Should Marijuana Be Legalized for Recreational Use?

English: one high-quality "bud " nugget of marijuana (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

      In Colorado 2014 started off with legitimate marijuana outlets opened to recreational users of this popular substance.   Medical marijuana has been available in a number of states in the past years, and now  recreational marijuana through legal channels is being pondered in many states with Colorado opening the door for sales.

     Governments have their grip over controlling many aspects of our lives.  They say what we can own, use, or eat and under what control.   Prohibition of alcohol has already been tried with little success and much harm.  The war on drugs has been much the same.

      When government interferes and prevents the legitimate marketplace from profiting from drug sales the enterprise is criminalized and goes to the black market economy.  Government loses valuable taxation revenue and blows enormous sums on trying to stop the "bad guys".  The problem is that a dark industry develops with the underworld and criminal element profiting and controlling the product and sales.

       No real good seems to have come from a "War on Drugs" and the demand has not been decreased.  When government decides what we can do, use, or eat then it's just another attempt at mind control and keeping the population in check.  Bad news for the future in my opinion.

       Do you think legalization of recreational marijuana should go nationwide?   What is the real provable harm in marijuana usage, especially compared to legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, meat, sugar, or anything that can be demonstrated to be harmful?   Should any other drugs be available for legal commercial sales?  Should any food products be banned?

Related articles

• Sean Azzariti, Iraq War Veteran, Is First Person In The World To Buy Legal Recreational Marijuana In Colorado
• CO recreational marijuana retailers begin stocking shelves
• Marijuana opposition describes drug's dark side as Oregon legalization effort ramps up
• 10 things to know about nation's first recreational marijuana shops in Colorado
• New Hampshire Considers Legalizing Marijuana For Recreational Use

2014? Now What?

English: Two New Year's Resolutions postcards (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

      Happy another year!

       A few days into 2014, where are you and where are you going?   Will this be another same ol' same ol' or do you intend to make some serious changes?  Maybe it's time to get into high gear and put on the pressure to move ahead.    Maybe it's time to slow down and take things easier.

       What do you plan for the upcoming year?

        I have no specific resolutions or mapped out plans.   I'll be working on making some supplemental income to help out with life expenses.  That may crimp my blogging activity more than in the previous year.  At the same time though I hope to blog and network better than in the previous year.  Less vacations?  I hope not, but so far I have no concrete travel plans in the works.

        Writing needs to play a bigger role in my life.  Not just blogging writing--I do love that--but the writing that will lead to publication.  I got on a short productive burst last year, but got sidetracked by travel and other activities.   They're all priorities for me, but now I need to prioritize the priorities.

        Another year, another chapter of my crazy life.  

     
       I hope you'll be joining us on January 20th for the "What Works...Online Marketing Symposium".  That should be a big step for some of you.  Don't say you know nothing about marketing or don't use marketing.  You have something to add so I hope you'll tell us about your perspective of marketing.  More info to come at Tossing It Out.
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         Then of course there's the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.  Click the link for more info or be watching my site for more info.  We will be reorganizing a new team for the 2014 edition.   If you're interested then let me know in the comments or with an email.  And if you're not ready for the bigger responsibility of being part of the A to Z Team then you can still help out by assisting a Team member.  More on that later.

Did you survive the 2013 Challenge?

         Lot's ahead.   Keep visiting Tossing It Out and don't forget to comment when you do.  Even if you're just saying "Hi".

          Have you made any special New Year's resolutions for 2014?   What are your biggest plans for the year to come?   Will you be joining us for What Works to give us your insights about marketing?   Are you ready for the 2014 A to Z Challenge?

Related articles

• A Blogger's Review of 2013
• New Year's Resolutions and other Foolhardy Endeavors.
• What's your New Years Resolution?
• 2014 is going to be different

Battle of the Bands: Alone Again (Naturally)

Happy 2014!

         And for just the thing to start off a new year I'm presenting another installment of the Battle of the Bands.   This is the bimonthly song contest where two versions of one song are pitted against one another and you readers vote on your favorite version.   This event was started by the bloggers at Far Away Series and Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends.   Be sure to visit them to see what they might be offering.  At the bottom of this post I'll list some more possible folks who might be participating.

      Of course this being New Year's Day none of them might be posting and if that's the case I'll be the Lone Ranger for this round.  That being a possible scenario I've picked what I think could be an appropriate song.  After the festivities of New Year's Eve, the following day always seems like kind of a lonely day in some ways and thus the appropriateness of this Battle pick.

"Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O'Sullivan (1972)

         This sad song was all over the radio back in 1972 which saw success that most likely made Mr. O'Sullivan very happy. The song is a wistful reminiscing of sad lonely times in peoples lives.  I don't know if it's autobiographical or what, but it could very well be.  This was a giant hit.   Could anyone possibly do a cover that is better than this original?  I dedicate this song to Stephen T McCarthy.  I know he likes this song.

"Alone Again (Naturally)"  Berk and the Virtual Band (2006)

            I was trying to find a jazzy version of this song that I hear played in a local Thai restaurant that I go to on occasion.  They always seem to have the same jazz album playing in the background.  This song is one of the covers included on that album.  This is not the same version from the restaurant , but it's the closest I could find.   I don't know anything about the artist or musicians, but this project is by Spanish music producer Sergi Perez Berk.

Vote Again (Naturally)

        In the comment section please cast your vote for your favorite version and tell us why you chose it.  I'll tally them up in a week or so and reveal the winner.

         If they're posting today, visit the others at:

         Faraway Series
         Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
         Your Daily Dose
         DiscConnected
         The Creative Outlet of StratPlayer

        Was 2013 a good year for you?    What are your expectations for 2014?   Are you alone again naturally right now or do you have a house full of guests?