![]() High Absorption Magnesium (100 mg elemental) 10 Tablets $1.99 High Absorption Magnesium with BioPerine 10 Tabs Science-based nutrition Dietary supplement Supports the heart, nervous system and cellular energy High Absorption Magnesium contains elemental magnesium chelated with the amino acids glycine and lysine. As an essential dietary mineral, magnesium plays many important roles which include: helping cells produce metabolic energy, supporting optimum nerve function, helping muscles relax properly and maintaining a healthy heartbeat. Glycine has been shown to be an efficient carrier for minerals that facilitate absorption in the intestinal tract. Glycine is used by the body to form collagen, a key protein in cartilage and connective tissue. Lysine is an essential amino acid that assists gastric function. BioPerine¢ī is a patented herbal extract that enhances nutrient absorption. ![]() Reckless Indifference $19.95 I was totally unfamiliar with the case the documentary RECKLESS INDIFFERENCE was based on until viewing the film. Briefly stated on a warm spring day in upscale Agoura Hills, CA (an "idyllic" suburb about fifty miles from LA) five aimless white middle class boys between the ages of fifteen and eighteen were getting drunk and apparently looking for a little excitement. The boldest of them (Jason) stole a billfold from a parked car. The billfold's owner later chased and confronted the boys. The group then decided to call on the neighborhood drug dealer, Mike, (a 16 year old who did his business from a homemade "fort" in his parent's backyard) to score some weed. It is still a matter of controversy as to whether they planned to buy, steal or just be given the marijuana. At any rate when they arrived the dealer was standing in the yard with his friend, Jimmy, who was also sometimes known as his "bodyguard". A fist fight lasting about sixty seconds ensued between at least some of the seven boys and Jason pulled a folding pocket knife out and stabbed the drug dealer and his bodyguard. The other five boys took off in their truck and Jason confessed to the boys then that he had stabbed the other young men. Wounded Jimmy and Mike ran in to Mike's parent's house where Mike's mother, a teacher, was grading papers. She immediately called for help. Though Jimmy's two wounds looked superficial tragically one of them had pierced his heart and he died. The drug dealer, Mike, made a full recovery from his wounds. Unfortunately for the other five boys, Jimmy's, father was a LA homicide detective who with his wife wanted the fullest vengeance for their son's death. And vengeance they got as four of the boys received life without possibility of parole even though only one even had a knife. As for the other three one never left the doorway, one was only fifteen years old and the other, Brandon, was apparently too drunk to know clearly what was going on but they all received the same life sentence as the actual stabber. The driver who never even left the truck also received a prison sentence though fortunately for him he only had to serve about five years. The movie focuses mostly on Brandon, who is probably the most attractive, articulate and sympathetic of the convicted boys though all of the young men receive some attention. The judge, prosecutors and the LA Sherriff's Department showed unbelievable prejudice against the defendants and equally unbelievable favoritism to the dead boy's father rather obviously because of his status as an LAPD detective. Many members of the community were also outraged by the incident that had happened in their supposedly "safe" community and wanted the boys (who the prosecution described as "gang" members) locked up before there was a drop in real estate prices. And they are still locked up though Brandon's sentence has now been commuted to include possibility of parole so he may be out not too long after he turns forty. The movie does a good job getting its points across but is far from perfect. The director includes some reenactments of the major happenings that seem "cheesy" and the overly dramatic background music is overused. Still this is a fascinating and sobering film . ![]() Issues on Trial - Civil Liberties and War $26.20 During times of national crisis, the civil liberties of Americans are frequently abridged. This anthology examines four cases in which the Court considered whether the government?s need to maintain order and safety may trump citizens' rights to due process, free speech, and a free press. |
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