US gov’t: Americans should avoid Mexican hookers

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The travel advisory is back. An increase in violence has led the U.S.-Mexico border has led the U.S. State Department to renew its warning to Americans heading south of the border. But, this doesn’t mean you should scratch Mexico from your list (I’m even heading down in a few weeks). You should just be careful.

The announcement suggests that American tourists stick only to legitimate business and tourist areas. Areas with lots of prostitution and drug dealing are best left off your itinerary, according to the State Department. This is pretty good advice anywhere, but it makes even more sense along a border where the bad guys have used weapons and grenades.

So, go to Mexico. Have fun. Just don’t pay for sex.

[Via MSNBC]

From the New Europe: Three hemp plants? No problem in the Czech Republic

by Iva Skoch on

On Friday after a hearty Czech meal, my Mom popped the question. She asked me if I could somehow manage to get her a hemp plant or two. At first, I thought it was a trick question. What do you answer? So I said what any good Czech daughter would say. “Sure Mom. I think I can manage that.”

I know she has no intentions of actually using it for “marijuana-smoking purposes,” but her request still surprised me. She explained she wanted to use hemp for medical purposes, because she believes hemp products have magic powers. I don’t know about magic powers, but I do think it is kind of cool to be the daughter of a Czech hemp grower.

Drug possession has been top of mind in the Czech Republic in the last couple of weeks. Historically, the laws here have been very vague. Until now, it was illegal to carry “more than a small amount of drugs.” Yes, you get the point. The definition of a “small amount” varies greatly and opens doors for all kinds of bribery.

Finally, it looks like the Czech Republic will settle on limiting punishment to a fine for growing up to three hemp plants or carrying up to 20 joints, a gram of hashish or 0.5 grams of methamphetamine (pervitin). Any caught exceeding those limits would face criminal prosecution and a possible prison term, the Prague Daily Monitor reports. Soon, I might be the daughter of a woman who had to pay a fine for drug possession.

Cerenia, A Motion Sickness Pill for Dogs

by Willy Volk on

Whenever my wife and I go on a road trip, we try to take our dog. We believe he likes the change of scene, and it’s fun to get to spend time with him, since we’re usually at work. Fortunately for us, he’s a great travel companion — aside from the shedding! — but evidently, lots of dogs get car sick.

The owners of those dogs will no doubt celebrate the FDA’s recent decision to approve the use of Cerenia, a pill that prevents vomiting associated with motion sickness in dogs. Interestingly, during the clinical trials, some of the reactions (PDF) dogs suffered from ingesting the pills included hypersalivation, anorexia, flatulence, and vomiting (NOT caused by car sickness).

Depending on the severity of your dog’s motion sickness — and the severity of his flatulence! — you may want to think carefully about Cerenia. Maybe a homeopathic approach would be more appropriate. Or maybe you should just leave your dog at home.

[Photo: Willy Volk]