Yahoo News recently published a story on the recreational legalization of marijuana written by Steve Gorman. This expository article describes the events that took place the night of Thursday, December 6, 2012. Marijuana was legalized in Seattle, WA, making history by becoming the first state in the nation to legalize the drug for adult recreational use.
Although the citizens knew the law forbid them from "lighting up" outside of the privacy of their own homes, many people gathered at the bottom of the landmark Space Needle to smoke cannabis and celebrate the legalization without being cited. There were no law enforcement officers at the scene to stop the mass "blaze," no citizens were fined.
The new law sets the state up for future trouble with the federal government. US Attorney Jenny Durkan in Seattle stated that the US Justice Department position that growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remained a federal crime, regardless of any changes in state law.
The Washington law legalizes possession of up to 16 ounces of solid cannabis-infused goods - like brownies or cookies - and up to 72 ounces of weed in liquid form. Colorado also chose to legalize pot for personal recreational use. Both states are among 18 that have already removed criminal sanctions for medical use of marijuana.
I disagree with the recreational legalization of marijuana because it will only make our country lazier and make everyone want to work even less than they already do. Some of my friends have told me of instances when they smoked marijuana, and they have explained that the feeling they get is of laziness and not wanting to do anything but relax. That feeling isn't wrong in all aspects, but when all one wants to do all day everyday is get high and do nothing, that could have a devastating effect and further plummet our country into disaster.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Book Review #2
"You are normal, Vladimir. A perfectly normal, healthy teenage vampire. Some people are vegetarians, you drink blood---it's not weird or bizarre or abnormal in the least. You're just different from the rest of this town."
Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd, is book one of five, written by Heather Brewer. This series is about the life of a teenage vampire named Vladimir Todd. "Different" doesn't begin to describe Vlad's situation. Being in eighth grade is hard enough by itself, but it's even worse when you're dealing with the grief of losing both parents. To add to his problems he lives with an over-protective aunt and is trying to act more human, which is almost impossible. Heather Brewer's style of writing was engrossing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
The book is a fictional thriller whose theme is based around first impressions. It proves that one should use the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover." This point is brought home to Vlad after he meets his strange and awkward substitute teacher named Otis Otis, who turns out to be his own uncle.
Before Vlad discovers that Otis is his uncle, he develops a strange dislike towards him. In class, Mr. Otis assigns research projects to all the students, and strangely enough, Vlad is chosen to research vampires. This makes him extremely suspicious of Mr. Otis. Vlad doesn't know how he will ever be able to stand in front of the class to talk about vampires when he IS one. Especially in front of the school bullies, Tom and Bill.
Vlad's best friend, Henry, knows that he's a vampire and accepts this without a problem. He protects Vlad from the bullies and even tries to fix Vlad up with the prettiest girl in school when Vlad shows an interest in her. Henry doesn't judge Vlad for what he is, he likes him for who he is.
Vlad's Aunt Nelly completely accepts that fact that Vlad is half vampire. She was his mother's best friend and she even brings blood to him from the hospital where she works. Vlad is baffled when his Aunt invites Mr. Otis to their home for dinner, since he believes that Otis is the enemy.
All the main characters have much to learn about trusting others and not making judgements without reason. Brewer makes the characters come to life in this book. She is very accurate in her description of Junior High School and the behavior of the teenagers. This is the perfect setting for the characters to interact and for Vlad to do the research he needs in order to start his journey into learning more about his parents, and the dangers that face him because of who he really is.
I connected with this book because it make the reader believe that it might really be possible to live in this world as a vampire/human. The author draws you into the story immediately by sparking your interest with captivating details and alluring questions that leave you wanting more.
Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd, is book one of five, written by Heather Brewer. This series is about the life of a teenage vampire named Vladimir Todd. "Different" doesn't begin to describe Vlad's situation. Being in eighth grade is hard enough by itself, but it's even worse when you're dealing with the grief of losing both parents. To add to his problems he lives with an over-protective aunt and is trying to act more human, which is almost impossible. Heather Brewer's style of writing was engrossing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
The book is a fictional thriller whose theme is based around first impressions. It proves that one should use the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover." This point is brought home to Vlad after he meets his strange and awkward substitute teacher named Otis Otis, who turns out to be his own uncle.
Before Vlad discovers that Otis is his uncle, he develops a strange dislike towards him. In class, Mr. Otis assigns research projects to all the students, and strangely enough, Vlad is chosen to research vampires. This makes him extremely suspicious of Mr. Otis. Vlad doesn't know how he will ever be able to stand in front of the class to talk about vampires when he IS one. Especially in front of the school bullies, Tom and Bill.
Vlad's best friend, Henry, knows that he's a vampire and accepts this without a problem. He protects Vlad from the bullies and even tries to fix Vlad up with the prettiest girl in school when Vlad shows an interest in her. Henry doesn't judge Vlad for what he is, he likes him for who he is.
Vlad's Aunt Nelly completely accepts that fact that Vlad is half vampire. She was his mother's best friend and she even brings blood to him from the hospital where she works. Vlad is baffled when his Aunt invites Mr. Otis to their home for dinner, since he believes that Otis is the enemy.
All the main characters have much to learn about trusting others and not making judgements without reason. Brewer makes the characters come to life in this book. She is very accurate in her description of Junior High School and the behavior of the teenagers. This is the perfect setting for the characters to interact and for Vlad to do the research he needs in order to start his journey into learning more about his parents, and the dangers that face him because of who he really is.
I connected with this book because it make the reader believe that it might really be possible to live in this world as a vampire/human. The author draws you into the story immediately by sparking your interest with captivating details and alluring questions that leave you wanting more.
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