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

More Money in a Time of Less

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: "The world cannot afford the price that will come due if Afghanistan slides back into chaos or al-Qaeda operates unchecked. We have a shared responsibility to act, not because we seek to project power for its own sake, but because our own peace and security depends on it. And what’s at stake at this time is not just our own security; it’s the very idea that free nations can come together on behalf of our common security."

Well, President Obama sure does know how to give into dramatic effect. On April 9, 2009, President Obama asked Congress for...get ready...$83.4 BILLION for funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Nearly 95 percent of these funds will be used to support our men and women in uniform as they help the people of Iraq to take responsibility for their own future — and work to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaida in Pakistan and Afghanistan," President Obama wrote this in letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Democrat of California).

Okay, so here is the proposal. 95% of the funds would go overseas towards the wars. The money would be good for our troops, their bases, weapons, and I am sure other needs. Not just our (the US military) needs, but the money will help protect U.S. assests in the Middle East, and almost $7 billion in foreign aid (huge ally against the fight against al-Qaida, Pakistan).

Are Americans going to support this new plan? Is Obama still opposed to the war in Iraq, even after he is asking for more funds to go overseas?