According to Above the Influence, marijuana makes people so oblivious to their surroundings that Baldric is able to place a tracking collar on one of the stoners without being noticed. After the collar is installed, the two researchers retire to their surveillance van where you find out that marijuana makes you sit on a couch for three days without moving to, you know, go to the bathroom, shower, see family members, etc.

Dr. Puck then decides to observe the female stoner in a social situation. A boy walks up to the female stoner and initiates a little flirting, but the female stoner can’t remember his name or the flow of conversation. She is constantly embarrassed as the simple social interaction is bungled, and then her questionable hygiene is revealed when the boy notices a chunk of brownie in her hair. The doctor feels that marijuana-users lack the motivation to keep chunks of random food out of their hair.

In the next commercial, the Doctor and Baldric have managed to re-create the stoners’ natural habitat in a lab environment. The brave assistant, clad in cover-alls and a gas mask, enters the smoke-filled chamber and puts the stoners through a series of tests. Baldric proceeds to test the stoner’s reflexes by throwing different objects at the young man and he makes no attempt to catch any of them. The doctor decides to move onto trials to test the young girl’s concentration. Baldric engages in a game of blackjack with the young girl who tells him to “go fish.” Obviously, marijuana-users cannot handle the simplest of tasks, but can they drive a car? That’s what the doctor tries to prove, and apparently the answer is no. The stoner drives like someone 20 beers deep, crashing into different obstacles and leaving the obstacle course in ruins.

This newest batch of propaganda ads is reverting back to the lies of the 1930s. Although it cites many sources to bolster its points, most of the sources are from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) a government funded research institute. NIDA controls the growth and distribution of all medical-grade marijuana in the United States, and they have been known to be very stingy, not allowing marijuana to be given to studies that contradict their findings. NIDA’s stated mission is to “lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction.” This mission would obviously tend to favor the negative aspects of marijuana rather than any potential benefits.

Dr. Puck and his assistant perpetuate the many myths and assumptions that surround marijuana users. Bad hygiene, slurred speech, shortened memory span, and decreased awareness of surroundings are all effects taken straight out of the NIDA pamphlet, even though there has never been solid proof that marijuana negatively affects the brain. These campaigns are often weak and ineffective, providing nothing more than TV fodder for stoned teenagers. In 2005, a survey company named Westat was hired to do a comprehensive study on the effectiveness of the “Above the Influence” campaign. The study concluded that the ads had a negative affect because “greater exposure to the ad campaign was associated with weaker anti-drug norms and increases in perception that others use marijuana.”Government funded ad campaigns take about a half a billion dollars of the tax payers’ money each year. The government is wasting its time and money to stop people from using the most popular and widely used recreational drug. Marijuana use has not declined over time. In fact, studies have shown that is the drug with the fastest growing user base.

Obviously, the government’s tactics are not working, and it is time that our legislators took a new stance on marijuana.

Source: Retriever, The (UMBC, MD Edu)
Author: Brian Tschiegg, Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday April 22, 2008 - Volume 42, Issue 26
Copyright: The Retriever Weekly
Contact: editorinchief@trw.umbc.edu
Website: http://www.retrieverweekly.com/

My video access is terrible... but I heard and saw enough to see the beauty and sweetness.

So much bitterness and anger and hatred and hardness in the world. A few drops of sweet here and there, like Iz's sweet voice singing a sweet song, sweeten the whole mess considerably.

One teenage granddaughter and I have a special love for "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". I shared the video with her. She's going to love it.

Here Hear

Proof reading school, Hhmm, where do I sign up…:-)

Well…

The creek didn’t rise (here anyway), so I guess God is willing…

To let us see and here this…

This was sent to me by a dear friend, he wanted to share this… And so do I…

This is what he wrote in the email he sent…

I know. Me, too.

But keep an eye out for weird stuff... just in case. I believe in being careful.

It's kind of like politics... sometimes the less you know, the better off you are.

It's called "Getting well"... when you thought you might never, and it sure is wonderful.

I used to practically eat those things... Prilosec, Nexium stuff actually... when I had the ulcer pain really bad... under doctor's direction... but I didn't want to tell you that. They did help amazingly... over time... a pretty long time.

Be careful with them even... I think I read somewhere in the side effects that they can make you mental somehow, sometimes as a bad reaction... just try not to let that happen.

I took so much calcium once... during the healing bone debacle... that I got a weird depression... and looked it up and heavy doses of calcium can sure do that... so as I know you will... be careful... but be glad!

All those tests can rule out pancreas and gall bladder trouble... that's even worse than ulcers... so I'm sure glad it's neither of those.

It can also show in blood tests that you have antibodies to H. Pylori in your blood.

It was like instant PMS!

I realized it though... and stopped taking it.

It sounds spooky though. :0) Bella Donna. Bella Lugosi!

It's been a medicinal herb, I think, for eons. I think it's supposed to help the gut as well as help relieve pain. Although I'm pretty sure prescription forms of it are somehow a very refined chemical form of it.

I'm just guessing.

I couldn't help but laugh when you said that, though.

Lol!

I thought, "I don't think she means it makes her practice Wicca!"

So, we found out that MJ "may" cause "psychological addiction" but not "physical addiction." Cocaine, heroin, barbituates, metaamphetamine, and LSD were all said "to cause physical dependence."

And so we made our decision as to what was "acceptable."

LoL!

I've taken Donnatal and so has my mom. I guarantee you won't even feel such a small amount.

Why don't you call your pharmacist and speak with her about your concerns?

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/donnatal.html

There may be a small amount of phenobarbital in the tablets prescribed to you, but the amount is so small you have nothing to worry about.

I understand them being surprised at you're not having nausea. Ack. I was hounded by nausea... as well as pain.

But, as we well know... people are different and they react to certain things differently because of their particular body and interior plumbing.

I've known people who took the antibiotics and all that they use for ulcers and it was easy for them to take and they were cured and as good as new at the end of the antibiotic regimen... and without ever getting scoped.

I'm praying it will be easy for you and will cure you.

By the way, I'm one of those people who is nauseated easily. Some movies send me running for the door or a bathroom even if I'm not being hurt by an active ulcer. It's a freak show if an ulcer is involved.

Remember the pie eating contest in Stand By Me?

Aaaaarggh!!!

Bgreens suggestion is a great one that should be thought about by everyone, even if FoM doesn't need it right now.

FoM, my opinion; You did the right thing going to a medical facility to get diagnosed. However, I would be looking elsewhere for treatment. Find a healer, if possible. They are rare, stifled by the establishment, discredited and usually don't work out of an office. If you pray about it however, I have little doubt one will come your way. I'm not talking about so-called 'faith -healers' though some of them may be for real, in fact the chances of one of them being for real is much greater than the chance of finding a healer in the vipers nest of the AMA, no I'm talking about just plain healers. They help you access your own healing power in wholesome -drugless- (not necessarily herbless)ways.

Some possible practitioners may practice techniques like Reike, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Accupuncture and accupressure. All three of these forms and many offshoots are techniques to focus the body and mind on healing energy.

I acknowlege that sometimes doctors have their uses, but those times are usually involving surgery -which they like to do for the littlest of things- it's a profitable action- and should only be considcered once all other options like healing have been exhausted.

Here's the distinct difference between a healer and a charlatan (regardless of 'skill or training'): A healers priority concern is their patients physical, emotional, and mental health, not the health of their wallet. You show me a doctor that treats without payment, I show you a healer. That concept also applies to one who accepts trade in labor or goods as payment.

"No credit, no treatment" - the new 'Hippocratic Oath'

I was anxiously waiting for you to post and fill us in.

Things could be a lot worse, but still…Try to be careful.

The last few years I’ve slowly cut back on refined sugars, and flour. Avoiding hydrogenated oils, processed foods, and soda pop. I still end up with some junk food though, It’s hard to completely eliminate it, if I can avoid it, I will.

As a result of doing that, when I do end up eating the processed junk food, the taste is not what it used to be, one example is bread. I’ve been eating Whole Wheat grain. Now when I eat junk bread it tastes awful. Same with pasta too. The local grocery store has been stocking it and we’ve been using it. Bride experimented and found a good way to prepare it, tastes better than the junk pasta. I had a soda about a month ago; I couldn’t even finish it because it tasted terrible. That was Coca-Cola, I loved it for years, and that and 7 up were the only ones I would drink, now for some reason I can’t stand to swallow them. When I do eat hot dogs I get this feeling of something inside of me that shouldn’t be there, like hot dogs. :).

Another side effect that I got was… I dropped about 20 lbs… Don’t know for sure because I rarely get on a scale to see. All my clothes are fitting rather loose and baggy; my belt is on the smallest hole and still fits a little loose. Many people comment to me that I have lost weight and ask if I’m on a diet, or what kind am I on. I tell them no diet, I just cut back on the poison processed foods and this weight loss is a spin off.

Now I’m not completely junk food free, but have cut a lot of it out…feeling better too. Now if I could only get rid of that stress baggage…

I don’t want to preach here, this is just something that I’ve experienced, and I thought I would share the info.

And I’m glad you are feeling better…

I know what you mean about stress and pain. I'm so stressed out by this one particular woman who is on all of the daily newscasts telling a different story each time her mouth opens up. We've just gone through eight years of an administration who does the exact same thing, so my head just about explodes every time I see or hear this lying wife of another lying cheat.

Have a great pain-free day!

Rev I'm in on your suggestion ( #32 )drop me an e-mail. dlbrazell@hotmail.com

Me, too! I want my tax money back.

It seems that the ramped-up 'War on Drugs' under Reagan in the 1980s was a crisis management technique to foster the neo-con version of capitalism, 'disaster capitalism' as Naomi Klein calls it (The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism). 'Drug users' became the enemy within, used to provoke a crisis, which could then be used to perform radical Friedman-inspired economic and social changes without waiting for the slow democratic process.

Earlier in the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher had learned this lesson after the Falklands War with Argentina when her unpopularity was evaporated by a resurgence of patriotism and pride caused by the perception of her as a strong leader in winning the war. Thatcher had become friends with Pinochet, Chile’s ruthless dictator. Riding a wave of new-found popularity, Thatcher implemented radical Friedman-inspired economic changes, neo-con free-market solutions, using the Falklands War as her crisis. (for more details, read The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism)

In the 1970s, military dictators in 'The Southern Cone' nations of South America had used violent repression, including torture and ’disappearances,’ of socialist performers, clergy, union leaders and teachers (who represented the majority social views of the general public) to create a crisis. This crisis had allowed the ruling governments of Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina in the 1970s to implement unpopular neo-liberal (the South American term for neo-conservative) free-market economic reforms, championed by the Chicago Boys, students of Milton Friedman. Even after the resulting human rights violations had been brought to light, the economic changes they supported lingered on. (for more details, read The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism)

With the 'fall of communism,' Reagan needed a new scapegoat, and my friends, you are it.

Notice how soon after 9/11 attacks, the US Federal Government tried to link the 'Drug War' with the War on Terrorism, saying that 'drug users' were supporting terrorism. This deceit allowed the US Federal Government to morph the enemy from 'drug users' to terrorists. In retrospect this federal action allows the 'crisis' to continue, even as it becomes increasingly obvious that public belief in the evilness of 'drug users' is sinking as fast as George W. Bush's approval rating.

So, the sudden increase in pro-cannabis activism and state and federal legislation translates into a behind the scenes moving of the target from 'drug user' to terrorist. The increasingly strident and fantastic exaggerations of the OiNkDCP demonstrate an agency in its death throws, throwing in the towel in obvious defeat by We The People.

So, from communists/socialists to 'drug users' to terrorists, the name of the 'enemy of the state' changes, but the attack on human rights continues and the dismantling of government oversight continues with increasingly global 'free trade' and 'free markets' controlled by multinational corporations.

It's even worse... immoral...unethical... cruel, to purposely inflict pain on another being.

Considering Nixon and all the facts we know about a lot of stuff... it's a wonder they didn't try to get stereotypically looking Jewish and people of color to play their "Stoners". Ah... but the propagandists and bigots have learned to watch their bigoted steps a bit since the really old days.

Stoners in the Mist was produced by hateful, bigoted, bastards of the worst degree.

And we had to pay for it!

I'm offended, very offended.

Our young people should be offended, too.

I'm offended for them.

Even with insurance... I have to be pretty sure I might actually be at death's door before I will submit to it.

A simple blood test would show if you had the H. pylori type ulcers. Bugs eating holes in your stomach. Then there'd be antibiotics... which was hell for me.

If it's the other kind... GERD... it means medicine like Prilosec, diet, watching certain medicines, elevating your bed at the head and seeking peace and calmness...pretty much forever.

Of course they want to look inside you... but they can tell a lot and do something from just symptoms.

{Big Hugs}

I know you're a proud woman, but I ask you to seriously consider what I'm going to suggest. Many times God sends help through the people who care about us, but many times we refuse the help sent by God because of our pride and not wanting to impose on our friends and family.

Your health is more important to me than money. I'm proposing a simple solution to your problems that I'm positive will be met with enthusiasm by the rest of my CNews family.

A little bit of money from each of us will equal a lot in letting you see the doctor and get your good health back.

Go to the doctor and let us worry about paying for it.

There's no difference in what I'm proposing for you and what we did to help Runruff and Mrs. Runruff. I got more satisfaction from helping them than I ever could have received from anything else I could have bought with that money.

Mrs. Green and I love you and Stick. Please let us help.

Bob Dylan - Forever Young

Really soothes the spirit/soul…If you let it…

************

Ghost Dance

Pink Houses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q17h75pMQ4

Nauseating vibe…dissipating….:).

Hillary’s win speech…

rchandler vs. rchandar

#17…

I’m with you all the way on that one…every word …100%

Thank You…

The more society stands back from this and just accept things as “the way it is – nothing can be done about it” the worse it will get with the ‘controlling of the masses thing’ the elites and rulers have going for themselves.

Can Hillary dance? Can she sing in the choir?

Do they "Rock?"

...in the minds of many GOP supporters--and thinkers--they have an easy victory over the Dems. They've gotten used to their power, which clearly few of them really deserve.

Listen. There are so many qualified minority and liberals who are sitting on the bench because of these overglorified civil servants--who take every opportunity to act like they're God's gift--think they deserve to rule indefinitely, without question.

Listen. Money won't do it all. We've got to CHALLENGE their rule, shock them, scare them, intimidate them with the FORCE of our POWER as CITIZENS and THINKERS.

And we haven't done that very well. For seven years, I've seen us on the defensive, constantly. They give us orders, THAT's what's happened, year after year.

If THEY win, that means that these people will start to take their rule for granted. Lawyers, fraternity alumni, business execs, evangelical SUV drivers--have been in power for too long and have totally mismanaged everything. They hold an unchallenged control over America's morality and view of the world. Face it: they aren't really qualified; we have more able people who can direct this country far better.

Folks, it is TIME for THEM to GO--out of power!

All it accomplishes is to further the incorrect stereotypes and stigmas on Cannabis and Cannabis users... And in this day and age, not only should us Cannabis users be offended by it, but the rest of the country should be as well, that our government is putting this kind of thing on TV, and wasting money on that... This is a modern time, when we should be moving away from stereotypes, and misinformation propaganda campaigns... -_-

And we drive well! Don't forget that!

Seriously, folks, it's tripe. I haven't seen the commercials yet, but they convey nothing. Most stoners that I know like to listen to music--they like music, especially when it has a MESSAGE other than "buy more products! Be exactly like the people on TV! Have faith in our leaders who are doing even stupider things like ruining the planet and cheating us!"

Hmm. Skateboarding, surfing, hiking, walking, camping--WTF are these guys' problems?

Oh, and "maturity." I see. The mark of a human's "maturity" is that they support the War on Drugs? This is your "litmus test" of whether we're men and women?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCarthyism

The guy is black and the girl is white. The irony! It's almost like the feds are saying "here is the old target of persecution in schools. here he is, showing us who the NEW target of Jim Crow is: any teenager that doesn't look quite right!

I also see it another subtle jab at the culture wars of the 60s. It's saying "OK, you baby boomers that forced the blacks into our schools. Here they are, and now we're going to arrest you and your kids for your weed. Gotcha!"

If Obama gets to run we're about to enter a 6 month period of pure McCarthyism, I wonder if anyone else will stand up and denounce the American propaganda machine.

The way Hillary's been going, you'd think she's auditioning to be McCain's VP. It'd be a perfect fit. You can see now that the same people that back McCain are backing Clinton. Same money, same voters, same smear campaign. Thanks, Clintons!

They are great!!!!

Insanity - Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again Expecting a Different Result.

Any Questions???

************

The tune in comment #3…Cool.

Steve Martin on the Banjo…

Those losers should be getting arrested for their evil and subversive activity.

Look at the lack of motivation! In a free society such as ours, that shit won't fly - what are we, communists?

You Ain't Goin' Nowhere

Occasionally, I like to become "unmotivated." Or, in more common terms, "relaxed." Just like the pint or six that the Prohibs have after work. I'm sure they drink, not for their health, but to simply "relax." To become momentarily "unmotivated."

So, in true fashion, Johnny has pissed away more of our unrecoverable tax dollars on his Super-Follies. This guy's got Reefer Madness on the brain!