Connect with us:   Subscribe to the paper  |   View the mobile edition  |   Get daily e-mail news  |   Get mobile alerts  |   Share your photos  |   Report news  |   Place an ad  |   Contact us


Police score a pot bust for the ages

Nearly 500-pound cache had street value of $2.2M

The Post and Courier
Friday, August 22, 2008


Nearly 500 pounds of marijuana and several guns were seized by police after they received a tip from federal authorities.

Provided by the North Charleston Police

Nearly 500 pounds of marijuana and several guns were seized by police after they received a tip from federal authorities.

The Post and Courier

North Charleston police have announced their biggest marijuana bust in memory — a nearly 500-pound haul — nabbed after a fleeing minivan refused to stop.

Suspects in the case, including the driver of the wrecked van, are still being pursued. But officials say the catch equates to nearly $2.2 million in pot being diverted from Lowcountry streets.

In drug math, that's about 220,000 "dime" bags at $10 each. The pot reportedly traveled to North Charleston from Arizona.

Capt. Patrick Nathan of North Charleston's Special Operations Bureau said the bust is the largest in his two-decade career with the department. Marijuana sales throughout the tri-county area are significantly hurt as a result, he said during a press conference Thursday.

The case sprung late Wednesday when police, acting on a tip from federal authorities, set up surveillance of a nondescript office building in an industrial park near the Charleston

International Airport. Soon they followed a man driving a blue van with New York plates.

Around 11 p.m. police attempted to stop the van, but it took off on Interstate 26 east near Montague Avenue, authorities said.

The driver continued down the freeway and exited at Cosgrove Avenue, heading over the Ashley River and into West Ashley.

The vehicle wrecked shortly afterward, hitting a tree or other object near the Charlestowne Methodist Church, across from the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, according to authorities.

The driver fled and the van turned out to be a rental. An estimated 150 pounds of pot, taped in compressed bricks, was recovered inside.

Back at the office building, nearly 340 more pounds of pot were found, police said. During Thursday's press conference, police showed photographs of the haul but said that the odor of the seized marijuana was too overpowering to bring into the room.

Authorities also recovered at least five guns from the bust, including an SKS assault rifle. Nathan said it was clear that the owners of the pot believed they needed that amount of firepower for protection.

The business site where the surveillance started is on Airpark Road. Attempts to reach its representatives were unsuccessful.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551 or skropf@postandcourier.com.







Latest local stories




Sponsored Links


Notice about comments:
Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Full terms and conditions can be read here.

Comments

This article has  258 comment(s)

Posted by Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better on August 22, 2008 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Marijuana sales throughout the tri-county area are significantly hurt as a result, he said during a press conference Thursday."

That's probably at least $2.2M less in munchies sales, too!



Posted by BPFROM843 on August 22, 2008 at 2:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

2.2million!!!! yea right the cops really need to update their street prices for drugs just like they still do cocaine as 100 a gram what are they in the 80's on the news they said 480lbs so 16oz a lb 100 an oz = 768,000 1/3 of their "Street value" now if they had focused on the real problem and got all the mexicans that brought it over deported we would be ok



Posted by orpheus on August 22, 2008 at 2:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i smoked pot for a whole month one night



Posted by Acecool on August 22, 2008 at 2:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They inflate the price to bring harsher charges on the dealers... I personally have no clue how much this is worth, but 500 pounds of a plant bud amounts to a LOT!!!



Posted by lillycollette on August 22, 2008 at 3:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I’m pleased with the NCPD and hope they stay safe in the thankless work they are doing.



Posted by ForPnC on August 22, 2008 at 3:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep up the great work NCPD!



Posted by Acecool on August 22, 2008 at 4:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I forgot to say Thank you :-) Our law enforcement does a great job, keep up the good work!



Posted by Oz on August 22, 2008 at 5:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks NCPD!! It's seems thankless pretty much. But thank you for keeping our streets clean and childern safe. please be careful.



Posted by eatmorecollards on August 22, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amazing how people can move so much pot around. A dog should be able to smell that much pot a mile away.



Posted by DanniD on August 22, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"but said that the odor of the seized marijuana was too overpowering to bring into the room."

hehehehe...that is funny. Why would they need to bring all that pot into the room anyway? I bet I know where everyone is hanging out on their breaks!



Posted by willx45x on August 22, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Won't even make a dent - the stuff looks like schwag anyway. I bet all you Charlestonians feel safe now with this harmless little weed off the streets. Whiskey is much worse. End the drug war and the hypocrisy that goes with it!



Posted by theballsiam on August 22, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NCPD is so incompetent they allowed the suspect(s) to get away. I don't think they can exactly brag about it. This guy will just be pushing more weed now that he wasn't caught. That weed in the picture is probably sold for around 1,000-1,500 bucks a lb (aka, it's sh*t weed), so really that's 500,000-750,000 dollars of weed, no anything near a million. Typical cops playing and lying about the real numbers. If they honestly think most of that weed was going to be sold in dimebags they're retards. While 500 lbs is a nice bust, it's nowhere near how much weed is in Charleston right now.



Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I bet Farafalls is just salivating over that miracle herb. I wonder if she will get her cut from her female N. Chas cop buddy.



Posted by kma71 on August 22, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LEGALIZE IT!!! That's what I say!

Imagine how much tax money could be collected if it were legal!!!



Posted by dogwoodroad on August 22, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

taxes, taxes, taxes...actually, the sale of illegal drugs is kind of proof that the free market works...truly supply and demand!!!

Unless, that is, you want to legalize it AND initiate the fair tax...then I might not complain so much...



Posted by Yeah_I_said_it on August 22, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

RW, I would say yes. Pot is illegal so anyone (citizen or not) is being illegal!



Posted by Yeah_I_said_it on August 22, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

*anyone invloved*



Posted by Bnasty82 on August 22, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am missing something here. Huge drug bust, commercial office building-and no arrest. Something here is just not right!!!!



Posted by tb on August 22, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For years I've advocated the profiling and investigation of any and all minivans, particularly those with NY plates.



Posted by newto843 on August 22, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like dirt mex to me, full of seeds and stems. What I can not understand is why they would bring that all here in one shipment. SC has not decriminalized the stuff like many states have and the risk just seems too high. Your talking about doing no less than 25 years here where in many states it would be 1 to 5.



Posted by robbybobby on August 22, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

New York tags, eh? Well, that explains it.



Posted by willbillbedamned on August 22, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bread and circuses,folks. No way this gets sold in dime bags. I'm 58 and have been smoking weed for 40 years. During those 40 years, I spent 4 yrs in the USAF providing security for nuclear weapons, 30 years in the phone company visiting your homes and countless volunteer hours serving the community. I'm not advocating reefer for children. I'm saying put it on the same level as alcohol. I've read many a story of drunks going home and beating or killing their wives. The worst I ever read about a stoner was that he went home and ate a whole chocolate cake.



Posted by nappyd on August 22, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

and college of charleston's gpa just went up...



Posted by SomeTruthPlease on August 22, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Another case where good ol' Mayor Bloomberg should be putting a leash on his criminals, instead of blaming the City of New York's problems on us "Southerners". What's in that picture looks like garbage, anyhoo...don't they know that us South Carolinians have better taste?



Posted by Weeeee on August 22, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's that around town brown. Seriously though. That looks like junk. If I smoked and someone tried to sell me that crap, I'd laugh and walk.



Posted by a_set_love on August 22, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by theballsiam on August 22, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The NCPD is so incompetent they allowed the suspect(s) to get away. I don't think they can exactly brag about it. This guy will just be pushing more weed now that he wasn't caught. That weed in the picture is probably sold for around 1,000-1,500 bucks a lb (aka, it's sh*t weed), so really that's 500,000-750,000 dollars of weed, no anything near a million. Typical cops playing and lying about the real numbers. If they honestly think most of that weed was going to be sold in dimebags they're retards. While 500 lbs is a nice bust, it's nowhere near how much weed is in Charleston right now."

Yon know I could really care less how much pot is on the streets of Charleston.

All that really matters is that N.C.P.D. got 500 lbs off the streets of The City of North Charleston.



Posted by Tulane75 on August 22, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is that true what the first poster above said about the munchies. I once read that MJ made you "hungry", but didn't really understand.

Is it anything in particular, like Krispy Kreme or Doritos or Popeye's fried chicken?

And you think this will benefit the C of C's gpa? I'm not sure.



Posted by CMLMADDOG on August 22, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The van was a rental.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So yesterday it was 250 pounds, then later-450 pounds. Today, it's 500 pounds. Tomorrow, it will be 700.

Looks like dirt weed anyway.

I seriously DOUBT it is anywhere near worth $2mil!
That's crazy insane.

Marijuana grows out of the ground, it is no where near as dangerous as crack, heroine, cocaine, meth. Go after these dopeheads that are baking this crap up in their family's homes, forcing others to inhale God knows what kind of fumes.
I always read about marijuana busts. Never have I read about a 250#+ bust of cocaine, heroine, or meth.
I also don't know of many drug dealers that have shot and killed anyone over a dime bag of pot. Isn't that usually reserved for the crackheads? You know, the big time money drugs, not dirt weed from New York.



Posted by KidYendor on August 22, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This marijuana should be divided into small bags, $20 to $100 sizes, and sold to adults at various places throughout the area. The money could then be used to fund North Charleston's budget. Good post willbill. Marijuana was around 30 years ago and it is still here and it will be here 30 years from now. I don't smoke it but I inhale the smell of liberty for myself and others and pour water on the flames and putridness of government tyranny. Legalize marijuana.



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Last 2 days: dogs.

Today: plants.

<yawns>



Posted by BerkeleyCo_Mom_of_3 on August 22, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad they got it, let's just hope they dispose of it properly instead of re-distributing it out on the streets.

It happens other places...why not here?



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

*Then God said, "I give you every <>seed-bearing plant<> on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.*



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, I just graduated from the College of Charleston. I had a 3.76 gpa and was a Biology major. And I'm talking no weed was involved folks. So quit talking your crap! hahha



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My biblical opinion:
You cannot pick and choose which parts of the bible to believe.
If Noah brought 2 of everything on his arc to salvage from the flood, he would have had to bring 2 marijuana plants as well.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Marianne, God also put the ancestors of serial rapists on that boat.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lol at Early!



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Poison ivy, you must mean.
If you're going to try to cut down my opinions, at least do it correctly.

There were a lot of bad things put on that arc. God must have wanted them all here.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea, I think that's the whole point of God. Choosing to do the right thing He wants us to do when there are many temptations right in front of us. crack, weed, little boys...



Posted by counterpoint on August 22, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

http://bible.cc/genesis/1-12.htm

"And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."

Tripsa, brilliant point though!

Give me Jack Daniels or some good rum.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

God also said to obey the laws of man..



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.
Yea, I think that's the whole point of God. Choosing to do the right thing He wants us to do when there are many temptations right in front of us. crack, weed, little boys...

----------------------------------------------------------

... beer, cigarettes, Catholic priests...



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Beer-created by man. Crack-created by man. Heroine-created by man. Meth-created by man. Marijuana-created by God.



Posted by MissPriss on August 22, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LMAO at Early!



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hahaha. touche Marianne.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I could also use the Clerks2 sentiment:
"Since God created man, and man created the Transformers, the Transformers are like a gift from God"



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jane, they probably had the guns to kill some geese when the munchies attacked. They could then roast the geese on the radiator of the burnt out hamster that was no doubt running that crappy Hyundai mini van.



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jane, that is only because pot is illegal. Can't blame the plant for the guns and the killing.



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe tomorrow we'll hear that someone saw the picture and adopted those plants.



Posted by willbillbedamned on August 22, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tripsa, you say that an admitted felon gaurding nukes is the worst thing you ever heard of. Well, you must not keep up with the papers. Baby killers, rapists, Bush, arsonists burning down buildings with people in them, people who can't spell (poisen), there are a host of folks worse than myself.



Posted by willbillbedamned on August 22, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tripsa, you say that an admitted felon guarding nukes is the worst thing you ever heard of. Well, you must not keep up with the papers. Baby killers, rapists, Bush, arsonists burning down buildings with people in them, people who can't spell (poisen), there are a host of folks worse than myself.



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

doublepostersbedamned

j/k



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The bottom line is MJ is illegal to buy are sell."
Correction, "The bottom line is MJ is illegal to by OR sell."

Also, slavery is illegal now.
Prostitution is also illegal-which was Mary Magdalene's profession of choice.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

*Too is a word meaning an amount. TO is a word addressing a noun.

You must have tripped right though English101.

No one ever said I was a doper. Just because I'm trying to argue that there are far worse things to deal with (Like saggy britches) than some odd number of dime bags a cop found.



Posted by mkhaynes on August 22, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seriously, if it was legal the folks moving it wouldn't have to have assault rifles. Not like people should have assault rifles anyway, but that's for another story. Glad the NCPD is doing their job, but this shouldn't be their job. Marijuana should be a legal, controlled substance - just like alcohol and smokes.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tripsa, I totally agree with you.

Slavery was a way of life back then. Man made it illegal, and therefore it became man's law of which Christians are called to obey.

Mary Magdalene was also considered a sinner in the Bible....so, it's kind of always been illegal by God and man's standards.

Just my thoughts. I promise I'm not trying to rain down on anybody's parade.



Posted by Weeeee on August 22, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I still say that looks like bunk trash. Look at what broke off and is sitting on the table. It's dust. Who wants to smoke that? I'd carry a gun too. To shoot myself for wasting money on that garbage.

In college, I wrote a research paper about legalization. Even now, I still agree that there is a great deal of revenue to be made from legalization and taxation. Don't see this happening in my lifetime....not with the whole "war on drugs".

That's that hardcore right dictating dumb s laws.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04-we are man. We are ALL considered sinners by the bible. That's why Jesus died.

I bet Mary did smoke dope too. Something was put in those hookas. And I'm also pretty sure it wasn't illegal back then either.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think if more people smoked and it was legal, there wouldn't be such a large need for xanax or antidepressants. Or abuse of those.



Posted by oldglory on August 22, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL. Is Marianne baiting us or tripping? Note the (obviously deliberate) mispelling of 'arc'.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by tripsa on August 22, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Marianne0558 - thats right, so go eat some hemlock, or chew on some poisen ivy.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Poison ivy, you must mean.
If you're going to try to cut down my opinions, at least do it correctly.

There were a lot of bad things put on that arc. God must have wanted them all here.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Marianne, I know we are all sinners. I was just trying to say that prostitution was condemned back in the days of Jesus just as much as it is today.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If marijuana becomes legal, I don't really give a crap. I still won't be smoking it. I don't know how much it actually impairs a person's ability, but I bet our crime rate would go down drastically. My stand is that it's illegal right now, and therefore shouldn't be smoked right now.



Posted by STREETLAW on August 22, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WE NEED FOOTBALL!

Did you ever notice that the arrest of a major drug dealer in the US hardly ever makes the news? Are there no drug king pins in the US?

I guess they are all in Panama?

By the way, if Clemson beats Carolina in football this year I will push a peanut down Folly Road with my nose.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I do believe there was less crime in the late 60s and 70s when it WAS legal.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trip, show me the proof that carbon monoxide is worse than THC.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea. I'm not saying marijuana should be illegal or legal. Honestly, I've never smoked it, so I don't know what it does to a person's perception and ability to function. (What are the effects anyway? Can you drive? Is it as bad as driving drunk?) I'm sure if it's used responsibly, it wouldn't be any big deal to legalize it. I'm just really sick of the hype over it. I almost feel like it's trashy because people go to desperate lengths to get their hands on it.

And lol at Streetlaw. If Clemson wins, I want to see you on Folly Road with that peanut.



Posted by coolfreaknbeans on August 22, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think medical use marijuana should be legalized at once.I find it ridiculous that it is proven to help certain medical conditions and yet illegal.But the pharma-factories can pump out oxycontin,loratab and psych drugs left and right.Which have killed so many people and ruined so many lives.They dole out these psych drugs to teens(Which are approved for ADULT use)for basically the treatment of puberty symptoms.Teens are killing themselves all over due to these psych drugs.Yet pot is evil.Btw I am not against proper use of psych drugs for those in real need.Nor am I "pro pot" on all levels.



Posted by ferrer1017 on August 22, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good job, police officers! Let's not forget the heroine users and Taliban terrorists that these users are indirectly supporting. Again, keep up the good work.



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

trips, that's "grammar".

j/k



Posted by poli1471 on August 22, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Marianne you state that noboby has been killed over a dime bag. Ask the parents of Trooper Mark Coates this question. He was murdered in Jasper County by Richard Blackburn over a "dime bag".



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

usna said: I almost feel like it's trashy because people go to desperate lengths to get their hands on it.

That's really just another function of it being illegal. We are a nation built on rugged individualism and we don't like being told what to do. Sort of rebellious, I guess.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

poli1471:
I never said NOBODY has been killed over a dime bag. Use that edumacation and reading comprehension skills, no doubt learned via North Charleston.
"I also don't know of many drug dealers that have shot and killed anyone over a dime bag of pot."



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea, I agree Mindbath. I feel if it became legal though, it would take me a long time to get around that mindset. But that's just me.



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by poli1471 on August 22, 2008 at 10:22 a.m.
Marianne you state that noboby has been killed over a dime bag. Ask the parents of Trooper Mark Coates this question. He was murdered in Jasper County by Richard Blackburn over a "dime bag".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dime bags don't kill people. PEOPLE kill people.

I once heard of a man who was killed over a girl...
<suddenly realizes girls are dangerous>



Posted by coolfreaknbeans on August 22, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tripsa-it's funny you mention MS.I have a relative that suffers from MS.I found out not long ago that she starting on occasion using marijuana.She had said it really helps out and she has been much less depressed.(She was terribly depressed before.(due to her rapidly worsening MS)



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Beer-created by man. Crack-created by man. Heroine-created by man. Meth-created by man. Marijuana-created by God.

---------

We would be better off if marijuana were legalized and subject to taxes and State regulations in the same way that we regulate the sale of hard liquor. The drug war is costing billions of dollars, it's not working, and it places non-violent offenders behind bars while violent offenders get released on parole to go right back to their old ways. I'm glad that the NCPD are doing their job, and glad they're ok, but I believe police resources should be used for more important matters.

I wouldn't legalize the hard stuff, but I would decriminalize it to some extent. If it's a first offense, put them in rehab and help them as best as you can. If you have someone so heavily addicted to crack or meth they can barely function, why bother with expensive rehab? Just put them in a sanitorium so they're not a danger to society by being out on the street and supply them with drugs. That's what the Chinese did when they had a problem with opium addicts.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

According to your research, Trip-this was tested on lab mice.
"Using lab mice the researchers were able to give the rodents the therapeutic effects of THC without the memory problems by using OP compounds."
Lab mice do not share the same mental dynamics as a human being. I'm not sure they have much memory to begin with.



Posted by guidedbystewart on August 22, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There was allot of violence and people killed during prohibition.

Great Post Iceman

All people have broken the law in some manner, so the ones that say don’t do it because it is breaking the law are hypocrites.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nice post Norwegian Iceman



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stewie-
Very good point.



Posted by chozen24 on August 22, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Marianne-I like the way that you are spreading biblical truth and knowledge. Goes to show that knowledge is power.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

??



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Takk skal du ha usna04.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

? Stewart, I don't think I'm a hypocrite. I'm not denying that I haven't broken the law. There have been times when I don't wear my seatbelt and such, but that's mostly unconscious and at least I'm not putting others at risk besides myself. I didn't drink till I was 21, and honestly, I don't know of any other laws that I have broken. But maybe you can think of some that are going under my radar. I guess my point of view is that people who consciously break the law when they obviously know that pot is illegal is kind of ridiculous. Especially when they're carrying around guns.



Posted by guidedbystewart on August 22, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally agree with iceman’s comments, legalize marijuana, and decriminalize the hard stuff.
Another point, we as a society should focus on moderation and not prohibition. Prohibiting just makes many people want to try it that much more. Excess, whether it is alcohol, food, pot, are all bad. But in moderation, we are finding that many of these things are even good if not beneficial.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ha, sorry iceman. I left my Norwegian dictionary at home. But I'm curious....:)



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree Stew. People always want what society says we can't have.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

usna. It means 'thank you'

stewart, I call that the forbidden-fruit theory. Notice how whenever any organization starts a boycott against a certain company, clothing line or movie it all of the sudden becomes more popular because of the attention drawn to it.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CB, I'm not a pot smoker. I'm not trying to use God to justify pot use either. Obviously no one is getting my point. People use God to justify all kinds of things. Babies being shaken to death (It was God's will), blah blah blah. My point is the bible can be used to debate with anything/justify anything. People pick and choose what parts of the bible they want to believe and what excerpts to use when trying to debate articles. It's useless. There are portions that can debate both pro and con of just about everything under the moon.

Do I think marijuana should be legalized, yes. Why? There are far worse things than something that has grown out of the ground. Let's say, murder and prostitution (Cue Stephaniem). Let's also say crack, heroine, meth, LSD, baby shaking, alcohol abuse, I could go on forever.



Posted by guidedbystewart on August 22, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ColdBeer,
Talking about living up to your potential, pot can be good for creativity.
In my opinion, much of the great music that has been made in the last century has been under the influence of marijuana. What is better, The beatles or Michael Bolton?



Posted by drp7773 on August 22, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow that would have made one hell of a Cheech and Chong joint :)



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman, all of that meant 'thank you'?!



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stewart, Alice in Wonderland comes to mind with literature.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

usna, Ja. (Yes)



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

can you speak the language fluently?



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wasn't Alice in Wonderland created via LSD?
I'm not sure marijuana would give off THAT much of creativity. If it did, I am in the wrong profession :)



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, Pretty much. I listen to Norwegian radio while I'm at work since I can pipe it in through the computer. I can read it faster than I can speak it which is common with second languages.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tripsa, China fought a war with England over opium too. Before that though they simply locked addicts away.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm impressed iceman. Do you visit Norway a lot? Family?



Posted by prosperous_hb on August 22, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The goverment should go ahead and legalize mary-jane (marjunia) and put a high tax on it. They would make lot's of money since a lot of folks smoke it.

usna04...smoking marjunia is not as bad as drinking. I went through a phase in life where I did smoke and drink. Drinking makes you really feel like crap and you can't do anything. Weed makes you calm and gives you the munchies.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, I go as often as I can. Have you heard of a place called Bergen?



Posted by HighDef on August 22, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tripsa- Mary Jane... I mean Ann is calling you out for your arrogance and stupidity that fill these boards everyday. She isn't closed minded and obviously knows more about the subject than you. I'm thinking the McCain admin. will legalize it, for real !
Somebody order the next shipment please.



Posted by guidedbystewart on August 22, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Irony...
The British Empire was the bigggest drug dealers in the history of man, fact (the britsh were addicted to tea, and the chinese would sell it to them at a price the british wanted to pay, enter the opium trade).



Posted by stvejameson on August 22, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They test vaccines because vaccines have nothing to do with memory. It has to do with whether a little bit of a disease can help immunize the body to a full on battle of the disease. Can't you think of anything on your own without the help of Google?
Carcinogens-those pesky things that cause cancer-have nothing to do with a brain either.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman - I've heard of it for sure, but I'm not sure what part of the country it's in. Is that where you visit mostly?

prosperous_hb - I've heard pot gives you the munchies! But does it impair any functions? I mean, if you were really high, could you still drive, or carry on a conversation with people?



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you HighDef.
I bet Google gets SO much money from advertisements shown to tripsa in one day.



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by ColdBeer on August 22, 2008 at 11:02 a.m.
Show me a pot smoker, I'll show you someone that isn't living up to his/her potential(not to mention a criminal).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only true because it is illegal.

So far, the main argument against legalization is that it's illegal...



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well your point would be relevant if the "cheese maze thing" was about 3 days long.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm pretty sure any hungry animal would be able to sniff out some food.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm pretty sure mice and humans are very genetically similar. I know that because I'm a biologist, not because of google. And I know they test memory in mice for diseases like Alzheimer's.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They test EVERYTHING on mice. Know why? They're about 10cents each at any pet store.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

But I'll give you google if you want google. And it relates to the article!!!!

"A rat study sug­gests chem­i­cals in ma­ri­jua­na may slow the mem­o­ry loss of Alzheimer’s dis­ease, re­search­ers say."

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/0...



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well then your researched article just about gives more proof why it should be legal, right? That would just about null and void your other opinions stated earlier.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So are crickets Marianne. That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. (no offense. I did research in this area, so sorry if I try to take the upper hand on this.) Mice and humans' genomes are extremely similar. Scientists aren't just testing the future medicines of society on mice simply because it's easy and cheap. There is actual scientific reason behind it. I'm not saying you're wrong - being cheap is a plus, but it certainly is not the reason.



Posted by stvejameson on August 22, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's such a crock by the way. Front page of the paper, seized drugs, safer streets, blah blah blah.

Pot is much more safe than alcohol thats a fact. I dont even like the stuff but give me a break. The money that can be generated from taxing and selling marijuana is in the billions. Maybe we could use that money for say, I dont know, health care, education, etc... But no, many law makers unfortunately go through life with blinders on. "It's a drug, lock people up for having it, spend money on seizing the shipments, prosecute, prosecute, prosecute". How long does this have to go on for people to realize it's a harmless plant and until it's legal nothing will change. We'll just keep shoving people into our overcrowded jails and shipping them back out onto the street worse than they were when they went in.....OPEN YOUR EYES.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Marianne, calm down. I said I don't care whether it becomes legal or not if you'll read back through my posts. I'm saying as it stands now, it's illegal, and therefore, I'm against it. When it becomes legal, more power to the pot smokers. I really could care less.



Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is the anti-legalization argument that would not also apply to the abolition of prohibition?



Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by Marianne0558
prostitution (Cue Stephaniem)

LOL,, perfect
Now you know why I borrowed the line
It's like passing an accident on the highway - I don't WANT to look, but sometimes I look, and then I feel nauseous and hate myself for exposing myself to that.



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, I'm pretty sure the dumbest thing I've ever heard is that a 1 year old baby picked up a 9 month old baby, lifted him high enough to put him in the tub, started the water (without scolding the poor thing), ran the shower, and plugged up the drain.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman, i just googled Bergen. It's absolutely beautiful. I'm jealous of you and your Norwegian coolness!



Posted by n8tureboy on August 22, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The federal government needs to concentrate on the growing Meth problem in this country,it's a far worse problem then pot will ever be.These people will rob steal or kill you for Meth.then they are released over and over again with no punishment.alcohol is also way more destructive then pot and kills many more people then pot.just look at any Bar they all have parking places for cars? I'm not saying alcohol should be illegal but let put things in perspective.how many times have you heard about someone drunk killing someone driving? all I'm saying is that there are much worse things out there we need to be concentrating on,legalize pot and decriminalize it, just like we did with alcohol.End pot prohibition.



Posted by guidedbystewart on August 22, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I bet if the pharmaceutical companies had invented pot it would be legal, they are one of the biggest lobbies in government today (also one of the most profitable industries).



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, Go to wikipedia sometime and just explore the different cities and towns in Norway. The coastline stretches a very long way since it wraps around the Scandinavian peninsula and has hundreds of small fishing villages. There are sections of Bergen that look like Christmas houses. Spending Christmas in Bergen or Lillehammer is amazing.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think 'dumb' is a word I would use to describe a one year old baby killing a 9 month old baby. That would, in a sense, imply that the baby knew what he/she was doing and was aware of the consequences but ignored them. I choose to use the words incredibly sad and horrific.



Posted by Tammie on August 22, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stvejameson sez: ".....OPEN YOUR EYES."

If you can do that, then you had some wack azz weed.

I'm still laughing at Marianne posting the article yesterday about the getaway driver fleeing in a Hyundai. Come on...a high speed chase in a Hyundai? Such an oxymoron..lmao



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

stewart, We send very mixed messages to our kids when it comes to drug policy. On one hand we tell them that marijuana will destroy them and to stay away from it. We tell them that to consume alcohol before 21 is a no-no. Yet we throw every pill we can think of to deal with any kind of problem.

If they have trouble sitting still? Ritalin. We don't even bother to question that maybe they're gifted and are bored with the material. We don't look into the fact that their restlessness could be caused by the foods they eat, the lack of physical exercise, or the small time they spend with family. No. Throwing drugs is easier.

Depressed? We have a whole host of pills for this.

I often wonder if some of the child prodigies of the past like Mozart or Beethoven would be put on ritalin if they lived today. I tend to be hyper sometimes, but I release it by working out, surfing and, when I was younger, playing rugby. I've never taken ritalin and never would.



Posted by STREETLAW on August 22, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Isn't it strange that you can't go to Walgreens or CVC and pick up a "happy" pill? That would solve all the illegal drug problems, unless, of course, hallucinations are your bent.

There are a lot of pills to reduce panic, anxiety, depression, etc., most of which have a heavy price with them.

But why not a pill that just makes you happy?



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Streetlaw, Soma perhaps?



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

ColdBeer, I appreciated your post. It's refreshing to hear from someone who knows what he's talking about because he's actually experienced it and made an educated decision to figure out that it's not safe. It may be different for everyone, but I again, I appreciated it!

Iceman, I'm totally going to visit Bergen now. What's the best time of year to go?



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hi Tammie!



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, Right now. Summers are beautiful there. Summer in Bergen stays in the 70's but can sometimes reach the low 80's.

In the winter it usually doesn't get below freezing, but it's chilly and rains a lot. Most people think of Norway and they think freezing cold, but it's only in some sections. Oslo is more to the interior and is closer to Russia to winters there are cold and it snows. The northern sections as you get closer to the arctic cirlce are very cold and get below freezing most of the winter. Bergen, Alesund and Stavanger face the North Sea so they're exposed to the currents of the Gulf Stream. They tend to have milder winters.

Summers in general are very nice throughout the whole country. In some sections however, there will still be enough snow on the ground to go ski for Easter weekend.

I've surfed over there and you can get some good waves, but you have to put on a lot of gear to handle the cold water.



Posted by guidedbystewart on August 22, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Iceman that was sort of my point, the drug lobby spends millions, now they advertise what ails you, we now have a cure. True, there are some that truly need the medication, but usually it is not something that hard work or little exercise could not cure.
Another point and I am heading to lunch, one of the biggest problems with pot is that smoking too much of it does make you lazy. Not good for a capitalist society (again I am not advocating socialism and lazy people disgust me as much as the rest). The best argument I have heard against its legalization (funny I have not heard it mention on this site yet) is that it would hurt our productivity as a nation but hell you can say the same things about blogging, fantasy football, etc. Again, the key with anything is moderation.



Posted by Weeeee on August 22, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Definitely not my intent to start an argument, but where in CB's post did he say anything about realizing how unsafe it is?

Yeah yeah yeah. Gateway drug this. Gateway drug that. If someone is interested enough to try something, they're going to try it. I guess the weed is telling people to go do other drugs now.

I'm interested in trying skydiving. I think I'm going to try skydiving.

Hey Tammie. You have crab grass.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If marijuana were really a gateway drug we'd probably have about 1/4 of the adult population of this country addicted to coke, meth or pcp.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

STREETLAW!!! We need to get together b/c I have a peanut to buy for you! I will be taking pictures to rub it in too!!! ;-)

BTW, I love love love this weather!!!!!!



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, if they made pot legal, many people would not need anti depressants, which have to be worse for the body. Wouldn't you think???



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChasCarolinaGirl, Last weekend I laid out 50 grass square to cover sections of the yard where the grass wouldn't grow and it needs lots and lots of water for the roots to take hold. We need this rain right now but I wish it would go ahead and head to the upstate.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Weeeee -

CB - "I think it's a dangerous path."

I guess it's safe to assume he thinks it unsafe. Atleast, that's how I took it.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman, thanks for all the info! I've been wanting to visit Norway since I can remember, and your advice has really helped me out. I'm going to try and get over there within a year hopefully.

p.s. It must suck leaving Norway's waves for ours!



Posted by guidedbystewart on August 22, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The true gateway drug is aspirin, it was my first and I am sure 95% of the populations also.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Iceman ~ Looks like we will have this rain for the day ... Just hope its out of the way for girls night tomorrow night! I love rainy days!

If you like working in yards, feel free to come over anytime! I have to plant some things in my yard to give it color.



Posted by DoaMM on August 22, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Legalize it. It's one of the few plants on earth that can grow in just about any climate. It's all natural and nothing special has to be done to it to get you high.

It's nature's way of saying, "Here you go...you've had a rough day."

IMO of course...



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Im with you DoaMM!



Posted by clc0427sc on August 22, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GREAT JOB NCPD!! Keep up the good work!!



Posted by Weeeee on August 22, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My mistake.



Posted by Tammie on August 22, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's happenin usna?

All this pot talk has me hungry...



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no problem Weeeee.

Hey have you guys ever heard of stumbleupon.com? It's pretty cool and has kept me entertained for like 2 hours now.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

haha! Tammie, I was thinking the same thing! Ever since someone said the word 'munchies', I've really been wanting like..a bag of potato chips or something.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, Not really. The waves there are about the same as here, only here we have warmer waters.

If you travel to Norway make sure to save lots of money. It's an expensive country. I remember when the Dollar would buy nearly 9 NOK (kroner) and now it will get you around 5 NOK. It's made Norway more expensive but it's also hurt non-oil exports.

A lot of people are very upset over there about the gas prices. Gas here is a bargain compared to Oslo where it can run the equivalent of $9-10 a gallon.

Look up Dale of Norway and you'll see some very good quality sweaters. I have a few of them but can only wear them in the winters here.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChasCarolinaGirl, I keep the grass manicured and will soon be putting in more flowers out back. I'd like to get some roses against the back fence but I don't know what kind are best for this climate. Next spring I'm going to put some flowers and a couple of palm trees along the driveway.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm about to heat up some pasta for my lunch today.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman, holy cow, 9-10 dollars a gallon?! I feel badly for complaining now.

Those sweaters look comfortable. I might get one for myself for Christmas! How often would you say you visit Norway anyway?

by the way iceman, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful cyber friendship.



Posted by hightide on August 22, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pharmaceutical drugs have chemicals that can kill... or cause people to want to kill... yet these things are legal - even advertised on television! "Ask your doctor if [drug x] is right for you" - ah yes, we're now supposed to ask our doctors about drugs because apparently they aren't pushing them enough.

enough is enough with marijuana being illegal. alcohol and cigarettes are legal, although both have been shown to cause much harm to peoples' lives - both physically and mentally. marijuana is a natural plant, and like was already mentioned, needs no tampering to do what it does best.

besides the fact that hemp is the plant world's "jack of all trades" - our constitution was written on hemp paper.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, Once every two years. If airline tickets keep going up though I don't know. If I could get enough time off from my job I wouldn't mind going there for the summer to work in a resort hotel. You could make some great money in tips during the busy season.

I think so too.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mmm, pasta. I don't get off of work till 2, and I'm so hungry! Iceman, I would recommend any roses labeled All America Rose Selection. They've worked really well in my yard.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Iceman .. That is really thoughtful of you to already have those plans thought out for my yard. WOW! I am impressed!! ;-) ha ha

HighTide, I completely agree. Im in the medical field and there are so many people on antidepressants ... its really sad. I know that the few times I have taken a toke, it was soooooo relaxing. I could see how it could get out of hand, but hell .. so has the Rx drugs. People selling them on the street ...Ritalin for example.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman, you should definitely try working at a resort hotel in Norway. That would be a great experience. Not that Colorado is any Norway, but I worked at a resort dude ranch out there for a summer and had a blast. Going to beautiful places and making money - there's nothing else like it.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChasCarolinaGirl, *S* How much yard space do you have?



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, Going on a church mission trip wouldn't be bad either, but I'm still trying to get the church to send me and some friends of mine to Australia and New Zealand on a mission trip.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Less than half an acre. I live in a neighborhood where houses are close together .. but a decent size back yard. I just hate doing yard work in this heat .. well now that its cooling down, Im thinking of what I want to do w/ it. I love cutting grass though! lol



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow, Australia and New Zealand would be fantastic! What sort of mission is it? Some friends of mine just went to Belize on a mission trip, and the pictures they brought back were beautiful, not to mention tear jerking. The church that I play for just went to New Orleans, but I couldn't go because of work, which really bumbed me out out a bit. I'm sort of a weather geek and was a meteorology minor in school, so it would have been great to not only help out those folks down there but also study what went wrong with the levees. Oh well, maybe another day. I hope your church raises the money.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChasCarolinaGirl, you better hurry up and get your yard work done, because once this storm passes, I have a feeling the heat is going to come back hotter than ever. It is so enjoyable right now though!



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like yard work in the heat. The more you sweat the better. It's great exercise and you go swim afterwards to cool off.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, They probably have the money, it's just a matter of convincing them. We would spend time on the east and west coast of Australia, then go to New Zealand, and stop by in Fiji or Hawaii on the way back to the US.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman...
um..can I come?!!! ha!



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right Usna04, but it is too wet out there right now. Not sure where you live, but I live in W. Ashley and it is very wet and muddy outside right now. :-)



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

usna04, I have to convince them first.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very true Iceman, but Im a female spoiled with the AC. That just means I only last in heat for about 30 mins .. oh and to add that I have that irish skin that burns in 15 minutes. Auburn hair and fair skin with tons of freckles.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea ChasCarolinaGirl, I thought about that after I sent it! Ha...might want to wait till the big hundreds of mile huge storm passes first! I live right on the brim of West Ashley and I have a nice huge puddle in my back yard right now. I walked into work soaking wet and will now have to drive out of downtown in a flood most likely. You'd think I be used to it going to the College of Charleston the last 4 years, but no...

iceman, you better start convincing. :)

by the way, I'm trying to order a catalog from the Dale of Norway site, and it keeps saying Vennligst oppgi when I try to press the send button to give my mailing address. Any idea what that means?



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChasCarolinaGirl, I can stand the heat for a while. Enough to get the yard taken care of but I have to cool off after about an hour.

I'm impervious to the cold however. It has to be in the teens before the cold starts to bother me.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Freckles are cute. I wish I had them. My heritage is Scottish French and German, so I should be pretty fair, but I have olive skin. Weirdest thing because I come from one line of redheads. My twin sister is fair though. My parents joke I got mixed up at the hospital.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It means 'kindly can' in English. Does it give you the option of hitting ok?

You can also visit norwayshop.com to order sweater from Dale and other brands.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nah, no other option of hitting ok. What it is, is that there is a place to type for 'Address 1' and a place for 'Address 2'. Well I don't have an address 2, just 1. So it keeps saying Vennligst oppgi Address 2. ..I'll try the other website.



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ahh. I just visited the website. They need something for address line 2. Just type n/a or type the address again and it should send.



Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe you guys are planning on planting some miracle herb???? I am she farafalls and others will help "weed" the garden. Glad to know what everyone is having for lunch. LOL... I would use my new trademark line but I think people have tired of it.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks iceman, it worked!

nah, come on jeff. One more time won't hurt anybody.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Jeff!



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are all becoming friends on here ... we should do happy hour sometime! Im all about a drinky drink right now!



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That would be fun Carolina Girl. Though I may just end up getting a sweet tea. I'm obsessed with the stuff. Like...it's probably going to become an issue later in life.



Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes I can see that,,, in fact I think two of you may have become engaged. The talk of happy hour is what caused some to bail....not sure I would bring that subject up...it would remind me of passing an accident on the highway - I don't WANT to look, but sometimes I look, and then I feel nauseous and hate myself for exposing myself to that.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now the Firefly Vodka or sweet tea in general??? lol



Posted by newto843 on August 22, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mmm Firefly Vodka ...good stuff



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lol at jeff!! It will never die!

ChasCarolinaGirl - That's a toss up. I think I will always prefer just plain sweet tea in general over alcohol (never quite accustomed a taste for it), but I do enjoy the Firefly Vodka. You know, I went to the winery out on Wadmalaw Island where they make the vodka. It's a really neat place. You should go for a wine tasting out there sometime.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ha ha Feel better Jeff? Two become engaged? Why would the talk of happy hour get someone to bail? Im lost but it doesnt take much on a relaxing rainy day like this. TGIF!



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My recipe for iced tea.

Put some ice, honey and moroccan mint in a jug. Pour hot green tea (strong tea) into jug. Serve over ice when tea is cold.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would love to do that .. Ive heard that its pretty cool. I LOVE that sweet tea vodka. I am AMAZED at how much it tastes just like sweet tea. That is just dangerous for me and has been one time. ha ha



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman, are you married because I think I just fell in love..

ha!



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nope. Single.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChasCarolinaGirl, if you're not like a serial killer or anything, I'll go with you. I loved it. It was raining that day I went, which sucked, but the vineyard is absolutely beautiful and I would love to visit again. I also really want to see the Charleston Tea Plantation. I've lived here all my life and have never been, which is lame on my part.

I really do like the firefly vodka too. That guy is a genius. His wines that I tasted were really good as well, and I'm not really a wine lover or anything.



Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was poking fun of usna and ice... they seem to have stuck up a friendship... just busting chops...I just hope it does not turn into passing an accident on the highway - I don't WANT to look, but sometimes I look, and then I feel nauseous and hate myself for exposing myself to that.



Posted by common_sense on August 22, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dude....where's my van?

Dude.

I'm just sayin...



Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The person that wrote that was probably an ass but damm I want to thank them for it.....



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jeff...we can be friends too if you'd like. :)



Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not much of a drinker but I'll go to a happy hour if there's a pool table nearby.



Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL.. sure usna I guess sometimes I can use all the friends I can get.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think so too Jeff. You're bound to lose one of your friends if you keep saying that phrase. But don't worry - I'll stick by you.



Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iceman, are you married because I think I just fell in love..

See told you.....LOL



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

USN ~ Im about as down to earth as they get .. Im a mommy, wife and full time student ... so too much on my hands to be psycho!!! I just like having a good time. Life is good!!! As I say, it could always be worse.

I went to the Tea Farm and it was nice. Just very little to see but I wasnt disappointed at all.

Jeff ~ LOL! That would be cool if something came of it. One thing I want ICEMAN to show me his impersonations he was talking of the other day!



Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think 'dumb' is a word I would use to describe a one year old baby killing a 9 month old baby. That would, in a sense, imply that the baby knew what he/she was doing and was aware of the consequences but ignored them. I choose to use the words incredibly sad and horrific."

Let me just clarify, I didn't mean it was dumb, I meant that story being told as what happened is dumb.



Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will kick everyone's butt here at pool!!!!!

Actually, I'm completely kidding. Maybe if it's volleyball, but I can't get that pool ball in the hole for the life of me.



Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on August 22, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I use happy hour as a good reason to just get away. See, yall are single and you may not have children yet. You shall see one day! You might be using it as a reason to get away at times also. ;-)

Jeff, if