If a man marries another man in a courthouse does it still affect the people who weren’t invited? Gay marriage may not be socially acceptable to many but it is exactly the kind of bigotry the Constitution prohibits. Same sex marriage is considered a civil liberty, although a very controversial one. Proponents for the proposition want to stop same sex marriage because they believe it is immoral, that their children will be exposed to same sex marriage without their permission, and they believe that only they are entitled to the pursuit of happiness through marriage. They want to “protect marriage” as solely between a man and a woman as tradition has always dictated, with domestic partnership being the only right afforded to gay people who want to make a commitment. There are many people who believe that this intolerance is a violation of the rights of homosexuals. These proponents against Proposition 8 want to retain the judgment handed down by the California Supreme Court which over turned the previous Proposition 22 that banned same sex marriage.
So, is gay marriage immoral? One would have to refer to their own doctrine of beliefs. The Bible, which is the doctrine used by many Christians, speaks of homosexuality in an immoral sense. It was part of the downfall and eventual destruction of the city of Sodom. That is what the Bible teaches, if you believe it. What happens if you are not Christian or any other religion for that matter? What if you also happen to be gay? Should you be denied your right to happiness that is afforded any other person in the United States because of the beliefs of a group of people you do not associate with? If the world was a different place where homosexuals were the majority and they outlawed marriage for all the straight people maybe then these people would understand. They are simply two people in love who want to make a life long legal commitment to each other.
Since when is teaching a child solely a teacher’s job? The people who want to pass a ban on same sex marriage want us to believe if we do not “protect marriage” that our children will learn about it in public schools. They want parents to worry that their children will be exposed to homosexuality as part of curriculum but that is not true. California has laws in place that protect parents rights concerning what is taught to their children, and the Department of Education’s policy with regards to the teaching of sex topics allows for the parents to withdraw their child from that portion of the curriculum. Furthermore, the code states “parents and guardians have the ultimate responsibility for imparting values regarding human sexuality to their children.”
This proposition violates the civil rights of a group of people based solely on the beliefs of another group. It is no different than the discrimination faced by so many over the years which was based on color, sex, religion and now sexual orientation. Proponents for Proposition 8 want to “protect marriage” but whom are they protecting it from? To restrict gays to domestic partnership rights as a couple is blatantly discriminatory, while it affords some rights it does not grant right of survivorship as a true marriage does. To create a constitutional amendment prohibiting same sex marriage is an open invitation for discrimination from other groups.
Any form of discrimination is wrong. The Constitution of this country guarantees that everyone is created equal and entitled to the same things that equate happiness in every group. To deny two people who obviously love each other the right to marriage based on one group’s beliefs is a direct violation of the laws we as a country hold dear.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Quick Write #8 : Prejudice
Me Prejudice?
What is my one prejudice, bias, or assumption? That is a hard question. No one likes to admit to a flaw as large as prejudice, although we all have at least one. One of mine: Organized Religion. I am vehemently opinionated on this topic. I do not believe in, am quite perturbed by, and do not subscribe to any organized religion. That is not to say that I don’t believe in God. I do, I just believe that with something as important as your eternal soul, you should not blindly follow a shepherd or doctrine. You should be willing to “do the work”, have a personal relationship with God, and try to live a righteous life. This may seem prejudice, but I liken it to enlightenment and ascribe my perspective to a period in my life I call “The time I lost my faith”.
“The time I lost my faith” spanned a number of years and began with a religious battle waged in my own home. My husband, who I describe as a lost soul, became a devout Jehovah’s Witness despite my disapproval. I tried to keep an open mind and even accompanied him to one of their meetings. I felt as if I walked into the movie ‘The Stepford Wives’. The whole scene was quite bazaar and disturbing to me. I felt extremely uncomfortable and in the pit of my soul knew it was all wrong. I declined any further involvement but did not deny my husband of his need to belong to their organization. At least not until I was targeted as being “bad for his soul” by the church elders and told I would not be going to heaven because they are the one true religion and I did not subscribe to their propaganda. I declared war on the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and 12 years later I still desire to debate their beliefs whenever I see one. I am however not generally a vindictive woman so I bite my tongue and politely decline their little books design to “save my pathetic soul”. My war was for the soul that I was so bad for, my husband. Luckily I had help.
My cousin is a Missionary and she knew of a group that researches all religions and gives facts and unbiased research of the religion’s beliefs and history. I contacted them and they sent me information about the Jehovah’s Witness “religion”. The information it provided was startling to me, but I had also used other sources, including the Bible, which is what any good researcher would do. The doctrine they claimed as one of their main sources (the Bible) was one in which their teachings went against! They taught my husband that the Holy trinity consists of three separate gods! That’s polytheism to you and me! Yet, in the bible (Corinthians) it states “there is but one God…” One of my main arguments with my husband was “Why don’t you take a theology class, or do a little research on your own? Then you can make an informed decision. With something as important as your soul, don’t you think you should do a little research instead of being spoon fed by your brothers?” Just a little family reference all good cults use. His reasoning behind them having their own printing company and printing all the materials he needed to study from was to save him time and money. That’s convenient, but they can also feed you any line they want your to read and teach you exactly what serves their purposes. Another method of cults is to isolate and teach from their own doctrines deeming outside sources of information as false or misleading. This is also true of Christianity, which when I learned some important historical facts was a great eye opener for this free spirit.
I wonder how many Christians would believe that they celebrate a pagan holiday every year. Probably not many because after all we have been told the story of the nativity and that Jesus is the “reason for the season”. Ahhh yes and we all believe it because the church tells us to. It was during my “time that I lost my faith” that I learned the truth. In an effort to convert pagans in the early days Christian leaders “adopted” certain pagan celebrations and created a story that would make this acceptable to their followers and serve their purposes. Yes, it is true; Christmas is the pagan celebration of the winter solstice. In fact, how can December 25th be Christ’s birthday when Theologians have not been able to pinpoint his exact date of birth? And what of the bible? The bible that is the holy doctrine to so many is referred to by theologians as the canon. The canon refers to books that religious leaders discussed in depth to decide what was or was not divinely inspired or directly related to the life and work of God and Christ. They decided which books would be included in the Bible. The bible of today is the “approved” version that the leadership chose to allow. Censorship at its most diabolical, the fate of one’s soul left in the hands of church leaders. I believe in the Bible, as an incomplete reference to my faith. Do devout Christians know these facts and still choose to listen to the sermon? I guess maybe ignorance is bliss. Why worry about the sins you commit all week when you can go to church for an hour on Sunday and be totally forgiven? Hell yes, hand me my clean slate and I will put some dollars in your plate!
It was all quite disturbing to me and in the end I lost my battle. I let my husband go. God was not done however, that same year my father was taken from me by Leukemia of all things! Yes I cursed God and all the people who bent and twisted the faith to serve their purposes. I stopped praying, I never talked to God again. At least not until my faith in him was restored. How you may be wondering? My father restored my faith in God… after his death. It is a simple story really and could even be disregarded by the faithless. I sat on the beach in Hawaii, 3 am. My last night there and I wanted to say goodbye. We spread my father’s ashes a few days before. I was talking to him the way I had in life and I wanted him to hear me. I thought if there was a God and a heaven and life after death surely he would hear my words. I am unfortunately someone who demands proof of such things. In my attempt at not only reaching out to the soul of the man who I loved so dearly, but also to restore my faith in something spiritual I demanded proof that my father had heard me. I wanted a shooting star. Surely God has the entire universe at his command, is a little shooting star too much to ask? Give it to me… I need it. I need to know there is something greater out there. I waited somewhat impatiently and was about to give up, but then it happened. The biggest shooting star I had ever seen! Many would dismiss it as coincidence but regardless, it restored my faith. It also enlightened me to the fact that God can hear me when I talk directly to him, as I did to my father. I don’t need a go between after all! He can hear every word I say and to my dismay I have cursed him out many times, my bad. I am guessing he is cool with me though because he hasn’t struck me with lightning or anything. I think he accepts me with all my faults, thank you Lord.
So you see my flaw, my prejudice, is not merely an ignorant assumption of another person or group of people. I feel that I have justified my opinion with some basic research, and personal spiritual insight. I would never use my prejudice as an excuse to deny another’s freedoms. After all, free will is a God given gift. I will not however, stand for the hypocrisy in my own life. I do not want someone to spoon feed me like some dumb sheep. I want to learn from many sources and develop my own system of beliefs. The bible says, “A man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James) I try to not only have faith but also help others. I am far from saintly, and do not pretend to be Mother Theresa, but I have handed out food to the less fortunate, volunteered my time and surely there is more I could do. I will not however, blindly follow a shepherd in the hopes he will lead me to heaven for many have been led astray. This is my eternal soul and I want to keep it out of that hot netherworld. I’m not a fan of hot weather. My life, my soul, is a work in progress.
What is my one prejudice, bias, or assumption? That is a hard question. No one likes to admit to a flaw as large as prejudice, although we all have at least one. One of mine: Organized Religion. I am vehemently opinionated on this topic. I do not believe in, am quite perturbed by, and do not subscribe to any organized religion. That is not to say that I don’t believe in God. I do, I just believe that with something as important as your eternal soul, you should not blindly follow a shepherd or doctrine. You should be willing to “do the work”, have a personal relationship with God, and try to live a righteous life. This may seem prejudice, but I liken it to enlightenment and ascribe my perspective to a period in my life I call “The time I lost my faith”.
“The time I lost my faith” spanned a number of years and began with a religious battle waged in my own home. My husband, who I describe as a lost soul, became a devout Jehovah’s Witness despite my disapproval. I tried to keep an open mind and even accompanied him to one of their meetings. I felt as if I walked into the movie ‘The Stepford Wives’. The whole scene was quite bazaar and disturbing to me. I felt extremely uncomfortable and in the pit of my soul knew it was all wrong. I declined any further involvement but did not deny my husband of his need to belong to their organization. At least not until I was targeted as being “bad for his soul” by the church elders and told I would not be going to heaven because they are the one true religion and I did not subscribe to their propaganda. I declared war on the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and 12 years later I still desire to debate their beliefs whenever I see one. I am however not generally a vindictive woman so I bite my tongue and politely decline their little books design to “save my pathetic soul”. My war was for the soul that I was so bad for, my husband. Luckily I had help.
My cousin is a Missionary and she knew of a group that researches all religions and gives facts and unbiased research of the religion’s beliefs and history. I contacted them and they sent me information about the Jehovah’s Witness “religion”. The information it provided was startling to me, but I had also used other sources, including the Bible, which is what any good researcher would do. The doctrine they claimed as one of their main sources (the Bible) was one in which their teachings went against! They taught my husband that the Holy trinity consists of three separate gods! That’s polytheism to you and me! Yet, in the bible (Corinthians) it states “there is but one God…” One of my main arguments with my husband was “Why don’t you take a theology class, or do a little research on your own? Then you can make an informed decision. With something as important as your soul, don’t you think you should do a little research instead of being spoon fed by your brothers?” Just a little family reference all good cults use. His reasoning behind them having their own printing company and printing all the materials he needed to study from was to save him time and money. That’s convenient, but they can also feed you any line they want your to read and teach you exactly what serves their purposes. Another method of cults is to isolate and teach from their own doctrines deeming outside sources of information as false or misleading. This is also true of Christianity, which when I learned some important historical facts was a great eye opener for this free spirit.
I wonder how many Christians would believe that they celebrate a pagan holiday every year. Probably not many because after all we have been told the story of the nativity and that Jesus is the “reason for the season”. Ahhh yes and we all believe it because the church tells us to. It was during my “time that I lost my faith” that I learned the truth. In an effort to convert pagans in the early days Christian leaders “adopted” certain pagan celebrations and created a story that would make this acceptable to their followers and serve their purposes. Yes, it is true; Christmas is the pagan celebration of the winter solstice. In fact, how can December 25th be Christ’s birthday when Theologians have not been able to pinpoint his exact date of birth? And what of the bible? The bible that is the holy doctrine to so many is referred to by theologians as the canon. The canon refers to books that religious leaders discussed in depth to decide what was or was not divinely inspired or directly related to the life and work of God and Christ. They decided which books would be included in the Bible. The bible of today is the “approved” version that the leadership chose to allow. Censorship at its most diabolical, the fate of one’s soul left in the hands of church leaders. I believe in the Bible, as an incomplete reference to my faith. Do devout Christians know these facts and still choose to listen to the sermon? I guess maybe ignorance is bliss. Why worry about the sins you commit all week when you can go to church for an hour on Sunday and be totally forgiven? Hell yes, hand me my clean slate and I will put some dollars in your plate!
It was all quite disturbing to me and in the end I lost my battle. I let my husband go. God was not done however, that same year my father was taken from me by Leukemia of all things! Yes I cursed God and all the people who bent and twisted the faith to serve their purposes. I stopped praying, I never talked to God again. At least not until my faith in him was restored. How you may be wondering? My father restored my faith in God… after his death. It is a simple story really and could even be disregarded by the faithless. I sat on the beach in Hawaii, 3 am. My last night there and I wanted to say goodbye. We spread my father’s ashes a few days before. I was talking to him the way I had in life and I wanted him to hear me. I thought if there was a God and a heaven and life after death surely he would hear my words. I am unfortunately someone who demands proof of such things. In my attempt at not only reaching out to the soul of the man who I loved so dearly, but also to restore my faith in something spiritual I demanded proof that my father had heard me. I wanted a shooting star. Surely God has the entire universe at his command, is a little shooting star too much to ask? Give it to me… I need it. I need to know there is something greater out there. I waited somewhat impatiently and was about to give up, but then it happened. The biggest shooting star I had ever seen! Many would dismiss it as coincidence but regardless, it restored my faith. It also enlightened me to the fact that God can hear me when I talk directly to him, as I did to my father. I don’t need a go between after all! He can hear every word I say and to my dismay I have cursed him out many times, my bad. I am guessing he is cool with me though because he hasn’t struck me with lightning or anything. I think he accepts me with all my faults, thank you Lord.
So you see my flaw, my prejudice, is not merely an ignorant assumption of another person or group of people. I feel that I have justified my opinion with some basic research, and personal spiritual insight. I would never use my prejudice as an excuse to deny another’s freedoms. After all, free will is a God given gift. I will not however, stand for the hypocrisy in my own life. I do not want someone to spoon feed me like some dumb sheep. I want to learn from many sources and develop my own system of beliefs. The bible says, “A man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James) I try to not only have faith but also help others. I am far from saintly, and do not pretend to be Mother Theresa, but I have handed out food to the less fortunate, volunteered my time and surely there is more I could do. I will not however, blindly follow a shepherd in the hopes he will lead me to heaven for many have been led astray. This is my eternal soul and I want to keep it out of that hot netherworld. I’m not a fan of hot weather. My life, my soul, is a work in progress.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Salvia Divinorum: Medicinal Herb or Legal High?
Salvia Divinorum: Medicinal Herb or Legal High?
By RAYNIE ANDREWSEN
(I wrote this while a Staff Writer for my college newspaper)
Sage of the Seers
Salvia divinorum, an herb used by the indigenous Mazatec tribe of the Oaxaca region of Mexico, is a member of the mint family commonly referred to as Diviner’s Sage. The Mazatec have long cultivated the herb for medicinal and ritual use. Although the herb has been an effective treatment for arthritis, headache and eliminatory complaints, it is also used to induce visions during spiritual healing. The Mazatec Shaman call it ska Maria Pastora in reference to the Virgin Mary, and the name Salvia divinorum literally means sage of the seers.
The mind altering herb has been widely available since the mid ‘90s. Its leaves are often chewed, smoked, or made into a potent tincture effects of which include experiences of uncontrolled laughter to more profound altered states of consciousness. These effects last only a few minutes, much shorter than that of other well known psychedelics. In 2006, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that 1.8 million of the population aged 12 or older had used Salvia divinorum. Its widespread availability both online and in head shops across the country have made Salvia divinorum a popular legal high.
Are we having fun yet?
On the street it’s called Sally D or Magic Mint fetching a price of $50 to $100 per ounce producing effects that are intense but short lived. A hefty price for a 15 minute high, yet over 5,000 You Tube videos attest not only to its popularity but also to the psychoactive properties of the herb. Although Salvia divinorum is not known to be physically addicting or to cause psychological dependence, the experience can be extended or amplified by smoking more. The effects can range from subtle to a full-blown psychedelic experience.
The experience depends largely on the person. Powerful open and closed eye visuals, increases in sensuality, hallucinations, the sensation of entering other dimensions, alternate realities and altered perceptions, creative dreamlike states and experiences, delusional episodes, even contact with aliens and God have all been reported. Many people, however, find Salvia divinorum to be unpleasantly overwhelming; effects being more scary than fun due to overly intense experiences that often cause fear, terror and panic.
Coast to coast collegiate use
A recent study at the University of California-San Diego asked a random sampling of students to participate in an online survey of drug use that included Salvia divinorum. The sample of 1,516 college students showed a pattern of use indicating that Salvia divinorum is becoming a significant drug of choice. Studies at college campuses coast to coast have seen estimates as high as 7 percent, especially among males 18 to 25 where salvia use has become twice as prevalent as LSD and as popular as Ecstasy.
MiraCosta College student Justin said, “The first time I tried it I smoked it like a joint, it was mild, but the second time I took a bong hit and after a minute or so I was trippin’ hardcore. It was a little scary, but completely something else and over pretty quick…I haven’t used any since that night.” Salvia divinorum is easily obtained right here in Oceanside, sold in shops like Outer Limits Smoke Shop and Inner World’s infamous back room. However, Daniel J. Siebert, Pharmacognosist and prominent Salvia divinorum researcher warns, “Salvia is not like beer. It is a very intense mind altering drug that should not be sold in a casual way.”
Promising research in Jeopardy
The negative publicity generated by the misuse of the herb threatens to thwart the research being conducted on the herb’s medicinal value. Salvia divinorum’s primary active constituent is salvinorin A which has potential for the development of a wide variety of valuable medications. Considered non-toxic and non-addictive, the herb can provide safe, effective pain medications that are not habit forming and do not produce dependence.
The research is promising, opening up new areas for drug development. The new medications this herb can yield include safe non-addictive analgesics, short-acting anesthetics that do not depress respiration, antidepressants and drugs to treat disorders characterized by alterations in perception mainly schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorder. Research suggests that Salvia divinorum often produces long-lasting clinical improvement in patients treated for depression, as opposed to conventional antidepressants which offer only symptomatic relief.
Big Brother is watching you
Headlines comparing Salvia divinorum to LSD and a single case of a Delaware student’s suicide in 2006 have fueled the ban of the herb in a number of states. Currently 25 states have legislation, or pending legislation prohibiting or regulating the herb including California. Effective Jan. 1, 2009, assembly bill no. 259 makes the sale of Salvia divinorum or salvinorin A to anyone under the age of 18 a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months or a $1,000 fine.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has listed the herb as a drug of concern and is considering classifying it as a Schedule I drug in a class with LSD and Marijuana. Any good that can be achieved from the research and development of this medicinal herb will vanish if the DEA convinces the federal government to criminalize the sale or possession of Salvia divinorum.
In his address to Congress, Siebert said “There is no reasonable justification for making Salvia divinorum a controlled substance. Placing it in schedule I would deprive people of a safe and useful medicinal herb, and it would seriously hamper promising medical research…It is important that its source plant, Salvia divinorum, remain available so that researchers can continue to study this important compound.”
By RAYNIE ANDREWSEN
(I wrote this while a Staff Writer for my college newspaper)
Sage of the Seers
Salvia divinorum, an herb used by the indigenous Mazatec tribe of the Oaxaca region of Mexico, is a member of the mint family commonly referred to as Diviner’s Sage. The Mazatec have long cultivated the herb for medicinal and ritual use. Although the herb has been an effective treatment for arthritis, headache and eliminatory complaints, it is also used to induce visions during spiritual healing. The Mazatec Shaman call it ska Maria Pastora in reference to the Virgin Mary, and the name Salvia divinorum literally means sage of the seers.
The mind altering herb has been widely available since the mid ‘90s. Its leaves are often chewed, smoked, or made into a potent tincture effects of which include experiences of uncontrolled laughter to more profound altered states of consciousness. These effects last only a few minutes, much shorter than that of other well known psychedelics. In 2006, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that 1.8 million of the population aged 12 or older had used Salvia divinorum. Its widespread availability both online and in head shops across the country have made Salvia divinorum a popular legal high.
Are we having fun yet?
On the street it’s called Sally D or Magic Mint fetching a price of $50 to $100 per ounce producing effects that are intense but short lived. A hefty price for a 15 minute high, yet over 5,000 You Tube videos attest not only to its popularity but also to the psychoactive properties of the herb. Although Salvia divinorum is not known to be physically addicting or to cause psychological dependence, the experience can be extended or amplified by smoking more. The effects can range from subtle to a full-blown psychedelic experience.
The experience depends largely on the person. Powerful open and closed eye visuals, increases in sensuality, hallucinations, the sensation of entering other dimensions, alternate realities and altered perceptions, creative dreamlike states and experiences, delusional episodes, even contact with aliens and God have all been reported. Many people, however, find Salvia divinorum to be unpleasantly overwhelming; effects being more scary than fun due to overly intense experiences that often cause fear, terror and panic.
Coast to coast collegiate use
A recent study at the University of California-San Diego asked a random sampling of students to participate in an online survey of drug use that included Salvia divinorum. The sample of 1,516 college students showed a pattern of use indicating that Salvia divinorum is becoming a significant drug of choice. Studies at college campuses coast to coast have seen estimates as high as 7 percent, especially among males 18 to 25 where salvia use has become twice as prevalent as LSD and as popular as Ecstasy.
MiraCosta College student Justin said, “The first time I tried it I smoked it like a joint, it was mild, but the second time I took a bong hit and after a minute or so I was trippin’ hardcore. It was a little scary, but completely something else and over pretty quick…I haven’t used any since that night.” Salvia divinorum is easily obtained right here in Oceanside, sold in shops like Outer Limits Smoke Shop and Inner World’s infamous back room. However, Daniel J. Siebert, Pharmacognosist and prominent Salvia divinorum researcher warns, “Salvia is not like beer. It is a very intense mind altering drug that should not be sold in a casual way.”
Promising research in Jeopardy
The negative publicity generated by the misuse of the herb threatens to thwart the research being conducted on the herb’s medicinal value. Salvia divinorum’s primary active constituent is salvinorin A which has potential for the development of a wide variety of valuable medications. Considered non-toxic and non-addictive, the herb can provide safe, effective pain medications that are not habit forming and do not produce dependence.
The research is promising, opening up new areas for drug development. The new medications this herb can yield include safe non-addictive analgesics, short-acting anesthetics that do not depress respiration, antidepressants and drugs to treat disorders characterized by alterations in perception mainly schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorder. Research suggests that Salvia divinorum often produces long-lasting clinical improvement in patients treated for depression, as opposed to conventional antidepressants which offer only symptomatic relief.
Big Brother is watching you
Headlines comparing Salvia divinorum to LSD and a single case of a Delaware student’s suicide in 2006 have fueled the ban of the herb in a number of states. Currently 25 states have legislation, or pending legislation prohibiting or regulating the herb including California. Effective Jan. 1, 2009, assembly bill no. 259 makes the sale of Salvia divinorum or salvinorin A to anyone under the age of 18 a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months or a $1,000 fine.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has listed the herb as a drug of concern and is considering classifying it as a Schedule I drug in a class with LSD and Marijuana. Any good that can be achieved from the research and development of this medicinal herb will vanish if the DEA convinces the federal government to criminalize the sale or possession of Salvia divinorum.
In his address to Congress, Siebert said “There is no reasonable justification for making Salvia divinorum a controlled substance. Placing it in schedule I would deprive people of a safe and useful medicinal herb, and it would seriously hamper promising medical research…It is important that its source plant, Salvia divinorum, remain available so that researchers can continue to study this important compound.”
Monday, October 13, 2008
Book Review #2
Pillars of the Earth
(Reviewed as a Staff Writer for my college newspaper)
Ken Follett’s epic novel “Pillars of the Earth” contains all the ingredients of a great read: mystery, ambition, sex, love, betrayal, religious strife, suspense, and corruption woven in a tapestry of fact and fiction.
Weary stonemason Tom Builder is fired by a sadistic lord and is destitute. It is his journey to find work that leads him to his dream. Set in 12th century England, “Pillars of the Earth” introduces us to a tumultuous intertwining of characters whose lives are centered in the town of Kingsbridge and the building of a grand cathedral for the priory.
Follett’s use of historical events engages readers as his characters traverse an era of civil war, a time in English history referred to as The Anarchy. Follett burst on to the scene in 1978 with “Eye of the Needle”, a thriller, which was made into a movie a few years later. With 17 best selling thrillers under his belt, Follett deviated from his usual genre and created a masterpiece.
I was captured by “Pillars of the Earth.” It was hard to put down. I felt like a voyeur peering into the lives of the people of Kingsbridge. I have read it twice and both times was sad when it came to an end. The long awaited sequel was recently released. I can’t wait to return to Kingsbridge and take a peek.
(Reviewed as a Staff Writer for my college newspaper)
Ken Follett’s epic novel “Pillars of the Earth” contains all the ingredients of a great read: mystery, ambition, sex, love, betrayal, religious strife, suspense, and corruption woven in a tapestry of fact and fiction.
Weary stonemason Tom Builder is fired by a sadistic lord and is destitute. It is his journey to find work that leads him to his dream. Set in 12th century England, “Pillars of the Earth” introduces us to a tumultuous intertwining of characters whose lives are centered in the town of Kingsbridge and the building of a grand cathedral for the priory.
Follett’s use of historical events engages readers as his characters traverse an era of civil war, a time in English history referred to as The Anarchy. Follett burst on to the scene in 1978 with “Eye of the Needle”, a thriller, which was made into a movie a few years later. With 17 best selling thrillers under his belt, Follett deviated from his usual genre and created a masterpiece.
I was captured by “Pillars of the Earth.” It was hard to put down. I felt like a voyeur peering into the lives of the people of Kingsbridge. I have read it twice and both times was sad when it came to an end. The long awaited sequel was recently released. I can’t wait to return to Kingsbridge and take a peek.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Pharmacology vs. Herbal Medicine
Where Does Our Medicine Come From?
How is Pharmacology similar to Herbal Medicine? When we get sick we go to the doctor. The doctor writes out a prescription and says “Take this, you’ll feel better.” We go to our friendly neighborhood pharmacist who puts some pills in a bottle, instructs us on how to use the medicine, including any warnings or possible side effects, and then sends us on our way. We get home, pop a pill and violá! all better. But where did that pill come from? What is it made of? I bet you’d be surprised to learn that many of the medicines found in our modern day pharmacopeia are derived from plants. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 25% of modern drugs used in the United States have been derived from plants. Herbal Medicine, on the other hand, is centuries old. Cultures all over the world have used plants as medicine. A wealth of healthful knowledge was once dispensed by shaman and herbalists. The pharmacy was in nature and prescribed by the medicine man. Today’s pharmaceuticals are just adulterated Herbal Medicine, one of the oldest forms of health care.
Plants are the basis of both Pharmacology and Herbal Medicine. One of the most potent pain relievers in the medical world, morphine, comes from the opium poppy. An important heart medication, digoxin, is derived from the foxglove plant. According to the World Health Organization, of the 119 plant derived pharmaceuticals; roughly 74% are used in ways that correlate to their traditional uses. For example, aspirin, an over the counter pharmaceutical, is used as a pain reliever. The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid which is a compound from the bark of white willow trees. White willow bark is still used for the same purpose in Herbal Medicine, yet, is used in its whole form complete with all its synergistic qualities. Science picks and chooses which properties it wants to take from the plant creating a kind of Frankenstein medicine not realizing as Aristotle did, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” Plants are very complex and when you use a whole herb as medicine you reap all the benefits including vitamins and minerals. Never the less, the derivative of both is a plant base.
The history of Herbal Medicine is biblical and far reaching compared to the relatively young Pharmacology. “Medicinal herbs were found in the personal effects of an Ice man, whose body was frozen in the Swiss Alps for more than 5,300 years, which appear to have been used to treat the parasites found in his intestines.” (Wikipedia) In fact, Herbal Medicine has been documented as far back as 2735 B.C. when the Shennong Jing was authored by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong, who is known as the father of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was a book of herbal monographs that described many plants and their medicinal uses. Similarly, the first U.S. Pharmacopeia was published in 1820 and had listed numerous herbal medicines. It was considered the standard until the 19th century when science took over having found a way to extract and synthetically produce the active ingredients found in medicinal herbs. Our modern day pharmacopeia used for pharmaceutical information by both doctors and pharmacists is The Physician’s Desk Reference or PDR. The increased interest in herbs and the recognition of their relative importance have prompted the PDR to create, just in the last 10 years, a version for Herbal Medicine.
Thanks to the whole alternative health movement, Herbal Medicine has seen resurgence but with it comes many problems that are similar to pharmaceuticals. The number one problem with new herbs and new pharmaceuticals is lack of research and poor manufacturing practices. There are always new drugs on the market and new herbs both are regulated by the FDA. Herbs, however, are classified as dietary supplements rather than drugs. The US Pharmacopeia has set standards for purity, labeling, strength, and quality. Herbal “supplements” often follow these voluntary practices and will label the product with a UPS logo thereby ensuring consumers of the good manufacturing practices. Still, lack of due diligence in the research and manufacture of both herbs and pharmaceuticals often lead to recalls and lawsuits. Both herbal medicines and pharmaceuticals require consultation with a professional before using and both can have side effects, cause overdose and even death.
Although there are many finer elements to each, Pharmacology and Herbal Medicine are very similar. While science has bended and shaped herbs in to a synthetic, easy to take consumer friendly pharmaceutical product; Herbal Medicine has remained largely unchanged. Although they are both regulated, Herbal Medicine is regulated loosely and categorized as a supplement. A great number of pharmaceuticals are labeled drugs and are dispensed by prescription. Yet despite these differences, the truth remains. Pharmaceuticals are the post scientific bastardization of Herbal Medicine.
How is Pharmacology similar to Herbal Medicine? When we get sick we go to the doctor. The doctor writes out a prescription and says “Take this, you’ll feel better.” We go to our friendly neighborhood pharmacist who puts some pills in a bottle, instructs us on how to use the medicine, including any warnings or possible side effects, and then sends us on our way. We get home, pop a pill and violá! all better. But where did that pill come from? What is it made of? I bet you’d be surprised to learn that many of the medicines found in our modern day pharmacopeia are derived from plants. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 25% of modern drugs used in the United States have been derived from plants. Herbal Medicine, on the other hand, is centuries old. Cultures all over the world have used plants as medicine. A wealth of healthful knowledge was once dispensed by shaman and herbalists. The pharmacy was in nature and prescribed by the medicine man. Today’s pharmaceuticals are just adulterated Herbal Medicine, one of the oldest forms of health care.
Plants are the basis of both Pharmacology and Herbal Medicine. One of the most potent pain relievers in the medical world, morphine, comes from the opium poppy. An important heart medication, digoxin, is derived from the foxglove plant. According to the World Health Organization, of the 119 plant derived pharmaceuticals; roughly 74% are used in ways that correlate to their traditional uses. For example, aspirin, an over the counter pharmaceutical, is used as a pain reliever. The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid which is a compound from the bark of white willow trees. White willow bark is still used for the same purpose in Herbal Medicine, yet, is used in its whole form complete with all its synergistic qualities. Science picks and chooses which properties it wants to take from the plant creating a kind of Frankenstein medicine not realizing as Aristotle did, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” Plants are very complex and when you use a whole herb as medicine you reap all the benefits including vitamins and minerals. Never the less, the derivative of both is a plant base.
The history of Herbal Medicine is biblical and far reaching compared to the relatively young Pharmacology. “Medicinal herbs were found in the personal effects of an Ice man, whose body was frozen in the Swiss Alps for more than 5,300 years, which appear to have been used to treat the parasites found in his intestines.” (Wikipedia) In fact, Herbal Medicine has been documented as far back as 2735 B.C. when the Shennong Jing was authored by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong, who is known as the father of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was a book of herbal monographs that described many plants and their medicinal uses. Similarly, the first U.S. Pharmacopeia was published in 1820 and had listed numerous herbal medicines. It was considered the standard until the 19th century when science took over having found a way to extract and synthetically produce the active ingredients found in medicinal herbs. Our modern day pharmacopeia used for pharmaceutical information by both doctors and pharmacists is The Physician’s Desk Reference or PDR. The increased interest in herbs and the recognition of their relative importance have prompted the PDR to create, just in the last 10 years, a version for Herbal Medicine.
Thanks to the whole alternative health movement, Herbal Medicine has seen resurgence but with it comes many problems that are similar to pharmaceuticals. The number one problem with new herbs and new pharmaceuticals is lack of research and poor manufacturing practices. There are always new drugs on the market and new herbs both are regulated by the FDA. Herbs, however, are classified as dietary supplements rather than drugs. The US Pharmacopeia has set standards for purity, labeling, strength, and quality. Herbal “supplements” often follow these voluntary practices and will label the product with a UPS logo thereby ensuring consumers of the good manufacturing practices. Still, lack of due diligence in the research and manufacture of both herbs and pharmaceuticals often lead to recalls and lawsuits. Both herbal medicines and pharmaceuticals require consultation with a professional before using and both can have side effects, cause overdose and even death.
Although there are many finer elements to each, Pharmacology and Herbal Medicine are very similar. While science has bended and shaped herbs in to a synthetic, easy to take consumer friendly pharmaceutical product; Herbal Medicine has remained largely unchanged. Although they are both regulated, Herbal Medicine is regulated loosely and categorized as a supplement. A great number of pharmaceuticals are labeled drugs and are dispensed by prescription. Yet despite these differences, the truth remains. Pharmaceuticals are the post scientific bastardization of Herbal Medicine.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Book Review #1
The Shack
(Reviewed as a Staff Writer for my college newspaper)
“Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” That is the question that haunts Mackenzie Allen Phillips when his worst nightmare comes true in “The Shack”, William P. Young’s compelling new book.
I almost put this book down after reading the first few chapters, my own beliefs shutting the door to my once open mind. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go on but I did and found a poignant storyline that could be applied to anyone.
After his youngest child, Missy, goes missing during a camping trip Mackenzie is thrust into a deep abyss. In the backdrop of the Oregon wilderness he is lured to “the shack”, but what has brought him back there to the home of his “Great Sadness”?
Forget what you thought you knew of God. “The Shack” will have you questioning those thoughts and finding something more palpable to put in its place. What Mackenzie learns transforms his life. The premise “If anything matters, then everything matters” is what Mackenzie struggles with as past, present, and future collide in a story so eloquent as to inspire a modern day crusade.
The author paints a vivid picture as he narrates for Mackenzie in the end telling how his own life has been changed by Mackenzie’s experience. His words bring this work to life leaving many readers wondering if this is a true story or a work of fiction.
Young’s intention was to write a story as a gift to his children. His work inspired those around him and he was encouraged to publish it. To date the book has sold over two million copies and has launched a movement, The Missy Project.
(Reviewed as a Staff Writer for my college newspaper)
“Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” That is the question that haunts Mackenzie Allen Phillips when his worst nightmare comes true in “The Shack”, William P. Young’s compelling new book.
I almost put this book down after reading the first few chapters, my own beliefs shutting the door to my once open mind. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go on but I did and found a poignant storyline that could be applied to anyone.
After his youngest child, Missy, goes missing during a camping trip Mackenzie is thrust into a deep abyss. In the backdrop of the Oregon wilderness he is lured to “the shack”, but what has brought him back there to the home of his “Great Sadness”?
Forget what you thought you knew of God. “The Shack” will have you questioning those thoughts and finding something more palpable to put in its place. What Mackenzie learns transforms his life. The premise “If anything matters, then everything matters” is what Mackenzie struggles with as past, present, and future collide in a story so eloquent as to inspire a modern day crusade.
The author paints a vivid picture as he narrates for Mackenzie in the end telling how his own life has been changed by Mackenzie’s experience. His words bring this work to life leaving many readers wondering if this is a true story or a work of fiction.
Young’s intention was to write a story as a gift to his children. His work inspired those around him and he was encouraged to publish it. To date the book has sold over two million copies and has launched a movement, The Missy Project.
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