Peter

I used to have semi-bad acne... It seems to have gotten better with age or better habits. I wash my face twice a day with just a mild soap, from Neutrogena, and occasionally an exfoliate with just my hands (no wash cloth). Nightly I use salicylic acid only on hot spots, if any. That's pretty much it, but the thing that will make a difference is to change other bad habits like touching your face or forehead, eating greasy foods (it gets on your face), hitting the bong, or popping pimples (it causes scarring and will probably lead to more acne). And, as feminine as it sounds, get a facial. It's like a deep clean for your face. My sister's friend has a spa and I couldn't turn down a freebie. It helped A TON, and my acne wasn't even that bad before I got it. But, she also gave some great advice. Other things she told me were to make sure anything you put on your face (lotion, aftershave, etc.) doesn't have oil or alcohol in it, because it will either clog pores or increase the natural oil production, leading to more acne. She also mentioned not using extremely rough cremes or ointments (like the apricot scrub someone else mentioned) because they are usually too harsh on your skin. And, don't over do the face washing. Twice a day is all you need, any more and your body overcompensates for the dryness by producing more acne-causing oil. I've found that shaving helps a ton with acne as well, and she explained that it takes off the bunched up skin cells that contribute to acne, and it gives an exfoliating effect. Hope some of those work... Most of the medications doctors prescribe aren't all that good for you, especially your liver. If you're a female, there's a 100% birth defect rate while using Accutane, to give an example. Some doctors require frequent blood tests while using these drugs to make sure your liver is holding up during the treatment. And, you can't drink, because it stresses the liver.

I was jealous when you first told us you were leaving, and I'm even more jealous now. I can't believe it's already been six months... I'm working on a trip like that too, or just mini trips until I get to everywhere I want to go. But in my experience working for months at a time to save for travel is ALWAYS worth it. Thanks for sharing, but undoubtedly the photos are no depiction of the moments you experienced.

Almost everyone in my close friend group has one or more tattoos, and I love to see the art. The more artsy and elaborate, the better. I've seen a couple of people who got the inside of their lower lip tattooed with a word with personal meaning, and I'm thinking that's a good spot for it. You've got something with meaning, and not a soul will see it unless you want them to. That said, there is nothing in my life that I can imagine having for 10 years and still love as much as the day I got it. Extrapolate from there to say, the rest of my life, and I still can't imagine loving something as much as when I first got it. Just a part of my personality. I'll probably fall in love and get a divorce within a decade, and I probably won't be able to stay put in one place my whole life, but that's just me.

Catastrophic events such as tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes, etc., are a means of population control... Sadly there will need to be many more to keep this planet from being overrun by people. Or the whole idea of fighting for your country... But that's pretty messed up if I go into detail. Finally an interesting topic.

Lately I've been having some strange ones... It's happened twice in the last week, both times with aid of alcohol. What happens is I'll fall asleep in an unfamiliar place, like my friend's bed, or a couch, and dream that I wake up and everything is the same as when I went to bed. Only when I actually wake up do I realize that I was just dreaming. The worst part is that I feel like I'm not getting any sleep because I dream I'm awake in the same situation. It even goes so far as to drift in and out of fake sleep, where I get up for some water or to lock the door or something simple, then go back to bed, then get up again. I had to kick people out of the apartment once too. Then I really wake up, and my mind is blown...

It's been summer break since May 15 for me... A couple days after school was out I went to Europe for a couple of weeks, now the rest of the summer has had a hard time living up to that experience, but I'm having one of the best summers I can... Working 45-50 hours a week, then raging on weekends. There's not much else to do with such a tight schedule... I fit things in when I can like going to the lake. I've got a couple of camping/road trips coming up before the end of break, but I have until the end of August to do whatever. Then it's the same general plan (work/rage) plus taking 15 university credits. I'm having a good time.

I can't say I'm addicted to anything... I try my best to avoid patterns that can lead to addiction. For example, I'll have coffee every so often, but not daily, as I don't want to get addicted to caffeine. They say if you can go three days without something, you're not addicted, and I'm pretty sure there's nothing I can't live without for three days except for the essentials like food, water, oxygen, and sleep. I try to keep myself in check as I see addiction as a very undesirable personality trait... Versatility is key.

I read in National Geographic that, by the middle of the century, with an optimistic outlook, it is estimated that the world will have used half of it's oil reserves. Given the fact that oil has only been used in the last century and it's use is going up, we might be out of oil in 150 years. Nothing that concerns those of us that are alive now. There are a couple of ways of looking at this. One is to not change our habits any, because it's their [the people of the future] problem to deal with when we run out of oil. The other way, which I don't think will be effective unless EVERYONE does it, is to cut back on oil use so that it lasts longer. Mark my words, if the world ran out of oil tomorrow, it wouldn't take more than a month or two before a new system is developed that's cheap and a reasonable replacement for gasoline use. Oil is going up because of high demand, not because it's costing more to produce, refine, etc. Make the demand go down and you've got cheaper gas. The problem is, and I don't know why it took this long to figure out, but the oil companies know that we'll buy gas in the same quantities as we were, because most of us are dependent on it. I drive about 45 miles a day for work alone, and that doesn't include anywhere else I drive. It doesn't sound like much of a daily drive, but I spend about $75 a week on gas at this rate. I won't ever cut back because the only way to do that would be to stop showing up for work and that won't happen. My demand will stay the same, and I know that a majority of the gasoline consumers in the world are in a similar situation. The minority of gasoline users have found ways, sometimes extreme, to lessen their gas use such as buying a hybrid, riding a bike, using mass transit, etc. I'll say it again for emphasis though, if nothing happens and our oil habits don't change, a new system will be found and used. I'm not going to change anything except my driving habits because I might get 1 mpg more if I drive like an old man, but it all adds up I guess.

A significant amount of drugs that are illegal for recreational use are valuable in their contribution to the medical field. All opiates, which include morphine, codeine, oxycodone and many others, are frequently abused recreationally, and all can be found and used frequently in a hospital. Then you've got anti-depressants that are abused, but they also prove useful for those who are depressed. Marijuana is just another drug that can be used medicinally and recreationally just as well. THC can be synthesized so that it is in a pill form and the drug doesn't need to be smoked. Then you've got just another drug that can be incredibly valuable in the medicine community. All of the above drugs will give you a head change just as marijuana will, so using the fact that they get you high isn't a good enough argument to say that a drug such as this isn't useful in medicine. The point is, so many drugs that are useful medicinally can be just as easily abused. If you're going to argue against medical marijuana, you should be arguing against any drug with addiction potential, such as opiates (incredibly addictive), and the many other recreationally used drugs. Marijuana is no different. At it's present time, due to the fact that it was used recreationally before it was used medicinally (at least in our current society), there is a bit of controversy following it's use in medicine, and as far as I'm concerned there shouldn't be any problem with it. So what if people feel good when they're fighting pain or an illness or depression or any number of the thousands of problems marijuana can help for?

My last year of high school had just started, and my dad had just gotten out of the hospital after emergency triple bypass heart surgery. So I'm sure the first thing I did was somewhat infused with those events... But I don't remember, it's been a long while. 18 isn't really a big deal in the good ol' USA unless you're a big fan of tobacco. I voted, yeah, and I signed up for the draft as was my legal obligation. I even got carded at 7/11 because some friends I was with bought some cigars and she wouldn't sell unless we were all 18, so, passed that test. But it was great being able to step into a pub in England and grab a couple of pints legally, and that's why 21 is a good age to look forward to in America. After that it's 25 to rent a car and get a huge insurance break, then it's 55 for senior rates, and beyond that... We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Here's one from France:

I joined the community (which has changed formats twice now...) back in late 2001, before Scapeboard. Back when it was the original phpbb, and Andrew and Paul threw out the occasional post. Back when I used to play. I don't know why, but I've stuck around the OT area for all these years. Makes me feel old to remember a little over six years ago. I have no idea what my first post there was. Then I remember the transition to Scapeboard, and when they got hacked and the private mod/admin boards were opened to the public. Following that were mass bannings of those who went in those boards. I remember the transition to where we are now, back in 2004 after a while of the boards being shut down. Being a mod a couple of years ago gives a different perspective of how things really go down around here. There are still a few oldies around, good to see.

My week has been based around some form of the same seven events, with a couple of extras tossed in. Today it was in this order: Awake at 6. Shower, eat, drive to work. Work at 7. Lunch with my grandma and cousin at 2. Worked out. Other job at 4:30. Dinner at 7. Sleep at 10. Yesterday it was: Awake at 6. Shower, eat, drive to work. Work at 7. Other job at 2. Worked out at 6. Dinner at 7. Sleep at 10. I literally don't stop moving until about 7:30 on any given night, and get around 2 hours of relax time. Class starts next week, somehow I'm going to have to fit that in.

Keep in mind, your parents have raised you for the last 18(?) years, and suddenly you're going to be gone. At least with a four hour drive there is a chance of seeing you still. I go to college in my home town (I moved out) and see my parents at least once a week, and that's the perfect balance. I know kids who drive three hours on weekends to see their families. Some people need that. Everyone, spare no one, who I know that came to school from out of the area, has missed home. Those are all things to keep in mind. That said, who is paying? Sort of a rhetorical questions, since you mentioned you will be getting the loans. Since your parents aren't putting forth the money for you to go to school and make a better life for yourself, it's kind of up to you to do. Since you're paying for it, you may as well pay for what YOU want. That might be enough to convince you, but now you need to convince your parents. The last thing you want to do is leave in the middle of the night on a bad note to Arizona and not see them for four months only to go home to deal with more family problems on the holidays. I can't help any about the boyfriend and your dad, but maybe your dad thinks the only reason you're doing this is because of him, and not for your own reasons. Something else to think about...

Are you not allowed in the refrigerator or something? Can't see why your parents would be mad... Guess I was raised differently though. It's probably just sprained, but make sure you don't move it. If at all possible, get someone to tie something stiff to it (like a stick or a couple of wooden spoons) to keep it immobilized. Then ice it, and take some ibuprofen. That will make sure it doesn't get any worse. I don't think I'd go to the ER, maybe urgent care or your family doctor as soon as possible. ER is usually reserved for just that, emergencies, so they take urgent cases first. I'm not a doctor, but is that what you wanted to hear?

I've never found finals really difficult, at least no more so than any other test given during the year. Most finals are cumulative, which means they cover material from the whole year. That means you've probably already been tested on the same subjects before. Most teachers have a hard enough time as it is coming up with test questions, and making new ones for the same subject is hard, so they are usually recycled questions. Given the fact that you've taken a test on these subjects before, you've probably got a pretty good grip on them (or not), and will likely do well on the final with minimal review. I would study just as much as you think you need, but don't over do it.

Today was kind of a buffer between vacation and work. Just got back from a road trip last night and had a rough 14 hour drive straight through. I got up around 8:30 (sleeping in no less), solved some financial issues, ate breakfast, looked at some photos from the trip, did my laundry, ran 3.5 miles followed by various calisthenics, showered and shaved, got a cheese burger and talked with my dad, got a replacement gas cap (casualty of the road trip), watched a movie (The Kingdom), got on the computer to take care of some stuff and check email for the first time in a week, and here I sit. Going to eat dinner and mentally prepare for work in a few. Responsibility sucks.

No regrets per se... If my life didn't happen the way it did, it wouldn't be the way it is now, and I'm completely content. I do wish I could have been this content in my life when I was younger, and maybe a bit more confident and as aware of my thoughts as I am now. Along with that, I kind of wish I stuck with learning a musical instrument and a foreign language or two when my mind was young and learning those things would have been easier. Not much we can do about regrets other than mull over them and get sad, so not much use in having any at all.

Wait until college, you'll get focused on something like studying at midnight, look out the window and it will be bright outside and 7:00 in the morning and it's time for class. Not that hard to stay up. Not that necessary though. I hope you don't drive either, because being sleep deprived and driving is worse than driving drunk. The worst part is you can't get a DUI for being stupid and driving.

First off, I have a hard time calling marijuana a drug. It's a plant, a weed no less, that was found growing from the ground. This is in the same category as herbs like mint, thyme, basil, etc., as far as I'm concerned. It's been used for thousands and thousands of years for various reasons, possibly used by the very same cultures that make up the world today. What's so bad about mind alteration? Let's call it a hobby. A hobby is defined as "an activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure." By that definition, playing a game online for hours at a time is also considered a hobby. We all have different hobbies, and it's not right to insult other peoples' choices when it comes to how they wish to allocate their free time. So let's say smoking weed is one's hobby. Anything that gives pleasure can be psychologically addictive, because we as humans seek what makes us happy. So again, by that statement, it's possible to get addicted to an online role playing game (as I'm sure many who are reading this are), or a substance that alters the mind, or meditation, or reading, or exercising, or any number of things. Now I've grouped smoking weed other harmless pleasure-bringers, as I think is fair here. Are we on the same page now? That said, mind alteration in any of it's forms (alcohol, weed, LSD, etc.) should only be used by those who are ready and mature enough for it. If not, the side effects are people "acting like idiots" or driving under the influence, or something along those lines. Teenagers who smoke at school or any chance they get would be classified as those not mature enough, but sadly that's where the majority of the population of smokers comes from. They grow up and still act like idiots. The people who are stupid are those who are always high, because the THC content in the body never gets a chance to lower, and it cumulates and just makes it so that the user can't think straight after a while. The term "abuse" is key here. Using substances, legal or illegal, is one thing, abusing them is a whole different game, one that I disagree with. Before you state your negative opinions, consider if you're against the use or the abuse of marijuana. The feelings experienced after smoking weed I would describe as: slight numbing of the head and face, but not uncomfortable. Dulling of colors, almost like a sepia tone. It's easy to concentrate on something, like a song or a movie, but only one thing at a time. That said I can pick out individual instruments in a song to the point where I hear nothing else. A euphoric feeling where everything just feels right, and complete comfort. Although I can think clearly, talking isn't something I want to do. Judgment isn't impaired at all whatsoever. Hunger comes, but if it is ignored it passes. If the choice is made to eat, the experience is like eating after fasting for a day... the food just tastes amazing. As with sounds, I can pick out individual flavors. Normally funny situations are funnier, but only because you can relate to them on a different level. Creative thoughts flow like crazy, because the mind doesn't contradict itself. This makes writing easier, and better even, and art as well, and the mind is open. The only neutral parts of the experience are dried out eyes and mouth (I wear contacts, and they just seem to peel off my eyes), and sleepiness. I only get tired if I just sit around, but if I'm active it just doesn't come. Sometimes I'm kind of tired the next day from it, kind of like over sleeping. All of the above are enjoyable experiences that are overlooked when someone says they are "getting high." It's a lot deeper than that. Look at it with an open mind. Everyone has reasons for doing what they do, and if a significant amount of people partake in this activity, there is a reason for it. The only people who should even have a valid opinion against marijuana use are those who have personally tried it enough times to understand the effects. I "get high" a few times a month, and to say that it controls my life in any way would be a lie. I carry a full-time job and a part-time job, am a full-time student, work out regularly, and my life hasn't change negatively in any way since occasional smoking. It's different for everyone, so don't generalize and say it ruins lives. I don't want to say that everything you hear about why it's bad is wrong, but explore things on your own, and don't believe everything you hear. Before I experienced marijuana, I was kind of like that, against it. From the outside all one sees is negatives, because the positives come with it's use, and that's something everyone who has a negative opinion must understand. Just think before you form a negative opinion, and put yourselves on the other side of the fence for a moment.

Here's a few I've learned: - Paper towels are indispensable. They can be used to clean up any type of mess and any surface including counter tops, bathroom floors, toilets, and mirrors. - If someone offers to buy you a meal, take it. Even if you're not hungry. - If you live alone, there is no reason for your house not to be immaculate. A clean house will impress everyone you see, many times for your benefit. This point is ignored when referring to a garage, which should have every shrine to manliness that can be afforded, including tools, ping-pong table, kegerator, and old carpet on the floor to make it cozier. If done properly, this room can be ideal for partying without ruining the rest of your house. - One sacrifice I will not make is my hygiene. Showers will take just as long as they did before I moved out, and clothes will get washed just as often if necessary. A simple purchase of 12 pair of socks and 5 undershirts gets me an additional week between laundry days. - Items every successful bachelor should strive to get: 42" or above plasma TV mounted on the wall, surround sound system meticulously pieced together (not a 'home-theater-in-a-box'), a comfortable couch, and a large stainless steel barbecue with a rotisserie attachment. - Saving alcohol bottles serves no point other than to clutter your place up and show people how ridiculous you are for saving garbage. - A freezer is more important than a refrigerator. - Never throw parties at your expense. You provide the place, and everything else will attract to it. - To all visitors: a bachelor pad is a 24 hour a day establishment with no defined quiet time.

I've got a couple that kept me smiling for the rest of my day: Our store is the closest of it's type to a brothel a few miles out of town. A lady, very well dressed, looking a bit worn out, bought her teenage son a laptop. Making judgment only on what I saw of him, the kid looked like he was not enjoying life much. Poor hygiene, didn't say a word, and just looked like a sad kid. I needed to check the receipt, and the first thing I noticed was the huge diamond in a ring on this lady's finger, probably about the size of a Sharpie. She handed me the receipt, and proceeded in engaging in one of the strangest conversations I've had in a while. She made direct eye contact with me the whole time she talked, and spoke to me like I was a child, telling me, "This piece of paper," as she gently tugged on the receipt, "is very important. VERY important. You never lose these. It's very important to me. DO NOT lose it." I humored her and said, "Yes, it sure is, I'll be super careful." I didn't tell her that they can look up receipts at customer service. She then instructed me on folding the receipt perfectly as it was back in it's folder, making sure I didn't mess it up. She wasn't mean or anything, just strange. Her kid just sat back there and kind of gave me a look that hinted that this is what he puts up with daily. Once she walked out the manager who was helping mentioned she owned one of the aforementioned brothels. A female pimp. Instantly I understood exactly where the kid was coming from. I'm not sure how I would have turned out growing up in an environment like that, with prostitutes defining my childhood. She came back a couple of times (how could I forget a face like that?), once with a couple of huge, linebacker-looking guys and they were in some sort of hurry, in and out of the store quickly. She was dressed completely opposite of the last time I saw her, only in a white T-shirt and some pants, very tired looking. Still had the ring, and they piled into a $100,000 Mercedes. Another one was where a manager (the same burned out surfer I mentioned previously) was making a huge sale to a wealthy couple. We had been closed for probably half an hour by the time the sale was done, and the whole time these people were in the store their Yukon Denali was parked right in front of the doors with remote start kicking in every 15 minutes or so. I had to go grab their TVs and a TV stand, so I got them, and went outside to load them in the car. The guy was maybe 50, and had long curly hair. He talked with a super deep voice, and I followed him out to his car. He opened the door and instantly I was hit with a blast of the smell of weed. The car was sitting outside for a good hour and smoke still spilled out. Not a whole lot I could do. His wife, some what of a trophy, didn't seem under the influence at all, but this guy was baked. I picked up his 13" tube TV and put it on his seat, and he said, "ooh, you's a strong little guy." I impressed him even more when I put his TV stand in the back, and as I pushed it in he closed the door, and said something like "ooh there we go, in there real niiice like." Super deep, mellow voice. I was pretty close to laughing there. The manager came out a little later, smelled the weed, and I saw him turn around an giggle. The guy handed me a fiver, but we're not supposed to accept tips so I declined, but I looked at the manager and he just nodded and smiled, so I took it on his second offer. We walked in and he told me not to tell anyone about that... It was a good time. Maybe one of those 'had to be there' moments. But the thought of a guy in his 50's hot boxing his $60,000 car like a highschooler before buying a couple of TVs and home theater system makes me laugh.

I work at a large electronics retailer (if you live in America, you've been there), formerly at the front door (Loss Prevention, but it's just a greeter), but now I'm in the warehouse receiving. Working the front door is where I got the strange ones. Most times it's stupid questions ("Where are CD's located?") or sometimes a little more detailed ("Where are the DSL filters?"). I like it when people walk out in a rush, obviously mad about something, and mumble to me "I'm never coming back here..." but they're gone so fast they don't get to hear what I say. If they did stay to hear what I wanted to say, it would go something along the lines of how caring about that comment is way out of my pay grade. Only once have I had a truly pissed off customer that got me fired up. The rest of the time I don't care. I was sick that day and sweat was dripping down my face from the fever, I was tired, and just didn't want to be there, but I don't get paid to lay in bed. I had just gotten to the store, my shirt untucked, no name tag (they fall off during physical labor), and was telling the guy standing at the LP desk that I probably wasn't going to last the whole day, and a few other work related conversations. Our chit chat was interrupted by a customer who told us, "I just wanted to let you know that you guys are horrible." Usually a comment like that is directed to the store itself, or the company as a whole, so I told her I was sorry to hear that (I wasn't sorry). But she went on: "You two were sitting here, talking, while my husband and I had a questions. We stood here for five minutes waiting to be helped, and you just stood there. Do you not care at all about your customers?" And on and on... "Do you even know who I am? Do you?" I didn't, but business ethics tell me that I should treat all customers the same, but it didn't seem appropriate to tell her that. She kept waiting there, staring, waiting for me to give her an answer as to why she wasn't helped. I asked, "Did you still need help with something?" Keep in mind, sweat dripping. My shirt is noticeably moist. I'm obviously sick. She wasn't going to be easy. "Yes, we got our question answered by a very helpful employee in the back." I wondered why she was still in my face about no help. It's important to know that the LP position is for prevention loss in the store, not assisting customers (at the time it was like that, now it is truly a greeter position.) She knew all the right buttons to push too. The other guy just stood there staring mindlessly like a supermodel just walked in, and I realized this was on me to settle. I looked over to him just to see if he had anything to say, and she got really heated: "OH see that? See that!? He just rolled his eyes at me! I can't believe you would do such a thing! Is this how you treat your customers?!" I'm lost for words at this point. The single best thing that can happen is for her to ask for a manager. That means, I don't have to deal with this anymore. She keeps going. "I'm going to contact corporate about this, but only one of you has a name tag on. Maybe we'll just call you the 'kid with the crazy hair'" Although it was damp with sweat, there was nothing crazy about my hair, but she obviously had some judgment issues the second she walked in. Employees and customers alike were having fun watching how this situation was unfolding. Finally, she did it, and asked for a manager, and by some miracle, it was the manager with both arms fully tattooed, talks like a burned out surfer, and hair very similar to my own. He's great with customers (as a sales manager I should hope so) and calmed her down before talking to both me and the other guy who were standing there. "Ok, so we get 700 customers a day, and you guys are great about greeting most of them. It just so happens in the 11 hours we are open, that the 30 seconds you both looked away, this customer came in and needed help, and decided to escalate the situation. I have to give you some sort of written warning, but it doesn't mean anything, don't worry." Works for me. My favorite part about the whole thing: a quick review of the camera footage showed she was standing there for less than 30 seconds waiting before she walked back to the store, not even looking towards the LP desk. I know this story makes it sound like I'm a completely incompetent worker, but for the most part I'm helpful and knowledgeable, she just caught me on a bad day. To some extent people expect so much more out of low level employees than they are capable of knowing.

I'm not sure what else there is to do? If they won't accept money, what do they want? Having to pay the damages is about as bad as it gets in that situation. Say you're sorry? I don't know what else you could do. Even if you admit guilt, you might get a traffic violation to your record, but the car will still be totaled. Maybe I'm missing something here...

That's a good intro for my statement... Have you, god of soup, ever heard of cirrhosis of the liver? Yeah, it's what happens when you drink too much. It's equally as bad as lung cancer, and will kill you as well. Alcohol is far worse than weed, just speaking from experience. Just getting a little buzz from drinking is cool and usually harmless, but having a few too many can make someone out of control both physically and mentally, and I don't like that. The biggest reason I don't drink too much anymore is that I feel strait up stupid after a night of drinking... Among other things, simple math is a challenge, and I just can't think clearly for sometimes up to a few days. The long term effects of alcohol are even worse than this, and can make that stupidity permanent. Unfortunately weed has a bad rap, and I'd say everything you hear about it is overrated. If you get incredibly high, yeah it might be like what you hear about in movies or TV where people can't feel their legs or something... But most times when people smoke, they do it in smaller amounts and it is nothing like that. I notice the opposite effects of alcohol when I smoke in the sense that I get more creative, witty, funny, and just understand things from a whole new perspective. It's kind of life-changing in that you view the world in a whole new way. I am always in control mentally and physically so it fits my criteria for a good experience. I wouldn't wish for anyone to try either of these drugs for the wrong reasons. Don't do it because your friends are, do it for you, and don't do it to be cool and brag about it at school the next day. Almost every Monday of high school could be described as listening to kids talk about parties. And the pot head stereotype? That could totally be prevented. No one knows I smoke except the people I smoke with and I'd prefer to keep it that way. Society judges people for things like this. Worst of all is the punishments. Getting caught under age with alcohol, if it's a nice cop, will amount to pouring it out and a verbal warning all the way up to a MIC (minor in consumption), which amounts to community service and a small fine. Getting caught with weed, as a friend of mine recently did, amounted in a $732 ticket for having a joint. That was being nice, because it's a felony in my state to possess any amount of weed if you're under the age of 21. This place is messed up.