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Skinny
Bitch
Lisa Lampanelli is hot and bothered!
ON THE COVER: Photo by Anthony Coppa
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18 Is Your Medicine Clean? You may be surprised to find out what’s on your green.
20 Banner Year 2013 may be winding down, but just look at all the research that’s been done this year!
22 A New Perspective John Huntington has been to hell and back, and he’s grateful for every moment.
26 High and Mighty CULTURE sits down with the four most influential cannabis-growers.
30 The Regal Reign Jinkx Monsoon is takin’ the country by storm.
34 Dead Like Me Misfits’ legendary rocker Doyle opens up to CULTURE.
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departments 10 Letter from the Editor
Progress is on the horizon; look up.
News Nuggets
Cannabis makes headlines here, there, everywhere—and we give you the scoop— PLUS our latest By the Numbers.
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Strain & concentrate Reviews
Our ever-popular sampling of amazing strains and concentrates currently provided by your friendly neighborhood collective.
Destination Unknown
Vietnam’s Central Highlands—the anti-tourist dream vacay.
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Profiles in Courage
Our latest feature provides insight into the life— and struggle—of a medical cannabis patient.
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Cool stuff
From ColorVue Crazy Lens contacts to The Bartender’s Toolbox, if it’s a cutting-edge product or cool lifestyle gear, we’re all over it.
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Here are the green-friendly things we saw you doing around town.
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Ready for Oktoberfest? We’ve got you covered.
De-mystifying your cannaphobia.
shooting gallery
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers to your growing concerns!
GREEN SCENE
HEALTHY LIVING
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LEGAL CORNER
Recipes
Easy and Delicious—ease into Fall with these tasty dishes and dips.
entertainment reviews
The latest films, books, music and more that define our culture—plus Kevin Longrie’s best Liner Notes Ever!
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GET YOUR CLICK HERE
letter from the editor
www.iReadCulture.com
Vol 5 IssUE 4
CULTURE Publisher
Jeremy Zachary
Look Up Finding peace in the harvest season “I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream…” –Vincent Van Gogh Looking up at the Harvest Moon, we are reminded of our delicate humanity and natural lives on this planet. It is the season for harvesting, and for reaping the rewards of a fruitful summer. Let this month inspire you to revel in all you’ve done since the last Harvest Moon. Take in all the accomplishments you’ve done, all the growth you have had. Now, take a deep breath and feel satisfied by all this. You deserve it. As a community, we deserve to feel pride—just look at the headway we’ve made over this last summer season. The federal government is growing, getting smarter and more considerate, in regards to our rights for natural relief with cannabis. Larger groups of conservatives are joining the—once thought of as edgy—fight for our freedoms, and the world as a whole is starting to see the cannabis reforms as a beneficial and stimulating action for our society and economy. In the days of alcohol prohibition, back in the early 1900s, the issue was a hotly debated topic, and went back and forth with the government and the citizens for over ten years. The lack of a solid popular consensus for the alcohol ban resulted in the growth of many criminal organizations, including mobs, gangs and mafias. Because of the disapproval by many, of this prohibition, disregard for laws went widespread, and created a chasm between the government, law officials and the citizens. Alcohol prohibition didn’t last long. We are at a crossroads now, with cannabis prohibition, and the solutions are naturally taking shape right before our eyes. In the depth of this recession, republicans, democrats and independents are all starting to come forward in seeing cannabis legalization as a saving grace for our economy, our health and our national community. There will be setbacks and injustices, but they are making us stronger as a community. With everyone’s efforts together, we’ll be all the better for them. Take a moment to look up at that harvest moon, and feel the progress we’ve made. It is nearly time to bask in its glow and be thankful, as we see the fruits of our labor taking shape. c
Sincerely, Evan A. Senn
Editor-In-Chief
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Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn
Arts & Entertainment Editor Ashley Bennett
Editorial Contributors
Dennis Argenzia, Ngaio Bealum, Ashley Bennett, David Burton, Grace Cayosa, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Carolina Duque, S.A. Hawkins, John Hedrick, Lillian Isley, David Jenison, Liquid Todd, Kevin Longrie, Dan Macintosh, Meital Manzuri, Bruce Margolin, Sandra Moriarty, Damian Nassiri, Arrissia Owen, Nancy Powell, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Matt Tapia, Simon Weedn
Photographers
Steve Baker, Bettina Chavez, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Amanda Holguin, Khai Le, PJ Russo
Interns
Kimberly Johnson, Derek Obregon
Art Director
Steven Myrdahl
Graphic Designers
Vidal Diaz, Tommy LaFleur
Director of Sales & Marketing Jim Saunders
Account Executives
Jon Bookatz, Kim Cook, Gene Gorelik, Justin Marsh, Beau Odom, John Parker, Dave Ruiz, Paulina Porter-Tapia, April Tygart
Office Manager Iris Norsworthy
Office Assistant Jamie Solis
Social Media Manager Jamie Solis
IT Manager
Serg Muratov
Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes 45,000 papers at over 1,200 locations throughout Southern California. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark of Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. 2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone 888.694.2046 | Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTURE® Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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Medbox founder for cannabis reform
Vincent Mehdizadeh, founder of the leading medical and retail consulting and patenting service, Medbox, has made a sizeable donation to the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) and Americans for Safe Access non-profit organization. As the only 4-star charity pursuing medical cannabis reform, the Drug Policy Alliance was an easy choice for Mehdizadeh to Long Beach is open for contribute a charitable donation, business according to The Herald. “The As of right now, there is a ban on DPA has demonstrated it is medical cannabis dispensaries in unmatched in the field when the city of Long Beach, but in an 8-0 vote, Long Beach City Council it comes to accountability and financial transparency,” said members voted in favor of drafting a new ordinance to allow Mehdizadeh. Funds donated to the DPA by Mehdizadeh will and regulate medical cannabis be used to further research the collectives. This news came health benefits of cannabis, as as a surprise because a group well as aid in advocating for battling in court to overturn the reform on medical cannabis medical cannabis ban in Long Beach was shot down by a federal and its access to seriously ill patients. Mehdizadeh hopes judge. “Our city needs the same authority as other cities and states his contribution to the ASA will to regulate this substance in plain effect similar change, noting that he applauds the ASA’s efforts in public view,” said Councilwoman “bringing a call-to-action that has Suja Lowenthal. Back in 2009, led to the momentum shift we the city’s first ordinance created now see playing out.” According a lottery system for permits and to The Herald, the ASA is the limited the number and location largest national member-based of storefront dispensaries. It was organization of patients, medical challenged by a non-permitted collective and thrown out because professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting the regulations conflicted with safe and legal access to cannabis federal law. This new ordinance for therapeutic use and research. that will be drawn up by the city attorney should have caps on the number of collectives in each district citywide and focus on zoning issues (i.e. only allowing collectives in industrial areas with proximity to schools and residences thought out). It should stand a better chance if it gets challenged in court.
THE STATE
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THE NATION Utah mom seeks cannabis for her son
Jennifer May is making headlines in Utah as she fights for the health and well-being of her 11-year-old son, who has a form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. She is to be prescribed medical cannabis to help in the reduction of seizures. After attempting over 25 different treatments for her child, May is now fighting for legislation to allow cannabis to be made available for medical use, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Medical cannabis is illegal in Utah, however May’s efforts have organized other like-minded parents to begin advocating for children suffering from epilepsy. May states that after years of being prescribed a number of prescription drugs, there are few options left for her child. She stumbled upon the cannabis trail through reading an article about Colorado’s famous child advocate, Charlotte, whose amazing progress
after using cannabis has reduced her seizures from 300 a week to just one. The Epilepsy Association of Utah supports May’s push and notes the medical value of extracting cannabidiol from the cannabis plant for people with epilepsy. In the past, Utah’s legislative heads have consistently turned down any measure to legalize medical cannabis, saying that a lack of credible research being a main reason. Currently, possession of less than an ounce of cannabis can incriminate a six month jail time and $1,000 fine. However pharmaceutical company GW is running tests on a cannabis strain that is high in cannabidiol (CBD) that can significantly help patients suffering from epilepsy.
New Jersey State Senate amends aspects of medical cannabis law
The New Jersey State Senate amended New Jersey governor Chris Christie’s recently vetoed medical cannabis law, according to The Tampa Tribune. The amended law now allows medical cannabis to be given to sick children as well as allowing farmers to grow more than three strains of medical cannabis. In the case of children, a pediatrician and psychiatrist must sign to give medical cannabis to patients. Governor Christie released a statement saying he supports
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the medical cannabis measure to include children with serious illnesses. The current measure requires a child to see a minimum of three doctors before being prescribed medical cannabis. However once the measure is passed, a child must only see one doctor to get the prescription. Governor Christie also realized the importance that certain strains of medical cannabis can be more or less effective in treating symptoms for patients. Unfortunately, New Jersey still does not allow strains high in non-psychoactive cannabinoid (CBD) and low THC to be sold or purchased.
THE WORLD Mexico City looking to end violence with cannabis legalization
Esthela Damian of the Democratic Revolution Party presented several proposals at the meeting, including an increase in the number of cannabis plants per person to three and the possibility of non-profit cannabis clubs. Even former President Vicente Fox cited the legalization of cannabis as a possible solution to end the violence. Councilman Vidal Llerenas, who is a participant in drafting the medical cannabis bill, also weighed in on the issue, praising Washington’s law that allows anyone 21 and over to own and use, as well as the recent progress in Uruguay. However, he feels that realistically, the bill “would be something like in the Netherlands where consumption and possession are not penalized.” It’s no secret that the Mexican government has faced harsh violence over recent years due to drug cartels. Councilwoman Damian however is arguing that with the proper registration and organization, private cannabis clubs are a feasible idea for the future of Mexico City.
Mexico City is currently debating legalizing medical cannabis through the creation of private clubs, according to The Huffington Post. A three-day forum was held in the capital to discuss possible solutions to the region’s drug trafficking problem. Councilwoman
by the numbers
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Amount of money, in dollars, that Vincent Mehdizadeh (company founder of Medbox) donated to cannabis reform with the Drug Policy Alliance and Americans for Safe Access: 1,000,000 (Source: The Herald)
The age, in years, of a Utah youth, whose mother is helping to launch a legislative initiative to legalize a liquid form of medical cannabis in Utah: 11 (Source: Standard-Examiner)
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Estimated number of patients that rely on any single Los Angeles collective: 28,296 (Source: East Bay Express)
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Number of dispensaries that are estimated to close under Measure D: 280 (Source: East Bay Express)
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The cost in dollars, for a tour through Jamaican cannabis farms, including samples: 50 (Source: The Associated Press)
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The percent of Americans that had tried cannabis in 1985 vs. the percent of Americans have tried cannabis today: 33 vs. 38 (Source: The Huffington Post)
The amount, in percent, that cannabis users increased— ages 50-54—since 2002: 3.8 (Source: The Huffington Post)
The number of signatures that the Long Beach Citizens’ and Patients’ Rights group submitted to try and add cannabis laws onto the ballot: 43,000 (Source: Los Angeles Times)
3
The cost, in dollars, that Uruguay plans to sell legal cannabis—per gram—to compete with black market: 2.5 (Source: The Huffington Post)
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The percent of business tax, for every $1,000, that would be charged to medical cannabis sales: 6 (Source: egpnews.com)
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The amount of CBD vs THC, in parts, that the liquid form of medical cannabis used for Dravet patients has: 15 to 1 (Source: Standard-Examiner)
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The number of states that hope to have cannabis regulations to treat cannabis like alcohol by 2017: 10 (Source: Bangor Daily News)
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The number of signatures required to get the Sensible BC Marijuana Decriminalization Referendum onto the ballot in September 2014: 400,000 (Source: cannabisculture.com)
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The number, in years, it took for American attitudes about cannabis to zigzag from the paranoia of “Reefer Madness” to the excesses of Woodstock back to the hard line of “Just Say No:” 50 (Source: The Associated Press)
Cannafest Prague 2013 We Americans are proud to see the vast improvement that our cannabis communities have experienced over the past year—and we like to show our strides to the world with annual conventions like Kush Expo and Hempfest. However nothing compares to the world’s largest, renowned, international cannabis trade show—Cannafest. In its 4th year, Cannafest takes place in beautiful Prague, in the Czech Republic. The event invites both cannabis fans as well as industry professionals to gather in support of the latest innovations and trends in the industry. A whopping 150 exhibitors hailing from 17 different countries will populate the Prague Exhibition Grounds, from the newest in fertilizing and cultivation to your favorite cannabis publications. Cannafest will also bring together leading cannabis celebrities such as Howard Marks (aka Mr. Nice) with a book signing, as well as lectures by Professor Lumír Hanuš and a medical cannabis expert Liana Held. Such a diverse event will be the perfect opportunity for industry’s leading media educators and legalization supporters (including CULTURE) to continue doing what they do best—spreading the word about cannabis, cannabis lifestyle and its many beneficial properties.
IF YOU GO
What: Cannafest Prague. When/Where: November 8-10. Incheba Expo Prague Holesovice, Areál Výstaviště 67, 170 00 Prague, Czech Republic. Info: Check out www. facebook.com/Cannafest or en.cannafest.cz for more info. OCTOBER 2013 • CULTURE 15
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FLASH
Safety in Numbers Getting smart on clean By Jeff Raber
T
green
here are many different aspects of medical cannabis which touch both users and non-users in a variety of ways. From which product forms are available and utilized in which areas to which variety is going to be most helpful for a particular ailment. An issue that impacts both medical cannabis consumers and non-consumers is the legal structure and laws around the regulation of the production and distribution of these medications. Recently the Federal Department of Justice released a memo describing how it shall be a low priority to pursue marijuana cultivators and providers who are operating pursuant to state laws and are operating within a set of comprehensive regulations that both prevents problems and meets federal standards for the protection of public health. Unfortunately, California has not formally established a well-defined, clear and easily interpretable set of laws and regulations that will provide a bright line of understanding to both law 18 CULTURE • OCTOBER 2013
enforcement and the cannabis community. Many different individuals would like to help provide medications to ailing patients. Combined these operators, their patients, law enforcement and the general community need to all clearly be able to understand the methods and procedures by which the cannabis supply chain is allowed to operate. California dispensaries will finally stop getting raided by the federal authorities only once the state implements and enforces a strong and robust regulatory scheme for the distribution of medical cannabis. Unfortunately, our law makers are failing us again, in that regard. As we have written previously about the potential for considerable exposure of pesticides via inhalation, where almost 70 percent of the pesticide present on the plant material could be exposed to a user’s lungs, the cannabis community has become quite concerned about pesticides being present in our medicine. Our lab currently has observed that more than 10
percent of the samples tested have failed our pesticide screen. We’ve sampled in some smaller areas that have resulted in almost 30 percent of the samples being contaminated with a pesticide in our screen. To better understand what a patient might access throughout California 15 different flower samples were collected anonymously from a large variety of sources. These samples ranged in THC content from 10-23 percent, with many of them reaching 19 percent or over. Of these particular samples six percent failed our pesticide screen. This corroborates an existing hypothesis that 10 percent of the overall samples being contaminated with pesticides as concentrates and waxes are observed at a higher rate of failure than flowers. With some areas’ current position of “no pesticides being currently allowed for use on cannabis,” we have adopted a sensitive and broad-based screening methodology. We look for 30 different pesticides and chemical residues at levels that have been calculated based on current EPA allowable daily intake limits for use on other ingestible products. The two most prevalent chemicals we find are the plant growth regulator paclobutrazol and the pyrethoid insecticide bifenthrin. It is important to note that a pesticide pass or failure is only indicative of the pesticides looked for by the laboratory using that particular methodology. Considering one in 10 products a patient acquires from a dispensary will contain a pesticide or plant growth regulator, it is imperative that patients start seeking safety tested medications. Producers and providers need to remember they have a responsibility to everyone who may potentially consume their medicine. It is only right to ensure all of our medicine is clean and free of contaminants, and as a community we can demand that it is done properly. c
You are what you eat The July deaths of 23 Indian children from what authorities are calling pesticide-tainted school lunches have raised questions about insectkilling chemicals used overseas and at home. The children died after eating a free meal of rice, potatoes and soy. It was thought to contain an organophosphate insecticide, according to an official involved with the ongoing investigation. Investigators found a container of pesticide in the school’s cooking area, according to The Associated Press, and said the rice might have been tainted and improperly washed. A cook said oil used to prepare the meal looked unusual, but that she was told by the principal to use it anyway. Organophosphates are used widely around the world and are the most common pesticide in the U.S., with an estimated 73 million pounds of the chemical sprayed on American crops in 2001, according to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
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FLASH
BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
A barrage of scientific studies is helping wind out this year as a milestone year for medical cannabis research and accomplishments
By David Jenison
When dismissing the medicinal applications of cannabis, “Drug Czar” Gil Kerlikowske sounds like he would definitely lose to Michelle Bachmann in a science fair. It is uncertain where he gets his data, but the latest scientific research continues to see promise in cannabis treatments for chronic pain, HIV, diabetes and cancer. Below are findings published this year that make 2013 look like another breakthrough year for MMJ legitimacy. Preliminary research published in The Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that the cannabis compound THC appears to limit HIV infection in the white blood cells associated with immune response. The American Journal of Medicine published a Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center study that suggests cannabis may help control blood sugar, improve sensitivity to insulin and help fight type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the Sydney-based Neuroscience Research Australia found early evidence that the cannabis compound cannabidiol may reverse certain symptoms of dementia, notably Alzheimer’s disease. A placebo-controlled study published in the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journal found that an eight-week treatment plan using cannabis sativa produced significant benefits to patients with Crohn’s disease. The American Urological Association presented findings from a Kaiser Permanente Medical Center study that suggests cannabis use may significantly reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer. The findings of a 13-year study introduced by the American Association of Cancer Research and published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society concluded that cannabis use does not increase the risk of lung cancer, backing up 2012 findings by the Journal of the American Medical Association. The University College London conducted a double-blind study published in the Addictive Behaviors Journal that found cannabidiol significantly reduces cravings for tobacco cigarettes.
A University of California Davis Medical Center study published in The Journal of Pain determined that vaporized cannabis helps treat neuropathic pain in patients who experience limited relief from traditional medications. The Journal of Pain also published a study that found 71 percent of cannabis-using patients experienced “empirically demonstrable and statistically significant” pain relief. A research poll published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 76 percent of physicians would prescribe medical cannabis to treat pain in cancer patients. The U.S. Government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded a New York University School of Medicine study that found cannabinoids might be one of the most effective treatments for the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The journals Behavioural Brain Research and Experimental Brain Research published research that suggests cannabis use may assist in fighting brain damage. A University of Kentucky study found that cannabis appears to reduce emotional pain related to social exclusion and may improve depression and self-esteem issues. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) issued a comprehensive report showing how countries that decriminalized cannabis experienced significant reductions in youth usage rates. A University of British Colombia study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy concluded that children in cannabis-grow settings demonstrate no health differences than children in traditional settings.
“Scientific research clearly demonstrates that cannabis has medical benefits for many people, and polls show that the majority of voters want this option to be available for patients who need it,” comments Tom Angell, chairman of the Cannabis Majority organization. “Now we just need more politicians to get on the side of science and the people they are supposed to represent.” 20 CULTURE • OCTOBER 2013
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BUZZ
Transform | Transcend By David Jenison
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hat happens in Vegas might stay in Vegas, but that is not always true for the people who make these things happen. John Huntington is the Sin City icon behind the Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company (of A&E’s Inked fame) and party events like Club Rubber, the Pimp ‘N Ho Ball and the Summer of Love pool parties. Not even the economic downturn could stop him, but something else did, and it changed his life. “I was in Wyoming doing a DJ gig, and I started getting sick to my stomach, so I went to my doctor back in California,” says Huntington by phone from the Thai island of Koh Tao. “I had Minimal Change Disorder, which is when the walls of your kidneys flare out and you can no longer hold water. I was supposed to be in the hospital for a few days, but it turned into two and a half months. My body had turned against itself and blew out my kidneys. They had me on the oncology floor with all the cancer patients literally waiting for me to die. I am one of the few people who 22 CULTURE • OCTOBER 2013
John Huntington
survived this, and I reevaluated what I was doing with my life.” Huntington faced his own mortality paying the price for years of partying and stress. Many years earlier, the California native worked at Club Med in Mexico and at a trance club in Holland, and in 1997, he used this experience to launch Club Rubber in So Cal. As the immensely popular club night expanded
to other venues, Huntington introduced what became his premiere event, Pimp ‘N Ho, where attendees dressed as pimps and prostitutes. The following year, he took the event to the Rio Hotel, one of the only Vegas casinos with a nightclub. Huntington’s Pimp ‘N Ho craze sold out the 10,000-person arena at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. This got the attention of the casino execs and helped ignite the party culture the city enjoys today. Huntington became a Vegas celebrity, but it
nearly cost him his soul. “You never know how much you want to live until you almost die,” he explains. “I have always been a swimmer, surfer, lifeguard and water polo player, and I decided to go back to being a waterman. I literally sold everything. I kept my tour bus, two surfboards and a spear gun. I dumped all my material binds. I wanted to live free again.” “I am now a fulltime instructor with Big Blue Diving,” he exclaims. “Koh Tao is 12 square kilometers with 54 dive schools, and we certify over half of the world’s international divers. It is a diving hub. I love my job, and I love paying forward the knowledge I have learned.” The experience has been transformative. While he believes his partypromoting days are behind him, he does have some big ideas for Big Blue Diving. “I am starting to work with them on merchandizing and getting into the TV game,” he explains. “My agency says there are a few networks interested in a show about changing my life and how anyone can do it [with a backdrop featuring] the dive industry, hot chicks in bikinis, partying and a beautiful island. [Wanting to do a show] is not about money. There is a story to be told. You can go from owning everything in Vegas to cutting it and living on an island or anywhere you want. If you are truly diligent, anything in life is possible.” c
A Reason to Believe
While the lifestyle change improved his health, Huntington notes that medical marijuana also played a role in his recovery. “I was sick to my stomach and couldn’t stop throwing up,” he explains. “A buddy snuck some oil [into the hospital], and it totally changed everything. It gave me my appetite back, stopped the stomach sickness and got me sleeping comfortably again. I didn’t know much about it medically until I was in the hospital. I am a huge believer now.” Healthy once again, Huntington pursues a Buddhist way of life and passionately references The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, a book about a high-powered New York attorney who sold everything and moved to Thailand to become a monk.
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BUZZ
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Over the last few decades, growing cannabis as well as publishing cannabis books was more than illegal, it was a borderline revolutionary act—tantamount to creating the Anarchist Cookbook. But over the last 15 years, mainstream America has veered toward embracing cannabis cultivation’s visionaries. Below, CULTURE chats with some of the growing industry’s biggest names and revels in their innovation and determination.
DJ SHORT Celebrity grower DJ Short has made himself a household name with Blueberry and Flo, two iconic strains that have led to endless crosses including industry blockbuster Blue Dream. What was the first cannabis plant you grew? DJ Short: Seeded Hawaiian. I put a whole bud with probably 10 or 15 seeds in it in a little sprout dome that came in a box of breakfast cereal. They all just sort of sprouted and off they went. Didn’t know about budding, didn’t know about flowering, just grew these bigass plants. You said you gave away your trade secret Blueberry? DJ Short: Ya, and Flo. I open sourced it . . . In 1982, I knew the value of my seed collection. And I told my mother in the mid ‘80s, ‘Mom, I’m gonna be famous from this.’ Do people recognize you in the grocery store? DJ Short: Sometimes . . . I don’t promote me. I love being able to walk into a dispensary and have nobody know who I am.
DANNY DANKO Russia-born senior cultivation editor of High Times Danny Danko is the author of numerous bestselling books and host of the Free Cannabis podcast. Tell me about growing ganja in New York City for the last 18 years. Danko: Growing in a city like New York is not easy. You don’t want anyone to know what you’re doing because you’re basically prey to people who want to rob you. I mean you can have all the odor control in the world, but when it’s harvest time and you’re trimming five pounds of cannabis, it’s gonna smell, people are going to notice. So it’s difficult, but it wasn’t impossible. A lot of growers are worried about what legalization is going to do to the price of cannabis. Danko: I do think prohibition is doomed and I think the price of cannabis is going to plummet. It’s gonna cost pennies on the dollar, comparatively. We’ve already seen it in Colorado. And pretty soon it’ll be between $50 and $100 per ounce tops. How did you get the High Times gig? Danko: I started out just trying to get my foot in the door any way possible. I answered telephones and broke down boxes . . . When the cultivation reporter position opened up; it was a pretty natural fit.
The Blueberry strain is without a doubt one of the most popular cannabis hybrids available in seed form today. The history of the strain takes us back to the West Coast in the 1970s, where DJ Short was working on a multitude of exotic hybrids and growing experiments from places like Colombia, Panama, Mexico and Thailand. Short applied his talented green thumb to breeding and created new floral lines using three exotic plants he had discovered. Soon enough he established his two best known strains; namely Blueberry and Flo. Short created the Blueberry by crossing the earlier lines to Juicy Fruit/ Afghani plant hybrids. This means that there is a little of two sativa mothers in the Blueberry. Short, himself, explained that some traits were more accessible through the Purple Thai, while others could be found by further crossing the plant to the Juicy Fruit Thai hybrid. The Original Blueberry was bred towards an indica expression although a more sativa dominant plant was also worked on and later refined into what we today know as the Blueberry Sativa.
ED ROSENTHAL Ed Rosenthal was born in the Bronx, New York in 1944, and after starting High Times magazine with Tom Forcade in ‘74, became a household name as a cannabis cultivator/educator, releasing what many have called the cannabis growing bible, Ed Rosenthal’s Cannabis Growing Handbook. Looking back on your career, what do you attribute your success to? Rosenthal: There are several things. I like telling people what to do. I have a lot of tenacity. I was also too dumb to realize what dangerous situations I’ve put myself in all my life by being open and available. Other people might have thought about the riskreward ratio in a different way, and I don’t scare easily. And I think I just give good advice because people keep buying my books. Also, there hasn’t been a lot of real meaningful competition. All these other writers who wrote for High Times went on to bigger and better writing careers. I guess I was too dumb to get out of it. It seems like a real revolutionary act to author these books back then. Rosenthal: I was in the Yippies and we moved from the Vietnam War to drug laws. When did you first cultivate cannabis? Rosenthal: ‘66, something like that. I lived in a big old apartment in New York that was limited to 320 watts. We were actually smoking leaves all the time. How does it feel to have been right all these years? Rosenthal: It’s not just me and it’s not just this issue. Everything the hippies stood for—issues of war and peace, the environment, food, civil rights—is coming to pass whether people like it or not. That’s the way it is.
JORGE CERVANTES George Van Patten “Jorge Cervantes” was born in Ontario, Oregon in 1953. His early love of plants led to a career as a cannabis grower and writer wherein he covered cultivation for High Times for 10 years and wrote what many consider the growing bible, Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower’s Bible, which has been translated into six languages. You were a newspaper boy, and then a photographer and press operator, how did exposure to the media world affect your life? Cervantes: It helped immensely in my career because I understood how everything worked. I started self-publishing right at the beginning of the desktop publishing revolution. What was your first exposure to cannabis? Cervantes: Probably the movie Easy Rider when they all got stoned one night. My friend and I bought an ounce of Mexican dirt cannabis and four of us went in my car and we smoked it in my dad’s tobacco pipe. When did you first plant cannabis? Cervantes: In Mexico in ‘76. I just grew a little bit outdoors. It was no big deal then. Nobody cared so much. How does it feel to have been right about legalization? Cervantes: Vindicating. 100 percent. I had family members feel sorry for me and call me a criminal, that was the worst feeling. Now it’s much better and I’ve seen people back up and pretend they didn’t think that. What three traits were essential to your success? Cervantes: Always be true to yourself. Always. Trust yourself. Don’t give up. No matter what anybody says, they’re not talking about you, they’re talking about themselves. And work hard, because that’s the way it is. You get very little in the world because of luck. c
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BUZZ
You are a beautiful woman and man. What is your earliest memory of identifying as feminine? When I was a kid, as early as five years old, I used to wrap myself in a knitted afghan whenever I was at home, to look like Morticia Addams. There are actually numerous family photos with me in my DIY gown. Growing up and pursuing your career in theatre, was there a moment when you could have given up and gone a different path? If so, what made you stay on the path you are on now? When I was deciding on a college, I had to answer this question: Do I go to theater school and concentrate on spending my life as a performer/ actor; or, do I go to a liberal arts college to have a more reliable career focused on stability rather than passion? There wasn’t much money for me to go to college, so there was a touch of pressure on me to make the “responsible, right” choice . . . Ultimately, I decided to go for what I was passionate about, but my Plan B was to study English and become a teacher. Honors English was one of my favorite subjects in school, especially when we were studying Shakespeare. So, that’s where I’d be today if I weren’t doing this.
It’s
Monsoon Season! Jinkx Monsoon Queen
Rules Right
By Joy Shannon Who would have guessed that the narcoleptic, underdog, dark horse of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5—Jinkx Monsoon—would have won the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar!” Currently performing on Broadway in The Vaudevillians to excellent reviews, Jinkx has already used her drag superstardom to keep moving forward in the direction of her dreams. The Huffington Post recently reviewed Jinkx as a “real star” who is “show[ing] off talent that was only glimpsed at on Drag Race.” Jinkx first stole fans’ hearts early on during RuPaul’s Drag Race when she impeccably and hilariously portrayed the cult classic character Little Edie from the documentary Grey Gardens. During the show’s season, Jinkx weathered criticisms from the judges and her fellow drag queens—especially the pageant-oriented queens—for her quirky take on fashion. Jinkx’s memorable looks have always leaned toward vintage-inspired and character-driven, rather than high-fashion runway. When Jinkx accepted her crown as “America’s New Drag Superstar,” she declared that she would be an activist for marriage equality, which has proven to be an eventful fight across the country this past year. Jinkx recently spoke to CULTURE about everything about her childhood, the choices that led her to theatre and her medical cannabis use.
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Your mantra of “water off a ducks back” has become a charming catch phrase, yet it is also a meaningful mantra. When did you first start using this mantra? My drag sister Robbie said it to me when I first started working a lot in Seattle, and I faced a lot of criticism from other queens in the area who, for whatever reason, were extremely competitive and critical of me. Robbie said, “Whatever, it’s just water off a duck’s back.” That mantra (which helped me through the rougher parts of RuPaul’s Drag Race) means that I take in notes and critiques, learn what I can from them by separating my emotion from the notes, and let go of any negativity I sense and take the good from all of what I get. I always try to remember, it’s not about me, it’s about the work. At the end of your career, what would you like to have accomplished? I hope I will be recognized as a true artist in my field, and I hope I will leave a positive and substantial impact on my community. What are your thoughts about medicinal cannabis legalization in the US? I honestly think it’s silly that alcohol is legal and cannabis isn’t. As one who uses medicinal cannabis for my narcolepsy, I can tell you that, when I’m drunk, I act coo-coo banana crackers. But when I’ve smoked, I’m still me . . . just relaxed. Alcohol is, to me, much more destructive, and cannabis is much more therapeutic. And that’s what I think about that. c
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tu n es
www.officialdoyle.com
Misfit Adventures Infamous
Doyle gets down and dirty with CULTURE
By Alex Distefano
T
he Misfits are a world renowned punk rock band with a cult-like following, that was formed in 1977 by bass player Jerry Only and singer Glenn Danzig. At the forefront of the horror punk movement and even foreshadowing a dark, monster-obsessed form of rock which would inspire many metal musicians, guitarist and brother of Jerry Only, Doyle joined the band at age 15 in the early ‘80s and has since been responsible for some of the most iconic guitar playing, on some of the Misfits classic material. With his signature corpse paint, Devils-lock and an arsenal of guitar riffs, Doyle is respected for his innovative, explosive mix of death punk rock-n-roll with the Misfits and his solo music, with the initial band Gorgeous Frankenstein and currently with his new musical project, simply titled Doyle. Doyle took time to speak with Culture recently, just
before his performance with Danzig as part of the special Danzig 25th Anniversary tour last month. This particular show was extra special; it was the very last concert to ever have occured at the legendary Gibson Amphitheater in Southern California. The venue will be converted to a new Harry Potter attraction in the near future. In terms of his newly anticipated solo album, entitled Abominator, Doyle said that he is on fire and very eager to share his music and tour to support the record. “The new album’s ready. It was out digitally, but comes out physically at the end of October,” Doyle said. “We’re all ready to go. I can’t wait.” Doyle said this project, which is a slab of punk and metal fury for fans of Misfits and Danzig, has been in the works for several years and aside from the album, Abominator, even more music is on the way. “We started writing in 2008, we had enough for two and
a half records,” he told Culture. “We recorded it all ourselves. The second one is almost finished, it will be out in the near future.” Although one might imagine that every day is Halloween for Doyle, he admits that he doesn’t always get the chance to celebrate it with his family. “Usually, on Halloween we’re on tour and I’m at a show working,” he said. “I wish I could at least take my kids trick or treating, that would be fun.” Among Doyle’s other ventures
include a non musical endeavor that is like a fiery assault on your taste buds. Doyle has his own brand of bottled hot sauce, known as Made In Hell. He told Culture that his secret is in adding nonconventional ingredients. “I tasted the [original recipe] and decided to add some spices I like,” he said. “I like spicy food and think it’s good, I hope people like it, I have a new one coming out soon as well, and that will be even hotter.” c
Health and Wellness Although Misfits is not known for being lumped in with the “stoner crowd,” Doyle said that he ultimately supports the freedom of people to use cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes. The band was formed in the late ‘70s, in New Jersey, a state that now joins many other states in the country with similar laws regarding cannabis, with laws being passed in 2010. Doyle focuses his lifestyle on music, family and keeping physically fit. Doyle said that keeping in shape is the only way to live a lifestyle of live shows and constant touring. With his amazing physique, he insists he could do better. “I have been working out for 38 years man I should be looking a lot better than I do,” he said.
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The tables have been turned for the zookeeper! How does it feel to be gawked at by hundreds of primates while you’re stuck in a cage? Wear this costume anywhere and it’s sure to make everyone go bananas. ($199.99) www.costumesupercenter.com
When you and your honey show up to this year’s Halloween party, you’ll surely make some mouths water. Being this classic breakfast duo will show that you really are the perfect pair. ($30-$60) www.orientaltrading.com
This cub is not a cowardly lion—this little jungle cat is nothing but cute, cuddly and looking for candy. Sure to be the mane event while you’re out treat-ortreating, this costume is available in sizes for infants and toddlers. Make sure your little one will spend this holiday as king or queen of the jungle. ($49.99) www.buycostumes.com
Celebrate two holidays with one costume—this Dia de los Muertos sugar skull dress and tights make you look undead, complete with an adorable skeleton motif. Rock this costume, and you’re looking sexy and cute without giving it all away for free. ($49.99) www.halloweenexpress.com
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strain, edible & concentrate reviews
Grease OG No doubt, Grease OG is the word. It’s got groove. It’s got meaning. A pure indica powerflower from Kush Collective in Los Angeles, this frosty strain is pale olive at the edges and dark to the point of mahogany everywhere else. It has an intensely lemon flavor and taste that magically changes to smooth sweet vanilla upon exhaling. The stone comes at you in waves, starting first with the head and working its way down. Once its full-body stone is complete, it takes the pressure and throws it away—conventionality belongs to yesterday. Perhaps Grease OG’s most pleasing quality is the lingering nature of its high—four hours after sampling it, you’ll still feel the pain-relieving numbness in your bones. That is, of course, if you can stay awake that long, because another quality to this versatile variety is the sedative nature—it’s an excellent prescription for treating insomnia, stress and anxiety attacks. Patients afflicted with muscle spasms, sciatica or torn ligaments will love its deep-seated pain relief. If you’ve got the time, Grease OG is the motion.
Lemon OG Shatter A hybrid concentrate from Varieties for Life in North Hollywood, Lemon OG Shatter gets high, high marks for truth in advertising. It’s lemony in flavor and aftertaste, and looks for all to see like a melted lemon cough drop. Its effect is OG to the max—you’ll feel that unmistakably kush anesthetic effect the moment you exhale. And, unlike so many, too many other wax concentrates out there passing themselves off as shatters, Lemon OG is the real deal—it’s processed so cleanly and professionally that you’ll wonder if Heisenberg was behind it. The high starts in the head and stays for there for a good 15 or so minutes before cocooning the rest of your body in its soothing warmth. A single dab no larger than a pencil tip produced a four-hour buzz for this reviewer. The cough-free smoothness of the vapor and the intensity of the pain-relief make it a good palliative for patients with respiratory illnesses or dealing with the nausea and appetite loss from chemo.
Mars OG We’ve tried Mars OG before in concentrate form and found it amazingly potent. Now, after sampling the flower of this 100-percent indica, we can see why. Mars OG is the drama queen of the cannabis world—its dusky green and blood-orange colors are bold, its skunky bouquet and aroma complex and shockingly intense, and its buzz almost overwhelming out the gate. If you like your flowers stony —like Jeff Spicolli’s shoe to the face intoxicated—this one’s for you. Mars OG is best at night, and the effects are extremely strong, even after just three hits. As such, Mars OG—from Apothecary 420 in Sherman Oaks—is what you want to keep on the high shelf, next to the big guns, for treating such serious ailments as cancer, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.
Gold Coast Candy OG If we had to name one cannabis variety ideally suited for medical use, Gold Coast Candy OG would be it. A genuinely sweet and mellow indica from The Loft –After Care in Woodland Hills, the strain is wonderful for newbie patients—not used to anything harsher on their lungs than a smog alert, and even better for severe pain sufferers who need their medicine strong and long-lasting. Its beautiful name is just part of its aesthetic—the heart-shaped buds are flaked throughout with gorgeous gold nugs, while the aroma is as pleasing to the nose as a bowl of Fruit Loops. We sampled Gold Coast Candy over a few nights, and the results were consistent: One hit will lift your spirits like the best of sativas, two will make your knees all indica-wobbly, and three will lay you out flat for hours. Anything more than that is just asking for trouble, so adjust your dosage as needed, friends. Gold Coast Candy OG is all-purpose medicine, great for anything from minor aches and pains to severe migraines or nausea associated with chemotherapy. Legal Disclaimer
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The publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical cannabis concentrates. The reviews listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only when medical cannabis is not a violation of state law. Please consume responsibly. Concentrates are legal and covered under Washington’s State Medical Use of Cannabis Act (Measure 692), SB 6032 and SB 5798, and are considered a form of medical V I Sbe I Ta U S AT(WRC i R69.50.204). eadCulture.com cannabis (WRC 69.50.101). Without a medical professional’s recommendation, possession of concentrates can felony
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After toiling in obscurity on the stand-up circuit for a while, Lisa Lampanelli got her big break as a complete unknown (and the only female on the stage) at a Comedy Central roast of Chevy Chase and went on to make a name for herself as an insult comic at many a roast since. But now—after weathering a bumpy ride on the Celebrity Apprentice—the self-described “Queen of Mean” is ready to leave her comfort zone and is developing a one-woman show for Broadway. On her way to NYC she’ll be bringing her act all across the country, but this time she promises a whole new experience. “I’m doing standup, but it’s a 100 percent new show from the last time I was there,” Lampanelli says. “Since then I did Celebrity Apprentice. I also did weight loss surgery and I lost 107 pounds. I got married. So a lot’s happened since the last time I was there so it’s a brand new hour and change of material. 42 CULTURE • OCTOBER 2013
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The first time I really saw you, was on Celebrity Apprentice where—I have to say—you did not appear to be having a good time. It’s harder than you’d ever think. I mean you work 20 hours a day, six days a week. You pretty much have to contend with people who are just fucking stupid and I have no patience for anything like that. It’s a really tough show. It’s really hard. I mean if you take it seriously and want to win actual money for your charity—which I did. And after putting up with all that crap, how much did you end up winning for your charity? $120,000. After I took my 15 percent cut those fags got cured of AIDS! Would you do it over again? Oh God, no. It’s too hard. I’d rather just cut a check for the $130 grand myself. Do you think it was a positive thing for your career at least, if not your sanity? Oh no, it was positive, because I just got more well-known and the whole thing in this business is to reach more and more people. So that when you do something like this Broadway show that I’m going to do next year that people go “Oh I’ve heard of her and I want to go see her!” So yeah, overall it was definitely worth it. Your upcoming Broadway show is called Skinny Bitch? That’s the working title. When does it start? We’re work-shopping it around the country now and it’s tentatively scheduled for October 2014. What are you trying to achieve with the show and where are you at right now with it? Well, about three years ago, I got really bored with stand-up and I was like, wow, I can either do something new or I could just retire. So I got this idea that I wanted to do a show about my work with myself on co-dependency and food and weight trouble and decided to develop this show with Alan Zweibel, who wrote Billy Crystal’s one-person show for Broadway, so that kind of took off and producers liked the idea. And it’s great. It’s hilarious but it’s also about very real points so it’s really worth doing. And you are working with director John Rando who has done a lot of stuff both off and on Broadway. Yeah he’s ridiculous. It’s hard for me to believe that I’m working with him. He gets it. All it requires is for somebody to get you. So how long is this show exactly? And it’s all you, right? 90 minutes. Nobody wants to see somebody standing up and just talking for more than 90 minutes. I’m sorry. I don’t care how famous you are, nobody cares. 90 minutes is the limit for anybody. How close are you to being finished? Well it’s never really finished until it hits Broadway and you do previews but it’s pretty much in the order its gonna be in. Let’s put it that way. It’s almost a ticket-ready show. And you are doing your first scripted show—for the very first time— on Broadway. You’re not starting small here. It’s going to start on Broadway first and then I’m going to tour it around the country after that. That’s pretty huge. I assume this is your first time performing on the Great White Way? Oh yeah. Definitely. I mean after that I would love to do other stuff. Like I want to do every corny old-lady part that exists. [She laughs.] But I’ll wait for that. This first. OCTOBER 2013 • CULTURE 43
I gotta give you credit here for thinking big because this seems to me like a huge project to take on. You know what . . . [The new tour will be] exciting and different. It’s really bad to do something for 20-something years and then be bored and say “I don’t know what to do” so I’m really grateful that I even thought of it.
then do it. If you are doing it for the right reasons then go ahead.
Most creative people get bored, and that isn’t such a bad thing. It forces you to get off your ass and try something you probably wouldn’t have had the guts to try when you were humming along. Yeah. Enough is enough! You need a challenge.
Do you actively participate in social media? Oh sure, sure. To promote and put jokes out there but I don’t let what anybody says on Twitter bother me anymore because if you water yourself down to try and be liked by everybody nobody is going to like you.
How did you prepare for this show? I did a summer conservatory at Yale, for drama. It was great. Seriously I didn’t know it was going to be as much work as it was because it was about 14 hours of classes a day, five days a week. It was as much work as Celebrity Apprentice was but there was a bigger payoff because I actually learned something and didn’t have to work with anybody stupid. Did you see the James Franco Roast? I loved it! As someone who got famous for doing roasts you’re the perfect judge I think. What did you think was so good about it? I don’t know. Me and Jimmy [Cannizzaro, her husband] watched it and we were like “why do we like this so much better?” It all harkened back to the Dean Martin roast where everybody was friends. That was how a roast should feel. So I thought it was ridiculously fun to watch. You kind of had a breakout moment at a roast. Oh yeah, the roasts were definitely the thing that put me on the map. And those are great but I don’t know if I really want to do them anymore but it doesn’t really matter. You did the Trump roast and you really let the bastard have it. 44 CULTURE • OCTOBER 2013
Do you partake of the medicine yourself? I was never a big drug or alcohol person—it probably would have been a lot less fattening if I was— but unfortunately I always partook of the food and the men instead.
Yeah I did Trump before Celebrity Apprentice so whether you like him or you don’t like him I think he showed a lot of balls by putting me on the show after I made fun of him. What was the first roast you did when you were the totally unknown person on the lineup? Chevy Chase was the first one. And that’s the best part of it. When nobody knows who you are nobody makes fun of you. I wasn’t even on the internet. That was my one free pass. As an unknown talent how did you even get on the bill at the Chevy Chase roast? I was a member of the Friar’s Club and they really pushed it. The Friar’s Club was the producer of the roasts back then. And they pushed Comedy Central to have me do it. And if it wasn’t for the Friar’s Club, trust me, I wouldn’t have been on that roast because Comedy Central was like “who is this?” and the Friar’s Club said “you have to do us one favor.” So luckily it went really well
and I’ve been on most of them since then. So the Friar’s Club believed in you. Yes, and they still do because they ask me to do enough free shit for them now. I’m paying for it for the rest of my life. Let’s talk about your recent controversies. You get yourself in trouble sometimes, don’t you? I wouldn’t say I’m in trouble, because I’m self-employed. I can do whatever the fuck I want. Who do I answer to? What is your position on medical cannabis? Well, since it has nothing to do with me, I really don’t care that much, because I have only been addicted to food and men. But here’s my feeling: if it helps you with something medical, then go ahead and use the fucking thing. If you have any symptoms that can be helped by medical cannabis,
When you do your stand-up, how much of your show is scripted in advance and how much of it is just made up stuff up on the spot? Well most of it starts onstage. I’ll record the show and listen to it after and punch it up if I hear a bit I like—but I would say about 90 percent of it starts on stage. 90 percent? That’s a lot! Yup. I know, but it’s more fun for me. That sounds a little scary to a guy like me who has never tried stand-up comedy before. I guess, but I think if you’re confident and funny and they’re your fans they let you kind of develop stuff. It’s always going to end up funny. I mean, funny people hardly ever say anything and don’t know how to close it so I don’t really feel like it’s that much of a risk because those people are there to see you. So after all you’ve accomplished in the last few years, what does Lisa Lampanelli still want to do? Well this whole thing at Yale this summer inspired me to do some real acting so I talked to my director and after Broadway and the tour I’m doing to do some plays—some straight up drama— some Tennessee Williams or Arthur Miller—something like that. Do you ever see yourself directing something? You never know! I love bossing people around! c V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
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destination unknown Tantalizing
By Dennis Argenzia and Edengrace Cayosa
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Tay Nguyen
Vietnam’s South Central is rich with greenery, life and unspoiled eccentricites
W
e are in a decrepit van, hurtling down open road. There are too many benches, several women vomiting into dangerously thin green plastic bags, a single aimless cockroach and a man dangling out of the open side door. Frequently, Dangly Man grabs someone outside the van, throws them inside, and vice versa, all with barely any deceleration in the van’s speed. However, the people are not angry; in fact, they pay him, as we have. We are on our way to Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This is our third trip to Vietnam, and we’ve already hit the big targets: Hanoi in the north, Ho Chi Minh in the south, Mui Ne and Nha Trang in the central coast, etc. Now, it’s time for traveler recommendations, and one traveler has said the golden words, “I heard the Central Highlands doesn’t get many foreign tourists.” Our adventure doesn’t cover all of the Central Highlands (which butts up against the borders of Laos and Cambodia), just the big three cities: Kontum, Buon Ma Thuot and Dalat. We arrive in Kontum covered in road dust and remarkably bruise-free. We are greeted by more road dust and virtually no tout. That traveler wasn’t joking: this place doesn’t get a lot of foreign tourists, probably
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because it isn’t obvious what you’re supposed to be doing here. Ah, but if you match curiosity with a hardy little motorcycle rental . . . oh the things you’ll see! Kontum is home to the Montagnards, a name that reflects Vietnam’s French Colonial past and a pretty moniker for the Degar indigenous minority group that often gets the crap end of any interaction with predominantly ethnic Vietnamese government. The Degar build distinct stilted structures called “rong” long houses, which are awesome for four reasons: 1) you have to climb up a notched tree trunk to get inside; 2) they have huge vaulted roofs; 3) they are still actively used for communal purposes; and 4) they are often locked because of too much “one-onone” use. And because the Degar are mostly Christian, you’re likely to see a cross marking the path to a “rong” long house. After a few indulgent days of off-road riding through orchards and stunning sunsets, it was time to move on, so we braved yet another exhilarating van ride to get to Buon Ma Thuot, the capital of the Central Highlands. While bigger than Kontum, Buon Ma Thuot was even less touristy, as this city gets its revenue from its famous coffee plantations, not tourism. There are package trips to Lak Lake and the Ede hill tribes outside the city, but we decided to keep it simple
and drop by the Dray Sap and Gia Long waterfalls instead. We definitely couldn’t leave Buon Ma Thuot without trying their legendary “ca phe sua da” or iced Vietnamese coffee with milk. If you like your coffee alpha strong with a diabetes-inducing amount of sugar, this stuff is instant addiction: a thick slurry of rich coffee drips into a glass cup containing ice and at least half an inch of sweetened condensed milk. Stir, sip and buzz for hours! Amped up on caffeine, we were ready for the final stop of our Central Highland trip: Dalat. Formerly a cool mountain retreat for wealthy French colonists escaping the heat and misery of Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat is still extremely popular with domestic tourists, especially couples. Here we witnessed the ultimate expression of kitschy Indochine love: plastic swan paddle boats in a man-made lake; re-imagined French gardens with topiaries shaped like teapots; a “Valley of Love” featuring giant elves-on-mushrooms. c
The Balanced Experience
The path to romance goes completely awry at the Hang Nga Crazy House. Do not visit this place if you have taken mind-altering substances. The Crazy House is what happens when an architect uses paintings instead of floor plans. It’s organic, filled with nooks, passageways and concrete animals, and a functioning guesthouse. Yet there is balance to all the bizarre—mellow cafes, fresh fruit and flower markets, scenic forest roads, Buddhist temples and serene Christian cemeteries—and balance is the secret to Dalat’s widespread appeal. We stayed for weeks. We end with a quick, disappointing green report. While marijuana is often craftily grown amidst legitimate Central Highland crops like coffee and corn, quality is generally poor. Better to spend your Vietnamese dong (ha ha) on potent coffee or a nice flavored shisha.
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profiles in courage
Are you an MMJ patient from SoCal with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.
WHY DID YOU START USING MEDICAL CANNABIS?
I had just suffered a seizure (that caused me to fall and fracture my pelvis in three places), I was supposed to take something like . . . 6-10 different medications! It just seemed to be so much! But it was all the possible side effects from chemicals I had never even heard of that I could no longer subject my body to, and medical cannabis was the perfect solution!
DID YOU TRY OTHER METHODS OR TREATMENTS BEFORE CANNABIS?
Patient: Tonya Green
AGE: Condition/ Illness: 51 years young.
Severe nerve damage to my back L-1 to L-6, also severe anxiety and severe depression due to PTSD.
Using medical cannabis since: 2010
Yes, of course I did . . . isn’t that normal? I was prescribed this, that and every other pharmaceutical for my various aches and pains. But personally, when the prescription states that it “MAY CAUSE CANCER?” Enough was enough. Yes, I tried the “other methods” prescribed and I was highly disappointed. I’ve always preferred the natural approach, chemicals are scary . . . and the “possible side effects” totally freak me out.
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE OR PROBLEM FACING MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS?
I think it is obvious to anyone concerned that the whole legality of our precious medical cannabis and our dispensaries are constantly in jeopardy. And it is upsetting in many ways. But I believe that knowledge is the key. I really believe in the many benefits of this herb which nature has given us.
WHAT DO YOU SAY TO FOLKS WHO ARE SKEPTICAL ABOUT CANNABIS AS MEDICINE? I simply say, to each his own. c
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legal corner
BY MEITAL MANZURI
The Growing
Dilemma: The Legal Gray Area for
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Growers in L.A.
ith so much talk of dispensaries and regulation thereof, the conversation in L.A. and in so many other places begs the questions: Where should the cannabis come from? And, How should it be grown? The new ordinance in Los Angeles, known as “Proposition D,” defines a medical cannabis business as any location where cannabis is cultivated for more than three (3) people. Taken literally, this would mean that under Proposition D, all large scale grow operations are illegal. This is an absurd oversight and an injustice to those that grow the medicine. My office has repeatedly asked city attorney-representatives about this issue and for clarification on how the city attorney envisions the growers and Prop D. The first response was, “I will look into it and let you know”. Over a month later and several attempts to discuss this further, there is still no comment. It seems that for the time being, the city is focused on dispensaries and ignoring the glaring questions of what a grower is to do. What is a collective to do? Under Prop D, it is legal to grow cannabis on-site. The drawbacks for that decision though are as follows: The collective is restricted as to strains and variety; several growers offer the collective and its patients options for their medication. Another downfall for growing onsite- it’s a nice big target for robbery. Finally, federal authorities seem to have a knack for busting
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dispensaries and taking their product. If this dispensary also has enough plants to cover thousands of patients, one visit from Uncle Sam would bring them to their knees. What is a grower to do in this climate? For the time being, you growers should continue to maintain a low profile and operate in the gray area as you’ve done for X amount of years. Growers should also be sure and protect themselves by following all the same guidelines as a collective under Prop D (1000 feet from schools, not in a residential zone, etc.). Furthermore, make sure your paperwork is in order. Finally, grow for a pre-ico dispensary, have a good relationship with that dispensary and
Following
the Dutch
Please note, a cautionary tale comes from Amsterdam, where officials have “looked the other way” for decades when it comes to coffee shops, but growers in The Netherlands are still at risk for their activities and can go to jail. This should be a lesson for those of us who want to see cannabis sold and regulated—we need to come up with the solution for growers as a community. Contact L.A. City Council if you’d like them to address this issue further!
also have a relationship with that dispensary’s patients. If push comes to shove, these precautions will give your lawyer a better argument in court that Prop D protects you, and you won’t be left “holding the bag.” What does the future hold for growers in L.A.? If we want to raise the legitimacy of cannabis and go forward with legalization, an amendment to Prop D and a regulatory agency is needed for this missing piece of the puzzle. Not only does the law need to evolve, but also, eventually we will need growers to come out of the shadows and claim their role in this process. Currently, growers are understandably wary of identifying themselves and their location. We will need further assurance from the feds and from the city before most would consider doing this. c
MEITAL MANZURI, is a Beverly Hills based attorney, specializing in criminal defense and medical cannabis. You can subscribe to her free legal newsletter or contact MEITAL MANZURI with legal questions: www.ManzuriLaw.com, (310) 601-3140.
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HEALTHY LIVING
By Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC
CANNOPHOBIA? YOUR fears and phobias debunked and discussed
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ebster’s Unabridged Dictionary defines phobia as any persistent, irrational and excessive fear of some particular thing or situation. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder that can lead to bizarre behavior, elaborate defense mechanisms and paranoia. People suffering from phobias are unable to accept clear and convincing evidence that there fear is irrational and can suffer extreme distress as a result. Heredity, genetics and brainchemistry all play a part in the development of phobias, but lifeexperiences are the largest single factor. There are as many phobias as they are objects and situations in the world running the gamut from acrophobia (fear of heights) to zoophobia (fear of non-human animals). These are all terms listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Some phobias may have a role in evolutionary survival, such as fear of spiders or arachnophobia, but most phobias come from nurture and not nature. Although phobias will often develop from unpleasant experiences, many phobias are learned—usually in childhood. The term Cannaphobia has been suggested for people who have an irrational fear of cannabis that clouds clear thinking and reasoned judgment.
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Cannaphobia is also a learned fear—unlike spiders, there is nothing intrinsically dangerous about the cannabis plant. Fear of cannabis very rarely will come because of contact with cannabis although a young child ingesting some and getting a tummy ache could conceivably induce Cannaphobia. Cannaphobia is incorrectly applied when the fear of cannabis is due to its illegal status. That’s a rational fear and a phobia is an irrational fear. However, people do think and act irrationally about cannabis because of its illegal status. Comments like cannabis causes crime, is a gateway drug, is worse than alcohol, makes people lazy and kills brain cells are a sure sign of people with a non-Cannaphobic induced fear of cannabis. It is the people who instill the fear of cannabis in people who would normally have no fear of cannabis—those who exhibit the irrational, paranoid behavior and severe anxiety attacks are the defining hallmarks of Cannaphobia. Strictly speaking, their phobia is not Cannaphobia—it is Legalcannaphobia or fear of legal cannabis.
Usually a phobia results in a person not wanting to be around the feared object, but a person with Legalcannaphobia has an irrational fear of other people being around cannabis. Unlike most phobias where the fear is usually only detrimental to the person with the phobia, Legalcannaphobia is dangerous to everyone but the person with Legalcannaphobia. Earning the bulk of their money from keeping cannabis illegal, most people who exhibit Legalcannaphobia are narcocops, prison guards and lawyers. That is why Legalcannaphobia is often connected to Peniaphobia, the fear of not having money. This creates the complex phobia known as Penialegalcannaphobia. Treatment for phobias usually consists of a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy (especially effective for Phallophobia), anti-anxiety medications and relaxation techniques. For people with Phalloerotopenialegalcannaphobia cannabis is an excellent therapeutic choice as it produces relaxation, alleviates anxiety, facilitates non-violence, allows for safe exposure, induces tolerance and aids in sexual stimulation. c Check out Higherpower420.com for Lanny’s relevant and irreverent look at how cannabis can save the world.
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GreenScene Cultivating the
OktoberfestGarden Plant for the next Oktoberfest or use your excess for homemade wine By Nancy Powell
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hen Oktoberfest ends in a few weeks, what better thing to do than turn your attention to the autumn harvest, but don’t just make it any harvest—make it one to impress, sowing for next year’s celebration of revelry and brew. All it involves are a few select herbs, vegetables and fruit to make the home-grown cocktail happen. For herbs, consider planting thyme and mint, the go-to garnishes in mojitos, juleps, gin and tonics and other mixed drinks. Mint adds refreshing pungency to drinks, and its medicinal properties can keep an upset stomach at bay. Both can be planted indoors, and once seeds germinate (10 to 15 days for mint and 21 to 30 days for thyme), you can transplant the herbs outdoors, giving each plant one square foot of soil for optimal growth. The two most commonly used vegetables in cocktails are cucumbers and celery. Late spring or early summer is the optimal time to plant cucumbers, and celery requires a steady supply of rich soil mixed with organic compost and direct sun in order to thrive, spaced six to eight inches apart. Expect initial harvests in late spring. Lemons and limes are standard ingredients in many drinks and a must for home-grown wines. Your best bet for cultivating fruit is by buying a tree from the nursery. When temperatures dip below 30 degrees, cover the plant with a blanket or bring it inside until the weather warms. If you have excess fruit hanging around the garden post-harvest and preserving, you can bottle it and create your own green brew. Homegrown country wines cut down on the energy required to bottle and transport each bottle, plus you control what ingredients goes into this steady supply of cheap, chemical-free, organic wines. Andy Hamilton of the Ecologist offers two great recipes for marrow and pear wines on the magazine’s website. Creating your own wine requires just water, yeast, yeast nutrients, citric acids, grape juice concentrate, and tannin powder, a couple of fermentation buckets, and a siphon to transfer the wine to other vessels. The wines need four to six months to develop, but once the whole process completes, you have a product that’s good for up to a year. What are you waiting for? Get your garden game on. c
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cool stuff ColorVue Crazy Lens MaxVUE Vision has the best addition to your Halloween costume! ColourVUE Crazy Lens. Not just the traditional three tones lenses, but they even have those creepy oversized lenses, new StarBurst series, Gold & Silver series, Glow Lens series, Fusion Colors, Glamour designs and over 60 new Crazy Lens designs—enough to actually drive you crazy. These things will definitely help you win that costume contest. ($24 - $89) www.colorvue-lens.com
The Bartender’s Toolbox by ThinkGeek We’ve finally found an awesome item that aficionados of fine adult beverages and those who love tools can rejoice over together. A hammer that’s also a bottle opener, a saw that’s also a citrus knife, a corkscrew that’s also a screwdriver, a cocktail strainer that’s also a spackle knife, garnish skewers that are also nails, and a jigger that’s . . . well, that’s all it is, but you have to have a jigger to complete the set! ($29.99) www.thinkgeek.com
Lapka Personal Environment Monitor For iPhone The Lapka Personal Environment Monitor is a handy tool that works with your iPhone to help you measure and monitor all of the invisible threats in your environment. The monitor system can test humidity, electromagnetic fields and radiation. Download the free companion app and take measurements in your house, at work or on the go. Store all of the information in your personal diary to track measurements over time. Compatible with iPhone 4, 4s and 5, iTouch 4 gen+, iPad. The set includes fours sensors, cable and bag. ($249.99) www.mylapka.com
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By Aunt Sandy
Sandy Moriarty is the author of Aunt Sandy’s Medical Marijuana Cookbook: Comfort Food for Body & Mind and a Professor of Culinary Arts at Oaksterdam University. She is also the cofounder of Oaksterdam’s Bakery.
Menu:
MULLED APPLE CIDER STUFFED MUSHROOMS PUMPKIN RAVIOLI with SAGE CREAM SAUCE
The Hearty
Harvest
October is a time for warm sweaters, hearty meals and the wonderful colorful changing of leaves. Now that it’s here, it’s time to reap the flavorfilled benefits of the season. This month is a harvest month; a time to enjoy foods that are complimented by the changing season. Perfect time for a delicious, rich and hearty meal. Let the homestyle aroma of apple cider ensnare your senses while you indulge in succulent stuffed mushrooms, and pumpkin ravioli with sage cream sauce. Desserts and treats, warm drinks, delicious meals and good friends—now that’s a great October. 60 CULTURE • OCTOBER 2013
Legal Disclaimer
Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumers’ weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so. V I S I T U S AT i R e a d C u l t u r e . c o m
PUMPKIN RAVIOLI with SAGE CREAM SAUCE Serves 4 Pumpkin Filling 10 tablespoons Cannabutter* 1 lb. fresh pumpkin, peeled and cut in 1 inch cubes 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 a bay leaf 2 tablespoons minced
fresh sage, plus 6 small leaves for a garnish 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves 2 eggs, beaten Salt Freshly ground white pepper
Heat a sauté pan over low heat and add 4 tablespoons Cannabutter. When the butter is foamy, add the cubed pumpkin and cook stirring often to prevent it from sticking, until it softens and falls into puree. Turn the pumpkin into a saucepan, add 1/2 of the cream and half the herbs and cook over a low heat for an hour, until the puree is thick and the liquid has evaporated. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove from heat and beat in an additional 2 tablespoons Cannabutter. Whisk in the beaten eggs, season to taste with salt and white pepper and set aside to cool.
Spinach Pasta Dough 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 eggs 2 tablespoons Cannabis Infused Olive Oil**
1 cup heavy cream 2 cups canned chicken stock 2 shallots chopped
Wash spinach in three changes of water. Cut off 1 inch of the stems. Chop the leaves and purée them in a towel and squeeze the juice into a 1/4 cup measuring cup. Add 2 tablespoons of the spinach purée to the juice. Discard the remaining purée. Combine flours and salt in the food processor or mixer using a dough hook. While running add the eggs, olive oil and enough of the spinach mixture so the dough forms a ball pressed together. Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest at room temperature for two hours. On a floured surface roll out the pasta as thin as possible. Cut into two sheets and brush one of them with egg wash. Using a teaspoon place 24 equal mounds of the pumpkin puree on the egg washed dough, about two inches apart. Cover the mounds with the second sheet of pasta and press around the mounds of pumpkin to seal the dough. Using a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife cut the ravioli. Dust a tray with semolina and place the ravioli on it. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add raviolis to the rapidly boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain. Add the raviolis to the sauce and enjoy.
Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth, remove the stems and set them aside. Chop the mushroom stems and put into a bowl with the garlic, onion, bacon, parsley, thyme and breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into quarters and pack into mushroom caps. Grease an ovenproof dish with 1 1 1/2 tablespoon tablespoon Infused Olive finely chopped thyme Oil. Place stuffed mush1/4 cup Cannabis rooms in the dish and Infused Olive Oil sprinkle with the cheese. Salt and pepper Dribble the remaining to taste infused olive oil over the Preheat oven mushrooms. Bake for 30 to 350° minutes and serve hot.
STUFFED MUSHROOMS 4 large field mushrooms 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 red onion, finely chopped. 2 slices of bacon, chopped 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
In a saucepan reduce the stock with the shallots to 1/2 cup. Add the one cup of cream and reduce by half. Over a low heat, whisk remaining four tablespoons of Cannabutter, a little at a time, over low heat. Strain the sauce into a clean saucepan and add remaining sage and thyme. Salt and pepper to taste. Divide the raviolis among preheated soup dishes and spoon sauce over them. Garnish each serving with a fresh piece of sage and lightly sprinkle with parmesan and serve immediately.
MULLED APPLE CIDER Serves 4 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon whole allspice 1 teaspoon whole clove 1/4 teaspoon salt A dash of ground nutmeg 3 inch stick of cinnamon 2 quarts apple cider 1 cup Cannabis Infused Simple Syrup*** One orange, cut in wedges
Combine sugar, allspice, cloves, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and apple cider in a large sauce pan. Slowly bring to boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove spices from pot after 20 minutes. Serve in warm mugs with a clove studded orange wedge in each. OCTOBER 2013 • CULTURE 61
For our complete recipes go to ireadculture.com.
1/2 lb. fresh spinach (1 bunch) 1 1/2 cups semolina flour, finest ground 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Sage Cream Sauce
Shooting Gallery Glow
GET YOUR CLICK HERE
www.iReadCulture.com
(Photos by Kris Christensen)
Moving Units at The Glass House
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(Photos by Dulce Balandran)
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entertainment reviews Goldfrapp Tales Of Us Mute Records English electronic act Goldfrapp have returned to delight the masses with their sixth, and perhaps most sonically vast, studio album, Tales Of Us. Ever stylistically diverse, Goldfrapp’s last full length release, Head First saw the group embracing the most danceable of ‘80s pop as their muse. However, the new record sees the duo returning to sparser, ambient, acoustic ideas from their fourth record, Seventh Tree, as well as their debut, Felt Mountain. Tales Of Us draws on these previous influences and blends them with incredible string arrangements to create a record of ten songs that are absolutely stunning in their fragile beauty. Vocalist Allison Goldfrapp’s sultry, breathy, pure voice dances and floats like snowflakes being carried on the breeze that is Will Gregory’s productions and compositions. While the record is certainly not devoid of foot stompers, one comes in the form of the dusky tune “Thea,” the vast majority of the album is dominated by pristine, delicate stunners like “Annabel” and the lead single “Drew.” While fans of the groups previous, more dance oriented work, might find this record a bit lacking in that department, anybody that listens to Tales Of Us will certainly mesmerized by the record’s sublimely gorgeous song craftsmanship. (Simon Weedn)
Marijuana Smoker’s Guidebook: The Easy Way to Identify and Enjoy Marijuana Strains By Matt Mernagh Green Candy Press
As medical cannabis becomes more mainstreamed and more easily accessable throughout our great nation; sometimes even for the experienced patient, the plethora of choices can be a bit overwhelming. Enter Canadian medical marijuana activist, journalist and web-caster Matt Mernagh with his new educational text, Marijuana Smoker’s Guidebook: the Easy Way to Identify and Enjoy Marijuana Strains, to make selecting the right type of marijuana an easier task for you. Mernagh takes the reader through a journey of 150 cannabis strains that they’ll most likely encounter, reviews them much like a music critic reviews a record, and includes hi-res, full color photos, to help you distinguish one type from another. The book does a good job of making sure to note strains with specific medical benefits, such as chronic pain relief. It might have been interesting to see the author give a bit of background on each strain but Mernagh accomplishes exactly what he sets out to do with Marijuana Smoker’s Guidebook; clearing away some of the residual haze from medical cannabis strains for his readers and making finding that perfect plant much more simple. (Simon Weedn)
Oblivion Universal Pictures Dir. Joseph Kosinski While designed with beautifully epic visuals and sound design, the sci-fi adventure film Oblivion with Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman ultimately proved to be like a gorgeously wrapped present that leaves you slightly confused. The epic and intricate story could have been better suited for a miniseries, because, edited down into a film, some of the interesting details about the character’s stories seem to get lost. Yet, the film’s design is so gorgeous and lush that if you love visual effects and futuristic space adventures, you can just enjoy the ride. Tom Cruise impressively helmed this film for the most part on his own, but he had quite an impressive cast supporting him, including the magnificent Morgan Freeman and the badass Nikalaj Coster-Waldau, better known as Jamie Lannister. It was nice to see the stunning Olga Kurylenko in a lead role, since she first awed adventure-film audiences in Centurion as the intimidating Pict warrior Etain. English actress Andrea Riseborough, who played the famous Wallis Simpson in Madonna’s W.E., perfectly embodies the future here in this film. In the end, even when the unwieldy script made this film a bit confusing, the visual effects ended up saving it from “oblivion.” (Joy Shannon) 64 CULTURE • OCTOBER 2013
Way Over Yonder Fest After a celebrated opening in 1959, the Newport Folk Festival became notorious for debuting up-and-coming musical acts (Bob Dylan and Joan Baez included). Although it originated as a strictly folk festival, 50 years later, the event has evolved into a new musical beast—the Way Over Yonder Fest. There are folk artists like Conor Oberest and mainstream, folk-influenced groups like Neko Case and The Felice Brothers. As the final destination on America’s historic Route 66, the Santa Monica Pier is the ideal location for the festival—it’s as West Coast as you can get. This year’s thrilling lineup will decorate your eardrums with tunes by Brett Dennen, First Aid Kit and a handful of other amazing artists. Check out the main stage on the outdoor deck, where the headliners will perform. Or hang out in the smaller, historic carousel building where acoustics rule. As a way of celebrating great American folk, alternative country and indie folk, the Way Over Yonder Fest is historic in its own right, allowing the legacy of such a prestigious event to carry on American tradition and bring great legends of music to new ears.
IF YOU GO
What: Way Over Yonder Fest. When/Where: Oct. 5-6. Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. Info: Check out www.wayoveryonder.net for more info.
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liner notes
S
By Kevin Longrie
top me if you’ve heard this one: the animal rights group PETA, despite the innumerable injustices occurring in this country and around the world in regards to the ethical treatment of animals, decides to attack a mostly benign incident by well-known public figure in order to raise the profile of their organization. As a result, they trivialize their own struggle and the work of other animal rights activists by being seen grasping at the spotlight and for political capital. Well, I forget the punch line, but it’s happened again. And this time, it involves KATY PERRY and a lot of bad CGI. “Roar,” Katy Perry’s answer to Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy,” is a by-the-numbers song about independence and strength that uses jungle metaphors (and, in the video, imagery) to convey its extremely simple point. PETA spokeswoman Merrilee Burke told The Daily Star that “[animals] often become stressed and anxious when hauled around and forced into unfamiliar or frightening situations.” The situations Burke is no doubt describing include a monkey and a bird that were separately standing on or around Perry’s arm or shoulder and a tiger that quite obviously was being handled by a trainer while being filmed. The tiger was asked to sit and then Perry was digitally added later, roaring (which I’m guessing the producers hope viewers will find . . . sexy?). Burke goes on to say that the Serengeti Ranch, those believed to have supplied the animals to Perry and her crew, “has been inspected by the US Department of Agriculture 22 times since 2001.” Unfortunately, she does not add what the Dept. of Agriculture’s findings were and whether or not this rate of inspection is abnormal for businesses like the Serengeti Ranch. This is just like the time that New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg got angry with Perry for launching bosom fireworks off repeatedly without a permit. MUMFORD & SONS have cultivated a massive fan-base by appropriating Appalachian music and southern folk and bending it to pop sensibilities. They even try to dress the part (or at least some retrofitted idea of the part): vests, flannel, and I’ve got to imagine a pocket watch here or there. Steampunk by way of O Brother, Where Art
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Thou? It comes as little surprise that Marcus Mumford, who looks like a folked-out version of Ken Marino, and his band mates would want to partake in the ultimate southern rite of passage: being thrown out of an Atlanta strip club. It was karaoke night at one of Atlanta’s finest gentleman’s clubs and banjo player Winston Marshall decided to jump up for a go. The rest of his band mates filmed him with their camera phones, but were asked to put them away as they broke the club’s no video-recording policy. Things were said, oaths were delivered vociferously, and it was all over. The boys were ejected. It does make one wonder what a strip routine to Mumford & Sons would look like, though. MILEY CYRUS’ performance at the VMAs in Brooklyn will likely go down in pop-history as the “twerk heard round the world.” As plastic and flesh clung to each other and Robin Thicke blurred lines (of the age of consent, mostly), viewers watched and reacted and tweeted and blogged and decided that this particular performance was all that social media was allowed to talk about for a solid week. And as she’s rode the wave of bizarre looks and popularity (as well as wrecking balls) after the performance, Cyrus has been nothing but happy with the staging and execu-
tion. She might appear manic to viewers who see her tongue perpetually out or out of sorts to those who see her do a performance on German TV with a band comprised entirely of little people, but if you check out those iTunes sales, they’re going up and up. Even GENE SIMMONS managed to weigh in during a recent interview with Rolling Stone, no doubt asked the question because tongues were once again in the zeitgeist. Of her oral gesticulations, Simmons had only dismissive, sexist comments: “It was okay. But that’s a girl’s version. It’s like girls basketball. It’s as good as girls can get at basketball. But you can’t play with the guys.” You must admit that Simmons has a gift for quickly and cogently displaying the kind of charmless chauvinism that led thousands of misguided women to make the mistake of sleeping with him. c
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T
here aren’t many opportunities to present medical cannabis in video games—but for the first time, gamers can choose to medicate in-game as a reflection of the growing cannabis industry. Five years since Rockstar Games’ last full-fledged Grand Theft Auto (GTA) title, GTA V released last month earning 800 million dollars in the first 24 hours of release—with 13 million copies sold, which is more than 2012’s blockbuster, Call of Duty: Black Ops II—topping a whopping 1 billion two days later. The game follows the stories of three criminals in the city of Los Santos, a 49-square mile town modeled closely after Los Angeles. The cannabis industry makes its appearance in this model LA where the familiar green neon leaf hangs above Los Santos’ very own medical cannabis dispensaries. Aside from Los Santos’ affordable healthcare the city states that “There are many dispensaries for those that grow truly sick of running out of [cannabis]” meaning that players can choose to self-medicate and even own dispensaries. GTA V’s main gameplay of course attests to its M rating for mature audiences, sending players on a variety of gun-blazing missions in both single-player and online modes. Players can frolic through this sandbox world with a stolen car or plane of choice while taking selfies with an “iFruit” mobile phone and posting their ventures on “Lifeinvader. com.” The quick rise to fame for GTA V is impressive to say the least, and is evidence of just how comfortable popular culture is getting with cannabis—no doubt that this will be a common occurrence in the world of gaming from here on out.
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Chuck Shepherd's
Newsof the
Weird
LEAD STORY—FIRST AMENDMENT BLUES ; In the public libraries of Seattle (as in most public libraries), patrons are not allowed to eat or sleep (or even appear to be sleeping) or be shirtless or barefoot or have bad body odor or talk too loudly—because other patrons might be disturbed. However, in Seattle, as the Post-Intelligencer reported in September, librarians do permit patrons to watch hardcore pornography on public computers, without apparent
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restriction, no matter who (adult or child) is walking by or sitting inches away at the next screen (although librarians politely ask porn-watchers to consider their neighbors). Said a library spokesperson: “(P)atrons have a right to view constitutionally protected material no matter where they are in the building, and the library does not censor.”
CULTURAL DIVERSITY ; Japan and Korea seem to be the birthplaces in the quest for youthful and beautiful skin, with
the latest “elixir” (as usual, based on traditional, centuries-old beliefs) being snail mucus—applied by specially bred live snails that slither across customers’ faces. The Clinical Salon in central Tokyo sells the 60-minute Celebrity Escargot Course session for the equivalent of about $250 and even convinced a London Daily Telegraph reporter to try one in July. (Previously, News of the Weird has informed readers of Asian nightingale-feces facials and live-fish pedicures.) ; Unclear on the Concept: Among people earnestly devoted to palmistry (the foretelling of the future by “expert” examination of the inner surface of the hand), a few in Japan have resorted to what seems like cheating: altering their palm lines with cosmetic surgery. According to a July Daily Beast dispatch from Tokyo, Dr. Takaaki Matsuoka is a leading practitioner, preferring an electric scalpel over laser surgery in that the latter more often eventually heals over, obviously defeating the purpose. He must be careful to add or move only the lines requested by
the patient (e.g., “marriage” line, “romance” line, “money-luck” line, “financial” success line).
LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES ; Iran’s INSA news service reported in January that officials in Shiraz had acquired a fingeramputation machine to perhaps streamline the gruesome punishment often meted out to convicted thieves. (A masked enforcer turns a guillotine-like wheel to slice off the finger in the manner of a rotary saw.) Iran is already known for its reliance on extreme Islamic Sharia, which prescribes amputations, public lashings and death by stoning, and Middle East commentators believe the government will now step up its amputating of fingers, even for the crime of adultery. ; Smiting Skeptics: Measles, despite being highly contagious, was virtually eradicated in America until a small number of skeptics, using now-discredited “research,” tied childhood vaccinations with the rise of autism, and now the disease
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is returning. About half the members of the Eagle Mountain International Church near Dallas have declined to vaccinate their children, and as of late August, at least 20 church members have experienced the disease. The head pastor denied that he preaches against the immunizations (although he did tell NPR, cryptically, “(T)he (medical) facts are facts, but then we know the truth. That always overcomes facts.”). ; Outraged Jewish leaders complain periodically about Mormons who, in the name of their church, posthumously baptize deceased Jews (even Holocaust victims)—beneficently, of course, to help them qualify for heaven. Church officials promised to stop, but in 2012 reports still surfaced that not all Mormons got the memo. Thus inspired, a “religious” order called the Satanic Temple conducted a July “pink mass” over the Meridian, Miss., grave of the mother of the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, Rev. Fred Phelps
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Jr.—posthumously “turning” her gay. (Westboro infamously stages small, hate-saturated demonstrations denouncing homosexuals and American tolerance.) Ten days later, Meridian prosecutors charged a Satanic Temple official with misdemeanor desecration of a grave.
QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENTS ; Australia’s chief diplomat in Taipei, Taiwan, said in August that he was suing local veterinarian Yang Dong-sheng for fraud because Dr. Yang backed out of euthanizing the diplomat Kevin Magee’s sick, 10-year-old dog. Instead, Dr. Yang “rescued” the dog, who is now thriving after he patiently treated her. Magee’s lawsuit claims, in essence, that his family vet recommended euthanization, that he had paid for euthanization, and that “Benji” should have been put down. Dr. Yang said the fee Magee paid was for “medical care” and not necessarily euthanization. (Benji, frolicking outside when a reporter visited, was not available for comment.)
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CULTURE pumpkin created by Tim Pate. Pumpkin provided by The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island, Portland, Oregon.
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