DAA

I was just thinking last night about Obama's stance on marijuana. A few doors down from my dorm room, the guys got caught with weed. A cop came and talked to them, and gave them a court date in February. I was just thinking how awful it would be if someone gets caught with weed, and a year later is decriminalized. Would they erase their mishap off the record? Even more abstract, what if Obama decriminalizes or legalized marijuana by February, before my floor mates court date. Would it be cleared? What do you think?

Thursday Work

Today in class Jake was absent, so it was just Josh and I. We worked on the pamphlet we are doing for a little bit, and then did other English hw. I got the learning style quiz done, which I am pretty much a visual/tactile/audio learner haha. Pretty much I don't have one specific style of learning. I think these group projects could be real exciting to watch in the next couple of weeks. All in all, English is going smooth as ice.

A lot of stuff to do this week...

I was just curious, but has anyone had a lot of stuff to do this week?! I have been loaded up in all my classes. A lot of bigger assignments that have been assigned for a couple weeks are due this week, which sucks because I chose to procrastinate and now I'm trying to get it all done by tomorrow and Monday. Luckily I am going to IU saturday morning and tailgating with a lot of home town friends. It should be a good way to get the stress off of my back. I don't really stress that much, but when I have a lot of stuff do, I go into a little bit of panic mode, and gear down and get all my shit done. Atleast now that I turned this blog in, that one thing less I have to do :)

DAA- Group Journal

Today our group met for the first time since we first decided on our group a week from last Tuesday. Josh and I met yesterday to create two pamphlets, we couldn't get a hold of Jake, but we did just fine with a missing player. Josh and I each created a pamphlet, my pamphlet was focused more on how much legalizing drugs could help our government and Josh created a pamphlet on the Negatives to keeping drugs illegal or decriminalized. Unfortunatly, Josh's pamphlet got erased. I still got mine done, and it looks pretty good. We need a middle page, when you open it up it is blank. We also need to make a number of copies for the class to look at while we present our project. I would love to have one or two copies in color for our final project. Overall, things are going just fine. It should be a good grade to end the semester.

Having A Great TIme...

I cannot believe that it is already November! It feels like I was in my Cap and Gown for graduation yesterday! Life has been good to me so far, no complaints. I've been wondering how different IU or Purdue is compared to BSU. Lately, on the weekends, I've notice that a lot of people go to those two colleges on the weekends, for their late night festivities. I wish that Ball State was a bigger college, so we can be seen on ESPN for sports, and can say our name, and people from Alabama, or California would recognize the name... But Hey, I can't complain, Ive had an amazing time thus far.

More Drug Issues

• Mexican Drug Cartels Threatened by Medical Marijuana Laws in U.S.
An article I found on the Internet discusses Mexican drug cartels disputing over growing lands in the United States. Justin Tang, who claims that this up rise can be compared to the bootleggers during the prohibition, writes this article. This article is a topic of much controversy locally and internationally. Many countries are debating whether legalization of marijuana and perhaps even more will be a positive or negative impact. The article is intended for those who are wanting to know what ‘everything our Government Really Does” a quote the website uses as its main claim. This quote shows how the website could lose some credibility issues. There are not as many hard facts or evidence to the issues as well. Overall the Main claim the writer is trying to express is that Full legalization of marijuana would likely put an end to cartel involvement, just as the end of alcohol prohibition in 1933 knocked organized crime out of the business.
http://www.allgov.com/ViewNews/Mexican_Drug_Cartels_Threatened_by_Medical_Marijuana_Laws_in_US_91023

Drug Issues in Colombia

• Brazil, Colombia against Drugs Decriminalization
Brazilian and Colombian president set the bar that they will not decriminalize drugs.
The web editor for the Internet article was Tian Tian. Tian does not bring a certain opinion to the article, but brings the opinion of Brazilian and Colombian presidents, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Alvaro Uribe. Lula and Alvaro’s main claim is decriminalization of drugs especially marijuana around the world would only bring more violence and warfare over their countries lands to manufacture drugs. The article is letting Liberal Americans know that this uprising of decriminalization of drugs will not float with their country. The website as a whole looks a little skeptical. There is not much information following the article, no citation, or even author. They only include the Web editor and the date published. It is very hard to know exact details of truth there are.

http://english.cri.cn/6966/2009/10/20/1321s523632.htm

Drug Legalization

• U.N. Drug Report Admits Policy Problems, But Slams Legalization Talk
An article found on the Internet discusses concerns for the legalization of illegal drugs. The article is written by Bob Curley, who expresses deep concern for the long-term affects of legalization of currently illegal drugs. This topic has been a serious issue arising all around the world, especially here in the United States. Bob Curley concludes that the legalization of these drugs could cause more violence in current third world countries. Bob Curley’s article is intended for the more conservative people. Those who believe hardcore narcotics, depressants, stimulants should be kept illegal are the target audience of for this article. This article could have the intent to persuade, those who believe illegal drugs should be legalized, to look at how negative the affects would be. This article also gives news how governments are makings drug days, to help those who are addicted to drugs. The main reason to the article is to raise awareness of this issue. One reader comments “The U.N. drug reform is like rearranging furniture on a sinking ship”. This quote explains how things are really not going well, and need to be solved. The article gives good evidence, supporting most of his claims with quotes from other authoritative figures.
http://www.jointogether.org/news/features/2009/un-drug-report-admits.html

International Issues...

• Mexican Drug Cartels Threatened by Medical Marijuana Laws in U.S.
An article I found on the Internet discusses Mexican drug cartels disputing over growing lands in the United States. Justin Tang, who claims that this up rise can be compared to the bootleggers during the prohibition, writes this article. This article is a topic of much controversy locally and internationally. Many countries are debating whether legalization of marijuana and perhaps even more will be a positive or negative impact. The article is intended for those who are wanting to know what ‘everything our Government Really Does” a quote the website uses as its main claim. This quote shows how the website could lose some credibility issues. There are not as many hard facts or evidence to the issues as well. Overall the Main claim the writer is trying to express is that Full legalization of marijuana would likely put an end to cartel involvement, just as the end of alcohol prohibition in 1933 knocked organized crime out of the business.

Fifa '10 Release

Today Fifa '10 has released for purchase. For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, Fifa is a world cup soccer game. You can pick from an array of teams. Clubs or international. I have recently started to play a lot. I'm excited to get the new one, this way I can really get into FIFA. This game has had a lot of hype, I've seen so mucha advertising. Which tells me they expect this game to be epic. I'm not the best at Fifa so far, my roommate destroys me. But it is still fun. I am a unnecessarily competitive when it comes to everything, when I play Fifa, I just want to play again and again. It is a lot of fun, anyone who likes sports video games would love this.

Mexico Legalization

A law is being passed in Mexico to legalize small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, and heroine. This news is really weird for me. I never would have thought that countries would start legalizing drugs. I also read in article on New York Times about California's uprising debate to legalize marijuana. This would greatly challenge Federal legislation. If California legalized marijuana it could create a domino affect in other states. I don't really care either way for the legalization, however I do think it could be a good way to get out of our economic recession.

North Korea Vs. South Korea... Still?

Looking from a New York Times article informing the reader of issues between North and South Korea. In a short synopsis, North Korea knows they are the elite military power between the two Korea's. North Korea never wants peace talks or meeting with South Korea. Now that the red cross is wanting a family reunion between N. & S. Korea families, North Korea is finally willing to talk to South Korea. They would like to talk about the family reunion possibility (if they want to bring in food). Also, they would like to talk about floods between the two countries, and how they can solve this arising issue.
Sounds like a boring article, but it is really good news. It shows that North Korea is finally willing to talk to South Korea, and not be so egotistical. It is a well written article and is very informative.

Packers Vs. Vikings

Last night was a very big night for me. Specifically, last night was a big night for any vikings packers fan. If you don't know Brett Favre was the QB for the Green Bay Packers for quite some time. He is a future hall-a-famer. Three years ago he retired, came back the next year to the giants, re retired and went to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings and Packers have been long time rivals. Last Night Favre for the Vikings played on Monday Night Football against the packers.
It was very hard rooting for the packers or against the vikings. I wanted the packers to win, but Brett Favre to do well. The Vikings ended up winning 23-30. It was a win/lose. My beloved packers lost, but Brett Favre had a great game. It was an exciting game overall, but very hard to root for my team.

Review Question

The question I like most on our Analytical Peer review is:

Is there too much detail, so the piece feels cluttered and difficult to understand? Suggest where to cut.

I Really like this question because my biggest thing with peer reviews is how much extra unneeded stuff people tend to put in their papers. Especially when the assignment is over two pages, a lot of people add unnecessary sections. Also appreciate how the question tells us to suggest where to cut. It's good to add this because a lot of kids would just say "Looks great"! With the end part of the question telling the reviewer to suggest where to cut, makes the reviewer do a good job.

Swine Flu?

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but I've herd that swine flu has already reached Ball state. I did some minor research on it, and basically its just like a flu, maybe a little worse. However, it is a lot more contagious. I think that its one of those things most everyone is going to get. Viruses get around no matter what, so basically were just going to have to bite the bullet on this case. I know that I've been cleaning my room more frequently and disinfecting stuff to help lessen my chance. Good Luck, and stay healthy...

Busy?

Hello everyone, I have recently been extremely busy with m college life. I recently joined a frat, Theta Chi. I am apart of the Executive Board on Hall Council. These two things alone, along with school and homework, has made my life extremely busy. I'm the type of person who does their best when they have a lot on their plate, so I'm not complaining. However, I just have noticed that I am really in the swing of college life. How has your year been thus far? Have you joined any clubs or organizations that has really takin up a lot of time?

College So Far...

One thing I remember from high school was a piece of advice my econ teacher told me, he said, "Drew, you think your senior year of high school went by fast? Every year that follows goes faster and faster from here on out". Now that I'm already in my fifth week of college, Ive realized he is right. It has gone by so fast. I feel like I haven't even fully moved in yet. Everything is going very well, academically, socially, and all other aspects of the college world. I have met so many new people. If anyone happens to come across this post, I would love to read how your experience has gone thus far.

My Music

As most people say, "I like all types of music". I think i definitely fall under this group of people. I grew up listening to backstreet boys and 98degrees, probaby because my two older sisters always listened to them, and I didn't really know what else was "in". Now that I sit back and think about it, I definitely like more up beat songs. I'm not a big fan of slow songs in general. I listen to music to make me feel good or get me motivated. Rap is definitly not one of my favorite genres, however, when the occasion calls I can enjoy it. My favorite genre is most likely Rock or Classic Rock. Contradicting myself, I really like Eminem, I think he is really good with his rhymes. Overall, an upbeat song is my jam.

The miracle fruit...

My wrestling coach just called me about three weeks ago, suggesting me to try this new fruit extract they discovered in Japan. You take it twice a day, and it literally helps everything. Its called Vemma. I started taking it about 2 weeks ago, and already see so much improvement. I sleep significantly better, my aches and pains from wrestling are gone, and I have sooooo much more energy throughout the day. I cannot get over how amazing this is. Not only this, but you can make money off of it. If you get other people to sign up, and put them under your name, you get money for it! This stuff is amazing, and I hope other people learn of its amazingness. The downfall is its price, $60 a month. Ive got some people already puchasing it, and I'm soon going to be getting this stuff for free, with my money return! If anyone has problems sleeping, body aches and pains, or just feels plain tired all the time, just let me know and I'll try and give you some more details. I swear by this stuff, and it could be a potential money maker in college. (I really suggest it for athletes)

Beah Beah...

As most everyone else has expressed, I to concur that he is a phenomenal speaker. He makes you really grasp the Sierre Leon conflict. Most people seemed shocked at the convocation, because of his tremendous speaking skills. I was too, however I did expect just about what presented. I remembered how he went to America to talk about the conflicts in his country to the UN. Specifically, the person who took him under his wing, and eventually moved in with her, was a professional story teller. Therefore Ishmael must have learned a lot of the techniques, in order to be a better story teller. Overall I was very very impressed. Very eye opening.

UFC...

I am not too sure if anyone watches UFC or the tv show The Ultimate Fighter, but I decided to put a post up about it. The new Ultimate Fighter show is hyping up its first heavy weight season. I think it will be very exciting. I am glad they are trying to get more competition in this weight class. Right now there are not too many good fighters. Brock Lesner is dominating the weight class, and he needs someone to step up to the challenge. Kimbo Slice is in this years season, which everyone thinks is the best fighter. Personally I think he is a joke. He is a street fighter, with no diversity. He has a good stand up boxing game, but if you get any MMA fighter who knows how to take him down, they can work him til he has no oxygen left. We'll see what happens, maybe the coach he is picked to will teach him more, and he will eventually be a good contender. Time can only tell.

Reporter POW freed

Today, September 9, 2009, A New York Times reporter was freed from Afghan militants. Gunmen seized them this Saturday, while they were doing a report on a NATO air strike in Afghanistan. Seeing this report was very shocking to me. I think I am still a little clueless of the severity of the Middle East. I know most people disagree with me, but hearing stuff like this makes me think we should keep troops there and keep doing what were doing (stopping terrorist activities). If we don't stop them completely and help them get through this why wouldn't they come back to the US and have another Terrorist attack. I think it is very hard to please everyone, but sometimes you have to do what is best for the safety of America.

Whats up with this new craze?

The past few months I have wondered about one specific craze millions of people are partaking in. This craze is a website full of status updates, not really anything else but these posts where people tell their online friends what exactly they are doing. Obviously most of you know what I am talking about, Twitter.
I first noticed this new so called "online sensation" on ESPN. I don't really watch to much TV, but I thought it was so odd when ESPN broadcasters had a whole conversation about a certain football players tweets he had posted. They went on talking about it, they told the viewers to 'tweet' back to ESPN explaining there views on the football players tweets.
I do not have a twitter account, nor do i plan on one for awhile. My only real concern or question is this: Will this world eventually become so technologically dependent, that we will never really get out and converse with people face to face. I'm not bashing on any of this stuff, I just don't like how people skills are slowly losing value, while internet chat is taking over.

My Most Exciting Experience This Summer...

The past four years of high school, I always took the least dangerous road. I never did anything to dangerous that would get me in serious trouble. On the second to last day of summer this year, 6 of my friends and I decided to do our senior prank. The high school students started class the next day, so we decided to hang posters on the outside of the school. Now these posters were not just and 2'x3' poster, one of my friends went to his house and got two very large canvas sheets that were about 10 feet wide, and 5 feet long. We took an excessive amount of time, on what exactly we would right on them. We finally decided: "Sucks to be you, Class of '09" and "Wasted all the time, Class of 09". It was perfect, we went to my room and put on as much dark clothing as possible, we even went as far as putting my mom's black make up on our faces. It felt as though I was preparing for an assassination at a high security facility.
When we arrived at the school, we split into two groups. My group was to go up to the highest point, the auditorium. It was about 9 stories high. Once we got up there, it felt as though we were the kings of Zionsville. We could see as far as Indianapolis. The cool air blew in our faces. It was so hard to hear anything besides our breath, we were all so quite, we embraced the pure silence.
Right before we rolled the sign down, the other group called and told us there was a cop in the back parking lot. We decided to wait until he was gone. Little did we know this was our biggest mistake.
After laying down on the roof for about ten minutes, I received another call from the group. We all expected them to say the cop was gone. It was the complete opposite, the other group had left the high school, and there were now 5 cops shinning spotlights on the roof. Our stomachs dropped. The adrenaline started to go through my body. I remember distinctly how everyone reacted. Weston began to panic. Jeff said, "Who cares man, those lazy cops wont come up here." I was more quite, just assessing the situation.
Finally we decided to leave with the up most caution. Once the cops drove around the corner, we would go down another flight of ladders. We couldn't get down to the ground the same way we got up, there were two cops there. We went around to the lowest point we could. It was about 14 feet high.
When we all got on the edge of the building, we stopped. Fear struck through us. We knew this was going to be potentially dangerous. Finally I said, "Guys its pain, or a permanent record of trespassing." I jumped, I landed with most of my weight on my right leg. It felt as though my shin had broken. I looked up at Jeff and Weston and said, "Guys just do it, it's not bad." Although it was excruciating, I had to ensure it was okay. They jumped. We ran across the street into Jeff's neighborhood. We were home free.
We were all on cloud nine, I felt like I had just escaped from Alcatraz. Our driver of the whole operation told us later that he saw 2 cops walking on the roof right where we had hung the sign.
Although at the moment, it felt like it was the worst idea. Now that I look back on this experience, I wouldn't change it one bit. This whole dilemma even made the police report section in the newspaper. We all agreed that it was something that I can tell people forever. It made my summer, and made me realize a little risk is worth the adventure.

Low and Behold

"Despite common assumptions, oil prices are likely to remain low for a while: key producers, especially Saudi Arabia, have been boosting their production, and demand growth in top consumers like the United States and China will be more modest than expected." http://www.foreignaffairs.com/

As hard as it is to find positive things to talk about in this declining economy, gas prices can finally be one. In the past couple of years, the price of gas has always been a concern to Americans watching their budget. Now that prices are staying down, and are expected to for awhile, our economy can worry about one less thing. Also, our government has set up a program where people can trade in their larger vehicles for a guaranteed set price, no matter how old or what condition. The motive behind this new deal is to help reduce green house gas emissions. Also this money they guarantee to give with each car traded will let Americans buy new smaller cars, that consume much less gas. I think that the whole "gas factor" can finally be eliminated from all the other stresses that our economy is dealing with.