Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Volume 2, Issue 1: Vice and Virtue
Welcome. You are now reading this semester's first issue of 309: The Online Magazine. The themes of this issue are vice and virtue. Happy reading, and please be sure to bookmark us!
Coping with Cancer: Turning a Dire Situation into a Life Journey
By Erica Behler
Dedicated to Linda Groscurth & In memory of Gerry Godshalk
As a young girl I paraded around my living room floor festooned in glorious costumes. They had it all; sparkle, pizzazz, sequins, tassels, you name it. I was queen of dress-up. I squeezed myself into them until they were literally stretching at the seams, and to this day they’re still in my possession. These costumes held such importance to me, they were my treasures and they were given to me by one of my biggest heroes, Linda Groscurth. She has been battling Lymphoma for the past 15 years. From her experience, she has learned to look at life in a positive light. She is truly an inspiration and every one of us could learn from her powerful and moving journey.
Whoever has thought they've been through a rough situation before, I'd like you to read this story, and then reconsider. Linda Groscurth, age 55, of Evergreen Colorado, was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma when she was 40, and has been living with it, on and off, ever since. “When I was first diagnosed I wasn’t positive at all. I was told that I had an incurable cancer and the median survival rate was five years. I didn’t know anyone that had been diagnosed with follicular non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and I was sure that I would die within a few years. I went through all the stages of grief; anger, denial and finally acceptance. I started researching and learning about lymphoma and talking to many oncologists.
Unfortunately there isn’t a set protocol for treatment and every doctor that I met with suggested that I try something different. I looked for a lymphoma support group and there wasn’t one at the time, so I joined a breast cancer group to learn how people coped with their cancer diagnosis. I found strong, resilient and positive women, and they helped me realize that any thoughts of “why me?” should be turned to “why not me?” It was a powerful moment and changed my thinking and my attitude.”
Lymphoma is a type of cancer which involves the cells of the immune system, also known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that attack a number of infectious agents throughout the body; they primarily play a role in the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels which carries a fluid (lymph) to the rest of the body. Within your body your have thousands of lymph nodes. The fluid lymph, flows through these thousands of lymph nodes as well as other areas of the body including; spleen, tonsils, bone marrow and thymus gland. When lymph is filtered through your lymph nodes, they filter out all of the bad stuff- bacteria, viruses, etc... When an infection occurs, these bacteria and viruses build up at the lymph node, and become swollen and tender. This is why at the doctor’s office, when you go in for a cold, they feel under your jaw line to see if those particular lymph nodes are swollen; they're really checking for a localized infection.
There are two main types of Lymphocytes, they are, B Lymphocytes and T Lymphocytes, also known simply as B and T cells. B and T cells are responsible for killing infections and abnormal cells. B cells create antibodies, you can think of them as warriors, that kill off these abnormal cells. T cells don't need to produce antibodies, they can kill directly. After fighting off these abnormal cells or infections, the B and T cells can keep it as a memory, and they'll remember the abnormal cells and know how to fight them if they decide to return. Lymphoma occurs when either B or T cells transform and multiply at a rapid pace, often uncontrollably. Linda has specifically, Follicular Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which means that her B cells are affected.
These newly transformed cells begin to collect in one or more of your lymph nodes or in other lymphatic tissue. As the transformed cells continue to multiply at an alarming rate within the lymph node they begin to build up and create a large mass, also known as a tumor. When a tumor is present it can begin to crowd surrounding organs, cutting of their oxygen supply or affecting them as well. Because the lymphatic system runs throughout your entire body, it gives the abnormal transformed cells an easy ride, basically to anywhere it wants to go in your body.
“I finished chemotherapy and radiation in December of 1995. I was incredibly fortunate to stay in remission until September of 2006. When I relapsed I was at stage 4, with the lymphoma widespread across my lymphatic system and in my bone marrow. Because I was still feeling fine, my oncologist and I decided that I would “watch and live”, until we both felt that I needed to start chemotherapy again. I have a cat scan every three months and I’ve remained fairly stable until recently when the cancer has started to become more aggressive. I probably will have to start chemotherapy again in the next few months, but I’m not too worried about it. They have many new treatment options since I was first diagnosed and some of the new treatments are not nearly as toxic and really target the cancer cells, rather than all fast growing cells. I think I can take treatment and have another remission. My goal is to stay alive long enough until they can find a cure for follicular lymphoma and I think I can do it.”
An estimate given by the American Cancer Association said that last year, in 2009, there were 65,980 new cases of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) in the United States alone. In that same year there were an estimated 19,500 deaths from NHL in the United States. Cancer is a continual process, and Resource Centers have grown to help those with the disease, cope with their situations, before, during, and post cancer.
Shawn Galbreath, Executive Director at the Finger Lakes Cancer Resource Center, describes the process in which they provide help, “There are stages of coping. First you cope with the shock of diagnosis, then your families shock, then the treatment and its effects on you (maybe loss of hair, loss of body parts, loss of self esteem, fear, the bright light, medicinal, sterile hospitals, needles, etc...).” She goes on to talk about everyone's perception of normal and how if you've undergone this process you'll never quite fit that mold again. “The shock of finishing treatment, it's all you've thought about for weeks and months, and then bang... nothing, and everyone wants you back to normal, which will never happen again.” The Finger Lakes Cancer Resource Center stresses the importance of one on one personalized support.
“No one size fits all or 800 numbers to some far off place that knows nothing about local services.” adds Shawn Galbreath. They also provide post cancer wellness classes for recovery; yoga, walking, nutrition, massage, and swimming are some of the options included.
The Finger Lakes Cancer Resource Center also provides mentors, someone to help guide you through your situation. Lindy has a firsthand experience with this as she is a mentor herself. “One of my passions in life is to help other newly diagnosed lymphoma patients, so that they don’t have to experience the terror that I did when first diagnosed. Statistics are statistics, but they don’t take into account the individual. They don’t take into account a positive attitude, a will to live, the support of family, friends and community, faith and even miracles. When I speak with someone just diagnosed with lymphoma and tell them that there is life after this diagnosis and possibly a great life, it offers them hope. Hope makes the treatment bearable and hope makes life richer.”
When Linda first found out she had Lymphoma, she decided she better find out as much as possible about the disease, “After much research I finally picked an oncologist and decided what chemotherapy and radiation regimen I felt was right for me. Once I began treatment, I felt strong and positive because I had an action plan. I was relatively young and physically strong, so the treatment felt doable for me. It wasn’t easy, but I knew that I could do it and I kept looking to the end and to a remission of my cancer. I was able to become positive because of my conviction that I made the right treatment decision and because I realized not only how much I was loved by my family and friends, but how much I valued myself. I truly thought that I could use my experiences to help others and this thought gave me a strength that I didn’t know that I possessed.”
Since we all face what we believe to be hard situations, I asked Linda what advice she would give to someone going through a rough time in their life, she replied, “My first advice would be to step back and breathe. Typically the first response to any challenging situation is to think you must take immediate action and that easily leads to panic. As difficult as it is, if you can stop and literally breathe for a bit, the panic subsides and thinking becomes clearer. My second advice is to become your own advocate. It is easy to listen to others that want to give you advice or to doctors that tell you what you should do and not consider your own thoughts or ideas. It is important to listen to everyone, but it is vital to consider your own values, your own feelings and your own intuition. We need to empower ourselves to fully participate in our own lives, whether it is a medical crisis or any challenging situation in life. Don’t immediately assume that the status quo has to be the status quo. Often there are other options that present themselves, if we take the time to slow down, breathe and reflect.”
As with any serious situation, you take away many life lessons from it. Lindy is no exception. “I have learned so many things. I’ve learned that none of us know what is in store for us, and that life is truly precious and valuable, so we need to appreciate it and savor the good moments. I’ve learned that the love of friends, family and even total strangers is given freely and should be received with an open heart. I’ve learned that helping others really is more satisfying than helping yourself. I’ve learned that most of us have strength we didn’t even think we could possess. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be sad for yourself sometimes, as long as you can put it in perspective against larger suffering.”
Linda is a true and definite idol; she has overcome obstacles that would be certain to crush some of us. She gives honest advice and realizes that there is a time and place for everything. From that little girl dressed in a dazzling ensemble in her living room to today as a sophomore in college, Linda’s position, as hero has remained undaunted. She remains one of my biggest inspirations in life and the thought of her reminds me to pursue all that I can and to be the absolute best that I can. Let her be an inspiration to you as well.
“Some people say that a cancer diagnosis was a blessing in their life and they wouldn’t change a thing. Well, I don’t think it was a blessing and I would rather not have it. But, since I do, and this is my only life, I’d better make the best of it. I’ve met wonderful people that I never would have met without having cancer. I’ve seen incredible compassion and love for others. I’ve given it, and I’ve received much more.”
Dedicated to Linda Groscurth & In memory of Gerry Godshalk
As a young girl I paraded around my living room floor festooned in glorious costumes. They had it all; sparkle, pizzazz, sequins, tassels, you name it. I was queen of dress-up. I squeezed myself into them until they were literally stretching at the seams, and to this day they’re still in my possession. These costumes held such importance to me, they were my treasures and they were given to me by one of my biggest heroes, Linda Groscurth. She has been battling Lymphoma for the past 15 years. From her experience, she has learned to look at life in a positive light. She is truly an inspiration and every one of us could learn from her powerful and moving journey.
Whoever has thought they've been through a rough situation before, I'd like you to read this story, and then reconsider. Linda Groscurth, age 55, of Evergreen Colorado, was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma when she was 40, and has been living with it, on and off, ever since. “When I was first diagnosed I wasn’t positive at all. I was told that I had an incurable cancer and the median survival rate was five years. I didn’t know anyone that had been diagnosed with follicular non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and I was sure that I would die within a few years. I went through all the stages of grief; anger, denial and finally acceptance. I started researching and learning about lymphoma and talking to many oncologists.
Unfortunately there isn’t a set protocol for treatment and every doctor that I met with suggested that I try something different. I looked for a lymphoma support group and there wasn’t one at the time, so I joined a breast cancer group to learn how people coped with their cancer diagnosis. I found strong, resilient and positive women, and they helped me realize that any thoughts of “why me?” should be turned to “why not me?” It was a powerful moment and changed my thinking and my attitude.”
Lymphoma is a type of cancer which involves the cells of the immune system, also known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that attack a number of infectious agents throughout the body; they primarily play a role in the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels which carries a fluid (lymph) to the rest of the body. Within your body your have thousands of lymph nodes. The fluid lymph, flows through these thousands of lymph nodes as well as other areas of the body including; spleen, tonsils, bone marrow and thymus gland. When lymph is filtered through your lymph nodes, they filter out all of the bad stuff- bacteria, viruses, etc... When an infection occurs, these bacteria and viruses build up at the lymph node, and become swollen and tender. This is why at the doctor’s office, when you go in for a cold, they feel under your jaw line to see if those particular lymph nodes are swollen; they're really checking for a localized infection.
There are two main types of Lymphocytes, they are, B Lymphocytes and T Lymphocytes, also known simply as B and T cells. B and T cells are responsible for killing infections and abnormal cells. B cells create antibodies, you can think of them as warriors, that kill off these abnormal cells. T cells don't need to produce antibodies, they can kill directly. After fighting off these abnormal cells or infections, the B and T cells can keep it as a memory, and they'll remember the abnormal cells and know how to fight them if they decide to return. Lymphoma occurs when either B or T cells transform and multiply at a rapid pace, often uncontrollably. Linda has specifically, Follicular Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which means that her B cells are affected.
These newly transformed cells begin to collect in one or more of your lymph nodes or in other lymphatic tissue. As the transformed cells continue to multiply at an alarming rate within the lymph node they begin to build up and create a large mass, also known as a tumor. When a tumor is present it can begin to crowd surrounding organs, cutting of their oxygen supply or affecting them as well. Because the lymphatic system runs throughout your entire body, it gives the abnormal transformed cells an easy ride, basically to anywhere it wants to go in your body.
“I finished chemotherapy and radiation in December of 1995. I was incredibly fortunate to stay in remission until September of 2006. When I relapsed I was at stage 4, with the lymphoma widespread across my lymphatic system and in my bone marrow. Because I was still feeling fine, my oncologist and I decided that I would “watch and live”, until we both felt that I needed to start chemotherapy again. I have a cat scan every three months and I’ve remained fairly stable until recently when the cancer has started to become more aggressive. I probably will have to start chemotherapy again in the next few months, but I’m not too worried about it. They have many new treatment options since I was first diagnosed and some of the new treatments are not nearly as toxic and really target the cancer cells, rather than all fast growing cells. I think I can take treatment and have another remission. My goal is to stay alive long enough until they can find a cure for follicular lymphoma and I think I can do it.”
An estimate given by the American Cancer Association said that last year, in 2009, there were 65,980 new cases of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) in the United States alone. In that same year there were an estimated 19,500 deaths from NHL in the United States. Cancer is a continual process, and Resource Centers have grown to help those with the disease, cope with their situations, before, during, and post cancer.
Shawn Galbreath, Executive Director at the Finger Lakes Cancer Resource Center, describes the process in which they provide help, “There are stages of coping. First you cope with the shock of diagnosis, then your families shock, then the treatment and its effects on you (maybe loss of hair, loss of body parts, loss of self esteem, fear, the bright light, medicinal, sterile hospitals, needles, etc...).” She goes on to talk about everyone's perception of normal and how if you've undergone this process you'll never quite fit that mold again. “The shock of finishing treatment, it's all you've thought about for weeks and months, and then bang... nothing, and everyone wants you back to normal, which will never happen again.” The Finger Lakes Cancer Resource Center stresses the importance of one on one personalized support.
“No one size fits all or 800 numbers to some far off place that knows nothing about local services.” adds Shawn Galbreath. They also provide post cancer wellness classes for recovery; yoga, walking, nutrition, massage, and swimming are some of the options included.
The Finger Lakes Cancer Resource Center also provides mentors, someone to help guide you through your situation. Lindy has a firsthand experience with this as she is a mentor herself. “One of my passions in life is to help other newly diagnosed lymphoma patients, so that they don’t have to experience the terror that I did when first diagnosed. Statistics are statistics, but they don’t take into account the individual. They don’t take into account a positive attitude, a will to live, the support of family, friends and community, faith and even miracles. When I speak with someone just diagnosed with lymphoma and tell them that there is life after this diagnosis and possibly a great life, it offers them hope. Hope makes the treatment bearable and hope makes life richer.”
When Linda first found out she had Lymphoma, she decided she better find out as much as possible about the disease, “After much research I finally picked an oncologist and decided what chemotherapy and radiation regimen I felt was right for me. Once I began treatment, I felt strong and positive because I had an action plan. I was relatively young and physically strong, so the treatment felt doable for me. It wasn’t easy, but I knew that I could do it and I kept looking to the end and to a remission of my cancer. I was able to become positive because of my conviction that I made the right treatment decision and because I realized not only how much I was loved by my family and friends, but how much I valued myself. I truly thought that I could use my experiences to help others and this thought gave me a strength that I didn’t know that I possessed.”
Since we all face what we believe to be hard situations, I asked Linda what advice she would give to someone going through a rough time in their life, she replied, “My first advice would be to step back and breathe. Typically the first response to any challenging situation is to think you must take immediate action and that easily leads to panic. As difficult as it is, if you can stop and literally breathe for a bit, the panic subsides and thinking becomes clearer. My second advice is to become your own advocate. It is easy to listen to others that want to give you advice or to doctors that tell you what you should do and not consider your own thoughts or ideas. It is important to listen to everyone, but it is vital to consider your own values, your own feelings and your own intuition. We need to empower ourselves to fully participate in our own lives, whether it is a medical crisis or any challenging situation in life. Don’t immediately assume that the status quo has to be the status quo. Often there are other options that present themselves, if we take the time to slow down, breathe and reflect.”
As with any serious situation, you take away many life lessons from it. Lindy is no exception. “I have learned so many things. I’ve learned that none of us know what is in store for us, and that life is truly precious and valuable, so we need to appreciate it and savor the good moments. I’ve learned that the love of friends, family and even total strangers is given freely and should be received with an open heart. I’ve learned that helping others really is more satisfying than helping yourself. I’ve learned that most of us have strength we didn’t even think we could possess. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be sad for yourself sometimes, as long as you can put it in perspective against larger suffering.”
Linda is a true and definite idol; she has overcome obstacles that would be certain to crush some of us. She gives honest advice and realizes that there is a time and place for everything. From that little girl dressed in a dazzling ensemble in her living room to today as a sophomore in college, Linda’s position, as hero has remained undaunted. She remains one of my biggest inspirations in life and the thought of her reminds me to pursue all that I can and to be the absolute best that I can. Let her be an inspiration to you as well.
“Some people say that a cancer diagnosis was a blessing in their life and they wouldn’t change a thing. Well, I don’t think it was a blessing and I would rather not have it. But, since I do, and this is my only life, I’d better make the best of it. I’ve met wonderful people that I never would have met without having cancer. I’ve seen incredible compassion and love for others. I’ve given it, and I’ve received much more.”
Heads, I Win. Tails, You Lose
By Ali Sisson
Tiger Woods, Eliot Spitzer, Bill Clinton, and John Gosselin—their pasts are enough to make any woman’s head spin. As one male celebrity after another commits acts of infidelity, women around the country are praying that they can trust their significant others.
After the recent explosion of famous males cheating on their wives with no unfaithful females joining the ranks, it’s difficult not to wonder what causes this to happen.
This concept has even intrigued some of the nation’s top counselors and doctors.
Although they cannot seem to agree on what it is that makes men cheat, they can agree on the estimation that up to 76% of men have cheated on their partners.
Dr. Steven Nock, professor of sociology at the University of Virginia, believes that society is partly to blame for the amount of dishonesty from men. “Society is more tolerant of men’s misdeeds,” said Nock. Others, though, find other factors to be more likely culprits.
Dr. Louanne Westen, a counselor from California, believes that there is a natural, instinctual reason why men tend to cheat more. “There is a natural tendency that suggests putting your seed in as many places as possible,” said Westen. “That non-monogamous urge persists in many men.”
Others, still, believe that psychological factors are what drive men to be unfaithful.
Dr. Gail Saltz, the Today Show’s contributing psychiatrist, believes that men’s urge to cheat comes from an internal power issue. “Men who fear intimacy will have affairs to maintain power in their relationships,” she said.
M. Gary Neuman, a marriage counselor who has conducted surveys to get real-life opinions and experiences of cheating, also agrees that cheating is the result of a psychological or emotional feeling. Using the statistics that he has gathered, he has come to the conclusion that 92% of men said that the affair was not all about the sex. In fact, statistics have shown that 48% of men would say that emotional dissatisfaction was the primary reason why they cheated.
Though it is said that a high majority of men will, at some point, cheat, “about 7% of men who have cheated told their wives without being asked,” said Gary. Though that statistic doesn’t seem hopeful by any means, not all men are completely shameless. Gary has also noted that “66% of cheating men report feeling guilt.”
Even with professionally collected statistics, it’s difficult to say what does or does not make men cheat, and it’s safe to say that it probably happens for a variety of reasons.
Oliver*, of Brooklyn, New York, has cheated three times on two different girls. “I was being greedy, and I wanted everything,” said Oliver. “They were mindless decisions that I made spur-of-the-moment.” In regards to the future, Oliver has put his foot down against cheating. “Hopefully [I won’t do it again]. I made a decision not to. I really hurt somebody.”
Joshua*, of Plattsburgh, New York, has also cheated on past girlfriends. He says that he feels guilty, but at the time, “needed something new.”
On the flip side, many American men wouldn’t even consider cheating on a partner.
Nick*, of Massena, New York, has never cheated on any of his girlfriends. “I have been cheated on too many times to do that,” he said. “I know how it feels and would never want to put someone that I care about into that situation. It’s not fun.”
Jonathan”, of Albany, New York, agrees that cheating is not acceptable. “If [you have] made a commitment, [you] must stick to it unless it becomes void,” he said.
Though it seems inevitable that many men will cheat, some instances can be preventable. Working out issues calmly and focusing on keeping your relationship healthy can keep you and him happy together.
M. Gary Neuman also suggests verbally praising your spouse, making it clear that they are valued.
“Don’t be afraid to praise your partner or tell him that you appreciate what he does,” said Neuman. “[Men are] searching and looking for somebody to build them up to make them feel valued.”
Same can be said about men and women, in all kinds of relationships. “We get married because we want one person in the world to really think we're wonderful for doing all the things that we do,” said Gary. “We all want the same thing.”
* Aliases were used to protect the identity of these sources.
Tiger Woods, Eliot Spitzer, Bill Clinton, and John Gosselin—their pasts are enough to make any woman’s head spin. As one male celebrity after another commits acts of infidelity, women around the country are praying that they can trust their significant others.
After the recent explosion of famous males cheating on their wives with no unfaithful females joining the ranks, it’s difficult not to wonder what causes this to happen.
This concept has even intrigued some of the nation’s top counselors and doctors.
Although they cannot seem to agree on what it is that makes men cheat, they can agree on the estimation that up to 76% of men have cheated on their partners.
Dr. Steven Nock, professor of sociology at the University of Virginia, believes that society is partly to blame for the amount of dishonesty from men. “Society is more tolerant of men’s misdeeds,” said Nock. Others, though, find other factors to be more likely culprits.
Dr. Louanne Westen, a counselor from California, believes that there is a natural, instinctual reason why men tend to cheat more. “There is a natural tendency that suggests putting your seed in as many places as possible,” said Westen. “That non-monogamous urge persists in many men.”
Others, still, believe that psychological factors are what drive men to be unfaithful.
Dr. Gail Saltz, the Today Show’s contributing psychiatrist, believes that men’s urge to cheat comes from an internal power issue. “Men who fear intimacy will have affairs to maintain power in their relationships,” she said.
M. Gary Neuman, a marriage counselor who has conducted surveys to get real-life opinions and experiences of cheating, also agrees that cheating is the result of a psychological or emotional feeling. Using the statistics that he has gathered, he has come to the conclusion that 92% of men said that the affair was not all about the sex. In fact, statistics have shown that 48% of men would say that emotional dissatisfaction was the primary reason why they cheated.
Though it is said that a high majority of men will, at some point, cheat, “about 7% of men who have cheated told their wives without being asked,” said Gary. Though that statistic doesn’t seem hopeful by any means, not all men are completely shameless. Gary has also noted that “66% of cheating men report feeling guilt.”
Even with professionally collected statistics, it’s difficult to say what does or does not make men cheat, and it’s safe to say that it probably happens for a variety of reasons.
Oliver*, of Brooklyn, New York, has cheated three times on two different girls. “I was being greedy, and I wanted everything,” said Oliver. “They were mindless decisions that I made spur-of-the-moment.” In regards to the future, Oliver has put his foot down against cheating. “Hopefully [I won’t do it again]. I made a decision not to. I really hurt somebody.”
Joshua*, of Plattsburgh, New York, has also cheated on past girlfriends. He says that he feels guilty, but at the time, “needed something new.”
On the flip side, many American men wouldn’t even consider cheating on a partner.
Nick*, of Massena, New York, has never cheated on any of his girlfriends. “I have been cheated on too many times to do that,” he said. “I know how it feels and would never want to put someone that I care about into that situation. It’s not fun.”
Jonathan”, of Albany, New York, agrees that cheating is not acceptable. “If [you have] made a commitment, [you] must stick to it unless it becomes void,” he said.
Though it seems inevitable that many men will cheat, some instances can be preventable. Working out issues calmly and focusing on keeping your relationship healthy can keep you and him happy together.
M. Gary Neuman also suggests verbally praising your spouse, making it clear that they are valued.
“Don’t be afraid to praise your partner or tell him that you appreciate what he does,” said Neuman. “[Men are] searching and looking for somebody to build them up to make them feel valued.”
Same can be said about men and women, in all kinds of relationships. “We get married because we want one person in the world to really think we're wonderful for doing all the things that we do,” said Gary. “We all want the same thing.”
* Aliases were used to protect the identity of these sources.
Smoking Story
By Adam Patterson
“Quitting smoking is easy; I’ve done it a thousand times,” Mark Twain is famous for saying. But while Twain was an avid smoker, he would have nothing to say about the difficulties in quitting smoking as a college student.
Quitting is hard enough, or easy if you ask Mark Twain, but there are many things outside of just nicotine that keep people smoking in academic settings, as evident by the litter of butts outside of dorm room entrances.
“It depends on what people are exposed to,” says Karen Derucha, a senior public health educator at Clinton County Health Services and The Adirondack Tobacco Free Network.Outside factors, as well as physiological ones play into efforts to quit smoking.
“When it comes to quitting smoking that’s why we advise people to contact someplace like New York State Smokers Quit Line when they’re ready to quit to help them figure out their triggers, patterns, and what’s the best approach to quitting smoking to the individual,” Derucha says.
Besides the obvious addiction to the nicotine in the tobacco, the other factors like stress and peer pressure are more noticeable in an academic setting. Students are not only subject to job and relationship stress, but stresses of school work also.
Kara Carpenter, a student who was just involved in research with Dr. Renee Bator about smoking litter, thinks the social aspect, especially for college kids, is particularly alluring.
“Once you’re a smoker, you’re in a different social group,” she says, “smoking is something that bonds all people who partake, no matter what background they come from.”
She says that if students are on a break for a class, and a group of complete strangers light up, they connect in a way that non-smokers can’t relate to, and that is how they meet new people.
The thought of losing the social aspect might be a factor in a student quitting smoking. According to Carpenter, there’s also the group of people who say “they only smoke when they drink.”
And why is that? Because when they drink at house parties or at bars, there is often a separate group of people outside smoking, and they want to be apart of it.
I can personally attest to these sentiments. Smoking was something I did out of boredom at the age of fifteen, and thought that if I ever had wanted to quit, it would be too easy.
Then there’s the social aspect of smoking while you drink that kept me smoking, and the social aspect of meeting people, and the stresses of school and romance. For me, it is remarkably difficult to quit smoking at an academic institution.
But Derucha says there is one way that has shown to decrease money spent on cigarettes, and the frequency of smoking for people who do; and it’s a method myself and all other that I know of that smoke hate; the tax hike.
“It’s a very affective method,” Derucha says, and “flavored” cigarettes, for example the popular brand of kreteks called Djarums, have been banned completely. reteks are cigarettes that are half tobacco and half clove, and thus half as addicting, but with twice the tar. They come in flavors, and because of that, they’ve been banned from store shelves.
But unless people who have already started smoking suddenly live in stress free environments with minimal social lives, the nicotine should still take a hold; it has for me.
And of course, Derucha agree that the duration and frequency of smoking are also inhibiting factors to quitting. So a 5 year, pack-a-day-smoker doesn’t stand a very good chance. But there are still others that can be saved.
“I smoked for about two months, but I found it pretty easy to quit,” student Avi Goldstein said, “but I don’t think I got too addicted.”
Goldstein says that it’s definitely tougher to not have a cigarette when people around him are, but the grip of addiction hasn’t quite tightened up; he can still resist the urge to buy his own pack, even though most of his friends smoke.
He is a rare exception to a vicious cycle to student smoking. For Goldstein, he quit because he wanted to get back into shape. For people like me, where fitness isn’t a priority, the only way we quit is if we run out of money.
But Derucha and the Adirondack Tobacco Free Network are trying to change that by promoting a smoke-free environment and a good education about tobacco products.
Let us only hope they set up their headquarters in the student unions buildings of most major colleges and universities; for all our sakes.
“Quitting smoking is easy; I’ve done it a thousand times,” Mark Twain is famous for saying. But while Twain was an avid smoker, he would have nothing to say about the difficulties in quitting smoking as a college student.
Quitting is hard enough, or easy if you ask Mark Twain, but there are many things outside of just nicotine that keep people smoking in academic settings, as evident by the litter of butts outside of dorm room entrances.
“It depends on what people are exposed to,” says Karen Derucha, a senior public health educator at Clinton County Health Services and The Adirondack Tobacco Free Network.Outside factors, as well as physiological ones play into efforts to quit smoking.
“When it comes to quitting smoking that’s why we advise people to contact someplace like New York State Smokers Quit Line when they’re ready to quit to help them figure out their triggers, patterns, and what’s the best approach to quitting smoking to the individual,” Derucha says.
Besides the obvious addiction to the nicotine in the tobacco, the other factors like stress and peer pressure are more noticeable in an academic setting. Students are not only subject to job and relationship stress, but stresses of school work also.
Kara Carpenter, a student who was just involved in research with Dr. Renee Bator about smoking litter, thinks the social aspect, especially for college kids, is particularly alluring.
“Once you’re a smoker, you’re in a different social group,” she says, “smoking is something that bonds all people who partake, no matter what background they come from.”
She says that if students are on a break for a class, and a group of complete strangers light up, they connect in a way that non-smokers can’t relate to, and that is how they meet new people.
The thought of losing the social aspect might be a factor in a student quitting smoking. According to Carpenter, there’s also the group of people who say “they only smoke when they drink.”
And why is that? Because when they drink at house parties or at bars, there is often a separate group of people outside smoking, and they want to be apart of it.
I can personally attest to these sentiments. Smoking was something I did out of boredom at the age of fifteen, and thought that if I ever had wanted to quit, it would be too easy.
Then there’s the social aspect of smoking while you drink that kept me smoking, and the social aspect of meeting people, and the stresses of school and romance. For me, it is remarkably difficult to quit smoking at an academic institution.
But Derucha says there is one way that has shown to decrease money spent on cigarettes, and the frequency of smoking for people who do; and it’s a method myself and all other that I know of that smoke hate; the tax hike.
“It’s a very affective method,” Derucha says, and “flavored” cigarettes, for example the popular brand of kreteks called Djarums, have been banned completely. reteks are cigarettes that are half tobacco and half clove, and thus half as addicting, but with twice the tar. They come in flavors, and because of that, they’ve been banned from store shelves.
But unless people who have already started smoking suddenly live in stress free environments with minimal social lives, the nicotine should still take a hold; it has for me.
And of course, Derucha agree that the duration and frequency of smoking are also inhibiting factors to quitting. So a 5 year, pack-a-day-smoker doesn’t stand a very good chance. But there are still others that can be saved.
“I smoked for about two months, but I found it pretty easy to quit,” student Avi Goldstein said, “but I don’t think I got too addicted.”
Goldstein says that it’s definitely tougher to not have a cigarette when people around him are, but the grip of addiction hasn’t quite tightened up; he can still resist the urge to buy his own pack, even though most of his friends smoke.
He is a rare exception to a vicious cycle to student smoking. For Goldstein, he quit because he wanted to get back into shape. For people like me, where fitness isn’t a priority, the only way we quit is if we run out of money.
But Derucha and the Adirondack Tobacco Free Network are trying to change that by promoting a smoke-free environment and a good education about tobacco products.
Let us only hope they set up their headquarters in the student unions buildings of most major colleges and universities; for all our sakes.
Passover the Fish Sticks, It’s Time for Lent
By Nick Chowske
If you eat a bacon-cheeseburger on a Friday during Lent, you could be sinning in four religions at once. Depending on your faith, meat and dairy never touch (sorry, no cheeseburgers!), pork is dirty (but that bacon smells so good!), you never eat meat on Fridays (aww, fish sticks again?!), oh, and cattle are sacred (Holy Cow!). But why does it matter what we eat, or when we eat it, as long as we’re good people? As it turns out, it doesn’t; sort of.
Whether Catholic, Jewish or Muslim, all of these rules come from the same place: the Torah. We’ll get to Hindi a little later. For those unfamiliar, the Jewish Torah is the book of Moses, the Old Testament for Christians, and the Tawrat in the Qur’an for Muslims. In Hebrew, Torah translates to “teachings,” in Arabic, Tawrat translates to “law” and in English, testament translates to, well, testament.
Just as these religions started the same and then diverged, so have the rules. But while the rules may be different, they are similar at heart. The Jewish time of Passover, the Catholic time and the Islamic month of Ramadan are all times to fast and reflect.
The Jewish faith probably has the strictest set of dietary rules. Almost everyone has heard of Jewish people being kosher, but generally the understanding begins with the little K on food packaging and ends at the idea of not eating pork or shellfish. There’s actually quite a bit more to it than that.
“The books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy tell us what we are and aren’t allowed to eat,” says Rabbi Andrew Goodman of Plattsburgh’s Temple Beth Israel. Goodman, who was ordained in 2008 at the age of 29, teaches Introduction to Judaism at SUNY Plattsburgh, besides his duties as a Rabbi. “The idea is that God set up these commandments and we want to make sure we’re following them right.”
To be as cautious as possible, Rabbis set up the kosher system to make sure things are done right. Oddly enough, the spirit of the kosher system is very similar today’s organic, vegetarian and vegan movements.
“We’re supposed to eat meat with a respect for life,” Goodman says. “We have to make sure our food is made to suffer as little as possible. Because the humane treatment of animals is such an important piece, all kosher animals must be slaughtered under the supervision of a Rabbi.”
Cows make the short list of edible animals in the kosher system. “We’re only allowed to eat ruminants, which are animals that have split hooves and chew their cud, fish that have both fins and scales, and fowl,” Goodman says. This includes cattle, goats, sheep, and deer, most fish, and fowl, which are chickens, turkeys, and ducks. “Kosher meat isn’t only permissible by the Bible, but also has been slaughtered in the most humane way.” What’s not on the list? Pigs, catfish (they have fins but no scales) and shellfish, and any predatory birds or mammals.
Just eating the right animals isn’t enough. The kosher diet also requires that meat and dairy must be kept separate. “The Bible says we’re not allowed to boil a calf in its mother’s milk,” Goodman says. “From that we get this idea that all meat and milk should be separate.” Anything that isn’t meat or dairy is considered neutral, and is called Parve. This can be chicken and fish, fruits and vegetables, and so on.
“A meat meal has no dairy and a dairy meal has no meat. I don’t eat pork or shellfish, but I consider chicken and fish to be Parve,” Goodman says, “I always say, show me a chicken that lactates and I’ll stop eating chicken.”
As far as being sinful, not following the rules isn’t going to send your soul to hell, necessarily. “There’s no Rabbi on high saying you’ve done wrong. If you violate an ethical law, you and God will know, and it will sit on your conscience,” Goodman says. “These rules were written 3,500 years ago and not everyone buys into it. There are a lot of people for whom not eating shrimp or pork, just because, isn’t a good enough reason.”
The kosher system is a lot to digest, but it’s the spirit of these laws that is important, which is why Passover is such an important time of year. “For Passover, we’re not supposed to eat any leavened foods so we eat Matzo instead,” Goodman says. “When the Jewish people were slaves, they had to move quickly and they didn’t have time to let the bread rise, or leaven. The Matzo is a symbol of that slavery and Passover is a time to remember what it was like to be in those horrible conditions.”
In the same spirit of self-sacrifice to reconnect with faith, the Catholic Church follows an age old tradition called Lent. Lent is a 40 day observance leading up to the Easter holiday that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day after Good Friday.
“The Lenten holiday starts the Easter Vigil and is meant to recognize the 40 days Jesus spent alone in the desert with no food,” explains Ronald Rene, the pastoral minister at SUNY Plattsburgh’s Newman Center, the official church of SUNY. “In this spirit, those of the Catholic faith are called to fast, give alms, and pray.”
The tradition used to call Catholics to fast much longer and give up more. The regulations have become less strict through the ages, and now the Catholic Church only asks people between the ages 18 and 59 to fast for an hour before Sunday Communion, which is the eating of blessed bread and wine. This sacrament represents Jesus’ body and blood the way he gave it to his disciples at the last supper.
“Fasting goes across all religions,” Rene says. “It’s a way of self-mortification that allows us to refocus our beliefs and reaffirm our faith.” The typical Lenten fast replaces meat with fish on Fridays, but as it turns out this tradition has nothing to do with meat or fish at all. “I love fish, so it’s more of a treat for me on Friday,” Rene says. “So I try to find another form of penance, like giving my time instead.” In the Catholic Church, penance is about giving up something you enjoy to reconnect with your faith, not just about food.
You wouldn’t know that from the media though. Just listen for that catchy little tune: “Give me back that fillet-of-fish, give me that fish.” Yes, McDonalds, Wendy’s and Burger King will start pushing their oil-soaked fish sandwiches to remind us all that Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays.
The world’s largest religion, Islam, also has the one of the most in-depth fasting traditions. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, requires that Muslims fast for the whole month. This practice calls upon devout Muslims to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking or indulging in any other potentially sinful act from sunrise to sunset. The idea is to teach patience and spirituality. Just as in the Jewish and Christian faiths, this time is meant to purify the soul and bring you closer to your faith.
Much like Judaism, Muslims consider pork to be off limits. The general belief behind this is “we are what we eat” and the pig is a “filthy” animal which is not fit for humans to consume.
While Islam is the world’s largest religion, Hindi is considered to be the world’s oldest. Far removed from the teachings of the Torah, Hindi is the main religion of India, and worships many gods and goddesses. Often referred to as the religion of “feasting, fasting and festivals,” there are many times to fast throughout the year depending on which god or goddess one follows.
Hindi has more in common with Judaism and Islam than just fasting, though: it too forbids the eating of pork, along with beef, fish, fowl, or any animal flesh. The Hindi religion is completely vegetarian.
“I came from India to Nebraska 30 years ago to study nutrition,” says Dr. Enamuthu Joseph. “Nebraska is the heart of beef country, and when I told them I was a vegetarian they thought I was from the moon.” Joseph is a registered dietitian who has been teaching human nutrition for 34 years and is the chair of SUNY Plattsburgh’s food and nutrition department.
“The vegetarian lifestyle is much healthier,” Joseph says. “It is much higher in fiber so there is no chance to get colon cancer or diverticulitis.” According to Joseph, an adult human body only needs 4-5 ounces of meat a day. “The smallest hamburger at McDonalds is about 3 ounces,” she says. “No one needs a 16 ounce steak every day.”
Aside from worshiping cows and not eating any flesh, there are safety reasons involved for not consuming meat in India. “There is no meat industry like there is in America,” she says. “There is little or no refrigeration and no federal inspection system in India.” Although Indians don’t eat meat, they do eat dairy products, such as cheese, butter, yogurt and milk. “We all drink milk in India,” she says.
When it comes to the world’s various religions and their dietary the rules, they can be as complicated as they are diverse. No matter what you believe, we all have one thing in common: We are what we eat.
If you eat a bacon-cheeseburger on a Friday during Lent, you could be sinning in four religions at once. Depending on your faith, meat and dairy never touch (sorry, no cheeseburgers!), pork is dirty (but that bacon smells so good!), you never eat meat on Fridays (aww, fish sticks again?!), oh, and cattle are sacred (Holy Cow!). But why does it matter what we eat, or when we eat it, as long as we’re good people? As it turns out, it doesn’t; sort of.
Whether Catholic, Jewish or Muslim, all of these rules come from the same place: the Torah. We’ll get to Hindi a little later. For those unfamiliar, the Jewish Torah is the book of Moses, the Old Testament for Christians, and the Tawrat in the Qur’an for Muslims. In Hebrew, Torah translates to “teachings,” in Arabic, Tawrat translates to “law” and in English, testament translates to, well, testament.
Just as these religions started the same and then diverged, so have the rules. But while the rules may be different, they are similar at heart. The Jewish time of Passover, the Catholic time and the Islamic month of Ramadan are all times to fast and reflect.
The Jewish faith probably has the strictest set of dietary rules. Almost everyone has heard of Jewish people being kosher, but generally the understanding begins with the little K on food packaging and ends at the idea of not eating pork or shellfish. There’s actually quite a bit more to it than that.
“The books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy tell us what we are and aren’t allowed to eat,” says Rabbi Andrew Goodman of Plattsburgh’s Temple Beth Israel. Goodman, who was ordained in 2008 at the age of 29, teaches Introduction to Judaism at SUNY Plattsburgh, besides his duties as a Rabbi. “The idea is that God set up these commandments and we want to make sure we’re following them right.”
To be as cautious as possible, Rabbis set up the kosher system to make sure things are done right. Oddly enough, the spirit of the kosher system is very similar today’s organic, vegetarian and vegan movements.
“We’re supposed to eat meat with a respect for life,” Goodman says. “We have to make sure our food is made to suffer as little as possible. Because the humane treatment of animals is such an important piece, all kosher animals must be slaughtered under the supervision of a Rabbi.”
Cows make the short list of edible animals in the kosher system. “We’re only allowed to eat ruminants, which are animals that have split hooves and chew their cud, fish that have both fins and scales, and fowl,” Goodman says. This includes cattle, goats, sheep, and deer, most fish, and fowl, which are chickens, turkeys, and ducks. “Kosher meat isn’t only permissible by the Bible, but also has been slaughtered in the most humane way.” What’s not on the list? Pigs, catfish (they have fins but no scales) and shellfish, and any predatory birds or mammals.
Just eating the right animals isn’t enough. The kosher diet also requires that meat and dairy must be kept separate. “The Bible says we’re not allowed to boil a calf in its mother’s milk,” Goodman says. “From that we get this idea that all meat and milk should be separate.” Anything that isn’t meat or dairy is considered neutral, and is called Parve. This can be chicken and fish, fruits and vegetables, and so on.
“A meat meal has no dairy and a dairy meal has no meat. I don’t eat pork or shellfish, but I consider chicken and fish to be Parve,” Goodman says, “I always say, show me a chicken that lactates and I’ll stop eating chicken.”
As far as being sinful, not following the rules isn’t going to send your soul to hell, necessarily. “There’s no Rabbi on high saying you’ve done wrong. If you violate an ethical law, you and God will know, and it will sit on your conscience,” Goodman says. “These rules were written 3,500 years ago and not everyone buys into it. There are a lot of people for whom not eating shrimp or pork, just because, isn’t a good enough reason.”
The kosher system is a lot to digest, but it’s the spirit of these laws that is important, which is why Passover is such an important time of year. “For Passover, we’re not supposed to eat any leavened foods so we eat Matzo instead,” Goodman says. “When the Jewish people were slaves, they had to move quickly and they didn’t have time to let the bread rise, or leaven. The Matzo is a symbol of that slavery and Passover is a time to remember what it was like to be in those horrible conditions.”
In the same spirit of self-sacrifice to reconnect with faith, the Catholic Church follows an age old tradition called Lent. Lent is a 40 day observance leading up to the Easter holiday that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day after Good Friday.
“The Lenten holiday starts the Easter Vigil and is meant to recognize the 40 days Jesus spent alone in the desert with no food,” explains Ronald Rene, the pastoral minister at SUNY Plattsburgh’s Newman Center, the official church of SUNY. “In this spirit, those of the Catholic faith are called to fast, give alms, and pray.”
The tradition used to call Catholics to fast much longer and give up more. The regulations have become less strict through the ages, and now the Catholic Church only asks people between the ages 18 and 59 to fast for an hour before Sunday Communion, which is the eating of blessed bread and wine. This sacrament represents Jesus’ body and blood the way he gave it to his disciples at the last supper.
“Fasting goes across all religions,” Rene says. “It’s a way of self-mortification that allows us to refocus our beliefs and reaffirm our faith.” The typical Lenten fast replaces meat with fish on Fridays, but as it turns out this tradition has nothing to do with meat or fish at all. “I love fish, so it’s more of a treat for me on Friday,” Rene says. “So I try to find another form of penance, like giving my time instead.” In the Catholic Church, penance is about giving up something you enjoy to reconnect with your faith, not just about food.
You wouldn’t know that from the media though. Just listen for that catchy little tune: “Give me back that fillet-of-fish, give me that fish.” Yes, McDonalds, Wendy’s and Burger King will start pushing their oil-soaked fish sandwiches to remind us all that Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays.
The world’s largest religion, Islam, also has the one of the most in-depth fasting traditions. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, requires that Muslims fast for the whole month. This practice calls upon devout Muslims to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking or indulging in any other potentially sinful act from sunrise to sunset. The idea is to teach patience and spirituality. Just as in the Jewish and Christian faiths, this time is meant to purify the soul and bring you closer to your faith.
Much like Judaism, Muslims consider pork to be off limits. The general belief behind this is “we are what we eat” and the pig is a “filthy” animal which is not fit for humans to consume.
While Islam is the world’s largest religion, Hindi is considered to be the world’s oldest. Far removed from the teachings of the Torah, Hindi is the main religion of India, and worships many gods and goddesses. Often referred to as the religion of “feasting, fasting and festivals,” there are many times to fast throughout the year depending on which god or goddess one follows.
Hindi has more in common with Judaism and Islam than just fasting, though: it too forbids the eating of pork, along with beef, fish, fowl, or any animal flesh. The Hindi religion is completely vegetarian.
“I came from India to Nebraska 30 years ago to study nutrition,” says Dr. Enamuthu Joseph. “Nebraska is the heart of beef country, and when I told them I was a vegetarian they thought I was from the moon.” Joseph is a registered dietitian who has been teaching human nutrition for 34 years and is the chair of SUNY Plattsburgh’s food and nutrition department.
“The vegetarian lifestyle is much healthier,” Joseph says. “It is much higher in fiber so there is no chance to get colon cancer or diverticulitis.” According to Joseph, an adult human body only needs 4-5 ounces of meat a day. “The smallest hamburger at McDonalds is about 3 ounces,” she says. “No one needs a 16 ounce steak every day.”
Aside from worshiping cows and not eating any flesh, there are safety reasons involved for not consuming meat in India. “There is no meat industry like there is in America,” she says. “There is little or no refrigeration and no federal inspection system in India.” Although Indians don’t eat meat, they do eat dairy products, such as cheese, butter, yogurt and milk. “We all drink milk in India,” she says.
When it comes to the world’s various religions and their dietary the rules, they can be as complicated as they are diverse. No matter what you believe, we all have one thing in common: We are what we eat.
Is God STILL Dead?
By Dan DeFrancesco
While most college students spend Sunday mornings sleeping off their hangover’s SUNY Plattsburgh junior Tucker Glass goes to a place most people his age haven’t stepped foot in in a long while.
Church.
“It’s just how I was raised,” said Glass. “I can’t imagine not going.”
On April 8, 1966 Time featured a cover asking “Is God dead?” coupled with an article in which the magazine analyzed whether religion had indeed “died” in America. While faith may still be alive when it comes to the general population, it certainly is on life support with one age group: young adults.
According to a study done by LifeWay research in 2007, of young adult Protestants, ages 18 to 22, over two-thirds do not attend church at least twice a month. Not only did the LifeWay survey discover that young adults stopped attending church, they didn’t come back either. The report showed that 34% had not returned to church by age 30.
Protestant’s aren’t the only ones suffering in regards to youth attendance. Marianne Wilson, Youth and Family ministry director of the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsburgh, NY, also has seen a poor turnout among young adults. Wilson believes younger people no longer feel connected with the church.
“It’s almost as if they graduate from church,” said Wilson. “They are no longer being forced to come and they decide, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore.”
Wilson felt that once children become confirmed, the final step in Catholic and Presbyterian religious education, they begin to drift away from the church. This point is only multiplied when the child gets their license and finally leaves home to attend college.
“Parents are giving you more freedom,” said Wilson. “They get to decide if that’s something they want to do every Sunday.”
Although Father John Yonkovig of St. Peter’s Catholic church in Plattsburgh, NY said he would always enjoy having more young people involved in his parish he still feels he has a good number of high school and college aged students very involved in his parish.
“Sometimes it’s quality not quantity,’ said Yonkovig.
Yonkovig said that the later adolescence period of a person’s life is a typical time of testing values, one of those being their faith. Young people, Yonkovig said, are inquisitive and interested in exploring different things in their life.
He did, however, say that often times after graduation and marriage young people seemed to find their way back to church.
“We find in their mid to late twenties they come back when they have children,” said Yonkovig. “Faith gives them a framework and a values system.”
Ron Rene, a pastoral minister at the Newman Center in Plattsburgh, NY, has worked across the country at several different churches and finds a similar trend to what Yonkovig describes. He explained young adults losing faith as the questioning stage, one of the eight stages of faith.
“Their away from home and they discover new limits,” said Rene of young people.
The Newman Center, located on Broad Street, is the closest church to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus and the one most geared toward college students. Currently Rene said there are 67 students who attend mass regularly, which is held on Sundays at 11 a.m.
The center holds several events to bring in young adults. Although the church is Catholic, a meeting entitled the Newman association is open to persons of any religion and held every Friday at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner.
When asked what he would say to young people to encourage them to come back to their faith, Rene paused before quoting the late Pope John Paul II.
“Do not be afraid to follow Jesus,” said Rene. “It’s not easy, god gives us the strength.”
Yonkovig stressed that coming back to church would allow a young person to see that the world is much bigger than they may realize. Faith, he said, gives us an understanding about life.
“At the end of life it’s not about me it’s all about love,” said Yonkovig. “Involvement with the church stretches us to love the people of this world.”
While most college students spend Sunday mornings sleeping off their hangover’s SUNY Plattsburgh junior Tucker Glass goes to a place most people his age haven’t stepped foot in in a long while.
Church.
“It’s just how I was raised,” said Glass. “I can’t imagine not going.”
On April 8, 1966 Time featured a cover asking “Is God dead?” coupled with an article in which the magazine analyzed whether religion had indeed “died” in America. While faith may still be alive when it comes to the general population, it certainly is on life support with one age group: young adults.
According to a study done by LifeWay research in 2007, of young adult Protestants, ages 18 to 22, over two-thirds do not attend church at least twice a month. Not only did the LifeWay survey discover that young adults stopped attending church, they didn’t come back either. The report showed that 34% had not returned to church by age 30.
Protestant’s aren’t the only ones suffering in regards to youth attendance. Marianne Wilson, Youth and Family ministry director of the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsburgh, NY, also has seen a poor turnout among young adults. Wilson believes younger people no longer feel connected with the church.
“It’s almost as if they graduate from church,” said Wilson. “They are no longer being forced to come and they decide, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore.”
Wilson felt that once children become confirmed, the final step in Catholic and Presbyterian religious education, they begin to drift away from the church. This point is only multiplied when the child gets their license and finally leaves home to attend college.
“Parents are giving you more freedom,” said Wilson. “They get to decide if that’s something they want to do every Sunday.”
Although Father John Yonkovig of St. Peter’s Catholic church in Plattsburgh, NY said he would always enjoy having more young people involved in his parish he still feels he has a good number of high school and college aged students very involved in his parish.
“Sometimes it’s quality not quantity,’ said Yonkovig.
Yonkovig said that the later adolescence period of a person’s life is a typical time of testing values, one of those being their faith. Young people, Yonkovig said, are inquisitive and interested in exploring different things in their life.
He did, however, say that often times after graduation and marriage young people seemed to find their way back to church.
“We find in their mid to late twenties they come back when they have children,” said Yonkovig. “Faith gives them a framework and a values system.”
Ron Rene, a pastoral minister at the Newman Center in Plattsburgh, NY, has worked across the country at several different churches and finds a similar trend to what Yonkovig describes. He explained young adults losing faith as the questioning stage, one of the eight stages of faith.
“Their away from home and they discover new limits,” said Rene of young people.
The Newman Center, located on Broad Street, is the closest church to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus and the one most geared toward college students. Currently Rene said there are 67 students who attend mass regularly, which is held on Sundays at 11 a.m.
The center holds several events to bring in young adults. Although the church is Catholic, a meeting entitled the Newman association is open to persons of any religion and held every Friday at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner.
When asked what he would say to young people to encourage them to come back to their faith, Rene paused before quoting the late Pope John Paul II.
“Do not be afraid to follow Jesus,” said Rene. “It’s not easy, god gives us the strength.”
Yonkovig stressed that coming back to church would allow a young person to see that the world is much bigger than they may realize. Faith, he said, gives us an understanding about life.
“At the end of life it’s not about me it’s all about love,” said Yonkovig. “Involvement with the church stretches us to love the people of this world.”
7 Deadly Sins of Facebook
By Kristen Bonsignore
9:00 a.m. arrive at work.
9:01 a.m. check Facebook, change status.
9:15 a.m. get assignment.
9:30 a.m. look through a friend of a friend’s recent photo album on Facebook
9:38 a.m. make phone calls, answer e-mails
9:52 a.m. upload pictures from the weekend on Facebook
10:30 a.m. staff meeting
11:00 a.m. boyfriend “ends relationship” on Facebook
11:01 a.m. call him crying
11:21 a.m. boss tells you to ask your mom about that recipe
11:23 a.m. Facebook chat mom
Sound familiar? It may not be to this extreme, but many Facebook users are guilty of committing one or more of the 7 deadly sins on the site: overindulgence, procrastination, unprofessionalism, stalking, dependence, flirting and fighting.
Sin #1 – Overindulgence. When asked, “How many times do you check Facebook a day?” by a survey conducted on well, Facebook, most people responded with, “way too many.” Wendy Braje, Associate Professor Psychology at SUNY Plattsburgh, pointed out that too much of anything is harmful.
“Some people indulge in Facebook more than others. I’ve heard people say their addicted,” she said.
Dr. William Gaeddert, a psychology professor at SUNY Plattsburgh, has a different view on the situation.
“The Internet does not, contrary to current popular opinion, have by itself the power or ability to control people or turn them into addicted zombies.”
Then there are people who admit they’d be lost without it.
“If Facebook was deleted, I would feel anxious, depressed, sad and lonely,” said Krista Morales, a 21-year-old senior at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Sin #2 – Procrastination. With overindulgence comes procrastination. If you’re spending a great deal of time on Facebook, then you’re putting off something else that needs to be done.
“The amount of times I check Facebook per day is directly correlated (in a positive way) with the amount of homework or studying I have to do. More homework means more times I check Facebook. Yesterday, it was probably upwards of 20. Today it has been three,” said Mathew Dillon, a 20-year-old sophomore at Suffolk County Community College.
For the most part, anyone using Facebook regularly is guilty of procrastination.
Sin #3 – Unprofessionalism. More and more employers are using Facebook as a means of narrowing down potential employees. What you have posted online may make the decision on whether you get the interview.
“I haven't done a study, but I would estimate that about 70% of potential employers will use Facebook, or just Google a student's name to see what is out there in the public domain regarding a candidate,” said Stephen Matthews, SUNY Plattsburgh’s Dean of Students.
“If you think something that is posted could hurt you in a job search than be smart enough to take it down, because the majority of employers will find it and base a decision on what they find.”
Zaidee P. Laughlin, CVPH Medical Center’s Director of Recruitment, admitted to searching the website for information on applicants.
“What we find on the internet we factor in along with all the other information we gather about employees; degrees, employment history, references and our impressions of them throughout the applicant process,” said Laughlin.
Laughlin encourages everyone in the job market to Google themselves and look at the results through the eye of the potential employer.
It’s not that you don't have good character, but sometimes the internet is all the employer will ever get to make the decision with. If they don't like what they see, then you'll never meet them to counter the image they see online.
There are still some employers that may understand college students. SUNY Plattsburgh’s Human Resources Department does not check the Facebooks of their applicants because they do not feel it’s necessary.
“We do not look at Facebook during the application review process, nor is it a factor when we issue a decision. However, we do utilize Facebook heavily in the recruitment process,” said Jessica Caldwell, Admissions Advisor of SUNY Plattsburgh.
It’s just smart to remember: people can, and will, make judgments about the student based on what they see.
Sin #4 – Stalking. Urbandictionary.com defines Facebook stalking as, “A covert method of investigation using facebook.com. Good for discovering a wealth of information about people you don't actually know.”
Anyone who has a Facebook has probably dealt with Facebook stalkers at some point. These are the people who are on your friends list and who seem to know every little detail about you, who send constant messages your way to which you rarely respond and who slowly but surely force their way into your life when you never really wanted them in the first place.
That goes the other way as well. Anyone who has a Facebook is probably guilty of stalking.
“Sometimes I catch myself creeping; obviously it’s on pretty girls. I don’t feel guilty about it; I would just feel weird if they knew I was going through all their pictures,” said Danny Bogue, a 20-year-old junior interning at Disney World.
Looking at a stranger’s page has almost become a norm.
Morales admitted that she “stalks” and doesn’t feel the slightest bit creepy about it. She said that if it’s public domain, then she’s going to look.
Sin #5 – Dependence. Facebook is changing the way we socialize. It’s becoming the sole means of communication between classmates, co-workers, friends and worst of all: family. More people around the globe use Facebook to share links than any other service, including e-mail, according to a new report from AddToAny.
In today’s society, we are engaging in less and less face-to-face interpersonal communication. Instead of visiting our friends, we write on their walls. Rather than meeting with a classmate for a homework assignment, we message them. It has reduced the amount of time we spend with others.
Kelsey DelCogliano, a junior at SUNY Plattsburgh, admits to being guilty of this sin. She said it’s much easier and less awkward to use Facebook as a tool to get in touch with someone.
Sins #6 & 7 – Flirting and Fighting. Ever poke/message someone you thought was cute? Are you in a relationship?
Facebook has given people the opportunity to reconnect with old flames. The question that keeps arising is: “Does Facebook flirting count as cheating?”
Having fun online doesn’t constitute as cheating, but it can be considered morally wrong. If you decide to pursue this person, then that’s a whole different story.
Many people I’ve talked to have been in arguments with their significant others over something on Facebook. Whether it’s writing on a stranger’s wall or looking at someone else’s pictures, Facebook is the new cause for arguments in relationships.
“My ex-girlfriend went through my Facebook and saw a message from another girl. We fought for like a week about it,” said Bogue.
If you’re single then you don’t have to worry about that. However, Facebook still has the power to cause fighting. A dispute on Facebook has been blamed for a fight that led to a woman being stabbed south of Brisbane Australia.
If you committed one or more of these 7 deadly sins, ask yourself: “Do I feel guilty?” If the answer is yes, then see if you are able to cut back on your Facebooking. If the answer is no, then just keep sinning.
9:00 a.m. arrive at work.
9:01 a.m. check Facebook, change status.
9:15 a.m. get assignment.
9:30 a.m. look through a friend of a friend’s recent photo album on Facebook
9:38 a.m. make phone calls, answer e-mails
9:52 a.m. upload pictures from the weekend on Facebook
10:30 a.m. staff meeting
11:00 a.m. boyfriend “ends relationship” on Facebook
11:01 a.m. call him crying
11:21 a.m. boss tells you to ask your mom about that recipe
11:23 a.m. Facebook chat mom
Sound familiar? It may not be to this extreme, but many Facebook users are guilty of committing one or more of the 7 deadly sins on the site: overindulgence, procrastination, unprofessionalism, stalking, dependence, flirting and fighting.
Sin #1 – Overindulgence. When asked, “How many times do you check Facebook a day?” by a survey conducted on well, Facebook, most people responded with, “way too many.” Wendy Braje, Associate Professor Psychology at SUNY Plattsburgh, pointed out that too much of anything is harmful.
“Some people indulge in Facebook more than others. I’ve heard people say their addicted,” she said.
Dr. William Gaeddert, a psychology professor at SUNY Plattsburgh, has a different view on the situation.
“The Internet does not, contrary to current popular opinion, have by itself the power or ability to control people or turn them into addicted zombies.”
Then there are people who admit they’d be lost without it.
“If Facebook was deleted, I would feel anxious, depressed, sad and lonely,” said Krista Morales, a 21-year-old senior at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Sin #2 – Procrastination. With overindulgence comes procrastination. If you’re spending a great deal of time on Facebook, then you’re putting off something else that needs to be done.
“The amount of times I check Facebook per day is directly correlated (in a positive way) with the amount of homework or studying I have to do. More homework means more times I check Facebook. Yesterday, it was probably upwards of 20. Today it has been three,” said Mathew Dillon, a 20-year-old sophomore at Suffolk County Community College.
For the most part, anyone using Facebook regularly is guilty of procrastination.
Sin #3 – Unprofessionalism. More and more employers are using Facebook as a means of narrowing down potential employees. What you have posted online may make the decision on whether you get the interview.
“I haven't done a study, but I would estimate that about 70% of potential employers will use Facebook, or just Google a student's name to see what is out there in the public domain regarding a candidate,” said Stephen Matthews, SUNY Plattsburgh’s Dean of Students.
“If you think something that is posted could hurt you in a job search than be smart enough to take it down, because the majority of employers will find it and base a decision on what they find.”
Zaidee P. Laughlin, CVPH Medical Center’s Director of Recruitment, admitted to searching the website for information on applicants.
“What we find on the internet we factor in along with all the other information we gather about employees; degrees, employment history, references and our impressions of them throughout the applicant process,” said Laughlin.
Laughlin encourages everyone in the job market to Google themselves and look at the results through the eye of the potential employer.
It’s not that you don't have good character, but sometimes the internet is all the employer will ever get to make the decision with. If they don't like what they see, then you'll never meet them to counter the image they see online.
There are still some employers that may understand college students. SUNY Plattsburgh’s Human Resources Department does not check the Facebooks of their applicants because they do not feel it’s necessary.
“We do not look at Facebook during the application review process, nor is it a factor when we issue a decision. However, we do utilize Facebook heavily in the recruitment process,” said Jessica Caldwell, Admissions Advisor of SUNY Plattsburgh.
It’s just smart to remember: people can, and will, make judgments about the student based on what they see.
Sin #4 – Stalking. Urbandictionary.com defines Facebook stalking as, “A covert method of investigation using facebook.com. Good for discovering a wealth of information about people you don't actually know.”
Anyone who has a Facebook has probably dealt with Facebook stalkers at some point. These are the people who are on your friends list and who seem to know every little detail about you, who send constant messages your way to which you rarely respond and who slowly but surely force their way into your life when you never really wanted them in the first place.
That goes the other way as well. Anyone who has a Facebook is probably guilty of stalking.
“Sometimes I catch myself creeping; obviously it’s on pretty girls. I don’t feel guilty about it; I would just feel weird if they knew I was going through all their pictures,” said Danny Bogue, a 20-year-old junior interning at Disney World.
Looking at a stranger’s page has almost become a norm.
Morales admitted that she “stalks” and doesn’t feel the slightest bit creepy about it. She said that if it’s public domain, then she’s going to look.
Sin #5 – Dependence. Facebook is changing the way we socialize. It’s becoming the sole means of communication between classmates, co-workers, friends and worst of all: family. More people around the globe use Facebook to share links than any other service, including e-mail, according to a new report from AddToAny.
In today’s society, we are engaging in less and less face-to-face interpersonal communication. Instead of visiting our friends, we write on their walls. Rather than meeting with a classmate for a homework assignment, we message them. It has reduced the amount of time we spend with others.
Kelsey DelCogliano, a junior at SUNY Plattsburgh, admits to being guilty of this sin. She said it’s much easier and less awkward to use Facebook as a tool to get in touch with someone.
Sins #6 & 7 – Flirting and Fighting. Ever poke/message someone you thought was cute? Are you in a relationship?
Facebook has given people the opportunity to reconnect with old flames. The question that keeps arising is: “Does Facebook flirting count as cheating?”
Having fun online doesn’t constitute as cheating, but it can be considered morally wrong. If you decide to pursue this person, then that’s a whole different story.
Many people I’ve talked to have been in arguments with their significant others over something on Facebook. Whether it’s writing on a stranger’s wall or looking at someone else’s pictures, Facebook is the new cause for arguments in relationships.
“My ex-girlfriend went through my Facebook and saw a message from another girl. We fought for like a week about it,” said Bogue.
If you’re single then you don’t have to worry about that. However, Facebook still has the power to cause fighting. A dispute on Facebook has been blamed for a fight that led to a woman being stabbed south of Brisbane Australia.
If you committed one or more of these 7 deadly sins, ask yourself: “Do I feel guilty?” If the answer is yes, then see if you are able to cut back on your Facebooking. If the answer is no, then just keep sinning.
Exploring Masochism
By Alan Fanitzi
There’s a dark bedroom, the lights are out, but you can see the faint figures of two people close to each other. The light comes on and the people burst into sight. One person is naked, bent over on the bed, and the other is dressed in all black and has a whip in one hand and a crazed look on her face, what the hell is going on?!
This dark disturbing sight is masochism at work. It can be best described as individuals inflicting pain on the body for pleasure; this could be sexual or nonsexual. For the majority of us getting whipped by a leather whip will cause us pain, but for a person with masochistic personality disorder (MPD) it gives them pleasure.
How exactly does an individual with MPD get pleasure from pain? The truth is that it all spawns from being sexual aroused.” If someone believes they are in a sexual situation and sexually stimulated, then anything that increases physical arousal of the body will stimulate the brain,” says Bruce Borkosky an experienced psychologist. This type of pain to pleasure arousal can come from any tool the MPD individual has in his/her arsenal, “as long as the mind is saying yes, then it doesn’t really matter if the stimulation is a feather or a leather strap”, added Borkosky.
People with MPD are individuals who, at a young age failed to be successful at a many different things. In time that particular person develops a pleasure feeling from the sensation of failing, which, as time goes by, they try to inflict this pain on themselves. Sam Vaknin an expert on masochists says that masochists tend to choose circumstances that inevitably lead to failure, disillusionment, disappointment, and mistreatment. This could also be looked at as a way of enjoying wallowing self-pity.
“When the masochist fails at these attempts at self-sabotage, he/she reacts with rage, depression, and guilt. She/he is likely to “compensate” for the failure by having an accident or engaging in behaviors that create abandonment, frustration, hurt, sickness, and pain.” says Vakin. This could be where all bondage makes an apperence.
All the whips, black leather, blindfolds that we may see in a Spencer’s store, and just give a weird glance to is there for a certain person. This person could be a masochist, a person who is taught to fail at a young age and learned to enjoy the feeling, thus eventually wanting to punish himself.
There’s a dark bedroom, the lights are out, but you can see the faint figures of two people close to each other. The light comes on and the people burst into sight. One person is naked, bent over on the bed, and the other is dressed in all black and has a whip in one hand and a crazed look on her face, what the hell is going on?!
This dark disturbing sight is masochism at work. It can be best described as individuals inflicting pain on the body for pleasure; this could be sexual or nonsexual. For the majority of us getting whipped by a leather whip will cause us pain, but for a person with masochistic personality disorder (MPD) it gives them pleasure.
How exactly does an individual with MPD get pleasure from pain? The truth is that it all spawns from being sexual aroused.” If someone believes they are in a sexual situation and sexually stimulated, then anything that increases physical arousal of the body will stimulate the brain,” says Bruce Borkosky an experienced psychologist. This type of pain to pleasure arousal can come from any tool the MPD individual has in his/her arsenal, “as long as the mind is saying yes, then it doesn’t really matter if the stimulation is a feather or a leather strap”, added Borkosky.
People with MPD are individuals who, at a young age failed to be successful at a many different things. In time that particular person develops a pleasure feeling from the sensation of failing, which, as time goes by, they try to inflict this pain on themselves. Sam Vaknin an expert on masochists says that masochists tend to choose circumstances that inevitably lead to failure, disillusionment, disappointment, and mistreatment. This could also be looked at as a way of enjoying wallowing self-pity.
“When the masochist fails at these attempts at self-sabotage, he/she reacts with rage, depression, and guilt. She/he is likely to “compensate” for the failure by having an accident or engaging in behaviors that create abandonment, frustration, hurt, sickness, and pain.” says Vakin. This could be where all bondage makes an apperence.
All the whips, black leather, blindfolds that we may see in a Spencer’s store, and just give a weird glance to is there for a certain person. This person could be a masochist, a person who is taught to fail at a young age and learned to enjoy the feeling, thus eventually wanting to punish himself.
Planned Parenthood Story
By Priscila Ortiz
Imagine walking down the street with a friend, sister or girlfriend. You’re both walking towards your local Planned Parenthood. It’s Thursday and abortions are being done today. As you approach the clinic, you see a crowd gathering in front of the entrance. They’re holding up signs and screaming at a young woman trying to leave the clinic.
“Murderer! Murderer!” they chant.
As you reach the building, they turn to you and your sister.
“Baby killers! You’re going to burn for your sins!” The protesters block the entrance and you have to elbow your way in. The protesters shove gruesome pictures of aborted fetuses in your face as you try to get past. You make your way into the building and you hear the not-so-distant chanting of angry protesters on the other side of the wall.
An organization named 40 Days For Life is campaigning to stand outside of countless Planned Parenthood clinics during the 40 days of Lent (February 17-March 28) to attempt to stop as many women as they can from having abortions. According to their website they have managed to shut down several Planned Parenthoods. “Last spring, a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil was held in front of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Kalispell, Montana. On November 20, that facility closed. Planned Parenthood admitted it did not have enough customers to keep the doors open.” In October 2009, another Planned Parenthood clinic closed its doors in Pensacola, Florida.
This season was the first time a Planned Parenthood in the North Country experienced protests from the 40 Days For Life organization, but protests are nothing new to the Plattsburgh branch on 66 Brinkerhoff Street. Jerry Ryan, Robert Shambo, and Tom Healey have all stood in front of the Planned Parenthood with anti-abortion signs four days a week…for fifteen years.
“Since they first opened, I’ve been coming out here,” said Shambo.
When asked if there had ever been any altercations with passersby, Healey said that one day “a kid on a bike” threw coffee at them.
Ryan said the worst he’s ever gotten was getting the finger or sworn at. “It’s okay,” he said with a nonchalant smile, “they show their I.Q. level with that one finger.”
Martha Stahl, Vice President of External Affairs at the Planned Parenthood, seemed unfazed. “Yeah, the protesting is nothing new, especially on Thursdays. That’s when the actual abortions take place.
According to Sr. Barbara Langlois, O.P. from St. Peter’s church, typically around 15 people will show up on Thursdays. She stated she doesn’t confront the women going into the clinic “anymore”. She said she “doesn’t want to disrupt the rosary”. She prays and “hopes that the Lord will do the rest.”
Imagine walking down the street with a friend, sister or girlfriend. You’re both walking towards your local Planned Parenthood. It’s Thursday and abortions are being done today. As you approach the clinic, you see a crowd gathering in front of the entrance. They’re holding up signs and screaming at a young woman trying to leave the clinic.
“Murderer! Murderer!” they chant.
As you reach the building, they turn to you and your sister.
“Baby killers! You’re going to burn for your sins!” The protesters block the entrance and you have to elbow your way in. The protesters shove gruesome pictures of aborted fetuses in your face as you try to get past. You make your way into the building and you hear the not-so-distant chanting of angry protesters on the other side of the wall.
An organization named 40 Days For Life is campaigning to stand outside of countless Planned Parenthood clinics during the 40 days of Lent (February 17-March 28) to attempt to stop as many women as they can from having abortions. According to their website they have managed to shut down several Planned Parenthoods. “Last spring, a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil was held in front of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Kalispell, Montana. On November 20, that facility closed. Planned Parenthood admitted it did not have enough customers to keep the doors open.” In October 2009, another Planned Parenthood clinic closed its doors in Pensacola, Florida.
This season was the first time a Planned Parenthood in the North Country experienced protests from the 40 Days For Life organization, but protests are nothing new to the Plattsburgh branch on 66 Brinkerhoff Street. Jerry Ryan, Robert Shambo, and Tom Healey have all stood in front of the Planned Parenthood with anti-abortion signs four days a week…for fifteen years.
“Since they first opened, I’ve been coming out here,” said Shambo.
When asked if there had ever been any altercations with passersby, Healey said that one day “a kid on a bike” threw coffee at them.
Ryan said the worst he’s ever gotten was getting the finger or sworn at. “It’s okay,” he said with a nonchalant smile, “they show their I.Q. level with that one finger.”
Martha Stahl, Vice President of External Affairs at the Planned Parenthood, seemed unfazed. “Yeah, the protesting is nothing new, especially on Thursdays. That’s when the actual abortions take place.
According to Sr. Barbara Langlois, O.P. from St. Peter’s church, typically around 15 people will show up on Thursdays. She stated she doesn’t confront the women going into the clinic “anymore”. She said she “doesn’t want to disrupt the rosary”. She prays and “hopes that the Lord will do the rest.”
Just legalize it already!
By Justin Prue
PLATTSBURGH – Behind alcohol and tobacco, marijuana is the third most used recreational drug in America. According to government conducted surveys, 25 million Americans on average have smoked marijuana in the past year. Of those 25 million people, 14 million disregard the laws against its use and smoke on a regular basis.
The question remains; why is marijuana still illegal?
Prohibitions against the use of marijuana first arose in District of Columbia in 1906. By the mid 1930s, The Uniform State Narcotic Act issued marijuana regulating laws in every state. It was believed that marijuana causes people to commit violent crimes, act overly sexual, and act irrationally.
At present day, a nonprofit public interest advocacy group called NORML leads the fight to reform state and federal marijuana laws. “Since 1970, NORML (and later, the NORML Foundation) assists the victims of cannabis prohibition as well as representing the interests and concerns of the tens of millions of Americans who responsibly consume cannabis,” said NORML intern Lee. “NORML favors sick, dying or sense-threatened medical patients who possess a physician recommendation to use cannabis.”
In 1972, President Richard Nixon formed the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse to review marijuana use and public policy. Their verdict, “Marihuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding,” one of the most through reviews to date, reported that, “from what is now known about the effects of marihuana, its use at the present level does not constitute a major threat to public health.” The commission recommended that the use and casual distribution of marijuana for personal use should be decriminalized.
Since then, 14 states, Alaska, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, have legalized marijuana for medical use. In many other states, such as New York and Massachusetts, voters passed a standard initiative for marijuana users to no longer face jail time for the possession or use of small amounts of marijuana. “Since NORML began the medical cannabis debate in 1972 when it launched NORML versus DEA to reschedule cannabis, the progress to reform the laws has been slow, but steady,” said Lee.
Modern research suggests that cannabis is an effective aid in the treatment of pain relief, glaucoma, movement disorders, spasticity, nausea, AIDS, and dementia. A recent neuroscience study conducted at the Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research discovered that there may be a link between marijuana’s medical properties and the protection from some types of malignant tumors.
According to Phillip Bean, a communication disorders and sciences major at SUNY Plattsburgh, smoking marijuana has not affected any of his friendships, grades, or job performances. “I first tried marijuana my junior year in high school, “said Bean. “It’s a personal choice of mine and has become a part of my life. You just have to use proper judgment and smoke responsibly.”
How have the 14 states reacted to the legalization of marijuana for medical use?
“In most of the 14 states with medical cannabis patient protection laws, there have been relatively few legal/social changes. However, in states like California and Colorado, where medical cannabis is sold at retail level, numerous arrests and court cases are ongoing,” said NORML. This is a conflict between state officials and the federal government; the states say yes to the use of marijuana, but the federal government says no.
Times have changed since the early 1900s. According to NORML’s website, on average each state has a 2:1 ration in favor of legalizing responsible use of marijuana. It has been over 60 years since marijuana became illegal; just legalize it already!
PLATTSBURGH – Behind alcohol and tobacco, marijuana is the third most used recreational drug in America. According to government conducted surveys, 25 million Americans on average have smoked marijuana in the past year. Of those 25 million people, 14 million disregard the laws against its use and smoke on a regular basis.
The question remains; why is marijuana still illegal?
Prohibitions against the use of marijuana first arose in District of Columbia in 1906. By the mid 1930s, The Uniform State Narcotic Act issued marijuana regulating laws in every state. It was believed that marijuana causes people to commit violent crimes, act overly sexual, and act irrationally.
At present day, a nonprofit public interest advocacy group called NORML leads the fight to reform state and federal marijuana laws. “Since 1970, NORML (and later, the NORML Foundation) assists the victims of cannabis prohibition as well as representing the interests and concerns of the tens of millions of Americans who responsibly consume cannabis,” said NORML intern Lee. “NORML favors sick, dying or sense-threatened medical patients who possess a physician recommendation to use cannabis.”
In 1972, President Richard Nixon formed the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse to review marijuana use and public policy. Their verdict, “Marihuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding,” one of the most through reviews to date, reported that, “from what is now known about the effects of marihuana, its use at the present level does not constitute a major threat to public health.” The commission recommended that the use and casual distribution of marijuana for personal use should be decriminalized.
Since then, 14 states, Alaska, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, have legalized marijuana for medical use. In many other states, such as New York and Massachusetts, voters passed a standard initiative for marijuana users to no longer face jail time for the possession or use of small amounts of marijuana. “Since NORML began the medical cannabis debate in 1972 when it launched NORML versus DEA to reschedule cannabis, the progress to reform the laws has been slow, but steady,” said Lee.
Modern research suggests that cannabis is an effective aid in the treatment of pain relief, glaucoma, movement disorders, spasticity, nausea, AIDS, and dementia. A recent neuroscience study conducted at the Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research discovered that there may be a link between marijuana’s medical properties and the protection from some types of malignant tumors.
According to Phillip Bean, a communication disorders and sciences major at SUNY Plattsburgh, smoking marijuana has not affected any of his friendships, grades, or job performances. “I first tried marijuana my junior year in high school, “said Bean. “It’s a personal choice of mine and has become a part of my life. You just have to use proper judgment and smoke responsibly.”
How have the 14 states reacted to the legalization of marijuana for medical use?
“In most of the 14 states with medical cannabis patient protection laws, there have been relatively few legal/social changes. However, in states like California and Colorado, where medical cannabis is sold at retail level, numerous arrests and court cases are ongoing,” said NORML. This is a conflict between state officials and the federal government; the states say yes to the use of marijuana, but the federal government says no.
Times have changed since the early 1900s. According to NORML’s website, on average each state has a 2:1 ration in favor of legalizing responsible use of marijuana. It has been over 60 years since marijuana became illegal; just legalize it already!
The Convenience Store Drug: Caffeine Dependency in College Students
By Alyse Whitney
Cans of Red Bull are not dealt in dark alleyways or abandoned parking lots. Bottles of Five Hour Energy are not passed underneath tables or hidden in sock drawers at home. Although caffeine is the most commonly used and abused drug across the globe, it is sold in the coolers of gas stations, grocery and convenience stores, and even in vending machines, making it easily accessible to people of all ages.
Waking up in the morning for a class can be exhausting. Rising with the sun has never been an easy task, especially when factoring in the average college student’s habit of staying up late and procrastinating assignments. For most students, the answer is simple: coffee. A cup or two can equal an extra few hours to complete a term paper or finish off a power point presentation, but those two cups can start to cause serious problems.
Biologically speaking, caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and a sympathomimetic that mimics the nervous system. According to Dr. Donald Slish, a biological sciences and pharmacology professor at Plattsburgh State University, “when caffeine is in the brain, it blocks the action of adenosine, which is linked to the sleep and wake cycle. By doing so, caffeine naturally increases wakefulness and attention while also linking to dopamine – the reward or pleasure neurotransmitter – that is the main cause for addiction to drugs. Caffeine also blocks the breakdown of a second messenger called cyclic AMP in cells. By doing this, it mimics the ‘fight or flight’ response of the body, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure.”
For an average person, caffeine in small doses is not an issue. A cup of coffee in the morning with breakfast or sipping a latte out with friends is not a cause for concern; the problem occurs when a person begins utilizing caffeine as a scapegoat from the consequences of procrastination and unhealthy sleeping patterns. Jeff Vallee, the College Auxiliary Services registered dietician at Plattsburgh State University explained that students reach for caffeine because of time. “Students nowadays seem to procrastinate more and develop a routine or pattern where they don’t study regularly, then cram,” he said. “They take a few days to recuperate, then start the cycle again, causing insomnia. This causes both physical and nutritional stress and could be prevented with balanced meals instead of caffeine.”
The most difficult aspect of caffeine dependency and addiction is that the effective dose varies widely from person to person and increases with usage. A typical cup of coffee has about 120mg of caffeine and a first-time user (or someone who seldom drinks it) may feel the effects after as little as half a cup, while a chronic user may take two or three cups with little to no effect. While 300 to 400mg in one dose can be toxic to a naïve user, a more experienced one would need more to achieve dangerous and toxic levels. Unfortunately, tolerance develops quickly, especially in high dose users, and it can occur in approximately a week.
Caffeine use is introduced to us at a young age, stemming in childhood with a rewarding cup of Coca-Cola or even a sugar rush of a pixie stick. Dr. Jerimy Blowers, the director for Health Services at Plattsburgh State explained that it “remains very easy for most of us in society to become caffeine addicted, the reason being that it is the first drug that many of us are exposed to early on in life.” This addiction spreads in later years because “college life feeds this addiction and caffeine is a simple way to manage a very busy lifestyle by providing short-term energy.” Colleen Kutney, a sophomore at SUNY Albany uses caffeine to balance out her busy days, but has a system to manage it. “Sometimes I just need something to get me through studying, long days filled with classes, and club activities,” she said. “I don’t want to feel like I have to spend money on it or waste time making or buying it – I get it when I need to and try to go a few days at least in-between so I don’t run the risk of dependency.”
As the days seemingly grow shorter and the list of assignments grows longer, many students turn to caffeine just to get by instead of utilizing it for all-nighters and cramming sessions. Samantha Combs, a former Plattsburgh State student who juggles two part-time jobs, claims that she cannot function without it. “Sometimes if I am really tired and have not had coffee, I have a hard time talking,” she explained. “I am also very irritated by people when I haven’t had caffeine; they could just be saying ‘hi’ and I will snap at them or just not say anything back.” Although a snap at someone once or twice may not be a problem, caffeine is able to alter personal relationships and cause negative effects on a student’s studies and general health. While these effects are not as severe or life-threatening as those seen in other substance addictions, (such as occupational functioning and finances), side effects such as “insomnia, nervousness, and gastrointestinal problems” are common, said Jennifer Sanborn, the Alcohol and Other Drug Coordinator in the Center for Student Health & Psychological Services at Plattsburgh State.
In moderation, caffeine is okay for the body. In fact, the body cannot distinguish whether caffeine comes naturally – from foods or herbal teas – or if it is artificially made, such as in energy drinks and pills; when caffeine is consumed orally, the stomach and intestines break everything down into individual chemicals that are then absorbed and the body is unable to tell where it came from. Sarah Jennette, a senior at Plattsburgh State explained what life would be like without caffeine for her peers: “The world is lucky that I’m semi-dependent on caffeine to function. It’s not very pretty when I haven’t had any.”
The question is, are students addicted to caffeine or are they just using it to help ‘enhance’ their performance in school and balance their busy lives? It seems that mild dependency is the only issue, and that number only spikes up during midterms and finals. Sanborn explained her encounters with alcohol and drug assessments, showing that students at Plattsburgh State might be in the clear. “Whenever a student comes in for an alcohol and other drug assessment, I administer a psychoactive drug use history questionnaire that includes caffeine. Interestingly, many of the students I see do not consume as much caffeine as I would have thought. Very few have responded that they consume caffeine daily and many have responded that they rarely consume beverages containing caffeine.” Still, in moderation, caffeine can be helpful to students, and although it can cause dependency and addiction, it seems that college students do not have true addictions, but simply occasional dependence and cramming sessions. Caffeine has become more of a lifestyle choice due to its wide availability and low cost, and also usually goes hand-in-hand with junk food. Healthy eating – whether it is finding the right amount of protein or complex carbohydrates – is uncommon amongst college students because of both taste and time. If a student is presented with the option of chips or trail mix, they usually reach for the first, and if they are given the choice of a balanced snack or a cup of coffee to stay up late, they usually opt for the latter. It is a vicious cycle, but it is one that many students get sucked into.
There are a few symptoms that students can look out for if they are nervous about caffeine dependence. According to US News and World Report’s 2009 article, January W. Payne claims that after 12 to 24 hours of abstaining from caffeine, users may see headache, lethargy, depressed mood, nausea, vomiting, or even muscle pain and stiffness. Sanborn noted that fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and inability to focus or concentrate may also occur, but these symptoms will typically subside in a few days and can be aided through regular exercise, getting enough – but not too much – sleep, diet alterations, and getting enough vitamin B (whether artificial or natural). The most important part of daily caffeine is moderation, and even the most addicted can wean off of their habits by replacing a cup of coffee with a cup of herbal green tea or water. According to many specialists, going cold turkey is not the way out. Dr. Slish explained that this will “cause excessive lethargy and headache that aspirin won’t help” and it is best to taper off the drug in the same manner that your body became used to it. “Used in moderation, it can enhance performance – abused, it can cause real problems”
When it comes down to the facts, it seems that students only rely on caffeine when the time calls for it and are able to use it in moderation. For some, it may be during midterms and finals, and for others, they may just crave that ‘pick-me-up’ in the morning to get their day going. For Izzy Magliari, a sophomore at Brooklyn College, she is light-hearted about her caffeine dependence. “Without caffeine, I cannot function. I fall asleep on my commute to work, so it’s necessary. Honestly though, if I had to choose between free-basing caffeine and my heroin addiction, I’d choose coffee – it’s the lesser of two evils.”
Cans of Red Bull are not dealt in dark alleyways or abandoned parking lots. Bottles of Five Hour Energy are not passed underneath tables or hidden in sock drawers at home. Although caffeine is the most commonly used and abused drug across the globe, it is sold in the coolers of gas stations, grocery and convenience stores, and even in vending machines, making it easily accessible to people of all ages.
Waking up in the morning for a class can be exhausting. Rising with the sun has never been an easy task, especially when factoring in the average college student’s habit of staying up late and procrastinating assignments. For most students, the answer is simple: coffee. A cup or two can equal an extra few hours to complete a term paper or finish off a power point presentation, but those two cups can start to cause serious problems.
Biologically speaking, caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and a sympathomimetic that mimics the nervous system. According to Dr. Donald Slish, a biological sciences and pharmacology professor at Plattsburgh State University, “when caffeine is in the brain, it blocks the action of adenosine, which is linked to the sleep and wake cycle. By doing so, caffeine naturally increases wakefulness and attention while also linking to dopamine – the reward or pleasure neurotransmitter – that is the main cause for addiction to drugs. Caffeine also blocks the breakdown of a second messenger called cyclic AMP in cells. By doing this, it mimics the ‘fight or flight’ response of the body, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure.”
For an average person, caffeine in small doses is not an issue. A cup of coffee in the morning with breakfast or sipping a latte out with friends is not a cause for concern; the problem occurs when a person begins utilizing caffeine as a scapegoat from the consequences of procrastination and unhealthy sleeping patterns. Jeff Vallee, the College Auxiliary Services registered dietician at Plattsburgh State University explained that students reach for caffeine because of time. “Students nowadays seem to procrastinate more and develop a routine or pattern where they don’t study regularly, then cram,” he said. “They take a few days to recuperate, then start the cycle again, causing insomnia. This causes both physical and nutritional stress and could be prevented with balanced meals instead of caffeine.”
The most difficult aspect of caffeine dependency and addiction is that the effective dose varies widely from person to person and increases with usage. A typical cup of coffee has about 120mg of caffeine and a first-time user (or someone who seldom drinks it) may feel the effects after as little as half a cup, while a chronic user may take two or three cups with little to no effect. While 300 to 400mg in one dose can be toxic to a naïve user, a more experienced one would need more to achieve dangerous and toxic levels. Unfortunately, tolerance develops quickly, especially in high dose users, and it can occur in approximately a week.
Caffeine use is introduced to us at a young age, stemming in childhood with a rewarding cup of Coca-Cola or even a sugar rush of a pixie stick. Dr. Jerimy Blowers, the director for Health Services at Plattsburgh State explained that it “remains very easy for most of us in society to become caffeine addicted, the reason being that it is the first drug that many of us are exposed to early on in life.” This addiction spreads in later years because “college life feeds this addiction and caffeine is a simple way to manage a very busy lifestyle by providing short-term energy.” Colleen Kutney, a sophomore at SUNY Albany uses caffeine to balance out her busy days, but has a system to manage it. “Sometimes I just need something to get me through studying, long days filled with classes, and club activities,” she said. “I don’t want to feel like I have to spend money on it or waste time making or buying it – I get it when I need to and try to go a few days at least in-between so I don’t run the risk of dependency.”
As the days seemingly grow shorter and the list of assignments grows longer, many students turn to caffeine just to get by instead of utilizing it for all-nighters and cramming sessions. Samantha Combs, a former Plattsburgh State student who juggles two part-time jobs, claims that she cannot function without it. “Sometimes if I am really tired and have not had coffee, I have a hard time talking,” she explained. “I am also very irritated by people when I haven’t had caffeine; they could just be saying ‘hi’ and I will snap at them or just not say anything back.” Although a snap at someone once or twice may not be a problem, caffeine is able to alter personal relationships and cause negative effects on a student’s studies and general health. While these effects are not as severe or life-threatening as those seen in other substance addictions, (such as occupational functioning and finances), side effects such as “insomnia, nervousness, and gastrointestinal problems” are common, said Jennifer Sanborn, the Alcohol and Other Drug Coordinator in the Center for Student Health & Psychological Services at Plattsburgh State.
In moderation, caffeine is okay for the body. In fact, the body cannot distinguish whether caffeine comes naturally – from foods or herbal teas – or if it is artificially made, such as in energy drinks and pills; when caffeine is consumed orally, the stomach and intestines break everything down into individual chemicals that are then absorbed and the body is unable to tell where it came from. Sarah Jennette, a senior at Plattsburgh State explained what life would be like without caffeine for her peers: “The world is lucky that I’m semi-dependent on caffeine to function. It’s not very pretty when I haven’t had any.”
The question is, are students addicted to caffeine or are they just using it to help ‘enhance’ their performance in school and balance their busy lives? It seems that mild dependency is the only issue, and that number only spikes up during midterms and finals. Sanborn explained her encounters with alcohol and drug assessments, showing that students at Plattsburgh State might be in the clear. “Whenever a student comes in for an alcohol and other drug assessment, I administer a psychoactive drug use history questionnaire that includes caffeine. Interestingly, many of the students I see do not consume as much caffeine as I would have thought. Very few have responded that they consume caffeine daily and many have responded that they rarely consume beverages containing caffeine.” Still, in moderation, caffeine can be helpful to students, and although it can cause dependency and addiction, it seems that college students do not have true addictions, but simply occasional dependence and cramming sessions. Caffeine has become more of a lifestyle choice due to its wide availability and low cost, and also usually goes hand-in-hand with junk food. Healthy eating – whether it is finding the right amount of protein or complex carbohydrates – is uncommon amongst college students because of both taste and time. If a student is presented with the option of chips or trail mix, they usually reach for the first, and if they are given the choice of a balanced snack or a cup of coffee to stay up late, they usually opt for the latter. It is a vicious cycle, but it is one that many students get sucked into.
There are a few symptoms that students can look out for if they are nervous about caffeine dependence. According to US News and World Report’s 2009 article, January W. Payne claims that after 12 to 24 hours of abstaining from caffeine, users may see headache, lethargy, depressed mood, nausea, vomiting, or even muscle pain and stiffness. Sanborn noted that fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and inability to focus or concentrate may also occur, but these symptoms will typically subside in a few days and can be aided through regular exercise, getting enough – but not too much – sleep, diet alterations, and getting enough vitamin B (whether artificial or natural). The most important part of daily caffeine is moderation, and even the most addicted can wean off of their habits by replacing a cup of coffee with a cup of herbal green tea or water. According to many specialists, going cold turkey is not the way out. Dr. Slish explained that this will “cause excessive lethargy and headache that aspirin won’t help” and it is best to taper off the drug in the same manner that your body became used to it. “Used in moderation, it can enhance performance – abused, it can cause real problems”
When it comes down to the facts, it seems that students only rely on caffeine when the time calls for it and are able to use it in moderation. For some, it may be during midterms and finals, and for others, they may just crave that ‘pick-me-up’ in the morning to get their day going. For Izzy Magliari, a sophomore at Brooklyn College, she is light-hearted about her caffeine dependence. “Without caffeine, I cannot function. I fall asleep on my commute to work, so it’s necessary. Honestly though, if I had to choose between free-basing caffeine and my heroin addiction, I’d choose coffee – it’s the lesser of two evils.”
Young Adults Battle a Harsh Addiction: What Can Be Done?
Young Adults Battle a Harsh Addiction
What Can Be Done?
By Chris LaRose
What Can Be Done?
By Chris LaRose
Generation Facebook, Generation Next, Millennials, the current group of teens from the originally named Generation Y have been nicknamed many things. Such a technologically and celebrity ruled demographic, you would expect the biggest problem for these young adults is their inability to pry themselves away from their BlackBerry’s and computer screens. But nothing is as disturbing as the recent realization by government officials, doctors, teachers and parents – perhaps their categorization should be Generation rX.
“It’s becoming an epidemic,” said Kathryn Hahn, a pain management specialist and pharmacist in Oregon. “Parents are asking ‘should we be concerned about this?’ and my answer is always, ‘we already should be.’” The fact of the matter is that Generation Y is struggling less with the abuse of drugs like cocaine and meth than it is with many of prescription drugs that can be found in your medicine cabinet.
Cecile Guilbo, who has been prescribed strong pain medicine in the past, admits to fearing she must protect herself and her meds from a generation that has done terrible things to get their hands on pharmaceuticals. “I used to be able to leave my windows unlocked and open over the summer when I wasn’t here,” she said. “But it’s just not like that anymore. You can’t trust anyone these days; it’s terrible, but true.”
From abusing medication like Xanax, Adderall and even sleeping aids like Ambien (for what many teenagers describe as a “trippy” sort of experience) to much heftier, and addiction-inducing, like Oxycontin. The drug’s main ingredient, Oxycodone, is an opioid analgesic medication that is prescribed to patients who suffer from chronic pain due to cancer, arthritis, and other pain-causing terminal illnesses. Oxycontin is Purdu Pharma’s brand name for time-release oxycodone. When taken orally, the medication releases oxycodone slowly over a 12-hour period, alleviating pain. However, when broken or crushed, the time-release mechanism is destroyed and when snorted, smoked or injected, it rapidly releases what could be a potentially fatal dose of oxycodone.
What many teenagers don’t realize about this drug, however, is how easily opiates can go from recreational use to full-blown abuse and addiction. According to FDA’s website, opiates cause an unnaturally high amount of the brain’s “happy juice” serotonin to be released. Along with other pain-reducing methods, this flood of happiness is a large part of what makes Oxycontin relieve pain. After sustained use of the drug, your brain learns to make less and less of its own serotonin since the medication is doing it for you – so when you finally do stop using, you slip into one of the most painful withdrawals known to drug users.
“It’s the body’s physical need for the drug that causes people to make such hugely poor choices when it comes to obtaining the drug or money to get the drug,” expalined Hahn. In fact, pharmacists across the country have been boosting security measures to protect their staff and their pharmaceuticals from potential thieves. “My pharmacy has cameras installed throughout the entire place,” Hahn said. “It’s our best bet at helping deter losing medication due to robberies or theft.”
Other steps being put into place are having pharmacies moved to the back of the store they reside in, making it much harder for an individual to just walk directly into a store and hold them up for pills. They would have to walk through the whole store, in view of multiple cameras, before actually reaching the pharmacy counter. However, the most interesting concept on how to protect the actual drug users from themselves and their addiction is a new form of Oxycontin that Purdu Pharma is waiting for the FDA to approve.
The pill will look and feel like the original Oxycontin, however, it’s new specialized formula, part of Purdu Pharma’s new “rX patrol” program, would turn into a gel-like substance when the pill is crushed or broken. This would result in making it extremely difficult for an addict to snort or IV the drug. Though the FDA has yet to approve the new formula, John Stewart, president and CEO of Purdu Pharma has been quoted as saying, “We will continue to work with the FDA to seek approval of our [formula]. We will also continue our ongoing discussions with the agency on the development and implementation of a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy as well as a carefully designed surveillance program to assess the impact of the new formulation in the market, should it be approved.”
“If this was approved today, we would literally start saving lives tomorrow,” said Hahn. Cecile Guilbo agrees, admitting that a harder to abuse medication could cause a decline in home and pharmacy robberies. “We just have a neighborhood watch around here, we don’t have any drastic measures to protect ourselves and those who live around us,” said Celia. “A drug that is nearly impossible to abuse could go a long way.”
What’s refreshing is that people are finally beginning to take measures to prevent the release of these drugs to the pain-free public. “Doctors have to do their best to ensure that this prescription is going to a safe environment,” said Hahn. “You have to figure out if these medications are going in an unlocked medicine cabinet that a teenager in your home could easily gain access to.”
Unfortunately, with powerful medication like Oxycontin and other prescription drugs, the old saying, “all it takes is one time to kill you” (that many of today’s youth find laughable, especially when implied with a drug like marijuana) actually rings quite true when it comes to these types of medication.
We’re not helpless. We’re not puppets. We are entirely capable of protecting Generation Y from not only these medications, but also themselves, by such simple things as locking medication in a lockbox or a cabinet with a lock. One small step could mean ensuring that Generation rX lives to see the day they can be renamed Generation Success.
We’re not helpless. We’re not puppets. We are entirely capable of protecting Generation Y from not only these medications, but also themselves, by such simple things as locking medication in a lockbox or a cabinet with a lock. One small step could mean ensuring that Generation rX lives to see the day they can be renamed Generation Success.
Shake-and-Bake Meth?
By Mathias Kamin
About two years ago someone in the Midwestern United States realized that they could place a handful of pseudoephedrine and some other household chemicals, such as common fertilizer, into a 2 liter soda bottle, flip it around, wait half an hour, and voila there’s a gram or so of methamphetamine, so enough to get you high.
The old way which involved a “lab” was usually set up in someone’s house or made in a factory in Mexico. In order to “cook” or make the meth a producer needed hundreds of pseudoephedrine based cold pills, and gallons of other chemicals, and a steady controllable heat source. This old process could take hours, and would released volatile chemicals into the air.
Since recent legislation in the Western and Midwestern United States was passed that limited the number of pills one could purchase, and in some states made pseudoephedrine based cold remedies prescription only, users have found these “mom and pop labs” are having difficulty getting the large amounts of cold pills for production.
Now meth users can drive around town making their own supply with what they just bought at the quick stop pharmacy and the lawn and garden store. This new method is no less dangerous to the person concocting the substance or to the community at large. Police and EMT have witnessed severe burns from explosions due to this shake-and-bake or one pot method.
In fact in some ways this new form of meth making is more hazardous to the community at large. Police are finding that once the drug is made and used the people who just made it toss the “lab”, in this case the bottle, out the car window. The residue left in these bottles is highly noxious and can cause serious injury to anyone that comes in contact with it.
The user is in danger too, for the chemicals reacting inside the bottle cannot react with outside oxygen or they will combust. This combustion happens when the user unscrews the top of the soda bottle before the reaction has completely taken place. You can see how patience might be a problem for someone with a life destroying addiction to the substance being made in the bottle.
Police as well have to reevaluate the way they handle traffic stops. Before 2007 opening a soda bottle and smelling its contents might have led to a DUI, now that brown sludge in the bottom can quite possibly be more than the remnants of a rum and coke.
About two years ago someone in the Midwestern United States realized that they could place a handful of pseudoephedrine and some other household chemicals, such as common fertilizer, into a 2 liter soda bottle, flip it around, wait half an hour, and voila there’s a gram or so of methamphetamine, so enough to get you high.
The old way which involved a “lab” was usually set up in someone’s house or made in a factory in Mexico. In order to “cook” or make the meth a producer needed hundreds of pseudoephedrine based cold pills, and gallons of other chemicals, and a steady controllable heat source. This old process could take hours, and would released volatile chemicals into the air.
Since recent legislation in the Western and Midwestern United States was passed that limited the number of pills one could purchase, and in some states made pseudoephedrine based cold remedies prescription only, users have found these “mom and pop labs” are having difficulty getting the large amounts of cold pills for production.
Now meth users can drive around town making their own supply with what they just bought at the quick stop pharmacy and the lawn and garden store. This new method is no less dangerous to the person concocting the substance or to the community at large. Police and EMT have witnessed severe burns from explosions due to this shake-and-bake or one pot method.
In fact in some ways this new form of meth making is more hazardous to the community at large. Police are finding that once the drug is made and used the people who just made it toss the “lab”, in this case the bottle, out the car window. The residue left in these bottles is highly noxious and can cause serious injury to anyone that comes in contact with it.
The user is in danger too, for the chemicals reacting inside the bottle cannot react with outside oxygen or they will combust. This combustion happens when the user unscrews the top of the soda bottle before the reaction has completely taken place. You can see how patience might be a problem for someone with a life destroying addiction to the substance being made in the bottle.
Police as well have to reevaluate the way they handle traffic stops. Before 2007 opening a soda bottle and smelling its contents might have led to a DUI, now that brown sludge in the bottom can quite possibly be more than the remnants of a rum and coke.
A+ Potheads
By Jamela Gibson
Puff puff pass. Staying up late and studying for an exam are the days of the past. Today, some students find inspiration in doing well in school by smoking what some might call marijuana, “Mary Jane” or “weed.” While some students get good grades the “old fashion” way by staying up late at night studying, others turn to weed for motivation. With the pressures of deadlines and presentations, getting high is an escape. For others, it’s a way for them to focus better.
Sara AbiBoutros, senior at Plattsburgh State finds it easier to focus while smoking marijuana and writing papers at the same time. “I smoke while I do my homework. I roll my blunts on textbooks and stuff. Smoking gives me something to do while working,” explains Sara as she laughs. “I even go to class high at times, and depending on what class it is.” I’m just like man, I can’t even deal with what we’re talking about right now,” AbiBoutros added.
Smoking marijuana seems to be a new trend that college students are picking up.
She isn’t the only student that finds inspiration in the blunt and the massive amounts of smoke it lets out once it’s lit.
Sophomore at Plattsburgh State, Cassandra Thomas smokes every day. “I’m more focused than sober,” she said. I have more ideas, and if I’m on a computer I just write the paper rather than being on facebook.”
Is it a conscience thing for students to do homework when they’re high or is the marijuana really helping them to focus? Plattsburgh State basketball star says he smokes everyday and attends class high. “I smoke every single day, and I can’t do my homework unless I’m high,” says Patrick*.
Is smoking really giving students their inspiration to do better in class and write better papers than if they weren’t high? Is smoking marijuana really killing brain cells or enhancing them?
Puff puff pass. Staying up late and studying for an exam are the days of the past. Today, some students find inspiration in doing well in school by smoking what some might call marijuana, “Mary Jane” or “weed.” While some students get good grades the “old fashion” way by staying up late at night studying, others turn to weed for motivation. With the pressures of deadlines and presentations, getting high is an escape. For others, it’s a way for them to focus better.
Sara AbiBoutros, senior at Plattsburgh State finds it easier to focus while smoking marijuana and writing papers at the same time. “I smoke while I do my homework. I roll my blunts on textbooks and stuff. Smoking gives me something to do while working,” explains Sara as she laughs. “I even go to class high at times, and depending on what class it is.” I’m just like man, I can’t even deal with what we’re talking about right now,” AbiBoutros added.
Smoking marijuana seems to be a new trend that college students are picking up.
She isn’t the only student that finds inspiration in the blunt and the massive amounts of smoke it lets out once it’s lit.
Sophomore at Plattsburgh State, Cassandra Thomas smokes every day. “I’m more focused than sober,” she said. I have more ideas, and if I’m on a computer I just write the paper rather than being on facebook.”
Is it a conscience thing for students to do homework when they’re high or is the marijuana really helping them to focus? Plattsburgh State basketball star says he smokes everyday and attends class high. “I smoke every single day, and I can’t do my homework unless I’m high,” says Patrick*.
Is smoking really giving students their inspiration to do better in class and write better papers than if they weren’t high? Is smoking marijuana really killing brain cells or enhancing them?
BloodThirsty Vegans Story
By Nick St. Denis
Alex really never intended to get into music.
This, Alex is quite sure of. You can ask him, if you want.
“I really, really, really never intended to get into music,” says Alex, the frontman of a Buffalo-based band called BloodThirsty Vegans.
That’s because Alex was always shy as a kid. He felt very strongly about a lot of things, and had the dream of telling stories that inspired people to make the world a better place -- but he wanted to do it behind the scenes.
So it’s kind of funny how he’s performed close to 100 spoken-word and music shows over the last three years about how “humanity is not living up to it's potential.”
Because “humans,” Alex says, “do not treat one another or other living things with the care that I feel they should.”
Therefore it’s not really that funny. In fact, it’s quite serious.
It started when he decided to go into computer work as a major in college. “I decided that creating video games and computer comics would work as a nice non-public medium for storytelling,” he said.
Alex didn’t have the money to pay for people to compose the music for his programs, so he had to broaden his skill-set some more. Through self-learning and a music composition course he decided to take in college, he learned how to compose digital music.
Over the next several years, he made about 300 digital music compositions. “Some for video games, but more and more just for the fun of it,” he said. “Still, I never intended to perform in front of an audience. I just wanted to put my music out there and have that be the end of it.”
But something life-changing was about to happen.
“Then, one day,” Alex said, “George W. Bush got elected president… I was so outraged by his actions that I somehow managed to overcome my unbelievably intense stage fright and read and rapped poems in front of a live audience at open mic nights and such.”
Those performances shortly landed him a spot with his current band, BloodThirsy Vegans – a group of musicians who were members of Alex’s church. Paul Zanolli, a former band member, was the one who approached Alex to be part of the group.
Alex really never intended to get into music.
This, Alex is quite sure of. You can ask him, if you want.
“I really, really, really never intended to get into music,” says Alex, the frontman of a Buffalo-based band called BloodThirsty Vegans.
That’s because Alex was always shy as a kid. He felt very strongly about a lot of things, and had the dream of telling stories that inspired people to make the world a better place -- but he wanted to do it behind the scenes.
So it’s kind of funny how he’s performed close to 100 spoken-word and music shows over the last three years about how “humanity is not living up to it's potential.”
Because “humans,” Alex says, “do not treat one another or other living things with the care that I feel they should.”
Therefore it’s not really that funny. In fact, it’s quite serious.
It started when he decided to go into computer work as a major in college. “I decided that creating video games and computer comics would work as a nice non-public medium for storytelling,” he said.
Alex didn’t have the money to pay for people to compose the music for his programs, so he had to broaden his skill-set some more. Through self-learning and a music composition course he decided to take in college, he learned how to compose digital music.
Over the next several years, he made about 300 digital music compositions. “Some for video games, but more and more just for the fun of it,” he said. “Still, I never intended to perform in front of an audience. I just wanted to put my music out there and have that be the end of it.”
But something life-changing was about to happen.
“Then, one day,” Alex said, “George W. Bush got elected president… I was so outraged by his actions that I somehow managed to overcome my unbelievably intense stage fright and read and rapped poems in front of a live audience at open mic nights and such.”
Those performances shortly landed him a spot with his current band, BloodThirsy Vegans – a group of musicians who were members of Alex’s church. Paul Zanolli, a former band member, was the one who approached Alex to be part of the group.
LSD Story
By Jeremy Russell
…She was baffled by your behavior, she said, until Mankiewicz told her about you and LSD-25. Then, about an hour later, Bill Daughtery found (Doug) Kiker on his knees in the darkness outside McGovern’s command trailer, apparently trying to choke himself with his own hands…but when Bill grabbed him, Kiker said he was trying to un-screw his head from what he called his “neck-pipe,” so he could “check the wiring” in his own brain… (Letter from Hunter S. Thompson to John Chancellor)
LSD, or acid, is a very dangerous and hard drug, destroying the lives of millions worldwide. Apparently, at the minimum, it causes the sanest of people to fall to their knees and strangle themselves in grief-stricken moments of insanity. If it were possible, we should all thank the government for their part in outlawing this overwhelmingly harmful drug, right?
Having probably been sub-consciously motivated by Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers, I began reading the Wikipedia profiles of Forbes billionaires, probably looking for some sort of pattern. I stumbled into an interesting part in Steve Jobs’ page, CEO and co-founder of Apple, which claimed that Steve had done LSD and considered it “one of the two or three most important things he had done in his life.” The mouse in the wheel in my head suddenly began to sprint. Since I’ve been influenced by 60s and 70s writing already, with a heavy dose of influence from Hunter S. Thompson, a known connoisseur of LSD, it would only be a matter of time before I asked myself, “Hey, what the hell is so bad about acid anyway?”
I am quite familiar with some of the inner-workings of the brain, exemplified by my belief that a mouse runs on a wheel up there. Truthfully, having been diagnosed with Adult ADD, I’ve done plenty of research on what causes some of my certain actions, which spidered into research of all mental health factors, including the effect medications and drugs may have. Dabbling in most other mind-altering substances and having no complaints outside of them being overpriced and inconveniently illegal, one should recognize my natural bias.
Knowing all this, I set out to find the truth! The first, most logical person I thought to ask was my psychiatrist, Dr. Hani Khalil. Going right into the vortex of the issue, I asked him what was happening in the head during an LSD trip. He not-so-confidently told me that, “There is an increase in dopamine which leads to the general hallucinogenic feelings one has.” Countering, I asked, “Isn’t that what my adderall does? Increases dopamine?” “Yes, that’s true,” he answered. “LSD is much stronger, so it would be comparable to taking 20 adderall.” “Well, you would think that people would have tried that out, right?” as I continued to badger. “That seems like a pretty simple alternative.” Then, as I realized that this super-overdose would probably stop my, or a horse’s heart, he cut in and said, “You know, I haven’t studied this stuff in a very long time. I think I could be mixing this up with PCP. I’m sorry, I’m going to write this down, because I want to research it now that you’ve mentioned it.” “Yikes!” is the only reaction I had to this.
That said, I turned to the internet for the answers. LSD, according to The Vaults of Erowid, an online library of psychoactive studies, is a tryptamine hallucinogen, chemically similar to psilocin. Conversely, mescaline has similar hallucinogenic results, but differs chemically. Therefore, we have two separate chemical hallucinogens that are most likely acting as agonists to serotonin and ketanserin. An agonist is a chemical that binds to a cell, causing some sort of reaction. In LSD, the chemicals “excite” cells that are usually “un-excited.” There is much more research done, in terms that you and I probably don’t understand, but regretfully, all theories are considered speculative anyway, ultimately because the living brain and what goes on is so minute that it’s still not able to be fully studied as a whole.
What most research has shown is that LSD shows absolutely no levels of toxicity. This means that there should not be any permanent damage done to the body, yet, we’ve all heard the story of your father’s crazy Uncle Herman taking LSD once, losing all control, and being placed in a mental institution, bobbing and unbobbing his upper-torso like an upside-down pendulum for eternity. So, what gives?
Albert Hofmann was the man responsible for LSD, creating it in 1938, accidentally ingesting it in 1943, and then arming himself with 250 micrograms (the estimated average street quantity is 50 micrograms) to take as a “threshold dosage number,” in an effort to begin studying it for us in psychiatry. What came of this were findings that it was extremely useful in fighting alcoholism (50% success rate as opposed to 10% success rate from Alcoholics Anonymous), and also useful in treating chronic pain and cluster headaches, which are comparable to migraine’s “worse than amputation without anesthetic.” Psychologically, doctors have seemingly settled into the thought that LSD triggers a dormant or repressed illness, like depression, but does not cause it. The early thought was that LSD “forced the user into facing the inner psyche,” and could therefore confront the issue.
Flashbacks, the effects of LSD much later after use, were the cause of panic among users, yet, it’s not even officially listed as a psychiatric syndrome. Hunter S. Thompson, in a letter to Tom Wolfe (Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test) many years ago, wrote, “…and I’m still waiting for those acid flashbacks they warned us about in the 60s…” As far as studies go, the highest amount of users that suffer flashbacks do not reach 30%, and most are short-lived (no longer than 20 seconds), and cover both the positive and negative effects. Irregardless, the government made common possession of LSD illegal in 1968 and seemingly used flashbacks as a scare tactic.
I thought to myself, a true journalist, for the people, shouldn’t report on something he doesn’t fully understand, and thought it obvious that I should take the drug and report the effects, whether it be good or bad, and let you decide from that point on. Naturally however, somebody had beaten me to it. The first case is that of W.A. Stoll, a psychiatrist that decided in an “Oh, what the hell” moment, to self-experiment. His detailed assessment was recopied in Hofmann’s book, “LSD – My Problem Child.”
“20 minutes later the first symptoms appeared,” he wrote. “…heaviness in the limbs, some confusion, uncoordination…followed by a general malaise..a certain euphoria then set in. Visions began…the first were elementary, like rays, bundles of rays, loops, circles, then they became more organized…arches, desert landscapes, skyscraper landscapes, starry skies of unbelievable splendor…I was forced to describe it, but kaleidoscopic was poor and inadequate…the thoughts became frenzied…it became impossible to think a thought through to the end…” He went on, and some things were comical (I must have only started many sentences), he noted feeling depression for more than one stage of his experiment, he felt physically ill for some moments, noting heavy perspiration and some nausea, yet after the experiment was over, he “couldn’t wait to try the experiment again.”
Case #2 involves a writer named Robert Gannon, a writer for Popular Science in the 60s. It was his journalistic endeavor to take LSD at a mental-health facility in Pennsylvania with a doctor taking notes at his side. Again, we get a very detailed assessment…including some of the doctor’s notes:
11:45 - “Patient breathing deeply. Trying to interpret, then decides not to. Asks for rocks. Says, John Cage. What I start to say no longer matters. Fearful at times, but seems to be enjoying it – has secretive, playful expression.”
12:00 - Patient groaning. Says thoughts too fast. Tries to get senses working together, he says. Perspiring greatly. Talks of being a movie projector.
12:15 – Patient bites his own arm (probably more recognizable sensory input). Drinks a quart of OJ.
12:30 – Nauseated. Tries to explain things, but gives up. Continues to say, “Wow.” Very agitated.
1:00 – Indicates I am menacing. Sweating profusely.
1:30 – Wants reassurances I’m real.
2:00 – Continues restless. Humming.
2:30 – Up in chair for few minutes. Very unsteady. Back to bed. Appears nauseated and drunk.
2:45 – Sitting up again and fighting. Seems to be coming out of it. Nurse enters; he’s glad. Says “where were need you I when. Those are the words, put them together as you like.”
3:00 – Up and walking about. Bathroom. Beginning to enjoy again and make wisecracks.
At this point, Gannon dismissed the doctor, and he was put in the hands of the nurse. He felt effects for around eight more hours, all ostensibly positive in nature, albeit for the misconstruing of time (10 seconds = 20 minutes). He ended the report saying, “In the morning I continued to feel strange and contemplative. But I began to make notes. And yet a phrase continued to run through my brain – something I had thought the night before: ‘They’ve taken me all apart and now I have to put myself back together again.’ Some of the pieces still don’t quite fit.”
In essence, I’ve talked to people that have taken it, I’ve talked to law enforcement, and more in psychiatry, yet to me, it’s still a mystery. The original question was, “If it was so important for Steve Jobs, why wouldn’t be so important to me,” as I played with my much-loved iPhone. There’s only one way of unraveling this particular mystery, which is first-hand experience. My only hope, then, is that I’ve enlightened you of my very own personal mystery and triggered some curiosity in you.
“It’s pretty spooky in the recesses of my mind. There are some monsters down there. But it’s ok, everyone is allowed a monster or two.” (Robert Gannon)
…She was baffled by your behavior, she said, until Mankiewicz told her about you and LSD-25. Then, about an hour later, Bill Daughtery found (Doug) Kiker on his knees in the darkness outside McGovern’s command trailer, apparently trying to choke himself with his own hands…but when Bill grabbed him, Kiker said he was trying to un-screw his head from what he called his “neck-pipe,” so he could “check the wiring” in his own brain… (Letter from Hunter S. Thompson to John Chancellor)
LSD, or acid, is a very dangerous and hard drug, destroying the lives of millions worldwide. Apparently, at the minimum, it causes the sanest of people to fall to their knees and strangle themselves in grief-stricken moments of insanity. If it were possible, we should all thank the government for their part in outlawing this overwhelmingly harmful drug, right?
Having probably been sub-consciously motivated by Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers, I began reading the Wikipedia profiles of Forbes billionaires, probably looking for some sort of pattern. I stumbled into an interesting part in Steve Jobs’ page, CEO and co-founder of Apple, which claimed that Steve had done LSD and considered it “one of the two or three most important things he had done in his life.” The mouse in the wheel in my head suddenly began to sprint. Since I’ve been influenced by 60s and 70s writing already, with a heavy dose of influence from Hunter S. Thompson, a known connoisseur of LSD, it would only be a matter of time before I asked myself, “Hey, what the hell is so bad about acid anyway?”
I am quite familiar with some of the inner-workings of the brain, exemplified by my belief that a mouse runs on a wheel up there. Truthfully, having been diagnosed with Adult ADD, I’ve done plenty of research on what causes some of my certain actions, which spidered into research of all mental health factors, including the effect medications and drugs may have. Dabbling in most other mind-altering substances and having no complaints outside of them being overpriced and inconveniently illegal, one should recognize my natural bias.
Knowing all this, I set out to find the truth! The first, most logical person I thought to ask was my psychiatrist, Dr. Hani Khalil. Going right into the vortex of the issue, I asked him what was happening in the head during an LSD trip. He not-so-confidently told me that, “There is an increase in dopamine which leads to the general hallucinogenic feelings one has.” Countering, I asked, “Isn’t that what my adderall does? Increases dopamine?” “Yes, that’s true,” he answered. “LSD is much stronger, so it would be comparable to taking 20 adderall.” “Well, you would think that people would have tried that out, right?” as I continued to badger. “That seems like a pretty simple alternative.” Then, as I realized that this super-overdose would probably stop my, or a horse’s heart, he cut in and said, “You know, I haven’t studied this stuff in a very long time. I think I could be mixing this up with PCP. I’m sorry, I’m going to write this down, because I want to research it now that you’ve mentioned it.” “Yikes!” is the only reaction I had to this.
That said, I turned to the internet for the answers. LSD, according to The Vaults of Erowid, an online library of psychoactive studies, is a tryptamine hallucinogen, chemically similar to psilocin. Conversely, mescaline has similar hallucinogenic results, but differs chemically. Therefore, we have two separate chemical hallucinogens that are most likely acting as agonists to serotonin and ketanserin. An agonist is a chemical that binds to a cell, causing some sort of reaction. In LSD, the chemicals “excite” cells that are usually “un-excited.” There is much more research done, in terms that you and I probably don’t understand, but regretfully, all theories are considered speculative anyway, ultimately because the living brain and what goes on is so minute that it’s still not able to be fully studied as a whole.
What most research has shown is that LSD shows absolutely no levels of toxicity. This means that there should not be any permanent damage done to the body, yet, we’ve all heard the story of your father’s crazy Uncle Herman taking LSD once, losing all control, and being placed in a mental institution, bobbing and unbobbing his upper-torso like an upside-down pendulum for eternity. So, what gives?
Albert Hofmann was the man responsible for LSD, creating it in 1938, accidentally ingesting it in 1943, and then arming himself with 250 micrograms (the estimated average street quantity is 50 micrograms) to take as a “threshold dosage number,” in an effort to begin studying it for us in psychiatry. What came of this were findings that it was extremely useful in fighting alcoholism (50% success rate as opposed to 10% success rate from Alcoholics Anonymous), and also useful in treating chronic pain and cluster headaches, which are comparable to migraine’s “worse than amputation without anesthetic.” Psychologically, doctors have seemingly settled into the thought that LSD triggers a dormant or repressed illness, like depression, but does not cause it. The early thought was that LSD “forced the user into facing the inner psyche,” and could therefore confront the issue.
Flashbacks, the effects of LSD much later after use, were the cause of panic among users, yet, it’s not even officially listed as a psychiatric syndrome. Hunter S. Thompson, in a letter to Tom Wolfe (Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test) many years ago, wrote, “…and I’m still waiting for those acid flashbacks they warned us about in the 60s…” As far as studies go, the highest amount of users that suffer flashbacks do not reach 30%, and most are short-lived (no longer than 20 seconds), and cover both the positive and negative effects. Irregardless, the government made common possession of LSD illegal in 1968 and seemingly used flashbacks as a scare tactic.
I thought to myself, a true journalist, for the people, shouldn’t report on something he doesn’t fully understand, and thought it obvious that I should take the drug and report the effects, whether it be good or bad, and let you decide from that point on. Naturally however, somebody had beaten me to it. The first case is that of W.A. Stoll, a psychiatrist that decided in an “Oh, what the hell” moment, to self-experiment. His detailed assessment was recopied in Hofmann’s book, “LSD – My Problem Child.”
“20 minutes later the first symptoms appeared,” he wrote. “…heaviness in the limbs, some confusion, uncoordination…followed by a general malaise..a certain euphoria then set in. Visions began…the first were elementary, like rays, bundles of rays, loops, circles, then they became more organized…arches, desert landscapes, skyscraper landscapes, starry skies of unbelievable splendor…I was forced to describe it, but kaleidoscopic was poor and inadequate…the thoughts became frenzied…it became impossible to think a thought through to the end…” He went on, and some things were comical (I must have only started many sentences), he noted feeling depression for more than one stage of his experiment, he felt physically ill for some moments, noting heavy perspiration and some nausea, yet after the experiment was over, he “couldn’t wait to try the experiment again.”
Case #2 involves a writer named Robert Gannon, a writer for Popular Science in the 60s. It was his journalistic endeavor to take LSD at a mental-health facility in Pennsylvania with a doctor taking notes at his side. Again, we get a very detailed assessment…including some of the doctor’s notes:
11:45 - “Patient breathing deeply. Trying to interpret, then decides not to. Asks for rocks. Says, John Cage. What I start to say no longer matters. Fearful at times, but seems to be enjoying it – has secretive, playful expression.”
12:00 - Patient groaning. Says thoughts too fast. Tries to get senses working together, he says. Perspiring greatly. Talks of being a movie projector.
12:15 – Patient bites his own arm (probably more recognizable sensory input). Drinks a quart of OJ.
12:30 – Nauseated. Tries to explain things, but gives up. Continues to say, “Wow.” Very agitated.
1:00 – Indicates I am menacing. Sweating profusely.
1:30 – Wants reassurances I’m real.
2:00 – Continues restless. Humming.
2:30 – Up in chair for few minutes. Very unsteady. Back to bed. Appears nauseated and drunk.
2:45 – Sitting up again and fighting. Seems to be coming out of it. Nurse enters; he’s glad. Says “where were need you I when. Those are the words, put them together as you like.”
3:00 – Up and walking about. Bathroom. Beginning to enjoy again and make wisecracks.
At this point, Gannon dismissed the doctor, and he was put in the hands of the nurse. He felt effects for around eight more hours, all ostensibly positive in nature, albeit for the misconstruing of time (10 seconds = 20 minutes). He ended the report saying, “In the morning I continued to feel strange and contemplative. But I began to make notes. And yet a phrase continued to run through my brain – something I had thought the night before: ‘They’ve taken me all apart and now I have to put myself back together again.’ Some of the pieces still don’t quite fit.”
In essence, I’ve talked to people that have taken it, I’ve talked to law enforcement, and more in psychiatry, yet to me, it’s still a mystery. The original question was, “If it was so important for Steve Jobs, why wouldn’t be so important to me,” as I played with my much-loved iPhone. There’s only one way of unraveling this particular mystery, which is first-hand experience. My only hope, then, is that I’ve enlightened you of my very own personal mystery and triggered some curiosity in you.
“It’s pretty spooky in the recesses of my mind. There are some monsters down there. But it’s ok, everyone is allowed a monster or two.” (Robert Gannon)
Comics top 4 anti-heroes
By Mike O’Keefe
Almost every comic book has a villain. Batman, Spiderman and the X-men have all battled against seemingly insurmountable foes, all for the greater good.
But what about those that defend something more personal, maybe even selfish?
I’m talking about those "heroes" that are not quite heroes. The anti-heroes, if you will.
For years, comic books had seemed to have had g-rated violence and virtuous victors who always come out on top of their villains. However, many comics explore a darker side of humanity. Here are a few:
Spawn:
Pretty much the epitome of vice. This not-so-lovable bad guy is an ex-black-ops commando, betrayed by his own commander. Ordered to complete a suicide mission, Spawn is sent to Hell after his death, and is asked by Satan to lead Hell’s army in a battle against Heaven. However Spawn refuses, tells Satan to take a hike and sets out to regain the love of his wife as well as his former life. Get ready for comic murder, drug use and sexual deviantism as you read the story of a lone hell-spawn battling his way through hell’s minions.
The Punisher:
Frank Castle, a mob-busting FBI agent, is in the tropics celebrating his wedding with his family and friends. However, Castle has a job that no man can escape. The mob hires a crew to find him at his wedding, at his most vulnerable time. When they find what they are looking for, the hit-men eliminate everyone with extreme prejudice, but forget to make sure that one important detail is taken care of. Castle rises from the grave, emerging as ‘the Punisher,’ a hero hell-bent on completely unsympathetic revenge, at all costs. Castle’s enemies will be blown up, torn limb from limb, and tortured mercilessly as punishment for taking away his perfect life. If you’re into revenge, this one is quite satisfying.
The Watchmen:
Watchmen tells the story of fallible heroes, following mis-guided morals and bias opinions. Although not as graphic, Watchmen is grittier and more realistic than any comic. The day-to-day struggles of washed up, useless heroes is a topic almost any human can relate to. Depicted as misguided vigilantes, these uncomfortably human heroes and heroines will make you think about philosophy, maybe even the meaning of life.
Ghost Rider:
A daredevil turned into a defender of hell and collector of souls. After signing his life over to Satan, Johnny Blaze is now invincible. He becomes an invincible daredevil by day, and by night he becomes an emblazoned vigilante, riding on a motorcycle from hell. A classic comic with a dark twist.
These comic anti-heroes may be un-lovable, but they sure do pack an un-ignorable punch, especially when it comes to getting even, and having fun while doing it.
Almost every comic book has a villain. Batman, Spiderman and the X-men have all battled against seemingly insurmountable foes, all for the greater good.
But what about those that defend something more personal, maybe even selfish?
I’m talking about those "heroes" that are not quite heroes. The anti-heroes, if you will.
For years, comic books had seemed to have had g-rated violence and virtuous victors who always come out on top of their villains. However, many comics explore a darker side of humanity. Here are a few:
Spawn:
Pretty much the epitome of vice. This not-so-lovable bad guy is an ex-black-ops commando, betrayed by his own commander. Ordered to complete a suicide mission, Spawn is sent to Hell after his death, and is asked by Satan to lead Hell’s army in a battle against Heaven. However Spawn refuses, tells Satan to take a hike and sets out to regain the love of his wife as well as his former life. Get ready for comic murder, drug use and sexual deviantism as you read the story of a lone hell-spawn battling his way through hell’s minions.
The Punisher:
Frank Castle, a mob-busting FBI agent, is in the tropics celebrating his wedding with his family and friends. However, Castle has a job that no man can escape. The mob hires a crew to find him at his wedding, at his most vulnerable time. When they find what they are looking for, the hit-men eliminate everyone with extreme prejudice, but forget to make sure that one important detail is taken care of. Castle rises from the grave, emerging as ‘the Punisher,’ a hero hell-bent on completely unsympathetic revenge, at all costs. Castle’s enemies will be blown up, torn limb from limb, and tortured mercilessly as punishment for taking away his perfect life. If you’re into revenge, this one is quite satisfying.
The Watchmen:
Watchmen tells the story of fallible heroes, following mis-guided morals and bias opinions. Although not as graphic, Watchmen is grittier and more realistic than any comic. The day-to-day struggles of washed up, useless heroes is a topic almost any human can relate to. Depicted as misguided vigilantes, these uncomfortably human heroes and heroines will make you think about philosophy, maybe even the meaning of life.
Ghost Rider:
A daredevil turned into a defender of hell and collector of souls. After signing his life over to Satan, Johnny Blaze is now invincible. He becomes an invincible daredevil by day, and by night he becomes an emblazoned vigilante, riding on a motorcycle from hell. A classic comic with a dark twist.
These comic anti-heroes may be un-lovable, but they sure do pack an un-ignorable punch, especially when it comes to getting even, and having fun while doing it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)