14Oct 2016 by Vincent Summers 2 Comments

Dangerous Chemistry of Jimson Weed – Watch Your Children!

Chemistry, Health
[caption id="attachment_15664" align="alignright" width="480"] Jimson Weed CCA Share Alike 3.0 by H. Zell[/caption] During the months of September and October, the reader may discover a disarmingly beautiful flowering weed. White to violet trumpets atop a green herbaceous plant, that after fertilization yields spiny seed pods, characterizes Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium) or Jamestown Weed, also called among other things, Locoweed, Hell’s Bells, and Devil’s Trumpet. All parts of the Jimson Weed contain toxic alkaloids in potentially fatal quantity. These include atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopamine. A dose used for its psychedelic effect is marginally less than a fatal dose. Hence, there have been many hospitalizations and deaths resulting from its use. Jimson Weed - Druggery [caption id="attachment_15667" align="alignleft" width="300"] Seed pod. Image by Nova CCA 3.0 Unported[/caption] Some smoke Jimson Weed thinking…
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31Aug 2016 by Vincent Summers 2 Comments

Thumbnail Mystery: Mike Rubino – Music to Die For

Entertainment, Logic
Thumbnail Mystery: No one truly liked Mike Rubino. Oh, he had his circle of “friends” and he believed in them. But they all had their reasons to be nice to him. You’d think he’d realize that, but he didn’t. Mike had redeeming qualities. It’s just they were overpowered by the “other” kind. “Hey George, c’mere.” When Mike called, you came. “What? What do you want?” The ‘party of the second part’ was George “Big Nose” Hamlin. One finger or the other was always up-it. George was the closest thing to an actual friend Mike had. Mike viewed George as his “right-hand man.” Uh, yeah. Let's not go there... The catch is, this wore on George’s nerves—George, get this—George, get that. In a low voice Mike said, “D’ja hear from Eddy?”…
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