NOISE: Freestyle

Mary Jane is a medical assistant?

                                                                         
 

Let me start by saying I don't condone the use of Marijuana and my views and or views of others in this blog do not necessarily reflect the NOISE or its affiliates. 

I have come upon a new trend while taking pictures at various events around town. A certain odor wafts about. I have smelled it before but not so publicly and in such multitude. I wondered what the deal was and then while at an event I heard over the loud speakers that a bill had passed making smoking weed legal. They were allowing people to sign for a license to not only smoke it but distribute and giving away free samples. 

I was appalled! These were events held to bring communities together and families alike so why would they have things like that going on? 

There is a wide spread belief that marijuana has no residual effects on its users. However, there is a bigger belief that it causes short term memory loss and loss of inspiration or motivation to do anything. 

So what's the reality? There are studies for and against marijuana. But there seem to be some universal agreements; the first would be that it alters your state of being. The same affects that relax you are the same ones that keep you from being as motivated as you normally would or so it is suggested. The other would be that it reduces the amount of pain felt by the body. This sounds good but if the pain is still there and you just don't feel it as much, then is this just altering a function of the brain? 

Where do i stand? My view is simply this... If we want the best for our children and this drug   slows down drive and or ability then why in the world would we subject them to it in the years we are desperately trying to shape their minds to give them the best chance at a future? 

Why bring this up in a blog dedicated to the great things about this incredible city? Because we need to be informed and know what we are going to do about this situation when it comes up. What do you tell your little one when someone "sparks" one up next to you? Or when there are people who glorify it within ear shot or on the other side say that the people that use it are scumbag druggies...

Formulate your own opinions, but keep this in mind, we are a great city and what we put into the city is what we will get out of it. I don't think it matters if you smoke or not, if you show respect and care for your fellow man or women and their kids we will all benefit! But then, I could be wrong... What do you think?

Summer is in full swing.

 Baseball games are being played. Festivals are packed full of eager fans. Parks are jam packed full of laughing smiling families. Fishing holes seem to have more people than fish at them. 

There are a few things to remember when having the time of your life this summer. Taking care of your body includes, but is not limited to, things like sunscreen,   bug repellent, and making sure that you are drinking lots of fluids. Having on appropriate clothing is a very good idea. Dressing in layers or having them with you will prevent you from being too hot or too cold in Michigan's ever changing climate. Last but not least keep your head on a swivel. This is a working term that works great in real life. It essentially means watch the things around you and be aware of your surroundings. 

Lansing is a great place to have fun and make memories with the right mind set you can enjoy many many great days of summer.  

Txt it and ticket.

 That’s right if you text it and drive you will get a ticket. In case you don't know Law-enforcement officials can pull over motorists solely for using cell phones to send text messages. That's because, under a new law, such an act now is a primary offense in Michigan. A first offense can mean a $100 fine, and repeat offenses will cost $200. But lets be honest if an officer sees a phone in your hand its probable cause to pull you over. If it is deemed possible that you were texting you will receive a ticket. You can fight it but your chances of winning are low and taking time off of work and such may cost more than the ticket will.


 So how’s the best way to keep from getting a ticket? Texting. No not while you’re in the car but before hand. Text the people who need to know where you are and let them know that you are on your way. That way they know that you cant text back and you may not answer your phone either. This way you can drive safely and not get any tickets.  

Why did they pass the law? Well in recent studies it shows that people generally respond slower to dangers when they are texting then when they are drunk! How scary is that? We drive missiles around that weigh over 5,000 pounds and all it takes is less than 2 seconds to cross lines and hit someone   head on and change everyone’s life forever. 

Be responsible and pay attention to what you’re doing. Don't use your cell phone in your car if you don't have to. Picking up the phone to answer a call or to dial one may look like texting. Get out of the habit of even looking down at it. Remember that those same people that want you to text back want you to arrive safely more than they want you to ( txt bck!)

The fourth of July!

 

It is literally 3 days away. I’m excited about the food, the fun and the FIREWORKS! 

But lets step back for a moment and think about safety. First make sure that people are a good distance away from your fireworks display. Make sure you have some kind of fire control handy: water, fire extinguisher, sand, etc. If kids are playing with sparklers don't let them run with them, the tips can be as hot as molten metal. Operate fireworks sober. Don't aim fireworks towards any one.   

 Generally just be safe and be aware of the people around you! Have a happy and safe fourth of July!

If you don't feel that you can follow the guide lines above maybe going to one of the great fireworks shows around town is better for you. Here are a couple: Lansing Fireworks Display Schedule for 2010