Wal-Mart Employee Trampled to Death

Jdimytai Damour, a Wal-Mart employee, was trampled to death after unlocking the doors to the store to allow over 2,000 people to shop. This happened at about 5 a.m. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and is traditionally one of the busiest shopping days before Christmas.

Daomour's family and other Wal-Mart employees blame Wal-Mart for not ensuring secure safty measures, despite reports from the vice president of the retail chain stating that there were entrance barriers for protection.

Though this event is tragic, I'm not convinced that this is all Wal-Mart's fault. People can try to protect themselves in the best way they know how until something occurs to make this seemingly secure method fail. Damour's death is a lesson learned; entrance barriers are not enough.

Is Damour's death more of a freak accident?

What does this ay about the people who camp outside at odd times of the night in order to be the first to get some sort of special deal? Is it really that serious? Is a Nintendo Wii worth taking someone's life?

And where does common sense come into play? Or does it apply here at all?

These are just a few of my ponderizations. Tell me what you think

Arms ships owners strike deal with pirates

Pirates have reached a deal with the owners of a Ukrainian ship loaded with arms that was seized more than two months ago,The ship, which is filled with Soviet tanks, tank artillery shells, grenade launchers and small arms, was seized on September 25. the U.S. Navy sent ships to monitor the vessel for fear its cargo could end up in the hands of terrorists.Fighting broke out among the pirates four days after they seized the ship, with some wanting to surrender and others refusing to hand over the ship. Three pirates were killed in the shootout. This story interested me because one of my cousins is on one of those ships that is monitoring the vessel. The pirates originally asked for a $35 million ransom, but lowered their demand to $20 million. But the reason that more and more pirate attacks have increased is not because of the goods that they take but because they have collected so much in ransom money. Earlier this month, Kenya's foreign minister claimed more than $150 million has been paid to pirates around the Horn of Africa a piracy hotspot over the past 12 months.

-Antonio Vann

Kanye West on that -Ish???

What's going on with Mr. West these days? Lately, he's been getting arrested for assaulting paparazzi, and he's been quoted saying some really strange things lately, like, "I'm not famous. I'm just like everyone else". And his acceptance speech at the AMA's after receiving an award for best pop artist? "I wanna be like Elvis". Huh?

I know that since the death of his mother over a year ago, and his break up with his girl friend, he has been a little postal lately. But how much more of these crazy shananagans should the media and his fans expect? What's really going on, Kanye?



-Tia Tappan

What a stressful time of year: EXAMS

It seems like every semester exams get more and more stressful. A lot of students procrastinate and find themselves pulling "all nighters" just to get the job done. Even for the students who study in advance, it can still be stressful studying for three or four exams at once. Hopefully, students keep their eyes on the prize and know that this will all pay off, and a long break is coming!!

-Natoy Matthews

Gas Prices are looking beautiful!

Finally, going to gas station does not hurt our wallets. For the first time in ages (seems like) gas prices are at a $1.79. For the students with cars, driving was no longer a comfort, it was a hassle. Things such our "infamous" road trips had to cease, and driving was only for priorities. Gas was around $4.10, now it has decreased tremendously and has made us all happy. Although they might go up, lets enjoy the moment!

-Natoya Matthews

The Lupton Library is the campus hotspot again

The end of the semester is approaching and people are in the library studying for upcoming exams, revising english papers, or just simply occupying the quiet atmosphere for work. What ever the case may be, the library is packed more than it has ever been this semester. Depends on what time you go, finding a computer is like looking for a needle in a haystack, it is impossible. The library is already crowded on all three floors, and it isn't the week of exams yet. So if you plan on using a computer, borrowing the library's laptop, or simply finding a seat, then get to the library early.

-Natoya Mattews

Students Take on Semester Suggest Lack of Motivation

It seems like everyone that I spoke to about school says the same thing: "I am not feeling it this semester". I wonder why? Apparently, some of the underlying reasons for lack of motivation is the growing economic crisis. Students don't have anything to work for, or because the Summer was so rough, with gas reaching $4 per gallon, I imagine that when school started, working students were burnt out. This is certainly the case for myself.

Some students have struggled to find their way the entire semester, yet despite his or her efforts, getting into the swing of school is just way too hard. Most of the professors look stressed, too. Some may be inadvertently making the classes overwhelming because of some of their economic issues. It's just bad for everyone right now, it seems.

What do you think?

-Tia Tappan

Gun Sales Through the Roof...But Do You Know the Real Reason?

I have recently been hearing people talk about why the gun sales are through the roof after Obama was elected president. Many people are claiming it is because people are planning to assassinate Obama. I find this absurd, and anyone who picked up a paper and read it would know it is because of Obama's gun restrictions. I feel that every issue that has occurred with Obama has to do with race and I am honestly sick of hearing about it. I am sure that every election there are some nut jobs who do not like who has been picked and plot out some way to get them out of office. I really believe we should stop worrying about the color of his skin and begin to focus on what he is going to do for our country.



-Mallory Darrohn