Is K2 good or bad? One Thing's For Sure... It Will Probably Soon Be Illegal

If you're following the K2 debate, then watch my latest story (scroll all the way down.) I think K2 will eventually be illegal in Missouri, but for now, the bills are running their courses in Jeff City.

Representative Ward Franz from West Plains told me last night that a senate committee discussed his house bill. Franz's bill would make K2 a felony, and it would go into effect immediately. He says some people have complained to him of having rapid heart beats and high blood pressure from using K2. He says K2 should have harsher consequences than marijuana, simply because it's more dangerous. In his mind, he says it's definitely not comparing apples to apples.

On the other hand, there are arguments out there that say if K2 is banned, something else will take its place. A lot of K2 supporters say this is also an argument to make marijuana legal.

The truth? Don't ask me. There are compelling arguments for both. I think there's no question that kids shouldn't use it... but that's not the argument. Even the K2 supporters I've talked to believe K2 use should be limited to adults. Do alcohol and tobacco cause more deaths? Actually, yes... but, I just don't see how anyone can use that alone as an argument to keep K2 legal.

On a side note, here's what I think is interesting. I called local hospitals, and they're not tracking it. I've heard stories of people getting sent to the E.R. and doctors having no idea how to diagnose or treat it... but in the end, I think it's new enough that people can't make a great assessment about K2. Are lawmakers jumping the gun? Perhaps. Are users being too careless about what they're putting in their bodies? Maybe. We all know smoking anything is not good for your body...

Again, I think there are believable, credible arguments for both sides. But in reality, I can't see any lawmaker actually advocating for K2. If not for safety concerns, the fallout in the next election would be enough to stop a politician from supporting it. So, despite what anyone thinks, the decision will likely be made for Missourians before the majority of residents even know what K2 is.

I'm not prepared to give my personal opinion, but I do think it's fair, as always, to listen to both sides.

Deal of the Day: Jimmy John's For $1

HUNGRY FOR JIMMY JOHN'S?

Thursday is Springfield Customer Appreciation Day, and lunch is on JJ!

If you go to Jimmy John's (at the 2645 N. Kansas Expressway) on Wednesday,

you'll only have to pay $1 for your fave sandwich!

Club Lulu, anyone?

It's a four-hour event, so don't beat around the bush!

You can also win party platters and JJ Gear...

FROM 11 A.M. TO 3 P.M.

President Obama Signs the Health Insurance Reform Bill

WATCH LIVE!

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

Dunk of the Year By Springfield High Schooler, Trey Starks!

Check this out! Mike Scott calls it the dunk of the year.

It's Trey Starks-- he goes to Hillcrest. Watch as he jumps over another human being! What I can't believe is that he's not quite six feet tall. I want to see this kid in action! Go Trey! (Read more here.)

This thing has gone viral! Nearly 11,000 hits since 10:45 p.m. Sunday night (this was updated at 9:10 p.m. Monday...)



Here's more:

Tae Yang, my new boyfriend

Another great Rittman find: Tae Yang is so dreamy. I think it's so cool that he sounds and looks like any other American artist, yet he's Korean! It's strange how some things transcend...

I really love Korean pop. Love it. Love it. Love it. I think it's funny how some artists will try to sing in English... and say things like, "east side, west side."

Nonetheless, I do have a new crush on Tae Yang. He is my b-boy forever.

Handsome Men's Club = Awesome.

Emily Rittman showed me this tonight, and I about peed my pants!

Your Questions Answered: Cucumber Kimchi

Okay, this is in response to Nick! He asked where he can buy cucumber kimchi. He recently ate at my favorite restaurant, Soo's, and said he loved the cucumber kimchi.

Nick! You can buy cucumber kimchi at the Asian market just down Campbell. It's a little different than the kind you get served at Soo's... most of the time, it's stuffed. But it's still tasty!

courtesy thepauperedchef.com
(This is the kind of kimchi you'll likely buy at an Asian food store)

You can also look for it at the Asian market on Glenstone. (I think near Glenstone and Bennett.) I also like to go to that one because it's convenient.

I always make my own cucumber kimchi. I think it tastes more similar to the one you can order at Soo's. It's super easy, you'll laugh at how easy it is! Click here to find the recipe!

courtesy kevineats.com

(This is the kind of kimchi you'll find at Soo's)

Hope that helps, Nick! ...And to anyone who wants to try cucumber kimchi. It is honestly my favorite kimchi to eat, and overall, I think it's a dish that goes over well among newbies to Korean food.

My Upcoming, Uber Chic, Chick Trip

In just a few weeks, I'll be jet-setting to California to visit a handful of my college girlfriends. We're all celebrating our 30th year on earth, and I can't wait to see them! We're going to stay in San Francisco and hit up Napa Valley while we're there.

(Tracy's missing in this pic, though it was her wedding!)

I actually went to San Fran in April 2009 to visit my aunt and uncle (IMO! and Stacy!) And this year, I'm going to see them again.

One of my girlfriends works on the business side of a prominent hotel chain, so she's getting us a great deal on accommodations. But, I'm going to go out a couple of days early so I can visit Imo and Stacy. My dilemma has been where to stay before the girls come out.

I typically like to use VRBO.com. I always tell everyone how awesome it is... but this time around, it was really hard for me to find something that fit me. Plus, I'll be traveling alone for the first time in my life! I mean, I've traveled alone before, but it was always for a convention or something, so it didn't really feel like I was alone. I want to be somewhere central, busy, and safe... plus, I want to be close to Union Square because that's where we're all staying once the girls come in. I don't want to lug my suitcase very far!

I found a great hotel! I'm going to be staying at Hotel Frank. Ever heard of it? It's a part of a string of Personality Hotels... I couldn't be more thrilled! The design is so beautiful.

I'll definitely take pictures when I get there. And, the best part... I got the room for $125 a night-- and I even upgraded to a suite! Ooh la la! I have a feeling that Jim will wish he could come on this trip!

If you go to a uber chic Personality Hotel, let me know and send pictures!

Have you heard about... SPRINGFLIX?

There's a new website out there that helps you QUICKLY find all the local movies playing in Springfield!

It's called SpringFLiX! It's about two weeks old. KSPR.com has a little nod on there, too, which I like.

Anyway, the site has a bunch of extra info, like local movies, the last day for Avatar, etc. Check it out and give it some online love!