Tammy Bruce: Drugs Archives

Drugs Archives

Merck's 'Singulair' May Cause Suicide

Well, death will certainly cure your asthma. That happens, you know, when you stop breathing entirely. Amazing, isn't it, how the FDA is always too late closing the barn door, not only after the horse gets out, but kills itself? Yeah, let's put people like this in charge of even more of our health care!

FDA: Merck drug may have suicide link

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration says it's investigating a possible link between the allergy drug Singulair and suicide.

FDA said it is reviewing reports of mood changes, suicidal behavior and suicide in patients who have taken the drug. Singulair was drug maker Merck's best-selling product last year.

In the past year Merck has updated the drug's labeling four times to include information on tremors, anxiousness, depression and suicidal behavior reported in some patients.

Singulair had sales of more than $4 billion last year.

Posted by Tammy · March 27, 2008 01:08 PM · Permalink · Comments (2)
Drugs | Fed Incompetence | Incompetence

Chinese-Made Heparin Contaminent Identified

Maybe everything from China is cheaper because they use deadly counterfeit ingredients. As some are now suggesting on the internet, let's have the Chinese make our nuclear weapons, too, if it's such a great bargain and China is such a great friend.

FDA identifies contaminant in blood thinner
The substance wouldn't have occurred naturally in the heparin from China, the agency says, suggesting a counterfeit drug could be involved. The import may have led to the deaths of up to 19 in the U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration said today it has identified a mystery ingredient that contaminated a type of blood thinner imported from China that could have led to as many as 19 U.S. deaths and hundreds of severe allergic reactions among frail patients.

FDA Deputy Commissioner Janet Woodcock said the contaminant would not have occurred naturally in the many steps involved in processing the blood thinner heparin. That raised the possibility that a counterfeit drug could ultimately be blamed in the case.

"At this moment, we don't know whether it was introduced intentionally or by accident," she said. Officials stopped short of saying they suspected the heparin to be counterfeit, but they clearly indicated they were investigating that possibility.

Gee, like when the Chinese laced toothpaste and cough syrup with antifreeze? And the time they sent melamine for use as a pet food ingredient? Like those other possibilities of counterfeit ingredients?

Vote Tomorrow Because Joe Probably Will

Here is the best I can do when it comes to trying to scare some of you into a) voting and b) voting for Romney. My guess? Odds are quite high "Joe" is not a Romniac and will very probably vote. I'm just sayin. Oh, a lot of the language is not suitable for children. Of course.

UPDATE:

Because some of you are Smart Asses, let me rephrase: "If you have a primary or caucus tomorrow, please vote. And I will add, whenever your primary or caucus is vote and make that vote for Romney. :)"

Drug-Addict, Wife Beater Ike Turner Dies

Good riddance. Via the controversial New York Post headline, if a freak like Turner is going to 'beat' a woman to death, let it be like this.

'No comment' says Tina Turner as Ike dies

Ike Turner, the legendary American musician who was perhaps better known for his abusive relationship with his former wife, Tina Turner, than for his contribution to the history of rock’n’roll, died at his home in San Diego last night at the age of 76. It was not immediately known what caused his death.

Tina Turner declined to comment on her former husband’s death. “Tina is aware that Ike passed away earlier today. She has not had any contact with him in 35 years. No further comment will be made,” said her spokeswoman, Michele Schweitzer...

It was Turner’s relationship with a mixed-race Tennessee girl called Anna Mae Bullock, that came to define his public image — much to his later despair and frustration. [His despair?!] [...]

The relationship with Tina was doomed, with Turner allegedly cheating on his wife and becoming addicted to cocaine. The drug addiction culminated in his allegedly beating his wife before a concert in Dallas in 1976. Tina Turner later described how she fled with only 36 cents and a petrol station credit card and spent months in hiding...

His career recovered slightly in his twilight years but many found his denials of abuse towards his wife unconvincing. In his 2001 autobiography, Taking Back My Name, Turner wrote: “Sure, I've slapped Tina. There have been times when I punched her to the ground without thinking. But I never beat her.”

As I said, good effing riddance.

19,500 More Votes for Democrat Candidates

And more heartache for families in crime ridden urban communities as these people pour back into the population. Mark my words: expect the Dems to now turn up their rhetoric that felons should retain their right to vote.

Vote may cut sentences for 19,500 crack inmates

Buoyed by a Supreme Court ruling, some 19,500 federal inmates and their families, most of them black, are hoping the U.S. Sentencing Commission is ready to make its recent easing of crack cocaine punishment guidelines retroactive...

Making the guidelines retroactive is opposed by the Bush administration. A senior Justice Department official warned Tuesday that retroactive guidelines could have a disastrous effect on crime-riddled communities that are not ready to receive crack offenders who could be released early from prison as a result.

The legitimate solution, of course, would be to increase sentences for powder cocaine convictions, not lessen sentences for crack dealers and users. But we certainly can't start to expect the system to make any sense, especially as we become more and more sissified.

Posted by Tammy · December 11, 2007 12:46 PM · Permalink · Comments (5)
Crime | Drugs | Fed Incompetence

Burning Man Suffers Premature Inflammation

Oops.

Some hippie, probably naked and on drugs, thought it would be fun to set the Burning Man sculpture on fire (ahead of time) probably to commemorate the lunar eclipse. This is bad for all the naked goofs out there, but not as bad as that time when Burning Man was accidentally cut up with a chain saw when he was in storage. I hate it when that happens.

MAN TO BE REBUILT AFTER FIRE

(Black Rock City - August 28, 2007) The Man at the center of Black Rock City will be rebuilt after an overnight fire which damaged the effigy at the center of the Burning Man event. Rebuilding is expected to take about two days.

An arson investigation is underway, and one arrest was made shortly after the fire was set. No charges have been announced, and the name of the suspect is being withheld. There has been no discussion of motive in the episode.

"We have the means and the will. The event continues on schedule, and the Man will burn on Saturday night," said Andie Grace, Communications Manager for Burning Man LLC.

The theme for this year's Burning Man is "Green Man" to highlight environmental issues. As their website notes:

The Art Theme for Burning Man 2007 is "The Green Man". Our theme concerns humanity's relationship to nature. Do we, as conscious beings, exist outside of nature's sway, or does its force impel us and inform the central root of who and what we are? Learn more about the greening of Burning Man in our new Environment Section and our Enviroblog.

There is no word yet on how burning up Burning Man twice will affect the ozone layer and the ever-fragile climate. The conventional wisdom is, two burnings will make things twice as hot and make twice as much smoke. The fact that no one is wearing clothes, driving to and from work, or doing anything else productive may create enough carbon offsets to make the difference, letting all the hippies off the hook.

Related Post:

What Is Burning Man?

Posted by Tammy · August 28, 2007 08:29 PM · Permalink · Comments (5)
Culture Note | Drugs | Environment

Mexican Drug Hit Squads Stationed in Laredo

No reason for a wall. None whatsoever.

Drug cartels put hit squads in Laredo

The scrawny young man at the defense table was only 17, and had only a peach-fuzz mustache in his mugshot. But authorities say he was already a seasoned assassin in the U.S. for some of Mexico's drug lords...Mexican drug lords locked in a bloody fight for control of a pipeline that runs from Mexico to Dallas and up through middle America have brazenly stationed hit squads and reconnaissance teams in Laredo.

In the past two years, rival cartels have killed at least seven people in Laredo, including a victim stalked and killed near his job site and a man gunned down in the parking lot of a popular restaurant, U.S. authorities say.

Posted by Tammy · August 27, 2007 01:20 PM · Permalink · Comments (3)
Border Security | Corruption | Crime | Drugs | Fed Incompetence

Drug Partner of Smuggler in Border Agents Case Gets Plea Deal

The latest in this miscarriage of justice involves the partner of the drug smuggler Ramos and Compean were trying to apprehend has "struck a deal" with federal prosecutors. The agreement, strangely for a case like this, has also been placed under seal. This is now beginning to sound like we're in Bolivia instead of the United States of America.

Smuggler's Partner Pleads Guilty in Border Agents Case

The owner of a "stash" house who allegedly worked with a Mexican drug smuggler shot by Border Patrol agents has struck a deal with federal prosecutors.

Cipriano Ortiz-Hernandez pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. Cybercast News Service reported last month that Ortiz-Hernandez owned the stash house where Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila of Mexico made drug shipments in October 2005.

Ortiz-Hernandez' plea agreement comes after members of Congress criticized a federal prosecutor for granting a "humanitarian" pass for Aldrete-Davila to enter and exit the United States unescorted. Aldrete Davila, already given immunity for one drug charge, reportedly smuggled more marijuana into the country to be stored at the home of Cipriano Ortiz-Hernandez. Terms of Ortiz-Hernandez' plea agreement are sealed. The sentencing hearing is set for Nov. 2.

Posted by Tammy · August 7, 2007 07:50 AM · Permalink · Comments (5)
Border Security | Corruption | Crime | Drugs

When 72 Virgins Isn't Enough

Lots of morphine will do just fine. The story is from July, but it didn't seem to make much news. So, while late, still worthy of noting.

Airport Terror Docs High On Morphine

Two doctors arrested for the terror attack on Glasgow Airport were "high as kites" on morphine.

Toxicology tests on Bilal Abdullah and Kafeel Ahmed, both 27, revealed they had been pumped full of the painkiller...The morphine link was revealed as two other doctors, arrested at the hospital after the attack, were released without charge in London.

Yesterday, hero cabbie Alex McIlveen - who tackled the pair - recalled how even a kick in the groin failed to put off the attackers. He said: "The boy who was not on fire was just lashing out and he looked as if he was on something. "He was not all there and you could see it in his eyes..."

Posted by Tammy · August 5, 2007 10:52 PM · Permalink · Comments (2)
Drugs | Terrorism

When the Healthier, Better, and Morally Superior...

Smugshot of Al Gore III

Aren't. Or...a really bad case of Smug catches up with the Gores.

For those of you who haven't heard, here's what happens to your kids when you emphasize the completely ridiculous, like Global Warming--you tend to miss the real issues facing people today, like drug abuse and personally self-destructive behavior. But then again, when you're as self-satisfied as the Gores, Smug will creep up on you.

Al Gore's son busted for drugs in hybrid car

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The 24-year-old son of former Vice President Al Gore was arrested for drug possession on Wednesday after he was stopped for speeding in his hybrid Toyota Prius, a sheriff's official said. Al Gore III -- whose father is a leading advocate of policies to fight global warming -- was driving his environmentally friendly car at about 100 miles per hour on a freeway south of Los Angeles when he was pulled over by an Orange County sheriff's deputy at about 2:15 a.m.

The deputy smelled marijuana and searched the car, said sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino. The search turned up a small amount of marijuana, along with prescription drugs including Valium, Xanax, Vicodin, Adderall and Soma. There were no prescriptions found, he said.

Here's just a little background on what can happen when Smug becomes an issue.

100 miles an hour and stoned. Yeah, I'd say Al Gore III posed just a bit more of a danger to society that night than "Climate Change." An immediate, deadly danger. What are the chances of Algore ending his shadow boxing with his fantastical Climate Super Enemy, to focus instead on real issues, like recklessness, selfishness, suicidal tendencies and the drug addiction that plague humanity?

Nah...After all, if you're going to be killed by a smug, drunk/stoned reckless driver traveling at 100 miles an hour, wouldn't you rather it be by a more socially-conscious car and driver? Sure you would!

Posted by Tammy · July 5, 2007 12:21 AM · Permalink · Comments (15)
Death of Right and Wrong | Drugs | Just Wrong | Malignant Narcissism

Paris Hilton's Get-Out-Of-Jail Illness Revealed

Are you ready? TMZ is reporting Paris Hilton got sprung from jail last week because she suffers from...Attention Deficit Disorder (HT Hot Air). Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!! Oh, and claustrophobia, too.

Sheriff Lee Baca has even more splainin' to do than we thought.

Actually, one would think that being in jail would help the distraught ADD sufferer. After all, you really don't need to pay attention when you're in a cell. Funny enough, you do when you're driving, though, and she certainly had no problem getting behind the wheel impaired.

Now, I actually have both of those, too, and last time I checked a) they haven't caused me to drive drunk and violate probation twice. And I was even in jail once when I was president of Los Angeles NOW and was arrested in San Antonio at an anti-Hooters 'restaurant' protest. I spent hours in a holding cell and didn't cry once. Actually, I called into my radio station at the time, and made a report right from the pay-phone in the lovely Texas cell. I don't think I ever called out for my mommy, either.

In other news, Paris is afraid of the local porcelain.

I have offered the following space to readers without opposable thumbs, who therefore need to express themselves about this, uh, issue, in a more visceral way.

Shirley, Los Angeles, CA

Charles, Baltimore, MD

Frank, Las Vegas, NV

Posted by Tammy · June 11, 2007 05:39 PM · Permalink · Comments (9)
Celebrity | Drugs

Senate Acts to Protect Drug Manufacturers

While the Feds continue to ignore the quality of food coming in from abroad, the senate today approved a requirement for "safety certification" of imported prescription drugs, effectively banning them.

In light of the massive pet food poisonings due to imported gluten, and last week's FDA warning to drug suppliers and manufacturers about deadly Chinese antifreeze falsely labeled as glycerin, this vote exposes what our government is more concerned about--protection of American drug companies.

I'm all for profit, but is it too much to ask that the American people get as much protective action as companies like Merck?

Senate blocks drug-import measure

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- A Senate vote on Monday likely assures that U.S. borders will remain shut to lower-priced prescription-drug imports, marking a major victory for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The Senate voted 49-40 to approve an amendment to a bill dealing with the Food and Drug Administration, which would require the secretary of the Health and Human Services Department to certify that drug imports would pose no safety risk to American consumers before allowing pharmacies to import prescription drugs from Canada and other countries. Health officials have said they can't provide that level of assurance.

Dorgan argued that his legislation offered plenty of safeguards for consumers, including language that would allow only drugs manufactured in FDA-approved facilities to be imported. The Dorgan amendment also required pharmacies and wholesalers to document the chain of custody of drugs from manufacturer to customer.

Ha. Now if we could only get that when it comes to the food we consume. What a bunch of bought-and-paid-for corporate lapdogs.

Posted by Tammy · May 7, 2007 03:50 PM · Permalink · Comments (3)
Big Government | Corruption | Drugs | Fed Incompetence | Health & Fitness

Irony of the Day: FDA Says All Anti-Depressants Give Rise to Suicide Risk

Finally, the FDA is demanding that all so-called anti-depressant medication carry a label that warns of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions when taken by those 24 years old and younger.

But they also want the label to assure those older than 24 that there's no "evidence" that you will want to kill yourself. Whew, doesn't that make you feel confident?

I have a solution: instead of taking a drug that is supposed to make you happy but instead makes you want to die, how about going to live on a dude ranch or a farm and working it out? There is one message we can take from mankind being so arrogant that it thinks it can create a pill that will make you happy but will do the opposite--it's called "failure." There are no shortcuts for certain things in life, like happiness and love. These are things that are informed by our soul and the moment you think taking a pill will give them to you is the moment you've given up on yourself.

Here's some of the coverage. Use the link as well for the list of the drugs affected, but know that it applies to all anti-depressants, so if you're on one, the warning is for you.

Change Suicide Warning On Antidepressants FDA Asks Drug Makers

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked makers of all antidepressant drugs to change the existing "black box" labels on their products to warn about increased risk of suicidality (suicidal thinking and behaviour) among young adults aged 18 to 24 in the first few weeks of treatment.

The FDA has also asked the drug companies to revise the existing warning to show there is no evidence this risk exists for adults over 24, and indeed for those aged 65 and older the scientific data suggests the suicidality risk is decreased.

Another interesting spin is the suggestion by this story that when it became evident that these drugs increased suicide, prescriptions fell, and suicide increased. In other words, when people stopped taking the meds in general, they also started to kill themselves. Those invested in the culture of drug taking note that taking the meds then is more important than not taking the drug. But what's not discussed or assessed is what the people who went off the drug did to address their depression. In our drug-laden society the option is pill or no pill, with no alternative. If people went off the drug and then did something to address their emotional state, like moving to another city, changing jobs, more exercise, and psychotherapy, depression would inevitably lessen. Do nothing, and of course, the problem would remain or get worse.

The bottom line, as it is with most things these days, is money. There is no money in someone being prescribed to go work at a dude ranch for three months, or move out of the city, or get out of the bad relationship, or stop drinking. Nope, money is to be made with prescription drugs. We had better work to reverse this trend or forget the terrorists, we'll destroy ourselves from within. Literally.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) said:

"The FDA's new labeling acknowledges, for the first time, that untreated depression puts people at risk for suicide."

They said studies showed that the old label issued in 2004 was associated with a steep drop in use of antidepressants and was followed by an increase in the rate of suicide "reversing a decade-long decline in suicide deaths in the United States".

The FDA said the emphasis on the new labels should be that depression and other serious psychiatric illnesses are themselves the most important causes of suicide.

Boy, talk about spin. So not only is the FDA allowing drugs to stay on the market that could make you want to kill yourself, they want labeling to assure you it's still generally okay to take them because if you don't you're even more likely to kill yourself.
Sheesh.

How Nancy Pelosi Is Not, Unfortunately, Ellen Ripley

Ripley and her baby

**Welcome Jules Crittenden readers. When done with this post feel free to check out the rest of Tammy Blog.**

Perhaps believing that the November election indicated that some sort of mass madness had gripped every single American, Leftists on capitol Hill today cried in shock when police arrested them after they announced they were invading Nancy Peloser's office. Why? They wanted to take it over to show their displeasure with the fact that the Democrat Party leadership is undermining the troops and this nation just a tad too slowly for their Let's-All-Fail-Hate-Ourselves-And-Be-As-Miserable-As-Humanly-Possible side of the aisle.

Pelosi and her Code-Pink babies

You see, when their Comrades in Portland burned a soldier effigy it was meant to be the Super Public Special Demonstration Order Number 9 informing Nancy that the Moonbat Dem Party base expected Congress to abandon the troops, proclaim to the world No-Confidence in our military, while giving aid and comfort to the enemy by giving them a surrender timetable, and then actually set the troops on fire, as quickly as possible, like right now.

As it is, the only thing the Dems left out of their Cut-and-Run Budget bill was the burning-them-alive part, so what's with the complaint?

Watching this desperate scenario play out between moonbat groups like Code Pink and today's Democrat leadership is very much like watching the part in Alien Resurrection when Ripley realizes that the new Alien Queen, about to give birth, is actually her own daughter/clone/monstrous creation.

Speaker Pelosi might want to watch that film just for the reminder that, when it comes to monsters from your own loins, only one of two things will happen--it will destroy you or you have to open the hatch and hope it gets sucked out into space. Or, in Nancy's case, hope it disappears into one of those Medical Marijuana stores in San Francisco.

Nancy Pelosi's very big problem, of course, is that she is not Ellen Ripley. Which simply means the next 18 months are going to require a lot more popcorn than I ever imagined.

Texas House Acts to Overide Perry's Forced HPV Drug Order

Good news from Texas in their efforts to stop Governor Perry's order to force every 11 and 12-year old girl in Texas to be injected with Merck's Gardasil.

House adopts proposal to override Perry's HPV order

AUSTIN — The Texas House approved a bill Tuesday that would keep the human papillomavirus vaccine off the list of required shots for school attendance, tentatively circumventing Gov. Rick Perry's executive order.

The bill adopted Tuesday "will not take away the option for a single girl or a single family in this state to choose to vaccinate a child," said Republican Rep. Dennis Bonnen of Angleton, the lead author of the bill. "It simply says a family must make that choice, not a state government."

Bravo. There are still some steps that need to be taken, and Perry could conceivably even veto the bill, so read the whole story. In the meantime, it's heartening to know that there are still some politicians out there who resist the attempt of Big Government (at the behest of a Republican no less!) to control your lives, even to the point of mandating the injection of a relatively untested drug into the veins of your children.

You can see my initial reaction regarding the announcement here. I think it's great that there could be a vaccine for the one virus, an STD, that we know causes cancer. But I also want it tested completely (which they have not done), and government has absolutely no business mandating this for your children. HPV is a behavior-based virus, not communicable in causal situation to the general public. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. Common sense and American values dictate you as a parent should be the sole decision-maker when it comes to what your minor children will be injected with.

I still can't believe I even had to write that last line.

Posted by Tammy · March 13, 2007 03:02 PM · Permalink · Comments (5)
Big Government | Children | Death of Right and Wrong | Drugs | Health & Fitness

Border Agent Held In Solitary Confinement

In one of the most stark examples of how disturbed our national priorities are, Border patrol agent Ignacio Ramos is being held in solitary confinement.

Agents Ramos and Compean turned themselves in last week to start serving 11 and 12 year prison sentences for shooting a feeling illegal alien drug smuggler. They have been, essentially, imprisoned for doing their job at an increasingly dangerous southern border. Ignacio's father-in-law, Joe Loya was on Tammy Radio and now he has revealed the horrible treatment Ignacio is receiving in prison,

Border Patrol agent held in solitary confinement

"They have Ignacio in a 6 foot by 12 foot cell," Loya told WND in a telephone interview from El Paso. "There are no bars, just a steel door, and no window. He has no television and nothing to do. He is fed in his cell and let out only for one hour after 23 hours in the cell. He is then taken to a room with a television where he is allowed to watch the TV for an hour before he is returned to solitary confinement."

Loya said his daughter met with her husband for an hour on Friday. "Ignacio was heavily shackled," Loya said, "and he could barely hold the telephone to speak." [...]

Ramos and Compean are in federal prison today, after they were ordered to jail by U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen Cordone. Cordone dismissed the defense argument that the two Border Patrol were no "flight risk" while they were waiting appeal. Judge Cordone also denied Ramos and Compean's request for a new trial after there were reports that three jurors said they were coerced to vote guilty.

And this as the drug smuggler who received immunity to testify against our two agents is out, living his life, and no doubt trying to figurte out how to get another 800 pounds of drugs into the country.

This Is Your Spider

This is your spider on drugs. (HT Fark).

Posted by Tammy · January 4, 2007 12:17 AM · Permalink · Comments (4)
Drugs | Humor

The Toad Less Traveled

Lady contemplates her addiction

The private life of a cocker spaniel is, well, more sordid than we could ever have imagined. This is indeed a cautionary tale for all who will listen.

The Dog Who Loved to Suck on Toads

"We noticed Lady spending an awful lot of time down by the pond in our backyard," Laura Mirsch recalls. Lady would wander the area, disoriented and withdrawn, soporific and glassy-eyed..."Then, late one night after I'd put the dogs out, Lady wouldn't come in," Laura Mirsch says. "She finally staggered over to me from the cattails. She looked up at me, leaned her head over and opened her mouth like she was going to throw up, and out plopped this disgusting toad."

It turned out the toads were toxic -- and, if licked, the fluids on their skin provided a hallucinogenic effect.

"We couldn't keep our dog's addiction a secret any longer," Laura Mirsch says. "The neighbors all knew that Lady was a drug addict, and soon the other dogs weren't allowed to play with her."

In the end, Lady seems to have found a way to manage her problem.

"She seems to have outgrown the wild toad-obsessed years of her youth," Mirsch says, "and now only sucks on weekends."

Wow. Do you think it was her horrible childhood? Low self-esteem? Being teased all the time for being a "dog"? Or perhaps, do I dare suggest it? She just liked the feeling and there was no good reason whatsoever to be a drug addict except for the fact that she was bored, had nothing else to do, it was fun, and knew someone else would take care of her? Lady could have just said no, but she didn't. Say no that is. She did--say no to no. She said no to the wrong thing is what I'm trying to say. She said "yes" to toads, "no" to, uh, no.

Yes, you see, this is the end of the toad, er, road for those who have absolutely no reason to develop any personal responsibility or independence. Lady's childhood was fine, even idyllic. She was confident and happy. Until she put a frog on her mouth. All it takes is that one time. And then you'll be reduced to being thrilled about doing it "only" on the weekends.

Isn't that the way it always happens?

And one last thing--dogs weren't getting high until George W. Bush became president. Think about that.

A Relatively Unrelated Post:

Legends of the Green Faerie

Legends of the Green Faerie

An Inquiry by Maynard

I've been curious about the beverage known as absinthe. It was the legendary tipple of pseudointellectual elites in first half of the 20th century. These Lost Generation souls would hang out at the absinthe dives of Paris or maybe New Orleans to contemplate and pontificate. They drank ritualistically, carefully filtering the bitter green liquid through sugar in a special spoon as it dripped into an icy glass. The result of imbibing was said to yield an extremely clear state of inebriation; perfect for artists and writers and the like. However, as the movements for prohibition grew, absinthe was especially vilified, and was largely banned or suppressed.

In recent years, there has been something of a revival of absinthe in Europe. With the lifting of bans, many brands have appeared, although prices are high. In the United States, absinthe resides in a grey zone: It's legal to possess but illegal to sell. As a practical matter, expensive bottles can be ordered from overseas.

There remains much mystery about what made absinthe magical. It is derived from several herbs, including wormwood; thus it included a trace of the psychoactive drug thujone. Although the actual numbers aren't known, some researchers believe there simply wasn't enough thujone in absinthe to account for its strange reputation. Possibly there was a mysterious synergy between the various herbs. Or perhaps the special effect was largely a mass illusion; a product of elaborate environments and luminary enthusiasts.

I suppose the only way to know for sure is to try the stuff. As I said, it's available but overpriced. I'd give it a try if I could buy a bottle from the American heartland. But as a matter of principle, I'm not willing to send my hard-earned money to Europe Peons for an overpriced luxury.

Alternatively, there are "absinthe kits" to be had. These involve soaking a collection of herbs in a bottle of Everclear (a high-proof vodka) and later filtering out the sludge. The results are questionable; some people claim to enjoy the stuff, but others sneer, and liken the effort to mixing grape juice with vodka and claiming you've made fine wine.

Here's an interesting article, The Return of the Green Faerie, describing one man's experience with modern absinthe. Don't take this as the final word on the subject; as with all questions of taste and subjective experience, every opinion can and will be argued endlessly.

Posted by Maynard · October 4, 2006 03:12 AM · Permalink · Comments (4)
Drugs | Food/Drink | Maynard Post

Bonds Hits 714

Barry Bonds ties Babe Ruth's 71-year-old record with 714 home runs. It's not quite really a tie, though, is it?

As CBS Sportsline notes:

Number 714 just landed amid a sea of fans out in right field, this one the most hollow and devoid piece of baseball history that you ever did witness... When Aaron passed Ruth on April 8, 1974, a couple of kids leaped out of the stands at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and triumphantly -- and innocently -- joined Aaron for part of his trip around the bases.

When Bonds passed Ruth, only the government investigators were chasing him.

And let's hope they catch him.

Posted by Tammy · May 20, 2006 09:42 PM · Permalink · Comments (14) · TrackBack (0)
Drugs | Sports

Hey Amigo, Pass the Bong!

Mexico gives up, decides to get high. San Diego mayor gets mad. President Bush says nothing. Now all those good-people-just-looking-for-a-job will also be looking for their next high. And where, oh where, will they pack that bong on their very dangerous trek across the desert?

Or, as Vicente Fox sees it, peasants are so much more easily handled when they're A) America's problem or B) high as a kite.

Ay, carumba!

UPDATE 5/4:

Whaddya know, Fox has reversed himself and has not signed the bill. Instead, after pressure from the U.S., he has sent it back to the Mexican Congress. The change he wants? Change the word "consumer" meaning anyone with drugs wouldn't be prosecuted to "addict" meaning only those who really need to get off drugs will be allowed to stay on them. The Mexican Spanish Elite mentality at work. Aren't you impressed?

Posted by Tammy · May 3, 2006 09:55 AM · Permalink · Comments (5) · TrackBack (0)
Border Security | Drugs | Immigration

Potheads still trying to be relevant

Well, if they get around to it, after just one more hit.

The Marijuana Policy Project sent out this press release with the incredible news that potheads are "less depressed" and in "better moods" than their non-pothead counterparts.

Yeah, I have a feeling that's because they're stoned and just a tad out of touch with reality. Being on drugs will do that to you. So will being drunk.

Fascinatingly, it didn't seem to occur to the people conducting this "survey" that it's not wise to take seriously the statements of people who are on drugs. Sounds like something someone would do who was on drugs. Oops.

Hmmm, this is like if there was an LSD "policy project" out there sending out a release exclaiming, "LSD makes it possible to fly!" But they don't mention what happens when you jump off your balcony. That would ruin the importance of the "feeling" of it all.

In the meantime, a scene from the so-much-happier contingent:

Wait, where's the bong? Hey man, don't I know you? Who has the Cheetos? What war? Whoa! We're at war? Hey, those are my pretzels! Can I crash here? Forgot to pay my rent. Who's got the papers for my "medicine?" Har har har! Dude, can I borrow some money? I keep forgetting to try to get a job. Yeah, dude, isn't it nice to not have a care in the world? We're so much happier than all those working stiffs. What was your name again?

Reality Bites.

Posted by Tammy · November 17, 2005 11:54 PM · Permalink · Comments (11)
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