MDMA Could Reduce Alcoholism Relapse, Says Study

Brendan Bures

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August 22, 2019

MDMA Could Reduce Alcoholism Relapse, Says Study

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy proved safe and more effective than tradition treatment approaches to alcoholism addiction.

The first study to examine the role MDMA could play in overcoming alcohol addiction has provided encouraging results. Not only has the treatment been found safe, but when used alongside psychotherapy, patients in the study recovered more effectively when compared to traditional methods.

To start, scientists first administered psychological and medical screening to determine if patients would be a good fit for the treatment. Then, they gave the subjects eight weeks of psychotherapy sessions, which included powerful doses of MDMA in weeks three and six. A psychiatrist and a psychologist were present when the MDMA was administered, while patients rested laying down, wearing headphones and eye masks.

“We let them lead the sessions as to where they want to go. What comes up comes up, so it’s not very guided by the clinicians,” Dr. Ben Sessa, who led the trial, told The Guardian. Sessa also serves as an Imperial College London senior research fellow and addiction psychiatrist in England.

However, this initial trial was conducted to first determine if MDMA-assisted treatment would be safe. Patients remained under doctors’ care the first night following the MDMA session. Afterwards, subjects received follow-up phone calls each night from medical experts “to collect data on sleep quality, mood and potential suicide risk,” reports The Guardian.

Alcoholism — Photo by Eaters Collective via Unsplash

To determine the efficacy of the MDMA, however, Sessa and his team said they need follow-up research that would include a randomized placebo control group.

“There is no black Monday, blue Tuesday, or whatever ravers call it. In my opinion, that is an artefact of raving. It’s not about MDMA,” said Sessa.

“If there was a craze of people going around abusing cancer chemotherapy drugs, you wouldn’t then think: ‘Oh well, it’s not safe to take cancer chemotherapy when doctors give it to you. Scientists know it’s not dangerous. The Sun newspaper thinks it’s dangerous because the tiny number of fatalities that occur every year all get on their front page,” he added, referencing the popular UK tabloid.

This MDMA-assisted treatment could represent a breakthrough for England, not to mention worldwide. Under traditional recovery plans, eight out of ten alcoholics in England relapse. But among the trial’s patients, only one has relapsed to previous drinking levels, reported Sessa, while half remained sober and the other half “had one or two drinks but wouldn’t reach the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder,” Sessa said.

The researcher also offered an explanation for why MDMA could provide a breakthrough for patients where traditional therapy has failed.

“MDMA selectively impairs the fear response,” he said. “It allows recall of painful memories without being overwhelmed. MDMA psychotherapy gives you the opportunity to tackle rigidly held personal narratives that are based on early trauma. It’s the perfect drug for trauma-focused psychotherapy.”

Will I Get High Or Sick From Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke?

Richard Faulk

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August 22, 2019

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Will I Get High Or Sick From Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke?

Tobacco smoke can temporarily impede the body’s ability to regulate the volume of blood it pumps through the veins — even through secondhand exposure for periods as short as one minute.

Judging from my daily strolls around Lake Merritt, smoking a joint in public — at least in hipster enclaves like Oakland — is now less stigmatized than enjoying a cigarette: Lighting a doob may attract some discrete side-eye, but that’s about it.

California may be ahead of the curve, but there is clearly a growing national acceptance of— even enthusiasm for — cannabis, fueled in part by a growing body of positive medical research. But researcher Matthew Springer of U.C. San Francisco is here to remind us that smoke is smoke, and none of it is good for us.

Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke — Photo by Dominik Martin via Unsplash

Smoke, from any source, is a mix of gasses, tiny droplets of liquid, and minuscule particles of ash. These particulates irritate the nose and throat and can lodge in the lungs and infiltrate the bloodstream, where, over time, they can lead to cardiopulmonary disease. In addition to its familiar laundry list of health horrors, tobacco smoke can also temporarily impede the body’s ability to regulate the volume of blood it pumps through the veins — even through secondhand exposure for periods as short as one minute.

In a report published in the July 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Hear Association, Springer and his team showed that secondhand marijuana smoke has the same depressive effect on circulation as tobacco, but it lasts three times longer: After exposure to cigarette smoke, circulation returns to normal in half an hour; with pot, it takes 90 minutes.

Springer’s study was prompted by the lack of research specific to marijuana smoke and a widespread perception that it is somehow more benign than tobacco. But he doesn’t hold a specific grudge against weed: “I think people should just avoid inhaling smoke whether it’s from tobacco or marijuana cigarettes, forest fires, barbecues—just avoid smoke.”

5 Videos Of Cute Animals To Get You Through This Week: August 19

Maria Loreto

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August 21, 2019

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5 Videos Of Cute Animals To Get You Through This Week: August 19

This week’s column features a very unusual animal, a bunch of kitties and different kinds of playful and adorable dogs.

There’s no better pick-me-up than the one you get when you see a clip of an animal acting silly, which is why we’ve compiled this weekly column. These short videos feature all sorts of animals, providing you with that much needed mid-week rush of endorphins.

This week’s column features a bulldog in a bath, a bunch of kitties, a strange animal, two playful labs and the smallest dog you’ll ever see.

A bulldog having a bath

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1bZhGEnhu7/

While the way in which this video is edited is questionable and distracting, bulldogs are great, especially when they’re in the bath. Just ignore the bad music and enjoy this peaceful and water loving big boy.

Too many kittens

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1T5Ac5AF_D/

While you can never have too much of a good thing, there’s a lot of kittens here. It looks delightful but also stressful.

What is this?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1LO2LbnXrf/

After a brief Google search, I discovered that this animal is called a sable and that it is native to Russia. That’s about it. From the video, we can tell that it is very friendly, needy and that apparently its bites aren’t all that painful, because this girl looks super relaxed.

The tiniest dog

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Wvy8VhQlG/

This tiny tiny Pomeranian puppy can barely stand up. He looks like a turtle with all paws in the air, unable to get back on his feet.

Intense playtime

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Ua32RjwSx/

This video is a little stressful, with the labs looking really angry and then really silly. They jump around, snarl and push each other, and then in the end they just walk away from each other. Nothing happens, it’s a good video.

Is Your Vape Pain Harming You

Becky Garrison

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August 21, 2019

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Steer clear of any vape product if there is any mention of “artificial” or “enhanced with terpenes” on the label.

For those cannabis users who find smoking makes them cough more than they’d like, vaping can feel like a safer alternative. But is your vape pen harming you also? Some vapes pens are loaded with chemicals that can cause conditions such as bronchitis, cough, and popcorn lung, not to mention more severe illnesses like respiratory cancer.

According to cannabis educator Emma Chasen, co-founder of Eminent Consulting, here are some items that can be found in vape pens:

Propylene glycol. This is a a common thinning agent used to make the oil in vape pens less viscous. When heated, it can transform into formaldehyde.
Artificial/synthetic terpenes. Vape pens may incorporate synthetic terpenes to “improve” the flavor of the cartridge. However, when heated the terpenes can turn into benzene, which is a highly carcinogenic compound.
Pesticides. Even pesticides that are fine to ingest, may not be fine to heat and inhale. For example, myclobutanil is a pesticide that has been found in cannabis concentrates and extracts. When heated it transforms into cyanide.

In addition, Chasen urges users to be careful of the wick. “Most vape pens have a wick as the heating element. It can be made out of products like cotton, silica or ceramics. Depending on how high the vape pen temperature can reach, the wick may burn and produce harmful chemicals.”

How Important The Temperature Control On You Vape Is — Photo by Flickr user Lindsay Fox

Look at the Label

For the best experience, Chasen recommends that users look for language such as “full spectrum CO2 extract.” This ensures that one is getting the full benefits of the cannabis plant. Chasen urges cannabis consumers to steer clear of any vape product if there is any mention of words like “artificial” or a phrase such as“enhanced with terpenes” listed on the label.

Along those lines, some companies advertise that they do not use propylene glycol. To determine this claim is true, Chasen suggests turning the cartridge upside down. “If the oil immediately runs to the other side, then it most likely has propylene glycol in it. If the oil is thick and viscous and stays put when it is turned over, then it most likely does not have propylene glycol in it.”

As with any cannabis purchase, be sure to about the plant material used to extract the oil. Is it from a particular farm? What are the farm’s growing practices?

Armed with this information, cannabis consumers can go into their favorite recreational dispensary confident they are choosing a vape pen that will prove to be satisfying and not scary.

Megan Mullally Happy Birthday Snub And More

Naughty Gossip

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August 21, 2019

0

Megan Mullally Happy Birthday Snub And More

Feud rumors continue as Megan Mullally appears to be blowing off ‘Will & Grace’ co-star on her birthday; Sean Spicer and Christie Brinkley among newest ‘Dancing With the Stars’ lineup.

Megan Mullally doesn’t wish Debra Messing a Happy Birthday on social media

Via Instinct:

Debra Messing received no birthday love from her Will & Grace costar Megan Mullally amid their rumored feud.

RELATED: Science Explains How Marijuana Inspires Awe

The fiery redhead turned 51 on Thursday, August 15. Eric McCormack, who plays Will on the Emmy-winning series, was the only cast member to share an Instagram post related to her birthday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1PBJhDnCo5/

Debra later had a star-studded get together for her big day that included Chelsea Handler, Connie Britton, Mary McCormick and Camryn Manheim. Megan, 60, was a no-show for that.

A conspiracy theory started going around last week about why Will & Grace was cancelled when fans noticed that Debra and Megan unfollowed each other on social media. Everyone from the primary cast (Sean Hayes) included still follow each other minus the two funny ladies, leading many to believe that the show got the axe for personal reasons and not professional ones.

‘Dancing With The Stars’ Lineup Announced

Via USA Today:

“Dancing with the Stars” cast a wide net in its search for Season 28 celebrities revealing a field that ranges from former Trump aide (Sean Spicer) to supermodel (Christie Brinkley) to the latest “Bachelorette” (Hannah Brown).

Spicer, 47, who reportedly turned down a “DWTS” offer shortly after leaving the White House in 2017, is a lightning rod for criticism – and attention – among those who object to how he handled his role as President Trump’s press secretary.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1bWepShWxh/

Asked if there is any concern that Spicer, whose presence at the 2017 Emmys blew up Twitter, will turn off some viewers, executive producer Andrew Llinares says he’s not courting controversy, but acknowledges Spicer’s notoriety as a “talked-about name.”

Other Season 28 celebrity dancers:

• Actors James Van Der Beek, 42, of “Dawson’s Creek;” Kate Flannery, 55, of “The Office”; and Kel Mitchell, 40, known for Nickelodeon’s “Kenan & Kel” and “All That.”

• Athletes Lamar Odom, 39, a two-time NBA champ who struggled in a basketball comeback attempt this year, and pro football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, 44.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

• Singers Ally Brooke, 26, a Fifth Harmony member and solo performer; “American Idol” finalist and country artist Lauren Alaina, 24; and the legendary Mary Wilson, 75, a founding member of The Supremes.

Men Wanting To Improve Sexual Function And Desire? Grab Some Nuts

Brendan Bures

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August 21, 2019

0

Men Wanting To Improve Sexual Function And Desire? Grab Some Nuts

Researchers found that nuts increased the orgasmic function and sexual desire in men who added these heart-healthy foods to their diets.

Who would’ve thought that men just needed some more nuts? Thankfully scientists have finished research that determines with more nuts comes more sex for healthy young men. According to a FERTINUTS study, the addition of nuts in a diet “significantly improves orgasmic function and sexual desire,” reports Medscape.

Published in Nutrients—a joke, ladies and gentlemen, whose fruit is too low-hanging to make—the study was a randomized control trial divided to determine the “Effect of Nut Consumption on Erectile and Sexual Function in Healthy Males,” which is the study’s title. One group ate a regular Western diet, while another ate the regular Western diet “enriched with 60 g/day of a mixture of nuts.”

Researchers found that the group who’d received the nuts had improvements in two key sexual categories. “Compared to the control group, a significant increase in the orgasmic function and sexual desire was observed during the nut intervention,” wrote the authors of the study, though most men would likely decline a “nut intervention” if asked.

In order to measure these results, scientists recorded these men over a 14-week period. At the beginning of this period and afterwards, these men visited the researchers to collect “blood samples in 12 h fasting conditions and semen samples after 3 days of sexual abstinence.” Measurements of the semen samples included count, concentrations, morphology, and, of course, sperm volume.

Though the study was designed to find if eating nuts would increase vascular endothelial function, no difference was found. Instead, the results only discovered improvements via the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) survey. These increases in orgasm domain and sexual desire were recorded.

“Looking at the box plot graphs for orgasmic function, there is no box with whiskers for the control group, which automatically means that orgasmic function in the nuts group will be more likely to be significant,” Kevin McEleny, a consultant urologist from Newcastle, told Medscape.

“If you like nuts, then eat them, but I don’t think they’ll improve your sex life,” he added.

How To Ensure Your Online Passwords Haven’t Been Stolen

Maria Loreto

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August 21, 2019

0

How To Ensure Your Online Passwords Haven’t Been Stolen

Updating passwords regularly is not a habit that most of us maintain, but it’s one that has become necessary with so many data breaches.

Websites and tech companies make a fuss out of password breaches, appearing to make it harder and harder for us to create passwords that fulfill all of the requirements on their sites. While these measures are annoying and increasingly demanding, they exist for a reason. Passwords must be changed regularly because data breaches are becoming more and more common.

Information released by Google claims that over 1.5% of the passwords used on Chrome are unsafe and have been released in data breaches. Google scanned around 4 million compromised passwords, informing people if they should change them and take extra precaution measures. These passwords were related with “some of [users’] most sensitive financial, government, and email accounts” and were utilized in “shopping sites (where users may save credit card details), news, and entertainment sites.”

So, now that you’re scared, here are some free online tools that can help you keep your information safe and notify you when it’s time for a password change.

Google’s Password Checkup extension

This Chrome extension works very well, especially since a lot of people use Google and their browser. Once installed, the extension will sit in the back of your laptop and do nothing until you log in to a website, where it’ll be activated. Once you enter your credentials the extension will check your information with previous data breaches, letting you know if you should change your password.

While this extension won’t protect your password or prevent data breaches from happening, it will let you know if you should take action.

Have I Been Pwned

This website doesn’t even require you to download an app or extension. By simply visiting the site, you can add your email to their “notify me” section, allowing them to check your email address and to inform you if it has been involved in data breaches in the past. If you receive a notification from their service, it’s very important to change your password to something secure and complex, not your pet’s name. It’s also important for you to avoid repeating passwords.

Firefox Monitor

Firefox Monitor uses the same data base that Have I Been Pwned uses, and it works in the exact same way. It’s a great option for people who use this browser regularly.

Mike Tyson’s $40K A Month Weed Habit

Brendan Bures

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August 21, 2019

0

Mike Tyson’s weed habit is more a product of sharing and caring within Tyson Ranch than personal consumption.

On a recent podcast, the boxer revealed that at Tyson Ranch— his soon-to-be marijuana farm and resort— Mike Tyson’s $40,000 a month weed habit. Most folks responded with two reactions, one after the other: 1) Shock and awe a small group of humans could smoke that much and 2) a wonder if they’re really telling the truth.

After all, $40,000 a month of weed is no small feat, even for the most dedicated of smokers. Luckily, we discovered how that breaks down via The Blast. Sources told the publication that of that monthly $40K weed habit Tyson boasted having, at least $25,000 of that is dedicated to promotional giveaway and business relationships.

Photo by Michael Thomas/EyeEm/Getty ImagesThat remaining $15,000 of cannabis spreads throughout the 200-plus workers at the ranch. From the sound of things, Tyson encourages his employees to come into work high. “Our source said that Tyson actually jokes about requiring mandatory drug tests for employees at Tyson Ranch … but only to ensure ‘everyone’s THC levels are high,’” writes The Blast. That free-weed environment reportedly encourages all of Tyson’s workers to arrive early and stay late for their jobs.

Last year, we reported that Tyson bought a 40-acre California ranch with the intention to build a weed farm and resort. He’s also pitching a reality TV show about his experiences as a ganjapreneur and marijuana grower. Do you think the man likes weed? Well, on a different podcast with Joe Rogan, Tyson explained just why he loves the plant so.

“If I didn’t smoke, I would have a bad day. I’m a real moody guy without it,” Tyson said. “It smooths me out, like I’m a whole different person. It makes me on top of my game.

“I like who I am when I smoke,” he added. “Without weed I don’t like who I am sometimes. That’s the real. I don’t like that guy, I want to get away from that guy.”

Is Cotton Mouth From Marijuana Use Actually Dangerous?

Trey Reckling

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August 21, 2019

0

Is Cotton Mouth From Marijuana Use Actually Dangerous?

It’s easy to forget that saliva protects and lubricates the mouth, helps us speak, eat, taste food and swallow. It also protects the throat, mouth and teeth from viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.

Cotton mouth. It has become almost a punch line among marijuana enthusiasts. It’s not just folk lore and it’s not all in the mind, a collection of research has shown that dry mouth is more prevalent as cannabis use increases. It’s not a laughing matter for some users. Saliva plays an important role in our health and deserves more of our attention.

Saliva is created by our salivary glands, which are really a collection of four types of glands, that each secrete different substances through ducts distributed throughout the mouth. Together, the secretions make up the concoction of water, electrolytes and enzymes that function to keep our mouth healthy and help to begin the digestion process. When this process is interrupted, we can experience a dry mouth.

Spit. Taken for granted, we can forget that saliva protects and lubricates the mouth, helps us speak, eat, taste food and swallow. It also protects the throat, mouth and teeth from viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. Without sufficient stores of saliva, we run a higher risk for tooth decay and cavities. It increases the risk of periodontal disease and even loss of teeth.

Xerostomia is the proper name and it can be common for pot smokers as well as those taking cannabis concentrates in pill form as well.

This is not a side effect unique to marijuana. Over 1,800 medicines list dry mouth as a possible side effect. Fortunately, in most cases, regular saliva flow is typically restored once the medicine use is discontinued.

Patients with cancer who have experienced radiation treatments to the head, face or neck can lose function of salivary glands as well. In these cases, the condition can last months or longer.

What can a cannabis user do?

The American Dental Association suggests regular visits to your dentist as well as chewing sugar-free gum and brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Other professionals also suggest reduction in citrus based food and drinks as well as alcohol based breath sprays, mouthwashes and beverages because they tend to further dry the mouth. Over the counter sprays and gums that aid in keeping the mouth moist are also available any most local drug stores.

For all the benefit moderate cannabis use can bring, don’t let dry mouth spoil things. A bit of knowledge, regular professional dentist visits and attention to the types of food and drink you select should help you mitigate the problem.

‘Harry Potter’ Fans Think Emma Watson And Tom Felton Are Dating; Hannah Brown Hints Relationship With Tyler Cameron Fizzled

Naughty Gossip

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August 20, 2019

0

“Harry Potter” fans think Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy are dating; and “Bachelorette” Hannah Brown says she and Tyler Cameron were too busy to date.

‘Harry Potter’ Fans Think Emma Watson And Tom Felton Are Dating

Via iHeart Radio:

It’s been nearly a decade since the final Harry Potter film premiered, but fans are *still* passionately shipping their favorite characters from the blockbuster series. One of the most popular pairings, of course, is Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. Even though Dramione never became canon, that didn’t stop fans from loving the pairing and even writing novel-length fan-fiction stories about them.

So, it comes as no surprise that some of these fans are reading into some recent Instagram posts shared by Emma Watson and Tom Felton (aka the two actors behind Hermione and Draco). After Tom shared a very cozy photo with Emma on Monday (August 19), fans started to speculate the pair are in a relationship. The photo in question shows Tom teaching Emma how to play guitar, with the 32-year-old actor captioning the shot “quick learner.” Both Tom and Emma are in their pajamas, as well, and the location is tagged as South Africa.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp7HNl7ARup

This isn’t the first time in recent months that Tom and Emma have reunited and shared their hang out on social media. Back in November, Emma posted a cute beach snapshot with her longtime friend, as well as a video of them riding on a skateboard together. In the video of them skateboarding, Tom teases Emma for “wobbling” and “dancing around the board like a clown.” It’s all very sweet.

Hannah Brown hints relationship with Tyler Cameron fizzled

Via USA Today:

After dumping fiance Jed Wyatt in the season finale of “The Bachelorette,” Hannah Brown asked runner-up Tyler Cameron on live TV if he would be interested in getting a drink. Cameron said yes, but following rumors he’s been seeing model Gigi Hadid, it appears as though the Bachelor Nation couple is no more.

Brown, 24, opened up about post-reality TV life in an interview with Extra TV. When asked if she had heard from Cameron, 26, since the two were photographed on an overnight date, the former Miss Alabama gave a diplomatic answer.

“Honestly, I think he’s been so busy and I’ve been so busy,” she said. “I’m focusing on what’s next for me and trying to get bearings around this new city that I’m living in. I wish him well and I know that he does the same for me.”

Brown previously hinted at Cameron’s exploits with 24-year-old Hadid on the official “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast.

“(Tyler and I) are not dating-dating, at all, we hung out, but we also had conversations of both, like, knowing that there’s still something there,” Brown said. “He has every right to do what he wants to, because we’re, you know, just hanging out, seeing where it goes. And I am completely fine with that … I am not tied to any man or tied to Tyler, and I’m not going to be.”

She continued: “When you are in the public eye, you do have to just be respectful of each other. And yeah, I wish I would’ve got a little bit more than two days,” she added, seemingly referring to Cameron being photographed with another (famous) woman two days after he was seen leaving her home. “But, you know, it is OK.”

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

MDMA Could Reduce Alcoholism Relapse, Says Study

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy proved safe and more effective than tradition treatment approaches to alcoholism addiction.

Will I Get High Or Sick From Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke?

Tobacco smoke can temporarily impede the body’s ability to regulate the volume of blood it pumps through the veins — even through secondhand exposure for periods as short as one minute.

5 Videos Of Cute Animals To Get You Through This Week: August 19

This week’s column features a very unusual animal, a bunch of kitties and different kinds of playful and adorable dogs.

A bulldog having a bath

Too many kittens

What is this?

The tiniest dog

Intense playtime

Is Your Vape Pain Harming You

Steer clear of any vape product if there is any mention of “artificial” or “enhanced with terpenes” on the label.

Look at the Label

Megan Mullally Happy Birthday Snub And More

Feud rumors continue as Megan Mullally appears to be blowing off ‘Will & Grace’ co-star on her birthday; Sean Spicer and Christie Brinkley among newest ‘Dancing With the Stars’ lineup.

Megan Mullally doesn’t wish Debra Messing a Happy Birthday on social media

RELATED: Science Explains How Marijuana Inspires Awe

‘Dancing With The Stars’ Lineup Announced

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Men Wanting To Improve Sexual Function And Desire? Grab Some Nuts

Researchers found that nuts increased the orgasmic function and sexual desire in men who added these heart-healthy foods to their diets.

How To Ensure Your Online Passwords Haven’t Been Stolen

Updating passwords regularly is not a habit that most of us maintain, but it’s one that has become necessary with so many data breaches.

Google’s Password Checkup extension

Have I Been Pwned

Firefox Monitor

Mike Tyson’s $40K A Month Weed Habit

Mike Tyson’s weed habit is more a product of sharing and caring within Tyson Ranch than personal consumption.

Is Cotton Mouth From Marijuana Use Actually Dangerous?

It’s easy to forget that saliva protects and lubricates the mouth, helps us speak, eat, taste food and swallow. It also protects the throat, mouth and teeth from viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.

‘Harry Potter’ Fans Think Emma Watson And Tom Felton Are Dating; Hannah Brown Hints Relationship With Tyler Cameron Fizzled

“Harry Potter” fans think Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy are dating; and “Bachelorette” Hannah Brown says she and Tyler Cameron were too busy to date.

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