Viral Video Fame

           In the current era we are in fame is something desired by many, but only achieved by so few. People will go to any extent to become famous. If you were to recall last year’s infamous balloon boy incident, where a fame-obsessed dad went to all knew lengths to try and become famous. Or you can look at people like the Kardashians! Who to be honest I don’t even know why there famous. But with changes in technology and where the public’s attention is we are seeing a new type of fame, and that would be viral fame. Long gone are the days where one has to be a talented actress, singer, or athlete to be famous. In are they days where all it takes is a odd man on a mountain looking at a double rainbow to be famous. I don’t have anything negative to say about the viral video stars, I actually credit them for putting stuff out there to be viewed by the world and I guess there are the odd cases such as Justin Bieber who end up making a successful career out of it. But I want to know what you guys think about the viral video stars. Do you see this trend continuing or something that will dye off in the long run? I personally think its here to stay! I posted some links below of some of my favorite viral videos.

Double rainbow song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHjg8WClzz0

Penalty kick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XuEGHHoZGM

Famous glasses guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ2NQIGLhUA

--Ross Radcliffe

 

North vs. South

Recently I was home for Thanksgiving break , and I realized just how much I really miss the north. The south is great and all but just doesn't have that extra flare that only the north can provide. Charlotte is a great city if you are looking to start a family but really just is not for the average college student, its small with not much night life and everything closes early! When I was home in Philly not only did me and my friend pauls night begin late , at 12 am, but even when it ended close to 4 am , there were plenty of things still open to allow us to either grab something to eat or drink.

I guess the best example of how the North is just better suited for me would start at my appetite. I'm hungry 24/7. In Charlotte if you get hungry on a weekday at 3 am the only place that has something to eat is the gas station. At home if I got The 3am hunger on a weekday, I have at least 10 different food places around me that can satisfy my hunger. One in specific ( my favorite ) has to be Wawa , its just heaven in a store , and being open 24/7 it will never disappoint me! Wawa alone makes me miss the north but overall I'd say I just miss being in a city that has a pulse!

-Jason Cuzzupe

2012 And the Sun

The sun goes through phases, if you weren’t aware. In his new book Chasing The Sun, author Richard Cohen explains that the sun is due for some serious activity between 2010 and 2012. Could this be a part of the ancient Mayan prophesy? This over activity will mean that the sun will eject billions of tons of hot matter called coronal mass ejections into space. This probably means earth is doomed, right? Well be melted by globs of sun matter in the year 2012. Not likely. The fact is that the sun goes through this cycle every few years. It’s happened plenty of times since man has been on earth. In fact, observing this event is possibly one of the ways the Mayans were able to use the sky to predict cosmic events so well. Weather or not one of these coronal mass ejections will blow earth to bits is hard to calculate. There very sporadic, and hard to predict. However, from what can be calculated the likely hood is quite small. So really, it’s not even that important of an event for earth. That is if it were a normal part of the cycle. What is being theorized is that this particular cycle will reach a solar maximum of activity. Meaning that the sun will be emitting stronger coronal ejections than in a usual cycle. So basically, were all doomed. Sorry.

- M. Tilley

Beware of the Cyclists!

       Imagine a mild, summer night.  The weather is perfect. The dim, street lights provide just enough light for motorists to make it to their destination safely.  You approach an empty intersection on a quiet road.  Looking over, you crack a quick joke to your best friend who’s sitting beside you on his matching motorcycle.  Green light.  You check both ways and slowly pull off.  Out of nowhere speeds a reckless driver going at least 20 miles over the speed limit.  Just as you reach the middle of the intersection, BAM!   

           

This is a brief excerpt from my dad’s memory.  His wreck occurred nearly 10 years ago.  Fortunately, he survived and is an perfectly healthy 47-year-old man and an incredible father.  He’s never ridden a cycle since then.

Many cyclists involved in accidents are not this lucky. Throughout these past few weeks in the Charlotte, NC area, motorcycle wrecks seem to be the most recurrent topic on the news. Five cyclists recently lost their lives just within the past 3 weeks.  It honestly seems like I’m hearing about a new crash every other day.             

I bring this issue up to raise awareness.  When on the road with a cyclist, be sure to provide them a sufficient amount of distance.  Try your best to be extra aware.  Accidents involving all types of vehicles occur every day; however, motorcycle wrecks often produce fatal results.  Please be careful on the road.

-Brittani Hunter

Iraqis claim British abuse.

 Yesterday, Iraqi’s captured in the war effort claim that they were abused by british troops.  They say they were subjected to sleep deprovation, hooding, being forced to stand or kneel for extended periods of time and also being exposed to loud pornogrophy.  These allegations are being placed on the Joint Forward Interogation Team.  Due to these allogations, the European Convention of Human Rights demands that an investigation be launched.  The british Defence minister Liam Fox is said to be very concerned, and “determined to get to the bottom of this.”  Although he doesn’t believe he is in"any present obligations to set up a public inquiry."  Also on the case, is the Royal Military Police, they are also investigating every alligation made by the Iraqi people.  Do you think that the Iraqi people have a case in saying that the British were too rough on them?  And that standing in one spot for too long is a crime against prisoners of war?  Personally I feel as though it is war, it is not a picnic.  Of course it is going to be hard to endure if you are captured.  What do you think, should we lighten the way we deal with prisoners or treat them the way we have? 
- Miles Kerbein

Collisions in Football

This Sunday it was noticeable that many players were going somewhat half speed when it came to laying big hits.  Also, it seemed as though there were more and more people hiting the opposition then instantly putting their hands in the air as if to say they didn’t do anything wrong.  Is fining and suspending players because of a hit the right decision by the NFL?  Personally, I feel as though it is somewhat hypocritical, because the NFL is known as the most physical sport in the world and that is one of the major reason they sell tickets.  If people wanted to watch athletes run around and avoid contact they could just watch soccer.  Football is football because of the collisions and speed involved.  Personally I feel as though players should receive penalties and warnings before a large fine and suspensions similar to that dumped on James Harrison this past week.  What do you think, should the NFL continue to soften the game of football or should they leave it be?
-Miles Kerbein

No Fly Zone

Last weekend I flew to state college, to visit with my friend and watch the Penn state football game. I decide to fly up and on this day us airways was my only option.   Us airways in my opinion is literally the sorriest excuse for air transportation I have ever seen! Crappy service, outrageous fees, and dumb mistakes like cutting a wire on the plane requiring them to switch planes which delays my flight an hour and half makes it awful! I normally fly with Southwest who is in my opinion the best airline out there. At least they wont charge you up to fifty dollars just to transport a bag. I don’t understand the ridiculous logic US air uses. The uncomfortable seats don't exactly help their cause either. The obvious confusion on board with the flight attendants was not exactly the most comforting feeling in the world. Once in the air I thought all our problems were done for but then the us airways crew screwed up again by spilling a drink on a near by passenger. They didn't even have a snack to offer! The flight overall was a disaster. Us airways just does not fly with me. 

-Jason Cuzzupe