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Introducing The Marijuana Game Show Aimed At Kids

Brendan Bures
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Introducing The Marijuana Game Show Aimed At Kids

A new ganja game show is making headlines, and not for the obvious reasons you may think: this marijuana-themed program is for kids.

Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses came up with the idea after research showed previous drug awareness programs  like D.A.R.E. or Just Say No aren’t working that well. This new incarnation, “Weeded Out,” educates kids about marijuana in a positive gameshow format.

“We feel like that whole D.A.R.E. campaign, and the Just Say No campaign used scare tactics that didn’t work. We saw that that sort of negative messaging and fear tactics do not work for this group. Youth want to be talked to like adults—they don’t want to be lectured,” director Ashley Kilroy told the Denverite.

Via Denverite:

The game show is not the end of this type of educational work for the department. Kilroy said the questions presented in the show will be available on game cards and used as a “classroom in a box” for kids in public schools. Eric Escudero, communications director at the Department of Excise and Licenses, says this educational piece is a critical aspect of the how the city wants to present their messaging about marijuana.

The idea behind the program is to engage kids to learn more about marijuana, and can ask either parents or instructors more about how marijuana affects your body and why it’s used as medicine. If parents or children don’t understand or agree with some of the information presented, they’re also empowered to follow up and not feel left out of the process.

“The facts that we’re giving them have been vetted,” Kilroy said. “Kids can go look at that data. We want to drive them to the research. Getting them to take that responsibility for their health will have a much longer lasting impact.”

You can learn more about “Weeded Out” and the program’s campaigns here.

5 Of The Coolest Amazon Alexa Skills

Maria Loreto
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5 Of The Coolest Amazon Alexa Skills

Everyone knows who Alexa is. From being featured on commercials to having a long list of unbelievable stories, for better or worse, Alexa has revolutionized the virtual assistant industry and has become the standard by which competitors must measure up to when it comes to this type of technology. Here are 5 of the coolest Amazon Alexa skills.

While Alexa is used for mostly helpful reasons — such as controlling the lights in your house, buying stuff online, and setting alarms — it also has a bunch of hidden and bizarre features that are incredibly interesting and fun to play around with. Mashable compiled a long list of them.  Here are 5 of our favorites.

Alexa has vast movie knowledge

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Alexa has tons of knowledge, trivia, and quotes from iconic movies such as Star Wars and Fight Club. You can ask her “Alexa, play Trivia Game for Star Wars,” which will lead to a long game of Star Wars trivia for all sorts of fans, from casual ones to those who aren’t kidding around.

When it comes to Fight Club, Alexa doesn’t just know the “Don’t talk about fight club” rule. She knows all of Tyler Durden’s eight rules, proving that the people who work at Amazon are dorks.

(To activate these features you must first enable them here and here.)

Alexa can beat-box

Among the device’s large library of features, a genius from Amazon thought it would be cool if Alexa could beat box and have rap battles with her humans. Because, who wouldn’t want that? While she sometimes gets shy mid-beat-box, it’s still an awesome feature. Same with the rap battles. Just try to avoid spitting on her.

Alexa can play different games

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Alexa is great for house parties. She contains a large amount of games such as choose your own adventure, trivia, mystery, and other types of games for kids. Some of these games include simple ones like tic-tac-toe or more complex ones like “Jeopardy!”

Alexa can also act as a pair of dice if you’re playing a board game.

Alexa can read audible books and articles

A very simple yet amazing feature is that Alexa can read audio books and articles for you, allowing you to listen to something as you cook or clean up your house. Since Alexa and your phone are synced, the AI can pick up the audio book from where you left it by asking “Alexa, read my audible book.” This feature also extends to anything that you have on your Kindle.

Alexa knows a lot about video games

Aside from making several references to the “Portal” video game, Alexa also allows you to play an awesome version of voice enabled “Skyrim”, the medieval role playing game. By saying “Alexa, open ‘Skyrim,'” your device will unfold the story for you, like a digital voiced version of “Dungeons and Dragons,” which you play by using your voice.

It’s easier to understand it if you just follow these rules and watch this video:

Hope you agree with 5 of The coolest Amazon Alexa skills.

Millennials Are Terrible At Tipping And Here’s Why

Amy Hansen
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Millennials Are Terrible At Tipping And Here’s Why

You’d think a generation known for avocado toast and Unicorn Frappuccinos would be generous with tipping, but that’s far from reality. According to a new survey from CreditCards.com:

  • Ten percent of Americans ages 18 to 37 say they routinely leave no tip. Nearly one in three leaves less than a 15 percent tip at restaurants. Older adults tip more.
  • When presented with a variety of suggested tipping options, as you might find at a food truck or coffee shop or after taking an Uber, about one in six millennials say they regularly choose the lowest option, and nearly one in five gives no tip – the highest figures of any age group.
  • Young adults are the most likely to say they would prefer to do away with tips and have the service charge included in restaurant food prices. About 27 percent of millennials say they favor that option to the existing system.

Senior industry analyst for CreditCards.com, Matt Schulz, told Moneyish that “In some ways, it’s not surprising at all because of the well-documented financial struggles of millennials — whether it’s struggling to get their feet under them career-wise, or student loan debt, or any of myriad other reasons.”

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He said on the flip side, the typical restaurant worker is a millennial. “So in some ways, it seems a bit self-defeating.”

It makes sense. The older you are, the more money you’re likely to have. So it’s not just a case of Millennials being cheapskates.

And while older people prefer tipping over young adults, almost everyone wants to see those they’re tipping get paid more. “There are people who want to pay waiters more, but when you say you’re going to pay for it out of higher menu prices, they are not so thrilled,” says Michael Lynn, a tipping expert at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

According to the survey, 30 percent of college graduates and 26 percent of people making more than $75,000 a year would also like to do away with tipping at restaurants. However, only 21 percent favored higher food prices and no tipping.

Shulz says:

Tipping can be tricky and awkward because there’s really no right or wrong answer. However, the truth is that many workers rely on tips to generate a large portion of their income. To them, it’s not just about etiquette. It’s about being able to provide for their families and put food on their own tables.

Other takeaways from the survey: women are more generous tippers, diners in the Northeast and Midwest tend to tip more, and married people tend to tip more than singletons.

Canadians Legalize Marijuana Like Alcohol

Mike Adams
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Canadians Legalize Marijuana Like Alcohol

 

Although it may have not been an easy concept for some federal lawmakers to sink their teeth into, Canada has officially legalized recreational marijuana. The passing of the Cannabis Act is being hailed as a “historic” move in the realm of international cannabis reform. And Canadian legalize marijuana like alcohol which gives a good framework.

On Tuesday, the northern nation became the second country in the world to pass legislation (C-45) designed to bring marijuana out of the underground and into the hands of legitimate commerce. The measure was put on the table to make good on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s campaign pledge to prevent children from gaining easy access to the herb and bring down criminal activity. It was a tense negotiation that took a little over a year to bring to fruition

The Canadian government previously said that recreational marijuana sales would launch in the summer of 2018, but there have been some setbacks. Now that the law has been passed at the federal level, individual provinces and territories have said they will need up to 12 weeks to iron out the regulations at the local level.

Canada is expected to have an official release date for recreational pot sales in early September.

“It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana – and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize & regulate marijuana just passed the Senate,” Trudeau tweeted.

What it all comes down to is marijuana will now be taxed and regulated in a manner similar to alcohol across the country. Adults 18 and older will have the freedom to possess up to 30 grams of weed in public. In some provinces, however, the legal age for pot possession has been set at 19. There will also be a retail market that will allow citizens of the legal age to purchase marijuana from area dispensaries, and home cultivation of up to four plants will be permitted in each household. The rules will vary depending on the jurisdiction.

But just because marijuana is now legal doesn’t mean that the government will turn a blind eye to those who do not follow the rules. Possession of over 30 grams, growing more than four plants and driving stoned are all violations of the law that will come with stiff fines and jail time. Anyone caught selling marijuana to minors can be put in prison for up to 14 years.

Of course, the passing of the nation’s recreational marijuana law has set the cannabis industry at full throttle. Some of the recent statistics from Deloitte shows national pot sales could hit $5 billion in 2019. Once the sale of edible pot products is permitted later next year, those figures could reach $22 billion.

But will the Canadians shift in pot policy inspire the United States to move forward with similar legislation. That remains to be seen. A recent piece from Forbes suggests that it is still too early to bet on nationwide legalization in the Land of the Free.

Denver Cracks Down On Cannabis Tour Buses

Terry Hacienda
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Denver Cracks Down On Cannabis Tour Buses

For more than four years, 420 Tours provided thousands of tours for cannabis enthusiasts — catering to tourists and locals alike — in Denver. But now the city is cracking down on the unique transportation concept.

A team of undercover officers pulled over two tour buses on Friday, citing more than 30 passengers who were partaking in marijuana while the vehicle was on the road. One of the drivers was busted for driving under the influence of cannabis.

According to Denver’s 9News, Eric Escudero with the Department of Excise and Licenses said his office has sent letters to the tour companies warning them that they are not operating within the law. According to city officials, the tour bus outfits are operating illegally. Escudero believes that under current law, there is no wiggle room for tour bus companies to continue business operations in Denver.

Jay Casillas, a spokesperson for the Denver Police Department, told 9News that enforcement of the laws on cannabis tour buses was complaint-driven, but did not reveal how many grievances were received.

My 420 Tours website claims it is the first company to pioneer cannabis tourism and says it is “dedicated to providing you the ultimate service, from your initial contact with our cannabis concierge, until the next time you plan your cannabis vacation.” Another service, Colorado Cannabis tours,  advertises that it has “the newest, most luxurious party buses and limos.”

Riders who pay for these tour services are allowed by the operators to smoke, vape, eat edibles, drink beverages or consume cannabis in any form — as long as the herb is purchased before hopping on the bus. The tour companies do not sell or give away marijuana, which would be illegal.

Texas Republicans Now Support Cannabis Decriminalization

Brendan Bures
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Texas Republicans Now Support Cannabis Decriminalization

The state of Texas may be approaching an embrace of cannabis sooner than outsiders may think, and the push is coming from an unlikely source — Republicans. This past weekend ,the state’s Republican Party passed a platform that includes marijuana decriminalization and an expansion of the Compassionate Use Act, which legalized medical marijuana for patients with intractable epilepsy back in 2015. The party now urges the federal government to re-classify cannabis from a Schedule 1 Drug to a Schedule 2 Drug.

Here is what Texas Republicans support with regards to cannabis now:

  • Possession of an ounce of marijuana should be a civil instead of a criminal offense, with a possible $100 fine but no jail time.
  • The Texas Legislature should improve the 2015 Compassionate Use Act to “Allow doctors to determine the appropriate use of cannabis to certified patients.”
  • Congress should remove cannabis from the list of Schedule 1 and move to Schedule 2
  • Passing legislation that will allow the cultivation, manufacturing, and sale of industrial hemp and hemp products.

“What this demonstrates is that even the most conservative Texans among us are starting to look at new approaches to cannabis and starting to educate themselves about the fact that prohibition has failed,” Heather Fazio, coalition coordinator with Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, told the Dallas Observer. “This is a medicine for many people.”

While this dramatic shift in policy perhaps signals an end to prohibition as early as 2019 in Texas, key figures among Republican lawmakers might still represent significant roadblocks to widespread changes.

Just last year Harris County District Attorney Kimberly Ogg announced they’d no longer prosecute low-level marijuana possession charges. (Harris County covers most of the city of Houston.) Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blasted Ogg for this decision, comparing it to making Houston a sanctuary city for low-level drug crimes. Patrick, who opposes cannabis legalization, can block any bill from receiving a floor vote in the upper Legislature as the President of the Senate.

Texas Democrats will hold their convention next week. The party’s current platform, as adopted in 2016, supports the immediate decriminalization of cannabis, the review of all cannabis-related incarcerations, expanding the Compassionate Use Act, and studying the cannabis laws of Washington, Oregon, and Colorado “as a first step in implementing a similar system in Texas.”

The Best Time Of Day To Have Sex

Amy Hansen
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The Best Time Of Day To Have Sex

They don’t call it “afternoon delight” for nothing. If you want to get a little more action between the sheets, experts advise on setting your alarm for 3 p.m. — the primetime for love making.

While it’s cliche to talk about a man being aroused in the early to mid-mornings when his testosterone levels peak, late afternoons should  not be ignored.

Hormone expert Alisa Vitti tells the Daily Mail that 3 p.m. is beneficial for both sexes because it’s a time when men have the highest levels of estrogen in their bodies, which makes them ‘more emotionally present’ during sex, and women have the highest levels of the hormone cortisol pumping through their veins, which makes them energetic.

Related: Why Too Much Sexting Is Bad For Your Relationship

“While this may not seem like a logical set-up for satisfaction, given the previous endorsement of testosterone, the combination actually makes men more emotionally present during sex and better able to focus on (a woman’s) needs and satisfaction,” said Vitti.

Vitti explains that “men are more interested in initiating sex” in the mornings and “are more capable of a better sexual response.” But she says “afternoon delight” is definitely a thing.

If it’s not possible for you and your partner to synch up in the afternoons — because, you know, work — your next best bet is right when you wake up in the morning. While men get that surge of testosterone, sex therapist Suzie Hayman tells the Daily Mail that women “tend to be more tactile and responsive” upon waking.

Related: Single People In This Age Group Are Having The Best Sex

It’s also the time when women are more likely to orgasm and conceive.

If that fails, there’s also the 10 days leading up to ovulation. As any woman know, their sexual desire skyrockets during this time because of heightened estrogen and testosterone levels.

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‘LA Times’ Thanks Jeff Sessions For Pushing Marijuana Reform Forward

Mike Adams
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‘LA Times’ Thanks Jeff Sessions For Pushing Marijuana Reform Forward

It is U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ half-cocked desire to unleash a new drug war against states that have ended pot prohibition on their own terms that could ultimately push Congress to legalize marijuana nationwide, according to a recent opinion by the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board.

“Good job, Jeff Sessions!” the Board wrote in a piece published early Monday morning. “It seems the attorney general’s misguided attempts to revive the unpopular and unjust federal war on marijuana may be having the exact opposite effect — prompting a new bipartisan effort in Congress to allow states to legalize cannabis.”

The Times believes that a measure introduced weeks ago by U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Elizabeth Warren called STATES bill (Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States), which is designed to end federal controls over marijuana, stands a fighting chance at being pushed through the legislation grind on Capitol Hill because President Trump recently indicated that he would “probably” sign it.

“We’re looking at it,” Trump told reporters prior to the G-7 summit in Canada. I “probably will end up supporting” the bill.

It is this — the President’s newfound pledge of allegiance to legal weed — that the Times feels could be the tripping point for this issue. After all, Trump is the first president in American history to say he would consider making weed legal all across the United States if given the opportunity. Not even former President Obama went that far.

“This isn’t the first bill in Congress proposing to ease federal restrictions on marijuana It is, however, the first that has a chance of passing and the potential support of the president,” the Board wrote. “It’s the most promising effort to date to do away with the contradiction between federal law and the laws passed in recent years by California and other states to move marijuana sales from the black market into a legal, regulated and taxed system. That would be an extraordinary step forward.”

“And for this, we can thank Sessions,” The Board continued, pointing to the attorney general’s decision earlier this year to rescind an Obama-era memo that allowed states to experiment with legalization, not to mention his directive to increase federal prosecutions for pot-related business. All of his attempts to tighten the American standard toward drugs, starting with his willingness to throw a wrench in statewide marijuana legalization, has brought the issue more into the mainstream and, in turn, drummed up the kind of support that is needed for the law to change.

In spite of all this, however, President Trump could end up supporting nationwide marijuana legalization simply to get the upper hand in a petty dispute. The Board suggests the riff between Trump and Sessions over the Russian investigation could be what ultimately inspires the president to support pot reform in ink.

“It would be ironic if Trump’s irrational anger at the attorney general is what finally pushes the federal government to adopt a rational policy on marijuana,” The Board wrote. “Whatever the motivation, Congress ought to take advantage of the moment.”

It ought to, but it probably won’t. Regardless of all the noise surrounding the marijuana legalization issue, there is still not enough support in Congress. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who controls whether the STATES bill receives a hearing, recently told reporters that he has no plans to support a measure aimed at legalizing marijuana.

WATCH: MMA Fighters Have To Get High Before This Tournament

Brendan Bures
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WATCH: MMA Fighters Have To Get High Before This Tournament

While we know athletes from various sports smoke marijuana, whether using CBD to treat ailments or to reduce pain after a tough match, perhaps nowhere is marijuana usage more prevalent than in MMA. As UFC commentator Joe Rogan has said, “A tremendous amount of UFC fighters smoke pot. A massive amount. […] More UFC fighters smoke pot than don’t smoke pot.”

But it’s still surprising to learn that High Rollerz hosted a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition where fighters must smoke marijuana before grappling up. Organizers estimated about half the tournament was “pro fighters.” And the prize? A pound of weed, which is an estimated worth between $4,000-5,000.

We could tell you more about it, but these social media posts will you give a much better indication of what we’re talking about.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj4AxOzlPYe/?utm_source=ig_embed

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj3scSkhiTK/?utm_source=ig_embed

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At one point a fist fight almost broke out when tensions got hot between two brawlers. To calm the room, one referee ran in and lit a joint to pass around to everyone. Maybe all sports leagues should consider this tactic?

Jeff Glover, the famed BJJ artist, won the tournament and agreed to split the brick 70/30 with the tournament’s runner-up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj4Aub0hgcD/?hl=en&taken-by=jiu_tang

Perfect For Pride Month: Cannabis Named ‘Unicorn Glitter’!

Terry Hacienda
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Perfect For Pride Month: Cannabis Named ‘Unicorn Glitter’!

If you love double rainbows, unicorn laughs, glitter hearts and love, chances are you will also love Unicorn Glitter, a new cannabis oil blend created just for Pride Month. Avitas, a premium Pacific Northwest cannabis company, will donate a percentage of its profits to Equal Rights Washington and Basic Rights Oregon.

“Avitas is a company dedicated to making the world a better, happier place and part of that is ensuring equal rights for all,” said Adam Smith, co-founder and CEO of Avitas. “We’re thrilled to be able to support these great organizations with an oil blend that honors both the spirit of independence and joy that Pride embodies.”

Joe Bergen, the company’s Oregon general manager agrees. “We’re excited to kick off Pride by supporting and highlighting both the LGBTQ community and two amazing organizations that fight for equality and inclusivity in the states that we live in and love.”

Equal Rights Washington is an organization devoted to ensuring and promoting the dignity, safety, and equality for all LGBTQ Washingtonians. Their work began with the fight for LGBTQ non-discrimination protections in 2006, domestic partnerships in 2009, marriage equality in 2012, trans healthcare in 2015, and a statewide ban on conversion therapy for minors in 2018.

Through 22 years of dedicated work, Basic Rights Oregon has strengthened nondiscrimination laws, created safer schools, increased access to transgender-inclusive health care, banned so-called conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth and won the freedom to marry. Today, more than 150,000 volunteers and donors support Basic Rights’ LGBTQ pro-equality efforts.

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