Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, shown here smoking a joint
in his breakthrough film Pumping Iron, told British GQ that marijuana
is not a drug, it is “a leaf.” Did he really smoke marijuana in the movie,
he’s asked? “I really smoked it. And, I also inhaled.”
** TURKEY FLEXES MUSCLE ON ITS NATIONAL DAY. Turkey staged a major show of military strength today on its national day as talks continue over its pending major incursion into northern Iraq. Clearly the Turks are trying to pressure the US to take action against Kurdish separatist guerillas using northern Iraq as a safe haven.
** A REMARKABLE ECONOMIC FEAT. DOLLAR HITS NEW LOW AS OIL HITS NEW HIGH. The dollar hit a new low today as oil hit a new high. The euro is now worth $1.44 and four tenths of a cent.
This is all working out exactly as planned in 2003. Well, not so much …
** CALIFORNIA ELECTORAL COLLEGE INITIATIVE, AKA GOP CONSULTANT ENRICHMENT PLAN. I’m watching with some interest the promotion in conservative circles of the scheme to change California’s vote in the Electoral College from winner-take-all — as in every other major state in America — to apportionment by congressional district.
Frankly, there is no way such an initiative will pass in California, whenever the election is held. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has already stated that it’s a “loser’s mentality” idea.
The “sophisticated” rationale for it is that it will drain Democratic money. But the fact is that Republican fundraising is already way down, on every level — presidential, senatorial, and congressional. Much more likely is that this scheme drains Republican money. To the extent that anyone of any sophistication is convinced, note the word, to contribute to the effort.
I’ll have a lot more on this deal later. It’s fairly amusing.
** NEW RECORD OIL PRICE. Crude oil hit two new price records today: Highest ever intraday trading price and highest ever closing price. After climbing to $93.80 per barrel during the day, crude oil closed the day at $93.53 per barrel.
The price of oil has gone up over one-third since August.
Today’s new record was driven by the continuing geopolitical crises and the decision of the Mexican state oil company, Pemex, to shut down one-fifth of its production with a major tropical storm hitting the Gulf of Mexico.
** ROMNEY GETS NEW HAMPSHIRE BOOST. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, long the leader in the neighboring New Hampshire primary but more lately beset by Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, today picked up the endorsement of U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, the Granite State’s senior senator.
The former New Hampshire governor is an anti-tax stalwart. In debate prep during the Bush campaigns of 2000 and 2004, he played Al Gore and John Kerry.
** SCHWARZENEGGER MISSES CLIMATE CHANGE MEETING IN PORTUGAL BUT DELIVERS VIDEO MESSAGE. Due to the ongoing Southern California fires crisis, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger missed today’s International Carbon Action Partnership summit in Lisbon, Portugal. But he did deliver a video message in absentia, and sent California Environmental Protection Secretary Linda Adams and Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols to represent the state.
“It is exciting for California to be a part of the International Carbon Action Partnership,” said Schwarzenegger in his message. “This groundbreaking partnership is a historic step in the worldwide battle against climate change. In addition to regulations to reduce greenhouse gases, I firmly believe a global market for greenhouse gases will allow us to protect the environment while growing the economy. Last year in California, we took decisive action when I signed our landmark Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Today, 26 American states are working toward similar plans or they are developing them.
“This first of its kind partnership will provide more incentives for clean-tech investment and economic growth while not letting polluters off the hook. And it will help renew the health of our planet. I would like to thank Governors Eliot Spitzer of New York and Jon Corzine of New Jersey, Premier Gordon Campbell from British Columbia and Portugal Prime Minister José Sócrates for their strong partnership and great leadership in the fight against global warming.”
The purpose of ICAP is to provide an international forum for governments to share their experiences on how best to design greenhouse gas trading mechanisms under hard emissions caps. ICAP signatories include the US and Canadian members of the Western Climate Initiative, created by Schwarzenegger, the Northeastern US states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, European Union members including Britain, Germany, and Portugal, and the European Commission.
Among those in attendance are Prime Minister and EU Council President José Sócrates of Portugal; European Commission President José Manuel Barroso; Governor Jon Corzine of New Jersey; Governor Eliot Spitzer of New York; Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia; Minister Sigmar Gabriel of Germany; UK Secretary of State for Business, Rt. Hon. John Hutton; and Norway’s Finance Minister Kristin Halvorsen.
** SCHWARZENEGGER SAYS MARIJUANA NO DRUG. JOKINGLY, OF COURSE … Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a new interview with British GQ — and what California governor hasn’t been featured in that magazine? — said that marijuana is “not a drug.” It is, said the former action movie superstar, “a leaf.”
He was joking, of course, says Schwarzenegger press secretary Aaron McLear. Schwarzenegger’s staff is not infrequently abashed by some of the governator’s comments. I say roll it, as it were. Actually, that should read, roll with it.
In other pronunciamentos, Schwarzenegger listed former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who left office in June, as one of the greatest leaders in history, alongside former South African President Nelson Mandela, former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Asked if he would include President Bush on the list, Schwarzenegger said: “I would say that I was … very fond of his father. I worked for President Bush Sr., and he was a great man.”
“I think his son does some great things and there are some other things I don’t agree with.”
Needless to say. NWN will be reporting on that a great deal more this week.
** ANOTHER NEW OIL RECORD. Crude oil broke the $93 per barrel mark in trading early today before falling back to $92+. It’s all on account of the continued global insecurity much reported on and discussed here at NWN.
** CLINTON AND OBAMA DEAD HEAT IN IOWA, ROMNEY HAS BIG LEAD. In the latest poll of the Iowa presidential caucuses — now set for the astonishing date of January 3rd — Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are in a dead heat on the Democratic side, while Mitt Romney has a huge lead on the Republican side.
On the Democratic side, Clinton and Obama are in a statistical tie, with 29% and 27%, respectively. John Edwards, who has staked his candidacy on winning Iowa, is third with 20%. Bill Richardson has 7% and Joe Biden has 5%.
On the Republican side, it’s a Romney runaway. The former Massachuestts governor, who has invested millions in uncontested TV ads, has 36%. The distant runner-up has only 13%. That’s a tie between Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee. Fred Thompson is at 11%, and one-time frontrunner John McCain has 6%.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM RUSSIA TODAY. Russia is fast re-emerging as one of the world’s great powers. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer, bringing you English-language, jargon-free, fast-paced coverage of global and Russian news from the new Russia Today channel.
You probably already know about CNN International, BBC World, and Al Jazeera. Russia Today, which also features culture, entertainment, and sports, is based in Moscow and is owned and operated by the TV Novosti division of Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti.
While it’s quite foolish to expect to see, say, criticism of Vladimir Putin on Russia Today, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. The NWN live link to RT does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND U.S. ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Crude oil prices went over a record $93 per barrel early today on concern over the geopolitical situation, namely situations in Iraq, Pakistan, and Iran.
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| Comments (102) |
“Male lifespans are 15 years less than those of females…”
and?
Alcoholism and chronic drug use should be treated ASAP. Legalizing marijuana? I think you guys are trying to give me Gray hair. No legalizing! No No NO!
Arnold probably shows his kids the stacks of tabloids from when Gore’s and Bush’s kids got busted. Embarrassment of that magnitude would be enough to keep many teenagers straight, or at least, discrete.
Folks, allow me to give you a big news flash.
Drug use is RAMPANT in America.
There is a massive wave of abuse of prescription drugs.
I first noticed something was up early in the decade when my girlfriend of the time started in on the many wonders of Vicodin.
She was not then in recovery from any injury.
So posturing about who has smoked marijuana is not especially serious.
I think many of my generation tried the stuff and then moved on to the true American drug…alcohol.
Now, where did I put that Irish Whiskey???
I think many of my generation tried the stuff and then moved on to the true American drug…alcohol.
Now, where did I put that Irish Whiskey???
If you were a vodka drinker, like the bulk of Russians, it would be much more efficient. Just check the refrigerator.
Otherwise, it’s probably in the bar area that most every American home has.
When I buy Sudafed, I must show a valid Id. I don’t mind if that keeps Meth houses out of my town. Prescription drug abuse is just as serious as alcoholism. I think the new fad for the hip crowd is mixing mixing Adderall and alcohol. I hear this is a dangerous problem for the college campuses. It seems every decade we figure out a new way to harm ourselves.
Uh, what country is that? Sudafed is freely available in every part of California I’m in. (Not just here at Mt. Thunder.
)
Bill,
Sudafed is locked up in Sacramento. Need to show ID.
Vodka in the fridge…what a wonderful idea. Get rid of the food and stock the Absolute. Then I can stagger into the bar area and probably find my Irish Whiskey.
Thanks!
Well, nobody drinks vodka that isn’t chilled that I’m aware of.
Your ID shows you’re not an illegal immigrant.
It does??? Damn!!!
However, you can’t buy sudafed without showing one and the stuff is under lock and key. Has been for about two years.
You can still buy products that work like it, but not stuff that contains ‘fed. Think it’s a state law. You know, something they pass in Sacramento and is signed by the Governor. Yep, those things.
Drink unchilled vodka…how unflipping civilized to you take me to be??? Sire, I drink my vodka chilled and ‘tinis straight up.
And if we ever have that NWN party you’re always talking about, I’ll show you!
It does??? Damn!!!
However, you can’t buy sudafed without showing one and the stuff is under lock and key. Has been for about two years.
You can still buy products that work like it, but not stuff that contains ‘fed. Think it’s a state law. You know, something they pass in Sacramento and is signed by the Governor. Yep, those things.
Drink unchilled vodka…how unflipping civilized to you take me to be??? Sire, I drink my vodka chilled and ‘tinis straight up.
And if we ever have that NWN party you’re always talking about, I’ll show you!
You can only buy a specific amount of Sudafed. Sudafed ingredants are used to cook Meth.
sorry ingredients
You all are missing the point.
Sudafed, which anybody can get, is not what I’m talking about.
I’m talking prescription drugs like Vicodin. The prescriptions are rampant. And that’s before getting into Internet and cross-border sales.
My point is that America is a society with a great many people on drugs.
Talking about who’s smoked pot in college is amazingly quaint.
It is the psuedoephedrine that is restricted. You can still buy Sudafed PE unrestricted.
I stand corrected, it’s not state law. It’s federal law. Or at least according to the pharmacy I do business with it is. You must show ID to purchase it. And it’s been in affect for about 2 years.
Carole W…
You be spot on!
And what you are both saying is, with all due respect, quite irrelevant.
Amazingly quaint? Nice.
Amazingly quaint? Nice.
Irrelevant? Gee thanks.
There is a massive epidemic of prescription drug abuse in America.
What else would you call it?
… It’s more than a bit past time to end the hypocrisy about the use of controlled substances, be they “prescribed” drugs or simple alcohol.
Rx drug usage is particularly high among adults I am quite sure, but I do know that marijuana usage is also rampant among the young people, to the extent that I believe there is a bit of a revival of the 60s and 70s goin on. (Didn’t Bill say the 70s are back except for the fashion?).
My own son has been smoking it for years, and he is still in “high” school. He and many friends of his and mine all attest to the fact that weed is everywhere, and accessible to everyone, except perhaps the fricking older generations.
I am not so sure it is a good or a bad thing, but it is reality in America these days. Personally i am incredibly relieved that my son doesn’t have any interest in alcohol, which means his likelihood of survival to age 21 is markedly improved.
Thankfully, none of the folks I have gotten to know during my parenting years seem to have ever been at all interested in Rx drugs for recreational use.
Thanks, Bill. Always nice to be insulted because you’re wrong. Most folks might have just said that they made a mistake. But that’s not possible is it?
Off to do more important things…
I made it pretty clear I was talking about prescription drugs, not cold medication that in MASSIVE BULK can be turned into meth.
This pseudoephedrine behind the counter business is a very good example of wrong-headed “war on drugs” bullshit that we have had to deal with for decades now. I can’t think of a more idiotic “solution” to a “problem” than to force millions of otherwise law abiding people who happen to have allergies or something to have to identify oneself, sign an affidavit, and otherwise be subject to illogical rules. For what, so a politician can congratulate herself?
The whole war on drugs has been a disaster, particularly in our foreign policy, where it has interfered with logic on several occasions in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
This pseudoephedrine behind the counter business is a very good example of wrong-headed “war on drugs” bullshit that we have had to deal with for decades now. I can’t think of a more idiotic “solution” to a “problem” than to force millions of otherwise law abiding people who happen to have allergies or something to have to identify oneself, sign an affidavit, and otherwise be subject to illogical rules. For what, so a politician can congratulate herself?
The whole war on drugs has been a disaster, particularly in our foreign policy, where it has interfered with logic on several occasions in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
“Controlled substances” are everywhere.
“The ‘sophisticated’ rationale for it is that it will drain Democratic money.”
There are lots of Democrats who wouldn’t give a penny to Phil Angelides (or Steve Westly for that matter), but they’ll pony up to defeat a “Republican scheme to control the White House.”
I bet we’ll raise additional NEW money into the Democratic coffers because of this measure. And it will drive turnout at a time when we really need it.
If anything, it’s a colossal drain on Republican finances. If someone hands me a clipboard at Costco, I’m signing it.
Hap,
The Sudafed law works. Sorry, that Feds are forced to restrict your consumer rights but, unfortunately they are correct. I am sounding like a conservative today, this doesn’t make me happy.
Does anyone have any information on the new Argentinian President?
The pseudoephedrine law is a paen to government incompetence. Because they couldn’t figure out how to prevent shills for meth labs from buying 50 or 100 or more packages at a time, they make it arguably harder for a consumer to buy ONE package of real Sudafed than it is to buy a rifle.
And guess what? the labs are still cookin’
The pseudoephedrine law is a paen to government incompetence. Because they couldn’t figure out how to prevent shills for meth labs from buying 50 or 100 or more packages at a time, they make it arguably harder for a consumer to buy ONE package of real Sudafed than it is to buy a rifle.
And guess what? the labs are still cookin’
um, that would be “peaen.” And upon reflection perhaps I’m a pompous ass to use the word if I can’t even spell it right. ;-}
Wilbur,
Folks, the “sudafed law” has nothing to do with what I’m talking about.
I have never smoked pot or taken any drug but tonight I had 2 glasses of wine on more or less an empty stomache at 58 degrees and holding…my date talked me is to the second glass…we closed up the place…then we went outside and started kissing kissing and kssing then the waiter came out and said excuse me and handed me my treo and cell then we back to kissing kissing and kissing and then the waiter walked out again and handed my date his credit card …my date said kinda scowled and said I have never forgotten my credit card …then we went back to kissing kissing kissing and then the bartender came out with my sunglasses…then we went back to some more kissing and then he put me in my car…58 and holding has very nice waiters and bartenders…I think good wine and a good kisser is better than weed…yuk ,smoke…
I have never smoked pot or taken any drug but tonight I had 2 glasses of wine on more or less an empty stomache at 58 degrees and holding…my date talked me is to the second glass…we closed up the place…then we went outside and started kissing kissing and kssing then the waiter came out and said excuse me and handed me my treo and cell then we back to kissing kissing and kissing and then the waiter walked out again and handed my date his credit card …my date said kinda scowled and said I have never forgotten my credit card …then we went back to kissing kissing kissing and then the bartender came out with my sunglasses…then we went back to some more kissing and then he put me in my car…58 and holding has very nice waiters and bartenders…I think good wine and a good kisser is better than weed…yuk ,smoke…
What? No mention of Michael Carona’s indictment? No questions for Jon Fleischman about it?
Seriously, this has been a long time coming, and Carona and many of his cronies (Haidl, Hunt [who then turned on his boss and ran against him], Jaramillo, etc.) were disgraces to their badges.
What? No mention of Michael Carona’s indictment? No questions for Jon Fleischman about it?
Seriously, this has been a long time coming, and Carona and many of his cronies (Haidl, Hunt [who then turned on his boss and ran against him], Jaramillo, etc.) were disgraces to their badges.
Are you going to top yesterday’s video?
I wonder what this surprise visit is about????….”Sergei Lavrov was coming later in the day while the media were told he would be meeting with Ahmadinejad at 1630 GMT.” Khaleej Times
Barbara,
Have fun on your date!
No idea.
>Barbara :
I wonder what this surprise visit is about????….”Sergei Lavrov was coming later in the day while the media were told he would be meeting with Ahmadinejad at 1630 GMT.” Khaleej Times
Oct 30, 2007 07:46 AM
Nope.
>Jonas Blane :
Are you going to top yesterday’s video?
Oct 30, 2007 06:57 AM
Not in the middle of the night, Nick.
>NickM :
What? No mention of Michael Carona’s indictment? No questions for Jon Fleischman about it?
Seriously, this has been a long time coming, and Carona and many of his cronies (Haidl, Hunt [who then turned on his boss and ran against him], Jaramillo, etc.) were disgraces to their badges.
Oct 30, 2007 12:46 AM
Not in the middle of the night, Nick.
>NickM :
What? No mention of Michael Carona’s indictment? No questions for Jon Fleischman about it?
Seriously, this has been a long time coming, and Carona and many of his cronies (Haidl, Hunt [who then turned on his boss and ran against him], Jaramillo, etc.) were disgraces to their badges.
Oct 30, 2007 12:46 AM
Sleep is overrated.
What famous celebrity said recently that sleep is his favorite hobby?
Re: drugs, Tim Wu has a book coming out on tolerated lawbreaking. In the US, we basically tolerate abuse of prescriptions (see: hypocrite Limbaugh), but condemn some rather safer drugs like pot.
http://www.slate.com/id/2175730/entry/2175732/
Personally, I have never been interested in pot. I’m more of a caffeine type, including sometimes in excess — I wrote my final two papers in college, start to finish, in three days, with two two-hour naps, with a shot of espresso every 2-3 hours. Got As on both of them, too.