In today’s world, “sexually suggestive” material and four-letter words are cut from television shows, and a slew of radio-hosts hold their tongues or face stiff fines. Meanwhile, shows and video games advance themes that are much more damaging.

The Lowell would like to thank Cheng for his guidance and dedication to the school during the past 16 years. The time and effort he has spent in this community helped preserve the school’s tradition of excellence.

Over the past few years, when the district reduced the school budget, Cheng fought to keep teachers. “The 10 percent budget cut in 2003 meant we’d lose 10 percent of the staff,” Alumni Association president Terrence Abad said. “His leadership was important, and he had strong relationships with the PTSA. Without those relationships I don’t think they would’ve done fundraisers to keep librarians, etc, employed. He worked to get donations from parents and the alumni to hire back people.”

Admit it. America is obsessed. Celebrities have practically become an extension of the family. Surrounded by magazines whose only purpose is to snoop on stars, we know when and why they break up. We know why they cheated and with whom. We know how much weight they’ve gained or lost in three weeks. We give celebrity couples cute pet names like “Bennifer” and “Tomkat” as if we personally know them. If people are spending more time reading US Weekly magazine than the Bible, you might as well declare it a new religion — “the Church of Celebophiles.” They’re called idols for a reason.

“If they kept it to 20 to 25, (the party) would have been cool,” said Ernest Caroll, chaperone to several of the Gaines’ parties. But you can’t have 69 to 70 kids coming from all over Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond and everywhere in the East Bay and expect to stay safe.”

By refusing to reform their traditional rigid job protections, France is hindering the number of job opportunities available to its younger citizens, as well as deterring the people from switching occupations by making businesses reluctant to hire new employees.

In each of these cases, the artist was advancing a critical opinion about the religion using comic exaggeration of actual facts, a satirical technique. The artists offended many, prompting calls for censuring. But if religious authorities wish to be a powerful part of a global society, they must be willing to face criticism and even occasional ridicule — just like the rest of us.

While other countries such as Britain, China and Japan all conduct operations using ports in or near the United States, members in Congress were up in arms regarding the Dubai deal, and prevented Dubai Ports from completing the business transaction.

Coal miners risk their lives daily to recover that black rocky substance, which supplies 51 percent of our nation’s energy.

To many on the West Coast, mining is a distant and irrelevant industry, centered in the Appalachians. Often Californians view mine safety as other people’s problems.