"Queen Elizabeth photographed with marijuana in her possession!" An interesting headline, but a little embellished. This past weekend, during a visit to Manchester, a bystander handed the Queen a bouquet containing the cannabis plant. The bystander is a member of the Medical Marijuana Cooperative, an activist group that supplies the plant to individuals who believe in the plant's medicinal benefits. His purpose in handing Her Majesty the plant was to simply bring to her attention the current restrictions on cannabis.

Editors, the Gauntlet,

I had an absolute need to write this letter with regards to the talk Mikhail Gorbachev gave at this university on Thurs., Oct. 12.

The actual talk given was beyond phenomenal, as Gorbachev proved himself to be consummate and passionate speaker. Every word he spoke carried across the gymnasium floor with authority and clarity. However, there was something quite wrong with his lecture, but it had nothing to do with Mr. Gorbachev at all.

At least once a week, Jenny Jones or Maury Povich or some other like-minded TV moralist parades children across their stage, railing about how "out of control" the child is, how the parents "are at the end of their rope" and how "nothing seems to work" in terms of discipline. These kids are horrible, they are reprehensible, they will turn into criminals, say Jenny, Maury and the kids' own parents.

It seems that everyone and their dog has a special interest or lobby group that from time to time makes it to page 13 of the local paper. Usually these are articles those not affiliated with such groups pass over (and for good reason). I am pleading with all of you--make an exception just this once.

Editors, the Gauntlet,

Re: "Islamic group says media is unfair," Oct. 12, 2000

Achkewich's article is very well written and makes the important point that western media outlets tend to highlight the negative over the positive when treating the topic of Islam. However, if violent groups that victimize civilians in India, Algeria, Sudan, Pakistan, Israel, Indonesia and the Southern Philippines, for example, identify themselves as Muslim defenders of the faith, then what is the media supposed to call them?

Editors, the Gauntlet,

Re: "War is not the answer," Oct. 12, 2000

If Bailey gains his very deep understanding of the situation in the Middle East from the media, then I understand his ignorance. Otherwise, I suggest him to have another look at his history books.

The computer lab is one of the most powerful tools at a student's disposal. It's also a limited commodity, which will become apparent as essay season rolls around. To help you in your computer crusade, we have compiled information on four of the largest campus labs with full student access.

Information Commons

Flash movies abound on the Net. Some are cool, but most are boring and pointless. Tony Bailey's movie's actually have substance behind all the flash 'n dash. That's why his site (specifically the Flash section) has been named eG's Site of the Week.

Even though changes made this summer to the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union's student-athlete scholarship policy took effect in September, debate still surrounds the controversial restrictions.

The most visible change is an increase in the amount of financial support a university may give an athlete. Since 1986, the CIAU has allowed Canadian student-athletes only $1,500 of support per annum. Recently this number has become more flexible.

Alright baseball fans, you asked for it, you got it. The long-awaited "subway series," which stations both New York teams in a bitter engagement for bragging rights for both sides of Harlem, has the potential to be one of the best World Series matchups of all time. Commencing on Saturday, sports fans are going to be treated to a baseball extravaganza unlike anything we've seen in modern times. The Bronx versus Queens. I can't wait.