Reefer radness

SCHOOL OF POT: CANNABIS COLLEGE OFFERS HIGHER EDUCATION IN GROWING MEDICAL MARIJUANA
(Neatorama)

Gone are the days when college students get their weed fix thanks to creeps behind alleyways. Now colleges (namely Med Grow Cannabis College in Michigan) are educating students of all backgrounds in the history and growth of medical marijuana. "Students pay $475 for a six-week night-school course that includes classes in marijuana history, marijuana law, the basics of business, and, of course, several courses in how to grow and cook marijuana -- one taught by an anonymous professor who goes by the name 'Nature'" Even now, the stigma surrounding marijuana is often one of skepticism and fear. However, what we fail to realize is the lucridity of the plant -- hello, taxes up the wazoo once it's legalized and we have a booming secter of the economy. But, I digress. A college that specializes in this fascinating branch of botony illustrates that it is not only an interst of a hungry Harold and Kumar; classes were attended by everyone from the savvy business man to the priest treating AIDS patients. Also, just going on record to say that the number of recorded deaths due to marijuana are zero...I won't even get into how that compares to alcohol (which is legal, obviously). Ignoring these facts in favor of fear and ignorance will only perpetuate a negative connotation over a plant that has served the same purpose for thousands of years -- healing, both mentally and physically.


Link to story at netorama.com:
http://www.neatorama.com/2009/11/30/school-of-pot-cannabis-college-offers-higher-education-in-growing-medical-marijuana/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Neatorama+(Neatorama)

FSwho?

FIELD GOAL SINKS RIVALRY TO NEW LOW
(The Alligator)

The textbook definition of a rivalry does highlight some sort of competitive equality. However, what Maistri ignores is the traditional context of the great UF vs. FSU. "The only rivals for the Gators during these last five years are history and greatness." Is that such a bad thing? Surely no one would dare tell you as a person to not strive for your highest potential, far above your classmates -- why do sports have to have a level playing field (pardon the pun)? If the Gators are truly a steller football team, we should play as such, unabashed by a desire to what...console the Seminoles? Seems a little hypocritical since we're touting t-shirts and buttons in which the phrase "BEAT THE NOLES" gleam down.

"Come to Florida. Shame your rivals. Win national championships. Do it all in front of an incredible fan base that treats players like family." Miastri says that dripping with sarcasm and, for the love of G-d, I don't know why. He's a Gator, he should, for all intents and purposes, be proud of that. We've done no wrong except embrace the competitive spirit in a sportsman-like way. I'll admit, a lack of stiff competition outside of the conference does make for a less-than-thrilling football watching experience, but the end of the Golden Age of the Gators very well might come to a close after the seniors depart. Who knows -- the mystery's in the game.


Link to story at alligator.org:
http://alligator.org/sports/sports_columns/article_14d7b1b8-dd5f-11de-bde9-001cc4c03286.html

The proud, the many, the undergrads

UNDERGRADS HAVE RIGHT TO PROTEST FEE
(The Alligator)

A concerned UF student wrote in to The Alligator today speaking out against those who have stated that undergrads should not have a say in the potential implementation of a fee to fund the expansion of the Reitz Union. I say hear, hear! The graduate population needs to get their collective head out of the sand and realize that, while it may have been easy coasting for them, Bright Futures' policy has changed dramatically since their days as undergraduates. We do not have percentages covered, but rather per credit hour and, for many, that simply does not suffice. We will, just will have to, pay out of pocket for these extra fees. As such, we have just as much right to be up in arms about yet another fee tacked onto our scroll-esque university bill. Plus, we're backing up your cause; take the support graciously. I ponder the audacity of my fellow Gators -- we may be younglings, but we're still worthy of an opinion.

Taking a Paki-stand

PAKISTAN TO US: DON'T SURGE IN AFGHANISTAN, TALK TO TALIBAN
(Christian Science Monitor)

Despite embracing the US's attempts to stabilize the region, Pakistani government officials are urging the United States to utilize diplomacy in regards to the Taliban, as opposed to carrying out with the plan to spike the number of troops in the area. Pakistan is concerned that the surge will, in turn, cause the Taliban to flood into their own territory, where "they are not welcome."

"The two countries' divergent views of the threat posed by Islamist extremists, and the Obama administration's efforts to press Pakistan to move against groups that menace Afghanistan have produced strains between the two countries and between Pakistan's civilian government and its powerful military and Inter Services Intelligence agency (ISI) — and a growing drumbeat of Pakistani allegations about alleged nefarious CIA activities in Pakistan."

They're naturally looking out for their own best interest and, likewise, we must do the same. The article more or less upholds this idea, though it does so by first analyzing the Pakistani perspective, which is effective when their own opinion on the matter is supported. While Pakistan would have some diplomatic pull with figures in the Afghan government, there is little incentive for them to effectively negotiate. It is also clear, given Pakistan's lackadaisical pursuit of any links to Al Queda and the like, their priorities are simply not in line with ours.

Link to story at csmonitor.com
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1122/p06s01-wosc.html

A fee-for-all

SG SHOULD GET STUDENT INPUT ON NEW REITZ
(The Alligator)

It's hard to miss the overwhelming beaucracy of the UF student government. Unite conquered the election in an almost fascist sense and Greek control over the inner workings of collegiate politics is as blatent as the religious beliefs of the fundamentalists in Turlington. Now, that's all fine and dandy until we, the student body, are paying out of pocket for rennovations we were not even consulted over. Perhaps our union is fine as is or, even if it's not ideal, it simply isn't worth the excess in student fees we'd be paying to make SG's dream union a reality. Just as federal government requires transparency to ensure legitimacy, the same concept applies to SG as well -- how can a student body have faith in a government in which they feel they have no say in?

Inflated egoes

BALLOON BOYS PARENTS PLEAD GUILTY
(People)

Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty before a court in Ft. Collins, Colorado to the charges of false  reporting to authorities and attempts to influence a public servant, both regarding the hoax surrounding their son, Falcon "Balloon Boy" Heene. Okay. We get it. Fame hungry family has to fess up to the crimes they so stupidly committed. Is the public still eating it up? For some reason, yes. Personally, I'm pretty sick of the entire ordeal. It's passe -- this is America, I find it hard to believe that by now, the insane lengths people will go to for notoriety are still shocking. We have a financial crisis, a war in Afghanistan, and a seriously undercovered health care debate in Congress. National media, stick to covering what really matters, otherwise you're just full of hot air.


Link to story at people.com
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20319854,00.html

"Youth in Asia?"

BABY IN BRITISH COURT BATTLE DIES
(CNN)

The 13-month-old known as Baby RB has finally passed away after the resolution of a legal battle between his mother and father finally came to an end as the father agreed to have RB's life support stopped in his best interest. Despite his initial objection, the father ultimately agreed to allow his baby boy to pass on "in a planned way, with the administration of a large dose of sedative, the removal of the ventilation tube and his consequent death." Naturally, the ominous ethical question rears its head -- who had the ultimate say? Was the father right in trying to preserve his son's life at any cost or was the mother who judged her son's life not by its length but its quality. The father claimed the baby could play, while the hospital was steadfast in saying his progressive disease caused great discomfort and other respiratory problems. The article itself merely hinted at the issue at it seems almost fruitless to address it in international news stories such as this. The allusions were clear, but the article kept it diplomatic and stuck to the empirical facts.

I've always personally grappled with this issue, especially after the most recent episode of House, M.D. in which the character Chase knowingly misdiagnoses an African dictator (played by the oh-so-suave James Earl Jones) so that he passes away without much of a trace of blame on the diagnostics staff. Was he sacrificing a human life to spare others as a hero, or a demon himself for taking another life? Is the father selfish for wanting to keep his son alive at all costs, or does he believe his son would've wanted to be alive? Sure, it's a stretch connection to a point, but it comes down to the value of a human life and if it is worth preserving in either its most empty form or at the expense of others.


Link to story at cnn.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/11/15/uk.baby.dies/index.html

A naynay for the vajayjay

NEW WARNING ON 'PERFECT VAGINAS'
(BBC)

The United States is not the only nation succumbing to the plastic trend. The UK has also seen a dramatic rise in surgeries to improve aesthetic appearances; however, tummy tucks and Botox are not the end to the lengths women will go to to seem appealing to the opposite sex. Labial surgeries have seen an alarming spike amidst what appears to be an ignorant general populace.

"Labioplasty, as it is known, costs about £3,000 privately and is offered for a variety of reasons: some women complain that wearing tight clothes or riding a bike is uncomfortable, while others say they are embarrassed in front of a sexual partner."

While research from the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology emphasize the dangers of these operations when done unnecessarily, surgeons seem to agree that the risk the research shows is hyperbolized. I respect the BBC from giving both sides of the issue -- they don't appear to commit to either side. I must agree, though, that the comparisons between labioplasty and FGM seem a little stretched to tear at the heartstrings, though there are inherent risks with any surgery. The point is that women strive for unrealistic bodies that simply cannot be attained without a nip here or a tuck here and, quite frankly, it's time we stopped snooping about men's magazines to see what our spouses or significant others desire. Let them have their fantasies and if they cannot come to you -- a real woman -- and be satisfied despite your human imperfections, they're simply not mature enough for you and it's time to move on.

In the end, whether or not labioplasty is physically dangerous, the psychological ramifications of being so uncomfortable with your appearance in a place most people (usually) don't exhibit everyday are unparalleled. Ever seen Repo! The Genetic Opera? Let's not even get into how to PAY for such luxuries.


Link to story at bbc.com
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8352711.stm

No small roles, only small actors? Yeah, if you're a midget.

SMALL ROLES STILL ALLOW FOR HUMOR, REVENGE
(The Alligator/Erik Voss)

I'm beginning to feel almost creepy considering how often I wind up commenting on my own improv mentor's columns but I've got to say -- Erik really knows how to serve up humor in the strangest and most relatable packages. Here he addresses the innate desire to impress those we despise if only for the cheapest form of validation (in this case, his elementary school drama teacher). I know I've been there; those demeaning school plays that pit toddler divas against one another as if Miss Smith the drama teacher with a BA in English was a legitimate Broadway producer. Alas, poor Erik (I knew him well?) and myself were often confined to small roles (him for his unfortunate phallic object and me for just being a forgettable sort of girl). His desire to ruin the ambiance of the play with one apathetic "hooray" really does hit home to that inner desire to adhere to "if I can't have it, nobody can" mentality.Sure, it's wrong -- but is it funny coming from a third grader? Heck yes.

Good show, little vengeful Erik. Take a bow.

Machin' me crazy

MACHEN TICKETED IN PARKING LOT INCIDENT
(The Gainesville Sun)

"University of Florida President Bernie Machen was ticketed by Gainesville police Friday night for hitting another car in a downtown parking lot and failing to leave information on the car, police said Saturday." Allegedly, Machen did not seem to think there had been any damage and left the scene to go to dinner, leaving the parking lot attendant to tell the owner of the red Camry that the UF president had backed into his/her car. The officer at the scene said this was a criminal violation and a court date would be necessary.

As one of the top schools in the nation, it would be nice if our president could set a mature example. Not too impressive if he can't even fess up to a minor fender bender in place of a fancy schmancy dinner that could most definitely have waited 5 minutes for him to scribble a note. For crying out loud, you're the figurehead of a top education institution -- take responsibility for your actions! 


Link to story at gainesville.com:
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20091108/NEWS/911079895/1002?Title=Machen-ticketed-in-parking-lot-incident

Keep your hands down, they're not playing your song

MILEY THE FRAUD -- I'VE NEVER HEARD A JAY-Z SONG
(TMZ)

"Party In the USA" -- it's on every radio station, in every store, and everyone's humming it on the bus. The undeniably catchy tune from teen sensation Miley Cyrus has everyone jamming. The line "and a Jay-Z song was on" would lead one to wonder, "Well, what Jay-Z song has Ms. Cyrus singing?" And the answer is none as the pop starlet was unable to name any songs when posed the question and claims she's never even heard a Jay-Z song in her life. Look, we know you don't write your own music, but at least do a little background research before you make a smash hit music video.

Link to story at tmz.com:
http://www.tmz.com/2009/11/06/miley-cyrus-jay-z-song-video/

Cushion for the kushin'

SAVE THE POT DEALERS!
(Time)

"They're almost as bad off as journalists." Who are we talking about, here? Actors? Nope. English majors? Eh, possibly. More like marijuana dealers. For you see, especially in California where obtaining a medical marijuana license is easier than a driver's license, most have turned away from their dependable dealers in favor of allowing the strong hand of capitalism to feed their need.

I think what's most endearing about this article is its blatent honesty -- there's no candy coating the fact that the author himself bullshit the system to get weed (as did his wife) and that the War on Drugs hasn't really accomplished much more than creating an army of hipster smokers. ("Also, legitimizing pot hasn't created more users; it has just produced more annoying ones, who now apply Whole Foods--ian levels of snobbiness to the differences between Hawaiian Sativa and Humboldt Indica.") Does this call for another bailout to save the suffering back-alley marijuana industry? Not quite. But a legalization of it would certainly cut the crap out of the bureacratic system in which obtaining a medical marijuana license through deceit. Save everyone the trouble and just let it go, feds.

Link to story at time.com:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1934996-2,00.html

An eye for an eye?

BRANDON SPIKES EYE GOUGING VIDEO: FLORIDA GATOR SUSPENDED FOR EYE POKING
(Huffington Post)

Coach Urban Meyer has suspended star linebacker Brandon Spikes from the first half of the Vanderbilt game after Spikes attempted to gouge the eyes of running back Washaun Ealey during the Florida-Georgia game this past Saturday. According to Meyer, it was retaliation for an earlier play in which Spikes' eyes almost met a similar fate.

I love my Florida Gators and I've been an avid football fan as long as I can remember (I'm thinking womb), but I have to say that it's actions like these that really make me lose faith in sports. Yes, Spikes is a valuable player to the team as a whole but the consequences to his actions seem almost trivial. It was an admittedly deliberate act and the punishment should reflect that. Of course this happens all the time in the NFL, yes, but there are viral videos spiraling about the Internet that simply cannot be ignored.

Sorry, Spikes -- Hammurabi just isn't for everyone.


Link to story and video at huffingtonpost.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/02/brandon-spikes-eye-gougin_n_342401.html


Edit: I wrote this before I had many of the later details of the story, including Ealey's defense of Spikes and the like. Totally unjournalistic of me, right? Anyway, my opinion on the matter has changed since then so bear that in mind before I get a horde of angry Gators at me with pitchforks and torches. Please and thank you!