STUDY: Kind Bud Is Even Kinder To Cancer Patients
Very interesting research from the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. It’s work that’s been going on for several years, and according to researchers there, they believe a compound called CBD — that’s cannabidiol — could be the first non-toxic agent that could show possible help in treating metastatic forms of cancer. Metastasis is when cancer starts to spread throughout the body. Now, what’s interesting about this is that CBD is an ingredient found in marijuana. However, it has no psychoactive properties. The bottom line here is that it should not violate federal or state laws. [via KYW]
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OFF THE DOWN LOW: Street To Officiate Aide’s Big Gay Wedding
Eight years ago, it would have been unimaginable. But over brunch on a warm Sunday morning last fall, Micah Mahjoubian leaned over and asked his boss a question. “I told him Ryan and I got engaged to be married, and I’d like him to consider whether he would officiate our ceremony.” John Street, once regarded as Public Enemy No. 1 of the gay community, did not flinch. Yes, he said. So on Saturday, as the clock winds down on his time as mayor, Street will preside over his first same-sex commitment ceremony, in City Hall. With 125 guests expected, it will resemble in every way a traditional wedding but will have no legal standing, since Pennsylvania prohibits gay marriage. Mahjoubian, 33, and Ryan Bunch, 32, will wear matching black tuxedos with orange vests. Steven Goldstein, chairman of Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s gay civil-rights organization, said he was unaware of another mayor who performed a commitment ceremony in a state where civil unions and gay marriage are illegal. [via INQUIRER]
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POLITICS MAKES FOR STRAINED BEDFELLOWS: Nutter And Rendell Are ‘Frenemies‘
Things haven’t always been hugs and kisses between the two. The city’s once and future mayors have a history that dates back more than 20 years, from when a 25-year-old Nutter drove Rendell around Philadelphia in his 1986 run for governor to contentious times in the ’90s, when Nutter, a freshman in City Council, accused Rendell of “slitting my throat” in a legislative battle. They were allies more often than not when Rendell was mayor, but tension flared again in recent years, when Nutter’s alliance with Republicans on the Convention Center so infuriated Rendell that for a time the two were barely talking. Now, both pledge to work together for the city’s good. “They’ve had some contentious times,” said Comcast Vice President David L. Cohen, Rendell’s trusted friend and former chief of staff, “but I can tell you from personal observation and conversations with both of them they’re back to a very close political and personal relationship.” [via DAILY NEWS]