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--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
Why is it creepy to experiment? Don't be such a prudue
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
What I wouldn't give for things to be like they were two weeks ago.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
Sometimes there are regular pizzas and sometimes there are stuffed crusts. I guess I am just a regular pizza in this world.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
The Super Bowl: time to cheer for some team you really don't care about, just to excuse Sunday night drinking.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
I am so goth.
That jungle juice from last night was so strong. Whew!
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
So, I made out with a guy from Nebraska last night.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
A snowflake went up my nose last night.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
My boots make a "smooshing" sound when I step in pseudo-melted snow
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
How come my nights always suck?
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
Because you are a loser with no friends.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
Rude, but true.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
My friend can't pronounce Sherron Collins. She calls him "Sherroon," like a macaron.
How the hell do I live in Lawrence and the KU game is not on any channel?
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
She wants to have a threesome with me, but doesn't want to do anything solo with me.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
WTF?
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
I'm tired of hearing about sex.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
If a girl rejects you, 95 percent of the time it has nothing to do with you. The 5 percent of the time that it does is because you're ugly.
--major concerns and deserve attention. But passing an outright ban on the synthetic chemicals found in K2, an herbal mixture said to produce a marijuana-like high when smoked, was not the right step for Kansas lawmakers.
Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes!
The Puppy Bowl is far superior to the Super Bowl.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Ban on K2 premature more research needed
The unknown long-term effects of K2 certainly raise major concerns and deserve
Regrettably, the Senate and the House of Representatives passed two separate bills that would do exactly that. If Gov. Mark Parkinson signs an agreed-upon version of the bill, Kansas will become the first state to establish a ban on a substance few—if any—scientific or medical experts know anything about.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency,neither JWH-018 nor JWH-073,the psychoactive ingredients in K2,are currently monitored by any drug abuse surveys.
What's more, no studies have been published concerning the effects of either substance on humans.
Yet, despite the glaring lack of scientific research available on K2, lawmakers and law enforcement agents were quick to declare the substance a major health concern
when it started to gain attention last fall.
Douglas County Sheriff Ken McGovern has been quoted as saying that K2 was the next epidemic coming to our community. McGovern's exaggerated and unfounded rhetoric is a remnant of the failed "War on Drugs" that many Kansas lawmakers and law enforcement officials stubbornly keep fighting.
Even the federal government has taken significant steps in recalibrating its approach to America's drug problem. The Obama administration refuses to call it a "war" and has taken an increasingly progressive stance.
While lawmakers in other states are decriminalizing marijuana—for both medicinal and recreational use—conservative Kansas lawmakers insist the 21st century "War on Drugs" can still be won using 20th century tactics.
Simply criminalizing drugs such as the synthetic chemicals found in K2 is an outdated and disproved solution. Kansas should shift its policies to be more in line with the national trend, which focuses on public health over criminal justice and treatment over incarceration.
If nothing else, K2 deserves more research before lawmakers make rushed judgments. The drug's effects may actually have medical benefits, as several opponents of the ban have argued.
Given the uncertainties surrounding its chemical components, K2 should not be ignored, but a premature quick fix supported by biased testimonials rather than objective facts was not the solution. Lawmakers need to consider a more proactive—and less reactive—approach.
To find and contact your local legislator go to:
http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-legisportal/redistricting.do
The overwhelming support of both bills—36-1 in the Senate and 110-11 in the House—is disappointing, but not surprising, 2010 is an election year, and opponents of bills become easy targets for their political rivals. Few politicians can win re-election with the "soft on drugs" label painted on them, no matter how misleading it is.
Though the Senate and the House passed separate versions of the bill, Parkinson must sign it before it goes into effect. Students should contact their representatives and the governor's office and encourage them to reconsider.
Even if the bill passes, Kansas lawmakers need to acknowledge that the "War on Drugs" is more than an outdated term—it's an outdated policy.
EDITORIAL CARTOON
Michael Holtz for The Kansan Editorial Board
ETIQUETTE
AROOJ KHALID
The fundamentals of tipping
True, the economy is bad and we're poor college students. But, these are not excuses to scrimp on tipping when out at a bar or restaurant.
This past summer, Oprah reportedly—any official comments on her Web site have been removed—told viewers that tipping 10 percent was acceptable because of the struggling economy. Money is tight, but it is ridiculous for Oprah, one of the wealthiest people in America, to suggest stiffing servers. It is also unfair for us to follow suit.
Waiters, waitresses and bartenders are paid an hourly wage. But, unlike other jobs, servers earn significantly less than minimum wage They rely on tips from customers to make up the difference. If tips aren't coming in, a server could end his shift with barely anything to show for it.
Different services permit different amounts of tipping. Calculating various percentages can become a little complicated. However, thanks to technology, cell phones now often come equipped with specific "tip calculators."
All the details of tipping can get confusing, but it doesn't have to be.
Occupations where workers are reliant on tips extend far beyond just restaurants or bars. There are multiple jobs where employees should be tipped.
Manners Made Easy
If someone has gone above and beyond for exceptional service, reward him or her for it. Did the pizza deliverer drive through a foot of snow to deliver in 30 minutes?
Tip hair-stylists, Jimmy John's drivers, babysitters and, if feeling kind, toss a few dollars in a favorite barista's tip jar.
Simply ask, "Is this person providing a service?"
BY RICHELLE BUSER
rbuser@kysae.com
Is it ever OK to stiff a server?
In my opinion, the answer is no.
Regardless of the terrible service,
it's impolite to not leave a tip.
Leaving a bad tip makes the tipper no better than the bad waiter.
Consider it an act of maturity.
Maybe the server is just having an awful day.
Did a hair-stylist squeeze in an emergency visit? Show appreciation with a slightly larger tip.
If there really isn't enough cash to afford a tip on top of dinner out, then head to McDonald's instead of stiffing a server.
Insufficient tipping can be easily avoided with a little effort.
TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Buser is a senior from Columbia, Ill., in journalism.
- Skycap at the airport: $2 for the first bag and a dollar for each additional bag
- Taxi driver: 15 percent
- Housekeeper: $2-5 a day
- Bartenders: $1 per drink
If you're out and about and totally confused about what to leave, 15 to 20 percent is always safe.
The Emily Post Institute, www.emilypost.com/;
CULTURE
Uniforms serve to keep memories alive
I spend at least five minutes every morning choosing what to wear to class. Picky?
Yes
On days when I get stuck starring into my closet for 15 minutes, unable to find the perfect ensemble, I miss my uniformed student life from back in Macau.
Life in a Kaleidoscope
In Macau, as throughout much of China, students are required to dress in neat and clean uniforms.
In Chinese culture, unlike the preferred individualism in the western world, collectivism is embraced. Uniforms are thought to engage students and construct positive school images.
The Chinese uniform is pretty simple. Girls dress in white with a belt and dark blue ribbon tied below a round collar. Boys wear white T-shirts with ties in winter months and dark gray long suit pants. White socks with black shoes are standard footwear for both boys and girls.
Girls basically look like angels and guys look like gentlemen.
I didn't used to think so.
When I had to dress in a specific way every day, my uniform represented a boring, old-fashioned image. I felt constrained and too recognizable by others.
My friends and I couldn't wait until after school when we could strip our uniforms and hang out in cozy, casual wear.
Naturally, most parents are in favor of uniforms. The uniform essentially plays the role of a chaperone. With uniforms on, students are constantly reminded to behave themselves. A sense of responsibility is attached to the image of the uniform. Sounds great, right?
Now, I am able to wear
BY JOSIE HO
whatever please me. However, I quickly discovered the good sides of wearing a uniform.
However, this can never be. Life must go on.
Now, though, I find myself wishing it were possible to rewind back to more innocent days. I realize that my uniform-adorned school days weren't so bad. I had pure but solid friendship, naive but memorable puppy-love and a busy, but joyful, life.
Not only do uniforms relieve the stress of picking out an outfit, they also remind me of unique memories.
It's ironic that when I finally received the freedom I once so desperately craved, I now yearn for a little more naiveté and restriction.
When I was little, I dreamed to have more freedom to behave as a "little adult." I rebelled. I always wanted more and I wished to break away from the cage and leave the childhood playground.
My uniform, as well as those memories, have to be placed back in my closet. I can't hold every single treasure in my hands, but I know I can place them in my heart forever.
Ho is a junior from Macau, China, in journalism.
Religion as an excuse for injustice
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Which side is right? It may well be impossible to know. However, we should be mindful that when it comes to the latter we have heard this all before.
I have watched the Perry v. Schwarzenegger trial about same-sex marriage in San Francisco with great interest. There are, as is usual with such debates, two sides to this coin. On one, individuals claim that the secular government is a guarantor of civil rights. On the other, individuals claim that the government has a responsibility to codify religious doctrines of the majority.
In the debate over slavery, personas like Reverend R. Furman and Jefferson Davis claimed that the right to own slaves was ordained by the Bible.
In the debate over suffrage for women, individuals claimed that Eve's creation subsequent to Adam indicated that God intended for only men to have a
say in governance.
Whether this case comes down to the right to see religious intolerance enshrined in law, or the right to be safeguarded from oppression by government, we would do well to ask: In 20, 30 or 40 years, will our children see in us the same face of hatred that we have seen in previous generations?
In the debate over segregation, laws including those that banned interracial marriage were based, and defended, upon the notion that God created the white race superior to (so-called) mongrel races and that He abhorred mutts and co-mingling.
Indeed, we've heard this all before. We've seen the face of the legal institution of religious discrimination; it was not right then, and it is not right now.
And, perhaps more importantly, will that face be any less insidious because it is hidden behind a mask of religion?
A. Bryce Myers is a graduate student from Overland Park.
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THE EDITORIAL BOARD
members of the Kanaan Montgomery and Stephen McGinnay, Brandon Planeaset Jeniffer Torlain, Torea Cunningham, Vicky Lu Emily McCoy and Kate Larabee.