Oops! Police slash research hemp instead of pot
Sept. 3, 2009 10:26 AM
Associated Press
THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Dutch police who mowed down what they thought were illicit marijuana plants were red-faced Thursday when it emerged they'd ruined a research group's giant,
officially sanctioned field of harmless hemp.
Police proudly announced Wednesday that they'd found more than 47,000 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of nearly euro4.5 million ($6.45 million) concealed in a corn field in the Flevoland province east of Amsterdam.
They mowed down half the plants only to be informed they were the property of Wageningen University and Research Center, a respected agricultural school.
The field contained a new strain of hemp that researchers hope can be a sustainable source of fiber, Simon Vink, a spokesman for the executive board of Wageningen University and Research Center, said Thursday.
Hemp plants are related to marijuana but have only trace elements of THC, the mind-altering chemical that cannabis contains.
"The street value from a drug point of view is less than zero," Vink said.
Germany lets boy be named Djehad (holy war)
Sept. 2, 2009 12:48 PM
Associated Press
BERLIN - A Berlin court has upheld rulings in favor of parents who sought to name their son
Djehad, a variation on the Arabic "jihad," or holy war.
The superior court upheld two lower court rulings allowing the name on grounds that it is recognized for males in Arabic-speaking countries.
German authorities who register births had objected to the name, saying it could be harmful for the child given the associations with Islamic terrorism.
But the court said in a ruling Tuesday that the name's meaning is rooted in the requirement to spread the Muslim faith, although it has recently become linked - especially since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks - with radical Islam.
German law restricts parents from giving their children names that could be interpreted as harmful.
How would you like to be Executive Vice President Of Big Ideas?!:
Justin Timberlake buys drinks for entire Vegas club
Sept. 3, 2009 06:45 AM
Bang Showbiz
Justin Timberlake bought drinks for an entire
Las Vegas nightclub.
The generous star made an unscheduled appearance at Palazzo's Lavo nightspot on Tuesday, and treated partygoers to a free shot of his tequila, called 901.
He told guests: "This is a very special evening. Me and my buddy started a home grown tequila down in Mexico and I wanted to make sure you guys got a taste, so I bought everyone in the bar a shot."
Justin, girlfriend Jessica Biel and fellow revelers then cheered and raised their glasses, prompting Justin to say: "We should all believe in something and I believe it's time for another shot of tequila."
The strong alcoholic beverage is named after the area code of Memphis, where Justin was born.
DJ Samantha Ronson provided the music for the evening, with Justin taking it upon himself to get the crowd dancing.
After beatboxing along to the tunes, Justin grabbed the microphone and bellowed: "What's up, Las Vegas?"
The 28-year-old star is doing everything he can to promote the tequila.
He has posted a video on the drink's website asking people to send in their "biggest and coolest idea" to market it, with the winner collecting $25,000 and a trip to Las Vegas.
Justin says: "You will also get the title Executive Vice President of Big Ideas for 901, which sounds super fancy... That's because it is."
I just watched Justin Timberlake in 'Black Snake Moan' last night, with Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci. Very good movie!
Have a groovy day!
Hybrid Mode
