a costly addiction...

but then, aren't they all!!!!

i do wonder why the government chose cigarettes over alcohol to recoup some of their losses from 'failed schemes' such as the insulation debacle - of course alcohol would have been my preference knowing its impact on my life (and on the lives of countless others who have dealt with an alcoholic) - these days it's a very rare purchase for me!!!

but unfortunately it was ciggies that went up yesterday – a 25% price hike - i paid $16.15 for a pack of 25s… that was in 7/11 (not my usual 'haunt') – 'only' $14.75 in iga today… smoking a pack of 25s a day has finally become way too expensive … now’s the time to go back to the cheaper option of rollies… so it'll be the occasional pack of 20s (i do prefer tailor-mades in a mull!), with drum menthol my preferred tobacco (yep, strange preference when i don't smoke menthol cigs!!)... i actually preferred rollies for a number of years - champion ruby originally, then drum - but neither came with such a wonderful graphic on the pouch like this 'vintage' chewing and smoking tobacco...

and no, i'm not ready to give up at the moment - that would just add more stress to dealing with me old 'girls' and their needs, life in general with its ups and downs, work and it's physical and mental stresses and strains (it's been another frenetic working week after a public holiday) and dealing with some of the idiosyncratic public isn't always easy!! nope, it's not the right time yet - and i don't want to, so therefore i don't have the right mind-set...

nah, my best solution is to just carry my tobacco in future and save me ready-rolleds for home - now that should save me some money (sorry to those street people that used to 'benefit' - i would give away 2 per day (but that was my limit) - that won't be happening now - blame the government please, don't abuse me)!!!! i'll share my tobacco with anybody, but the reaction used to be "oh, tobacco - you smoke menthol?! um, nah, ahh, no thanks, it's ok..." guess the drop-off in people 'botting' was one of the influencing factors years back to smoking menthol tobacco... i mainly drifted back to tailor-mades because when working and 'on-the-move' they're just easier!!

talking of 'mull' (i 'fleetingly' mentioned it in the second paragraph) - this is a strain of dope that'd make a stunning colour display in the backyard - it's called purple haze - ohhh for the decriminalisation of dope - i could even contemplate growing this beautiful plant in my courtyard then - and i'd save so much money!







but of course, it's more likely to end up being legalised and then monopolised and patented by the big tobacco companies and possibly look something like this...

there's been a lot of activity in the stairwell here today... someone movin' out... so i thought i'd check online and see which flat was being vacated - and couldn't believe how much they're asking for it... $330 per week!!! that's $80 a week more than my place... granted, it does look a tad more modern inside so it's been renovated at some stage - but it's only a 1 bedroom flat with a balcony... at least i've got a courtyard... and with me old girl still ploddin' on i was offered another lease here with no rent rise (or property inspection apparently) so i've decided to stay here a bit longer... the land's been put into the hands of agents now but even if it sells quickly it'll take a few months to get the paperwork in order and my 'retreat' built... so hopefully summer/autumn of 2011 will see me in malmsbury... sad isn't it that $20,000 would do what i need, but due to life's 'hurdles' (don't think i need to expand on those!) it's way out of my financial league...

changing topics altogether, i've been wanting to try agave syrup (used in numerous sweet vegan recipes i've come across) so when i 'happened upon' some while shopping i just had to buy a bottle (and immediately make some vegan pancakes!!)... it's been compared to maple syrup and honey - it's a similar consistency with a flavour (i think) somewhere between maple, golden syrup and treacle... it's definitely yummy and can be used in baking or just poured over pancakes and waffles... it's cheaper than maple syrup - but then it is somewhat quicker to produce - the plants are harvested at around 8-10 years compared to the maple tree, which isn't mature enough to 'tap' until 40-70 years of age!!!!

ohhh, did i mention it comes from the same plant as tequila??? "... agave nectar is juice from the Mexican agave plant grown in the volcanic soil around Guadalajara —the same juice that, when fermented, becomes tequila. The nectar is extracted by heating up the plant’s pineapple-shaped core, then pressing it. When the juice drips out, it can be either filtered—to make agave syrup—or fermented to make tequila..." from an article "nectar of the tequila gods"

actually the nectar can be extracted from most varieties of agave - but tequila only comes from "agave tequilana", commonly called blue agave, tequila agave, mezcal or maguey... it's also being used in cocktails these days - apparently it goes well in - surprise, surprise - tequila based cocktails!!

and yes, the pancakes and syrup were deeeelicious!!!!!!!

incidentally, it's may day today...  i've written about it before so if you're interested you can read my previous post may day...pagan and political...

i hope to start mapping steph and pete's travels in my next post - they've been to malta and have 'hit' rome now so i might make a start on that tomorrow... but you know how it goes - the best laid plans and all of that... we'll see...

womyn and marijuana....

with 8 million womyn admitting to smoking marijuana in america in a survey taken late 2009, it's no wonder the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (otherwise known as NORML) launched its' womyn's alliance last thursday, with the executive director stating: “The prominent role of women in the effort to end marijuana prohibition is pivotal, necessary, and long overdue. According to recent national opinion polls by Gallup and others, the dramatic rise in the public’s support of marijuana law reform is being driven primarily by an increase in support among America’s women. The NORML Women’s Alliance will bring a contemporary approach to the public policy debate, and will proudly represent the interests of modern, mainstream women who believe that the negative consequences of marijuana prohibition far outweigh any repercussions from marijuana consumption itself.” read more here...

and the position taken by the alliance...

"1. The NORML Women’s Alliance believes that the fiscal priorities of marijuana prohibition are wasting billions of dollars on a failed policy.

2. The NORML Women’s Alliance believes that marijuana prohibition violates states’ rights, and improperly expands the reach of government into the families and personal lives of otherwise law-abiding citizens.

3. The NORML Women’s Alliance advocates for an open, honest conversation about marijuana with America’s youth that is void of all propaganda and misleading information.

4. The NORML Women’s Alliance endorses the science-based evidence regarding the therapeutic applications of medical marijuana as well as the continuation of research into the subject.

5. The NORML Women’s Alliance strongly opposes the sexual exploitation and objectification of women in pot-culture and business marketing."

'marie claire' has also taken an interest in the topic, and published an article called 'stilletto stoners' in october 2009 - i'm not 'enamoured' with the terminology they use in the article, but the gist of it makes for interesting reading... you can read it here or watch an interview on NBC featuring the editor-in-chief of the magazine...

According to David Ford, author of  'marijuana: not guilty as charged'

"In ten thousand years of use there is not one recorded death from the overdose or toxicity of cannabis. Compare that with alcohol, which kills more than 100,000 American's each year. Or with nicotine products that kill more than 400,000 annually. Or with the FDA-approved, so-called "safe drugs" listed in the physicians' Desk Reference, (PDR), which cause the death of another 100,000 each year, and put one million Americans in the hospital annually as a result of toxicity or overdose."

surely with marijuana having no attributable deaths to it - compared with alcohol (and closer to home according to the the south australian government's alcohol-related statistics over 3000 Australians die each year as a result of harmful drinking) - and with a growing list of medical uses and clinical applications of cannabis and its constituents - one of them ironically being the treatment of alcohol abuse - the 'war on cannabis' can't really be sustained any longer...

it's quite heartening to hear so many womyn are preferring to go home to a joint or bong rather than a glass of wine or whatever variation of alcohol, a drug worse than many because it can do so much damage in so many ways (and i know this 'first hand' - i lived with an alcoholic for years)...

as marijuana has been my drug of choice for decades - and, as with all dope smokers, i live under the constant threat of being busted (and that's aside from its exorbitant cost!!!) - i'm hopeful the debate will start to be had seriously here in australia in the foreseeable future - it's way overdue!!!!

oooh, looks like those hoary old 'pothead' stereotypes might finally get dispelled... in reality dope smokers are fully functioning, intelligent, rational people able to maintain careers, social and personal relationships, and live comfortable lifestyles... who woulda' thought??!!!!

and of course there's the propoganda of marijuana being a 'gateway drug' - there are so many articles out there refuting this but it's been such a long, widespread campaign to 'demonize' marijuana - to keep it illegal and part of the lucrative black market...

and let's not forget, not everything legal is right,

nor everything illegal wrong...

some issues depend on what vested interests are involved and what they stand to lose...

justice has always been a rare outcome of our legal system!!!

dissention in the ranks? or just good old fashioned common sense?

i came across some articles this week on a couple of topics i'm passionate about - marijuana and vegetarianism... could there possibly be a move to a more 'enlightened' attitude on these subjects from countries australia tends to 'follow' (albeit usually quite a lot later - the (very slow) 'trickle-down' effect??)...

on the marijuana front...

"UK drug adviser fired after marijuana comments" by Raphael Satter, Associated Press Writer – Fri Oct 30, 2:57 pm

LONDON – Britain's top drug adviser was fired Friday after saying that marijuana, Ecstasy and LSD were less dangerous than alcohol.

David Nutt's comments have embarrassed the British government, which toughened the penalties for possessing marijuana earlier this year over the protests of many prominent British scientists...

In later comments to BBC radio's "PM" program, Nutt accused British Prime Minister Gordon Brown of making "completely irrational statements" about the dangerousness of marijuana.

"I'm not prepared to mislead the public about the harmfulness of drugs like cannabis and Ecstasy," he said...." read more here

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"Push to Legalize Marijuana Gains Ground in California" by Jesse McKinley, October 27, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO — These are heady times for advocates of legalized marijuana in California — and only in small part because of the newly relaxed approach of the federal government toward medical marijuana.

State lawmakers are holding a hearing on Wednesday on the effects of a bill that would legalize, tax and regulate the drug — in what would be the first such law in the United States. Tax officials estimate the legislation could bring the struggling state about $1.4 billion a year, and though the bill’s fate in the Legislature is uncertain, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, has indicated he would be open to a “robust debate” on the issue." read more here

______________

and this makes very interesting viewing on the issue...

on the vegetarian front...

"Climate-Change Authority Advocates Vegetarianism" by Heather Moore, from the Care2 Causes & News page

"It might take a while for Al Gore and other noted “environmentalists” in the U.S. to branch out from giving “safe” advice like "use energy-efficient light bulbs" and "recycle"—and American politicians may not even be all that quick to promote an official meat-free day—but one of the top climate chiefs in the U.K. is taking the lead. Lord Stern, the author of the 2006 Stern Review on global warming, recently told The Times, “Meat is a wasteful use of water and creates a lot of greenhouse gases. It puts enormous pressure on the world’s resources. A vegetarian diet is better.” read more here

Heather Moore is a freelance writer and a senior writer for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and you can read more of her articles on animal welfare and climate change here.

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I stumbled upon this great banner from LOBSA, a non-profit buddhist vegan abolitionist organisation (now that's a mouthful - and no, i'm not buddhist - but i can definitely appreciate the sentiments expressed!!!)...

and these two buddhist prayers from the same source - for all the suffering animals...

even though i've been a vegetarian for ages - i stopped eating and wearing dead animal over 3 decades ago - i still eat organic, animal rennet-free cheese, free range eggs and drink organic milk - i really need to take that 'final' step and remove them from my 'table' - as much for my conscience as the welfare of the supposedly (hopefully) more humanely treated (but still enslaved) animals in those industries... once i achieve that therein lies a whole 'other' dilemma - my canine and feline companions are carnivores, so how to feed them because they're unable in this society to hunt for themselves??? ahh, another quandary to ponder...

it's a generational thing...

March is a big month to say the least in my family...

Matthew, my great-nephew, turned 16 on the 6th... Rebbecca, my niece and Matt's mum, turned 35 on the 20th, and Judy, my mother, Becc's grandmother, and Matt's great-grandmother, turns 80 on the 30th...

meet Matt... he has the 'distinction' of being the first-born great grandchild... he seems to have had a 'growth spurt' since the last time I saw him (not that long ago) - he's really starting to fill out... and he's a typical hormonal 16 year old teenage boy - you know, brooding, temperamental, non-communicative... he's a really lovely young lad, can be a right dag - but having a conversation can be like getting blood from a stone!!! same as taking his picture - there was a lot of 'cajoling' in between these photos!!!!

this is Rebbecca... she's the first-born grandchild... my first and, yes, favourite niece... and Judy, the matriarch of the 'clan'... and here's 3 generations of us womyn... the 'lad' makes it 4 generations of the family - and you don't get 4 generations of us under the one roof very often...

There was an addition to Irene's family (my friend, Rebbecca's mother and Matt's grandmother) ... the wee Gigi (she's soooo sweet - a real little cutie)... she gets 'tuckered out' really easily though - she's only 11 weeks old...

and of course Irene's boys (Louie's country cuzzins - Luscious Lucky and Handsome Harry, with the wee Loudle on the end) are a tad 'put out' at the moment...

and it was also the autumn equinox - sometime between the 20th and 24th according to the planetarium... 12 hours of daylight, 12 hours of darkness - this, of course, makes for the perfect harvest time... and, of course, that means the bottomless pit munchies!!!! oooooh - take the chocolate away... and sooooo many cakes because of soooo many birthdays!!!!

and then there's Sailor Lil... playing the 'waiting game' - getting ready to give birth... 5 days to go and counting down... and 'Lil's Capn Chris must be 'sailing' the emotional waves too...

Their babe (it's a boy) is going to be an Aries (or Aries Rising - ruled by Mars - first sign of the zodiac) - just like his mother - Lil's birthday is on the 18th April - Rebbecca and Judy are both Aries ... oooooh, scary!!!! and this is an interesting 'interpretation' of those born under Aries from AstroImage...

Positive Expression:
People born under the sign of Aries are energetic, spontaneous and outgoing. They are often courageous, ready to go bold-headed and willing to take risk. Their optimistic and enthusiastic outlook makes them exciting and stimulating company. Since Aries needs to forge ahead, individuals born under this sign generally act on impulse, enjoy challenges and the spice of danger. They excel in sport and are virtually unstoppable.

Negative Expression:
Since Aries 'acts first and thinks later' he/she often regrets his rash action at a later stage. Their impulsive and hasty nature makes them impatient, tactless, quick-tempered and aggressive. Their 'me-first' attitude sometimes turns an assertive Aries into a rude, pushy and in extreme cases a thoughtless 'bully'.

Physical and Sexual Characteristics:
Because Aries is ruled by the 'red' planet Mars, they often have a ruddy complexion with freckles and reddish hair. Aries natives' strong sex drive makes them passionate lovers, but their desire for conquest and the need to prove themselves can lead to a 'Casanova' or 'Femme Fatale' syndrome. However, they able to form stable relationships with those who respect their great need for independence.

or, if you're of the celtic tree cycle persuasion, Rebbecca, Judy, 'Lil and 'the babe' all share the Alder tree...

Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.
- Albert Camus

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting
and autumn a mosaic of them all.
- Stanley Horowitz

marijuana reform on the horizon?

I receive NORML's (National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) newsletter and had a browse today...and looks like the 'marijuana debate' might be heating up in America (finally - what happens there will impact here...)

"NORML Breaking News: California Assemblyman Introduces Legislation To Tax And Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol - February 23rd, 2009 By: Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director

Speaking at a landmark press conference today, California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) introduced comprehensive legislation to tax and regulate the commercial production and sale of cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol.

“With the state in the midst of an historic economic crisis, the move towards regulating and taxing marijuana is simply common sense. This legislation would generate much needed revenue for the state, restrict access to only those over 21, end the environmental damage to our public lands from illicit crops, and improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts to more serious crimes”, Assemblyman Ammiano said. “California has the opportunity to be the first state in the nation to enact a smart, responsible public policy for the control and regulation of marijuana.” (read the full text here)

NORML's been running a marijuana law reform ad contest and hopes to air the ads on cable tv and believes it's "A Propitious Moment For Pot -Bittersweetly, the confluence of a faltering economy and greater public acceptance of cannabis has recently created very attractive advertising opportunities, coupled with media companies' increasing willingness to accept pro-cannabis law reform ads presents organizations like NORML (the opportunity) to place one or more of the winning ads from the contest on TV (or, popular Internet webpages)". I checked out the winners and runners-up... some are humorous, some serious, but all make for very interesting viewing so I thought I'd share them...

apparently Barak Obama has over the years stated 'some' support for decriminalization - even admitted to smoking, and shock, horror - actually inhaling!!!! most politicians usually fob that one off as "i didn't really drawback though"... no doubt the pro-marijuana community will be lobbying the Obama administration heavily...

There's been a rumour around for ages (I heard it years ago) that Marlboro has already designed their packaging for marijuana (to be called "Marlboro Greens" or "Marlboro Highs"?) so that when dope is legalized, they can make the transition into selling marijuana almost instantly - of course the amount of dope per joint would be regulated (and minimal?) - unfortunately that means you would spend more and more money therefore making Marlboro more and more money (they're not in it for the community service!!)... and with it being patented by the tobacco companies seeds would become a rarity and, like tobacco, it would be illegal to grow!!!!

I lean towards the decriminalization viewpoint - people (you, me, ordinary people) could then grow a couple of plants at home without worrying about being busted... guess we'll just have to see how it all plays out...

what more can I say... the mother's provided us with a wonderful recreational and medicinal herb and I'm going to enjoy her generosity... now...

Finally....

it's no longer a crime to procure or provide an abortion!!!!! It's been a long time coming, and it's still not free - but at least it's been taken out of the Crimes Act!!!

BUT, it should always have been MY CHOICE because

now, all we have to do is make marijuana legal;

make being a carnivore illegal - by the way, October is VEGETARIAN AWARENESS MONTH - treat animals with respect and compassion;

bring about the downfall of patriarchy and capitalism (oooh - almost happening now!!!)

then my world (and everyone else's) will be a little bit happier to live in!!!!