Moduel Review

Age? 19

Sex? Male

What is your degree subject (both if joint)? Religious Studies And Philosophy

Does ‘Being Bad’ relate well to the other modules you are taking? A bit

If so, how? And if not, why not? Related to a philosophy moduel; Using Critical Thinking

Have you found ‘Being Bad’ too demanding, too easy, or at an appropriate level? It was at an approprite level.

Do you think the list of topics covered on the module was appropriate? I think there should have been one or two more interesting ones and not all lectures should be based on Film.

Are there any topics not included in the module that you would like to see included? Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse etc.

Do you think that the format for classes has worked well? Yes

What did you think of the module team? Ok

Do you think it would have been better to have had more:

• Small group discussions? Yes
• Discussion and debate among the class as a whole? Yes, but more philosophical less trivial
• Information and talk from lecturers? Yes
  

The approach taken in the module is interdisciplinary (drawing on perspectives from English Literature, Film Studies, Creative Writing, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies and Politics): do you think this a useful way of approaching the topics covered in the module? It was ok, would have liked more Philosophy and Religious aspects

Do you think that interdisciplinary modules are a good idea? Yes

Do you think you have benefited from the interdisciplinary approach taken in the module? No

Would you like to see more modules that cover this kind of subject matter? No

Are you planning to take the follow-up module PH2004 ‘It Shouldn’t Be Allowed’ at level 2? Maybe

Would you recommend ‘Being Bad’ to a friend? Maybe, depends on their intrests

Do you think that the blogs (web logs) were a good idea? Yes

What did you think of the other assessments (e.g. would it be better to have one longer assessment rather than two shorter ones?)? I thought it worked well

What have you learned from the module? A bit...

What parts of the module have you found most useful and why? The lecturing aspects when we actually recieved relative information

What parts do you think were a waste of time and why? Some group discussion, everyone just chats their business and i ain't all that interested in their life stories!!

Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding ‘Being Bad’? No

My comments on Other Blogs

Smoking

http://curly-sue7.blogspot.com/

• Im suprised to hear that you were shocked to see just how much smoking is incorporated into films and television. When you think about it there are many charactors that have been charactorised through their smoking, as you mentioned Brad Pitt in 'Fight Club,' also Bruce Willis in 'Die Hard' and even Dot in 'Eastenders,' it just wouldnt be her with out a fag in her hand! I agree that when looking back with the attitudes we now hold toward smoking, it is weird to see the act of doing so portrayed in such a positive light!!
  19 March 2007 16:18
  

Lying with Integrity

http://99daniell-daniel.blogspot.com/

• I'm afriad i have to disagree with some of the points you have made reference to in your statement. I think lying is acceptable in most situations both for the benifit of yourself and others, only when someone is getting hurt or been hurt is lying wrong. You example of lying to someone, claiming you have no money when you have, i believe is a perfectly acceptable lie as you may not want to give neither can afford to lend or give away money, I.e. if a begger asks you for money you say no because you don't want to give them your hard earned cash!! Also the comment you made on lying to your children when one is going through the process of divorse i think is unacceptable. I believe that it is better that the child is told openly and made to understand the reasons behind their parents divorce as not doing so could lead the child to be in shock and later blame themselves for their parents seperation.
  30 April 2007 23:34
  

Theft

http://clairesblogblog.blogspot.com/

• I strongly agree with the point you are making here, when it comes to serious crime like the one you've experienced, you are right in saying it does take a particular type of person to commit such a milicious act. I failed to mention this type of theft in my blog, but the act of stealing from others, I.e. muggings, credit fraud and theft of identity are among some of the worst kinds of theft as, as you mentioned it involves personal attacks on individuals. The experience you have shared has brought to light how easy it is to be subjected to such attacks!!
  30 April 2007 23:49

http://sharni-tc.blogspot.com/

• I agree with the point you are making, however I also believe that those that do shoplift do so due to more than a window of oppertunity. Many of those that turn to Shoplifting do so due to living in a state of 'relative poverty,' and therefore not being able to participate in society as others do. There is also the psychological aspect i.e. being able to get a rush from theft or oppiesing peer groups. Although I didnt mention some of these things in my blog, when looking at theft more in depth there are many aspects that can't be simply put down a 'window of oppertunity.
  19 March 2007 13:06
  

How Hard for Misbehaviour

http://subconcsious.blogspot.com/

• I agree with your comments on smacking, i see no problem with it!! I too was smacked as a child and after meeting me, you can see im well mannered and an all round plesent person!! I do believe that parents have the right to smack their own children as a form of discipline. Children as they go through their development stages don't always understand why or if a cirtain action is wrong and often, just telling or explaining to them is enough. I don't agree with all out beating, but u know, a smack on the hand when their naughty or one on their arse when they've been really bad!! I was smacked as a child and im fine, and being an older brother i smack my younger sisters too... its called tuff love!!
  30 April 2007 17:18
  

Comments on my Blog

Smoking

http://wolves-r-gr8.blogspot.com/

• Hi Donnie, Just wanted to take issue about your comment stating you can't understand why non-smokers have to get involved in the smoker's life choices. Can I point out that us non-smokers have no choice but to get involved when we're passively smoking their cigarettes!I lived with my parents until I was 22 and my dad smoked about 30 per day. I had recurring throat problems during the time I lived at home which has left me with a weak throat (I'm 44 now). My mum died of cancer 4 years ago having never smoked a cigarette of her own in her life but 'sharing' my dad's fags for the previous 47 years. OK, so I can't prove a link but I can't help but wonder.Give up as soon as you can Donnie; I've witnessed at first hand someone dying of lung cancer and it's not pleasant. Best wishes,Joanne
  18 March 2007 18:22

Drugs

http://triplebbeingbadblog.blogspot.com/

• I would suggest that if it is on the statute books then in the eyes of the law you would be classed as a drug user. Put it another way if you can be prosecuted in a court of law for drug taking then you are a drug user. I agree that there is much debate over certain class C drugs but if you don't like the law then either start a campaign, go and see your local Member of Parliament or stand for election next time there is either a local election or general election. I agree with some of your comments such as if "it doesn't directly effect me." but it could be argued that this is a 'not in my back yard' type of an argument.
  14 March 2007 22:30

Domestic Abuse

http://99daniell-daniel.blogspot.com/

• I agree with the comments you are making here as men, women and especially children should not be victims of domestic abuse. However, I disagree with the point about male cases being dismissed as there are several cases of men being victims of domestic abuse by women. I totally agree with the fact that people are too scared to come forward as in many cases it is their partner who is abusing them and they do not want thier partner to get into trouble.
  26th April 2007 16:25
  

Smacking

http://sharni-tc.blogspot.com/

• I totally agree with Adonis and where hes took his point of view from. I was also disaplined through out my childhood and as a result have come to learn that every action causes a reaction. As my mum always says "only you are responsible for what you do and nobody else". Adonis's refrence to the notion of fear from a parent, is also correct; it puts forth an authority figure whos job is to correct their childs behaviour. "Learning starts within the home", correcting beahviour within the home will lead to good conduct outside in a social environment. "Learn to dance a yard before you dance abroad", a Jamaican saying which means the primaray place for learning and correction has to take place in the home in order to conduct themselves in a fashionable manner within society.
  02 May 2007 14:17

http://curly-sue7.blogspot.com/

• I agree that children need to be disciplined, but I don't know whether smacking is often the right way to go about it. You talked about "crossing the line" when referring to beating a child, but I think that line is difficult to place. Where is the line between smacking and abuse? This is what worries me, a parent could claim that he or she was simply disciplining the child when others could see it as beating; this difference in opinion is what is dangerous.There is also another point. When a parent believes their child to have done wrong when they in fact haven't, the child faces injustice at the hands of their parents and looses trust. When children are smacked undeservedly the child begins to resent its parents, so I think that smacking should be a last resort and that other forms of discipline (ones that don't include violence, such as taking away the child's favorite toy, or grounding them etc) should at least be tried first before resorting to smacking.
  04 may 2007 11:52

Bullying

http://www.bullying.co.uk/

Bullying takes its most common place in schools, although there are different types of bullying in society. Bullying takes place in work , the media, and the home amongst other places and also takes different forms such as verbal, physical, gang and others. Most common in schools, this has been the centre of attention in recent news. One may say that bullying and being bellied is a part of growing up, but it can have severe effects on the bullied and also effect the bully them self. Those who take on the persona of a bully are often going through psychological stress and vent their anger on those weaker of less assertive than themselves. The effects of bullying can also have psychological effects, leading the bullied to possibly become reclusive, timid and fear not only others but also themselves. There are many accounts in the media where not only young, but older people who are bullied have taken their own lives to escape the psychological and physical abuse they endure. Bullying is not at all acceptable in schools or in any other part of society. No one has the right to cause upset to others and more should defiantly be done to help the bullied and bully's put a stop to the act of bullying.

http://www.bullyonline.org/

Body Modification

http://www.bmezine.com/

Body Modification is a topic i have been recently thinking about as i am contemplating getting a Tattoo. I'm not the kind who would normally go for something of that sort but i saw a tattoo of a Gecko on TV and really wanted it. I'm thinking of getting it on my wrist, my only reservation are if i suddenly decide that i don't like it when its too late or find that it isn't appropriate for my field of work. I do acknowledge that there are many different types of body modification such as plastic surgery, piercings, cosmetic advancements amongst other things. everyone has some form of body modification as little changes to ones appearance such as cutting ones hair can be classed as a body modification. i don't have a problem with piercings tattoos, plastic surgery or anything like that but i do think that some people go to extremes. Any changes to one self are up to only that individual and what others may think of their change shouldn't be of the individuals concern.

http://www.bodymod.org/

swearing

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/index.cfm?a=wiki&tag=WP_FoulLanguage

I don't really have a problem with swearing, its really become part of my everyday language!! Until i was about 16 and in 6th form i never used to swear, i didn't feel the need and the only one who could swear at home was my mum, but these days i swear all the time!! i think swearing has become more common in the use as language as many swear words have become slang words, not meant to cause offence or embarrassment. I think that the context in which swearing is used determines whether or not it is intended to cause offence or is being used in jest. I agree that at times swearing is inappropriate, for example at a funeral, but at the same time one can claim it is ones freedom of speech!! Unless an individuals intent is to cause unwarranted offence, swearing is fine... it jazzes up the English language as slang does and brakes the taboo barrier surrounding it.

http://ebtx.com/oats/oat17.htm

Bad Manners

http://www.mannersinternational.com/

I cant stand bad manners, it sounds to me snobish, but at the same time i don't care... people should have some sort of refinement or 'manners' when around other people. I've been told on occassion that i am very well mannered and for some reason it pleases me that my behaviour pleases others!! I do believe that manners are a part of primary socilization, that is that they should be taught in the home but i agree with the recent proposal that manners should also be taught in schools as part of ones secondary socialization. One with manners is often Polite, considerate to others and respectful amongst other things and hold many virtues todays youth seem not to share. Having been all of the above, i believe that my manners have helped me get to where i am today, building storng friendships and ties with people in my home and university community.

Gun Crime

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/gun-crime/

One of the most recent and shocking issues in the media has been the rise or gun crime and gun related deaths in the UK. in the last five years, particularly in London the amount of gun crime taking place has grown, constantly reminding us we are not living in a stable environment. gun crime amongst youths recently evident in schools, is the main concern of many individuals. Why is it that gun crime has become so popular?? many put blame on video games, such as Grand Theft Auto, influencing youths to themselves pick up guns in reality and run around like vigilantes. others blame music, particularly rap music of America that comes from the gun crazed ghettos, constantly talking about 'ghatting' (shooting) up rival gang members. my questions of concern is where are the guns coming from?? how are youths being able to get access to them?? and what is the government really doing to resolve this serious matter??

http://www.stoptheguns.org/

Abortion

http://www.abortion-help.co.uk/

When it comes to Abortion i am kind of on the fence!! I would like to say that i an pro-choice but i do believe that there comes a time when abortion is out of the question. i have friends who have unfortunately had to had an abortion due to their age and circumstance but luckily this was at an earlier stage so i supported her decision. i think that one choosing to have an abortion should not be taken lightly as having one is not also traumatic to oneself but also the partner and other family members. i think that it is necessary that women have the choice to have an abortion at the earlier stages of pregnancy so one can decide whether they are ready for a baby or if there is something wrong with the baby the couple can choose whether they want to go through with the pregnancy or not. Me and my younger brother have always said that if our partners were to fall pregnant, we would always support their decision to either keep or abort the baby. although the father will have some influence on the mothers decision, it is ultimately the mothers decision as it is them that will go through the most change.

http://www.abortionrights.org.uk/

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

http://http://www.ssha.info/public/infections/index.asp

I'm going to tell you a true story, that my friend told me!! My friends friend Nelly was seeing this guy and she thought that she mite have caught something so naturally she went to the STI clinic, she had the tests done and was waiting for a call to see if she had caught anything. So the STI clinic called and she asked had she caught anything?? The STI clinic was said yes but your going to have to come down to the clinic, its not something we can discuss over the phone!! Shocked and worried Nelly went down expecting the worst naturally, once there she asked again what she had caught, the clinic said that before they can tell her they're going to have to call the police!! Nelly was wondering what the hell was going on so she asked again, what is it i have?!? The clinic said that the STI she had caught could only be caught off of dead people!! Nelly was shocked, angry and devastated... her boyfriend worked in a morgue!! Now that is just grimes!!! Not all visits to an STI clinic end like this one but it's enough to put you off sex for a bit!! With the increase of people, especially youngsters having casual and unprotected sex, there has been a rise in amount of STI's. As a result we are seeing more clinics opening around the country as well as new campaigns for people to use protection when having sex. Some of the things that can be caught are not only nasty but also life threatening; Chlamydia, Genital warts, Gonorrhoea, Genital herpes, NSU, Syphilis, Pubic lice, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B. For the sake of 'strapping it up' you can save a lot of embarrassment and pain as STI's are something not to be taken lightly!!

http://http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Sexually_transmitted_diseases.html

Smacking

http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/safeparenting/smacking.htm

I see no problem with smacking ones child. That is my position on the smacking dispute. I was smacked as a child when i was in the wrong and i believe it has not harmed me in any way. To smack a child and explain to them why you smacked them i believe is the right way to go about disciplining ones children, i use the classic example, "you play with fire, you get burnt." Being the eldest of six children i have often taken a parenting role within the household, i discipline my younger sisters with the same principle, that being if they are in the wrong, i will smack them and explain to them why i did so. I can't stand seeing children carrying on and causing a scene, often in supermarkets, with their parent struggling to talk to them... the child needs a good smack to show that they are in the wrong and that you, the parent are not accepting their behaviour. I don't agree with beating ones child, there is a line that shouldn't be crossed and if one does so, then the right authorities should be informed. However i do believe that there should be an aspect of fear from a parent, not one in which a child should be constantly scared but one in which the child knows when they have over stepped the line; this normally comes from the father figure, acting as the loving parent but also the 'hand of authority.' I do believe that the decision to smack ones child should be that of the parent and not that of government bodies as it is the parent that has to live with an unruly and difficult child due to the introduction of the smacking ban and not the government.

http://www.ivillage.co.uk/parenting/community/pracad/articles/0,,598834_608367,00.html

Racism

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_1700000/newsid_1703900/1703902.stm

Racism I believe has always been wrong. One can look back over the century's to when racist remarks toward other people were acceptable, as it has only been in the last sixty or so years that racism as a whole has been deemed unacceptable by society. Despite this change in attitude toward racism, some small minded individuals continue to oppress others with verbal and sometimes physical abuse. I believe there is still a problem in society when it comes to accepting people without taking their colour into account. Looking at the work place one can often see institutionalised racism, that being when an individual is seen as unacceptable for a job due to the colour of their skin and the perceptions that precede them. this can also be seen in society on a mass scale; Black and Asian people are often tarnished with the same brush and this is most evident within the media, Blacks perceived as underachievers, drug dealers and vigilantes, Asians, most recently within the media perceived as terrorists. to judge someone by the colour of their skin is undeniably wrong. I'm mixed race, although saying that is now taboo, and i have luckily never directly being on the receiving end of racism, however I am classed as black in society although i have a white heritage and have been brought up within a predominantly white household, the issue of my colour has meant that I have defeated the expectations of society in attending university and i intend to go on to become one of the few black teachers. racism is unnecessary and unwanted in today's modern society in which people should be judged for who they are, and not the colour of their skin.

http://www.racismnoway.com.au/library/understanding/index-What.html

Lying... With integrity

http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/B/bodytalk/lying.html

Lying... I believe is an important part of social behaviour. Lying is a tool used by mostly everyone to manipulate situations, people and... life!! I see nothing wrong with telling white lies or lying in general, I only have a problem with it when a lie goes too far or damages someone else's reputation and becomes slander. I've told a few lies in my time, who hasn't? I think lies can serve a positive purpose, for example; to avoid hurting someones feelings, to makes ones self sound more interesting, to hide something personal from others, there are numerous good attributes to telling lies!! I think that one problem as to why many people don't like lying is deciet. I think People don't like to be decieved, thats why when the truth comes out theres often anger and upset. Lies have there negitive aspects too but I think that those who tell lies in that sence emphasise their bad charactor.

http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/l/lying_gifts.asp

Masturbation

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Environment

Where the environment is concerned we are now all conscious of the continuous damage we are doing to the earth, and although we are all inclined to change it is a difficult process and deviant behaviour in terms of damaging our environment continues. examples of such deviant behaviour would be continuously dropping litter, to which i confess, not recycling as its being made out to be too anal, and leaving things on standby and using unnecessary power. the last i am a big culprit of... i pain £3.250 for my accommodation, all bills included so... yes, I'm going to drain out the power and get my moneys worth!! the problem i have and many others struggling to adjust to new measurements made to protect our environment is that we, people are far too selfish!! looking to other countries such as the USA, they choose to believe that the events of global warming are myth and as such refuse to contribute to global efforts to save the environment, this is a prime example of selfish behaviour on their part, one of the largest contributors to global warming refusing to help others.

whether or not global warming is true or not, efforts should be made to reduce our rampant behaviour towards the world in which we live preserving it for future generations and creating a cleaner environment for all who live within it!!

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

http://www.globalwarming.org/

Domestic Abuse

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/domestic-violence/

Domestic Abuse is an act which i believe is unacceptable in todays society as provisions should be made so that no male, female or child should come under the abuse of another. Domestic Abuse is most commonly reported among women and children, whith male cases of abuse often dismissed. The reasons for domestic abuse as an act, has been charactorised in different ways, such as psychological reasons; abuse as a child, problems with mental stability, stress and anxiety, the illusion of power and control etc. One is the problems in stopping this type of abuse is that only a small percentage of people come forward to seek help as many fear their attacker. Males subject to abuse from their spouses are the least unlikely to make a report of this sort as many feel embarrised or ashamed to seek halp after being attacted. The stigma around this needs to be removed, taking a step forward for all those being abused.

http://www.hiddenhurt.co.uk/Victim/forMen

Alcohol Abuse

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

I think that alcohol abuse is something that it taking the UK by storm, especially amongst those aged 16 to 30. Being at uni, there is an expectation that all students are 'piss heads,' but in that case i would be the exception!! Im 19 and I have been drunk three times, and when I say drunk I mean mashed!! The first time I got drunk I went out to town with my friend Lindsay, we paid into this bar and it was all you could drink... so I did! I was fine that night, just pissed off my face!! When the morning came I had to climb over Lindsay out of bed and dash to the bathroom... I made it to the door and pucked everywhere... not a nice experience, I was in bed for the next two days!! The other two times I was at parties and I was mixing vodka and JD, (never again!) I was fine until all the drink hit me and I was out of it!! Luckily I have great friends and they looked after me!! Since then I have being very careful with my drink, I get merry but never drunk, or so pissed that I cant make out faces! The last time I was drunk was the 22ND of Oct 2005!! I think that like smoking, alcohol is a poison to the body, and I smoke instead of drink it would be nice if I could do neither but that will come with time!!

Those that do abuse alcohol and become alcoholic are on a very dangerous path. Alcohol not only endangers your own life but also others as one can develop a volatile personality and temperament. Alcohol abuse is a very dangerous reality in Britain and with changing attitudes towards the way in which youths are disciplined, I can see an intoxicated future as more and more youths turn to alcohol before 16.

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov

Adultery

When it comes to Adultery I take a utilitarian approach, that being the greatest happiness for the greatest number, i.e. if one is in a relationship in which one is unhappy to have an affair would be acceptable as it would result in the greatest happiness for the greatest number. That being the individual and his new partners happiness out weighing that of the previous partner. Naturally this wouldn't apply if the individual wanting an affair had children as they too could be hurt in the breakup and the greatest happiness wouldn't be achieved. I do have friends that believe adultery is acceptable in all circumstances, they believe that the value of sex in today's modern society doesn't amount to the same value it had 50 years ago and therefore casual sex both in and out of marriage or partnership is fine. For those that have casual sex outside of their relationship i think that for themselves and their partners it is the issue of deceit that causes problems in the relationship.

http://illicitencounters.com

http://www.divorceinfo.com/adultery

Drugs

I wouldn't class myself as a drug user... yes i smoke weed, but only now and then!! Also it is disputed as to whether it should be classed as a drug. Drug takers are those who are on the hardcore stuff like Coke, Ket, Acid, LSD, Heroin etc. Not been a drug taker and having not tried many drugs, i feel it is not my place to have an opinion, but having said that it is up to those who use drugs as to whether they decide to abuse a drug by using it too much!! I have friends who have taken drugs and their experiences differ widely, but none are experiences I would wish on myself, I feel that when on drugs one loses some sense of control and are not always conscious of their actions... if you know what i mean!! It may sound that I am living on the cautious side of life, but hey, im happy with a green rush!! When im high on weed, its proper comedy... all i do is laugh and have a good time. Again though there are two extremes, before my Dad died he was an excessive user of weed and shit like that and as a result he became schizophrenic, this also runs in the family, but it is believed that smoking weed can have an adverse effect, bringing on such episodes. I have nothing against drug users, as long as it doesn't directly effect me and at the same time i believe all drugs, if taken, should be done so in moderation.

http://www.recovery.org.uk

http://www.dare.uk.com

Shop Lifting

When I was employed at a leading high street store I felt discriminated against to some point. I was the only black employee, worked the shittiest hours and was often taken for granted. As a result I started to 'borrow' games from the shop, I would complete the game than take them back! Then I thought... why take the risk of putting them back, so I started to nick em' I got quite a collection of games, then choose to quit!
When I worked at PC World in Leeds we had a lot of shoplifters, they were very organised, they reminded me of wild dogs as to how they would distract their victim before acting. The worst we had was an African security guard who we now know had stole someones identity to get the job. He would line up laptops next to the security podium, then cause a big distraction, by chasing someone in store for example, then his mates would then just walk in, pick up the laptop, and walk out. In all he came away with about £10,000 worth of laptops!
I also had a friend who would go into town with her mates to shops like House Of Frasier, Top Shop or H&M and nick loads of clothes and accessories... they were never caught!

I don't really agree with shoplifting, if i found out my brothers or sisters did it i would flip!! Having said that i still support my actions from back in the day!!

http://www.shoplifting.com

http://www.shoplifting.org

Prostitution

Where I live in Leeds, it is formally known for prostitution. At times I would walk up the street with my mates and get asked if we wanted 'any business,' to which we all replied 'no!.' Back in the day, me my younger brother and my cousin would shoot the prostitutes with a BB gun and watch them go mad, in reflection we can see it was harsh, but a good laugh at the time!! We knew the prostitutes by name, they were all a bit crazy; there was 'Mad Tracey,' 'Tina turner' and 'Stacey' to name a few. The prostitutes have now moved from my area to Harehills in Leeds. Personally I dont have a problem with men or women selling their bodies for sex, its personal choice and... theres a market for it!! Looking at other countries where prostitution is legalised, one finds that it is a professionally run business with health and safety as well as other regulations in place to protect prostitutes and their customers. However what I do have a problem with is those who are unfortunate enough to be forced into prostitution or those with pimps, high on crack, who often beat them as a result. Prostitution is fine as long as it is not subject to abuse or the infringement of peoples rights.

http://www.pow-advice.co.uk

http://www.prostitutionreform.co.uk/

Trip Idea - Gambling

My idea is that the whole class take a trip to Asda or any other supermarket or store and place £1 on the Lotto. If everyone loses in class it shows the downfall we can all experience in gambling, however if we have a winner one can either choose to keep the full amount or donate a portion to charity, puttin a positive spin on the bad and addictive act of gambling.

http://www.national-lottery.co.uk

Smokin'

Well i've been smoking for about a year now and... I enjoy it! i like all the aspects of it. I know about the health risks to myself and others, its pretty hard to ignore them with its mass media coverage, but despite all I continue to do it!! To be honest I dont see the reason the non-smoking members of the public have to get involved in the smokers life choices. Non-smokers should be grateful!! This is how I see it, We smokers spend maybe 50 quid a week on cigs while non-smokers can passive smoke for free and get all the good stuff!! Smoking is a great social tool, its nice just to chill with friends have a cig and a chat. It will be even better when the smoking ban comes in, all the smokers will chill in the pub gardens in the summer and your network of friends will grow. Im just enjoying smoking while im young, I do plan to stop once I finish uni, although it definitely is easier said than done!!

http://www.forestonline.org

http://www.ash.org.uk