I wanted to write in response to Kristin Moseley's article about the rising popularity of the alcoholic energy drinks.
I was originally going to do an editorial on this article and was therefore very interested in another's point of view about the subject. I have to say I am in full agreement with Kristin and, literally, couldn't have said it better; the FDA needs to have more control over the situation, they need to act immediately due to the fact that many more young lives are being taken by these ridiculous drinks. I hadn't heard of them until recently when some friends of friends had drank Joose(another alcoholic energy drink Kristin mentioned) and hadn't got one for each of them, but split one and were unable to function. I had also heard of Four Loko in a recent trip to College Station and the word was that many at the party were, "way past the point of drunken stupidity." There were many who became sick that night and suffered a very painful hangover throughout the next day and I was told to never try one, which I intend not to. I do agree with Kristin's idea on having the FDA stopping the sale of the drinks until further investigation but shouldn't the fact that people are losing their lives be enough reason. Sure, regular alcoholic beverages can bring harm but not by consuming one drink like the energy drinks can. Also, there is alcohol poisoning due to someone consuming too much alcohol but what about the cardiac arrest issue that the alcoholic energy drinks are now bringing to the table? Perhaps there should be more awareness about the danger of these beverages either on the news/media or maybe even on the drink itself. Quoting Kristin, I do believe "the FDA should have more power to remove products from the market that have such a reputation for hazard even if their investigations have not been completed." Though they are popular, perhaps if there were a pause in the distribution many would wonder and therefore become more aware of the danger.
http://millenialview.blogspot.com/2010/11/fda-and-four-loko.html
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wake up and pick up your clickers...nap time is over kids.
Im sure students, just like myself, have a very difficult time staying awake in some classes, especially if those classes include making yourself present and ready to learn at 8am...every morning, or every other morning. Those of us who are hoping to get a few minutes of shut eye to catch up on the sleep we missed the night before/the morning of class has come to an end...or it is slowly coming to an end. Professors are now assigning hand held "clickers" to students to help them be more responsive and focused on the lesson. With the clickers, students may walk into class and mark themselves present, they are used for multiple choice quizzes usually given within 5 minutes of the start of class and can count for a large percentage of their grade. E-Mailing, texting and napping have all become more difficult due to the need to pay attention so that students may respond during class. The clickers are the most popular within Universities such as Northwestern University, Harvard, University of Alabama and Vanderbilt. Though the majority of the hand held devices are being used amongst young adults in college (some community colleges are also adopting the clickers), high schools and middle schools are becoming more aware of their positive significance among student's participation as well as conferences and other meetings. Though some students may not be as happy about every 15 minutes being asked to "grab your clickers" some think it has really reinforced what students are suppose to be doing and there is more participation from all of the students, making the classroom environment more active. Students say they also enjoy the anonymity the hand held device; some students will be more apt to speaking aloud and providing more discussion to the lesson, if they first see that they are not the only ones who have chosen a certain answer or feel the same as other students. When asked a question, students are shown a screen that provides bar graph images of students who have chosen this or that. The clickers are bought for about $30-70 each which the students may purchase or the professors provide for a semester.
The invasion of clickers among students is making its way across the nation and proving to be a positive encounter amongst students and their teachers, bosses and coworkers etc... The usage of these new handheld devices are giving students more incentive to keep up in class; making it more difficult to wonder off in texting or surfing the net as well as making it harder not to pay attention which only improves the students ability to learn the materials needed for assignments and tests.
The invasion of clickers among students is making its way across the nation and proving to be a positive encounter amongst students and their teachers, bosses and coworkers etc... The usage of these new handheld devices are giving students more incentive to keep up in class; making it more difficult to wonder off in texting or surfing the net as well as making it harder not to pay attention which only improves the students ability to learn the materials needed for assignments and tests.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
It's all in the title...nuff' said.
http://smirkingchimp.com/thread/laura-flanders/32019/dr-joycelyn-elders-marijuana-masturbation-and-medicine
Laura Fianders is known for her hosting talents on Grit TV as well as her contributions to blogs and an accomplished author of quite a few political works. Her blog titled "Dr. Jocelyn Elders: Marijuana, Masturbation and Medicine" that consists of Dr. Jocelyn (my new favorite lady) and Laura conversing about Dr. Jocelyn's views on the above.
Laura Fianders is known for her hosting talents on Grit TV as well as her contributions to blogs and an accomplished author of quite a few political works. Her blog titled "Dr. Jocelyn Elders: Marijuana, Masturbation and Medicine" that consists of Dr. Jocelyn (my new favorite lady) and Laura conversing about Dr. Jocelyn's views on the above.
First, Jocelyn and Laura discuss the matters of Proposition 19; the legalization of Marijuana in California with restrictions, of course. They discussed Jocelyn's support of the Prop 19 and why she was in favor of it stating [in response to Laura's question], " …if it does anything it will help law enforcement because they could spend more time taking care of ... ... very harmful things. It could be sold and taxed and we could use the money to do more valuable things for our bright young people."
Jocelyn also spoke of how those against Prop 19 view the drug as a gateway drug, the harms Marijuana brings to the human body and what they fear will happen next if children of this generation are exposed too soon to the legalization of Marijuana. Jocelyn then proposed the question of underage drinking and smoking cigarettes which are both immensely harmful; more harmful than the legalization and the intake of Marijuana.
After she answers Laura's questions(and with rationale and well argued points I might add) about Prop 19, they move on to discuss, briefly, Jocelyn's outspoken opinions/views on other controversial matters such as masturbation. She was apparently kicked out of the Clinton administration after only 15 months of service due to her public opinion of allowing the teaching of masturbation in school systems. Some retorted saying that this was an evil and sinful act which she, in response to Laura's question, basically saying that masturbation never hurt anyone (never impregnated or caused HIV), its is knowledge given to us by God, but that in our society it is something that is discussed for couples.
Finally there was a brief Q&A about health care and Jocelyn, noted as being the first African American surgeon general, said she was proud of our increase of knowledge and discussions around health care. She admits it is not what the people wanted, but it is something we can work on and improve.
By posting this blog of Laura Fiander's conversation Jocelyn Elders I believe her intended audience was those not offended about open discussion with personal and touchy factors such as masturbation and the legalization of marijuana. In other words I believe she was hoping her headline would catch the eyes of those with a more liberal point of view and serious interest in the factors being discussed. Perhaps she even caught the eyes of those who wouldn't be caught dead looking at anything with such vulgarity. Perhaps they just couldn't help themselves and perhaps they, at one point, leaned towards the rationale and not ridiculous points made by Dr. Jocelyn. Perhaps.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
"Oh no he di'iiiint"
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/opinion/12tue2.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Carl Paladino, the Republican nominee for governor of New York really dug his grave with his personal point of view on homosexuality. He then proceeded to throw in a couple of catty comments of his Democratic opponent, who supports homosexuality, for his enjoyment and participation in a gay pride parade earlier this year.
Though there are many of us who express our thoughts and opinions on gay rights everyday, even those who are... how do I put this?... Well, those who are "more important"..."more professional" than your everyday middle class Americans, the timing was completely off for this Republican nominee.
Apparently a few weeks before his "crude" comments [which any nominee for New York's governer should be aware of] there were three men tortured on account of being thought of as gay, as well as a student killing himself shortly after his sexuality had been exposed publicly on the internet by classmates. If he was unaware of these tragic incidents, perhaps someone should have informed him before hand or rather this was just what the voters of New York needed; to know who will be running their city, a man with no connections as to what is happening in his city or, a man who knows and still choses to share his opinions no matter the situation at hand.
I completely agree with this editorial, in that Mr. Paladino came off as insensitive and therefore digging himself a hole too deep to climb out of before votes are due for this campaign.
"These messages are an insult to all Americans."
The writer of this editorial is obviously a supporter of gay rights and therefore offended by Mr. Palaldino's statements. I feel that the author's intended audience were to be not only those in favor of gay rights, but those who have a moral understanding of sympathy and grief. Those who would see these statements made by someone who is trying to win over the people, are quite idiotic; one does not have to be a supporter of gay rights to understand that this is cruel and wrong in many ways.
Carl Paladino, the Republican nominee for governor of New York really dug his grave with his personal point of view on homosexuality. He then proceeded to throw in a couple of catty comments of his Democratic opponent, who supports homosexuality, for his enjoyment and participation in a gay pride parade earlier this year.
Though there are many of us who express our thoughts and opinions on gay rights everyday, even those who are... how do I put this?... Well, those who are "more important"..."more professional" than your everyday middle class Americans, the timing was completely off for this Republican nominee.
Apparently a few weeks before his "crude" comments [which any nominee for New York's governer should be aware of] there were three men tortured on account of being thought of as gay, as well as a student killing himself shortly after his sexuality had been exposed publicly on the internet by classmates. If he was unaware of these tragic incidents, perhaps someone should have informed him before hand or rather this was just what the voters of New York needed; to know who will be running their city, a man with no connections as to what is happening in his city or, a man who knows and still choses to share his opinions no matter the situation at hand.
I completely agree with this editorial, in that Mr. Paladino came off as insensitive and therefore digging himself a hole too deep to climb out of before votes are due for this campaign.
"These messages are an insult to all Americans."
The writer of this editorial is obviously a supporter of gay rights and therefore offended by Mr. Palaldino's statements. I feel that the author's intended audience were to be not only those in favor of gay rights, but those who have a moral understanding of sympathy and grief. Those who would see these statements made by someone who is trying to win over the people, are quite idiotic; one does not have to be a supporter of gay rights to understand that this is cruel and wrong in many ways.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Hop on the Solar Power Bandwagon America!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/science/earth/06solar.html?_r=1&ref=us
I recently read this article provided by the New York Times written by Felicity Barringer, about the US finally approving solar power plants. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar approved the building of the first large-scale solar energy plants, both in California, yesterday October 5th.
"These projects are milestones in our focused effort to rapidly and responsibly capture renewable energy resources on public lands,” Salazar said in signing the final Records of Decision for the initiatives. “These projects advance the President’s agenda for stimulating investment in cutting-edge technology, creating jobs for American workers, and promoting clean energy for American homes, businesses and industry.”
The article states that the the plants will be built in the California desert and the building will be combined with the development of wind and geothermal power.
Geothermal energy is clean, renewable energy from heat simmering within the earth's bedrock.Geothermal's potential as a clean energy source has raised huge hopes, and its advocates believe it could put a significant dent in American dependence on fossil fuels (James Glanz, Energy & Environment, NY Times).
There will be two plants, one located in the Imperial Valley (6,360 acres) that is 790 megawatts that was proposed by Tessra Solar which will use “Suncatchers” — reflectors in the shape of radar dishes. The other, located on the 422 acres of Lucerne Valley is said to be a 45 megawatt system. The two combined will provide enough energy for 566,000 homes to be powered in California (this is the nation's fastest growing solar power-using state).
Also mentioned in the article was Ken Salazar expecting to sign off on 5 more projects this year and that this decision came shortly after the announcement of the White House soon to be going under the knife itself; the roof is being remolded for solar powered panels.
However the projects are to be followed by a "long series of setbacks for climate and energy legislation in Congress."Lack of votes for the limiting of emissions bill was a downfall due to fears of " voter backlash." Even though there was federal approval for the project there will still be many hurdles to overcome such as more land and capacity which will be or is already booked. San Diego Gas & Electric’s 123-mile proposed Sunrise Powerlink will come into play i.e. it has been approved, though there are complications with federal and state courts.
“This project reflects President Obama’s strong commitment to U.S. leadership in solar energy and the jobs it will create here at home,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement. “Deploying solar energy technologies across the country will help America lead the global economy for years to come.”
This article caught my attention, first because I know very little about solar power being used as an energy source and thought it a good reason to look into what it does for the greater good of the environment. Second, because I just moved into a new apartment that, by the way, is wonderful and is known for how good and "green" the community is. My property manager is about the cutest, most uptown and chic hippie I've ever met and she really seemed to have a lot of "going green" knowledge that she informed me and my sister about and it was really quite interesting. Also, my friend Brandon is going to school to be an environmentalist and is constantly going off on tangents about "what the environment needs...what the people could be/should be doing to help..." and of course, " what our government should be doing to inspire those who have the money to blow (celebs/high class idiots), to spend it on making our nation more eco friendly; which in turn would inspire (set a trend) others to turn to using what our mamma's (Mother Earth) gave us!"
For those of you who don't know a lot about how solar power works (like me) here are a couple links to further explain what all it can bring to the public, how it works, pros cons etc...
http://www.nytimes.com/info/solar-energy/?inline=nyt-classifier
http://www.solarhome.org/infowhatissolarpower.html
I recently read this article provided by the New York Times written by Felicity Barringer, about the US finally approving solar power plants. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar approved the building of the first large-scale solar energy plants, both in California, yesterday October 5th.
"These projects are milestones in our focused effort to rapidly and responsibly capture renewable energy resources on public lands,” Salazar said in signing the final Records of Decision for the initiatives. “These projects advance the President’s agenda for stimulating investment in cutting-edge technology, creating jobs for American workers, and promoting clean energy for American homes, businesses and industry.”
The article states that the the plants will be built in the California desert and the building will be combined with the development of wind and geothermal power.
Geothermal energy is clean, renewable energy from heat simmering within the earth's bedrock.Geothermal's potential as a clean energy source has raised huge hopes, and its advocates believe it could put a significant dent in American dependence on fossil fuels (James Glanz, Energy & Environment, NY Times).
There will be two plants, one located in the Imperial Valley (6,360 acres) that is 790 megawatts that was proposed by Tessra Solar which will use “Suncatchers” — reflectors in the shape of radar dishes. The other, located on the 422 acres of Lucerne Valley is said to be a 45 megawatt system. The two combined will provide enough energy for 566,000 homes to be powered in California (this is the nation's fastest growing solar power-using state).
Also mentioned in the article was Ken Salazar expecting to sign off on 5 more projects this year and that this decision came shortly after the announcement of the White House soon to be going under the knife itself; the roof is being remolded for solar powered panels.
However the projects are to be followed by a "long series of setbacks for climate and energy legislation in Congress."Lack of votes for the limiting of emissions bill was a downfall due to fears of " voter backlash." Even though there was federal approval for the project there will still be many hurdles to overcome such as more land and capacity which will be or is already booked. San Diego Gas & Electric’s 123-mile proposed Sunrise Powerlink will come into play i.e. it has been approved, though there are complications with federal and state courts.
“This project reflects President Obama’s strong commitment to U.S. leadership in solar energy and the jobs it will create here at home,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement. “Deploying solar energy technologies across the country will help America lead the global economy for years to come.”
This article caught my attention, first because I know very little about solar power being used as an energy source and thought it a good reason to look into what it does for the greater good of the environment. Second, because I just moved into a new apartment that, by the way, is wonderful and is known for how good and "green" the community is. My property manager is about the cutest, most uptown and chic hippie I've ever met and she really seemed to have a lot of "going green" knowledge that she informed me and my sister about and it was really quite interesting. Also, my friend Brandon is going to school to be an environmentalist and is constantly going off on tangents about "what the environment needs...what the people could be/should be doing to help..." and of course, " what our government should be doing to inspire those who have the money to blow (celebs/high class idiots), to spend it on making our nation more eco friendly; which in turn would inspire (set a trend) others to turn to using what our mamma's (Mother Earth) gave us!"
For those of you who don't know a lot about how solar power works (like me) here are a couple links to further explain what all it can bring to the public, how it works, pros cons etc...
http://www.nytimes.com/info/solar-energy/?inline=nyt-classifier
http://www.solarhome.org/infowhatissolarpower.html
Monday, September 27, 2010
Im only average?!
http://pewresearch.org/politicalquiz/
I took this quiz that my professor posted for our class to take, to see how much we really knew about our country's government. I scored an average percent of 13... 13 percent. This means that out of 11 questions, I got 4 correct. Im so embarrassed. Two of the questions I know I got correct weren't even related to government but to Twitter and the World Cup this year. I suppose I could have done worse, but this was a real eye opener as to how much I really don't know about my own country. This stuff I could easily find out by reading the newspaper, or with me being online so often, looking up while surfing through YAHOO's homepage or Google's homepage OR by simply turning the channel to the news every now and then. I guess it's time for me to grow up a bit and start paying attention. Thanks Prof Scott!
I took this quiz that my professor posted for our class to take, to see how much we really knew about our country's government. I scored an average percent of 13... 13 percent. This means that out of 11 questions, I got 4 correct. Im so embarrassed. Two of the questions I know I got correct weren't even related to government but to Twitter and the World Cup this year. I suppose I could have done worse, but this was a real eye opener as to how much I really don't know about my own country. This stuff I could easily find out by reading the newspaper, or with me being online so often, looking up while surfing through YAHOO's homepage or Google's homepage OR by simply turning the channel to the news every now and then. I guess it's time for me to grow up a bit and start paying attention. Thanks Prof Scott!
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