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Is Duterte's Drug War Tearing the Philippines Apart?
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Ever since Rodrigo Duterte became President of the Philippines in 2016, thousands of suspected drug dealers and users have died under the most brutal war on drugs witnessed in recent history. In his former stint as Mayor of Davao City, Duterte popularly known as The Punisher encouraged citizens to take the law into their own hands and murder drug dealers and other criminals. Human rights groups claim that death squads killed over 1,400 drug users, minor criminals, and even homeless children under Duterte's watch. After being elected president, Duterte took his extremist war on drugs nationwide. Between the time Duterte took office and February 2018, more than 20,000 people are estimated to have been killed in police drug raids, according to a recent report. MERRY JANE News correspondent Christel Escosa traveled to Manila to see how Duterte's deadly prohibitionist policies are affecting the lives of everyday citizens. Even though a number of Filipinos are still getting high behind closed doors, no one is willing to admit it for fear of being targeted by law enforcement.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/is-duterte-s-drug-war-tearing-the-philippines-apart-mj-news-asia
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Is Old-School Hashish Going Extinct in America?
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Lead image via T.W. Coakley's 'Keef: A Story of Intoxication, Love & Death' Ever since recreational weed went legal in Colorado and Washington State back in 2014, the cannabis industry has rapidly advanced at breathtaking speed. We went from bongs, buds, and hashish to transdermal patches, battery-powered dab rigs, and extracts made of pure cannabinoid crystals slathered in terpene slurries. But over the past few years, I noticed something missing in the Colorado market: hashish. Retail stores and dispensaries carry plenty of live resins , sauces , shatters , and waxes , but old-school hashish the stuff that looks like bricks of pure cacao seems to be a thing of the past here. Its happening all over, not just other states, but other countries, as well, Brent McDonald, the marketing operations director at Apothecary Extracts , told MERRY JANE in a phone interview. When you used to go to Amsterdam, it was all old-school hash. Now, you go to the coffee shops [there], and its all shatter, wax, and live resin. Its happening everywhere. Apothecary Extracts is among dozens of extract companies in Colorado that only produce the high-tech stuff. McDonald noted that Apothecary offers solventless live resin products for folks afraid of solvent residues, but as for pressed or rolled hashish, its no longer on his radar. Theres just no demand for it anymore, he said. The legal market is still too new to draw definitive conclusions, but Colorados burgeoning cannasseur culture may be responsible. McDonald said with the rising popularity of dabs, hashish just doesnt make the cut now. For one, hash leaves a chunky, sticky residue on dab nails due to its plant components mainly waxes and leafy particles. Second, its more cost-effective to produce machine-made extracts than hashish. To make high quality hashish, trained humans must do it by hand, and its a time-consuming process. Although the precise origins of hashish have been lost to history, the worlds oldest cannabis concentrate was likely born somewhere in Central Asia. Ancient Persians, Arabs, and Indians traditionally smoked or ate hashish for millennia until the 1500s, when Europeans introduced tobacco to the Middle and Far East. Hashish comes in a few varieties, as well, with production techniques identified by their region of origin. Lebanese-style hashish comes in two forms, red and yellow. Yellow hash is made from plants cultivated at early maturation, when the buds mainly contain THC. Red hash is made from plants harvested later in the grow-cycle, where much of the THC has converted to CBN, which may contribute to Lebanese reds sedative effects . For both red and yellow Lebanese hash, buds are rubbed over fine screens to separate and collect kief. The kief is then stored, where it settles and transforms into a sticky, dark chunk of hashish. Another popular form, Nepalese or Indian Temple Balls, are also called charas. Temple Balls are made in a similar fashion as Lebanese hash, except only live plants are run through silk screens, rather than dead, dried plants. Modern methods of making hashish include bubble or ice-water hash, which separates kief from the plant material by agitating ground-up buds in ice-cold water. The water/weed mix filters through a series of synthetic screens with increasingly smaller pores to further refine the final concentrate product. However, theres still at least one company in Colorado that makes hashish: Durangos The Greenery , which specializes in Lebanese-style hash. The company distributes to just 84 out of the states total 1,027 marijuana storefronts and dispensaries. But most are located in the rural, southern portions of Colorado (way out in mountainous ski-resort towns), which may explain why hashish seems rare in metropolitan areas like Denver, Boulder, or Colorado Springs. Because thats where the demand for hashish lives. Its a demographic thing, said Jesse Anderson, The Greenerys sales manager. Although he didnt have customer data on-hand, he said most of the companys clients seem to be older folks former hippies and the like who used to smoke hash back in the 60s and 70s. They come back to old-school hash because thats what they remember, he explained. Anderson said The Greenerys carefully-selected distribution model is why the companys business is doing well. But he did note that sales are much lower, compared to newer forms of concentrates because crafting good hashish is a labor-intensive process. So hash isnt completely dead in Colorado, and it limps on in its own tiny, niche market. According to The Arcview Group , a cannabis industry analytics firm, hashish accounts for less than 7 percent of Colorados concentrates sales. Meanwhile, extracts like wax, shatter, and live resin combined have swallowed up almost half of Colorados concentrate market. ( Vape pens , of course, take the top spot.) The Lions Share of Hashish Sales: Washington State Oddly enough, Washington state, which has been in the legal weed business for about as long as Colorado, sits on the other end of the market spectrum. While Colorado currently has the smallest percentage of hashish sales, the Evergreen State has the highest: hashish likely lands between a fifth and a quarter of Washingtons concentrates market. Nicholas Saad, a Lebanese-American based in Seattle, makes Lebanese-styled hashish at Sitka . He wasnt entirely sure why Washingtons cannabis consumers are buying more hashish than Colorados. But he believes, like Colorados Jesse Anderson, that it largely boils down to age differences. It tends to be the old hippies wanting to take a trip down memory lane, Saad told MERRY JANE about Sitkas client base. According to census data, Washington State has a total population of 7.5 million. Colorado has about 5.7 million residents. People aged 65 or older compose roughly 13 to 14 percent of both states populations, so that suggests Washington has a larger market potential for hashish, based on age alone. Saad mentioned that besides seniors, European tourists are just thrilled when they stumble upon his shop. In Europe, hashish is far more popular than flower. Maybe, but probably not. Both states hosted 40 million tourists, respectively, in 2017. Like Washington, California is also seeing its hashish market thrive under legalization. Just ask Luca Collins, who moved to the US from Italy about three years ago. He owns Biscotti Brands , one of two licensed hashish companies in the Golden State. Hashish sales, he said, have been growing for us a lot since 2014, even though California didnt go recreational until 2018. Our largest consumer base is tourists from Europe or the Middle East. Collins noted, however, that Baby Boomers make up a sizable portion of his customers, too. When they find us, he said, they keep coming back for it. The Dank Duchess , one of Californias modern hash queens, is a protg of Frenchy Cannoli, considered one of the worlds foremost experts on crafting damn fine hash. She believes dab cultures dominance shouldnt dissuade anyone from dabbing hashish. You can definitely dab pressed hash, she told MERRY JANE. The really high-quality, full-melt stuff, like my Temple Balls , can be dabbed on a nail with minimal residue left behind. Like the other concentrate producers in Washington and Colorado, Duchess said making dabbable hash requires a lot of care, attention, and patience. Its certainly not as simple as making mass-produced cannabis oil (like what youd find in a vape pen), where you drop plant material into a carbon dioxide extractor and wait for the components to separate. A Pot Post-Mortem: The Future of Hashish (and Extracts) Dab cultures prominence in Colorado may explain why the Centennial State is an outlier when it comes to having miniscule hashish sales. When the state went legal in 2014, it became both center-stage and ground-zero for global cannabis culture. And, naturally, the worlds pot snobs relocated to Colorado to take advantage of the new markets technology, which lends itself to producing shatter and wax. The markets in Colorado and California are really interesting, said Arcviews Vice President of Data and Government Affairs, David Abernathy. If you look at the macro-level trends, extracts and concentrates have been gaining popularity, and theyve been growing at a similar rate. But, if you look at the constituents of those markets, they look very, very different. According to Abernathy, Colorado hosts a younger, more hardcore customer base than other weed-legal states. In the Centennial State, dabbers are always looking for high-grade, high-potency products. Meanwhile, customers in California exude more chill. Californians are a lot more mainstream, he said. They want something convenient, like a vape cartridge, which they can take to the beach, as opposed to setting up a dab rig and going at it with a torch. But even Abernathys data firm doesnt track hashish sales as stringently as it does for other product categories like vape pens or flower because hashish comprises such a small portion of total cannabis sales. Instead, Arcview lumps hashish into an other category under its concentrates data: a category that includes other ultra-niche products like distillates and isolates. But one Colorado dab master foresees a massive paradigm shift across the entire cannabis market in the near future. Shawn Honaker is the founder of Yeti Farms and the host of Colorados weed festival Bong-a-Thon. Hes one of the states only ganjapreneurs who can legally grow outdoors, but his sun-kissed weed always goes straight from farm to factory extraction. Basically, every concentrate company is making spirits, he said, comparing weed products to alcohol. That teeny, tiny segment of hardcore consumers is what weve all completely fuckin focused on. Most cannabis customers, Honaker said, dont want to get fucked up. They want relatively controllable head-highs where they can still function on a day-to-day basis. He anticipates the market will eventually switch from uber-potent extracts to milder products with low THC levels . That suggests Colorados dab culture could evolve the same way hashish has. In the future, it may teeter on the brink of obscurity. People are becoming more educated, and theyre slowing down, Honaker said. Were seeing a whole new industry start, and weve got diapers on, but were finally walking. Hash sales are growing in most legal states, regardless if theyre claiming small portions of the market overall. And even if hash and dabs end up being yet another here-today-gone-tomorrow trend in the US, other countries, especially those where hash consumption is a cultural tradition, will likely always want more.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/is-old-school-hashish-going-extinct-in-america
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Is Smoking Weed a Sin?
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Lead image by MERRY JANE Christianity: Not a Sin The concept of sin plays a major role in Abrahamic religions. Sin is typically defined as any act performed in defiance of Gods word or Gods will. Cannabis advocates often point to Genesis as proof that cannabis consumption is not inherently sinful. Shortly after Jehovah created the world, he told his subjects: See, I give you every seed-bearing plant that is upon all the earth, and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit; they shall be yours for food ( Genesis 1.29 ). Cannabis produces seeds in its flowers. Therefore, it is one of the many plants God provided as food. Although folks may best know edible cannabis as foodstuffs infused with psychoactive THC, other edible forms such as seeds arent psychoactive. Some advocates also believe Jesuss holy anointing oil included cannabis, too. Some Christian churches consider cannabis a sacrament, and they incorporate its use into their regular services. Lets dive a little deeper into specific religious sects, and explore their stances on what we consider the most sacred plant around. Christianity: Its a Sin The Bible does not mention cannabis by name, but some Christian opponents believe scripture indirectly bans weed use. One piece comes from Romans 13 as a religious argument against defying the law. In this passage, the apostle Paul said: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ( Romans 13.1-2 ) One way to read that is breaking the law, any law, is a sin. The importance of this passage, both politically and theologically, stirs controversy even today. The anti-cannabis Centennial Institute , a think-tank based at the Colorado Christian University, argues that this passage allows resistance against individual government officials and illegitimate governments, whatever those may be. Biblical scholar Paul Tillich wrote that both interpretations are incorrect, as the apostle Paul was not telling his followers to blindly obey the law. Instead, Tillich argues that Paul meant bucking the system would be pointless after the Messiah returned, which he thought would occur in his lifetime. Resisting oppressive laws forms one of the cornerstones of progressive Christian thought. Slave revolts throughout the Americas were often led by Christian ideologues. Modern Christian activists such as Martin Luther King, Jr. argued that resistance to unjust laws wasnt only allowed under scripture, it was required . Regardless, if societies reform their cannabis laws, then cannabis would be legal and its private use no longer subject to the governing authorities. Photo via iStock user Meghan Bennett Judaism and Islam: Medical Use Is OK Jews and Muslims may bump heads (and bombs) in the Middle East, but according to some followers, cannabis use is perfectly fine so long as its used medicinally. In Judaism, cannabis is kosher or permitted and can be considered a mitzvah so long as it is used for medical purposes. Rabbis traditionally considered cannabis not kosher due to fears of the plants adverse effects, but recently medical weed got rabbinical approval . Two American companies, Vireo and Cresco Labs, received kosher stamps for their cannabis products by the Jewish Orthodox Union. In Colorado, cannabis consumers can pick up a bud called Kosher Kush, which has been deemed kosher by local rabbis. Related: Happy Chronikkah In Islam, the same rule applies, but rather than label cannabis use kosher, Muslims refer to allowed practices as halal. The Quran does not specifically mention cannabis, although one hadith (or saying) attributed to the prophet Mohammed bans anything that intoxicates purely for intoxications sake (like booze). According to Ismail Ali, a Muslim, cannabis is halal in Islam if used for medical purposes, just like in Judaism. Ali serves as a board director at Students for Sensible Drug Policy and as a council member of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Muslims believe that there is no disease or illness that comes from God that can afflict humans that doesnt have some sort of cure, some sort of medicine or treatment, Ali told Forward . My interpretation of whether or not a substance itself is haram, or prohibited, depends on intention. The intention of behavior in Islam is one of the most crucial determining factors for whether something is wrong. Buddhism: Its Probably Fine, in Moderation Roughly half of the worlds religious followers belong to one of the three Abrahamic faiths, mentioned above. Among Buddhists, whether cannabis use is good or bad depends on how and why its used. Unlike the Abrahamic religions, Buddhism does not have a concept of sin. Buddhist texts dont mention cannabis, either, but they do offer numerous prescriptions against any action that feeds the ego. According to the Four Noble Truths, to live is to suffer. Obsessively craving for worldly attachments like getting wantonly wasted off weed would be a bad thing, because selfish acts contribute to more suffering. But Buddhism doesnt view most behaviors as inherently good or bad. All actions, good and bad, should be experienced in moderation. So long as the Buddhist goes about their life with compassion and love including love for ones self they should be okay. Besides, some Buddhist monks get stoned while meditating . Hinduism: The Oldest Surviving Cannabis Creed Hinduism is a massive belief system comprised of many deities and other divine figures, such as incorporating Jesus, Mohammed, and the Buddha as aspects of Vishnu. Unlike the Abrahamic religions, ancient Hindu texts mention cannabis by name, and they refer to it as a medicine or ritual sacrament. Hinduisms reverence for cannabis is even in the name. The word ganja comes from the holy Ganges River, where cannabis once grew wild along the banks. Many Hindus not only tolerate cannabis use, they celebrate it. Some followers of Shiva, the god of creation and destruction, believe cannabis was made by the eternally dancing deity. Under the plants effects, Shivas worshippers can overcome any obstacles, including but not limited to dragging heavy objects by chains hooked into their backs . Members of the Aghori sect regularly smoke cannabis as a religious observance, too. That really depends on ones beliefs, intents, and day-to-day habits. Cannabis use remains a highly controversial political issue, and religion has always been a political force, one way or another. But one thing seems clear: religious leaders are (mostly) chill with medical weed. According to a 2017 Quinnipiac University poll, 94 percent of Americans now favor some form of medical cannabis legalization. Which means religious policies and public sentiments generally agree here. Thankfully, cannabis may regulate moods and reduce stress , two medicinal uses for the plant that just about anyone could benefit from.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/is-smoking-weed-a-sin
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What is the Importance of Procurement Market Intelligence?
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Before moving on to the importance of procurement of market intelligence, we shall know about market intelligence. Market intelligence is the term used to explain how your industry is operating and the process of keeping tabs on your competition. Its an important part of running any business, irrespective of the size of the industry, and is company-focused. Over the years, the definition has grown to include analysis and analytics and procurement of market intelligence can help in improving your overall business model and projection accuracy. Market Intelligence Vs Market Research Market intelligence should not be confused with market research, since it is designed to learn more about customer preferences. Instead, market intelligence should be seen as a branch of market research. It is also called market assessment research, which is designed to help companies to increase their presence in the market or to move forward in a market. With the advent of market digitalization, the market intelligence space has seen many new digital tools which are useful for companies. Market intelligence involves building a birds eye view of a companys current market, competition, customers, growth potential, problems, and potential for additional products and services by using several sources of information. Potential sources of raw data include sales logs, surveys, social media, studies, and more. A lot of businesses make use of market intelligence to provide context for their business intelligence. Business intelligence differs from market intelligence in a way that it refers to more broad information about products and customers such as the total sales within a month, the total number of products shipped, and various other transactions that occur within a business. Market intelligence focuses more on specific customers, providing demographic and geographic information about what they buy. All of this helps in forming business intelligence analysis. Importance of procurement market intelligence Many decisions taken by departments will have a procurement implication which can impact the overall carrying cost of the decision. Here the cost includes the total cost of the goods or services produced and not simply the price that is paid for the goods and services. In the private sector, the procurement market intelligence is viewed in the sense of a strategic function that is working to enhance the organizations profitability. Procurement is viewed as helping to reduce raw material prices and costs, streamline processes, and in identifying better sources of supply. In short, helping to reduce the bottom line. In point of fact, many organizations lay the importance of procurement acknowledged by having their head of procurement set down at an Executive Board level. In the public sector, the concept of a bottom line is not well defined; there are no shareholders dividends to be publicly declared or paid out as profit or loss announcements. However, there is an immense need to maximize the output, in terms of upskilling within the available funds. These funds may substantially come from public funding in the forms of student fees, grants, etc. We are the public sectors shareholders as students, taxpayers, or staff. This, therefore, places an inherent need that the funds provided are well dealt with in a manner that is accountable and it demonstrates both values for money and probity. The need for transparency, openness, and non-discriminatory action is required by legislation, at higher levels of expenditure.
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https://wheon.com/what-is-the-importance-of-procurement-market-intelligence/
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What will happen to the Mexican peso after the June 6 elections?
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MEXICO CITY: Mexico is preparing to go to the polls on June 6 in the largest elections in its history with thousands of elected offices up for grabs. Markets are paying close attention. In recent weeks, the peso currency has oscillated in a narrow range between 19.75 and 20 per US dollar as investors await the outcome of elections for the lower house of Congress that will determine how much political capital President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has for the second half of his term. The lower house is controlled by the president's National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), which holds just over half of the 500 seats. Recent polls project that, although MORENA could lose some seats, it is likely to retain control of the house with the help of two allied parties. Still, the result is uncertain. Following are some of the possible scenarios and their impact on the peso, according to 15 exchange market analysts and experts consulted by Reuters. MORENA RETAINS POWER WITH HELP FROM ALLIES This outcome is the most likely scenario, according to market analysts, with 14 of the 15 surveyed expecting MORENA to require help from its allies to form a majority, giving the coalition control of the national budget. In this scenario, the currency could weaken to 20.35 per US dollar, a decline of 2% from its current level, according to market projections, due to fears Lopez Obrador might resort to mechanisms such as plebiscites to push through proposals because of the decline in his party's legislative influence. "There is a bias that the peso could depreciate in the face of uncertainty about what would follow in the second half of Lopez Obrador's term," said Gabriel Lozano, JP Morgan's chief economist for Mexico. INCREASED DECISION-MAKING POWER Only one of the analysts - who asked not to be identified - projected a scenario in which the president and his political allies considerably increased their legislative strength by securing a two-thirds majority, which would allow the coalition to change the constitution. In this context, the peso could lose more than 5% from current levels, hovering around 21 per US dollar, as investors closely watch the president's potential proposals. "If MORENA wins a (two-thirds) majority, that would open the door to constitutional changes, such as more intervention in the energy sector, which is likely to cause a lot of concern among investors," said Nikhil Sanghani, economist for Latin America at Capital Economics. The president is a strong critic of the 2013-2014 energy overhaul, which ended state-owned oil company Pemex's monopoly and opened up the sector to private and foreign capital. Lopez Obrador has taken steps to strengthen Pemex's weak finances through capital injections and tax cuts, and moved to change oil and gas laws. He has also amended electricity legislation to favor the state-owned power utility, CFE. MORENA LOSES CONTROL OF THE LOWER HOUSE The least likely scenario among foreign exchange specialists is that the ruling party and its allies could lose their majority in the lower house. Under this scenario, the currency could rise 2% to 19.50 per US dollar. But they expected these gains would be temporary if Lopez Obrador contested the result as he did in 2006 after narrowly losing the presidential election. Back then, Lopez Obrador led large protests against the outcome. "In an extreme case, in which MORENA does very badly and the president takes an undemocratic attitude and doesn't recognize the results, there's a risk of political and institutional instability and the exchange rate could react, but I see that as very unlikely," said Marco Oviedo, a Barclays analyst. Lopez Obrador has a history of criticizing regulators and independent bodies when they do not favor him. In the lead-up to the elections, he has also criticized the national electoral authority, arguing it has been biased against his party.
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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40096930/what-will-happen-to-the-mexican-peso-after-the-june-6-elections
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When and why is Coronation Street on tonight? Is it moving to Tuesday?
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Due to it being the time of year when Britains Got Talent semis normally air, the telly schedules are a little different. Indeed, Corrie is on at a different time to usual all week long. And tonights bonus ep is no exception. Similar to yesterdays soap instalment, Coronation Street is on TV at 9pm tonight (Tuesday June 1). However, there is only one episode on this evening, unlike the hour-long special that aired on Monday (May 31). Read more: Brooke Vincent reveals she went into labour with baby Monroe BEFORE C-section According to the Coronation Street spoilers, a particularly gripping episode seems to be in store. But if you turn on at the regular time of 7.30pm, youll be watching The Masked Dancer instead. Not quite. Although 9pm is the correct time to flick over this evening, Thursday and Friday, there wont be any Corrie on Wednesday. Thats because the slots have been cleared The Masked Dancer included for the England vs Austria football match. Also worth noting Fridays visit to Weatherfield is only for half an hour, rather than the usual full 60 minutes. Full spoilers for Tuesdays night episode of Coronation Street can be read by clicking on the link. But it seems like it could be a particularly dark episode, as it features Sebs emotional wake. Furthermore, with the episode airing after the watershed, producers have more freedom with how they portray the sad events surrounding Sebs passing. Read more: Coronation Street actress Sally Carman delays wedding to co-star Joe Duttine Shockingly, despite clearing the air with Nina, it seems Abi is closer than ever to losing herself in her grief. Elsewhere, Sharon pours her heart out to Rita and explains how she fell in with Harvey. Maria learns about Garys real role in Sams kidnapping. And after Gary spots the same van used in the abduction, he forces his way inside. Coronation Street airs tonight, Tuesday June 1, on ITV at 9pm. Entertainment Daily has a dedicated Coronation Street spoilers section for you to get your fix before the latest episodes air. Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.
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https://www.entertainmentdaily.co.uk/soaps/when-is-coronation-street-on-tonight-extra-episode-of-corrie-airs-at-an-unlikely-time-due-to-the-masked-dancer/
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Should I Smoke Weed While BreastFeeding My Kid?
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Note: This article orignally ran in August, 2017. The editors at MERRY JANE still get regular inquiries about this topic, however, and we thought it would be a good time to resurface the post. You can contact us at [email protected] for more information about pot and pregnancy, too! Dear Mother, I was on Facebook recently and saw a big blow-up in the cannabis community on when it comes to moms smoking while breastfeeding. Wondering Dear Wondering, You're right that this is a hot topic. Not too long ago, a Portland mother posted an image of herself breastfeeding her child while taking a bong hit, which, if you know anything about the internet, is a recipe for online intrigue. One news piece led to another post, and then another, then a few more, and now I'm writing about it. Everyone who cares about cannabis and/or breastfeeding and/or moms seems to have an opinion on the subject, and since this is an area where true expertise is hazy at best, arguments and passion are flying from all angles. One of the frustrating aspects surrounding cannabis particularly now that it's gaining legal traction is all the years we wasted not being able to scientifically study it. The fact remains that we don't have any good data telling us exactly what the impact is when it comes to breastfeeding while using cannabis. With many women using cannabis during pregnancy and postpartum, it would be helpful for so many if we had better evidence-based information on this, but unfortunately, we're just not there yet. For now, however, we do have a lot of anecdata i.e., self-reported studies or stories that pregnant women or mothers have shared about their individual experiences with cannabis and motherhood the majority of which I've found to be positive. Not all of them are, though. Here's what we do know: THC does make its way into breast milk, but the effect of that is up in the air. Some scientists and doctors believe that breastfeeding while consuming cannabis can cause a baby to be lethargic and have delayed brain and motor skills development, but again, there have been no studies conducted to test that. It also may impact the production of breast milk. Some mothers have reported a decrease in quantity/quality of milk while others have noted an increase in production. It's important to know that most medical organizations discourage consuming cannabis while pregnant and/or breastfeeding. In addition, depending on where you are located, state law may have something to say about it, as well. You may want to check to see if you are in danger of receiving a visit from child and family services or even losing custody of your children if it is found that you are consuming cannabis and are pregnant or breastfeeding. All of that said, like many things related to parenting, you as the individual need to make an educated, informed decision as to what works best for you and your family. In my case, despite the fact that I am an avid cannabis user and have been for more than half my life, I took a break from smoking while pregnant and for the first couple years while I breastfed. If I'd been using cannabis medically at the time, then I would have to make a decision based on all the information I could find. Folks have to do this all the time when it comes to other medications and breastfeeding (and trust me, there is a lot of misinformation out there on that topic in general), and I feel cannabis fits under that umbrella. No, I don't. We may not have scientific info about cannabis in breast milk, but I'd like to think we understand the potential harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Also, you mention wanting to break down the stigma and frankly, I don't think a picture involving a bong serves any purpose when it comes to doing so. Bottom line: Be mindful, do as much research as you can with what little is out there, weigh the risks/benefits, and make the most informed decision that best impacts you and your family. Mother
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https://merryjane.com/culture/mother-knows-best-should-i-rip-a-bong-while-breastfeeding-my-kid-1
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Was ist PayPal-Ratenzahlung? Was zahle ich wirklich?
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Wenn ihr eure Online-Einkufe im Internet mit PayPal bezahlt, wird das standardmig per Lastschriftverfahren geregelt. Ihr knnt allerdings auch bei PayPal in Raten zahlen. Wie das funktioniert und was ihr dabei letztlich wirklich zahlt, erklren wir euch hier an einer Beispielrechnung. Manche Online-Shops bieten euch die PayPal-Ratenzahlung als Zahlungsart an. Dadurch knnt ihr eure Online-Einkufe in Raten abzahlen. Whlt dazu im jeweiligen Online-Shop PayPal als Zahlungsmethode aus, loggt euch mit eurem PayPal-Konto ein und prft, ob die Ratenzahlung auswhlbar ist. PayPal bietet die Ratenzahlung fr Einkufe ab 99 Euro bis 5.000 Euro an. Bilderstrecke starten (5 Bilder) Die 5 besten PayPal-Alternativen in Stichpunkten ber einen Spter bezahlen- Button will PayPal den Hndlern auch eine Option anbieten, um die Ratenzahlung direkt in ihre Shops zu integrieren. Ihr als Kunde knnt dort dann die Ratenzahlung mit Laufzeit und effektivem Jahreszins entsprechend konfigurieren. Damit die PayPal-Ratenzahlung funktioniert, bentigt ihr ein deutsches PayPal-Konto. Auerdem muss ein Bankkonto als Zahlungsquelle eingerichtet sein. Die PayPal-Ratenzahlung luft ber 3, 6, 12 oder 24 Monaten mit einem bestimmten effektiven Jahreszins. Bei 12 Monaten war es bislang beispielsweise ein effektiver Jahreszins von 9,99 Prozent. Die monatliche Raten werden direkt vom in PayPal hinterlegten Bankkonto per Lastschrift abgebucht. Einen Tag vor der Abbuchung informiert euch PayPal darber per E-Mail. Neben den vereinbarten monatlichen Raten kann auch eine vorzeitige Zahlung des gesamten Restbetrages durchgefhrt werden. Das beantworten wir mit einem Beispiel: Ein Online-Kauf kostet 100 Euro . . Die Rckzahlung erfolgt in 12 Monaten . . Der effektive Jahreszins liegt bei 9,99 Prozent (monatlicher Zins = 9,99 % 12 = 0,8325 %). Rechnung: Anfallende Kreditkosten: 100 Euro x 12 Monate x 0,8325 % = 9,99 Euro . Diese Kreditkosten msst ihr zustzlich zu den 100 Euro bezahlen. 100 Euro x 12 Monate x 0,8325 % = . Diese Kreditkosten msst ihr zustzlich zu den 100 Euro bezahlen. Rckzahlungssumme: 100 Euro + 9,99 Euro = 109,99 Euro. Um die Ratenzahlung fr einen 100-Euro-Einkauf nutzen zu knnen, bezahlt ihr also letztlich 9,99 Euro mehr, als wenn ihr es gleich alles auf einmal bezahlt httet. Hier eine kurze Tabelle zur Orientierung fr andere Warenkorb-Werte: Warenkorb-Wert Rckzahlungssumme bei Ratenzahlung 100 Euro 109,99 Euro 500 Euro 549,95 Euro 1000 Euro 1099,90 Euro 2000 Euro 2199,80 Euro 3000 Euro 3299,70 Euro 5000 Euro 5499,50 Euro Wenn ihr gerade knapp bei Kasse seit, kann sich eine PayPal-Ratenzahlung bei kleinen Warenkorb-Preisen lohnen. Bei teuren Online-Einkufen knnen die anfallenden Kreditkosten aber schnell unterschtzt werden. Rechnet sie fr euren Fall am besten selbst aus. Loggt euch in euer PayPal-Konto ein. Ruft eure Ratenzahlung auf. Klickt auf Zahlungsplan anzeigen. Loggt euch in euer PayPal-Konto ein. Ruft eure Ratenzahlung auf. Klickt auf zustzliche Zahlung vornehmen und zahlt darber die erforderliche Summe. Der Betrag wird von eurem Konto abgebucht. Dabei fallen keine Gebhren an. Dann folge uns auf Facebook (GIGA Tech, GIGA Games) oder Twitter (GIGA Tech, GIGA Games).
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https://www.giga.de/artikel/was-ist-paypal-ratenzahlung-was-zahle-ich-wirklich/
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Does UFC star Jorge Masvidal own a Bare-Knuckle MMA promotion?
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UFC star Jorge Masvidal recently launched his bare-knuckle MMA promotion alongside hip-hop artist Anuel AA. Masvidal made the official announcement ahead of his rematch against Kamaru Usman at UFC 261. Jorge Masvidal also revealed that the promotion, called the 'Gamebred Fighting Championship,' will host its first event on June 25, although a venue is yet to be decided. Leaping into the fight business as a promoter, Jorge Masvidal wrote on Twitter: "Huge news for true fight fans as me and the one and only @anuel have teamed up to bring you the most vicious fights we could think of Bare Knuckle MMA. Thats right no gloves same rules and the first fight will be in Miami on June 25. Every fighter will be outfitted by Anuels clothing Brand which translated in English means 'Real Until Death' #andnew #realhastalamuerte Gamebred Fighting Championship." Jorge Masvidal also announced all fighters will wear Puerto Rican rapper AAs Real Hasta La Muerte (Real Until Death) clothing label for the upcoming event on June 25. Jorge Masvidal made a name for himself when fighting in Kimbo Slice's backyard brawls and is now looking out for other street fighters like him. Several bare-knuckle promotions like the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship are rapidly gaining popularity in the states, and Masvidal is the latest to join the fray. Speaking about starting a bare-knuckle MMA promotion, Jorge Masvidal said at the UFC 261 pre-fight presser: "Its just bare-knuckle. Its what I started in. Im just looking for the next great street fighter that wants to make it through the ranks and go all the way to professional ranks and follow the footsteps of Kimbo and me. Nothing too crazy, just pure violence. Since Ive been shadow banned and censured I decided to start my own platform and bring not only never before seen content but I will also be traveling the world looking for the next Kimbo rip or street fighter only at https://t.co/cJtfWzEwsT #andnew pic.twitter.com/JzEmCNlvH2 Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) April 15, 2021 The 'Gamebred Fighting Championship' has also signed a one-year broadcast deal with Bare Knuckle TV, which will exclusively air the fight promotion's content. While the bouts will be contested under the unified rules of MMA, the promotion will also host regular MMA events in states where bare-knuckle bouts are not allowed. Fighters who sign with the 'Gamebred Fighting Championship' will have a clause in their contracts that allows them to sign with the UFC if they receive an offer. Please take 30 seconds to answer this survey so that we can better understand how to serve your MMA needs.
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-does-ufc-star-jorge-masvidal-bare-knuckle-mma-promotion
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Who is Making Money from Asylum Appeals?
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A long festering problem in the Irish asylum industry has been the issue of repeated and mostly cynical appeals by bogus applicants. With rejection rates averaging 75% prior to covid, and outright fraudulent applications from safe nations like Albania and Georgian overloading the system, this paralysis has been a source of much ire both from those wanting to clamp down on as well as to liberalise the asylum process. Like most problems the logjam is facilitated by lawyers and a constellation of government agencies, falling over each other to administer what should be a clear cut service. While the Left fixate on property consortiums running Direct Provision, very little attention is paid to the lawyers profiting from the asylum arrangement and the long cycle of appeals. In 2019, 4,196,234 was spent handling asylum tribunals adjudicating on appeals alone, falling to 3,304,122 in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic. In the same year 2,633 separate appeals were processed by the State with the number falling to 1,418 in 2020. Examining annual reports from the Appeals Tribunal and related statistics, The Burkean set out to see who is profiting from this bottleneck. The Asylum Process Those seeking to claim asylum in Ireland first contact the International Protection Office (IPO) for an initial decision on their claim. An interview is conducted within a week of their arrival with a Temporary Residence Certificate issued and accommodation provided by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA). Commonly known as Direct Provision there is no obligation for asylum seekers to use RIA accommodation, with applicants enjoying partial access to the labour and welfare system, regardless of whether their claim is being processed or an appeal ongoing. Following on from this, a second interview is conducted to validate the veracity of the asylum claim with a ruling subsequently made by the IPO after a period of on average 170 days per application. During the entirety of the process, the applicant has the ability to utilise free legal assistance provided by the Legal Aid Board. As of the time of publishing the Board had not responded to a freedom of information request regarding the specifics of asylum claims and their costs. If approved the applicant has free reign to live and work in the country with the RIA facilitating a transition to normal life. If negative the applicant may choose to be voluntarily repatriated with the assistance of the UN-backed International Organisation for Migration (IOM), or begin a process of appealing the initial ruling using the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) If negative and wishing to remain the applicant may apply for Subsidiary Protection or Permission to Remain, both allowing the individual to remain in the country despite not qualifying as a refugee almost always within Direct Provision. There is no limit on appeals with applicants allowed to avail of a judicial review at the High Court to challenge any aspect of the IPAT decision, all at the States expense. There are 44 full time members of the Tribunal as of 2020 ranging from a chairperson to various clerical and executive officers. The current chairperson of the Tribunal is German-born Hilkka Becker, formerly of the Refugee Council of Ireland, and Chuck Feeney funded open borders advocacy group the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Under the current legislation, the Department of Justice is liable to pay the costs of successful applicants with the table below illustrating the annual legal fees for the Tribunal going back to 2008. Amounts paid in legal fees annually by the Tribunal In addition to their full-time staff of 47, the Tribunal also utilises circa 60 part-time legal staff members to help expedite the decision process. Very often these consist of full time barristers supplementing their income. Among the members listed is Una McGuirk, a barrister currently the subject of much media intrigue for her role in an anti-lockdown rally last year, and who subsequently had her contract lapse with the IPAT. Some of the fees payable to legal members for various services rendered are listed below. Payments made to legal members of Tribunal for various services rendered The average payment made to an IPAT legal member was 10,552 in 2020, with 527,641 being claimed by members in total. In 2019 the highest financial claimant from the Tribunal is the barrister Mark Byrne who earned 72,722 ruling on 129 asylum decisions. It takes approximately 6 months for the IPAT to rule on the average appeal with Zimbabwean, Pakistani and Nigerian nationals making up the highest proportion of applications the previous 4 years. Overview of national origins of asylum appeals 2020 In 2019 75% (489) of all appeals were refused while in 2020 this figure fell to 69% (639). Among its reporting the IPAT lists some of the specificities of certain cases that reached the High Court relating to international protection. From constant mention of applicants fearing for their safety due to risk of being sacrificed in pagan rituals, to fleeing Albanian or Nigerian criminal cartels, they give a flavour of the calibre of applicants applying for asylum in Ireland. For Ghanese applications a particular motif is individuals fleeing from partaking in or being the victims of ritualistic sacrifice, and claiming asylum in Ireland as a consequence. One applicant in 2019, who had his application refused for claiming he was being forced to partake in such rituals, made the accusation that tribunal members were biased in their decision making on account of preconceived Eurocentric notions. For African applicants in general there was a repeated pattern of those identifying as LGBT claiming asylum on grounds of homophobic persecution in their homelands. With many of these cases refused owing to a dearth of evidence, some of these claims rested on the applicant claiming that they were merely perceived as homosexual whilst actually being heterosexual, thus in the same position of danger as a member of the LGBT community. A 2019 High Court decision ruled in favour of a Nigerian heterosexual man fleeing from alleged homophobic prosecution on grounds he was mistaken as a homosexual In the words of the Court, while the applicant occasionally had girlfriends call to see him or the fact that his neighbours displayed no visible signs of homophobia, the Tribunal which turned down his appeal had based their refusal on false conjecture. Rather typical in Irish public life is that what should be an elementary procedure ruling on what are for the most part bogus applications is frustrated by bureaucracy and a system that benefits multiple parties financially. It is high time the Gordian knot is cut on asylum appeals, with the numbers being capped and procedure fast-tracked. If we are to have an asylum system, let us assist the genuinely needy, not the current miasma that enriches legal interests, busies civil servants, and empowers foreign cons to take advantage of our collective charity. By 2024 when the expected reforms to our asylum system are implemented, giving applicants a right to own-door accommodation within 4 months operated by non-profit organisations, we will almost surely see a surge of solicitations for asylum. The asylum carousel will not endure such an uptick and the potential for this mayhem to rupture onto the mainstream will increase. Two decades of kicking the asylum issue into touch and creating an ecosystem benefitting certain barristers will come back to haunt us all. While the open borders Left goes in circles repeating truisms regarding Direct Provision, it is incumbent on genuine critics of the asylum system to strike at this state-sponsored ineptitude root and branch.
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http://www.theburkean.ie/articles/2021/05/31/who-is-making-money-from-asylum-appeals
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What Would Jesus Cancel?
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D. L. Moody wrote I had rather know how to pray than how to preach, the Lord Jesus never taught his disciples how to preach, but rather, how to pray. Several old and wise men of God have told me over the years preaching is easy when you love God and know your bible; its praying that often eludes us. I have seen that is right. Isaiah 59 tells us Behold, the Lords hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. [Isaiah 59:1-2] From this it is clear that the physical consequence of our sins bleeds over into our spiritual life and impacts our prayers and sanctification. We know this is the case for we see how that great men of God in the bible have sought Gods intercession by first repenting of their own sins and the sins of the people. Take for example one of my favorite verses from Daniel chapter 9 vs 16 where the bible records Daniel praying O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. 17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. 18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. I wish I had something to trade for Gods mercies. I wish I had some work which I might offer in trade for Gods goodness when I call on his name in prayer. But the reality is that I have learned, like Paul said in [Romans 7] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but and like Paul I have learned that all I can do is cast myself upon the mercy of my Great and Terrible God and ask my petitions in his mercy. As it should, this Christ centered prayer puts the glory of answered prayer upon Christ rather than man. For instance: take the lame man in Acts 3:1-6 who, after Peter and John prayed for him in the name of Christ, he was healed and leaped and praised God! Or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? Notice that wording carefully, it wasnt by Peter and Johns power NOR by their own holiness that Gods mercy was obtained but by Gods glorifying his son and thereby Peter and John trusted Gods mercy for this answered prayer. So let us strive to live as Christlike as is possible, sanctifying ourselves in heart and mind and let us trust in Gods mercies and not our own power or holiness for our prayers. Calvary Baptist Church welcomes you to come and be a part of the family of God with us. Calvarybcpalestine.com 903-729-5924.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2264191645629/what-would-jesus-cancel
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Which industry is reinventing the innovation cycle?
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Adam Goodyer, Founder and CEO of Realife Tech, provides the worlds largest venue with a personalized digital experience for databases. Getty Many industries are impacted by growing consumer demand for digital activation and offerings, adopting innovative technology solutions to better match what viewers want with this new one. You can see that we are building a good process. environment. New office environment Real estate development, interior design and architecture are undoubtedly evolving and will continue to evolve even after the pandemic has subsided. Developers and designers had to think about how they are now involved in the world around us. It can be shaped in many ways, including incorporating dedicated work / office space into new home development to enable a more seamless remote work experience. Many offices are innovating in ways that go beyond safety protocols to remove extra desks and seats and create space for social distance, helping to transform offices into a nearly touchless environment. We use technology. Some large offices and corporate campuses use mobile apps to stagger the ordering and receipt of lunch from onsite cafeterias, meeting rooms, and parking lots. The other offices are completely touchless. Palo Alto Networks in Santa Clara, California, reported that the office would be non-contact. From appliances like espresso machines that scan QR codes instead of touch buttons to motion-activated faucets and disinfection stations. This is because companies are looking at how their employees interact with the world around them differently than last year and are introducing new digital technologies to adapt to those changes in the innovation cycle. Shows change. Changes seen in retail stores and restaurants Another industry that is rapidly evolving for the new digital landscape is face-to-face retail, especially shopping malls and centers. According to a Deloitte study, many consumers are already fond of online shopping, and 58% expect shopping in closed malls after Covid to decline in popularity. The answer here is an increase in digital adoption, and research shows that global spending on retail technology has increased since before the pandemic, rising 3.6% between 2018 and 2019. Shopping malls and other closed retail spaces can be a drag Digital elements that create a dynamic customer experience, focus on convenience, and integrate technologies that customers already know and love (such as mobile apps) ) To increase traffic. Other industries such as food and beverages are turning to ghost kitchens, boosting the market for commercial kitchen spaces. Restaurants across the country remain closed and high rents continue to drive business owners out of the city center, combining ghost kitchens with virtual food and beverage ordering systems such as GrubHub and DoorDash to reach a larger customer base. You can continue. Event and entertainment shift Event venues and sports stadiums also needed to consider how customers interacted with their space and deploy more solutions to accommodate the new relationships between visitors and larger venues. Even if youre regained confidence in attending face-to-face events, these venues have close personal contact with on-demand food and beverage orders and congestion alerts that allow guests to avoid queues, box office, and crowded spaces. May maintain a solution that minimizes. The industry is also seeing a shift to fully digital mobile operations when it comes to ticketing, eliminating the need for paper. Consumers are already accustomed to doing everything on their mobile phones, so moving tickets to a fully digital touchless process will ultimately result in a better, less frictional experience. I will. Our evolving digital-first society will undoubtedly influence our interaction with our physical environment, thus encouraging businesses to better understand how customers travel their products. It was. The Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives. What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos
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https://exbulletin.com/tech/956770/
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When can we see Big Fish Politicians Go to Prison?
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With 2.5 Years remaining in PTI's Government , it is time some of the Big cases conclude and Big players end up in Jail to send a strong message, State Law is greater then Political connections and Family Name The real test for PTI's Government in 2.5 years is not DAMs , Electricity , or Water it is importantly the ability to lock up corrupt elements - this is what will define PTI's next election drive DAM = China - Asian Bank helped with it Power = China - Coal Power plant and Hydro power plants solved the issue Water = Dams being completed have improved the situation to great degree Covid-19 Handling = Government has done reasonably Import/Export Ratio = PTI has done well Big Question Mark a) Ability to Put Big Politicians or Rich people with corruption decided cases into Prison b) Ability to prevent escape for Big Politician and Rich People found in corruption cases c) Ability to Prevent TV/Radio Time for Criminals who have a Criminal record to spread hate against Honest Institute workers d) Issue of South Punjab , Karachi
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https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/when-can-we-see-big-fish-politicians-go-to-prison.712931/
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Who are the judges of Americas Got Talent 2021?
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GET to know the four judges that will determine the fate for America's Got Talent hopefuls. There have always been three or four judges on the America's Got Talent panel but who the judges are have changed from season to season. Here are the four judges returning for season 16. 6 Mandel has been a judge on America's Got Talent the longest out of any judges in the past Credit: Getty Howie Mandel Howie Mandel is a Canadian comedian and TV personality. Perhaps his most famous gig was hosting Deal or No Deal. Mandel has been a judge on America's Got Talent the longest out of any judges in the past. He appeared for the first time in season five and this will mark his eleventh year behind the infamous X's. 6 Heidi Klum is a German-American model, host, producer and businesswoman Credit: NBC Heidi Klum Heidi Klum is a German-American model, host, producer and businesswoman. She was the first German model to become a Victoria's Secret angel. Klum first appeared as a judge in 2013. After a year break, Klum returned as a judge for season 15 and will be featured again for the upcoming season 16. 6 Sofia Vergara is a Colombian American actress, most known for playing Gloria in the sitcom, Modern Family Credit: Getty Images - Getty Sofia Vergara Sofia Vergara is a Colombian-American actress, most known for playing Gloria in the hit sitcom, Modern Family. She was the highest paid actress in American television for seven years straight between 2013 and 2020. Vergara joined the show in its last season and will return again for season 16. 6 Simon Cowell is known across countries for his ruthless, yet often endearing judging style on various competition shows Credit: NBC Simon Cowell Simon Cowell is known across countries for his ruthless, yet often endearing judging style on various competition shows. He has appeared on America's Got Talent, Britain's Got Talent, The X Factor, and American Idol. He first joined the judges on America's Got Talent for season 11, making this season his fifth on the show. The original judges of America's Got Talent were David Hasselhoff, Brandy Norwood, and Piers Morgan when the show began in 2006. Since then, a slew of famous faces have taken their seats on the judging panel. The full list includes: David Hasselhoff, Brandy Norwood, Piers Morgan, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell, Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne, and Mel B. The current host of America's Got Talent is actor Terry Crews. Past hosts included Tyra Banks, Nick Cannon, Jerry Springer, and Regis Philbin. Season 16 of America's Got Talent premieres on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. The show will air on NBC at 8 PM EST. Fans can watch on NBC or on Hulu.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2993615/americas-got-talent-judges-2021/
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Who is Naomi Osakas boyfriend rapper Cordae?
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RAPPER Cordae and world-renowned tennis star Naomi Osaka began dating in 2019. Osaka recently skipped a press conference following her first-round victory at the French Open and has now withdrawn altogether following the backlash. Cordae is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. The 23-year-old, from Raleigh, North Carolina, came up on the hip hop scene after releasing remixes of popular songs My Name Is by Eminem and Old N*****, a response to 1985 by J. Cole. His debut studio album The Lost Boy was released in 2019 and met with widespread critical acclaim, earning him two Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song at the 62nd Grammy awards. Cordae was a member of the YBN collective from 2018 until he left the group in 2020. Cordae is currently working on his second album, telling Apple Music that: "I'm like a hundred songs deep in. Like this next one, I'm really taking everything to a whole 'nother level." "I really love doing music and perfecting my craft and I'm getting better every day. And the new music from here on out is going to show that." On Monday, May 31, Osaka announced she'll withdraw from the French Open - citing mental health reasons. The move comes after Osaka announced that she would not participate in press interviews at the Grand Slam event to help protect her mental health. Osaka announced her resignation from the tournament on Twitter, tweeting, "Hey everyone, this isnt a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago. I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris, Osaka wrote. 3 Naomi Osaka has been ranked No. 1 by the Women's Tennis Association Credit: PA Osaka said she had suffered bouts of depression since winning her first slam title at the US Open in 2018 and that talking to the media triggered anxiety. I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer, she continued in her tweet. More importantly, I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly. The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that. 3 Naomi Osaka is is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion Credit: Getty Anyone that knows me knows Im introverted, and anyone that has seen me at the tournaments will notice that Im often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety. Though the tennis press has always been kind to me (and I wanna apologize especially to all the cool journalists who I may have hurt), I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the worlds media. Officials at the French tournament asked, "her to reconsider her position and tried unsuccessfully to speak with her to check on her well-being." Cordae issued a defiant comment on his girlfriend's Instagram post that announced her withdrawal from the tournament. No need to apologise to ANYBODY! he wrote. Further reposting her announcement to his Instagram story, he penned "THE ONE!" above it. Khloe's DM confronting Tristan Thompson's 'baby mama' exposed as 'fake' THAT'S MY BOY What you need to know about Clint Eastwood's son Scott Eastwood 'MY BEST FRIEND' Romy Walthall, star of The House of Usher and Face/Off, dies aged 57 RISKY REBEL Rebel Wilson nearly slips out of plunging swimsuit after losing 60 pounds WET & WILD Kylie and Travis Scott get in a water balloon fight with daughter Stormi Exclusive FIGHTING BACK Teen Mom Jenelle Evans sues blogger for claims she was 'fired' from podcast GQ has previously labeled the pair the most dynamic and outspoken young couple in the culture right now. The pair reportedly first met in April 2019 but didn't make their first public appearance until December 2019. The rapper is immensely supportive of his talented tennis girlfriend and is often seen cheering her on at her tournaments.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2993642/naomi-osaka-french-open-boyfriend-rapper-cordae/
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Who is Dance Moms star Zackery Torres?
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FORMER Dance Moms star Zackery Torres took to social media to reveal an exciting life update. Since their appearance as part of the Candy Apples team on Dance Moms, Zackery Torres has been busy earning degrees and redefining who they are. Zackery Torres first appeared as the first male-born contestant on Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition. The competition show featured young dancers fighting for the change at a cash prize and ballet school scholarship. Torres later appeared as part of the Candy Apples team under coach Cathy Stein on the reality show Dance Moms. Dance Moms premiered in 2011 and ran for eight years. The reality show followed Abby Lee Miller Studios in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Young dancers learned and competed under the often harsh but passionate coach Abby Lee while their mothers engaged in their own drama. The show produced huge stars including Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler and JoJo Siwa. Torres, who uses both they/them and she/her pronouns took to TikTok on May 30, 2021 to announce an exciting update. While a Dua Lipa song played in the background, the 22-year-old danced while revealing the big news. "I'm transitioning! That means I'm transgender if you didn't know. "My pronouns are they/she, which means that they or she are totally fine, and I'm just hopping on here to tell you that I'm going to be posting more on Tiktok and I'm excited about it!" they said. Torres graduated with honors from the University of Southern California in 2021. They received a Bachelor in Fine Arts in dance. According to their Twitter page, Torres is currently enrolled in a masters program for public relations and advertising. Torres came out as transgender and non-binary in their sophomore year and spoke to USC's newspaper The Daily Trojan about how being Dance Moms has affected this experience. Khloe's DM confronting Tristan Thompson's 'baby mama' exposed as 'fake' THAT'S MY BOY What you need to know about Clint Eastwood's son Scott Eastwood 'MY BEST FRIEND' Romy Walthall, star of The House of Usher and Face/Off, dies aged 57 RISKY REBEL Rebel Wilson nearly slips out of plunging swimsuit after losing 60 pounds WET & WILD Kylie and Travis Scott get in a water balloon fight with daughter Stormi Exclusive FIGHTING BACK Teen Mom Jenelle Evans sues blogger for claims she was 'fired' from podcast "I started seeing all of the expectations that teacherswell-known dance teachers, and well-known choreographershad for me as a male dancer growing up and at the time identifying as a boy. "Oh, you're too feminine, you need to dance like a man.' Just having teachers tell you that on national television, all this stuff, it kind of really got to me," they said. "Everyone always talks about how inclusive the arts communities are. But I'm just not really feeling it. I'm not seeing it on an everyday scale," they said in October 2020.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2993802/who-is-dance-moms-star-zackery-torres/
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When is Pride Month 2021 and how will the LGBT celebration be marked this year?
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JUNE marks the beginning of Pride Month in many places across the world. Pride first came to London in 1972 and celebrates the influences of the LGBT community. Here's what you need to know about this year's loud and proud event. Every June the LGBT community celebrates Pride in a number of different ways around the world. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and across the world cities host street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions. Pride is also used as an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the LGBT community. CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family. To receive The Suns Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here. To follow us on Facebook, simply Like our Coronavirus page. Get Britains best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day find out more. Pride Month is June, although events won't be happening until later in the year due the coronavirus pandemic. Major UK cities usually hold their own Pride parades. For example, in the UK parades are held in both London and Manchester and attract huge amounts of people wanting to join in the celebration. These were cancelled in 2020 due to pandemic, but they're back this year - starting with Trans Pride London on June 26. Manchester Pride is scheduled for August Bank Holiday weekend (August 27-30) and it's London equivalent will be on Saturday, September 11. Pride events may still be cancelled this year if the coronavirus situation deteriorates in the UK. Organisers of Manchester Pride have said: "We can't predict the future and we know that we could find ourselves in a situation in the coming months where we are unable to deliver a non-socially distanced in-person festival. "Depending on the restrictions, this scenario would see us deliver some socially distanced, in-person live events. If this isnt possible, we will deliver a series of digital events." Events happening before June 21 will be held online due to existing coronavirus restrictions in the UK. But all events happening after this date - restrictions permitting - will be held in person. All Pride events in 2020 were moved online, with various artists, musicians, comedians, DJs and activists making a virtual appearance. Exclusive MOVIE STAR Harry Styles set to play gay police officer in new movie My Policeman 'HUGE STEP' Japan FINALLY approves gay marriage as court rules ban is unconstitutional POPE & FURY Sir Elton accuses Vatican of hypocrisy for condemning same-sex marriages GIVES ME THE BLUES Blue's Duncan James reveals daughter, 16, is trolled because he is gay MR POTA-NO Everything about Mr Potato Head
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https://www.the-sun.com/lifestyle/919192/pride-month-london-2021-lgbt-celebrations/
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What is XRP and why is the price rising?
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THE value of crypto XRP has risen over the last 24 hours following a sharp drop at the end of last week. We explain what you need to know about the cryptocurrency, and why it has gone up in price. Read our cryptocurrency live blog for the latest Bitcoin updates 2 We explain how XRP and the Ripple network operate Credit: Alamy Before investing in any cryptocurrency, you should be aware of all the risks involved. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, which means your cash can go down as well as up. This means youll need to be prepared to lose any cash you invest. Investing in cryptocurrencies or stocks and shares is not a guaranteed way to make money. 5 risks of crypto investments THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned people about the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies. Consumer protection : Some investments advertising high returns based on cryptoassets may not be subject to regulation beyond anti-money laundering requirements. : Some investments advertising high returns based on cryptoassets may not be subject to regulation beyond anti-money laundering requirements. Price volatility : Significant price volatility in cryptoassets, combined with the inherent difficulties of valuing cryptoassets reliably, places consumers at a high risk of losses. : Significant price volatility in cryptoassets, combined with the inherent difficulties of valuing cryptoassets reliably, places consumers at a high risk of losses. Product complexity : The complexity of some products and services relating to cryptoassets can make it hard for consumers to understand the risks. There is no guarantee that cryptoassets can be converted back into cash. Converting a cryptoasset back to cash depends on demand and supply existing in the market. : The complexity of some products and services relating to cryptoassets can make it hard for consumers to understand the risks. There is no guarantee that cryptoassets can be converted back into cash. Converting a cryptoasset back to cash depends on demand and supply existing in the market. Charges and fees : Consumers should consider the impact of fees and charges on their investment which may be more than those for regulated investment products. : Consumers should consider the impact of fees and charges on their investment which may be more than those for regulated investment products. Marketing materials: Firms may overstate the returns of products or understate the risks involved. XRP is form of digital currency that can be used on the Ripple network. It can either be transferred between individuals or banks. For example, if you need to send euros to someone who uses dollars, the Ripple network would convert this into XRP. The key difference between the two is that XRP is a coin, while Ripple is a network that allows the transfer of money. The founders of Ripple created XPR before the company Ripple existed. Ripple was originally founded in California in September 2012 as Newcoin, Inc. before renaming itself Opencoin, Inc. the month after. In 2013, Opencoin Inc. was renamed Ripple Labs Inc., which was reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in 2014. XRP has been used as a method of currency transfer through the network since 2012. 2 How the price of XRP has changed in the past three months At the time of writing, one XRP coin is worth around $1, according to CoinMarketCap. This is higher than its $0.66 value in February, but still way off its all-time high of $3.29, which it hit on January 4, 2018. One of the main differences between XRP and Bitcoin is that a set number of XRP coins have been produced, while new Bitcoin can be created. In total, there are around 100billion XRP coins, although not all of these are in circulation. Its thought up to one billion XRP coins are released each month, while Ripple owns a backlog of 55billion coins in case of market volatility. Another difference is that Bitcoin transaction confirmations can take minutes, while XRP transactions take seconds. XRP climbed by 20% in 24 hours, according to businesscloud.co.uk, and hit $1.08 at around 7am this morning. However, since then it has fallen slightly to sit around $1. It's not clear exactly why the price rose but it follows a week of volatility. Cryptocurrencies markets have generally dived in value recently following comments made by Tesla boss Elon Musk and a crackdown in China. A couple of weeks ago, Mr Musk announced Tesla would no longer accept Bitcoin payments to buy cars. He cited the harmful effects to the environment that comes with mining the cryptocurrency, which is a hugely energy-intensive process. While China has banned financial institutions from offering crypto related transactions, and warned investors against speculative trading in them. It comes after XRP's value was likely pushed higher earlier this year as traders called for investors to "pump and dump" the digital tokens via Telegram, according to CoinDesk. It appears to be an attempt to mirror the recent price surge in heavily shorted companies like GameStop and crypto Dodgecoin. In simple terms, "short selling" is when professional investors borrow shares of stock to sell, and then buy them back at a lower price. Essentially, when investors are doing this they are betting that the stocks will drop in value so they can pocket the profit when they hand them back to the company they borrowed them from. They rely on the company failing, making it a risky way of raising cash - any positive news could see shares rise and cause them to make a loss. Investing is always a risk but investing in cryptocurrency is an even higher risk as they are VERY volatile, so you should be prepared to lose cash. There is also no guarantee that you can convert cryptoassests back into cash, as it may depend on the demand and supply in the existing market. Plus, fees and charges may be higher than with regulated investment products. Cryptocurrency firms aren't regulated in the way that other financial firms are. This means that you won't have any protection if things go wrong. As always, never invest in something you don't understand. Most read in Money CHECK FOR YOURSELF Is a fourth check coming as child tax credit calculator is released REALITY CHECK Dems push for fourth & FIFTH stimulus checks to keep folks out of poverty WAGE BOOST How to go back to work and keep unemployment benefits SHOW ME THE MONEY Lawmakers call for fourth and FIFTH stimulus payments for US families BANKING ON IT How to find out if youll be sent monthly $300 checks starting in July CASH FLOW Stimulus checks could start hitting your bank account AUTOMATICALLY Firms offering other cryptoassets must now be registered with the FCA , and anyone who does put in cash should check before investing. It comes as Brits have been banned from buying "harmful" types of cryptocurrency investment in the UK. The dangers of buying cryptocurrency on apps like Robinhood.
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https://www.the-sun.com/money/2929694/xrp-what-price-rising/
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Why is Ellie Kemper and her ties to the KKK trending?
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ELLIE Kemper trended online after a number of social media users 'tied her with the KKK' because of an event she took part in 22 years ago. People made the comments on Twitter on May 31, 2021 after information came to light that showed the actress attending the Veiled Prophet Ball in her hometown in 1999. Ellie Kempers background was being scrutinized after links were made between an event she attended in St Louis and the KKK. The event in question is called the Veiled Prophet Ball, which some believe draws comparisons with the white supremacy group. Attending the event as a 19-year-old, she was specifically named queen - a role chosen by the 'veiled prophet' that historically leads the gathering. On May 31, 2021 a debate ensued online as some Twitter users deemed her participation at the 'racist ball' as an acceptance of it's ideals which they believe mirror aspects of the KKK. Twitter users familiar with the Prophet organization made the link via the wealthy Catholic elites in St. Louis, Missouri who attempted to silence railroad workers at its inception. According to a 2014 article in The Atlantic, the debutante ball was founded by wealthy White elites back in 1878 and emphasized the existing power structure. The ball has run in the region since 1878, but excluded any black members from joining until 1979 due to racial segregation. The event was therefore considered white only for more than 100 years. In addition, much of their early attire in 1880s also bears a striking resemblance to members of the Ku Klux Klan, though it has been pointed out that KKK members did not begin wearing white hoods and robes until 1915. Yet, some users online have used the tenuous comparison to claim that Kempers views are aligned with the white supremacy group. Ellie Kemper has not yet publicly reacted to the comments made online. She has also never given her views on the Veiled Prophet Ball that she attended when she was younger. There is no suggestion of any connection between Kemper and the KKK or any other similar group. Twitter users flocked to comment on the photo, some to 'call out' Kemper for 'racist links' from being dubbed Queen of Love and Beauty and others to highlight the importance of facts before jumping on the trend. One user said: "People are really trying to make the case that this 'tradition' Ellie Kemper participated in wasnt created by the klan or at least klan adjacent?" Another agreed: "It really is something that Ellie Kemper was the star of a tv show about a woman who leaves a racist cult and tries to rebrand herself while pretending it never happened. No reason why I'm bringing this up of course." Most read in News 'RECOVERY MISSION' Christian diet guru, husband & 6 others presumed dead after plane crash MANSLAUGHTER RAP Lord Ashcrofts daughter-in-law CHARGED over Belize cop's shooting RAPPER DEATH Rapper Lil Loaded dead at 20 after arrest for 18-year-old friends shooting HIDDEN PAST Office star was Queen of 'racist' ball where members wore KKK-style hoods THAT'S PUSHING IT Crazy moment woman PUSHES BEAR off garden wall to stop it mauling dogs Latest BEHIND BARS Socialite pictured in jail after 'shooting dead Belize cop' while drinking But others were quick to defend her and clarify. One said: "I spent ten years of my life in St. Louis (including the time shes talking about) and Im familiar with the Veiled Prophet Ball even knew people who attended it. Im pretty sure as far as we knew it was just a debutante ball for the society folks." Another said: "To be accurate, the Veiled Prophet Ball is an event run by classist (and admittedly likely racist) ultra wealthy families in St. Louis and it is quite the stretch to call Ellie a so-called 'KKK princess' based on her selection as queen in 1999."
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2992960/why-is-ellie-kemper-trending/
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What Would It Take to Solve the Student Debt Crisis?
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Theres no rhyme or reason for the variety of programs that exist in this space other than they were developed over time, says Beth Akers, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative public policy think tank, where she focuses on the economics of higher education. We need to simplify the safety net for students and make it so simple that they can understand it exists and what benefits it can provide for them. Wesley Whistle, senior advisor for policy and strategy at New America, a left-of-center public policy think tank, says automatic enrollment into an IDR plan could benefit delinquent or defaulted borrowers, but is concerned about auto-enrolling students right out of college and its effect on their ability to repay the principal. For many, payments may not even cover interest. Even working full time at a minimum wage job, you're not making enough to knock into your principal, says Whistle, who specializes in higher education policy. That could leave borrowers still paying student loans 20-25 years into the future. Make college tuition-free
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https://lacrossetribune.com/business/investment/personal-finance/what-would-it-take-to-solve-the-student-debt-crisis/article_4ea71371-37a9-5ace-ae20-fd1c929c0c7d.html
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How is James Gunns The Suicide Squad Related to David Ayers 2016 Venture?
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When David Ayers Suicide Squad released in 2016, it was everything people could talk about for weeks. There was a section of people who loved the concept of a group of deadly villains teaming up for a suicide mission. People couldnt stop debating over Joker and Harley Quinns romance. Margot Robbie was the biggest revelation of the movie. Harley Quinn was given the wackiest personality. Then there was the soundtrack of the film, which launched Kehlani to the spotlight and reintroduced Twenty One Pilots to the audience. However, there was another section, the critics and DC fans who hated the film. They did not like the tone, the pace, the fact that Cara Delevignes performance as the Enchantress was not up to the mark. Many complained about the underwhelming plot-line and Jokers track being cut down. Needless to say, Suicide Squad did not become the success story for the DC Extended Universe that it was touted to be. Moreover, Ayer declined to return for the sequel. Now, DC Films are all set to release The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, who has previously helmed the successful Guardians of the Galaxy movies for MCU. After Ayers exit, the script of Suicide Squad 2 was changed to make the upcoming film. So, the new film is not Suicide Squad 2. It is not a sequel to the previous film. According to producer Peter Safran, The Suicide Squad is a total reboot of the previous film. First of all, we dont call it Suicide Squad 2 cause its a total reboot, so its The Suicide Squad and I think people should be extremely excited about it. Its everything you would hope from a James Gunn script and I think that says a lot and that promises a lot and I know that we will deliver a lot," he told JoBlo. However, a total or hard reboot might not exactly be the case since there are some core members reprising their roles. We will see Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller and Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, again. In fact, Idris Alba will play Deadshot as Will Smith had to drop out of the film due to scheduling conflicts. There will be 13 new lead characters in the film, including, John Cena as Peacemaker, Pete Davidson as Blackguard and Taika Waititi as Julio Ruiz. The Suicide Squad most likely is a fresh take on the Task Force X. Of course, like the previous film, this team of heathens will be forced by the authorities to go on a deadly mission. However, by the looks of it, the stakes will be higher this time. We will have to wait and watch to know how similar or different the two films will be. There is another interesting theory doing rounds online. According to ScreenRant, The Suicide Squad (2021) might also be happening in an alternate universe than Suicide Squad (2016). It has been said that The Flash (2022) will introduce the concept of multiverse in the DC Universe. Both Ben Affleck and Michael Keeton are said to be appearing in the film. So, it might not be a stretch to imagine the two Suicide Squad films might be happening in two parallel universes. Theories might be in plenty for the upcoming film, but what is certain is that by the looks of it, The Suicide Squad will be an extremely entertaining watch for all kinds of viewers, regardless of their affinity to the DC Comics. With the amount of buzz that is being generated, it will definitely find success at the box-office. Read all the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News here
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https://www.news18.com/news/movies/how-is-james-gunns-the-suicide-squad-related-to-david-ayers-2016-venture-3798398.html
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Did Michael Flynn Call for a Myanmar-Style Coup at Dallas QAnon Convention?
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Retired Gen. Michael Flynn, who served as a national security advisor for former President Donald Trump, appeared to call for a military coup in the U.S. ^ Keep Dallas Observer Free Support Us Local Community Journalism I Support Support the independent voice of Dallas and help keep the future of Dallas Observer free. Support Us In the months leading up to the event, the QAnon convention in Dallas was shrouded in controversy. First, Dallas residents spread petitions calling on the city to have the For God & Country Patriot Roundup canceled. Then, the Gilleys event venue dropped the convention. Reporters the group didn't like were denied access. But at the Eddie Deen Ranch event venue on Sunday, one of the speakers, retired Gen. Michael Flynn, appeared to call for a military coup in the United States, although hes since claimed that his words were twisted out of context. Flynn made the comment after a member of the audience took the mic and asked why a coup like the one that happened in Myanmar couldnt happen in this country. The crowd broke out into applause. "No reason, I mean, it should happen here, responded Flynn, who briefly served as a national security advisor under former President Donald Trump. No reason. That's right. BREAKING NEWS: Former Trump National Security Advisor and Current Trump Political Adviser Michael Flynn Tells Angry Insurrectionist Crowd in Dallas That There "Should" Be a Violent Military Coup in the United States Right Now, Just As There Is in Myanmar pic.twitter.com/5XRojlGoGN Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) May 31, 2021 In February, the Myanmar military overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi as well as fellow members of the National League for Democracy party. Hundreds of people were killed. Flynns reply, which was caught on video, seemed pretty unequivocal, but as headlines broke about his comments, the QAnon convention organizers quickly jumped into the fray to dismiss it all as fake news. They claim he said there is no reason it should happen here, rather than no reason, I mean, it should happen here. On Telegram, the messaging app organizers used to hype the convention, Flynn also dismissed the news. Let me be VERY CLEAR, he wrote. There is NO reason whatsoever for any coup in America, and I do not and have not at any time called for any action of that sort. There is NO reason whatsoever for any coup in America, and I do not and have not at any time called for any action of that sort. - Michael Flynn, retired general and Telegram user. Facebook Twitter Flynn added, Any reporting of any other belief by me is a boldface fabrication based on twisted reporting at a lively panel at a conference of Patriotic Americans who love this country, just as I do. Sidney Powell also backed Flynns version of events, insisting that he didnt urge the military to take any action to unseat the President. Powell is an attorney and has been at the forefront of pushing the false claim that the November 2020 presidential election was rigged against Trump. We all know the military serves under the Commander-in-Chief and General Flynn in no way encouraged any act of violence or any military insurrection, Powell continued. Its very important that that be clear. Several commenters on Flynns Telegram statement seemed to be upset that Flynn is now saying he opposes a coup. But I heard you say it very plainly for all to hear, one commenter wrote. If you miss spoke [sic] then say so. But dont deny something that you clearly did say. Unless you are claiming someone tapered [sic] with the video. A few other commenters said the November 2020 elections, which Trump lost, were the actual coup, and that another coup is necessary to reverse the outcome. The coup has already happened, one woman wrote. Needs corrected! Another woman added, It wouldnt be a military coup it would be arresting the ones who really did the coup on our country. One man seemed to think Flynn was playing four dimensional chess. Cant have the Dems getting the scent of danger while youre hunting them. No American should advocate or support the violent overthrow of the United States. https://t.co/dpa20pLG4n Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) May 31, 2021 Reporting on this weekends incident, CNN noted that QAnon supporters have repeatedly circulated the idea that a coup will oust President Joe Biden and bring Trump back to office. Earlier during the event, Flynn repeated the claim that the elections were rigged. Trump won, he said. He won the popular vote, and he won the Electoral College vote. Whether you buy Flynns claim that his words were manipulated or not, the news certainly spread quickly. U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, blasted Flynn on Twitter. No American should advocate or support the violent overthrow of the United States, she wrote. On Monday evening, John Sabal, an organizer of the convention who goes by the moniker "QAnon John," said again that Flynn never endorsed a military coup. Funnily enough, on March 18, QAnon John seemed to support a Myanmar-style coup himself in a comment he posted in his Telegram channel. "What's happening in Myanmar is the MIRROR for operations to come here," he wrote. Two days earlier, while seeming to spread conspiracy theories that Jewish philanthropist and billionaire George Soros had installed Myanmar's elected government, Sabal made similar comments. "Remember, when the coup in Myanmar started happening was right around the same time as Joe Biden Inauguration [sic] I maintain that is NOT A COINCIDENCE." Sabal added, "The world is being shown that a proper military takeover of a FRAUDULENT President, and administration IS POSSIBLE [sic, sic, SIC]." On Jan. 21, before the Myanmar coup, Sabal also mentioned on Telegram the possibility that a military coup could "oust an illegitimate President" [sic]. All that said, we forgive you if you're having a hard time reconciling those comments with all the QAnon convention organizers' claims that no one has been advocating a coup.
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https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/did-michael-flynn-call-for-a-myanmar-style-military-coup-at-dallas-qanon-convention-12028625
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Is Okta Inc. (OKTA) Stock Entering in Growth Territory?
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Okta Inc. (NASDAQ: OKTA) has completed its largest acquisition as of May 21. Okta Inc. acquired the Auth0 authorization platform for $ 6.5 billion. Investors were concerned that Oktas growth could slow down and its return on equity could decline. Fortunately, the first-quarter report alleviated a great deal of these concerns. Oktas RPO (reflects the financial potential of selling goods and services by subscription) improved by 52 % in the past quarter. It increased the number of clients by 650 in the quarter, and it now has a total client base of 2000 large corporations (contracts over $100 thousand). Sales of Okta grew 37 % YoY to $ 251 million, far exceeding Wall Street expectations. During the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, when the demand for cloud computing technology increased rapidly, the company registered higher sales growth (+ 43 %). Okta Inc. (NASDAQ: OKTA) identity solution was sold to a Fortune 10 customer in 2021, showing that momentum has not been lost. With the purchase of Auth0, Okta can offer Adaptive Multifactor Authentication, which allows organizations to create customized access policies to reduce the risk of corporate security breaches. These technologies are in demand in many industries, including healthcare, which has traditionally introduced new technology later than others. As part of its IT modernization program, Australian healthcare provider Western Health chose the Okta ecosystem to protect data, secure identity, and manage access to its systems in the previous quarter. Consequently, Okta maintains its positive momentum, and the large acquisition will slightly slow its financial performance. In addition, Okta can receive a surge of customers in the long run due to its expanded services portfolio. At last check-in current trading, Okta Inc. (NASDAQ: OKTA) shares were up 0.02% at $222.44. The companys share price closed at $222.40 previous session. During the day, the companys shares ranged from $219.33 to $225.85. It exchanged 2.99 million shares, an increase over its average daily volume of 1.96 million over the past 50 days, and its volume year-to-date of 1.81 million. The companys stock has gained 13.73% over the past 12 months and has dropped -6.66% in the last week. The stock has experienced a total loss of -6.41% over the last six months. Over the last three months, the share price dived by -17.56%. During this year, there has been a -12.51% loss in the stock.
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https://statereviewer.com/2021/06/01/is-okta-inc-okta-stock-entering-in-growth-territory/
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When are 3 Doors Down and Slipknot coming to Northwest Arkansas?
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3 Doors Down and Slipknot concerts announced for the Walmart AMP in Rogers A Walmart AMP spokesperson announced two new concerts for this fall, with 3 Doors Down and Slipknot.3 Doors Down will perform Sept. 24. The rock group is most famous for its songs "Kryptonite" as well as "When I'm Gone" and "Here Without You." They are touring with the band Seether.Heavy metal band Slipknot has scheduled its AMP concert for Oct. 26. The group has been working on new music and is joined on tour by Killswitch Engage.Tickets for both concerts will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 4, at www.amptickets.com A Walmart AMP spokesperson announced two new concerts for this fall, with 3 Doors Down and Slipknot. 3 Doors Down will perform Sept. 24. The rock group is most famous for its songs "Kryptonite" as well as "When I'm Gone" and "Here Without You." They are touring with the band Seether. Advertisement Heavy metal band Slipknot has scheduled its AMP concert for Oct. 26. The group has been working on new music and is joined on tour by Killswitch Engage. Tickets for both concerts will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 4, at www.amptickets.com
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https://www.4029tv.com/article/3-doors-down-slipnot-amp-arkansas/36594031
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Can the Texans linebackers save the Tampa 2 defense?
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The Houston Texans have signed a bevy of linebackers in the offseason. Many have gone as far as to say the additions have been comedic in their volume, with Christian Kirksey, Joe Thomas, Neville Hewitt, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Kevin Pierre-Louis and Tae Davis joining the team in free agency. Not to mention sixth-round draft choice Garret Wallow another likely roster lock. Coach David Culley since his arrival has preached excessively on the notion of competition and how the team must push each other to be competitive. No other position looks to embody this as much as how the linebacker room projects. These additions all come in the midst of a transition to new defensive coordinator Lovie Smiths 4-3, Tampa 2 defense. Since 2011, the Texans have been running the 3-4 defense, whether it was Wade Phillips as the defensive coordinator or Romeo Crennel starting in 2014. "If a rookie progresses the way he needs to progress and picks up what we're doing, this is competition here. If he's good enough to do it, he's good enough to do it." Texans head coach David Culley to @LandryLocker SportsRadio 610 (@SportsRadio610) May 15, 2021 With more defensive lineman on the field, the Texans linebacking corps will be tasked with more responsibilities than ever in the 2021 season. Kirskey, signed in free agency in March, spoke about the positions responsibility in Smiths scheme. Its a lot of fun, Kirksey told Houston reporters on a Zoom call on May 27. Coming from Lovies experience and his history of football and just his knowledge of football, its definitely something thats good for me to learn from a guy like him. His defense is very linebacker friendly. It gives you a chance to run around, have fun, make plays. He puts a lot on his linebackers and he wants a lot of athletic linebackers. I feel like me personally, being in his system, its a lot of fun because it allows you to play ball. I think that every linebacker can speak for himself as far as going out there and making plays and being in this defense. Houston will most certainly need this group to play ball in 2021. The defensive line is in a state of uncertainty with the departure of J.J. Watt and many are wondering who will provide pressure between Shaq Lawson, Jonathan Greenard, Whitney Mercilus, Jacob Martin and a group that strangely resembles the Island of Misfit Toys. Meanwhile, the defensive back group carries question about their ability to excel in zone coverage schemes Smith is notorious for. As such, it will be up to the linebackers to not only help contribute towards rushing the quarterback but also potentially cover for longer periods of time. Zach Cunningham returns as the starting inside linebacker after an astonishing 164 tackle campaign in 2020. Outside of that, to borrow Culleys words, itll be a lot of competition. Kirksey and Thomas are the most tenured of the new additions. Hewitt is coming off the best individual season, having made 134 tackles as a bright spot on a lowly New York Jets defense. Grugier-Hill and Pierre-Louis may be the best of the bunch at pass coverage. Its a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million for Kamu Grugier-Hill with the #Texans. One of the NFLs best coverage LBs. https://t.co/mk7yE5y1In Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2021 For Houston to succeed in 2021, a few individuals will have to emerge from the competition as important contributors to Smiths defense. Their diversity of experience and talent may be the difference maker of whether this defensive unit rebounds from an atrocious 2020 or remains a basement-dweller defense.
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https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/01/texans-linebackers-save-tampa-2/
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Is the Market Fearful of Coming Inflation?
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Author: Jim Iuorio, For CME Group AT A GLANCE The latest CPI data showed a larger-than-expected increase in prices, and the market responded quickly with losses, even as Fed Chair Powell calls current inflation transitory Historical indicators of the markets inflation fears, including the $USD index and the shape of the yield curve, are currently causing more confusion than clarity The latest CPI numbers were released on May 12, showing a 0.8% increase in prices from the previous month. This number was well above the 0.2% that was expected, and it triggered a quick 2.5% loss in the S&P 500 and an even greater loss in the Nasdaq. I believe the answer to that question is complicated. When we see lumber prices up 500% from their early pandemic lows, and many other commodities following suit, its tough to argue that inflation isnt already here. Even Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell has acknowledged the existence of inflation, but hes also dismissed it as being transitory. Inflation can be caused by several different factors. Supply disruptions, labor shortages, volatile demand spikes or waning currency confidence all cause different types of inflation. If Chairman Powell believed that supply disruptions were the primary driver of higher prices, then it would makes sense that the inflation was transitory. However, if there was reason to believe that a spike in demand was sustainable or that people were bracing for a declining dollar, the inflation we currently see could cause more long-term concern. With the national debt having increased by $6 trillion since the onset of the pandemic and M2 money supply exploding to near $20 trillion, those currency concerns seem appropriate. Traditional Indicators of Inflation Fears Historically, the market has relied on the value of the dollar and the shape of the yield curve for insight into the markets inflation fears. Unfortunately, both those measures are currently experiencing difficulties with their normal predictive efficacy. The dollar index as our standard measure of currency strength could be causing more confusion than clarity. Over 70% of the composition of the index is the yen and the euro. In the current global economic crisis, the Bank of Japan and the ECB have engaged in similar currency weakening strategies in the name of stimulus, as the U.S. has. An argument can be made that the index has been rendered worthless as all three currencies decline in unison. The other traditional indicator of inflation fears is the shape of the U.S. yield curve. We would expect longer end interest rates to spike higher if inflation were a market threat. Unfortunately there are some problems with this measure as well. The Federal Reserve continues to buy $80 billion per month of longer end treasuries (and $40 billion of mortgage-backed) in a direct attempt to keep long end rates low. Manually controlling long end rates obviously calls into question the resulting rates message. The market has been forced to look to non-traditional assets for signs of inflation. Cryptocurrencies have given us some clues as the cryptocurrency market cap has gone from $150 billion 14 months ago to around $2 trillion today. Cryptocurrencies are not susceptible to supply disruptions, so it seems reasonable to conclude that some of their meteoric rise is due to currency concerns. Its also possible that cryptocurrencies are responding to the excitement over new technology or the fear of missing out, but when viewed alongside other commodities and risk assets, a reasonable conclusion is that the market is not convinced that the inflation we see is transitory. Because its not the inflation that upsets risk assets. Risk assets like inflation, particularly when they are the actual assets that are being inflated. What risk assets dont like is the belief that the Federal Reserve may have to step off the sidelines and address inflation. A high CPI number is very visible and very public and perhaps cannot be ignored. The next couple months should be fascinating as we see how the inflation discussion progresses. Read more articles like this at OpenMarkets
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https://www.reuters.com/article/sponsored/market-fearful-inflation
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Was Pineapple Express the Last Great Stoner Movie of the Prohibition Era?
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Often, the designation befalls a film with a slight case of silver screen schizophrenia. A classic is timeless, yet also a product of its era. It embodies a sensibility or genre, yet can subvert the rules or traditions of either. It can initially be deemed divisive before eventually becoming infallible. Classics are alters to bow before and darlings to kill. Every genre has them, and David Gordon Greens Pineapple Express, which was released 10 years ago today, is, against all odds, one of them. A classic of the stoner genre, Pineapple Express is in conversation with a number of movies that have come before it. But it has the unusual designation of celebrating a milestone anniversary at a cultural inflection point. By itself, the film already merits inclusion in cinemas Mount Kushmore, embodying the best of the stoner genre and the comedic sensibility of the mid-aughts. And as cultural mores surrounding marijuana reform begin the shift from the fringe to the corporate sector, Pineapple Express has a unique designation: it may very well be the final, classic stoner movie of the prohibition era. The notion might seem semantical; stoner comedies themselves arent quite at risk, but what makes Pineapple Express burn so bright is the way in which it employs and deconstructs an entire canon within film. It builds upon the tropes of stoner cinema, but its ambitions are something larger, turning Cheech and Chong into Riggs and Murtaugh. The prevailing sense of humor remains, but what we might be approaching 10 years later is a third iteration of the canon, with Pineapple Express bridging the gap between two distinct eras of marijuana movies: taking the slacker sensibility of the post-boomer stoner comedies and infusing them with the sincerity of the mid-aughts; together, pushing us into a bold new era of endo entertainment. In Pineapple Express, the titular pot strain turns the life of Dale (Seth Rogen) completely upside down, after he bares witness to a murder cover-up and leaves the telltale roach behind while fleeing the scene. Soon, thugs, hoping to erase any trail of witnesses, trace the joint back to Saul (James Franco), the dopey dope dealer who sold Dale his stash, and who soon finds himself over his head and on the run with his customer-turned-friend. Its a classic trope of the genre, the well-meaning stoners in over their heads. Films like Harold and Kumar and Smiley Face turn the minutiae of an everyday task into a ruckus adventure, while Bill and Ted take high concepts like time travel and make them seem, by stoned logic, entirely rational Terminator by way of Spicoli. The weed canon is often about escalation searching for your car can lead to first contact with an alien species and often, the irreverence is meant to mimic the visceral insanity of being high in a world that isnt (but sure acts like it). The interplay between narrative incoherence and comedic insanity are, fundamentally, a cornerstone of the stoner film eschewing logic, often giddly. Pineapple follows this credo, but it does so with its eye on a bigger cinematic prize. While many stoner films crib traits from a bevy of genres, Pineapple Express is explicitly interested in some fusion of stoner film and Hollywood blockbuster. Its set pieces shoot-outs, a car chase, a remote farmhouse fit for an 80s Bruce Willis flick do to the scale of the stoner film what The Coen Brothers The Big Lebowski did for its artistic pedigree. The Hollywood blockbuster was born with Jaws in 1975, just four years before Cheech & Chong hit the screen, and Pineapple Express feels like a meeting point of those two roads, which dovetailed in the summer of 2008. By then, the genres character tropes were so firmly in place that the film was able to toy around with the actors star power. Rogen was originally set to play pot dealing Saul, before Franco convinced him to swap roles, turning Franco into the long-haired, bandana-wearing toker, and Rogen into the straight man in his own script. That reversal managed to set an entirely new precedent for the two actors in the years to follow, giving Rogen the flexibility to portray everymen in Hollywood dramadies like Funny People and Awards season pictures like Danny Boyles Steve Jobs. And Franco was able to display a kind of comedic elasticity he has since used in other Rogen collaborations, most recently in The Disaster Artist. Franco and Rogens characters were so notable that they paid tribute in a faux-trailer for a sequel, Pineapple Express 2: Blood Red, which appeared as an easter egg in their 2013 meta-comedy This Is the End. In the film, both actors along with Pineapple co-stars Craig Robinson and Danny McBride, and other adjacent members of the Apatow gang play themselves in the days after a global apocalypse wipes out most of the world. Within the context of the end times epic, a fake sequel to Pineapple Express serves as their final communicae to the outside world. In many ways, the evolution of the stoner movie genre has always mirrored the drugs standing in the court of public opinion. For decades, weeds association with the counterculture left a residual bad taste in peoples mouths, warped into the same conversations as LSD, and depicting its users as former hippies-turned-burnouts. The teen movie boom of the 1980s took the stoners of the 70s and applied the logic to the next generation, making the pot user the de facto slacker of every high school. From Fast Times at Ridgemont High to Dazed and Confused, these films didnt have contempt for stoners, but they created a template and, yes, reinforced certain stereotypes about cannabis users that the next 20-plus years of filmmaking werent too interested in breaking out of. All of which is to say that Pineapple Express is a logical extension of the genres tough love approach. The tropes were well-meaning, if patronizing, but the illegality of marijuana and general War on Drugs zeitgeist always provided an overriding context for judgement. The films of Judd Apatow, which came to be the dominant comedic sensibility of the early-to-mid aughts, built off of the stoner caricature in order to interrogate the interior malaise of the modern man, digging deeper and establishing a kind of sativa sentimentalism in the process. Often, the end results would be a more conservative affair; men realizing the error of their ways is best remedied by accepting the nuclear option: a wife, kids, a life of traditional domestication. Rogen was the architect for many of their collaborations, and with the exception of Superbad (a coming of age story dreamed up by Rogen and his frequent collaborator Evan Goldberg when the two were teens), the Rogen-Apatow films portrayed stonerism as a kind of arrested development. Pineapple Express both leans into and subverts this tradition, with Dale a stunted man-child who, nevertheless, finds himself behind the steering wheel of an action movie, both metaphorically and literally. No other illicit substance has managed to permeate American culture to such a degree that its manifested its own subgenre of cinema (one could make the argument that cocaine has spawned countless films about cartels and the international Drug War, but would anyone designate coke movies as its own filmic category?). In doing so, stoner movies have always made a point about the arbitrariness of the drugs demonization, simply by getting made in the first place. Pineapple Express plays with this in an opening scene that depicts the American government as the cultivators of the eponymous flower strain, a conspiratorial angle that is deepened when the film later portrays the police force as an institutional agent of evil (not one of the films biggest stretches, frankly). Yet these are elements designed as a reaction to the policing of pot, and have become foundational to the canon. Movies may not know yet, but the answer might, unsurprisingly, be on television. Donald Glovers Atlanta vacillates between grittiness and dizzying fantasy, and feels informed by weed not as subject matter or character trait, but rather a definitive sensibility that pushes the show into a fever dream. The omnipresence of institutional racism and policing notwithstanding, the show feels like it could easily exist in a post-weed America. High Maintenance portrays weed not as a source of politics or a punchline, but instead as a source of cosmic interconnectivity, unifying disparate vignettes into one singular tapestry. Even Broad City has gone a long way in flipping the script while still playing by it, turning the stoner canon on its head simply by dialing down the testosterone. Still, these works of entertainment most of them on television, though informed by a cinematic sensibility that has, ironically, nothing to do with stoner cinema are still products of marijuanas illicit years, however waning those days may be. Anxiety has become the spectre of our time, hovering invisibly as one of our generations most defining ailments. The widespread decriminalization of weed, as well as bipartisan political support for cannabis reform, may turn pot into something so ubiquitous that characters will interact with it with seemingly little fuss something as casual as ordering a drink in a bar. All of this remains unwritten, but just 10 years ago, Seth Rogens Dale is first seen cruising through a Los Angeles throughway, his windows down and radio up. Hes listening in to a talk station that hes just been patched through to. Smoking a joint, he lets the host and listeners know whats on his mind: If marijuana is not legal in the next five years, I will have no faith left in humanity, period. Its a moment meant to tell you something about his priorities, the note that quite literally introduces us to the world of the film. One month later, the country would enter the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Two months after that, it would elect its first black president. But 10 years later, its Rogen who might have been preaching change we could believe in.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/was-pineapple-express-the-last-great-stoner-movie-of-the-prohibition-era
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What Is Meant To Happen On June 21?
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Emma Farrer via Getty Images Englands proposed unlockdown from June 21 might be on the rocks following exponential growth in cases of the B1617.2 variant or Delta variant, which first originated in India over the past few weeks. The date is set to mark step four in Englands roadmap out of lockdown, which started in January 2021. Its hoped that by June 21, all legal limits on social contact could be removed, according to UK government guidelines. This would mean you could meet up with as many people as you wanted to, indoors or outside, rather than abiding by the rule of six. Step four could also mean a lifting of measures like social distancing, wearing face coverings indoors in public places and on public transport, or being urged to work from home. These are all measures that have been put in place to reduce transmission. However, with a new and seemingly more transmissible variant doing the rounds, its not guaranteed that these will be lifted so soon. Any businesses that have remained closed since last year such as nightclubs are also due to reopen on June 21. Restrictions on large events and performances would also be eased, meaning concerts, gigs, weddings and more could go ahead with bigger crowds. Initial results from the Events Research Programme show its possible to reopen such venues without huge outbreaks. A series of pilot events involving 58,000 people resulted in just 15 positive cases. These events were carried out after a long period of lockdown, when cases were generally very low. That said, its clear some interventions had an impact and could be useful in reopening society. The events tested a range of them such as altering the layout of the venue, face coverings and ventilation and all attendees took Covid tests before and after the event. Some scientists have called for urgent action to reduce the spread of the newest Delta variant and prevent a third wave. Deepti Gurdasani, a clinical epidemiologist and senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, said were already seeing rises in cases, hospitalisations and deaths. Its clear that even if we move forward as we are, and dont open up further on June 21, were still likely to face a wave exceeding Jan so postponing June 21 isnt sufficient. And distracts from the urgent need to act now, she said.
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https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/england-lockdown-rules-21-june_uk_60b5f84de4b04ddf13f23ac6
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Whos in the cast of the live-action reboot of The Powerpuff Girls?
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THE beloved animated series The Powerpuff Girls has found a new home on the CW network with a live-action reboot of the show in production. The reboot is based on the original Cartoon Network animated series that follows the tiny trio of Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup, who use their superhero abilities to fight off the evil Mojo Jojo and company. The Powerpuff Girls is an American superhero animated series created by Craig McCracken that was debuted on Cartoon Network in 1998. The show centers around Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup, three kindergarten-aged girls with superpowers. The sisters live in the fictional city of Townsville with their father and creator, a scientist named Professor Utonium. The girls are frequently called upon by the city's mayor to help fight nearby criminals and other enemies using their powers. 5 The sisters use their superhero powers to fight off evil villain's in the city of Townsville Credit: Warner Bros The girls had did battle with various villain's, including, The Gangreen Gang, Sedusa, Fuzzy Lumpkins, Princess, Mojo Jojo, Him and The Rowdyruff Boys. During it's run, the series was nominated for six Emmy Awards, nine Annie Awards and a Kids' Choice Award. Who's in the cast of the live-action reboot of The Powerpuff Girls In August, 2020, The CW announced that a live-action version of The Powerpuff Girls was in development. CW's version of the show will follow Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup as "disillusioned twentysomethings" resentful at losing their childhood to fighting crime and faced with the choice of reuniting when the world needs them more than ever. 5 Chloe Bennet will portray Blossom Credit: Getty Images On March 9, 2021, Deadline reported the CW has found its Powerpuff Girls in Chloe Bennet, Dove Cameron and Yana Perrault. Bennet will portray Blossom, Cameron will play Bubbles and Perrault will star as Buttercup. Cameron won a Daytime Emmy for her role on Disney Channel's Liv & Maddie. She has also appeared on Disney's Descendants and NBC's Hairspray Live! Bennet is known for her role as Skye on all seven seasons of ABC's Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Perrault was most recently seen on Broadway in the Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill. The script allegedly leaked on Monday, May 24 and fans were left scratching their head due to adult content in the script. One scene in specific had Blossom threatening to leak Buttercups nudes, as well as interrupting her having sex. The Chairman and CEO of the CW network, Mark Pedowitz, while not commenting not he accuracy of the leak, did announce the benching of the pilot. Pedowitz said of the decision, "In this case, the pilot didnt work. Because we see enough elements in there, we wanted to give it another shot. It may have felt a little too campy and not rooted in reality." With reshooting, rewrites and retooling, many are unsure of the development in the show. As of right now there is no release date scheduled by the CW on the reboot of The Powerpuff Girls. Production should be underway now that the CW has their three Powerpuff Girls casted.
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https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/14290654/meet-the-cast-of-the-powerpuff-girls-reboot/
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What Are the Best Weed Strains That Are High in CBD?
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Lets face it: when folks are looking to score some weed, theyre looking for strains of cannabis that are high in THC. For the majority of us, the psychoactive properties of marijuana are the herbs main draw, making THC levels of prime importance. As of late, however, people have gone crazy over the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol. So, flower strains rich in CBD are now in high demand. Even in states without legal pot, hemp CBD strains are finding a new market thanks to the legalization of the crop through the 2018 Farm Bill. Now, CBD pre-rolls, smokable hemp flower, and other products are popping up everywhere from gas stations to CVS stores to specialized cannabidiol dispensaries. These high CBD strains offer users the beneficial effects of the cannabinoid without the THC. Research into the benefits of CBD continues, but cannabidiol shows promise as a potential treatment for pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety, seizure disorders, and sleep problems. CBD is also used as a nutritional supplement to promote overall wellness. Weed that's high in CBD is available in a range of cannabinoid ratios, including cultivars that routinely deliver a balanced ratio (1:1) of CBD to THC; others with more CBD than THC; and hemp strains with less than 0.3 percent THC by weight. Whatever potency level youre looking for, theres a high CBD strain of cannabis out there for you. Heres a short list of our all-time favorite CBD flower strains. Charlottes Web Probably one of the most well-known high CBD strains, Charlottes Web was made famous when it was featured on the CNN special Weed by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. The strain is named after Charlotte Figi, a young Colorado girl with a severe form of epilepsy that was treated successfully with a high CBD cannabis tincture. Charlottes Web is a cross of industrial hemp with marijuana that was bred by Colorados Stanley Brothers. This high CBD strain averages about 17 percent cannabidiol with negligible amounts of THC, making it a popular option for kids or those who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the associated high. The terpenes myrcene and caryophyllene give Charlottes Web an earthy, woodsy aroma and flavor. Cherry Wine Cherry Wine is a high CBD strain of hemp that is popular with both indoor and outdoor cultivators. The sweet cherry and berry notes blend with caryophyllene to give the varietal a woody or peppery undertone, making it a common choice for pre-rolls and smokable flower in states that dont have legalized marijuana. CBD levels for Cherry Wine range from 19 percent to 21 percent with low THC less than 1 percent. Cherry Wine has a calming effect thats great for relaxation and stress relief. Ringos Gift Ringos Gift is a cross of AC/DC and Harle-Tsu, another strain of cannabis high in CBD. Ringos Gift is named after its breeder, Lawrence Ringo, a cannabis activist and early proponent of the therapeutic uses of CBD. The strain has a generous level of CBD, up to 20 percent or higher, with a low THC level that usually tests at around 1 percent. Ringos Gift provides a relaxing but alert effect and has an earthy aroma and flavor. AC/DC AC/DC is a descendant of Cannatonic, another high CBD strain bred in Spain by Resin Seeds, which is about 50 percent sativa and 50 percent indica. AC/DC generally delivers a healthy CBD to THC ratio, averaging about 16 to 24 percent CBD and about 2 to 6 percent THC, making it a popular choice for treating pain and anxiety. The low-but-present levels of THC may impart a little buzz, but it wont leave you blitzed. Without a heavy high, however, its a great choice for daytime-use. Dominant terpenes include pinene and caryophyllene, giving the variety a clean scent heavy with pine. Harlequin Harlequin is a sativa-dominant strain with a lineage that includes Thai sativa, Colombia Gold, Swiss landrace varieties, and Nepali indica strains. The terpenes myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene give this high CBD strain an earthy, woodsy fragrance. The usual CBD to THC ratio of Harlequin comes in at about 5:2, with CBD as the dominant cannabinoid. The strain produces about 8 to 16 percent CBD with moderate amounts of THC about 4 to 7 percent. Medicinal uses of Harlequin include the treatment of pain, inflammation, and anxiety. High CBD strains of cannabis provide all the benefits of the cannabinoid without getting loaded, making them an attractive alternative when being stoned isnt practical. And because hemp is legal, pre-packaged joints rolled with high CBD strains are being used recreationally in states that have yet to flip from red to green. Some smokers are even using them as a way to wean themselves off of cigarettes. Whether youre a newbie cautious about the effects of THC, or an accomplished consumer looking to mix up your cannabis game, consider giving high CBD strains a shot. Follow AJ Herrington on Instagram
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-are-the-best-weed-strains-that-are-high-in-cbd
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What Are the Strongest Weed Strains of All-Time?
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Lead image by Tyler Nacho Ever since ancient goat herders puffed the first bowls in history, tokers have always looked for stronger, danker weed. Before cultivation became as sophisticated as it is today, weed usually contained only 1 to 4 percent THC. Now, weve got plants cranking out THC contents higher than 30 percent, which was once thought to be impossible. While THC content is a good indicator for strong weed, bud potency isnt based on THC alone. Other cannabinoids likely fiddle with the intensities (and onsets) of our highs, and theres evidence that additional plant components, like terpenes , could contribute, too. Assessing potency gets even more complicated with cultivation methods and lab-testing nuances , which have yet to become standardized. So bear in mind that this isnt necessarily a list of strains with the highest reported THC percentages (though well include those), or the richest terpene profiles. Its not even a list of the best-selling buds, but sales were something we considered. Rather, this is primarily a list of those strains which consistently brought tokers back for more; a collection of plants with iconic reputations reputations they acquired for good reason. And while this list may not be complete, wed argue its a comprehensive start. (We will likely publish a follow-up to this story, so stay tuned.) Many of the uber-dank strains mentioned below made the final cut above all others because of their prominence in pop culture. For instance, Chemdog got its start in the parking lot of Grateful Dead concert back in the 1990s, and today, the bands former drummer, Mickey Hart , exclusively sells Chemdog pre-rolls through his new celeb weed company. Or in the case of Green Crack which supposedly got its moniker from Uncle Snoop himself rose to fame because its speedy, mind-racing effects were branded right into its name. So, without further ado, here are the famous strains that forever changed the breeding and weeding games because folks couldnt get enough of them. Chemdog Chemdog 91 is todays grandma of commercial weed. But the strain became legendary because of its exceptionally high potency, which is saying a lot, considering its origins among Deadheads . The highest THC value ever recorded for Chemdog was at 32 percent from a High Times Cannabis Cup batch cultivated by Denvers Next Harvest. Breeders generally recognize Chemdog as the ancestor of several other famous, powerful strains, including Skywalker, Northern Lights, Sour Diesel, and OG Kush. Acapulco Gold Not every weed strain gets its own song by the heady heroes Cheech and Chong, but, as they once sang, Acapulco Gold is badass weeeeed! Acapulco Gold is a Mexican landrace strain that originates from a region near Acapulco, hence the name. When its buds are broken up, it should exude a scent reminiscent of charred wood or burnt coffee . Acapulco Gold usually tests above 20 percent THC, making it hella strong by both todays standards and during its heydays in the 60s and 70s. OG Kush Lore says OG Kushs birthplace is somewhere in Florida an unusual origin story for weed plants with renowned reputations. This strain was likely the product of Chemdog crossed with a Hindu Kush landrace, and its since gone on to produce its own popular progeny, such as GSC, SFV OG, Ghost OG, Bubba Kush, and Headband. OG Kush is typically marketed for its borderline-trippy psychoactive effects, which could be desired among some of the more experienced tokers, but not so much with novices. On average, OG Kush buds come in around 20 to 25 percent THC. ), Durban Poisons name hasnt dissuaded us from smoking boat-loads of it. Hailing from South Africa (which recently legalized! ) and introduced to the US by the illustrious breeder Ed Rosenthal, this strain was a top-seller in Colorado in 2017 , becoming one of the first plants to knock Blue Dream from its previously reigning spot. True Durban Poison should smell a little piney with some earthy-sweet notes not unlike licorice roots . Its potency has some wide variability, too between 15 to 25 percent so make sure to pick some up from only the best growers. GSC (formerly known as Girl Scout Cookies) GSC used to be known as Girl Scout Cookies until a certain outdoorsy youth organization claimed trademark infringement. Born from a marriage of OG Kush and Durban Poison (which makes the aforementioned Chemdog part of its powerhouse lineage, as well), GSC has swept up awards from major cannabis competitions due to its candied flavors, chillaxed highs, and firey potencies of 25 to 28 percent THC. Its progeny include pretty much every strain with the word Cookies in its name. Image via The Glue a.k.a. GG4 (formerly Gorilla Glue #4) The Glue a.k.a. GG a.k.a. Original Glue, like GSC, used to be known by another name Gorilla Glue . This was because its buds are so sticky you could practically sell em as industrial adhesives on late-night infomercials. Another top-seller in Colorado in 2017 , GG often swapped the number-one spot with Durban Poison, depending on the week back then. It consistently tests above 20 percent THC, and some batches have reached as high as 32 percent . Heady strength aside, its also popular for its unique bouquet , which carries hints of gasoline mixed with hot chocolate. Image via Godfather OG Unlike The Godfather of the cinematic mafia series, Godfather OG wont make you sleep with the fishes, but it could put you to sleep as in, in a bed. Or if youre the graveyard-shift gamer type, it might lock you to the couch harder than the deflated kids in those infamous anti-weed PSAs . At one point, Godfather OG held the top THC crown with values testing at a whopping 34 percent , making it one of the strongest weed strains ever recorded. However, most batches typically crank out between 25 to 28 percent THC, which is still nothing to sniff at. Speaking of sniffing, cannabis connoisseurs can usually recognize Godfather OG by its grapey aromatic qualities , which complement its characteristic purple pistils. Brownie Scout Brownie Scout is fairly new to the weed scene, but given its purported THC content, dont let the innocent name fool you: its a veritable Godzilla rampaging among the lowlier kaijra. As its name implies, Brownie Scout has roots in GSC (formerly called Girl Scout Cookies), specifically the Platinum GSC strain, which was bred from OG Kush, Durban Poison, and a third strain. And given Brownie Scouts genetics, this makes it yet another strongest-strain-of-all-time that descended from Chemdog. According to recent lab tests, Brownie Scout may be the weed with the most THC content ever grown , with a peak at 37.5 percent THC. Its breeders claim it consistently produces over 30 percent THC. But since these values come only from a Green Thumb Industries (GTI) dispensary in Illinois, to get a shiny Brownie Scout badge, devoted tokers will need to relocate to the Prairie State. GTI currently markets Brownie Scout for anxiety, pain, and insomnia, so expect its smoke to be a knock-out. Honorable Mentions As we mentioned at the beginning, this isnt a complete list. Cultivators constantly improve their grow game, and new, stronger plants are appearing on dispensary shelves every day. And again, best and strongest strains are two entirely different beasts. High THC content doesnt necessarily mean superior flower. For reference, the top-winning flower at The Emerald Cup rarely tests above 23% THC . But for hardcore tokers on the lookout for plants that pack a punch, check out Green Crack, Strawberry Cough, Blue Dream, White Widow, Headband, Bruce Banner, Pineapple Express, Northern Lights, or White Fire OG. Assuming, of course, that your local dispensary hasnt already sold out of them.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-are-the-strongest-weed-strains-of-all-time
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What Are Trichomes and Do I Want Them in My Weed?
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Cannabis without trichomes would be like a pool without water: deprived of one of its central ingredients (but probably still fun for skateboarders). Simply put, trichomes are resin glands. They are also a fundamental component of what makes pot so special. You may know them better as that layer of crystalline frost on cannabis nugs, buds, and leaves. In some cases, you may rue them as the culprit for your sticky fingers after rolling a joint. Though trichomes are indeed both of those things, they are also much more. They are the proverbial factories that produce terpenes and cannabinoids the two things that, together, essentially define a given flowers flavor, effect, and potency. Understanding trichomes can be a critical element in determining what varieties of cannabis will work best for an individual. If youre ready to learn more, heres a crash course behind pots secret ingredient. Etymology enthusiasts should note that trichomes derives from the Greek word trchma, which translates to growth of hair. Thats an apt choice, as cannabis trichomes do tend to resemble fine hairs. As for their function, trichomes offer different benefits to different plants (they also exist on all manner of plants, algae, and lichens). When it comes to cannabis, they act as a form of defense for female pot plants, thanks to their bitter taste and pungent scents. Furthermore, they also help protect against ferocious winds and potentially harmful UV rays. There are many varieties of trichomes, but only three types contain THC and other medicinal cannabinoids:. Bulbous trichomes: The tiniest of the three (10-15 micrometers). Capitate sessile trichomes: The middle option by both size and amount. Capitate-stalked trichomes: Easily the most abundant of these three varieties, capitate-stalked trichomes are what you can see without a microscope. They measure from 50-100 micrometers in width. All three types of trichomes produce cannabinoids and secrete essential oils, which we rely on to define the characteristics of different strains. Trichomes and Cultivation Farmers must often trust their own observational skills when it comes to gauging plant health. In the case of cannabis, theyre often looking closely at trichomes, as their lifecycle runs parallel to that of the whole plant. The maturation of a cannabis plant usually coincides with a change in trichome color, most often evolving from clear to cloudy to amber. By watching for telltale signs in color transition, farmers can see if their crop is progressing as expected. In some cases, however, trichomes will not necessarily change color when maturation occurs, so it's imperative that farmers know the specific characteristics of the type of cannabis theyre growing and what environmental variables may affect its growth cycle and trichome production. First starters, trichomes are pretty dang cool to look at it. Youll be amazed at what you can see just with a magnifying glass. More practically speaking, there is no guarantee that an abundance of resin glands will directly equate to more THC, CBD, or other healing cannabinoids and terpenes. It is, however, a sign of a healthy plant and the aesthetic appeal trichomes add is undeniable. If you want to really take your trichome tutorial to the next level, you may want to think about learning how to make kief, hash, or shatter. All three are, in essence, concentrated trichomes separated from the main cannabis flower. The main difference in the three is form, with kief being a powdered form of hash (which is pressed), and shatter representing one of several outcomes when you concentrate cannabis resin. Keep an eye out for those trichomes! Theyre more than just beautiful lil crystals and hairs.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-are-trichomes-and-do-i-want-them-in-my-weed
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What Did Cannabis Ever Do to Jerry Brown?
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At the end of January, former California Governor Jerry Brown sat down with New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd for a wide-ranging discussion. Eventually, the subject turned to cannabis. Legalizing pot is about getting stoned, Brown opined. Nothing else, nothing more. Given the seemingly endless array of topics a four-term governor (of the worlds fifth-largest economy) and a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist (for one of the worlds most prestigious papers) couldve tackled, it was more than a little disheartening to see such tired and patently false rhetoric surface once more in the public sphere. In Browns case, it was but the latest example in a long history of dismissive comments towards cannabis. While much has been written about Dowds own infamous 2014 column detailing her negative experience with a cannabis-infused edible, it is Brown who has done more harm to the movement overall. In 2018, he told a different New York Times reporter that when it comes to stopping oil drilling in California, We either do nothing and smoke marijuana because its legalized, or we put our shoulder to the plow and do everything we can. Beyond the borderline irrational logic on display in these quotes, the latter of the two points is perhaps the most baffling aspect of Browns anti-pot crusade. With his time as governor now in the rearview, Brown could feasibly erase any memories of his anti-drug reform legacy and enhance his reputation in the fight against climate change by simply choosing not to offer fresh commentary on cannabis. It would be one thing if Brown had served as the governor of a state with a neutral or negative stance on regulating cannabis, but instead, he was at the helm when California essentially changed the game by legalizing recreational pot when voters approved Proposition 64 in 2016. Naturally, Brown was against the bill. In 2014, he again conflated cannabis with laziness when he spoke with NBCs Meet the Press. The worlds pretty dangerous, very competitive, Brown said. I think we need to stay alert, if not 24 hours a day, more than some of the potheads might be able to put together. Before one can even wade into the logic of Browns argument, theres the questionable tactic of using an antiquated term like pothead an expression which connotes an addictive relationship to cannabis that has been largely disproven and one that also dismissively describes roughly 55 million adults in America. In short, its the kind of rhetoric one might expect from a crooked faith-based organization or deeply biased conservative pundit eager to ensure misinformation reaches the mainstream echo chamber. Its not the words you want coming out of the mouth of a largely respected, liberal politician who was, at the time, the leader of the first state to implement a medical marijuana program . Lest there be any confusion, Browns track record as governor was largely impressive. In addition to his substantial environmental advocacy, his legacy includes steadying Californias tumultuous finances , and, in his later years, embracing his role as one of President Donald Trumps most vocal critics . In a way, this context makes his unmoveable disapproval of regulated cannabis all the more confusing. On the cusp of his exit as governor last fall, Brown rejected a number of bills that many in the cannabis industry viewed as necessary improvements to Californias nascent regulatory framework. Among them was a bill to allow licensed cannabis retailers to deduct business expenses , a bill to permit children to access medical cannabis at school , and a bill designed to protect compassionate care programs by allowing licensed retailers to give free cannabis products to qualified medical patients. With the far more cannabis-friendly Gavin Newsom now in office as Browns successor, its fair to suspect many of these vetoed bills may shortly find their way back to Sacramento for further consideration. Regardless, Browns reasoning for rejecting some of the laws above is downright appalling. I remain concerned about the exposure of marijuana on youth, Brown wrote in his veto of Senate Bill 1127, and am dubious of its use for youth for all ailments. Its difficult to respect Browns logic given the FDA approved a drug built around the active ingredient of cannabidiol (CBD) in June three months before he vetoed SB1127. At this point, though, Browns actions as Californias Governor are no longer of much concern. In fact, had he decided to let the matter rest and instead focused on lending his expertise to climate change, it would be easy enough to dismiss his past foibles on the subject of drug policy reform. Unfortunately, Brown continues to use his press interviews and public appearances to disparage cannabis a subject on which he has shown himself to be uninformed, if not willfully ignorant. Until he is ready to change the subject or at very least, learn more about it Brown risks eroding his legacy by refusing to evolve. When Maureen Dowd documented her brief lapse into madness at the hands of a infused candy bar, it didnt send the industry reeling. Yes, putting proper dosing information on the labels of cannabis products is of vital importance, but Dowds column revealed more about her own psyche than any shortcoming on the part of the plant itself. The same is now true of Brown, whose words will have no ill effects on an industry that continues to grow by exponential leaps and bounds. Instead, it will serve only to establish that Brown is firmly entrenched within the final generation of politicians to genuinely believe their opinions on cannabis supercede the facts. Weve now reached a point where nearly every candidate harboring serious aspirations of becoming the Democratic Partys 2020 presidential nominee has publicly endorsed federal cannabis reform. Even Republicans are starting to realize that waging wars on regulated cannabis wont help them at the polls. As a lifelong politician, Brown must know that going against the tides of public opinion rarely pays dividends. With so much at stake and a global age of misinformation in full swing Browns valuation of his own moral high ground pale in comparison to the benefit his support (or silence) on the subject would offer. The future is now, Jerry Brown. Its time to accept that embracing cannabis reform and advocacy is embracing the right side of history. Follow Zack Ruskin on Twitter
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-did-cannabis-ever-do-to-governor-jerry-brown
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What Do Real Cannabis Farmers Think of Netflix's "Murder Mountain"?
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All copyrights belong to Swami Select For years, before the end of prohibition was even remotely in sight, mainstream media outlets regularly pushed their way into The Emerald Triangle , eager to find juicy stories about gun-crazed pot farmers hiding in the hills, rejecting The Man, and supposedly embodying a new iteration of the outlaw Wild West. It seemed as if every story followed a formula and incorporated the same archetypes: The tough local sheriff whos seen it all; an eccentric or downright bonkers farmer; the sweet hippie farmer who moved to Northern California during the back-to-the-land movement; some angry neighbors and then shots of trash heaps, cash heaps, and footage of thousands of plants being cut down by law enforcement. Then, of course, the news teams would show the crops being hauled away via trucks and helicopters, or else shredded and sometimes even torched. Basically, they portrayed the mountains of Northern California as a war zone ground zero for the countrys fight against drugs. Of course, back then it was indeed difficult to find anyone willing to talk about what it was really like to grow weed in this remote area near the western edge of the continent. No one was sharing stories about bucolic hippie communes growing pot, with occasional disturbances by nosey choppers hovering above. The whole point of living way out there was to get away from the frenzied crowd in the city and to secure some privacy. It was easy for the media to weave a negative veil over the entire business, creating the picture of a nefarious underworld of greedy criminals hiding out in the hills. The image of the Wild West of Cannabis was sure to capture eyeballs and thus sell ads. But I was hoping that by now decades after the same story has been told and retold, as well as more than a year into Californias recreational legalization program things were starting to change... Above, a photo of Mendocino taken by Nikki and Swami When writing the story of your life, dont let anyone else hold the pen. Honestly, I dont know who that quote originally came from, but Ive seen it several times. As a journalist for many years of my life, its been a thrill to evolve from crafting lifestyle stories for major newspapers like the San Francisco Chronicle to reporting about life in The Emerald Triangle for MERRY JANE and other publications. Over the years, Swami and I have written about the trials and tribulations (as well as the joys and excitement) of being cannabis farmers. We, along with so many others, have conscientiously tried to re-shape the story around this ancient plant and the people who grow it. Weve aimed to remove the stigma, one piece at a time, to evolve the narrative about the evil weed, the Devils Lettuce, and highlight the fact that cannabis is the most useful plant on Earth for food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Slowly, we thought we were making progress and influencing the publics conception of cannabis, generally, as well as how the masses perceive the unique lifestyle of cultivators up in the Triangle. And then comes Netflix. Suddenly, in the last month, people started asking if wed seen Murder Mountain the new six-part true crime series about Humboldt County cannabis farmers. It goes without saying that Netflix is an entertainment monolith, accessible to millions, and the people asking us about the show were from outside the cannabis space. Our editor at MERRY JANE echoed the same, noting that he also received numerous messages from friends on the East Coast saying, Wow, so thats what The Emerald Triangle is really like Clearly, this is a series thats being widely watched and making an impression far outside the weed world. Sensational true crime TV is not at all my thing, but we knew we had to watch Murder Mountain and see how the series was portraying our home and community. Above, a screenshot from "Murder Mountain" Well, we watched it To start, lets make this clear to the mainstream media: Get over it, guys! To indoctrinate viewers with their narrow point of view, the filmmakers used every cheap trick in the cinematography and editing handbook. Director Joshua Zeman uses the same old tired images of trashed and burnt out vehicles over and over again. Almost all of the scenic B-roll involves dark, dingy, and foggy shots, accompanied by dirge-style music. From the start of the series, these stylistic cues imprint negative images of The Emerald Triangle in viewers heads, insinuating that the area is one big gloomy space where something ominous might happen at any moment. Hey! The sun actually shines in The Emerald Triangle! On average , there are 216 sunny days per year in Mendocino County, and a few less in Humboldt. Those basic, manipulative editing techniques from the shows onset present an illusion of the area to fit the theme of their murder story. Its a biased portrayal, and by no means the only misrepresentation of The Emerald Triangle thats salient throughout the series. The main story in Murder Mountain focuses on the tiny community of Alderpoint, in Southern Humboldt, way out at the edge of nowhere on the scenic Eel River. As the crow flies, its not that far from our ranch in Mendocino, but on the twisty back roads in the mountains, it would take us nearly two hours to drive there. Such is the isolation of the Emerald Triangle, which is exactly why the hippie pioneers moved there in the 70s. The doc series revolves around a kid from San Diego who was growing in the Triangle and working with people in Alderpoint. He eventually goes missing, and we watch as the filmmakers unpack his murder, follow the local vigilantes who find the killer, and document the subsequent flawed investigation by local police. It is a sad and scary tale, for sure. The core facts about the crimes that occurred on Murder Mountain are likely true. Above, a screenshot from "Murder Mountain" But our issue with the show is not about the central murder plot, but rather how The Emerald Triangle and the culture here is depicted. To start, Alderpoint is a tiny blip in the whole geography of Mendocino, Humboldt, and Trinity put together. Humboldt, as a whole, is 4052 square miles; Trinity is 3208 square miles; Mendocino is 3878 square miles all together, The Emerald Triangle is 11,138 square miles, or the size of Vermont and Rhode Island combined. Alderpoint, within Humboldt, is 2.43 square miles total, with a population of 186 people. To present Murder Mountain as if it were representative of this entire, massive area is biased and dangerous. Itd be like saying a tiny town in Vermont speaks for all of New England. Then, squeezed between interviews with local sheriffs and clandestine growers about the violence in Alderpoint, the filmmakers insert brief histories of Northern California cannabis culture. They have snippets about why hippies originally moved here during the back to the land movement, detail the growth of the black market in the late 70s and 80s, include the prerequisite footage of feds cracking down and destroying farms, and even highlight the modern plights of small farmers as they face the transition into legalization. The historical parts present a lighter, even utopian view of the Triangle, but when crammed within the larger murder narrative, it projects the idea that cannabis culture up here is homogeneous, sensational, and a failed criminal enterprise. Above, a screenshot from "Murder Mountain" While watching the series, we couldnt help but feel like a film crew was originally sent out here to cover a story about black market farmers coming into compliance. But we imagine that as soon as someone mentioned Murder Mountain, the crew pivoted and found their real story. The old saying in the newspaper business sums it up: If it bleeds it leads. Murder and mayhem grab eyeballs. The other narratives that are touched on the transition into legalization, how small farmers are getting crushed, how the black market is still persisting get overshadowed by one grim murder plot, making even the positive angles feel tarnished. Furthermore, the many positive aspects of cannabis cultivation embraced here in the Triangle like a dedication to sustainability and healthy growing practices get glossed over entirely. A non-gloomy photo of a pot farm in The Emerald Triangle, courtesy of Nikki and Swami Terra Carver, Executive Director of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance, told us that shes been getting teary phone calls from local "normal" farmers because they were so upset by Murder Mountain and the false impression of the county it pushes. Word on the street is that several of the young seasonal trimmers turned around and left the area because their parents insisted after watching the doc. Whether or not it was intentional, the effect of projecting such a negative image of The Emerald Triangle is that people don't want any involvement and certainly dont want to smoke weed grown in such a seemingly nasty, violent place. Obviously, life isnt all paradise here in the Triangle. We have to deal with the rules and regulations like anyone else in cannabiz. And the new age of legal cannabis is making it difficult for families to survive. Certainly, there are a few bad actors up in the mountains no place is perfect but we are not talking murder all over the place! In truth, what happened in Murder Mountain had little to do with cannabis, and a lot to do with corrupt human nature much of which was a consequence of prohibition. This Netflix program may be a small step backwards in our promotion of the wonders of the Magical Herb and the ideal place to grow it, but it offers us the opportunity to declare unequivocally: The worlds best sun grown organic cannabis is cultivated in the verdant and exquisite hills of Northern California. Murder Mountain may be in The Emerald Triangle, but The Emerald Triangle is not Murder Mountain! For more on Nikki and Swami, visit www.swamiselect.com
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-do-real-cannabis-farmers-think-of-netflixs-murder-mountain
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What Exactly Is a "Dub" of Weed? And How Much Pot Is in a "Dubsack"?
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Hello, dear MERRY JANE readers. We love you! Today were back with another lesson in cannabis semantics. We all know theres a wide range of THC terminology, and pot slang has evolved in tandem with cannabis culture. While some turns of phrase are commonplace for longtime smokers, there are new consumers getting into grass on a daily basis, and not everyone knows the definition of, say, FECO, shatter, or the entourage effect. That said, were not trying to patronize tried-and-true tokers so if you consider yourself an endo expert, this article may seem a bit 101 to you. But hey, we all need a refresher now and then, and consider this post something you could send to your mother. Anyway, we defined what a zip of weed was the last time we offered a lil lesson on linguistics. (In case you forgot, it means an ounce of pot.) Gallery Fuck-Tons of Weed That Will Never Get Smoked ... Except Maybe By Cops: To be clear, the term dub does not refer to the music genre popularized by Jamaican artists, nor the electronic music genre dubstep, despite marijuanas connection to both. The term dub music, popularized by geniuses like King Tubby, refers to a dublate, or an acetate recording disk that studios would use to test recordings prior to mastering them on vinyl. In the context of cannabis, however, dub is a unit of measurement that derives from dubs, which is slang for car rims that are at least 20 inches in diameter. For reference, peep Master Ps 2005 track I Need Dubs, featuring the lyrics: Cruisin with my girls even rollin with thugs / I need dubs, 22's, 24's. So a dub refers to the number 20, and in pot parlance that means a bag of weed that costs $20. Historically, 20 bucks will get you a gram of weed if purchased on the black market. Back in the day, it was common to slap a street dealer a bill with Andrew Jacksons face on it in exchange for a small baggie that could fit a sizeable nug or two. Today, though, underground dealers and delivery services will rarely make a sale thats less than an eighth of an ounce of weed. And in legal markets, grams can go for as low as $10 bucks these days. If you buy in bulk, the price of a gram could even be less. 1 gram of weed (Photo by Tolula) A dub does not necessarily equate one gram, but rather a $20 purchase. Depending on the dealer, a dubsack could be anywhere between 0.7 grams (if they want to rip you off) and 1.5 grams (if the plug is feeling generous). Sometimes a dealer might offer a discount and say theyre doing a ten dollar dub, suggesting that youd get the weed at half price. To recap, a dub or dubsack of weed means a $20 purchase, typically from an underground pusher. Like last time, we want to add some pop culture into our lesson, so here are some rippin tunes where the artist references a dub or dubsack: We bangin' out, that Taylor Gang / Dub to your face, baby 'til you say my name ~ Wiz Khalifa on Black and Yellow I know that you've been smoking all my tumble weed / I looked into my dub sack all I seen was stems and seeds / You better get dressed, hit the door / Go to the dub spot and buy some mo' ~ Afroman on Afroman Is Coming to Town I stay gettin green or the cheese, I'm with it / In the backstreet with the Bs that lit it / Dub sacks in the stash, plus the weed is hittin ~ Lil B on Im Just Livin Midi-mapping hats, yo, tryna get cake / Waitin on a dub cause the weed mans late ~ Awkwafina on Marijuana Take a turn, at this point my main concern / Where the buds everyday I burn so I can grub / I need at least a dub. ~ Wiki on 3 Stories And when Im smokin dubs, you cant hit my weed / Gold diggin bitch dont get no love from me ~ Tay-K on The Plug Make a visit, stop by the weed spot grab a dub / I know grams gon' have me a grub ~ Beanie Sigel on Mom Praying If you find a bag of weed on the floor, pick it up / And if you find it I got 10 on the dub / I'm hard to find like pickin weed out a rug ~ Redman on Gilla House Check So now you know the definition of the slang may you smoke many dubs in peace, and dont let anyone charge you more than $20 for a gram! Related:
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-exactly-is-a-dub-of-weed-and-how-much-pot-is-in-a-dubsack
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What Exactly Is a "Zip" of Weed? And How Much Pot Is That?
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Lead image via When I was a teenager, I remember texting a classic high school dealer, asking if he was around to chill. This dude was the archetypal suburban nug slanger, who drove a janky used Honda with a custom spoiler that was worth as much as the actual car. You know, the type whod force you to watch him feed his pet lizard whenever you rolled over to his moms crib to pick up mids. Rather than reply with something vague or cryptic, as he usual did, the pot dealer texted back something like: Ay bro, got two kind zips from my plug in Mendo. Serious headies. This was during the flip-phone era, so there were no emojis, but he might as well have added five-to-ten fire symbols. A relative novice to weed at the time, I had no clue what the hell this dude was saying. Related: The World's Shittiest Blunts Now, well over a decade later, this dealers text makes perfect sense. Apparently, I just wasnt yet fluent in dealerese. Still, the term isnt really common parlance, and you shouldnt feel bad for not knowing the definition of a zip. And, as always, MERRY JANE is here to bloom your brain and educate you in all things grass. Lets dig into the roots of this reefer term. A zip of weed refers to an ounce of cannabis, typically in the form of flower. An ounce equals just over 28 grams. In case you forgot, an eighth or a slice refers to an eighth of an ounce, or 3.5 grams of weed. So a zip is also eight eighths of an ounce, like a full pizza, whereas an eighth is like one slice of the whole pie / the whole zip. 1 ounce of weed (Photo by Spencer Strayer) To get more granular, most pre-rolled joints in legal markets contain about a half gram of flower. So a zip of weed equals about 56 joints. And currently, a zip/ounce of weed goes for about $150-300 , depending on the quality of the cannabis and where youre buying it from. Theres no definitive answer about who coined the slang, but its origins likely relate to some mundane logic. An ounce is abbreviated as an oz, and you can usually fit a full 28 grams into one of those large Ziploc bags your parents use to freeze peas or fruit inside. So take the z from both oz and Ziploc and there you go: A zip of weed. / Gas in a Ziploc, now that's loud and clear ~ 2Chainz on Its a Vibe And, finally, to decode that text sent from my dealers burner, oh so long ago. Ay bro, got two kind zips from my plug in Mendo. Serious headies. This means hes got two ounces of kind bud meaning top-shelf flower that his supplier in Mendocino, California sent him. The weed is seriously strong, or heady. So there you go. Now, if anyone tries to sell you a zip and the package contains just a couple buds, you know youre getting played. Happy smoking yall! Related:
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-exactly-is-a-zip-of-weed
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What Is a "Dime of Weed" and How Much Pot Is That?
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Newbies to the budding world of legal weed (or those who have only purchased pot from a dispensary) might not be familiar with cannabis slang from yesteryear. But thats why youve got your pals at MERRY JANE to bloom your brain and melt your mind with some 101 endo education. This week, weve got another lesson in sensi-semantics for ya. In the past, weve defined such THC terms like a zip and dub in case you forgot, theyre other units of marijuana measurement and now were back for another hot lesson in weed words. You wont find a dime of weed in a pot shop, but you might find it on the black market. If it were 1999, a dime would be common. Yes, in Giuliani-era NYC, for example, street dealers would sell dimes left and right. Hell, your bodega guy might even have pre-packaged dimes of weed hidden behind the counter perfect for when you show up wasted and want to cop a sandwich and secure yourself a little nightcap nug. Today, however, a dime is less common. In 2019, few underground dealers will deliver you weed for less than a $60 order (typically at least an eighth of pot, especially if youre in a state with prohibition laws on the books). But for the sake of this history lesson, lets pretend dimes are still regularly pushed from your friendly neighborhood dealer. Basically, a dime of weed also called a dimebag is $10 worth of pot. Dime is code for 10 as a dime in US currency is equivalent to 10 cents. (Did we blow your mind with that hard knowledge?) The amount of pot you can get in a dime of weed varies from place to place, and from dispensary to dealer. To understand if youre scoring a deal or getting ripped off, you need to get comfortable with the metric system. US dispensaries (and the rest of the free world) operate in terms of ounces and grams. One ounce is quite a bit of bud and is equal to 28 grams. OK, technically you can buy pot by the pound, but thats a whole lot of herb. On average, a dime of weed, dimebag, or ten bag is equal to about half a gram of pot, which equates to about two average-sized joints (or two large spliffs). However, the overall amount you get from your dime depends on several factors. Gallery Top Travel Spots for THC Lovers: Location Supply and demand is the basis of any product cost. In the US, the most significant factor that determines the price of pot is legalization. States with legal dispensaries offer more supply, and thus costs tend to be lower. So if youre in a state with legal marijuana , youll probably see a little more in your dime of weed than if you were in a state where marijuana is not legalized. If you are purchasing legally, the next thing to consider is taxes. Different states tax marijuana at different rates . If youre in a high tax state, youll likely see less in your dime (bummer). Typically, if youre closer to where your cannabis is grown, youll see more weed in your dimebag. A "dime of weed" is half of a gram of weed (Photo by Tolula) Quality Dispensaries carry high-quality bud that is grown, transported, stored, and sold, according to strict guidelines. These businesses also make sure the herb is pure and can classify strains based on their THC level. Indoor grown weed is pricier than outdoor or sungrown cannabis, due to production costs like electricity, water, and other factors related to licensing. With higher quality, comes higher cost, which translates to less pot in your dime of weed. Still, though, if you go to a dispensary and only drop 10 bucks, the budtender is likely going to roll his eyes at you Time of year Most outdoor farms have their harvest season in the early fall. If you time your purchasing right, you can take advantage of the influx of new herb and get a little extra in your dime. Additionally, the more you buy, the lower the cost per unit. Just like Costco, buying in bulk gives you the best deal in the long run (just make sure you store all of your weed correctly for later use). TL/DR A dime of weed is $10 worth of marijuana. That will get you different amounts of pot based on things like quality and location. But good luck finding anyone who sells dime bags in the black market anymore. Even the dealers who still slang weed in plastic cubes are likely pushing at least a dub, if not more. The more you know! Related:
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-is-a-dime-of-weed-and-how-much-pot-is-that
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What Is CBD and How Is It Different From THC?
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So, youre trying to convince your grandma to try medical cannabis, but she doesnt want to get high. Or maybe youve noticed that new line of weed-infused beauty products at the local drug store, but youre not sure what they are or what theyre supposed to do. Welcome to the CBD craze. Its sweeping the nation like a fossil-fuel-induced heatwave. And despite the feds best attempts to scare people away from CBD, it looks like its here to stay. CBD is short for cannabidiol (pronounced kanna-bih-dye-ahl). Its a molecule thats pretty much only found in Cannabis sativa, much like that other compound found in weed, THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol). Both CBD and THC are classified as cannabinoids, a class of chemicals that interact with our bodies endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a physiological system like our respiratory, circulatory, nervous, or digestive systems. You can read more about the endocannabinoid system here . A growing mountain of evidence shows that CBD has several medical or medicinal uses. Last year, the US FDA approved Americas first weed-derived CBD medication, Epidiolex , which is prescribed to patients with severe epileptic seizure disorders. Studies have shown that CBD could also help break drug addictions, combat chronic pain , reduce anxiety and depression, protect nerve and brain cells from damage, and potentially treat some cancers . But since CBD comes from cannabis, and marijuana remains federally outlawed (but not hemp, the primary plant source for todays CBD), research on CBD has been slow developing in the US. While the FDA mulls new regulations for CBD products, the hemp-sourced chemical is being infused in everything from food to lotions to underarm deodorants. At the moment, the FDA is cracking down on select companies that make health claims related to their CBD products, especially CBD products made from edible foodstuffs . There are differences among CBD products made from hemp (cannabis that has almost no THC) and CBD products made from marijuana (cannabis with THC). You can learn more about those differences here . THC is known as the part of weed that gets people intoxicated. CBD, on the other hand, doesnt get anyone lifted, although some folks claim that high doses of it can instill some chill, feel-good vibes. And heres the really neat part: THC and CBD are almost chemically identical. Almost. Caption: THC (on the left) has three closed carbon hexagon rings in its structure. CBD (on the right) features a break in the middle hexagon ring. ( Source : Ethan Russo and Geoffry Guy) Unless youve taken some chemistry courses, you probably dont really understand those two chemical structure diagrams. So, heres a quick takeaway: THC is a molecule made up of three carbon-based hexagon rings. CBD is essentially that same three-ring structure, but its broken at the center, making it two big rings that can twist along that broken axis. That small but incredibly significant break explains how CBD gets no one blazed, but THC does. Both THC and CBD work on our bodies by binding to our CB receptors . CB receptors are tiny protein gates embedded in our cells, and these receptors regulate how our cells communicate with one another, our organs, and our brain. Since THC is composed of three solid rings, it binds tightly to the CB1 receptor thats mainly found in our brains and nerves, hence why it gets people stoned. CBD, however, does not bind tightly to the CB1 receptor (remember, its got that break along its middle section). It binds to the receptor just enough to stimulate it, but it cannot activate the CB1 receptor the same way THC does. Instead, CBD binds much tighter to another CB receptor, known as CB2, which is primarily found on our immune cells and in the spleen. CBDs actions on CB2 may explain why CBD works well for reducing the severity and frequency of some seizures. However, there is evidence that CBD is far more effective for seizure disorders and other maladies when it is combined with a little THC. Several studies show that cannabis works best medicinally when CBD and THC are consumed together. You can read about them here and here . In short, we experience what's called "the entourage effect" or "the ensemble effect." Additionally, CBD can attenuate the effects of THCs intoxicating properties. In other words, CBD changes the weed high , usually by reducing the anxiety or paranoia that comes with getting too blazed. CBD also extends THCs effects, so CBD/THC combo highs last longer, too. In short, yes. Just as there are with any other drugs or medicines. For the most part, however, CBD does not appear to have any immediately lethal side effects, but keep in mind that it has not been thoroughly studied, and researchers are still debating its benefits and dangers. The most pressing issue from heavy CBD dosing has to do with drug interactions and liver activity. CBD messes with the livers cytochrome P450 enzymes the enzymes responsible for breaking down most pharmaceutical drugs. If theres too much CBD in the liver, the liver cant clear out other drugs, so those other drugs backup and build up in the bloodstream, for better or worse (usually worse). For this reason, seizure patients are supposed to tell their doctors if theyre taking CBD along with other pharmaceuticals. Some seizure patients have withdrawn from CBD studies due to its activities on the liver. And while CBD in lower doses is often marketed as a nausea treatment, there is some evidence (from rodent studies ) that large doses of CBD can increase nausea and vomiting if coupled with a nausea-inducing drug. And, last but not least, according to one pharmaceutical companys internal studies , CBD can trigger depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts in some susceptible people. So, dose carefully and responsibly; just because CBD does not get anyone toasted does not mean that it is completely harmless, either. That really depends on who you ask. Some CBD manufacturers will insist that CBD is legal in all 50 states, but law enforcement depending on the jurisdiction often says differently. According to the DEA, CBD is a controlled substance, right alongside THC. The US FDA, likewise, says CBD products that make health claims are banned ; the FDA has not clarified CBDs status, and therefore products that make particular health claims are not approved by the federal agency. Some US states, such as Texas , may treat CBD as if it were marijuana. Meanwhile, weed-legal states like California and Colorado have few or no real restrictions on CBD. Before buying up a bunch of CBD products online or at a retail store, check your local laws to see if its OK to possess or consume CBD in the state you reside in.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-is-cbd-and-how-is-it-different-from-thc
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What Is Hash and What Makes It So Sticky?
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Most tokers are familiar with kief you know, the stuff thats collected from cannabis flower once its been torn up in a grinder. What you might not know is that kief contains trichomes, or potent crystals, that coat the bud. Trichomes are made of oils and natural plant chemicals that can be compressed and made into something called hashish. This variant of concentrate, which likely originated in Central Asia, is extremely potent because trichomes are loaded with more intoxicating cannabinoids than any other part of the plant. A Brief History of Hash Historians believe hash has been around since 900 AD, inarguably making it the concentrate of antiquity. Made by hand, it was and still is the modality in which people from India, Morocco, Persia, Lebanon, and Afghanistan tend to favor. Traditional hash-makers usually rubbed mature buds in their hands until the kief and other natural oils separated from the nugs. The hash-makers hands would then be covered in sticky brown puddy made of plant matter and oil. This is when theyd mold the hash together into consumable (read: sellable) amounts. It was most often molded into balls or flat hash coins, in which people would break apart and then smoke. But the size, shape, and color of hash really depended on where it came from. For instance, in a story MERRY JANE wrote about the history of hashish, writer Randy Robinson explains that Lebanese-style hashish comes in two forms: red and yellow. Yellow hash is made from plants cultivated at early maturation, when the buds mainly contain THC. Red hash is made from plants harvested later in the grow-cycle, where much of the THC has converted to CBN, which likely contributed to Lebanese reds sedative effects . And the technique used to make this fine Lebanese hash is unique to the area, too. Robinson explains that for red and yellow Lebanese hash, cannabis buds are rubbed over fine screens to separate and collect kief. From there, the kief is stored where it settles and transforms into a sticky, dark chunk of delectable hash. In India, on the other hand, hash balls known as charas reign supreme. Nicknamed Temple balls, this form of hash parallels Lebonese hash. The difference is that Indians only use live plants to run through screens instead of dried plants. Fast forward several centuries, and weed technology has grown exponentially. Today, new machines allow cultivators to create ultra-concentrates such as waxes, shatters, oils, and rosins. Sure. But it is no longer the beloved delicacy it once was. Compared to shatter thats been blasted with butane, or wax cartridges made with CO2, hash is a chemical-free, natural concentrate made by the hands of someone who probably loves weed as much as you. Old-school stoners who grew up on smoking straight plant matter love hash. Because they are the purists who believe in the naturalness of marijuana, making them hesitant to delve into the complicated (often chemical-ridden) waxy concentrates sold at modern dispensaries. Tradition aside, the main appeal of hash is that it produces a vigorously intense high. While every hash consumption experience is unique, most people report experiencing a hazier, longer, more drastic high from smoking hash as compared to smoking regular flower. Some even claim that visual and audio perceptions are skewed after using hash ! Similar to flower, an indica hash high versus a sativa high are drastically different. Usually, when one smokes an indica-dominant hash, youll experience a strong couch-lock effect in your body, as well as cerebral effects. Sativa hash will stimulate your creativity, making you feel more euphoric than ever. Regardless of sativa or indica, though, youre going to be high as hell. Continued... When hash is made, the oils and trichomes are separated from the bud, leaving behind a brown-green, sticky substance. Depending on the method used to make the hash, the concentrates final form can vary from a powder to a rock-like slab. The different types of hash are each made in a unique way. For example, making a dry, sifted hash is an easy process that most cannabis consumers can do. All it requires is some bud, a few screens to sift the bud, and something to catch the falling trichomes. This is a quick way of making hash at home. Here are more detailed instructions if youre so inclined. Another option is making bubble hash. This process is significantly more complex, but can produce some of the highest-quality hash around. In fact, most of the hash in America (if you can find it!) is bubble hash. If youre interested in a step-by-step walk-through on doing it at home, you can find that here. Beyond what you can do yourself, other types of hash take significantly more time and experience to create. Royal Afghani Hash, for example, is made with water or tea, and is typically molded into slabs. Lebanese Hash is even more difficult to make, as its creation process takes several seasons. These other variations of hash are sometimes difficult to find, but if youre lucky, you can purchase a slab at your favorite licensed dispensary. Most tokers enjoy adding little pieces of hash directly to their bowls or joints, creating an all-encompassing high. Hash can also be dabbed, but it can seriously taint your rig: hash usually leaves a chunky, sticky residue on dab nails due to its plant components mainly waxes and leafy particles. Gallery The Stoners of Antiquity: TLDR Hash is a potent, OG form of cannabis concentrate thats less and less common at a time when dabs, waxes, budders, and shatters are omnipresent. But the cannabis of antiquity wont be forgotten by veteran weed lovers, especially those who appreciate artisanal, craft cannabis. Sure, the days of hot knives are well behind us but hash will never be forgotten!
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-is-hash-and-what-makes-it-so-sticky
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What Is THCA and What Are the Benefits of the Cannabinoid?
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One of the amazing mysteries of cannabis is the myriad of chemical compounds the plant can produce. Many of the phytochemicals found in cannabis such as terpenes and flavonoids are also present in other members of the plant kingdom. But a special class of chemicals (the cannabinoids) seem to be created almost exclusively by cannabis. More than 100 different cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis, the most well-known being THC, the chemical largely responsible for the high experienced when smoking marijuana. Over the last several years, cannabidiol, or CBD, has taken center stage as the cannabinoid du jour for its potential to treat serious medical conditions and support overall wellness. Cannabinoids and their array of health benefits are, thus, a source of much fascination. Among the cannabinoids talked about most is THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. THCA is the precursor to THC, so the chemical structure of the two compounds is similar. The only difference is that THCA has an extra small molecule attached to it known as a carboxyl group. Fresh marijuana plants are generally low in THC, with higher levels of THCA. As cannabis dries and ages, the carboxyl group molecule is released from the THCA very slowly, leaving THC in its place. The speed of this process, known as decarboxylation, is greatly increased when cannabis is heated or burned. But in its unaltered state, THCA has many therapeutic benefits, leading people to seek out ways to consume the cannabinoid in its natural form. The Benefits of THCA Cannabis prohibition has created roadblocks around conducting cannabinoid research for decades. Most of the studies focus on THC, and more recently CBD. But some preliminary studies on the effects of THCA have shown promising results. THCA appears to have many of the same therapeutic effects of THC without its psychoactive properties a plus for those who would like the health benefits of the cannabinoid without getting high. THCA shows promise in reducing both pain and inflammation , common maladies that lead many sufferers to seek relief from cannabis. Therefore, the cannabinoid could feasibly be used to avoid the side effects and dependency associated with opioids and other painkillers. THCA also appears to have anti-nausea and anti-emetic properties , which can help cancer patients manage the side effects of harsh chemotherapy treatments. In combination with CBD, THCA shows potential for preventing seizures in patients with epilepsy. THCA also has neuroprotective properties, which could lead to new therapies for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimers disease. THCA could even be developed as a treatment for cancer , with one study showing that the cannabinoid inhibits the growth of prostate cancer. Anecdotal evidence from patients indicates that THCA may also have the potential to treat muscle spasms and help with sleep. Fresh and dried cannabis is normally rich in THCA, offering cannabis users who prefer flower an on-hand supply of the cannabinoid. But to protect the THCA, youll have to consume it without burning or heating it too much, so smoking and vaping is out. Instead, dried bud can be finely ground and added to prepared foods, smoothies, or even salad dressings. Tinctures made with cannabis that has not been decarboxylated should also be high in THCA. Commercial THCA tinctures are also available. If youre a home cannabis gardener or otherwise have access to fresh leaves and flowers, you have another option for adding THCA to your diet. Juicing fresh cannabis has become a popular way to consume cannabis. Try adding a flower or two to your favorite concoction the next time youre running the juicer. Some cannabis dispensaries are now stocking crystalline THCA isolate, which can be up to 99 percent (or more) pure THCA. In this form, the cannabinoid can be easily mixed into foods or beverages. THCA isolate can also be put into capsules for convenient oral ingestion. Because of its high purity, accurate dosing is easy with THCA isolate. Cannabis retailers are also beginning to offer other THCA products including transdermal patches. Gallery Cannabis Isolates for Your Smoking Pleasure: Whichever way youre able to find it, THCA can offer many of the benefits of THC without its psychoactive effects. Not that theres anything wrong with getting a good buzz going, of course! But some people and some situations call for a more lucid form of medication and THCA just might fit the bill. Follow AJ Herrington on Instagram
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-is-thca-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-the-cannabinoid
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What Kingdoms Would Legalize Weed in Game of Thrones?
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Smoking milky bong-loads of our strongest weed is among our favorite activities, especially before watching Game of Thrones. So, we decided to take seven fat bong rips and theorize which kingdoms in the land of thrones and fire breathing dragons would be the most weed-friendly. King's Landing Home of the Iron Throne and Capital of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, this place is like Amsterdam. It has tons of legal brothels, so you can bet they have legal weed too but with one exception. If the religious sect known as the Sparrows regained control of Kings Landing, theyd outlaw pot in a heartbeat, along with prostitution. Sparrows suck. But until then, people have a green light to spark up. Dorne The southernmost Kingdom in Westeros lined with miles of tropical beaches Dorne is basically the Carribean of Westeros. Ganja's so legal there, you get a contact high just roaming around the town. That's how they roll in Dorne! The Iron Islands and Winterfell The Greyjoys of the Iron Islands and the Starks of Winterfell are old school. Both Houses are isolated and provincial. The polar opposite of Dorne; pot is outlawed with harsh punishments such as severing limbs and forcing you down in a bed of snakes just for indulging. We really don't recommend traveling there for Spring Break. The Citadel Ah, the home of the Maesters. These scholars, healers, and scientists definitely support the medical legalization of pot for the treatment of Night King-induced anxiety, Ser Jorahs greyscale infection, and other gnarly Westerosian conditions. Just be sure to bring your medical marijuana card with you if you plan on purchasing any herb. The Vale of Arryn An isolated Kingdom along the eastern coast, the Vale has a Humboldt county vibe, but with less dreadlocked people. With a strong independent streak and lots of fertile land, they are the main grower and producer in Westeros. People traveling through this Kingdom should watch where they're going and stay away from the black market grow operations. Beyond the Wall As the home of the Wildings, the Free People bow to no crown or Kingdom. Cannabis isn't illegal cause there aint no laws beyond the wall, yall. So smoke until your heart's radiating. But light up carefully because if someone wants you're weed, they'll yank it straight from your lips and never give it back, since no enforcement is in place to keep people from doing so. Astapor This is one of the Free Cities, famous for training the Unsullied soldiers. Being a militaristic society, travelers should skip visiting this city because they have the harshest weed and drug laws. So, no, Grey Worm doesn't vape. Qarth This ancient city in the east of Essos is home to warlocks and merchants. So, obviously, weed is legal here. But only for one purpose: religious and ritual-use by sorcerers. The citys merchants are the ones who connect the socerers with weed, and damn what a fine plug they are. So unless you're considering a full-on religious conversion to Qarthian sorcery, it's easier to score some weed elsewhere in Essos. Braavos Another one of the Free Cities and home of the Iron Bank, the most powerful financial institution in the world. And it supports full, adult-use legalization. Cause if Kingdoms can tax weed, everyone will have the money to pay back what they owe the Iron Bank. Braavos is all about the Benjamins, baby. Or the Gold Dragons. The Dothraki These nomadic, horse-riding warriors live in the grasslands of Essos. And they do whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want. Period. And no one is going to tell them otherwise. As they say in Westeros, Valar cannabis all men and women must smoke weed.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-kingdoms-would-legalize-weed-in-game-of-thrones
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What Puts the Purple in "Purp" Weed?
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Weed porn spreads in magazines usually feature one plant with insanely purple flowers. Chemovars or strains like Purple Pineberry, Grape Ape , Grand Daddy Purp, Mile High Purp, Purple Kush , and KF7 can more closely resemble violets than they do cannabis. Cannabis Chemistry: Anthocyanins The cannabis plant, like any other plant, contains several classes of chemicals. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD remain the most famous, but terpenoids like pinene and myrcene are gaining popularity as the public learns more about cannabis. Flavonoids and polyphenols are additional compound categories slowly coming to the forefront as researchers continue to crack cannabiss biochemical profiles. The purple color found in cannabis comes from another category of molecules called anthocyanins. Technically a blue-purple pigment, anthocynanins are responsible for the full range of cooler colors displayed by cannabis plants, from blue to violet. Other purply plants, such as plums and eggplants, also produce anthocyanins. Additionally, these compounds may confer health benefits , such as antimicrobial or antioxidative properties. The green in cannabis comes from chlorophyll the little verdant organelles that generate the plants energy from sunlight. Anthocyanins naturally reside in all cannabis plants, but the presence of chlorophyll often buries the purple light that would otherwise reflect from the flowers. Because of chlorophylls purple-masking effects, anthocyanins become most visible after the curing process breaks down some of the buds chlorophyll. Growers can also force the coloring by fiddling with temperatures in a grow room. Thats a real thing. BC Bud Depot in Canada sells a plant called The Black known for its unusually dark, deep violet shade. Although The Blacks lineage is a mystery, it likely doesnt grow this way on its own. In fact, its possible to cultivate purply cannabis plants in a way that minimizes chlorophyll production. To do this, simply lower the temperature during the 12/12 light cycle to 10C (50F) during the dark phase. By lowering the temperature, the plant behaves as if autumn just started. Like brown and red maple leaves littering the streets in the fall, triggering a false autumn forces cannabis to cease chlorophyll production. If the plant already produced ample amounts of anthocyanin strains such as Black Widow, Black Mamba, Black Diesel, or The Black with the green gone, it will eventually appear black due to the anthocyanin concentration. For growers looking for feeds or nutrients to jack-up anthocyanin production, there arent any. Only climate changes and genetics can get Mary Jane looking so regal.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/what-puts-the-purple-in-purp-weed
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What will be at stake in Wednesdays penultimate round of the Premiership season?
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Kaizer Chiefs matchup against third-placed Lamontville Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium in Wednesdays penultimate round of the 2020-21 DStv Premiership holds significance for the race for runners-up and the top eight. With Mamelodi Sundowns crowned champions last week second place and a Caf Champions League spot third place and a Confederation Cup position and qualification for the 2021-22 MTN8 are the positions remaining to jostle for in the top half in Wednesday and Saturdays final rounds. Three teams Arrows second-placed AmaZulu and fourth-positioned Orlando Pirates remain in contention to be runners-up. Fifth-placed Swallows on 43 points are seven points adrift of AmaZulu (50 points) so out of the equation. Usuthu remain the clear favourites for second. They meet Swallows at Kings Park on Wednesday (all matches kicking off at 5pm) and Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday (all 3pm). If AmaZulu win against Swallows they can clinch second place with a game to spare. Arrows and Pirates are both on 46 points and need two wins each and for AmaZulu to lose two or lose one and be held to a draw in the other to stand a chance of finishing second. Abafana Besthende meet the 11th-placed Chiefs then are at home to 14th-positioned relegation-endangered Stellenbosch at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Pirates meet ninth-placed Baroka at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday and 13th-positioned playoffs-endangered Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. AmaZulu have a +14 goal difference Arrows + 13 and Pirates +10. Both Durban teams are on the verge of their highest finishes in the Premier Soccer League era AmaZulus previous-highest was seventh in 2011-12 and Arrows was fifth in 2008-09 and 2002-03. For the top eight Chiefs who fired coach Gavin Hunt on Friday are on the verge of just their fourth finish ever outside that mark. Amakhosi (30 points) are five points behind the team in eighth TS Galaxy (35 points). Perhaps the best Chiefs can hope for under caretaker-coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard even if they win both remaining games against Arrows and then Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday is to avoid ending lower then their previous three worst finishes of ninth. Sixth-placed SuperSport United (41 points) are almost guaranteed a top-eight place. That leaves four teams Cape Town City (seventh place 38 points) Galaxy (eighth 35) Baroka (ninth 33) and Bloemfontein Celtic (10th 33) to battle it out for the remaining two places in the top half over the last two rounds. PSL second-placed contenders final two games AmaZulu: Wednesday: vs Swallows FC (Kings Park) Saturday: vs Maritzburg United (Harry Gwala Stadium) Arrows: Wednesday: vs Kaizer Chiefs (FNB Stadium) Saturday: vs Stellenbosch FC (Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium) Pirates: Wednesday: vs Baroka FC (Peter Mokaba Stadium) Saturday: vs Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (Orlando Stadium)
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https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2021-06-01-what-will-be-at-stake-in-wednesdays-penultimate-round-of-the-premiership-season/
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What's the Best Way to Consume CBD Edibles? Dabs? Vape Oils?
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If youve visited a pot shop lately, you likely encountered a galaxy of different cannabis products. Edibles, lotions, concentrates, vape pens, flowers, and pills now fill practically every dispensary. As the market matures, and the public becomes more educated about cannabis, THC is losing some of the spotlight to other compounds found in the cannabis plant. One of those compounds is CBD, which has become wildly popular over the last few years. Chemically similar to THC, CBD likely possesses many of the same medicinal properties as its more festive cousin. But unlike THC, CBD doesnt get anyone ripped. That depends on who you ask. According to the US government, CBD is only recommended for controlling certain seizure disorders, and thats only with an FDA-approved drug called Epidiolex . Other research suggests CBD could help with mood regulation, insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and a whole slew of other maladies. Of course, the verdict is still out regarding what CBD works for (and doesnt work for), so until theres a scientific consensus, youll be a guinea pig. But based on anecdotal evidence and other factors, cannabidiol can certainly be effective. Lets explore. Topicals CBD can be applied directly to the skin. Transdermal patches often contain carrier molecules that basically force CBD from the patch into the skin cells. Ultimately, the CBD absorbs into the bloodstream after traveling through the epidermis. Lotions, balms, salves, ointments, and other products made for skin-only applications can also deliver CBD onto or into the skin, but products labeled transdermal should work the fastest through this route. Patients often resort to topicals for conditions occurring on or near the skins surface. For example, eczema or other dry skin conditions may benefit most from topical products. Additionally, sore muscles and tight joints could be relieved by topicals, as well. Edibles Edibles refer to any cannabis product that can be consumed orally. These include foods, candies, sodas, teas, chewing gums, mints, breath strips, drops, tinctures, or pills. Families with kids who are epileptic or fighting cancer prefer this route. Drinking, eating, or dropping CBD can be a less edgy alternative compared to, say, smoking or vaping it, which kids shouldnt be doing anyway. Oral consumption is also far less offensive to the general public which is still warming up to legal cannabis than torching a glass pipe. CBD may help with alcohol hangovers, too, another reason to pop it by the mouth. Recent studies found that weed may repair liver cells destroyed by heavy drinking, and one study concluded CBD alone could protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage. But other studies indicate CBD, specifically, could damage the liver, so take the research as you will. Although CBD doesnt intoxicate in the same manner as THC, it likely has some psychoactive properties, otherwise it wouldnt help some people with depression or anxiety. Many claim that CBD is not psychoactive, but that depends on how you define the term. Some dabbers report that CBD concentrates instill a general feeling of well-being, more akin to getting a good nights rest or drinking a cup of coffee than the giggle-fit variety of feel-good brought on by THC. Dab rigs, however, can be expensive. They can also be difficult to carry around. For patients seeking concentrated CBD without the hassle of a rig, vape pens and other handheld vaporizers are viable options. Many vape units can fit inside a pocket, making them easily concealable and transportable. CBD may attenuate anxiety caused by THC, as well. People often take CBD to counteract the negative effects of THC, and because anxiety can quickly lead to panic, inhaling CBD acts as the fastest method for getting it into the body. CBD Flower Dabbing and vaping arent for everyone, though. Some folks find that concentrates can cause sneezing , coughing, or other forms of respiratory irritation. With dabs, butane or propane torches can be fire hazards, especially in households with children. With vape pens, sometimes the batteries randomly explode , which may dissuade some people from ever using one. For those avoiding concentrates, smoking flower may be the optimal choice. Hemp flowers produce negligible amounts of THC, but many dispensaries carry CBD-rich marijuana containing significant amounts of THC, too. And CBD-only pre-rolls are becoming increasingly common . Just be sure to check those labels to know what youre getting beforehand. Dont Overdo It CBD wont couch-lock anyone, but that doesnt mean it lacks side effects. Keep in mind that most of the studies demonstrating CBDs medical efficacies are performed on rodents, not people. Theres a ton of clinical research currently underway, but itll take years before scientists come to any solid agreements on what CBD really can and cannot do. For now, low doses of CBD appear to be safe in humans. High doses approaching the 50mg range and higher could cause adverse reactions, like getting the runs or an upset stomach. Just as it goes with THC, it goes with CBD: start low, take it slow, and use responsibly regardless of your preferred consumption method.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/whats-the-best-way-to-consume-cbd-edibles-dabs-vape-oils
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Which Countries Have the Worst Drug Possession Laws?
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While drug use is something that occurs throughout the entire globe, the laws penalizing individuals caught with an illicit substance differ dramatically based on where you are. In places like the United States and Canada, the failures of prohibition have led leaders to reconsider ineffective and cruel drugs laws, especially for non-addictive substances like cannabis. The same cant be said for other countries, where punishments for the possession of drugs range from public canings and floggings to automatic death sentences. As more and more countries update their laws and international organizations like the World Health Organization reconsider cannabis and its legality its good to know where you stand if youre caught with a particular substance while traveling. To wit, the following is a breakdown of the countries with some of the harshest drugs laws on the planet. People's Republic of China Despite China reinventing itself with massive developments in recent decades, the county also maintains the highest number of executions annually. And, usually, the punishment is doled out for drug charges. For example, under the Anti-Drug Law of the People's Republic of China , 50 grams or more of heroin or meth can lead to the death penalty. The country also frequently exercises its power to execute foreigners . In 2007, China earned the gold medal in executions , killing 470 people. The next year, 374 were executed during the Summer Olympics Games in Beijing. Cannabis is persecuted in China, but the data supporting arrest statistics is limited at best. Still, a younger generation is beginning to embrace the plant , regardless of the governments strict stance on substances. Saudi Arabia In Saudi Arabia, drug solicitation almost always results in the death penalty including for crimes regarding cannabis. The sobering reality of cultural differences is especially evident here. Apart from dismembering journalists , Saudi Arabia also beheaded 48 people within a four-month span for nonviolent drug charges drawing sharp criticism from world leaders. On July 17, 2018, the government killed seven drug traffickers in a single day. If youre not executed, you might be flogged instead. In this region of the Middle East, drugs like captagon , an amphetamine, are most popular. Singapore Singapore incorporates corporal and capital punishments for drug possession. Per the countrys Misuse of Drugs Act , a mandatory death penalty is imposed for possession of 500 grams of cannabis, 5000 grams of cannabis mixture, 200 grams of hash, and 100 grams of cannabis resin. Youre also considered a trafficker if you have 10 or more grams of hash or 15 or more grams of cannabis resin on your person. Also consider this: three grams of cocaine makes you a trafficker as well. Smaller amounts of various drugs will still get you flogged by the cane up to 24 strokes . United Arab Emirates Despite the glamour and appeal of Dubai, The United Arab Emirates doesnt take drug possession lightly. The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for recreational use of drugs, the countrys government warns . If you are caught with even a tiny trace of a controlled substance, you may be automatically deported. You can also be punished with hard time in prison for failing to pass a drug test. On top of this, casual tourists are often shocked about the threat of prison for not reporting medications at Dubai customs . Oops. Off to jail you go. The Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office on June 30, 2016, and one of his major selling points during his election bid was the promise to kill tens of thousands of drug dealers. He also strongly urged his people to seek out and kill drug addicts on their own as vigilantes. The Philippines proximity to Southeast Asias Golden Triangle Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar makes it ground zero for certain drug trade. But the countrys reaction to substance use complicates the matter. Under The Philippines Dangerous Drug Act , the death penalty is encouraged for 0.3 ounces or more of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, cannabis resin, or at least 17 ounces of cannabis. Stay tuned. There is good news on the horizon, however. House Bill 6517 was recently advanced in the countrys House of Representatives, which would legalize medical cannabis for people suffering from debilitating conditions and exempt patients from the countrys bloody drug war. Honorable Mentions: Iran ranks number two worldwide in executions, but recently eased some drug-related death penalties . Malaysia also imposes the death penalty for some drug offenses. In Vietnam, possession of 1.3 pounds or more of heroin is an automatic death penalty. Indonesian authorities also do not hesitate to execute drug dealers via a firing squad, like eight foreigners who were recently executed, two of which were part of the Bali Nine.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/which-countries-have-the-worst-drug-possession-laws
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Is PSL 2021 Postponed Again? Is Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United Pakistan Super League 6 Clash Happening Tonight?
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Pakistan Super League was scheduled to resume on June 01, 2021, however, there is no clear indication till now if the league's resumption will go ahead as planned PSL Breaking Once again doubts over PSL in Abu Dhabi !! As per my sources within UAE Govt, issues over Indian production team. PCB management are working tirelessly to make it possible. #PSL Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) June 1, 2021 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
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https://www.latestly.com/socially/sports/cricket/is-psl-2021-postponed-again-is-lahore-qalandars-vs-islamabad-united-pakistan-super-league-6-clash-happening-tonight-2516277.html
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Will Blockchain Solve the Cannabis Industry's Numerous Roadblocks?
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A critical question every cannabis consumer will ask at some point is, How do I know what Im buying is exactly what it says it is? In recent years, blockchain is fast becoming the answer and it has nothing to do with cryptocurrency. Blockchain, a decentralized and transparent digital ledger, has found favor in the cannabis industry, most notably in tracking, tracing, and genome data. A strains genetics are stored in a smart contract which enforces a relationship with cryptographic code and information is added during each processing stage. Seed-to-sale tracking innovations are being led by companies such as TruTrace Technologies and Paragon in LA, and Parsl in Australia. Coin.io, a supply chain integration company, even partnered with cannabis extractor Mile High Labs in Colorado, too. They all provide B2B solutions that aim to tackle two pain points common in the cannabis industry: reform the inventory tracking system, and provide cannabis customers with exact details of a products lab test results, packaging dates, and cultivar. Those lab tests speak to the processes and ingredients found in every batch of cannabis from every grower, producer, and dispensary. The cannabis has to be tested for heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and other contaminants, combined with potency and terpene levels. Labeling and testing requirements vary from state to state, but they are often draconian, and transferring details from a dispensarys in-house point-of-sale system to the states tracking system has a lot of moving parts. For the consumer, all these moving parts can be difficult to collate in one place, but a QR code scan or a similar tag can feed all that data onto a smartphone. Also, consumers want to know how rigorous the testing was done on their product; after all, Oregons cannabis testing system got audited this year and was found to lack of an adequate verification process for cannabis testing results. In a country as vast as Canada, where recreational cannabis is now legal, some IT giants have set their sights to overhauling the countrys cannabis-inventory approach: IBM proposed that blockchain technology could provide an entirely transparent, tamper-proof system to track BCs bud from seed to sale. Blockchain is rapidly becoming a world leading technology enabling the assured exchange of value in both digital and tangible assets, while protecting privacy and eliminating fraud, the IBM report explains. Its relevance to regulating cannabis is similar to its many chain of custody applications in areas such as pharmaceutical distribution and food chains. The core to those supply chains is the same, assuring health and safety of consumers, preventing fraud and counterfeiting while creating a foundation of transparency upon which to base regulation. Above, TruTrace's QR codes affixed to a cannabis water brand In California, TruTrace brought its blockchain-enabled StrainSecure technology to a cannabis water company. They affixed QR codes on its bottles that customers can scan and quickly learn about its test results, gleaning details about, say, THC content or terpene profiles. In an interview, TruTrace CEO Robert Galarza told MERRY JANE, We truly see blockchain being utilized not only to secure product identification and location, but also securing patient and consumer data to be able to connect verified products with verified patients. Paragon CEO Jessica VerSteeg told MERRY JANE in an interview last year that government officials don't feel comfortable with some states seed-to-sale tracking system. If they can't see the info 24/7, why are they going to trust this space if they can't track and trace everything properly? Perhaps thats why Rhode Island is open-minded about adopting blockchain to be implemented in a variety of government departments, particularly in the states cannabis tracking system. Australias Parsl was among many blockchain companies that applied to Rhode Islands open call for RFPs focused solely on bringing blockchain tech to its cannabis supply chain. Pharmaceutical companies with cannabis divisions have been looking to blockchain to boost their track-and-trace software. TruTrace recently partnered with Canadas Shoppers Drug Mart chain, with about 1,300 pharmacies across the country. The pilot program will harness blockchain to identify, track, and verify the source and genetics of cannabis used by medical patients. In cannabis, there is no NDC number [the code used to identify drugs in the U.S.], Galaraza said. Theres an integrity problem with cannabis, and product consistency is so important to pharmacies, who truly need to be the most knowledgeable folks when it comes to medical data. In a statement sent to MERRY JANE, Ken Weisbrod, Vice President of Shoppers Drug Mart, wrote, The source of medical cannabis must be traceable and accountable for patients and practitioners to feel confident about it as a treatment. When a patient takes medication, there is an expectation that it is standardized, and they can expect consistent clinical outcomes and results. Although that's not always a guarantee within the medical cannabis industry at the moment, we're hoping this new program can help change that. When theres a hub for Big Data in the cannabis industry, it should allay the worries of cannabis lovers unsure about regulation and oversight. Sebastien Pasquali, IT director of CBD isolate extractor Mile High Labs, explained, The cannabis market is under the spotlight and its important for companies to be transparent about their data, especially when it comes to a products origin. He noted that adding blockchain to their supply chain operations demonstrates our commitment to quality assurance. Brian Glick, CEO of Chain.io, which is working with Mile High on adding blockchain to their product line, commented in a press release , In more traditional industries, such as food production and pharmaceuticals, there are legacy systems and long-established ways of thinking. Because Mile High Labs is building something from scratch, they have the opportunity to do things right the first time and set an example for the rest of the industry to follow. Another benefit of blockchain is giving dispensaries a better way to conduct due diligence on products being supplied by growers and distributors. Galarza of TruTrace sees this new emerging segment of blockchain-friendly cannabis companies as amicable competition, and he stresses the importance for everyone to be working together, not against each other. When you mine for gold, you need a shovel, pick, and axe. If this industry is going to grow, we need all picks and shovels and axes to collaborate.
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https://merryjane.com/culture/will-blockchain-solve-the-cannabis-industrys-numerous-roadblocks
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Why has the eviction ban been lifted by the government?
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An emergency ban on evictions for tenants falling behind on their rent expired at midnight, leaving hundreds of thousands worried about being forcibly thrown out of their homes. The measure was introduced to reduce the stress on hard-up families during the Covid-19 crisis when millions of workers saw their incomes reduced or vanish altogether as vast swathes of the economy shut down. The housing department has come under pressure from charities to keep the ban in place but the ministry, led by Robert Jenrick, isnt budging. References to the improved public health situation and easing national restrictions have been used to justify the decision despite scientists warning we could be in the grips of a third wave. Government ministers first announced the ban on bailiff-enforced evictions for people in rent arrears in March 2020 and also announced the notice period for tenants asked to leave homes would be extended to six months. But it was never a total ban. Since September 20, 2020, court possession hearings have been allowed to resume with bailiff evictions permitted in certain circumstances, including cases involving anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, immigration breaches and where debts amounting to more than six months rent were accrued. The housing ministry, led by Robert Jenrick, has declined to extend a band on bailiff-enforced eviction for renters in debt (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) Thanks to coronavirus legislation, only renters in very serious cases have faced forcible eviction since March 2020 but that all changes today (Picture: PA) But crucially, the ban meant the vast majority of renters who found themselves in debt didnt have to face the prospect of bailiffs turning up at the door to forcibly throw them out on the street. The measure was always meant to be temporary but has been extended several times, most recently from its previous end date of March 31, 2020. In May, the government confirmed that extension would be the last, and the ban would come to an end at midnight on May 31. The news prompted outrage from charities like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which has carried out research showing 800,000 households are in rent debt and more than half of those could be facing eviction. But the news has been welcomed by some in the housing sector who have been operating under emergency conditions for over a year, and say they need the power to move on tenants who cant pay or risk plunging landlords into debt. When the May 31 date was confirmed, the National Residential Landlords Association said it was an important step in ensuring the sectors recovery. However, even they called on the government to do more to address the rent debt crisis. The government defended the move yesterday, pointing to 352 billion worth of support dished out during the crisis and the introduction of longer four month notice periods for the majority of cases once the ban ends. A government spokesperson also noted evictions will not be carried out if a member of the home has Covid-19 symptoms or is self-isolating. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected]. For more stories like this, check our news page.
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https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/01/tenant-eviction-ban-why-has-it-been-lifted-by-the-government-14685544/
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Should Mac Jones Influence Patriots' Julio Jones Pursuit?
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NESN Logo Sign In When an NFL team brings on a potential franchise quarterback of the future, the organization seemingly wants to do everything it can to set the signal-caller up to succeed. For the Patriots, an option to help achieve this goal apparently is more than accessible. Julio Jones appears to be well on his way out of Atlanta, especially now that the all-important June 1 benchmark is upon us. New England has been tabbed as a sensible landing spot for Jones, largely due to the fact that the Patriots are one of only a handful of teams that wouldnt have to do a ton of financial juggling to add the seven-time Pro Bowl selection. But the Patriots, as Sports Illustrateds Albert Breer recently explained on NBC Sports Bostons The Next Pats Podcast, also make sense as a fit for Jones given their QB situation. With all these young quarterbacks, we talk about that window, Breer told host Phil Perry, as transcribed by NBCSB. To take advantage of that window, the guys gotta be rolling going into Year 2. Realistically, if you really hit on that pick, youre probably paying him after Year 3. Thats what history tells us. (Deshaun) Watson got paid after Year 3, I think Josh Allens gonna get paid after Year 3, (Patrick) Mahomes got paid after Year 3, (Jared) Goff got paid after Year 3, (Carson) Wentz. If you hit on that pick, youre paying him after Year 3. So thats whats interesting about it to me. Thats how I think you tie the whole thing together. If you bring in Julio, you give yourself a better chance to have Mac (Jones) really rolling going into Year 2, and now all of a sudden we can really take advantage of having that quarterback on a rookie deal window. The Patriots 2021 first-round pick already finds himself in a pretty good situation. New England now has two top-tier tight ends, an above-average stable of running backs and one of the better offensive lines in football. Providing the Alabama product with an elite deep threat could make his transition to the NFL level a seamless one.
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https://nesn.com/2021/06/should-mac-jones-influence-patriots-julio-jones-pursuit-nfl-writer-explains/
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Can CBD Oil Help Treat My Anxiety?
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CBD oil is having a major moment . Its 2019, and its everywhere , and in everything from water and candy , to beauty products and pet products . We have to talk a little about the science behind this crazy cool compound, as it will help us better understand how it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Lets face it, if youre a human on planet earth living in 2019 you know a little something about one or all of these ailments. Lets start with some facts about cannabidiol: CBD, aka cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid, like THC. They are both present in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive properties. It does not get you high in the same way as THC, though overconsumption can still lead to intense side effect . . CBD activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor (which stimulates serotonin production), resulting in an anti-anxiety effect. This receptor is involved in a range of neurological and biological processes, some of which include: pain perception, anxiety, addiction, sleep, nausea, vomiting, and appetite. The FDA has approved the use of hemp-derived CBD. CBD has been used for ages now, and really started to go mainstream in about 2014. So, if youre still on the fence about it, but are getting closer to giving it a try because you're hearing everyone and their mom talking about it you should take the plunge! We all live fast-paced, hectic, lives. Our busy schedules, responsibilities, work, money, family life, and more all heavily impact our well-being. Staying balanced, and making healthy choices, is of course the best form of treatment for common stressors. That said, most of us are too busy to stay well-balanced. So infusing something as simple as CBD oil into our lives to help relieve anxiety is a pretty simple, easy choice when trying to help ourselves. And there are many options for purchasing and ingesting CBD oil. - Edibles - Oils & Tinctures - Topicals - Inhalants Some things to keep in mind when figuring out the right dose for you: - Age, weight, and intensity of your symptoms play a key role in determining the right dosage - Start with small doses - Be consistent with your dosing - You can't overdose on CBD, but if you start feeling nauseous or dizzy, pull pack a bit on the dose - Talk to the manufacturer and your health care professional tailor your regime to fit your needs CBD oil is a great alternative for those who want to feel relaxed without feeling high, or intoxicated. Its a natural choice, and works on an organic level with our bodies. Every one of us has a built-in cannabinoid processor called the endocannabinoid system, specifically designed for interacting with cannabinoids. This system controls the functions that involve appetite, mood, and memory. If youre interested in healthy alternatives to modern medicinal approaches for treating anxiety, you should definitely look into adding pure CBD oil to your life routine. Just as you take vitamin C, or any other supplements to improve the quality of your life, CBD oil might belong in the mix. Youll never know until you give it a try! This article was created in partnership with CBD R Us. For more on the company, visit their website here
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https://merryjane.com/health/can-cbd-oil-help-treat-my-anxiety
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What software do employers use to spy on employees?
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Published Tuesday, Jun. The employees are often more interested in surfing the web during office hours and refuse to focus correctly. Such a neglection can cause the company some loss in terms of money and resources, as the chances of error-free work are reduced to an extent. A lot of debate goes on whether it is ethically okay to monitor the activity of the employees, but thats a conversation we shall put away for some other day. The growth and prosperity of the company shall always come forth. The purpose of employee computer monitoring softwares The practice of using software for monitoring employees has become quite normal in recent times. It allows the employers to access and monitor the employees computer to assess their performance. Consequently, it helps consider appraisals and promotions for the truly deserving and hardworking employees and serves justice to those who do not indulge in unprofessional attitude during work hours. Opting for exceptional employee tracking software is tricky, as it must tick all of the boxes. It should be selective to your needs. Here are some features that the software must offer: User-friendly interface Not everyone is tech-savvy. Getting a hold of software can be tricky at times, especially for old age people. A software that offers easy to use settings is a hit among companies as they have to spend less time training the staff and teaching them the basics. Therefore, before getting a subscription, look into the technical difficulty level of the software; its going to help save an ample amount of time. The goal is to enhance productivity, not introduce hindrances to it. Time tracking The most crucial feature of computer monitoring software is time tracking. Good software will enable you to track every application on the computer, including search on the web and social media use. Thus, always look into the details of the software and evaluate whether it assists in managing and tracking the time spent on the computer on different applications. Well, the software is incapable of fulfilling its basic requirements. A significant factor to consider when choosing monitoring software is to research its capability to integrate with the numerous different applications that are essential. Proper research before making a decision can help save the employers time and money. Guideline violations There are specific guidelines that are set by an organization and must be followed without any compromise. However, many a time, employees violate the rules and regulations and indulge in immoral activities on the companys time. The software must alert the administrators about any such activity to take strict action against the violator. Analytical reports Monitoring is not the only purpose that software has to fulfill; it should also provide accurate analytical reports for all the employees. This helps get a better understanding of where the employee is lacking and what can be done to fix it. They may be spending a great deal of time on a single task while it can be managed in half the amount of time. Therefore, it enables the employers to assess better and help boost their employees productivity by understanding the work strategy. Pros of employee monitoring softwares Better productivity levels: Theres a significant rise in the productivity levels of the employees after employee monitoring software is used. According to a study, people are more likely to work efficiently once they realize they are being watched. Direct Investment: Many people believe that implementing employee monitoring software in the company is a direct investment as it ensures fruitful results. The employees seem to waste less time on irrelevant things during office hours which maximize the work done every day. Therefore, benefitting the company in terms of money and resources. Cons of employee monitoring softwares Lack of trust: As beneficial as it may be, it can often result in a lack of trust between the employer and the employee as the employee may feel like his/her personal space is being invaded, which gives rise to hurt sentiments. Violation of privacy: The employee may likely think their privacy is not being respected and consider it a violation. Before subscribing to the software, make sure it is legal in your country to avoid any unwanted problems. Best employee monitoring softwares available Kickidler is an employee computer monitoring software that ticks all the boxes of requirements. It was developed in 2013 and has climbed the ladder of success tremendously. It enables remote employees monitoring in an office setting to ensure maximum productivity and eliminate any possibility of setbacks in the business due to sub-par performance. The affordability is the best part about this software, followed by the wide variety of features and controls it offers. Teramind is a big name in the market and is known for its outstanding services. The pricing is reasonable, and it allows the prevention of data loss, threat detection and other similar services. Hubstaff is another powerful employee time tracking software that guarantees increased productivity in the workplace. It offers a two weeks free trial to test out its features. These are some out of many tremendous employee monitoring softwares available. Try developing trust with your employees and talking to them about why it is crucial to use the software for the betterment and prosperity of the company. Once thats established, consider the affordability of the software and match the features to the price to ensure the charges are worth it. All in all, no company has ever regretted spending money on softwares of this kind so if you are still contemplating, we would suggest you go for it. Related Comments
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https://augustafreepress.com/what-software-do-employers-use-to-spy-on-employees/
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Are the new CFA exams harder or easier than before?
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Following last week's May sitting of the new-look CFA exams, CFA candidates are taking to internet chatrooms to discuss their 2021 CFA exam experience. As we've reported here before, CFA Institute has switched to a new exam format this year. Instead of being administered on paper, exams are now computer-based, but must still be taken by candidates sitting in physical exam halls. Instead of taking place on particular dates, the exams are now spread over a few days (Level I exams were May 1824, Level II were May 2529, and Level III were May 2527). And instead of comprising hundreds of questions, the exams have been pruned, so that Level I now has 180 multiple choice questions instead of 240, Level II now has 88 questions instead of 120, and Level III comprises '8-11 vignettes', an essay section, and 44 multiple choice items, compared to as many as 120 multiple choice questions in the second part of the exam previously. Not withstanding ongoing hiccoughs with the exam logistics (candidates have been complaining of irritating teething issues with the new computer testing, weird last minute cancellations at exam venues, and loud drum and bass music outside), the big question is whether the new format exams are easier or harder than the old ones. Some of you may recall that last year's CFA exam pass rates were the highest for decades, and the concern has been that this year's new format with fewer questions and multiple sittings will degrade the qualifications by making the pass rate higher still. We won't know the exact pass rates for the recent sittings until July when the official results come out. In the meantime, the verdict of some recent Level II sitters is that a lot of material was missing from the new shorter exam, but that this just made it all the more important to ensure familiarity with the entire syllabus in case particular subject areas came up. "Does anyone feel like the lower question count increases the difficulty?," asked one Level II candidate on Reddit. "120 vs. 88 is a big difference. There is the same amount of material being tested over fewer questions and it becomes harder to show your knowledge/mastery of the material in my opinion." Another Level II candidate pointed out that the reduction in the number of questions should increase the volatility of the results, and improve the returns to studying. "Personally, I thought the previous 120 question format of old was a better gauge of candidates grasp of the majority of the curriculum," reflected another. CFA exam candidates are forbidden from posting actual questions on public forums, but one Level III candidate posting on Reddit said this year's exam seemed a lot easier than when he last took it in 2019 an opinion seconded by various others. "Failed 2018 and thought May 2021 was easier as well. First half of AM was like playing Wheel of Fortune," said one, with the implication that fewer questions means a greater chance of winning. "There were pervasive topics that were clearly missing," reflected another Level III taker, adding that this just made it all the more important to focus on learning the entire syllabus as it's impossible to know which areas will come up. CFA Institute does not endorse, promote or warrant the accuracy or quality of eFinancialCareers. CFA and Chartered Financial Analyst are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute. Contact: [email protected] in the first instance. Whatsapp/Signal/Telegram also available. Bear with us if you leave a comment at the bottom of this article: all our comments are moderated by human beings. Sometimes these humans might be asleep, or away from their desks, so it may take a while for your comment to appear. Eventually it will unless its offensive or libelous (in which case it wont.) Photo by Frans Vledder on Unsplash
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https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/2021/06/new-cfa-exams-harder-or-easier
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Will M&S's new 'NOOS' fashion strategy save the retailer?
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Marks & Spencer has several of this seasons most covetable summer dresses in store right now - and theyre selling well; the retailer shifted 30,000 Nobodys Child frocks in a single week in April. But trend-led items can be hit and miss for M&S, which reported pre-tax losses of 209.4m last week - its first annual loss in 94 years, and its worst year on record. The struggling clothing department - as well as the impact of Covid - was to blame for this figure, and so chief executive Steve Rowe is embarking on a new strategy that he hopes will turn the division around. He told a meeting with City banks and brokers last week that he is hoping 100 timeless essentials will revive its womenswear, according to the Mail on Sunday. These products - which will include skinny jeans and Cashmillion jumpers (1.5 million of which are sold each year) - will hit stores in the autumn, and shoppers can expect at least 30 percent more of these products to be in stock, compared with previous seasons, so that supplies dont run out and customers can always find what they need.
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/style/will-mss-new-noos-fashion-strategy-save-retailer/
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Does greenwashing threaten to derail the EU's climate ambitions?
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The European Union plans to use 672.5 billion of its COVID recovery cash for projects that will help the bloc realise its ambition of becoming climate neutral by 2050. EU countries are gradually submitting plans to explain to Brussels how they intend to spend their share of the money. But environmental activists are already sounding the alarm about a threat to the EU's green ambitions: greenwashing. Greenwashing is the deceptive marketing method that makes people believe the advertised products, services or projects are environmentally friendly, when, in fact, they are not. Closer scrutiny The European Commission is currently examining the complex web of investments, projects and initiatives that make up each country's plan for how to spend the money. The executive has been in touch with national governments over recent months to ensure the bloc's priorities are incorporated into the final plans. If some aspects fail to meet EU standards, Brussels could request further changes before granting the green light. Meanwhile, the European Parliament is demanding "greater transparency and democratic accountability" over the plans and the inclusion of civil society in the monitoring process. "[Firstly] any project which does significant harm to the environment is not eligible [for EU funds]," Siegfried Murean, a Romanian MEP from the European People's Party (EPP) group, told Euronews. "Secondly, we have created a precise methodology on climate tracking, which contains over 180 types of investments which are eligible and also how exactly they are accounted for. For example, if a project is totally a green project, it counts 100%. "Financing a motorway, a highway is eligible, but only if it contains elements which lead to meeting the climate objective. "For example, to plant forests around the highway. "Or to build a certain number of charging stations for electric vehicles to encourage electro-mobility which is less polluting." Spain, badly hit by COVID-19, is set to get one of the biggest shares of the EU's recovery fund. The country has requested 69.5 billion in grants to finance a plan structured around four main pillars: green transformation, digital transformation, social and territorial cohesion, and gender equality. Hydrogen will be one of the key investments. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is already touting Spain as Europe's hydrogen hub, arguing the country has the "best conditions" to tap into this kind of energy, which is poised to become the dominant fuel for land transport by 2050. The Spanish recovery plan outlines 1.5 billion in investments for the green hydrogen sector, as well as several initiatives for boosting the development of batteries for clean, low-carbon mobility. But experts worry that most of the funds will end up being green-washed by big corporations. "The plan of Spain includes significant progress in terms of waste, cities, green taxation, deployment of renewables and ecosystems restoration," Miguel ngel Soto, from Greenpeace Spain, told Euronews. "There is evidence that there is an intention to move forward on the Green Deal and all the transversal policies for the energetic transition. "Over the last year, we have seen how the large companies from the automotive, energy, electricity and tourism sectors have positioned themselves. They have deployed their capacity to influence politics and they have also developed projects for all the regions. And we are really scared that the sector of IBEX 35 [major companies of reference on the Spanish stock market] could finally hoard all the aid." If the green projects laid out in the recovery and resilience plans fall short of expectations, the EU's goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 could be seriously jeopardised. According to Climate Action Tracker -- an independent scientific analysis that tracks government climate action and measures it against the Paris Agreement -- no European country is on track to fulfil the objective of keeping global temperatures below 2C.
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https://www.euronews.com/2021/05/31/does-greenwashing-threaten-to-derail-the-eu-s-climate-ambitions
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Is the new Garda GACU Ireland's version of AC-12 in Line of Duty?
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The Garda have launched a set of new policies to guide the work of its recently formed Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU). The unit, which could be seen as the garda's version of AC-12 in the hit show Line of Duty, was established in November 2020 under the Governments A Policing Service For Our Future plan. It has developed several policies to support a safe and ethical workplace. The Garda say these include the overarching Anti-Corruption Policy, the Professional Boundaries and Abuse of Power for Sexual Gain Policy, as well as the Substance Misuse (Controlled Drugs) Policy, which are all being published internally and externally today. Drug testing of Garda personnel will start no sooner than six months time. The force says the new anti-corruption policies will help promote the highest levels of honesty, integrity and professionalism within the organisation, while enhancing public confidence in the policing service. GACU is headed by a Chief Superintendent and two Detective Superintendents supported by 23 Garda across remaining ranks. Pat Clavin said is the Garda Assistant Commissioner, Governance and Accountability. "Maintaining full public confidence in the work of An Garda Sochna depends on all Garda personnel demonstrating the highest levels of personal and professional standards of behaviour. Each and every person working in An Garda Sochna is rightfully expected to treat the public they serve with dignity and respect. "An Garda Sochna has an obligation to protect people from the risks and effects of corrupt behaviour, and to prevent and prosecute any form of corruption that impacts upon the delivery of a quality policing service to the community served. "There is no tolerance whatsoever for those within our organisation that may choose to abuse their position of trust for their own personal gain or those whose behaviour falls below our standards. "The vast majority of Garda personnel conduct themselves honestly and professionally, and the work of the Anti-Corruption Unit will help support and protect them. "These policies will allow us to continue preventing and minimising the risk of corruption, safeguard the integrity of our organisation, as well as fully support our own personnel to carry out their duties safely and effectively. The three Garda policies are available on Garda.ie.
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https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/news/637866/is-the-new-garda-gacu-ireland-s-version-of-ac-12-in-line-of-duty.html
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Where in Europe are campaigners trying to ban fake grass?
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After a recent petition submitted to the UK government called for a ban on the sale of artificial grass, questions around the environmental impact of plastic greenery are being raised. It turns out the environmental impact of astroturf could be worse than you think. Natural plants and grass encourage a healthy ecosystem by capturing CO2, emphasises the petition. Banning the sale of artificial grass could be a small step towards increasing the UK biodiversity, reducing our carbon footprint and helping our ever dwindling insect and wildlife population, it highlights. 29,321 participants signed the petition arguing that artificial grass creates huge volumes of plastic, cant always be recycled and can pollute soils with microplastics, which contribute highly to a consequent carbon footprint. Artificial grass creates huge volumes of plastic, cant always be recycled and can pollute soils with microplastics. But if you look at the bigger picture, there are also other damaging effects of the plastic grass, such as flooding. The grass contributes to flooding [and] can overheat making the lawns unusable and has no wildlife benefit. A similar UK petition was issued in September 2020, and at the time only collected 11,667 signatures. The answer given at that time by the government was the following: We prefer to help people and companies make the right choice, rather than banning items outright. If this new call to action reaches 100,000 signatures before November 17 2021, it will be considered for debate in parliament. Real grass needs water, this is undoubtedly a fact. Depending on the season and its superficy, it can require a lot of water. Currently the average Londoner consumes 164 litres of water per day, around 20 litres above the national average, according to the Mayor of London. So a conscious use of such a precious resource may make the difference when attempting to slow down climate change. On the other hand, artificial grass doesnt need that much water, if any. Its also worth taking into account the electricity savings you make by not having to mow the lawn, or fuel if you have a petrol lawnmower. If this new call to action reaches 100,000 signatures before November 17 2021, it will be considered for debate in parliament. Apart from water and electricity usage, the environmental impact of artificial grass and fake plants is far from positive. The problem is fake plants dont actively clean our environment, they are not going to improve the air by absorbing CO2 and transforming it into oxygen (the air we breathe). This action is not only useful in a closed room, but it actually contributes to combatting climate warming on every part of the planet. They wont have the chance to contribute to your compost and will be hard to recycle. The whole process of creating artificial greenery, from producing plastic parts to dying them the right colour in large factories, is another concern to bear in mind.
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https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/06/01/why-is-this-european-country-trying-to-ban-fake-grass
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How Can CBD Oil Help with Pain Relief?
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An estimated 100 million Americans are living with chronic pain , a debilitating condition that is currently the number one cause of long-term disability in the United States. Traditionally, doctors have prescribed opioid-based pharmaceuticals to treat symptoms of chronic pain, but these drugs carry the risk of addiction along with a host of unpleasant side effects. Over the past few years, as the rates of opioid addiction and overdoses have been climbing, doctors and patients alike have been searching for new, natural alternatives to these dangerous drugs. One of the most promising new treatments is cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, one of over 120 different cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system , which regulates bodily functions like immune response, sleep, and pain. Unlike THC, the most widely-known cannabis compound, CBD does not produce a high or any major psychoactive effects. CBD first became popular as a treatment for epilepsy and spastic disorders, but researchers soon discovered that this remarkable cannabinoid can help with a wide range of ailments. Recent studies are reporting that CBD oil can help treat anxiety , reduce some of the effects of Alzheimer's or schizophrenia , or even help people quit smoking . Scientists also report that CBD has shown promise for symptoms of chronic pain, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other pain-related disorders. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found evidence that CBD can reduce both pain and inflammation, findings that have been confirmed in other research . Cannabidiol can also help people suffering from arthritis manage their pain symptoms, according to a study published in the European Journal of Pain . Researchers are only now beginning to understand exactly how this hemp extract is able to help the body deal with pain. CBD can stop the body from absorbing anandamide , a natural compound associated with pain regulation. This effect increases levels of anandamide in the bloodstream, which may in turn reduce an individuals perceived level of pain. Other studies show that CBD can reduce inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which can also help control pain. For years, CBD was considered only technically legal in states with medical marijuana programs or state research pilot programs, but the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and all hemp-derived products including CBD at the beginning of this year. As the popularity of this wonder molecule continues to explode, the market is now flooded with a dazzling array of competing CBD products boasting hundreds of different health claims. There are many factors to consider when choosing one of the many CBD products available on the market today. Although some health food stores across the country are now carrying a broad spectrum of CBD edibles and infused beverages, the Food and Drug Administration still does not legally allow cannabis extracts to be added to food or drinks. Unadulterated CBD oils, like CBD Pure , are completely legal, however, and provide one of the safest means to treat symptoms of chronic pain without the adverse side-effects associated with opioids. "With CBD, many of the minor aches and pains we all experience, and the inflammation that contributes to them, are lessened, said CJ Montgomery of Nutra Pure, the company behind CBDPure. It's like turning down the volume and reducing those levels to something a little less loud." In order to create the purest possible oils, Nutra Pure selected a strain of hemp naturally high in CBD. The company grows their non-GMO hemp crop in Colorado using organic practices, without the use of herbicides or pesticides. For pain relief, this brand is a safe bet. In particular, we recommend their Hemp Oil 600 a tincture with 600mg of CBD. Another thing to consider when deciding which CBD product is best for you is whether or not the product has been tested for contaminants. A recent report has found that as much as 70 percent of the top 240 selling CBD products are contaminated with heavy metals or pesticides. Every batch of CBDPure oil is tested three times first at harvest, then at the company's production facility, and finally by an independent third-party laboratory. In addition to reporting the exact concentration of CBD, these test results verify that the product is free from pesticides, microbes, heavy metals, and residual solvents. The company makes this information publicly available so that customers can check the test results for the specific batch that they have purchased. Anyone suffering from chronic pain owes it to themselves to explore the use of CBD oil to help manage the symptoms of their pain. Traditional painkillers may have their place in modern medicine, but now that a safer alternative exists, theres no reason not to take advantage of it.
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https://merryjane.com/health/how-can-cbd-oil-help-with-pain-relief
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Where does the 'green list' leave cruise holidays?
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Last month, the pause button on cruising was finally released with ships permitted to weigh anchor once more. First out of the starting blocks were voyages around the UK, with more than 15 cruise companies having announced sailings in home waters this summer. While the FCDO has failed to give the green light to sea-going cruises beyond the UK against the advice of the governments Global Travel Taskforce the green list has, like the much-disputed amber list, provided an element of choice. Now, cruisers are able to travel to green-list approved destinations without the need to quarantine on return. Admittedly, theres unlikely to be a stampede of travellers heading to the remote South Sandwich Islands or Tristan da Cunha. But the inclusion of Portugal and Gibraltar has given a vote of confidence to two cruising stalwarts. Iceland is another winning addition, as is Denmarks Faroe Islands. A fair wind is starting to blow and while it may be too early to steam ahead, recovery is picking up speed. Below, our experts reveal what the green list means for cruises, and how to make the most of what is a limited list so far this summer. All dates are for July onward in the hope that the FCDO advice will soon change to reflect the governments recommendations. Portugal Crack open the port and strike up the cigars, because such a celebration is a truly fitting way to mark Portugals return to the holiday landscape for British cruisers. With river cruises exempt from the FCDO advice, sailings along the Douro River are looking to be the best option for those who simply cant wait to get back on board. This exotic backwater which carves through the heart of the Douro Valley; its precipitous slopes sculpted with vines bearing the fruit of its renowned tipple was already regarded as one of the rising stars of the river cruising world. Unlike Europes busier waterways, the appeal of the River of Gold lies in the somnolent ambience of this remote landscape. Sleepy settlements cling to dramatic inclines and hillside quintas, tucked into chiselled terraces, make perfect vantage points for drinking in gorgeous views while savouring the regions silky port wines. Portugal is also an established destination for ocean cruises; its Atlantic coastline attracting ships visiting the Iberian Peninsula or making the trip between the UK and the Mediterranean. Lisbon regularly appears in cruise itineraries, with its sweeping boulevards and graceful squares hinting at its 15th-century former self as the worlds most prosperous trading centre.
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/articles/does-green-list-leave-cruise-holidays/
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How Can We Ensure the Disabled Community Has Equal Access to Cannabis?
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Legal cannabis has pretty much gone mainstream. From the first legalization of medical marijuana, passed by California in 1996, to 33 states with either adult-use or medical cannabis programs as of Tuesdays election results, legal pot is only growing in popularity. For users with disabilities, the medicinal value of the plant has been increasingly clear for years; however, some of the challenges of accessing the drug for such individuals are just now being highlighted. In Colorado, for instance, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have been experiencing trouble purchasing cannabis in a retail setting. Despite it being legal and available, there are a variety of barriers preventing full access to the plant, including a lack of interpreters, the absence of captions, and a lack of cannabis-related signs in American Sign Language (ASL). This lack of vocabulary is leaving members of the deaf community to spell out ridiculously long words like endocannabinoid using individual letters from the ASL alphabet. eCS Therapy Center, a Boulder-based marijuana education nonprofit, has stepped up to bridge the gap between the cannabis and deaf communities. In an attempt to break the communication barrier and make accessing legal marijuana easier, they created Signs for the Times, a new vocabulary that allows deaf and hard-of-hearing cannabis users to navigate the constantly evolving cannabis landscape. Segment via The Denver Channel While the deaf community faced an immediate barrier, more and more disability communities are being denied cannabis access and related accommodations. In 2017, Maine passed a regulation requiring medical marijuana users to submit to government inspections in an effort to crack down on how caregivers grow and distribute medical cannabis. Provisions like these harm the disabled cannabis community, by making it seem as though users are faking the need for a medicinal substance, rather than promoting equal cannabis access for all. Debbie Churgai, the associate director of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), an organization working to overcome barriers for therapeutic cannabis users, says that while the trend of legalization is good for recreational users, it will provide the most benefit to users with disabilities. For therapeutic use, it has so much potential, and there are so many people that could be using this medicine that are not using it because its not federally legal, says Churgai. Although its helping many people in many states that have medical cannabis programs, its really not helping everyone. It could be helping everyone if it was federally legal. Cannabis users with disabilities currently face barriers to legal access in both government policy and social stigma. In the workplace, those with disabilities dont have much protection for off-duty usage of marijuana, even in states where the drug is legal for medical use. In a 2017 case , James Terry alleged that his firing from UPS was in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A medical cannabis card holder, Terry used the drug to treat chronic hip pain. He had never used it on the job, but after showing up positive on a random drug test, Terry was fired. According to the ADAs official website, the purpose of the law is to guarantee that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life. While the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable employment accommodations, it does not support the medical use of marijuana. The ADAs protections do not legally extend to individuals who use any illegal drug, and because cannabis is federally scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act, medical marijuana users with legitimate disabilities can be denied employment rights they would otherwise be afforded under ADA code. Price can be another barrier for individuals with disabilities. In a 2017 report by the Annual Disability Statistics Compendium, the median earnings for those with disabilities was only two-thirds of what able-bodied individuals were reportedly earning a trend thats continued since 2008. While some states dont charge registration fees, others make individuals pay upwards of $200 for a medical marijuana card. Patients are also responsible for paying the doctors consultation fee, which can be hundreds of additional dollars. Currently, there is no insurance coverage for medical cannabis in the U.S. Although its available in so many states, its really only available for those that can afford it, insists Churgai. Its really not going to be available for everyone until insurance can cover it. Debbie Churgai, associate director of Americans for Safe Access; photo via ASA As a Schedule I controlled substance, cannabis is described as having no medical use, making it difficult to qualify for coverage, despite being medically recognized by some states. In an interview with Tonic earlier this year, a representative for health insurance firm Humana noted at the time that there is no current insurance coverage offered for marijuana because there was no cannabis product approved the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While thats since changed with the FDAs acceptance of the cannabis-derived epilepsy medication Epidiolex, the approval doesnt change the marijuana plants legal status overall, and Churgai says that more research will be vital to moving towards medical cannabis insurance. When you talk to doctors, the first thing that theyre going to say is, Well, wheres the research? explains Churgai. Every patient in the whole country that has a medical cannabis card has to have a doctor recommendation. Doctors are really the key here Theyre not just going to take your word for it. They need that scientific evidence. Research which sufficiently backs medical claims is just the first step towards ensuring that legal cannabis is fully available to those with disabilities. Much of the policy surrounding disability and cannabis is vague and outdated, making it difficult for individuals to legally defend their medical usage. Federal courts continue to rule against medical marijuana accommodations, such as a 2012 case that asserted an individual who is gravely ill is not protected by the ADA, even in states that have legalized cannabis. The court ruled that the language of the law did protect users of drug treatments prescribed by health care professionals, but the acts vagueness did not allow for medical treatments involving drugs banned by the Controlled Substances Act. Theres also a lack of consistency between states about who is eligible for medical cannabis. While Illinois lists over 40 eligible conditions, North Carolina only lists one (epilepsy, for which CBD oil can be legally used). Organizations like the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) and ASA are working with politicians and activists to grow the list of medical cannabis-eligible conditions across the United States. While policy presents an important need for legislative progress, our culture still has catching up to do when it comes to cannabis acceptance. Although 33 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized the drug in some form or another, theres still a clear stigma surrounding its use even as medicine. In 2017, researchers examining five past medical cannabis patient studies found that cultural bias is not only present, but its affecting the doctor-patient relationship. Their analysis concluded that many medical patients were afraid of being labeled a stoner or pothead, and would choose to either hide their marijuana usage, or simply suffer pain instead of asking for help. To start combating such stigma while normalizing cannabis use, Churgai suggests simply speaking up. People sharing their stories are so important, and becoming an advocate is so important, emphasizes Churgai. I think people need to share their stories and let everyone know that no matter how old you are, no matter who you are in this world medical cannabis can work for you. In her work with ASA, Churgai has seen closed minds create significant barriers for patients with disabilities. She points to stories like that of a Maine man who was removed from the kidney transplant list for using medical marijuana. The patient had a cannabis prescription to treat his case of Alport Syndrome, but individuals on the organ transplant list in Maine are prohibited from using cannabis for any purpose, even if for a medical ailment. Despite a need to treat his pain in the short-term, the stigma of marijuana usage made it impossible for him to receive the long-term treatment he needed. Medical marijuana use can prevent patients with disabilities from receiving needed treatments, even surgeries; photo via iStock Other than fighting societal stigma, Churgai says recreational and able-bodied users should take a step back and examine their own usage before forming opinions about others. While adult users may turn to cannabis for entertainment, they ultimately feel the same effects as medicinal users. I honestly think that people that use it for adult-use are actually using it therapeutically; they just dont know it, says Churgai. Theyre using it to relax, or theyre using it to feel good Its still working in their bodies the same way that its working for everyone else. In a society where recreational cannabis spending is projected to outpace medical spending in 2019, its necessary for all users to understand the importance of cannabis legalization for individuals with disabilities. If medical professionals are to look to marijuana as valid medical treatment, recreational users need to start respecting individuals who truly require the medicine by standing up for their rights. One of the things we do at ASA is we teach people how to advocate properly, says Churgai. When you go and you talk to a member of Congress, you dont want to wear a big green leaf on your shirt, or disrespect them by smoking in front of their face. You want to talk to them [and] let them know that this is something everyone is using. Organizations such as ASA are working systemically with disability foundations to bring them up to speed on medical marijuana treatment options for specific disability communities. If youre an average member of the cannabis community, however, theres still a lot you can do to ensure access to the cannabis plant for those with disabilities. The easiest way is to just start a conversation. We want people to talk to their doctors about it, says Churgai. We want them to be educated about how it works in their bodies. We want them to know about drug interactions if theyre dealing with issues. We want them to know how it can help them therapeutically. Cannabis legalization continues to be an important social issue, and the fight for legalization continues to be led by members of the disabled community. Individuals like Rachel Ramone Donlan who was recently arrested for protesting on behalf of legalization in Washington, D.C., and who uses cannabis as treatment for Elhers-Danlos Syndrome are standing up for their medical rights and better access to the drug. Churgai says theres still much to do before the disabled community has full cannabis access, but the best thing people can do moving forward is to be as knowledgeable as possible about the plants medicinal value. Cannabis shouldnt just be a last option; it should be a first option.
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https://merryjane.com/health/how-can-we-ensure-the-disabled-community-has-equal-access-to-cannabis
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How Does Cannabis Interact with HIV Medication?
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Cannabis has long been known to make adherence to HIV medication bearable. In fact, the virus is one of the foremost qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in the majority of legal states. After all, it was a key driving force in the original crusade to legalize the plant. A growing number of states not including CBD oil-only states, or states with undefined lists of conditions explicitly include HIV or AIDS as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana: As of 2019, that includes Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. Despite the widespread acceptance of cannabis for alleviating symptoms of HIV, there is much more to be learned about the actual mechanisms of the plant in reducing neurocognitive issues and inflammation some of the most detrimental effects associated with the virus. People living with HIV often take steroids or other potent drugs that are hard on the kidneys, making it difficult to distinguish what symptoms come from HIV and what symptoms come from HIV drug regimens. HIV drugs powerfully annihilate HIV cells in the bloodstream to undetectable levels, but the virus still reaches the deepest reservoirs in the body, such as in the bone marrow or in the brain , where drugs cannot always reach. As a person living with HIV, I can affirm cannabis ability to noticeably improve the quality of life especially considering the often toxic HIV drugs that Im consigned to take daily in order to stay alive. For over three years, I had to take a mandatory daily dose of Atripla a three-drug pill containing the hallucinogenic drug efavirenz . It was the first drug I was prescribed, and I was casually warned that efavirenz may cause weird dreams. On the third day of taking Atripla, I experienced profound hallucinations, much more like a full-blown acid trip than a dream. Then it happened about every three days. Researchers have confirmed the medications LSD-like properties . I consumed or smoked cannabis daily to take the edge off of efavirenz and roid rage caused by testosterone. Consuming cannabis was the only way for me to stay grounded when the hallucinations made it difficult to distinguish reality. Its also the only thing that works to lower constant digestive irregularity and provide mental clarity, like resetting my brain. While HIV is considered to blame for the cognitive issues, researchers have linked some neurocognitive problems to efavirenz itself. Efavirenz commonly causes early neuropsychiatric side effects, but tolerance develops in most patients, wrote a South African research team in a 2013 study published in Expert Opinion on Drug Safety. There is emerging evidence that efavirenz use may damage neurons, which could result in impaired neurocognitive performance. In South Africa, efavirenz is more commonly abused recreationally . This, coupled with HIV, spells bad news for the cognitive abilities of people living with HIV. Eventually, I got tired of tripping every three days. After three and a half years, I switched from Atripla to a pill called Stribild and then finally Genvoya, which both have fewer side effects. Each time a new pill is released, it is branded as less toxic as in the case of Genvoya . Michigan State University was the recipient of a $2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how cannabis compounds can reduce inflammation and cognitive problems among HIV patients. Dr. Norbert E. Kaminski is director of Michigan State University's Center for Integrative Toxicology and a professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology. A high percentage of HIV patients develop a neurocognitive disorder called HANS (HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder), Kaminski told MERRY JANE on the phone. And what causes this, in part, is that there is a chronic inflammatory response in the brain, partly due to the HIV virus getting into the brain. That inflammatory response ultimately causes the damage and destruction of neurons. In the most severe cases, HIV patients can develop symptoms what you would see in Alzheimers patients. Growing evidence to support the idea that cannabinoids can suppress the progression of HIV is nothing new. Weve known for a very long that cannabinoids, including delta-9-THC, can modulate the immune system, but in this case, they are also anti-inflammatory, Kaminski said. So some of our preliminary studies which led to the funding of this grant, was that when we began looking at the circulating white blood cells in HIV patients, we found that many of them have very high levels of monocytes [a type of white blood cell], and these monocytes were activated to something they recognized as being foreign. We also saw that in HIV patients that use medical marijuana they did not have this condition. The number of monocytes in the patients using medical marijuana was very similar to our healthy non-infected controls. Kaminski was amazed at the difference in profile in the bloodwork. So what we are hypothesizing is that we think those individuals that are using marijuana may be able to control the number of these inflammatory monocytes. He explained that monocytes, when in circulation, become activated and can cross the blood-brain barrier and get into the brain. Once theyre in there, they continue the inflammatory response. They also deplete proteins that recruit additional white blood cells that get into the brain. By controlling the number of activated white blood cells, he explains, we believe that there will be fewer of these cells crossing the blood-brain barrier and potentially also inhibiting or impairing that inflammatory response so that they dont develop this neurocognitive disorder. Cannabis status under Schedule I makes it harder for researchers like Kaminski to get things done. Kaminski and his research team dont give study participants medical cannabis. Instead, they provide them with questionnaires and compare the patients who use medical cannabis to those who dont. Kaminskis team also used GB Sciences' cannabis-based neuroprotective compounds in its research. The teams findings could eventually pave the way for future HIV medications. I would first like to note that the research into cannabinoid-based therapies for treatment of HIV-associated inflammation is very limited, study co-author Mike Rizzo reiterated via email. Despite this, I do believe there is potential for the development of cannabinoid-based medicine to dampen the chronic inflammation associated with HIV infection. In our recent publication, we observed that HIV+ individuals utilizing cannabis had a lower level of inflammatory markers in their blood compared to HIV+ individuals who did not use cannabis. This would suggest that cannabis use is lowering the level of inflammation in these HIV+ individuals. Rizzo continued. Furthermore, we have evidence in the lab indicating that THC is a key cannabinoid compound promoting the anti-inflammatory effects that we observed in these HIV+ individuals utilizing cannabis. To conclude, despite the limited research regarding cannabinoid use and inflammation, I do believe there is promise for the development of cannabinoid-based medicine to alleviate HIV-related inflammation. Modern HIV drugs, called antiretrovirals, work relatively similar to antibiotics in the sense that if you skip days of pills, you can develop a resistance and it will eventually render the drug useless. Drug resistance is a consistent major issue for otherwise effective HIV drugs. Its also one of the reasons why people still die of AIDS today, even though there are now so many effective drug options to choose from. Some people are subject to superinfection with multiple strains of HIV, and others were infected with supercharged multidrug-resistant HIV strains. Still, Im grateful for efavirenz and other HIV drugs Id be dead by now if effective HIV medicine didnt exist. Had I been diagnosed 20 years earlier, Id be forced to take experimental medications like AZT that didnt work and might even make things worse . Like innumerable other people around the world, Ive embraced cannabis to combat the various issues that I faced as a result of my HIV. After being diagnosed, I eventually found a local Long Beach, California dispensary that ran a compassionate care program which gifted a small amount of cannabis every week to people living with HIV or cancer. All I had to do was furnish my diagnosis form and my doctors recommendation for cannabis. The budtender there refused to touch my dollars when I bought more cannabis, but overall it was worth it. In California, its no secret that cannabis works wonders for HIV. Things have changed since HIV was the deadly plague it was in the 1980s. People living with HIV who adhere to their medication without skipping days can expect a near-normal life expectancy . With cannabis, however, the quality of life can be greatly improved. I can say this with confidence.
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https://merryjane.com/health/how-does-cannabis-interact-with-hiv-medication
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How Does Weed Combined with Booze Affect Pregnancies?
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A research project at the University of Victoria will investigate how weed and alcohol together may harm pregnant women or their unborn babies. Decades of research exists for alcohols effects on pregnant moms and fetuses, and theres been recent studies focusing on how pot influences pregnancies , too. But simultaneous use of alcohol and marijuana (SAM) during pregnancies hasnt been thoroughly studied. As cannabis becomes increasingly legalized worldwide, the urgency for more data regarding SAM on pregnancies is growing, too. Last year, reports from Colorado found that 69 percent of the states dispensaries recommended weed to pregnant women. And roughly 30 percent of women believe cannabis is perfectly safe to take during pregnancy, according to a University of British Columbia study. We used to work to make people aware of the risks of alcohol and tobacco for a developing fetus, said Dr. Brian Christie, a professor at the University of Victorias Division of Medical Sciences and the upcoming studys lead researcher. This generations issue is not dissimilar; were hoping that this research will provide clarity around the risks of mixed substance use, and improve public health outcomes. Some research suggests cannabis can negatively affect a fetuss development. Even after birth, mothers can transfer plant compounds like THC to their infants through breast milk . However, other studies show no detrimental effects on babies birthed or raised by mothers who toke. Evolution links some cannabinoids to positive child development. The human body produces its own cannabinoids called endocannabinoids, which, like THC, also transfer through breast milk. Scientists believe endocannabinoids are necessary to nurture feelings of hunger in nursing babies. The answer may be clearer upon the studys completion.
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https://merryjane.com/health/how-does-weed-combined-with-booze-affect-pregnancies
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Is life worth less in India?
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When I was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin during the 1970s, a fellow American student from another department invited me to a class he was teaching. The topic was India and he wanted me present in his class as an example of a real Indian who could answer questions from students about India and Indians. I readily agreed. I do not remember most of the questions or how I answered them but one question has remained with me. I will paraphrase the question as follows, Do you think there is less value attached to life in India because the population is so huge? I was put on the spot and did not want to present a negative image of my country. I managed to give a somewhat evasive answer something to the effect that population density in India is probably no different from what one sees in cities like New York and peoples lives are probably viewed in the same way. However, I knew that I did not give an honest answer. I believe that the truth is that human life in India does not indeed carry as much worth as it does in a country like US and the overwhelming population is one of the contributing factors. I have thought about this question many times in life. I believe that there is, at least, a loose correlation between quality of life in a country and its population. If one looks at the list of the happiest countries in the world, the top ten entries seem to always include the four Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, Austria and Iceland, all with population in the 5 to 10 million range. China and India remain as the most populous countries with populations of 1.5 and 1.4 billion respectively and they are also not so desirable places to live, in spite of recent developments and technological advancements. Perhaps population has to remain below a critical mass in order for life of every citizen to be addressed seriously and effectively. It makes sense. When there are less people there are fewer issues and conflicts between them and people can care more about each other. Value of life is automatically higher because any loss of life has an impact on some aspect of society. When there are a billion plus people, nothing stops if some people die because there are plenty of people available to replace them. There is apathy towards the misery or misfortune of other people. Everyone has a mindset that with all the people available someone else would help and therefore I need not get involved. The USA seems to be undergoing a transition. When I first came to the US, it seemed that every life mattered. Every killing and every accident drew attention and investigations followed by fair trial, if appropriate, ensued. There was even daily reporting of lives of soldiers lost in the Vietnam war and every effort was made to bring the bodies back to their homeland. Even as recently as 2001, Americans responded vigorously to the loss of 3,000 plus lives in the 9/11 disaster by going to war in Afghanistan and Iraq and spending billions of dollars. However, in recent decades, mass shootings, homelessness, illegal immigration across the southern border, use of excessive force by police and other such developments have diluted the intensity of that concern for human life. At the same time, population of the country has been increasing and has perhaps crossed that critical mass. The good news is that people still seem to come together to help others in difficulty, both financially as well as emotionally. Two incidents made an impression upon me about the validity of my belief. When I was attending Science College in Kolkata, I often used to take a train from Dhakuria (where I lived) to Sealdah station and then walk to Science College. During the rush hour, it was preferable to get even tiny standing room near the door of the compartment so that one could get some breeze. One day, as I was at my usual spot, a small rock hurled by a kid came flying and hit me between my left eyebrow and eye. I felt pain, covered my left eye and simply sat down on the floor. The train soon entered the platform of Sealdah (South) station and every passenger and I mean everyone disembarked in a hurry without paying any attention to me or offering any help. Fortunately, my eye was not damaged and I managed to get to the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital nearby. The second incident took place during my India visit in 2013. One day, while going from Sodepur to Kolkata with a cousin in her car, I saw a middle-aged bearded man in shaggy clothes lying flat on the side of a busy street. Everyone passed by him completely oblivious to his condition. I did not know. My cousin did not care either and I guess my Indian genes prevented me from saying Stop the car; let us find out what is wrong with this man. It is not just these two isolated incidents; I can confess that I lived my life in India largely oblivious to the plight of poor people the servants and maids, the factory labourers, the farmers, not to mention the beggars and homeless refugees. I almost accepted the socio-economic caste system as being the norm. When I visited Kolkata in 2013 after almost 30 years, I realised that, in spite of all the progress and improvements that had brought the Indian economy to the world stage, lives of poor people have not changed much from the time I lived there. The horrific images of people in India during the recent surge in Covid, both their suffering while desperately looking for treatment as well as their mass funerals and the apparent lack of preparedness of the country to deal with the problem made me ask the same question, Is value of life less in India? In a highly litigious society like America, lawyers can put a value on life. It seems that when a person dies from non-natural causes in the USA someone comes out of the woodwork and sues the party alleged to be responsible for the death. I assume that there are standard formulas and precedents that guide the lawyers in their determination of the amount needed to compensate for the loss of life. I doubt that a similar mindset exists in India. One of my Christian friends pointed out another interesting aspect of this difference in how we see value of life. Indians who are mostly Hindu believe in reincarnation. The present life is just one in a series of thousands of reincarnations that every person must go through in order to achieve that ultimate destiny Nirvana and what happens in this life is largely predetermined by our karma in previous lives. The Christians, on the other hand, value their present life because they think that it is the one life to live; they will go to heaven or hell after that. As a result, there might be a greater emphasis on not only in living ones life on the right path but also to regard everyone elses life on an equal footing. In any event, I strongly believe that until a country views worth of life of every citizen the same way, it has not raised itself to the next level of improvement in order to become a great country. (The writer, a physicist who worked in academia and industry, is a Bengali settled in America)
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https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/is-life-worth-less-in-india-1502970328.html
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Is It Possible to OD On Weed?
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Now, given how little marijuana has been studied or regulated the last hundred or so years, maybe one could chalk the fact that no one has ever officially died from too much weed up to negligence or lack of data. So lets look at the numbers we do have. When the medical community talks about drugs, each one is assigned an LD-50 rating. This rating indicates at what dosage the drug would cause 50% of the subjects receiving it to die due to toxicity. And, according to a DEA administrative law judges 1988 testimony : A number of researchers have attempted to determine marijuanas LD-50 rating in test animals, without success. Simply stated, researchers have been unable to give animals enough marijuana to induce death. So, as of September 6th, 1988, no researcher had been able to induce a marijuana-related overdose in a test subject. The LD-50 they eventually came up with was 1:20,000, or 1:40,000. That means a smoker would have to consume 20,000 to 40,000 times the amount of weed in one joint, all in one sitting. Thats....20,000 to 40,000 joints. All in one sitting. Even the most dedicated dabber would find themself passed out on the couch before they could manage to get what essentially equals 1,500 pounds of marijuana into their system. Oh yeah: smoke easy, knowing that pretty much everything is more likely to kill you at any given moment than what youre packing in that bowl.
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https://merryjane.com/health/is-it-possible-to-overdose-from-weed-can-i-die-from-weed-can-weed-kill-you
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Is Lab-Tested Cannabis Actually as Safe as We Think?
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Lead photo courtesy of Evio Labs The promise of lab-tested weed has been among the major selling points for cannabis legalization campaigns across the country. Yet, to date, it's unclear whether we can actually rely on lab testing to tell us the truth at least, consistently about what's in our pot. Without nationwide standards to regulate cannabis laboratory equipment and methodology, our ability to trust in lab-tested pot has been reduced to a game of guesswork. The costs of meeting testing requirements for growers, manufacturers, and retailers; the different testing methods labs are using; and the advent of "lab shopping" whereby products are tested at different labs in order to get the most favorable results all threaten to undermine the credibility of lab-tested cannabis, and thus, any guarantee that legal weed is safe or consistent for consumers. In fact, nearly 20 percent of cannabis products in California have failed potency and purity tests since the state began to require these checks on July 1st of this year. "Every lab we've gone to has been different; there's no standardization," says Mike Reynolds, CEO of Kase Manufacturing in California, who, as a producer of cannabis tinctures, topicals, and vapes, reports he's observed variance in THC test results of up to 30 percent from one lab to another. Both potency and pesticide testing have yielded disparate numbers, he says, with one lab testing 92 percent for a certain potency and another testing 78 percent on the same material. "We want to trust that we're giving healthy and clean medicine to people, and at the same time it's been really horrific," he says. "How do you trust anything?" It's quite standard for cannabis producers to try multiple testing labs, Reynolds says, noting that he often chooses results from whichever lab gets them back the most quickly. The lab he uses now takes roughly about five days, assuming nothing goes wrong. Reynolds also does his own THC and CBD potency testing before sending the material out to labs. Daniel Wacks, CEO of State Flower Cannabis, has also gone lab shopping, both in California and Nevada. "Testing labs run the gamut in terms of pricing, turnaround times, and customer service," he says. For example, because state-level regulations provide a very general definition as to how a 'representative sample' of a particular batch of marijuana flowers should be collected, some labs consistently collect a variety of bud sizes from various areas within the batch sent out for testing. Other labs function under a looser interpretation of 'representative sample,' tending to favor medium to larger buds with more visible trichomes, Wacks notes, in order to ensure their clients receive a higher potency on the Certificate of Analysis for a given product. Meanwhile, Wacks adds, although some labs are careful to change gloves in between collecting samples from each batch or everytime a technician sneezes, coughs, or touches their phone or any object outside the testing batch other labs are not nearly as diligent. Photo courtesy of CannaSafe While Wacks, too, has received varying results from multiple labs, he notes that in most states with stricter lab testing requirements, you can't retest the same exact sample at a different lab. "Some states allow operators to select their own sample for R&D [research and development] testing only (California and Nevada included), the results of which are kept between the operator and the lab," he says. "This can be a really helpful tool for operators who are looking to experiment with new genetics and want to ensure that the clones they acquired are free of banned pesticides (some systemic pesticides can remain detectable for multiple generations), or want to confirm that a new strain they test ran is high enough potency to be considered commercially viable." Results from R&D testing do not enable operators to sell the batch from which the sample was collected, unless it has passed compliance testing as well, he adds. "Because R&D testing is not a requirement, it is essentially an additional, and some might say, unnecessary expense to get product to market, and is therefore a very underutilized tool that could enable operators to better understand the variables involved in the testing process." The R&D testing results tend to be much more predictable from a sample that you submit yourself, versus one that the lab selects for you, Wacks adds. "Potency, for example, can vary drastically from sample to sample." The cost of testing is another issue, and one that ultimately trickles down to the consumer. Stricter regulations and increased demand have forced labs to acquire more sophisticated equipment and scale quickly, which has led to higher testing costs, says Wacks. He notes, however, that as more competition enters the cannabis lab space, the cost of testing is likely to fall. For example, California has only issued 33 testing lab licenses to date, while permitted labs have been so backed up with industry customers that it's taken up to 15 days, or three times the regular timeline, for them to return results an indicator, he adds, of lagging competition. On average, sample batch size should fall around 50 pounds, per regulations such as in California. Meanwhile, testing itself should cost around $500 per batch, but can be as high as $1000, depending on product type, a given lab, and date of testing. Photo courtesy of Evio Labs In a state like Oregon, on the other hand, which arguably gave out too many licenses and regulated for smaller batch sizes in testing, the overproduction of cannabis not only drove down wholesale prices to $500 a pound, but producers were also asked to test every ten pounds for $500 a batch. "People say this is ridiculous, but that's not the cost of testing's fault," says Josh Wurzer, president of cannabis testing firm SC Laboratories, Inc. "The consumer wants cannabis that's reasonably priced, but also safe, and they shouldn't have to make a decision between the two." In developing regulations around cannabis testing, the batch size can affect the cost of the finished unit for the customer, he says. "It's a matter of finding the sweet spot with regulators, where we're testing for as many things as appropriate, but they're not making batch sizes so small that it gets to be really expensive per unit," Wurzer says. "You also don't want batch sizes so big that you're not getting a representative sample." The definition of a batch itself, is not so straightforward at least to laymen. $600 or $700 worth of testing on a 50-pound batch will be worth $100,000 in wholesale sales, which is less than one percent of the batch cost going to quality control, says Wurzer, and thats considered reasonable. "The 50 pounds would all be one strain from one field; it should all be the same cannabis," he says. "We send our sampler or field technician to the distributor, who has all 50 pounds in totes or containers of some sort. Our technician pulls small amounts from each container, then mixes it all together to homogenize it and then do one set of tests form the amount that was collected from that 50-pound batch." That's what's called a representative sample one test for all 50 pounds. As far as methodology goes, each lab needs to go through a "validation procedure" to scientifically prove that the way they're testing is correct, since standard reference methods don't exist for cannabis testing, Wurzer explains. "For instance, Colorado and Washington didn't do a good job of enforcing for the labs that they do proper validation on their methods. You had some instances where labs were falsifying data, and unless the state is checking on the labs and has good oversight, that's bound to happen, because there is a lot of money involved and shady characters." On the other hand, what California and Oregon got right, he adds, is the requirement that all labs get accredited. In Oregon, for example, there's a National Environmental Lab Accreditation Program throughout the state, with which regulators examine a lab's quality control systems and methodology. In California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and other states, labs must also adhere to ISO 17025 an international gold standard for testing laboratories which verifies competency for sampling and evaluation, whether it's food, environmental resources, or cannabis. Employee with liquid chromatography equipment used to analyze samples; photo courtesy of CannaSafe In California, products are tested at the distributor level, so that they are tested in the final, packaged form that consumers will ultimately buy. Cannabis in the Golden State is tested for (take a deep breath) cannabinoid content; five different microbiological pathogens; four species of fungus aspergillus; heavy metals; mycotoxins; moisture content (to make sure it doesn't mold on the shelf); nutraceuticals (for cannabis food products); dozens of pesticides; terpene content (if the label makes any terpene claims); and residual solvents and processing chemicals (in the case of concentrates). "Nobody has put out data that can stand the test of time that says what the best way to test for pesticides is," says Aaron Riley, president of CannaSafe Labs in California. (And let's not forget about California's 20 percent failure rate for lab-tested cannabis products.) While lab variance can feel like stepping onto two different scales and getting half-pound different results, some labs simply don't have the right methodology or equipment. "To test how California wants you to test with detection limits and requirements, you'd be hard pressed to set up a small lab for $1.5 million," he says. "That's as cheap as you could go, and I don't know if you could do it for that much." The equipment alone costs about $700,000, Riley says, and can greatly affect the quality of a lab's results. "The lab needs to make the proper investment for their testing to be up to par," he says. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, the Cannabis Control Commission is in the process of finalizing regulations and licensing for a Standards Testing Laboratory to systematically audit and very testing results from independent testing labs across the state. "Included with this will be a 'secret shopper' program where dispensaries or other retailers will not know when a product is being purchased to double-check the testing results," says Joe Crinkley, public relations and marketing manager for MCR Labs. These steps are meant to ensure that pot shops demand testing procedures which are effective and accurate, so they're not caught dispensing product with unreliable or unreplicable results, he adds. "Additionally, this will put pressure on labs like ours to employ techniques that generate precise and reliable results, and avoid practices that could lead to discrepancies in the data we're providing to clients and regulators." However, even with accreditation and proficiency testing, there will always be some minor variance from lab to lab, says Lori Glauser, COO of Evio Labs. "Some of the variation comes from the samples themselves, some from the instruments, and some from the analysts working on the tests. This does not mean any one lab is better than another." Photo courtesy of Evio Labs To ensure that lab-tested cannabis is viable and trustworthy, Glauser suggests labs not only be accredited (which is happening in most states), but that labs, by themselves or through an independent third party, be responsible for sampling product from the manufacturer's batch. "If self-sampling, manufacturers and distributors have incentive to provide the highest quality, cleanest bud in the entire batch for testing and that is not representative of the entire batch," she says. Only a handful of states require sampling: Oregon, Nevada, and now California among them. Consumers must also be educated that higher potency does not mean "better" (and therefore more valuable), Glauser underscores. "There is so much more to cannabis and its effects than the amount of THC." In the early stages of legalization, lab testing still has kinks to work out in terms of reliability and standardization and the latter will certainly boost the former. While the current state of lab testing remains shaky, and at times untrustworthy, the presence and further development of testing requirements and regulations in terms of methodology, equipment, standard batch sizes, and so forth not only within a given state, but among multiple states that have legalized cannabis may soon help a gold standard emerge which cannabis testing labs can adhere to, no matter their size or location. In the meantime, however, consumers need to do their own research, scrutinizing the results on a product's label, interrogating brands as to their testing practices, and who's doing the testing. Nearly as important as the integrity of the cannabis brand itself, is the integrity of the lab that's testing it.
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https://merryjane.com/health/is-lab-tested-cannabis-actually-as-safe-as-we-think
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Should I buy an 85-inch TV?
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As todays best smart TVs get ever larger, and sales of 65-inch TVs start to grow past those of 55-inch TVs, many of you may be wondering how big your new TV could actually go and if its worthwhile opting for a truly massive display. 85-inch TVs are still very much in the minority in todays market, appearing for a number of flagship models like the Samsung QN900A, and at times only in specific regions like the US. But there is a slow market penetration happening, and its well worth paying attention to. In this guide well run you through which 85-inch TVs are on the market, how much they cost, and just how big they actually are. Keep in mind, too, that OLED TVs may be available in 83-inch or 88-inch sizes, but that 85-inch TVs are limited to LCD and QLED screens. First off, we need to discuss the size of an 85-inch TV. That 85 inch figure refers to the diagonal length of the display, say from the bottom left corner to the upper right. The exact height, width and depth of an 85-inch TV will vary depending on the set in question. A TV with a Mini LED backlight will be a bit thicker than a super-slim OLED screen (which wont need a backlight at all). If a TV has a built-in soundbar, that could add some visible height and weight, while other screens may opt for more discreet placement around the TVs casing. As an example, the Samsung Q60T QLED comes in a massive 85-inch size, and measures 108.3cm tall, 189.6cm wide, and 6cm deep which are the measurements to consider if youre going to wall-mount the screen. When placed on the included TV stand, the Q60Ts height jumps to 118.6cm, and the depth pads out to 39.2cm. The 2021 flagship QN900A QLED, is almost identical in sizing, measuring 107.2cm tall and 187.6cm wide. It is decently slimmer at 1.54cm, but adding in a TV stand means the depth actually caps out at 34.4cm, making for a similar profile overall. The price of your 85-inch TV will depend on a lot of factors aside from the size, though in most cases an 85-inch model will be the largest and therefore most expensive iteration of a specific television. A budget LCD TV at an 85-inch size will still cost well over $1,000 / 1,000 / AU$1,500 unsurprisingly, given its bigger than four 40-inch TVs taped together. Thats a lot of materials! But high-end LCD models can see that figure stretch past the $10,000 / 10,000 / AU$15,000 mark too. OLED TVs use distinct sizing options compared to QLED, and generally if youre looking for something around a 85-inch size, youll need to opt for a 88-inch OLED TV, like the B&O Beovision Harmony, or the LG Z1 both of which are 8K models. OLED panels tend to up the price, of course, and an LG Z Series 8K OLED at 88 inches is going to set you back $29,999 / 24,999 (around AU$38,700). That B&O model takes things even further with a 44,100 / $49,000 (around AU$81,700) launch price. You can see pricing information for some key Samsung and Sony TVs releasing in 2021 below too. Samsung 85-inch TVs: what you can buy Samsung puts out more 85-inch TVs than most, utilizing the size for all of its QLED and Neo QLED screens in the 2021 new Samsung TV range. Samsung QN900A Neo 8K QLED: $8,999 (11,999 / AU$13,999) Samsung QN800A Neo 8K QLED: $6,499 (6,499 / AU$9,499) Samsung QN95A Neo 4K QLED: $4,999 (around 3,500 / AU$6,300) Samsung QN90A Neo 4K QLED: $4,999 (around 3,500 / AU$6,300) Samsung QN85A Neo 4K QLED: $4,499 (US only) Samsung Q80A 4K QLED: $3,699 (around 2,600 / AU$4,800) Samsung Q70A 4K QLED: $2,999 (around 2,100 / AU$3,800) Samsung Q60A 4K QLED: ($2,599, around 1,850 / AU$3,300) Samsung AU8000 4K TV: Price TBA Sony 85-inch TV: what you can buy Sony packs in fewer 85-inch TVs than Samsung, but youll still find the size on its flagship OLED and LCD screens the Sony Z9J 8K TV and Sony X95J 4K TV. Its worth keeping in mind that 85-inch TVs will, on the whole, be very heavy. That means TV stand solutions need to be able to take the weight. While stands supplied in tandem with the television (i.e. come in the same box) will likely be sufficient, third-party solutions may not be as reliable. That said, we found that this years Samsung QN90A featured quite a wobbly pedestal stand, even at a 65-inch size, and its worth being cautious here if youre putting the TV in a place with a lot of thoroughfare (or children). A wall-mounted screen may be safest, and also stop the sizeable screen from jutting out into the space of your living room. Larger screens tend to look quite odd on poky little feet, too.
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https://www.techradar.com/news/should-i-buy-85-inch-tv
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Will England's lockdown be extended past June 21?
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June 21 is the earliest date that lockdown measures will be lifted in England. Here's everything we know. The fourth and final stage of lockdown-easing in England is due to be brought in on June 21, but there is increasing uncertainty over whether this date will go ahead as planned. Many scientists have called for the government to delay Boris Johnson's planned roadmap, due to risks posed by mutant variants of coronavirus. The fourth stage of lockdown-easing would all legal limits on social contact lifted, which would effectively mark the end of lockdown. Due to concerns over the Indian variant, however, many experts are claiming we should delay the plans. We don't yet know whether the June 21 date will go ahead as planned. A number of experts have called for the government to delay the planned June 21 date. Professor Ravi Gupta, a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag), recently spoke about the issue on ITVs Good Morning Britain. He said: |Even a month delay could have a big impact on the eventual outcome of this. "As long as its clear to people this is not an unlimited extension of the lockdown but actually just a reassessment, that would be realistic. Because we didnt plan for the 617.2 variant when the initial roadmap was made, and actually things have gone really well except for the fact that we have this new variant to complicate things. The fourth stage of lockdown-easing could see the return of large events like festivals. Picture: Getty "We must remember this is a virus that does adapt, and faced with vaccines it will eventually start to make mutations to avoid them even further, and then we could be in an even more precarious situation after that. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) council, has also called on the government to rethink plans. He said: |The Government must hold off making a final decision on whether lockdown is fully lifted on June 21 until latest data can be scientifically considered. "The Prime Minister had pledged he would be guided by data not dates, and its vital that he now honours this commitment." Currently, we don't know whether lockdown will be extended or not. At a press conference last Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it's 'too early' to say whether the June 21 date will go ahead. He said: "It is too early now to say, yet, whether we can take the full step four on June 21. I desperately want us to, but we will only do that if it's safe." On May 27, Boris Johnson told reporters during a visit to an Essex hospital that he does not "see anything currently in the data" that suggests the date might be delayed, but added that "we may need to wait" for more data. He continued: "Don't forget the important point about the intervals between the steps of the roadmap, we put that five weeks between those steps to give us time to see what effect the unlockings are having." Environment secretary George Justice recently told the BBC: The Prime Minister has said all along that he is going to take this one step at a time and will only make the judgment on the next step, on June 21, about a week before that. "I think he is excepted to say something in a couple of weeks' time on June 14. "The rates are going up again slightly but from a low base and probably to be expected, given there are a significant number of younger people who are now out and mixing but haven't had the vaccine - I suppose that is to be expected. "But the right thing to do in a couple of weeks' time is to assess that data before deciding what we can do." Ministers have said that a decision on whether the June 21 date will go ahead won't be made until June 14.
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https://www.heart.co.uk/news/lockdown-extended-june-21/
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What is World Outlander Day? Why is Outlander Day on June 1?
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Outlander cast celebrate World Outlander Day FREE now for the biggest moments from morning TV SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow for the biggest moments from morning TV When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Outlander fans are waiting on tenterhooks for season six which is set to release on Starz later this year. In the meantime, they have World Outlander Day to celebrate the franchise with. For Outlander fans, June 1 is one of the most important days of the year as it represents a very special day for Outlander history. June 1 was the day that the original novel in the series was released by author Diana Gabaldon. World Outlander Day is now celebrated yearly to recognise the franchises impact and importance for fans, both across the novels and television series. The date also comes with special events or news for the franchise and this year is no different, with the cast all getting together to release a video supporting the series. In the video, many members of the main cast can be seen celebrating World Outlander Day, including Sophie Skelton, who plays Brianna Randall Fraser in the series. In the video, she says: On this day, I just want to say thank you very much to our fans because we dont just throw it out there when we say that we have the best fans. It really is the Outlander Fan-mily, she continues. Do you have to like fight other people to get that day? Like the rest of the cast, she also expressed how grateful she is to the fans and that she continues to appreciate all their support, saying: We have the most amazing fans, Im very grateful. The original video was shared on Twitter and quickly amassed over 6,000 likes in just a few hours. Many fans took to the comments to share the love for Outlander, all coming together in celebration of the franchise. [INSIGHT] Outlander: June 1 was when the original book was published One fan said: Re-watching S5 yesterday & thought to myself-- I really miss these characters & #Outlander's BRILLIANT ability to evoke emotions. Can't wait to see S6! #WorldOutlanderDay." Another fan added: Thank YOU to everyone who works so hard to bring us the show! But the biggest thanks goes to @Writer_DG for writing that "practice book" which was published on June 1, 1991! A third said: Happy #WorldOutlanderDay #BESTFANSEVER 7years together,they are a long dream that I wish would never end THANKS #OutlandeSTARZ THANKS @Writer_DG @caitrionambalfe @SamHeughan THANKS TO ALL." Outlanders popularity is in no signs of slowing down, with broadcaster Starz confirming season seven months ahead of season sixs release making the announcement on March 14, 2021. Trending
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https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1443959/What-is-World-Outlander-Day-why-June-1-Starz
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Could Washington be interested in Philadelphia tight end Zach Ertz if released?
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The Washington Football Team has been busy adding tight ends this offseason. Logan Thomas enters 2021 as the unquestioned starter, but the Football Team badly needed depth. Not only did the WFT draft John Bates in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft, but Washington also added international signee Sammis Reyes and free agents Deon Yelder and Ricky Seals-Jones. None of the new additions are expected to make a huge impact for Washington in 2021. However, one former rival could soon become available that could interest the Washington Football Team. Philadelphia tight end Zach Ertz isnt expected back with the Eagles in 2021, and with the team needing cap space, Ertz could soon find himself as a free agent. While Ertz had a down 2020 season, many factors could explain his lack of success last season. The key for Washington or any team interested in Ertz is determining if Ertzs worst career season resulted from physical decline or related to the overall mess that was the Eagles in 2020. Ertz played in 11 games for Philadelphia in 2020, finishing with just 36 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown. It was the first time in Ertzs career he failed to score more than one touchdown. Over his eight-year career, Ertz has 561 receptions for 6,078 yards and 36 touchdowns. Ertz has 87 career receptions against Washington. Yes. To what extent should be the question. Washington is happy with Thomas as the starter. Thats doubtful. There are several more appealing destinations for Ertz where he could start. Perhaps he could reunite with Carson Wentz in Indianapolis. But, as we saw recently with Ryan Kerrigan, perhaps Ertz could sign with Washington if interested to have the opportunity to play his old team two times per season. If Ertz is released, he will certainly have plenty of interest from around the league. While Washington may check in on Ertz, I wouldnt expect anything more than that.
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https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/2021/06/01/could-washington-football-team-be-interested-in-philadelphia-eagles-tight-end-zach-ertz-if-he-were-released/
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What Are the Global Implications of FOSTA-SESTA?
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This essay by Meghan Peterson was originally published as a finalist in Slixa's call for entries on the subject of FOSTA/SESTA. MERRY JANE is republishing the top three entries with the publication and author's permission. Revisit the First Place finalist's essay here. On April 11, 2018, the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) and Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) were signed into law. FOSTA/SESTA outlined new provisions to amend the Communications Decency Act; importantly, they note that websites can be prosecuted if they engage in the promotion or facilitation of prostitution or facilitate traffickers in advertising the sale of unlawful sex acts with sex trafficking victims." In the days following SESTA-FOSTAs passage through Congress before it had even been formally signed into law sex workers tangibly felt its effect. While supporters of the law claimed to target sex traffickers, its text makes no effort to differentiate trafficking from consensual sex work. The passage of FOSTA illuminated how little congressional leaders care about, or are willing to listen to, the very same people they purport to want to save. In response to this legislation, sex workers have denounced the passage of FOSTA as it pushed sex work underground in a way that separates sex workers from tools used to maintain screening and safety. Anti-Trafficking as a Historical United States Legislative Crusade The passage of FOSTA rests on an extensive history of abolitionist attempts to pass legislation that restrict sex work or apply paternalistic narratives to workers. The most notable example of this is the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000. As the largest and most comprehensive anti-trafficking law, supporters claimed that the law would increase protections for trafficking victims in the United States by providing increased protections for victims by making them eligible for federal funding and creating immigration protections. The law also added new provisions that would enhance the capacity of federal prosecutors to target alleged traffickers. The TVPA laid the groundwork for anti-trafficking narratives and would come to set precedent for further policy that compromised the rights of sex workers. In 2003, Congress passed a reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act that further stifled aid to sex worker organizations that did not explicitly oppose the existence of sex work. The law outlined that no funding may be used to promote, support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution. Since its passage, organizations that provide aid to workers on the ground have criticized the language of the legislation for forcing organizations to adopt an anti-prostitution stance. Consequences of the anti-prostitution clause have included ending services for sex workers who are at-risk for HIV. Organizations, for example, have advised declining to work with sex workers for fear of losing USAID contracts and denying sex workers critical HIV prevention services, which may exacerbate the HIV epidemic. One example of how the clause has stifled funding for HIV services is how Brazil has refused to accept UNAIDS funding that could prevent HIV infections due to refusal to endorse the United States moralistic agenda. This legislation served as backing for the anti-trafficking narratives that would push FOSTA into law. Support for FOSTA Upon looking at the legislative history, it is unsurprising that support for FOSTAs passage largely came from anti-trafficking organizations. The most prominent anti-trafficking organizations tend to focus primarily on women who experience sexual exploitation, downplaying the more common other forms of exploitation faced by workers, such as those in the agricultural and domestic fields. The 50 most prominent anti-trafficking organizations in the United States share around $686 million, and may generate even more income through private partnerships. These organizations tend to rally behind self-serving anti-trafficking legislation and perpetuate mission statements through sensationalist narratives surrounding trafficking. Thus, FOSTA represents an opportunity for these organizations to continue to grow financially on the backs of sex workers. The anti-trafficking complex is a multibillion dollar industry that uses fundamentally imperialistic narratives to advance its cause. Milivojevic et al. have identified three pillars on which the anti-trafficking industrial complex is based: sex trafficking as a moral crusade against womens sexuality; anti-migrant narratives that portray traffickers as non-white foreigners intent on harming the West through invasive immigration; and fear of organized sex trafficking and crime networks prompted by media. These narratives are additionally often racialized to present women who are trafficked as the migrant Other who are stripped of their agency and must be saved. This messaging relies on mythologies surrounding sex work to perpetuate an agenda that allows organizations to receive funding to combat the evils of sex trafficking. These narratives are further sensationalized by governmental over-estimations of the number of trafficking victims. The U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO) showed that the United States does not have accurate methodology for addressing numbers of trafficking victims and that other countries do not always have accurate reporting systems. It follows that these governmental agencies are able to inflate numbers to meet their own agendas and pass legislation that serves their own interest. Support for FOSTA also came from the Senate through an initial crusade against Backpage, a website that many workers would use to host advertisements for safer screening. One of the biggest supporters of FOSTA and critics of Backpage was Senator Kamala Harris, who has been embraced by the center left as a progressive. As Reason documents, much of Harris work in the name of liberal feminist politics has surrounded targeting the most vulnerable women and sex workers disguised as liberating them. Harris fought against campaigns to decriminalize consensual sex work among adults and rallied behind calls for raids against immigrant-owned massage parlors in California that allegedly promoted trafficking. She has been labeled a carceral feminist," defined as the use of punitive measures to achieve a feminist agenda, for espousing positions that appear palatable to liberal centrists yet intensify the carceral state. The Anti-Trafficking Industrial Complex Harms Sex Workers The anti-trafficking industrial complex, which includes non-governmental organizations and legislative bodies, actively harms sex workers by promoting moralistic agendas, furthering carceral feminism, and diverting funding from workers who could benefit from social services rather than rescue efforts. Melissa Gira Grant, a journalist and former sex worker, has traced how anti-trafficking campaigns emerged from a small group of political influencers on the conservative right. For the right, sex trafficking has long been a useful tool to frame opposition to any type of sex that does not occur between a married man and woman as a human rights cause. Grant notes that anti-trafficking legislation bolstered United States imperialism disguised as humanitarianism. She claims: though couched in humanitarian terms, the war on trafficking has done less to protect human rights than to empower law enforcement on the global stage. Such enforcement has effectively harmed countless people who engage in sex work. Furthermore, anti-trafficking efforts embrace carceral feminist policies that exacerbate the expansion of the carceral state and contribute to the surveillance of marginalized groups. Elizabeth Bernstein, a professor of womens studies and sociology, has explored how neoliberal economic agendas and anti-trafficking politics have combined to create a convenient expansion of the correctional state. By criminalizing sex work, Bernstein states that human rights discourse has become a key vehicle both for the transnationalization of carceral politics and for folding back these policies onto the domestic terrain in a benevolent, feminist guise. She explains how the state has criminalized survival strategies of poor women particularly poor women of color. In anti-trafficking narratives, the state and law enforcement are positioned as saviors rather than forces that oppress marginalized communities. By overstating the global prevalence of sex trafficking and through the emphasis on sex work as exploitation, anti- trafficking groups fail to account for more common examples of trafficking, like underpaid factory and agricultural workers, to advance their agenda. Best Practices for Sex Work Legal Reform: The Case for Decriminalization Models for legal reform of sex work vary and include criminalization of sex work, legalization of sex work, end demand laws that penalize people who seek out workers, or full decriminalization. FOSTA functions as an example of an end demand law that seeks to dismantle the institutions surrounding sex work and criminalize third parties who advertise sex worker services. End demand laws are often modeled after the Swedish model, or The Sex Purchasing Act in Sweden that criminalizes demand for services but does not criminalize sex work itself. However, critics have noted that end demand laws often drive sex work underground and out of sight, forcing workers to compensate by adopting more risky behaviors while clients fear arrest. Recent assessment of the Swedish Sex Purchasing Act shows that street-involved sex workers continue to face threats of violence because they are not allowed to screen their clients who wish to act quickly out of fear of arrest. Reports also reveal that while visible sex work has decreased, it has mostly moved online, indoors and to neighboring countries. The law has therefore had little effect on actually decreasing sex work, but instead just shifted it from public sight. Many have reported stigma from healthcare workers and housing services, which disenfranchises workers from society. Criminalization there does not actually stop sex work, it merely shifts it from the public view. Other countries that have adopted similar End Demand models, including Ireland, have seen similar effects. In the year since Ireland brought in the Nordic model, there has been a 54% increase in crime against sex workers reported to National Ugly Mugs Ireland, and violent crime is up by 77%. The Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) strongly opposed the introduction of this law and rightly warned that it would lead to increased violence against workers. Public health research has shown that decriminalization may be one of the most effective ways to reduce HIV acquisition and STI incidence. A landmark series of articles in The Lancet has called for the decriminalization of sex work based on evidence-based medicine and has stated that sex workers face substantial barriers in accessing prevention, treatment, and care services, largely because of stigma, discrimination, and criminalization in the societies in which they live. These social, legal, and economic injustices contribute to their high risk of acquiring HIV. Sex work decriminalization therefore could lead to greater health and livelihood of workers who would not be forced to adapt risky behaviors by working underground with clients who were aware of their vulnerabilities. Immediate Effects and Transnational Implication In the short period since FOSTAs passage, its effects have already been tangibly felt in sex worker communities. Workers have already reported unsafe practices in response to FOSTA, yet there has been no measurable reduction in sex work. In an After FOSTA survey conducted by COYOTE-RI and analyzed by SWOP Seattle, 60% of 262 participants reported that they had to take on unsafe clients to make ends meet following FOSTAs passage. Workers also reported having reduced screening practices. Online, workers can also share harm reduction services and labor organizers resources. Given the vagueness of FOSTA, it is unclear if even these harm reduction websites that enable safer practices could be targeted by FOSTA. With these immediate effects and loss of platforms to advertise, there remains significant uncertainty over which resources or harm reduction groups could be targeted next. There additionally remains a potential for FOSTA to influence policy on a global scale. Given the United States widespread influence on foreign policy, workers worry that the United States may export internet regulation laws to other countries. Already, in the UK group members of parliament have formed a bipartisan anti-trafficking committee, The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Prostitution and the Global Sex Trade. The committee has released reports condemning Craigslist and Backpage, the two websites that in the United States served as the initial targets of FOSTA supporters. Additionally, workers outside the United States may use American personals websites to advertise or to organize other workers. FOSTAs effects have been felt beyond the United States and on a global scale. Conclusion Stakeholders such as anti-trafficking organizations, legislators, and faith-based organizations have targeted sex workers by conflating them with victims of trafficking. However, United States discourse surrounding sex trafficking has applied narratives that strip workers of their agency, overstate the prevalence of sex trafficking compared to other forms of labor exploitation on moralistic grounds, and use faulty statistics to further the trafficking industrial complex. FOSTA has the potential to hold dire implications for sex workers in the United States and abroad. Meghan Peterson is COYOTE's outreach coordinator. She is a public health researcher and sex worker rights advocate at the Brown University School of Public Health. Previously, she worked on campaigns related to health care access at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and SWOP-Chicago. She currently researches the effects of incarceration on public health, particularly surrounding overdose mortality and HIV outcomes. For more on Slixa and its essays on FOSTA-SESTA, visit their website here
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https://merryjane.com/health/what-are-the-global-implications-of-fosta-sesta
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Could Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome Be the Cause of IBS and Migraines?
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Cannabis seems to treat an impressively wide range of medical conditions, from chronic pain to eating disorders to depression to cancer. Researchers suggest that weed may appear to be a universal panacea a miracle drug, if you will because the plants compounds may help maintain our bodys endocannabinoid system . A refresher: The endocannabinoid system is a physiological system like the respiratory system or the nervous system. Although scientists only discovered it about three decades ago, it may be one of if not the most important developments in medical history. The endocannabinoid system regulates our bodys homeostasis, a state of harmonic balance where everything works as it should. Its also key to our nervous systems ability to communicate with other cells, tissues, and organs. Learning, memory formation, appetite, immune response, and healing are all controlled by the endocannabinoid system. Think of it as the part of our bodies that connects the brain with everything else, both inside of us and out in our surrounding environments. Without this system, the evolution of higher lifeforms likely wouldnt have happened (at least, not according to our current understanding of biology). We all have an endocannabinoid system, said Robert Melamede, PhD, during a recent talk at Harvard University. Melamede is a molecular biologist and cannabis activist whos served as a scientific advisor to NORML and other cannabis advocacy groups. The miracle of this is that the endocannabinoid system regulates everything in your body immune, digestive, cardiovascular, skin, bone, reproductive from your conception until your death. To self-regulate the endocannabinoid system, our bodies naturally produce chemicals called endocannabinoids (endo- for inside and -cannabinoid for related to cannabis). Two of the most studied endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG , which interact with the same cannabinoid receptors on our cells that plant cannabinoids such as THC and CBD also act on. Cannabinoids bind to cell proteins called cannabinoid, or CB, receptors. CB receptors act as locks on a cell, and cannabinoids essentially unlock them to trigger cell signaling. One of these receptors, CB1, mainly resides in the nervous system. Another receptor, CB2, can be found in the spleen and on immune cells. THC, the cannabis compound that gets people stoned, binds tighter to CB1 receptors in the brain than it does to CB2 receptors in the immune system. This may be why THC couch-locks tokers and CBD doesnt. If we take this model a step further, anandamide may be our bodys version of THC, whereas 2-AG could be the bodys version of CBD. Anandamide and 2-AG both bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but anandamide binds better to CB1 (like THC) and 2-AG binds best to CB2 (like CBD). Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, the godfather of cannabis science who first isolated and characterized THC in the late 1960s, believes anandamide behaves just like THC in the body. He suspects that anandamide, administered in the correct amounts, could even generate a high identical to THCs, though, to date, no human subjects have been given pure anandamide to test this out. According to one neurologist, certain medical conditions namely fibromyalgia, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) share one thing in common: the patients typically exhibit low endocannabinoid levels. Furthermore, these three conditions are comorbid, meaning patients diagnosed with one usually have another, if not all three. In 2001, while working as a scientific advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Ethan Russo first proposed what he calls clinical endocannabinoid deficiency , or CECD, in a paper about migraines. In recent years, this term started going by another name, endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome, or ECDS (Russo prefers the former). Both terms refer to the same hypothetical condition. Many of the details are still being worked out, but chronic pain, rampant inflammation, insomnia, fatigue, depression, lack of appetite, and irritability are common issues associated with it. Rather than being a disease that always triggers a specific set of symptoms, ECDS may manifest differently among patients, depending on their environments, lifestyles, diets , and genetic make up. A Medical Diagnosis Based on the Bodys Natural Marijuana Initially, Russo suggested that migraines could be caused by low anandamide levels in the brain. Because sharp, throbbing pains always accompany migraines, research suggests a pain-killing compound like anandamide could keep them at bay. Both anandamide and THC the intoxicating part of cannabis activate the endocannabinoid receptors in our nerves. In other words, migraine patients who consume marijuana may be self-medicating by adding the plants version of anandamide back into their bodies. Since Russo first proposed endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome, its related disorders expanded to include several other ailments. And their causes have eluded medical science, not unlike fibromyalgia and IBS. Theres an awareness of this condition, and it is getting noticed. And theres a good deal of research thats been done on it, Russo told MERRY JANE over the phone. Whats happened in the ensuing 18 years [since proposing ECDS/ECDS] is weve gradually built up objective evidence showing that people with some of these syndromes [like IBS or fibromyalgia] do have differences between their endocannabinoid content either in their blood or in the cerebrospinal fluid in their brain. Russo cited a few eye-opening studies that back him up. One 2013 paper looked at people diagnosed with PTSD shortly after witnessing (or outright experiencing) the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. Serum analysis showed these patients produced less anandamide and 2-AG, which are both crucial for regulating stress responses. Additional studies confirmed that constant stress dulls the endocannabinoid receptors from responding to chemical signals, which may explain why the body reduces its anandamide and 2-AG production when life gets extremely difficult. Researchers have also detected abnormal endocannabinoid function in people with autism spectrum disorder , some cancers , motion sickness, and epileptic seizure disorders . These conditions, like migraines, can be treated with cannabis , too. Lets take a look at one endocannabinoid deficiency-related condition, irritable bowel syndrome, to get a better understanding of how cannabis could treat it on multiple levels. Irritable bowel syndrome or irritable bowel disorder is a common ailment that affects anywhere between 25 million to 45 million Americans . Two-thirds of IBS patients are female, and the condition appears in patients across all age groups. IBSs symptoms include bloating, digestive inflammation, rampant flatulence, upset stomach, diarrhea at random hours (especially in the middle of the night), constipation, ulcers, and a hypersensitivity to all sorts of everyday foods and food additives. Untreated, IBS can lead to anemia, iron deficiency, or dehydration. The symptoms of IBS have been thoroughly identified , but how it happens remains a mystery. Doctors know that genetics, immune response, serotonin dysregulation, and the digestive systems microbiota all play a role. But to what extent these factors influence IBS, and how theyre all connected, is unknown. Enter a new perspective on IBS, one viewed through the lens of ECDS. According to Russo, the endocannabinoid system regulates every level of IBS, from anti-inflammatory signals to serotonin signaling to maintaining the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut. Traditional medicine takes an inefficient approach to dealing with IBS. Doctors typically treat it by prescribing drugs for its various symptoms: a pill to reduce the gas and bloating, another pill to reduce inflammation, another pill to reduce gastric acid, another pill to make the ulcers go away, a laxative for constipation, and so on. Yet, if ECDS can explain why IBS even happens, then consuming some cannabis could both replace all those pills and correct the conditions root cause, a dysfunctional endocannabinoid system. Medical syndromes, like the proposed ECDS, are not disease-states in and of themselves. Rather, they describe a set of symptoms that share underlying causes, usually genetic in nature. Since the genetic science behind endocannabinoid activity is still in its infancy, endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome remains hypothetical. Doctors cant diagnose it because its not officially recognized by the big-name medical associations. If the science pans out, and Russos hypothesis is proven correct, then cannabis could be one of the most prevalent and effective medicines for treating ECDS and its related conditions. Depending on where the research takes us, its possible that cannabis breeders could produce new marijuana strains tailored to endocannabinoid-deficient conditions like fibromyalgia or IBS. Of course, pharmaceutical companies will want in on the game, too. (Just kidding: Theyre already in the game .) Pharmie-grade mixtures of less common cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, or THCV could alleviate the chronic symptoms of fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, or other issues related to ECDS that conventional pharmaceuticals have failed to treat. And its also possible that new drugs or designer weed may not be necessary for avoiding some endocannabinoid deficiencies. Researchers like Robert Melamede believe endocannabinoid deficiency can be prevented by adding more omega-3s and plant-derived cannabinoids to ones diet. We should view cannabis not as a medicine, but as an essential nutrient, Melamede said during the Harvard lecture. Every illness that cannabis helps reflects a nutritional deficiency. Supplementing a balanced diet with omega-3s helps the body produce more endocannabinoids which is why doctors and health-nuts promote omega-3s, even if they dont know why, exactly. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in avocados, coconut oil, grass-fed beef, and fish, are the precursors to our own endocannabinoids . Our body basically makes its own weed from healthy fats. But the body can only produce so many endocannabinoids at a time, regardless of how many fish oil capsules you pop. For those who suffer from persistent endocannabinoid deficiencies, consuming cannabis could make up for the gaps, since the cannabinoids in cannabis could, potentially, supplement the bodys life-sustaining endocannabinoids. So lets assume that ECDS is a real thing. Theres abundant evidence now, but its not widely recognized or necessarily accepted by the medical community, Russo said. Achieving said recognition may prove difficult, as he described the same medical community as one which has managed to ignore a lot of high-quality work on cannabis-based medicines. As an example of American medicines denial of marijuanas therapeutic potential, Russo mentioned Marinol, a synthetic THC formulation used to treat spasticity and nausea. Marinol doesnt contain THC extracted from the cannabis plant. Rather, its active ingredient is a purely artificial, human-made version of THC. The drug, which received FDA approval in the early 1990s, is currently classified as a Schedule III drug, whereas plant-derived THC remains at the most-restrictive category of Schedule I. This is despite the THC in Marinol being nearly identical, chemically, to the THC found in cannabis. To be honest, he continued, given the availability of Marinol in the US, a prerequisite to [getting ECDS recognized] would be clinical trials showing safety and efficacy [of cannabinoid-based medicines]. Thats what most physicians would accept. In other words, if youre waiting to get a medical cannabis recommendation for ECDS, you might have to wait a few years. Or more. With the exception of experimental drugs admitted into the FDAs Fast Track program, it can take nearly a decade before a pharmaceutical receives FDA approval. Even with Fast Track designation, drug approval can require years of investigation. With cannabis-based medicines containing plant-derived THC, approval could take even longer. For starters, clinical trials arent simple to conduct. Research doctors must apply to the FDA to legally perform the trials on living, breathing human subjects. To even get to the point of testing something on people, drug researchers must pass preliminary clinical trials on animals like rats or monkeys. If a cannabinoid medicine appears safe in animals, doctors can potentially try it on humans, but only after receiving FDA approval which the FDA can be pretty stingy about, especially when it comes to cannabis. To date, the FDA has only approved one drug made from cannabis, Epidiolex , which is only prescribed to seizure patients. All other CBD products sold in the US are not FDA-approved nor are they regulated by any federal agency. However, theres another cannabis-derived pharmaceutical out there, Sativex. Sativex, made by the same company that made Epidiolex, GW Pharmaceuticals, is a mixture of THC and CBD. While its available in Europe, parts of Asia, and the Middle East, its not available in the US. In 2017, the CEO of GW Pharmaceuticals told MERRY JANE that the company didnt pursue FDA approval for Sativex in the US because there were too many bureaucratic hurdles, and Sativex likely wouldnt receive FDA approval in a timely manner simply because it contains plant-derived THC. On top of obstructionist red-tape, conducting clinical trials is incredibly expensive. Just testing a medicine can cost anywhere from $2 million to over $300 million . Until medical science achieves a better understanding of the endocannabinoid system and any ailments related to its dysfunction, Russo recommends plant-based therapies instead of pharmaceuticals like Marinol. Throughout my career, Ive always favored whole-plant extracts over isolates, he said. We have Marinol, but THC alone is a lousy drug. As Russo explained in this 2006 paper , any cannabinoid delivered in relative isolation whether its a THC-loaded shatter wax or a pure CBD tincture doesnt provide the benefit of the thousands of other beneficial cannabis plant components. In terms of THC vs. CBD, studies show CBD is far more effective when combined with THC. And as Russo noted above, THC alone, regardless of whether it came from the plant or a lab, doesnt seem to work well unless combined with CBD, either. According to Russo and other cannabis researchers, such as Raphael Mechoulam, cannabis operates through an entourage effect , sometimes referred to as the ensemble effect . Under the entourage model, all of the plants cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, enzymes, and other components work together to heal the body. Conventional pharmaceutical science prefers to isolate an individual chemical from a plant, package it, then sell it as a drug. Suggesting that patients smoke buds or take drops of full-extract cannabis oil (FECO) runs counter to US pharmaceutical regulations, which requires all medicines to be made with specific doses of individual chemicals. Another Doctors Take on ECDS Russo has studied cannabis as a medicine for over two decades, and ECDS is a theory that could change medicine forever. However, not every doctor is convinced its real, and as Russo himself said they want to see more data, evidence, and models. Dr. Zareth Irwin is an emergency medicine specialist based in Portland, Oregon. Although hes skeptical of ECDS being a true syndrome deserving of an official diagnosis, he says more research could change his mind. Different people are affected differently by abnormal levels of potassium or other substances in their body, Irwin wrote to MERRY JANE in an email. Making things more difficult in this case, we dont have good lab assays to easily measure the levels of the endocannabinoids in the body, and have yet to determine all the effects these substances even have on the body. Since chemists dont have reliable methods for accurately measuring endocannabinoids, we can only postulate whether a deficiency syndrome exists, Irwin continued. It certainly may, but I would reserve judgment at this point. I think the argument remains somewhat theoretical. Irwin admitted hes not an expert on endocannabinoid deficiency since his main focus is working in emergency rooms. He does, however, have experience with another cannabis-related syndrome, one possibly caused by too many cannabinoids in the body cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) , the mysterious vomiting illness seemingly triggered by heavy cannabis use. Irwin said he sees patients with CHS visit his ER every week. While medical research hasnt caught up to CHSs underlying causes, or even how to treat it, he approaches CHS like any other disease-state recognized by modern medicine. It seems like a leap, he said regarding the ECDS links among fibromyalgia, migraines, and IBS. But then theres another disorder, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, one that I dont understand on a molecular level, but I believe in it and treat it. So, for now, it looks like we have two hypothetical medical disorders related to endocannabinoid function. In the case of ECDS, the body produces too few of the essential endocannabinoids required for normal neurological functioning. To treat it, doctors could feasibly supplement a lack of anandamide with THC, anandamides closest relative outside of the human body (chemically speaking). In the case of CHS, overstimulation by phytocannabinoids could wreak havoc on natural endocannabinoid signaling. Until science devises a better way to clear phytocannabinoids from the body, the only treatment for CHS may be complete cessation of cannabis consumption, which isnt exactly ideal for medical patients who only find relief from weed. Given the endocannabinoid systems role in everything from protecting our brain cells to nurturing hunger responses in nursing infants , its no surprise that if this system gets out of whack, it could lead to disease-states or medical disorders. Unfortunately, modern medicine particularly in the US has skeptically disregarded medicinal cannabis while maintaining its ignorance of the endocannabinoid system. Top-tier medical schools didnt teach their students about the endocannabinoid system until recently, where the curricula practically glances over the topic. Countries with liberal drug research laws may blow past the US, regardless of how long it takes America to catch up to the science. Geneticists in Israel , Canada , or Spain may be among the first to unravel many of the mysteries surrounding endocannabinoid-deficient conditions, but phytocannabinoid therapies tailored to treating ECDS probably wont appear until the cannabis genome is mapped first . The human genome, on the other hand, has been mapped for a while now. Hell, weve already got weed-infused beer .
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https://merryjane.com/health/what-is-endocannabinoid-deficiency-syndrome-and-how-does-weed-treat-it
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Why Are Health Experts Suddenly Worrying About Marijuana Addiction?
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In a new report from The Atlantic , author Annie Lowrey examines Americas growing love affair with legal weed from the perspective of public health experts who argue that marijuana addiction is on the rise. The sources suggest that the publics lax attitudes about increased access to weed could soon lead to unforeseen problems, ones they claim have been ignored by legalization advocates. As states across the U.S. enact their own piecemeal legalization laws, health specialists pointed to studies showing increases in daily pot use and spikes in self-reported cannabis use disorders (CUD). In large national surveys, about one in 10 people who smoke [cannabis] say they have a lot of problems, Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University told The Atlantic . They say things like, I have trouble quitting. I think a lot about quitting and I cant do it. I smoked more than I intended to. I neglect responsibilities. There are plenty of people who have problems with it, in terms of things like concentration, short-term memory, and motivation. People will say, Oh, thats just you fuddy-duddy doctors. Actually, no. Its millions of people who use the drug who say that it causes problems. And indeed, in a 2015 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers compared the marijuana use habits of more than 30,000 Americans in 2002 and 2012, and found a significant rise in both daily users and self-reported CUDs. In the face of those statistics, Humphreys and likeminded health experts have begun questioning the efficacy of cannabis legalization throughout the country. I do think that not legalization, but the legalization movement, does have a lot on its conscience now, Mark A. R. Kleiman, a professor of public policy at New York University, told Lowrey. The mantra about how this is a harmless, natural, and non-addictive substance its now known by everybody. And its a lie. But as Kleiman, Humphreys, and others quoted in the feature, including notorious anti-cannabis lobbyist Kevin Sabet , are quick to worry about heightened THC concentrations and how much employee productivity will be lost due to frequent cannabis use on the clock, it is important to remember that cannabis legalization is not occuring in a vacuum, and must be considered amongst a myriad of external factors. As America continues to struggle with a widespread opioid crisis the nations deadliest drug abuse problem ever, one sparked and continually fueled by pharmaceutical companies with seven-figure lobbying budgets and private prisons pile profits hand-over-fist for incarcerating non-violent drug offenders, the weight of largely anecdotal evidence purporting cannabis users to be lazy or harmful does not stack up. The big-picture view is that the vast majority of people who use cannabis are not going to be problematic users, Jolene Forman, an attorney at the Drug Policy Alliance, told The Atlantic . Theyre not going to have a cannabis-use disorder. Theyre going to have a healthy relationship with it. And criminalization actually increases the harms related to cannabis, and so having a strictly regulated market where there can be limits on advertising, where only adults can purchase cannabis, and where youre going to get a wide variety of products makes sense. In a Twitter thread presenting rebuttals to a number of the articles central claims, Formans Drug Policy Alliance colleague Sheila Vakharia clarified the difference between frequent use and use disorders, contextualized cannabis addiction issues outside of legalization, and presented a study that plainly refutes the 2015 JAMA research. First of all, this piece reiterates the myth that legalizers somehow don't think cannabis/marijuana use can be harmful, Vakharia argued . No one has ever said that. However, we DO say that the harms of prohibition and its collateral effects are why legalization is important. There are absolutely problematic players advocating for policy reform we live in a capitalist society with no publicly funded campaign system. Special interest money influences all legislation in US. Marijuana policy is no exception. As for solutions to the problem of cannabis use disorders, Klieman has suggested implementing legalization programs similar to Washington D.C., where possession and home cultivation is allowed, but retail sales are not. What they failed to note, though, is that marijuana-related arrests have actually increased in the District since legalization, with police now focused on minor distribution and public smoking charges. To make matters worse, D.C. has no system for strength or pesticide testing, turning legal users into uninformed customers. At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that, for better or worse, cannabis interacts with each individual differently. And while that can absolutely result in negative effects on some users lives, it is still too early in our countrys experiment with legalization to universalize those anecdotal claims. And if we are to learn more about the plant and its best applications, we must start by opening up both clinical research and prison cells. Because, at its core, the fight for cannabis legalization is still a battle for human rights.
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https://merryjane.com/health/why-are-health-experts-suddenly-worrying-about-marijuana-addiction
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Why Are the Best Doctors Still Nervous About Medical Marijuana?
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In most places, some argue, not very much. With few prerequisites holding pot docs to relatively high standards, these physicians' backgrounds are of increasing concern. In fact, according to a recent investigation by the Tampa Bay Times, medical marijuana doctors in Florida meaning those who can legally recommend cannabis to patients under state regulations are more likely to have been disciplined, arrested, or have had their licenses revoked in other states. And that's in spite of what David Galetta, interim communications director for the Florida Department of Health, tells MERRY JANE is a "robust health care licensing process" that includes thorough application review and background screenings. "In many ways, it is like the Wild West," says Dr. Jason Pirozzolo, co-founder of the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association. Vested with the tricky liability of towing a fine line between state legality and federal prohibition, the field of medical marijuana may already attract doctors who are willing to go against the grain of the mainstream medical profession. Furthermore, many licensed doctors are wary of recommending cannabis altogether due to the plants federal Schedule I status, as well as fears of being blacklisted from professional opportunities and federal programs. "With the perceived ambiguities in the legal structure and paucity of definitive randomized controlled studies, the benefits simply do not outweigh the theoretical risks," Pirozzolo says. Dr. Allan Frankel of GreenBridge Medical in Santa Monica, California says many doctors refer patients to him simply because they don't feel comfortable recommending cannabis themselves. Many are more concerned about sanctions from their medical board than federal law, he says. According to a Ninth Circuit court decision in 2006, for instance, a doctor may recommend cannabis in states where it's legal to do, but may not give dosing or detailed information about the treatment, Dr. Frankel points out. That paralyzes doctors from giving traditional medical guidance around cannabis, and moreover, violates the very essence of the doctor-patient relationship, in which a patient may go to the physician with questions about their treatment. "To me, medical cannabis is no different than internal medicine, except that I'm using different extracts of medication," says Frankel. Like in any other field of medicine, patients need dosing information and follow up and still, that's relatively rare in the patient-medical marijuana doctor relationship. "You can't see someone once a year and manage their medication when it's complicated," he says. The lack of certification requirements even in more conservative medical marijuana programs as in New York, where certification requires a somewhat minimal half-dozen hours of education only underscores the issue, promoting a system in which doctors need to do fairly little to begin recommending medical cannabis. That's not to say, though, that all medical marijuana doctors only do only the bare minimum. Frankel himself says that many patients come to him after having had dissatisfying experiences with other medical marijuana doctors. Even if he doesnt ultimately write a recommendation for medical marijuana, Frankel sits with patients for a full hour and educates them on cannabis medicine. At HelloMD, which offers doctor consultations for medical marijuana via Skype, each doctor undergoes a background check to ensure they have no outstanding problems with licensing or other legal issues, explains chief medical officer Dr. Perry Solomon. Cannabis doctors come from all backgrounds, he details, including psychiatrists or oncologists who must engage the issue for the sake of their patients needs, as well as otherwise retired physicians looking to pick up some part-time work. Some doctors, though, fear being criticized by others in the medical community, even if say a spinal surgeon recommends cannabis instead of opiates to manage a patient's pain, says Solomon. "There's a stigma about being first in the field to do [it]; other physicians might be thinking this guy is a cowboy," he says. "And [hence] not send patients to him." There's a lack of education in the medical community around cannabis, not to mention an almost complete failure to thoroughly teach students about the endocannabinoid system and the cannabis plant itself when they're in medical school. Meanwhile, in some states where a cannabis training course is required, doctors may think the burden is too onerous to handle, says Solomon. A dozen or half-dozen hour-long training courses may either be asking doctors to do too much, or providing them with too little information depending on how you look at what's otherwise a non-lethal, though incredibly complex medical treatment. Nevertheless, state programs are recognizing that the best doctors will need explicit encouragement to begin guiding patients using medical cannabis. On Tuesday in New Jersey, where merely 622 of the states 28,000 licensed doctors are certified to recommend marijuana treatments, state health commissioner Shereef Elnahal encouraged physicians and medical students to learn more about the plant and how to best use it in their practices. "I want this to be in physicians' and other providers' heads as a therapeutic option not something separate, not sort of in a different category like alternative medicine. This really is reaching a level of relevance and importance to patients," said Elnahal, a doctor himself. "The Department of Health is pushing this because...many times it is the best therapy you can give them."
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https://merryjane.com/health/why-are-the-best-doctors-still-nervous-about-medical-marijuana
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What could possibly go wrong with virtual reality?
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YouTube is a treasure trove of virtual reality fails: users tripping, colliding into walls and smacking inanimate and animate objects. By investigating these "VR Fails" on YouTube, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have sought to learn more about when and why things go sideways for users and how to improve VR design and experiences so as to avoid accidents. Millions of YouTube viewers have enjoyed hearty laughs watching others getting hurt using virtual reality - people wearing VR headsets, falling, screaming, crashing into walls and TV sets, or knocking spectators to the floor. Some of us have even been that failing someone. Now, videos of virtual reality mishaps, called "VR Fails", have actually become a field of research. Specifically, University of Copenhagen researchers who specialize in improving the relationship between computer technology and human beings studied 233 YouTube videos of VR fails. Their results have now been published in CHI Conference Proceedings. For the most part, virtual reality remains the domain of gamers. But VR has become quite widespread in education, marketing and the experience industry and is increasingly popular in a variety of other sectors. "As virtual reality has become cheaper and more common, the technology is being used in a host of environments that weren't considered during its design. For example, VR is now used in people's homes, which are often cluttered and populated by people and pets that move around. We've taken a closer look at where things go wrong for people so as to optimize user experience," explains PhD Fellow Andreea-Anamaria Muresan of the University of Copenhagen's Department of Computer Science, one of the study's authors. Throwing slaps Based upon the 233 different video clips, the researchers created a catalogue of, among other things, various types of fails, accidents and their causes. "One of the recurrent accident types is when VR users hit walls, furniture or spectators. In one case, we saw a spectator tickling the person wearing the VR headset. This resulted in the VR user turning around and slapping the spectator," says Andreea-Anamaria Muresan. Fear is the most frequent reason for fails or accidents: users get scared of a development in their virtual universe, such as a roller coaster ride or objects rushing towards them. Fear manifests itself in exaggerated reactions, in the form of shouting and screaming or wild, uncontrolled movements in which users begin to lash out with their arms and legs. This often results in falls and collisions when, for example, a user tries to escape from a virtual situation and ends up running head first into a solid wall. New ideas for designers Andreea-Anamaria Muresan and her fellow researchers now have a number of suggestions for how to prevent some of these accidents. "Some VR games are designed to frighten players or give them jolts of adrenaline - which is part of what makes them fun to play. But in many cases, this isn't the intention. So one has to find a balance. Because users get hurt from time to time and equipment can be destroyed, some people might lose their interest in using the technology. We seek to prevent this," says Andreea-Anamaria Muresan, who elaborates: "We can now provide designers with ideas about what they can do differently to avoid accidents. For example, collisions can be avoided by changing some of the game elements. Instead of a player being outfitted with a sword that requires large swings of the arms, their equipment can be substituted with a shield. This changes a player's behavior." The researchers will now try to implement some of their design proposals in VR game prototypes. ### WATCH SOME OF THE VIDEO CLIPS ON YOUTUBE: https:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v= 0KcllPEe8y8 https:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v= 9cma-1DNlZU ABOUT THE STUDY: The authors of the study are Emily Dao, Monash University, Australia; Andreea-Anamaria Muresan and Kasper Hornbk from the Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen and Jarrod Knibbe, University of Melbourne, Australia. The research article has been included in the CHI 2021 conference and published in CHI Conference Proceedings.
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https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-05/uoc--wcp053121.php
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How Did 2020 Affect Venture Investors Activity in the MENA Region?
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Even though most business sectors have felt different levels of negative consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the venture investment in our region seems to be a rare exception. Based on data provided by MAGNiTT in February 2021, the MENA region has seen record-breaking numbers of venture investments during 2020, which indicates an unexpected growth in the market that does not seem to have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. The report shows that MENA markets have continued to attract at least $1 B in venture investments in start-ups throughout 2020, which have been generated by 256 active investors, with a 19% increase compared to the previous year. While it is hard to know whether the reason behind this solid number is a result of the successful containment efforts by MENA governments, especially when we talk about GCC countries, the region is still drawing the interest of investors from all over the world. Given that e-Commerce and FinTech start-ups have led the 2021 rankings in terms of sectors that received the biggest investments, analysts argue that the MENA's high percentage of internet penetration by its mostly youth population is amongst the reasons investors are taking risks in our region in particular. Even though e-Commerce attracted the biggest investments, Fintech was the most popular sector with more than 63 firms investing in its start-ups. Of the 256 investors who have trusted MENA businesses during 2020, 25% were international non-MENA based. According to the MAGNiTT report, 11% of them were based in the US while about 7% were based in Europe.
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https://www.albawaba.com/business/how-did-2020-affect-venture-investors-activity-mena-region
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What is trending in North America Online Reputation Management Service Market? What are the strategies to boost business in near years?
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Global Media Based Water Filters Market 2021comprehensively describes the market and depicts a highly illustrious growth during the forthcoming years from 2021 to 2026. The Media Based Water Filters Market report provides in-depth knowledge and insights into the Media Based Water Filters market in terms of market size, market share, factors influencing growth, opportunities, and current and emerging trends. The report has the updated and latest information on the Media Based Water Filters market that has been further validated and verified by industry experts and professionals. The Media Based Water Filters market report provides historical, current, and forecast estimates of sales generation and profit for each segment and sub-segment of the Media Based Water Filters market in every key region around the world. The report also highlights the emerging growth opportunities in the business that are designed to support market growth.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2264002849452/what-is-trending-in-north-america-online-reputation-management-service-market-what-are-the-strategies-to-boost-business-in-near-years
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Are Corporate Bros Pushing Women Out of the Weed Industry?
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A new report suggests that the cannabis industry, once regarded as the best space for women to start a business , may no longer be as friendly to female leadership as it once was. The 2019 Women in Cannabis report comes from the weed recruitment agency Vangst. Only 17 percent of female-identifying cannabis employees work in executive or director positions today, Forbes reported. The slump follows a trend first observed from a 2017 survey at Marijuana Business Daily, which discovered that, in 2015, women held 36 percent of the weed industrys executive-level jobs. By 2017, however, that figure fell to 23 percent. Other findings from the newest Vangst report include: 12 percent of pot companies have zero female-identifying workers on their staffs; 41 percent of pot companies have at least one woman holding an executive-level position; and 43 percent say over half their employees are women. Despite the drop, the number of women in key cannabis leadership positions is still higher than the 23-percent national average for other industries. Explanations vary. One report from Oregons KGW8 News suspected that as cannabis becomes mainstream, giant corporations are muscling in on the legal industry. With Big Money comes old business structures traditionally dominated by men. Now we have multi-billion dollar companies, publicly traded, what we are really seeing is those companies are growing without female leadership, without women on the board, without females on the executive team," Amy Margolis, the founder and director of the Oregon Cannabis Association, told KGW8 . Margolis also noted, in a Forbes piece last year, that the four largest cannabis corporations have no women executives or directors on their boards. Additionally, as Big Business sweeps into an industry previously made up of mom-and-pop operations, small businesses cant compete. Many of Oregons failed cannabis enterprises were women-owned, reported KGW8 . Its possible women arent actually being pushed out of the industry, but rather the latest figures diluted the old ones when more people entered the cannabis space. And a majority of the newcomers just happened to be men. The lack of diversity in cannabis has motivated some women and other minorities to break through the grass ceiling. That feeling just really stuck with me that this isnt going to last, Danielle Schumacher, cofounder of the weed-job agency THC Staffing Group, told the Denver Post . This is going to shift in my lifetime, and I want to be part of that. Regardless of the decline in weeds female leadership, theres still good news. Last year, another Vangst survey found that salaries and job openings in legal cannabis were on the rise, and those increases applied to women, as well as men. Cannabis salaries differ by state, however. Earlier this month a Marijuana Business Magazine survey determined that East Coast pot companies tend to pay more than West Coast operations. One exception on the West Coast is California, where salaries were comparable to Marylands, depending on the position.
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https://merryjane.com/news/are-corporate-bros-pushing-women-out-of-the-weed-industry
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Are Crickets to Blame for the Mysterious Sonic Attacks at the American Embassy in Cuba?
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In the 1998 sci-fi action masterpiece, Men In Black, Will Smiths dapperly-dressed, alien-hunting protagonist is introduced to the tools of intergalactic crime fighting by way of the Noisy Cricket , a tiny make-believe gun that packed enough punch to stop the gnarliest extraterrestrial cockroach. In 2017, in the real world, American officials in Cuba emptied nearly half of the U.S. embassy in Havana because diplomats were reportedly under attack by a sonic weapon what experts now believe was the dangerously high-pitch sounds made by crickets. First documented in 2017 and resurfaced in a gripping longread in the New Yorker late last year, U.S. diplomats working at the recently reopened embassy in Havana reported inner ear pain, tinnitus, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties after moving to the long-embargoed island. Confused by the frequency and strangeness of the symptoms eventually dubbed Havana Syndrome doctors and American intelligence officers spent months looking for a cause, but repeatedly came up empty. Theories have proliferated about what might have caused the injuries, Adam Entous and Jon Lee Anderson wrote in the New Yorker last year . Initially, officials thought they might be dealing with a sonic weapon. After U.S. investigators ruled out the possibility that the sounds themselves caused the injuries, government scientists studied whether microwaves could be the cause. During an interview in July, [Douglas Smith, the director of the Center for Brain Injury and Repair at the University of Pennsylvania] voiced doubts that a microwave device could be targeted so precisely. From what I do know about certain forms of energy that are medically used to remove nerve fibres, such as to reduce pain, I cant understand how any source would be so selective to only injure the brain and not peripheral nerves and the spinal cord, [Smith] said. But according to new data published late last week in the journal BioRxiv , researchers Fernando Montealegre-Zapata and Alexander Stubbs found that the suspicious illness was not caused by targeted sonic waves from Putin and the Russians, as some suggested, but rather the result of natural noise pollution from the extremely loud mating calls of the Indies short-tailed cricket also known as Anurogryllus celerinictus crickets. The recording is definitively a cricket that belongs to the same group, Montealegre-Zapata, a professor of sensory biology at the University of Lincoln who participated in the study, said, according to the New York Post . The call of this Caribbean species is about 7 kHz, and is delivered at an unusually high rate, which gives humans the sensation of a continuous sharp trill. The U.S. hasnt announced plans to combat the cricket sounds or reinstate full employment at the embassy, but at least we can stop looking for weaponized megaphones off the coast of Cuba. Just dont be surprised when the Defense Department amasses its own insect collection to weaponize the power of the noisy cricket themselves.
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https://merryjane.com/news/are-crickets-to-blame-for-the-mysterious-sonic-attacks-at-the-american-embassy-in-cuba
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Are Fears of Cannabis Supply Shortages in Canada Justified?
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On Wednesday, Canada became the first G7 nation and second country in the entire world (after Uruguay ) to legalize adult-use cannabis. As the hands of the clock superimposed at midnight, the first retailers opened their doors in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, allowing long lines of customers in to pick up some good green. While great news for recreational weed users, legalization might be problematic for patients: many fear the countrys supply will not be enough to cover the explosion in demand with e-commerce software provider Shopify reporting more than 100 transactions per minute. After all, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce estimates that by 2020, the Great White North will be consuming about 810,000 kilograms (about 1.8 million pounds) of weed per year. Interested in getting some expert opinions on the matter, MERRY JANE reached out to a few industry insiders and asked if the shortage concerns were justified. Its All In The Quality Vinay Tolia, CEO of publicly-traded Canadian producer Flowr Corp. noted the fears are absolutely justified on day one. Meeting health and safety standards on a large scale is not an easy task, and its apparent that there are big differences between what some LPs state as their capacity and what they can actually produce . [Editors Note: Hyperlink added by MERRY JANE, not Tolia] There are many other unknowns in the market, he added, arguing that the situation will be dynamic for some time, as suppliers figure out exactly what the consumers want and in what supply. Its most likely well see a steady offer of mass-market, low-priced cannabis, as there are a lot of LPs that can fill demand there; but premium quality, Snoop Dogg -approval-worthy weed will be a different issue. The Early Days Jessica Billingsley, CEO of seed-to-sale technology provider MJ Freeway seemed to disagree with Tolia, telling MERRY JANE that supply shortage fears are overblown unless there is a tremendous amount of export pressure. The Canadian cultivation operations have been built for scale, she said. Even if there is a temporary period of supply shortage at the start two to three months, once the cultivation operations are fully online, there will be a glut that will even out and supply will meet demand. Down a similar lane, Kris Krane, president of cannabis investment firm and multi-state operator 4Front, said that while the size of the demand in the early days remains unknown, it is reasonable to assume some supply issues in the early days as companies ramp up production as weve already seen in many U.S. states. Also in agreement, Beth Stavola, COO and President of U.S. Operations of MPX Bioceutical, argued that we will need some time to get production to where it fulfills the demands of the marketplace, as Canada begins to issue new licenses and regulations. Depending on how long this takes, there may be a temporary shortfall in supply, but hopefully it won't be as dire as some suggest. If the government moves quickly to get licenses in place and expand the range of products available, they will have a thriving market in the near future. Finally, we reached out to equity analyst Alan Brochstein, best known as the 420 Investor , whos been anticipating supply shortages for a while now. It looks like there won't be nearly enough product or SKUs of product on day one, he stated. With that said, the number of physical stores open on 10/17 truly rounds to zero in the scheme of things, and I expect online [sales] will be slow to take off as a channel but will build over time. It's important to not judge the success on day one, he continued, explaining we need to understand the launch will be underwhelming but then moving in a positive direction over time, with more supply and points of distribution, as well as a better products set a year from now. Jodies Take Unlike the previous experts quoted, Jodie Emery, famed activist and owner of the hemp-themed caf Jodies Joint, assured MERRY JANE that supply is definitely enough. The problem, in her view, lies in the new regulations and what the government allows to be sold. Canada has enough cannabis supply to meet demand, she told MERRY JANE, arguing that Canadians have been growing enough weed to supply everyone for decades. The problem is that the federal government isn't legalizing that supply, though. She added, This is ill-deemed illicit cannabis, just as it was illegal cannabis before today. Emery also noted that the costs and barriers to getting licensed as a federal legal grower are too prohibitive and prevent the existing suppliers from being able to transition into legality. Legalization should mean the legalization of the industry that grew despite prohibition, not the exclusion of those pioneers and prohibition victims.
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https://merryjane.com/news/are-fears-of-canadian-cannabis-shortages-justified-october-2018
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Can Mekong nations welcome vaccinated travellers?
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PHNOM PENH, 31 May 2021: The day when vaccinated travellers will be able to visit Mekong Region countries with quarantine came a little closer last week when six Greater Mekong Sub-region countries gave the subject a provisional green light. Its still a long way off as the proposal will need the green light by various ministries, including public health in each country. Or as the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office executive director, Jens Thraenhart, noted: Opening plans (for borders) were discussed, and each country will act based on their own policies. Information will be communicated through the Coronavirus pages at www.Mekongtourism.org. Also, to gain foreign traveller confidence, it would require the six countries to deliver a high level of vaccination in their populations, possibly as high as 70%. However, that threshold could still be a year away. It is highly likely that Thailands tourist island Phuket could be the first to welcome vaccinated travellers without the need to undergo 14 days quarantine. The islands so-called sandbox project is set to go 1 July as more than half of the islands population has now been vaccinated. First reported in the Phnom Penh Post, the 47th Tourism Working Group meeting of the GMS took place on 27 May. Officials from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam attended the online meeting along with the Asian Development Bank A director of Myanmars Ministry of Hotels and Tourism attended both the online 47th Mekong Tourism Working Group Meeting and the MTCO Board Meeting. In addition to supporting quarantine-free entry for vaccinated travellers, the Tourism Working Group endorsed the direction of the draft Mekong Tourism Recovery Communications Plan. Before approving the final plan, the next step requires consultative meetings scheduled in June with MeTAG members (Mekong Tourism Advisory group private sector advisors from the travel industry). On the prospects of countries welcoming vaccinated international travellers, travel industry executives would consider themselves extremely lucky if the rollout spurred a recovery in the Mekong Region during 2021. Instead, it is more likely to be a trickle of group tours limited to specific destinations that have a high level of herd immunity due to the rollout of vaccination programmes. Travel this year to the Mekong Region countries will be off the 2019 pace by around 80 to 85%. However, there is a ray of hope that a speedy vaccine rollout across the Mekong region nations could be enough to trigger the beginning of the recovery in 2022 by ending the 14 to 21-day quarantine regimen. Until then, there will be pockets, bubbles or sandbox projects that will deliver limited success for the remainder of 2021, hampered by repeated Covid-19 outbreaks and waves fueled by new variants of the virus. During 2020 and the first half of 2021, we witnessed Covid-19 waves caused by variants originating in China, the UK, South Africa, Brazil and India, with the latest variant surfacing in Vietnam this week. This constant ebb and flow of Covid-19 waves suggest that vaccination programmes represent the single most feasible route to recovery. (Source: Phnom Penh Post, MTCO)
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https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2021/05/can-mekong-nations-welcome-vaccinated-travellers/
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Who is the voice of Big Brother Australia?
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Channel Seven The Daily Mail went on to add a slight caveat to their detective work, explaining that when they approached Chris for comment, the actor denied being a part of Big Brother. The plot thickens. Another clue comes from the host of the reality show herself, Sonia Kruger. Back in June 2020, Sonia dropped some hints as to who might be behind the famous voice, telling The Sunday Telegraph, "He is a bit of an international man of mystery, to be honest. He is very mischievous, and it's hard to talk about him as a real person". She continued, "He is quite cute I can tell you that much." "He is quite cute I can tell you that much," Sonia said of Big Brother. Channel Seven Ahh a cute male... that really narrows it down. Though, we doubt it. Now, it's always possible that the current voice is someone we have heard on the franchise before. According to reports, previous Big Brother voices include producer Peter Abbott, television and radio host Mike Goldman, producer Nick Colquhoun and voice artist Leon Murray. The mystery of Big Brother lives on. Channel Seven For now, we simply don't know. And even though it's clear Channel Seven is adamant on preserving the mystery behind Big Brother, New Idea tried our luck and approached the source directly in an attempt to unmask the voice artist. As we suspected, the network is staying tight-lipped, borrowing a phrase from Gossip Girl by stating, "That is one secret we'll never tell". In this day in age, we wouldn't be surprised if Big Brother was really a robot. At this point, it all remains a mystery. Which is exactly as the task master likes it.
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https://www.newidea.com.au/who-voices-big-brother
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Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take paternity and maternity leave?
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting the arrival of their second child in the summertime. They made the announcement on 14 February with a black and white image taken in their backyard in California showing Meghans baby bump. The pair revealed during an interview with TV mogul Oprah Winfrey that they are expecting a baby girl. Since the couple made the decision to step down as working members of the royal family in January 2020, they have moved to the United States and started their own business ventures. They are being kept busy with family and working life, and things are about to get even busier for the couple as they welcome their second child. Harry and Meghan set up media production company Archewell Productions and have partnered with Netflix to create a documentary series about Invictus Games athletes. Heart of Invictus will follow some of the games competitors as they prepare for the 2022 games in the Netherlands. Prince Harry has also undertaken a corporate job in the role of chief impact officer at the San Francisco-based mental health startup BetterUp. Since leaving the UK, Harry has been very open about his mental health and has been very vocal about how therapy has helped him deal with trauma. Additionally, Meghan is now an author as she has recently penned a childrens book called The Bench, due to be published on 8 June. The books theme is inspired by the bond between father and son Harry and Archie and is based on a poem she wrote Harry for Fathers Day. Through their non-profit organisation Archewell Foundation, they are also undertaking partnerships on initiatives focussed on equality, mental health and community relief. When Archie was born in May 2019, Meghan and Harry were working members of the royal family and took Archie on his first official royal tour to South Africa when he was just four months old. Just three days after his son Archie was born, Harrys time with his newborn son was interrupted by a work commitment as he flew to the Netherlands for the launch of the Invictus Games. Meghan was also busy during and after the birth of Archie as she guest-edited an issue of British Vogue magazine and designed a workwear capsule for the charity Smart Works. When their daughter arrives, the busy couple will reportedly take paternity and maternity leave to enjoy time with their new baby as a family. Vanity Fair reports the pair both plan to take leave following the birth so that they can spend proper time together as a family. A friend of the couple also confirmed this, saying: They will both take some proper time off. It will be the summer and they want to make sure they both take their leave so they have some real quality time together once the baby arrives. Though Meghan and Harry haven't yet said anything specific about their plans, it is possible they will once the birth of their baby is announced.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/harry-meghan-paternity-maternity-leave-b1854286.html
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Whats it like to go to an in-person music concert in 2021?
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Los Lobos Cesar Rosas stood onstage and looked out onto to a sea of smiling concertgoers, many of whom were seeing live music for the first time in more than 14 months. He basked in a moment of pure gratitude. Thank you Jesus that we are still here, the vocalist-guitarist said partway through the first of the bands two shows on Friday (May 28) at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. Lets celebrate life. He didnt have to tell the crowd twice. These 250-plus fans had come out to celebrate like it was, well, 2019 or even early 2020, before the coronavirus pandemic brought the communal acts of performing and enjoying live music to a grinding halt in March of last year. Now, live music is back, coinciding with social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions being steadily lifted, and this outdoor series presented by Blue Note Napa is one of the first major offerings to pop up in Northern California. So, after a year-plus of watching recoded, live-streamed and Zoom performances, fans can finally find out what it feels like to watch an in-person concert in 2021. And at least based on what was seen at this Los Lobos show it feels a lot like old times. If there was any reluctance or unease among concertgoers taking part in the kind of large gathering that would have been unthinkable a few months ago, they didnt show it. The loud talkers talked loudly. The selfie crew took selfies. And those who came to dance did so like nobody was watching. Some enjoyed wine and snacks with their tunes. And many marveled with a pinch-me sense of joy that they were making their long-awaited re-entries into the world of live music. Live music that has been a big hole in our lives, said San Franciscos Rango Keshavan, who was attending the Los Lobos show with Marian McClean. We were really excited when these tickets went on sale. The excitement could be felt even before the show started, as people lined up in eager anticipation of what was to come. And the buzz wasnt so much about the specific band although, Los Lobos certainly ranks among the best in the business as it was about what the return of live music means. Its going to feel good like almost back to normal, said Napas Randy Barkan, who was attending the show with Audrey Barris. Barkan said he felt comfortable attending the show even though many of the other people standing in line werent wearing masks since hes fully vaccinated. Youve got to trust the science to some extent, he said. Science or no, it was certainly noticeable that the vast majority of fans decided to not to wear masks during the performance, even though the venues website clearly noted that masks are required. Perhaps most attendees thought that having masks in their pursues or pockets was good enough. It didnt seem to bother most of the attendees, who were busy grooving to great tunes from Los Lobos. Yet those who still feel uncomfortable being around large crowds where masks arent being worn, might want to forgo the concert experience for the present. In general, however, the promoters did a solid job in creating an environment where fans could feel safe. Tables and chairs were arranged in socially distanced fashion. Staff members working the show were all masked. And there was a concerted effort to make things as touch free as possible, from the way people ordered food and drink to the admission process. The biggest selling point might be that an open-air event just feels safer. Several people said they still have concerns about attending indoor shows, and Blue Note Napas regular indoor venue remains closed. It doesnt hurt that that the Charles Krug Winery is such a lovely spot to enjoy a concert and launch ones re-entry into the magic of live music. Upcoming Blue Note Napa shows at Charles Krug Winery include R&B-soul-pop star Jody Watley on June 26 ($45-$95), blues great Taj Mahal on Aug. 21-22 ($59-$89) and jazz musics sensational Stanley Clarke Band on Sept. 11-12 ($49-$79). For more information, visit bluenotenapa.com.
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https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/06/01/whats-it-like-to-go-to-an-in-person-music-concert-in-2021/
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What is the green watchlist and which countries could be on it?
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Holidays abroad were given the go ahead from England from 17 May, under a traffic light system to classify each country or region as red, amber or green. This will depend on coronavirus infection rates, the presence of any variants of concern and the progress of the vaccination programme. There are 12 countries on the green list including Portugal, Gibraltar and Israel and 43 countries on the red list, including Dubai, Turkey and the Maldives. Everywhere else, including most of Europe, is on the amber list. As well as the traffic light system, there will also be a green watchlist, which will signal which destinations could soon move from green to amber. It is designed to give travellers more certainty. The first green list was announced on 7 May, and the next review is slated for 3 June. There are initially 12 destinations deemed safe enough to be on the green list: Portugal Israel Gibraltar Iceland Faroe Islands Brunei Falkland Islands Australia New Zealand Singapore Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands Travellers returning to the UK from these countries wont need to quarantine. However, they must provide a negative test result be it rapid antigen, lateral flow or PCR before departing for the UK, and take a PCR test within two days of arrival. The traffic light system will categorise countries and regions in terms of whether travel will be permitted, as well as what restrictions will be in place. The lists will be updated every three weeks. The green watchlist is an additional measure that the government will use as a way to identify the countries most at risk of moving from green to amber. Countries on the watchlist will be kept under review and respond to emerging evidence, with a particular focus on variants of concern. There were no countries on the green watchlist when the lists were first announced in early May. At the next review, on 3 June, some countries could move from green to the green watchlist, if they are at risk of moving to amber. The green watchlist system aims to avoid abrupt changes which last year resulted in travellers rushing back to the UK as quarantine was imposed on countries and regions with little notice. The government says the system is being implemented to give passengers more certainty and to provide greater assurance for those who wish to travel abroad. However, the report states that the government will not hesitate to act immediately should the data show that countries risk ratings have changed.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/green-list-amber-watchlist-summer-holiday-b1857607.html
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Is Latin America ready to hold massive events like the Americas Cup?
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Posted at 10:12 ET (14:12 GMT) Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Playing Posted at 10:28 ET (14:28 GMT) Tuesday, June 1, 2021 0:44 Posted at 01:01 ET (05:01 GMT) Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Posted at 20:04 ET (00:04 GMT) Monday, May 31, 2021 3:36 Posted at 18:13 ET (22:13 GMT) Monday, May 31, 2021 0:33 Posted at 17:25 ET (21:25 GMT) Monday, May 31, 2021 1:45 Posted at 14:49 ET (18:49 GMT) Monday, May 31, 2021 1:56 Posted at 11:53 AM ET (3:53 PM GMT) Monday, May 31, 2021 0:40 Posted at 11:43 AM ET (3:43 PM GMT) Monday, May 31, 2021 0:41 Posted at 10:48 ET (14:48 GMT) Monday, May 31, 2021
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https://www.explica.co/is-latin-america-ready-to-hold-massive-events-like-the-americas-cup-video.html
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Is May our Goldilocks month?
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If I had a Top 5 list of months, May would be my #1. Its the month Luvbug and I said, I do in front of our family and friends. The weather is typically quiet and up to the last five years it was the last month we could vacation without the concern of hurricanes. While hurricanes have started to crash late spring parties, for the most part our local weather makes a nice backdrop to stay-cations and long weekend camping trips. This past month did not disappoint. Although dry, there were plenty of open window weather days. May is when spring really starts to look like summer. Flowers are still blooming and grass is turning green after the winter nap. To make that happen though, we need rain. It wasnt the driest May ever, that was in 1927 when less than a tenth of an inch was measured. It wasnt the wettest either, that was in 1903 when almost 15 inches fell over the 31 days. This year our rain buckets were shy of yearly averages by almost 3 inches, picking up around a scant half inch. Ad Temperatures were mostly near seasonal, but a couple of cooler days tipped the scale almost 2 degrees cooler than last year. There were some warm days too. Nine out of the 31 days were at 90 or above. The hottest, 94 degrees, came three days before the kickoff to the unofficial start of summer. The more Mother Nature I can get, the happier I am. You may have heard me say something about, open window weather days. We had plenty of those too. Morning lows as little as 46 degrees in the first week of the month and 13 mornings at 60 degrees or less made it easy. Making May more of a Goldilocks month we had zero days of less than freezing temperatures. May was named after the Roman goddess Maia who oversaw the growth of plants, a nurturer who cared for the flowers that open in April. I think about that as I pick, clip and sip in my yard.
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https://www.news4jax.com/weather/2021/06/01/is-may-our-goldilocks-month/
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Should India Sign the Artemis Accords?
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The Artemis Accords are a mechanism by which countries can participate in NASAs Artemis Programme. The programme envisages landing the first woman and the next man on the Moon. NASA thinks international partnerships will play a key role in achieving a sustainable presence on the Moon. NASA likely sees this as a natural next step after the collaboration at the International Space Station. China has proposed its own version of a permanent lunar base. When the Artemis Accords were announced, Russia said the accords were too US-centric, and later went on to participate in the Chinese programme. Indias lunar programme has had limited success. It has two missions in orbit. The first and only mission to the surface failed in September 2019. The US has collaborated with India on Chandrayaan 1, the first lunar mission. India is also collaborating with Japan on a future lunar mission, called LUPEX, to the Moons surface. Japan is also a signatory to the Artemis Accords. Next, Indias human space programme depends on Russia for astronaut training. It is presently in the process of setting up its own facilities for the human spaceflight training programme. The US, France, Germany and Italy in Europe, and Japan have also offered help to India with human spaceflight training. India also depends on Ukraine for semi-cryogenic engines and Ukraine is a signatory to the accords. These various dependencies in advanced space technologies make up an important background to understand the context in which India is operating. They may play a role in Indias decision on whether to join the Artemis Accords. Read the full article in The Wire Science
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https://takshashila.org.in/should-india-sign-the-artemis-accords/
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What's Going On With Kylie Jenner And Travis Scott Now?
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Fans of Kylie Jenner may have noticed that the makeup mogul spent some quality time with her apparent on-again boyfriend Travis Scott over Memorial Day Weekend 2021. Jenner documented their time together, along with their daughter, Stormi, on her Instagram Stories, according to Entertainment Tonight. At one point, the family of three got into a water balloon fight, and Jenner filmed as her beau and their daughter tried to get her wet. The fun-filled family weekend, which took place at Scott's home in Houston, Texas, according to People magazine, comes just a couple of weeks after Jenner and Scott were seen packing on the PDA in Miami, Florida. In early May, the two were on-hand to celebrate Scott Disick's birthday party at LIV Nightclub's LIV ON SUNDAY party at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, according to Entertainment Tonight. At the time, sources told the outlet that Jenner and Scott looked very much "together" at the event. "Kylie and Travis are messing around and having fun together. They've always had a strong connection and chemistry and they're exploring their relationship romantically again," a source told the outlet. Keep reading to find out.
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https://www.nickiswift.com/424871/whats-going-on-with-kylie-jenner-and-travis-scott-now/
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Is DIRECTV the 4K TV Leader?
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TV Answer Man, its getting harder to find stuff to watch in 4K. I used to have a bunch of sports on Comcast in 4K but not so much lately. I did some research and it looks like DIRECTV has more 4K sports than anyone. Rich, Chicago. Rich, I think youre right. DIRECTV has more live 4K programming than any other TV provider, whether youre talking cable and satellite or the streaming services. By example, DIRECTV is the only TV service thats now offering French Open tennis coverage in 4K. Not Comcast. Not FuboTV. Not Verizon. Not Dish. Not anyone except DIRECTV. The satcaster also offers regional 4K broadcasts of the Denver Nuggets games and Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers games as well as national 4K events such as NASCAR, the NFL and MLB. Click Amazon: See Todays 1-Day-Only Deals! Until a few months ago, I would have said Comcast is challenging DIRECTV for the title of 4K TV leader, but the nations largest cable operator has strangely dramatically reduced its 4K lineup. For instance, Comcast has stopped offering regional Chicago baseball and hockey games in 4K. In addition, the cable operator is not doing the French Open in 4K, which it did last year. To make matters worse, when I asked Comcast why its no longer doing the Chicago games and the French Open in 4K, the companys PR department either didnt respond or referred me to another Comcast-owned unit (NBC Sports), which did not respond to my inquiries. Thats very discouraging and suggests Comcast is not anxious these days to talk about 4K for reasons unknown. Of course, to call DIRECTV the 4K TV leader, at least in the live category, is not as impressive as it sounds. Charters Spectrum cable TV service, the second largest cable operator, doesnt offer anything in 4K. And Dish, Verizon, Optimum and FuboTV offer just a smattering of live events in 4K, mostly from Fox productions. But despite the decrease in 4K broadcasts from Fox and ESPN due to the Covid pandemic, DIRECTV seems to be going out of its way to deliver anything it can get in the format. If youre a sports fan with a 4K TV, DIRECTV is your clear choice, assuming youre okay with two-year customer agreements, of course. Final note: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and some other subscription Video on Demand services offer shows and movies in 4K. And in the case of Netflix, the 4K lineup is very impressive. But were talking live 4K here, and specifically, sports in 4K. For that, its DIRECTV, folks. Rich, hope that helps. Happy viewing, and stay safe! Please buy it using one of the Amazon links here. This site receives a small portion of each purchase, which helps us continue to provide these articles. Send it to The TV Answer Man at [email protected]. Please include your first name and hometown in your message. Phillip Swann Share this: Twitter Facebook
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https://tvanswerman.com/2021/06/01/is-directv-the-4k-tv-leader/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-directv-the-4k-tv-leader
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How long do COVID vaccines take to start working?
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Amid Victorias worrying COVID outbreak, perhaps the point of greatest concern is the fact the virus has again found its way into aged care. On Sunday, the state government announced an aged-care worker had tested positive for COVID-19, despite having received their first vaccine dose on May 12. Weve since found out another staff member, who worked alongside the original staff member at Arcare Maidstone, has returned a positive result, along with a resident. The resident had received a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and reportedly has only mild symptoms, but is being monitored in hospital. The original workers son has also tested positive. The cases in the first staff member and the resident, both of whom had received a first vaccine dose, highlight the fact you need both doses for maximum benefit. It takes a couple of weeks Clinical trials show COVID vaccine protection is optimal from about two weeks after your second dose. This means they: nearly completely protect against severe disease and death in healthy people dramatically reduce the likelihood of symptoms with COVID-19 reduce the likelihood of infection with the virus if you do get infected, they reduce the amount of virus you make. Emerging evidence suggests this reduces the likelihood you will pass the virus to other people. Each dose of a vaccine essentially shifts the odds in your favour. One dose gives you a lower chance of reaping some of these benefits, while two doses gives you a much higher likelihood of these benefits. Though even with two doses, you could still be unlucky and get infected, develop disease or pass on the virus. Clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine were designed to test the efficacy of the vaccine more than one week after the second dose. However, these trials also provided the first hints that a single dose could offer some protection as early as 12 days afterwards. Real world data now supports these early observations a single dose is highly effective against hospitalisation four weeks after vaccination. Meanwhile, early research and reports suggest a first dose of Pfizer could be between 50% and 90% effective at preventing infection. Preliminary data also suggest people who become infected with SARS-CoV-2 after one dose of the Pfizer vaccine are up to 50% less likely to transmit that infection to other members of their household. Read more: Mounting evidence suggests COVID vaccines do reduce transmission. The AstraZeneca vaccine was initially developed as a single-dose vaccine, estimated to have an efficacy of 76% against disease in clinical trials. These trials were later amended to include a second dose when other work showed two doses significantly increased antibody levels in volunteers. Real-world data, though yet to be peer reviewed, has shown one dose is roughly 65% effective at protecting from infection and up to 50% effective at preventing vaccinated people from passing the virus on if they do become infected, like Pfizer. Also similar to Pfizer, a single dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine offers very good protection against hospital admission four weeks afterwards. Despite differences in mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and viral vector vaccines like AstraZeneca, both take similar amounts of time to generate antibody responses. After a single dose of AstraZeneca, antibodies can be detected after 14 days and further increase over the next two weeks. When researchers track the antibody response to the first dose of vaccine, they find it takes at least ten days for the immune system to start making antibodies that can recognise SARS-CoV-2s spike protein (a protein on the virus surface which it uses to enter our bodys cells). It also takes at least a week for T cells, a type of white blood cell important in our immune response, to start to react to the vaccine. Over the next few weeks, these responses become even stronger. In contrast, the second dose activates the immune system much more quickly. Within a week of dose two, your antibody levels increase by more than ten times, providing much stronger and longer-lasting protection from infection. So the first dose of a COVID vaccine gets your immune response going, but the second dose is essential to ensure immunity is strong, consistent from person to person, and longer-lasting. Shutterstock Partial vaccination can be risky While a single dose of either vaccine provides some benefits, relying on partial vaccination for people who are vulnerable or working in high-risk roles is problematic. Its critical we fully vaccinate frontline health-care workers, quarantine workers and people who work and live in aged and disability care as soon as possible. Another challenge is that all current COVID vaccines are based on the original virus strain but variants now make up the majority of infections in many countries. Some variants are targeted less effectively by vaccines, particularly after only one dose. Preliminary data suggests that while two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are 88% protective against symptomatic infection with the B.1.617.2 variant, a single dose is only 33% effective. A similar variant, called B.1.617.1, is behind the current outbreak in Victoria and may respond similarly. This makes it even more important to ensure frontline workers receive both vaccine doses as quickly as possible. Its also worth noting immune responses to one dose of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines decrease with age. In a pooled analysis of Pfizer and AstraZeneca, older people had lower rates of protection than younger people after a single dose, although older people were protected just as well as younger people after two doses. Although this study is yet to be peer-reviewed, it tells us administering the second dose in a timely manner is particularly important for older people to realise the full benefits of vaccination. Why mixing and matching COVID vaccines could help solve many rollout problems
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https://theconversation.com/how-long-do-covid-vaccines-take-to-start-working-161876
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Did Ancient Vikings Bring Weed to Canada More Than a Thousand Years Ago?
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Canada made history last year by becoming the first and only G-7 nation to legalize adult-use cannabis, but the Great White North's history with weed extends much further back than that. A new archaeological study suggests that cannabis pollen was discovered near a Viking settlement founded more than a thousand years ago. The L'Anse aux Meadows site in Newfoundland was settled by Viking explorers in 1000 AD, but archaeologists believe they only occupied the site for a brief time period before moving on. The new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, posits that the Vikings actually remained in the area for another two or three hundred years. Last summer, archaeologists dug up a peat bog located around 100 feet east of the Viking settlement. Deep within the bog, the researchers discovered a number of ecofacts organic remains that may have been left in the bog by human settlers. These remains, which included two different kinds of beetles not native to Canada, were radiocarbon-dated to the 12th or 13th Century, hundreds of years after the Vikings initially settled in the area. Archaeologists also discovered an assortment of pollen from plants that do not naturally grow in Canada, including walnuts and cannabis. This surprising discovery may be the earliest incidence of cannabis being discovered in North America, leading researchers to speculate that the Vikings may have deliberately brought pot seeds with them from Europe and planted them at this settlement. The study notes that the results presented here pose more questions than answers, Live Science reports . Unfortunately, the study provides no further clues as to exactly how or why the plant was used. Paul Ledger, lead author and postdoctoral fellow at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, cautions that the study doesn't prove the Vikings were responsible for bringing weed to the West. Ledger explained that the cannabis pollen may have blown into the bog from another nearby settlement, as it is easily carried on the wind. Other indigenous peoples living in Newfoundland may have also been responsible for planting this weed.
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https://merryjane.com/news/did-ancient-vikings-bring-weed-to-canada-more-than-a-thousand-years-ago
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Did New Jersey Just Put an End to Cannabis Prohibition?
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The road to cannabis reform in New Jersey has been especially bumpy this month, with several state officials floating their own decriminalization policies after Governor Phil Murphy's attempt to fully legalize weed this year stalled in the state Legislature. Last Thursday, Jersey City municipal prosecutor Jake Hudnut and Mayor Steve Fulop announced that they were decriminalizing low-level cannabis offenses, effective immediately. But within 24 hours, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal declared that the city's new policy was void, as Hudnut had no authority to supersede the state's drug policies. For a moment, it seemed like Grewal was out to block the Garden State's path to cannabis reform, but it turned out that he had bigger plans for decriminalization. This week, the Attorney General announced that all cannabis cases being considered in municipal courts would be adjourned until September. Grewal addressed a letter to "all municipal prosecutors in New Jersey," asking them to "seek an adjournment until September 4, 2018, or later, of any matter involving a marijuana-related offense pending in municipal court," NJ Advance Media reports. Grewal told prosecutors that his office would be developing "appropriate guidance" for them during that time frame. The September date is especially significant because a new bill that would legalize a taxed and regulated adult-use cannabis market is expected to come before the state Senate at that time. The possible success of this bill, coupled with Grewal's new policy, could mean that no New Jersey resident will ever be prosecuted for a low-level cannabis offense again. This possibility is good news for the Garden State, where 32,000 people were arrested for low-level pot possession in 2016. The state currently has the third-highest total number of marijuana arrests in the country, following only Texas and New York, and had the country's largest increase in pot arrests between 2015 and 2016. In his original bid to decriminalize Jersey City, Hudnut cited statistics reporting that "despite similar cross-racial usage of marijuana, New Jerseyans of color are three times more likely to be arrested and prosecuted for marijuana than white New Jerseyans," the Jersey Journal reports. Just days after criticizing Grewal's letter blocking his decriminalization attempt, Hudnut released a statement announcing that he was on board with the Attorney General's new plan. "In adjourning all marijuana cases across New Jersey while a directive is prepared, Attorney General Grewal has put himself at the national forefront of progressive prosecutors," Hudnut said. "I am looking forward to working closely with him in the coming weeks on this directive, as well as on other issues affecting all of our state's municipal courts." In addition to wasting millions of dollars of taxpayers' money, prosecution of minor pot offenses has left a disproportionate impact on the country's most marginalized populations, saddling them with criminal records that prevent them from gaining equal access to jobs, education, and housing. Seeing a state with one of the country's highest rates of pot arrests put a permanent end to prohibition would be a huge step towards social justice on the East Coast.
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https://merryjane.com/news/did-new-jersey-just-put-an-end-to-cannabis-prohibition
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Do Ontarios New License Plates Celebrate Legal Weed?
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Ontarios new government-issued licensed plates may be highlighting the nations legal weed. On Thursday, the government announced that the blue and white license plates would replace the old slogan of Yours to Discover with A Place to Grow. According to the Ontario governments website , A Place to Grow means the province wants to expand its infrastructure, improve its economy, and enhance the regions overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The phrase comes from the song A Place to Stand, Ontarios unofficial anthem since 1967, according to CBC . Officials havent commented on whether the newest slogan refers to Canadas legal weed program, which launched last October. On April 1, Ontario opened its first pot shops , with all the long lines and inevitable product shortages seen in other provinces and US states that legalized in recent years. Although Ontarios latest weed sales data are still rolling in, a Reuters report suggested Canadas legalization program is flourishing. One estimate predicted that the nations recreational weed sales would hit $2.7 billion by the end of the year. By 2025, the market could see $10 billion in recreational sales and $1.5 billion in medical sales. The stigma is rolling away, Vivian Azer, a financial analyst at New Yorks Cowen and Company, told Reuters . If Ontario truly gave a nod to its legal weed with the A Place to Grow line, it wouldnt be the first time Canadians got colorful with license plate slogans. Past license plates, including Ontarios now defunct Yours to Discover, could subtly encode seedier messages .
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https://merryjane.com/news/do-ontarios-new-license-plates-celebrate-legal-weed
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Do Pot Shops Actually Increase Housing Values?
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If a pot shop opens near your home, you may make some extra equity. At least, thats what a new study suggests. The study , recently published in Contemporary Economic Policy, looked at property values in the Denver area from 2008 to 2017. On average, houses within a half-mile radius of a dispensary opening went up 7.7 percent in value. The Economic Policy study confirms two previous studies that found similar housing price increases near pot shops, with price jumps ranging from 6 to 8 percent. Not exactly. According to Jesse Burkhardt, an economics professor at Colorado State University and the primary author of the Economic Policy paper, the data traces an overall trend in housing prices. Whether or not that 7.7 percent price bump can be individually applied to a single home depends on several factors. The data also suggests that dispensaries are capitalizing housing prices as a net benefit, Burkhardt told MERRY JANE over the phone. There are going to be costs and benefits to them coming into the neighborhood. One of those costs, or factors that would lower a homes value, could be rising crime rates near a dispensary. Some research showed that property crimes go up near a dispensary, but violent crime rates appear to be unaffected. However, even a slight uptick in property crimes isnt enough to counter the pluses that accompany the opening of a new pot shop. Whatever benefits dispensaries bring outweigh whatever costs come with a dispensary, Burkhardt noted. People are willing to pay an additional premium to live near one. Dispensary openings arent the only cannabis-related phenomenon that can increase property values. For example, simply converting a medical marijuana dispensary to a recreational weed shop can trigger an increase in housing prices. Rank and Filed Burkhardts study, along with the two studies that preceded it, contradict claims that marijuana legalization would lead to lower property values. In 2014, the Colorado Association of Realtors worried that legal weed could compromise the real estate business, going so far as to cite concerns that people wouldnt want to move to the Centennial State because pot smokers will be everywhere. (That turned out to be patently untrue .) Unfortunately, the claims lingered, and in some cases became an inconvenient reality. In Washington, the second state to legalize weed, Spokane County officials devalued one residents property in 2016 by 10 percent because of weed odors wafting in from a nearby pot farm. Even a small but significant drop in property value could have far-reaching consequences in the courts. In 2017, a Colorado appeals court opened a case regarding Pueblo County landowners suing an adjacent pot farm for pungent, foul odors. Citing federal RICO statutes, which allow private entities to sue drug traffickers if they can prove financial damages in court, the plaintiffs claimed the weed smell significantly lowered their property values. In November, a federal jury sided with the cannabis company. The Smell of Money Jason Thomas owns Avalon Realty , a real estate agency in Denver that specializes in properties for cannabis businesses. He told MERRY JANE that, if anything, legalization has generated a boom for property prices across the board. The values have gone up significantly, he said, both on the for-sale and for-lease side, primarily because of the demand and lack of available properties. When asked if lingering smells from dispensaries or home grows have hurt property values, he said not at all. Once you move your plants out, Thomas said, the odor of marijuana itself doesnt linger longer than a handful of months. The time it takes to clear out the odor depends on how large the facility and how many plants were being grown inside. Thomas did clarify that cannabis grows could diminish property values, but only if the cultivations were handled in a haphazard manner. Water damage, electrical damage, or mold and mildew outbreaks could compromise a commercial building or residential homes price. The smell or mere presence of a grow are not enough to affect prices. Although rising home prices may sound great to a homeowner in a sellers market, the boom hasnt boded so well for lower income residents in weed-legal states. For instance, the average single-family home in Denver today costs over $500,000 . At the start of 2014, shortly after Colorado saw its first legal weed sales, the average single-family home cost just $326,000 . The skyrocketing cost of living in Colorado may be contributing to the states homelessness epidemic. Many long-time residents are now relocating elsewhere in droves. Its not only happening in Colorado, either. Rising property values due to legal cannabis have also led to widespread evictions along West Oaklands Green Zone. In Oregon, retail pot shops are now synonymous with wholesale gentrification . If the federal ban on marijuana is lifted, then tight demand for property space or available housing in legal states wont be such hot issues. The market forces currently at work in places like Denver, Spokane, or Oakland are only possible because prohibition has created scarcity for available properties. Legalize weed nationwide, get rid of scarcity. Everybody wins. Follow Randy Robinson on Twitter
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https://merryjane.com/news/do-pot-shops-actually-increase-housing-values
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Does Legal Weed Increase Homelessness?
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That's the argument coming from Colorado's law enforcement and homeless shelters, and anti-pot politicians have picked up on it. However, a new study in the Centennial State debunks prohibitionists' latest anti-pot talking point. The report, titled "A Study of the Local Social and Economic Impacts of Legal Cannabis, Since the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana, on Residents of Pueblo County, Colorado," comes from Colorado State University-Pueblo's Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR), an interdisciplinary program established last year. The primary author, sociology professor and Tim McGettigan, worked closely with 30 other PhDs and Pueblo County officials to compile data on the area's homeless population. The study's conclusion: "Apart from anecdotal reports, we did not find definitive evidence that links increased homelessness to legal cannabis." Rather, "the major factors leading to homelessness are a lack of affordable housing, inability to find work, and family crises." Local law enforcement disagreed. Pueblo Police Chief Troy Davenport offered his own anecdote a day after the CSU-Pueblo's findings were delivered to Pueblo's county commissioners. "[The homeless] come to either extensively get jobs in the marijuana field or, as it ends up, most of the time to just get marijuana," he said. John Suthers, the rabidly anti-marijuana mayor of nearby Colorado Springs, also parroted the homelessness claim. "There's clearly a relationship between homelessness in Colorado and access to marijuana," he told KRDO, "and I think that would account for the fact that Colorado for the most part, and Washington state, have higher-than-average homelessness." Neither Suthers nor Davenport mentioned Pueblo's opioid epidemic as a cause for homelessness, although it is mentioned in the CSU-Pueblo study. Colorado has one of the highest opioid abuse rates in the country, and Pueblo County has one of the highest rates in the state. In fact, the epidemic has gotten so bad that Pueblo County is considering filing suit against Big Pharma companies Purdue, Johnson & Johnson, and McKesson Corp. We expect horribly addictive drugs like heroin to put someone out on the streets. Supposedly, after Colorado went legal in 2012, the nation's drifters came to the state en masse to avail themselves of its lax weed laws. The industry's record-breaking revenues, the argument goes, are disproportionately offset by a swelling homeless population overtaxing local shelters. Posada is a non-profit charity based in Pueblo. The charity provides emergency shelter to families in need, and it helps families transition from homelessness to affordable housing. Anne Stattelman, the executive director at Posada, warned out-of-staters against migrating to Colorado. "Posada has been experiencing unprecedented increases in people in need of services," she blogged late last year. "Many families and individuals are relocating to Pueblo for legal marijuana, benefit acquisition (as Colorado is a Medicaid Expansion State), and the perceived affordability of housing." CSU-Pueblo's report, however, identified Black Hills Energy, a local power company, as the major culprit behind homelessness in Pueblo. McGettigan wrote that the company's excessively high fees and inhumane shut-off policies (e.g. cutting service during freezing temperatures) were responsible for pushing 7,000 families onto the streets in 2016. Ironically, the report's source for Black Hills' robber-baron practices came from Stattelman, Posada's director. "When you have a utility kicking thousands of families out of their homes in a community where there are no more than 35,000 family homes that's 20 percent of the homes with utilities cut off," McGettigan told The Pueblo Chieftain. "And pushing those families out into the streets, you are definitely going to see an increase in homelessness. Blaming it on cannabis is ludicrous." On Monday, McGettigan invited his critics through email to an open debate at next month's annual ICR conference at CSU-Pueblo. His opposition includes Chief Davenport and the editorial board at The Pueblo Chieftain, which recently described the report's attack on Black Hills Energy as "junk science." Homelessness was a problem in Colorado long before Amendment 64 was even drafted. In 2012, Denver City Council enacted an "outdoor" or "urban" camping ban that made sleeping downtown a crime. The ban was intended to sweep away Denver's homeless, who became more visible after shelters closed during the economic crash of 2008. Overall, though, other data sources indicate that Colorado has experienced a decrease in homelessness, not an increase. According to a 2016 report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Colorado saw a 13 percent increase in homelessness that year, but only after a 29 percent decrease over the past decade. Whether cannabis caused that jump in homelessness, HUD can't say. In an email to MERRY JANE, HUD's Regional Public Affairs Specialist, Christine Baumann, wrote that no statement could be given about weed causing homelessness "because we do not have any data we can refer to." "It's not a question that's required for our annual survey," she later said over the phone. "So we don't ask it." The annual survey Baumann referred to is the Point-in-Time study, which provides HUD with a demographic snapshot of the housing and homelessness situations for a given area. Donald Burnes, a scholar-in-residence at the University of Denver, runs the Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness. A year ago, he made the same conclusion as the CSU-Pueblo study that cannabis had nothing to do with Colorado's homelessness problem. "Over the last three to four years, there has not been a major increase in the numbers of people coming in to Colorado who are homeless," Burnes said to MERRY JANE. "The percentage of the total population experiencing homelessness who come from out-of-state has remained very constant basically 14 to 15 percent." Burnes drew data from HUD's Point-in-Time survey which, he admits, "is not wonderful. It's fairly sketchy. But the data we do have does not indicate people are crowding into Colorado or becoming homeless" because of cannabis. In fact, Burnes noted the overwhelming majority of Colorado's homeless population around 80 percent are Colorado residents. Most became homeless while living here due to unemployment, medical bills, divorce, or rapidly rising rents (which are not capped by state law). Besides, he says, the homeless can find cannabis anywhere. Colorado is not unique in that sense. Instead, he credits the state's geography to its popularity among transients and transplants alike. Burnes recalled a conversation he had with one homeless individual who traveled to Colorado from Arkansas. "I asked him, 'Why did you move to Colorado?' He pointed to the mountains, and he said, 'We don't have this in Arkansas. This is beautiful.'" "Colorado is a nice place. We have spectacular views," Burnes continued. But he does believe that cannabis has, indirectly, made the state more attractive. "People are coming for jobs. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. They're not coming specifically for the cannabis, and the people who are experiencing homelessness are not people coming from out-of-state." Follow Randy Robinson on Twitter
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https://merryjane.com/news/does-legal-weed-increase-homelessness-colorado-pueblo-march-2018
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Why Did Movie Theater CEOs Make Such a Killing During the Pandemic?
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While CEOs at Disney slashed their pay, top execs at AMC Theatres and Regal parent Cineworld were rewarded even as their companies lost billions Neither company responded to requests for comment. Within Hollywood, the few other CEOs who saw significant surges in their compensation led companies whose share price rise during the pandemic, namely Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and co-CEO Ted Sarandos, as well as Apple CEO Tim Cook. In 2020, Hastings and Sarandos received compensation packages worth $43.2 million and $39.3 million respectively, all while Netflixs stock soared from $325 per share at the start of 2020 to as high as $555 in January 2021, with the current price still up year-over-year at $484 per share. Cooks non-stock compensation increased 28% from 2019 to just under $15 million in 2020 while Apples stock exploded from $57 per share at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to a current price of $125. But AMC and Cineworlds stock havent seen such fortune. Cineworlds stock, which has never exceeded 4 per share, is currently selling at 92 pence, down from a peak of 3.18 on the day Avengers: Endgame was released on April 26, 2019. The Greidingers are set to begin receiving stock awards if the price reaches 1.30 per share. AMC has fared better this year, with its price closing just over $26 last Friday after languishing at around $2 for much of 2020. But that Wall Street bump has less to do with the companys performance or renewed confidence in movie theaters than a Reddit campaign and 3 million new shareholders seeking boost the stock of pandemic-battered brands like GameStop. Even with the influx of WallStreetBets faddists who want to stick it to short-sellers, AMCs stock is still down from a five-year peak of just under $35 per share at the end of 2016. Earlier this year, AMC Theatres reported that compensation for CEO Adam Aron rose from $9.6 million in 2019 to $20.9 million in 2020, even as the company lost $4.6 billion in 2020 and was forced to close hundreds of locations worldwide and furlough 26,000 employees. (Almost all of its U.S. jobs have been recovered as AMC has reopened its 593 domestic locations in recent months.) At Regal Cinemas U.K.-based parent company Cineworld, meanwhile, CEO Mooky Greidinger and deputy CEO Israel Greidinger saw their compensation get cut in half from just over a combined 3 million to 1.44 million (roughly $2 million). But in January, despite staunch opposition from some shareholders as the company lost 3 billion ($4.3 billion) in 2020, the brothers were approved for a long-term incentive program that could see them receive up to 65 million ($92 million) in stock awards if Cineworlds stock price rebounds to pre-pandemic levels. Not every CEO of a major theater chain has seen such a significant surge. The nations No. 3 cinema chain, Cinemark, handed CEO Mark Zoradi a more modest pay increase, from $6.3 million in 2019 to $6.9 million in 2020. (The bump came mostly from stock awards as his base salary dropped from $1.1 million to just below $750,000.) And Marcus Theaters, North Americas No. 5 chain, kept CEO Rolando Rodriguezs salary flat, at just over $2 million. James Reda, an executive compensation consultant at Gallagher, described the bonuses of CEOs like Aron and the Greidingers as combat pay meant to encourage executives to stick around through the hard times when competition for executives in the business world is still intense. From a shareholders perspective, you basically want to have continuity of leadership. If theres any hope of increasing shareholder value, post-pandemic you want to have good leaders and management, Reda said. It could turn out that two or three years from now the theater experience as we know it could be unalterably changed for the worseand there could also be the possibility of new relationships and maybe even being acquired or some sort of consolidation. If you dont have good leadership, you are not going to really be in a position to take advantage of that, whatever that may be. Cinema chains are not the only COVID-battered industry thats paying top dollar to CEOs. In the cruise industry, another sector hit just as hard by the pandemic, Norwegian Cruise CEO Frank Del Rio saw his compensation more than double to over $36 million, despite the company reporting a $4 billion annual loss. That total includes a $2.8 million inducement bonus given to Del Rio on condition that he stay at the company through 2021. In the same way, boards for multinational cinema chains are offering rewards to their top execs for stemming the tide in such difficult times. Along with stock rewards, AMC provided a combined $5 million in bonuses to Aron paid in October 2020 and February 2021. The October bonus came after Aron led AMC to make a historic theatrical window deal with Universal that guaranteed that films like The Croods: A New Age, News of the World and Nobody would be released during the darkest periods of the pandemic, keeping some AMC locations open where state governments allowed it. Arons February bonus came after AMC negotiated new debt and equity financing worth $917 million, more than enough to get the chain through 2021 with the reopening of U.S. theaters nationwide. When explaining Arons compensation in an SEC filing, AMCs board said that the bonuses were justified for executive performance that isnt reflected by stock price or earnings reports. Recognizing that retention of the Companys leadership was one of the most critical issues it faced in confronting the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the compensation committee made a number of strategic and extraordinary decisions during 2020, the filing read. We believe that our exercises of discretion were reasonable and necessary in light of our executive officers actions in circumventing potentially catastrophic outcomes for stockholders. Aron has shown stubborn optimism during the pandemic, repeatedly quoting Winston Churchill in quarterly earnings calls and expressing confidence that AMC has already survived the worst the pandemic has to offer, even as the chain reported a loss of $567 million in the first three months of 2021. With blockbusters like In The Heights and F9 coming this month and concession sales increasing as moviegoers slowly come back to theaters, Aron is certain there will be a recovery. A recovery in the movie theater industry has not yet started. Its just about to start. You can feel it, you can taste it. You can see it just over the horizon, but it hasnt actually started yet. And literally no one knows what the pace faster slope of that recovery will be, Aron said in an earnings call earlier last month. Reda says thats the kind of fighting spirit that AMC is paying top dollar to retain, but also warns that Aron and other CEOs in embattled sectors are still under intense pressure to deliver on their pep talks. If it turns out (CEO leadership) is a complete dud, the executives are going to be affected as well, he said. The next few years are going to be crucial. Still, combat pay bonuses are coming under increased scrutiny as the pandemic has widened the wealth inequality gap. According to a study of 100 S&P 500 companies published last month by the left-leaning Institute for Policy Studies, CEO pay for half of them rose 29% last year even as the average worker pay at those same companies fell 2%. In the case of all companies surveyed, the median pay for workers was less than $50,000 annually. Co-author Sarah Anderson, director of IPS Global Economy Project, expressed support for the Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act, a bill introduced by Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren that would increase the corporate tax rate by as much as 5% on companies where top executive pay is at least 50 times greater than that of the median pay for the companys global workforce. While the bill is extremely unlikely to pass a divided Senate, Anderson believes that Congress must act to unwind the growing wealth inequality in the U.S. We have a poisoned tree that is delivering, year after year, bitter fruit for workers and the sweetest of sweet for top executives. The pay gap between U.S. CEOs and their workers has increased, on average, over 15-fold since the 1960s, Anderson wrote. No nation in the world has CEOs as lavishly compensated as the United States today. No nation in the developed world has workers as economically vulnerable as workers in the United States. Diane Haithman contributed to this report.
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https://www.thewrap.com/why-did-movie-theater-ceos-make-such-a-killing-during-the-pandemic/
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Will Khushi Kapoor Make Her Debut In Tollywood Instead Of Bollywood?
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Late actor Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's second daughter Khushi Kapoor is all set to make her on-screen debut. Her sister Janhvi Kapoor debuted in Bollywood with the movie Dhadak as Parthavi Singh Rathore, next to Ishaan Khatter. Since then, she went on to be a part of many movies over the years including Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Ghost Stories, Angrezi Medium and more. According to a report by Sakshi Post, producer Dil Raju, who is good friends with Boney Kapoor, maybe launching Khushi Kapoor in one of his films. Recently, the producers Dil Raju and Boney Kapoor collaborated for the film Vakeel Saab, starring Pawan Kalyan. The movie became one of the most successful South Indian films during the period of time when the theatres were allowed to open during the pandemic. The official announcement about Khushi Kapoor's launch is yet to be announced. It is not yet confirmed whether she would be debuting in a Hindi movie or a Telugu movie. Reports suggest that if Khushi decides to debut in Tollywood, she would be working, most likely, with producer Dil Raju. Meanwhile, Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's youngest daughter, Khushi Kapoor, is quite popular on Instagram. She is currently studying in New York City and recently made her social media handle public. Kapoor has a follower base of more than 446,000 followers on Instagram. As for her older sister Janhvi Kapoor, she is set to feature in two movies this year. Jahnvi will be seen in Dostana 2, helmed by Collin D'Cunha. The movie will also feature Laksh Lalwani and Abhishek Banerjee. She will also cast in the lead role in Good Luck Jerry. The movie will be directed by Sidharth Sengupta and will be a remake of the Tamil film Kolamavu Kokila. In the movie, Janhvi plays the lead role of Jerry. She announced that the movie had completed shooting on March 20, 2021, by posting a series of images on her Instagram handle. Earlier this year, Janhvi Kapoor played the role of Roohi Arora and Afsana Bedi in the comedy horror film Roohi. She was featured next to actors Varun Sharma and Rajkummar Rao in the movie. Image: Khushi Kapoor's Instagram Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
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https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/will-khushi-kapoor-make-her-debut-in-tollywood-instead-of-bollywood.html
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How many students left Savannah-Chatham schools for private schools during the pandemic?
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In any experiment three things can happen: the hypothesis can be proven true; the hypothesis can be proven false; or the results can be inconclusive. The results of the success of the sudden shift to virtual learning in March 2020 possibly did all three depending on a mix of variables, according to parents and school officials who spoke with the Savannah Morning News. Families whose students did not do well with the virtual-only format sought schools that offered full-time in-person learning when Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools started all virtual last August. Families continued to leave the district as Savannah-Chatham remained mostly virtual through December. When the numbers were crunched in October 2020, slightly more than 1,000 students had left SCCPSS. Freshmen students participate in Amanda Fanellis Honors World History class. Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Some students thrived in an all-virtual environment. Some students struggled terribly and possibly experienced learning loss. Some students may have mixed results possibly performing well in one class and not so well in another. Holly Adams of Savannah has a seventh-grade student and a high school junior. Last September she made the hard decision to pull her younger student out of public school and put him in a private school that offered in-person instruction five days a week. I love Coastal [Middle School] so it was hard for me to make that decision, Adams said. But because of his age [12] he just couldn't do the virtual learning. He was constantly distracted. Related: Private schools see rise in enrollment inquiries as only in-person school option She found a spot for him at Hancock Day School. He adjusted well, has made friends, and just needed a little help getting back into the routine of in-person full-time school, Adams said. He hadn't been in a classroom since the previous March. He wasnt behind, but we just had to work with him a little to up his skill level." As for eighth grade next year, Adams said shes already made the decision to keep her son at Hancock Day for stability. We're going to leave him at Hancock, mostly because we're almost guaranteed to have five days a week in person and I just still worry about the school district making a decision to offer hybrid and things like that even though they said they're not going to," Adams said. Jaime McGrath works with his in-person students Tuesday at Jacob G. Smith Elementary. Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Adams' older son remained at Islands High School in 2020-21. He is able to do virtual because he's disciplined and he's able to study on his own and do the things that need to be [done] for AP and honors classes, Adams said. Her high school junior tried to participate in the hybrid model when Phase I was offered in October. It was a disaster, Adams said. Because there were no teachers [in person] so they had them sit in the gym, or in the auditorium on their laptops and Zoom with the teachers. So what was the point of being in the school building? As for bringing her younger son back into public school for ninth grade in 2022-23, Adams is taking the wait-and-see approach. We'll see how things go next year with the public schools. My eldest son will graduate from Islands [in 2022] and he's had a great experience. Adams' situation played out similarly for a number of families throughout the district. More: Levett: Virtual learning safest way to start, but in-person classes still overall hope Several Savannah-area private schools saw enrollments swell with public school students. According to the district's preliminary statistics, 79 students left the district specifically for Savannah-area private schools. Those numbers may change as the district continues to receive survey responses from the remaining 12,000+ families who hadn't responded before the May 5 school board meeting. "This past year we experienced a significant increase in interest and inquiries from families, both local and from other markets," wrote Allison Rhodes, director of communication for Savannah Country Day School, in an email. "Our enrollment projections for the 2021-22 school year have increased, and many grades have wait lists." The same is true at St. Vincent's, an all-girls Catholic high school in downtown Savannah. "We have been in person in school since Aug. 1, so we have a good amount of interest from transfer students from schools who have been virtual," wrote Mary Anne Hogan, president of St. Vincent's Academy. At Bethesda Academy, an all-boys middle- and high school located near Pin Point, interest from prospective new students is high. "We continue to have numerous inquiries from public school parents and students. Our enrollment for next year is 94 students and growing," said Michael Hughes, president of Bethesda Academy. "That is high for us at this time of year for next year. We have waiting lists in ninth and 10th grades." Parent survey answers some questions, but creates more In addition to students who left SCCPSS for private schools, data compiled by the district shows as of May 17 that a majority of the students who left district public schools opted for public schools outside of Chatham County. Joe Austin, the district's executive director of accountability, assessment and reporting services, shared results of an ongoing survey from SCCPSS parents with the Savannah Morning News. Joe Austin, executive director of Accountability, Assessment, & Reporting Services for Savannah Chatham County Public Schools Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News As of May 17, about 51% of the district's families have responded. The vast majority, almost 12,000 or 80%, want to return for five days a week in-person learning. About 1,400 families responded they want "virtual only." The district has already said that its grades 3-to-10 E-learning Academy will continue in 2021-22 and is adding 11th grade. These numbers are based on answers from a survey sent to district families with valid email addresses. The district is continuing to collect data as answers come in and is also contacting families who haven't responded by phone, mail or in-person to make sure that as many families are surveyed as possible. The preliminary statistics from data derived from parent surveys were discussed at the May 5 board meeting. Dionne Hoskins-Brown, District 2 representative, pointed out that of the district's 35,000-plus students, only 303 have left the district; and of those, only 79 have transferred to private schools. District 3 Representative Connie Hall That was held over our heads saying we're losing all of our students to private schools. And the fact that we know [now is] we have not. Quote icon District Superintendent Ann Levett clarified that these numbers are from parent surveys and not a complete picture since only 51% of families responded when the report was compiled. Hoskins-Brown added that if those numbers were extrapolated, it would still indicate a significantly low percentage of students who left the district for private schools. District 3 Representative Connie Hall emphasized Hoskins-Brown's point indicating that the district's loss of students to private schools is not as bleak as has been perceived. "That was held over our heads saying we're losing all of our students to private schools. And the fact that we know [now is] we have not." However, data compiled by Austin's office shows a different scenario. On Oct. 23, 2020, the district reported 36,463 students were actively enrolled and 37,501 were listed as "active or inactive in grades pre-kindergarten through 12," for a loss of 1,037 students. SCCPSS School Board Members Denise Grabowski, Dionne Hoskins-Brown, and Connie Hall listen during the monthly board meeting on March 3, 2021. Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Comparatively, the numbers for Oct. 25, 2019 were: 38,486 total active and inactive students; 37,425 total active students, for a loss of 1,059 students. Both years show a net loss of active students of 3%. The district clarified the net loss of students was not all to private schools. Rather, the total number of students who left the district for private schools within the past two years is comparatively small. "If we are looking at private school withdrawals, that represents 186 students out of 1,037 total withdrawals as of Oct. 23, 2020, versus 75 students out of 1,059 withdrawals as of Oct. 25, 2019," Kristy Collins-Rylander, the district's psychometrician/statistician in the data and accountability department, wrote in a follow-up email. Joe Austin If you left and went to Bryan County [in 2020-21], but you're coming back next year, that would not show up until we rolled over to next year into next year. Quote icon The 186 student withdrawals to private school in 2020 represents just under 5% of the total withdrawals. "This may be the data point that influenced Mrs. Halls statement," Collins-Rylander added. Based on input from student-record requests from new schools, data tells where most of the 1,037 students went after leaving Savannah-Chatham in October 2020. Just over one-third of students left SCCPSS for home school or private school (189 and 186, or 18%, respectively). By comparison, these numbers are higher than October 2019 when 110 students left for home school (10%) and 75 transferred to private school (7%). Charlotte Giddens gives a lesson to her in -person and virtual 2nd grade class at Jacob G. Smith Elementary school. Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News In 2020, almost one-fourth (23%) or 239 transferred to another public school system within Georgia; and 180 (17%) transferred out of state. In 2019, these numbers were significantly higher at 342 (32%) transferring to another public school system within Georgia; and 349 (32%) transferring out of state. These transfers could be attributed to any number of factors, including children of military families who are deployed or transferred from Savannah-area bases. For students who may have left the district mid-year in 2020-21 and who may be planning to come back for 2021-22, the district has no way of seeing those numbers at least not right away. Those families will have to contact their neighborhood school to re-enroll. "The survey was sent only to our currently enrolled parents [with valid email addresses]," said Collins-Rylander. So preliminary numbers and actual numbers don't always match. As for synchronizing student population data with real-time numbers, the math can be a little problematic. "We work with four or five different calendars," Austin explained. In addition to the calendar that runs from January to December, the school district works with the school calendar that runs from Aug. 1 through July 31; the state fiscal calendar that runs from July 1 through June 30, and then the federal programs calendar that follows the federal fiscal-year calendar. Joe Austin, executive director of Accountability, Assessment, & Reporting Services for Savannah Chatham County Public Schools, works in his office at 208 Bull St. Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News "If you left and went to Bryan County [in 2020-21], but you're coming back next year, that would not show up until we rolled over to next year into next year," Austin said. Funding and staff numbers for 2021-22 are based upon a number of factors, such as population data from the U.S. Census Bureau to estimate enrollment in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten; and preliminary re-enrollment numbers in 2021, including answers to district-issued parent surveys. After the 10th day of classes when student numbers tend to stabilize, the district can move staff if necessary based on more accurate student numbers. Barbara Augsdorfer is the education reporter for the Savannah Morning News. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @Babs7983.
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https://www.savannahnow.com/in-depth/news/2021/06/01/how-many-students-left-savannah-chatham-schools-private-school-during-covid-pandemic/7342470002/
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Is the push for the vaccine a push too far?
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We are witnessing what could be a deciding moment in the history of humankind. An ever-widening split is opening up between those people who blindly follow what their increasingly authoritarian governments tell them to do, on the one hand, and those who, cognisant of the fact that governments, like all human institutions, are prone to failure of judgment, avail themselves of their constitutionally enshrined right to decide for themselves what to do in the face of an illness called a pandemic. Because I count myself unapologetically among those people who look for answers to problems by themselves, and decide for themselves, what the best course of action is an independence of thinking and action that may lead to someone asking whether one has Q-sympathies, incongruous as it may seem I was recently delighted to come across the Declaration of Canadian Physicians for Science and Truth, which confirmed that some medical doctors in the world still have the integrity to stand up to politically motivated coercion in the name of science. The declaration by about 10 000 Canadian doctors states that on 30 April 2021, Ontarios physician licensing body, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), issued a statement forbidding physicians from questioning or debating any or all of the official measures imposed in response to Covid-19. The CPSO then went on to threaten physicians with punishment investigations and disciplinary action. We regard this recent statement of the CPSO to be unethical, anti-science and deeply disturbing, their declaration reads. The doctors object to what they say is tantamount to forcing them to put aside scientific methods and avoid debate around contentious issues such as lockdown measures as discussed in the Great Barrington Declaration. The doctors also accuse the CPSO of limiting free speech and not fully informing patients and the public of the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the treatment or intervention of the virus, before getting their consent. They go so far as to say that the vaccine roll-outs go against the Nuremberg Code which forbade any medical experiments similar to those conducted by the Nazis in concentration camps and point out that lockdowns have imposed their own suffering on society with an increase in depresssion and suicide, delayed investigation and treatment of cancer, ballooning surgical waiting lists and increased rates of child and domestic abuse. We also give notice to other Canadian and international licensing authorities for physicians and allied professions that the stifling of scientific inquiry and any order to violate our conscience and professional pledge to our patients, itself may constitute a crime against humanity. These doctors are right to prioritise the question of scientific method in the present context. Anyone familiar with the history and methods of science as I am; I taught the philosophy of science for many years will know that, instead of scientists agreeing about everything every step of the way, there is constant debate among them about hypotheses put forward about phenomena in the scientific field concerned. An interesting historical example is the hypothesis, put forward by Johann Becher in the 17th century, that all combustible or flammable bodies contained a substance, phlogiston, that was set free during burning. It was postulated to account for weight-increase in some chemical processes. In the light of further work and experimentation by other scientists such as Lavoisier, this hypothesis was eventually abandoned, but nevertheless led to the discovery of oxygen and the process of oxidation. As the Canadian doctors point out, advances in science occur when official narratives are questioned and independent paths are pursued if this were not the case, we would still be adhering to the Ptolemaic astronomical geocentrism today, which was questioned by Copernicus on mathematical (not observational) grounds, and we would still believe in the instantaneous creatio ex nihilo of the universe by God (some people still do), instead of current cosmogonic theories such as the Big Bang or its cyclical counterpart. The reason I am stressing this is precisely because, given the politicisation of the pandemic, people (including scientists) are asked to believe what the officially sanctioned narrative dictates regarding lockdowns (as the doctors point out), for example. One might add Covid-19 vaccines (one of the most taboo subjects, ironically, given that it should be the most vigorously discussed), which were developed at breakneck speed, contrary to all previous scientific protocols, eschewing the normal, time-consuming and painstaking animal and human testing to ensure their safety. This makes them experimental vaccines, of course, with all the vaccinated people in the world effectively taking part in ongoing clinical trials. Moreover, there are many instances of medical experts issuing warnings regarding the vaccines lack of safety, for example these 160 medical doctors*, as well as these 57 leading scientists and doctors. It will be noticed that this information appears on alternative websites, and the reason is obvious many mainstream websites censor any viewpoints that challenge the official narrative which is totally unscientific. Here is the abstract of the article by the 57 scientists referred to above (note the scientific language, and their call for dialogue): Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, the race for testing new platforms designed to confer immunity against SARS-CoV-2, has been rampant and unprecedented, leading to emergency authorisation of various vaccines. Despite progress on early multidrug therapy for Covid-19 patients, the current mandate is to immunise the world population as quickly as possible. The lack of thorough testing in animals prior to clinical trials, and authorisation based on safety data generated during trials that lasted less than 3.5 months, raise questions regarding the safety of these vaccines. Given the high rate of occurrence of adverse effects, and the wide range of types of adverse effects that have been reported to date, as well as the potential for vaccine-driven disease enhancement, Th2-immunopathology, autoimmunity, and immune evasion, there is a need for a better understanding of the benefits and risks of mass vaccination, particularly in the groups that were excluded in the clinical trials. Despite calls for caution, the risks of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been minimised or ignored by health organisations and government authorities. We appeal to the need for a pluralistic dialogue in the context of health policies, emphasising critical questions that require urgent answers if we wish to avoid a global erosion of public confidence in science and public health. To conclude: opinions will continue to diverge on this very contentious topic; however, to be able to arrive at some kind of consensus, the kind of censorship of some doctors views that is carried out by many mainstream media is not helpful for instance those of internationally renowned Dr Peter McCullough (which have been removed from YouTube). Rather, as the Canadian doctors statement insists, it is only if all questions concerning Covid-19 were to be pursued in a dialogically open, scientifically responsible manner, that there would be any chance of reaching agreement on the most vexing of these issues. * Editors note: A number of claims by the World Doctors Alliance claims have been disproven by the Poynter Institute, NewsWise and HealthFeedback.
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https://thoughtleader.co.za/is-the-push-for-the-vaccine-a-push-too-far/
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Where Will Cruella 2 Takes the Disney Villain Next?
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There are few movie villains as devilishly colorful and spirited as Cruella de Vil from the 101 Dalmatian series. In the recently released origin movie for the character, titled Cruella, Emma Stone takes a stab at embodying the villain in her early years. The director of Cruella, Craig Gillespie, spoke about the ending of the film, and how it sets up future stories for the main character. "It's funny, we had so much free reign. There's no real backstory to Cruella other than her and Anita went to school together and that she was a furrier that wanted a certain fur coat. So, there's a lot to fill in there in terms of backstory and I was presented with this whole concept of the fashion world and the '70s punk era, which was sort of such a luxurious backdrop to our story... Working up to her as Cruella or this villain that we know of as Cruella, I loved the idea that we get to what the public perception in the film is that she's a puppy killer, like that's what's reported in the papers and that's what London society is left with at the end of the film when we've kind of come to the fully formed Cruella." Cruella takes the gleefully evil character who was the main antagonist of the 101 Dalmatians franchises, and attempts to provide her with a sympathetic backstory. Stone's character starts out as an aspiring fashion designer named Estella Miller. A chance encounter with the Baroness von Hellman places Estella at the center of the London fashion scene. But Estella's promising career as a designer is impeded by her troubled past concerning the Baroness and a vindictive streak that surprises even her cohorts. At the end of Cruella, Estella has become the rich and powerful Cruella de Vil, with all the power and fame that she had always craved. But according to Gillespie, all of that is not enough to guarantee happiness, and a possible sequel would see Estella/Cruella try to get used to her new status in society while still dealing with her criminal impulses. Is this what they actually wanted?" They've been driving toward this goal the whole film and thing with her is that she's been wanting to get here, it's like what did she give up when she lost a part of her as Estella and she's kind of in this gilded cage now, in the public eye." Directed by Craig Gillespie, Cruella stars Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Paul Walter Hauser, Joel Fry, Emily Beecham, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Mark Strong. The film is currently available in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access. This news originated at ComicBookMovie.com.
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https://movieweb.com/cruella-2-craig-gillespie/
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What time is Englands Euro 2020 squad announced today?
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Gareth Southgate is announcing his England Euro 2020 squad on Tuesday 1 June. Gareth Southgate is set to announce his England squad for Euro 2020 today (1 June). After naming a provisional 33-man squad last week, the England manager has the tough decision of selecting the final 26 players set to represent their country in the tournament, which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more about England's Euro 2020 bid here. READ MORE: The story of Three Lions by Baddiel & Skinner & The Lightning Seeds Gareth Southgate has the tough job of selecting the England squad for Euro 2020. Gareth Southgate is set to address the media about England's Euro 2020 squad on Tuesday 1 June at 6pm. Following the trend with previous announcements, the official news could be expected to in the hour leading up to the conference. Gareth Southgate will cut down the Euro 2020 England squad from 33 to 26 players, meaning seven players will be dropped. England will play their first Group D game against Croatia on 13 June. However, ahead of that, the three lions have two warm ups against Austria on Wednesday (2 June) and Romania on Sunday (8 June). The Euro 2020 song is We Are The People by U2's Bono, The Edge and dutch DJ Martin Garrix. Euro 2020 starts on 11 June 2021 with Turkey vs Italy at 8pm. Euro 2020 is still called Euro 2020 even though it is taking place in 2021 in order to honour the event's original vision and to not waste the branded material that had already been produced ahead of the postponement. UEFA explained: "This decision allows UEFA to keep the original vision of the tournament, which was set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the European Football Championship (19602020). "It will furthermore serve as a reminder of how the whole football family came together to respond to the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, and of the difficult times that Europe, and the world, had to go through in 2020.This choice is in line with UEFA's commitment to make UEFA EURO 2020 sustainable and not to generate additional amounts of waste. A lot of branded material had already been produced by the time of the tournament's postponement. A name change for the event would have meant the destruction and reproduction of such items." READ MORE: Gareth Southgate: couldn't listen to three lions for 20 years
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https://www.radiox.co.uk/news/sport/euro-2020-england-squad-announcement/
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