Myers Park Hoofprint

The Myers Park High School Newspaper

Ben Green

Concerting 101

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Concerts continue to remain a large part of American culture, with vibrant events and showings that bring people together. With that being said, it is vital to consider the role of concert safety in ensuring that attendees have a secure experience. Various measures and precautions are taken behind the scenes of these large events that create an environment that is exciting but also safe. People attend all kinds of events, ranging from concerts like Coachella with over 250,000 attendees in 2023 to small community-based festivals. Ultimately, while concerts can be a blast, nothing is more important than ensuring the well-being of concertgoers.  

Behind the unparalleled thrill and excitement that concerts tend to offer, there exists a relationship between concert organizers and venue operators that acts as a key part of the puzzle. Risk assessments and the implementation of safety protocols by concert organizers and venue operators must take place prior to large scale concerts, as this is what permits concerts to operate in a secure and structured manner. In addition to this, venue operators integrate clear communication channels with attendees, along with well-trained security personnel to ensure the safety of people at their event. 

In November of 2021, a tragic incident unfolded at the annual Astroworld festival held by artist Travis Scott. This event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate, limited concert safety measures. During the event, crowd capacity management services failed to prevent the crowd that surged forward during Scott’s performance. Unfortunate events like these highlight the vital role that concert organizers play, operating the security of the crowd while still permitting the establishment of an unmatched experience for attendees.

To prevent things like this from occurring in the future, clear and effective communication is essential in generating a secure concert environment. The existence of well-defined emergency response plans and trained staff that are equipped with the tools necessary to handle emergencies like these is what creates safety at large venues. Security personnel will continue to undergo intense training and education that will allow them to understand the basic fundamentals of concert safety. In addition to the crucial role played by security professionals, it is also important to educate attendees about responsible behavior during concerts, emphasizing the importance of things like respecting personal space. Information like this can be spread through social media and other platforms that possess a large influence over concertgoers.

Concert safety is a top priority for everyone involved in organizing and attending live music events. Concert organizers, venue operators, artists, and attendees must join forces to create an environment where people can enjoy live music in a safe manner. Comprehensive safety protocols, communication between security, future technology and the use of artists’ influence for positive encouragement and useful information can ensure that concerts remain a large factor of American culture.

Watches: An Editor’s Note

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Personal branding and the art of establishing a unique style for one’s self is something that I’ve come to value in the last couple of years. As I continue to engage in conversation with all kinds of people and build connections inside and outside of the Myers Park community, I’ve learned just how important it can be to show an image that represents who you are, and one that allows others to remember you. While for some people it might be a nickname, t-shirt, or necklace, I’ve always considered my love for watches to be a part of my personal identity.

Whether that be my Citizen Promaster Diver or my Tissot T-Classic Gentlemen, there’s something about the sheer elegance and unique design that nonchalantly bounces off the bezel of these distinctive timepieces. 

Over the years, my fondness for watches and the art of buying and reselling them has garnered me compliments from a variety of individuals. More specifically, sporting these watches, whether that be in formal or informal environments, has given me the opportunity to appear sophisticated, regardless of the social situation. Beyond the apparent sophistication that accompanies my watches, my growing collection has led me to social media groups and online communities with people who share the exact same passion for my hobby. As I continue to learn more about the art of collecting watches and the different types of people involved in the hobby, I’m able to find myself in various interest groups, especially those concerning the economy and investing, another passion of mine. 

While many might consider watches to be the opposite of a reasonable investment, I’ve been able to learn about the luxury watch market and the extent to which investors are able to earn money buying and selling their watches. Learning more about the individuals involved in these online interest groups, I found it enrapturing that what once started out as a hobby and interesting thing to research online ultimately became a career or investment opportunity for these people. 

Regardless of investing or the act of owning a watch, I realized how important it is to build personal character through the development of one’s image. In other words, personal branding has allowed me to establish a side of myself that I feel confident and passionate about and look forward to sharing with others. As I continue to share this hobby with others, I’ve managed to engage in conversations regarding interests and personal hobbies, allowing me to further understand others and what they’re passionate about. 

My love for watches has also led me in the direction of learning more about clothing and other fashionable accessories. More specifically, I’ve managed to discover a new passion for specific t-shirt designs, including those that offer a retro appeal. 

Thinking in the direction of my past, I’ve realized just how effective it was to interact and learn about others, as my awareness of those around me ultimately inspired me to take action on various principles in my life, including my passion for watches. 

Without practicing things like this and exiting my comfort zone through interacting with people, I would have never discovered the various things, including watches, that allow me to showcase my identity. Ultimately, with both watches and other fashion-based interests of mine, I’ve been able to expand my desired self image and my understanding of others through connecting with like-minded individuals. While every individual has a personal image that is unique to them, my interests have led me to realize just how much I have in common with others.  

Downfall of Cash Currency

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Cash is and forever will be a classic form of completing daily transactions. As the rise of digital payment forms continues, however, it’s no wonder that people have begun to place cash in the back seat of their wallets. Whether it be the convenience of virtual payments or the sheer ease of pulling out your phone and placing it above the contactless payment register, it’s never been easier to forget about the use of cash in completing a purchase. 

Moving toward a “cashless society,” it’s no question that people have begun to prefer their credit or debit cards and digital applications on their phones over handing somebody physical cash. Plastic and digital payments now dominate the payment industry, as some businesses and large corporations have even begun limiting the use of cash as a component of their business model. 

“…in a typical week, 29% of Americans make absolutely zero purchases using cash,” Ramsey Solutions, a wealth development and budgeting guidance company, says. “…a lot of people choose to make their everyday purchases using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay, debit and even…credit.” 

Beyond sticks of gum and outdated reward cards, the thought of carrying cash has become far less common in the grand scheme of payment methods, especially in the last couple of years. As wallets become full of anything except cash, space left over to carry a couple of dollar bills and some twenties is becoming smaller by the day. In a world where cash was once used exclusively, events like COVID-19 have escalated the recent downfall in cash usage.  

“…after COVID-19 came on the scene, people didn’t want to touch anything that someone else touched,” Ramsay Solutions says. “It didn’t take long for businesses to decide they didn’t want their cashiers handling cash from every random consumer coming in off the street. So they started pushing for cashless payments with only cards to cut back on the spread of germs.” 

As stores across the country began putting up signs that indicated restricting the use of cash as a form of accepted transaction, efforts to limit the spread of germs built a nationwide distaste towards carrying and using cash. While cash was never clean, even before COVID-19, moving away from cash usage left daily consumers and business owners with more confidence in their sanitation methods. Gradually growing away from the classic idea that “cash is king,” some individuals have also said that wealth and household income has a role to play in cash usage. 

“Adults with an annual income of over $75,000 were more than twice as likely as those making less than $30,000 to say they do not make any purchases using cash in a typical week,” contributing writer and personal finance coverist for CNBC, Jessica Dickler says. “…lower income adults were about four times as likely to say they make all or almost all of their purchases with cash.” 

As factors like annual household income and sanitation continue to influence overall usage, cash is still a prominent payment method throughout the country. Dominating any form of electronic payment, cash still plays a vital role in the economy, especially when it comes to low-income consumers and those who have no choice but to utilize cash on a recurring basis. When it comes to corporate America, however, some mainstream companies have hinted at becoming cashless organizations. 

“…more businesses, including Starbucks and Shake Shack, experiment with becoming completely cashless establishments,” Dickler says. “(Lawmakers working to pass bills that would require retailers to accept cash allege the growing cashless trend discriminates against low-income customers).”

Regardless of how society chooses to go about it, it doesn’t seem as if cash will be disappearing as a payment method anytime soon. Considering its significant roles in the economy, companies experimenting with a cashless business model will confront difficulties associated with lower-income consumers, revealing how necessary dollar bills really are, especially in today’s economy. 

Wordle Takeover

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When it comes to modern technology, it’s not every day that a website leaves people glued to their devices, coming back for more. Designed to challenge the individual, Wordle is similar to most crossword puzzles, except that it can only be played once a day. With a new worldle available every 24 hours, players are tasked with demystifying it each day. 

In recent months, Wordle has consumed peoples’ attention spans, taken over social media, and found its way into household conversations. The engineering and unique structure behind the website makes users question what sets it aside from most crossword games. 

With over 300,000 users returning daily, Wordle offers details and components of the game itself that leave people addicted and hungry for more. Wordle is constructed in a way where every user is offered the same information and are given the same task. According to Mark Serrals and Daniel Van Boom of Cnet.com, “You only get one shot at the Wordle. If you mess up, you will have to wait until tomorrow to get a brand new puzzle.” Offering users one shot at the game, Wordle’s addictive nature becomes even more compelling, making users feel as though they are obligated to crack the word of the day faster than others. 

While Wordle’s unique gaming model and simple approach may be what propelled it to success, it’s how the game is affecting conversation among users that provides the website with this boundless attraction. 

Not surprisingly, Wordle has generated quite the competitive user community, as players compete over who reached the daily word faster. With reference to the same source, it states, “If you get it easily, maybe in the second or third try, there’s a gloating element whereby you must show your followers how smart you are and share.” As if social media hasn’t already made itself a fierce space for flaunting unnecessary means of success, Wordle’s growth is mainly due to users’ interest in showing off how quickly they could determine the word. 

The website’s ability to present a straightforward task only further complements the competitive nature it delivers to its users, especially when it comes to knowledge of words and grammar. Human psychology attempts to justify this outbreak and bring it to light in a greater context. 

Taking a deeper look at why individuals’ brains strive for success with Wordle and hold it against themselves to crack the word faster, it’s possible that there might be an explanation for all of this. Identified as a game of challenge, connection, and dopamine, Wordle can be viewed socially and mentally. According to Krystal Jagoo of Mental Health News offered by VeryWellMind, it states, “Wordle challenges your brain, fosters community, and even provides a daily hit of dopamine triggered by a sense of personal achievement.”

Moving past the unmatched gaming complex and atmosphere that Wordle offers its users, the website’s origin may have more to do with its success than people realize. With Wordle coming out at a very confusing and stressful time in society, many suggest that the benefits of Wordle to the individual are just what the doctor ordered. 

Identified as becoming the pandemic survivor’s addiction, it’s the sleek nature of the website that keeps more and more people arriving at the game. With the pandemic affecting so many for so long, Wordle has offered an easy, simple, and addictive task for those interested. According to the same source, it states, “And it’s those little moments of being proud of our accomplishments…that are essential to our mental health during yet again another grim covid winter.”

While the popularity of Wordle in the United States becomes more visible by the day, the website itself has reached far beyond the nation, making a name for itself in numerous other countries. From meaningful connections to captivating debates, Wordle will continue to take over the world.