So, it’s the middle of midterms, and like you, we’re looking desperately for the light at the end of this dark, dark tunnel. Coffee has completely wrecked our digestive systems, and it feels like we gave up on eating real food weeks ago. But there’s hope on the horizon — we’re right at peak testing insanity, and there’s only about a week left. Until then, enjoy this holding-out-for-next-weekend edition of…
Darts & Laurels
We got to enjoy the 57th Grammy awards last Sunday, full of drama and intrigue. Luckily, Iggy Azalea didn’t win the award for Best Rap Album, so the internet remains intact. But s*** came pretty close to hitting the fan when Beck accepted his all-encompassing award for Album of the Year. This was totally cool in every way except for the fact that by winning the award, Beck and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences were snubbing Beyoncé. Historically, giving off so much as the appearance of spurning Beyoncé has been shown to provoke the righteous fury of one Mr. Kanye West.
This pattern held on Sunday, when West appeared to be repeating his behavior from the 2009 VMAs. Thankfully, he pulled back in time to prevent a truly spectacular round of upheaval. Still, social and traditional media alike set itself ablaze with activity, ranging from theories that West is deeply and irrevocably in love with Beyoncé to hyper-moralizing posts and the refreshing, original declaration that West is a wacky egomaniac. As with West’s own personality, it’s difficult to tell if the act itself was an intentional performance or the stunt of an unrestrained id devoid of any self-awareness whatsoever. Whatever the cause, we’re giving a DART to those who would feel smug about judging a man who clearly doesn’t think straight.
A common talking point is the sorrowful observation of the divisiveness and intense dislike that seems to plague American politics today. Of course, dissent and powerful disagreements are nothing new here — remember the Civil War? — but still, it’s nice when something happens in Washington we can all agree on. One such instance happened yesterday, when the president signed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. Named in honor of U.S. Marine and suicide victim Clay Hunt, the act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to seriously ramp up its struggle against veteran suicides. Legislation like this is much needed; it’s estimated 22 veterans commit suicide each day, though some sources believe that number may actually be higher. In the face of these grave statistics, we’re giving a LAUREL to everybody involved in the passage of this act.
One last thing: we had a very special group of visitors to the Alligator this week. A troop of cub scouts from Pack Nine, Den Six came to the newsroom to meet us and learn about the importance of media. It was wonderful to meet you guys, and you’re all welcome back anytime. So here’s a thanks-for-dropping-by LAUREL for you guys.
[A version of this story ran on page 6 on 2/13/2015 under the headline “"]
