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A new study has shown that teenagers who smoke marijuana frequently are pre-disposing themselves to declines in intelligence and mental function that persist well into adulthood.
According to the results of a ten-year study conducted in New Zealand and involving more than 1,000 volunteers, researchers found that adolescents who smoked marijuana at least four days per week lost an average of eight IQ points between the ages of 13 and 38, a pattern not seen among people who began smoking heavily only in adulthood.
"Heavy pot smokers tend to show deficits in memory, concentration, and overall brainpower in relation to their peers, but these problems were more pronounced - and seemingly more lasting - among those who picked up the habit as teens," said the researchers in the study report.
According to the study, individuals who smoked heavily in adolescence had consistently lower IQs at age 38, even if they'd cut back in the previous year. By contrast, the IQ of the relative latecomers to marijuana was more closely linked with how much pot they'd smoked recently.
"The effect of persistent cannabis use on intellectual functioning is really confined to adolescents, (which) suggests that adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to the effect of cannabis," says lead author Madeline H. Meier, a psychologist and postdoctoral researcher at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
An eight-point decline in IQ isn't negligible, the authors say. Previous research suggests a drop in intelligence of that magnitude could, for instance, affect a person's long-term career prospects, job performance and income.
It's reasonable to suspect that still-growing teen brains might be especially sensitive to the cumulative effects of marijuana, says Dr. Jeffrey Brosco, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.
"In the developing brain, neurons are growing and changing, synapses are forming," says Brosco, who was not involved in the study. "When there's a lot of change in any part of the body, particularly the brain, that usually means it's more vulnerable to environmental influences."
(CNN)
The report shows that about one in four Nigerians are currently unemployed. It also added that Nigeria has one of the worst youth unemployment rates in sub-Saharan Africa as two in five (about 38 per cent) of Nigerian youths are unemployed.
These were stated in a 291-page publication titled 'The African Economic Outlook 2012', and jointly published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNECA; the United Nations Development Population, UNDP; the African Development Bank Group; and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development.
The publication, launched on Thursday in Addis Ababa, was presented by the Director, Economic Department, NEPAD division of UNECA, Emmanuel Nnadozie. The publication, which is the 11th edition, however, described Nigeria's economic growth in 2011 as "robust."
The robust growth recorded in Nigeria's economy, according to the publication, was driven mainly by the non-oil sector, and in particular, telecommunications, construction, wholesale/retail trade, hotel and restaurant services, manufacturing, and agriculture. (Via Premium Times)
"God told me to marry again because it is not good for a man to be alone," said Pastor Chris Okotie.
Concerning his last marriage to Stephanie which hit stumbling blocks just after four years, he said he fell for her beauty without considering other important virtues.
It would be recalled that he had earlier parted ways with his first wife after 17 years of marriage thus making it his second divorce in 6 years.
But despite widespread criticism about his break-ups, the pastor is confident he heard clearly from God.
Critics are also alluding to the fact that he told everyone during the 2003 general elections that God told him he'll be Nigeria's next president. He however lost the election to the late president Umar Musa Yar'adua.
At the time of going to press, no official press statement has been released on the matter but experts are of the opinion that details about the pastor's newly found love will soon appear in tabloids.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
As the November US Presidential Election draws near, one thing that has been an indispensable weapon in the arsenal of both candidates is oratory. I've tried on my own to decide who speaks better. I know a lot of people (including my humble self) believe Obama is a better speaker; it is however worthy to note that Mitt isn't bad either.
Below are the videos of the speeches both candidates made at their respective party convention. It's always good to watch them argue and trade blames all in the name of politics.
Here is RNC candidate Mitt Romney's speech at the RNC Convention held in Tampa
And here is President Barack Obama's speech at the DNC Convention that was held in Charlotte.
I just got the link to download the latest work from Kanye West and his G.O.O.D. Music gang free of charge. Click here
After numerous delays, Kanye West‘s
highly-anticipated G.O.O.D. Music compilation ‘Cruel Summer’ is finally
here. On second thought, with just days away before the summer season
being over, you could call this album ‘Cruel Autumn’ — but we digress.
The fact that we have some new music from Yeezy and the gang is joyous
enough.
Kanye is still the master of bringing unique sounds and samples to hip-hop’s musical soundscape. On ‘Cruel Summer,’ he co-produces a handful of head-nodding beats with Hit-Boy, Pop & Oak, Lifted, IllMind, Mannie Fresh, Young Chop and others. Standout tracks on the album include ‘To the World,’ ‘The One,’ ‘Higher, ‘Bliss’ and ‘I Don’t Like’ (Remix).
The only downside is that five of the 12 tracks on ‘Cruel Summer’ have been already released (‘Mercy,’ ‘Cold,’ ‘New God Flow’ and ‘Clique’ all have graced the Billboard Singles chart). While the newer songs are indeed good, they are not great. Simply put, there album lacks that “Wow” factor.
But that’s not to say ‘Cruel Summer’ isn’t an enjoyable listen. It’s starts off grandiose and loses steam near the latter half of the album. Overall, ‘Cruel Summer’ is dope, but we’d suggest you go to iTunes and pick out your favorite rewindable tracks.
1. ‘To The World’ (Feat. Kanye West and R. Kelly)
Kanye West kicks the album off with a triumphant song that will make the most-depressed person in the world break out of their slumber and put their middle fingers up in the air. Over marching drums, plucking violins and a charging piano, R. Kelly’s yearning vocals is the big stand out here. Oh, and it includes Kanye’s political shout-out of the year: “Mitt Romney don’t pay no tax! Mitt Romney don’t pay no tax!” [Listen Here]
2. ‘Clique’ (Feat. Big Sean, Kanye West and Jay-Z)
Produced by Hit-Boy, this is another infectious track that features an incredible verse from Hova. “Yeah, I’m talking ‘Ye / Yeah, I’m talking Rih / Yeah, I’m talking B / Nigga, I’m talking me / Yeah, I’m talking bossy, I ain’t talking Kelis / Your money too short, you can’t be talking to me,” he spits. Big Sean is right, no one is f—ing with this clique. [Listen Here]
3. ‘Mercy’ (Feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, Kanye West and 2 Chainz)
Everyone should be familiar with this song so there’s nothing much to say about it. Undoubtedly, ‘Mercy’ is one of the hottest songs of the summer along with the equally impressive video. Serve. [Watch the 'Mercy' Video]
4. ‘New God Flow’ (Feat. Pusha T, Kanye West and Ghostface Killah)
Another previously released track, but this one features a guest verse from Ghostface Killah, which, ironically, the song samples his 2000 track ‘Mighty Healthy.’ It’s a mean track with a menacing piano groove and sampled breakbeat. Pusha T had the standout verse on the original, but Ghostface bodies this song at the end. Call the police, this is a murder rap. [Listen Here]
5. ‘The Morning’ (Feat. Raekwon, Common, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, CyHi da Prynce, Kid Cudi, Kanye West and D’banj)
Over a minimalist, computer-blipping beat, the posse track features Raekwon detailing a picturesque drug tale, while Com, Pusha, Deuce, CyHi, and Yeezy spit gritty one-liners of black excellence. It’s a big standout on the album with Kanye providing the best verses on the track. “I treat the label like money from my shows / G.O.O.D. would’ve been G.O.D. except I added more o’s,” he raps. [Listen Here]
6. ‘Cold’ (Feat. Kanye West and DJ Khaled)
The infamous track in which Kanye professed his love for Kim Kardashian and threw Kris Humphries under the bus. There’s some extras on the track (sound effects, echoes, screams) and DJ Pharris shouting out Chicago street blocks. [Watch the Video]
7. ‘Higher’ (Featuring Pusha T, The-Dream, Ma$e and Cocaine 80s)
Produced by Hit-Boy, this haunting song features a surprise appearance from former Bad Boy rapper Ma$e. Although he’s been absent from the rap game for a couple of years, his monotone flow is still intact. “Uh, one-two one-two guess who back again / Harlem in this — what? Yeezy let Manhattan in,” he spits, adding, “I’m like a drug overlord, my jewelry’s overboard / It’s hard to believe dollar-sign E even know the Lord.” It looks like Ma$e is making a comeback …again? [Listen Here]
8. ‘Sin City’ (Feat. John Legend, Teyana Taylor, CyHi The Prynce, Malik Yusef and Travi$ Scott)
This is where the album takes a detour. This is not our favorite song, as it sounds like a throwaway track from Kanye’s ’808s & Heartbreak’ album. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of engaging in the street life. “Sex, drugs, and playin’ dices, those are our favorite vices,” raps CyHi. “But this life will take a toll on ya / Well I guess you gotta pay the prices.” We are not going to gamble on this — skip. [Listen Here]
9. ‘The One’ (Feat. Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Marsha Ambrosius and Cocaine 80s)
A standout on the album — Kanye, Big Sean and 2 Chainz rap celebratory rhymes about being rich and mindful of the “snakes in the grass.” Yeezy has the best verse on the song: “I’m the one, baby / Yeah, I’m the one, baby / Since God gave his only begotten son, baby / It’s hard preachin’ the gospel to the slums lately / So I had to put the church on the drums, baby.” [Listen Here]
10. ‘Creepers’ (Feat. Kid Cudi)
This dark song is tailor-made for Kid Cudi, as he is the only one who could deliver lyrics bemoaning about depression, drugs and paranoia. A creepy song, indeed. [Listen Here]
11. ‘Bliss’ (Feat. John Legend & Teyana Taylor)
The only R&B-flavored tune on the album. It’s an empowering song about overcoming obstacles to achieve your dreams. Legend and Teyana sound great together. Hopefully, we will hear more soulful duets from these two artists. [Listen Here]
12. ‘Don’t Like (Remix)’ (Feat. Pusha T, Kanye West, Big Sean, Chief Keef and Jadakiss)
The album ends with a “bang-bang” — a remix of Chicago spitfire Chief Keef’s ‘I Don’t Like.’ The sextet of rappers each offer a laundry list of things that they don’t including, two-faced n—as, copycats, snitches, clingy b—-es and fake Gucci. “They ain’t about that life, they ain’t about that life / We hanging out that window it’s about to be a Suge night,” raps Kanye. [Listen Here]
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