Archive for February 8th, 2010
Ganja Tree
Monday, February 8th, 2010Dank-ass Seeds from Holland
Monday, February 8th, 2010
How to make worm tea
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Worm Bin Solution
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Make A Worm Bin – The Economical Worm Bin Solution
Author: Chris Dailey
It is a well known fact in the organic gardening community that red worms create some of the best compost that you can use in your garden. It is actually a very simple process which I am going to oversimplify to get to the main point. The process is that you procure a container, fill it with dirt, some kind of bedding, add water, add worms, and add organic waste and this will set you on the path to having worm created organic compost. The problem with this process is that most people that do this often have the space and the time to make this process work on a continual basis. Some very large organic farms have entire hangers dedicated to the composting process. But what if you live in an urban area? Here are a few tips on how you can make a worm bin that will work in any urban or rural indoor situation.
The first thing you will need to do is go to the store and purchase some plastic storage boxes. They do not need to be very large but they should be sturdy. If you do not have a drill, you will need to borrow one or buy one in order to make ventilation holes. Do you read the newspaper? If so then you have what you need in order to begin the composting process. And finally, aside from dirt, you are going to need some red worms. About a pound of them will do.
Two very important things are air and water. All creatures need air and water to exist and composting worms are no different. The first thing you must do is cut large holes on the bottom of each bin with a keyhole saw. If you are following this particular format, you are going to need two bins because you are going to stack them on top of each other. This gets into separating the two worm end products, which will be talked about later.
Next you need to drill ventilation holes so that the worms can get air. Remember that these holes are not going to be as large as the drainage holes that you just drilled on the bottom of each container. The holes for water drainage should be at least an inch in diameter. Ventilation holes on the other hand can be one quarter of an inch so make sure that you have enough drill bits to choose from. The number of holes should be adequate to properly ventilate and drain the entire bin.
You will need to get your daily newspaper out now. If you just raked the lawn, all the better. Used shredded newspaper and leaves, get them wet, and place them so that you have about four inches of this material on the bottom. Also, if you have ever raised any kind of bird, you will know that they need grit in order to eat their seeds. Likewise, worms also need a small amount of grit to help digest their food. You can purchase corn meal or sand or if you have some dirt available from outside, throw a handful in the mix and they will be just fine.
If you are using two containers, you will do the following: take the lid from your top container and place it on the ground. Place the second container that does not have worms, but has dirt, on four blocks on top of the lid. Pending of course that you did not drill holes in the bottom lid, this will act as a catchall for excess water that will drain out of the containers over time. This liquid is what you may have heard being called worm tea.
The container with the worms will be placed on top of this with a sheet of cardboard that is soaked on top of the organic material and worms. Finally, to conclude this journey to make a worm bin, place your remaining lid over the top of the cardboard and seal it and check on it every couple days.
Worms actually do each quite a bit of food depending upon how many you have. With about a thousand worms per pound, and with each thousand worms eating half their body weight a day, you will need to add at least half a pound of organic material to your worm composting bin every few days in order to keep them happy, full, and processing compost.
Other things to check that you will learn over time is how moist soil is, and you might also check how many worms have replicated since you began the whole process. Too many worms in one small area can cause them to die if bin conditions and food amounts are not properly maintained.
You are done. You have just created your very own worm bin and now that you know how to make a worm bin, you might think of showing a friend or even making another one and expanding on your composting endeavor. Hopefully, you may use some of the organic compost or even the worm tea that will be produced over time to fertilize any plants or garden vegetables that you decide to grow during the year.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/make-a-worm-bin-the-economical-worm-bin-solution-368109.html
About the Author
Chris Dailey is the owner of Super Organic Gardening Secrets, a free online service that provides valuable information on organic gardening and how to make a worm bin. To download his 7 free organic gardening reports, go
to http://www.superorganicgardeningsecrets.com
“Krimz” (crime) – Chakula
Monday, February 8th, 2010
NORML – California
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Organic
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Organic Garden Fertilizer – An Insight
Author: Clint Sidney
Organic garden fertilizers have replaced chemical fertilizers because of they are cheap and easy to produce and are also environment friendly. These fertilizers induce nutrients in to the soil, which is then absorbed by the soil microbes to keep the soil healthy whereas, synthetic fertilizers add concentrated nutrients only for the plants. Every natural fertilizer contains the major nutrients that plants need. This includes potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
The following are the various types of organic garden fertilizer
Compost – Compost or humus is a mixture of decaying vegetation. The humus conditions the soil and also retains the moisture in it. It breaks up clay and adds microorganisms and nematodes that enrich soil. The humid acid in the compost releases nutrients that will help the soil to regain its lost nutrients.
Mulch – Mulch is a layer of vegetable matter placed on top of the cultivable soil. Mulches help preserve humidity and maintain temperature of the soil. Also, when the vegetables decompose, it adds more nutrients to the soil.
Composted manure – Composted manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The nutrient values differ for various animal and vegetable-based manures. While composting, the nitrogen content is reduced and the rest of the stable compounds are locked. During this process the temperature raises gradually, which helps in killing of weed seeds and pathogens.
Some more Organic fertilizers that you can use:
Bone meal and Cottonseed meal – Bone meal is rich in phosphorous and calcium and is often used to fertilize tomato and bulb plants. Cottonseed meal is abundant in nitrogen and is a broad-spectrum natural fertilizer.
Fish meal – Fish meal is a great source of nitrogen and phosphorous. It is added to the plants like a meal to supply the right nutrients.
Soybean meal – Soybean meal is used as a chief source of nitrogen. It is added to make the soil regain its lost nutrients.
Salts – Salts are used as magnesium, calcium, and sulfur supplement for soil and plants. It is a cheap material used for neutralizing acidic soils and to break heavy clay soils to let air and water penetrate.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/organic-garden-fertilizer-an-insight-1788096.html
About the Author
Clint Sidney is a gardening enthusiast and enjoys giving information about Organic Garden Fertilizer. You can learn more about gardening at GreatGardener.eHelpshome.com.
Maxi Priest – “Just A Little Bit Longer”
Monday, February 8th, 2010
The Abuse of Inhalants
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Intelligence Brief:
Huffing
The Abuse of Inhalants
Publication Date: November 2001
Document ID: 2002-J0403-001
Archived on: July 1, 2009. This document may contain dated information. It remains available to provide access to historical materials.
The abuse of inhalants is widespread across the United States; however, it may be underreported because law enforcement officials and healthcare providers are often unfamiliar with the signs of inhalant abuse. Abusers, primarily adolescents, inhale chemical vapors from a variety of substances, many of which are common household products. These young people abuse inhalants in order to obtain a euphoric effect and are often unaware of the potential risks, which include brain damage and death. Some adults also abuse inhalants, particularly nitrites. Adult abusers often inhale substances in order to enhance their sexual experiences.
Introduction
Inhalant abuse, commonly called huffing, is the purposeful inhalation of chemical vapors to achieve an altered mental or physical state, which for most abusers is a euphoric effect. Abusers inhale vapors emitted from a wide range of substances. In fact, chemical vapors used as inhalants can be found in over 1,000 common household products. There are several general categories for substances that may be used as inhalants:
Volatile solvents are liquids that vaporize at room temperature if left in unsealed containers. Paint thinner, gasoline, correction fluid, felt-tip markers, nail polish and remover, and glue (such as rubber cement) all contain volatile solvents.
Aerosols are sprays that contain propellants and solvents such as toluene–one of the most common solvents found in aerosols. Common aerosols include paint, deodorant, hair products, cooking products, and fabric protector. Silver and gold spray paint are particularly popular among inhalant abusers.
Gases are substances that lack definite shape or volume such as refrigerants and medical anesthetics. Abusers frequently inhale gases found in butane lighters, air conditioning units, and propane tanks. Medical anesthetics such as ether, chloroform, and nitrous oxide are also abused. Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is abused more frequently than any other gas. It can be obtained from whipped cream dispensers or products that boost octane levels in racing cars. It may also be purchased in balloons or in small, sealed vials called whippets, which are sold at raves or drug paraphernalia stores.
Nitrites are a group of chemicals including cyclohexyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrite. Nitrites are used mainly to enhance sexual experiences rather than to achieve a euphoric effect. Cyclohexyl nitrite is found in room deodorizers. Amyl nitrite comes in small, mesh-covered, sealed capsules that are popped or snapped in order to release the vapors. Because of this popping or snapping, these capsules are frequently called poppers or snappers. Butyl nitrite is often sold in small bottles that, like amyl nitrite capsules, are referred to as poppers. Nitrites are available in adult bookstores and shops and over the Internet.
Who abuses inhalants?
According to the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, the number of new inhalant abusers rose approximately 158 percent from an estimated 392,000 in 1990 to 1,010,000 in 1999. The primary user group was composed of 12- to 17-year-olds–over 636,000 had tried inhalants for the first time in 1999. This number is more than double that of the 18- to 25-year-old user group (276,000.) Almost 17 million individuals have experimented with inhalants at some point in their lives.
Inhalants are the fourth most abused substances in the United States among eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders; alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana are the top three, according to the 2000 Monitoring the Future Study. By the time adolescents reach the eighth grade, one in five has tried inhalants at least once. Prevalence of lifetime abuse has consistently been higher among eighth graders than among tenth and twelfth graders. In 2000, 18 percent of eighth graders, 17 percent of tenth graders and 14 percent of twelfth graders admitted having used inhalants at least once in their lifetime. Statistics showing higher lifetime use among eighth graders may be due to the fact that frequent inhalant abusers typically drop out of school and consequently do not participate in the tenth and twelfth grade surveys.
Data from the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) indicate that 14.6 percent of students in grades 9 through 12 have abused inhalants at least once in their lifetime; 4.2 percent of the students reported having abused inhalants at least once in the 30 days preceding the survey. Males and females abused inhalants at nearly equal rates–14.7 percent of males and 14.6 percent of females admitted having used inhalants at least once in their lifetime. Similarly, 4.4 percent of males and 3.9 percent of females reported having used inhalants at least once in the 30 days preceding the survey.
Percentage of Lifetime Abuse of Inhalants
Adults Also Abuse Inhalants
While adolescents are the primary group abusing inhalants, a study by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA) found that adults also abuse inhalants. An analysis of 144 Texas death certificates involving misuse or abuse of inhalants from 1988 to 1998 indicates that the average age of those who suffered inhalant deaths was 25.6 with ages ranging from 8 to 62. In the same analysis of Texas death certificates, TCADA found that the most frequently mentioned inhalant (35%) was Freon (51 deaths). Of the Freon deaths, 42 percent were students or youth (mean age of 16.4 years), and 37 percent were involved in occupations where Freon was readily available.
Source: Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Substance Abuse Trends in Texas: June 2001.
Where are inhalants abused?
Inhalants are abused throughout the country. According to the 1999 YRBS, in 11 states the percentage of high school students who reported having used inhalants at least once in their lifetime exceeded the national average of 14.6 percent. The states having the highest percentage of inhalant abuse are West Virginia (20.4%), Tennessee (19.2%), Nevada (19.0%), Wyoming (17.6%), Ohio (17.1%), Arkansas (16.7%), Montana (16.5%), Wisconsin (16.2%), Alabama (16.1%), Michigan (15.6%), and North Dakota (15.5%).
How are inhalants abused?
Inhalants are breathed in through the nose or mouth in a variety of ways. Abusers begin by inhaling deeply; they then take several more breaths. Abusers may inhale, by sniffing or snorting, chemical vapors directly from open containers or by huffing fumes from rags that are soaked in a chemical substance and then held to the face or stuffed in the mouth. Other methods include spraying aerosols directly into the nose or mouth or pouring inhalants onto the user’s collar, sleeves, or cuffs and sniffing them over a period of time (such as during a class in school). In a practice known as bagging, fumes are inhaled from substances sprayed or deposited inside a paper or plastic bag. Alternatively, the fumes may be discharged into small containers such as soda cans and then inhaled from the can. Users may also inhale from balloons filled with nitrous oxide or other devices such as snappers and poppers in which inhalants are sold.
Signs of Abuse
Drunk or disoriented appearance
Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothing
Hidden empty spray paint or solvent containers and chemical-soaked rags or clothing
Slurred speech
Strong chemical odors on breath or clothing
Nausea or loss of appetite
Red or runny nose
Sores or rash around the nose or mouth
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, Research Report Series, Inhalant Abuse, 10 May 2001.
What are the effects?
For most users, inhalant abuse results in a rapid euphoric effect that is similar to alcohol intoxication. Users experience initial excitation, then drowsiness, lightheadedness, and agitation. Inhalant abusers also report feeling a loss of inhibitions. The chemicals found in volatile solvents, aerosols, and gases produce a variety of additional effects during or shortly after use that include dizziness, strong hallucinations, delusions, belligerence, apathy, and impaired judgment. Additional symptoms exhibited by long-term inhalant abusers include weight loss, muscle weakness, disorientation, inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression. Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, rapid pulse, hand tremors, insomnia, nausea or vomiting, hallucinations, and, in severe cases, grand mal seizures.
While abusers of other inhalants seek a euphoric effect, nitrite abusers–who tend to be adults rather than adolescents–seek to enhance the sexual experience. Inhaled nitrites dilate blood vessels, increase heart rate, and produce a sensation of heat and excitement that can last for several minutes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, use of these drugs is associated with unsafe sexual practices that greatly increase the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Chronic inhalant abuse may result in serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the user’s heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Brain damage may result in personality changes, diminished cognitive functioning, memory impairment, and slurred speech.
Death from inhalant abuse can occur after a single use or after prolonged use. Sudden sniffing death (SSD) may result within minutes of inhalant abuse from irregular heart rhythm leading to heart failure. Other causes of death include asphyxiation, aspiration, or suffocation. A user who is suffering from impaired judgment may also experience fatal injuries from motor vehicle accidents or sudden falls.
According to Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) Medical Examiner data, inhalants were a factor in over 500 deaths in the United States from 1996 to 1999. Medical examiner data provided by DAWN cover only 40 metropolitan areas in the United States; thus, many inhalant-related deaths across the country are not reflected in DAWN data.
Street Terms for Inhalants
Amys Bang
Bolt Boppers
Bullet Climax
Glading Gluey
Hardware Head cleaner
Hippie crack Kick
Locker room Poor man’s pot
Poppers Rush
Snappers Toncho (octane booster)
Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse Fact Sheet–Inhalants, June 2001.
Outlook
Easy accessibility and the relatively low cost of the substances abused indicate that inhalant abuse will attract new users and continue to be a problem in the United States. Authorities have recognized the problem of inhalant abuse; 46 states (excluding Alabama, Arkansas, Montana, and Wyoming) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have enacted laws to address the issue. Inhalants are dangerous poisons that were never designed for human consumption. Prevention and information campaigns will increase awareness of the negative effects of inhalant abuse and may help to make this practice less appealing to our nation’s youth.
Sources
Alcohol and Drug Help Line, Washington State, www.adhl.org
American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org
The Boston Globe
City of Ashland Police Department, Wisconsin
Conway, Deborah. “Inhalants Stink! Sniff Them Out to Protect Kids,” Education Digest, September 2000
Falkowski, Carol. Dangerous Drugs, Center City, MN: Halzelden Information and Educational Services, 2000
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Field Division
Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, www.fadaa.org
Inaba, Darryl S., William E. Cohen, and Michael E. Holstein. Uppers, Downers, All Arounders: Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs, 3rd ed. Ashland: CNS, 1997
Join Together Online, www.jointogether.org
Kurtzman, Tracey L., Kimberly N. Otsuka, and Richard A. Wahl. “Inhalant Use by Adolescents,” Journal of Adolescent Health 2001. New York: Elsevier Science, 2001
Maxwell, Jane C. “Deaths Related to the Inhalation of Volatile Substances–Texas, 1988-1998,” American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Vol. 27, 2001
Mercie, Susan. “Nitrous Oxide & Nitrite Inhalants: Funny Facts,” Do It Now Foundation, May 2000
National Conference of State Legislatures
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, www.inhalants.org
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Philadelphia Inquirer
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse