry Kissinger's call in "On China" for a forward-looking relationship rang all the more clear to me.

Daniel Amankwatia: Lift restrictions on Internet, cellphone use in schools

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:19:43 GMT

Our world revolves around technology. Today's teens highly regard technology for connecting to each other, entertainment and information. The Internet is one of the most powerful tools on earth. In 2011, according to webwisekids.org, 93 percent of teens went online and 63 percent accessed the Internet daily. It is evident that many teens take advantage of the easy access to the World Wide Web of possibilities. So why is its use discouraged in high schools?

Julian Mark: School must deal with disrespectful students

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:22:30 GMT

Most parents can tell their children that teachers were much stricter when they were growing up. However, practices such as corporal punishment and other effective measures for reprimanding students have slowly disappeared from American school systems.

Katie Mest: We spend too much time worrying about Lindsay Lohan

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:55:58 GMT

In today's society we find ourselves discussing a wide range of topics, notably celebrities. But why do we focus our attention on the drama of these well-known individuals? My generation needs to change its focus.

Augusta Mery: Cutting arts in schools will reduce creative thinking

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:43:57 GMT

As the daughter of an art teacher, I am well acquainted with the argument for the preservation of art education. The defense is noble and multifaceted. It is championed most passionately and dedicatedly.

Tyler Trumbauer: Allentown hockey arena will benefit region

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:37:00 GMT

Minor league sports are more than just athletic events. They are family entertainment. Franchises go above and beyond what is happening on the field to appeal to all members of a family, young and old. That strategy has been executed by multiple organizations, including the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Patricia Leeson: Consider adopting puppies from shelter

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:19:00 GMT

How about a sweet little puppy under the tree for the kids this year? Not so quick. Better check that list and check it twice about puppies as Christmas presents.

Courtney Buchanan: Lehigh University pavilion symbolizes a cultural link to China

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:31:57 GMT

Although it may not be apparent, Lehigh University has close connections with China, dating back to 1879 when the first students from that country enrolled at the school. Around that time, groups of Chinese youth were sent to the United States to learn the secrets of the West with a focus on technology.

After Hurricane Sandy, 'things cannot go back to normal overnight'

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:58:11 GMT

I never really think much about how much I love my clothes, books or shoes until I think about what it would be like to lose all of them. What if one day I came home and my house just wasn't there? No refrigerator to open up for a snack, no comfy sofa to snuggle up on and watch TV, no hot shower to take before bed. Nothing. As spoiled as it sounds, I am so used to my comfortable lifestyle that it is easy to forget not everyone has it so lucky.

Spencer H. Diamond: Romney loss won't deter my political activity

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:23:00 GMT

It was a feeling I had never felt before. My heart raced as every number flashed before my eyes, followed by a map colored red or blue. I have never been to the stock exchange, but this, I thought, must be what it feels like.

Emily Baxter: Young conservatives gaining a voice

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 22:28:00 GMT

As I walk around this Cedar Crest College campus, I feel lonely. I have an interest in something that most girls won't even think about, let alone care about. I listen to pop music, I play guitar, and I love to watch Mark Harmon solve another case on "NCIS." I could be mistaken for a regular college girl.

Emmaus students correct to fight book banning

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 21:57:00 GMT

I loved to read even before I could do so on my own. Story time was my favorite part of the elementary school day and visits to the library were much anticipated. Even now, I wish I had more time to spend with a good book. I will read almost anything: crime, romance, nonfiction; you name it, I have probably read it.

Cheerleading is a competitive sport, too

By Emi Gutgold, Special to The Morning Call — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:05:00 GMT

As summer winds down, the fall sports season is just getting started. Everyone loves an entertaining game of small-town football, field hockey, soccer and other competitive endeavors, and the Lehigh Valley is no exception. However, one thing in particular that deserves more recognition is the athleticism and dedication of high school cheerleaders. While, yes, once upon a time, cheerleaders often graced the sidelines simply for their pretty smiles and perky dance moves, cheerleading has evolved into quite the athletic competition.

Emi Gutgold: Cheerleading is a competitive sport too

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:12:00 GMT

Movie theater shooting shows need for stricter gun control

By Avery Maehrer, Special to The Morning Call — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Like many of my friends and relatives, I attended a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises." It's a film that I, like many others across the world, had been looking forward to since the second installment of the trilogy was released four years ago. The excitement I felt afterward quickly turned to horror as I learned about the mass killings in Aurora, Colo.

Aurora movie theater shooting shows need for stricter gun control

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:54:00 GMT

Like many of my friends and relatives, I attended a midnight screening of"The Dark Knight Rises."It's a film that I, like many others across the world, had been looking forward to since the second installment of the trilogy was released four years ago. The excitement I felt afterward quickly turned to horror as I learned about the mass killings in Aurora, Colo.

East Penn should reconsider busing decision

By Carly Muller, Special to The Morning Call — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:07:00 GMT

"Back in my day, I had to walk to and from school -- uphill both ways -- in 4 feet of snow with no shoes," my grandfather commonly jokes with my siblings and me. Luckily for us, we have not had to experience such a terrible (if not fictional and slightly exaggerated) daily walk to school since the East Penn School District has so kindly provided busing. Unfortunately for my two youngest brothers, ages 6 and 4, this privilege is about to end.

East Penn school officials should reconsider Willow Lane busing decision

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:09:00 GMT

"Back in my day, I had to walk to and from school — uphill both ways — in 4 feet of snow with no shoes," my grandfather commonly jokes with my siblings and me. Luckily for us, we have not had to experience such a terrible (if not fictional and slightly exaggerated) daily walk to school since the East Penn School District has so kindly provided busing. Unfortunately for my two youngest brothers, ages 6 and 4, this privilege is about to end.

Report can serve as a valuable lesson for Penn State students

By Ashley Loiseau, Special to The Morning Call — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 16:55:00 GMT

In November, as I was getting ready for class at Penn State, television news was stating that former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was arrested on allegations of sexually assaulting children on Penn State property.

Penn State students can use Freeh report as a valuable lesson

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 01:12:06 GMT

Stand up to goverment's attack on religion

By Maximus Ebert, Special to The Morning Call — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:58:00 GMT

The best definition of religious freedom I could find was on Wikipedia: "A principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and action."