Pills, The New Marijuana

Posted on by Mike 1 Comment

As summarized in the Ivy Jungle newsletter, CNN reports an alarming trend:

Prescription drugs and “pharma parties” have become increasingly popular among teenager and college students. The National Center on Alcohol and Substance Abuse reports that the proportion of college students abusing opiods (i.e Vicodin, etc.) has increased 343% between 1993 and 2005. Tranquilizers (Xanax, Vallium, etc.) went up by 450% and abuse of stimulants like Adderall (an ADD medication) has increased by 93%. These drugs are easy to find in many home medicine cabinets. A CASA study in Minnesota and Wisconsin showed that almost a third of teenagers taking medication for ADHD had been approached to sell or trade their drugs. (cnn.com July 5, 2007)

Not only is this an alarming trend, it’s extremely dangerous behavior. Although marijuana can impede long term emotional development with chronic use, overdoses rarely result in death. Nor is marijuana as physically addictive some of these other drugs. Not that I advocate the use of marijuana.

Porn Driven Look At Me Culture

Posted on by Mike 2 Comments

Here’s an article from Campus Ministry Update June 2007 published by Ivy Jungle:

“Porn Driven, Look-at-Me” Culture: The evidence of the mainstreaming of pornography is not hard to find in our culture today – from the provocative videos on YouTube to Myspace pages for adult film stars. Some researchers and observers continue to express concern over the impact on young people – particularly girls. “Sexiness” has become very important to girls, with an increasing push into raunchiness. High school counselors find themselves consoling teenage girls who have undressed and more in front of web cams. Employers are increasingly implementing dress codes. The American Psychological Association recently published a paper on the sexualization of girls. One great concern is that while boys tend to use pornography and other aspects of sex for their own pleasure; most girls who exhibit provocative behavior are doing so for the pleasure of someone else – often someone they don’t know well (or perhaps not at all thanks to the internet). Some women claim they have more power with their sexuality, but many researchers are seeing a very negative impact – especially among teenage girls. (AP June 4, 2007)

Here’s a semi-related photo I received via email some time ago:Control You

Sen Brownback’s Evolution Stance

Posted on by Mike

In the May 3 GOP Presidential debate, Sen Sam Brownback was one of three who raised their hands to the question, “Is there anybody on the stage that does not believe in evolution?” This caused an outcry among atheists and some consternation in the main stream media. The atheist article claims that, “It’s not an issue where thoughtful people can disagree. You either believe in scientific certainty or you don’t.” 1 Italics mine The exact same phrase the global warming alarmist use to kill debate on the subject.However, the debate is not closed. Sen Brownback offers one of the most lucid responses I’ve seen on the subject of faith and science.Thanks to John at The Daily Detour for raising the subject.

Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1 Italics mine