Opinion

Adopting vs. Shopping- Does It Really Matter?

Adopting vs. Shopping- Does It Really Matter?

BY: Savanna Pruitt According to the Humane Society of the United States, nearly 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year. It sounds like there are plenty of pets who need good homes to go around, right?  According to data from the same report, only 1.6 million dogs are adopted from those shelters each year. That number seems great, and it is definitely nothing to sneeze at. However, we have to consider what happens to the rest of the animals who don’t get adopted. Unfortunately, approximately 670,000 dogs of the remaining 1.7 million are euthanized annually, and 1.1 million…
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College Is Hard- College During a Global Pandemic is Harder

College Is Hard- College During a Global Pandemic is Harder

BY: Savanna Pruitt COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of Americans nationwide, and college students are no exception. The pandemic’s effect on enrollment rates and the college experience as a whole is unprecedented. Enrollment and Graduation Rates According to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, overall undergraduate enrollment is down an average 4.4 percent as of November 2020. While national high school graduation rates stayed relatively the same for the 2019-2020 school year, the number of high school graduates who enrolled in college for the Fall 2020 semester dropped by 21.7 percent from 2019. The same report…
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No Gym, No Problem

No Gym, No Problem

BY: Hannah Long Since the COVID-19 outbreak, people’s lives have changed drastically. Before this pandemic, life seemed to be running smoothly. The classes were all in person, masks were not a thing and gyms were open to all. The Auburn University of Montgomery Wellness Center is a beautiful building that sits right off the road for everyone in Montgomery to see. Students, faculty and those with memberships all share this building, working out right beside one another. COVID-19 has changed the way this facility runs and has brought some frustration to frequent goers. Previously, you could visit the Wellness Center…
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Super Bowl LV Pre-Game Breakdown

Super Bowl LV Pre-Game Breakdown

BY: Randy Dunn When it comes to the NFL, the Super Bowl is the pinnacle of all games. This year, we are seeing two familiar faces take the field to win a ring. We have  Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5), led by six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. The difference in this year's game is that the Bucs will be hosting for the fifth time in team history, and this will be their third time inside of Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.  This game will decide one of two things:…
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The Finals Stretch

The Finals Stretch

BY: Jessica Alldredge Dear AUM student,  Here we are in the last few weeks of classes. This year has been difficult in every capacity. Between Covid-19, school changing drastically, and issues with work or loved ones, everyone has faced something this year that has affected them. But here we are, with two months left in the year. For better or worse— we made it.As we go into finals, be sure to take care of yourself. Take the time to step back and reflect on how you’re doing. Check-in with yourself and track your mental health. This year hasn’t been easy.…
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How to Dispute a Grade in the Era of Virtual Learning

How to Dispute a Grade in the Era of Virtual Learning

BY: Jessica Alldredge Virtual learning has thrown many curve balls at students this year. Professors are learning how to adapt, students are learning how to manage and internet companies are learning how to keep up. We’re all learning together.  Unfortunately, one thing that falls to the wayside is personal interaction where you can talk to your professor face-to-face, mask or no mask. While some colleges still have very large class sizes, some classes at AUM have the luxury of having small class sizes. With this being the case, it’s easier to create that relationship with your professor at AUM than…
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Parler App Rises in Popularity as Twitter Alternative

Parler App Rises in Popularity as Twitter Alternative

BY: Evan Justice Parler, a micro-blogging social media service, has become the top trending app in both the Google Play and Apple Stores following the 2020 presidential election.   Parler has become very popular among conservatives who feel their voices are being silenced by large social media companies that allow liberal users to say whatever they want without any kind of repercussions. Described as a social media app that doesn’t limit free speech, Parler does not have the same restrictions on speech as Facebook and Twitter do. Because of this, many have labeled Parler as an echo chamber that could allow…
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Mental Health and the Holidays

Mental Health and the Holidays

BY: Jayla Brown The holidays are coming up quickly, and while many are rejoicing for this time of year, some are not. Many people around the world have admitted that the holidays are not exactly the best time of year for their mental health. Whether it be problems with family, friends, or just life, it is very common for stress and depression to dampen your holiday mood. A survey by the American Psychological Association showed that thirty-eight percent of people said their stress level increased during the holiday season. Here are four things you can do this holiday season to…
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Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek Dies at 80

Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek Dies at 80

BY: Evan Justice On November 7th, 2020, the official Jeopardy Twitter account announced that Jeopardy’s longtime host Alex Trebek died at 80 years old.  Although the cause of Trebek’s death was not immediately announced, many speculated it may be related to his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Trebek first announced his diagnosis on March 6, 2019, through a video posted on the official Jeopardy YouTube and Twitter accounts. Trebek stated in the video that he wanted to be the one to announce his diagnosis. Trebek stated, “It’s in keeping with my long-term policy of being open and transparent with…
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What We Know Now: Advice to AUM Freshmen

What We Know Now: Advice to AUM Freshmen

BY: Jessica Alldredge Starting a new experience is daunting. Becoming familiar with a new place and a new routine can be frustrating. Sometimes, it turns out that we look back and say, “I wish I had known that when I went through it the first time.” When it feels like you’re the only person going through this experience, you may not be sure what to do, how to prepare, or who to turn to.  Being a freshman at AUM is no different. Sure, it’s a small school, and it’s not hard to get from one side of the campus to…
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Is Spring Break Cancelled for AUM?

Is Spring Break Cancelled for AUM?

BY: Evan Justice Throughout the past few weeks, many colleges across the country have decided to cancel their spring breaks for the Spring 2021 semester. Recently, the University of Alabama and the University of South Alabama have decided to cancel their spring breaks as well.  In order to compensate for the loss of spring break, both universities decided they will begin their upcoming spring semester one week later. Although both campuses required students to test for the Coronavirus before returning to campus, no such requirement was included in either campus announcements for their plans for the upcoming spring semester. Image…
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Don’t Forget to Be Grateful

Don’t Forget to Be Grateful

BY: Jessica Alldredge We have two months left in the year 2020. We’re so close to it being over. This year has brought a lot of challenges, changes and complications. It’s easy to be upset or think negatively about how difficult this year has been for everyone.While those issues shouldn’t be brushed aside, it’s important to take a moment to stop and think about the good things we can be thankful for. Even if you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s still a good practice to take the time to notice the little things and the big things that help make life…
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The Haunting of Bly Manor: A Review

The Haunting of Bly Manor: A Review

BY: Jessica Alldredge The Haunting of Bly Manor debuted as a Netflix Original on October 9. This much-anticipated sister series to The Haunting of Hill House was an absolute delight. Whether you just like well written and directed television shows or if you’re a horror fan, there’s truly something for everyone involved in this installment of The Haunting anthology. The creator of the show, Mike Flannagan, gives the audience a mystery to be solved and keeps viewers guessing at every turn. The colors, the camera angles, and the little things that the characters do provide little easter eggs that will…
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Movie Theaters Forced to Close For the Second Time

Movie Theaters Forced to Close For the Second Time

BY: Evan Justice Despite some cites loosening their COVID-19 restrictions, many movie theaters are still struggling to stay open.  Photo of a Regal Movie Theatre provided by Deadline.com. Recently, Regal Cinemas announced that it would shut down more than 7,000 movie screens across its 536 locations in the United States due to financial concerns. Despite being the second-largest film distributor in the United States, Regal was forced to close its doors for the second time less than two months after reopening. The move to reclose came after it was announced that the next installment in the James Bond franchise, entitled…
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Classic Horror Films to Watch to Get Ready For Halloween

Classic Horror Films to Watch to Get Ready For Halloween

BY: Jessica Alldredge If you’re not into movies, or into horror, then you might not give this article a second thought. But if you’ve had a change of heart and you want to know where to start when it comes to horror movie classics, look no further. This list has got you covered.Here are some classic horror movies that are perfect for a Friday night when you want to sleep with your lights on and startle awake at every weird sound your house makes. All of these movies are available on iTunes to rent right now, so you can get…
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Grey’s Anatomy Tackles COVID-19

Grey’s Anatomy Tackles COVID-19

BY: Jayla Brown Grey’s Anatomy is the longest-running medical drama on television. This November, it is coming back for its 17th season. This season it will be tackling COVID-19. This information was revealed in a recent panel by the executive producer Krista Vernoff.  Vernoff stated, “We’re going to address this pandemic for sure. There’s no way to be a long-running medical show and not do the medical story of our lifetimes.” Grey’s Anatomy show writers are meeting with real doctors who shared their experience during the pandemic.  Any fan of Grey’s Anatomy knows the show has never been afraid to…
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Status of Alabama Haunted Houses

Status of Alabama Haunted Houses

BY: Evan Justice Image provided by alabamahauntedhouses.com In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control recently recommended that people not participate in any close contact Halloween events this year. Instead, the CDC recommended that people participate in “low-risk activities” such as pumpkin carving, virtual Halloween parties, costume contests and scavenger hunts. The CDC also cautions anyone from participating in traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating and indoor haunted houses As such, the Alabama haunted house attractions have been scrambling to find innovative ways to keep their doors open. Alabama has seen the cancellation of Birmingham’s Sloss Fright Furnace haunted…
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Auburn Football Starts Sept. 26; Who Will Be in the Stands?

Auburn Football Starts Sept. 26; Who Will Be in the Stands?

BY: Kameron Berry For countless years Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium has held roughly 87,000 screaming fans, but due to COVID-19 Auburn has announced it will only allow 20% capacity inside for this upcoming football season. In accordance with the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) safety guidelines, Auburn has decided that tickets outside of premium seating and tickets designated for home and visiting team coach and player guests will go to the Auburn students for their Sept. 26 game against Kentucky. I spoke with Auburn student Daniel Richardson, who is a part of the Auburn University Athletic’s grounds crew that works on Pat Dye…
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Zoom Etiquette

Zoom Etiquette

BY: Jessica Alldredge School is back in session! In only five months, boy, how the times have changed. Virtual classes are now a normal thing, and Zoom is an application almost everyone is using. New technology is something we have to get used to these days.  While we’re figuring out how to make sure we don’t turn into a potato because of a filter in the middle of an online class, or trying to make sure we unmute our microphones when we speak, where does that leave the social aspect and how we interact during classes? There are certain understood…
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Mental Health in the Time of Covid-19

Mental Health in the Time of Covid-19

BY: Jessica Alldredge No one could have ever planned for the curve-ball 2020 has been. No one ever expected to be battling a pandemic when they rang in the New Year. The changes that have impacted us as a whole this year have left many of us reeling and perhaps feeling very out of touch. Social distance was enacted, and many of us may have been missing that social component in our lives. Jobs disappeared, worry about health increased, and school culture changed drastically. All of these things that we weren’t expecting are suddenly a cause of deep depression and…
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