Scrolling through social media platforms, society can be bombarded by posts encouraging body positivity for both men and women.  However, it is a lot easier to encourage body positivity than it is to actually embody it. For example, this February, Abercrombie & Fitch announced the launch of its new ad campaign called ‘Face You Fierce.’ The store that previously targeted only ‘attractive’ people has transitioned to targeting a new diverse and inclusive audience. Despite their … [Read more...]

Created by one of popular music’s most charismatic and vital figures, the 1975 album “Blood on the Tracks” helped to demolish all past preconceptions of Bob Dylan’s carefully crafted public image while hurtling him to the commercial forefront of music yet again. And it excels at making grown men (me) cry.    Before “Blood on the Tracks” became one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time, Dylan had to endure a long creative hiatus. It seemed that the bard of the ’60s was not … [Read more...]

According to the Wall Street Journal, the price of a Super Bowl commercial was five times more expensive in 2019 than it was in 1995. Today, for one company or brand to score a Super Bowl ad, they must pay upward of $5 million.  The three brands that typically own the most ad space during the Super Bowl are Anheuser-Busch InBev, Pepsico and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which means that these three brands are also contributing the most money toward the ads.  While the cost for a … [Read more...]

July 27, 1996: a day that shocked and stirred an entire nation. While millions of families huddled around their television screens to watch the Summer Olympics, a bomb had been planted in Centennial Park. Locating the bomb mere moments before it detonated, security officer Richard Jewell was able to save hundreds of lives. Jewell’s “hero” title quickly morphed into “villain” when he became a suspect in the FBI’s investigation. 24-hour media coverage of the investigation led to intense public … [Read more...]

By Aaron Hughey Getting better is not just a process—it is a journey. It is a thousand-piece puzzle that not even grandma can finish in a few days. Getting better takes a lifetime because we are constantly trying to become our best selves.  That is the goal, right? To be the best version of ourselves.  But what does it mean when we start going in circles? When we keep passing the same signs and avoiding the exits?  What does it mean when we circumvent any and every … [Read more...]

For the 2018-19 academic year, AU saw the largest freshman class it has seen in years. Thus, it came as a surprise and disappointment to many when the 2019-20 freshman enrollment numbers reflected a significant decline.  Perhaps none felt let down more than the numerous faculty and staff who were consequently terminated. Although the faculty affected by the layoffs had already signed onto 12-month contracts and will be paid through August of 2020, they will be out of jobs next … [Read more...]

By Addison Lavelle The immigration crisis in America is reaching new and profound lows. I do not accept the narrative that immigrants are a detriment to the American dream when, in fact, immigrants are the very reason that the United States of America exists in the first place.  I have listened to politicians discuss this topic with fiery rhetoric over the past four years and have shaken my head in disgust at the increasingly radical position taken by the far right on how we should … [Read more...]

By Chris Luhring Upon exiting the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1776, Benjamin Franklin was asked by passersby what government the framers had devised for the United States. He replied, A republic, if you can keep it.” I have frankly just passed off the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry as just another depressing chapter in the partisan warfare between an unorthodox President and an often-vindictive majority House of Representatives. However, it has become clear … [Read more...]

Rap sensation Kanye West’s transition from “I Am God” to “Jesus Is King” shocked the nation. In 2013, West released his album, “Yeezus” and encouraged people to call him by that name. A definite change has occured. Since the beginning of 2019, he’s spent every Sunday leading pop-up church services called “Sunday Service.” The service included worship led by him and others, along with prayer.  It became a social media sensation, and the talk of the release of “Jesus Is King” came soon … [Read more...]