Comments by apsuz
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Posted on January 29 at 1:44 a.m.
Steve (rbow),
I only believe there should be an age limit because young children in elementary school really shouldn't be drinking these. I absolutely do not think they should be banned, just that they should at least be limited to people that can read and understand the ingredients and possible side effects. I also don't think that driving, smoking or drinking should be banned, but I agree with having age limits on those also.
Posted on January 28 at 1:29 a.m.
I can't understand why any parent would give these to young children. I recently had a second job at a convenience store and watched several parents buy these drinks for kids as young as 5 or 6 on a regular basis. As a parent myself, I don't understand why any child would need an energy drink. I limit the amount of sugar in my family, I'm definately not going to give an energy drink, or other caffienated beverage to a child (including soda). If children's nutritional needs are being met with healthy foods and drinks, there should be no need for extra energy (unless there is some underlying health problem, in which case a trip to the physician is in order). Unfortunately, it seems that in today's world many people are just in a hurry and care more about convenience than proper nutrition (among many other things).
Personally, I think there should be an age limit on these energy drinks. Not to take away anyone's right to choose, but to protect those young impressionable minds that are most likely not well-informed about all the possible effects of these drinks. I know that they may seem harmless enough, after all they are... "natural", "herbal" or "extra vitamins". But none of these things signify that something is good for you. Many illicit drugs are "all natural" but are proven to be unhealthy. Even with vitamins, too much can be dangerous (which is why there are recommended daily allowances set). And at least one energy drink (ok, as an informed adult I admit to drinking a Java Monster on occassion) has a warning (in small print) that states, "Consume responsibly- limit 3 cans per day. Not recommended for children, pregnant women or people sensitive to caffiene."
Posted on January 8 at 1:25 a.m.
I don't care who is paying for the students to go to college, but I assure you that there are many who's educations are not being paid for by their parents. And those that are need to learn to earn extras such as those being planned for this complex, and it takes time and hard work in the real world for luxuries like this. Isn't this part of why we are having problems with the economy already, people wanting more than they can honestly afford? Yeah, let's teach future America how to live beyond their means so we can have another Great Depression!
Posted on January 7 at 1:46 a.m.
“We’re looking to make this into a resort-style place,”
"apartment complex for Emporia State University students."
Is it just me, or do these two phrases not exactly go together? What college student can afford a "resort-style" apartment? Even if there are 4 students in one of the 4 bedroom apartments, with all the amenities listed, it sounds like it will be a little pricey. Most (traditional) ESU that I have known had little to no extra income, working at places fast food or similiar jobs that don't pay much. Most (non-traditional) students that I have known are more concerned about supporting families than having a fancy apartment with all these extras. It's a great idea, if it can be affordable too the students. But I could think of better things to do with extra space than put a movie theatre or tanning beds in a complex being built for students. How about a study lounge with wireless internet (internet is a little iffy, but a lot of research and projects can be done online, as opposed to in a tanning bed or while watching a movie). I'm still puzzled as to how college students are going to afford apartments like this. I hope they will be furnished, because I'm willing to bed that students that will fork out the cash for these apartments won't have anythng left over for furniture, except maybe inflatable beds and lawn chairs. Not to mention the extra for food. Sorry, I just think this is a little ridiculous to be meant for students.
Posted on December 30 at 2:07 a.m.
"We didn't record your vote, because it wasn't valid."
Mine wasn't valid either, but I didn't call anyone a Nazi, lol. Wonder what I did wrong...
Posted on December 25 at 10:36 p.m.
"if individuals maintain their language of origin at home, and that home includes children, they are putting their children at an educational disadvantage which generally manifests itself in a socioeconomic fashion for generations."
I have to disagree with this. I know many families in which the parents speak one language (not English) and the children learn that language first, then learn English (properly, I hope) in school. Studies have shown that bilingual children have higher learning and grade levels. Not to mention the opportunities they will have as adults entering the workforce in a global economy! I do have to say that I don't like seeing the children being used as interpreters, there are many times where they end up involved in conversations completely inappropriate for young persons. But as far as them using their native language at home, I see no way that they are putting their children's future at a disadvantage. In fact, I have a 2 1/2 year old that is currently learning two languages. I am a native English speaker, born and raised in Emporia (no longer live in Emporia, but it's still my hometown). My spouse is from another country and the main language at home is not English. Currently our daughter chooses to speak the non-English language (which language is completely irrelevant), however she can speak, and understands both very well. I have also tried to expose her to other languages, even though I'm not in a position to actually teach her something I don't know myself. We also try to expose her to culture and traditions from both sides of the family. However, diversity goes beyond language, culture and traditions. Even though she is young, I try to use every opportunity I can to teach her to respect others for whatever reason they may be different from her, be it race, language, disability, economic status, etc. People are people and no two people are alike. Everyone should be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.
Posted on December 23 at 2:06 a.m.
I have worked at 3 different packing plants (IBP in Emporia and 2 pork processing facilities), and not once got paid extra for changing clothes or washing equipment. I have also worked in several positions that required nursing scrubs, again not getting paid for changing in and out of uniform. When I've worked in restaurants, hotels, etc, I was not paid for changing in and out of clothing needed for those positions either. I currently work in a pork processing facility and have no complaints about the 5 minutes it takes me to change and the couple of minutes to wash my equipment. It's just ridiculous sue over something as frivolous as this. Kind of reminds me of lawsuits over hot coffee. Heck, I spend more time trying to find a parking spot at work (I work 2nd shift) than I do changing or washing my equipment. Maybe I should sue my employeer for the time, gas and wear/tear on my car when I'm driving around the parking lot or waiting for a spot for sometimes 45 minutes everyday. Oh wait, I could just go straight to the back of the parking lot and save 40 minutes plus get some exercise. But then I would have to sue because I didn't get to park as close as 1st shift. Or maybe I should sue because we aren't allowed to bring our own food in (for sanitation/pest control reasons) and I have to eat the food in the cafeteria if I'm hungry even though I don't like what they serve.
On the contamination issue, I agree that everyone should be careful no matter what their job. But I still have never had a job that paid me for changing just for that reason. Even in the 13 years I worked in long-term care, I didn't get paid to change in/out of scrubs. If I didn't want to leave the facility wearing the uniform I worked in, I was on my own time to change. Where I work now, we wear company-provided uniforms over our street clothes and steel-toed boots that are not allowed out of the facility unless they are not coming back in. We also have hand sanitation stations all over the plant, including near the entrance. Anything beyond that is a matter of personal hygiene, and therefore not the responsibility of the company. From the first day of orientation, a new hire is made aware of what we do and don't get paid for. Anyone that doesn't agree with company policy is free to leave and go work somewhere else. If you aren't aware of your company's policy on what you do and don't get paid for, it is your responsiblity to find out. Don't wait until you get laid off and sue for a few minutes of each day. I know time is precious, but this is just (for lack of a better word) stupid!
Posted on November 8 at 1:53 a.m.
USNretired: Military benefits are great for those that can get them. But what about the millions of people that for whatever reason don't qualify to even join the reserves or national guard? Sure, they can apply for student loans and grants, but that won't cover everything. Especially for a single parent trying to keep a roof over the head of his/her child(ren). I'm not trying to make excuses, just a point. I myself have more in student loans than I make in a year and a half, don't have time to finish my education because I have to work to support a family, and can't even make my loan payments so going back in the future is looking like less and less of an option. I am proud to say that as a former high school drop-out, I have completed over 2 years of college. But that's not doing me much good right now. My only option right now because of family responsibility and location (not in Emporia anymore) is an online "degree mill" such as Phoenix or DeVry to name a few. Eventually I will figure out how to go back to school and support the family at the same time, but until then we need the income and benefits from my 48/hour a week job. Can't complain too much though, I see people with degrees making less than what I make right now. I guess because they don't do much besides sit at a desk, while I'm doing physical labor. And at least I get a work-out at my job, so I don't feel so bad if I skip a day or two at the gym, lol.
Posted on September 10 at 1:52 a.m.
It is really sad to hear about things like this, but I am glad to know at least these men will have their day in court. I am a survivor of sexual abuse, and not one of my abusers ever even went to court for what they did to me. Kudos to the victims, and parents, for speaking out and doing your part to put these predators away. That being said, I do have a comment that will probably get some negative reaction but must be said. I don't personally know anyone involved in any of these cases, so I am not comparing to them. But I have personally known girls who, as minors, portrayed themselves as being "of age" to consent. I know of at least 2 that "tricked" the men into thinking they were older, then turned the men in (who where only a few years older than them) in for statutory rape of a minor. Girls who do that need help. I hope that isn't the case in any of these situations, and that the true violators will be prosecuted.
On In three separate cases, men charged with having sex with young girls
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Posted on January 31 at 2:22 a.m.
“If they violate the stalking order, then that becomes a criminal case”
Someone failed to mention that it only becomes a criminal case if the stalker is "caught in the act." At least that's what I was told when I was being stalked at one time. The stalker even followed me to the police department once, parked next to me and watched me walk in. By the time I came out with an officer, the stalker was gone and I was told that because the officer didn't see this person that there was nothing they could do. Maybe the enforcement has improved since then. I sure hope so, because I hate to see anyone have to deal with this issue.
On In Information age, stalkers have extra weapons