House of Reps pushing for Legal Pot

Jul 31, 2008 by Dan Taylor    17 Comments    Posted under: News

US House of Representatives Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts has recently submitted a bill that could seriously reduce the severity of personal marijuana use.

House Resolution 5843 titled the “Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008” would set out to stop the federal persecution of responsible marijuana smokers in the US.  Frank’s bill proposes that any American carrying less than 100 grams would not be charged with a crime.

Frank’s reasoning comes from the fact that current US marijuana laws place undue burdens on already over taxed law enforcement resources, punish American doctors that prescribe marijuana for medical use, and unfairly target and affect African Americans.

“The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government’s business,” Frank said on Capitol Hill. “I don’t think it is the government’s business to tell you how to spend your leisure time.”

Frank and his supporters did however make the message loud and clear that he is not proposing abuse of marijuana, but only the use would be decriminalized.  Abuse would still be on the books.

According to DEA figures, people that are charged with marijuana possession are rarely incarcerated, but rather normally receive a fine.  The White House Office of National Drug Control and the DEA have long opposed the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes or other.  Currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, marijuana technically shares the category with Heroin,  MDMA (Ecstasy), Psilocybin (Magic) mushrooms, and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

“Smoked marijuana has not withstood the rigors of science — it is not medicine and it is not safe,” the DEA states on its Web site. “Legalization of marijuana, no matter how it begins, will come at the expense of our children and public safety. It will create dependency and treatment issues, and open the door to use of other drugs, impaired health, delinquent behavior, and drugged drivers.”

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) spokeman Allen St. Pierre compared Frank’s proposal to the current laws pertaining to alcohol consumption.  “Alcohol use is permitted, and the government focuses its law enforcement efforts on those who abuse alcohol or drive under its influence,” St. Pierre said, “We do not arrest and jail responsible alcohol drinkers.”

St. Pierre also added, “There have been 20 million marijuana-related arrests since 1965, he said, and 11 million since 1990, and every 38 seconds, a marijuana smoker is arrested.”

Rob Kampia, the director of the Marijuana Policy Project quoted numbers that place all marijuana related arrests outnumber arrests for “all violent crimes combined.”  The numbers don’t lie.  What this means is that law enforcement officials are spending a highly disproportionate amount of time chasing nonviolent criminals.

“Ending arrests is the key to marijuana policy reform,” he said.

The Rep. from Mass is finding support from fellow democrats on this bill.  William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri and Barbara Lee, D-California add that in addition to targeting nonviolent offenders, US marijuana laws unfairly target African Americans.

Clay commented that he does not condone marijuana use, but is also opposed millions of American tax payer dollars being spent on what he feels is an “arcane holdover from a phony war on drugs that is filling up our prisons, especially with people of color.”

Clay continued, “too many drug enforcement resources are being dedicated to incarcerating nonviolent drugs users, and not enough is being done to stop the trafficking of narcotics into the United States.”
Bill Piper of the Drug Policy Alliance Network states, “Being arrested is not the American marijuana smoker’s only concern.  Those found guilty of marijuana use can lose their jobs, financial aid for college, their food stamp and welfare benefits, or their low-cost housing.”

“The US stance on marijuana is one of the most destructive justice policies in America today.”

12 of 50 US States have in one way or another legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes.  Barbara Lee, D-California says that the current state of affairs is “inhumane” and “immoral”.  Lee says that she has a number of constituents that are regularly harassed or arrested for using or cultivating marijuana for medical purposes.  The catch 22 comes into play when the federal government becomes involved.  In California it is legal to use and cultivate medical marijuana, when it is illegal to use and cultivate medical marijuana in the United States, as the federal government gives no medical value to the substance.

Not to leave the Republicans out in the cold, Frank did use his time at the podium to take a shot at the other side of the isle.  “I find it strange that those who support limited government want to criminalize marijuana.”

When questioned whether the resolution’s passage would change his personal behavior, Frank responded, “I do obey every law I vote for” but quickly said he did not use marijuana, nor does he encourage it.

“I smoke cigars. I don’t think other people should do that. If young people ask me, I would advise them not to do it,” he said.

Watch CNN’s coverage of Barney Frank and HR 5843.

Schapple, Bahoogle, Narcorati, and more!

Jul 29, 2008 by Dan Taylor    18 Comments    Posted under: Technology

Schmapple.  It seems as though the PC guys have run out of things to pick on the Mac guys about, and so they can only target one thing: iSmug.

Schmapple, along with a few other outstanding spoofs are made available by writer David McCandless.  McCandless has been published in both the US and the UK including some top titles as Wired, The Guardian, Tank, and The Independent.

He’s recently completed a book: ‘The Internet, now in handy book form‘, and the associated site, www.theinternetnowinhandybookform.com parodies everything from Apple (Schmapple), Amazon (Amasszone), to ebay (kakbay) and technorati (narcorati).  McCandless’s creations are more of a ‘Just go there and check it out’ type deal, rather than having me tell you about them.

However, let me simplify some of the linking structures for you.  Click on the logo to get to the site:

And don’t be afraid to dig a bit deeper into each of these sites.  Not only are the index pages a ball of laughs, but go ahead and try to order something at Schmapple, or find a soul mate on poormatch.

Enjoy!

Browsers Profiled

Jul 25, 2008 by Dan Taylor    2 Comments    Posted under: Technology

It’s been missing for a while now, but I’ve deemed this image truly worthy of a Friday Just for Fun.

While this might appear a bit obscure with a touch of ‘huh?’ factor to the average viewer, that’s kinda the point.  Those that fall into the ‘huh’ category, see the ‘Newbie’ category.  For those of you out there that are power users, this will make complete sense….and then some.

Highlights include:

• MOAR FEATURES
• I’ve never found this browser unstable – never had a problem with it.
• Holds up nose and scoffs at foolish IE and FF fanboys.
• No, seriously, guys.  WTF is it?

So without further adieu…TurntheScrew proudly presents:

Browsers Profiled, as viewed by those of us that make fun of the rest of you:

For Bartenders Only: Myspeedrail.com

Jul 21, 2008 by Dan Taylor    4 Comments    Posted under: News

In the ever-evolving world of tenders of the bar, a new face and resource has emerged: Myspeedrail.com. Angostura Limited made the announcement at Tales of the Cocktail, a culinary and cocktail festival recently held in New Orleans.

Fusework Studios and Angostura partnered to develop myspeedrail.com. The seeds of myspeedrail were sown when a number of bartending professionals offered up a collective interest in collaborating, sharing ideas, tips and tricks, and staying connected to what’s hot in the world of cocktails.

While still in an invitation only beta, the concept and initial impression of myspeedrail.com sounds and looks outstanding. While making the announcement Angostura promised plenty of dynamic web 2.0 tools aimed specifically at making good bartenders great, and great bartenders even better. Let’s just hope they don’t go overboard and start poking fellow bartenders or hurling drinks at them.

Site content will be driven and policed by fellow users, and provides a platform where fellow Bartenders can interact. The goal is to enable bartenders from all walks of life and bars they stand behind and tend, to interact, all the while developing the site organically based on the wants and needs of participants. The development team has applied a feedback loop to all content and applications which should continue to monitor and fuel what the community wants.

Again, the site is currently in closed, invite only beta. Meisters of the Mix should apply by sending an email to admin@myspeedrail.com.

Absinthe back on the shelves in the US

Jul 21, 2008 by Dan Taylor    21 Comments    Posted under: News

Absinthe and Spoon

Sweet, refreshing, and green.  Absinthe.  While banned in the US since 1915, the anise flavored high alcohol content drink is starting to make a return to liquor store shelves in the US.

In May 2007, US government officials lifted the ban on absinthe.  A year later, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved one brand for sale in the state.  Since June 2008, the Swiss variety Kübler has found a comfy home on Virginia liquor stores shelves.  A 1 litre bottle of the swiss herbal intoxicant will set you back $59.95.

Absinthe is made from alcohol and distilled herbs, with the primary ingredients consisting of wormwood and anise.  The French (and often referred to as ‘The Pure’ version) tends to appear in a pale green color, while the Swiss version often does not follow through with the final coloring process.

Unfortunately Absinthe has fallen on some hard times, and been portrayed as a ‘Devil’s Drink’ and responsible for hallucinations.  In the late 19th century, pseudo scientists painted absinthe as a highly toxic and addictive psychoactive drug.  By 1915 absinthe was banned in France, Switzerland and the US.  However, it remained legal in a number of other countries including Britain and Spain.

Absinthe began it’s phoenix story in 1988 when the European Union relaxed it’s standards on thujone, the active chemical in wormwood.  Slightly late to the party, the US relaxed their standards in 2007.  In some scientific circles, thujone is still thought to produce effects similar to marijuana or opium.  Dr. Chris Holstege called that a myth. “My concern over the thujone is minimal,” he said. “The only thing I worry about with the public is that they’re not going to understand the high content of ethanol in it.”

The traditional Absinthe preparation.

Since most absinthes contain a high amount of alcohol – 45 to 72 percent (Kübler contains 53%) water is usually added to the drink before it is server.  The traditional method involves a 3:1 water to absinthe mix, poured over a sugar cube that is placed on a special absinthe spoon.  The mix brings out the essential oils dissolved in the alcohol and causes the drink to louche.

While Absinthe is now legal in the United States, experts warn against smuggling in brands that don’t meet US standards (commonly from Eastern Europe or Mexico).   Absinthe marketed around the thujone content levels are often an indicator of an inferior product.  In other words…enjoy this wonderful drink, but know what you’re drinking, and prepare it with the respect that it deserves.

For more info, give a visit to Absinthebuyersguide.com.

Inbev eats Busch

Jul 16, 2008 by Dan Taylor    10 Comments    Posted under: News

This buds for you….Belgium.

After 156 years of brewing the iconic ‘All-American’ beer, the Busch family finally decided to call it a day and go grab a cold one.  Unfortunately, the cold ones no longer belong to them.  On Sunday, the St. Louis based Anheuser-Busch company agreed to a $7/share buyout by Belgian based Inbev.  At $7/share, the register receipt reads close to $52 Billion.

The sale brings to an end a nasty month long suit and countersuit dispute stemming from a hostile takeover bid from Inbev.  Inbev initially began the proceedings by moving to oust Anheuser-Busch’s board.  In a sudden reversal, when Inbev sweetened the deal from $5 a share to $7, August Busch IV and co. suddenly cleared their schudules to sit down at the table.

Some Anheuser-Busch employees have obvious concerns about job security and analysts say their worry has merit. White collar, middle- and upper-management positions, such as those in accounting, purchasing and human resources, could be cut to avoid duplication and trim expenses in St. Louis, which has been named the North American headquarters for the combined company.

“St. Louis will see some job losses,” said Ilhan Geckil, senior economist in the Chicago office of Anderson Economic Group. “Not brewing, blue-collar jobs. The taste of Budweiser is really important. No breweries will be closed.”

On its website, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents 8,100 of A-B’s 30,000 full-time U.S. workers says it wants “to safeguard the unique legacy of Anheuser-Busch, a proud union company and American icon, built by generations of Teamster workers.” It warns workers that “InBev‘s buyout record in Europe and Canada shows that workers and communities that depend on Anheuser-Busch would suffer from a possible erosion of working conditions and even layoffs.”

The Teamsters union also says that “to recoup the huge purchase price … InBev probably would have to cut Anheuser-Busch’s operations to the bone,” with retiree health care one likely target.

“While the process was at times difficult for all parties, in the end the right result occurred for everyone,” Anheuser-Busch President and CEO August Busch IV said in a conference call. Busch will sit on the combined company’s board in a non-executive role.

Anheuser-Busch holds nearly 49 percent share of U.S. beer sales. It also makes and recycles aluminum cans and operates theme parks. The company last year recorded $2.12 billion in profit on $16.7 billion in revenue.

And now…thoughts on the sale from our good friend Stephen Colbert:

New Walmart Logo: looks like a sphincter?

Jul 11, 2008 by Dan Taylor    17 Comments    Posted under: News

Looks like Wal-Mart Walmart kinda screwed the pooch on their new logo unveil.  Over the weekend, the Wall Street Journal beat Walmart’s PR team to releasing the news of a logo/brand redesign.  The Journal was tipped off by the Memphis and Shelby County of Development who had received documents from Walmart with the intention of opening a prototype store there. An artists rendering on those documents showed a new sign over the facade of the proposed store.

Walmart released a ‘d’oh we effed up’ press release siting in some rather vague language that simply offers up:

But what really matters is what happens out there in the stores. This update to the logo is simply a reflection of the refresh taking place inside our stores and our renewed sense of purpose to help people save money so they can live better.

Ummm.

Brent sent this intial article over from underconsideration.com, with the comment, “Read the first two comments”.  All I can say is…effing brilliant.  Walmart probably paid Lippincott a small fortune to research, test, design, redesign, retest, and finally approve this new design.  Did NO ONE in the test group or even the design staff take a good look at this logo and think “WTF?”  Ok, sphincter might be a bit of a reach, but the minute Dante mentions it, you look at that logo again and think…ya know…he’s kinda right.

So what is the message that Walmart is trying to convey here?  As underconsideration mentions, the starburst is a bit more akin to a start up and/or a telecommunications company.  I personally don’t make any correlation of any kind between Walmart and the sun, sunflowers, stars, or starbursts.

However, when someone mentions, “Oy…that’s looks like a sphincter!” my mind immediatly jumps to the conclusion, “Walmart – Screwing customers and employees in the sphincter since 1962″.  Or perhaps, “Hello welcome to Walmart.  I’m taking it up the @$$ from these f#(&ers ’cause there ain’t nothin’ better in town”.

Some other top comments on underconsideration’s article include:

• I was hoping when I read this that it was april fools day…guess not disappointing Lippincott (if it is the case, say it aint so).
• OMG, IT’S SO F-ING HUGE!!!  What the hell is up with that giant asterisk?
• It’s like a ring of golden cannons, all aimed at small-town America.  The blue, of course, represents the depression Wal-Mart employees cannot afford to medicate.
• People seem hung up on the yellow mark. It is ugly, but my suspicion is that it was born of Target-envy.
• It would appear that Walmart has discovered their inner Target.  That said, I’d rather be the brand with the bulls-eye and not the butt hole.

Underconsideration.com also provided an interesting graphic of the development of the Walmart logo.

For the whole story, go give ‘em a visit.

Liquorious.com to freshen up your drink

Jul 10, 2008 by Dan Taylor    8 Comments    Posted under: News

How many times have you already ordered that same drink?  Your main ‘stand by’ at your local watering hole?  What do you know about some excellent wines coming out of Northern California?  What’s so unique about the Belgian Bar in Philly?

All this and more can be found at a great resource I came across the other day.  Liqurious.com not only packs an entire lifetime of all things alcoholic into a beautifully designed webpage, but also provides an entire party planner’s dream of variety and taste.

Liquorious.com is the newest product coming out of the notcot network.  If you’re not familiar with their other stunning works, go have a visit.

While mainly an aggrigator of other liquor, wine, and beer articles, the presentation and variety are simply stellar.  I don’t know how many RSS feeds these guys are reading on a daily basis, but their ability to sort the good from the bad and package it in an extremely attractive manner is unparalleled.

A fine example from Liquorious:

Molecular Gastronomy is one of those things that mixes design, science, and food/drinks so nicely, i’ve been fascinated with the concept for ages… and as i learned more, Molecular Mixology has become even more of a fascination! So when i got a press release about Xavier Herit’s new take on the Cointreau Pearls, it launched me off on a research mission across the web, finding out more about the creation of Cointreau Pearls across the world, the special kit they produced just for bartenders, videos of it in action, and lots more images on the next page to catch you up on my finds! Above you are seeing a close up of Xavier’s Cointreau Pearls in which he infused strawberry, and he serves them alongside Margaritas, and also floating in glasses of champagne.

P.S. Now, if only i could get Cointreau to teach me how to do it! It’s so tempting to start up a crazy lab/bar and start experimenting with all of these new techniques… perhaps a future project for the newly named NOTLabs?

For background – here are some pics i found at the Cointreau news page – “Caviar of Cointreau” 04/17/08

Cointreau invents, surprises and tickles your taste buds with a bracing cocktail based on the arcane but delicious technology of molecular mixology…

Read the rest of this fine example at Liqurious.com.