Monday, February 23, 2009

My Research Update

Now that we are nearing the finish line for this research project, here is just an update:

My original plan was to write this paper in attempts to persuade my parents to let me take prescription drugs for my diagnosed ADHD condition. I guess I couldn't wait because as I write this paper I am much more focused, because of Concerta.

Last Tuesday I went to the doctor and now I have been on the drug Concerta for about a week. I have seen a tremendous increase in my ability to accomplish tasks, not procrastinate, and focus better.

Now I can add personal views into my paper

Monday, February 16, 2009

My audience for my paper

My audience from the beginning is my parents. I am writing with them to change their mind about ADHD and my condition. I was diagnosed with ADHD during my sophomore year and they refused to get treatment for me.

Now that I am an adult it is up to me to decide what direction I will go with this disorder. I want my parents to support my desire to try medical treatment for ADHD. That is why I am writing this paper.

My parents are moderate, middle class parents. My dad is a college graduate and my mom has masters degree in organizational leadership. They are Catholics. I think my audience's top priorities are family, religion, and happiness. I don't think my topic will improve my audience's lives, but it may have an effect on other's who also have ADHD. I don't think it will change their lives.

ADHD

The first thought people have when thinking ADHD is super chaotic, hyper kids. That was my view on ADHD for a very long time. What many don't understand is that hyper activity is only a part of ADHD and the most quite and docile individuals can also have ADHD. One value judgement probably centers on treatment and medication. A lot of people, including my mom, believe that if you take a stimulant medication you will become a zombie.

I will tell you that the stereotypes are usually incorrect. 4-8% of children have this mental disability. By not treating them, they are being limited in their potential and what they can do. Studies have shown that with medications, students will improve in school and act more socially normal.

Monday, February 9, 2009

EKU Adventure

I had very random and very fun Saturday. There was absolutely nothing to do going into Saturday night. There were no fraternity parties, no house parties (that I knew of anyway), and my friends that live at home were doing nothing. I was hanging out with my friend Kevin and Jerome trying to decide if we should see a movie (I hate seeing movies on weekend nights) or just do nothing.

Out of the blue, my friend Shaun, a Beta I met at a leadership conference from EKU, called me and invited me to a party down in Richmond, KY. At the time he called, it was 10:30. We arrived a few minutes after twelve and lets just say it was the best college party I have been to thus far.

It was great to see the guys I went to Futures Quest and meet the rest of the EKU Beta's.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Stimulus

It has been awhile since I have last said this: I am proud of the Republicans in Congress. I say this because of their opposition to the 825 billion dollar stimulus package Obama and Congressional Democrats.

Obama has expressed his frustration at the GOP this week by criticizing them for not reaching across the table. However, it was in fact a bi-partisan effort to not pass the bill than it was to pass it. This is kind of a slap in the face to Obama, Pelosi, and Reid, who have touted the Republicans as the ones who are refusing to be bi-partisan.

The President also made his first mistake this week: He elevated conservative public talk show host, Rush Limbaugh, as the "leader" of the Republican Party. Rush's show, which I am a big fan of, has seen a huge in number of listeners since Obama told Republican leaders "You cant just listen to Rush Limbaugh and expect to get things done."

The Superbowl

To be honest, I do not care about the Superbowl at all. In fact, I didn't even know who was playing in it until Saturday. For me the Superbowl is about the commercials, the halftime show, delicious super bowl food, and hanging out with friends.

As far as commercials go, Budweiser always has the best. I liked the one where the guy got thrown out the window. After all the hype of the 3D commercials, I felt let down. I thought they were pretty lame. Also, I think it is stupid that some show are now going to be in 3D, like the show "chuck". 3D makes me noxious and its not enjoyable when you are wearing flimsy paper glasses.

I like Bruce Springsteen a lot. I thought he did a great job entertaining, but one thing i noticed was how his voice has gone. There were some notes that he just couldn't hit anymore. However he did a great job. On a similar note, the national anthem by Jennifer Hudson was one of the best I have ever heard. I typically do not like different renditions or a dramatized renditions, but what Jennifer Hudson did was absolutely amazing.

Overall, the game was very exciting. I wanted the Cardinals to win, but at least they made it an exciting game.