Was discussing with a friend today 'another thing thats wrong with the world today.'
I'm 36 years old, and I remember as a child, spending much of my adolescent and teen years living on a farm, and the 'things' and lifestyle of farm life.
Yes, I know, it was the eighties and not like the OLD days, but, nonetheless, I have an experience from life that taught me and has engraved in me some extremely important aspects that ...
How many of the presently adolescent and teen generation know anything about survival without convenience stores, department stores, cell phones ...I remember using a party line in MN when I was a kid. The CB was the 'cell phone' of the day. Ham radio was the 'internet.'
If the proverbial dung was to hit the fan, but it didn't splatter everywhere -- one could still survive off the land -- how many could milk a cow, pluck a chicken, slaughter/butcher a deer or cow, filet a fish, bail hay; pick corn, cucumbers, carrots, peas, potatoes; dig a field; plant a tree; herd cattle; plant and harvest; cook?
Local communities were dramatically distant from modern atmospheres also, coinciding with the farm atmosphere of my generation and generations before me. People actually gave a shit about their neighbors ...community by definition. What has happened? Is it a democratic or republican problem? Can things get better, or returned to sanity?
A generational comparison? 2009, 1999, 1989, 1979, 1969, 1959 ...
The economy is fucked up because the 'community' is fucked up!
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
No, I wasn't high when I wrote this
So I was reading through a forum discussion at a site I have been visitting quite a bit lately.
A poster wrote the following:
"Smoking Weed has some major risks some of which make cigarettes look friendly. I suspect smoking blue grass is not very good for you either.
Eating it (also illegal) has proved to be beneficial in many ways for some people with few health risks far fewer that that bag of chips. Is there a health reason to support the use or is it just trying to avoid the real world for a few minutes?"
Well, I was compelled to respond. The thread concerned cannabis interfering in a relationship and another poster had asked for help. A few posters got kind of off the topic, including myself, but I felt compelled to educate some instead of allowing misinformation to continue. Think of my stand as you will, but the right information leads to the right decisions is my goal. Following was my response in that forum (sorry for the length, lol, but this is my blog):
----------
About the risks of smoking weed, the ONLY risks are 1)legality, and 2)the biproducts of smoking. I'm going to assume by the first sentence that you're referring to the health risks involved from the biproducts of smoking. First of all, wherever that came from was not complete. The nicotine in tobacco cigarettes excite a great number of specific receptors in your brain [that get very angry when they don't get their fix], and has been proven highly addictive, not just mentally, but physically. Prepackaged cigarettes contain a significant number of chemicals used for preservation and flavor, much of which alone are destructive to cells and membranes throughout the respiratory system. The tar and specific byproducts in tobacco cigarettes is what is lower than that of cannabis, but not because of the difference between the two products; it is because of the curing and preservation process of tobacco refinery. The tobacco is more dried out (unless one is growing and curing the tobacco themselves). The nicotine and tar from tobacco will also soak in to fabrics and coat walls (the same as it does in your lungs).
Cannabis, on the other hand, excites a fewer number of receptors in your brain [that are just fine without their fix], and has been proven not physically addictive (mentally yes, but that is an individual basis regarding that individuals 'willpower' and level of maturity). Prepackaged cannabis does not contain artificial flavorings (unless one adds it themselves), nor does it contain any preservatives. Cannabis smokers are kinda picky in that sense ...the fresher the better. The tar from cannabis smoking, comparing freshly cured cannabis and freshly cured (not preserved) tobacco of comparable grades, is relatively the same. Now, cannabis smoke does contain much more ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides than tobacco, yet no link to cancer can be found; but, the cannabinoid CBD is being further studied for the appearance of positive results in treating breast cancer. Furthermore, cannabinoids love fat cells ...nicotine loves mucal (did i spell that right?) membranes and 'brain matter.'
When a non-smoker of tobacco walks in to the house of indoor tobacco smokers, they will immediately smell the nicotine and tar that is coated on everything. That same non-smoker walks in to the house of indoor cannabis smokers who are not tobacco smokers, they may notice a faint sweet smell.
Also, the smell of tobacco will stay permanent until the nicotine and tar are removed (by hand, not naturally), even without continued smoking thereafter. The smell of cannabis will faintly dissipate in less than a day after the last 'smoke.'
Yes, digesting cannabis is ideal so that one is not inhaling the smoke byproducts (actually, a vaporizer is ideal), but requires a significantly larger quantity for the 'effects' of THC that are desirable, unless it is solely for the herbal taste addition to the foods (which is quite common, and quite good). There is no benefit whatsoever, flavor or health, in digesting tobacco. It is actually horrible tasting and a detriment to health in the same manner as smoking it except it will also aid in ulcers in the mucal membranes of the throat, stomach and intestinal tract, instead of the lungs. The nicotine still makes its way to the brain. Also, cannabis consumption, including smoking it, will lower respiration rates, raise metabolism, lower pressure in the eyeballs (hence glaucoma users), entice appetite, and ease nausea, among other things. Tobacco raises circulatory rates and metabolism, excites nerves (thus the whole stress relief thing is completely due to the mental and physical addiction), lowers appetite, and has been known to induce nausea.
The findings of almost all scientific studies on cannabis show absolutely no reason for cannabis to be regulated in Schedule I (Schedule IV in international treaty). The absolute reason 'marijuana' was outlawed is due to the government's inability to control use and the flow of product coming in to the country, specifically from Mexico/Mexican immigrants (legal and illegal) in the early and mid 1930s. The term 'marijuana' is derived from the Mexican-Spanish term for cannabis – marihuana. The propaganda push from cannabis opponents lobbying government used this term to excite the population relating the immigration problem, namely Mexicans, and 'marijuana.' Those damned Mexicans (please read that statement in a satiric tone)!
There are a GREAT number of medical doctors that recommend cannabis, whether smoking or ingesting, to cancer, glaucoma and HIV patients, among other ailment sufferers, whether legal or not.
To all I hope and encourage unbiased education rather than misinformation and propaganda.
A poster wrote the following:
"Smoking Weed has some major risks some of which make cigarettes look friendly. I suspect smoking blue grass is not very good for you either.
Eating it (also illegal) has proved to be beneficial in many ways for some people with few health risks far fewer that that bag of chips. Is there a health reason to support the use or is it just trying to avoid the real world for a few minutes?"
Well, I was compelled to respond. The thread concerned cannabis interfering in a relationship and another poster had asked for help. A few posters got kind of off the topic, including myself, but I felt compelled to educate some instead of allowing misinformation to continue. Think of my stand as you will, but the right information leads to the right decisions is my goal. Following was my response in that forum (sorry for the length, lol, but this is my blog):
----------
About the risks of smoking weed, the ONLY risks are 1)legality, and 2)the biproducts of smoking. I'm going to assume by the first sentence that you're referring to the health risks involved from the biproducts of smoking. First of all, wherever that came from was not complete. The nicotine in tobacco cigarettes excite a great number of specific receptors in your brain [that get very angry when they don't get their fix], and has been proven highly addictive, not just mentally, but physically. Prepackaged cigarettes contain a significant number of chemicals used for preservation and flavor, much of which alone are destructive to cells and membranes throughout the respiratory system. The tar and specific byproducts in tobacco cigarettes is what is lower than that of cannabis, but not because of the difference between the two products; it is because of the curing and preservation process of tobacco refinery. The tobacco is more dried out (unless one is growing and curing the tobacco themselves). The nicotine and tar from tobacco will also soak in to fabrics and coat walls (the same as it does in your lungs).
Cannabis, on the other hand, excites a fewer number of receptors in your brain [that are just fine without their fix], and has been proven not physically addictive (mentally yes, but that is an individual basis regarding that individuals 'willpower' and level of maturity). Prepackaged cannabis does not contain artificial flavorings (unless one adds it themselves), nor does it contain any preservatives. Cannabis smokers are kinda picky in that sense ...the fresher the better. The tar from cannabis smoking, comparing freshly cured cannabis and freshly cured (not preserved) tobacco of comparable grades, is relatively the same. Now, cannabis smoke does contain much more ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides than tobacco, yet no link to cancer can be found; but, the cannabinoid CBD is being further studied for the appearance of positive results in treating breast cancer. Furthermore, cannabinoids love fat cells ...nicotine loves mucal (did i spell that right?) membranes and 'brain matter.'
When a non-smoker of tobacco walks in to the house of indoor tobacco smokers, they will immediately smell the nicotine and tar that is coated on everything. That same non-smoker walks in to the house of indoor cannabis smokers who are not tobacco smokers, they may notice a faint sweet smell.
Also, the smell of tobacco will stay permanent until the nicotine and tar are removed (by hand, not naturally), even without continued smoking thereafter. The smell of cannabis will faintly dissipate in less than a day after the last 'smoke.'
Yes, digesting cannabis is ideal so that one is not inhaling the smoke byproducts (actually, a vaporizer is ideal), but requires a significantly larger quantity for the 'effects' of THC that are desirable, unless it is solely for the herbal taste addition to the foods (which is quite common, and quite good). There is no benefit whatsoever, flavor or health, in digesting tobacco. It is actually horrible tasting and a detriment to health in the same manner as smoking it except it will also aid in ulcers in the mucal membranes of the throat, stomach and intestinal tract, instead of the lungs. The nicotine still makes its way to the brain. Also, cannabis consumption, including smoking it, will lower respiration rates, raise metabolism, lower pressure in the eyeballs (hence glaucoma users), entice appetite, and ease nausea, among other things. Tobacco raises circulatory rates and metabolism, excites nerves (thus the whole stress relief thing is completely due to the mental and physical addiction), lowers appetite, and has been known to induce nausea.
The findings of almost all scientific studies on cannabis show absolutely no reason for cannabis to be regulated in Schedule I (Schedule IV in international treaty). The absolute reason 'marijuana' was outlawed is due to the government's inability to control use and the flow of product coming in to the country, specifically from Mexico/Mexican immigrants (legal and illegal) in the early and mid 1930s. The term 'marijuana' is derived from the Mexican-Spanish term for cannabis – marihuana. The propaganda push from cannabis opponents lobbying government used this term to excite the population relating the immigration problem, namely Mexicans, and 'marijuana.' Those damned Mexicans (please read that statement in a satiric tone)!
There are a GREAT number of medical doctors that recommend cannabis, whether smoking or ingesting, to cancer, glaucoma and HIV patients, among other ailment sufferers, whether legal or not.
To all I hope and encourage unbiased education rather than misinformation and propaganda.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
We have choices ...
I mentioned in my previous post, the meaning of life is in the pursuit of the meaning of life ...do i need to explain it a little further? Let's see ...
Knowledge -- man, how does one define knowledge <---hint, click here <---
Intelligence -- putting it all together
Wisdom -- applying it
We can put it in a roleplaying format: the more knowledge you gain and use that knowledge, the more intelligent you get; thus, the more you practice everything you learn and how certain things work together or don't work together, the better you get at applying it. And then there's charisma, but not now.
Or the creation view with the tree of life and tree of knowledge of good and evil ...in that case, life being the pursuit of life (meaning of life), and knowledge being the sudden epifany (did i spell that right?) that one has a choice of 'good' and 'evil.'
We have choices ...
Although faith has played a very instrumental role in my pursuit, I don't claim a religion. I understand much about faith and socio-alliance structures, but do not align with any one system. In a sense, I have used religion to 'see the big picture.' I do believe that ALL the 'parts' of the globe/world are integral to all of what was, is, and is to come. I believe its in the correlation of and desire for truth and answers from history that will prepare us for EVERYTHING that is to come, and whats next on the horizon. In school, I remember classes being referred to as lessons ...history lessons: Did we learn anything?
The American society has absolutely no reason to be behind the bar on so many levels. In this wonderfully crafted democratic society we proudly call home, we have the access to vast volumes and libraries and resources of just about everything, yet we piddle potential away with convenience, comfort, and complacency. Saying we're proud as Americans isn't as loud as taking pride in being American. Being the leading example of all human potential is at our feet, but we trample over it for the sake of convenience, comfort, and complacency.
A philosophy of mine is 'Life is a quest with an undefined beginning, and an undefined end. To know where it goes, one must find the origin.' I believe it to be possible through correlative inspection to find the 'origin,' thus finding truth. To borrow a cliche from a mainstream faith, the truth will set us free. Somewhere, globally, mankind got way off course and followed tangents rather than truth. Greed soon reared its ugly head, and now we're in the pickle of a lifetime. I believe we can find the origin, find the truth, see where we are, and make way for where we're going ...but not until we take pride in being Americans ...take pride in being human. Our choices direct our paths; every action has an opposite and equal reaction; every decision comes with consequences.
There is a MIGHTY change coming to this globe; I believe we can all be ready, and we can all play an integral part in how things shape for the future.
Knowledge -- man, how does one define knowledge <---hint, click here <---
Intelligence -- putting it all together
Wisdom -- applying it
We can put it in a roleplaying format: the more knowledge you gain and use that knowledge, the more intelligent you get; thus, the more you practice everything you learn and how certain things work together or don't work together, the better you get at applying it. And then there's charisma, but not now.
Or the creation view with the tree of life and tree of knowledge of good and evil ...in that case, life being the pursuit of life (meaning of life), and knowledge being the sudden epifany (did i spell that right?) that one has a choice of 'good' and 'evil.'
We have choices ...
Although faith has played a very instrumental role in my pursuit, I don't claim a religion. I understand much about faith and socio-alliance structures, but do not align with any one system. In a sense, I have used religion to 'see the big picture.' I do believe that ALL the 'parts' of the globe/world are integral to all of what was, is, and is to come. I believe its in the correlation of and desire for truth and answers from history that will prepare us for EVERYTHING that is to come, and whats next on the horizon. In school, I remember classes being referred to as lessons ...history lessons: Did we learn anything?
The American society has absolutely no reason to be behind the bar on so many levels. In this wonderfully crafted democratic society we proudly call home, we have the access to vast volumes and libraries and resources of just about everything, yet we piddle potential away with convenience, comfort, and complacency. Saying we're proud as Americans isn't as loud as taking pride in being American. Being the leading example of all human potential is at our feet, but we trample over it for the sake of convenience, comfort, and complacency.
A philosophy of mine is 'Life is a quest with an undefined beginning, and an undefined end. To know where it goes, one must find the origin.' I believe it to be possible through correlative inspection to find the 'origin,' thus finding truth. To borrow a cliche from a mainstream faith, the truth will set us free. Somewhere, globally, mankind got way off course and followed tangents rather than truth. Greed soon reared its ugly head, and now we're in the pickle of a lifetime. I believe we can find the origin, find the truth, see where we are, and make way for where we're going ...but not until we take pride in being Americans ...take pride in being human. Our choices direct our paths; every action has an opposite and equal reaction; every decision comes with consequences.
There is a MIGHTY change coming to this globe; I believe we can all be ready, and we can all play an integral part in how things shape for the future.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Economic plan
I received an email today from a friend who forwarded to me (I don't really like forwards, but, I'll still read some of them).
I think the plan would be much more effective than any of the bailouts washington is considering.
Instead of a $700 Billion bailout for the financial markets (who have been squandering our money into their pockets), consider this :
The USA population is roughly 303 million (but how many of those are legal citizens?) ...
Of that population, roughly 75% are 18+ yrs of age.
So, there are approximately 226 million 18 or older people in the US.
Lets say (liberally, without an actual statistic), 90% are legal citizens of the USA.
Now, we have 205 million 18+ US citizens.
$700 Billion divided by 205 million equals just over $3,400. I wouldn't mind $3,400. But then again, I didn't put any money into the markets ...I'm too broke, barely living paycheck to paycheck, watching gas, milk and other necessities' cost skyrocket.
So, you thot I was gonna go one direction with this ....FOOLED YA!
This bailout will cost every tax payer in this country over $3000 to attempt to stabilize the economy and right a wrong put into place by greedy rich folk who have nothing better to do than take money from others and call it an investment.
Write your congressperson and demand that not one tax dollar is spent on bailing these companies out. These companies, and the people who own and run them (who have been stuffing their pockets) should be paying every bit of it. As investors, we're informed on paper that all investments are at our own risk. What are they risking?
DO SOMETHING
I think the plan would be much more effective than any of the bailouts washington is considering.
Instead of a $700 Billion bailout for the financial markets (who have been squandering our money into their pockets), consider this :
The USA population is roughly 303 million (but how many of those are legal citizens?) ...
Of that population, roughly 75% are 18+ yrs of age.
So, there are approximately 226 million 18 or older people in the US.
Lets say (liberally, without an actual statistic), 90% are legal citizens of the USA.
Now, we have 205 million 18+ US citizens.
$700 Billion divided by 205 million equals just over $3,400. I wouldn't mind $3,400. But then again, I didn't put any money into the markets ...I'm too broke, barely living paycheck to paycheck, watching gas, milk and other necessities' cost skyrocket.
So, you thot I was gonna go one direction with this ....FOOLED YA!
This bailout will cost every tax payer in this country over $3000 to attempt to stabilize the economy and right a wrong put into place by greedy rich folk who have nothing better to do than take money from others and call it an investment.
Write your congressperson and demand that not one tax dollar is spent on bailing these companies out. These companies, and the people who own and run them (who have been stuffing their pockets) should be paying every bit of it. As investors, we're informed on paper that all investments are at our own risk. What are they risking?
DO SOMETHING
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