Looking into architecture programs, I have been puzzled by a study abroad program in Denmark, offered by some. A venture to Rome is obvious, London too, but Copenhagen? After happening upon a talk by Bjarke Ingels, I realized I couldn’t be more uninformed.

You’ve all heard tales of travelers who got stuck on unnavigable back roads or who ended up hundreds of miles off course after blindly following the directions on their global positioning systems. Their unquestioning reliance on technology negated the need to look at actual "ye olde mappes," or heed roadside warnings.

Celebrated on the 22nd of April, Earth Day was designed in 1970 to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment. But I think Earth Day is a bit pessimistic.

When I curl up with a bunch of teen/fashion magazines, checked out from the library, I invariably run into a specific topic — the latest diet fad.

If your idea of helping with household chores is lifting your feet onto the couch when the vacuum cleaner comes around, then you are one of many (including yours truly).

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Not long ago, films and the “film experience” were considered superior to watching television. Not anymore. In the last few years the best TV shows often outshined the best movies.

High school students in general — but Uni students specifically — have a lot to worry about. I know I do. Will I get into the architecture program of my dreams? When will my braces ever come off? How will I pay for college? Will I run a good time at my next meet? Will I do well in my SAT, ACT, and all the other myriad of tests that I will have to endure?

All summer long I was left in peace. I listened to my iPod for hours every day and no one bothered me. Now I have to deal not only with homework but also talk of "the music has got to go."

Last fall we heard about the case of a Missouri teenager who killed herself after being abused through MySpace, allegedly by the mother of a former friend. Missouri law enforcement officials did not file charges.

When I was little, my neighbors invited me to go to church with them. I did, and I liked it. I liked the building, and the cookies they gave out, and being an angel in the Christmas play. I learned about stories from the Bible — the burning bush, the great flood — the whole shebang. I celebrated Christmas and Easter (and still do).

A couple days ago, Assistant Principal Sue Kovacs e-mailed us a list of “rules for life” that Bill Gates gave at a speech at some high school.

As it turns out, they weren’t by him.

These days people seem to think that by slapping an "e-" or a "green" in front of something it automatically becomes environmentally friendly: e-homes, green toilet paper, and especially e-food, the exceptions of course being e-cards and Green Day, neither of which is particularly beneficial to, well, anything.

I like Facebook a lot. I keep up with my friends all over the world, and the ones who live a couple blocks away. It’s quicker and often more frequently checked than e-mail.

What could possibly motivate anyone to starve themselves almost to death, exercise to the point of exhaustion, and spend hours in front of the mirror? Beauty, and the impact it can have on your social “acceptability.” Unfortunately, peer pressure makes this the ultimate dream of many girls.