venomai

I've read a lot of the books in your list, most are pretty decent. From the top of my head and with very rough ratings... Macbeth - 6.5/10 although I didn't read it very seriously.. King Lear - 8/10 Romeo & Juliet - 9/10 Merchant of Venice - 7.5/10 Catcher in the Rye - 9.5/10 Lives of the Saints - 7/10 The Sun Also Rises - 7/10 Mockingbird - 7/10 Golden Compass - 8.5/10 My Financial Career - 9/10 short but great I really would love to read Life of Pi and 1984.. two books that are top of my list (after I finish all my thrillers :P).

Sorry, any small object with gun powder. I guess that does change the situation quite a bit.

Shotgun shells aren't dangerous instruments... Put any small object in a gun and it will kill somebody. The small object on its own is harmless. Absolutely ridiculous if you ask me. I'm gonna take a wild guess here... She smokes?

What makes you say that? :-s Most of the problems (school shootings, murders, etc) are not caused by AK-47s (or similar rifles). These rifles are very exotic and clunky. They are rarely, if ever, used for actual shooting. An AK-47 is crap compared to the modern ARs they sell in the U.S. They are only used for collections, from what I've seen. Handguns are also the kind of gun that's most likely to be loaded at all times. Clunky "collectors" guns can't lie around the house loaded because it will damage the gun over time (too much stress from the springs in the loaded clip). If you made all guns except handguns illegal you wouldn't prevent any of the school shootings or murders. You would just get everyone angry. And a bunch of angry citizens with AK-47s is never a good thing. ;) I personally don't understand how people can believe that handguns are useful for self-defense. Could somebody explain with a realistic scenario where you happen to have a gun on you? (honestly, how many people are so paranoid as to always carry a gun?)

Physically speaking... Marijuana is less addictive than caffeine. It's way less addictive than alcohol or nicotine.[1] Worth noting that a few studies have placed it as more addictive than LSD/shrooms. I'll try to dig up some sources... Mentally speaking... Marijuana (as with any drug or recreational activity) can be addicting to certain users. Some people, mainly those with very addictive personalities, can quickly become mentally attached to the feelings that you get while high. This can be compared to people becoming "addicted" to chocolate or candy. Not very much physical dependence, but plenty of mental dependence. I won't deny the fact that cannabis can be addicting. Some studies have even shown physical dependence in heavy users. However, most responsible and casual marijuana smokers shouldn't worry too much about addiction.[2] Sorry if I'm presenting the image of rosy smiles. Marijuana isn't for everyone, and it sure as hell isn't a "toy" that should be taken lightly. Just last weekend a close friend of mine had a horrible first-time experience on weed. These "soft drugs" are soft in the sense that they don't cause very much physical harm/dependence. However, if somebody susceptible to mental illness takes a powerful drug like marijuana it can often trigger mental issues.[3] If you plan to take a mind-altering drug, be sure that are healthy and mentally prepared for it. Cannabis isn't the only trigger to these illnesses, though. Any traumatic experience or heightened paranoia can trigger it. This includes negative effects from alcohol and caffeine. It's also worth pointing out that marijuana does indeed kill, although not directly (it's nearly impossible to overdose on weed). Between 1997 and 2005 there were around 280 cannabis-related deaths in the U.S.[4] Personally, I feel that many of these injuries can be avoided by legalization and responsible use. With that said, cannabis is still safer than alcohol for the general public. Alcohol's death toll proves that much. Marijuana may cause problems, but many recreational activities often do (especially sports). EDIT: Just an FYI, I found some articles contradicting the cannabis-schizophrenia link. http://www.illinoisnorml.org/content/view/510/27/ http://www.stats.org/stories/2007/do_sk ... r27_07.htm A couple interesting quotes. "For individuals, the current evidence suggests, at worst, that using cannabis increases lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia by one percent" "increased rates of cannabis use in the last thirty years have not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in the rate of psychosis in the population"

Except alcohol, as you've admitted to underage drinking. Alcohol is a drug too, and it's far worse than soft drugs like marijuana. I agree, recreational drugs is never a good message to children. But, in comparison, marijuana is a much better message than alcohol or nicotine

I believe that there are many life-bearing planets in our universe. However, unless one of our neighbouring galaxies happens to hold a life-bearing planet (which is unlikely), we will probably never see or interact with extraterrestrials for many years to come. Here's a good read about the subject. http://www.krysstal.com/extrlife.html

The thing is... alcohol and drugs are extremely "fun". When I'm high, I have a absolutely great time with my friends. Everything is hilarious and wonderous after smoking marijuana. I personally agree with you. To live life to the fullest is to experience everything you can without seriously harming yourself in the process. Although I'm sure nicotine, heroin and cocaine are really "fun" to be on, I wouldn't risk it because the chance of physical harm/dependence is too great. Soft drugs like marijuana, LSD and shrooms are relatively safe if done responsibly.

Hippies are pacifists -- not necessarily environmentalists. We touch base on environmental issues occasionally, but we mainly focus on "love and peace". Don't go blaming us for your problems. But there's enough water. Ice is the solid form of water. :-s Maybe I'm missing something here... Read the thread again. ;) We are saying the OP's claims are overhyped and that, although global warming is happening, it's not happening at such a rate that we'll all be dead in a few years. Many of us have taken science classes and read various sources on the subject -- that's why we are so skeptical in believing that the world will end in 2012.

Who's Lovestock? Never heard of him. A quick google search shows me nothing. Please show some sources...

Diet Survey 1. How often and how much do you eat Meat/nuts/eggs/fish? Very often. Included at almost every lunch/dinner. 2. " Vegatables? Very often. Included at almost every meal, albeit in smaller quantities than the above. 3. " Carbs? A lot. I eat lots of bread and drink lots of beer. 4. " Candy/Junk food? Very little on most days, except Fridays (because of parties). 5. " Dairy? Lots of milk and cheese. 6. You are alone at home and you are hungry, you may prepare something as you normally do. What do you eat as a snack? If I'm really hungry, usually half a box of Kraft Dinner. 7. How often a week do you eat outside your house? Maybe 3-4 times. 8. You average meal consists of(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)... Breakfast: Toasted BLT on a bagel. Lunch: Roast Beef (or ham) sandwich with mayo and swiss cheese on whole wheat or oat bread. Dinner: Hard to say, it varies. It's usually very healthy with lots of fruits & veggies. 9. You consume snacks a day, x=... Around 3. Other than the occasional KD, I also have a few small cookies a day (ones that are low in carbs/fats) and occasionally a bowl of grapes. 10. Amount of exercise per day... An hour of walking (weekdays) and 50 minutes of biking and weight lifting a day. In the summer I also swim for about 20 minutes a day. 11. Age(opinional but suggested) 17 12. Student Level? If not a student, are you under labour empoyment or desk work? Student, high school, grade 12. 13. Country living in and ethnicity? Canada. White/male, native English speaker. I've got a small trace of French Canadian in my roots.

"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." - Albert Einstein I don't think nukes ever should have been created in the first place. Oh well, not much we can do about it at this point. Only time will tell...

Very difficult to read the text and curly font. That's the first major design flaw clients and employers will notice. It's a bit tacky in places; the curly text, the arrow on the menu bar, the over-use of layer styles. What are the two columns for? I'm guessing the one on the right is for content, but what about the one on the left? Otherwise, pretty decent work. I always find online portfolios one of the hardest things to design. People often judge your artistic skill based on the quality of the website (even if you didn't design it).

I listened to a variety of doses tonight. I wasn't using them very seriously but I still had a few effects. Peyote - stopped about halfway through. Wasn't feeling much. I hear this is supposed to be very strong, so maybe I'll give it another shot later. Adrenochrome - was feeling very relaxed for most of it. Very enjoyable, it put me in a meditative state very quickly. A warning though, this dose is really messed up towards the end. It gets very loud and mechanical and really scares the hell out of you. I almost had to take off my headphones when it happened. The dose gets a lot better once you're used to the sound. I started feeling intense euphoria and excitement and my body began to shiver in pleasure. I was getting some REM which led to interesting visuals. I can't wait to try this out more seriously, lying in my bed with the lights off and no distractions. Nitrous - felt light headed. Nothing special. I'm exhausted now. I'm going to try out Lucid Dream, which, if it works, will probably be the only dose that can actually give you any sort of interesting visual hallucinations (even if it's all in your dream). Wish me luck.

Nice colours. Very strong. :) What do you mean by this?

Alcohol, in moderate amounts, is speculated to actually improve your IQ -- not lower it.[1] Most drugs make you feel great while you're on them. Alcohol hangovers aren't very common for inexperienced users, especially if you're responsible. If you're really worried about hangovers, there are a number of ways to avoid/diminish their negative effects. But, I'll tell ya, after two years of weekend drinking, I've only had about two or three hangovers. They were very minor and very manageable. The rest of the time I just feel a little dehydrated the next day. From personal experience, I can say that my usual marijuana "high" consists of euphoria, giggles, heightened sense of taste and sound, greater appreciation for life, general slowness, slightly more vivid colours and, occasionally, anxiety. I find that anxiety can be minimized in a proper set and setting. Alcohol is different for everybody. Mainly, it makes you more confident, careless and intimate. This can be a good or bad thing depending on the person. Ever since I started drinking, I've become a much more confident person. Drinking has a taught me a lot of good "life lessons" and has helped me mature quite a bit. Even if you don't drink/toke, you can still enjoy yourself at parties. Most parties I go to there's always a crowd that stays reasonably sober. Hope it helps. I used to think that alcohol and marijuana were bad until I tried them. Since then, I've changed my stance quite a bit.

I hope you realize that nicotine and alcohol are both considered "hard" drugs. :| Why do people neglect to categorize alcohol and/or nicotine as a drug? Both substances are very dangerous and very addicting. In fact, many studies have shown them to be more (physically) addicting and harmful than drugs like LSD, shrooms or marijuana (thus the difference in hard/soft drug classification). I've got some sources in one of my recent posts and more details in a rather outdated topic of mine. [/hide] I suppose it's because they require long-term or highly concentrated usage to have damaging affects. Smoking a packet cigarettes will affect you less than a small hit of heroin or ice. If heroin is used properly (eg. at a Safe Injection Site) you can minimize any physical risk. Heroin is also not immediately addicting -- you won't get hooked after one hit.[1] Heroin isn't something that's known to do immediate damage when used properly. If there's a problem, such as an incorrect injection, an infected needle, a laced dose or an unexpectedly high dose, then this could result in physical harm. However, these are things that only tend to exist due to the criminalization of heroin. Alcohol is very easy for some people to overdose on, though. I've seen people get alcohol poisoning after only a few beers. (granted, they are very short and skinny people)

I hope you realize that nicotine and alcohol are both considered "hard" drugs. :| Why do people neglect to categorize alcohol and/or nicotine as a drug? Both substances are very dangerous and very addicting. In fact, many studies have shown them to be more (physically) addicting and harmful than drugs like LSD, shrooms or marijuana (thus the difference in hard/soft drug classification). I've got some sources in one of my recent posts and more details in a rather outdated topic of mine.

A terrorist? That doesn't sound very appropriate. I think I'm goiong to be a tourist. :)

Most of the time blending of colours/shapes is achieved with a blur tool or something similar. Often a brush tool is used at a low opacity. The artist grabs a colour (using ALT), paints and repeats to achieve a smooth, gradiented blend. I can't really give you any more advice than that unless you have a particular example you wish to blend. Every "blend" is different. :)

That's really stupid. One pint is about equal to 10 shots. Absinthe usually contains more alcohol by volume than vodka. That's like chugging 10 shots worth of strong vodka... If he had finished the whole pint, he could have died from alcohol poisoning. Your idiotic and irresponsible use of alcohol is giving the rest of us alcohol-drinkers a bad reputation. Absinthe is fun, but not something to be taken lightly. In most of Canada it's banned or only legal with low thujone levels. I've had some good absinthe experiences in Spain, but never more than 2 or 3 shots of it in one night. :| It was very strong...

Those aren't very reliable sources. They contain no scientific evidence and don't bother to properly cite their claims. These claims have been heavily criticized and contradicted by scientists in other studies. Lung/Airway Damage: In the article BBC News: Cannabis 'safer than alcohol and tobacco', World Health Organization researchers found: "... marijuana smoke did not lead to blocked airways or emphysema or impact on lung function ..." Cancer: A number of studies have shown that cancer isn't linked to smoking marijuana. Even heavy smokers show no immediate rise in cancer risks. [1][2] Immune System Damage: This claim was introduced when extremely high (near-fatal) doses were seen to impair the immune system in animals. However, studies show that regular or even heavy use of marijuana in humans has no effect on the immune system.[3][4] A 1988 study has shown that marijuana actually slightly contributes to the effectiveness of the immune system.[5] Note: Many European smokers "patch" their joints with tobacco from cigarettes, which could certainly give rise to some of these negative effects. We don't do that too often in North America. Although I defend cannabis and its recreational, medicinal and industrial uses, I admit and understand that there may be risks involved in smoking it. However, smoking it is only one particular method of consumption. If you wish to completely avoid risk of lung/airway damage, cannabis can be cooked in various recipes and then eaten (eg. hash brownies or special milkshakes). To my knowledge, there are no physical risks in consuming oral cannabis. Psychological risks are a different matter. Many sources claim that cannabis can trigger psychosis or schizophrenia in certain individuals.[6] Also, since oral cannabis tends to give much stronger effects, some users may experience a "bad trip" (short-term psychosis).[7] Psychological risks are different for everyone and varies from situation to situation. Many of these studies concentrate on heavy marijuana smokers (ie: daily) or irresponsible smokers (ie: far too much per session). People who are susceptible to mental illness (such as a history in the family) should be very careful with any mind-altering substance, especially one as strong as marijuana.[8] Also, a bad experience with weed can easily occur if you aren't in a comfortable set and setting. These bad experiences are often major contributors to drug-induced psychosis/schizophrenia. I do think twice about using these illicit drugs. I've done a fair amount of research (as I always do before trying a new substance) that has lead me to conclude that it's not quite as dangerous as the government, or parents, so often portray it.

I found a useful guide. I'm gonna try it soon and see if I can get them onto my mp3 player. http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54643 I just finished a very nice experience with I-Doser. This will be my third, but my only "full" experience. I made it to around 95% on Bufo Toad with only two distractions. I'm sure it would have been more effective had there been no distractions. I started with Bufo Toad. I'm testing all the hallucinogens out to see if any of them "work" (even if it's only placebo). I didn't have any hallucinations (not this time, at least) but I certainly did feel very different. No tightness in the chest this time, and my heartbeat was steady. I was a bit more calm. My throat got dry very quickly. Next time I'll keep a glass of water near me. About halfway through the "trip" I started to feel very light, almost weightless. I lost feeling in my arms and legs, it felt as if they were no longer attached to me. I started to feel a very slight detachment from reality as I sometimes feel on marijuana. I had a tingling sensation in my face and it felt like my head/brain was being massaged. At one point I moved my head forwards and literally felt like I was being sucked through an invisible worm hole. I jerked back in shock, and the feeling was gone. After finishing that I tried Nitrous. It was short but made me feel extremely light-headed and only intensified my state of mind. When the beat picked up towards the end I started getting shivers down my back (the good kind). Nitrous felt pretty good, but next time I'm not going to piggyback doses (one after another). I've read that it's generally not good practice. All in all, it was an enjoyable experience. You can all tell me that I-Doser does "nothing" and that it's all in my mind, but that's exactly the purpose of taking drugs (altering the mind). So, for me, I-Doser is working. I'll keep trying. Can't wait to try out Lucid Dream!

I agree with necro. I'd rather see my teens high. Alcohol is quite a bit worse than weed. It's proven to be a much more addictive drug which can do some serious physical risks. There is also the risk of fatal overdose. Not to mention being high doesn't severely impair your judgement in the same way that alcohol does. For me... I drink every weekend, usually quite responsibly (never getting too drunk). I smoke weed at least 2 times a month. On the days that I smoke weed I tend to drink far less alcohol (I don't like mixing the two). I don't smoke tobacco. I've never smoked a full cigarette, and I probably never will. For those who are interested in the marijuana "myths", check out this BBC article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/58013.stm

Don't let the zombie's rights activists hear that... :P