SOPA and PIPA do not pass; Wikipedia secretly plots world domination

The Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act were postponed from becoming active this past week due to extreme opposition from online protests. The bills, aimed at foreign websites that infringe copyrighted material, have undergone scrutiny from internet users and companies alike; Wikipedia, Craigslist and Reddit were blacked-out, providing various sources for users to petition the two bills. The funniest and most absurd part of this fiasco? People freaking out over Wikipedia. In forgetting that libraries exist and actually do serve a purpose, people took to the Wikipedia page, many of them finding alternatives to still use the website, regardless of its black-out.

Obama sings Al Green, considers cover album if re-election fails

President Obama recently showed the world his soulful side this past week, when singing a few words from Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” There were gasps, applause and laughter throughout as the usually reserved leader showed off his falsetto and First Lady Michelle Obama probably flustered (among other things) off-camera. During his campaign rallies you can expect to hear at least one supporter yell, “Let’s Stay Together,” like that one jackass who yells “Freebird” at every rock concert. And, if all else fails, Obama could possibly make a career out of covering songs. Suggestions: Genuwine’s “Pony” or Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Got Your Money.” Done.

The death of a legend: Etta James

When blues singer Etta James first sung those beginning words to “At Last,” you knew she was a godsend. She oozed a confidence and sex appeal that has since been emulated from soulful divas Beyonce and Erykah Badu to pop queens Madonna and Lady Gaga. The songstress will always be remembered for giving us timeless works of art that transcended anything that was going on during her time. Here’s to you Etta James; may your music continue to inspire, bring people together and console the hearts of many for years to come.

Eli Watson