Computer Drugs: The Facebook Addiction

Facebook, founded in 2004 by Harvard students Mark Zuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes was intially created as a tool to make it easier for students to connect on campus. Later that year it expanded and allowed students from other universities to join the network. Now everybody and their momma's are on Facebook. Literally. With over 175 million active users, Facebook has surpassed Myspace as the most used social networking site in America. Students, teachers, creeps, businessmen,  parents and friends sign in daily to update their statuses, send invitations, and connect with long lost friends and relatives. For all the good things that Facebook has brought the world (Obama/McCain debates, business ops, digital photographers, cool parties, and most importantly online turned off-line hook ups and romance) many argue that the site and others like it are creating a culture that craves and depends on distant and instant connection. 

Psychologists and behavioral scientists suggest that individuals that constantly update their statues ("Kia is having a bad day", "Susan is so over it", "Justin can't wait until Friday", and Premier Joven's personal favorite "Ron is on the Grind"), post drunken pictures, and leave comments on "friends" walls are developing disorders that are unhealthy and troubling to society as a whole. In an average 8 hour workday, most Americans usually work roughly 5 hours. What happens the other 3 hours you ask? Most of that time is spent on social networking sites such as Facebook. And with applications for your cell phones such as the iPhone and Blackberry, many Americans are logged in Facebookin' 24 hours a day. 

Is Facebook and Twitter making America a nation of online addicts? Does Facebook enhance human interaction for the greater good? Is it really a problem or should we all just embrace social networking as the foundation for the future and how we relate to one another? Facebook status April 2, 2009 at 6:04 pm.: Premier Joven is......good!

Check out this news report:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/FOX_5_Special_Online_Obsession_040109

Real G's: Don Cheadle and George Clooney

Premier Joven defines a G as an individual who stands for a cause greater than himself and does not compromise the truth on his quest. The G is fearless, honorable and is worthy of respect. No disrespect to all the fake G's in hoods across the land but these G's attempt to improve the quality of life for their communities and those around the world. Don Cheadle and George Clooney are emblematic of real G's.

These Hollywood Heavyweights have devoted the last few years raising awareness and putting political pressure on the Sudanese government to end the genocide in Darfur. Traveling across the globe into the heart of the conflict and speaking before the United Nations and the United States Government, Cheadle and Clooney have used their talents to bring global attention to these atrocities. In 2007, they were presented Summit Peace Award by the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates in Rome. Today, Premier Joven would like to recognize Don Cheadle and George Clooney as Real G's.

To learn more about Darfur click here:

Woman of Wonder: Shakira

Colombian megastar Shakira is known across the world for her chart topping songs, gyrating hips that never lie, and her stunning beauty. Those attributes alone are worthy of much praise but Shakira the humanitarian and philanthropist is what truly makes her an international WOW: WOMAN OF WONDER. 

As a UNICEF ambassador, Shakira has tirelessly campaigned, raised, and donated millions of dollars to improve the lives of not only children in Latin America but across the world. Her support for the Global Campaign for Education has garnered the attention of world leaders such as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, members of Congress, and President Bill Clinton. On Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. she passionately spoke to a congressional body of legislators about the importance to provide education for all the world's children especially those in impoverished conditions.  Keep up the great work Shakira and making the world watch more than those amazing hips!!

Click to learn more about the Global Campaign for Education

Word

"God is not external to anyone, but is present with all things, though they are ignorant that he is so."

Plotinus-Egyptian philosopher

Eat Now:MacArthur's Restaurant in Chicago

Like a good man or woman, good southern food is generally hard to find past the border of North Carolina. Well it is our pleasure to inform you that GREAT southern food exists in one of America's greatest cities Chicago, Illinois. MacArthur's Restaurant located on the west side of Chicago has some of the best food outside grandma's kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Cabbage, and banana pudding for desert will warm anyone up on the windiest Chi-town day. The food is that good! So if you find yourself in Chicago and are willing to part with a little under 12 bucks MacArthur's is the spot for you. It's the closest thing to granny. Shouts out to Bishop Keith Russell Lee in Chicago.

MacArthur's Restaurant

5412 West Madison St.

Chicago, IL 60644

(773) 261-2316

Ol Skool Thursday

The Premier Joven blog presents a few throwback joints.If you have any suggestions for next week let us know!

Jay Cutler: Broncos to Redskins? Poor Jason Campbell

The sports media machine is abuzz with the lastest updates to the Jay Cutler/Denver Broncos trade standoff. According to the Washington Post, the Washington Redskins brass have been feverishly working the phone lines the past 24 hours trying to acquire  the disgruntled  strong armed third year pro-bowler. After several meetings, unreturned phone calls, ignored text messages, media posturing, and hurt feelings, the Denver Broncos have finally decided to part ways with their franchise quarterback after the team had  previously fell short of landing Matt Cassel (prized pupil of new head coach Josh McDaniels) a month ago. Being placed on the block embarassed, alienated, and angered Cutler, whom many in the sports world label as the best young quarterback in league. He and agent Bus Cook requested a trade and now it's only a matter of days before the Cutler era in Denver ends before it really began.

If the sports media is correct, Jay Cutler being traded to the Redskins seems like the most likely scenario at the moment. Daniel Snyder, the team's owner has been known as one to use every option available and spend as much as the salary cap permits to acquire a player he covets.  The Redskins better seal the deal or the organization risks finding itself in the same predicament the Broncos got themselves in a month by alienating their young franchise quarterback Jason Campbell.

Campbell has played in 3 offensive systems in 4 seasons and was looking to build upon it in his second season playing under coach Jim Zorn. Last year, Campbell passed for over 3,000 yards, threw 13 TDs with only 6 interceptions and appeared poised to have an even better season. Why would the Washingon Redskins trade a talented solid player that they have publicly supported? The fact that they haven't offered him a contract extension suggests that not everyone in the organization is confident that Campbell is their quarterback for the  next decade. Is Jason Campbell another example of an african-american quarterback not getting a fair shot (Tavaris Jackson, Byron Leftwich, Daunte Culpepper etc.) or simply a matter of an organization seeking to add a player (Cutler) that many experts suggest is once in a generation? Time will tell. Cutler playing in nation's capitol (Maryland actually) would make the NFC East games must see televison. As for  Campbell, one only hopes he gets a fair multi season shot and the appreciation his talent and hardwork deserves.