Natalee Walker

The tragic story of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin’s death has left hundreds of thousands of people across the United States wanting answers.  Cases like this are always difficult, because one side of the story will never be told.

All the pieces left have been tirelessly researched- the 911 calls have been analyzed, debated and edited and the witnesses questioned.  Sadly, in cases such as Trayvon’s, the world may never receive the answers they are longing for. 

But as I follow this case, I can conclude at least one thing is or certain. This story really mattered to people.  It got people talking. Trayvon’s case showed the power of spreading a message across social media, and how the death of a 17-year-old boy from Florida can reach millions of people across the nation.

If not for social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, would even half as many people know Trayvon’s story?  Social media is a powerful tool, and when used for good, such as spreading awareness and promoting justice, or taking action toward finding answers, there are limitless possibilities to what we as individuals can come together and accomplish.

Here are some examples of the high profile people in our society Trayvon’s story has reached, and how they joined the movement of “Hoodies Up” to spread awareness of Trayvon’s story.

Miami Heat Basketball Team
Followers:
LeBron James: Over 4 Million
Dwayne Wade: Over 2 Million

Chris Brown
Followers: Over 9 Million

Diddy
Followers: Over 5 Million
 

If you tune into primetime TV, you are most likely going to encounter one of three things: 26 women fighting to date one man (The Bachelor), a popular sitcom, or a singing competition.  Here in America, we really, really love our singing competitions—and it’s no different on OSU's campus.

The love affair started 10 years ago, when we met Kelly Clarkson for the first time in season one of American Idol.  Kelly is still around today, but things have certainly changed in the lineup of AI; now, a new show has come along that promises to give AI some competition of its own.

American Idol:

For the past decade, the OG of all talent competitions here in America has undoubtedly been American Idol.  The majority of the shows’ success is thanks to the judges’ table.  The famous trio, Randy, Paula and Simon, gained the love of millions in America and were together for eight seasons (oh, and we can’t forget about host Ryan Seacrest!).  We have AI to thank for giving us some of our favorite artists, including Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks and Jennifer Hudson.  But, somewhere along the way, things changed.  

Personally, I think AI screwed up by changing up the judges and adding Kara DioGuardi to the panel during season eight.  Paula left the show after that season ended, and at the end of the next season, Simon followed.  Now, the judges’ panel is made up of Randy, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.  Maybe going back to a three person panel can bring the show back to its original feel, but nothing will ever truly compare to the chemistry between the original Idol judges.

The Voice:

Name:  Cameron Weimer

Year:  Senior

Major:  Public Affairs Journalism / Business Administration

Hometown:  Centerville, OH

Relationship Status:  Single

Campus Involvement:  Public Relations Student Society of America and Society of Professional Journalists

HC:  What’s your favorite part about being a Buckeye?
CW:  Knowing that you are a part of something that is bigger than yourself.  There is always something to do here in Columbus.

HC:  What do you look for in your ideal girl?
CW:  A girl who knows she is beautiful and is down-to-earth; has self-confidence, is independent and intelligent. 

HC:  How do you spend your free time?
CW:  I enjoy playing lacrosse and soccer, listening to music, writing, and enjoy being at the lake spending time with my friends.

HC:  Where would you take a girl for a first date?
CW:  Something fun and different that will take a girl out of her comfort zone.  Going on a hike, if she is outdoorsy; you can tell a lot about a girl who enjoys an activity rather than a cliché dinner date.

HC:  What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
CW:  Optimistic, enthusiastic, and ambitious.

Ladies, it’s week five of the quarter.  This (thank goodness) means only five weeks until spring break!  And if you (like me) have fabulous plans of bikini-filled days on the beach, listen up. 

I am guilty of convincing myself that it is perfectly okay to put on a few extra pounds in the winter to keep warm.  I mean it’s natural right?  Then I have to remind myself, I am not a polar bear or any other type of artic animal and that I do not get to hibernate through the winter, unfortunately.

So, as depressing and cruel the winter is, it is not an excuse to eat those two (or three) extra Insomnia cookies, or order pizza every night (because let’s be honest there’s just not that many options for salad delivery)! 

But in all seriousness, many girls panic during the crunch time before spring break to lose those extra couple pounds, or just tone up a little to feel more comfortable and confident.  The important thing to remember is that there are safe and effective ways to do this, which do not include starvation or three hours on the stair climber. 

First piece of advice: avoid fad diets and diet pills.  Many diet pills have not been tested, and can in fact have serious health complications, including increased risk of heart attack.  Also, fad diets, such as liquid diets, rid you of essential nutrients, which will leave you feeling tired and looking like a hot mess. 

Liquid diets are especially brutal due to the side effects of not having anything solid in your diet…just think about it.  Okay gross, I’m done with that.