Eagle Ford shale

Fracking is NOT the answer to our energy problem.  It's another delay in our inevitable conversion to renewable energy, and it's a very dirty, resource-devouring delay.  It's almost as bad as the oil shale project in Canada.

Ever wonder why everyone is so secretive about what actual substances and chemicals are being used in tracking?

the House did what?

The Democrats better see the writing on the wall here and not stand in the way of medical marijuana and/or legalization.  The Republicans could actually win a lot of votes if they adopted weed as an issue.  I don't think they will, but one never knows.  

Most Republicans (172) voted against this amendment, yet it passed.  Most Dems voted in favor.  And the author sticks in an editorial comment like, "the soon to be Republican-controlled Senate".  This measure should pass the Senate and Obama should sign it, but the Republicans should get no credit whatsoever for it.

U.S. House Passes Amendment to End Federal Interference in Medical Marijuana Operations!

Late last night, the United States House of Representatives voted in favor of an appropriation amendment that would effectively end the federal government’s ability to raid dispensaries and arrest medical marijuana patients. If the amendment, which passed by a healthy 219-189 count, sees further approval from the Senate and then President Obama, the Department of Justice, and the Drug Enforcement Administration would be prevented “from using taxpayer funds to interfere in state-sanctioned medical marijuana programs.”

Unsurprisingly, the Democrat-backed bill–expected by experts to pass–saw a major party discrepancy. A mere 17 Democrats voted against the amendment, while 172 Republicans voted Nay:

In addition to aiding medical marijuana businesses and patients, the 2015 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill would also prevent federal authorities from investing funds and efforts against hemp cultivation. If the bill passes its next stages and goes into effect, the change in policy would signify a major blow to prohibition–and provide growers, patients, and activists with more security than they’ve ever had.

NORML Communications Director, Erik Altieri, reinforced this notion on behalf of NORML, stating “It would be hard to overstate the importance of tonight’s vote. Approval of this amendment is a resounding victory for basic compassion and common sense.”  

Original.

Cosmos on weed

The religious right is throwing a hissyfit over Neil DeGrasse Tyson's remake of "Cosmos." Aw, the poor little peabrains.  No, wait, that's the wrong story here.

pot tourism

Fodor's has to keep up.

Pot Tourism: How to Buy Marijuana in Colorado

The lines to get into the recreational dispensaries have shortened, but still not completely disappeared, and all of the Mile High City jokes have been made. Even Stephen Colbert has addressed the topic at length onThe Colbert Report. But the question remains: What does Colorado's recent legalization of recreational marijuana mean for tourists? Here are eight tips for out-of-towners to keep in mind:

1. THE CROP KEEPS ON GROWING

The expansion of pot shops around Colorado seems to be increasing by the day. When the new law allowing recreational sales took effect on Jan. 1, 2014, eager customers waited for hours in prolonged lines for entrance into 18 licensed storefronts. The number of recreational dispensaries in the Denver-metro area has now tripled since that time, with more than 30 new stores springing up around the city. In total, 160 licenses have been issued statewide as of this writing.

2. SIFTING THROUGH THE SMOKESCREEN

Locating these retailers, however, is easier said than done. There is no mention of them on the official websites of the Colorado Tourism Officeand Denver Visitor Bureau in their lists of attractions. Instead, visitors should use either Weedmaps.com or Leafly.com to find the nearest location; pick up a copy of Denver's alt-weekly newspaper Westwordfor the latest pot-related news; or simply ask a local, as word of mouth tends to be the prevailing form of spreading the news on a recently opened location.

3. DIFFERENT TOKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

There are myriad environments from store to store—from high-end boutiques to mom-and-pot shops—that cater to different customers. Before your trip to Colorado, it's worth doing some online research to find a preferred destination that suits your comfort level and shopping desires.

4. PIPE DREAMS

Once you've arrived at your desired retailer, which is usually accompanied by green signage that makes allusions to "care" and "wellness," it's time to select your product of choice. You'll find a wide array of with varying objectives and effects: smokeable indicas, sativas, and hybrid strains; hash oil; edibles; topical creams, and more.

5. BUDDING RULES FOR PURCHASE

The availability of recreational marijuana does come with several constraints and restrictions, of course. First and foremost, purchasers must be at least 21 years of age and are asked to provide identification before entrance. Next, based on ID alone, anyone with an out-of-state license is treated as a non-Coloradan, which limits the amount of marijuana that may be purchased. While Colorado residents may buy up to 1 ounce (a little more than 28 grams) at a time, visitors can take away only 7 grams, or the equivalent of a quarter-ounce.

Visitors can still purchase a wide range of products with this small amount. The dosage in each edible, for instance, is about 10–25 milligrams, so travelers can depart with an abundance of chocolates or mints. Lastly, all marijuana must leave the premises in an opaque, childproof container or bag, which is thrown in upon purchase or, in some cases, provided at minimal cost.

6. CASH FOR GRASS

As for what you'll pay to take advantage of the Colorado's recreational law, a gram of marijuana on average runs between $10–$20, depending on what you buy. Topicals also vary in price, but $20 is the standard charge. While cash is always an accepted form of payment, most dispensaries around the state also accept credit cards.

7. SMOKELESS IN PUBLIC

Now that you've bought your weed legally, it's time to light up, right? Not so fast. Whether in edible or smokeable form, marijuana use is prohibited in any public space, including on streets, at parks, and spots like hotel balconies that are visible from public spaces. In addition, the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, banning smoking in restaurants, venues, and most bars, was amended to include marijuana. It comes with fines of up to $500 for violation. Consumption in motor vehicles or public transportation is also illegal.

The law, however, allows for use in private residences, and a recent public smoking statute provides that decks, garages, and patios are also permitted. Although a slew of concerts and comedy shows now advertise as being "4/20 friendly" and the security at the venue might turn a blind eye, it's still not technically legal by the letter of the law.

Private membership–based smoke clubs such as iBake Denver and luxury cannabis tours that offer smoking areas, like Colorado Green Tours, are alternatives, but remain in something of a legal gray area as legislation continues to be hashed out. Cannabis-friendly hotels are also popping up, but are few and far between at the moment. On the whole, such options are on the rise as the state continues to wrestle with the application of the law.

8. SMOKE 'EM IF YOU GOT 'EM … BEFORE YOU LEAVE COLORADO

Per federal law, marijuana remains illegal recreationally in nearly every other state at this time, so you cannot take your legal Colorado purchase with you across state lines. The drug is also listed on the airport Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) list of prohibited items; as of January, Denver International Airport formalized its policy banning possession of pot on its premises, coming with it a $150 fine for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $999 for any thereafter. Unfortunately, what you buy in Colorado must stay in Colorado.

Kevin Fixler is a Denver-based writer who holds a master's from UC Berkeley. His work has appeared with Sports Illustrated, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast.

Original.

fucking cameras!

Oh, the good ol' days!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the day we honor those men and women who have fought and died for our country in the multitude of wars we have experienced.  

My father is a veteran of World War II, although he joined towards the end of the war and didn't see any real fighting.  

I'm not going to get all sappy about Memorial Day.  If you are politically astute and aware, you know that only one of our current political parties really cares about taking care of our veterans.

Over the last few years, the Republicans have tried to cut budgets right and left.  They have publicly stated their #1 goal is to make President Obama fail.  And if the country gets hurt at the same time, they don't give a shit.

Funding for veterans programs is a good case in point.  When all of the tens and thousands of veterans started returning to America from Afghanistan and Iraq, after serving multiple tours and many suffering with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), what was the Republican response?  Cut the funding for the VA.

On the one hand, the GOP touts our military and our brave veterans.  On the other hand, they cut any funding they can, because at their core, they believe that government is not a solution; government is only a problem.  The only exception is building a bigger military machine.  Then, the Republicans want to double/triple the budget.  They cannot get enough of the war machine, but they don't give a shit about the actual veterans.

So when the Veterans Administration is struggling to provide care for our veterans, remember who wants to cut their funding, and who wants to actually help our veterans.  Don't fall for the GOP hype and hypocrisy.