A peek inside Paradise Palms, my botanical and sculpture gardens in Delray Beach…

Pinnate leaves of a betel nut palm (Areca catechu),                                                               

Also known as areca palm, Indian nut, Pinang palm, and catechu,this species of palm is believed to have originated in the Philippines. The seeds and leaves contain alkaloids such as arecaidine and arecoline, which, when chewed, are a stimulant.

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How effective are the COVID vaccines at preventing transmission of the disease? Getting a straight answer to this question is particularly important now that we know that even vaccinated people are contracting the Delta variant. In this video testimony, an expert witness tries to clear up the confusion.

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A short film I exec-produced has been accepted by the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival and the Lake County Festival in Michigan. An executive producer does nothing but sign a check. I signed this one because it wasn’t too big and because I like and believe in the guys that made the film. (There’s a business lesson in that, but it’s too obvious to explain.)

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Speaking of the way we use words as weapons…

I cannot imagine a situation in which I, as a White person, would feel justified in using the N-Word.

It is, as some point out, used commonly by Black people. But that seems perfectly reasonable. As an Irish-American with an Irish passport, I give myself permission to use derogatory words and phrases about Irish people with impunity. There is an undefined logic to it that makes sense to me.

But the N-Word? In a recent YouTube rabbit hole dive, I found this example of the only way a White person could get away with it:

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