A Legend Lives

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 in the afternoon a little after 2 PM. As for now, we know he died of cardiac arrest (some skeptical to believe until toxicology results come back). Whatever the cause, I know that his death has stirred the world and created a reaction I do not think Michael would have expected. People joined together in every corner of the world to mourn for their favorite superstar. His memorial service, which was July 7 in L.A., was perhaps a defining moment for the legacy of Michael Jackson. His children, especially daughter Paris, touched us all, and made each and every soul watching realize that Michael was in fact a human being, not just the super star that seemed so immortal.

I am not going to write about the facts in this post, or the possibilities of what is to come. I am writing this because I feel as if I lost a friend, someone who has been with me throughout the years, who I will never see again, at least not on this planet. He left his songs to entertain, yet comfort us, and for some reason I cannot stop playing. I guess he is really speaking to me in 'Don't Stop Til You Get Enough'! But besides his music, he was a dedicated philanthropist (supporting up to 39 charities), and it only inspires me to try and help a quarter of the people he has benefited. I wish his family the best, and hopefully his beautiful melodies will 'Heal the World'.

Farrah Fawcett, Her Story in the Public Eye

Farrah Fawcett, an American actress and pop culture icon, suffers from anal cancer. In the 70's and 80's Fawcett was a sex symbol to millions of Americans. In 2006 she was diagnosed with anal cancer. Most people would probably know her as one of the original Charlie's Angels, yet now, she wants everyone to know her story battling cancer. After months of treatment and chemotherapy, her cancer was thought to be in remission. However, in May 2007, Farrah decided to bring a videotape to one of her doctor's visits, where she was told her cancer was back. Farrah's Story is a movie documenting her battle, her determination to fight the disease, and her refussal to die from the viscious cancer attacking her body. Watching the documentary, I couldn't help but think how courageous it was of her to have cameras taping her at such a depressing time in her life. I couldn't help but think, I could never want the entire world to know me at my worst. She narrates the story, reading from a journal, and her husband (Ryan O'Neal) and her friends are interviewed to help tell the story.

The conflict I continue to think about is would I have the courage to do what she has done. She is famous, vulnerable to the media and the American public opinion, yet she wants people to see her journey. Shedding many tears, I learned that sometimes it is the responsibility of those who suffer to educate the rest. I am glad that I watched her story, and I think you should too. Just because someone is famous, and maybe you once thought perfect, doesn't mean they do not suffer like the rest of us. Watch Farrah's Story!

Movie Let Down...Ghosts of Girlfriends Stay In The PAST!

It was Mother's Day. Figuring the supposed romantic comedy would be happy, hysterical, and haughty, my mother and I decided to go see the film, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. What we didn't know was the movie aims to make women look desperate, slutty, pathetic, and completely vulnerable when it comes to a good looking man. Not only that, but the men in the movie are complete pigs. Mid way through the movie (when about half of the women in the film saw him cheating on them and continued to beg for his attention) I decided I had had enough. I attempted to leave but decided to stay and see if maybe this ass-hole would get what he deserved. But what do you know! He gets the girl in the end, sorry for ruining it! In my opinion, one of the worst movies ever made, in regards to the respect of women. The movie failed to be romantic, or funny. In a country where a woman could run for presidency, I did not think a movie would be made so degrading. For the men, maybe this movie can teach you WHAT NOT TO BE. Higher hopes for the next Matthew Mcconaughey film.

The Life of a College Student During Finals...

YOU HAVE NONE!

Miracle Med

Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, better known as Adderall, used to be the diet pill of choice in the 1960s. Today, more than ever, it is students' number one study aid. The drug is perscribed to individuals diagnosed with ADD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but that does not mean students who are not diagnosed cannot get the drug. In fact, most students who take the drug, or have taken the drug in the past, have gotten it from a friend perscribed to the medicine. So what is all the buzz about?

College students have a never ending flow of school work. Research papers, experiments, group presentations, etc. consume the lives of these students, giving little time for enjoyment of any sort and create sky rocketed stress levels. Professors seem to either not care, or adore the tough love approach of teaching. If students want to pass, they must get the work done, or pay outrageous prices (sometimes literally).

So what is the miracle med? Is it coffee? Is it RedBull? No, its adderall, a prescription drug used by millions of Americans, especially students, to help concentrate, study, and altogether get the work done needed to succeed. Adderall is the most common study drug, mostly due to its ability to enhance concentration and suppress appetites.

Should college students learn to deal with the pressures of an undergraduate? Since I am a college student, and will sympathize with my fellow struggling students, I suggest professors lighten up on the work load. Come on folks, I need a life outside the books!

Who is Breaking the Law?

Almost a month ago, a fellow journalism major at Temple University was outside of Johnson and Hardwick Residence Hall when a homeless man decided to start flashing his "goodies" outside the fence from Broad Street. When the journalism student caught the man doing so, he decided to take pictures (he was already taking pictures for his Photography for Filmakers class). The student felt as if it was a good opportunity to get a good shot of a man literally with his pants down, surrounded by police. How were the police reacting to the man? The photograph could have probably given you the answer.

The bike cops quickly saw the student snapping shots, and demanded that he stop. The student responded, "I am pretty sure I am allowed to take pictures."

An officer replied, "Not when the police tell you to stop."

So is that true? Are police really allowed to tell a person to stop taking pictures in public, to speak to people in such a way? According to the World Press Freedom Committee,

Journalists, like all citizens, must be secure in their persons and be given full protection of law.

Actually, journalists are allowed to pursure stories in public places, especially a public place like Broad Street.

The student continued to take pictures. The police approached the young man and told him to "Get the F--- Out of Here." As journalism majors we are taught that it is perfectly legal to take pictures in public. After being shoved away by the police, the student moved to a different location where he continued to snap shots until he left the scene. The police approached him, and one can assume what happened next. They grabbed his ID from his pockets and said that taking pictures was legal until the police told you to stop.

The truth is, the police were furious that their word had been questioned, given that they are figures of authority, figures that in no way should be questioned, right? The student was cited by the police and given probation for the following semester and 20 hours of community service by the University Disciplinary Council. At the disciplinary hearing the policeman denied ever telling the student to "Get the F--- Out of Here." Is that fair? What did the student do wrong? He questioned authority, and that apparently, is illegal. As students we have the duty to stand up for our rights. So be careful with the camera people, you don't want to break the law!

He Really Does Make Mistakes

On March 19, 59 days into his Presidency, President Obama made an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He is the first President to ever do so, and I am sure it was a move to personalize himself with the nation. Starting off the interview, Leno and President Obama discussed the economy, the AIG scandal, and our President even bashed on the Secret Service. About mid way through the interview, President Obama, clearly too comfortable in the environment, made a comment that offended millions around the nation.





“I imagine the bowling alley [in the White House] has just been just burned and closed down," Leno said.


Obama replied, “No, no. I have been practicing, I bowled a 129. It's like — it was like Special Olympics, or something."





WHAT?





Even Leno was a little taken aback, uttering, "No no. That's uh...uh very good." For a President to make a remark as such, it is very foolish. Unfortunately for Obama, he did not know that the Special Olympics is not a program to make fun of, especially on national television. Not only was it not funny, but it was hurtful to millions of Americans, disabled or not. The Special Olympics, a non profit organization founded in 1968, holds world competitions every other year for the mentally and physically disabled. It is a promising and compassionate organization.





Before the show aired, White House officials made sure apologies were made. President Obama is reported to personally call Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver and apologize for the remark, as he should have. It is even reported that Obama invited Special Olympic athletes to play basketball and bowl at the White House.





Was the comment appropriate? No. Did President Obama make a mistake? Obviously. Should he be forgiven? That is up to you. We all make mistakes, and we all say things we do not mean, however this is the ultimate example of how words really do hurt, no matter if its jestful or not. Hate language needs to be depleted from the dialogues of all citizens, including our politicians.





So think before you speak, be considerate of others, and be educated of what you say.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Q6AQP1a9k&feature=related

Follow the link to see the actual video of Obama's comment