I have always found it strange that one of the pivotal holy days of a religion that promotes denial of self, charity and universal hope has come to take on such a profoundly materialistic character. People have always given gifts and shopped at market during Advent, the time leading up to Christmas, but it is… Continue reading Cancel conspicuous capitalism this Christmas
Category: Viewpoints
Health care industry in West TN still on life support
In past issues of The Pacer, we have highlighted the shortage of hospitals and emergency medical services in several rural West Tennessee counties. In addition to Haywood, McKenzie and McNairy counties no longer having such services, a recent closure of a medical center in Humbolt dating back to Oct. 25 has left Gibson County with… Continue reading Health care industry in West TN still on life support
Animal or plant agriculture: which is better for the environment?
Sorry farmers, but agriculture is not good for our environment. Sorry farmers, but agriculture of any form is not good for the environment. Whether it’s occupied by hog barns, pastures, or peanut fields, land taken up by agriculture takes away from healthy ecosystems. They both leak chemicals and wastes into the ground, are substantial greenhouse… Continue reading Animal or plant agriculture: which is better for the environment?
In the face of unexpected dangers, don’t take unnecessary risks
Whether it’s sudden winter weather or the recent series of shootings, this past week has had no shortage of unexpected dangers for students, especially commuters, to deal with. Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, a snowstorm had Weakley County, as well as some of the surrounding counties, calling off school. While it was a break… Continue reading In the face of unexpected dangers, don’t take unnecessary risks
Thanksgiving channels a perspective of gratitude
Thanksgiving is a holiday simultaneously beloved, ignored and held in contempt. For many, it is an occasion to gorge oneself on sweet, succulent turkey, a meat that, for one, can and should be enjoyed year-round, but also a dish that wasn’t even served at the First Thanksgiving. For others, Thanksgiving is that holiday sandwiched between… Continue reading Thanksgiving channels a perspective of gratitude
Some advice on advising: do your research, be prepared
With the semester winding to an end and finals just around the corner, students are growing eager to head home for the holidays. Before heading home for Thanksgiving, make sure you have contacted your advisor to schedule an appointment. The majority of us are all too familiar with the process by now, but if you’re… Continue reading Some advice on advising: do your research, be prepared
Dual enrollment not an obstacle to student success
Dual enrollment courses offer incoming freshmen the opportunity to begin their college education with a few credits out of the way. This is an easy way for freshmen to complete general education requirements early on so they can begin taking courses for their chosen major when they get to college. Dual enrollment courses offer incoming… Continue reading Dual enrollment not an obstacle to student success
UTM prepared to train future farmers
What skills does the Agriculture industry need from its employees? What skills does the Agriculture industry need from its employees? In short: more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the agriculture industry will need nearly 60,000 college graduates to fill new roles by 2020—and only 61% of… Continue reading UTM prepared to train future farmers
American news would benefit from a local focus
The news business of 2019 is a far cry from the news business of 1919. The news business of 2019 is a far cry from the news business of 1919. There has been some unquestionable progress in the industry. For example, the days of the Hursts and the Pulitzers are behind us (although some may… Continue reading American news would benefit from a local focus
For success in college: stay aware of your own mental health needs
Starting college is an exciting time. You will meet people who will be your best friends long after you graduate; you will learn concepts that completely change how you see the world; some of us will even meet the love of our lives and marry them. While this is an exciting time for many, there… Continue reading For success in college: stay aware of your own mental health needs