The Debate on Medicinal Marijuana

Drugs compose as chemical substances that effect primary portion of the nervous system or brain by causing changes in behavior and often results with an addiction. However, certain particular drugs have medical uses as treatment for a disease. The following is a review and summary over the debate on particular drug known as "Marijuana," which comes from the cannabis plant.

The Drug Policy Alliance pursues constant reform upon the legal issues concerning the cannabis plant for the availability of its remedial utilizations on behalf of the critically unwell. “The Alliance is working hard state by state to educate lawmakers about marijuana and to make cannabis available for medicinal purposes for seriously ill people.” Moreover, a division of this association, known as the “Drug Policy Alliance Network” promotes the passing of a bill in each state for the legalization of the medical marijuana. However, the DPAN success rate dwindles when political problems arise. “This year the New Mexico legislature came close to passing a compassionate use bill that will almost surely become law next session - a large majority of voters supported it, but it did not come to a vote because of politics. The Drug Policy Alliance Network, the lobbying arm of the Alliance, is doing similar work in states ranging from Connecticut to Alabama.” These political issues have managed to retain their potency in the United States since the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which had successfully restricted the therapeutic and leisure exploit of the cannabis plant even though that law had little control on actually stopping marijuana from becoming the most popular and used criminal chemical substance in the western hemisphere. “In 1937, with the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act, the United States effectively banned recreational and medicinal use of cannabis. Despite such restrictive control, cannabis has become the most widely used illicit drug in the western world.” Growing pressure has arisen about reforming the total prohibition of marijuana since the 1970’s due to all numerous documented reports about the drug’s nontoxic nature, which implies the removal over the illicit felonies in relation to the expenditure of the drug. “Since the 1970s pressure has been building to move away from the total prohibition of cannabis. Over the past century, numerous reports from independent, government-sponsored commissions have documented the drug's relative harmlessness and recommended the elimination of criminal sanctions for consumption-related offenses.”

Nevertheless, many critics such as Dr. Paul M. Worrell would argue that the drug marijuana must remain illegal, regardless of its use. According to Worrell, the attention of legal drugs that are more deadly and addictive does not leave a convincing case on legalizing marijuana. “To boast that marijuana is the "lesser of evils" in terms of public health consequences is not a convincing argument for legalizing its use.” Worrell provides an easy understanding that the cannabis plant requires more compelling evidence to support its legalization. Furthermore, Doctor Worrell brings notice of the complications of marijuana use as well as the dangers involved to argue more reason behind marijuana’s prohibition. “Because, like tobacco and alcohol, marijuana is not a benign drug. Marijuana use can lead to poor motivation syndrome and increased rates of schizophrenia and depression. Its use can lead to lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and even lung cancer.” Nonetheless, Worrell address the moral impact of pot smoking and increasing sales and quantity of the drug available to the youth. “Legalizing another addictive substance will increase the supply available to adolescents. It also sends the message that pot smoking is condoned.” As of already, Worrell conveys that approximately about half of all high school students have been exposed to the cannabis plant. “Marijuana is already the most widely used illicit drug among youths in Alaska, with nearly 50 percent of high school students surveyed in 2003 reporting they used marijuana at least once.” To conclude, the harmful uncertainty about granting legalization upon the drug marijuana directs with the possible burden in similarity with existing licit substances. “Are we willing to go down the same road we traveled with alcohol and tobacco, accepting yet another burden on public health and safety?”

"Marijuana: The Facts", Drug Policy Alliance. 2005. <"http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana/">.

Worrell, Paul. " Marijuana Should Remain Illegal", Canabis News. 30 October 2004. <"http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/illegal.htm">.

What is literature?

Many sources tend to have different definitions for the same word. Here are two sources about the definition of the literature.

"What is Literature: A MPS Debate", the first informant of this submission, uses two features of the consistent perception to dispute on the true definition of what literature is. "The following is the transcript of a conversation between two facets of the same person/consciousness." The text recognizes the two components as JAW, an aesthete writer and JPM, a post-modernist philosopher, which the transcription locks the two into a combat of intellectual wit over the same fundamental question."…who are locked in bitter intellectual combat in my head. Their topic: the perennial question, “What is Literature?” According to JAW, the definition of literature is simply just the purpose of verbal communication for articulating one's identity. “Literature is the use of language for self-expression – anything that is written with the intention of self-expression qualifies as literature.” However, JPM contradicts JAW by stating there is no true definition, even though he or she announces that the nature literature is an intrinsically personified notion of viewpoints. “Literature is an inherently individualised and perspectival concept with no one correct definition. Distinctions within the concept “literature” are similarly impossible to entertain for the same reasons.” Apparently, as the discussion continues, the two mental figures draw into a stalemate where both voices proclaim individually as the true victor. "JAW: Then it seems like you’ve just conceded my case.” ”JPM: No, you’ve conceded to mine.” “JAW: No!" “JPM: Yes!"

The second source comes from the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia and provides a reasonable explanation upon the definition of what literature is. In reference to Wikipedia, the definition of literature is plainly just a familiarity with letters as a compilation of content, which regards to any structure of passages, such as a thesis. “Literature is literally "an acquaintance with letters" as in the first sense given in the Oxford English Dictionary… The term has generally come to identify a collection of texts. The word "literature" as a common noun can refer to any form of writing, such as essays…” In addition, the online encyclopedia identifies that literature can also present as complete unity of literary work, which can consider international recognition or collaboration from particular ethnicity. “"Literature" as a proper noun refers to a whole body of literary work, world-wide or relating to a specific culture.” Nevertheless, Wikipedia notes that there is an often conflict upon to true meaning behind what literature truly is. “There is often confusion regarding the actual definition of literature and Literature.” Since the general term of literature implies to any form of writing, while Literature corresponds to a sophisticated form of text. “"Literature" refers to written work of exceptional intellectual calibre, whereas "literature" can be anything written.”

Personally, I would more than likely agree with Wikipedia as it brought attention to a specific problem with today's understanding over "literature" and "Literature." Unlike the other source, the online encyclopedia presented facts and not simply just opinions and ideas concerning what the true definiton over the word "literature." Most importantly, Wikipedia took position over the principle concerns addressed in the previous informant and supplied information that would easily settle the case between the arguement presented in "What is Literature: A MPS Debate".

"What is Literature: A MPS Debate" Vassar College Student Webpages <"http://students.vassar.edu/jofigdor/whatislit.htm">.

"Literature", Wikipedia. 23 September 2005. <"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature">.

Different Evaluations of Literature

A thesis is a literary tool used to permit both the reader and the author to achieve their way in a maze of thoughts by pursuing a gist of notions and ideas. Many critics use this tool as a means of understanding the material that the composer writes.

The writer, Harold Bloom criticizes Stephen King's work by focusing the entire piece as a complete waste to the cultural community. "The publishing industry has stooped terribly low to bestow on King a lifetime award..." "...another low in the shocking process of dumbing down our cultural life." Moreover, Bloom directs further denigration towards Rowling's "Sorcerer’s Stone as a dreadful piece of work that encompasses so many clichés and lifeless metaphors that the book presents no intuitive writing style at all. "The writing was dreadful; the book was terrible." "Rowling's mind is so governed by cliches and dead metaphors that she has no other style of writing." Furthermore, Bloom continues with referring to several other awful writers that receive more credit than they should and a few personal authors of his own that should have received more recognition for their own talents in composition. "But today they are Felicia Hemans, Charlotte Smith, Mary Tighe, Laetitia Landon, and others who just can't write." "Today there are four living American novelists I know of who are still at work and who deserve our praise." Concluding, Mr. Bloom addresses that several individuals today that achieved praise for their own work lack the fundamental literary focus of writing from the historic contributors in the past and from this the present understanding of literature is beginning to deteriorate.

The critic, Steve Almond contrasts Bloom's ideas and statements by claiming them to be farfetched and outrageous. "Like most everything that makes the e–rounds, the piece is both trenchant and ridiculous." Moreover, Almond is convinced that Bloom takes too much of an interest in attacking anyone that he considers as an unskilled flop than to appraise the writers and such that he treasures. "... is why Bloom feels it necessary to sound off against writers he deems inferior, as opposed to celebrating the writers (and the ideas) he admires." Nevertheless, the writer issues out that Bloom knows nothing about how many great writers there consists of and simply just beckons more slander to talented composers. "Bloom, on the other hand, can do little more than holler insults from the sidelines." "What cave is this guy living in? Does he expect to be taken seriously by anyone other than the charter members of his faculty club?" Concluding, Mr. Almond obvious describes Bloom's work as a critic to be a disgraceful and a constant butcher to the esteem of modern literature.

As a particular take of interest, I prefer to agree with Almond's point of view. No one can particularly be as bad of an author that Bloom expresses. "By awarding it to King they recognize nothing but the commercial value of his books..." In addition, I do concur that Bloom exaggerates his own opinions with too much a biased and affirmative tone. "This isn't even good nonsense. It's insufferable." "I said, "I fear that something of great value has ended forever."" If Bloom wants individuals such as me to agree with his views then he should address more openly about the particular portions he finds atrocious and present more logical than emotional highlight to what he is talking about.


Bloom, Harold. "Dumbing down American readers", boston.com news. 24 September 2003. <"http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2003/09/24/dumbing_down_american_readers/">.

Almond, Steve. "THE BLOOM IS OFF THE MARK", MOBYlives. 29 September 2003. <"http://www.mobylives.com/Almond_Bloom.html">.

The Weblog Title

I have been having many people constantly asking me, why I made my weblog encompass the name, "Dark Paladin?" Well the answer to that question is quite easy to explain. First, what is a dark paladin? A dark paladin is a constant doer of good or a peacekeeper behind the shadows of the world. Of course there consist of many different definitions or interpretations for this title. However, I prefer to use this explanation to why I choose this name to represent my own online journal. Why you ask? Because, I am the dark paladin, I hide in the shadows of ordinary people and constantly seek to help anyone I see that needs help. There is no true reason behind why I do such work, you could say it simply just a part of my nature to do good and help those that need help. Nevertheless, that is the complete reason behind the name of my weblog. In addition, the reason to why I associate my weblog with this aspect of myself is to express the viewpoint I seek to use for each of my online entries. This of course is to enlighten people with knowledge and to act through from the shadows of being an ordinary individual.

The Perceptions of Names

A name is the addressed word or words given to simply identify an object, person, place, or concept out from everything else.

For people, they generally have a perception upon the meaning of a name and its value in society or to themselves.

Provided from the site, "doberman pizza", a system is designed to find a person's pokemon off their name and favorite color. To this individual, the meaning behind someone's name can associate with a specific pokemon. For example, the name "Alexander" with the favorite color of red is identified with as a "Footung". In addition, the name “Jerry" along with the favorite color of blue is declared with as a "Pikarina".

The reasons behind the author's usage of terminology for someone's name corresponds as a parody to entertain people with humor and offer a skilled program that does more than randomly associate people with a certain pokemon. "Just a silly parody." " They're actually pseudorandom, which is slightly different than being purely random. Notice that whenever you type in the same name and color combination twice, you get the same results. You should be able to find a description of pseudorandom numbers in an algorithms textbook, or a discrete math textbook."

The obvious factors to this person creating an online program that pseudo-randomizes someone's name and favorite color with that of a pokemon consist that this individual had a lot of free time on his or her hands. Moreover, this individual might have to establish a fundamental system of pseudo-randomizing for a particular class. In addition, this individual obviously likes to amuse him or her self with creating parodies of this anime.


Provided from the site, "Darwin", establishes article to exemplify the issues of what is and makes a good name for a company. "Here are some guidelines and considerations in naming a new company." Within this reference, a business name should have a distinguishing characteristic that alters it from an ordinary designation that makes it memorable, considerably short, and easy to pronounce and build off a story from. "Naming experts often point out that "coined" or made-up words, or alternate spellings, tend to make the best names for that very reason." "It should be unique or memorable." "It should be as short as possible..." "It should be easy to say." "...your name should be one you can build a story around."

The purpose following this composer's article in expressing the guidelines and consideration in making the ideal name for an industry are to insure a company starter or someone new to the corporate world could a head start in making the idyllic label for his or her business. "Sounds crazy, but somehow, branding is everywhere and everybody's doing it." "Everyone's expected to know what it is, how to do it, what it's worth, how to measure one's own..." "Just how does one do it, you ask? Well, for those of you still among the great branding unwashed out there, or those contemplating joining the above-mentioned Hero ranks, here's a primer."

The obvious factors to this individual constructing such an article are to provide information concerning his or her own history about marketing for newcomers. "Graeme Thickins is a 25-year naming and branding veteran. He heads Minneapolis-based GT&A Strategic Marketing, a marketing consultancy he founded at least three tech revolutions ago, in 1982." Moreover, this particular person likes to express certain concerns more than likely from his or her past mistakes. "And when it comes to naming, everyone's a critic."


Dan. "what's your pokéname", doberman pizza. 24 September 2001. <"http://pizza.sandwich.net/poke/pokemon.html">.

Thickins, Graeme. "What's in a Name?", darwin. 01 July 2002. <"http://www.darwinmag.com/read/070102/naming.html">.

The Differences Between Blogs and Diaries

There are many different types of online log databases.

Blogs and online diaries provide a large distinction between the kinds of log entry databases found on the internet. A major difference between blogs and internet diaries is that diaries are normally written as a daily planer and experience recorder, which provides emotional and personal content about events and occurrences. "oh man... i can't sleep... i'm so stressed out! i studied a little tonight, but i still have 2 more fizix chapters to read in order to catch up... then i still have to do calculus problems and if i have time maybe read some chem... the stress is really really bringing me down..." Meanwhile, a weblog may consist of important need to know information, a general studies essay, or a summary of personal information. "Simply stated, there are only TEN things that anybody needs to know about me." "In general, a move toward free trade does 3 things:" Moreover, a weblog normally contains content relating to a single purpose or activity, while a dairy may consist of an entire day's worth of activities. In general, a diary follows along as simply as a personal planner and daily information provider. However, a weblog can serve any numerous amounts of purposes that individually serve for a single reason.

Adams, Jerry. "Ten things you need to know about me", The Weblog That Nobody Reads. 26 July 2003. <"http://jvadams.blogspot.com/">

Alex. "College Diary", diary of a college girl. 23 November 2001.
<"http://www.geocities.com/diaryofacollegegirl/collegediary.html">

Baron. "Free trade, wages, and jobs", Baron's Blog. 01 August 2005. <"http://finzi.psych.upenn.edu/~baron/blog/">

Comparison of Weblog Composers

Weblogs, or simply "Blogs", are personal online diaries or journals that are regularly updated.

There are several usages of weblogs. Most online users often use these internet accessed posts as an online reading reference, a self recorded account of experiences or observations that have occurred in real life, or as a private domain of self expressed viewpoints towards their own topics. Here consists of two weblog writers from Student Weblogs, http://www.studentnow.com/people/studentblogs.html. The first one is from Jerry Adams whom goes by the nickname of Jerdog. Mr. Adams provides a very personal and direct entry about a change in plans about his leave from his home in Arkansas. "I'm gonna leave on Tuesday due to the MLK Holiday ... the one who lured me to Arkansas in the first place." Moreover, Jerdog must deal with his contract/lease of his housing so he can move out. "I have to let Housing know what happened and what I am going to do about my contract/lease." The main purpose of this entry was to share and inform of Jerdog's experience of leaving Arkansas and returning back home to his mom. The mood of this story expresses regret and anger of multiple amount of money for he must pay for his leave. "I will probably have to ante up a bunch of money to UALR before I can get a single transcript. Damn it!" Subsequently, the next blog is from Baron. Baron composes an informative and direct log about the free trade, jobs, and wages within the United States. "Free trade, wages, and jobs". Therefore, clearly the title of this entry already provides its purpose to the audience. In addition, the mood of this story is informative and vitally important for the user to read. "The U.S. is in great need of national health care, a tax on oil and gasoline" "Why doesn't this happen when the threat comes from foreign competition?" In comparison, Jerdog's online journal specifically addresses issues from his own life in his own point of view; meanwhile Baron addresses significant issues relating a more wide range of individuals with a need to know importance.

Adams, Jerry. "Change of plans", The Weblog That Nobody Reads. 18 January 2003. <"http://jvadams.blogspot.com/archives/2003_01_01_jvadams_archive.html">.

Baron. "Free trade, wages, and jobs", Baron's Blog. 01 August 2005. <"http://finzi.psych.upenn.edu/~baron/blog/">