Smokin Spice: Legal + Lethal
-KrisTina Antosik
There’s been a new trend among this generation’s recreational habits. The 60s had acid, the 70’s had pot, and the 90’s were primarily soaked in alcohol. This generation is trying to quit smoking tobacco, continue drinking, and also continue to apparently get high without getting in the way of the law.
People have managed to find a legal weed, which is scented like potpourri and is sold like incense, according to USA Today. This new phenomenon is known as “potpourri” and is technically called “K2”. It is a packet of herbs glazed with a synthetic chemical that mimics a marijuana high if smoked. K2 is also known as “Spice.” You know it’s bad when kids are turning to the spice rack to get high. 
USA Today also reported that “The Sacred Journey,” which is a medicinal herb store located in Lawrence, Kan., started selling K2 in August. The store reportedly sold it as part of a collection of incense. The owner, Natalie McAnulia, says that her sales have skyrocketed from $1,000 a day to $10,000 a day!!!
However, before people start thinking that smoking spice is a simmering slice of fun, think again. Fox News reported that on August 4, of this year, a mother of two, had died from smoking what is known as K2. The 28-year-old
Lilly Helsley, 28, of Middletown, Ind. died suddenly after she smoked K2 or Spice.
According to Fox investigations, eight emergency room visits have been made after the patients had smoked spice, and there have been two other deaths related to K2 in Indiana, alone. Since the Food and Drug Administration is not regulating this potpourri, it has been responsible for a growing number of hospital visits.
Doug Hogan, a 16-year old in Indiana, says the drug is not hard to find and is sold in tobacco stores. “It's pretty much exactly like marijuana. It can be sold to anybody at any price at any time," says Doug. The 16-year old stated K2 can also be found in head shops and is sold on the streets.
The Deseret News of Logon, Utah, explains how the legal/lethal drug originated. K2, which is also known as “Black Mamba,” and comes from the plant Damiana. Damiana. The plant is then treated with the chemical “JWH-18,” which is melted with acetone, and sprayed on the plant to dry. JWH-18 is what gets people high. There have been eight reported incidents of hospitalization treatment in Utah, alone.
“The chemical has addictive properties, can cause panic attacks and if overdosed it can collapse your respiratory system. Apparently it has killed rats in the laboratory, ” According to the Deseret News.
By attempting to follow the law, people are turning to what is innocently sold as incense, yet imitates the direct effects of marijuana, an illegal drug.
Thus by people trying to follow the law, hence avoiding what it illegal, they are experiencing dire consequences. However marijuana never had this amount of hospitalizations on record, and people are dying from using Spice. This will bring a lot of events up for debate such as the possibility that legalizing marijuana may benefit the population, rather than people turning to this legal, yet lethal drug.
Expand Your Knowledge:
New trend. Smoking potpourri
Spice & Death
http://www.deseretnews.com/user/comments/700016635/6-treated-after-smoking-spice.html
http://www.azfamily.com/home/Surprise-students-smoke-spice-prompt-911-calls-after-becoming-sick-93733229.html
Monday, December 6, 2010
Smoking Spice: Legal + Lethal
Capitalizing on the King of Pop
Michael Jackson's death equals an incredible bottom line
By Tom Corless
New Rochelle, NY --- Since the death of Michael Jackson in 2009, his family, record company, and his estate have been raking in the dough. Jackson became the highest selling musical artist of 2009 without even releasing a song, creating an unexpected wave of profits for anyone connected to the "King of Pop". Since the dust has settled and a year has passed, anyone who can has tried to profiteer on the passing of the music icon. Are these individuals trying to honor Jackson, or is this just good business? Most of the projects tend to be a Little bit of both, but there are some that really have people raising their eyebrows.
In March 2010, Sony records reached a deal with Jackson's estate worth $250 million to retain distribution rights on his music until 2017 and to release seven posthumous albums over the decade following his death. These albums would feature unfinished songs from Jackson completed by others. Jackson's family and fans have publicly stated they are unhappy with the concept, since Michael refused to release these particular tracks during his lifetime for not being of the quality he was happy with. Regardless, Sony announced that Michael, the first posthumous album, will be released on December 14, 2010 (Just in time for holiday shopping). Early reviews of the songs have been mixed, leading some to wonder how several more albums would perform if the first is only so-so.
Albums aren't the only new Michael Jackson offering this holiday season. Video game developer Ubisoft announced it would release a new dancing-and-singing game featuring Michael Jackson before 2010 is over.
The game entitled Michael Jackson: The Experience will be among the first to use Kinect and PlayStation Move, the respective motion-detecting control systems for Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Again, many people are asking if the game is in response to popular demand, or if Sony will license the music to just about anyone for anything to turn profit on their $250 million investment.
One of the stranger tie-ins with Michael Jackson was announced by Cirque du Soleil on November 3, 2010. They will launch "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour" in October 2011 in Montreal. The 90-minute, $57 million production will combine Jackson's iconic musical style and choreography with the Cirque's signature artistry, dance and aerial displays involving 65 artists. The tour was written and directed by Jamie King and centers on Jackson's "inspirational Giving Tree - the wellspring of creativity where his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature are unlocked."
The Disney theme parks even entered the mix earlier this year, resurrecting the extinct 3-D attraction called Captain EO. The show originally debuted back in 1986, starring Michael Jackson and combining the creative forces of Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Walt Disney Imagineering. As soon as Jackson died, fans asked Disney to bring the show back to the parks around the world. After months of rumors, Disneyland debuted the show in February 2010. After a successful opening, the attraction returned to Disneyland Resort Paris, Walt Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland during the summer. In this case, it seemed like the public wanted this return, however, Disney has also seen huge profits from Captain EO merchandise sales.
While the public may never know what the true intentions of these projects are, it is safe to assume it is a little bit tribute and a little bit business. Is this flood of Michael Jackson an overdose that will destroy a legacy? Only time will tell, but results and reviews are mixed thus far.
Expand Your Knowledge
-The Unofficial Captain EO Fan Site
-The Official Michael Jackson Website
Christmas getting Kicked Out
By: Krista M. Knoblauch
New Rochelle, NY
In the midst of trimming the tree and hanging the lights watch out for all of the attacks on the word “Christmas” during the holiday season.
In recent weeks there have been plethora of public domain that has been changed not to include the word “Christmas,” some of them include a billboard, holiday sign, and renaming the Christmas Tree.
On the New Jersey side of the Lincoln Tunnel there is a billboard that states “You KNOW it’s a Myth.” This was put up by the American Atheists.
Without reading the billboard it looks as if it is a Christmas advertisement depicting the three wise men walking toward a manger. That is until you read it. This advertisement is an attack on Christian people and the things they believe and celebrate to be true.
Responding to the news coverage of this topic David Silverman, the president of the American Atheist wrote in a blog post the three reasons he has for why the advertisement is good and should stay up.
“1) To address those atheists who “go along to get along”, and to encourage them to come out of their closets
2) To attack the myth that Christianity owns the solstice season
3) To raise the awareness of the organization and the movement.”
Gretchen Carlson of FOX News stated on Fox and Friends the mornings show, “What
about religious tolerance? Shouldn’t that be true for all people?”
The two issues at hand are that Christians is being attacked or is freedom of speech being attacked when groups can’t put up whatever they choose.
In response to the negative billboard the Catholic League responded by putting up a billboard that affirmed, “You know it’s real. This Season, Celebrate Jesus.”
Both of the advertisements were successful. The blog post on the Atheist website received over a hundred comments. This was not the only debate between people whom have different beliefs that has arisen this season.
In Philadelphia, PA there is a “Christmas Village” every year in the city. People are welcomed in by a huge sign. This year the lit up sign no longer read “Christmas Village,” rather is said “Holiday Village.” It was taken down because of complaints that it was religiously insensitive.
"If we are to be a truly diverse and inclusive community, we must certainly be respectful of all the various celebrations that occur during this time of year," the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said in a statement. "Christmas deserves its rightful place among those."
After national news coverage and three days of protesting the sign was restored to its original form. Mayor Nutter responded to the recent controversy, “"In a big, bustling city like Philadelphia, we all experience moments of joy and discord," he said "Big cities can get hectic, and the last couple days have proven that."
He also emphasized the fact that the city was built on religious freedom and those rights should be respected by all. "Almost a century before those momentous events, it was in Philadelphia where William Penn established a colony dedicated to a revolutionary principle - that each person must have freedom of conscience, the right to his or her own religious views, and that civil government must not abridge that right in any way," he said.
Although the season and decorations are not meant to offend other religious groups, many view it as a slap in the face that it is a season for the Christians alone. One person whom is not offended by decorations or the holiday cheer is Ben Stein. Ben is a famous actor and a member of the Jewish faith. He said in an interview about the controversy in 2005, “I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu.
If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.
I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.”
Since the time of this interview he has appeared on several television and radio programs expressing his views.
The argument remains, is it a Christmas Tree or Holiday tree, is it a Christmas Village or Holiday Village? While there is no clear explanation or answer freedom of speech and religion allows for both, and both should be respected equally.
Further your knowledge:
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philyest Blog
And the Nomination May Go To... A 2011 Academy Award Preview
By Michael O’Connor
New Rochelle, NY – The year is coming to an end and for movie buffs that means Oscars. Historically, most movies that will be nominated for Academy Awards are just being released or haven’t even been released yet. While the nominations will not be announced until January 25, there are plenty of films that have the almighty thing in Hollywood called “buzz,” and seemingly have a great chance of garnerning nominations. Here is a rundown of the six major categories:
Best Actor
As of right now, the front-runner appears to be Colin Firth, who is receiving amazing reviews for his role as King George VI in The King’s Speech.
Close on his heels in terms of buzz is James Franco, for his role in 127 Hours, a true story about a man who is forced to cut off his own arm after being pinned underneath a boulder.
Other possibilities are Jeff Bridges for True Grit, Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network, and Ryan Gosling for Blue Valentine.
Best Actress
As of this moment, the biggest buzz belongs to Natalie Portman. Her performance a mentally unstable ballet dancer in Black Swan is garnering her the best reviews of her career and helped the film achieve extraordinary box office in only a few theaters this past weekend.
The Kids Are All Right, which was released in July, has gained awards attention for not one but two of its female leads. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play a domestic lesbian couple in the critically acclaimed film. Bening is seen as the more sure-fire nomination, but Moore could acquire the film a rare double Best Actress nomination.
Other likely or possible nominations are Michelle Williams for Blue Valentine, Halle Berry for Frankie and Alice, and Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole.
Best Supporting Actor
The largely male cast of The Social Network helped the film achieve some of the best reviews of the year. But the question is: who, or how many, of the supporting actors can and will receive nominations?
Andrew Garfield as Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin was favored by some critics, while others think scene-stealer Justin Timberlake as Napster founder Sean Parker could just as easily score a nomination. And don’t count out Armie Hammer, who played the role of twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
Some non-Social Network possibilities are Geoffrey Rush for The King’s Speech, Christian Bale for The Fighter and Mark Ruffalo for The Kids Are All Right.
Best Supporting Actress
The front-runner appears to be Helena Bonham Carter for her role as Queen Elizabeth in The King’s Speech. It appears that toning down her crazy roles paid off for Bonham Carter. However, it shouldn’t hurt that she had some of her more typical roles in critical and commercial successes Alice in Wonderland as the Red Queen and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One as Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange.
Other contenders include Melissa Leo for The Fighter, newcomer Hailee Steinfield for True Grit, and Marion Cotillard for Inception.
Best Director
The front-runner is Academy favorite David Fincher for The Social Network. Other possibilities are the directors of previously mentioned films like Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan, Tom Hooper for The King’s Speech, and Christopher Nolan for Inception.
And now, to the ultimate Academy Award,
Best Picture
Often times, the best director and best picture nominees coincide. So expect to see The Social Network, Inception and The King’s Speech nominated. It seems that for now The Social Network is the front-runner, but especially for Best Picture things can change in the months ahead.
In addition, this is only the second year where the Best Picture category has 10 nominees, not five. This was done to allow for more room for commercially successful yet critically well-regarded crowd-pleasers. Last year, it allowed for Avatar, Up, and The Blind Side to all be nominated.
Toy Story 3, which got some of the best reviews of the summer and became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, is expected to follow in Up’s footsteps as the animated film in the best picture category.
Other films that have a high chance of being nominated are The Kids Are All Right, 127 Hours, Black Swan, and True Grit.
Expand your knowledge:
http://insidemovies.ew.com/2010/11/17/oscar-watch-best-picture-predictions/?ew%5FpackageID=20311937
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Wii vs. Playstation Move vs. Xbox Kinect: Let the motion gaming battle begin
FDA Looks to Scare Smokers Through Graphic Labels
By Travis Chan
New Rochelle, NY--Will images of a mother blowing smoke into her baby’s face urge smokers to quit? Will the picture of a man smoking through a hole in his throat discourage teens from this activity? The FDA is asking these questions as they consider a new campaign to deter smoking.
The FDA is now examining (From now through Jan. 9) 36 images to place on the cigarette packages. By June 22, 2011, it will select nine warning labels to appear on the packages and by Oct. 22, 2012, all cigarette packages will have the new labels. The labels will cover half the surface of packs or cartons, as well as a fifth of any cigarette advertisement.
Click for full story
The U.S. is not the only country to include these graphic labels. In 2000, Canada introduced similar warning labels. Since then, the country’s smoking rates have dropped from 26 percent to 20 percent. It’s unclear whether the labels played a role in the decline because the country implemented other tobacco control campaigns.
In Europe, it is mandatory that cigarette packages contain one of 14 warnings. The United Kingdom and Belgium are the only countries not to implement the warning labels.
The number of Americans who smoke has declined since 1970, from roughly 40 percent to 20 percent, however, the rate has stalled since 2004. It is still not clear as to why declines in smoking have become stagnant. Some experts point to tobacco discounts and a lack of funding for programs to help smokers quit. About 46 million adults smoke cigarettes in the U.S.
There is still debate about whether these new warnings will work. This campaign, created by the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, seeks to reduce tobacco use, which causes 443,000 deaths a year, according to KGW.com. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg says that, "Some very explicit, almost gruesome pictures may be necessary. This is a very, very serious public health issue, with very, very serious medical consequences."
Some say that the labels will work.
Patrick Reynolds, executive director of the Foundation for a Smokefree America says, "This is going to stop kids from starting to smoke ... and it's going to give smokers a strong incentive to quit smoking."
Stanton Glantz, a tobacco researcher at the University of California at San Francisco, thinks that they will be “tremendously effective.”
Others, however, think that the labels will not affect the smoking epidemic. Zak Hoffman, who is now 27-years-old, began smoking when he was 14. "I don't think they're going to be a deterrent at all for people who already smoke,” he says. “Most people start smoking when they're young, and I don't think they're going to think about the effects."
Twenty-year-old Gina Gatano adds that, “more tax increases would have more of an effect than scare tactics.”
Cancer. Damaged lungs. Rotten teeth. That’s what American smokers may be staring at the next time they buy a pack of cigarettes. Can Americans be scared smokeless? Or will it take another hit to our pocketbooks for them to snuff out their cigarettes? A year from now, we may have an answer.
Expand Ur Knowledge
CNN: The FDA unveils new cigarette labels
Feds Propose Graphic Cigarette Warning Labels
Sources:
Proposed New Cigarette Labels Aim to Shock, But Will They Work?
Feds propose graphic cigarette warning labels
The European Union's Cigarette Warnings
Friday, December 3, 2010
Island of miracles: Three teens rescued after 50 days adrift at sea
Edward Nasau, Samuel Pelesa and Filo Filo were lost at sea for 50 days before being rescused by a tuna boat
Island of Miracles: Three teens rescued after 50 days adrift at sea
by Lauren Urban
Atafu, an island serene enough to serve as a computers screensaver, is now a place of miracles, as three of its native youths were rescued by a fishing boat after spending 50 days adrift in the South Pacific.
The boys - Samuel Pelesa and Filo Filo, both 15, and Edward Nasau, 14- went missing in early October after attempting to row between two islands in the New Zealand territory of Tokelau. They were trying to find a girl on a neighboring island, Fakaofo, about 100 miles away. The girl had captivated the boys after visiting their island for a sports tournament, according to newser.com.
Click for full story.
After drinking alcohol, the teens’ liquid courage led them to steal a small aluminum boat, stocked with some coconuts, beer and a fuel tank, and set sail into the dark sea shortly after midnight on October 5, according to monstersandcritics.com.
After their craft ran out of fuel, the adventurous teens helplessly drifted 800 miles to an uninhabited section of the Pacific northeast of Fiji before being spotted by the tuna boat San Nikuna headed back to New Zealand on November 24, according to Yahoo News.
According to Foxnews.com, the boys survived on rainwater, coconuts, raw fish and a seagull that landed on their 12-foot-long boat. They were rescued just in time. It hadn’t rained for several days, and the boys began to drink sea water.
After the rescue, one of the teens reached his grandmother by phone from the fishing boat. She began spreading the news. The Atafu villagers, who had held eulogy serviced for the boys two weeks earlier, were overcome with joy.
It's a miracle, it's a miracle," said Tanu Filo, the father of Filo Filo. "The whole village, they were so excited and cried and they sang songs and were hugging each other in the road. Everybody was yelling and shouting the good news," he told Radio New Zealand International, according to Foxnews.com.
Tai Fredricsen, first mate of the tuna boat that rescued the teens, said a crew member spotted the small boat bobbing in the open sea in an area that was far off from any normal commercial shipping routes. “We knew it was a little weird,” Fredricsen told Foxnews.com.
As the tuna boat approached the vessel, they saw the three young boys waving frantically. After their rescue, all the boys could respond was “Thank you very much for stopping,” Fredricsen told New Zealand’s National Radio.
At the time of their rescue, the teens appeared undernourished, severely dehydrated and badly sunburned. Fredricsen said, “They looked very bad - bones protruding from underneath the skin, but mentally strong, strong as an ox," according to CNN.com
A Fiji navy patrol boat escorted the tuna boat into the harbor of Suva, Fiji’s capital. New Zealand consular officials took the boys directly to a hospital for medical examinations, according to Foxnews.com.
Commander Francis Kean, Fiji's naval commander, said the boys had been unable to keep down solid food and that they would be fed fluids and carefully observed by doctors at a military hospital. Kean said the teens would not be accessible to members of the media until they were healthier and in a more stable condition, according to Foxnews.com.
Expand your knowledge:
Fox Report
