1/13/2014::Leftover but still important

John Piper on Why Christians Must Say 'No' to Marijuana

Amid efforts being taken in many U.S. states to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, theologian John Piper offers at least two biblical reasons why Christians should stay away from the "mood-altering, mind-altering" drug.

Marijuana is often compared with caffeine, but there's a difference, says Piper on the blog on the Desiring God ministry website. While marijuana "temporarily impairs the reliable processing of surrounding reality," caffeine "ordinarily sharpens that processing."

Piper quotes from a study highlighted by the Drug Policy Alliance, a group that advocates for legalization of marijuana, which is categorized in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 as Schedule I drug along with heroin, LSD and ecstasy.

American hypnotist Scott Lewis dies in Australia balcony plunge

An American stage hypnotist in Sydney as part of a touring magic troupe died after plunging several storeys from an apartment balcony, reports said Sunday.

Scott Lewis, a hypnotist-entertainer with a long-running Las Vegas show, fell to his death from a balcony in Sydney’s Goldsbrough Mort apartment block on Friday night, according to widespread local media reports.

Lewis was visiting Australia as part of the Illusionists 2.0 magic troupe, performing at the Sydney Opera House. The venue confirmed his death in a joint statement with the production company.