Category Archives: Viewpoints

New York state became the most recent state to legalize human composting. This legislation is rare in a state so founded on tradition and steeped in religion. Some groups have pushed back against this, saying it is disrespectful to the body. However, I find it to be perfectly natural! Why shouldn’t humans be able toContinue reading “Don’t Bury or Burn Me, Plant Me”

One of journalism’s greatest attributes is its ability to be a comparative craft. In investigative reporting, I always enjoyed the opportunity to compare institutional documents that focused on the same moment in time. It is often through discrepancies between documents where the truth slowly emerges in the journalistic pursuit.  In this spirit, I want toContinue reading “A Tale of Two Committees”

Content Warning: The following viewpoint makes mention of sexual assault and violence against women Judith Topham, Contributing Writer Like many people, I tuned in every Sunday to watch “House of the Dragon” this fall. I was excited and apprehensive about returning to the world of Westeros after the disastrous end to “Game of Thrones.” However,Continue reading “My Thoughts on “House of the Dragon”: It is a Den of Disappointment”

It’s a beautiful November day. Snow is lightly falling about. The fall and winter are melting between one another. There is indescribable gloom about everything, and the sun’s comfort cannot quell your anxiety. Good morning. In light of these circumstances, it’s a good idea to listen to some music, whether while staring wistfully out theContinue reading “Music For November”

Every Saturday in the fall for six years, I would wake up at 6 a.m. and get dressed in my cross country uniform while my mom made me eggs that I was way too nervous to eat. Then I would drive to school, hop on a school bus and head to the cross country meet.Continue reading “Sometimes You Just Need A Little Motivation”

Everytime my best friend and I walk into our local Irish pub, we are greeted with cries of “Vodka Red Bull!” It’s unclear whether they know our names, or simply know us by our signature drink that we order one, two, three, four times a night. Amongst the crowd in the downtown where I’m from,Continue reading “Try Something New: The Great Vodka Red Bull”

There is something so special about friendships. About the intimacy of platonic love. And the extension of someone’s being into your own, into who you are, what you believe in and even the choices that define you. Then there is something so tragic about imagining the loss of all of that. About the fear ofContinue reading “To Anyone Needing the Reminder: You Are Not Your Friend’s Keeper“

Would you rather have a dry ass piece of chalkboard-tasting cake or a moist, succulent and deliciously handcrafted pie? For most culinary experts, this is an easy decision, but, for some reason, cake remains a serious contender for best baked good. In my 20 years of experience in eating desserts, I have never found anythingContinue reading “Why it’s Not Called a Chicken Pot Cake”

It’s time to get the wash in. Whether you need it to refresh your day or you’re on the stinky side from a physical activity, you gotta shower it off! However, you also need to use the bathroom! Thankfully it’s just a no. 1 this time, but isn’t the toilet a bit out of theContinue reading “Just Pee in the Shower!”