Feeling a bit anxious and stressed these days? Read this. Researchers in Canada and the U.S. have found more evidence that marijuana can likely benefit people suffering from opioid addiction, depression, social anxiety and PTSD.
“This is a substance that has potential use for mental health,” according to Zach Walsh, an associate professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. “We should be looking at it in the same way [as other drugs] and be holding it up to the same standard.”
The study also provides hope that marijuana may also be a benefit for those battling substance abuse.
“Research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug to reduce the use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as opioid pain medication,” Walsh, the study’s lead investigator.
“We are really excited about the potential substitution effect,” Walsh, said. “If people use cannabis as a replacement for opioid medications, or to get off of opioids or cut back, we could see some pretty dramatic public health benefits. The level of opioid overdoses is so high right now.”
This is not the first report to suggest this. A RAND study last year found that states with medical marijuana have lower rates of opioid overdose and abuse. Another study this year in Health Affairs found that medical professionals are less prone to prescribe prescription opioids in states that allow marijuana.
The research is unclear as to why this is happening. Some researchers theorize that cannabis acts as a replacement for opioid painkillers. And other medical professionals believe marijuana magnifies the effects of opioids, leading users to take lower doses for the same level of relief.
According toNeuroscience News, Walsh and his team systematically reviewed all studies of medical cannabis and mental health, as well as reviews on non-medical cannabis use – making the review one of the most comprehensive reports to date on the effects of medical cannabis on mental health.
“In reviewing the limited evidence on medical cannabis, it appears that patients and others who have advocated for cannabis as a tool for harm reduction and mental health have some valid points,” Walsh said.
Samantha is a sex robot that’s worth around $5,000. According to the doll’s creator, Sergi Santos, she responds to different sorts of stimulus, she can answer several questions, and she has a sort of personality. Not really, but okay.
Samantha gets excited depending on how well you treat her and how much you’re willing to romance her. In several videos, we can see her creator awkwardly touching her while she says things like “Oh, that’s nice.” While her looks are clunky and, well, robotic, many believe that she’s the first of many sex robots to come. At the Arts Electronica Festival in Austria, Samantha was set to be displayed and admired, but ended up being abused and broken by nerds who couldn’t keep it in their pants.
Santos told The Daily Star that the doll was treated very poorly because people didn’t understand her and were acting like barbarians.
“The people mounted Samantha’s breasts, her legs and arms. Two fingers were broken. She was heavily soiled.”
Ew. The software in Samantha allows her to do several things, like speak several languages, tell a large amount of jokes and respond to different interactions. Santos claims that Samantha enjoys when he puts his finger in her mouth and kisses her, even though she really doesn’t because her software is simply responding to a prompt.
After the abuse she endured at the festival, Samantha proved to be very resistant, claiming that she was fine when Santos asked her how she felt, indicating that her software was still in good shape. This and tons of other similar dolls developed by different companies suggest that we’re only dipping our toe into the realm of robot sex. What can we expect in the future? Hopefully, a doll that doesn’t look like life-size spray tanned Barbie.
As summer officially ends, it marks the end of the blockbuster movie season and more serious, awards-directed fare. To celebrate our favorite time of movies, we highlighted the 13 features you can’t miss this upcoming holiday season. Enjoy.
Blade Runner 2049—Oct. 6
Though revered properly over time, the original Blade Runner was beset by studio meddling and audience pandering, causing so many cuts of the film newcomers require user guides explaining the differences between them all. Judging by early critical praise of the film (it currently boasts a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes), this long-awaited sequel is taking the opposite approach—it’ll be smash hit right out of the gate.
The Florida Project—Oct. 6
Consider this your introduction the talents of director Sean Baker. His previous film, the transgender sex drama/romp Tangerine, earned Baker attention in part because he shot the film using three iPhone 5S smartphones. The Florida Project instead is shot on 35mm and regards the motel strips surrounding Disneyland in Orlando, Florida. It is hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming and features Willem Dafoe’s best work in some time.
Goodbye Christopher Robin—Oct. 13
The real-life origin story of Winnie Pooh’s creation could possibly be the family tearjerker of the season. It shares how the character was created through author A.A. Milne’s relationship with his son, the real Christopher Robin, following the aftermath of World War I and afflicted with PTSD. The trailer alone is enough to make your tears start watering.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer—Nov. 3
This film will reunite The Beguiled co-stars Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell for another disturbing and moody psychological thriller. It also marks the second time Farrell works with director Yorgos Lanthimos, following last years inventive dark comedy The Lobster. From early reviews, however, this film seems to leave the laughter at the door.
Another movie season, another Marvel project. However, the newest Thor feature could draw in even the most apathetic Marvel filmgoer. Boasting a delectable cast of Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Jeff Goldblum, Tom Hiddlesworth, and Mark Ruffalo, the project seems to steer directly into the comedic and absurd. Helmed by Taiki Wattiti, the director of the delightful adventure comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople, this will be a good time.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri—Nov. 10
The return of In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths director Martin McDonagh is a ripe one for our times. It features Frances McDormand causing a media maelstrom following the brutal raping and killing of her daughter. Weighty in subject matter, yet the trailers indicate a delicate release of laughter throughout. If that isn’t enough to convince you, know that it won the Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Murder on the Orient Express—Nov. 10
This new version of the Agatha Christie mystery is a classic whodunit case but with some of your favorite and kookier stars. Staring and directed by Kenneth Branagh, the cast also includes Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfieffer, Penelope Cruz, and Judi Dench.
Justice League—Nov. 17
A lot rides on this movie for DC and Warner Bros. Following the massive success of Wonder Woman, the studio has built a generous momentum among fans, anticipating the superhero team origin adventure. Though originally shot by Zack Snyder, the director stepped down following the tragic death of his teen daughter by suicide. Joss Whedon took over for reshoots and post production and it remains to be seen just what possible changes in tone and look the film underwent from the change.
Molly’s Game—Nov. 22
Regardless of your level of appreciation for the man, Aaron Sorkin is a legendary screenwriter. Known for his clickety-clack dialogue, he now steps behind the camera for the first time. Sorkin fans will be comforted to know he still wrote the screenplay. It’s based on the true story of a woman who ran the world’s highest-stakes poker game for years. Those who’ve seen the film in festivals say it’s possibly his most enthralling work in years.
The Disaster Artist—Dec. 1
Here’s the quick elevator pitch: Based on the book about the making of The Room, which is heralded as the worst movie ever made, James Franco and friends reunite for what one of the year’s funniest movies. Franco directs and stars as the eccentric, mysterious Tommy Wiseau and is perhaps his best comedic work in some time.
The Shape of Water—Dec. 8
Guillermo del Toro taps into his softer side with his latest production starring a mute woman (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with a merman creature held hostage in a military facility. No less fantastical than his previous work—Crimson Peak is still underrated—it will tug on your heart strings.
It’s Star Wars so you’re going to see it. Basically anything I write in this short description is meaningless, but that’s okay—you should be excited enough about the Rian Johnson-directed sequel that will see the return of Luke Skywalker and Carrie Fisher in her final role. Just thank our lucky stars JJ Abrams isn’t directing.
Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Movie—Dec. 25
Fervent moviegoers know why to anticipate this movie of which so little is known. But the reunion of director Paul Thomas Anderson and actor Daniel Day-Lewis is enough to entice, the stakes being even higher considering Day-Lewis announced this will be his last film role ever. It will explore the 1950s fashion world and is purported to be titled Phantom Thread, but we’re still not sure about anything except one thing—we can’t wait to see it.
Casa Verde, the cannabis venture firm that focuses on ancillary industry products and counts Snoop Dogg among its partners, made a big investment in Toronto-based cannabis tech company.
Leading a $2 million seed round, Casa Verde invested in Trellis, the cannabis inventory management company. Trellis describes its product as “seed-to-sale management software” that “gives you the tools and analytics to optimize your operations.”
Meanwhile, Casa Verde specializes in making early investments in cannabis companies that don’t touch the plant and instead focus on complementary products to assist the growing industry. A company like Trellis, for example.
“We are at a pivotal point in the industry where the market is expanding with new regulations and operators are experiencing growing pains. This makes it all the more important to have strong tools and procedures in place,” Trellis CEO Pranav Sood told Business Insider. “We are thrilled to have been able to attract such a strong team of beta clients, investors, and advisors to support us in our vision.”
Trellis is currently in Private Beta with clients in California and Canada. Their plan is to expand to more states in the future—something this seed round surely helps with—including Colorado and Oregon moving forward.
“As cannabis legalization sweeps the US, the compliance burden for cannabis-related businesses will become more and more rigorous,” Casa Verde managing partner Karan Wadhera, a Goldman Sachs told Business Insider. “We have been searching for companies with an elegant solution to address the growing pains of the industry.”
She added: “That is exactly what Pranav and his team have built with Trellis.”
Falling back on your pillow and covering up with a nice comforter is one of the things many people look forward to as the end of the day nears, and often times, as soon as the alarm goes off in the morning. So, if you’d like to keep thinking of your bed as your respite, stop reading. But if you want a glimpse into what’s really happening between the sheets— and not the fun stuff — read on.
1. You Should Probably Sleep Naked
As humans, we shed about 500 million skin cells and a liter of sweat every. single. day. And you know what loves skin cells and sweat? Bacteria and other organisms in your bed. According to an ABC News investigation, even brand new clothes with tags still attached can be contaminated with norovirus (sometimes lovingly known as the “winter vomiting bug”), staph germs, and at the very least, bacteria. So, yeah, don’t sit on your bed with unwashed clothes.
And pajamas are no better. If not washed regularly, they could cause skin infections via the built up dead skin cells. A survey by mattress company Ergoflex found that on average, women wear their pajamas 17 nights in a row, creating the perfect storm of bacteria and microorganisms, including staph.
https://giphy.com/gifs/bug-14p3gzd3S53nJ6
2. It Might Be Healthier NOT to Make Your Bed
Scientists believe that an atmosphere of open air exposure versus warm and cozy darkness is more likely to keep the dust mites away. A study out of Kingston University found that bugs cannot survive in the warm, dry conditions found in an unmade bed.
“The average bed could be home to up to 1.5 million house dust mites,” reports the BBC. “The bugs, which are less than a millimetre long, feed on scales of human skin and produce allergens which are easily inhaled during sleep. The warm, damp conditions created in an occupied bed are ideal for the creatures, but they are less likely to thrive when moisture is in shorter supply.” So, that’s fun.
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3. Your Pillows Are Probably Garbage
A normal sized pillow will double in weight over a three-year period. Want to know why? (No, you don’t). It’s not because it’s taking midnight trips to the kitchen. It’s because it’s absorbing dust mites and dead skin cells. You’re welcome.
That’s because there are way more germs (about 4,000) crawling around in your carpet than on your toilet. We’re talking things like viruses, bacteria and allergens. Picking up a vacuum everyday wouldn’t hurt.
According to Dermascope sheets that aren’t washed regularly can cause acne when your body’s natural oils and dirt are absorbed by the sheets, causing build-up over time. “Dirty sheets and dirty clothes can transfer dirt and bacteria into the hair follicle, causing it to clog and become infected. Women that use makeup on their neck are also more prone to chest acne. Makeup along with sweat can cause the pores to clog.”
Sources say that exiting “The Voice” has “left a big hole in her pocket,” Aguilera’s last two albums have also flopped. The singer has been “hustling personal appearances” to make money. The insider added, “Its kind of humiliating, but she’s looking for a fast fix.”
Hugh Grant And Ben Whishaw Play Lovers In New BBC Biopic
Grant is portraying British Liberal political party leader Jeremy Thorpe, who in 1979, was tried and acquitted of the murder of his former lover, Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw).
The limited series was written by Russell T. Davies (Queer as Folk, Cucumber) and is helmed by Stephen Frears, who also directed Florence Foster Jenkins and The Queen.
Grant has played gay roles before, most notably starring in the 1987 period piece Maurice, directed by James Ivory. This will be his first television acting role in 20 years.
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A plant-based diet of vegetables, fruits and grains may be the key to losing weight for some people, but as a new study shows, it’s largely dependent on what kind of bacteria we have in our gut.
Professor Arne Astrup, Head of the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark tells Science Daily:
Human intestinal bacteria have been linked to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, and scientists have started to investigate whether the intestinal bacteria can play a role in the treatment of overweight. But it is only now that we have a breakthrough demonstrating that certain bacterial species play a decisive role in weight regulation and weight loss.
The study is based on two groups of people following two different diets: the Danish national diet based on lots of fruit, vegetables, fiber and whole grains and the New Nordic Diet, which is also rich in plant-based foods in addition to fish, wild game and small amounts of dairy.
The results were pretty shocking. Thirty-one subjects ate the New Nordic Diet for 26 weeks and lost an average of 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs), whereas the 23 subjects eating an average Danish Diet lost an average of 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs). New Nordic Diet, for the win!
Science Dailyreports the key to weight loss is a bacteria called Prevotella:
When the subjects were divided by their level of intestinal bacteria, it was found that people with a high proportion of Prevotella bacteria in relation to Bacteroides bacteria lost 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) more in 26 weeks when they ate a diet composed by the New Nordic Diet principles compared to those consuming an Average Danish Diet. Subjects with a low proportion of Prevotella bacteria in relation to Bacteroides did not lose any additional weight on the New Nordic Diet.
Approximately half of the population has a high proportion of Prevotella-bacteria in relation to Bacteroides-bacteria, but according toAssistant Professor Mads Fiil Hjorth at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen, “The other half of the population doesn’t seem to gain any benefit in weight from this change of diet.”
What does this all mean? Basically, that our gut bacteria could (and should) play a larger role in nutritional guidance by utilizing fecal, blood or other samples from our body versus the more common method of just guessing.
Rachel Myrick, from Virginia, was bitten three times by a dangerous snake when she went to eat at a LongHorn steakhouse. Three times.
Myrick explains that she was bitten while waiting for her food at the restaurant and that, at first, she thought it was a bee sting. The pain grew to be excruciating, forcing her to reach down and grab her foot, which is when she felt a snake wiggling under her toes. Rachel Myrick was accompanied by her son and boyfriend, both of whom stomped the snake as soon as they saw it.
According to Fredericksburg.com, Rachel’s boyfriend recognized that the snake was a copperhead and, knowing how dangerous they are, immediately decided to take her to the hospital.
I’ve bred and raised reptiles for 15 years, there was no question what it was.”
Myrick spent 5 days at the hospital where she was treated with several medications to prevent the venom from spreading and to help her cope with the symptoms of the snake bite, which are incredibly serious. According to the doctors, it will take her three months to do a full recovery.
As soon as we were made aware of what happened, we immediately contacted 911 and assisted our guest. Our primary concern is the wellbeing of Ms. Myrick and we want to provide any assistance we can.”
LongHorn expressed that the incident was highly unusual and that they were working with their team to figure out how this had happened in the first place. Their main priority is to ensure that it never happens again. In the mean time, so long LongHorn.
An undiagnosed brain condition of their six-year-old daughter pushed two parents in Birmingham, England into trying something else—cannabis oil. Jayla Agbonlahor is the niece of Aston Villa footballer Gabby Agbonlah. Doctors initially suspected Jayla had epilepsy but soon discovered the problem was in her brain. Regular seizures caused her to be hospitalized every three to four weeks and she was unable to eat, drink, walk, or talk. She also suffered cardiac arrest as a baby.
Traditional medicine wasn’t effective in treating Jayla and doctors told her parents she would likely die at an early age. But after researching the medicinal properties of cannabis oil, her mother Louise Bostock began treating her daughter in secret with the oil, which she attained on the black market.
However, soon Jayla was having fewer seizures and started eating and drinking regularly. Though positive, Bostock had to meet with police regarding her illegal administration of the drug. She was later cleared in 2015 to do so, though it’s only obtainable via Holland.
Jayla is having an operation today can you all please keep her in your prayers today ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qfxQQzg6aR
Bostock wants cannabis oil available to all who need it medicinally. Currently, cannabis-based medicine is only available in the UK for those suffering multiple sclerosis, though not on subscription.
Jayla is the youngest legally-approved user in the UK at the moment. As Bostock told the Sunday Mercury, “I believe it has saved her life, so it is a good thing. That is why it needs to happen with other children.”
Netflix, home to runaway hits like “Orange is the New Black,” “House of Cards” and “Stranger Things,” reportedly paid Chelsea Handler $10 million to do her weekly talk show, “Chelsea.” So far it looks like money poorly spent. The on-demand streaming video outlet gave Handler’s show a big push when it launched in May 2016, but the response has been lackluster at best.
Netflix does not offer ratings beyond thumbs up or thumbs down from viewers, so it’s nearly impossible to quantify a show’s success. But the series, originally intended to air three times a week, has been switched to one show a week, on Fridays, in the second season.
“Netflix invests in an entirely speculative manner,” Lex Jurgen, of WWTDD.com, told Fox News. “They wanted [an] edgy female comedian talk show, or a Netflix version of ‘Real Time with Bill Maher,’ who they are now clearly imitating both in style and scheduling.
“There won’t be a ‘Chelsea’ Season three unless they simply insist on pretending they didn’t make a poor decision in the first place,” Jurgen said. “If only they put that same money into showcasing some of the actually talented female comedians with something insightful to say beyond cheap Trump or Britney Spears jokes.”
A former TV network executive, who wished to remain anonymous, said the program just isn’t resonating with viewers.
“When Chelsea gets quoted, it seems to be apart from her show brand. So, she’s not that quotable, and more importantly, her show is not that quotable.” But it’s not so much a Handler problem as it is a reflection of Netflix itself, the exec continued. “It points to a bigger challenge for Netflix. They are a streaming service, famous for helping to establish the whole binge-watching phenomenon, where you might check in a few nights a week to watch multiple episodes of a longer narrative. A show like Chelsea’s would thrive on live-streaming or individual episode watching, every night it’s on. Otherwise, it loses its topicality.” [From Fox News]
Kim Kardashian Spends Much Money On North
A former staffer says big purchases include a $1 million wardrobe, $50,000 diamond earrings, a $54,000 custom dollhouse, A $62,000 tiara for playing dress-up and yes her very own personal stylist. Spoiled?
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