News for today's 2018

SOUTH AFRICA AND CHINA

12:58 PM Tukiyooo 0

<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl27ojlVvbP30vvZQHI_IxZB4Ume8i9I9f9yRNbwVK6bdCGNIrvBF8EgjdiIIUufh3R_H9u5HMv8POsUnOG43okdLk2tfMrLFGTBkn5Oyi9BA7-f500pb2MvZgkUU2E3p8DbZeNysevtN/s1600/RSA-China-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl27ojlVvbP30vvZQHI_IxZB4Ume8i9I9f9yRNbwVK6bdCGNIrvBF8EgjdiIIUufh3R_H9u5HMv8POsUnOG43okdLk2tfMrLFGTBkn5Oyi9BA7-f500pb2MvZgkUU2E3p8DbZeNysevtN/s400/RSA-China-flag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES CHINESE MILITARY ASSISTANCE </span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">via BDLive</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The SOUTH AFRICAN National Defence Force (SANDF) would benefit from CHINESE military training, discipline and expertise if an exchange programme were initiated, Maj-Gen Ntakaleleni Sigudu of the Department of Defence stated.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Addressing diplomats and military representatives on the 86th anniversary of the CHINESE People’s Liberation Army, Maj-Gen Sigudu said had it not been for CHINA’S contribution to the military training of cadres of the AFRICAN National Congress and other liberation movements in AFRICA, the continent’s freedom could have taken much longer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said CHINA’S role in SOUTH AFRICA’S liberation should be celebrated as it did not start between 15 and 20 years with the change of CHINA’S expansionist economic policy but dated back to the colonial era.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IMPROVE MILITARY TRAINING </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said although modern CHINESE policy seemed focused on economic ties and trade, the presence in SOUTH AFRICA of a new military attaché of CHINA, Senior Col Xu Jianwei, was testimony to the need to broaden ties to include agreements that could improve military training and expertise to help the AFRICAN Union build a formidable AFRICA-based peacekeeping force.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Background Information</span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA AND AFRICA</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/07/china-and-its-relation-with-africa-and.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/07/china-and-its-relation-with-africa-and.html</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALI AND CHINA'S 'WESTERN' FOREIGN POLICY </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2013/07/mali-and-chinas-western-foreign-policy.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2013/07/mali-and-chinas-western-foreign-policy.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">THE SECRET WAR BETWEEN CHINA AND THE US FOR AFRICA'S OIL RICHES</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2012/12/usa-china-and-africa.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2012/12/usa-china-and-africa.html</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA’S WINNING STRATEGY IN AFRICA</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/09/chinas-winning-strategy-in-africa.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/09/chinas-winning-strategy-in-africa.html</a></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">  </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Conflict is still a plague on this continent and the continent is increasingly challenged to build capacity to engage and tackle its own problems. Therefore we appreciate the undertaking by the CHINESE People’s Liberation Army to contribute significantly to the AU’s objectives of building its own strong, effective and efficient peacekeeping capability,” he said.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He congratulated CHINA for the more focused and value-adding economic development programme in AFRICA that had led to roads and rail infrastructure development in some AFRICAN states as well as the construction of the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA offered a genuine partnership unparalleled by the contributions in the past of AFRICA’S colonial masters.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA'S PRESENCE IN AFRICA</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Snr Col Xu said CHINA’S military participation in AFRICA was growing, with CHINESE soldiers already on the ground in SUDAN, LIBERIA, MALI and the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. He said the CHINESE People’s Liberation Army planned to steadily increase its participation in peacekeeping efforts in AFRICA because the continent’s stability was in the global interest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA particularly wanted to work side by side with SOUTH AFRICA, whose foreign policy was focused on bringing stability in AFRICA to enhance social development and trade. This was already having a significant effect on stabilising many countries previously facing conflict.</span></div>

SOUTH AFRICA AND CHINA

SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES CHINESE MILITARY ASSISTANCE via BDLive The SOUTH AFRICAN National Defence Force (SANDF) would benefit from CHINESE m...

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Why I changed my mind on weed - CNN.com

12:57 PM Tukiyooo 0

<base href="data:"><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; color: black; text-align: left; "><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Over the last year, I have been working on a new documentary called "Weed." The title "Weed" may sound cavalier, but the content is not.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">I traveled around the world to interview medical leaders, experts, growers and patients. I spoke candidly to them, asking tough questions. What I found was stunning.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Long before I began this project, I had steadily reviewed the scientific literature on medical marijuana from the United States and thought it was fairly unimpressive. Reading these papers five years ago, it was hard to make a case for medicinal marijuana. I even wrote about this in a TIME magazine article, back in 2009, titled "<a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1552034,00.html" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">Why I would Vote No on Pot</a>."</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Well, I am here to apologize.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">I apologize because I didn't look hard enough, until now. I didn't look far enough. I didn't review papers from smaller labs in other countries doing some remarkable research, and I was too dismissive of the loud chorus of legitimate patients whose symptoms improved on cannabis.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Instead, I lumped them with the high-visibility malingerers, just looking to get high. I mistakenly believed the Drug Enforcement Agency listed marijuana as a <a href="http://www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ds.shtml" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">schedule 1 substance</a> because of sound scientific proof. Surely, they must have quality reasoning as to why marijuana is in the category of the most dangerous drugs that have "no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse."</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; ">They didn't have the science to support that claim, and I now know that when it comes to marijuana neither of those things are true. It doesn't have a high potential for abuse, and there are very legitimate medical applications. In fact, sometimes marijuana is the only thing that works. Take the case of<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/07/health/charlotte-child-medical-marijuana/index.html" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">Charlotte Figi</a>, who I met in Colorado. She started having seizures soon after birth. By age 3, she was having 300 a week, despite being on seven different medications. Medical marijuana has calmed her brain, limiting her seizures to 2 or 3 per month.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">I have seen more patients like Charlotte first hand, spent time with them and come to the realization that it is irresponsible not to provide the best care we can as a medical community, care that could involve marijuana.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">We have been terribly and systematically misled for nearly 70 years in the United States, and I apologize for my own role in that.</div><a name="em2" class="" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); display: inline !important; float: none; "></span><a name="em3" class="" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); display: inline !important; float: none; "></span><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; ">I hope this article and upcoming documentary will help set the record straight.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">On August 14, 1970, the Assistant Secretary of Health, Dr. Roger O. Egeberg wrote a letter recommending the plant, marijuana, be classified as a schedule 1 substance, and it has remained that way for nearly 45 years. My research started with a careful reading of that decades old letter. What I found was unsettling. Egeberg had carefully chosen his words:</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"Since there is still a considerable void in our knowledge of the plant and effects of the active drug contained in it, our recommendation is that marijuana be retained within schedule 1 at least until the completion of certain studies now underway to resolve the issue."</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Not because of sound science, but because of its absence, marijuana was classified as a schedule 1 substance. Again, the year was 1970. Egeberg mentions studies that are underway, but many were never completed. As my investigation continued, however, I realized Egeberg did in fact have important research already available to him, some of it from more than 25 years earlier.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">High risk of </strong><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">a</strong><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">buse</strong></div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">In 1944, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia <a href="http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/studies/lag/lagmenu.htm" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">commissioned research</a> to be performed by the New York Academy of Science. Among their conclusions: they found marijuana did not lead to significant addiction in the medical sense of the word. They also did not find any evidence marijuana led to morphine, heroin or cocaine addiction.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">We now know that while estimates vary, marijuana leads to dependence in around 9 to 10% of its adult users. By comparison, cocaine, <a href="http://www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ds.shtml" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">a schedule 2 substance</a> "with less abuse potential than schedule 1 drugs" hooks 20% of those who use it. Around 25% of heroin users become addicted.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The worst is tobacco, where the number is closer to 30% of smokers, many of whom go on to die because of their addiction.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">There is clear evidence that in some people marijuana use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety and nausea. Even considering this, it is hard to make a case that it has a high potential for abuse. The physical symptoms of marijuana addiction are nothing like those of the other drugs I've mentioned. I have seen the withdrawal from alcohol, and it can be life threatening.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">I do want to mention a concern that I think about as a father. Young, developing brains are likely more susceptible to harm from marijuana than adult brains. Some recent studies suggest that regular use in teenage years leads to a permanent decrease in IQ. Other research hints at a possible heightened risk of developing psychosis.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Much in the same way I wouldn't let my own children drink alcohol, I wouldn't permit marijuana until they are adults. If they are adamant about trying marijuana, I will urge them to wait until they're in their mid-20s when their brains are fully developed.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">Medical </strong><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">b</strong><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">enefit</strong></div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">While investigating, I realized something else quite important. Medical marijuana is not new, and the medical community has been writing about it for a long time. There were in fact hundreds of journal articles, mostly documenting the benefits. Most of those papers, however, were written between the years 1840 and 1930. The papers described the use of medical marijuana to treat "neuralgia, convulsive disorders, emaciation," among other things.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">A search through the U.S. National Library of Medicine this past year pulled up nearly <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=medical+marijuana" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">20,000 more recent papers</a>. But the majority were research into the harm of marijuana, such as "<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23906840" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">Bad trip due to anticholinergic effect of cannabis</a>," or "<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23892868" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">Cannabis induced pancreatitits</a>" and "<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23846283" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">Marijuana use and risk of lung cancer</a>."<strong class="" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; "></strong></div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">In my quick running of the numbers, I calculated about 6% of the current U.S. marijuana studies investigate the benefits of medical marijuana. The rest are designed to investigate harm. That imbalance paints a highly distorted picture.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">The challenges of marijuana </strong><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">r</strong><strong style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; ">esearch</strong></div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">To do studies on marijuana in the United States today, you need two important things.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">First of all, you need marijuana. And marijuana is illegal. You see the problem. Scientists can get research marijuana from a special farm in Mississippi, which is astonishingly located in the middle of the Ole Miss campus, but it is challenging. When I visited this year, there was no marijuana being grown.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The second thing you need is approval, and the scientists I interviewed kept reminding me how tedious that can be. While a cancer study may first be evaluated by the National Cancer Institute, or a pain study may go through the National Institute for Neurological Disorders, there is one more approval required for marijuana: NIDA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It is an organization that has a core mission of studying drug abuse, as opposed to benefit.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Stuck in the middle are the legitimate patients who depend on marijuana as a medicine, oftentimes as their only good option.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Keep in mind that up until 1943, marijuana was part of the United States drug pharmacopeia. One of the conditions for which it was prescribed was <a href="http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/neuropathic-pain" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">neuropathic pain</a>. It is a miserable pain that's tough to treat. My own patients have described it as "lancinating, burning and a barrage of pins and needles." While marijuana has long been documented to be <a href="http://www.jwatch.org/ac200704300000001/2007/04/30/marijuana-painful-peripheral-neuropathy#sthash.e8PMYHlU.dpuf" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">effective for this awful pain</a>, the most common medications prescribed today come from the poppy plant, including morphine, oxycodone and dilaudid.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Here is the problem. Most of these medications don't work very well for this kind of pain, and tolerance is a real problem.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Most frightening to me is that someone dies in the United States<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/14/health/gupta-accidental-overdose" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">every 19 minutes from a prescription drug overdose</a>, mostly accidental. Every 19 minutes. It is a horrifying statistic. As much as I searched, I could not find a documented case of death from marijuana overdose.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">It is perhaps no surprise then that 76% of physicians recently<a href="http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/drugs/poll-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-for-advanced-cancer-pain" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">surveyed</a> said they would approve the use of marijuana to help ease a woman's pain from breast cancer.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">When marijuana became a schedule 1 substance, there was a request to fill a "void in our knowledge." In the United States, that has been challenging because of the infrastructure surrounding the study of an illegal substance, with a drug abuse organization at the heart of the approval process. And yet, despite the hurdles, we have made considerable progress that continues today.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Looking forward, I am especially intrigued by studies like those in Spain and Israel looking at the <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401181217.htm" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">anti-cancer effects of marijuana</a> and its components. I'm intrigued by the neuro-protective study by Lev Meschoulam in Israel, and research in Israel and the United States on whether the drug might help <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/01/the-case-for-treating-ptsd-in-veterans-with-medical-marijuana/251466/" target="_blank" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 66, 118); outline: 0px; ">alleviate symptoms of PTSD</a>. I promise to do my part to help, genuinely and honestly, fill the remaining void in our knowledge.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Citizens in 20 states and the District of Columbia have now voted to approve marijuana for medical applications, and more states will be making that choice soon. As for Dr. Roger Egeberg, who wrote that letter in 1970, he passed away 16 years ago.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 19px; padding-left: 186px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 14px; font-family: arial; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: normal; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; ">I wonder what he would think if he were alive today.</div></div><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/08/health/gupta-changed-mind-marijuana/index.html">http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/08/health/gupta-changed-mind-marijuana/index.html</a><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; color: black; text-align: left; "><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div>

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Why I changed my mind on weed - CNN.com

Over the last year, I have been working on a new documentary called "Weed." The title "Weed" may sound cavalier, but the...

So if Megyn is in at 9, what happens to Sean Hannity?

12:20 PM Tukiyooo 0

In a developing story, Drudge reported on Thursday that Megyn Kelly at Fox News Channel , usually an afternoon anchor who is currently on m...

Reference and Instruction Librarian - Quinbaug Valley Community College, Danielson

12:10 PM Anonymous 0

<strong>Reference and Instruction Librarian - </strong><strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Quinbaug Valley Community College</span></strong></strong>,  Danielson, seeks an innovative and student-oriented librarian to join a  team-oriented, teaching library. The position requires the ability to  work one evening per week, teach evening classes as required, and travel  to the College’s Willimantic instructional location as scheduled.  Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Library Science from an  American Library Association accredited institution and a strong  commitment to public services, including one or more years of related  experience in an academic or public library; and a demonstrated passion  for teaching information literacy skills to individuals and classes. It  is strongly preferred that candidates have a demonstrated ability to  create digital resources; experience with developing and administrating  learning assessment tools; effective interpersonal, oral, written, and  online communication skills; experience leading or supervising others;  the ability to work independently and as part of a team and work with a  diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and community members;  and enthusiasm for tackling all aspects of the job description with  creativity and flexibility. Applicants who do not meet the minimum  qualifications as stated are encouraged to put in writing precisely how  their background and experience have prepared them for the  responsibilities of this position and by providing appropriate  references. Exceptions to the degree requirements may be made for  compelling reasons. Responsibilities: Working under the direction of the  Library Director, the candidate performs a broad range of professional  library services, including information literacy instruction; reference  services; technical services, and collection development. Minimum  Salary: Approximate annual $59,471, plus State of CT benefits.  Application Deadline: <span style="color: red;">September 4, 2013</span>.  Application Procedure: Submit a completed Community College Employment  Application, a current résumé, cover letter and unofficial transcript(s)  to: Jennifer Hyatt, Human Resources Assistant, Quinebaug Valley  Community College, 742 Upper Maple Street, Danielson, CT 06239 or email  to <a _fcksavedurl="mailto:Jhyatt@qvcc.commnet.edu" href="mailto:Jhyatt@qvcc.commnet.edu">Jhyatt@qvcc.commnet.edu</a>. QVCC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Reference and Instruction Librarian - Quinbaug Valley Community College, Danielson

Reference and Instruction Librarian - Quinbaug Valley Community College , Danielson, seeks an innovative and student-oriented librarian to ...

Library Specialist in Children's Room (2 positions) - Avon Free Public Library

11:57 AM Anonymous 0

<strong>Library Specialist in Children's Room (2 positions) - </strong><strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Avon Free Public Library</span></strong></strong>.<br />             <ul><li>POSITION #1: 25 Hours/Week, including 1 evening and Saturday Rotation</li><li>POSITION #2: Alternate Sundays, January through March, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.</li></ul>Position Definition: Performs responsible and varied  library services in the Children’s Services Department, including  assisting children and students in the use of library materials,  equipment and resources, and conducting programs for pre-school,  elementary and middle school students and young adults. Supervision  received: Works under the general supervision of the Children’s  Librarian, who assigns areas of responsibilities, outlines policy and  procedures, provides guidance as necessary, and evaluates work in terms  of accuracy and effectiveness. Works with a great deal of independence  in Children’s Services. Supervision exercised: Provides task supervision  to Library Pages and volunteers as assigned. Examples of Essential Job  Duties: Assists in the planning, development and implementation of  library programs and services for children and young adults, including  story hours, library tours, and related events to encourage reading,  viewing and listening skills. Provides reference and readers advisory  services to children, teens and adults. Assists children and students in  the use of the library's catalogue and reference materials, answers  reference questions; locates information or guides children to source  materials. Assists children and students in use of computer system to  locate books and materials, to access Internet and CD ROM reference  sources. Refers children and students to Children’s Librarian as  necessary. Plans, prepares and presents pre-school and early grade  story-time and literature related programs. Uses literature, music,  dance, and puppets, etc. to enhance presentations. May develop scripts,  posters, and audio-visual materials for programs. May involve audience,  including adults, in activities. Visits schools, childcare centers, and  community locations to present programs. Participates in the developing  Children’s Services collection of books, periodicals, and audio-visual  equipment and materials. Evaluates library materials for children based  on knowledge of community needs, review of professional journals and  children's literature, and library policy. Recommends selections to the  Children’s Librarian. Enters new materials into automated circulation  system and barcodes materials in the Technical Services Department on an  as needed basis. Performs collection maintenance tasks, including shelf  reading, weeding of damaged or obsolete materials, and noting gaps in  subject areas, etc.Performs circulation desk duties, including charging  and discharging library materials, recording and filing circulation  cards, and registering new children; answers telephone calls and  provides information to children. Reserves books and loan materials.  Maintains circulation desk area in neat and functional condition.  Provides backup assistance in other library areas as necessary. Examples  of Incidental Job Duties: Organizes programs and activities with school  librarians, teachers, parents’ groups, and community organizations.  Arranges programs using volunteers, artists, and others. Attends  professional library conferences to remain abreast of changes in library matters. Performs other duties as required. Maintains appearance  of Children’s section. Prepares displays and exhibits. Minimum  qualifications required: The skills and knowledge required would  generally be acquired with an Associate’s degree in Library Science, and  three years of experience in an educational institution or a public  library, or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Prior  experience in working in childcare, child development, pre-school or  elementary education is desirable. Knowledge, skills, and abilities:  Must have a working knowledge of children’s, juvenile and young adult  literature. A working knowledge of library principles and practices is  required. Must be able to apply the principles of library science to  resolve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete  variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Must  be able to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and  diagrammatic and schedules form. Ability to acquire a working knowledge  of, and to work with, computer applications and technical equipment  applicable to library operations is required. Must be able to add,  subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure, and compute ratios,  rates and percentages. Must be able to relate to children and have the  ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with  library staff and adult patrons is essential. Salary: $22.1649/hr. (no  benefits associated with these positions). Closing Date: 4:45 p.m. on  Thursday, <span style="color: red;">August 29, 2013</span>. Employment Application: <a href="http://www.town.avon.ct.us/" target="_blank">www.town.avon.ct.us</a>  (under job opportunities). Send completed application, cover letter  and  resume to: William F. Vernile, Director of Human Resources, 60 West   Main Street, Avon, CT 06001.

Library Specialist in Children's Room (2 positions) - Avon Free Public Library

Library Specialist in Children's Room (2 positions) - Avon Free Public Library . POSITION #1: 25 Hours/Week, including 1 ev...

Librarian 1: Reference and Adult Services - Manchester Public Library

11:46 AM Anonymous 0

<strong>Librarian 1: Reference and Adult Services - <strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Manchester Public Library</span></strong></strong>.  37.50 hours/week, $53,584.33. Summary of Position: Responsible for  assisting in the administration and operation of a major section of the  library such as reference, circulation and children's and performing  specialized professional work. A person in this position also  administers the entire library in the absence of a librarian in a more  responsible position. Responsibilities include helping develop,  coordinate and implement programs to improve service availability and  quality consistent with library policies and management guidelines.  Other routine work involves keeping current of new technologies and  methods, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of less senior  staff, providing for the overall care and maintenance of the  collections, attending meetings and workshops and communicating with  customers, co-workers and other agencies. Regularly scheduled night and  weekend work is expected. Requirements: Master’s Degree in Library  Science required, plus; one (1) year of library experience and a strong  knowledge of automated library systems. Examination Will Consist of:  Parts: Oral Examination, Weight: $100, Passing Score: 80%. Applications  and job description are available in the Human Resources Department, 41  Center Street, P.O. Box 191, Manchester, CT 06045-0191 or by calling the  Recruitment Information Line (860) 647-3170 or visit our website at: <a _fcksavedurl="http://hr.manchesterct.gov/" href="http://hr.manchesterct.gov/" target="_blank">http://hr.manchesterct.gov/</a>. To apply online, please visit <a _fcksavedurl="http://hr.manchesterct.gov" href="http://hr.manchesterct.gov/" target="_blank">http://hr.manchesterct.gov</a>. Applications must be received in the Human Resources Department by 4:30 p.m. on <span style="color: red;">Friday, August 23, 2013</span> or must be postmarked by Friday, August 23, 2013.  No faxed or e-mailed resumes and/or applications will be accepted. The  Town of Manchester shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color,  creed, age, sex, national origin, physical disability or sexual  orientation. The Human Resources Department provides reasonable  accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in  the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources  Department. The above posting is intended as a guide for personnel  actions and must not be taken as a complete description of the position  or the process.

Librarian 1: Reference and Adult Services - Manchester Public Library

Librarian 1: Reference and Adult Services - Manchester Public Library . 37.50 hours/week, $53,584.33. Summary of Position: Responsible for ...

Arrests, street closures during massive ALEC protest in Chicago

11:42 AM Tukiyooo 0

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UV3i4-ZrAG-VeoizbVjTf8ADxXIvZP1RxgPNR0vWHb52aF3HLhnKGp72UZCJ-2AMyg6wXLacH8VD_sjBWWW555gZe3shuBsYQsuqaHXVC7qFwl4uhpguBrF4PgVP81xp6PKRsxHgMkSC/s1600/ALEC+in+Chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UV3i4-ZrAG-VeoizbVjTf8ADxXIvZP1RxgPNR0vWHb52aF3HLhnKGp72UZCJ-2AMyg6wXLacH8VD_sjBWWW555gZe3shuBsYQsuqaHXVC7qFwl4uhpguBrF4PgVP81xp6PKRsxHgMkSC/s400/ALEC+in+Chicago.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the large ALEC protest in Chicago, happening now.</td></tr></tbody></table>(UPDATES to correct spelling of 'Uetricht' in graf 11.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/08/07/alec_convention_protests_labor_vs_lobbyists/" rel="nofollow">Thousands of citizens, union members, environmentalists and faith groups</a> are right now marching in the streets of Chicago to protest <a href="http://alecexposed.org/" rel="nofollow">ALEC</a>, or the American Legislative Exchange Council, <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/08/anti-ALEC-protesters-converge.html" rel="nofollow">meeting at the Palmer House in the Loop</a>. The size of the crowd forced police to close Monroe Street, a major artery, and moments ago we learned they arrested several protesters.<br /><br />The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/398759776900781/" rel="nofollow">massive demonstration</a> follows a 10,000-person <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/08/chicago-joins-NC-in-moral-monday-protest.html" rel="nofollow">Moral Monday protest in Asheville, N.C.</a>, two days ago. Angry North Carolinians denounced the Legislature's passage of ALEC's agenda. Politicians beholden to corporations and billionaires raised taxes on the middle class, outsourced public education, cut education spending, slashed unemployment benefits and restricted voting for citizens not likely to vote for them.<br /><br />In Chicago, ALEC-supported politicians are enjoying the luxuries offered by the Palmer House and working on ways to destroy the middle class. Their agenda this year includes crushing unions, keeping the minimum wage at its current level, outsourcing toll roads and education, banning prohibitions on genetically modified food and eliminating licensing requirements for truck drivers and other professions.<br /><br />In short, they're like a baby with a nail gun aimed at working people.<br /><br />From early accounts the protest is large, energetic and loud. Watch them here shout "Shame on You":<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/onDuJbH2OKQ" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />You can follow the action on Twitter at #ALECinChicago and #ALECExposed. Here's what tweeters are telling us is happening:  <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Casey Aldridge ‏@CaseyJAldridge 4m<br />RT @thegirlone: Get up, get down, Chicago is a union town. #ALECExposed #noALEC #ALECinChicago  </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Stephanie Pistachio ‏@supasuga 3m<br />Raise Up MKE chants: Up With Black Youth, Down With ALEC! #noALEC #ALECinChicago #RaiseUpMKE http://instagram.com/p/cww0jbs8LQ/  </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Fair Trade Ervin ‏@fairtrade_ervin 5m<br />THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE! #ALECinChicago #ALECEXPOSED #NOALEC pic.twitter.com/W6wVL8wmca<br />Isaac Wright ‏@Izac_Wright 6m </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">MT “@ALECexposed: ALEC at 40: Turning Back the Clock on Prosperity and Progress  http://www.prwatch.org/node/12205/  #ALECexposed #ALECinChicago” #arleg</blockquote>Photos are showing members of UAW, AFSCME and ATU. We're quite certain many other unions are represented.  Micah Uetricht at <a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/175644/alec-convention-met-protests-chicago#" rel="nofollow">The Nation</a> explains why:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Targeting ALEC would certainly be in labor’s self-interest: anti-worker and anti-union legislation has been a central focus of the group, with model legislation that includes right-to-work laws, repealing the minimum wage and opposing future minimum wage increases, and other pro-business labor laws. Their fingerprints have been on a number of high-profile legislative battles on labor issues in recent years, including Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s 2011 Budget Repair Bill that led to the state capitol’s occupation, Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder’s right-to-work legislation late last year, and anti-worker (as well as anti-choice) legislation in North Carolina behind the state’s Moral Mondays protests. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">In 2013 alone, at least 117 bills resembling the group’s “model bills” on worker compensation and organizing rights have been introduced in state legislatures around the country. Their bills attacking public sector unions have caught the attention of the American Federation of State, Municipal, and County Employees (AFSCME), who have decried the organization in the past and are also encouraging members members to join the protests. </blockquote>Finally, we'll leave you for now with this great photo:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTZiUH08I9tZp6I1E8KLIv-Jc0hrNhHk4YCnsqh8Atovu5c-fuulM4n388DtonyDk9mZAfp7KY1SQDIZuiPuwSf75ilJoAOAYLQc5PSC0Di9qxtJRvq_HcTLZt9P-sAYYFSDKa8SsDQ_k/s1600/ALEC+in+Chicago+greed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTZiUH08I9tZp6I1E8KLIv-Jc0hrNhHk4YCnsqh8Atovu5c-fuulM4n388DtonyDk9mZAfp7KY1SQDIZuiPuwSf75ilJoAOAYLQc5PSC0Di9qxtJRvq_HcTLZt9P-sAYYFSDKa8SsDQ_k/s400/ALEC+in+Chicago+greed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALEC banner right in front of the Palmer House in Chicago. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>

Arrests, street closures during massive ALEC protest in Chicago

Here's the large ALEC protest in Chicago, happening now. (UPDATES to correct spelling of 'Uetricht' in graf 11.) Thousands of ci...

Library Media Specialist - Brookfield High School

11:36 AM Anonymous 0

Library Media Specialist - Brookfield High School

Library Media Specialist - Brookfield High School . We have an opening for a LMS in a high school with an exciting 1:1 iPad program. Info...

German workers demand Amazon play fair

10:33 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://www.uniglobalunion.org/Apps/uni.nsf/pages/homepageEn?Opendocument&exURL=http://www.uniglobalunion.org/Apps/UNINews.nsf/vwLkpByIdHome/68CA37AB027A397CC1257BC10044DF85?OpenDocument" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">German workers are standing up to online retail giant Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, which refuses to allow them to organize and treats them horribly. </span><a href="http://www.dw.de/amazon-scrambles-after-damning-german-documentary/a-16603329" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A half-hour documentary</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that exposed those conditions in February sparked calls for protests and boycotts:</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The half-hour investigative program explored tiny temporary accommodation, unreliable bus transportation to and from Amazon offices, temporary and unsecured contracts, as well as the last-minute outsourcing of work contracts to employment agencies - reportedly paying less than the wages advertised on the original job application.<o:p></o:p></span></blockquote></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It also displayed a heavy presence of security staff from a company called H.E.S.S (Hensel European Security Services), with the program questioning a possible allusion to Adolf Hitler's deputy, Rudolf Hess. The security firm was contracted by an employment agency, not Amazon directly.</span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Employees are currently carrying out a series of strikes to force the company to raise wages and improve working and living conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Amazon employs about 9,000 workers in Germany, but many are on short-term contracts. The corporate behemoth refuses to recognize its workers’ right to collectively bargain, a move that is not in line with other online retailers there. German retail union ver.di<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>says Amazon is importing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>its anti-worker policies into the country.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Marcus Courtney, a technology and communications department head at Uni Global Union, a federation of trade unions, </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/05/business/workers-of-amazon-divergent.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&smid=tw-share&" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">said the company’s stance is unacceptable</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Germany, the idea that warehouse workers are going to be getting opposition from an employer when it comes to the right to organize, that’s virtually unheard-of.</span></blockquote></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Workers are calling on Amazon to classify its workers in Germany as retail employees and pay them at the negotiated rate included in collective agreements for retail and mail order companies. OTTO, Germany’s second-largest mail order company, already does so. If Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s chief executive officer, has enough money to buy The Washington Post (</span><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/08/why-jeff-bezos-bought-the-washington-post.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for which he is paying $250 million cash</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">), then his company can pay a fair wage to its employees.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.uniglobalunion.org/Apps/uni.nsf/pages/sec_commerceEn?Opendocument&exURL=http://www.uniglobalunion.org/uniindep.nsf/protestAmazonEn?OpenForm" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Send a message</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to Jeff Bezos to tell him it is time for Amazon to improve the treatment of its German workers. You can also post a message of solidarity for Amazon workers in Germany on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/verdi-bei-Amazon/207101349311202" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the union’s Facebook page</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>And to learn more about the movement, </span><a href="https://www.verdi.de/themen/geld-tarif/amazon" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">click here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The site is mostly in German, but you can still get a feel for the struggle.</span></div>

German workers demand Amazon play fair

German workers are standing up to online retail giant Amazon , which refuses to allow them to organize and treats them horribly. A half-ho...

Hiring The Right Rockport Skin Care Provider

9:53 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Michael Obrien</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>General appearance and beauty based concerns are quite rampant among consumers around the world today. Many people find that the industry of products and services offered to them that help guide their daily routines continue to create viable results for looking and feeling great at all times while being difficult to sort through on various levels. Anyone focused on this part of their appearance should know what to consider when selecting the right Rockport skin care provider to ensure their efforts are effective and productive.<br />  <br />  Skin care providers are equipped with the knowledge and tools that people need to ensure this part of their body is successfully maintained. People are mostly interested in this form of guidance when dealing with unsightly and highly visible blemishes and challenges with their appearance that are unable to be overcome individually. Choices made from all possible options are quite challenging and heavily involved as needed.<br />  <br />  Consumers in Rockport that are focused on this kind of guidance have plenty of options to consider. Many people are unclear about what facets of consideration are best to focus on when making sure they have access to all that is needed for proper assistance. Concentrating on various key elements is usually quite effective in making a viable selection.<br />  <br />  People often begin their decision making efforts with the completion of a detailed consumer review. The reviews posted are quite helpful in being able to determine what others have had to say about the services they were offered which can be helpful in making a viable decision. The provides that have amassed the best ratings are often the best to concentrate on.<br />  <br />  The credentials of any professional under consideration are also pertinent to weigh in. Offering this kind of guidance is largely based on making sure that specific training programs have been completed which are often provided from leading product creators for individuals interested in joining their networks. Many providers are even medical doctors that specialize in the skin which can also be quite useful in working through conditions that are creating unsightly appearances.<br />  <br />  Any conditions or issues that one is facing with their skin should be able to be successfully addressed by the provider. Many consumers are focused on being able to work through various conditions with their skin that they feel are unattractive while others are simply interested in improving upon specific appearance concerns they may have. Discussing their preferences and issues with the professional is helpful in narrowing down the options.<br />  <br />  Another factor that people tend to focus on is being assured the provider is equipped with daily regiments to follow. The improvements that people often wish to make are reliant on continual attention and use of products and processes that must be closely followed which can be confusing on various levels. Professionals should offer tailored plans to help their consumers reach their goals in an effective manner.<br />  <br />  A <A href="http://qaramedical.com">Rockport skin care</A> provider should also be able to help their clients afford their services. Paying for any kind of professional guidance of this kind can be quite difficult for the consumer to try and manage on any kind of fixed and limited budget. Low pricing that is combined with flexible payment options should generate the most interest.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'>There is no reason why you should wait another day to learn about <a href="http://qaramedical.com">Rockport skin care</a> center when you can find out all the info instantly online. Use this website to arrange for an appointment with one of our skin care specialists by visiting http://qaramedical.com.</div><br />  </div><br />

Hiring The Right Rockport Skin Care Provider

By Michael Obrien General appearance and beauty based concerns are quite rampant among consumers around the world today. Many people fin...

Healthy Eating Tips For More Energy And Weight Control

9:50 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Wilson Resturbee</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>Eating healthy is substantial for our sense of contentment. If it has not been possible for you to do the same, you need to look at alternatives. Being confused with the myriad of info is normal, the best idea is to take one step at time. When you try transitioning the way you eat, it is advantageous if you ease into the change. Don't try to adjust your whole lifestyle overnight, that is challenging for anyone. You can start by getting educated and informed about healthy eating and how to approach it. When we give you recommendations, we will go into more detail about this.<br />  <br />  Difference in life is what gives you the spice, is the old proverb that is definitely true when it comes to how you eat. When you gaze at the listed components in mineral and vitamins, you will understand what is required. Daily taking a vitamin will not counteract eating unhealthy, so don't stumble into that entrapment. One good plan is looking at your needed calories as a reference point. Then at that juncture, you pick from the crucial groups of food and eat small portions.<br />  <br />  One of the biggest reasons for dieting failure, or losing weight, is people try to do a total health makeover in one day. Taking such a course only lays the groundwork for failure. It's better to get through the less significant hurdles before attempting something bigger.<br />  <br />  Getting rid of your favorite sweet is something to work on later after you've got some smaller successes under your belt. Starting with foods that are easier to live without is a good approach to lay the foundations of a better diet. Allow your body and mind time to acclimate to these new eating patterns. A consistent gradual approach to dietary changes is the most effective tool you leverage for lasting results.<br />  <br />  It's a basic principle of dieting that you have to watch how much you eat at any one meal. It's easy to get into the habit of eating until you have no more room in your stomach, which will lead to overeating. If you make the effort, you can learn how to feel satisfied with smaller portions. If you take more time to chew everything you eat, you'll find that you don't consume as much. By spending more time chewing, everything, including the process of digestion will slow down. Not only will your digestive system perform more efficiently, but you will naturally tend to feel full earlier due to the time lag that occurs. With so much information on eating in a healthy way readily available on the internet, it's quite easy for most people to access it. Not being well informed about this topic, then, is not a valid excuse these days. Don't make these topics harder than they need to be, as it's mainly a matter of applying the right principles consistently. When you do make progress, that's the time to remember your goals so you don't lose ground and have to start all over again.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'>Wilson Resturbee is a well-known blogger who writes informative articles on different topics such as marketing, online business, home business, network marketing etc. Checkout his article on <a href="http://askmarcbarrett.com/mlm-reviews/exfuze-review-what-not-another-superjuice">exfuze</a> and on <a href="http://askmarcbarrett.com/mlm-success/mlm-success-and-network-marketings-darkest-secret">MLM success</a></div><br />  </div><br />

Healthy Eating Tips For More Energy And Weight Control

By Wilson Resturbee Eating healthy is substantial for our sense of contentment. If it has not been possible for you to do the same, you ...

Now smartphone will fight against HIV and AIDS.

8:34 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWIsXkqKYvQ/UgO2QnlD_HI/AAAAAAAAAJc/q3JAaBWNMto/s1600/130801114724-bonic-android-app-620xa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><br />Fight against HIV and AIDS with make use of  your Smartphone.</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWIsXkqKYvQ/UgO2QnlD_HI/AAAAAAAAAJc/q3JAaBWNMto/s1600/130801114724-bonic-android-app-620xa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWIsXkqKYvQ/UgO2QnlD_HI/AAAAAAAAAJc/q3JAaBWNMto/s320/130801114724-bonic-android-app-620xa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source:cnn.com</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXsYHS0dJmA/UgO3EH8yXuI/AAAAAAAAAJo/KAUB0ucndmw/s1600/redribbon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />If you are a user of Android Smartphone and tablet, now you can contribute your unused power for scientific research. With the help of a new app you can make a contribution of unused computing power of your smartphone and tablet. This app works when your device is associated to Wi-Fi, battery is close to full-charge and plugged in, so it won’t use your data plan and battery. One more important thing is that scientists can use it only when, smartphone is not in use.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />When joint with the additional power of thousands of other “donated” devices, the set of connection of phones create a quasi-supercomputer to be had for use by scientist. This project is named <a href="mailto:FightAids@Home">FightAids@Home</a> by scientists. This project is run by the Olson Laboratory and The Scripps Research Institute and is powered by IBM’s World Community Grid. Many other scientific research projects are also supported  by the World Community Grid but it is first of its type.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The non-profit research institute cuts down the cost of research and also the time that  takes to get result by using the crowed supported network work as a super computer. Working at  a supercomputer  is expensive for the no profitable research institute because the charges is $1,000 per hour. Scientists are searching for new drugs that can be helpful to fight against HIV virus. <br />According to IBM spokesperson  AriFishkind “When we first sat down with researchers, they proposed projects that were far too modest because that's what has been available to them, now they can access a great deal more power.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Before the project <a href="mailto:FightAdis@Home">FightAdis@Home</a>, the scientists could use network power of desktop and laptops only.  Drugs using in disease ‘schistosomiasis’ is recognize in just one year with the help of smartphone network and expected time for this was 30 year.  Every one should understand  importance of this type of projects  and come ahead to support  them.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/100638775997274345522" rel="author">Anil Swami</a></div></div>

AIDS android drugs HIV IBM supercomputer Wi-Fi Now smartphone will fight against HIV and AIDS.

Fight against HIV and AIDS with make use of your Smartphone. source:cnn.com If you are a user of Android Smartphone and tablet...

A Personal Trainer Orange County Shared A Number Of Tips For Staying Physically Active

8:23 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Michael Petry</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>The Orange County in California is surrounded with luxurious beach resorts and spas and in fact, people throughout the world would come to this place just to enjoy the stunning beaches. Even the residents of Orange County would love to frolic on these beautiful beaches too while wearing their sexiest swimming apparel.<br />  <br />  So in order for them to look good while wearing their sexy bikinis, they will do everything to lose weight. Others would tend to be very conscious with the food that they put in their mouth while some people would concentrate more on exercising. But for those who cannot find time to exercise at the gym, here are some tips on how you could stay physically active, as shared by a top personal trainer Orange County.<br />  <br />  How Often You Should Exercise<br />  <br />  You do not really need to join a marathon or a triathlon just to stay physically active. There are absolutely lots of activities that you can do which will make you stay physically active. Since you are not an athlete, just put your focus on low impact exercises such as walking the dog in the park, mowing the grass, gardening, jogging, brisk walking and biking in the neighborhood.<br />  <br />  However if you want to lose a good amount of weight, then you better sign up with a personal trainer Orange County for your daily workout routine.<br />  <br />  How Often You Should Exercise<br />  <br />  Experts recommend that you exercise at least 120 minutes or two hours each week in order to maintain good health. But for people whose goal is to lose weight, they are required to exercise more than two hours or probably at least 30 minutes each day or a total of 3 hours in a week.<br />  <br />  Tips For Achieving Your Fitness Goals<br />  <br />  *	Look for someone to work out with you. According to a personal trainer Orange County, you will most likely succeed in achieving your fitness goals if you have a partner who will exercise along with you. So ask a friend or a family member to join you.<br />  <br />  *	Look for fun activities that you enjoy doing such as playing your favorite sports, walking your dog, running in the beach and playing beach volleyball. If you love dancing, then enroll for a dance lesson.<br />  <br />  *	Reward yourself if you will see some improvements in your body. If you lose five pounds in a month, treat yourself for shopping and do this every time you shed off some weight so you will be motivated to work hard.<br />  <br />  *	Reward yourself if you will see some improvements in your body. If you lose five pounds in a month, treat yourself for shopping and do this every time you shed off some weight so you will be motivated to work hard.<br />  <br />  Besides the tips above, it is vital that you also set realistic goals. They need to be something that you can possibly achieve and not something that is just too impossible for you to achieve. Above all, always seek help from the expert, such as a personal trainer Orange County.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'>Becoming in good condition with the help of <a href="http://www.theperfectworkout.com/personal-trainer-orange-county/">Personal Trainer Orange County</a> not only enhances your entire body but furthermore your health as well. The benefits that you can receive from <a href="https://plus.google.com/115839840522968346614/about">Orange County Personal Trainer</a> are limitless.</div><br />  </div><br />

A Personal Trainer Orange County Shared A Number Of Tips For Staying Physically Active

By Michael Petry The Orange County in California is surrounded with luxurious beach resorts and spas and in fact, people throughout the ...

Looking For A Dance Class In Surrey

8:22 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Peter Jones</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>Looking for Dance Class Surrey and the surrounding areas in British Columbia, can be a great way for children and adults to learn and improve on their skills. There are class options in many genres such as jazz and ballet, modern and contemporary dance and hip hop and urban styles. You can find a lot of different offerings at skill levels that compliment yours.<br />  <br />  Instruction is available at all levels. Beginners are able to enjoy both individual instruction and group participation while learning the basic steps and moves. The instructors provide an atmosphere where all can excel and gain confidence. The health benefits you will gain from learning to Dance are massive - and you will enjoy yourself<br />  <br />  The intermediate learner can appreciate using their basic level instruction as a stepping stone to gaining more mastery of their skills. In these types of classes, children and adults are exposed to steps and techniques that are more difficult than beginning level classes, but not overly difficult to learn. These classes set up participants for more advance instruction to come.<br />  <br />  Advanced skilled learners take all of their knowledge and skill and bring them together in a more challenging setting, design to develop talented performers or individuals with a greater appreciation for the art. These classes are more difficult and should only be considered by performers with the correct skill and training. This is to ensure their full enjoyment by the participant.<br />  <br />  They are arranged in accordance to the age of the participants or their relative skill level. Make sure that the arrangement fits your needs or those of your child who may be taking this type of instruction. Cost, number of times and convenience are certainly other considerations to think about when making a choice.<br />  <br />  Depending on what you are looking for, there is a Dance Class Surrey option for you. You can call or visit the various studios in the area and find a group that meets your needs. Mastering the steps in jazz, ballet or tap begin with taking a class and finding an enjoyable experience near you in Surrey.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'>To receive useful information on the best <a href="http://fabuliciousfitness.co.uk">dance class Surrey</a> area has, click the link. You may click here for additional <a href="http://danceloss.com">dancing weight loss</a> details.</div><br />  </div><br />

Looking For A Dance Class In Surrey

By Peter Jones Looking for Dance Class Surrey and the surrounding areas in British Columbia, can be a great way for children and adults ...