Opinion

Mar
30
2017
By Aumnibus Staff
DeVos Is In

DeVos Is In

Opinion
If one were to describe the nomination of Betsy DeVos to the position of Secretary of Education it could probably be summed up in one word: chaotic. Featuring an overnight protest on the floor by Senate Democrats, the defection of two Republican senators, President Trump’s choice for the position was eventually confirmed in one of the slimmest margins in history, with Vice President Mike Pence having to step in to cast the tie-breaking vote, a first for a cabinet appointee. DeVos has been a controversial pick, to say the least. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts had been a particularly vocal…
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Mar
21
2017
By Aumnibus Staff
“The 39 Steps” (Cloverdale Playhouse): Review

“The 39 Steps” (Cloverdale Playhouse): Review

Arts, Opinion
“Have you ever heard of the thirty-nine steps?” Anabella said. “What’s that? A pub?” Hannay said. If like Hannay you think “The 39 Steps” is a pub, then, you obviously missed the delightful tale of murder, espionage and comedy that played at Montgomery’s Cloverdale Playhouse in February. As a first-time audience member, I found the playhouse’s charming, comical production of John Barlow’s award-winning adaptation to be a warm introduction to Montgomery community theater. The play is based on John Buchan 1916’s novel and was introduced to the stage in 2006. Since then, it has been played in many theater stages…
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Mar
09
2017
By Aumnibus Staff
Trump to Repeal the Johnson Amendment

Trump to Repeal the Johnson Amendment

Opinion
Since its enactment in 1954, the Johnson Amendment has prevented tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations like churches and charities from participating in political campaigns. Organizations that violate the amendment have run the risk not only of losing their tax-exempt statuses, but also of having to pay taxes on items and services they already bought free of tax. Although it is widely known as an amendment, this restriction is actually a law. It was created by Lyndon Johnson—the Texan who assumed office when John Kennedy was assassinated—to prevent nonprofit organizations from promoting his running opponent in the next election. The Johnson law was…
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Feb
10
2017
By Aumnibus Staff
2017 Women’s March

2017 Women’s March

Opinion
The day after President Donald Trump was sworn into office an estimated 5 million protestors around the world joined together for the “Women’s March.” The January 21st marches were the largest political demonstrations since the anti-Vietnam war protests in the 1960s and 1970s.  The idea for the march originated partly as a reaction to the video footage from a 2005 Access Hollywood interview Trump participated in. “Grab ‘em by the pussy. You can do anything,” President Trump said to host Billy Bush. “I felt disrespected when he was elected. Why wouldn't I feel disrespected? My commander in chief thinks it's…
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Feb
04
2017
By Aumnibus Staff
Alabama Privacy Act

Alabama Privacy Act

Opinion
When North Carolina’s controversial bathroom bill was signed into law last year, the rights of transgender individuals came into the national spotlight. This move saw incredible backlash among businesses, celebrities and other states. The attention may soon shift to Alabama with the Alabama Privacy Act. This bill, set to be introduced by State Senator Phil Williams in February, claims that it will protect the privacy of customers while using bathrooms or changing facilities. While Williams stated the intention of the bill is preservation of privacy, it is being viewed as a threat to the rights of transgender individuals. The more…
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Jan
21
2017
By Aumnibus Staff
The Great Wall of Trump

The Great Wall of Trump

Opinion
Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump promised several times throughout his successful campaign that he would construct a large wall on the southern border of the United States. He used this message as a call to those who feel that their livelihoods have been impacted by the issue of illegal immigration. It is not unusual for presidential candidates to make promises they cannot fully hold up, and it seems that this may be the case for the border wall. From the beginning, this plan suffered much criticism based mainly on funding and general effectiveness; funding being the biggest issue as Trump…
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Dec
08
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
The Man Who Masters Film and Fashion

The Man Who Masters Film and Fashion

Arts, Opinion
Tom Ford is a world-renowned fashion designer who makes beautiful clothing that dresses the actors, actresses, singers and other notable people we see in the media. His art for designing fashion trends is not his only gift. Over the years, Ford has added film directing and screenwriting to his list of talents. (more…)
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Dec
06
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
You Are What You Eat

You Are What You Eat

Opinion
Since living on campus, I find myself eating out frequently. The café just doesn’t do it for me day in and day out. The more I have eaten out, the more I’ve noticed that I feel like it’s my only option whenever it’s time to eat. But spending a few bucks several times a week eventually adds up and takes a chunk out of my bank account. Also, it makes it a lot harder keeping off the freshman fifteen every year. (more…)
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Dec
01
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
Burn it to Earn it

Burn it to Earn it

Opinion, Sports
Classes, homework, extra-curricular activities and making time for family and friends can keep a student’s schedule pretty full. Making time to exercise may not be a priority during midterms and exams; however, it does serve to benefit the mind and body exponentially and could even boost those test scores. Michigan State University conducted a research that found a connection between exercise and higher GPAs, as reported by Medical Daily. The study even showed that those who had a gym membership were less likely to drop out of college. Joining a gym not only provided students with an opportunity to acquire…
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Oct
26
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
The Power of Essential Oils

The Power of Essential Oils

Opinion
If I told you that essential oils could improve your mental and physical health, you would probably think I was some sort of witch doctor or hippie. However, research shows that breathing in essential oils can put you in a better mood or keep you focused. When safely applied to wounds or sore muscles, the oils have healing effects. Essential oils are not the cure for mental and physical problems, but they can effectively relieve some of the symptoms. (more…)
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Oct
03
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
And the Emmy Goes to…

And the Emmy Goes to…

Arts, Opinion
On Sept. 18, the biggest stars from television came together to attend the 68th Emmy Awards. It was a night full of snubs, surprises and moving speeches. The event was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who made fun of the celebrities there and also used humor to bring attention to diversity in Hollywood. There are five categories that members of the Television Academy vote on—drama, limited series, comedy, reality and variety. Actors, actresses, directors, writers and even shows as a whole go up against each other in these to see who will come out on top. (more…)
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Sep
28
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
Colonial Pipeline Breach

Colonial Pipeline Breach

Opinion
A recent leak in the Colonial Pipeline, a major source of fuel that runs through Alabama, is impacting a large portion of the Southeast economically since it was first reported in early September. The situation first came to public attention when the breach in the line was reported on Sept. 9 by a CP employee who noticed a strong smell of fuel according to what the company reported. (more…)
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Jun
23
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
Let’s Taco ‘Bout It

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It

Arts, Opinion
What were you doing on Saturday, June 18? You could find me at Taco Libre. You’ve never heard of it? That’s because Taco Libre is the state of Alabama’s first ever taco festival! Do I even have to say anything else? For someone like me who has an unimaginable love for food, this is huge. (more…)
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Jun
01
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
Ron Crumpton’s Challenge

Ron Crumpton’s Challenge

Opinion
“If our next senator does anything aimed at helping the people of Alabama, it will be more than Senator Shelby has done,” said Ron Crumpton, who easily won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Crumpton will be facing five-term Sen. Richard Shelby in the general election this fall. (more…)
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May
26
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
What Are Your Plans?

What Are Your Plans?

Opinion
Many times in my life I have felt degraded because of my age, but currently I actually feel stereotyped. Some would say there is a specific phase in life to pursue a degree, marry and have children. Finishing up my fourth year in college, I am constantly being interrogated. What is your plan after college? Do you have a ring on your finger yet? Nearing college graduation, these are commonly-asked questions I can’t answer. As if finishing school is not stressful enough, I deal with the pressure of needing to answer these questions when asked. (more…)
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May
24
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
Fun-filled Saturdays on a Budget

Fun-filled Saturdays on a Budget

Arts, Opinion
Are you ever looking for fun, inexpensive ways to spend your weekend? If your wallet looks anything like mine, you are often in need of fun on a budget. For the affordable price of one dollar, you can spend the second Saturday of every month listening to a live performance and watching fireworks on the Riverfront. These events are creatively called “Second Saturdays”—that’s when they take place, from April to August-- and have been immensely popular since their debut in 2013. Second Saturdays have been free of charge until last year, when the city of Montgomery decided to charge a…
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May
23
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
The Wizard of Glow

The Wizard of Glow

Opinion
As the sun’s rays faded on the grounds of the Garrett Coliseum, the ultraviolet light bulbs flickered into existence and brought life to the mounds of foam being shot 20 feet into the air and onto an ecstatic and gyrating audience. Speakers on a nearby stage pumped out rhythmic pulses that seemed to send shockwaves through the crowd. Just to the side, vendors peddled their themed merchandise at elevated prices beneath white pop-up canopies. This was no ordinary 5K. It was a “Foam Glow 5k,” an event that seemed to focus more on the theatrics of glowing foam than on…
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May
12
2016
By Aumnibus Staff
What’s the Deal with Kratom?

What’s the Deal with Kratom?

Opinion
Have you noticed the increasing number of options there are at gas stations around Montgomery of what is typically branded as “5-Hour Energy shots?”  You can now find products like Viva Zen, K Chill and Vita Lize that are packaged in the same bottle with different labels at almost any convenience store throughout the city.  The ingredient in these products that has them flying off the shelves and creating controversy is Mitragynine Speciosa, which is found in the Kratom plant.  Kratom grows naturally in Southeast Asia and is a part of the coffee family.  It has been used in traditional…
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