Vegas To Ring In New Year With Weddings, Weed, and WOW

Sarah Johns

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December 27, 2023

Vegas To Ring In New Year With Weddings, Weed, and WOW

Vegas is always involving and always finding a way to entertain and engage visitors – Is this year going to be bigger & better?

Las Vegas’s old theme was “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, but when was the city every discreet? Sin City seems to be always going for bigger, better, and flashier. Gone are the days of the $9.99 buffets and hello to the world of excess and excitement. Home to three Tiffany & Cos, 4 Guccis, 8 Louis Vuittons, and 3 Hermes shops in less than 2 square miles – Vegas knows money. Now this year looks like Vegas to win in the New Year with weddings, weed and WOW.

This year on December 31, 2023, the date’s repeating 1-2-3 pattern has made it a popular choice for couples looking to make their nuptials extra memorable. This year’s specialty date just happens to fall on a holiday famous for its celebrations, making it even more appealing. And couples are responding.

Melody Willis-Williams, the president of Vegas Weddings, which operates multiple wedding venues shared “Anytime you get these specialty dates, they’re always hugely popular. But tie that in with New Year’s Eve and it’s a showstopper.” The record of 4,492 for marriages in Las Vegas set on 7. July 2007. The day of the “lucky sevens.”

Of course, Vegas has always had iconic locations – from the Golden Steer Las Vegas – home to massive steaks and lobsters to the kitschy Vegas sign and Bellagio fountain shows…Vegas gives you are reason to return again and again. The Spheres are the current showstopper. Social media as blown as at the $2 billion globe like arena the outside has transformed from the Rocketttes to a Christmas Ornament mesmerizing locals and online community. And this is the first full year to make a splash and fill it with action, music and wonder. Look for Phish, U-2, and, rumor has it, Harry Styles to be part of their lineup.

One of the nations most popular dispensaries, Planet 13, off the Las Vegas Strip, will get a bump when Cannabition opens in an adjacent space. The immersive, “Instagrammable” experience designed for entertainment and enlightenment has the cannabis community excited.

And, coming off their inaugural race, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will return in 2024! After the 2023, Vegas business are eager to the return and yet another unique attraction in Sin City.

So whether a ring, race, ribs or weed….Vegas has a promising 2024.

Taking a Break From Alcohol With A Gummy

Amy Hansen

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December 27, 2023

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Taking a Break From Alcohol With A Gummy

The holidays are filled with gatherings, parties and other reasons people drink – maybe help your body and replace alcohol with a gummy?

The holidays continue to plow through until January 2, then everyone has regrets and promises. New Year resolutions are dutifully made and efforts are expended to lead a better, healthier life. But what about during the final part of the season? Maybe taking a break from alcohol with a gummy can help you and your body feel better.

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During holiday season, people drink to celebrate, to relax and to avoid some of the stress and tensions coming from being around the family. This tends to make alcohol a staple of the holiday season. But it can be counterproductive to the feel good atmosphere. Surveys suggest in the weeks between Thanksgiving and the new year, alcohol consumption spikes. For some people, it’s as much as double what they drink during the rest of the year. With eggnog, adult ciders, spiked punch and celebratory glasses of sparkling wine, it’s not that hard for extra alcohol to creep into one’s daily life. It starts the day before Thanksgiving with Blackout Wednesday.

Should You Use CBD Gummies To Help Mental Health? — Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Consuming alcohol can lead to high levels of stomach acid. This can inflame the stomach lining, leading to irritation and bloating that can last a few days. In addition, Alcohol is considered a depressant and directly affects the central nervous system. Once alcohol enters the bloodstream, it circulates to the brain, where it proceeds to slow down the firing of neurons. When neuronal firings decrease at a normal rate, it can result in fatigue, and sleepiness. Alcohol can also imped sleep while gummies can help you sleep better, this can help you body revive quicker after a few days.

Traditionally, when people think of consuming cannabis, they think of smoking. But the new wave of partakers since legalization leans into vapes and gummies. In fact, almost 50% of the way people consume is via gummies. Gummies offer benefits and control. With control, you can manage the dosage and manage just a bit of relaxation without too much “celebration”. Gummies also don’t have the same body effect on your stomach, which is a benefit and give your tummy time to bounce back.

So taking a break a break from alcohol with a gummy can be good for your body and head.

What Is Boxing Day

Anthony Washington

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December 26, 2023

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Christmas has come and gone – and now it is Boxing Day – what is this UK tradition?

You ask the average person in London what Boxing Day is and you get a variety of answers. It is the day you get drunk with the people you like, or it is the day you recover from family. Or is it a holiday where you can rest after Christmas? What is Boxing Day and how did it start? It is definitely more than another holiday shopping day. But why did come about and do only the Brits get to enjoy it?

For Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries it is public holiday. Most offices are closed on this day if it is a weekday and adds to the nice long Christmas break.

In parts of Europe, such as several regions of Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Romania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Slovakia,^[4] Slovenia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, and in the Republic of Ireland, 26 December is Saint Stephen’s Day, which is considered the second day of Christmas. But is is a different holiday and background than Boxing Day.

During the Victorian era, the upper class and aristocracy would box up leftover food, money, gifts and goods and give them to their tradesmen, servants and others who provided reliable service all year.

It is a wonderful sentiment which has been a bit forgotten. Today, Boxing Day in the UK and Commonwealth is more known for leftovers, relaxing and the Boxing Day Sales.

It was more philanthropic and family oriented up until WWII. A gradual shift occurred during the economic boom after the second world war as the British slowly got back on their feet. Retailers realized it was a chance to drive traffic and sales. By the mid-1950, consumer expenditure increased and the competition between retailers intensified. Now it is similar to Black Friday in the US with stores opening early, big markdowns on a few products and big crowds.

So today is a day to either kick back and join the throngs of shoppers. Either way – have fun!

How A Monk Broke A Pane Of Glass With A Needle

Maria Loreto

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December 25, 2023

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How A Monk Broke A Pane Of Glass With A Needle

Faith can make help you do amazing things, even maybe defy science. With training, focus, and faith – incredible things happen. Here is how a monk broke a pane of glass with a needle and maybe a bit more.

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In a shocking video from Youtube channel The Slow Mo Guys, Feng Fei, a Shaolin monk, demonstrates his unique and awesome skill of making a needle go through a pane of glass, bursting the balloon that was sitting behind it.

The glass pane doesn’t burst into pieces like you’d expect, it’s more complex than that. The monk gathers the necessary focus and energy to throw the needle at the right speed and at the right place so that it can dent the glass pane and burst the balloon lying closely behind.

According to Livescience, while the slow mo video looks amazing, it’s an even more incredible feat when you know the particles that make up glass and that make it such a complex object.

According to physicists from Cornell University, glass is an extremely powerful object until it cracks, when it becomes very easy to break. They believe that the trick lies in the strength and precision in which you throw the needle, knowing exactly where to hit so the glass pane can crack. Once this happens, the rest is very easy.

The Shaolin Monastery (少林寺; shǎolínsì), also known as Shaolin Temple, is a renowned monastic institution recognized as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. It is located at the foot of Wuru Peak of the Songshan mountain range in Dengfeng County, Henan Province, China. The name reflects its location in the ancient grove. of Mount Shaoshi, in the hinterland of the Songshan mountains.

Marijuana Makes For A Great Last Minute Gift

Sarah Johns

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December 23, 2023

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Marijuana Makes For A Great Last Minute Gift

Not everyone is on top of the present exchange thing – and sometimes you are facing the deadline and need something fast – we have a few ideas.

Gift giving can be tough – finding the perfect present takes thought, skill and time….and sometines you just don’t have the time. More than 140 million people will be out getting those last minute gifts according to the National Retailers Association. You have seen them driving around, printing pictures from the internet and frantic looking for open stores. Don’t stress yourself out looking for the perfect thing – we have an idea. Marijuana makes a great last minute gift.

There are some other non-cannabis ideas. Gift cards (if you know what they like), the new Bailey’s Chocolate is a little piece of heavens, or a fun subscription like to a Master Class, media like there favorite news site, or movie tickets (Where they are also open late). But with 18% of people using, why not give the gift of weed?

Over 50% of the country has access to legal cannabis and it is mainstreaming quicker than you think. According to BDSA, women are almost equal to men who use. And according to the Pew Research, 90% believe it should be legal in some form. So with almost 20% of the population consuming, why not give it as a gift. Dispensaries stay up late so it is truly a great last minute gift.

If you are giving marijuana as a gift, consider gummies. They are by the most used form with almost 49% saying they use gummies over anything else. Next would be chocolate edibles, easy to use and easy to managing the dosing.

A fun idea could also be a Hemp Drink, found in convince stores, dispensaries and in some states, liquor stores, these make for an alternative to beer. Although hemp doesn’t have the psychoactive components of the cannabis plant like marijuana, it can still give you a buzz. And brewers who create hemp ales still must follow proper licensing and regulations on state and federal levels.

Data Suggests Cannabis Is A New Holiday Tradition

Terry Hacienda

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December 22, 2023

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Data Suggests Cannabis Is A New Holiday Tradition

Once it was something you had to go outside since you “forgot something in the car” – but now it has totally mainstreamed

The holidays have been filled with wine, eggnog and maybe one friend or relative who has been a bit over served. The stereotype is some of the younger cousins “forgetting something in the car” and having a little puff puff pass. But as over 50% of the country has access to legal weed, those imagines need to move over for modern times. And now data suggests cannabis is a new holiday tradition.

With the legal trend and states like Ohio, Arizona, Michigan, and Alaska having full recreational cannabis, it has become very mainstreamed. Even Fox News has come around as a majority of their viewers believe in some type of legalization. And, people age 65 and older are experimenting with marijuana more than any other age group.

TD Cowan released data to show marijuana continues to make inroads on alcohol. Viven Azur, from TD Cowan, is one of the top data and financial analysts in alcohol, cannabis and tobacco. According to data, states with access to legal cannabis marijuana are underperforming. Meanwhile, the 5-year alcohol volume for adult-use cannabis states has underperformed non-cannabis states.

TD Cowen shared historically alcohol purchases have grown at a 5% annual rate. However, younger consumers are opting to go sober for longer. As marijuana mainstreams, Azur expects cannabis sales to grow 11% in 2023 and alcohol to grow 3% in 2023. As cannabis consumers drink less, they report consuming cannabis on a more frequent basis.

And BDSA, a leading data analyst company which also covers the cannabis space released surprising data. Women have had a large embrace in use. In fall of 2019 43% of marijuana consumers were woman, in spring of 2023 it moved ot 47%. As the user market has grown, the portion of female users have grown with it.

Since women tend to drive holiday celebrations, meals and family gatherings, there almost equal use means marijuana is on the list of acceptable things more than before. And with the younger population drinking less and having a gummy more, it means a change during the festive season. So data suggests cannabis is a new holiday tradition and here to stay.

What Are The REAL 12 Days Of Christmas

Sarah Johns

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December 21, 2023

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You know the song – but do you know when it starts or finishes and why? What are the real 12 days of Christmas?

Everyone knows the song and it has been sung by groups as wide ranging as Relient K to the Muppets. First recorded in a children’s book published in London around 1780, it has been an earworm ever since. But do you know the meaning behind it? What are the real 12 days of Christmas? Europe and the US differ in celebrations.

The Fresh Toast – You know the song – but do you know when it starts? What are the real 12 days of Christmas.

The 12 days of Christmas is the period during the holiday marking the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, sometimes also called Three Kings’ Day). Advent, and the commercial advent calendars providing everything from Legos to chocolates to buzz is a different set of dates. The four weeks preceding Christmas are collectively known as Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on December 24.

The 12 days of Christmas ends at Epiphany (in the old South called Old Christmas). Epiphany is a Christian feast day falling on 6 January. It is when many Christians believe the Maji (also known as the Three kings or the Wise Men) followed the star to visit the newly born baby Jesus. Epiphany become a declared a holiday as it comes from the Greek word meaning to reveal and it is the day when the baby Jesus was revealed to the world. It is also called Three Kings Day.

In the 6th century, the Catholic Church declared the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany (i.e. to just before midnight 5 January as Epiphany begins 6 January) as a sacred and festive season, and established the duty of Advent fasting in preparation for the feast. In modern times, Advent is known mostly through calendars providing little gifts.

In the United States, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the big celebrations. In Europe, while there is still the excitement over the 24th and 25th, Epiphany is also a big time for a feast, family and joy.

In Italy, good children receive gifts not only on Christmas, but also on January 6^th, in celebration of the Epiphany. Usually candies and small toys, these are whimsically said to be brought by La Befana, a kindly witch riding a broomstick. For naughty children she leaves just a lump of coal.

In France, the 6^th of January is ‘l’Epiphanie’ or ‘la journée des rois’ commemorates the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus. It’s traditional in France to eat ‘la Galette des Rois’. French people will go to the bakery to buy this king’s cake or make it themselves. Games and a crown are involved in the cake celebration and laughter should be generously added to the evening.

Both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Catholic Church celebrate on 6 January, as opposed their feud over Easter.

5 Heartwarming Holiday Movies To Restore Your Holiday Spirit

Anthony Washington

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December 21, 2023

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5 Heartwarming Holiday Movies To Restore Your Holiday Spirit

Christmas is all around, but for some, the holiday spirit is elusive. Here are are some films to help reignite the spirit, bring a smile and maybe even a tear or two.

From constant holiday music to the rush to find the perfect gift, some people struggle to have the heartwarming holiday spirit. The commercialism of the season can be a bit off-putting, but taking a breath, a puff, a sip and enjoy the simple things – a beautiful tree, a good Christmas cookie and hanging with those you care about. Here are 5 heartwarming holiday movies to restore your holiday spirit.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This childhood classic touches hearts for all the meanings of Christmas including kindness to others. Good ol’ Charlie Brown is still bullied, Snoopy is still cool but the holiday looms over the show. The jazz portions were created by the Vince Guaraldi Trio and have become a holiday staple. It has won awards despite some animation “snafus” (notice Snoopy suddenly appearing on Schroder’s piano) and has captured hearts and respect. And the dance scene is iconic and you can have fresh moves for New Year’s Eve.

The Bishop’s Wife

It seems every generation laments the lost meaning of Christmas. This stellar cast lead by Cary Grant give a thoughtful, fun, and old fashioned take on the spirit. The snowball fight is great and you will find yourself smiling.

Miracle on 34th Street

The honesty, insight, and love from a kid tugs at your heart and also ignites your faith in Santa Claus. The 1947 original is the one to watch. A young Natalie Wood plays it perfect with the desire to believe. And who would think a government agency could be the good guy?

Love Actually

The music alone makes it worth watching the movie. This popular film captures multiple plot-lines involved relationships and the holiday spirit. From Hugh Grant dancing to the the infamous drum scene…you will laugh and cry and find yourself enjoying a guilty pleasure. The additional unexpected lesson to this is to think hard when you date someone with whom you work.

The Holiday

Who needs Hallmark holiday movies when you have Cameron Diaz? In her review for USA Today, Claudia Puig found The Holiday “is a rare chick flick/romantic comedy which, despite its overt sentimentality and fairy-tale premise, doesn’t feel cloyingly sweet.” Fits in perfectly with eggnog, Christmas cookies and your favorite ornaments.

Hopefully these 5 heartwarming holiday movies to restore your holiday spirit work!

How Cannabis Alters Your Perception Of Time

Mary Schumacher

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December 21, 2023

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It can be 5 minutes or two hours when consuming, you just can’t tell. Here is how cannabis alters your perception of time

When you crack and relax and maybe consume some marijuana, it seems times stands still. THC does play a little bit of a mind trip which accounts for some of the stereotyped “spaciness” associated with being high and keeps us in our heads (and in the moment). Why does it happen? Well here is how cannabis alters your perception of time.

The Fresh Toast – If you have consumed, you always wonderful about it, so now here is how cannabis alters your perception of time.

Of course, as with any mind altering substance, cannabis affects different people differently, but for the most part, marijuana slows down our perception of time to the point where we’re enjoying and noticing everything around us right in the moment. Artists often rely on this phenomenon to create more work in a session or feel more in tune with their art.

All in all, cannabis is an enhancement drug if nothing else. It enhances the taste of food, the feelings we experience both in our heads and in our bodies, funny situations, and so much more. All of this is tied to the exaggerated slow-motion that allows us to appreciate what’s going on in our immediate sphere.

Have you ever taken a dab and gotten the “wah wahs?” It’s when your head feels like a balloon and all you hear is “wah, wah, wah” and perhaps a few whooshes, like something out of a Charlie Brown cartoon. This is when time perhaps slows down the most, as a very strong high is kicking in and taking it up a notch.

Though there hasn’t been many studies on the subject, the ones conducted show, no matter the dosage, those who’ve used cannabis perceive time at a slower rate. When asked to estimate how much time has passed, someone stoned will inevitably overshoot it.

In the study, “Acute Effects of THC on Time Perception in Frequent and Infrequent Cannabis Users,” the subjective effects of cannabis on its tokers was measured using performance based, time estimation tasks. It states, “Congruent with the reported subjective slowing of time under the influence of cannabis, individuals given cannabinoids consistently overestimate duration in time estimation tasks… Consequently, cannabis smokers’ perception of external time passing more slowly is consistent with internal, subjective time passing more quickly.”

THC affects the part of our brain in charge of time perception, hence we perceive slower time when stoned. In summary, cannabis consumers experience this effect because the body’s internal clock is sped up,

What To Know About The Winter Solstice

Anthony Washington

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December 20, 2023

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For the Northern Hemisphere, especially the northern Northern, it is a dark, cold day – and the turning point of light…Winter Solstice is upon us.

The Winter Solstice is upon us. The Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice falls on December 21 at 10:27 p.m. EST. South of the Equator, this same moment marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Solstices occur at the same time around the world, but their local times vary with time zones. But whether you are in Tirupattur, India or Mobile, Alabama, it is an ancient and scientific key moment. For the Southern hemisphere, summer is about to begin and for the Northern, winter – and is the shortest day of the year.

If you are in

Cultures around the world have long held feasts and celebrated holidays around the winter solstice. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year. Here are few celebrations

Soyal is the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi Indians of northern Arizona. Ceremonies and rituals include purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. At the time of the solstice, Hopi welcome the kachinas, protective spirits from the mountains. Prayer sticks are crafted and used for various blessings and other rituals.

The Persian festival Yalda, or Shab-e Yalda is a celebration of the winter solstice in Iran that started in ancient times. It marks the last day of the Persian month of Azar. Yalda is viewed traditionally as the victory of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Mithra. Families celebrate together with special foods like nuts and pomegranates and some stay awake all night long to welcome the morning sun.

Even Antarctica gets its share of solstice celebration, thanks to the researchers staying there over the long, dangerously cold season. While those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the most daylight hours, in the Southern Hemisphere they are celebrating Midwinter. Festivities include special meals, films, and sometimes even handmade gifts.

St. Lucia’s Day is a festival of lights celebrated in Scandinavia around the time of the winter solstice. Although it is now meant to honor St. Lucia, a Christian martyr, it has been incorporated with earlier Norse solstice traditions, such as lighting fires to ward off spirits during the longest night. Girls dress up in white gowns with red sashes and wear wreaths of candles on their heads in honor of St. Lucia.

Top four ways most people celebrate winter solstice: drinking, complaining about lack of light, consuming cannabis, and prepping for the holiday season.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

Vegas To Ring In New Year With Weddings, Weed, and WOW

Vegas is always involving and always finding a way to entertain and engage visitors – Is this year going to be bigger & better?

Taking a Break From Alcohol With A Gummy

The holidays are filled with gatherings, parties and other reasons people drink – maybe help your body and replace alcohol with a gummy?

What Is Boxing Day

Christmas has come and gone – and now it is Boxing Day – what is this UK tradition?

How A Monk Broke A Pane Of Glass With A Needle

Marijuana Makes For A Great Last Minute Gift

Not everyone is on top of the present exchange thing – and sometimes you are facing the deadline and need something fast – we have a few ideas.

Data Suggests Cannabis Is A New Holiday Tradition

Once it was something you had to go outside since you “forgot something in the car” – but now it has totally mainstreamed

What Are The REAL 12 Days Of Christmas

You know the song – but do you know when it starts or finishes and why? What are the real 12 days of Christmas?

5 Heartwarming Holiday Movies To Restore Your Holiday Spirit

Christmas is all around, but for some, the holiday spirit is elusive. Here are are some films to help reignite the spirit, bring a smile and maybe even a tear or two.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Bishop’s Wife

Miracle on 34th Street

Love Actually

The Holiday

How Cannabis Alters Your Perception Of Time

It can be 5 minutes or two hours when consuming, you just can’t tell. Here is how cannabis alters your perception of time

What To Know About The Winter Solstice

For the Northern Hemisphere, especially the northern Northern, it is a dark, cold day – and the turning point of light…Winter Solstice is upon us.

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