Matt’s Blog

Seattle Post intelligencer said that it is not as good as Goodfellas which was an inspiration for Blow. It gives a good summary and explains what is happening in the movie without revealing anything too big. The directing is seen as alright and there are some parts in the script that have problems like leaving out what happens to some major characters. The review done by the website village voice gives a little too much of what will happen in the end of the movie. They said it wasn’t as good as they hoped for. It is better played than it is directed, and better shot than it is scripted. Most reviews thought it was good and only a few disliked it. They all say it wants to be like Goodfellas but it is not. They all start with a summary of the movie then onto how the directing and acting was. Acting seemed to be better than the directing.

“Scorches the screen with a badass bravado all its own. Smart, sexy, funny and dangerous this high-wire act is a movie and a half. “ 

“Blew its chance to be an epic drug opera. It’s only nostril-deep.” “Blow works for a scene or two, then stalls.”

Many people in the United States smoke marijuana. People of all races and classes use this illegal drug. Conversation about the legalization of marijuana is fiercely argued between the pot smokers and those who don’t smoke pot. If marijuana was legal, the government would be able control the buying and selling of this drug, making the streets safer and our country wealthier. Those who smoke pot feel that marijuana has never hurt anyone and will never hurt anyone.

Since pot is illegal, 734,000 people were arrested for marijuana related offenses during the year 2000 in the United States alone (Marijuana Myths). Good citizens as well as thugs and gang members who smoked marijuana were sent to jail. Organizations like NORML believe that responsible Americans who smoke marijuana recreationally and for medicinal use should no longer be seen as criminals. The Marijuana Legalization Organization (MLO) says that “people have a basic right to make choices for themselves as long as their actions do not harm others” (Marijuana Legalization). People who smoke marijuana are still Americans of all ages. The problem is that just because they smoke marijuana, the government treats them as criminals even though there are far worse people killing and committing worse crimes. Smoking should not make them a criminal. They still “pay taxes, love and support their families, and work hard to make a better life for their children” (Marijuana Myths). But, because it is illegal, the price of the product becomes high and causes some users to commit crimes in drug deals. Dealers usually have a lot of product on them and may carry a gun to protect them from getting robbed by users.

If marijuana was legal, the police force would have more time to focus on the crooks in our society rather than the stoners. Drugs dealers would lose business, the purchase of marijuana would be safer, the government would regulate the potency and price of the marijuana, and the government would make millions in profit. Jeffrey A. Miron, a visiting Professor of Economics at Harvard University, debated about the prohibition of marijuana and concluded that, “Marijuana prohibition with a system of legal regulation would save approximately $7.7 billion in government expenditures on prohibition enforcement — $2.4 billion at the federal level and $5.3 billion at the state and local levels” (Costs of Marijuana). All this money could be used more efficiently like helping victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, researching a cure for cancer, or help funding the public schools in our country.

Many high school students report that it is easier to obtain illegal drugs than alcohol and tobacco (Marijuana Myths). Legalizing marijuana and enforcing a legal purchase age would significantly stop many minors from obtaining the drug just like alcohol and tobacco. Having to show ID and being a certain age would make the purchasing a lot more difficult for minors. This enforcement would allow responsible smokers to buy marijuana while keeping it out of the hands of young adults. Purchasing for a minor would be a crime just like it is for tobacco and alcohol now.

Most of the people who want marijuana to remain illegal are parents. They don’t want their children to play around with marijuana because some studies have shown that it may lead to other drug use. Erich Goode, Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook wrote is his book, Drugs in American Society, that “Marijuana users find the experience of becoming intoxicated on the drug unexciting, banal, and less pleasurable; hence he turns to more potent drugs to achieve the high he initially felt, but can no longer achieve, with marijuana” (Goode). Unfortunately the United States National Household Survey on Drug Abuse found that “Marijuana does not cause people to use hard drugs. Marijuana is the most popular illegal drug in the United States today. Therefore, people who have used heroine, cocaine, and LSD are likely to have used marijuana. Most marijuana users never use any other illegal drug…marijuana is a terminus rather than a gateway drug” (Myths and Facts). This means that there is no physical evidence that marijuana leads to other drug use. Marijuana does not provoke the user to get high using another drug. Not all marijuana smokers use hard drugs, but some people who do use hard drugs have used marijuana.

Studies conducted about marijuana and mental health done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that there is “an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia” (Marijuana and Mental Health). However the British medical journal Lancet (the world’s leading general medical journal) has made the conclusion that “the smoking of cannabis, even long term, is not harmful to health” (Myths and Facts). The National Institute on Drug Abuse also states that no one has ever died due to marijuana use. These studies show that marijuana is not as harmful as some people say.

Joining groups like NORML or the MLO will help them promote their statement and achieve their goal. Having many people support these groups will show the government that there are many people who want marijuana to be legal. Hopefully, a law will be passed and the responsible smokers will be able to smoke in peace.

Works Cited

“BalancedPolitics.org – Legalization of Marijuana (Pros & Cons, Arguments For and Against).” BalancedPolitics.org – Free Balanced, Non-Partisan Discussion of Political & Social. Ed. Joe Messerli. 04 July 2008. 22 Apr. 2009 <http://www.balancedpolitics.org/marijuana_legalization.htm>.

“Costs of Marijuana Prohibition: Economic Analysis.” Budgetary Implications of Marijuana, Prohibition in the United States. Marijuana Policy Project. 30 Apr. 2009 <http://www.prohibitioncosts.org/>.

“FAQ’s – NORML.” Marijuana Law Reform – NORML. 29 Mar. 2009. 22 Apr. 2009 <http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3418#question1>.

Goode, Erich. “Does Marijuana Lead to Dangerous Drugs?” DRCNet Online Library of Drug Policy. 30 Apr. 2009 <http://www.druglibrary.org/special/goode/goode2.htm>.

“Marijuana and Mental Health.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. 06 May 2009. 7 May 2009 <http://www.drugabuse.gov/>.

Marijuana Legalization Organization. 2007. 30 Apr. 2009 <http://mjlegal.org/index.html>.

“Marijuana Myths.” Legalization of marijuana – PureTHC.com. 22 Apr. 2009 <http://www.legalizationofmarijuana.com/>.

“Myths and Facts About Marijuana.” Drug Policy Alliance Network: Alternatives to Marijuana Prohibition and the Drug War. 2009. 9DPA Network. 22 Apr. 2009 <http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana/factsmyths/>.

The sky begins clouding over just before dusk as the Midwestern sunset reddens the sky.

The threat of rain can’t stop twenty thousand rock fans from flocking to Cincinnati’s River-front Coliseum to see and hear Pink Floyd.

Three hours before the show, several thousand early birds are all keyed up for the high-energy Pink Floyd show decked out wearing their best rock-concert, faded blue jeans, and tie-dyed T-shirts.

The gawking wandering newcomers are conspicuous to the rock scene with their obvious neatly pressed checked slacks and expensive shirts.

Squinting so they can steady themselves, the loners eyes are barley open as they weave aimlessly around the circles, arms dangling uselessly at their sides.

Near the fountains and in remote corners, couples cling to each other.

Real police, not the rent-a-cop breed, stride confidently in large groups among the crowd twirling their billyclubs looking for trouble as they sweep the area with their eyes.

Laughter is drawn by the hawkers who call out to the crowd trying to unload cheap T-shirts and pennants.

 As the numbers grow, the circles of roamers, couples, and cops swarm over the acres of concrete that lead up to the auditorium.

Just in time the doors open and fans pour into the coliseum to wait out the final hour before the show tired and sweaty from waiting, as the management realizes the hordes can no longer be contained peacefully.

My tricolons

Marijuana slows down the mind, relaxes the body, and brings peace.

Legalization is controversial, important for the youth, and an on going process

Tetracolon

To heal the nation, make peace, solve our problems, and come together, marijuana must be legal

Drug deals, money, killing, addiction are the consequences of marijuana

Yes: They say that there is no evidence that spanking has made children violent to others or abuse their children when they had kids. Spanking has been around for a long time and the kids who were spanked still love their parents. Some said they weren’t spanked that much but it was memorable enough so that they didn’t misbehave again. Also they said that today’s kids are significantly more prone to violent behavior than kids of the early 1950’s, yet today’s kids are not being spanked nearly as much.

No: They say that spanking a child stops the misbehavior for the short term and not the long term. It doesn’t teach children why their behavior was wrong, it teaches that the only reason to behave appropriately is to avoid being punished. They say studies show that kids will have serious side effects like having bad relationships with their parents, suicidal thoughts, anti social behavior, and end up being abused by their parents. Positive discipline like having consequences is better than spanking.

     Rain rain go away, come again another day. The sight of pellets of water coming down from the sky as you look out the window is all too common. Day after day, the rain pours down into the streets of Seattle during the fall and winter months. We get so much rain that that our drains don’t know what to do with it, so they spit it back out onto the streets. Flood season is dreadful. Sandbags are used as barriers to keep water from entering homes. Whole neighborhoods are evacuated once rivers begin to overflow. Homes are damaged and valuables are ruined. All because of the countless inches of rain!

     Why, why does it have to be so gloomy and wet? Why do I have to wear my raincoat to school for months on end? I hate the cold depressing weather Seattle gets in the fall. 

Maybe I should move somewhere else where the air is dry and the weather is warm. California sounds good. I wish I could be on the warm beach soaking up the sun. Unfortunately Seattle is my home and no matter the weather I will have to deal with being hit in the face with freezing droplets of rain and the cool breeze that follows.

     Puddles accumulate all around the city. Avoiding being splashed by a car as it drives by is a challenge. Being out in the rain and getting splashed is not a pleasant thing. The amount of rain we get can sometimes be ridiculous. Rain is not only grim but it also keeps people inside. Rainy day recess back in middle school was the worst. Playing board games like monopoly and reading The Red Badge of Courage was not what I called fun. Even in books, rain is seen as a bad thing. The villain is always working on his evil scheme while the rain pours and the thunder booms.

     However rain is not always bad. Rain can also be soothing. Laying in bed late at night and listening to the rain pelt the windows is a very calming sound that puts me to sleep. Snuggling up with a book like Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (now that I’m older reading has become more enjoyable) and my blanket, I can read for hours while the little dit dit dit sound comes down all around me. After a good rainfall, going out for a walk around the neighborhood in the fresh clean air is tremendously refreshing. As the new day begins, the cool mist begins to evaporate as the sun pokes through the clouds. Possibly a delightful rainbow will appear.

     Overall, I do not enjoy the weeks of rain we get. Maybe if we got it every now and then, but because it can rain for days on end, I am not a fan. Every morning I pray to hear Steve Renner say that the precipitation is low, but am disappointed time and time again. Seattle is still a beautiful city and I stick around because during the summer when the rain begins to cease, the city is glamorous. The different weather patterns we experience are one of a kind and even though it can get so dreary it is a good mix of rain, snow, and sunshine. Hopefully my future will lead me to California or Hawaii where my dreams will come true and I will be able to relax in a hammock near the ocean and hear the waves crash on the shore.

          Running was always part of my life. The first day of school in kindergarten my parents had me join the cross-country team. We stretched together in the gym, ran a few laps around the track, and got gummy bears at the end. Running seemed great. I was very attracted to the freedom I got from running. Challenging other kids was exciting and fun. I always liked to be the fastest runner out of the bunch. This early love and competitiveness for running has carried me all the way through my sophomore year of high school where I ran cross country and track.

             Bang! The gun goes off. The sound of feet trampling the ground makes a booming noise. Many limber, skinny, and fit athletes break off the starting block and race around the track at the annual Bellevue Invitational.

            Light sweat accumulates on my upper lip and begins to fly away as the smooth wind blows against my face. My body collides with other runners as I make my move towards the inner circle of the track. “Uhh!” I mutter as another runner steps on my foot with his spiked running shoes. We make the final turn and begin the home stretch. Adrenaline surges through my body and I can no longer hear the cheers from the crowd. The adrenaline rush is so powerful that I feel like I am addicted to it. Call me an adrenaline junkie. I make my final kick towards the finish line and end up passing five runners. Third place is mine!

            The excitement of the race overwhelms me and I collapse to the ground. My fellow runners rush over and gather around. I pick myself up, give a few high fives to my teammates congratulating me and make my way to the food tent. Indulging myself in apples and peanut butter, I begin replenishing the protein and carbohydrates I burned during the race.

            Running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It’s a lifestyle. Hours of practice, eating healthy, and staying hydrated are all important factors of this sport. Drinking lots of water and eating fruits and vegetables help your performance a ton. Dedication is a must if you wish to become fast or the best. Running on a daily basis to gain endurance is part of becoming a top long distance runner. When you are in your race, all the hours you’ve spent practicing pay off.

            Running is not only a great activity to have fun but it also keeps you in shape. Getting the 40-50 minute exercise is more beneficial to your health than sitting around and playing Halo 3 all day. Running helps burn fat and slim your figure while strengthening your muscles. You’re not only strengthening your legs but your heart too. The heart has to pump lots of blood when your running and this is very good for your body.

If you are looking for a good way to get in or stay in shape, running is definitely an option you should consider. You don’t have to run in a race but it is a great experience to feel the rush.

1. A rant is when someone sounds off about a topic. They snap and express their feelings in a emotional sate that grabs the attention of people around them. It is usually a response or complaint to something. The baseball example qualifies because a sports writer was responding to a decision by Joe Torre in a way that was filled with some anger.

2. The rant has changed in the age of the Web by being in writing. It always used to be oral but now people can write down their rants. Anyone can lash out against anything.

3. Yes this essay is categorized and gives the early history of the rant. It then switches to how it was changed over the years and is now on the web. Examples like the baseball rant, 17th century rant, and subway rant are used to help explain their point.

4. “The Web is often rightly criticized by the guardians of high culture for encouraging bilious discourse and sloppy writing, with cruel message-board postings and bloggers attacking one another at the slightest provocation.” This shows the history of how rants are now not all oral but in writing and are still filled with emotion.

5. Rants are good. They allow us to express our thoughts and feelings.

When someone is happy they are in a state of enjoyment. They are satisfied and pleased with life and what they are doing. The best way to become happy is to do things that are fun. I am happy when I play sports or exercise because it makes me feel good.

1. “someone had chiseled the silver dollar right out of the floor. Times were that hard”

This quote tells us that people were so poor during the depression that someone pried money right out of the ground. This can relate to the reader because when ever I see money in the ground I always try to take it out too. Maybe back during the depression other people might have tried to get money any way they could.

2. “Sifting through the 150,000 pages in the dusty storage room, I was looking to fall in love.”

This shows how dedicated and interested she was in learning about the depression. She liked reading about the stories people had to say and how they survived. She was compelled to sit in a dusty storage room and research. Readers can relate because there has probably been something that had intrigued them to send a decent amount of time doing research.

3. “her employer left a $5 bill on the floor, ‘my face burnt like fire, for I knowed I was gettin’ tested’.”

Times were so tough that the employer would test the employees to see if they would steal from her. Other people might have been secretly tested in some way that they relate to this quote. Trust might have been a hard thing to come around during a time of an economic crisis.

4. “They peddled cake flavoring and cased sausages, they auctioned tobacco, they fished and smuggled rum—and sometimes aliens—from Cuba to Key West.”

Prices were too high so people had to sneak in bootleg items. People took risks they might not have normally taken if there wasn’t a depression going on. People can relate because they might have been pressured to do something that is risky to themselves.