Shattering the stereotype of the lazy pothead, new research suggests cannabis users are actually more satisfied, more successful, and even more likely to volunteer in their communities than their nonsmoking counterparts.
Last week, the Independent described to its readers how the research was carried out:
“The study, conducted by market researchers BDS Analytics, surveyed consumers and abstainers across a wide variety of mental, social and financial factors. These included life satisfaction levels, attitudes towards parenting and employment data.
“The survey analysed extensive data from two US states that have voted to legalise the sale of cannabis — California and Colorado.”
Among other surprising findings, researchers discovered that weed consumers make significantly more money than those who abstain, with Californians who use the plant earning nearly $24,000 more a year. This could be related to the fact that 20 percent of California pot consumers hold a master’s degree while only 12 percent of non-smokers in the state can say the same.
Researchers found a similar situation in Colorado, where 64 percent of cannabis users have full-time jobs versus 54 percent of abstainers. Given those numbers, perhaps it’s not surprising that weed consumers in the state generally feel better about their personal lives than non-smokers.
Marijuana consumption is also associated with healthier habits and a more active social life, researchers for BDS Analytics found. In Colorado, for instance, 36 percent of smokers described themselves as “very social people,” compared to 28 percent for those who avoid the plant. Additionally, in both Colorado and California, those who consume cannabis enjoy outdoor recreation at significantly higher rates.
Perhaps the most surprising discovery, however — given the cliched image of the slacker on the couch eating Cheetos and watching reruns of Family Guy — is that users tend to be more generous with their time. Nearly 40 percent of California’s weed enthusiasts volunteer in their communities, researchers found, whereas only 25 percent of abstainers have decided to do the same.
In a press release, head of consumer research for BDS, Linda Gilbert, says all these data points lead to a very real and increasingly apparent conclusion:
“Cannabis consumers are far removed from the caricatures historically used to describe them.”
(Minds) Bioquark, a biotech company based in the United States, has been given the go-ahead to begin research on 20 brain-dead patients, in an attempt to stimulate and regrow neurons and, literally, bring the patients back from the dead.
By implanting stem cells in the patient’s brain, in addition to treating the spinal cord with infusions of chemicals and nerve stimulation techniques (both of which have been shown to bring people out of comas), they hope to reboot the brain and jump-start neural activity.
The result could be people coming back to life.
There isn’t much evidence that this will work, though there is one well-known neurological researcher and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Calixto Machado who is involved with the study as a panel expert.
Bioquark’s CEO, Ira Pastor, said that
“to undertake such a complex initiative, we are combining biologic regenerative medicine tools with other existing medical devices typically used for stimulation of the central nervous system, in patients with other severe disorders of consciousness. We hope to see results within the first two to three months.”
He added, “it is a long-term vision of ours that a full recovery in such patients is a possibility, although that is not the focus of this first study.
Indigenous Inuits have another explanation for the changes in Earth’s climate, NASA redirects their evidence.
Several Inuit elders have informed NASA of their testimony that the changes in temperature on Earth are due to a natural occurrence- the planet has tilted slightly on its axis.
Star Constellations Have Changed Position
The Inuits of the Arctic regions have been watching the sun all of their lives and have taken note of the changes in its positions at all points during the day.
They claim that due to the tilt, the sunlight now hits Earth from a higher angle and accounts for their longer daylight as well as the environmental changes such as wind and drift shifts.
Moreover, the Inuit elders claim the night sky has been altered and positions of stars have shifted due to the new angle. Their observations are backed up by other Inuit groups from the Arctic regions who have made similar notes.
NASA has a different approach to the issue. According to the NASA official website, they do not deny the alterations described by the Inuit or the possibility of a tilted Earth.
Their stance is that these changes are happening because of global warming rather than global warming is the result. The International Business Times, April 12th edition 2016, reiterates NASA’s claim that this phenomenon is due to global warming. However, on NASA’s website, it also claims that the shift is an occurrence that had happened much time over the millennia, even at times when human presence was not releasing carbon dioxide or other pollutants into the atmosphere.
The Inuits intended to warn NASA that the climate change was a natural process of a shifting Earth, not global warming. The space agency has in turn distributed articles through its channel using their information as evidence of its own agenda, that the tilted earth, resulting from global warming and climate change, have affected their lifestyle.
Inuit People on the daily earth wobble, sun moon and stars out of place
In life — everything you are going through is preparing you for what you’ve been asked for! – Unknown
We always think about this topic: How is possible that our THOUGHTS… can BECAME… THINGS?
During the centuries, this was a mystery among the people. Hundreds of years ago Buddha first mentioned the Law of Attraction. His belief was ‘what you have become is what you have thought’. This was the main thing about the Law of Attraction.
We are getting more and more curious about this.
What contains the law of attraction exactly?
As previously discussed, The Law Of Attraction and its values have been seen throughout history. Many women and men who have left their mark on this world have shown the Law of Attraction to be one of the greatest powers on earth, with many well-loved poets, artists, scientists and great thinkers such as Shakespeare, Emerson, Newton and Beethoven all conveying this message through their many works. There have been many modern advocates of The Law Of Attraction as well. These include Oprah Winfrey, Jim Carrey, and Denzel Washington.
In addition, with over 5.8 MILLION Facebook fans, there are plenty of success stories surrounding The Law Of Attraction.
The truth lies in the ability to attract something in our lives whatever we are focused on. It is the Law of Attraction which uses the power of the mind to translate whatever is in our thoughts and materialize them into reality. Everyone, according to their experience can say that all our thoughts will turn into things eventually.The Law of Attraction dictates that whatever can be imagined and held in the mind’s eye is achievable if you take an action to get where you want to be. The most important thing about this is that you understand that you can apply this to your everyday life and that can be so effective if the correct tools are used.
Through the Law of Attraction like attracts like. What you think about, you bring about. How is this possible?
Very few people are fully aware of how much of an impact the Law of Attraction has. Whether we are doing it knowingly or unknowingly, every second of our existence, we are acting as magnets sending out our thoughts and emotions and attracting back more of what we have put out. Unfortunately, so many of us still blind to the potential that is locked deep within us.
Consequently, it is all too easy to leave your thoughts and emotions unchecked. This attracts more unwanted emotions and events into your life.
Having said this, discovering that the Law of Attraction should be a great cause for celebration! Once the power of attraction has been understood by YOU it is not a secret anymore.
Thus, if you learn how to effectively apply this to your everyday life, your entire future is all yours, it is up to you how you will create it!
To be successful you have to be willing to be successful.You have to believe in the law of attraction- that you create your own life!
Throughout our history, most civilizations have either met a slow demise or were wiped out by natural disasters or invasion. But there are a few societies whose disappearance has scholars truly stumped:
10.The Olmec
One of the first Mesoamerican societies, the Olmec inhabited the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico. The first signs of the Olmec are around 1400 BC in the city of San Lorenzo, the main Olmec settlement which was supported by two other centers, Tenochtitlan and Potrero Nuevo. The Olmec were master builders with each of the major sites containing ceremonial courts, house mounds, large conical pyramids and stone monuments including the colossal head that they are most known for. The Olmec civilization relied heavily on trade, both between different Olmec regions and with other Mesoamerican societies. Because they were one of the earliest and most advanced Mesoamerican cultures at the time, they have often considered the mother culture of many other Mesoamerican cultures.
Where did they go?
Around 400 BC the eastern half of the Olmec’s lands was depopulated- possibly due to environmental changes. They may have also relocated after volcanic activity in the area. Another popular theory is that they were invaded, but no one knows whom the invaders might be.
9.The Nabateans
The Nabateans were a Semitic culture that inhabited parts of Jordan, Canaan, and Arabia from around the sixth century BC. They are most widely known as the builders of the city of Petra, which served as their capital. Petra is an impressive city carved out of the cliff side with the crown jewel being the Khazneh, or Treasury, a giant Greek inspired building. The Nabateans’ wealth was gained by being a major stop on a complex trading network, through which they traded ivory, silk, spices, precious metals, gems, incense, sugar perfume, and medicine. Because of the extent of the trade route, the Nabatean culture was highly influenced by Hellenistic Greece, Rome, Arabia, and Assyria. Unlike other societies of their time, there was no slavery and every member of society contributed in the work duties.
Where did they go?
During the fourth century AD, the Nabateans abandoned Petra and no one really knows why. Archeological evidence proves that their exodus was an organized one that was unrushed, which leads us to believe that they were not driven out of Petra by another culture. The most likely explanation is that when the trade routes they relied on moved north they could no longer sustain their civilization and left Petra behind.
8.The Aksumite Empire
The Aksumite Empire began in the first century AD in what is now Ethiopia and is believed to be the home of the Queen of Sheba. Aksum was a major trade center with exports of ivory, agricultural resources and gold being traded throughout the Red Sea trade network and onward to the Roman Empire and east towards India. Because of this, Aksum was a very wealthy society and was the first African culture to issue its own coinage, which in ancient times was a sign of great importance. The most recognizable monuments of Aksum are the stelae, giant carved obelisks that acted as the grave markers of kings and nobles. Early Aksumites worshiped several gods but their main god was called Astar. In 324 AD, King Ezana II was converted to Christianity and from then on Aksum was a zealously Christian culture, and is even allegedly the home of the Ark of the Covenant.
Where did they go?
According to local legend, a Jewish Queen named Yodit defeated the Aksumite Empire and burned its churches and literature. However, others believe that southern pagan queen Bani al-Hamwiyah led to the Aksumite decline. Other theories include climate change, trade isolation and over farming leading to starvation.
7.The Mycenaeans
Growing out of the Minoan civilization, the Myceanaeans merged around 1600 BC in southern Greece. Being spread out over two islands and the southern mainland, the Myceaneans built and invaded many major cities like Mycenae, Tiryns, Pylos, Athens, Thebes, Orchomenus, Iolkos, and Knossos. Many Greek myths are centered around Mycenae including the legend of King Agamemnon, who led the Greek forces during the Trojan War. The Myceaneans were a dominant naval power and used their naval prowess for trade with other nations as well as for military endeavors. Because of a lack of natural resources, the Myceaneans imported many goods and turned them into sellable items and therefore became master craftsmen, known throughout the Aegean for their weapons and jewelry.
Where did they go?
No one knows for sure, but one theory is that unrest between the peasant class and the ruling class led to the end of the Myceaneans. Other point to disruptions in trade routes, or natural factors like earthquakes. But the most popular theory is that they were invaded by a civilization from the north like the Dorians (who settled in the area after the fall of the Myceaneans) or the Sea People (who at the time were migrating from the Balkans to the Middle East).
6.The Khmer Empire
The Khmer Empire grew out of the kingdom of Chenla in what is now Cambodia around the 9th century AD and became one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The empire is known to most people as the civilization that built Angkor, Cambodia’s capital city. The Khmer were an incredibly powerful and wealthy culture who were open to several belief systems including Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism, which were the empire’s official religions. Their power also included military might as they fought many wars against the Annamese and Chams.
Where did they go?
The decline of the Khmer Empire can be attributed to any combination of several factors. The first being that the empire was ruled by a devarajo or god king, but with introduction of Theravada Buddhism, which teaches self enlightenment, the government was challenged. This led to a lack of a desire to work for the devarajo which impacted the amount of food being produced. During the reign of Jayavarman VII, an elaborate road network was built to make it easier to transport goods and troops throughout the Empire. But some scholars believe that these roads worked against them, making it easier for invaders like the Ayuthaya to get straight to Angkor.
5.The Cucuteni-Trypillian Culture
In Romania they are the Cucuteni, in the Ukraine they are the Trypillians and in Russia they are the Tripolie: a late Neolithic culture that flourished between 5500 BC and 2750 BC. At their height, the Cucuteni-Trypillian society built the largest Neolithic settlements in Europe, with some housing up to 15,000 people. One of the biggest mysteries of this culture is that every 60 to 80 years they would burn their entire village and reconstruct it on top of the old one. The Cucuteni-Typillian culture was matriarchal, the women were the heads of the household and also did the agricultural work and made pottery, textiles and clothing. The men were hunters, tool makers and were responsible for looking after domestic animals. Their religion was centered around the Great Mother Goddess who was a symbol of motherhood and agricultural fertility. They also worshipped the bull (strength, fertility and the sky) and a snake (eternity and eternal movement).
Where did they go?
One of the main theories about the end of the Cucuteni-Trypillian culture is the Kurgan hypothesis, which states that they were conquered by the warlike Kurgan culture. However, more recent archeology points to a dramatic climate change which could have led to one of the worst droughts in European history– devastating for a culture that relied heavily on farming.
4.Clovis
A prehistoric Native American people, the Clovis culture dates back to 10,000 BC. Centered in southern and central plains of North America they are archeologically recognized by chipped flint points called Clovis points. They used these points on the end of spears to hunt big game like mammoth and bison and small game like deer and rabbits. The Clovis people were the first human inhabitants of the New World and are considered the ancestors of all North and South American indigenous cultures. Many scholars believe that they crossed the Beringia land bridge from Siberia to Alaska during the ice age and then headed south to warmer climates.
Where did they go?
There are several theories around the disappearance of the Clovis culture. The first states that a decrease in megafauna along with less mobility in their culture led them to branch off and form new cultural groups, like the Folsom culture. Another theory is that the mammoth and other species became extinct due to over hunting, leaving the Clovis without a viable food source. The final theory revolves around a comet that crashed to the earth around the Great Lakes region and significantly affected the Clovis culture.
3.The Minoans
Named after the legendary King Minos, the Minoans inhabited what is now Crete from 3000 to 1000 BC. In Greek mythology, Minoa was the land of Cretan Bull and it’s son, the Minotaur- a mythical half-man-half-bull that lived in the labyrinth and killed anyone who entered. In reality, the Minoans were the first known civilization in Europe. Today all that is left of the Minoan civilization are their palaces and the artifacts found within. The Minoan civilization was one of social organization, art and commerce. Early Minoans spoke a language that we call Linear A, which during later periods was replaced by Linear B, both of which were based on pictographs. There is no evidence of any military culture found in the Minoan palaces and it seems their power was purely economical. Even though the Minoans fell, their culture was inherited first by the Myceaneans and from there by the Hellenistic Greeks.
Where did they go?
Many scholars believe that the Minoans were wiped out by a volcanic eruption on the island of Thera (now Santorini), but there is evidence that they survived. However, the eruption would have killed all plant life thus leading to starvation, and damaged their ships leading to economic decline. It is also believed that during this time they were invaded, possibly by the Myceaneans.
2.The Anasazi
The Anasazi or Ancestral Puebloans were a Native American culture that emerged in the Four Corners area of the United States (where New Mexico, Arizona, Colordo, and Utah meet) around 1200 BC. The early Puebloans were hunters and gatherers who lived in shallow pit houses. Later they developed horticulture and began farming maize, beans and squash. Also found at Anasazi archeological sites are greyware pottery, elaborate baskets, reed sandals, rabbit fur robes, grinding stones and bows and arrows. In the Pueblo II and Pueblo III eras the Anasazi carved whole towns out of nearby cliffs like those at Mesa Verde and Bandelier or they constructed them out of stone or adobe mud like Chaco Canyon. These towns hosted many cultural and civic events and were connected to each other by hundreds of miles of roadways.
Where did they go?
Around 1300 AD the Ancestral Puebloans abandoned their cliff houses and scattered. Many scholars believe that, after a population explosion, poor farming methods and a regional drought made it difficult to produce enough food. Due to this lack of food, the Anasazi moved either along the Rio Grande or on the Hopi mesas, and therefore many modern Pueblo Indians believe that they are the descendants of the Anasazi. Recent studies prove that this climate change could not explain the decline of the Anasazi alone and suggest that social and political factors like a violent conflict led to their end, instead.
1.The Indus Valley Civilization
Once inhabiting an area about the size of western Europe in what is now Pakistan and western India, the Indus Valley or Harappan Civilization thrived from 3300 to 1300 BC, although the area was settled all the way back to 7000 BC. Despite being one of the largest ancient civilizations, not much is known about the Harappan civilization, mostly because their language has never been deciphered. We do know that they built over one hundred towns and villages including the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, each of which was built with an organized layout, and a complex plumbing system with indoor toilets. Evidence suggests that the Harappan had a unified government and that there were no social classes. There is also no evidence of military activity so it is likely that they lived in peace. They were skilled astronomers and were well versed in agriculture, growing wheat, barley, peas, melons, sesame and cotton (becoming the first civilization to produce cotton cloth) and domesticating several animals including cattle and elephants.
Where did they go?
There are several theories as to what happened to the Indus Valley civilization. Some people believe that they declined because of changes to their environment, such as a decrease in the size of the Ghaggar Hakra river system or the cooler, drier temperatures that are also evident throughout the Middle East. Another popular theory was that the Aryans invaded them around 1500 BC.
An aura is an emanation of energy surrounding one’s body, and it varies throughout time depending on experiences and circumstances of each individual. In short, it’s basically one’s essence, and can supposedly be captured using something called Kirlian photography, or electrophotography. While many people regard the study of auras as pseudo-scientific and unsubstantiated, it’s still a very popular activity nonetheless, and can help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses in your own energy field.
SO, WHAT COLOR IS YOUR AURA, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
YELLOW
The main traits of those with a predominantly yellow aura are intelligence, logic, and quick-witted. They think with their heads, not their hearts, and can quickly put their emotions aside to deal with problems that arise. They can sometimes work themselves too hard, however, as they are high achievers who thrive on reaching their goals. People with a yellow aura love to spend time alone, though they don’t feel lonely. They don’t have many friends because they choose them wisely, but they love and adore their close circle of companions dearly. People with a yellow aura crave highly intelligent conversations; they don’t do well with small talk. The main weakness of these people, however, is that they can sometimes be too judgmental of themselves and others.
RED
As you might have guessed, people with a red aura have a fiery, feisty nature, and cannot be tamed easily. They love freedom, adventure, and excitement, and get bored quickly. People with a red aura have a high level of confidence in all areas of life, and don’t normally suffer from mental or physical illnesses. They love sports and doing anything active, and have a highly competitive nature. They are natural born leaders, and don’t like people telling them what to do. They are open, honest people, and won’t hide anything from you. They get straight to the point. The only downside to people with a red aura is that their need to rise to the top may burn some bridges on their path.
PINK
People with a pink aura have a very generous, sweet, approachable energy. They give love freely, and are a hopeless romantic. They also are empaths, with an uncanny psychic ability and creative talents. People with this color aura are idealists, which makes it hard for them to see the world as it is. They want to change it somehow, and feel like it’s their mission in life to do so. Just like people with red auras, people with pink auras are very honest, and give everyone a fair chance. However, they need to learn to stand up for themselves, because people tend to walk all over them due to their gentle nature.
GREEN
If you have a green aura, then you have an unwavering love for the outdoors, and consider yourself a true nature lover. You also probably have a high level of health consciousness, and put only the most nutritious foods into your body. You keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, and don’t sync with pie-in-the-sky ideals. You have a practical, realistic approach to life, and take care to keep yourself and your home polished and cleanly. You also enjoy safety and stability, and don’t like too many changes occurring in your life. However, sometimes you can be too rigid in your approach to life, so try going with the flow more.
ORANGE
People with an orange aura love the spotlight, and don’t enjoy being alone too often. They are charismatic, funny, loud people, and always seem to be the center of attention. On the opposite end of that, however, they have an innate ability to sense other’s emotions, and care deeply for how people feel. Due to their passionate nature, they can sometimes lose their temper, but will quickly apologize if they’ve been out of line. People with an orange aura are confident, approachable, and amiable, but can sometimes make rash decisions and let their impatience get the best of them.
PURPLE
This color signifies great psychic abilities, and high sensitivity to emotions and energies. People with a purple aura have a mysterious, quiet nature, and contemplate all the big questions in life. They never stop exploring, and love to learn about new subjects. They live a lot inside their own minds, but they have a beautiful soul. People with this color aura tend to spend a lot of time in nature and with other animals, as they feel misunderstood by most humans. They don’t have many friends, but they adore and cherish the ones they do have. Sometimes, people take advantage of their open, loving nature, so people with this aura need to do a lot of self-care to protect their energy.
BLUE
Having this color aura is quite rare, but it symbolizes strength in communication and a bold personality. As you might have guessed, this aura signifies a calm, gentle nature, and so these people make wonderful peacemakers and solvers of problems. They can smooth things over quickly in an argument, and have an honest, highly eloquent way of talking with people. These people seem to have the perfect balance of thinking and feeling, and always say the right thing at the right time. However, they can sometimes take on too much work and not make enough time for their relationships.
GOLD
People with a gold aura have a love for all things beautiful and elegant in life. They thrive on being the center of attention, and have a very active social life. They love to host parties, entertain people, and simply enjoy life in the moment. They have a strong independent streak, and don’t like asking for anyone’s help or advice. These people can sometimes come across as shallow due to their extravagant tastes, but they simply enjoy giving people nice things, and decorating their living space with them as well.
WHITE/SILVER
Highly talented, and flexible in all areas of life, people with this aura can adapt perfectly to any situation. It’s almost like they can mold themselves into whatever they need to be, and they excel in many different areas of life. They attract success left and right, and usually make very good leaders and teachers. People are drawn to them because of both their inner and outer beauty, but people with this aura need to take care not to let this get to their head.
BROWN
People with a light or dark brown aura tend to be lost souls, trying to find their place in life. They might fall back into bad habits, and have a negative self-image. They tend to focus so much on other people’s flaws, that they forget to address and fix their own.
BLACK
Black points to blockages in the energetic field. It can also signify deep, unresolved issues, depression, anger, rage, stagnation, discontentment, or any other negative emotion.
