Let it snow

We have now past the one month anniversary of the shocking October blizzard, and although the early storm came as a surprise to most, what could be seen as much more unexpected is the fact that it hasn't snowed since.

The rest of Buffalo knows that it is winter. Regardless of the fact that it was weeks before Thanksgiving, the holiday spirit is already encroaching despite the green grass and days of 50-degree weather. Our on-campus Starbucks has already decked out their store with a rather chaotic explosion of holiday decorations; "Carol of the Bells" has already echoed down dormitory hallways as "Home Alone" incessantly played on television all weekend to kick off the holiday barrage; even the electronic bears at Boulevard Mall know that Christmas is on the horizon. Through these subtle hints, Buffalonians know that winter is upon us, so why exactly is Mother Nature the only one to not receive the memo?

That's right, Mother Nature, we're calling you out. Where is the snow? Going home to family this Thanksgiving break, how are UB students suppose to live up to the only reputation Buffalo is seemed to be known for? When someone breaks the awkward silence in a conversation with "so yeah, I heard it snows up there," as of right now we're unable to deliver. Without our snowy icebreakers, people just may not know how to talk to UB students. You can't just delve into world politics, philosophy or stories about what's going on at home until the initial snow comment is gotten out of the way.

Many may say that by printing such an editorial we may jinx the uncharacteristic weather and make those accustomed to the warmer weather rant; but that's just it, that's exactly what we're trying to do. Let it snow, because it's just not a Buffalo winter without November fluff.

School solution segregates

Single-sex classrooms would irreparably shelter students

In response to rising concerns over class disruption and student behavior, lawmakers are giving schools in increasing numbers the opportunity to separate classrooms for boys and girls in order to ease the distraction and tension between opposite sexes. Experts also suggest that this may prevent school violence. Supporters of the proposal want to strengthen academics, but what many ignore is the significance of learning outside the classroom.

School is supposed to be much more than an academic learning environment; it is where a great deal of social development occurs, and the decision of segregating boys and girls during such a vital time of social development will incur unthinkable consequences when that generation takes the big leap into the "real world."

There is no single-sex world out there, and it is ridiculous to suggest that segregation could be a solution for the complex situation. Schools not only exist to give students the knowledge to pass a test - they provide students with the resources and life skills that they need to prepare themselves for what is beyond the doors of high school.

School, especially in the currently-targeted seventh- and eight-grade environment, is a place for going to awkward dances - to have moments of embarrassment and to make relationships that teach you much more than the ABCs. In reference to the great Mark Twain, we should "never let schooling interfere with our education," and this rings true for our situation that may strip students of something they really need.