Anachronistic, Ridiculous, Anatopistic Laws

A compilation (please add more!) of silly laws still in force around the United States -

• Connecticut: You can be stopped by the police for biking over 65 miles per hour
• Illinois: It is illegal for anyone to give lighted cigars to dogs, cats, and other domesticated animal kept as pets.
• Massachusetts: Taxi drivers are prohibited from making love in the front seat of their taxi during their shifts.
• Oklahoma: Violators can be fined, arrested or jailed for making ugly faces at a dog.
• Washington: It is illegal to sit on a man's lap on a metro bus, unless you are married.
• Oregon: People may not whistle underwater.

Some laws make sense with a little historical context, but most don't! If you have any more dumb laws, please add them. Even better would be some explanations for posted laws.

-- Gabriel

U of Oregon Athletics

What happened this year to U of Oregon athletics? Its ridiculous!

• Basketball starts the season ranked and goes 8-1, then finishes the season .500 in conference and won't get an NCAA bid. Portland State got a bid for heavens sake!
• Football starts 4-0, ranked 11th, considered a prospective BCS bowl threat. Then they got hit with a string of injuries and finished 5-4 in the Pac-10. Come on!
• Is there an Oregon Sports curse? Even last year's NCAA baseball champs, the Oregon State Beavers are struggling this season.
• U of Oregon baseball predictions 2009?

-- Gabriel

Voter Undecided

I find that the most intriguing issues; the topics most worth my thought, are those in which I am undecided or feel torn between two poles. Here is a list of a few issues that fit the bill:

• How far does a women's right to choose extend? How much say does the male partner have in the say? Does anyone have any stories or anecdotes that tackle this issue?

• Who is most responsible for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Is that faction the same as the group with the most ability to solve the issues?

• Since cable is a paid service, produced by private enterprise, can objectionable material be displayed at any time of the day. Who is responsible for regulating content: Parents, the FCC, or the cable companies?

Please comment on these issues that you are passionate about. All coherent thoughts are welcome.

Student Journalism Opportunities- Where Are They?

As a student journalist, I am always looking for opportunities to further my writing. Whether it be
scholarships, grants, internships, or contests, my search is a never-ending quest. While there is undoubtedly an abundance of these programs, most (especially internships) are reserved for college-level students. For the high school reporter, these opportunities are few and far between.

This challenge I pose to the masses:

Where are the opportunities for a high school journalist student?


--Gabriel