We look back at the post high school years and think – what were we doing? Partying all night, rolling into work a little hungover and maybe with the club stamp still on our hand. Most people grow out of it, but not everyone. The perfect example is Las Vegas…the 24 hour city were you can gamble your cares away. Drink? Use Weed? Are you in one of the wildest cities?
Data from the Online Betting Guide rates the cities with the wildest behavior, and you might be surprised.
The data tracks behavior in 5 categories – drinking alcohol, consuming marijuana, doing cocaine, casinos per residents and the general number of strip clubs. Sounds like a bro thing to judge, but everyone did like the Hangover movie. These industries (less the cocaine) generate about $705.2 billion in revenue each year with alcohol being the largest and strip clubs being the smallest.
Currently you have 23 states with recreational and 40 states with medical marijuana. All the states have alcohol with the Vegas strip and New Orleans allowing open containers. The states among most strip-club friendly are West Virginia, Florida, Nevada, Louisiana, and Oregon. Only two states have completely outlawed casinos are Utah and Hawaii.
The biggest drinking city is, surprise, Milwaukee. The city has a long history with alcohol. The original beer city was home to OG breweries Blatz, Pabst, Schlitz and Miller.
The biggest city consuming marijuana is Traverse City, Michigan, not quite what we expected, by the cannabis community is evolving quickly with legalization. You can’t judge a cannabis fan by the cover.
Showing we are more alike in our vices, the top 20 cities are split almost evenly between red and blue states, highlighting common ground people. Check out the full results here and see where your favorite city is on the list!
With legalization of marijuana changing, you wonder if the rankings will change. But for the moment you know where to live or travel to have a crazy time.
Marijuana is not only becoming more mainstream, it is becoming a go to for those who want to adjust their lifestyle. The under 40s are turning to cannabis rather than alcohol. Those that want to lose weight are popping a gummy instead of a cocktail, and those who suffer from ailments are turning to medical marijuana. California is showing a decrease in beer purchases early the week and an uptick in marijuana sales. So it is now part of society and people are curious – what does a marijuana high feel like?
Culturally, most people know alcohol. People can have slurred speech, red eyes, loss of coordination, sleepy or maybe a bit loud. Some can have mood swings and get aggressive. Bar fights happen for a common reason – booze. The ethanol in alcohol is what makes you drunk.
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What gets you marijuana high is THC. The chemical structure is similar to the brain chemical anandamide. Similarity in structure allows the body to recognize THC and to alter normal brain communication. It affects brain areas that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, and sensory and time perception. Because of this similarity, THC is able to attach to molecules called cannabinoid receptors on neurons in these brain areas and activate them, disrupting various mental and physical functions. THC, acting through cannabinoid receptors, also activates the brain’s reward system, which includes regions that govern the response to healthy pleasurable behaviors such as sex and eating.
Clinical studies of cannabis have found that the drug produces feelings like relaxation, loss of inhibition, euphoria, sleepiness and even altered perceptions. Most people experience a pleasant euphoria and sense of relaxation.
Cannabis is very individualized, with the same strain being able to produce different effects depending on the person and how they’re feeling. If you’re mood is high and positive before smoking and you choose the right strain, you’ll likely experience euphoria, a term that encapsulates a large horde of positive moods. If you’re stressed out or anxious before smoking, you might feel a rise of paranoia and unease that will make your experience unpleasant.
When it comes to negative side effects, the main one being a sense of paranoia. Studies show that cannabis is linked with a little bit of everything.
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Some lucky people claim to feel very creative after consuming weed (especially in moderation), being able to read, paint, write, with an engagement that allows them to carry this out for hours. Gamers and programmers swear it helps them focus and be creative.
For others, they may be having a great time, but their memory is impaired and they can’t really commit to activities that demand a lot of engagement. Driving in never an option.
Aggression is almost never associated with being high. Most people are feeling so good they are just nice. You never hear of a fight breaking out when people are getting stoned. They just relax and maybe doze off.
Times have changed – and you might want to consider how you buy cannabis changing also
Back in the day, you knew a guy who knew a guy, or you had a regular dealer, or you landed in a city for a trip and you talked to cab drivers and bartenders. Today, with cannabis legal recreationally 23 states along with the District of Columbia, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands PLUS 40 state medically things are much easier. But you still want to know how to avoid bad marijuana.
With 90% of the public ok with some form of legal cannabis, you think it would be all grade A prime stuff out there, but if you want flower, there is still some quality issues. Flower is still the number one revenue generator for legal dispensaries, but vaping is coming up.
When in a store, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Except for NYC, legal states have licenses dispensaries with some control over products sold. But it is ok to ask, sniff, and look at flower before you purchase. If you are in a less than legal state, know the dealer and go with your gut. No high is worth a bad trip.
Use all of your senses to determine the quality of your product. Good quality weed should smell good and strong, look bright and colorful, and feel airy and light. The flower should separate when you apply pressure to it; it shouldn’t fall apart by itself or be dense and overtly sticky.
Use your nose. Once you’ve interacted with high quality weed, the bad stuff is easier to spot. Cannabis cultivated and cured to the high standards typically exhibits a pungent and pleasant aroma. Flowers emitting a strong fragrance are commonly referred to as having a “dank” or “loud” odor, indicating the overall quality of the flower. You should steer clear of any type of weed that smells, looks, or feels off.
Marijuana which isn’t quite right can reek of a musty or mildewy aroma. This or a straw-like aroma is a clear indication of aged or compromised cannabis.
Use your eyes. Properly grown flower, like fresh, healthy produce, provides a few visual hints to help you determine quality. Good cannabis should be visually appealing, top-shelf strains can easily display a vibrant array of colors. Good-quality flowers are often a deep green with flaming orange or red hairs. They can also express colors from deep purple to bright blue.
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Bad flower also has distinct in look. Discolored flower or an abundance of stems and seeds in a sign to move on. There are many reasons flower can become discolored ranging from mold and age to pesticides and chemicals.
When flower is of a lower quality, it will often be dry or brittle to the touch. Dry bud will feel light and airy with little weight, unlike dense, sticky flower. Additionally, bad weed will easily crumble when handled, or might even fall apart. Loose, undone flower is called “shake” and should be avoided.
Avoid strains that claim to have extreme effects. For example, if your seller tells you that they have a strain with over 30% THC potency, ask more questions since that seems unlikely. You also don’t need a strain with crazy THC levels in order to get the results you want or are looking for.
if your seller tells you that they have a strain is extreme or has over 30% THC potency, ask more questions since that seems unlikely. You also don’t need a strain with crazy THC levels in order to get the results you want or are looking for. This should be avoided.
The munchies are a part of the classic, hippy, stoner scene. Memes, jokes and lots of fast food wrappers can verify its place in the culture. Jack in the Box has played to it with commercials, a stoner guy, a Box 420 special, and this year a “Pineapple Express” food truck. But not all cannabis is alike and not all will make you hungry. So why does some marijuana give you the munchies?
The munchies are defined as intense hunger, particularly for sweet and savory treats, after you use cannabis. Some think of the munchies as an adverse side effect, but other people use cannabis, especially medical marijuana, with a goal of stimulating their appetite.
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You can have different results regarding cannabis with relieving stress or whether it improve sleep, but cannabis reliably stimulates appetite in animals with an endocannabinoid system. Cannabis has been used as an appetite stimulant for thousands of years. The earliest record of using cannabis to treat appetite loss comes from 300 A.D. in India and this tradition continues in modern folk medicine traditions throughout Asia. For example, in Thailand cannabis is frequently used to stimulate the appetite of sick people and make them sleep.
Not all marijuana increases the appetite. Cannabinoids activate the receptors that affect your appetite levels. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary cannabinoid that’s known to increase appetite. Some strains reduced hunger. The best weed strains for appetite suppression are those with low-to-moderate THC levels and high CBD and THCV levels,
But THC is only 1 of more than 100 active chemicals found in cannabis. Animal studies show that another cannabinoid, called cannabigerol (CBG), may also stimulate appetite. This cannabinoid doesn’t have the same intoxicating effect as THC. So it’s of interest to researchers looking for a way to stimulate appetite without the high associated with THC.
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In a study, worms exposed to a cannabinoid become even more interested in the kind of food that they’d already prefer, new University of Oregon research shows. The effect is similar to craving potato chips and ice cream after a few puffs of marijuana, a phenomenon known scientifically as “hedonic feeding” but colloquially called “the munchies.”
The study, led by neuroscientist Shawn Lockery in the College of Arts and Sciences, points to worms as a useful tool for understanding more about the many roles that cannabinoids naturally play in the body. And it could help researchers develop better drugs that target that system. He and his team published their findings April 20 in Current Biology.
Epidemiological studies in humans indicate a relationship between long term chronic cannabis use and “decreased prevalence of obesity and diabetes.” More research is needed to understand why cannabis products opposite effects. At present, there is no evidence that weed will help you lose weight. However, because of the complex role cannabis plays with metabolism and weight maintenance, researchers are exploring option with new obesity drugs.
How you consume can also play a role. A clinical study showed inhaled cannabis can increase levels of hormones which make you hungry.
Generally, the higher the THC, the more of chance of munchies. You can manage your intake by having better food options available when you decide to consume.
Burnt popcorn, hot showers, vaporizers and more. Here are a few ways to eliminate the linger scent of weed in your home.
One of the most emblematic aspects about marijuana is its smell. Equally particular as it is enticing, marijuana’s scent is one of the world’s most recognizable smells. It also is difficult to erase from rooms. Here is how to get rid of weed odor in your home!
In order to prevent your fabrics and your home from reeking of weed, there are a few things you can do, although it’s always better to prevent the smell over having to erase it once it settles in.
Here are 5 of the most useful bits of advice when it comes to making your home as marijuana-smell-proof as possible:
While there’s a lot of people who prefer to smoke joints and use bongs, vaporizers are effective if you want to consume something discreet and that produces little to no smell. These devices heat up marijuana instead of combusting it, creating no weedy smell (or at least a much subtler version of it) and saving your clothes a trip to the laundry.
Have a smoke buddy with you
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Smoke buddies are a little clunky, but they’re a cheap and portable option that will help you get rid of lingering marijuana smoke. These devices allow you to blow smoke directly into them, leaving your surroundings odor-free. You can also make a sploof, which is cheaper and just as effective, only needing some dryer sheets and a cardboard toilet paper roll.
Febreze works in covering up the smell of weed, even if it leaves your home smelling of chemicals. If you prefer a more natural scent, you can try incense, which also produces a strong and distinct smell that will mask the odor of marijuana.
Incense
Photo courtesy of Danielle Guercio
Unlike candles, incense create a very powerful smell, one that’s capable of disguising most other smells. By lighting it as you smoke, you’ll disguise the smell of weed as it’s exhaled and will prevent the smell from lingering in the room, something that is very useful and discreet.
Smoke in the shower
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A common way to smoke marijuana on the low is to smoke in the bathroom while the shower is running. The water must be hot in order to create some steam, which will in turn mix up with the marijuana smoke and dissipate the smell.
A very sneaky move would be to limit your smoking to your bathroom. While this is pretty limiting, if you have a bathroom with a fan, turn it on, thus helping dissipate the smell. Light a match and you’ll be able to mask most of the smell.
Burnt popcorn masks the weed smell
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While this measure is extreme, it is an effective way of masking the marijuana smell. Burnt popcorn smells very strong and will stay in your house for hours, maybe even days. However, when choosing this option, you’re basically trading in one smell for another. So hopefully you know how to get the burnt popcorn smell out of your home.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has made a name for himself as a tough, focused, political powerhouse. He has wrangled presidents along with the Senate and House. He has a vision and focused on it no matter who is in the way – political opponents, the president, and even the general public. He is a legend and Mitch McConnell has been a roadblock for marijuana.
McConnell has even embraced his Darth Vader meme and is ok with being a hatchet man. But this week, he startled everyone at the Senate Republicans’ weekly press conference. McConnell abruptly stopped speaking, and was eventually escorted away only to return later to answer questions. In March he fell and sustained a concussion, and some Senators have quietly expressed seen changing in the Minority Leader.
Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
One thing is clear, McConnell is not swayed by public opinion and is definitely not a fan of cannabis or the industry. He has remained stubborn and pushed for his values no matter what the issue and has been friend and foe to seven presidents. Since taking office as a US Senator, McConnell has gathered a fortune estimated at $34 million.
Advocates and executives are up in arms after opposition from the then Senate GOP Leader resulted in Congress failing to pass SAFE Banking, key cannabis banking bill, dealing a massive blow to the industry.
Mitch McConnell, the senior senator from Kentucky and the Senate Minority Leader, has had a mixed history with marijuana reform. McConnell has been a advocate for the legalization of industrial hemp, a form of cannabis that can be made into a wide variety of products. He pushed to get a provision legalizing hemp into the 2018 Farm Bill, which essentially legalized hemp by removing it from the definition of marijuana under federal drug laws. This, of course, meet jobs for his home state.
Despite his support for hemp, McConnell has been a vocal opponent of medical marijuana. However, his home state of Kentucky recently became the 38th state to legalize medical marijuana, suggesting that his views may be evolving or he didn’t think it was worth the political capital to stop the bill.
He has been a consistent opponent of recreational marijuana, and has panned proposals to add marijuana provisions to defense bills. He has blocked SAFE Banking and it is said marijuana reform will not pass as long as he is a Senate leader.
SAFE Banking is currently being lead by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and they have gather 40+ bipartisan Senators, but McConnell remains an unknown. Perhaps if he knew science agrees medical marijuana may help those who have had a stroke who could allow it to pass.
While McConnell’s public statements suggest that he is opposed to marijuana reform, he has also been known to engage with the industry in a more lighthearted way. For example, he was photographed frolicking in a field of cannabis in 2020.
X, Insta, TikTok, all have different takes/values on cannabis…
Twitter becoming X has been big news, the global online chatroom has been stirring the pot since Elon Musk acquired the company for $44 billion. In February of this year, Twitter (now X) updated its advertising policy to allow cannabis ads on the platform in states where cannabis is legal. A huge win for market and makes them a rarity. It seems social media and marijuana, ugh when it comes to growing the industry.
With 90% of the public ok with some form of legal cannabis, you would think social media would be more accepting. But actually, marijuana falls into a similar category as alcohol with some of the largest players.
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Here is a quick review of the policies.
Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
Meta prohibits the advertising of cannabis, topical CBD, ingestible hemp products, and CBD products such as hemp seeds and ingestible CBD. However, Meta now allows limited CBD and hemp advertising on apps like Facebook and Instagram for educational, advocacy, and public service announcement purposes.
Meta allows alcohol advertising under certain restrictions and with strict guidelines.
TikTok
TikTok prohibits paid advertising for cannabis.
TikTok prohibits ads promoting alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, spirits, etc. They also prohibit ads for alcohol clubs/subscription services, alcohol making kits, and alcohol-sponsored events
YouTube’s policies prohibit content that endangers the emotional and physical well-being of minors, including promoting products that contain drugs, nicotine, or controlled substances. YouTube’s policies also consider the nature of the upload, such as whether it is educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic in nature.
As of June 2021, YouTube no longer accepts Masthead Ads from certain verticals, including alcohol.
Photo by Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images
A study demonstrates the ways in which cannabis is promoted on social media apps, and how this has opened up the market to include people who don’t fit the typical stoner stereotype.
The study, published in Crime, Media, Culture: An International Journal, found that women have slowly introduced themselves into the equation, disrupting what’s traditionally thought of as a cannabis consumer. These women promote cannabis in different ways, incorporating it into their daily lives and activities.
Researchers used Instagram as their social media platform of choice, analyzing illegal sellers in Switzerland with “cannabis influencers” in the U.S., and spotting their differences. Researchers found that cannabis influencers were challenging what has long been considered appealing to cannabis markets, something that could have a global impact.
“Our findings show that cannabis influencers on Instagram are changing the stereotypical characteristics of illegal cannabis culture as being almost entirely dominated by men, to one where cannabis is represented as a desirable accessory in certain feminine lifestyles,” write the study’s researchers. These influencers painted cannabis as an activity that can be pursued by mothers, people who are invested in their physical and mental health, and more.
Study authors recognize how cannabis influencers have had to get creative on platforms like Instagram considering how the app prevents its sale and censors its content. In their posts, influencers make it clear that they’re not selling cannabis and are simply endorsing it, tying it to appealing images and to a lifestyle that other people are interested in replicating.
“When cannabis is marketed by legal influencers rather than illegal dealers, we find a shift in the use of symbols related to amateurism versus professionalism, intimacy and lifestyle and argue that these changes are bound up with how the influencers do gender differently than sellers,” explain the researchers
Marijuana use has evolved over the years, becoming less of a taboo topic and something that can be discussed and consumed openly. In places where the drug is legal, it makes sense social media always promotion as something that’s just another activity to partake in.
African nation Niger loves some weed, it is ranked the among the world’s highest consumer of cannabis. But this week, marijuana loving Niger had a coup d’etat and it may be good news for their president, citizens, Africa, or the world. Soldiers stormed the capital and members of the Presidential Guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace in the capital Niamey.
Niger, officially Republic of Niger, French République du Niger, is a western African landlocked country. It is bounded on the northwest by Algeria, on the northeast by Libya, on the east by Chad, on the south by Nigeria and Benin, and on the west by Burkina Faso and Mali. In 1960, Niger left the French Community, which started with it being a colony, and acquired full independence. It is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Cannabis really entered Niger in the 20th century. During the early 1970s soldiers consumed it in order to suppress timidity. Afterwards, it became popular among youths between 1980s. and 1990s. It is illegal and if they decide to catch you, it is punishable by a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison.
For both Paris and Washington, Niger is a strategic country in the fight against Islamist terrorism. Viewed as “one of the most reliable U.S. allies” against al Qaeda, Islamic State and Boko Haram, it’s also one of the last Sahel nations that hasn’t deepened cooperation with Russia to the West’s detriment. The EU, US and UK have said they stand behind President Mohamed Bazoum and are working toward a solution.
The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary outfit led by Yevgeny Prigozhin (which almost started a coup in Russia a few weeks ago) is active in Africa, claimed credit for the coup.“What happened is the struggle of the people of Niger against the colonialists,” Prigozhin said in a voice message posted in a Wagner-branded Telegram channel. “This is actually gaining independence and getting rid of the colonialists.”
Regionally, they love marijuana so much they have their own nicknames for it including kaya, wee-wee, igbo, oja, gbana, blau, kpoli and abana. In a video communique, a man identified as Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane for the rebels and flanked by several apparent soldiers, announced, “We have decided to put an end to the regime that you know.” We hope that does not mean citizens will lose access to oja, especially medical marijuana.
Everyone is seems is consuming, millennials and Gen Z are slowly turning away from alcohol and cannabis. It is recreationally legal 23 states, medically in 40. It has been become generally socially acceptable and popping a gummy is now “a thing”. But is it time for a marijuana break personally? Just like Dry January, there is a consensus people need to take a break from some activities, alcohol, meat, sugar, etc. Lent used to the time you gave up what you love – be it chocolate or red wine. But how do you know it is time for a marijuana break and how does it look?
THC, the part of marijuana that give you the high, is similar to one of the body’s natural cannabinoids, Anandamide, and works as an agonist (stimulator) on the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Because THC acts directly on those receptors, too much THC can overwhelm the receptors and cause their functioning to be reduced. This is a reason to take a break to allow the “system” to reset.
Of course, if you are on medical marijuana, you will want to consult with a medical professional for their opinion. If you are a recreational user, here is some direction.
If you feel foggy, unmotivated when smoking, chance are you’re smoking too much. Cannabis can help take the edge off, but it’s not meant to be a permanent state of being. Another reason why you may want to quit smoking is because of guilt. This rings true for those who have to hide their use because of the fear of other people’s perception.
What does it look like to take a break? The good thing is you are in control. People like Dry January because it gives them a set framework to not drink. You could try do an “Off August” where you go off cannabis and see how it makes you feel. It takes approximately 3 weeks for THC to leave your system. So your cannabis tolerance break should be at least 21 days long. After 3-4 days your body should be responding to the change in routine.
When it comes to consuming anything, whether we’re talking about food, drugs, or working out, it’s always good to do it in moderation. If you feel like you need to take a break from weed then give it a try. It is always good to be able to freely walk away from something.
With CBD shampoo, you can have an effective, gentle product which repairs hair and revives your skin follicles.
Our hair reflects who we are. Coiffed, blue, blown out, parted, mullet, big, or simply hanging loss, it help define our look. But for many, it is a daily challenge, especially for those with thinning hair. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 30 million women in the United States suffer from hereditary hair loss, compared with 50 million men. In 2022 people spent $3.9 billion to combat thinning hair. So, can CBD help with hair loss or more?
What causes thinning hair and hair loss?
As people age, they experience a natural change with their hair that leads to hair loss. While some lose hair at a slower pace, others lose hair much faster (this happens for different reasons).
Hair loss can be hereditary, if older members of a family also lose hair, there is a greater chance it will be passed on to younger generals. Hormonal deficiencies are also major causes of hair loss in men and women. It can be caused by changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and aging. Stress, medications and cancer treatments are also causes. If you haven’t experienced hair loss, you should actively think about how to prevent it from happening.
While there are numerous solutions for hair loss, CBD is becoming more common with Amazon, Walmart and more selling to their vast number of customers.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound in the hemp plant. It is a safe, non-addictive substance with numerous potential health benefits. CBD is officially approved for medical use as an anti-seizure medication, and is also used to treat health conditions ranging from chronic pain, inflammation and anxiety to neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases. Many people find CBD to be effective at supporting overall wellness, improving mental health, and enhancing recovery after exercise.
Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t cause a person to feel “high” or “stoned”. CBD is widely available in a variety of forms, such as oils, capsules and topical products. It is legal throughout the United States and in many countries because it is derived from the hemp plant, which contains only trace amounts of THC.
A properly researched shampoo could help. Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, may cause hair growth, several other phytocannabinoids may lead to hair loss. Additionally, the effect of CBD on hair growth may be concentration-dependent. CBD may cause hair loss at high concentrations. Therefore, the concentration of CBD needs to be adjusted so that it is optimal for hair growth.
CBD contains different amino and fatty acids which are crucial nutrients for hair protection. With the shampoo made from CBD you will also get other minerals in large quantities that keep your hair healthy, lush and strong. Remember shampoo products are not meant to be used on a one-off basis as it is important your hair feeds on CBD regularly. You want the hair to get used to the CBD nutrients and want to use just enough to ensure there are no subsequent breakages which will lead to hair loss again.
CBD shampoo also contains anti-inflammatory properties that protects the base of your hair from hair loss.
Another reason it could help CDB’s anti-anxiety properties. You will learn to relax your mind and body thus reducing stress that can cause hair loss. This may be taking in a pill, oils, or others.
Aside from thinning hair, another way of is promoting sebum (natural oil) production, CBD has the potential to improve your hair and scalp health. And that means thicker, healthier and glossier hair!
Eat extra protein. You may not be getting enough each day which can affect hair growth.
Consider the Mediterranean diet
Discuss with your physician prescription or over-the-counter medication
So CBD may be able to help with your hair and with thinning hair with some research. Managing your hair is tough, talk to professionally and do your research. Also, be careful about damaging your hair. Remember, sometimes good hair makes you feel like you can rule the world.
