One student’s take on arming campus security officials
On Feb. 7, I overheard a student say, “they’re testing the emergency system on campus.” She just as quickly deleted the message. I checked my phone. No text message for me. I asked other friends if they had heard about the emergency system test. Some said yes, but others said no. I then began to wonder why I hadn’t received a text message. How many others didn’t receive this text? Do students know what to do in an emergency? What if the test had been an active shooter situation where seconds equal lives? I finally was notified, when I checked my email after class and read the email that stated,“this is only a test.” Statistically, the chance of a mass shooting on any college is minimal. However, the consequences of not being fully prepared can be catastrophic. Shootings are...
Read MoreMovie review: “Hope Floats”
After turning in the final project for my J-term class, my lady and I decided to enjoy the four-day semester break by watching an inspirational movie together. I’m more of an action or romantic/action/comedy type guy, but I remembered that wise men say, “Happy Wife – Happy Life!” so I agreed to the movie she suggested. We’re engaged, so I guess this is practice. The Blount County Public Library has movies that members can check out for free. My lady selected “Hope Floats,” a 1998 release starring Sandra Bullock, an actress we both like. The cover flaunted a quote from an Associated Press review. It said, “Filled with humorous and moving moments that touch the heart.” People Magazine called it, “A feel-good movie you can feel good about liking.” I believe these reviews might have belonged to a...
Read MoreThe old doe
Is that a twig? There it is again. Maybe it’s a squirrel. I wish my ears were better. Something is on the ground behind me. A twig falling onto the crunchy leaves could make that sound. So could a deer stepping on those same leaves. Then, of course, it could be a crazy gray squirrel. Nah, they can’t hold still for more than a few seconds. They make noise constantly. Right now, it is silent as a cemetery. The silence doesn’t mean it was a twig. Deer stand still sometimes. They tend to avoid the dry leaves as much as possible. Deer freeze as still as a statue after making a noise. They will step on grass or anything silent if given the choice. When critters step on a moss-covered log or rock, they’re silent as a breeze. They...
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Honoring Campus Veterans: Ted Higgs
You may have seen him in the halls and classrooms of Anderson Hall. Ted Higgs, Adjunct Instructor of English and Latin, has had a language and education career that started 1967 and still isn’t over. He says he has retired at least three times. He is proficient in several languages and has three master’s degrees: one in English, one in Latin and one in . Higgs taught at the US Military Academy at West Point, the University of Maryland’s European Division and most recently at the University of Kentucky. Three years ago, he moved to Maryville and began teaching at Maryville College. Here, he initiated the Latin program and has worked with the veterans’ center on campus since his arrival at the college. He currently serves as the director of the Military Student Center. Just made PFC – Private...
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