The San Diego Chargers Lose Embarrassingly

The San Diego Chargers suited up against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in, what on paper, seemed to be a fair match up. The game was nothing fair. The Vikings quickly established they were a better team, pinning the Chargers inside their 20 for most of the game.

The Chargers couldn’t get any offense going. Even though they had more passing yards and more total yards Minnesota just beat a team that hurt themselves most of the game. The Bolts had a total of seven penalties, for 74 yards. One by Melvin Ingram in a crucial moment in the 3rd quarter, where the Chargers defense would’ve only given up a field goal but instead gave up a touchdown and gave Minnesota more plays to put them up 24-7, and run the clock to really kill the hopes of the Bolts.

The Vikings defense may have given up more yards, but the stats do not match how they performed. The Chargers were just on the field longer than the opposing team’s offense, but this seemed to only hinder San Diego, because it seemed as though every time Philip Rivers dropped back for a pass he had two or three Viking defenders already breathing down his neck. A scare in the 3rd quarter for Chargers fans after a hit to Philip Rivers mid section, caused him to grimace in pain and force his coach to call a timeout.

The offense of San Diego couldn’t get into a flow. The offensive line was playing musical chairs. Guards were playing tackle, a guard at center, and tackles at guard. With an injured front line nothing could get established, with at one point all but one was a regular starter. San Diego couldn’t catch a break as another injury scare forced, Orlando Franklin, to sit out for a bit after he had his leg rolled up on him. He did prove his toughness and did comeback.

A pick six in the fourth quarter by Chad Greenway, sealed the 1-2 fate of the Chargers, with a final score of 31-14. The Chargers did manage to do one thing right, at least for the Vikings, was awaken Adrian “All Day” Peterson, as he had 20 carries for 126 yards, and two touchdowns. He said at the end of the game, “I’m back,” which I’m sure made the NFL take a big gulp.

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Florida could need billions to maintain clean drinking water

The old joke that Orlando’s tap water is some of the worst tasting could hold some actual merit.

A new study by the Environmental Protection Agency finds that, over the next 20 years, the state of Florida could require an estimated $16.5 billion in funding to maintain its drinking water supply as the population continues to grow.

Runoff from farms has been known to pollute water sources while Florida’s aging pipe infrastructure is prone to rupturing.

In fact, the Associated Press found that it could be an issue nationwide — replacing drinking systems around the country could cost $1 trillion over the next 25 years.

Further analysis by the AP uncovered that many states have up to $1 billion in unspent funding, intended for drinking water improvements. The study found this can often be the result of of poor management and structural issues plaguing many states.

However, this does not seem to be the case for Florida. The data show Florida has largely tapped into its drinking water fund, spending a good majority of the $615 million it has received to improve water infrastructure, because of the ballooning population.

The cost of renovating old pipe systems can be affordable in the short-term, but cause a number of headaches and cost a lot more in the long run.

Despite Florida’s efforts to enhance its water systems, many areas still use 100-year old pipes and it could cost billions to replace the intricate systems.

Meanwhile, the supply of groundwater is rapidly shrinking which means the state will eventually need to find other sources to fill the cup.

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My view on Apple consumers.

This fall’s newest iPhone, creatively dubbed the iPhone 6s, just came out and there’s a ton of reasons why you shouldn’t spend up to $749 on the phone. But people that will do anything for the newest iPhone and 12 million have already been sold.

A quick disclaimer – not all apple consumers are terrible. If someone has a legitimate reason to buy the more expensive alternative then by all means, go for it.

My distaste is mostly directed to those who purchase the products because everyone else has one, because their pervious cheaper alternative didn’t work out for them, or to use as a symbol of wealth.

Ask almost anyone why they have an iPhone and they will give you an excuse more basic than the phone itself. I urge consumers to do some research. Get just as excited for Google or Windows events as you do for those of Apple. You will be very surprised to see how these products compare.

We live in a world where technology is an amazing thing. Experience it. See what the market has to offer. In a time where we need more creative people, don’t get stuck using only Apple products.

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Is the Digital World Putting the Future of ‘SportsCenter’ at Risk?

Many people do not turn to their televisions for the latest updates as much as they

used to. More than ever, society is relying on their phones and other mobile devices to

consume and share information. Sports companies have been a bit slower about

transitioning from sharing media through traditional mediums like radio and television to

social media and online streaming.

Perform Group is a sports company that is planning on launching what they call the

“Netflix of sports”. The product currently does not have a name, but it will be launched

soon in Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria sometime in 2016. For around $10 per

month the product will allow users to livestream original content and games. Around the

world, sports cable networks have had lower penetration levels in households. That is why

ESPN is under pressure to re-evaluate and reshape their programming. A huge budget cut

will go into effect in 2016 and will affect original programming like SportsCenter, which

has been a big profit for the network in years past. However, the new millennial generation

of consumers do not wait for a scheduled broadcast for their sports news, because it is

available immediately online.

ESPN is still the clear leader in delivering sports content, but fans want to watch more

games on television and receive their news elsewhere. Whether or not ESPN may try to

create something similar to Perform Groups’ “Netflix for sports” in the future is uncertain,

but they are making major changes to keep up with the ever-changing technological era.

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Medical Examiner keeps Cause of death for Bobbi Kristina a Secret

Bobbi Kristina, only child of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown passed away earlier this year on July 26, after being placed in a medically induced coma. Six months prior, Kristina was found faced down and unconscious in a bathtub filled with water, at her home in Georgia. However, until recently examiners didn’t know the cause of her drowning. In a September 25 press release, authorities stated “The Fulton County Medical Examiner has classified the cause and manner of Bobbi Kristina Brown’s death” , but the Fulton County Superior Court released an order on September 25, 2015 stating that the autopsy report remain sealed and that no further information be released to the public.

Kristina’s mother, Whitney Houston was found dead just three years earlier in an oddly similar manner. Houston’s death was linked to drowning by drug abuse and heart issues. Speculation of drugs soon arose after Kristina’s terribly incident as well, but also due to possible abuse by long time boyfriend, Nick Gordon. Gordon, 24,  appeared on Dr.Phil’s show for an intervention in March of this year. An emotional and disconnected, Gordon, was seen expressing his sorrows after losing both Kristina and her mother. The 24 year old, also admitted to having drank two shots of alcohol and doing Xanax  prior to the show. All throughout the show Gordon kept saying how much he missed Kristina and Houston, but at one point mentioned he hated Kristina’s father, Bobby Brown. It was reported “Brown’s estate has filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit against Gordon” claiming he physically abused her after a “cocaine and drinking binge,” before giving her a “toxic cocktail” which made her unconscious.

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Panic! at the Disco’s Debut Turns 10 Years Old.

The mid 2000’s were often looked at as the golden age of pop punk bands and its darker sister genre called Emo. The world was just coming around loving rising to bands such as My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy. Most of these bands formed together from suburb areas all around the country. Panic! at the Disco, doing things differently, were from Las Vegas unlike the other forming bands. They were good Mormon boys obsessed with vaudevillian theatrics. The band members were childhood friends Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, Brent Wilson and Brendon Urie.

 

Panic! at the Disco recorded its first demos while its members were still in high school. They were the biggest thing after the release of their debut studio album “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out”. Made known by the top ten lead single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”, the album eventually was certified double platinum in the US. This was a huge album in 2005. It sold 2 million copies in the U.S., won the VMA for video of the year, and even launched an entire record label. All this happened from four who were signed before even playing a concert. The record was released on September 27, 2005, making this its 10-year anniversary.

 

Many loving fans posted on social media bringing the memorable band back to twitter and other socials outlet’s top charts. Reminiscing on their most popular album. Happy 10th anniversary to Panic! at the Disco’s “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” album! That album will always be loved by many.

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Nickelodeon Announces ‘The Splat’ Cartoon Block: Is Nostalgia Hurting Creativity?

It was announced this weekend that Nicktoons such as Rugrats, Hey Arnold, and Doug will be returning in a new cartoon block titled The Splat. The cartoon block will debut on TeenNick on October 5th. It will run every night from 10pm to 6am eastern time. The news was received with joyful cheers from the audiences that consumed the content as children. These 90s kids have demanded one thing from the market for years and now it looks to be coming in droves… nostalgia.

Children loathe the phrase “back in my day”, often spewed by adults they view as out of touch and past their prime. However, this new brand of nostalgia is different. It is for days that can still be seen in the rear view mirror, and touted by people who are not past their prime, but rather entering it. The product of an age where childhood can be easily stored and discovered with the click of a button. Millennials never had to worry about losing their toys or even keeping them in good condition; the internet did that for them.

It’s normal to look back at the past with rose colored glasses, but it’s important not to fall into the trap of dismissing everything that has come after. A quick search on the internet turns up multiple results about how phenomenal it was to be a 90s kid. Unfortunately, some of these same articles put down the art and entertainment that have succeeded the “wonderful” decade. I have had conversations with peers who will openly disparage the 2000s and beyond, unable to see the quality content being produced because of tunnel vision for the past. We’ve become old geezers forty years too soon.

Hollywood rather vomit out reboots then craft new original stories, and to an extent we have to take responsibility for that. Nostalgia is beautiful, but can also be toxic if allowed to run a muck. I’m not saying that The Splat is inherently bad. I grew up on these cartoons and like many millennials they hold a special place in my heart. I’m saying it is about moderation. Don’t let companies take advantage of you and regurgitate old ideas. Go binge watch Hey Arnold, but also watch Adventure Time and Regular Show. Remember that old doesn’t always equate to good and new isn’t synonymous with bad.

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“Trap Queen” Rapper, Fetty Wap, Hospitalized After Motorcycle Accident

On Saturday, September 27, 2015 Fetty Wap was hospitalized after a motorcycle incident in his hometown of Patterson, New Jersey. It didn’t take long for pictures to surface of the rapper being put on a stretcher and ushered into a waiting ambulance. Soon after that, an outpouring of fan messages were sent hoping that the rapper was well and that he would make a speedy recovery. Fan support through twitter was extremely present in this hard time for the young rapper in his family.

His manager was able to give fans and supporters peace of mind when he was able to report that he was in stable condition at the hospital. This accident has come just one day after the release of his self titled album. The album includes popular songs, Trap Queen, 679, and  My Way.

There are some that are under the impression that he is just a one hit wonder and that his album isn’t going to go anywhere, but with the recent accident and the number of supporters that have reached out to him in his camp about wishing him well, I think that he has a strong support system and that his album will do well when it comes to sales. I think that it truly takes a tragedy to show you where you real fans and supporters are and the support system that you truly have in your corner.

This is not the only hardship that the has had to overcome in his past and I am sure he will power through this one like he has other obstacles that have been put in his way in the past.

I hope that he makes a speedy recovery and that he is able to return to his life as soon as possible. He does have shows that are booked in the near future and I am sure a couple of those are going to have to be postponed until he is able to regain full use of his leg, but who knows artist in the past have powered through broken limbs to still perform.

 

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67th Primetime Emmy Awards Show Winners

The 67th Primetime Emmy Awards aired Sunday September 20th on the FOX network. This years host was former Saturday Night Live alum and current star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine Andy Samberg. While his opening monologue may have been somewhat lacking, he appeared to get more comfortable as the night progressed. Samberg was most in his element during the pre-recorded skits, which felt reminiscent of his old Lonely Island digital shorts.

The outstanding comedy series award, which had previously been taken by Modern Family for the past five years, now belongs to HBO’s political humor-based Veep. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tony Hale also took Emmys for Veep in the outstanding lead actress and supporting actor categories. Amazon’s progressive series Transparent won outstanding lead actor and directing in a comedy series. Both Jeffrey Tambor and Jill Soloway spoke of the transgender community in their acceptance speeches, drawing attention to housing discrimination for trans people. Allison Janney collected her second Emmy award for supporting actress in the series Mom.

Game of Thrones took home a record breaking 12 wins, including the coveted outstanding drama series award. Jon Hamm finally received his first Emmy for badly behaved adman Don Draper from the seventh and final season of Mad Men. Viola Davis, the first African American to ever win the outstanding lead actress in a drama series category, delivered a truly stirring speech. Davis thanked the others in the category and spoke of the importance of opportunities in roles for black women. Outstanding supporting actress Uzo Aduba of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black gave emotional thanks after accepting her Emmy.

What’s the best piece of television that you may not have heard of this year? Apparently it’s HBO’s mini-series Olive Kitterage, based on the novel of the same name by Elizabeth Strout. Olive Kitterage swept the limited series or movie category by earning outstanding lead actress Frances McDormand, lead actor Richard Jenkins, supporting actor Bill Murray, best direction, and best writing.

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Pope Francis visits the United States for 6 days in 10th overseas trip

Pope Francis began his 10th overseas tour earlier this week in Cuba. Here he urged the country to continue down their path of reconciliation with the United States. Straight from the resumption of diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba, Pope Francis was welcomed personally by President Barack Obama along with his family, and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife at 4 pm Tuesday at the Joint Base Andrews Facility in Washington D.C.

Wednesday morning started off with a visit to the White House for a State Arrival ceremony on the South lawn of the White House. The State Arrival Ceremony was then followed by Pope Francis traveling from the White House to Cathedral of St. Matthews the Apostle where thousands of people were lined up along the streets to see him. The Pope was riding in the “Popemobile” a jeep with a clear protective screen in the front for about 30 minutes. During this ride to the Cathedral, Pope Francis called several children from the crowd to his popemobile where he either hugged or kissed them. Following the papal parade on Wednesday was a midday prayer with United States bishops at the Cathedral and then Junipero Serra Canonization Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Thursday morning at 9:20 am, the Pope arrived at the Capitol and at 10 am he addresses a joint Congress where he talked about healing the world of hatred, greed, poverty and pollution. The Argentine-Pope spoke slowly because he gave his speech in English which he spent learning all summer so he could speak the primary language of the United States in the peoples house. After his joint Congress address, the Pope stepped outside to the Speakers Balcony and had prayer in Spanish with thousands of people and then concluded his speech by saying “God bless America” in English once more. After he left the Capitol, Pope Francis payed a visit to Saint Patrick’s Church to give a blessing to clients and the homeless. At 4 pm Thursday Pope Francis left Washington DC for departure to New York from Joint Base Andrews. When he arrived at JFK, the Pope then had an evening prayer at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Friday morning started out early for Pope Francis, where he formally addressed the United Nations General Assembly celebrating its 70th anniversary at 8:30 am. Following this Assembly, the Pope visited the 9/11 memorial site where he spoke with 10 9/11 families and held a multi-religious service. He followed his 9/11 memorial visit with a visit to Our Lady Queen of Angles School in East Harlem. Once again followed by another Papal parade through Central Park where he rode in a Fiat. This ride to Madison Square Garden ended in another night mass.

Early Saturday morning, Pope Francis departed JFK to head to Philadelphia International Airport.An hour after the Pope arrived, he held mass at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. After the mass, he visited Independence Hall where he gave a speech focusing on immigration and religious freedom. After his speech, Pope Francis ended his Saturday night by visiting the Festival of Families at Benjamin Franklin Parkway and having a prayer vigil with the World Meeting of Families.

Early today, Pope Francis held a Papal meeting with Bishops of the World Meeting of Families at Saint Matins Chapel, followed by a visit to Curran-Fromhold Correction Facility where the Pope met with several inmates. The inmates gave Pope Francis a chair that they made, and two inmates stood up and hugged him. At 4, there will be a Papal MAss for World Meeting of Families, followed by a visit with organizers, volunteers, and benefactors at 7 pm. Before Pope Francis leaves back to Vatican City at 8 pm.

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