Ariel’s Story Picks: Smokers, Supernovas, and Stupid Coaches

With Chad on vacation, I’ll be taking over the “steaming pile” for a few days (and changing the name temporarily…) Here are my story picks for the day:

1.) One in four Americans look down on smokers [link]

Here's another example of a poll stating the obvious. A recent Gallup poll shows that one in four people have less respect for a person if they smoke. Even among former and current smokers, nearly 5% of them have less respect for those who use tobacco. Gee, people who don't smoke don't like people who do. Did we really need a poll to tell us this?

2.) Star going supernova will be visible from Britain [link]

Stargazers across the pond will be treated to a rare sight this week: a supernova. A star going supernova about 21 light years away will be visible in Britain this week, all you need to see it is a "decent" pair of binoculars. Scientists say this supernova will be the brightest in over 25 years, and is the first supernova to be seen in Britain since the 1950s.  Kinda makes me wish I lived in Britain, at least for this week.

3.) High school football coach forfeits game after bad call [link]

High school kids can be immature sometimes, but apparently, so can the teachers. A coach for a Seattle high school football team tried to challenge what he thought was a bad call during his team's season opener. When he couldn't get the refs to change their minds, the coach refused to let his players go back onto the field, forfeiting the game. Come on, it's a football game, the refs are going to make calls the coaches don't like.  Instead of just dealing with the bad call and moving on with the game, the coach throws a tantrum and pouts like a little bratty kid. Pathetic.