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Marijuana ingredient may fight bacteria
Marijuana may be something of a wonder drug — though perhaps not in the way you might think.
Researchers in Italy and Britain have found that the main active ingredient in marijuana — tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — and related compounds show promise as antibacterial agents, particularly against microbial strains that are already resistant to several classes of drugs.
It has been known for decades that Cannabis sativa has antibacterial properties. Experiments in the 1950s tested various marijuana preparations against skin and other infections, but researchers at the time had little understanding of marijuana's chemical makeup.
The current research, by Giovanni Appendino of the University of the Eastern Piedmont and colleagues and published in The Journal of Natural Products, looked at the antibacterial activity of the five most common cannabinoids. All were found effective against several common multi-resistant bacterial strains, although, perhaps understandably, the researchers suggested that the nonpsychotropic cannabinoids might prove more promising for eventual use.
The researchers say they don't know how the cannabinoids work, and whether they would be effective as systemic antibiotics would require much more research and trials. But the compounds may prove useful sooner as a topical agent against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, to prevent the microbes from colonizing on the skin. Marijuana may be something of a wonder drug — though perhaps not in the way you might think. ... more -
Colleges take on drinking age
"129 college presidents have signed a statement calling on elected officials "to support an informed and dispassionate public debate over the effects of the 21-year-old drinking age."
Known as the Amethyst Initiative, it has stirred discussions on campuses and editorial pages across the United States. It's also drawn stinging criticism from groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which defends the age limit as a key factor in reducing traffic fatalities.
John McCardell, president emeritus of Middlebury College in Vermont, organized the initiative. Eight presidents helped draft the statement this summer, and the group then invited presidents of all four-year colleges and universities to sign on.
Science is on the side of the age-21 law, Ms. Dean-Mooney says. More than 50 studies show it has helped save lives, according to the MADD website. One new study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation accounted for a variety of car- and roadway-safety improvements and still attributed to the 21 drinking age an 11 percent drop in alcohol-related traffic deaths among youths. Dean-Mooney also raises the concern that making alcohol more accessible to 18-year-olds would push problems onto the shoulders of high school principals.
In the wake of the public controversy, several college presidents have removed their names from the list. Kendall Blanchard of Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus "has wanted to be part of the national discussion," spokesman Stephen Snyder says, "but has decided this was not the time, place, or venue for that discussion."
"On both sides, it's running on very strong emotions," says Susan Bruce, director of the Center for Alcohol and Substance Education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. "It's important that we can really look at the data and not go on gut feelings."
Join the conversation by commenting below "129 college presidents have signed a statement calling on elected officials "to support an informed and dispassionate publi... more -
McCain Palin present themselves as reformers?
CEDARBURG, Wis. (AP) -- John McCain said Friday the sagging economy has brought "tough times all over America" as he made a splashy debut with Sarah Palin in critical Midwestern states as the newly crowned Republican presidential ticket.
A crowd of thousands cheered the Arizona senator and Alaska governor as they presented themselves as a team of reformers eager to challenge Washington's political establishment.
"John McCain doesn't run with the Washington herd," said Palin, the 44-year-old Alaska governor and surprise pick as McCain's running mate.
"It's over. It's over. It's over for the special interests," McCain promised. "We're going to start working for the people of this country."
Twelve hours after leaving the Republican convention in Minnesota, McCain and Palin were cheered and applauded by a throng of thousands that wound down several streets of Cedarburg, a traditional Republican enclave within Democratic-leaning Wisconsin.
McCain's campaign put out an ambitious estimate of 12,400 people at the rally. Cedarburg's population is about 11,000.
"Isn't this the most marvelous running mate in the history of this nation?" McCain said of Palin, who introduced him as "the only great man in this race, the only man in this election ready to serve as our 44th president."
Two months before the election, small towns are a key target for McCain as he tries to lure independent and blue-collar voters essential for him to win. CEDARBURG, Wis. (AP) -- John McCain said Friday the sagging economy has brought "tough times all over America" as he made a ... more -
Two drug offenders jailed 18 years
The Asamankese Circuit Court presided over by Mr Kofi Akrowiah, on Monday sentenced two young men to a total of 18 years in prison for drug offences.
Eric Owusu, 20, charged with possessing Indian hemp received 13 years while Jerry Appoh, 22, had five years for smoking the hemp.
Both pleaded not guilty.
Police Chief Inspector Ben Brew told the court that on January 11, 2007 Suhum Police had information that a group of young men had converged on the field near the Suhum Secondary Technical School smoking wee.
The police moved to the area and on seeing them they took to their heels but Owusu and Appoh were arrested.
Owusu had in his possession a small bag containing 47 wrappers of the hemp while Appoh was caught smoking the wee. The Asamankese Circuit Court presided over by Mr Kofi Akrowiah, on Monday sentenced two young men to a total of 18 years in prison for... more -
Colleges want lower drinking age
At least two metro Atlanta colleges are bowing out of a nationwide debate about lowering the legal drinking age.
Morehouse College and Emory University confirmed Thursday they are not taking part in the the Amethyst Initiative, a nationwide effort to get college presidents talking about urging lawmakers to lower the drinking age.
“While we welcome and encourage spirited public debate about appropriate standards of behavior, we do not support policies that would have the effect of encouraging or making it more likely that younger citizens would use alcohol or drugs,” Morehouse president Robert M. Franklin said.
Emory released a similar written statement: “Emory University has decided not to join the Amethyst Initiative. Emory will continue its long-standing commitment to educate students about the dangers of abusing alcohol and other drugs.”
College presidents from about 100 well-known U.S. universities — including Duke, Dartmouth and Ohio State — support of the issue, according to the Amethyst Initiative. The group plans to call on lawmakers to consider lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18, saying current laws encourage dangerous binge drinking on campus.
The movement began quietly recruiting presidents more than a year ago to provoke national debate.
“This is a law that is routinely evaded,” said John McCardell, former president of Middlebury College in Vermont who started the organization. “It is a law that the people at whom it is directed believe is unjust and unfair and discriminatory.”
Choose Responsibility, a national non-profit organization that promotes safe drinking, supports the Amethyst Initiative. Organizers say the initiative is to get people talking about underage drinking.
“The Amethyst Initiative is not calling for a lower drinking age, it’s not calling for an 18-year-old drinking age,” said Grace Kronenberg, assistant to the director of Vermont-based Choose Responsibility. “It’s a group of leaders in higher education are speaking out on an issue they know a lot about.” At least two metro Atlanta colleges are bowing out of a nationwide debate about lowering the legal drinking age. ... more -
Cannabis as a substitute for alcohol
More and more people are finding themselves able to kick sometimes long-term, damaging and expensive alcohol habits without any of the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal which normally comes with long-term addictions, and they are doing it thanks to cannabis.
Ninety-two Northern Californians using cannabis as an alternative to alcohol obtained letters of approval from the author - Physician Tod Mikuriya MD.
Their records were reviewed to determine characteristics of the cohort and efficacy of the treatment —defined as reduced harm to the patient.
All patients reported benefit, indicating that for at least a subset of alcoholics, cannabis use is associated with reduced drinking.
The cost of alcoholism to individual patients and society- at-large warrants testing of the cannabis-substitution approach and study of the drug-of-choice phenomenon.
I kicked a 20 year drink habit which cost me two wives, two houses, two children, and many tens of thousands of pounds sterling, and I did it thanks to cannabis. If you've had a positive experience as a result of cannabis use, we would love to hear about it, on the Canna Zine cannabis forums . Drop by, say "high".
The story goes on:
Joint the conversation by commenting below. More and more people are finding themselves able to kick sometimes long-term, damaging and expensive alcohol habits without any of the... more -
Want dole money? Earn it!
"Benefit claimants will have to take part in a new "work for dole" plan as part of a package of welfare reforms to be unveiled next week that will aim to get millions back to work."
I have to say I am a firm believer in this even though it is a touchy subject for some. I hate being idle and would generally do any job rather than no job. Too often unemployment becomes a habit that is hard to shake. If you can live off your benefit why would you even look for work? Perhaps this will break the cycle whilst at the same time providing much needed staff to those in need.
What are your thoughts? "Benefit claimants will have to take part in a new "work for dole" plan as part of a package of welfare reforms to be u... more -
Voices from a Raid
Immigration arrests from worksite raids have increased tenfold in the last five years. As politicians on both sides of the aisle grapple with the issue, families are caught in the middle. ANP went to Annapolis, Maryland to see how people were coping in the aftermath of the state's largest immigration roundup in years. Immigration arrests from worksite raids have increased tenfold in the last five years. As politicians on both sides of the aisle grapp... more
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Anglican church rift
A group of conservative Anglicans have decided to create a new global network in opposition to what they see as the "false gospel" interpreted by modern Anglicans; particularly in the 'liberal' wings of the US and Canadian Churches.
The controversy largely surrounds the issue of same sex marriages in Anglican churches, and the ordination in the US of an openly gay bishop. The conservatives are advocating "a more orthodox reading of the bible", and will form the new group today: the last day of the "Global Anglican Future Conference" being held in Jerusalem.
The 'reform group', chaired by Reverend Rod Thomas, have long criticised the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, over his unwillingness to act over the US Episcopal Church's ordination of openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson, in 2003. Rev. Thomas accused the Anglican Church, lead by Dr. Williams, "is being destroyed by false teaching of the Bible on issues such as sexuality". However the conservatives are quick to point out that this rift is not specifically about homosexuality, but simply how Anglicans should interpret the Bible.
Rev. Thomas also disagrees with what he says is the US Episcopal Church's suggestion that Jesus Christ is not the only way to salvation, saying that " there is nothing in the Bible which supports that view." A group of conservative Anglicans have decided to create a new global network in opposition to what they see as the "false gospel... more -
S.Korean president apologises on beef
South Korea's president apologised on Thursday for a U.S. beef import deal that sparked mass street protests against his new government and will sack close aides to try to halt a dramatic slide in public support.
Lee Myung-bak, who eased to victory in a December election with pledges of pro-business reforms and growth for the world's 13th largest economy but now has an approval rating of less than 20 percent, said he wanted to start a new chapter for his four-month-old government.
Analysts said they expect large parts of Lee's reforms, which include privatizing state firms, tax cuts for companies and mortgage relief for low-income households, to be stalled unless he can win back public support.
A parliament in which Lee's conservative Grand National Party holds the majority has yet to begin sitting because of a boycott by the left-of center opposition angered at the beef deal.
Hundreds of the 13,000 striking South Korean truckers, whose protest has paralyzed ports and cost export firms billions of dollars, reached deals with employers and returned to work on Thursday, easing a little pressure on Lee. South Korea's president apologised on Thursday for a U.S. beef import deal that sparked mass street protests against his new gove... more -
Bill Moyers addresses NCMR 2008
Legendary journalist Bill Moyers electrified an audience of more than 3,500 in Minneapolis this morning calling the media reform movement "the most significant citizens' movement to emerge in this new century." Legendary journalist Bill Moyers electrified an audience of more than 3,500 in Minneapolis this morning calling the media reform movem... more
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Democratic Reform: The Only Solution To Corruption
As President Paul Biya scrambles to figure out how to curb corruption and embezzlement of state funds, the disenfranchised poor, working and middle class Cameroonians, who are the immediate and most affected by corruption, consider themselves mere spectators of this choreographed fight. As President Paul Biya scrambles to figure out how to curb corruption and embezzlement of state funds, the disenfranchised poor, worki... more
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Violent rodeo is used to reform some of the U.S.'s most notorious prisoners
As card games go, this one's a bit half-hearted. No one's concentrating, there's not a poker face in sight and everyone's got a terrible case of the fidgets.
But that could be because it's a teeny bit tricky to focus on royal flushes and full houses when three yards away from the spindly red table there's 2,000 lb of angry bull - snorting, pawing and revving up to charge.
Oh yes, and thousands of spectators chomping through popcorn and hot-dogs, and clapping, cheering and yelling very loudly: "Yee-haa!", "Come on! Sit it out!", "Don't be chicken!"
Welcome to rodeo day at Angola Prison, Louisiana, where "Convicts' Poker" - the winner is the last man sitting as the bull stampedes the table - is just one of a raft of events in which prisoners are trampled, gored and flung in the air before a braying crowd. As card games go, this one's a bit half-hearted. No one's concentrating, there's not a poker face in sight and everyone... more -
It's a bird, It's a plane, It's China's 'Super-Ministries...
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao unveiled today a bureaucratic revamp he hopes will foster greener, more efficient government, but experts said it was unlikely to end turf wars over industry, energy and pollution.
The reforms herd together dozens of agencies, creating "super-ministries" for industry, transport, housing and construction and the environment, and bring food and drug safety back under the Health Ministry after a series of damaging scares.
Anyone think that these "super-ministries" may actually be a more efficient way to run a government?! Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao unveiled today a bureaucratic revamp he hopes will foster greener, more efficient government, but experts s... more -
BEST OF OBAMA's Transparent Gov Bills = Please Copy + Pass Out As You Canvass
""Obama on Ethics and Lobbying Reform""
http://obama.senate.gov/issues/ethics_and_lobbying_refo...
Throughout his political career, Barack Obama has fought for open and honest government. As an Illinois State Senator, he helped pass the states first major ethics reform bill in 25 years. And as a U.S. Senator, he has spearheaded the effort to clean up Washington in the wake of numerous scandals.
In the first two weeks of the 110th Congress, Senator Obama helped lead the Senate to pass the Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act, a comprehensive ethics and lobbying reform bill, by a 96-2 vote. This landmark bill was signed into law by the President in September 2007.
PART OF ARTICLE INCLUDED
""Alone among the U.S. Presidential candidates"", Barack Obama is confronting the question of how to produce more accountable and effective politics in our democracy.
His just-released Tech Plan (Download Obama Tech Plan) uniquely understands that the time, expertise and enthusiasm that ordinary people invest in making Wikipedia better, for example, can be transformed into practices to make government work better and more accountably. So he doesn't just call for making information more transparent to citizens; he wants to hear what we have to say and enable us to participate. The Plan calls for citizen engagement in the work of federal agencies and demonstrates respect for the intelligence and expertise of the American people. He calls for opening up the closed practices of government and using new technology to enable genuine citizen participation and engagement in our democracy. This is a major and unprecedented step.
No other candidate gets it. They pay lip service to transparency. He proposes making government data available online as well as ensuring that agencies do their work in public. They talk about citizen congresses that would deliberate in quaint town hall meetings having nothing to do with real world politics or power.
He proposes engaging citizens in the actual and ongoing work and decision-making of government -- not Americans talking to elected officials but Americans genuinely participating. They talk about technology and innovation. He offers a comprehensive broadband strategy, commitment to media diversity, and a proposal to improve patent quality, including the practice of rigorous, public peer review like Peer-to-Patent. They talk about strong IP. He balances his support of strong IP with recognition of the need to promote collaboration and innovation.
I am excited about Obamas Tech Plan. In fact, it should be called the Democracy Plan. He alone does what a President should do, namely articulate a vision for democracy in the digital age.
CLICK LINK TO SEE WHAT He wants to DO: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/daniellec... ""Obama on Ethics and Lobbying Reform"" http://obama.senate.gov/issues/ethics_and_lobbying_reform/ ... more -
One Nation Under Guard
US prisons have become big business, housing 25% of all the people in the world behind bars, the largest prison population on the planet. In a frenzy of criminal justice, we have turned our backs on the founding principles of this nation to produce state and federal prisons at an alarming ratein the 1990s, opening 1 every 15 days in depressed rural towns and communities.
Private correctional companies are entering the industry, appearing on the NY stock exchange, with an eye on the bottom line. Under this prison-industrial complex, we are locking up 1 in 3 young black men in this nation, moving them far from home, and stripping them of the right to vote, the possibility of holding decent jobs and the dignity of supporting themselves and their families. US prisons are holding the strangest of reunions: grandfathers, fathers and sons behind bars. There is no paying of their debt to society, no clean slate. One Nation Under Guard can inspire change by presenting the big picture of a US prison system that values the bottom line more than it does solutions, at enormous cost.
Most people are unaware that this is happening. Current TV viewers will begin to see the real need for restorative justice, and will be moved toward supporting and joining those who are working for it. They will begin to demand change to create a prison system that delivers justice for all, not injustice for a marginalized minority. US prisons have become big business, housing 25% of all the people in the world behind bars, the largest prison population on the plan... more -
Crucified Immigrant
Protesters in New York City recreate the passion of Christ in front of the Federal Building to persuade Congress to grant citizenship to illegal immigrants. Protesters in New York City recreate the passion of Christ in front of the Federal Building to persuade Congress to grant citizenship ... more
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