Did George W. Bush use cocaine?

I was working on a post about Tennessee’s gubernatorial candidates, and wanted to point out that candidate Zach Wamp was not unlike both the current and most recent former president in his history of cocaine use. 

Of course everyone knows that President Obama admitted to cocaine use in one of his books.  But I had been under the impression that it was common and accepted knowledge that Bush was a cokehead at some point as well.  I was surprised to learn that apparently I was wrong. 

The most authoritative thing that I could find when I searched “Bush cocaine” was this Wikipedia page (note the qualification of “most” before authoritative there), but it doesn’t even contain the word “cocaine.”  The rest of my search led me to unsourced (or shadily sourced) no-name webpages which contained all sorts of the sorts of wild allegations that set off the bullshit alarms from a mile away and remind you that anyone can post anything on the internet. 

I wasn’t as turned on to politics in 2000 as I am now, not by a long shot (the 2000 post-election debacle was probably my turning point in that kind of attention, with 9/11 sealing the deal that this was something worth watching), so my skeptism-meter wasn’t as high.  I must have “heard” that at some point (from one of my college classmates?  from some radio jock?  who knows?)and just accepted it as fact, and, until today, still did. 

Most people are a lot more like me in pre-election day 2000 than like me now.  Kind of scary when you think about how they’re getting their information.

[Via http://lyssalovelyredhead.wordpress.com]

How reasurring is Aspirin?

When we have a headache, tummy ache or toothache or any kind of ache, we tend to dig deep in our bag and pull out a aspirin. We take this quick-fix in the belief that it will cure us and relief the pain in no time.

However, new research has found that this painkiller may be more of a hindrance than a help. A study from Edinburgh University, of 3,350 people whose blood pressure tests indicated they had problems with arteries in their legs revealed that they had almost double the risk of internal bleeding, while there was no discernible impact on heart disease.

Yorkshire-based GP Dr Andrew Green, who works with the charity Sense About Science said:

 “The science part is that we know aspirin reduces people’s risk of heart disease in those who have previously had a heart attack,” he says. “For those people, the potential side effect of internal bleeding is a risk worth taking. But everyone else should steer clear — the risks outweigh the benefits.”

Judy O’Sullivan, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation said, “Women are three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than breast cancer. And it’s not just postmenopausal women either. If you are in your thirties or forties and you smoke and are overweight, your hormones won’t necessarily protect you. You could be at risk of a heart attack.”

But don’t be alarmed just yet, last month there were reports from Harvard University, indicating that aspirin could protect against breast cancer. So it is debateable as to what research we should listen to? If any at all?

Dr Green said:

“You have to look at the data,” says Green. “That study only found mild benefits. We need to be naturally suspicious of borderline evidence: the risks are too great.”

//

For more information on heart disease, please click here.

For more information on breast cancer, please click here.

[Via http://youngwellbeing.wordpress.com]

I like simple pleasures; like butter in my ass, lollipops in my mouth. That's just me, that's just something that I enjoy.

[Via http://lurkdat.com]

Immunization Debates Generate More Heat Than Light - We Need Facts On Vaccinations

Unless you have been on mars for most of the last twelve months you would have heard about the H1N1 virus also known as swine flu. In response to the perceived “killer” virus, governments around the world ordered mass dosages of a vaccine against the virus in a bid to save the populace from the terror of flu.

As things turned out there was no threat and many governments in the northern hemisphere have scaled back their orders considerably.  In fact latest figures from the USA show that this flu season has been particularly mild with far less cases than usual. The Australian government was not able to cut back its order and hence has a lot of vaccine in storage. It is looking to get rid of this by another scare campaign about second waves (which is tricky when there was no first wave).

Through all this though there has not been any questioning of the basic assumption that giving people a flu vaccine protects them from flu and that in turn they and society benefit. Many countries have annual flu vaccination programs for those over 65. Some of these have been going for many years.

It is interesting then to note that  it emerged recently that there is not actually any evidence to show that this does any good! The well-respected Cochrane collaboration released a report, which looked at 75 studies over a 40-year period. The conclusion was that “The available evidence is of poor quality and provides no guidance regarding the safety, efficacy or effectiveness of influenza vaccines in people aged 65 years or older”.

In simple terms after 40 years we do not know if giving people over 65 a flu vaccine does any good or any harm. Now to be fair there is nothing at all to suggest that there is any harm done even though the safety of its use has not been proved. Also it could be that nobody was able to find the evidence of benefit even though it may be there.

However after 40 years and 75 studies on a commonplace medical procedure you would expect evidence of benefit to be apparent. The assumption that because it involves vaccination it must be good is not a scientific position but one of faith. Interestingly it is exactly the type of criticism that is leveled at those opposed to vaccines by health authorities and doctors. Unfortunately “debates” over vaccination generate heat and no light as positions are entrenched and facts are of little interest.

Some drugs are more useful than others. Those, which are shown to be not useful, go out of use. Medical procedures too, become superseded. There is no reason the same logic should not apply to vaccination. Those, which are shown to be useful, should be continued. Those where there is not shown to be benefit should not.

Last year serious questions were raised over the papiloma virus vaccine (marketed as the Cervical Cancer vaccine) as how long the effect lasts in the body is unclear. The program of giving it to 13 year old girls means it may have worn off by the time they need protection. Also there is the lingering question about whether the body will in most cases clear the virus anyway.

An Australian report showed that after the introduction of the Chicken Pox vaccine there was an increase in the rate of hospitalization of the elderly with Shingles, which is caused by the same virus. This led a call for another vaccine program. Whilst there was a reduction in cases of chicken pox, in children this is hardly a massive achievement as it is essentially a minor childhood illness (yes there can be complications but this is rare).

The bottom line is that this matters. Governments spend large sums of money on vaccine programs. There is in many instances some compulsion about being vaccinated and penalties for not doing so. This does not occur with any other area of medicine. Assessments made on the basis of facts, not pre conceived notions, faith in vaccines, or opposition to vaccines, is what is needed. Those, which are shown to have benefits outweighing risks, are worth doing. Those where this is not the case, are not worth continuing.

Vaccination is a medical and public health issue. It is not a sacred cow. Programs need to be assessed, criticized and changed or stopped if not found to be of benefit. Justification on the basis that vaccination, of itself, is good is no better an argument than vaccination, of itself, is bad.

[Via http://drjoesdiyhealth.wordpress.com]

Bananas Cure HIV AIDS!! I'm not kidding!

Its me again back with good information for my Fellow riders. Tha Fastlife Runna cares about your health. What I’ve learned about this fruit, it actually kills HIV diseases. I know we got some people that is sick out there with HIV and depend on anti drugs that battle HIV. Some of you are nasty and don’t know if you got it. I don’t want you to pass it to me and mess my life up. That’s the reason why I’m writing this post. Anyways, when that happens in your body, why not eat banana like a monkey everyday? A monkey eats more banana more than an average person eats meal 4 times a day and then next thing monkey jumping like a fool all day. Do you know why? Let me tell you why. Its the natural chemicals from a banana that speeds up the metabolism which make you hyper and also boost up the immune system that battle diseases inside your body. I’m going start eating fruits like a mad man because I know its the T. R. U. T. H. If you think i’m not serious, do some research pal.  It’s sad to know that people depend too much on man made drugs with side effects instead of what Heavenly father gave you to eat to live healthier life. Banana ain’t got no side effects. When you take those man made drugs, next thing you gonna find out you have HIV-2. That’s a scary, ain’t it? Not me. I’m going eat bananas as my life depends on it because I’m stuck with a gay roommate living next door to me. I don’t know what the hell he’s doing with weird looking dudes every night. I don’t talk to him and I can’t wait to move out of my place when I graduate in May. Sometimes I wish he stop waving at me every once in a while when he see me walking to class. If I find this nigga wheezing and coughing, you better believe I’ll take off running. Thats the kind of person I am. I’m cautious when I come to those things like that.

[Via http://pinkneyalvinjr.wordpress.com]

Addictions [continued]

Around 165 million Americans are addicted to caffeine.

I forgot to mention caffeine addiction statistics in my last post.  Caffeine is a more easily forgotten “drug.” (Yes, it really is a drug.) Well, I am one of those 165 million.

Yesterday, it occurred to me:

Matthew 7:3-5 ”Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your friend, ‘Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye’?? Look at yourself! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. 5 You hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your friend’s eye.

I remembered this verse while thinking of a couple people whom I know that have addictions.  While I was thinking of them, I held a big cup of coffee in my hand.

Here’s some things I have learned through various sources such as other people, personal experience, my academic education, research, etc…  It’s rrreeeeal easy to overlook caffeine addiction.  It’s even easy to joke about.  I mean heck, I joke about it myself. [Have yall seen that McDonald's commercial where the guy doesn't respond with more than "I haven't had my coffee yet" until he gets his morning coffee?  Yeah, that's freakishly close to the truth with me.]

Now think about an alcoholic… He/she usually receives a stamp of disapproval from society.  It’s not too funny to joke about.  It’s serious. Same with the smoker, the drug addict, etc.  Hmm…  Have you really done your research and become well-informed/educated on the effects that these substances have on the body?  Most

[Via http://emilyscurls.wordpress.com]

Zephyr 5.4 "The Stuff Of News Footage"

“AH, ZEPHYR, MY dearest son,” the Pope says as he struggles to rise and ultimately fails, slumping back into the plush chair with the air of a rich man who has just let loose with a particularly satisfying fart: one made perhaps all the more satisfying for the flunkies who have to stand there, drinking in the air and commenting on its magnificence.

            Let me be clear the Pope and I have never met. He’s new and I’m so lapsed I don’t think I even count as Catholic any more. Where he gets off speaking so pleasantly I can’t tell you. I can see Pykes, Dufresne and the Senator are all thrilled to the point of Rapture to be in the flatulent old German’s presence. I make a pained face and keep walking and when the Pope offers me his hand with the big ring on it I play stupid and pump his arm a few times and then sit down at the nearest chair.

            “It’s a pleasure,” I baldly lie. “Now what’s this all about?”

            My frankness breaks the mood like even the Pope’s weak arse couldn’t. Pykes and Kirkness exchange glances and Senator Keenan emits a girlish chuckle and sits close enough to me she can reach out and periodically stroke my knee, which she proceeds to do with alarming regularity. She is a handsome and well-preserved woman, but up close and looking through the layers of her nearly Baroque make-up, it wouldn’t surprise me if at any moment she suddenly bared yellow fangs and her bloodshot eyes rolled up into her head as she gave in to her desire for human flesh.

            “Please excuse Zephyr’s candidness, Your Holiness,” the mayor says with a nervous little frown I’ve rarely seen him wear. “I can only explain that he understands the value of your time and doesn’t want to beat around the bush, as we say here in the States.”

            His Holiness waves his hand and looks beneficent as they taught him to in Pope school. I smile, he smiles, the row of unspeaking cardinals smile and Ivory Keenan titters just a little more. Again with the knee.

            “It’s regarding the Bloomingdale bombing, Zephyr,” the Senator says. “Paramilitary Zionists called Israel’s Black Commandos have claimed responsibility for the attack. It took twenty-five lives and left a further fifteen people who are still in hospital.”

            My memories are the stuff of news footage. I nod and look around the room. A few bland suits have slipped in and one of them, she has the whole black hair/green eyes/big titties thing happening, oh boy, and she begins taking notes with an electronic stylus. I try to catch her eye, but I guess Catholicism comes with the Irish gene and proximity to the Holy Father has put a dent in her receptivity.

            “Okay,” I say and resist the shrug.

            “The City States Symposium has deliberated,” the Pope says in his heavy-lidded German English. “We have decided we cannot take any position except to condemn all violence that encourages segregation.”

            I nod and glance around the room. Pykes looks like a kid too afraid to put his hand up to go to the toilet and might just risk pissing himself before the afternoon ends. Ironically it is his deputy Dufresne who has the poise to pull off the high-powered meeting.

            The Pope stares at me until he has my eye. “We will not make any formal statement. However, the government assures me it will endorse a statement of sorts in retaliation for this attack on its sovereign soil.”

            I blink, nod again. “Okay.”

            It looks like no-one else really wants to speak, suddenly. Dufresne scowls, looking around the room. Finally she rests forward, arms crossed over her knee.

            “Zephyr, we want you to go after them.”

I TRY TO think this through for a minute and basically fail.

            “You want me to go after the terrorists?”

            “Absolutely,” Pykes says.

            “On behalf of, and sanctioned by, the United States government,” Senator Keenan says with a bold, affirmative nod.

            I glance around the table and eye the cardinals briefly. “Um, where are they, then?”

            My question elicits more glass-eyed stares. Dufresne looks at Pykes who looks at Keenan who in turn stares at Kirkness. No-one dares look at His Holiness.

            “We understand the security forces in Jerusalem have contained some members of a local cell,” Keenan says.

            “Sure, but that’s on neutral soil,” I remark. “That would kind of undermine the whole idea of the neutrality of the City States, wouldn’t it, to send me in there?”

            Someone clears their throat. It’s not anyone helpful. I ask, “Um, do you mind if I ask why you want me to do this? Surely the government. . . ?”

            “The President feels it would be best not to formally link our response to the government,” the Senator says. “However, a well-known American parahuman, taking the matter into his own hands with the tacit approval of the current administration. . . .”

            “Sorry,” I say and risk cutting her off, though Keenan looks far too pleased to be stopped talking for me to call it that. “I’m not sure exactly what you’re after. This attack was launched from within Atlantic City, obviously. Can you give me any information regarding these Commando dudes and any contacts or networks or . . . anything?”

            I drift off because of the uncomfortable looks around me.

            I hesitantly add: “I’m not sure what you think it is I am able to do about, um, all this. I’m, like . . . I’m a superhero, you know?”

            “Terrorism is a crime, Zephyr,” Ms Keenan rebukes me.

            “A crime? Yes. A specialist crime,” I say back to her. “This is like . . . like getting hand models to take on the Triads or something.”

            “Finally, something sensible. . . .” Kirkness mutters.

            “Zephyr, I think you’re doing yourself a disservice,” Senator Keenan says.

            “You must have faith, my son,” the Pope adds.

            “I’m sorry,” I say and stand with genuine remorse. “If you know where the bad guys’ lair is in Atlantic City, you let me and the Sentinels know and we’ll kick their tails. International terrorism and diplomacy though, that’s just not my bag. Sorry.”

            Only slightly less incredulous than they that I’m actually doing so, I open my palms apologetically and walk from the room. The security cadre eyes me as I jostle past. Their eyes are too busy for anything resembling sympathy.

[Via http://wereviking.wordpress.com]