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The substance that triggers this state of feline ecstasy is called nepetalactone, a type of chemical called a terpene. This simple, small molecule is part of an unusual chain of events, not previously seen by chemists. The researchers believe that understanding the production of these nepetalactones could help them recreate the way that plants synthesise other chemicals like vinblastine, which is used for chemotherapy. This could lead to the ability to create these useful medicines more efficiently and quickly than we are currently able to harvest them from nature. Usually in plants, for example peppermint, terpenes are formed by a...

Donald J. Trump on Tuesday defended his call to block all Muslims from entering the United States, casting it as a temporary move in response to Islamic State terrorism, and invoking President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s actions toward Japanese, German and Italian aliens during World War II as precedent. Mr. Trump, who is handily leading the Republican presidential field in almost every poll nationally and in primary states, spoke in a string of interviews with television morning show hosts, as Democrats fumed over his proposal and Republican reactions ranged from outraged to tepid. (snip) In a tense exchange with Joe Scarborough...

<p>CARSON CITY, Nev. — Pets might soon be able to use pot under a bill introduced Tuesday in the Nevada Legislature.</p>

Cats On Drugs (catnip)

Ire of the tiger! Stunning pictures capture bloodied beasts slashing each other with their claws in dramatic battle over territory • Dramatic battle caught on camera in the Londolozi private game reserve in Pretoria, South Africa • The clash erupted after one of the tigers delivered a vicious blow to the neck of its rival • After 45 minutes of bloody battle the larger tiger was deemed the winner This is the incredible moment a pair of bloodied tigers slashed each other with their claws in a dramatic fight over territory. The dramatic battle was caught on camera at the...

Everyone has a weakness. For me, it’s salted caramel ice cream. For my dog, Lulu, it’s expensive shoes. For most cats, it’s catnip. Here are five things every cat lover should know about this mysterious product that drives cats batty.   1. Catnip is an actual plant. A member of the mint family, Nepeta cataria L. (aka catnip) grows throughout the United States. The plant features small, lavender flowers and jagged, heart-shaped leaves that smell faintly of mint.   2. It’s easy to grow. Cat lovers who possess a green thumb can grow catnip from seed after the last hard...

A woman tourist from Britain in a South African game park was mauled by two cheetahs in a horrific attack. Violet D'Mello was petting the "tame" cats in the petting area of Kragga Kamma Game Park with other tourists when they began attacking an eight-year-old girl. The woman watched in horror as they clawed and bit her leg ... Suddenly, the cheetahs left the girl and began eyeing the little girl's seven-year-old brother who was trying to flee. Just as D'Mello tried to intervene, the two animals turned their attention to her.

South Africa: Man Photographs Cheetahs Attacking Wife The photos taken by a tourist from Scotland show his wife on the ground, hair flying, blood on her neck, with two cheetahs nearby (Violet D'Mello poses with a cheetah while being photographed by her husband Archibald during a visit to Kragga Kamma game reserve near Port Elizabeth, South Africa.) JOHANNESBURG — The photos taken by a tourist from Scotland show his wife on the ground, hair flying, blood on her neck, with two cheetahs nearby. The Port Elizabeth Herald reported Friday that Violet D'Mello of Aberdeen, Scotland, was attacked by cheetahs on...

Diane Feinstein (Chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee) was interviewed by John King. If you want to witness an exposition of deceit and ignorance watch that interview. Her claim that there were guns near the doorway and Bin Laden was shot because he may have gone for them is nothing but a lie. She went on to claim great care was taken to avoid collateral damage is absolutely ludicrous. No guns were found in that compound, the sad fact is we killed four unarmed people, wounded a woman, and shot Bin Laden in his pajamas (possibly still in bed). God...

We bought some cat toys and Horus is less than impressed. Clearly, little balls with feathers and the fishing pole with dangly stuff are below his pay grade, not to mention beneath his dignity. I bought some catnip spray, and that doesn’t seem to catch the fancy of any of the cats. (Is it possible to have catnip-proof felines?) Tiger and Tobie, however, are having a ball with the fishing pole toy, so it was a good buy. We’ll try again with some real catnip this weekend.

June 21, 2008 Over the past several days, I have gone through several emotions, confusion, disgust, disappointment, and finally anger. At first my confusion and disgust were aimed at the arrogance of our State Legislature. Now, I find anger has overtaken my disappointment for my Governor, Bobby Jindal. My anger also extends to the national media, which includes the press and conservative radio talk show host that have long touted the “savior of the Republican party’s future.” Since Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana has made the national news and exposed the corrupt and inept leadership in Baton Rouge. The impression the rest...

can we really be proud of this country that kills 1.3 million of its most innocent citizens every year through abortion ?

I have a friend of mine who loves political boards. He happens to be a liberal and I have noticed this site is fairly conservative from my month of posting on this board. Is it okay if he posts here?

Post the latest OUTRAGEOUS things being done against God and Christmas ther you hear of here... A Kid was SUSPENDED indefintley from his school for saying God Bless, in his morning announcments. A Teacher was fined for refusing to take down a banner that Read Merry Christmas...yet the jewish teacher next to her had a menorah

I just e-mailed Hannity to point out, someone should should tell the young people that if Kerry wins, the draft will be reinstated for sure. The majority in the military today will not re-enlist and who would want to volunteer when your Kerry is the Kommander in Chief. JMHO

Election: It's the Cat People vs. the Dog Lovers Written by Burt Prelutsky Sunday, August 15, 2004 All the pundits who are forecasting the November election, busily analyzing blue states, red states, and those all-important purple swing states, are spinning their wheels. At the risk of sounding even more presumptuous than usual, I contend that they are wasting their time and yours. If you want to know who's going to emerge victorious, all you really need to do is find out how many people have cats living with them and how many have dogs. The cat people, I have decided,...