Top 15 Cannabis Quotes

By Sjoerd Kold

# 1 Rosie Boycott, Independent on Sunday, 28 Sept 1997 "If alcohol is a tiger, cannabis is merely a mouse"



# 2 Jon Owen Jones, UK MP "We have tried the prohibition route for 30 years and it obviously, patently isn't working."



# 3 Judge James Grey, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana, CA, at the DPF Conference, November 1996: "If we continue as we have for the past 20 years in California, in the year 2020, everybody in the State will either be in prison or running one"



# 4 President Jimmy Carter: "Penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself"



# 5 The Economist March 28th 1992: "Medicines often produce side effects. Sometimes they are physically unpleasant. Cannabis too has discomforting side effects, but these are not physical they are political"

# 6 Volney Brown Jr., Federal Magistrate-Judge,(retired)., Los Angeles. At the DPF Conference, November 1996: "There is only one thing wrong with drug law enforcement, just one - it doesn't work. And when I tell you this I want you to believe me because I have done it"



# 7 Detective Chief Inspector Ron Clarke, former member of Greater Manchester Police Drugs Squad: "I got tired of seeing otherwise innocent young kids from all walks of life getting criminal records for, in effect, doing nothing more than millions of other people in society were doing with alcohol"



# 8 Sir Paul McCartney, Independent on Sunday, 28th September 1997: "I support decriminalisation. People are smoking pot anyway and to make them into criminals is wrong. It's when you're in jail you really become a criminal."



# 9 Ontario Justice John McCart, 1997, (R. v Clay)"Cannabis is not an addictive substance; does not cause a motivational syndrome; and health related costs of cannabis use are negligible when compared to the costs attributable to tobacco and alcohol consumption."



# 10 Professor Lester Grinspoon, Harvard Medical School, USA: "Marijuana is one of the least toxic substances in the whole pharmacopoeia"



# 11 Edward Ellison, former Head of Scotland Yard's Antidrug Squad ''I say legalize drugs because I want to see less drug abuse, not more. And I say legalize drugs because I want to see the criminals put out of business.''



# 12 Judge James Pickles, UK: "Cannabis never killed anybody and it's use is widespread. You can’t stop it. The law defeats itself because all the efforts to stop drugs coming in only drives up the prices and then gangsters move in to push the drugs. If they legalised there wouldn't be gangsters and huge profits...The police are gradually decriminalising the possession of cannabis because they realise there's not much point prosecuting"



# 13 Sir Richard Branson, Independent on Sunday, 28th September 1997: "I'd like to see the government back a programme of research into the medical properties of cannabis and I do not object to its responsible use as a recreational relaxant."



# 14 LaGuardia Commission Report, 1944 "Cannabis smoking does not lead directly to mental or physical deterioration... Those who have consumed marijuana for a period of years showed no mental or physical deterioration which may be attributed to the drug."



# 15 Robert Sweet, U.S. District Judge, New York ''Finally, the fundamental flaw, which will ultimately destroy this prohibition as it did the last one, is that criminal sanctions cannot, and should not attempt to, prohibit personal conduct which does no harm to others.''



About the Author: The author is a Cannabis enthusiast who is committed to promote the environmental and social benefits of Cannabis in general and Medicinal Marijuana in particular. Please follow the link for more information on Cannabis and Hemp.



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Cafe Furniture: The Importance of Environmentally Friendly Furniture

Author: Tony Nibbinsworth


More people in the world are stirring up asking their presidents and neighborhood councils to implement environment friendly standards. As part of the community, your cafe should provide exemplary standards for you to keep your customers happy and willing to visit again. How can you keep customer if they believe that your cafe furniture harms the environment? Well, to put it this way, you won't be able to. Going with the flow and trends of consumer awareness, fears, and needs is the number one success secret for any business owner. So you might think "Why should I opt for green furniture today?" Let's look over the reasons.

1. Image



As we just mentioned, your image is a direct factor in determining your sales. Image is important to any cafe owner because of its potential boost for customers. Let's examine the current trends of the modern world, are more people volunteering to work in NGO's and other community projects? Is the environmental awareness the way it was in the 80's? Are more people willing to consider environment friendly products such as recycled goods? The answer is that more customers are involved in NGO's and Green Peace movements, therefore; it is of utter importance for you to provide the crowd with a place to stay.



Another factor that kicks in is related to the marketing. Marketing depends on people's tastes and awareness for the time of the day. If more people are paying attention to their work's integrity, the way to market is to show your business as one that respects and is committed to work ethics. Nowadays, environment friendly cafes are more marketable for three main reasons: public consensus, simplicity, and low cost. Let's discuss these points briefly, so you'll get a view from a marketer's eye.



Starting with the public consensus, customers are most likely to be tempted by ads that go with whatever is hot nowadays. You see it everyday, people buying things for the sheer fact their friend did or their boss did. People are willing to stand in line even if they don't know what's going on simply because there's a line. If the customer sees the herd to approve of this ad, he's most likely to go for it.



The second point is the simplicity of environmentally friendly product campaigns. Given that the cause itself advocates simplicity, your ads won't have cluttered fonts or promises. You're most likely to put a freshly cut strawberry and a coffee cup, and people will get that your cafe is offering a delicious strawberry flavored coffee. Humans have the innate nature of craving simplicity for they lived most of their lives in such a condition, the modern times with their complexity are commonly seen as an abnormality to the human's nature.



The third point is low cost. Environmentally friendly marketing involves lower cost printing, use of recycled paper or materials, a minimalist design (the strawberry example above). For such a marketing campaign, you're most probably to pay half the price you were paying before. Not to mention that with the same budget, you'll be able to have a larger marketing campaign that provides more exposure.



2. International Standards



Do you want your cafe to be highly rated or to be included in a certain cafe type class? Well, the international standards of classification have become very demanding especially in the green category. Some countries in the European Union have started demanding environment friendly furniture in order to be included in the cafes directory.



International associations and unions are also becoming pickier when it comes to furniture. You might ask yourself, but what's the big fuss? The costs of maintaining commercial furniture are much higher, and in effort to grow the industry, more unions are asking their members to cut the maintenance costs. How is that relevant? More money in your pocket means more power for that certain industry or service chain, and thus more power for the association or union.



3. Reliability



Since we've discussing maintenance costs, it's time to discuss the reliability of environmentally friendly furniture. Try to think of the old times, where commercial furniture was not even invented, and one would make his own table, chair, etc. Isn't the quality higher? Many will say, of course! If you ask them: why? They'd tell you that they used natural wood, quality materials, etc. Commercial furniture is indeed "commercial", meaning that its goal isn't to provide you with top of the line quality as much as it is to provide for the largest number of customers at an affordable price.



Environmentally friendly furniture is very durable due to the fact that it uses quality, natural materials. Even recycled products are highly reliable because of the fact that they're a blend of many things, combined, and packaged.



Not to mention, that many of the green furniture can be custom made at a very low cost. The furniture can fit your own standards and needs; it can accommodate your space and color restrictions.



4. Cost



Wait a minute! You'll stop me here, saying that commercial furniture is much cheaper. Let's go back to the reliability, what would cost more, buying a couch for $300 and having no problem for it for the next 5 years, or buying a commercial couch for $200 and having to change it twice within the very same period. When calculating cost, one must consider quality vs. cost. Higher quality will stay for longer years, in which you could've possibly bought several commercial items in, hence costing you more.



Another point in relation to cost is that many countries are now offering incentives to those buying environmentally friendly furniture. This step was put to promote green furniture and kick start the awareness movement. Incentives and low cost? What more could you ask for?



Overall, there are many advantages to buying environmentally friendly furniture. Next time you consider commercial options; why not take a look at the green options too? You'll be surprised by the quality, options, and cost of environmentally friendly furniture!



About the Author: Tony has written several books on cafe chairs, cafe tables and cafe furniture. He also enjoys to write about hotel furniture and gardening.



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Can Redundancy be an Opportunity?

Title: Can Redundancy be an Opportunity?
Author: Neil Williams
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When I started my career, as long as you were qualified and “kept your nose clean”, effectively you had a job for life. The insurance industry was a profitable business, even in difficult years, impacted by catastrophes, they used to make money in other classes of insurance.

How times have changed, company margins are under increasing pressure and the accountant can be faced with the difficult decision of having to make redundancies, whether it is the Christmas season or not.



I personally have had to learn to be flexible in later life, whereas my son and daughters will have to be adaptable throughout their careers. As far as grandchildren are concerned, with the global economy being truly in force, how can we guess what the situation will be 5 or 10 years from now.



I know what it is like to have lost a job, when my fast growing insurance employer disappear without trace within a fortnight. And a second occasion when the job was taken away from me and was asked to clear my desk at short notice. Fortunately I was actually on a coaching course at the time, which clearly showed me that my values were very different to the company I was working for! I was not happy with the way things were going and my coach intuitively asked me (the day before it all happened) “how would you feel if you were asked to leave rather than you leaving them?” After much reflection and support from my coach I realised I would be fine as I had found myself under a lot of stress while supporting my staff through this difficult time.



Although in shock from the sudden change in my circumstances I was able to cope quite easily owing to being coached throughout that time. If only I had that support when my employer, the insurance company had gone into liquidation.



Today many people are made redundant and some people have been made redundant on more than one occasion.



How do people feel when they are made redundant?



Is there any difference when the individual opts for redundancy as against being made redundant? Even where individuals opt for redundancy it can create doubts and worry and most often find it easier to jump into the next job rather than assessing and planning for what they would really like to do.



After my insurance company went, I scrambled my way into a new job, effectively saying I would be flexible and do what ever job they had available. Not surprisingly I was in another job within three months and many of my colleagues had similar experiences. Unfortunately too many of the recruitment agencies place people in positions which are not suitable and some offer little support and advice for these people, who are still in shock.



With redundancy, people normally have a little time to think, but too often look for a similar job to what they have already. Take some time to consider whether you have enjoyed your previous job.



What parts of the job did you enjoy? Would you prefer to do something else? What skills have you acquired and how could you use them in other industries or roles?



These are all questions that people should ask of themselves but very rarely do. This is an ideal time to speak to a coach to assess what possibilities really lie ahead. By being coached over a few weeks it is likely that you will know exactly what to look for, what suits your personality, lifestyle, family and your financial requirements.



Many of us could be made redundant at any time so it is important how you recover from this that matters. It normally comes back to positive thinking and setting goals. The accountability and responsibility are yours alone but there is no harm in getting impartial, confidential support during this time, rather that struggle through on your own.



So redundancy can be the most miserable time of your life or it could be your biggest opportunity.



If this happened to you, would you make it an opportunity?



About the Author: Neil Williams is a mentor and business coach who runs NVW Solutions



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Going Green and Save Water in Greece

Title: Going Green and Save Water in Greece
Author: Gerald Brown
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In Greece, conservation of water has never been more important than now. Use Less, Conserve More! Ex pats living in the Greek Islands can support the natural ecosystems - planting of more vegetation by way of grasses and trees, promote wildlife habitat, and be more economical in using less water overall, especially in the home and garden.

On Greece's many islands, water is the main environmental issue, or I should say: the lack of it. The ordinary inhabitants on Greece's biggest island, Crete have gotten used to the Summer and early Autumn months of drought when water pressure in the mains can drop due to the copious amounts used by millions of visiting tourists in the many vacation resorts.



Inevitably, this situation leads to cuts in supplies to ordinary residents in the surrounding towns and villages during the hot summer months.



Crete will be facing more prolonged and much more serious drought conditions even in winter by the middle of this century, according to the weather pundits. This prediction is the result in the shift in climate patterns.



Rainfall in the winter of 2007/8, for example, was less than usual in quantity and distribution across the whole Island of Crete. This resulted in further depletion of subterranean water supplies. All residents - from the local Cretans to ex pats can do their bit to conserve water consumption. Hopefully this will prevent the imposition of a more restrictive water usage policy beyond the current banning of hosepipes.



Residents in the Greek islands can only hope they do not reach the status of Cyprus, where tanker ships had to carry fresh water supplies every week from Northern Greece to Larnaca during the Summer of 2008.



Here are some ideas to contribute to water conservation in Greece. You may adapt them to your location, as well:



1. The old chestnut: Do not run the tap continuously when brushing your teeth (that will save approx 5 litres a minute per brushing).



2. Save your tap from dripping - its usually requires no more than a change of washer.



3. If you have a dishwasher - only use it only when you can fill it for a wash cycle with a full load.



4. For coloured items in the washing machine - turn the heating control to minimum, or turn it off altogether. Inevitably less water will be consumed - and of course less electricity. Another thought: the

spindrying cycle is less important in Greece for most of the year. Washing dries faster in the drier climate with its typically lower humidity.



5. Water the garden with dirty water from the kitchen sink. The suggestion is to keep a bucket in the kitchen near the sink. In the sink maintain a plastic bowl. (Don't use bleach or strong cleaners though.) When washing anything from fresh vegetables to crockery, do so in the bowl. After each wash is finished pour the left over water into the bucket. When bucket is full take it to the garden. If you have an old storage tank there, fill it up or pour directly onto your vegetable patch or other pot plants. This is best carried out when the sun sets. The evaporation rate into the air will be less and more of the water will seep deeper into the soil.



6. While it is generally understood that showers use less water than for a bath, there's a catch. If you have bought a "Power Shower" the reverse is true. They can consume more water than a typical bath if run for more than 5 minutes.



7. Only fill the kettle or jug with enough water to boil in order to make the required cups of hot tea, coffee or cocoa.



8. Leftover tea and coffee - whether in bags or as leaves/grouts contain useful acids and tannins that are good to fertilize garden plants. Both beverages are good for a whole range of acid loving species that include Bouganvillea, Tradescantia, Rose Bushes, Azaleas, Orchids and African Violets (although use coffee sparingly for the Violets).



9. All over the upland areas of Crete you can see old bathtubs in open pastures to keep water for the sheep. Using the same concept for your garden, any large outmoded container, especially if it has a top to it, can store water. Even better if you can half bury the water holder in the soil to keep the water from boiling and to save the walls of the container from being corroded by the harsh sun.



10. If you happen to take a bath, consider siphoning the leftover water off into a container – to water your plants on the patio and around the house.



In the arid Greek islands, every drop of water counts, particularly in summer. If you face the same circumstances, remember - cutting water usage in the home also cuts domestic running costs.



About the Author: Gerald is a British ex pat who lives in Crete's Lasithi prefecture in a village with its own underground fresh water supply. He is also webmaster of the Brits in Crete web portal. which has a Greece Community Forum, with a section on the Crete Environment that includes gardening, making Greece greener and more.



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What is a True Night Binocular?

Title: What is a True Night Binocular?
Author: Rich Russell
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Binoculars have become very popular in recent years. They have moved beyond military, police and surveillance use and become a common piece of equipment for recreational purposes. Beyond bird watching, they are increasingly being bought for use in hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, in fact they can add to the pleasure of most outdoor pursuits.

Most of these activities take place not just in daylight but at dawn and dusk or even in the night time. You see many adverts these days for night vision binoculars and they might seem like an attractive proposition, but not all night vision binoculars are made the same. You need to be aware of the differences or you could end buying something that doesn’t live up to your expectations or paying a lot of money for functionality that you don’t need.



So, what are the options?



Firstly, there is a difference between binoculars designed to make the best use of very low light conditions and a true night binocular. If you will be operating at dawn or dusk, low light binoculars could suit your purpose. You can get an idea of how well a pair of binoculars will perform in low light from its exit pupil.



This is the diameter of the beam of light as it leaves the eye pieces. If you hold the binoculars at arms length, you can see these small circles of light in each eye piece. To find the actual size of the exit pupil, you divide the diameter of the lenses by the magnification. e.g. The binoculars are 12x50. 50mm divided by 12 is just over 4mm. A bigger exit pupil will do better in low light, but there are other considerations.



But for night time pursuits like hunting, you will need binoculars with an infra red light source to be able to see anything in almost total absence of light. The range of these light sources varies so you need to consider what you need. They are no use for hunting if you can only see 10 yards.



Secondly, there are different types of optical device for different uses. A monocular is similar in construction to a telescope. It is sometimes referred to as a spotting scope which describes what it is used for. It is OK for scanning the terrain or the sea to spot a way point or one of your companions.



A bi-ocular has two eye pieces but only a single front lens. This feels more natural to use but is a compromise. A true night vision binocular has two front lenses meaning that each eye is equally adjusted to the night vision viewfinder. If your activity involves long periods of use, these binoculars will feel more comfortable.



So, before setting out to purchase night vision binoculars, consider in what light conditions you will be using them and whether you will be using them for sustained periods. A true night vision binocular can set you back several hundred dollars and may be a waste of your money if they are more than you really need.



About the Author: Rich Russell is the owner of Best Buy Binoculars, a resource for people looking to buy binoculars. It provides guidance on choosing binoculars and links to other resources. For more information and offers visit the site at http://www.bynocular.com/category/night-binocular/



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