3 Up
1. Paris Stadium Security Guard - Not much has been revealed, and we don't even know if this security guard is still alive, but whomever this person is/was, they helped save a lot of lives. LOTS! Just by doing their job well and finding the vest of the bomber, they prevented what could have been a much larger catastrophe. Too often we mock security guards, especially those who approach their jobs with lackadaisical effort. This person is a hero. A huge, huge, big time hero.
2. Facebook - I'm not a huge fan of Facebook as I find Twitter and Instagram to be more interesting. That's just me. However, Facebook's "Safe alert" feature is a new concept that is just brilliant. Knowing a former student who worked for me and who now lives in Paris, it was nice to see her check in as "safe" in the midst of the chaos. I can't even imagine how convenient it was for those with closer friends and family.
3. Holly Holm - As gloomy as the weekend was and has been, UFC 193 provided some entertainment to remove us all from reality. Watching Holm shock the world by taking down Ronda Rousey was exciting and just awesome. Kudos to Holm who stayed true to herself, wasn't intimidated, and outright destroyed Rousey.
3 Down
1. Paris Terrorist Attacks - The obvious. No explanation needed. I'll be honest, I spent my entire Saturday glued to coverage and of course, completely in sorrow for what was happening in our world.
2. "Social Media Activists" - The world has many, many issues - I get it. However, nothing made me angrier than those using these attacks to either further their political views on immigration, or others who were comparing the awareness of terrorist attacks (to those in Kenya back in April) to make it a racial issue. Can we not just feel for a second? Maybe a moment? And to be honest, some of the social media postings like this have been idiotic. Chill out. Absorb the moment. Don't we value life anymore?
3. Entitled Protesters - I think what students are doing on campuses around the country in bringing attention to an important issue in marginalized racism is fantastic. However, much like the "social media activists" mentioned above, there are instances where the protests have gone too far and have made this generation seem entitled. See here what's going on at Columbia University as an example.