Lancecastor
Lit's Most Beloved Poster
- Joined
- May 14, 2002
- Posts
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1. Castor Beans
Gardeners should consider planting castor beans for more than just the beauty of the plant. Its tropical foliage tinged in red is bold and attractive; its silhouettes against a window at night can be very exotic.
Castor beans are not for everyone: the seeds are poisonous and should not be planted where children play unless each seed pod is pinched out before the seeds develop. And the seed and foliage can also cause severe contact allergies for some people.
Castor beans are grown commercially for its seeds and its oil, which is used in laxative and many cosmetics.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/county/smith/tips/flowers/castorbeans.html
2. Britain Finds Poison, Holds Suspects
LONDON, Jan. 7 -- The men, who have not been identified by name, are being held without charge under Britain's broad anti-terrorism laws.
Nonetheless, officials described the arrests as potentially one of the most serious developments in terrorism in Britain since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
In a speech after the arrests were announced, Prime Minister Tony Blair said they showed that "this danger is present and real and with us now, and its potential is huge."
Ricin (pronounced RICE-in) is a colorless, odorless substance that can be readily distilled in small quantities from castor beans, health authorities said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27814-2003Jan8.html
Gardeners should consider planting castor beans for more than just the beauty of the plant. Its tropical foliage tinged in red is bold and attractive; its silhouettes against a window at night can be very exotic.
Castor beans are not for everyone: the seeds are poisonous and should not be planted where children play unless each seed pod is pinched out before the seeds develop. And the seed and foliage can also cause severe contact allergies for some people.
Castor beans are grown commercially for its seeds and its oil, which is used in laxative and many cosmetics.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/county/smith/tips/flowers/castorbeans.html
2. Britain Finds Poison, Holds Suspects
LONDON, Jan. 7 -- The men, who have not been identified by name, are being held without charge under Britain's broad anti-terrorism laws.
Nonetheless, officials described the arrests as potentially one of the most serious developments in terrorism in Britain since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
In a speech after the arrests were announced, Prime Minister Tony Blair said they showed that "this danger is present and real and with us now, and its potential is huge."
Ricin (pronounced RICE-in) is a colorless, odorless substance that can be readily distilled in small quantities from castor beans, health authorities said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27814-2003Jan8.html
