Pay-for-parking plan may backfire, send OU spiraling down
Written by Joseph Bernt
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 22:45
So Associate Vice President for Facilities Harry Wyatt wants to grab $518,625 from faculty and staff salaries by charging $150 to $325 to hunt for nonexistent parking.
Why do this? To, as Harry asserted, “maintain a pedestrian-friendly campus and to improve our carbon footprint.” Harry should think twice about his scheme.
Faculty can be saved at OU if everyone shares the pain
Written by Lorie LaPierre, Ph.D.
Monday, 15 March 2010 00:27
Like many, over the last few weeks I have been amazed at the budget information presented at the budget and FutureOU forums, printed in The Athens NEWS and The Post, and most recently, presented at the first AAUP meeting that I’ve ever attended. As you all know, these current and future cuts will mean the demise of this university. This is not speculation; this is a fact.
Burr Oak mining agreement is better than alternative
Written by Phil Cantino
Monday, 15 March 2010 00:22
I am responding to Ryan Dilworth’s letter (The NEWS, March 8) decrying Rep. Debbie Phillips’ vote to permit the construction of a coal conveyer system under Burr Oak State Park. Like Mr. Dilworth, I care deeply about the natural beauty and environmental integrity of our region. In the past, I have repeatedly spoken out against legislative proposals that would have permitted gas and oil drilling in state parks.
8 Things about the Tea Party Movement most people don’t know
Written by Chris Littleton
Thursday, 11 March 2010 03:16
1. What is a Tea Party?
A group of people who come together, just like the original Boston Tea Party, to protest problems in government.
In the winter/spring of 2009, people held rallies or “tea parties” throughout the United States. Organizations were formed to host these rallies and have continued to evolve ever since.
Editor misstated character & background of Tea Parties
Written by Jack Lundberg
Sunday, 07 March 2010 23:37
I respond to Terry Smith’s op-ed (Athens NEWS, Feb. 25), wherein he mistakenly attributes a number of distasteful behaviors and associations to members of the Tea Party. It is abundantly clear he has not attended even a single Tea Party event but rather, seems to have relied entirely upon “reporting” of these events by traditional (read: mainstream) media outlets to form his opinions and views.
Press advances OU’s core mission; don’t let it die
Written by Betty Hollow
Thursday, 04 March 2010 01:48
For four years I had the privilege of working with the staff of Ohio University Press to produce “Ohio University, The Spirit of a Singular Place,” a book commemorating the University’s 200th anniversary. During that time I began to see that, for audiences around the world, OUP is the university’s most visible face and the face that most widely represents its commitment to scholarship and creative activity.
Budget is forcing Campus Rec. to make hard decisions
Written by Douglas S. Franklin
Thursday, 04 March 2010 01:41
Editor’s note: The author is assistant dean of recreation and wellness and executive director of the Division of Campus Recreation at Ohio University.
The recent Athens NEWS article “Students Crowd Baker Center to Discuss (Budget) Topic,” provided incorrect information regarding the proposed pay-for-play fee to support Ohio University’s Division of Campus Recreation. The article stated that “Intercollegiate Athletics was a hot topic of discussion” and then quoted me as saying “ICA is looking at several options to cut its expenditures and enhance revenues.”
Student Senate is right to rethink women-only march
Written by Molly Shea
Sunday, 21 February 2010 23:38
As a woman, and as a feminist, I was incredibly pleased to read in this past Wednesday’s Post article that this year’s Student Senate is open to discussing a more inclusive Take Back the Night here at Ohio University. While I was unable to attend Wednesday night’s Senate meeting, where the topic was an item for discussion, I can only assume the conversation was productive and allowed for open communication on the topic.
Think about your food choices and you might be surprised
Written by Matthew J. Box
Sunday, 21 February 2010 23:25
It’s lunchtime and, like millions of American convenience-eaters, I’ll leave my desk and grab a cheap meal prepared in about as long as it takes to walk the half block to the place where I’ll eat it. The portions will be (dangerously) generous, and I won’t have dishes to do. We eat like this day after day, month after month, and we don’t think twice about it.
But, what happens when we do think about where, how and what we eat?
Local music club honors beloved choir director in a Valentine’s fundraising event
Written by Elizabeth Godke Koonce
Thursday, 11 February 2010 00:29
Anyone who knew Vera Smith knew that she possessed endless enthusiasm, a generous giving spirit and a passion for music. This especially applies to those with whom she sang. Vera, a choir director with seemingly boundless energy, served 20 years as the choir director for Athens Middle and High schools, over five years as the choir director at the First Christian Church and various stints as director of The Ohio Honors Chorale.
With all my ‘heart & soul,’ I cherish ‘Mischief’ memories
Thursday, 11 February 2010 00:22
Wow! 25 years since the release of “Heart and Soul” – well actually “Mischief.”
It is difficult not to look back, especially when something is a landmark in your life. What made me first think about this was that this past year my friend Cathy Stewart was commemorating the 25th anniversary of her films “The Last Starfighter” and “Night of the Comet.” My thought was “Wow, ‘Mischief’ was released right after that, so its anniversary is coming up soon.”
Curb-cut: The path to boondoggles, money pits and wasteful tool autonomy
Written by Todd Swearingen
Thursday, 04 February 2010 10:24
It’s disappointing to see the Ohio University brass continually pitch for the Bobcat Lane curb cut into Richland Avenue. But then that’s what brass do – continually pitch and frequently disappoint.
Not only are the arguments in favor of doing so extremely weak and wreathed in smoke; the cut would undermine the safety of those whom they’re charged to protect.
Among life’s small frustrations: What you hear while you wait
Written by Ed Safranek
Thursday, 04 February 2010 00:37
Among the great frustrations of modern life, few rank as high as trying to reach a customer service representative for any of the various corporate or public entities that provide the amenities we enjoy in the 21st century. Our lives seem to evaporate before us as we wait patiently or otherwise for a live person to come to the phone. While we are waiting, of course, the company or public enterprise one is trying to contact has an automated voice droning on about other services they provide or ways to reach them via the Internet. Why they assume a customer, knowing he will face obstacles in his search for a solution via telephone, has not already tried all other options is beyond me. As for the alternative services, one announcement would be sufficient, but they must go on and on, repeating the message over and over until the live person arrives. We know how long that takes.
OU’s proposed schedule change will widen town-gown divide
Thursday, 04 February 2010 00:33
By Lenny Meyer
We are told throughout the campus of Ohio University that we live in an interconnected world where the health and well-being of one area impacts that of the other. I believe that. I believe that the same is true of the relationship between OU and the Athens community. I have often thought of this relationship as symbiotic, one in which neither could exist without the other. I have resisted those who make harsh judgments about one side or the other in the town-gown debate. In fact I have often defended OU because of what it has given to me and also because of the many great people who work there. I have always loved what the university provides for this beautiful part of Ohio.