Nighttime Waterfalls: Nature's Masterpiece on Display

Have you ever experienced the magic that happens after the sun goes down? It's as if a whole new world comes alive, filled with enchantment and mystery. The night sky becomes a stunning backdrop for the stars to shine their brightest. The moon casts a soft, ethereal glow that illuminates the surroundings in a whole new light. The darkness is filled with a sense of tranquility and stillness, as if the world is holding its breath in anticipation. The sounds of the night come alive, with the gentle chirping of crickets and the distant hooting of owls. But it's not just the sights and sounds that make the night magical.

Learn how we adopted our name — and how our identity has evolved over a century.

With good timing, an anonymous old grad came through with a suggestion in this unsigned letter to the February 1921 NC State Alumni News that fit perfectly and uniquely for the school located on the west end of Raleigh. That part of our identity has expanded from those greasy overalls into our world-class College of Engineering and College of Sciences, which have improved lives throughout the state, across the nation and around the world.

But it's not just the sights and sounds that make the night magical. There is something in the air that feels electric, like anything is possible. It's a time when dreams seem more real, and the possibilities for adventure and discovery are endless.

The story behind a decal of NC State's mascot eating UNC's mascot

Last week, eagle-eyed Rabbit Hole reader Lesa Kastanas flagged this tweet for me:

It bears repeating: The sticker you are looking at is NC State’s beloved Mr. Wuf

FEASTING UPON THE CARCASS OF A DEAD RAMESES. Look, I know that college mascots are pretty much the Platonic ideal of anthropomorphism. That said, I’m really weirded out by a wolf in a sweater feasting upon the bones of a ram in a UNC sailor hat. It’s… a lot.

It turns out that this is not the only sticker that shows Mr. Wuf committing potential war crimes upon other ACC mascots:

I have a particular beef with the decal that shows Mr. Wuf boiling the Duke Blue Devil alive. He’s a devil! He should be impervious to heat! Still, I’m okay with it because 1.) this is Duke we’re talking about and 2.) this appears to be the precursor to the classic NC State Slobberin’/Horny Wolf logo . I’ll allow it.

Also, it appears that Mr. Wuf is putting the Wake Forest Demon Deacon into the Boston Crab or the Sharpshooter . Apparently the Deacon forgave him, since he officiated Mr. Wuf’s wedding a few decades later.

At this point, you may be wondering: How did they get away with this? As in, how can you make stickers that show a representative of an institution of higher learning committing murder and/or mercilessly torturing other mascots? Well for that, I have to take you back. Back in time. Back to a point in our nation’s history where colleges and universities didn’t give a shit about making serious money off of their mascots.

For those who are open to it, the night can also be a time for introspection and self-reflection. Without the distractions of the day, it's easier to connect with our own thoughts and feelings. We can delve deeper into our emotions and understand ourselves on a whole new level. And then there's the sheer beauty of the night. The sparkling stars, the moonlit landscapes, and the shimmering reflections on water all contribute to a sense of awe and wonder. It's a sight that can take your breath away and make you appreciate the beauty and mystery of the universe. In a world that is often busy and chaotic, the magic of the night offers a respite from the hustle and bustle. It's a time to slow down, to be present in the moment, and to appreciate the simple pleasures that life has to offer. So, the next time the sun goes down and darkness settles in, take a moment to step outside and experience the magic that awaits. Be open to the beauty and wonder that the night has to offer, and you may just find yourself falling under its spell..

Reviews for "Stargazing 101: A Beginner's Guide to the Night Sky"

- John - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "Magical after the sun goes down" but I was left feeling disappointed. The plot was all over the place and it felt like the filmmakers were trying too hard to be artistic. The characters were underdeveloped and it was hard to connect with them on any level. Overall, it just felt like a waste of time and money.

- Sarah - 1 star - "Magical after the sun goes down" was a complete mess. The storyline was confusing and lacked cohesion. The visual effects were subpar and the acting was wooden. I found myself bored and uninterested throughout the entire film. I would not recommend wasting your time on this one.

- Mike - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magical after the sun goes down" but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow and there were numerous scenes that felt unnecessary and dragged on. The dialogue was often awkward and forced, making it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, it lacked the magic and charm that the title promised.

Uncovering the Secrets of Nighttime Architecture