The Grunge

Quick and witty comments on today’s current news. Focusing on anything and everything that has been labeled newsworthy, The Grunge offers insight on the issues and oddities found in local, national, and international news

Recent Posts

Teachers never losing the dream

by Tawney Summers on March 12, 2010

Ryan Gahris wrote a story in issue 9 of the Lumberjack about talented teachers who entertain outside of the office. Teachers such as Christopher Wargo who plays guitar for a band Fight the Quiet teaches students valuable life lessons. Many people lose sight of what they have always been interested in, in the name of practicality. After people have children or earn an expensive degree, often times, dreams or hobbies are forgotten, but not in the case of teachers such as Wargo here at NAU.
Teachers and professors are…

The Grunge: Food for thought — changes in Arizona

by Tawney Summers on March 3, 2010

As many of us know, Arizona is closing many of its state parks because of a lack of funding. The FUSD school system is undertaking extreme changes due to a lack in funding. My question? Where is all of Arizona’s money?

Republicans and democrats have different answers for this question, but the reality of a lack of funding in Arizona has led to tragic results. Teachers are being fired. Schools are closing. People will no longer be able to find pleasure in the great outdoors in many of Arizona’s state…

Tolerance rapidly becomes acceptable

by Tawney Summers on December 2, 2009

Amanda Ballard’s story on gender issues appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Lumberjack described the efforts of students here at NAU to raise awareness on gender diversity. 

This makes me think back to a few years ago when most gays, lesbians, bisexuals, etc., kept to themselves. I never knew, saw, or heard of anyone who was open with his or her sexuality. If there was someone who was not heterosexual, it was bizarre and rare. As I have grown older, I have seen a change in the times. We still have…

The Spin-a-Thon makes a worldwide contribution

by Tawney Summers on November 19, 2009

As it turns out, Jay-Z and Beyonce together make as much money as an entire small country. Beyonce and Jay-Z share mansions and the countless lavish possessions that many famous stars flaunt.

I recently conversed with a good friend of mine over lunch about the unjust distribution of wealth and resources. How can it be that some people can afford to waste food, have several pairs of shoes, and use exercise machines that consume energy while there are so many people who are starving to death and running from danger…

Resolving the issue of child exorcisms in African nations

by Tawney Summers on November 11, 2009

Joseph Watts of the Lumberjack wrote an article on the child exorcisms occurring in Africa. I am thrilled that a journalist of the Lumberjack is aware of this issue and wrote on its behalf. I completely agree that this is an issue that needs immediate attention and help as children are suffering. It is surprising to me that children are still being accused of being witches similar to that of the Salem Witch Trials.

However, I think it is a bit more complicated than that in African countries because…

Native Americans still facing abuse

by Tawney Summer on November 4, 2009

I couldn’t believe what I was reading when I read the article Amanda Ballard wrote that appeared in the Lumberjack on Oct. 29 concerning the education of Native American students. Evangeline Parsons-Yazzie was forced to leave the reservation and attend a boarding school. I am shocked to hear that Parsons-Yazzie was not allowed to “practice her culture’s traditions.”

I have heard horror stories of such occurrences in the past but hoped that they were merely stories. I cannot imagine being forced to leave my hometown and go to a…